Comparison of two insulin assays for first-phase insulin release in type 1 diabetes prediction and prevention studies.

PubMed

Mahon, Jeffrey L; Beam, Craig A; Marcovina, Santica M; Boulware, David C; Palmer, Jerry P; Winter, William E; Skyler, Jay S; Krischer, Jeffrey P

2011-11-20

Detection of below-threshold first-phase insulin release or FPIR (1+3 minute insulin concentrations during an intravenous glucose tolerance test [IVGTT]) is important in type 1 diabetes prediction and prevention studies including the TrialNet Oral Insulin Prevention Trial. We assessed whether an insulin immunoenzymometric assay (IEMA) could replace the less practical but current standard of a radioimmunoassay (RIA) for FPIR. One hundred thirty-three islet autoantibody positive relatives of persons with type 1 diabetes underwent 161 IVGTTs. Insulin concentrations were measured by both assays in 1056 paired samples. A rule classifying FPIR (below-threshold, above-threshold, uncertain) by the IEMA was derived and validated against FPIR by the RIA. The insulin IEMA-based rule accurately classified below- and above-threshold FPIRs by the RIA in 110/161 (68%) IVGTTs, but was uncertain in 51/161 (32%) tests for which FPIR by RIA is needed. An uncertain FPIR by the IEMA was more likely among below-threshold vs above-threshold FPIRs by the RIA (64% [30/47] vs. 18% [21/114], respectively; p<0.05). An insulin IEMA for FPIR in subjects at risk for type 1 diabetes accurately determined below- and above-threshold FPIRs in 2/3 of tests relative to the current standard of the insulin RIA, but could not reliably classify the remaining FPIRs. TrialNet is limiting the insulin RIA for FPIR to the latter given the practical advantages of the more specific IEMA. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Reactivity Initiated Accident Simulation to Inform Transient Testing of Candidate Advanced Cladding

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

Brown, Nicholas R; Wysocki, Aaron J; Terrani, Kurt A

2016-01-01

Abstract. Advanced cladding materials with potentially enhanced accident tolerance will yield different light water reactor performance and safety characteristics than the present zirconium-based cladding alloys. These differences are due to different cladding material properties and responses to the transient, and to some extent, reactor physics, thermal, and hydraulic characteristics. Some of the differences in reactors physics characteristics will be driven by the fundamental properties (e.g., absorption in iron for an iron-based cladding) and others will be driven by design modifications necessitated by the candidate cladding materials (e.g., a larger fuel pellet to compensate for parasitic absorption). Potential changes in thermalmore » hydraulic limits after transition from the current zirconium-based cladding to the advanced materials will also affect the transient response of the integral fuel. This paper leverages three-dimensional reactor core simulation capabilities to inform on appropriate experimental test conditions for candidate advanced cladding materials in a control rod ejection event. These test conditions are using three-dimensional nodal kinetics simulations of a reactivity initiated accident (RIA) in a representative state-of-the-art pressurized water reactor with both nuclear-grade iron-chromium-aluminum (FeCrAl) and silicon carbide based (SiC-SiC) cladding materials. The effort yields boundary conditions for experimental mechanical tests, specifically peak cladding strain during the power pulse following the rod ejection. The impact of candidate cladding materials on the reactor kinetics behavior of RIA progression versus reference zirconium cladding is predominantly due to differences in: (1) fuel mass/volume/specific power density, (2) spectral effects due to parasitic neutron absorption, (3) control rod worth due to hardened (or softened) spectrum, and (4) initial conditions due to power peaking and neutron transport cross sections in the equilibrium cycle cores due to hardened (or softened) spectrum. This study shows minimal impact of SiC-based cladding configurations on the transient response versus reference zirconium-based cladding. However, the FeCrAl cladding response indicates similar energy deposition, but with significantly shorter pulses of higher magnitude. Therefore the FeCrAl-based cases have a more rapid fuel thermal expansion rate and the resultant pellet-cladding interaction occurs more rapidly.« less

Memória fonológica em crianças bilíngues bimodais e crianças com implante coclear

PubMed Central

de Quadros, Ronice Müller; Cruz, Carina Rebello; Pizzio, Aline Lemos

2014-01-01

RESUMO Este estudo comparou o desempenho de crianças bilíngues bimodais ouvintes (filhas de pais surdos) e crianças surdas usuárias de implante coclear (filhas de pais surdos e de pais ouvintes), com diferentes contextos de acesso à Língua Brasileira de Sinais (Libras), em tarefas que envolvem memória fonologica. Os testes utilizados foram: Teste de Pseudopalavras (Santos e Bueno, 2003) e Teste de Pseudosinais (desenvolvido pelos pesquisadores responsáveis pelo Projeto ‘Desenvolvimento Bilíngue Bimoda’). Além disso, foram incluídos dois grupos de controle, formados por crianças surdas (usuarias de Libras), e adultos bilíngues bimodais ouvintes. Na análise dos resultados, em relação ao desempenho entre os dois grupos testados foi constatado que o grupo de crianças bilíngues bimodais ouvintes apresentou desempenho superior, nos dois testes. No entanto, ao ser analisado o desempenho da criança surda usuaria de implante coclear, filha de pais surdos, que possui acesso irrestrito à Libras e comparado com o das crianças surdas usuárias de implante coclear, que possuem acesso restrito à Libras, foi constatado que o seu desempenho foi semelhante ao do grupo de crianças bilíngues bimodais ouvintes. As crianças surdas usuárias de implante coclear com acesso restrito à Libras e, portanto, com acesso maior ao Português apresentaram escores mais baixos nas tarefas, principalmente do teste em Português. Os resultados sugerem que as crianças surdas usuárias de implante coclear em processo de aquisição da línguagem podem se beneficiar com o acesso irrestrito à Libras, atingindo inclusive desempenho semelhante a de crianças bilíngues bimodais ouvintes. PMID:25110473

Qualification and characterization of electronics of the fast neutron Hodoscope detectors using neutrons from CABRI core

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mirotta, S.; Guillot, J.; Chevalier, V.; Biard, B.

2018-01-01

The study of Reactivity Initiated Accidents (RIA) is important to determine up to which limits nuclear fuels can withstand such accidents without clad failure. The CABRI International Program (CIP), conducted by IRSN under an OECD/NEA agreement, has been launched to perform representative RIA Integral Effect Tests (IET) on real irradiated fuel rods in prototypical Pressurized Water Reactors (PWR) conditions. For this purpose, the CABRI experimental pulse reactor, operated by CEA in Cadarache, France, has been strongly renovated, and equipped with a pressurized water loop. The behavior of the test rod, located in that loop in the center of the driver core, is followed in real time during the power transients thanks to the hodoscope, a unique online fuel motion monitoring system, and one of the major distinctive features of CABRI. The hodoscope measures the fast neutrons emitted by the tested rod during the power pulse with a complete set of 153 Fission Chambers and 153 Proton Recoil Counters. During the CABRI facility renovation, the electronic chain of these detectors has been upgraded. In this paper, the performance of the new system is presented describing gain calibration methodology in order to get maximal Signal/Noise ratio for amplification modules, threshold tuning methodology for the discrimination modules (old and new ones), and linear detectors response limit versus different reactor powers for the whole electronic chain.

Comparison of EMIT II, CEDIA, and DPC RIA assays for the detection of lysergic acid diethylamide in forensic urine samples.

PubMed

Wiegand, Russell F; Klette, Kevin L; Stout, Peter R; Gehlhausen, Jay M

2002-10-01

In an effort to determine a practical, efficient, and economical alternative for the use of a radioimmunoassay (RIA) for the detection of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in human urine, the performance of two photometric immunoassays (Dade Behring EMIT II and Microgenics CEDIA) and the Diagnostics Products Corp. (DPC) RIA were compared. Precision, accuracy, and linearity of the 3 assays were determined by testing 60 replicates (10 for RIA) at 5 different concentrations below and above the 500-pg/mL LSD cut-off. The CEDIA and RIA exhibited better accuracy and precision than the EMIT II immunoassay. In contrast, the EMIT II and CEDIA demonstrated superior linearity r2 = 0.9809 and 0.9540, respectively, as compared with the RIA (r2 = 0.9062). The specificity of the three assays was assessed using compounds that have structural and chemical properties similar to LSD, common over-the-counter products, prescription drugs and some of their metabolites, and other drugs of abuse. Of the 144 compounds studied, the EMIT II cross-reacted with twice as many compounds as did the CEDIA and RIA. Specificity was also assessed in 221 forensic human urine specimens that previously screened positive for LSD by the EMIT II assay. Of these, only 11 tested positive by CEDIA, and 3 were positive by RIA. This indicated a comparable specificity performance between CEDIA and RIA. This also was consistent with a previously reported high false-positive rate of EMIT II (low specificity). Each of the immunoassays correctly identified LSD in 23 out of 24 human urine specimens that had previously been found to contain LSD by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry at a cut-off concentration of 200 pg/mL. The CEDIA exhibited superior precision, accuracy, and decreased cross-reactivity to compounds other than LSD as compared with the EMIT II assay and does not necessitate the handling of radioactive materials.

A Comparison of Low IQ Scores from the Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale--Third Edition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Umphress, Thomas B.

2008-01-01

Twenty people with suspected intellectual disability took the Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales (RIAS; C. R. Reynolds & R. W. Kamphaus, 1998) and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale--3rd Edition (WAIS-III; D. Wechsler, 1997) to see if the 2 IQ tests produced comparable results. A t test showed that the RIAS Composite Intelligence Index…

The use of experimental data in an MTR-type nuclear reactor safety analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Day, Simon E.

Reactivity initiated accidents (RIAs) are a category of events required for research reactor safety analysis. A subset of this is unprotected RIAs in which mechanical systems or human intervention are not credited in the response of the system. Light-water cooled and moderated MTR-type ( i.e., aluminum-clad uranium plate fuel) reactors are self-limiting up to some reactivity insertion limit beyond which fuel damage occurs. This characteristic was studied in the Borax and Spert reactor tests of the 1950s and 1960s in the USA. This thesis considers the use of this experimental data in generic MTR-type reactor safety analysis. The approach presented herein is based on fundamental phenomenological understanding and uses correlations in the reactor test data with suitable account taken for differences in important system parameters. Specifically, a semi-empirical approach is used to quantify the relationship between the power, energy and temperature rise response of the system as well as parametric dependencies on void coefficient and the degree of subcooling. Secondary effects including the dependence on coolant flow are also examined. A rigorous curve fitting approach and error assessment is used to quantify the trends in the experimental data. In addition to the initial power burst stage of an unprotected transient, the longer term stability of the system is considered with a stylized treatment of characteristic power/temperature oscillations (chugging). A bridge from the HEU-based experimental data to the LEU fuel cycle is assessed and outlined based on existing simulation results presented in the literature. A cell-model based parametric study is included. The results are used to construct a practical safety analysis methodology for determining reactivity insertion safety limits for a light-water moderated and cooled MTR-type core.

Factorial Validity of the Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales for Referred Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beaujean, A. Alexander; McGlaughlin, Sean M.; Margulies, Allison S.

2009-01-01

The Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales (RIAS) is a recently developed, individually administered psychometric instrument designed to measure general cognitive ability, as well as verbal (crystallized) intelligence, nonverbal (fluid) intelligence, and memory. Test reviewers have recommended the use of the RIAS despite the fact that, although…

Anti-dsDNA antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus: A combination of two quantitative methods and the ANA pattern is the most efficient strategy of detection.

PubMed

Almeida González, Delia; Roces Varela, Alfredo; Marcelino Rodríguez, Itahisa; González Vera, Alexander; Delgado Sánchez, Mónica; Aznar Esquivel, Antonio; Casañas Rodríguez, Carlos; Cabrera de León, Antonio

2015-12-01

Several methods have been used to measure anti-double-stranded DNA auto-antibody (anti-dsDNA). Our aim was to determine the most efficient strategy to test anti-dsDNA in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this study, anti-dsDNA and anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) tests were requested for 644 patients. Anti-dsDNA was tested by RIA, ELISA and CLIA in all patients. The results indicated that 78 patients had a positive anti-dsDNA test according to at least one of the methods. After a 3-year follow-up period only 26 patients were diagnosed with SLE. We evaluated each method and combination of methods. Specificity and positive predictive value (PPV) increased with the number of assay methods used (p=0.002 for trend), and PPV was 100% in patients whose results were positive by all three anti-dsDNA assay methods. The proportion of anti-dsDNA-positive patients who had SLE was highest (82%; p b 0.001) among those with a homogeneous pattern of ANA staining, followed by those with a speckled pattern. In ANA positive patients, when only RIA was considered, 59% of anti-dsDNA-positive patients had SLE, but when RIA and CLIA were both considered, all patients with positive results on both tests had SLE. The combination of RIA+CLIA in patients with homogeneous and speckled ANA staining showed a similar cost and higher sensitivity than RIA alone in ANA positive patients (p b 0.001). We conclude that the most efficient strategy was to combine simultaneously two quantitative and sensitive methods but only in patients with a homogeneous or speckled pattern of ANA staining. This approach maximized specificity and PPV, and reduced costs. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of the Coat-A-Count sup 125 I fentanyl RIA: Comparison of sup 12 5I RIA and GC/MS-SIM for quantification of fentanyl in case urine specimens

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

Watts, V.W.; Caplan, Y.H.

The Coat-A-Count solid phase {sup 125}I Fentanyl Radioimmunoassay was evaluated with respect to linearity and precision using equine urine fortified with fentanyl and then compared with a gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric method for quantification of fentanyl in urine. The RIA assay was found to be linear over the urine fentanyl concentration range of 0.25 to 7.5 ng/mL and precise with coefficients of variation (CV) ranging from 9.6 to 19.3%. The RIA calibrators, ranging in fentanyl concentrations from 0.25 to 7.5 ng/mL, and controls, at mean fentanyl concentrations of 0.46 and 1.32 ng/mL, were compared by both the RIA and GC/MS methods.more » The cross-reactivity with the {sup 125}I RIA test was determined for the fentanyl metabolites, norfentanyl and hydroxyfentanyl, and found to be 5% and 35%, respectively. The illicit fentanyl analogs were found to show significant cross-reactivity, ranging from 20 to 100%. The {sup 125}I RIA was compared to GC/MS quantifications of fentanyl in 35 positive and 20 negative case urine specimens.« less

Flank Collapse Assessment At Kick-'em-Jenny Submarine Volcano (Lesser Antilles): A Combined Approach Using Modelling and Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dondin, F. J. Y.; Heap, M. J.; Robertson, R. E. A.; Dorville, J. F. M.; Carey, S.

2016-12-01

In the Lesser Antilles over 52 volcanic landslide episodes have been identified. These episodes serve as a testament to the hazard posed by volcanic landslides to a region composed of many islands that are small independent countries with vulnerable local economies. This study presents a relative slope stability analysis (RIA) to investigate the stability condition of the only active submarine volcano of the Lesser Antilles Arc: Kick-'em-Jenny Submarine Volcano (KeJ). Thus we hope to provide better constraint on the landslide source geometry to help mitigate volcanic landslide hazards at a KeJ. KeJ is located ca. 8 km north of Grenada island. KeJ lies within a collapse scar from a prehistorical flank collapse. This collapse was associated with a voluminous landslide deposit of about 4.4km3 with a 14 km runout. Numerial simulations showed that this event could generate a regional tsunami. We aim to quantify potential initial volumes of collapsed material using a RIA. The RIA evaluates the critical potential failure surface associated with factor of safety (Fs) inferior to unity and compares them to areas of deficit/surplus of mass/volume obtained from the comparison of an high resolution digital elevation model of the edifice with an ideal 3D surface. We use freeware programs VolcanoFit 2.0 and SSAP 4.7. and produce a 3D representation of the stability map. We report, for the first time, results of a Limit Equilibrium Method performed using geomechanical parameters retrieved from rock mechanics tests performed on two rock basaltic-andesite rock samples collected from within the crater of the volcano during the 1-18 November 2013 NA039 E/V Nautilus cruise. We performed triaxial and uniaxial deformation tests to obtain values of strength at the top and bottom of the edifice. We further characterized the permeability and P-wave velocity of the samples collected. The chosen internal structure for the model is composed of three bodies: (i) a body composed of basaltic-andesite and pyroclastic deposit; (ii) the conduit composed of fresh basaltic andesite rocks; (iii) a hydrothermally altered body surrounding the conduit. Our combined approach hopes to improve previous quantification of initial volumes of potential collapses and therefore refine the tsunami hazards assessment related to flank instabilities at KeJ.

The relationship of the Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Third Edition.

PubMed

Smith, Billy L; McChristian, Chrystal L; Smith, Teresa D; Meaux, Julie

2009-08-01

The purpose of this study was to compare scores on the Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales (RIAS) with scores on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Third Edition (WAIS-III) in a group of college students diagnosed with a Learning Disability, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), or a combination of the two. The RIAS Composite Index score was significantly higher than the WAIS-III Full Scale IQ, although scores on both tests were in the average range. Correlations between the two tests were significant on all measures. Male students were significantly higher than female students on both the RIAS Composite Index and on the WAIS-III Full Scale IQ. Although the ADHD group was higher on IQ than the Learning Disabled and combined disorder groups on all IQ measures, no significant differences were found.

Measurement Invariance and Latent Mean Differences in the Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales (RIAS): Does the German Version of the RIAS Allow a Valid Assessment of Individuals with a Migration Background?

PubMed Central

Gygi, Jasmin T.; Fux, Elodie; Grob, Alexander; Hagmann-von Arx, Priska

2016-01-01

This study examined measurement invariance and latent mean differences in the German version of the Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales (RIAS) for 316 individuals with a migration background (defined as speaking German as a second language) and 316 sex- and age-matched natives. The RIAS measures general intelligence (single-factor structure) and its two components, verbal and nonverbal intelligence (two-factor structure). Results of a multi-group confirmatory factor analysis showed scalar invariance for the two-factor and partial scalar invariance for the single-factor structure. We conclude that the two-factor structure of the RIAS is comparable across groups. Hence, verbal and nonverbal intelligence but not general intelligence should be considered when comparing RIAS test results of individuals with and without a migration background. Further, latent mean differences especially on the verbal, but also on the nonverbal intelligence index indicate language barriers for individuals with a migration background, as subtests corresponding to verbal intelligence require higher skills in German language. Moreover, cultural, environmental, and social factors that have to be taken into account when assessing individuals with a migration background are discussed. PMID:27846270

Thyroglobulin (Tg) Testing Revisited: Tg Assays, TgAb Assays, and Correlation of Results With Clinical Outcomes.

PubMed

Netzel, Brian C; Grebe, Stefan K G; Carranza Leon, B Gisella; Castro, M Regina; Clark, Penelope M; Hoofnagle, Andrew N; Spencer, Carole A; Turcu, Adina F; Algeciras-Schimnich, Alicia

2015-08-01

Measurement of thyroglobulin (Tg) by mass spectrometry (Tg-MS) is emerging as a tool for accurate Tg quantification in patients with anti-Tg autoantibodies (TgAbs). The objective of the study was to perform analytical and clinical evaluations of two Tg-MS assays in comparison with immunometric Tg assays (Tg-IAs) and Tg RIAs (Tg-RIAs) in a cohort of thyroid cancer patients. A total of 589 samples from 495 patients, 243 TgAb-/252 TgAb+, were tested by Beckman, Roche, Siemens-Immulite, and Thermo-Brahms Tg and TgAb assays, two Tg-RIAs, and two Tg-MS assays. The frequency of TgAb+ was 58%, 41%, 27%, and 39% for Roche, Beckman, Siemens-Immulite, and Thermo-Brahms, respectively. In TgAb- samples, clinical sensitivities and specificities of 100% and 74%-100%, respectively, were observed across all assays. In TgAb+ samples, all Tg-IAs demonstrated assay-dependent Tg underestimation, ranging from 41% to 86%. In TgAb+ samples, the use of a common cutoff (0.5 ng/mL) for the Tg-MS, three Tg-IAs, and the USC-RIA improved the sensitivity for the Tg-MSs and Tg-RIAs when compared with the Tg-IAs. In up to 20% of TgAb+ cases, Tg-IAs failed to detect Tg that was detectable by Tg-MS. In Tg-RIAs false-high biases were observed in TgAb+ samples containing low Tg concentrations. Tg-IAs remain the method of choice for Tg quantitation in TgAb- patients. In TgAb+ patients with undetectable Tg by immunometric assay, the Tg-MS will detect Tg in up to 20% additional cases. The Tg-RIA will detect Tg in approximately 35% cases, but a significant proportion of these will be clinical false-positive results. The undetectable Tg-MS seen in approximately 40% of TgAb+ cases in patients with disease need further evaluation.

Annual progress report on the NSRR experiments, (21)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1992-05-01

Fuel behavior studies under simulated reactivity-initiated accident (RIA) conditions have been performed in the Nuclear Safety Research Reactor (NSRR) since 1975. This report gives the results of experiments performed from April, 1989 through March, 1990 and discussions of them. A total of 41 tests were carried out during this period. The tests are distinguished into pre-irradiated fuel tests and fresh fuel tests; the former includes 2 JMTR pre-irradiated fuel tests, 2 PWR pre-irradiated fuel tests, and 2 BWR pre-irradiated fuel tests, and the latter includes 6 standard fuel tests (6 SP(center dot)CP scoping tests), 7 power and cooling condition parameter tests (4 flow shrouded fuel tests, 1 bundle simulation test, 1 fully water-filled vessel test, 1 high pressure/high temperature loop test), 12 special fuel tests (3 stainless steel clad fuel tests, 3 improved PWR fuel tests, 6 improved BWR fuel tests), 3 severe fuel damage tests (1 high temperature flooding test, 1 flooding behavior observation test, 1 debris coolability test), 3 fast breeder reactor fuel tests (2 moderator material characteristic measurement tests, 1 fuel behavior observation test), and 2 miscellaneous tests (2 preliminary tests for pre-irradiated fuel tests).

Diaphragmatic mobility: relationship with lung function, respiratory muscle strength, dyspnea, and physical activity in daily life in patients with COPD.

PubMed

Rocha, Flávia Roberta; Brüggemann, Ana Karla Vieira; Francisco, Davi de Souza; Medeiros, Caroline Semprebom de; Rosal, Danielle; Paulin, Elaine

2017-01-01

To evaluate diaphragmatic mobility in relation to lung function, respiratory muscle strength, dyspnea, and physical activity in daily life (PADL) in patients with COPD. We included 25 patients with COPD, classified according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease criteria, and 25 healthy individuals. For all of the participants, the following were evaluated: anthropometric variables, spirometric parameters, respiratory muscle strength, diaphragmatic mobility (by X-ray), PADL, and the perception of dyspnea. In the COPD group, diaphragmatic mobility was found to correlate with lung function variables, inspiratory muscle strength, and the perception of dyspnea, whereas it did not correlate with expiratory muscle strength or PADL. In patients with COPD, diaphragmatic mobility seems to be associated with airway obstruction and lung hyperinflation, as well as with ventilatory capacity and the perception of dyspnea, although not with PADL. Avaliar a relação da mobilidade diafragmática com a função pulmonar, força muscular respiratória, dispneia e atividade física de vida diária (AFVD) em pacientes com DPOC. Foram avaliados 25 pacientes com diagnóstico de DPOC, classificados de acordo com critérios da Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, e 25 indivíduos saudáveis. Todos foram submetidos às seguintes avaliações: mensuração antropométrica, espirometria, força muscular respiratória, mobilidade diafragmática (por radiografia), AFVD e percepção de dispneia. No grupo DPOC, houve correlações da mobilidade diafragmática com variáveis de função pulmonar, força muscular inspiratória e percepção de dispneia. Não houve correlações da mobilidade diafragmática com força muscular expiratória e AFVD. A mobilidade diafragmática parece estar associada tanto com a obstrução das vias aéreas quanto com a hiperinsuflação pulmonar em pacientes com DPOC, assim como com a capacidade ventilatória e percepção de dispneia, mas não com AFVD.

Graphics performance in rich Internet applications.

PubMed

Hoetzlein, Rama C

2012-01-01

Rendering performance for rich Internet applications (RIAs) has recently focused on the debate between using Flash and HTML5 for streaming video and gaming on mobile devices. A key area not widely explored, however, is the scalability of raw bitmap graphics performance for RIAs. Does Flash render animated sprites faster than HTML5? How much faster is WebGL than Flash? Answers to these questions are essential for developing large-scale data visualizations, online games, and truly dynamic websites. A new test methodology analyzes graphics performance across RIA frameworks and browsers, revealing specific performance outliers in existing frameworks. The results point toward a future in which all online experiences might be GPU accelerated.

An ATR-FTIR Study on the Effect of Molecular Structural Variations on the CO2 Absorption Characteristics of Heterocyclic Amines, Part II

PubMed Central

Robinson, Kelly; McCluskey, Adam; Attalla, Moetaz I

2012-01-01

This paper reports on an ATR-FTIR spectroscopic investigation of the CO2 absorption characteristics of a series of heterocyclic diamines: hexahydropyrimidine (HHPY), 2-methyl and 2,2-dimethylhexahydropyrimidine (MHHPY and DMHHPY), hexahydropyridazine (HHPZ), piperazine (PZ) and 2,5- and 2,6-dimethylpiperazine (2,6-DMPZ and 2,5-DMPZ). By using in situ ATR-FTIR the structure–activity relationship of the reaction between heterocyclic diamines and CO2 is probed. PZ forms a hydrolysis-resistant carbamate derivative, while HHPY forms a more labile carbamate species with increased susceptibility to hydrolysis, particularly at higher CO2 loadings (>0.5 mol CO2/mol amine). HHPY exhibits similar reactivity toward CO2 to PZ, but with improved aqueous solubility. The α-methyl-substituted MHHPY favours HCO3− formation, but MHHPY exhibits comparable CO2 absorption capacity to conventional amines MEA and DEA. MHHPY show improved reactivity compared to the conventional α-methyl- substituted primary amine 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol. DMHHPY is representative of blended amine systems, and its reactivity highlights the advantages of such systems. HHPZ is relatively unreactive towards CO2. The CO2 absorption capacity CA (mol CO2/mol amine) and initial rates of absorption RIA (mol CO2/mol amine min−1) for each reactive diamine are determined: PZ: CA=0.92, RIA=0.045; 2,6-DMPZ: CA=0.86, RIA=0.025; 2,5-DMPZ: CA=0.88, RIA=0.018; HHPY: CA=0.85, RIA=0.032; MHHPY: CA=0.86, RIA=0.018; DMHHPY: CA=1.1, RIA=0.032; and HHPZ: no reaction. Calculations at the B3LYP/6-31+G** and MP2/6-31+G** calculations show that the substitution patterns of the heterocyclic diamines affect carbamate stability, which influences hydrolysis rates. PMID:22517608

Reliability associated with the Roter Interaction Analysis System (RIAS) adapted for the telemedicine context.

PubMed

Nelson, Eve-Lynn; Miller, Edward Alan; Larson, Kiley A

2010-01-01

This study's purpose was to adapt the Roter Interaction Analysis System (RIAS) for telemedicine clinics and to investigate the adapted measure's reliability. The study also sought to better understand the volume of technology-related utterance in established telemedicine clinics and the feasibility of using the measure within the telemedicine setting. This initial evaluation is a first step before broadly using the adapted measure across technologies and raters. An expert panel adapted the RIAS for the telemedicine context. This involved accounting for all consultation participants (patient, provider, presenter, family) and adding technology-specific subcategories. Ten new and 36 follow-up telemedicine encounters were videotaped and double coded using the adapted RIAS. These consisted primarily of follow-up visits (78.0%) involving patients, providers, presenters, and other parties. Reliability was calculated for those categories with 15 or more utterances. Traditional RIAS categories related to socioemotional and task-focused clusters had fair to excellent levels of reliability in the telemedicine setting. Although there were too few utterances to calculate the reliability of the specific technology-related subcategories, the summary technology-related category proved reliable for patients, providers, and presenters. Overall patterns seen in traditional patient-provider interactions were observed, with the number of provider utterances far exceeding patient, presenter, and family utterances, and few technology-specific utterances. The traditional RIAS is reliable when applied across multiple participants in the telemedicine context. Reliability of technology-related subcategories could not be evaluated; however, the aggregate technology-related cluster was found to be reliable and may be especially relevant in understanding communication patterns with patients new to the telemedicine setting. Use of the RIAS instrument is encouraged to facilitate comparison between traditional, face-to-face clinics and telemedicine; among diverse consultation mediums and technologies; and across different specialties. Future research is necessary to further investigate the reliability and validity of adding technology-related subcategories to the RIAS. The limited number of technology-related utterances, however, implies a certain degree of comfort with two-way interactive video consultation among study participants. Telemedicine continues to increase access to healthcare. The technology-related categories of the adapted RIAS were reliable when aggregated, thereby providing a tool to better understand how telemedicine affects provider-patient communication and outcomes.

Sensitive and specific radioimmunoassay for fialuridine: initial assessment of pharmacokinetics after single oral doses to healthy volunteers.

PubMed Central

Bowsher, R R; Compton, J A; Kirkwood, J A; Place, G D; Jones, C D; Mabry, T E; Hyslop, D L; Hatcher, B L; DeSante, K A

1994-01-01

Fialuridine (FIAU) is a halogen-substituted analog of thymidine that was undergoing clinical investigation as a drug for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B viral infection. However, clinical trials of FIAU were terminated after adverse events occurred following chronic oral administration. Prior to the termination of clinical trials, a sensitive assay was needed for the measurement of FIAU because of the anticipated low dose administered to patients. We therefore undertook the development of a radioimmunoassay (RIA). A specific antiserum was raised in rabbits following immunization with a 5'-O-hemisuccinate analog of FIAU coupled to keyhole limpet hemocyanin. Radiolabeled FIAU was synthesized by a destannylation procedure by using sodium [125I]iodide. We developed a competitive-binding procedure and used precipitation with polyethylene glycol as the method for separating the bound and free forms of FIAU. The RIA is sensitive (0.2 ng/ml), specific (negligible interference from known metabolites and endogenous nucleosides), and reproducible (interassay coefficients of variation range from 5 to 19.7% for serum controls). We used the RIA to assess the pharmacokinetics of FIAU in healthy adult volunteers following administration of a single 5-mg oral dose. The sensitivity of the RIA permitted the detection of a prolonged elimination phase for FIAU in healthy volunteers and dogs, with mean elimination half-lives of 29.3 and 35.3 h, respectively. We conclude the RIA is a valid method for the quantification of FIAU in biological fluids. PMID:7811032

A complete dosimetry experimental program in support to the core characterization and to the power calibration of the CABRI reactor. A complete dosimetry experimental program in support of the core characterization and of the power calibration of the CABRI reactor

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

Rodiac, F.; Hudelot, JP.; Lecerf, J.

CABRI is an experimental pulse reactor operated by CEA at the Cadarache research center. Since 1978 the experimental programs have aimed at studying the fuel behavior under Reactivity Initiated Accident (RIA) conditions. Since 2003, it has been refurbished in order to be able to provide RIA and LOCA (Loss Of Coolant Accident) experiments in prototypical PWR conditions (155 bar, 300 deg. C). This project is part of a broader scope including an overall facility refurbishment and a safety review. The global modification is conducted by the CEA project team. It is funded by IRSN, which is conducting the CIP experimentalmore » program, in the framework of the OECD/NEA project CIP. It is financed in the framework of an international collaboration. During the reactor restart, commissioning tests are realized for all equipment, systems and circuits of the reactor. In particular neutronics and power commissioning tests will be performed respectively in 2015 and 2016. This paper focuses on the design of a complete and original dosimetry program that was built in support to the CABRI core characterization and to the power calibration. Each one of the above experimental goals will be fully described, as well as the target uncertainties and the forecasted experimental techniques and data treatment. (authors)« less

Health Conditions and Memory Performance: a study with older adult women.

PubMed

Nespollo, Alice Milani; Marcon, Samira Reschetti; Lima, Nathalie Vilma Pollo de; Dias, Tatiane Lebre; Espinosa, Mariano Martínez

2017-01-01

to verify the correlation between health condition and memory performance of older adult women in the community. Analytical cross-sectional study developed with 28 older adult women living in Cuiabá-MT. They answered the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and a shortened Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) to screen for dementia and depression symptoms. Memory skills were assessed through Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT). The mean age was 66.36 years and 75% of the participants had educational level higher than 7 years. The MMSE mean score was 28.45. The correlations found were: educational level and immediate memory (r = 0.49; p = 0.008); delayed recall and immediate memory (r = 0.71; p < 0.001); memory recognition and immediate memory (r = 0.43; p = 0.021) and recognition memory with delayed recall (r = 0.47; p = 0.012). High scores in the MMSE and a satisfactory health perception among the participants were evident. There was no correlation between memory performance and health perception. Verificar a correlação entre condições de saúde e desempenho da memória de idosas da comunidade. Estudo transversal analítico, realizado com 28 idosas residentes em Cuiabá-MT. Essas foram submetidas a rastreio para demências e sintomas depressivos por meio do Miniexame do Estado Mental (MEEM) e Escala de Depressão Geriátrica Abreviada (GDS-15). A avaliação das habilidades de memória ocorreu por meio do Teste de Aprendizagem Auditivo-Verbal de Rey (RAVLT). A idade média foi de 66,36 anos e 75% possuíam escolaridade maior que sete anos. A média do MEEM foi 28,45. As correlações encontradas foram: escolaridade e memória imediata (r = 0,49; p = 0,008); evocação tardia e memória de reconhecimento com memória imediata (r = 0,71; p < 0,001 e r = 0,43; p = 0,021) e memória de reconhecimento com evocação tardia (r = 0,47; p = 0,012). Evidenciou-se escore elevado no MEEM e percepção de saúde satisfatória entre os participantes. Não houve correlação entre desempenho da memória e percepção de saúde.

Do Electrochemiluminescence Assays Improve Prediction of Time to Type 1 Diabetes in Autoantibody-Positive TrialNet Subjects?

PubMed Central

Fouts, Alexandra; Pyle, Laura; Yu, Liping; Miao, Dongmei; Michels, Aaron; Krischer, Jeffrey; Sosenko, Jay; Gottlieb, Peter

2016-01-01

OBJECTIVE To explore whether electrochemiluminescence (ECL) assays can help improve prediction of time to type 1 diabetes in the TrialNet autoantibody-positive population. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS TrialNet subjects who were positive for one or more autoantibodies (microinsulin autoantibody, GAD65 autoantibody [GADA], IA-2A, and ZnT8A) with available ECL-insulin autoantibody (IAA) and ECL-GADA data at their initial visit were analyzed; after a median follow-up of 24 months, 177 of these 1,287 subjects developed diabetes. RESULTS Univariate analyses showed that autoantibodies by radioimmunoassays (RIAs), ECL-IAA, ECL-GADA, age, sex, number of positive autoantibodies, presence of HLA DR3/4-DQ8 genotype, HbA1c, and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) measurements were all significantly associated with progression to diabetes. Subjects who were ECL positive had a risk of progression to diabetes within 6 years of 58% compared with 5% for the ECL-negative subjects (P < 0.0001). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were compared, with the base model including age, sex, OGTT measurements, and number of positive autoantibodies by RIAs. The model with positivity for ECL-GADA and/or ECL-IAA was the best, and factors that remained significantly associated with time to diabetes were area under the curve (AUC) C-peptide, fasting C-peptide, AUC glucose, number of positive autoantibodies by RIAs, and ECL positivity. Adding ECL to the Diabetes Prevention Trial risk score (DPTRS) improved the receiver operating characteristic curves with AUC of 0.83 (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS ECL assays improved the ability to predict time to diabetes in these autoantibody-positive relatives at risk for developing diabetes. These findings might be helpful in the design and eligibility criteria for prevention trials in the future. PMID:27456836

Do Electrochemiluminescence Assays Improve Prediction of Time to Type 1 Diabetes in Autoantibody-Positive TrialNet Subjects?

PubMed

Fouts, Alexandra; Pyle, Laura; Yu, Liping; Miao, Dongmei; Michels, Aaron; Krischer, Jeffrey; Sosenko, Jay; Gottlieb, Peter; Steck, Andrea K

2016-10-01

To explore whether electrochemiluminescence (ECL) assays can help improve prediction of time to type 1 diabetes in the TrialNet autoantibody-positive population. TrialNet subjects who were positive for one or more autoantibodies (microinsulin autoantibody, GAD65 autoantibody [GADA], IA-2A, and ZnT8A) with available ECL-insulin autoantibody (IAA) and ECL-GADA data at their initial visit were analyzed; after a median follow-up of 24 months, 177 of these 1,287 subjects developed diabetes. Univariate analyses showed that autoantibodies by radioimmunoassays (RIAs), ECL-IAA, ECL-GADA, age, sex, number of positive autoantibodies, presence of HLA DR3/4-DQ8 genotype, HbA1c, and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) measurements were all significantly associated with progression to diabetes. Subjects who were ECL positive had a risk of progression to diabetes within 6 years of 58% compared with 5% for the ECL-negative subjects (P < 0.0001). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were compared, with the base model including age, sex, OGTT measurements, and number of positive autoantibodies by RIAs. The model with positivity for ECL-GADA and/or ECL-IAA was the best, and factors that remained significantly associated with time to diabetes were area under the curve (AUC) C-peptide, fasting C-peptide, AUC glucose, number of positive autoantibodies by RIAs, and ECL positivity. Adding ECL to the Diabetes Prevention Trial risk score (DPTRS) improved the receiver operating characteristic curves with AUC of 0.83 (P < 0.0001). ECL assays improved the ability to predict time to diabetes in these autoantibody-positive relatives at risk for developing diabetes. These findings might be helpful in the design and eligibility criteria for prevention trials in the future. © 2016 by the American Diabetes Association.

Methodological aspects of rat beta-endorphin analysis-influence of diurnal variation.

PubMed

Finn, Anja; Fabre, Susanne Froelich; Hellström, Per M; Brené, Stefan

2006-05-30

Beta-endorphin radioimmunoassays (RIAs) are widely performed following physical, emotional and environmental challenges in the rat. In the literature, a wide range of techniques have been described, but in the present study, we have focused on methodological aspects of beta-endorphin RIAs, investigating various characteristics of human and rat specific antibodies. Initial studies verified that the RIA outcome was not appropriate when using non-species compatible components. Novel rat beta-endorphin antibodies, r 4114 and r 4268, were raised in rabbits and characterised in terms of specificity, avidity and titer. Both of the new antisera showed 68.1% cross-reactivity with human beta-endorphin. The ED50 was 50+/-8 pmol/l, and the mean ED80 was 17 pmol/l for r 4268 but three-fold higher for r 4114. The intra-assay coefficient of variation (CV) was 7% at 100 pmol/l and the inter-assay CV was 10% at the same level for r 4268 and similar for r 4114. Using this novel rat beta-endorphin RIA for analyses of diurnal influence and removal from the Animal House cage, no significant changes were observed in either the hypothalamus or peri-aqueductal grey regions. These results suggest that rat beta-endorphin concentrations in these brain areas are not affected by order of removal or diurnal variation.

Assay of anti-HBs antibodies using a recombinant antigen and latex particle counting: comparison with five commercial tests.

PubMed

Galanti, L M; Cornu, C; Masson, P L; Robert, A R; Becheanu, D; Lamy, M E; Cambiaso, C L

1991-05-01

An assay of anti-HBs antibodies based on agglutination of latex particles coated with recombinant HBs-antigen was compared with Abbott radioimmunoassay (Abbott-RIA), which uses a human plasma-derived antigen. The population examined consisted of 76 Abbott-RIA anti-HBs-negative prevaccinated subjects and 1044 serum samples anti-HBs found positive by Abbott-RIA, including 283 samples of subjects vaccinated either with a human plasma-derived vaccine (group A; n = 180) or with a recombinant vaccine (group B; n = 103). Correlation coefficients between the two techniques were respectively r = 0.89 for the whole population (n = 1044), r = 0.98 in group A and r = 0.74 in group B. Anti-HBs titres were higher with latex than with RIA in group B as shown by the regression slopes: latex = 508 + 1.11 RIA in group A and latex = -1138 + 3.97 RIA in group B, suggesting that some vaccinated subjects from group B produced antibodies against epitopes proper to the recombinant antigen. In the prevaccinated population and in group A, the latex results were compared with those of radioimmunoassays (Abbott, Sorin) and enzyme immunoassays (Behring, Roche, Pasteur). Only the Roche-EIA detected anti-HBs in the prevaccinated subjects. The correlation between the various immunoassays was r greater than 0.96 only for values higher than 100 IU/l.

Evidence of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 proteolysis during growth hormone stimulation testing.

PubMed

Nwosu, Benjamin U; Soyka, Leslie A; Angelescu, Amanda; Lee, Mary M

2011-01-01

The ternary complex is composed of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I, IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-3 and acid labile subunit (ALS). Growth hormone (GH) promotes IGFBP-3 proteolysis to release free IGF-I, ALS, and IGFBP-3 fragments. Our aim was to determine whether elevated GH levels during GH stimulation testing would trigger IGFBP-3 proteolysis. This prospective study of 10 short prepubertal children (height standard deviation score -2.37 +/- 0.31) used arginine and GH releasing hormone stimulation to study dynamic changes in the ternary complex moieties. IGFBP-3 was measured in two assays: a radioimmunoassay (RIA) that detects both cleaved and intact IGFBP-3; and an immunochemiluminescence assay (ICMA) that detects only intact IGFBP-3. IGFBP-3 measured by RIA increased by 19% (p < 0.05), while IGFBP-3 measured by ICMA did not significantly increase (6.1%). The significant increase in IGFBP-3 measured by RIA, but not ICMA, provides evidence of IGFBP-3 proteolysis during acute GH stimulation.

From radioimmunoassay to mass spectrometry: a new method to quantify orexin-A (hypocretin-1) in cerebrospinal fluid

PubMed Central

Hirtz, Christophe; Vialaret, Jérôme; Gabelle, Audrey; Nowak, Nora; Dauvilliers, Yves; Lehmann, Sylvain

2016-01-01

I125 radioimmunoassay (RIA) is currently the standard technique for quantifying cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) orexin-A/hypocretin-1, a biomarker used to diagnose narcolepsy type 1. However, orexin-A RIA is liable to undergo cross-reactions with matrix constituents generating interference, high variability between batches, low precision and accuracy, and requires special radioactivity precautions. Here we developed the first quantitative mass spectrometry assay of orexin-A based on a multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) approach. This method was tested in keeping with the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines and its clinical relevance was confirmed by comparing patients with narcolepsy type 1 versus patients with other neurological conditions. The results obtained using MRM and RIA methods were highly correlated, and Bland–Altman analysis established their interchangeability. However, the MRM values had a wider distribution and were 2.5 time lower than the RIA findings. In conclusion, this method of assay provides a useful alternative to RIA to quantify orexin-A, and may well replace it not only in narcolepsy type 1, but also in the increasing number of pathologies in which the quantification of this analyte is relevant. PMID:27165941

Fundamental metallurgical aspects of axial splitting in zircaloy cladding

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

Chung, H. M.

Fundamental metallurgical aspects of axial splitting in irradiated Zircaloy cladding have been investigated by microstructural characterization and analytical modeling, with emphasis on application of the results to understand high-burnup fuel failure under RIA situations. Optical microscopy, SEM, and TEM were conducted on BWR and PWR fuel cladding tubes that were irradiated to fluence levels of 3.3 x 10{sup 21} n cm{sup {minus}2} to 5.9 x 10{sup 21} n cm{sup {minus}2} (E > 1 MeV) and tested in hot cell at 292--325 C in Ar. The morphology, distribution, and habit planes of macroscopic and microscopic hydrides in as-irradiated and posttest claddingmore » were determined by stereo-TEM. The type and magnitude of the residual stress produced in association with oxide-layer growth and dense hydride precipitation, and several synergistic factors that strongly influence axial-splitting behavior were analyzed. The results of the microstructural characterization and stress analyses were then correlated with axial-splitting behavior of high-burnup PWR cladding reported for simulated-RIA conditions. The effects of key test procedures and their implications for the interpretation of RIA test results are discussed.« less

Development of Electrical Capacitance Sensors for Accident Tolerant Fuel (ATF) Testing at the Transient Reactor Test (TREAT) Facility

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

Liu, Maolong; Ryals, Matthew; Ali, Amir

2016-08-01

A variety of instruments are being developed and qualified to support the Accident Tolerant Fuels (ATF) program and future transient irradiations at the Transient Reactor Test (TREAT) facility at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). The University of New Mexico (UNM) is working with INL to develop capacitance-based void sensors for determining the timing of critical boiling phenomena in static capsule fuel testing and the volume-averaged void fraction in flow-boiling in-pile water loop fuel testing. The static capsule sensor developed at INL is a plate-type configuration, while UNM is utilizing a ring-type capacitance sensor. Each sensor design has been theoretically and experimentallymore » investigated at INL and UNM. Experiments are being performed at INL in an autoclave to investigate the performance of these sensors under representative Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) conditions in a static capsule. Experiments have been performed at UNM using air-water two-phase flow to determine the sensitivity and time response of the capacitance sensor under a flow boiling configuration. Initial measurements from the capacitance sensor have demonstrated the validity of the concept to enable real-time measurement of void fraction. The next steps include designing the cabling interface with the flow loop at UNM for Reactivity Initiated Accident (RIA) ATF testing at TREAT and further characterization of the measurement response for each sensor under varying conditions by experiments and modeling.« less

[IgM class antibodies against hepatitis A viruses in the differentiation of viral hepatitis].

PubMed

Zivanović-Marinković, V; Stanković, D; Parabucki, S; Lazarov, A; Marinković, V; Krstić, L; Letica, Z

1982-01-01

The sera of 64 patients with acute viral hepatitis which were previously HbsAG negative by rPHA were tested by RIA methods for the presence of HBsAG and anti-HBc, by EIA method for HBc and anti-HBc and also by RIA method for the presence of IgM antibodies against hepatitis A virus. The pairs of sera were tested also for the presence of antibodies against cytomegalovirus and EB viruses. Of the total of 64 patients, markers of fresh HB viral infection were proved in 5 patients, sera positive to IgM antibodies to hepatitis A virus were found in 51 and no positive tests to any of the tested viruses were found in 8. The authors consider that they belonged to "non-A, non-B" viral hepatitis.

Clinical laboratory verification of thyroglobulin concentrations in the presence of autoantibodies to thyroglobulin: comparison of EIA, radioimmunoassay and LC MS/MS measurements in an Urban Hospital.

PubMed

Wheeler, Sarah E; Liu, Li; Blair, Harry C; Sivak, Richard; Longo, Nancy; Tischler, Jeffery; Mulvey, Kathryn; Palmer, Octavia M Peck

2017-12-08

Thyroglobulin (Tg) measurements assess recurrence in post-thyroidectomy thyroid cancer patients. Tg measurements by enzyme immunoassays (EIA) can be falsely elevated by interference from Tg autoantibodies (TgAb). Radioimmunoassay (RIA) is less susceptible to TgAb interference and has been the standard-of-care test for TgAb positive patients. Recently developed liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methods may eliminate TgAb interference. We assessed the performance of Tg measurements by EIA, RIA and LC-MS/MS to evaluate TgAb interference differences. We measured TgAb and Tg in 50 plasma samples from 40 patients in whom Tg measurement was part of their routine follow-up and 10 healthy volunteers. Discrepancy between EIA and both LC-MS/MS and RIA was observed at low Tg concentrations (≤ 7.55 ng/mL) in TgAb positive specimens (LC-MS/MS = 1.9 * EIA - 0.03, r = 0.68). RIA and LC-MS/MS Tg measurements in TgAb positive specimens with low Tg concentrations had improved correlation but demonstrated bias (LC MS/MS = 0.6 * RIA - 1.4, r = 0.90). Disagreement between methods may be attributed to LC-MS/MS reported Tg concentrations as undetectable compared to RIA. It seems likely that most discrepant cases are falsely elevated in RIA due to TgAb interference, however, some cases appear below the detection limit of LC-MS/MS; implementation of LC-MS/MS by clinicians will require lower detection limits.

Diagnostic accuracy of the anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody in type 1 diabetes mellitus: Comparison between radioimmunoassay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

PubMed

Murata, Takashi; Tsuzaki, Kokoro; Nirengi, Shinsuke; Watanabe, Tomokazu; Mizutani, Yukako; Okada, Hayami; Tsukamoto, Masami; Odori, Shinji; Nakagawachi, Reiko; Kawaguchi, Yaeko; Yoshioka, Fumi; Yamada, Kazunori; Shimatsu, Akira; Kotani, Kazuhiko; Satoh-Asahara, Noriko; Sakane, Naoki

2017-07-01

The distributer of the anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody assay kit using radioimmunoassay (RIA) recently announced its discontinuation, and proposed an alternative kit using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The aim of the present study was to investigate the diagnostic values of the anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody by RIA and ELISA among type 1 diabetes mellitus patients and control participants. A total of 79 type 1 diabetes mellitus patients and 79 age-matched controls were enrolled and assessed using RIA and ELISA. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values and negative predictive values were calculated for cut-off values (RIA = 1.5 U/mL and ELISA = 5.0 U/mL, respectively). Kappa coefficients were used to test for agreements between the RIA and ELISA methods regarding the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values, and negative predictive values for diagnosing type 1 diabetes mellitus were 57.0, 97.5, 95.7, and 69.4% by RIA, and 60.8, 100.0, 100.0 and 71.8% by ELISA, respectively. The diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus using the RIA and ELISA methods showed substantial agreement with the kappa values of 0.74 for all participants, and of 0.64 for the acute type; however, there was moderate agreement with the kappa value of 0.56 for the slowly progressive type. The present study suggests that both anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody by RIA and ELISA was useful for diagnosing type 1 diabetes mellitus. However, in the slowly progressive type, the degree of agreement of these two kits was poorer compared with those in all participants or in the acute type. © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Diabetes Investigation published by Asian Association for the Study of Diabetes (AASD) and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

A Method to Determine the Impact of Patient-Centered Care Interventions in Primary Care

PubMed Central

Daaleman, Timothy P.; Shea, Christopher M.; Halladay, Jacqueline; Reed, David

2014-01-01

INTRODUCTION The implementation of patient-centered care (PCC) innovations continues to be poorly understood. We used the implementation effectiveness framework to pilot a method for measuring the impact of a PCC innovation in primary care practices. METHODS We analyzed data from a prior study that assessed the implementation of an electronic geriatric quality-of-life (QOL) module in 3 primary care practices in central North Carolina in 2011–12. Patients responded to the items and the subsequent patient-provider encounter was coded using the Roter Interaction Analysis System (RIAS) system. We developed an implementation effectiveness measure specific to the QOL module (i.e., frequency of usage during the encounter) using RIAS and then tested if there were differences with RIAS codes using analysis of variance. RESULTS A total of 60 patient-provider encounters examined differences in the uptake of the QOL module (i.e., implementation-effectiveness measure) with the frequency of RIAS codes during the encounter (i.e., patient-centeredness measure). There was a significant association between the effectiveness measure and patient-centered RIAS codes. CONCLUSION The concept of implementation effectiveness provided a useful framework determine the impact of a PCC innovation. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS A method that captures real-time interactions between patients and care staff over time can meaningfully evaluate PCC innovations. PMID:25269410

Evaluation of the technical performance of novel holotranscobalamin (holoTC) assays in a multicenter European demonstration project.

PubMed

Morkbak, Anne L; Heimdal, Randi M; Emmens, Kathleen; Molloy, Anne; Hvas, Anne-Mette; Schneede, Joern; Clarke, Robert; Scott, John M; Ueland, Per M; Nexo, Ebba

2005-01-01

A commercially available holotranscobalamin (holo-TC) radioimmunoassay (RIA) (Axis-Shield, Dundee, Scotland) was evaluated in four laboratories and compared with a holoTC ELISA run in one laboratory. The performance of the holoTC RIA assay was comparable in three of the four participating laboratories. The results from these three laboratories, involving at least 20 initial runs of "low", "medium" and "high" serum-based controls (mean holoTC concentrations 34, 60 and 110 pmol/L, respectively) yielded an intra-laboratory imprecision of 6-10%. No systematic inter-laboratory deviations were observed on runs involving 72 patient samples (holoTC concentration range 10-160 pmol/L). A fourth laboratory demonstrated higher assay imprecision for control samples and systematic deviation of results for the patient samples. Measurement of holoTC by ELISA showed an imprecision of 4-5%, and slightly higher mean values for the controls (mean holoTC concentrations 40, 70 and 114 pmol/L, respectively). Comparable results were obtained for the patient samples. The long-term intra-laboratory imprecision was 12% for the holoTC RIA and 6% for the ELISA. In conclusion, it would be prudent to check the calibration and precision prior to starting to use these holoTC assays in research or clinical practice. The results obtained using the holoTC RIA were similar to those obtained using the holoTC ELISA assay.

The Acoustic Emission signal acquired by the microphones placed in the CABRI test device along the fourteen last R.I.A. experiments: an example of reproducible research in nuclear science

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

Laurent Pantera, Oumar Traore

The CABRI facility is an experimental nuclear reactor of the French Atomic Energy Commission. It is located at the Cadarache Research Centre in southern France and it is designed to act as a support to the French nuclear infrastructure. The purpose of the new testing programme termed, 'CABRI International Programme' (CIP) is to study the behaviour of PWR-type fuel rods at high burnup, equipped with an 'advanced' cladding, under Reactivity Initiated Accident (RIA) conditions (such as the scenario of a control rod ejection). Within the framework of this programme, piloted and funded by the French Institute of Nuclear Radioprotection andmore » Safety (IRSN), ten tests are to be conducted with a frequency of two tests per year. The LPRE laboratory of the CEA which is in charge of the Preparation, realisation and breakdown of the test results studies the possibility to set up a new test analysis based on the processing of signals coming from sensors placed within the test equipment. During the experimental phase, the behaviour of the fuel element generates acoustic waves which can be detected by two microphones placed upstream and downstream of the test device. Studies showed the interest to realize temporal and spectral analyses on these signals by showing the existence of signatures which can be correlated with physical phenomena as the rod failure or the test shutdown (i.e. scram). The work presented in this article results from the will to consolidate these studies. Since the main phenomenon to be tracked is the fuel rod failure, the aim would be to highlight specific events which would have been precursors of the rod failure in order to use in the future these signals for further interpretation. Such an antecedent works resumption leads to a better understanding of the experimental needs and constitutes a good initial state to prepare the new very fast digital data acquisition systems. Although all the raw data are accessible in the form of text files, analyses and graphics representations were not straightforward to reproduce from the ancient studies since that, on one hand, people who were in charge of the original work left the laboratory and on the other hand because it is not easy when the time passes, even with our own work, to be able to remember the steps of data manipulations and the exact setup: - During the ancient experiments the use of analog data acquisition systems required to digitize tapes to be able to realize computer treatments. That had had for consequence to lose the initial dating. This one must be correctly edited to do temporal comparisons. - Analyses require functions for calculations whose parameters has to be well-known to reach the same results. We thus wished to manage our workflow in the idea that it can be easily reproducible on all the experiments. The object of the work presented in this article was to put in practice this strong bind between the data, treatments and generation of the document in order not to hesitate to do the iteration principle in action. We do not have to be afraid by the data driven analyses. According to the philosophy of the literate programming, the text of the technical document is woven with the computer code that produces all the printed output as tables, graphs for the study eliminating hence the unrealistic cut and paste. This difficulty is not specific to the nuclear domain. For many years, researchers have been worked out solutions to this mundane issue. And, presently, new technologies and high-level programming languages offer us actual answers. We will firstly present the tools applied in our laboratory to implement this workflow, then we will describe the global perception carried out to continue the study of the Acoustic Emission signals recorded by the two microphones during the fourteen last CABRI R.I.A. test.« less

Vínculos sobre um modelo de quartessência de Chaplygin usando observações do satélite chandra da fração de massa de gás em aglomerados de galáxias

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Souza, R. S.

2003-08-01

Observações de Supernovas do tipo Ia mostram que a expansão do Universo está acelerando. Segundo as equações de Einstein uma componente com pressão negativa (energia escura) é necessária para explicar a aceleração cósmica. Além da energia escura é usualmente admitido que no Universo há também uma matéria exótica com pressão zero, que é chamada de matéria escura. Essa componente possui um papel fundamental na formação de estruturas no Universo. Recentemente tem se explorado a possibilidade de que matéria e energia escura poderiam ser unificadas através de uma única componente, que tem sido denominada de quartessência. Um exemplo de fluido com essas características é o Gás de Chaplygin Generalizado, que possui uma equação de estado da forma p = -A/ra. Inicialmente consideramos o caso especial a = 1 (gás de Chaplygin) e vinculamos parâmetros do modelo utilizando observações em raios-X do satélite Chandra da fração de massa de gás em aglomerados de galáxias. Uma comparação dos vínculos obtidos com esse teste com outros testes, tais como supernovas e idade do Universo, mostra que esse teste é bastante restritivo. Exibiremos ainda resultados para o caso em que a curvatura é nula e o parâmetro a está compreendido no intervalo -1 < a 1.

Diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis by measurement of antibodies against environmental antigens

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

Dewair, M.

1989-01-01

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), an immunologically mediated chronic pulmonary disease, is the result of an inflammatory response of the lung initiated by the inhalation of environmental organic dusts. These organic dusts usually contain substances (antigens) capable of eliciting immune responses in humans. The symptoms of HP generally present as recurrent flu-like episodes which makes it difficult to establish the proper diagnosis. However, detection in patients' sera of high-titer antibodies against the environmental antigens could be of great help in identifying those materials causing the disease and which must be avoided. A highly specific and sensitive serodiagnostic test, a radioimmuno assay (RIA),more » was developed for measurement of antibodies against antigens relevant to Farmer's Lung Disease (FLD), a type of HP affecting farmers.« less

A comprehensive analysis of the thermodynamic events involved in ligand receptor binding using CoRIA and its variants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verma, Jitender; Khedkar, Vijay M.; Prabhu, Arati S.; Khedkar, Santosh A.; Malde, Alpeshkumar K.; Coutinho, Evans C.

2008-02-01

Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships (QSAR) are being used since decades for prediction of biological activity, lead optimization, classification, identification and explanation of the mechanisms of drug action, and prediction of novel structural leads in drug discovery. Though the technique has lived up to its expectations in many aspects, much work still needs to be done in relation to problems related to the rational design of peptides. Peptides are the drugs of choice in many situations, however, designing them rationally is a complicated task and the complexity increases with the length of their sequence. In order to deal with the problem of peptide optimization, one of our recently developed QSAR formalisms CoRIA (Comparative Residue Interaction Analysis) is being expanded and modified as: reverse-CoRIA ( rCoRIA) and mixed-CoRIA ( mCoRIA) approaches. In these methodologies, the peptide is fragmented into individual units and the interaction energies (van der Waals, Coulombic and hydrophobic) of each amino acid in the peptide with the receptor as a whole ( rCoRIA) and with individual active site residues in the receptor ( mCoRIA) are calculated, which along with other thermodynamic descriptors, are used as independent variables that are correlated to the biological activity by chemometric methods. As a test case, the three CoRIA methodologies have been validated on a dataset of diverse nonamer peptides that bind to the Class I major histocompatibility complex molecule HLA-A*0201, and for which some structure activity relationships have already been reported. The different models developed, and validated both internally as well as externally, were found to be robust with statistically significant values of r 2 (correlation coefficient) and r 2 pred (predictive r 2). These models were able to identify all the structure activity relationships known for this class of peptides, as well uncover some new relationships. This means that these methodologies will perform well for other peptide datasets too. The major advantage of these approaches is that they explicitly utilize the 3D structures of small molecules or peptides as well as their macromolecular targets, to extract position-specific information about important interactions between the ligand and receptor, which can assist the medicinal and computational chemists in designing new molecules, and biologists in studying the influence of mutations in the target receptor on ligand binding.

Cross-validation of commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and radioimmunoassay for porcine C-peptide concentration measurements in non-human primate serum.

PubMed

Gresch, Sarah C; Mutch, Lucas A; Janecek, Jody L; Hegstad-Davies, Rebecca L; Graham, Melanie L

2017-09-01

C-peptide concentration is widely used as a marker of insulin secretion and is especially relevant in evaluating islet graft function following transplantation, because its measurement is not confounded by the presence of exogenous insulin. To address the shortage of human islet donors, the use of porcine islets has been proposed as a possible solution and the stringent pig-to-non-human primate (NHP) model is often the most relevant for pre-clinical evaluation of the potential for diabetes reversal resulting from an islet xenograft. The Millipore radioimmunoassay (RIA) was exclusively used to measure porcine C-peptide (PCP) until 2013 when the assay was discontinued and subsequently a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) from Mercodia has been widely adopted. Both assays have been used in pre-clinical trials evaluating the therapeutic potential of xenograft products in reversing diabetes in the pig-to-NHP model, to interpret data in a comparable way it may be useful to perform a harmonization of C-peptide measurements. We performed a method comparison by determining the PCP concentration in 620 serum samples collected from 20 diabetic cynomolgus macaques transplanted with adult porcine islets. All analyses were performed according to manufacturer instructions. With both assays, we demonstrated an acceptable detection limit, precision, and recovery. Linearity of the ELISA met acceptance criteria at all concentrations tested while linearity of the RIA only met acceptance criteria at five of the eight concentrations tested. The RIA had a detection limit of 0.16 ng/mL, and recovery ranged from 82% to 96% and met linearity acceptance criteria at 0.35 ng/mL and from 0.78 to 2.33 ng/mL. The ELISA had a detection limit of 0.03 ng/mL, and recovery ranged from 81% to 115% and met linearity acceptance criteria from 0.08 to 0.85 ng/mL. Both assays had intra-assay precision <11% and inter-assay precision <14%. PCP concentration measured by ELISA demonstrated a significant correlation with RIA (R 2 =.9721, P<.0001). This strong correlation supports use of the regression equation y=2.029x+0.0897 to transform ELISA data to RIA or inversely y=0.4930x-0.0456 to convert RIA data to ELISA for direct comparison between assays in the concentration range of 0-3.0 ng/mL. Measured C-peptide concentration was lower with the ELISA than with the RIA; individual measurements plotted against the averages of the pair demonstrated that the variability from the mean strongly depended on increasing concentration. Porcine C-peptide can be reliably measured in NHP serum using the Mercodia ELISA, making this assay interchangeable with the Millipore RIA. Inherent differences in antibody affinity and calibration factors may explain the lower ELISA values as compared to the RIA; however without access to a traceable reference standard, it is not possible to determine which assay is most accurate. Regression modeling resulted in a correction factor appropriate for conversion of ELISA data to RIA-equivalent data facilitating comparison of assay results longitudinally and between groups. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Aquisição fonológica do português brasileiro por crianças ouvintes bilíngues bimodais e surdas usuárias de implante coclear

PubMed Central

Cruz, Carina Rebello; Finger, Ingrid

2014-01-01

Resumo O presente estudo investiga a aquisição fonológica do Português Brasileiro (PB) por 24 crianças ouvintes bilíngues bimodais, com acesso irrestrito à Língua Brasileira de Sinais (Libras), e por 6 crianças surdas que utilizam implante coclear (IC), com acesso restrito ou irrestrito à Libras. Para a avaliação do sistema fonológico das crianças em PB, foi utilizada a Parte A, Prova de Nomeação, do ABFW – Teste de Linguagem Infantil (ANDRADE et al. 2004). Os resultados revelaram que as crianças ouvintes bilíngues bimodais e a criança surda usuária de IC com acesso irrestrito à Libras apresentaram processo de aquisição fonológica esperada (normal) para a sua faixa etária. Considera-se que a aquisição precoce e o acesso irrestrito à Libras podem ter sido determinantes para o desempenho dessas crianças no teste oral utilizado. PMID:25506105

Postabsorptive hyperglucagonemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus analyzed with a novel enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

PubMed

Matsuo, Toshihiro; Miyagawa, Jun-Ichiro; Kusunoki, Yoshiki; Miuchi, Masayuki; Ikawa, Takashi; Akagami, Takafumi; Tokuda, Masaru; Katsuno, Tomoyuki; Kushida, Akira; Inagaki, Takashi; Namba, Mitsuyoshi

2016-05-01

The aims of the present study were to investigate the performance of a novel sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for measuring glucagon (1-29) with monoclonal antibodies against both the C- and N-terminal regions of glucagon (1-29), and to analyze the differences in plasma levels and responses of glucagon (1-29) to oral glucose loading in normal glucose tolerance (NGT) subjects and patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The cross-reactivity against proglucagon fragments using the ELISA kit and two types of conventional radioimmunoassay (RIA) kits was evaluated. A 75-g oral glucose tolerance test was carried out with NGT subjects and patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and the glucagon (1-29) concentration was measured using three types of kit. The ELISA kit clearly had the lowest cross-reactivity against miniglucagon (19-29) and glicentin (1-61). The oral glucose tolerance test was carried out with 30 NGT and 17 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The glucagon (1-29) levels measured by the ELISA kit after glucose loading were significantly higher at all time-points in the type 2 diabetes mellitus group than in the NGT group. However, the glucagon (1-29) levels measured by one RIA kit were significantly higher in the NGT group, and those measured with the other RIA kit were approximately the same among the groups. The novel sandwich ELISA accurately determines plasma glucagon (1-29) concentrations with much less cross-reactivity against other proglucagon fragments than conventional RIA kits.

Optical fibres in the radiation environment of CERN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guillermain, E.

2017-11-01

CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research (in Geneva, Switzerland), is home to a complex scientific instrument: the 27-kilometre Large Hadron Collider (LHC) collides beams of high-energy particles at close to the speed of light. Optical fibres are widely used at CERN, both in surface areas (e.g. for inter-building IT networks) and in the accelerator complex underground (e.g. for cryogenics, vacuum, safety systems). Optical fibres in the accelerator are exposed to mixed radiation fields (mainly composed of protons, pions, neutrons and other hadrons, gamma rays and electrons), with dose rates depending on the particular installation zone, and with radiation levels often significantly higher than those encountered in space. In the LHC and its injector chain radiation levels range from relatively low annual doses of a few Gy up to hundreds of kGy. Optical fibres suffer from Radiation Induced Attenuation (RIA, expressed in dB per unit length) that affect light transmission and which depends on the irradiation conditions (e.g. dose rate, total dose, temperature). In the CERN accelerator complex, the failure of an optical link can affect the proper functionality of control or monitoring systems and induce the interruption of the accelerator operation. The qualification of optical fibres for installation in critical radiation areas is therefore crucial. Thus, all optical fibre types installed in radiation areas at CERN are subject to laboratory irradiation tests, in order to evaluate their RIA at different total dose and dose rates. This allows the selection of the appropriate optical fibre type (conventional or radiation resistant) compliant with the requirements of each installation. Irradiation tests are performed in collaboration with Fraunhofer INT (irradiation facilities and expert team in Euskirchen, Germany). Conventional off-the-shelf optical fibres can be installed for optical links exposed to low radiation levels (i.e. annual dose typically below few kGy). Nevertheless, the conventional optical fibres must be carefully qualified as a spread in RIA of factor 10 is observed among optical fibres of different types and dopants. In higher radiation areas, special radiation resistant optical fibres are installed. For total dose above 1 kGy, the RIA of these special optical fibres is at least 10 times lower than the conventional optical fibres RIA at same irradiation conditions. 2400 km of these special radiation resistant optical fibres were recently procured at CERN. As part of this procurement process, a quality assurance plan including the irradiation testing of all 65 produced batches was set up. This presentation will review the selection process of the appropriate optical fibre types to be installed in the radiation environment of CERN. The methodology for choosing the irradiation parameters for the laboratory tests will be discussed together with an overview of the RIA of different optical fibre types under several irradiation conditions.

Validation of a novel high-sensitivity radioimmunoassay procedure for measurement of total thyroxine concentration in psittacine birds and snakes.

PubMed

Greenacre, C B; Young, D W; Behrend, E N; Wilson, G H

2001-11-01

To validate a novel high-sensitivity radioimmunoassay (RIA) procedure developed to accurately measure the relatively low serum total thyroxine (T4) concentrations of birds and reptiles and to establish initial reference ranges forT4 concentration in selected species of psittacine birds and snakes. 56 healthy nonmolting adult psittacine birds representing 6 species and 42 captive snakes representing 4 species. A solid-phase RIA designed to measure free T4 concentrations in dialysates of human serum samples was used without dialysis to evaluate total T4 concentration in treated samples obtained from birds and reptiles. Serum T4 binding components were removed to allow assay of undialyzed samples. Assay validation was assessed by determining recovery of expected amounts of T4 in treated samples that were serially diluted or to which T4 was added. Intra- and interassay coefficient of variation (CV) was determined. Mean recovery of T4 added at 4 concentrations ranged from 84.9 to 115.0% and 95.8 to 119.4% in snakes and birds, respectively. Intra- and interassay CV was 3.8 and 11.3%, respectively. Serum total T4 concentrations for 5 species of birds ranged from 2.02 to 768 nmol/L but ranged from 3.17 to 142 nmol/L for blue-fronted Amazon parrots; concentrations ranged from 0.21 to 6.06 nmol/L for the 4 species of snakes. This new RIA method provides a commercially available, accurate, and sensitive method for measurement of the relatively low serum T4 concentrations of birds and snakes. Initial ranges for the species evaluated were established.

Comparison of cyclosporine determinations in whole blood by three different methods. HPLC, /sup 125/I RIA and /sup 3/H RIA

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

Huang, W.Y.; Lipsey, A.I.; Cheng, M.H.

1987-04-01

The authors have analyzed and compared the cyclosporine concentrations in whole blood specimens from pediatric renal transplant patients using three different methods: high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) (5u C18 reverse-phase column), /sup 3/H radioimmunoassay (RIA), and /sup 125/I RIA (substituted /sup 3/H-tracer in Sandoz Kit with /sup 125/I tracer. Results obtained by the /sup 125/I RIA correlated well with results obtained by the /sup 3/H RIA. Both RIA methods had similar correlation with the HPLC method. The /sup 125/I RIA method showed higher sensitivity and greater precision than the /sup 3/H RIA method. The authors conclude that the /sup 125/I RIAmore » method can be used for cyclosporine determination in whole blood specimens. The use of the /sup 125/I RIA provides a simple and rapid method with higher counting efficiency and less background quenching than the /sup 3/H RIA method, which requires cumbersome liquid scintillation counting procedures.« less

Basin-scale contributions of Cr, Ni and Co from Ortegal Complex to the surrounding coastal environment (SW Europe).

PubMed

Prego, Ricardo; Caetano, Miguel; Ospina-Alvarez, Natalia; Raimundo, Joana; Vale, Carlos

2014-01-15

The enrichment of Cr and Ni in the coastal zones is usually associated with anthropogenic sources such as the tanning, galvanization, ceramic, and cement industries. However, geological complexes of specific lithologic composition located near shorelines may act as natural sources of metals to the continental shelf. Cape Ortegal (SW Europe) is an ultramafic complex that has Cr, Ni and Co enriched in rocks due to the minerals chromite, chromospinel, gersdorfite and pentlandite. Thus, the hypothesis that this geological complex contributes to metal enrichment in Ortigueira and Barqueiro Rias and the adjacent continental shelf was tested. Chromium, Ni, and Co were determined in water and in suspended particulate matter of ria tributaries, rainfall, surface sediments, mussels, and algae. High contents of Cr (max. 1670mg·kg(-1)) and Ni (max. 1360 mg · kg(-1)) were found in the sediments surrounding Cape Ortegal and the Ortigueira Ria as a result of erosion of exposed cliffs. Dissolved Cr and Ni concentrations in fluvial waters were significantly higher in the rivers that crosses the Ortegal Complex, i.e. Lourido (0.47 μg Cr · L(-1); 9.4 μg Ni · L(-1)) and Landoi (0.37 μg Cr · L(-1); 4.3 μg Ni · L(-1)), in comparison with the nearby basin out of the complex influence (Sor River: <0.01 μg Cr · L(-1); 0.57 μg Ni · L(-1)). The annual fluvial contributions of Cr and Ni to the Ortigueira Ria were higher than fluxes into the Barqueiro Ria. Moreover, the increase in Cr and Ni in the rainfall in summer demonstrated the importance of the atmosphere pathway for introducing these elements into the aquatic environment. As a consequence, the contents of these metals in soft tissues and shell of mussels and algae from the Ortigueira Ria were higher than the organisms from Barqueiro Ria. Thus, geological complexes, such as the Cape Ortegal, located in an uncontaminated area, can increase the land-sea exchange of trace metals. © 2013.

Radioimmunoassay and tandem mass spectrometry measurement of bedtime salivary cortisol levels: a comparison of assays to establish hypercortisolism.

PubMed

Baid, Smita K; Sinaii, Ninet; Wade, Matt; Rubino, Domenica; Nieman, Lynnette K

2007-08-01

Although bedtime salivary cortisol measurement has been proposed as the optimal screening test for the diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome, its performance using commercially available assays has not been widely evaluated. Our objective was to compare RIA and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) measurement of salivary cortisol in obese subjects and healthy volunteers. We conducted a cross-sectional prospective study of outpatients. We studied 261 obese subjects (186 female) with at least two additional features of Cushing's syndrome and 60 healthy volunteers (30 female). Subjects provided split bedtime salivary samples for cortisol measurement by commercially available RIA and LC-MS/MS. Results were considered normal or abnormal based on the laboratory reference range. Subjects with abnormal results underwent evaluation for Cushing's syndrome. In paired samples, RIA gave a lower specificity than LC-MS/MS in obese subjects (86 vs. 94%, P = 0.008) but not healthy volunteers (86 vs. 82%, P = 0.71). Among subjects with at least one abnormal result, both values were abnormal in 44% (confidence interval 26-62%) of obese and 75% (confidence interval 33-96%) of healthy volunteers. In obese subjects, salivary cortisol concentrations were less than 4.0 to 643 ng/dl (<0.11-17.7 nmol/liter; normal, < or =100 ng/dl, 2.80 nmol/liter) by LC-MS/MS and less than 50 to 2800 ng/dl (1.4-77.3 nmol/liter; normal, < or =170 ng/dl, 4.7 nmol/liter) by RIA. Cushing's syndrome was not diagnosed in any subject. Salivary cortisol levels should not be used as the sole test to diagnose Cushing's syndrome if laboratory-provided reference ranges are used for diagnostic interpretation.

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

Jeffries, H P

As a test of the hypothesis that fatty acid patterns of entire planktonic communities should be less variable and more predictable in offshore waters than estuarine habitats, monthly samples have been taken in Block Island Sound, Narragansett Bay, and Green Hill Pond (a brackish lagoon), R.I. Observations include physical environmental properties, standing crop estimates, and fatty acid distribution in two size fractions - phytoplankton-microzooplankton and zooplankton. A second hypothesis states that the annual sample trajectory of a zooplankton community displayed in biochemical(fatty acid) phase space is related to production, but only under certain circumstances. Samples were also taken along themore » major axes of Ria de Arosa and Ria de Muros y Noya, two deep embayments on the Atlantic coast of northern Spain. Results on the first hypothesis show that each system in the gradient of environmental severity behaves individually during the autumnal cooling period, when plankton production declines to annual minima. Spatial distribution of zooplankton in the two adjacent Spanish rias differ completely, both qualitatively and quantitatively. A comparison between the Spanish rias and the three US estuaries should reveal the basic nature of chemically defined stable domain in community structure. From these relations, the fate of communities subjected to either natural stressors or anthrogenic perturbation may be predicted with economy, speed, and objectivity.« less

Relaxation-induced anxiety: Effects of peak and trajectories of change on treatment outcome for generalized anxiety disorder.

PubMed

Newman, Michelle G; Lafreniere, Lucas S; Jacobson, Nicholas C

2018-07-01

Evidence is mixed regarding whether relaxation-induced anxiety (RIA) impedes relaxation training (RT) efficacy. Unlike past studies that averaged RIA across sessions, we examined peak RIA, change in RIA level across sessions, and timing of peak RIA with outcome. This was a secondary analysis of Borkovec, Newman, Pincus, and Lytle [2002. A component analysis of cognitive-behavioral therapy for generalized anxiety disorder and the role of interpersonal problems. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 70, 288-298. doi: 10.1037/0022-006X.70.2.288 ]. Forty-one GAD participants were assigned randomly to CBT (n = 22) or BT (n = 19). Both treatments contained RT and RIA ratings within 13/14 sessions. Analyses used generalized additive mixed models (GAMMs), which accounted for longitudinal nonindependence and examined nonlinear trajectories of change. All participants improved significantly regardless of RIA. "Change trajectory of RIA level did not predict outcome". Instead, lower peak RIA predicted fewer GAD symptoms at post-treatment and greater likelihood to continue to improve during follow-up. Also, timing of peak was important. Whereas lower peak early in therapy did not predict outcome, lower peak during the last third of treatment did. Peak RIA's effect was neither accounted for by baseline symptom severity, treatment condition, comorbidity, nor by preceding or concurrent anxiety symptom change. People with consistently low peak RIA and/or who fully habituate to RIA by the end of therapy respond optimally to relaxation-based treatments.

BISON Modeling of Reactivity-Initiated Accident Experiments in a Static Environment

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

Folsom, Charles P.; Jensen, Colby B.; Williamson, Richard L.

2016-09-01

In conjunction with the restart of the TREAT reactor and the design of test vehicles, modeling and simulation efforts are being used to model the response of Accident Tolerant Fuel (ATF) concepts under reactivity insertion accident (RIA) conditions. The purpose of this work is to model a baseline case of a 10 cm long UO2-Zircaloy fuel rodlet using BISON and RELAP5 over a range of energy depositions and with varying reactor power pulse widths. The results show the effect of varying the pulse width and energy deposition on both thermal and mechanical parameters that are important for predicting failure ofmore » the fuel rodlet. The combined BISON/RELAP5 model captures coupled thermal and mechanical effects on the fuel-to-cladding gap conductance, cladding-to-coolant heat transfer coefficient and water temperature and pressure that would not be capable in each code individually. These combined effects allow for a more accurate modeling of the thermal and mechanical response in the fuel rodlet and thermal-hydraulics of the test vehicle.« less

Non-governmental organizations, democracy, and HIV prevalence: a cross-national analysis.

PubMed

Shircliff, Eric J; Shandra, John M

2011-01-01

Despite the scale, reach, and global impact of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), its study has remained largely at the purview of various micro-level analyses (e.g., Gutmann 2007; Levi and Vitória 2002). However, differences in prevalence rates at the national level suggest that other forces might be at work. Following the work of McIntosh and Thomas (2004), the only cross-national study of HIV/AIDS published to our knowledge, we conduct a cross-national analysis that examines world polity ideas that higher levels of health and women’s non-governmental organizations (NGOs) should be associated with lower levels of HIV prevalence. Initially, we find no support for these hypotheses. However, we respecify our models to test a political opportunity structure hypothesis that democracy enhances the ability of health and women’s NGOs to deal with HIV. We test this line of reasoning by including an interaction term between democracy and the health and women’s NGO variables. In doing so, we find that health and women’s NGOs are associated with lower levels of HIV prevalence in democratic rather than repressive nations.

An Operational Coastal Forecasting System in Galicia (NW Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balseiro, C. F.; Carracedo, P.; Pérez, E.; Pérez, V.; Taboada, J.; Venacio, A.; Vilasa, L.

2009-09-01

The Galician coast (NW Iberian Peninsula coast) and mainly the Rias Baixas (southern Galician rias) are one of the most productive ecosystems in the world, supporting a very active fishing and aquiculture industry. This high productivity lives together with a high human pressure and an intense maritime traffic, which means an important environmental risk. Besides that, Harmful Algae Blooms (HAB) are common in this area, producing important economical losses in aquiculture. In this context, the development of an Operational Hydrodynamic Ocean Forecast System is the first step to the development of a more sophisticated Ocean Integrated Decision Support Tool. A regional oceanographic forecasting system in the Galician Coast has been developed by MeteoGalicia (the Galician regional meteorological agency) inside ESEOO project to provide forecasts on currents, sea level, water temperature and salinity. This system is based on hydrodynamic model MOHID, forced with the operational meteorological model WRF, supported daily at MeteoGalicia . Two grid meshes are running nested at different scales, one of ~2km at the shelf scale and the other one with a resolution of 500 m at the rias scale. ESEOAT (Puertos del Estado) model provide salinity and temperature fields which are relaxed at all depth along the open boundary of the regional model (~6km). Temperature and salinity initial fields are also obtained from this application. Freshwater input from main rivers are included as forcing in MOHID model. Monthly mean discharge data from gauge station have been provided by Aguas de Galicia. Nowadays a coupling between an hydrological model (SWAT) and the hydrodynamic one are in development with the aim to verify the impact of the rivers discharges. The system runs operationally daily, providing two days of forecast. First model verifications had been performed against Puertos del Estado buoys and Xunta de Galicia buoys network along the Galician coast. High resolution model results were validated against a CTDs profiles campaign carried out during an oil spill exercise in the Ria de Vigo in April 2007. During EROCIPS INTERREG IIIB and EASY INTERREG IVB projects, a Galician oceanographic observation network were built. Three stations located inside the Rias Baixas allow to collect meteorological and oceanographic data at different depths to calibrate and validate the modelization of the rias. To complete this network and to create a common data platform a new project emerged (RAIA INTERREG IVA). It will provide MeteoGalicia more scientific data to improve the study of the rias. Furthermore, MeteoGalicia is also involved in DRIFTER AMPERA project which allows to improve the capability of modelling and monitoring the trajectory of hazardous substances and inerts.

A Review of the Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales, Second Edition, and Reynolds Intellectual Screening Test, Second Edition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McNicholas, Patrick J.; Floyd, Randy G.

2017-01-01

The Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales, Second Edition (RIAS-2; Reynolds & Kamphaus, 2015) is an intelligence test for those aged 3 to 94 years. It contains eight subtests designed to assess general intelligence, verbal and nonverbal intelligence, memory, and processing speed. The two subtests targeting processing speed are new to the…

Reactivity Insertion Accident (RIA) Capability Status in the BISON Fuel Performance Code

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

Williamson, Richard L.; Folsom, Charles Pearson; Pastore, Giovanni

2016-05-01

One of the Challenge Problems being considered within CASL relates to modelling and simulation of Light Water Reactor LWR) fuel under Reactivity Insertion Accident (RIA) conditions. BISON is the fuel performance code used within CASL for LWR fuel under both normal operating and accident conditions, and thus must be capable of addressing the RIA challenge problem. This report outlines required BISON capabilities for RIAs and describes the current status of the code. Information on recent accident capability enhancements, application of BISON to a RIA benchmark exercise, and plans for validation to RIA behavior are included.

Holocene facies analysis of the sedimentary record with anthropogenic impacts in the Ria de Vigo (NW Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rubio, B.; Garcia-Gil, S.; Vilas, F.; Garcia, A.

2004-05-01

The Ria de Vigo constitutes the southernmost ria of the Rias Bajas. The reconnaisance studies of this ria indicate a heterogeneous distribution of both terrigenous and carbonate sediments with a major axial deposit of cohesive sediments. These fine sediments are relatively rich in organic matter, particularly in the inner part of the ria. This is the result of a progressive change in hydrodynamic conditions along the ria. The outer parts are affected by severe storms in winter and by upwelling processes in summer, whilst the inner parts have an estuarine character throughout the year. The upwelling produces a marked increase in the biological productivity in the Ria and, consequently, these sediments have typically very high contents of organic matter. In recent years, increasing interest has been shown in the levels of heavy metals in sediments of the Galician Rias. Particularly, some of these studies showed a higher concentration of heavy metals in the muddiest surficial sediments in the Ria de Vigo. However, and despite of the important human and industrial settlement in the Galician rias, knowledge about the evolution of historical contamination along the Holocene sedimentary record is scarce. In order to ascertain this evolution have been selected 8 gravity corer located along the axial part of the ria. This evaluation was focused on the muddy sediments of the axial part of the ria due to the dependence of metal levels on grain size, resulting from the association of metals with the finer particles, as it has been demonstrated by previous studies in the ria. On these sediments, the combination of geochemical, mineralogical and sedimentological data, facies interpretations (obtained from x-ray radiography), and their integration with high resolution seismic data (Uniboom and 3.5 Khz subbottom profiler) have allowed to establish the evolution of certain heavy metals (Zn, Cu and Pb) along the Holocene recent sedimentary record in the Ria de Vigo. Sediments in the outer ria are comprised by muddy sands showing a very slight enrichment in certain heavy metals in the upper sediments. Contrary to facies in the outer ria sediments, facies in the inner ria comprises finer organic-rich sediments. These are related to the presence of biodeposits produced by mussel rafts and to a higher anthropogenic influence due to industrial activity. Both influences are notably reflected in the Cu, Zn and Pb vertical profiles, increasing markedly the levels of these metals in the uppermost 0.15 m of sediments. Diagenetic recycling may contribute to the enhancement of trace metal concentrations in the upper sediments of inner cores and also this is related to a higher content of organic carbon in these sediments. Results obtained in this ria constitutes a good reference to study other rias and coastal areas of the Iberian Atlantic margin. This work was funded by projects REN2003-02822 MAR, REN2003-03233 MAR, VEM2003-20093-C03-03 of the Spanish MCYT and PGDIT03RMA30101PR of the Galician Government (XUGA). Contribution No 302 XM2 group.

Twentieth century overview of heavy metals in the Galician Rias (NW Iberian Peninsula).

PubMed

Prego, R; Cobelo-García, A

2003-01-01

The 18 Galician Rias, comprising 25% of the Iberian Peninsula coastline, form a unique system within the European continental Atlantic coast and provide a useful reference area for studies of metals. These rias are sensitive to anthropogenic influence due to the socioeconomic importance generated in these areas by industry, aquaculture, port activities, fishing, tourism and, accordingly, several islands lying within close proximity to the rias have recently been declared natural parks. Aquaculture in the Galician Rias is a growth industry and in 2000 the rias supported 3386 mussel rafts producing 2.5 x 10(8) kg year(-1), i.e. 40% of European Union total seafood production. The Galician Rias are partially stratified estuaries with positive residual circulation with fresh (runoff lower than 100 m3 s(-1) and salt water mixing inside the basins. This behaviour has direct consequences on metal fluxes whereby the rias behave as a barrier and accumulate metals in the sediments. Metals tend to deposit close to point sources and remobilization occurs inside the ria, leading to a seaward decrease in metal concentration. With the exception of the Ulla (Arosa Ria) and Eume (Ares-Betanzos Ria) head rivers and the Lagares river (Vigo Ria) the available data suggest that riverine freshwater inputs are not the main source of contamination. Metal studies reported in the literature mainly relate to Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn, and to a lesser extent Hg and Sn. Studies of other harmful metals such as Ag, Se and As are notably lacking. In addition, the studies have been localized and mainly restricted to the surface sediment. Data of heavy metals in the dissolved phase, suspended particulate matter and biota is scarce in the mainstream literature and should be considered in the future research. From the entire Galician coast, data from seven rias of socio-economic importance form the bulk of the published work. There is an urgent need to standardize procedures, employ 'clean' procedures to avoid contamination of samples and regular assessment of analytical accuracy with CRMs in order that results can be compared among the scientific community and produce reliable results. The continuation of coastal environmental studies requires an enlargement of the sampling locations as well as systematic and periodic analysis of known pollution sources in order to decide whether coastal regeneration action is needed. Studies dedicated to metals in the water column are lacking and need more attention in future research. The majority of the available data correspond to the fluvial front (30%) at ria head and, to a lesser extent, to the oceanic front (3%), under summer upwelling events. Current awareness of the rias suggests that they are not contaminated although there is some evidence of important localized anthropogenically induced enrichments at the outflow of the Lagares River (Pb, Zn), the San Simón inlet (Pb) and near to the harbor (Pb, Zn, Cu) in the Vigo Ria, the inner part (Cu, Zn, Hg, Pb) of the Pontevedra Ria, the Ulla River estuary (Cu, Cr, Mn, Ni; Zn) in the Arosa Ria, the inner zone (Cu, Pb, Zn) of the Coruña Ria, the Ferrol Ria (Zn) and the Eume Estuary (Zn, Mn, Ni, Co) in the Ares-Betanzos Ria. In addition, TBT enrichment has been found along the Galician coast, being highest in the industrial bays (Vigo, Coruña and Ferrol). Nevertheless, it is important to point out the lack of information concerning the relationship between metal concentrations in different fractions of sediments and/or water and their bioavailability and toxicity on biota in order to confirm metal contamination dangers. The present paper reviews all the information published on metals in the rias up to the year 2000 and takes a biogeochemical standpoint, i.e. metal presence in the ria reservoirs: water column, suspended particulate matter, sediments and biota, as well as the fluvial and oceanic frontiers.

The Predictive Validity of Four Intelligence Tests for School Grades: A Small Sample Longitudinal Study

PubMed Central

Gygi, Jasmin T.; Hagmann-von Arx, Priska; Schweizer, Florine; Grob, Alexander

2017-01-01

Intelligence is considered the strongest single predictor of scholastic achievement. However, little is known regarding the predictive validity of well-established intelligence tests for school grades. We analyzed the predictive validity of four widely used intelligence tests in German-speaking countries: The Intelligence and Development Scales (IDS), the Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales (RIAS), the Snijders-Oomen Nonverbal Intelligence Test (SON-R 6-40), and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-IV), which were individually administered to 103 children (Mage = 9.17 years) enrolled in regular school. School grades were collected longitudinally after 3 years (averaged school grades, mathematics, and language) and were available for 54 children (Mage = 11.77 years). All four tests significantly predicted averaged school grades. Furthermore, the IDS and the RIAS predicted both mathematics and language, while the SON-R 6-40 predicted mathematics. The WISC-IV showed no significant association with longitudinal scholastic achievement when mathematics and language were analyzed separately. The results revealed the predictive validity of currently used intelligence tests for longitudinal scholastic achievement in German-speaking countries and support their use in psychological practice, in particular for predicting averaged school grades. However, this conclusion has to be considered as preliminary due to the small sample of children observed. PMID:28348543

Impact of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on functional capacity of patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis.

PubMed

Roxo, Renata Spósito; Xavier, Vivian Bertoni; Miorin, Luiz Antônio; Magalhães, Andrea Olivares; Sens, Yvoty Alves Dos Santos; Alves, Vera Lúcia Dos Santos

2016-01-01

Literature shows that patients undergoing hemodialysis present poor physical conditioning and low tolerance to exercise. They may also suffer from respiratory dysfunctions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on pulmonary function and functional capacity of patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis. Forty adult patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis were prospectively studied and randomized into two groups (control n = 20 and treatment n = 20). The treatment group underwent bilateral femoral quadriceps muscles electrical stimulation for 30 minutes during hemodialysis, three times per week, for two months. The patients were evaluated by pulmonary function test, maximum respiratory pressures, maximum one-repetition test, and six-minute walk test (6MWT), before and after the treatment protocol. The treatment group presented increased maximum inspiratory (MIP) (p = 0.02) and expiratory pressures (MEP) (p < 0.0001), muscular strength in maximum one-repetition test (p < 0.001), and distance covered in the 6MWT (p = 0.03), and decreased systolic blood pressure (p < 0.001) and respiratory frequency (p < 0.001) when compared with the control group. Electrical neuromuscular stimulation had a positive impact on pulmonary function and functional capacity, leading to better physical performance in patients on hemodialysis. Pacientes submetidos à hemodiálise apresentam baixo condicionamento físico além de serem acometidos por disfunções respiratórias. Objetivamos avaliar os efeitos da estimulação elétrica neuromuscular na função pulmonar e capacidade funcional de pacientes com doença renal crônica em hemodiálise. 40 adultos com doença renal crônica em hemodiálise foram estudados prospectivamente e randomizados em dois grupos (controle n = 20 e tratamento n = 20). O grupo tratamento realizou protocolo com estimulação elétrica neuromuscular em quadríceps femoral por 30 minutos durante a hemodiálise, três vezes por semana, durante dois meses. Todos pacientes realizaram espirometria, pressões respiratórias máximas, teste de uma repetição máxima e teste da caminhada dos seis minutos (TC6), antes e após o período de acompanhamento. O grupo tratamento apresentou aumento da pressão inspiratória máxima com p = 0,02 na comparação entre grupos e p < 0,001 para a pressão máxima expiratória. O teste de uma repetição máxima e a distância percorrida no TC6 apresentaram-se maiores após o protocolo no grupo de tratamento com p < 0,001 e 0,03 respectivamente. Houve diminuição da pressão arterial sistólica (p < 0,001) e frequência respiratória (p < 0,001) após a estimulação elétrica quando comparado ao grupo controle. A estimulação elétrica neuromuscular teve impacto positivo sobre a função pulmonar e a capacidade funcional levando ao melhor desempenho físico em pacientes em hemodiálise.

Violence against women, Espírito Santo, Brazil.

PubMed

Leite, Franciele Marabotti Costa; Amorim, Maria Helena Costa; Wehrmeister, Fernando C; Gigante, Denise Petrucci

2017-04-10

To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with psychological, physical and sexual violence in women victims of intimate partner violence assisted in the primary care services. This is a cross-sectional study, conducted in 26 health units in Vitória, State of Espírito Santo, from March to September 2014. We interviewed 991 women aged 20-59 years. To classify the psychological, physical and sexual violence, the World Health Organization instrument on violence against women was used and a questionnaire to investigate the sociodemographic, behavioral characteristics, and the women's family and life history was developed. The statistical analyzes used were Poisson regression, Fisher's exact test and Chi-square. The prevalence we observed were psychological 25.3% (95%CI 22.6-28.2); physical 9.9% (95%CI 8.1-11.9) and sexual 5.7% (95%CI 4.3-7.3). Psychological violence remained associated with education, marital status, maternal history of intimate partner violence, sexual violence in childhood and drug use, while physical assault was related to age, education, marital status and maternal history of intimate partner violence. Sexual violence occurred the most among women with low income, and victims of sexual violence in childhood. Psychological, physical and sexual violence showed highly frequency among women assisted by primary care services. Sociodemographic and behavioral factors, personal experiences, and maternal violence influence the phenomenon. Estimar a prevalência e os fatores associados às violências psicológica, física e sexual nas mulheres vítimas de violência perpetrada pelo parceiro íntimo atendidas nos serviços de atenção primária. Estudo transversal, realizado em 26 unidades de saúde do município de Vitória, no Espírito Santo, de março a setembro de 2014. Foram entrevistadas 991 usuárias de 20 a 59 anos. Para classificar as violências psicológica, física e sexual foi utilizado o instrumento da Organização Mundial de Saúde sobre violência contra a mulher e um questionário foi elaborado para investigar as características sociodemográficas, comportamentais e de história familiar e de vida da mulher. As análises estatísticas utilizadas foram: regressão de Poisson, teste exato de Fisher e Qui-quadrado. As prevalências observadas foram: psicológica 25,3% (IC95% 22,6-28,2); física 9,9% (IC95% 8,1-11,9) e sexual 5,7% (IC95% 4,3-7,3). A violência psicológica manteve-se associada à escolaridade, situação conjugal, histórico materno de violência por parceiro íntimo, violência sexual na infância e ter feito uso de drogas, enquanto a agressão física esteve relacionada à idade, escolaridade, situação conjugal e a história materna de violência por parceiro íntimo. A violência sexual foi mais frequente nas mulheres de menor renda e que sofreram abuso sexual na infância. As violências psicológica, física e sexual apresentaram alta magnitude entre as mulheres usuárias dos serviços de atenção primária de saúde. Fatores sociodemográficos, comportamentais e experiências pessoal e materna de violência influenciam a ocorrência do fenômeno.

Analysis of relevant proteins from bone graft harvested using the reamer irrigator and aspirator system (RIA) versus iliac crest (IC) bone graft and RIA waste water.

PubMed

Crist, Brett D; Stoker, Aaron M; Stannard, James P; Cook, James L

2016-08-01

Femoral reaming using a Reamer Irrigator Aspirator (RIA) can produce greater than three liters of waste water per procedure, which contains cells and proteins that could promote bone healing. This purpose of this study was to determine the protein profile of RIA waste water and compare protein synthesis by cells harvested via RIA versus iliac crest (IC) bone graft. Bone graft was collected from 30 patients-15 using RIA from the femur and 15 harvested from the iliac crest. Waste water collected during the RIA procedure was analyzed in 12 patients. Cells from each graft were cultured in monolayer using growth media for 14days and inductive media for the next 14days. Media samples were collected on days 14, 21, and 28. Proteins for analysis were chosen based on their potential in bone healing, pro-inflammatory, and anti-inflammatory processes. Proteins present in RIA waste water indicate the potential for clinical use of this filtrate as an adjunct for enhancing bone production, healing, and remodeling. Similarly, cells cultured from RIA bone graft harvests compared favorably to those from iliac crest bone grafts with respect to their potential to aid in bone healing. RIA waste water has potential to serve as an autogenic and allogenic enhancer for bone healing. Continued development of processing protocols for viable commercial use of the waste water and pre-clinical studies designed to evaluate RIA waste water products for bone healing are ongoing. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

MASTICATORY FUNCTION OF OBESE CANDIDATES TO BARIATRIC SURGERY FROM DISTINCT SOCIOECONOMIC CLASSES.

PubMed

Passeri, Celso Roberto; Andrade, Jacira Alves Caracik de Camargo; Tomal, Karla Thaíza; Pracucho, Eduardo Marcucci; Campos, Livia Paschoalino de; Sales-Peres, Silvia Helena de Carvalho

Obesity and metabolic syndrome can be labeled as worldwide outbreak; thus, both have led to serious public health problem. Oral health can be worsened by both, obesity and metabolic syndrome. Tooth loss harms masticatory function, essential status to whom will be submitted to bariatric surgery. Assess masticatory function of obese candidates to bariatric surgery, who belong to distinct socioeconomic class range, in order to recognize hazard factors and the bias of socioeconomic factor in this context. Observational cross-section study, with samples comprised by two groups of patients, with distinct socioeconomic class range, one of them belonging to public health system (SUSG) and the other to private clinic (CPG), candidates to bariatric surgery. Were assessed anthropometric data, comorbidities and medicines usage, blood tests, habits and the number of dental functional units. The groups SUSG and CPG were homogeneous taking into account gender (p=0,890) and age range (p=0,170). The number of dental functional units was higher in the private group (p<0.001). The impaired masticatory function was rather present among public group (p<0.001) and female gender (p<0,001). Regarded as blood tests, fasting glucose was higher in female in SUSG (p<0,001). The following hazard factors have corroborated to have patients rated as impaired masticatory function: belong to public service (OR: 8.420, p=0.003), higher age (OR: 1.186, p<0.001), female gender (OR: 0.153, p=0.029), diabetes mellitus (OR: 2.545, p=0.045) and smokers (OR: 2.951, p=0.043). The general health and masticatory function of female SUSG were worse, highlighting the socioeconomic condition as hazard factor. Obesidade e síndrome metabólica são graves problemas de saúde pública, com características de epidemia mundial. A saúde bucal é agravada por ambas as condições. Perda dentária prejudica função mastigatória, condição essencial para o paciente que será submetido à cirurgia bariátrica. Avaliar a função mastigatória de pacientes obesos candidatos à cirurgia bariátrica pertencentes a dois serviços de saúde com padrões socioeconômicos distintos, afim de identificar fatores de risco e a influência do fator socioeconômico nesta condição. Estudo observacional transversal, com amostra constituída por dois grupos de pacientes obesos, com condições socioeconômicas distintas, um pertencente ao sistema público de saúde (GSUS) e outro à clínica privada (GCP), candidatos à cirurgia bariátrica. Foram analisados dados antropométricos, comorbidades e uso de medicamentos para seu controle, exames laboratoriais, hábitos e o número de unidades funcionais dentárias presentes. Os grupos GSUS e GCP foram homogêneos quanto ao gênero (p=0,890) e faixa etária (p=0,170). A média de unidades funcionais dentárias foi maior no grupo privado (p<0,001). A função mastigatória prejudicada foi mais presente no grupo GSUS e no gênero feminino (p<0,001). Quanto aos exames laboratoriais: glicemia de jejum esteve mais alterada em mulheres do GSUS (p<0,001). Foram fatores de risco independentes para ter função mastigatória prejudicada: ter origem no serviço público de saúde (OR: 8,420 - p=0,003), maior idade (OR: 1,186 - p<0,001), ser do gênero feminino (OR: 0,153 - p=0,029), portador de diabete melito (OR: 2,545 - p=0,045) e tabagista (OR: 2,951 - p=0,043). A saúde geral e função mastigatória de mulheres do GSUS foram piores, ressaltando a condição socioeconômica como fator de risco.

Coastal Human Actions on Natural Morph-dynamics around RIA of FOZ (NW Spain). Risk Analysis.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Diez, J. Javier; Veiga, Efren M.; Rodriguez, Fernando

2015-04-01

This work approaches the natural littoral processes and their changes induced by human activities around the Cantabrian RIA of FOZ (Galicia, NW Spain). Ria is a specific Spanish term for referring the estuary figured on the sea flooded mouth of a river valley. Although located in Galicia the RIA of FOZ is a Cantabrian Ria. The "Cantabrian rias" clearly differ from the "Galician rias" in their lower degree of tectonic complexity, in their smaller dimensions and in their more advanced current state of infilling (Diez, 1996). While Galician is a Pacific coast Cantabrian was generated as a mainly Atlantic coast. The sedimentary deposits of the Cantabrian rias are mainly from marine origin, being from fluvial origin (Asensio, 1979) just the finest components. The predominant Cantabrian littoral transport goes eastwards and, as consequence of it, the sedimentary littoral spits closing the mouths in coasts normally grow in the same sense. But there are many cases, like in the Ria of Foz, where the spit progresses in an apparent westwards atypical way. This work shows that it is due to combined wind wave phenomena of refraction, diffraction and reflection, which will be detailed. But the human activities interfere in these natural processes. Different port constructions have been made in the Ria of Foz from 1931 to 1977. Their final effects in the morph-dynamics obligate to introduce one construction for regenerate the spit in 1986. The performance, effectiveness and impact of all these port constructions are studied in detail and what are their influences in natural processes for finally applying this knowledge in risks management. Keywords: Rias, Littoral processes, Coastal morph-dynamics, Human induced driving, Risk management.

Graves' disease: an analysis of thyroid hormone levels and hyperthyroid signs and symptoms.

PubMed

Trzepacz, P T; Klein, I; Roberts, M; Greenhouse, J; Levey, G S

1989-11-01

Assessment of disease severity for patients with hyperthyroidism involves clinical evaluation and laboratory testing. To determine if there is a correlation between symptoms and thyroid function test results, we prospectively studied hyperthyroid patients using a standardized symptom rating scale and serum thyroid function parameters. We examined 25 patients with untreated, newly diagnosed Graves' disease using the Hyperthyroid Symptom Scale (HSS) and serum levels of thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3) relative insulin area (RIA), and estimates of free thyroxine index (FTI). In addition, we compared thyroid hormone levels with standard measures of depression and anxiety in these patients. When regression analyses controlling for age were performed, none of these symptom ratings were associated with FTI or T3 RIA. The HSS was correlated with goiter size and anxiety ratings and was inversely correlated with age. The present study suggests that there is no relationship between the clinical assessment of disease severity and serum levels of thyroid hormone in untreated Graves' disease.

[Analysis of the dilution deviation in CA19-9 measurement].

PubMed

Hanada, Hiroyuki; Takeoka, Keiko; Nomura, Tomoko; Moriyama, Takanori; Kanakura, Yuzuru

2005-04-01

CA19-9 widely used as a tumor marker of the pancreas and a bile duct. There are a number of reports which describes the measured value discrepancies between RIA and non-RIA kits. RIA results also have shown lack of the linearity over 70 U/ml when the samples are diluted. The pH condition at assay reaction for RIA had been suggested as the major reason, it has been denied by the results from the same pH condition at assay reaction used by COBAS CORE CA19-9 EIA II. On the other hand, the lack of RIA antibody titer is indicated for the discordant results by changing the sample volume to reagent volume ratio in the reaction. Our further investigation also indicates that the specific Lewis blood type, i.e. Le (a-b+), shows the linearity issues by RIA. The discrepancies are not caused by the reaction pH, but the amount of the antibody used in the RIA kit is closely associated. Considering the CA19-9 antibody nature used in RIA kit, which covers broad molecular range, users need to pay more attention to setting up each laboratory's measuring range.

RIA fractions contain mesenchymal stroma cells with high osteogenic potency.

PubMed

Kuehlfluck, Pamela; Moghaddam, Arash; Helbig, Lars; Child, Christopher; Wildemann, Britt; Schmidmaier, Gerhard

2015-12-01

The gold standard for treatment of non-union is the transplantation of autologous bone from iliac crest. As an alternative, material can be harvested by femoral reaming with the Reamer-Irrigator-Aspirator(®) (RIA)-System. This material might be a source for human mesenchymal stroma cells (MSCs) with osteogenic potency. The aim of this study was the characterisation of cells harvested with the RIA system and the comparison of their properties with cells isolated from bone marrow ("BM") and fat tissue ("adipose"). The RIA material was separated into the liquid aspiration fraction ("liquid") and the solid RIA fraction. From the solid RIA fraction the cells were cultured either directly ("native") or after collagenase digestion and filtration ("filtrate"). Stem cell characteristics were analysed and the osteogenic potential was investigated in vitro and in vivo. Fat tissue and bone marrow were harvested from nine patients (three women, six males, with a mean of 48.1 years) with atrophic non-union RIA material. The cells were isolated and characterised by flow cytometry, three lineage differentiation capacities and colony-forming unit fibroblast assay. Gene expression profiles were performed and osteogenic differentiation in vivo was analysed. All three RIA fractions contained mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) as demonstrated by CFU-F assay, three linage differentiation and surface marker analysis. The RIA-MSCs exhibited a significantly higher osteogenic potential in vitro compared to adipose-MSCs, whereas no difference was seen compared to BM-MSCs. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed an expression of osteogenic markers in all isolated cells. The implantation of MSCs with β-TCP scaffolds into the mice muscle showed significantly higher bone formation for the filtrate RIA-MSC, native RIA-MSC and BM-MSC groups compared to the adipose-MSC group. The filtrate RIA-MSCs formed twice as much new bone in vivo compared to BM-MSCs. The present study showed high potency of cells isolated by reaming. Even in the irrigation fluid, which is normally discarded, cells with the characteristics of stromal stem cells were isolated. In comparison to adipose-MSCs and BM-MSCs, the RIA-MSCs showed a similar or even better osteogenic potential in vitro and in vivo and this supports their usability in orthopaedic surgery. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Student-centered tutoring as a model for patient-centeredness and empathy.

PubMed

Meirovich, Adaya; Ber, Rosalie; Moore, Michael; Rotschild, Avi

2016-01-01

Curriculum planners and medical teachers attempt to enhance medical students' empathy and patient-centeredness. Despite educational efforts, there is stability in medical students' empathy and patient-centered medicine during the preclinical stage and a decline in both of them throughout the clinical years. Student-tutor relationship plays a key role in students' learning. This study tests the effect of learner-centered tutoring on students' empathy, patient-centeredness, and behavior. The cohort of 55 students was divided into groups of seven or eight. The experimental group's tutors underwent LC mentoring. Empathy was assessed with the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy for Students; PC attitude was assessed with the Patient-Provider Orientation Scale (PPOS). Behavior was assessed by simulations of doctor-patient encounters with 32 students at the end of the third year. Each student participated in three such simulations, during which we analyzed ten aspects of physician-patient communication via Roter interaction analysis system (RIAS)-coded audiotapes. A significant group difference was found for three RIAS categories: building a relationship and patient-centeredness, where the mean percentage of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group, and gathering data, where the mean percentage of the experimental group was significantly lower than that of the control group. A significant correlation was found in the experimental group between empathy and positive talk and between PPOS and three of the RIAS categories: gathering data, psychosocial talk, and patient-centeredness. A significant negative correlation was found in the experimental group between PPOS and two of the RIAS categories: negative talk and doctor-centeredness. Two significant negative correlations were found in the control group: between empathy and patient-centeredness and PPOS and negative talk. The LC approach supports two of the RIAS categories, corresponding to clinical empathy and PC care and the link between certain behaviors and the PPOS.

Student-centered tutoring as a model for patient-centeredness and empathy

PubMed Central

Meirovich, Adaya; Ber, Rosalie; Moore, Michael; Rotschild, Avi

2016-01-01

Background Curriculum planners and medical teachers attempt to enhance medical students’ empathy and patient-centeredness. Despite educational efforts, there is stability in medical students’ empathy and patient-centered medicine during the preclinical stage and a decline in both of them throughout the clinical years. Student–tutor relationship plays a key role in students’ learning. This study tests the effect of learner-centered tutoring on students’ empathy, patient-centeredness, and behavior. Participants and methods The cohort of 55 students was divided into groups of seven or eight. The experimental group’s tutors underwent LC mentoring. Empathy was assessed with the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy for Students; PC attitude was assessed with the Patient–Provider Orientation Scale (PPOS). Behavior was assessed by simulations of doctor–patient encounters with 32 students at the end of the third year. Each student participated in three such simulations, during which we analyzed ten aspects of physician–patient communication via Roter interaction analysis system (RIAS)-coded audiotapes. Results A significant group difference was found for three RIAS categories: building a relationship and patient-centeredness, where the mean percentage of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group, and gathering data, where the mean percentage of the experimental group was significantly lower than that of the control group. A significant correlation was found in the experimental group between empathy and positive talk and between PPOS and three of the RIAS categories: gathering data, psychosocial talk, and patient-centeredness. A significant negative correlation was found in the experimental group between PPOS and two of the RIAS categories: negative talk and doctor–centeredness. Two significant negative correlations were found in the control group: between empathy and patient-centeredness and PPOS and negative talk. Conclusion The LC approach supports two of the RIAS categories, corresponding to clinical empathy and PC care and the link between certain behaviors and the PPOS. PMID:27555803

Radioimmunoassay of erythropoietin: circulating levels in normal and polycythemic human beings

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

Garcia, J.F.; Ebbe, S.N.; Hollander, L.

1982-05-01

Techniques are described in detail for the RIA of human Ep in unextracted plasma or serum. With 100 ..mu..l of sample, the assay is sensitive at an Ep concentration of approximately 4 mU/ml, and when required, the sensitivity can be increased to 0.4 mU/ml, a range considerably less than the concentration observed in normal human beings. This is approximately 100 times more sensitive than existing in vivo bioassays for this hormone. Studies concerned with the validation of the Ep RIA show a high degree of correlation with the polycythemic mouse bioassay. Dilutions of a variety of human serum samples showmore » a parallel relationship with the standard reference preparation for Ep. Validation of the RIA is further confirmed by observations of appropriate increases or decreases of circulating Ep levels in physiological and clinical conditions known to be associated with stimulation or suppression of Ep secretion. Significantly different mean serum concentrations of 17.2 mU/ml for normal male subjects and 18.8 mU/ml for normal female subjects were observed. Mean plasma Ep concentrations in patients with polycythemia vera are significantly decreased, and those of patients with secondary polycythemia are significantly increased as compared to plasma levels in normal subjects. These results demonstrate an initial practical value of the Ep RA in the hematology clinic, which will most certainly be expanded with its more extensive use.« less

Association of Xerostomia and Ultrasonographic Features of the Major Salivary Glands After Radioactive Iodine Ablation for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma.

PubMed

Soo Roh, Sang; Wook Kim, Dong; Jin Baek, Hye

2016-11-01

The objective of this study is to evaluate the association between xerostomia and sonographic features of the major salivary glands after patients undergo radioactive iodine ablation (RIA) for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). The study included 256 consecutive patients who underwent total thyroidectomy, RIA, and neck ultrasound examinations. Changes in the ultrasound features of the parotid and submandibular glands after RIA were evaluated retrospectively by a single radiologist, on the basis of direct comparison of sonograms obtained before and after RIA. Clinical data, including the presence of xerostomia, were investigated retrospectively by the same radiologist via a review of the electronic medical records. For 111 of the 256 patients (43.4%), ultrasound examination revealed changes in the major salivary glands after RIA. The presence of xerostomia was undetermined in 85 of the 256 patients. Among the remaining 171 patients, the frequency of xerostomia was 36.8% (63/171). When patients with xerostomia were compared with those without xerostomia, no statistically significant differences in patient sex and age, the dose of RIA received, or the number of RIA sessions were noted (p > 0.05). Considering the changes in the ultrasound features of the major salivary glands after RIA, no statistically significant association was found between xerostomia and the number of involved major salivary glands or the presence of an involved submandibular gland (p > 0.05). In this study, ultrasound was unhelpful for evaluating xerostomia after RIA in patients with PTC.

Characterization studies of prototype ISOL targets for the RIA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Greene, John P.; Burtseva, Tatiana; Neubauer, Janelle; Nolen, Jerry A.; Villari, Antonio C. C.; Gomes, Itacil C.

2005-12-01

Targets employing refractory compounds are being developed for the rare isotope accelerator (RIA) facility to produce ion species far from stability. With the 100 kW beams proposed for the production targets, dissipation of heat becomes a challenging issue. In our two-step target design, neutrons are generated in a refractory primary target, inducing fission in the surrounding uranium carbide. The interplay of density, grain size, thermal conductivity and diffusion properties of the UC2 needs to be well understood before fabrication. Thin samples of uranium carbide were prepared for thermal conductivity measurements using an electron beam to heat the sample and an optical pyrometer to observe the thermal radiation. Release efficiencies and independent thermal analysis on these samples are being undertaken at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). An alternate target concept for RIA, the tilted slab approach promises to be simple with fast ion release and capable of withstanding high beam intensities while providing considerable yields via spallation. A proposed small business innovative research (SBIR) project will design a prototype tilted target, exploring the materials needed for fabrication and testing at an irradiation facility to address issues of heat transfer and stresses within the target.

Sex-specific association between infant diet and white matter integrity in 8-y-old children.

PubMed

Ou, Xiawei; Andres, Aline; Cleves, Mario A; Pivik, R T; Snow, Jeffrey H; Ding, Zhaohua; Badger, Thomas M

2014-12-01

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding, which is well known to promote cognitive and behavioral development. The evidence for why this occurs is not well understood. Fifty-six 7.5- to 8.5-y-old healthy children were breastfed (BF; n = 22, 10 males) or formula-fed (FF; n = 34, 16 males) as infants. All children were administered: the Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scale (RIAS); the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals (CELF-4) tests; and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) measured fractional anisotropy (FA) values were correlated with RIAS and CELF-4 scores. DTI tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) analyses showed multiple white matter regions in the left hemisphere with significantly higher FA (P < 0.05, corrected) values in BF than FF males, but no significant group differences in females. Males who were exclusively BF for at least 1 y appeared to have the greatest differences in FA. Mean FA values positively correlated with composite scores of RIAS (P = 0.03) and CELF-4 (P = 0.02). Breastfeeding during infancy was associated with better white matter development at 8 y of age in boys. A similar association was not observed in girls.

Technical and financial evaluation of assays for progesterone in canine practice in the UK.

PubMed

Moxon, R; Copley, D; England, G C W

2010-10-02

The concentration of progesterone was measured in 60 plasma samples from bitches at various stages of the oestrous cycle, using commercially available quantitative and semi-quantitative ELISA test kits, as well as by two commercial laboratories undertaking radioimmunoassay (RIA). The RIA, which was assumed to be the 'gold standard' in terms of reliability and accuracy, was the most expensive method when analysing more than one sample per week, and had the longest delay in obtaining results, but had minimal requirements for practice staff time. When compared with the RIA, the quantitative ELISA had a strong positive correlation (r=0.97, P<0.05) and a sensitivity and specificity of 70.6 per cent and 100.0 per cent, respectively, and positive and negative predictive values of 100.0 per cent and 71.0 per cent, respectively, with an overall accuracy of 90.0 per cent. This method was the least expensive when analysing five or more samples per week, but had longer turnaround times than that of the semi-quantitative ELISA and required more staff time. When compared with the RIA, the semi-quantitative ELISA had a sensitivity and specificity of 100.0 per cent and 95.5 per cent, respectively, and positive and negative predictive values of 73.9 per cent and 77.8 per cent, respectively, with an overall accuracy of 89.2 per cent. This method was more expensive than the quantitative ELISA when analysing five or more samples per week, but had the shortest turnaround time and low requirements in terms of staff time.

Intraoperative near-infrared fluorescent imaging during robotic operations.

PubMed

Macedo, Antonio Luiz de Vasconcellos; Schraibman, Vladimir

2016-01-01

The intraoperative identification of certain anatomical structures because they are small or visually occult may be challenging. The development of minimally invasive surgery brought additional difficulties to identify these structures due to the lack of complete tactile sensitivity. A number of different forms of intraoperative mapping have been tried. Recently, the near-infrared fluorescence imaging technology with indocyanine green has been added to robotic platforms. In addition, this technology has been tested in several types of operations, and has advantages such as safety, low cost and good results. Disadvantages are linked to contrast distribution in certain clinical scenarios. The intraoperative near-infrared fluorescent imaging is new and promising addition to robotic surgery. Several reports show the utility of this technology in several different procedures. The ideal dose, time and site for dye injection are not well defined. No high quality evidence-based comparative studies and long-term follow-up outcomes have been published so far. Initial results, however, are good and safe. RESUMO A identificação intraoperatória de certas estruturas anatômicas, por seu tamanho ou por elas serem ocultas à visão, pode ser desafiadora. O desenvolvimento da cirurgia minimamente invasiva trouxe dificuldades adicionais, pela falta da sensibilidade tátil completa. Diversas formas de detecção intraoperatória destas estruturas têm sido tentadas. Recentemente, a tecnologia de fluorescência infravermelha com verde de indocianina foi associada às plataformas robóticas. Além disso, essa tecnologia tem sido testada em uma variedade de cirurgias, e suas vantagens parecem estar ligadas a baixo custo, segurança e bons resultados. As desvantagens estão associadas à má distribuição do contraste em determinados cenários. A imagem intraoperatória por fluorescência infravermelha é uma nova e promissora adição à cirurgia robótica. Diversas séries mostram a utilidade da tecnologia em diferentes procedimentos. Dose ideal, local e tempo da injeção do corante ainda não estão bem estabelecidos. Estudos comparativos de alta qualidade epidemiológica baseados em evidência ainda não estão disponíveis. No entanto, os resultados iniciais são bons e seguros.

Remote Infrared Audible Signage (RIAS) Pilot Program : evaluation report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-09-01

This report presents evaluation findings on the Remote Infrared Audible Signage (RIAS) Pilot Program in the Puget Sound Region of Washington. The installation, demonstration and evaluation of RIAS were required by a provision in the Safe, Accountable...

Coastal upwelling and downwelling forcing of circulation in a semi-enclosed bay: Ria de Vigo

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barton, E. D.; Largier, J. L.; Torres, R.; Sheridan, M.; Trasviña, A.; Souza, A.; Pazos, Y.; Valle-Levinson, A.

2015-05-01

Semi-enclosed bays in upwelling regions are exposed to forcing related to winds, currents and buoyancy over the shelf. The influence of this external forcing is moderated by factors such as connectivity to the open ocean, shelter by surrounding topography, dimensions of the bay, and freshwater outflows. Such bays, preferred locations for ports, mariculture, marine industry, recreational activities and coastal settlement, present a range of characteristics, understanding of which is necessary to their rational management. Observations in such a semi-enclosed bay, the Ria de Vigo in Spain, are used to characterize the influence of upwelling and downwelling pulses on its circulation. In this location, near the northern limit of the Iberian upwelling system, upwelling events dominate during a short summer season and downwelling events the rest of the year. The ria response to the external forcing is central to nutrient supply and resultant plankton productivity that supports its high level of cultured mussel production. Intensive field studies in September 2006 and June 2007 captured a downwelling event and an upwelling event, respectively. Data from eight current profiler moorings and boat-based MiniBat/ADCP surveys provided an unprecedented quasi-synoptic view of the distribution of water masses and circulation patterns in any ria. In the outer ria, circulation was dominated by the introduction of wind-driven alongshore flow from the external continental shelf through the ria entrances and its interaction with the topography. In the middle ria, circulation was primarily related to the upwelling/downwelling cycle, with a cool, salty and dense lower layer penetrating to the inner ria during upwelling over the shelf. A warmer, lower salinity and less dense surface layer of coastal waters flowed inward during downwelling. Without external forcing, the inner ria responded primarily to tides and buoyancy changes related to land runoff. Under both upwelling and downwelling conditions, the flushing of the ria involved shelf responses to wind pulses. Their persistence for a few days was sufficient to allow waters from the continental shelf to penetrate the innermost ria. Longer term observations supported by numerical modeling are required to confirm the generality of such flushing events in the ria and determine their typical frequency, while comparative studies should explore how these scenarios fit into the range of conditions experienced in other semi-enclosed bays.

Astrophysics at RIA (ARIA) Working Group

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, Michael S.; Schatz, Hendrik; Timmes, Frank X.; Wiescher, Michael; Greife, Uwe

2006-07-01

The Astrophysics at RIA (ARIA) Working Group has been established to develop and promote the nuclear astrophysics research anticipated at the Rare Isotope Accelerator (RIA). RIA is a proposed next-generation nuclear science facility in the U.S. that will enable significant progress in studies of core collapse supernovae, thermonuclear supernovae, X-ray bursts, novae, and other astrophysical sites. Many of the topics addressed by the Working Group are relevant for the RIKEN RI Beam Factory, the planned GSI-Fair facility, and other advanced radioactive beam facilities.

Validation of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the measurement of canine S100A12.

PubMed

Heilmann, Romy M; Cranford, Shannon M; Ambrus, Andy; Grützner, Niels; Schellenberg, Stefan; Ruaux, Craig G; Suchodolski, Jan S; Steiner, Jörg M

2016-03-01

Canine S100 calcium-binding protein A12 (cS100A12) shows promise as biomarker of inflammation in dogs. A previously developed cS100A12-radioimmunoassay (RIA) requires radioactive tracers and is not sensitive enough for fecal cS100A12 concentrations in 79% of tested healthy dogs. An ELISA assay may be more sensitive than RIA and does not require radioactive tracers. The purpose of the study was to establish a sandwich ELISA for serum and fecal cS100A12, and to establish reference intervals (RI) for normal healthy canine serum and feces. Polyclonal rabbit anti-cS100A12 antibodies were generated and tested by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. A sandwich ELISA was developed and validated, including accuracy and precision, and agreement with cS100A12-RIA. The RI, stability, and biologic variation in fecal cS100A12, and the effect of corticosteroids on serum cS100A12 were evaluated. Lower detection limits were 5 μg/L (serum) and 1 ng/g (fecal), respectively. Intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation were ≤ 4.4% and ≤ 10.9%, respectively. Observed-to-expected ratios for linearity and spiking recovery were 98.2 ± 9.8% (mean ± SD) and 93.0 ± 6.1%, respectively. There was a significant bias between the ELISA and the RIA. The RI was 49-320 μg/L for serum and 2-484 ng/g for fecal cS100A12. Fecal cS100A12 was stable for 7 days at 23, 4, -20, and -80°C; biologic variation was negligible but variation within one fecal sample was significant. Corticosteroid treatment had no clinically significant effect on serum cS100A12 concentrations. The cS100A12-ELISA is a precise and accurate assay for serum and fecal cS100A12 in dogs. © 2016 American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology.

Magnetic resonance index of activity (MaRIA) and Clermont score are highly and equally effective MRI indices in detecting mucosal healing in Crohn's disease.

PubMed

Buisson, Anthony; Pereira, Bruno; Goutte, Marion; Reymond, Maud; Allimant, Christophe; Obritin-Guilhen, Hélène; Bommelaer, Gilles; Hordonneau, Constance

2017-11-01

Magnetic resonance index of activity (MaRIA) and Clermont score are currently the two main MRI indices that have been validated compared to endoscopy in Crohn's disease (CD). To compare the accuracy of MaRIA and Clermont score in assessing CD mucosal healing. Fourty-four CD patients underwent prospectively and consecutively MRI and colonoscopy. Considering 207 segments, MaRIA>7 and Clermont score>8.4 demonstrated substantial accuracy to detect endoscopic ulcerations (73.9% and 74.0%, respectively) and presented with high specificity (82.1% and 81.3%) and high negative predictive value (NPV) (82.1% and 82.4%) for MaRIA and Clermont score, respectively. The sensitivity for detecting deep ulcerations was 90.9% for both MaRIA>11 and Clermont score>12.5, with a specificity of 82.0% and 80.0%, respectively. Among 44 patients, deep MRI remission predicted mucosal healing with specificity=85.3% and NPV=85.3% according to Barcelona criteria (no segmental MaRIA>7), and specificity=88.2% and NPV=85.7% according to Clermont criteria (no segmental Clermont score>8.4). In addition, MRI remission predicted mucosal healing with specificity=76.5% and NPV=86.7% according to Barcelona criteria (no segmental MaRIA>11), and specificity=79.4% and NPV=84.4% according to Clermont criteria (no segmental Clermont score>12.5). MaRIA and Clermont score are equally effective in detecting CD endoscopic ulcerations supporting their use as therapeutic endpoints. Copyright © 2017 Editrice Gastroenterologica Italiana S.r.l. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Predicting Factors of Chronic Subdural Hematoma Following Surgical Clipping in Unruptured and Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysm.

PubMed

Kwon, Min-Yong; Kim, Chang-Hyun; Lee, Chang-Young

2016-09-01

The aim of this study is to analyze the differences in the incidence, predicting factors, and clinical course of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) following surgical clipping between unruptured (UIA) and ruptured intracranial aneurysm (RIA). We conducted a retrospective analysis of 752 patients (UIA : 368 and RIA : 384) who underwent surgical clipping during 8 years. The incidence and predicting factors of CSDH development in the UIA and RIA were compared according to medical records and radiological data. The incidence of postoperative CSDH was higher in the UIA (10.9%) than in the RIA (3.1%) (p=0.000). In multivariate analysis, a high Hounsfield (HF) unit (blood clots) for subdural fluid collection (SFC), persistence of SFC ≥5 mm and male sex in the UIA and A high HF unit for SFC and SFC ≥5 mm without progression to hydrocephalus in the RIA were identified as the independent predicting factors for CSDH development (p<0.05). There were differences in the incidence and predicting factors for CSDH following surgical clipping between UIA and RIA. Blood clots in the subdural space and persistence of SFC ≥5 mm were predicting factors in both UIA and RIA. However, progression to hydrocephalus may have in part contributed to low CSDH development in the RIA. We suggest that cleaning of blood clots in the subdural space and efforts to minimize SFC ≥5 mm at the end of surgery is helpful to prevent CSDH following aneurysmal clipping.

A method for communication analysis in prosthodontics.

PubMed

Sondell, K; Söderfeldt, B; Palmqvist, S

1998-02-01

Particularly in prosthodontics, in which the issues of esthetic preferences and possibilities are abundant, improved knowledge about dentist patient communication during clinical encounters is important. Because previous studies on communication used different methods and patient materials, the results are difficult to evaluate. There is, therefore, a need for methodologic development. One method that makes it possible to quantitatively describe different interaction behaviors during clinical encounters is the Roter Method of Interaction Process Analysis (RIAS). Since the method was developed in the USA for use in the medical context, a translation of the method into Swedish and a modification of the categories for use in prosthodontics were necessary. The revised manual was used to code 10 audio recordings of dentist patient encounters at a specialist clinic for prosthodontics. No major alterations of the RIAS manual were made during the translation and modification. The study shows that it is possible to distinguish patterns of communication in audio-recorded dentist patient encounters. The method also made the identification of different interaction profiles possible. These profiles distinguished well among the audio-recorded encounters. The coding procedures were tested for intra-rater reliability and found to be 97% for utterance classification and lambda = 0.76 for categorization definition. It was concluded that the revised RIAS method is applicable in communication studies in prosthodontics.

Preliminary Results on the Evaluation of the Occurrence of Tetrodotoxin Associated to Marine Vibrio spp. in Bivalves from the Galician Rias (Northwest of Spain)

PubMed Central

Leão, Jose Manuel; Lozano-Leon, Antonio; Giráldez, Jorge; Vilariño, Óscar; Gago-Martínez, Ana

2018-01-01

Tetrodotoxins (TTX) are a potent group of natural neurotoxins putatively produced by symbiotic microorganisms and affecting the aquatic environment. These neurotoxins have been recently found in some species of bivalves and gastropods along the European Coasts (Greece, UK, and The Netherlands) linked to the presence of high concentrations of Vibrio, in particular Vibrio parahaemolyticus. This study is focused on the evaluation of the presence of Vibrio species and TTX in bivalves (mussels, oysters, cockles, clams, scallops, and razor clams) from Galician Rias (northwest of Spain). The detection and isolation of the major Vibrio spp. and other enterobacterial populations have been carried out with the aim of screening for the presence of the pathways genes, poliketide synthase (PKS) and non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) possibly involved in the biosynthesis of these toxins. Samples containing Vibrio spp. were analyzed by biochemical (API20E-galery) and genetic tests (PCR-RT). These samples were then screened for TTX toxicity by a neuroblastoma cell-based assay (N2a) and the presence of TTX was further confirmed by LC-MS/MS. TTX was detected in two infaunal samples. This is the first confirmation of the presence of TTX in bivalve molluscs from the Galician Rias. PMID:29509715

Fuel cladding behavior under rapid loading conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yueh, K.; Karlsson, J.; Stjärnsäter, J.; Schrire, D.; Ledergerber, G.; Munoz-Reja, C.; Hallstadius, L.

2016-02-01

A modified burst test (MBT) was used in an extensive test program to characterize fuel cladding failure behavior under rapid loading conditions. The MBT differs from a normal burst test with the use of a driver tube to simulate the expansion of a fuel pellet, thereby producing a partial strain driven deformation condition similar to that of a fuel pellet expansion in a reactivity insertion accident (RIA). A piston/cylinder assembly was used to pressurize the driver tube. By controlling the speed and distance the piston travels the loading rate and degree of sample deformation could be controlled. The use of a driver tube with a machined gauge section localizes deformation and allows for continuous monitoring of the test sample diameter change at the location of maximum hoop strain, during each test. Cladding samples from five irradiated fuel rods were tested between 296 and 553 K and loading rates from 1.5 to 3.5/s. The test rods included variations of Zircaloy-2 with different liners and ZIRLO, ranging in burn-up from 41 to 74 GWd/MTU. The test results show cladding ductility is strongly temperature and loading rate dependent. Zircaloy-2 cladding ductility degradation due to operational hydrogen pickup started to recover at approximately 358 K for test condition used in the study. This recovery temperature is strongly loading rate dependent. At 373 K, ductility recovery was small for loading rates less than 8 ms equivalent RIA pulse width, but longer than 8 ms the ductility recovery increased exponentially with increasing pulse width, consistent with literature observations of loading rate dependent brittle-to-ductile (BTD) transition temperature. The cladding ductility was also observed to be strongly loading rate/pulse width dependent for BWR cladding below the BTD temperature and Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) cladding at both 296 and 553 K.

Predicting Factors of Chronic Subdural Hematoma Following Surgical Clipping in Unruptured and Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysm

PubMed Central

Kwon, Min-Yong; Kim, Chang-Hyun

2016-01-01

Objective The aim of this study is to analyze the differences in the incidence, predicting factors, and clinical course of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) following surgical clipping between unruptured (UIA) and ruptured intracranial aneurysm (RIA). Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of 752 patients (UIA : 368 and RIA : 384) who underwent surgical clipping during 8 years. The incidence and predicting factors of CSDH development in the UIA and RIA were compared according to medical records and radiological data. Results The incidence of postoperative CSDH was higher in the UIA (10.9%) than in the RIA (3.1%) (p=0.000). In multivariate analysis, a high Hounsfield (HF) unit (blood clots) for subdural fluid collection (SFC), persistence of SFC ≥5 mm and male sex in the UIA and A high HF unit for SFC and SFC ≥5 mm without progression to hydrocephalus in the RIA were identified as the independent predicting factors for CSDH development (p<0.05). Conclusion There were differences in the incidence and predicting factors for CSDH following surgical clipping between UIA and RIA. Blood clots in the subdural space and persistence of SFC ≥5 mm were predicting factors in both UIA and RIA. However, progression to hydrocephalus may have in part contributed to low CSDH development in the RIA. We suggest that cleaning of blood clots in the subdural space and efforts to minimize SFC ≥5 mm at the end of surgery is helpful to prevent CSDH following aneurysmal clipping. PMID:27651863

Steady γ-Ray Effects on the Performance of PPP-BOTDA and TW-COTDR Fiber Sensing

PubMed Central

Planes, Isabelle; Girard, Sylvain; Boukenter, Aziz; Marin, Emmanuel; Delepine-Lesoille, Sylvie; Marcandella, Claude; Ouerdane, Youcef

2017-01-01

We investigated the evolution of the performances of Pulse Pre Pump-Brillouin Time Domain Analysis (PPP-BOTDA) and Tunable Wavelength Coherent Optical Time Domain Reflectometry (TW-COTDR) fiber-based temperature and strain sensors when the sensing optical fiber is exposed to two γ-ray irradiation conditions: (i) at room temperature and a dose rate of 370 Gy(SiO2)/h up to a total ionizing dose (TID) of 56 kGy; (ii) at room temperature and a dose rate of 25 kGy(SiO2)/h up to a TID of 10 MGy. Two main different classes of single-mode optical fibers have been tested in situ, radiation-tolerant ones: fluorine-doped or nitrogen-doped core fibers, as well as Telecom-grade germanosilicate ones. Brillouin and Rayleigh Sensitivities of N-Doped fibers were not reported yet, and these characterizations pave the way for a novel and alternative sensing scheme. Moreover, in these harsh conditions, our results showed that the main parameter affecting the sensor sensitivity remains the Radiation Induced Attenuation (RIA) at its operation wavelength of 1550 nm. RIA limits the maximal sensing range but does not influence the measurement uncertainty. F-doped fiber is the most tolerant against RIA with induced losses below 8 dB/km after a 56 kGy accumulated dose whereas the excess losses of other fibers exceed 22 dB/km. Both Rayleigh and Brillouin signatures that are exploited by the PPP-BOTDA and the TW-COTDR remain unchanged (within our experimental uncertainties). The strain and temperature coefficients of the various fibers under test are not modified by radiations, at these dose/dose rate levels. Consequently, this enables the design of a robust strain and temperature sensing architecture for the monitoring of radioactive waste disposals. PMID:28218652

Steady γ-Ray Effects on the Performance of PPP-BOTDA and TW-COTDR Fiber Sensing.

PubMed

Planes, Isabelle; Girard, Sylvain; Boukenter, Aziz; Marin, Emmanuel; Delepine-Lesoille, Sylvie; Marcandella, Claude; Ouerdane, Youcef

2017-02-17

We investigated the evolution of the performances of Pulse Pre Pump-Brillouin Time Domain Analysis (PPP-BOTDA) and Tunable Wavelength Coherent Optical Time Domain Reflectometry (TW-COTDR) fiber-based temperature and strain sensors when the sensing optical fiber is exposed to two γ-ray irradiation conditions: (i) at room temperature and a dose rate of 370 Gy(SiO2)/h up to a total ionizing dose (TID) of 56 kGy; (ii) at room temperature and a dose rate of 25 kGy(SiO2)/h up to a TID of 10 MGy. Two main different classes of single-mode optical fibers have been tested in situ, radiation-tolerant ones: fluorine-doped or nitrogen-doped core fibers, as well as Telecom-grade germanosilicate ones. Brillouin and Rayleigh Sensitivities of N-Doped fibers were not reported yet, and these characterizations pave the way for a novel and alternative sensing scheme. Moreover, in these harsh conditions, our results showed that the main parameter affecting the sensor sensitivity remains the Radiation Induced Attenuation (RIA) at its operation wavelength of 1550 nm. RIA limits the maximal sensing range but does not influence the measurement uncertainty. F-doped fiber is the most tolerant against RIA with induced losses below 8 dB/km after a 56 kGy accumulated dose whereas the excess losses of other fibers exceed 22 dB/km. Both Rayleigh and Brillouin signatures that are exploited by the PPP-BOTDA and the TW-COTDR remain unchanged (within our experimental uncertainties). The strain and temperature coefficients of the various fibers under test are not modified by radiations, at these dose/dose rate levels. Consequently, this enables the design of a robust strain and temperature sensing architecture for the monitoring of radioactive waste disposals.

Linear Algebra and Sequential Importance Sampling for Network Reliability

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-12-01

first test case is an Erdős- Renyi graph with 100 vertices and 150 edges. Figure 1 depicts the relative variance of the three Algorithms: Algorithm TOP...e va ria nc e Figure 1: Relative variance of various algorithms on Erdős Renyi graph, 100 vertices 250 edges. Key: Solid = TOP-DOWN algorithm

Referred Students' Performance on the Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children--Fourth Edition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Edwards, Oliver W.; Paulin, Rachel V.

2007-01-01

This study investigates the convergent relations of the Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales (RIAS) and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children--Fourth Edition (WISC-IV). Data from counterbalanced administrations of each instrument to 48 elementary school students referred for psychoeducational testing were examined. Analysis of the 96…

Influence of the Minho River plume on the Rias Baixas (NW of the Iberian Peninsula)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sousa, M. C.; Vaz, N.; Alvarez, I.; Gomez-Gesteira, M.; Dias, J. M.

2014-11-01

The buoyancy generated by the Minho estuarine plume can flood the Rias Baixas for long periods, reversing the normal salinity gradients. Thus, the main purpose of this work was to study the propagation of Minho estuarine plume to the Rias Baixas, establishing the wind and river discharge conditions in which this plume affects the circulation and hydrography features of these coastal systems as well as the plume characteristics under the most probable forcing conditions, through the application of the numerical model MOHID. For this purpose, several scenarios with different river discharges and wind were simulated. The numerical results revealed that the Minho estuarine plume responds rapidly to wind variations and is influenced by coastline geometry. Under Minho River discharges higher than 700 m3 s- 1 and weak northward winds (3 m s- 1) the circulation patterns of the Rias de Vigo and Pontevedra are reversed. On the other hand, moderate northward winds (6 m s- 1) combined with Minho River discharges higher than 200 m3 s- 1, 300 m3 s- 1 and 700 m3 s- 1 reverse the circulation pattern of the Rias de Vigo, Pontevedra and Arousa, respectively. Under the same conditions, the water exchange between Rias Baixas was analyzed using a particle-tracking model following the trajectories of particles released close to the Minho River mouth. Over 5 days, under Minho River discharges higher than 2100 m3 s- 1 combined with northward winds of 6 m s- 1, an intense water exchange between Rias was observed. However, only 20% of the particles found in Ria de Pontevedra come directly from the Minho River.

Assessment of pharmacy students' communication competence using the Roter Interaction Analysis System during objective structured clinical examinations.

PubMed

Kubota, Yoshie; Yano, Yoshitaka; Seki, Susumu; Takada, Kaori; Sakuma, Mio; Morimoto, Takeshi; Akaike, Akinori; Hiraide, Atsushi

2011-04-11

To determine the value of using the Roter Interaction Analysis System during objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) to assess pharmacy students' communication competence. As pharmacy students completed a clinical OSCE involving an interview with a simulated patient, 3 experts used a global rating scale to assess students' overall performance in the interview, and both the student's and patient's languages were coded using the Roter Interaction Analysis System (RIAS). The coders recorded the number of utterances (ie, units of spoken language) in each RIAS category. Correlations between the raters' scores and the number and types of utterances were examined. There was a significant correlation between students' global rating scores on the OSCE and the number of utterances in the RIAS socio-emotional category but not the RIAS business category. The RIAS proved to be a useful tool for assessing the socio-emotional aspect of students' interview skills.

Knowledge, attitude and practice of the smear test and its relation with female age.

PubMed

Silveira, Nara Sibério Pinho; Vasconcelos, Camila Teixeira Moreira; Nicolau, Ana Izabel Oliveira; Oriá, Mônica Oliveira Batista; Pinheiro, Patricia Neyva da Costa; Pinheiro, Ana Karina Bezerra

2016-06-14

to verify the association among the knowledge attitude and practice of women in relation to the smear test and the age range. a cross-sectional research was undertaken, associated with the knowledge, attitude and practice survey at a Primary Health Care service. The sample consisted of 775 women, distributed in three age ranges: adolescent, young and elderly. although high rates of inappropriate knowledge were found in all age ranges, it was significantly higher among the adolescents (p=0.000). A similar trend was found in the attitude component, with percentages of inappropriateness in adolescence that drop as age advances (p=0.000). Nevertheless, no statistical difference among the groups was found in terms of practice (p=0.852). the study demonstrated a relation between the age range and knowledge, attitude and practice of the smear test. verificar a associação entre o conhecimento, atitude e prática de mulheres em relação ao exame colpocitológico e a faixa etária. trata-se de pesquisa de corte transversal associada ao inquérito conhecimento, atitude e prática, em uma Unidade de Atenção Primária à Saúde. A amostra foi composta por 775 mulheres, distribuídas em três faixas etárias: adolescentes, jovens e idosas. embora o conhecimento inadequado tenha tido altas taxas em todas as faixas etárias, foi significativamente superior entre as adolescentes (p=0,000). Tendência semelhante no componente atitude por apresentar percentuais de inadequabilidade na adolescência e decair com o avançar da idade (p=0,000). Todavia, não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos quanto à prática (p=0,852). o estudo demonstrou relação entre a faixa etária e o conhecimento, a atitude e a prática do exame colpocitológico. verificar la asociación entre el conocimiento, la actitud y práctica de mujeres con relación a la prueba colpocitológica y el rango de edad. se trata de investigación trasversal asociada a la encuesta conocimiento, actitud y práctica, en una Unidad de Atención Primaria de Salud. La muestra abarcó a 775 mujeres, distribuidas en tres rangos de edad: adolescentes, jóvenes y ancianas. aunque el conocimiento inadecuado tenga mostrada altas tasas en todos los rangos de edad, fue significativamente superior entre las adolescentes (p=0,000). Tendencia semejante en el componente actitud, debido a porcentajes de inadecuación en la adolescencia, disminuyendo con el avance de la edad (p=0,000). Sin embargo, no fue encontrada diferencia estadística entre los grupos respecto a la práctica (p=0,852). el estudio demostró relación entre el rango de edad y el conocimiento, la actitud y la práctica de la prueba colpocitológica.

Examination of the Structural, Convergent, and Incremental Validity of the Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales (RIAS) with a Clinical Sample

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nelson, Jason M.; Canivez, Gary L.

2012-01-01

Empirical examination of the Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales (RIAS; C. R. Reynolds & R. W. Kamphaus, 2003a) has produced mixed results regarding its internal structure and convergent validity. Various aspects of validity of RIAS scores with a sample (N = 521) of adolescents and adults seeking psychological evaluations at a university-based…

Regulatory Impact Analysis: Amendments to the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) and New Source Perofrmance Standards (NSPS) for the Portland Cement Manufacturing Industry Final Report

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

For the regulatory process, EPA is required to develop a regulatory impact analysis (RIA). This August 2010 RIA includes an economic impact analysis (EIA) and a small entity impacts analysis and documents the RIA methods and results for the 2010 rules

Proceedings of the drug testing laboratory managers symposium, 28 January--1 February 1974. Final report

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

Noe, E.R.; Romanchick, W.A.; Ainsworth, C.A. III

1975-06-01

This report deals with broad concepts of managing mass screening programs for drugs of abuse; e.g., morphine, barbiturate, amphetamine, cocaine, and methaqualone. The interactions of the screening process and of the rehabilitation program were covered. Psychotherapy and group therapy are both utilized in rehabilitation programs. The semiautomated radioimmunoassay (RIA) screening procedures are both sensitive and specific at nanogram quantities. Future evaluations of a wafer disk transferral system and of a latex test for morphine are presented. The unique quality control system employed by military drug abuse testing laboratories is discussed. (Author) (GRA)

Flank Collapse Assessment At Kick-'em-Jenny Submarine Volcano (Lesser Antilles): A Combined Approach Using Modelling and Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dondin, Frédéric; Heap, Michael; Robert, Richard E. A.; Dorville, Jean-Francois M.; Carey, Steven

2016-04-01

Volcanic landslides - the result of volcanic flank failure - are highly hazardous mass movements due to their high mobility, the wide area they can impact, and their potential to generate tsunamis. In the Lesser Antilles at least 53 episodes of flank collapse have been identified, with many of them associated with voluminous (Vdeposit exceeding 1 km3) submarine volcanic landslide deposits. The existence of such voluminous deposits highlights the hazard of potentially devastating tsunami waves to the populated islands of the Lesser Antilles. To help understand and mitigate such hazards, we applied a relative stability assessment method to the only active submarine volcano of the Lesser Antilles island arc: Kick-'em-Jenny (KeJ). KeJ - located 8 km north of the island of Grenada - is the southernmost edifice in the arc with recognized associated volcanic landslide deposits. From the three identified landslide prehistoric episodes, one is associated with a collapse volume of about 4.4 km3. Numerical simulations considering a single pulse collapse revealed that this episode would have produced a regional tsunami. A volume estimate of the present day edifice is about 1.5 km3. We aim to quantify potential initial volumes of collapsed material using relative instability analysis (RIA). The RIA evaluates the critical potential failure surface associated with factor of safety (Fs) inferior to 1 and compares them to areas of deficit/surplus of mass/volume obtained from the comparison of an high resolution digital elevation model of the edifice with an ideal 3D surface named Volcanoid. To do so we use freeware programs VolcanoFit 2.0 and SSAP 4.5. We report, for the first time, results of a Limit Equilibrium Method (Janbu's rigorous method) as a slope stability computation analysis performed using geomechanical parameters retrieved from rock mechanics tests performed on two rock basaltic-andesite rock samples collected from within the crater of the volcano during the 1-18 November 2013 NA039 E/V Nautilus cruise. We performed triaxial and uniaxial deformation tests to obtain values of strength at the top and bottom of the edifice. We further characterised the permeability and P-wave velocity of the samples collected. The chosen internal structure for the model is composed of three bodies: (i) a body composed of basaltic andesite and pyroclastic deposit; (ii) the conduit composed of fresh basaltic andesite rocks; (iii) an hydrothermally altered body surrounding the conduit. Our combined approach hopes to improve previous quantification of initial volumes of potential collapses and therefore refine the tsunami hazards assessment related to flank instabilities at KeJ.

Coupled transport-reaction pathways and distribution patterns between siliciclastic-carbonate sediments at the Ria de Vigo

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

García, T.; Velo, A.; Fernandez-Bastero, S.; Gago-Duport, L.; Santos, A.; Alejo, I.; Vilas, F.

2005-02-01

This paper examines the linkages between the space-distribution of grain sizes and the relative percentage of the amount of mineral species that result from the mixing process of siliciclastic and carbonate sediments at the Ria de Vigo (NW of Spain). The space-distribution of minerals was initially determined, starting from a detailed mineralogical study based on XRD-Rietveld analysis of the superficial sediments. Correlations between the maps obtained for grain sizes, average fractions of either siliciclastic or carbonates, as well as for individual-minerals, were further stabilised. From this analysis, spatially organized patterns were found between carbonates and several minerals involved in the siliciclastic fraction. In particular, a coupled behaviour is observed between plagioclases and carbonates, in terms of their relative percentage amounts and the grain size distribution. In order to explain these results a conceptual model is proposed, based on the interplay between chemical processes at the seawater-sediment interface and hydrodynamical factors. This model suggests the existence of chemical control mechanisms that, by selective processes of dissolution-crystallization, constrain the mixed environment's long-term evolution, inducing the formation of self-organized sedimentary patterns.

The use of microsatellites for germplasm management in a Portuguese grapevine collection.

PubMed

Lopes, M S; Sefc, K M; Eiras Dias, E; Steinkellner, H; Laimer Câmara Machado, M; Câmara Machado, A

1999-08-01

To initiate the characterization of the Portuguese grapevine genepool, we have genotyped 49 Portuguese grapevine cultivars at 11 microsatellite loci. The markers proved to be informative in the Portuguese cultivars, with expected heterozygosity ranging from 0.67 to 0.84. At most loci, an excess of heterozygous individuals was observed, while the deficiency of heterozygotes at 1 locus (VVMD6) indicated the presence of null alleles. On the basis of the microsatellite allele data several previously assumed synonyms were verified: (1) 'Fernão Pires'='Maria Gomes', (2) 'Moscatel de Setúbal'='Muscat of Alexandria', (3) 'Boal Cachudo'='Boal da Madeira'='Malvasia Fina', (4) 'Síria'='Crato Branco'= 'Roupeiro' and (5) 'Periquita'='Castelão Francês'='João de Santarém'='Trincadeira'. Although the three varieties 'Verdelho da Madeira', 'Verdelho dos Açores', and 'Verdelho roxo' are regarded by the Lista Nacional de Sinónimos as distinct cultivars, they displayed identical SSR profiles at 17 loci and appear to represent types of 1 single cultivar. The genetic profiles of all 49 cultivars were searched for possible parent-offspring groups. The data obtained revealed the descendence of 'Boal Ratinho' from 'Malvasia Fina' and 'Síria'.

New methods of pregnancy testing in adolescent girls.

PubMed

Saxena, B B

1981-05-01

The knowledge and use of newer, more sensitive, and reliable pregnancy tests which are easily accessible and of moderate cost are the 1st steps in the early diagnosis and management of pregnancy, especially in adolescent girls. Accurate diagnosis of pregnancy soon after conception offers the option of abortion by simple, effective, and inexpensive procedures or early initiation of prenatal maternity care. Discussion focuses on the symptoms of pregnancy and the historical development and basis of pregnancy tests as well as the specific types of pregnancy tests. The most familiar sign of pregnancy is the missed period. Other symptoms that provide presumptive evidence of pregnancy include fatigue and lassitude, increased body temperature, and breast fullness or pain. Feelings of nausea, vomiting, and weight gain may appear after 2 weeks. The diagnosis of pregnancy by the detection of the human chorionic gonadotropin was initially described 53 years ago by Selmar Aschheim and Bernhardt Zondek. Improvements in the techniques for the measurement of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) have been directly related to the progress in the purification and isolation of hCG and elucidation of the amino acid sequence of the hormone-nonspecific alpha subunit and hormone-specific beta subunit of hCG. The history, physical examination, and pregnancy tests will generally provide sufficient information for a definite diagnosis of pregnancy. The presence of hCG in the urine or blood is the most accurate of all the indications of pregnancy. During the last century, 4 different techniques for the determination of hCG in blood and/or urine have been developed. These include the following and are reviewed in detail: 1) bioassays in intact laboratory animals; 2) immunologic tube or slide methods with heme- or latex-agglutination inhibition, as well as the more recently developed competitive protein binding method such as 3) radioimmunoassay (RIA) for the use of radioisotope labeled hormone and the specific antiserum against hCG; and 4) radioreceptorassay by the use of radioisotope-labeled hormone with biological activity and the specific receptors as the binding proteins.

Seahorse (Hippocampinae) population fluctuations in the Ria Formosa Lagoon, south Portugal.

PubMed

Correia, M; Caldwell, I R; Koldewey, H J; Andrade, J P; Palma, J

2015-09-01

Comparisons of three sets of surveys in the Ria Formosa Lagoon, Portugal, over a 13 year period (2001-2002, 2008-2009 and 2010-2013) revealed significant population fluctuations in at least one of the two seahorse (Hippocampinae) species living there, and that those fluctuations were potentially associated with habitat changes in the lagoon. After a significant decline between the first two survey periods (2001-2002 v. 2008-2009), long-snouted seahorse Hippocampus guttulatus populations increased significantly between 2008-2009 surveys and new 2010-2013 surveys. There were no significant differences in H. guttulatus populations between the 2001-2002 and 2010-2013 surveys. In contrast, there were no significant differences in short-snouted seahorse Hippocampus hippocampus densities among the 16 sites surveyed throughout the three sampling periods, although the ability to detect any change was hampered by the low densities of this species in all time periods. Fluctuations in H. guttulatus densities were positively correlated with the percentage of holdfast coverage, but with none of the other environmental variables tested. These results highlight the importance of holdfast availability in maintaining stable seahorse populations. While population fluctuations are certainly more promising than a consistent downward decline, such extreme fluctuations observed for seahorses in the Ria Formosa Lagoon could still leave these two species vulnerable to any additional stressors, particularly during low density periods. © 2015 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.

Testing of a femtosecond pulse laser in outer space

PubMed Central

Lee, Joohyung; Lee, Keunwoo; Jang, Yoon-Soo; Jang, Heesuk; Han, Seongheum; Lee, Sang-Hyun; Kang, Kyung-In; Lim, Chul-Woo; Kim, Young-Jin; Kim, Seung-Woo

2014-01-01

We report a test operation of an Er-doped fibre femtosecond laser which was conducted for the first time in outer space. The fibre-based ultrashort pulse laser payload was designed to meet space-use requirements, undergone through ground qualification tests and finally launched into a low-earth orbit early in 2013. Test results obtained during a one-year mission lifetime confirmed stable mode-locking all the way through although the radiation induced attenuation (RIA) in the Er-doped gain fibre caused an 8.6% reduction in the output power. This successful test operation would help facilitate diverse scientific and technological applications of femtosecond lasers in space and earth atmosphere in the near future. PMID:24875665

Testing of a femtosecond pulse laser in outer space.

PubMed

Lee, Joohyung; Lee, Keunwoo; Jang, Yoon-Soo; Jang, Heesuk; Han, Seongheum; Lee, Sang-Hyun; Kang, Kyung-In; Lim, Chul-Woo; Kim, Young-Jin; Kim, Seung-Woo

2014-05-30

We report a test operation of an Er-doped fibre femtosecond laser which was conducted for the first time in outer space. The fibre-based ultrashort pulse laser payload was designed to meet space-use requirements, undergone through ground qualification tests and finally launched into a low-earth orbit early in 2013. Test results obtained during a one-year mission lifetime confirmed stable mode-locking all the way through although the radiation induced attenuation (RIA) in the Er-doped gain fibre caused an 8.6% reduction in the output power. This successful test operation would help facilitate diverse scientific and technological applications of femtosecond lasers in space and earth atmosphere in the near future.

Damage of tracer erythropoietin results in erroneous estimation of concentration in mouse submaxillary gland.

PubMed

Vidal, A; Carcagno, M; Criscuolo, M; Barcelò, A C; Alippi, R M; Leal, T; Bozzini, C E

1993-02-01

It has been previously reported that 1) plasma erythropoietin (Epo) titer during exposure to hypobaria is lower in nephrectomized rats and mice whose submaxillary glands (SMG) were either ablated or atrophied than in nephrectomized controls whose SMG were intact and 2) that the gland shows one of the highest levels of immunoreactive Epo (iEpo) in the body. The latter observation, however, was questioned recently when it was observed that SMG extracts degrade labeled Epo used as tracer antigen in the radioimmunoassay (RIA), thus giving invalid estimates of Epo. Since this interpretation was in turn questioned, the present study was conducted to obtain more information on the subject and make these conflicting points clear. Investigation of the reported/possible degradation of Epo by SMG homogenates was conducted via polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by radioautography or by a RIA in solid phase in which there was no simultaneous incubation of the tracer antigen with the SMG homogenates. It was observed that 125I-labeled rhEpo was degraded when incubated with SMG homogenates. Degradation was rapid, being evident when incubation lasted 30 minutes, and occurred in the presence of a protease inhibitor. It showed a high degree of specificity since it did not occur when Epo was incubated with kidney homogenate or normal mouse serum. SMG homogenate did not degrade labeled thyrotrophic hormone and degraded alpha interferon (IFN-alpha) only partially. When estimates of iEpo in SMG homogenate were performed in conditions of simultaneous (SI-RIA) or nonsimultaneous (NSI-RIA) incubation of the homogenate with tracer Epo, it was observed that while estimates of Epo in plasma were similar in both types of RIA and somewhat higher in kidney homogenate in the SI-RIA than in the NSI-RIA, estimates of Epo in SMG were about 60 times higher in the former than in the latter. Therefore, it could be concluded that most of the Epo detected by standard RIA in SMG homogenate does not represent true Epo because of damage of tracer Epo which determines loss of the integrity of the RIA system.

The establishment of an attachment research network in Latin America: goals, accomplishments, and challenges.

PubMed

Causadias, José M; Sroufe, L Alan; Herreros, Francisca

2011-03-01

In the face of a pressing need for expanded attachment research programs and attachment informed interventions in Latin America, a research network was established: Red Iberoamericana de Apego: RIA (Iberian-American Attachment Network). The purpose of RIA is to promote human development and well being, informed by attachment theory, centering on research, and with implications for public policies, education, and intervention. We report the proceedings of the second meeting of RIA held in Panama City, Panama, in February 2010. As part of this meeting, RIA sponsored the first Latin-American attachment conference. Proceedings of the conference are described, as are future goals of this new organization.

Assessment of Pharmacy Students' Communication Competence Using the Roter Interaction Analysis System During Objective Structured Clinical Examinations

PubMed Central

Kubota, Yoshie; Seki, Susumu; Takada, Kaori; Sakuma, Mio; Morimoto, Takeshi; Akaike, Akinori; Hiraide, Atsushi

2011-01-01

Objective To determine the value of using the Roter Interaction Analysis System during objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) to assess pharmacy students' communication competence. Methods As pharmacy students completed a clinical OSCE involving an interview with a simulated patient, 3 experts used a global rating scale to assess students' overall performance in the interview, and both the student's and patient's languages were coded using the Roter Interaction Analysis System (RIAS). The coders recorded the number of utterances (ie, units of spoken language) in each RIAS category. Correlations between the raters' scores and the number and types of utterances were examined. Results There was a significant correlation between students' global rating scores on the OSCE and the number of utterances in the RIAS socio-emotional category but not the RIAS business category. Conclusions The RIAS proved to be a useful tool for assessing the socio-emotional aspect of students' interview skills. PMID:21655397

Highly sensitive immuno-assays for the determination of cotinine in serum and saliva. Comparison between RIA and an avidin-biotin ELISA.

PubMed

Benkirane, S; Nicolas, A; Galteau, M M; Siest, G

1991-06-01

Two immuno-assay methods (RIA and ELISA) have been developed for the accurate and sensitive measurement of cotinine in human body fluids (serum, saliva). RIA uses [3H]cotinine as antigen and charcoal/dextran for separating cotinine-bound antibodies from the free derivative. Another technique (ELISA) was developed to avoid the use of radio-labelled compounds and to determine cotinine in large populations, including passive or non-smokers who usually present very low concentrations. The two techniques were analytically validated. The detection limit was similar (0.1 micrograms/l) and the precision was better than 10% for both techniques. Non-smoker values ranged from 0.1 to 17 micrograms/l by ELISA and 0.1 to 27.5 micrograms/l by RIA, whereas smoker values ranged from 50 to 1000 micrograms/l (ELISA) and from 70 to 800 micrograms/l (RIA). The comparative analysis of cotinine in 96 human sera revealed a good correlation between the two methods (r = 0.97) and a reliable discrimination between the populations of non-smokers and smokers. As usual, the ELISA is more rapid (4 h 30 min) than the RIA (longer than 48 h). ELISA is proposed for use in the epidemiological investigation of the human tobacco risk.

Measurement of steroids in rats after exposure to an endocrine disruptor: mass spectrometry and radioimmunoassay demonstrate similar results.

PubMed

Riffle, Brandy W; Henderson, W Matthew; Laws, Susan C

2013-01-01

Commercially available radioimmunoassays (RIAs) are frequently used to evaluate the effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on steroidogenesis in rats. Currently there are limited data comparing steroid concentrations in rats as measured by RIAs to those obtained using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). This study evaluates the concordance of serum and urine steroid concentrations as quantified by select RIA kits and LC-MS/MS following exposure to an EDC, atrazine (ATR). Adult male rats were orally dosed with ATR (200 mg/kg/day) or methylcellulose (1%, vehicle control) for 5 days. Serum was collected and separated into aliquots for analysis. Serum was assayed by RIA for androstenedione (ANDRO), corticosterone (CORT), estradiol (E2), estrone (E1), progesterone (P4), and testosterone (T). Serum was extracted prior to LC-MS/MS analysis with positive electrospray ionization in multiple-reaction monitoring mode for ANDRO, CORT, P4, and T. E1 and E2 concentrations were quantified similarly by LC-MS/MS, following derivatization with dansyl chloride. To compare CORT values from urine, pregnant adult rats were orally dosed with either ATR (100 mg/kg/day) or methylcellulose for 5 days (i.e., gestational days 14-18). Urine samples were collected daily and assayed for CORT by RIA and LC-MS/MS as described above. Data analyses demonstrated significant agreement between the two detection methods as assessed by Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient, Bland-Altman analysis, and the interclass correlation coefficient. No statistically significant differences were observed between RIA and LC-MS/MS means for any of the steroids assayed. These findings indicate a significant correlation between the measurement of steroids within rat serum and urine using RIA kits and LC-MS/MS. Differences in the absolute measurements existed, but these were not statistically significant. These findings indicate that steroids may be reliably measured in rat biological media using RIAs or LC-MS/MS. © 2013.

The reamer-irrigator-aspirator as a device for harvesting bone graft compared with iliac crest bone graft: union rates and complications.

PubMed

Dawson, John; Kiner, Dirk; Gardner, Warren; Swafford, Rachel; Nowotarski, Peter J

2014-10-01

This study was performed to compare patient outcomes after Reamer-Irrigator-Aspirator (RIA)-harvested bone grafting with the current gold standard, either anterior or posterior iliac crest bone graft (ICBG). Prospective randomized controlled trial. Multicenter study at 3 geographically separate Level 1 trauma centers. One hundred thirty-three patients with nonunion or posttraumatic segmental bone defect requiring operative intervention. Patients were prospectively randomized to receive ICBG or RIA autograft. Supplemental internal fixation was performed per surgeon preference. Operative data included amount of graft, time of harvest, and associated surgical costs. The Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment and the Visual Analog Scale were used to document baseline and postoperative function and pain. Clinical and radiographic union was the defined end point; patients considered to have failed treatment if they either developed an infection requiring operative treatment or had a persistent nonunion of the grafted extremity. One hundred thirteen of the 133 enrolled patients were followed until union and included in the final analysis. Intraoperative data showed anterior ICBG to yield 20.7 ± 12.8 (5-60) cm of autograft with an average harvest time of 33.2 ± 16.2 minutes, posterior ICBG yielded 36.1 ± 21.3 (20-100) cm of autograft in 40.6 ± 11.2 minutes, and RIA yielded 37.7 ± 12.9 (5-90) cm in 29.4 ± 15.1 minutes. Anterior ICBG produced significantly less bone graft than either RIA or posterior ICBG (P < 0.001). The RIA harvest was completed in significantly less operative time compared with posterior ICBG (P = 0.005). At $738, the RIA setup was considerably more expensive than the ∼$100 cost of a bone graft tray; however, when compared with posterior ICBG, the longer operative time required for a posterior harvest came at an additional incremental cost of $990-1880, making RIA the less expensive option. Patients were followed for an average of 56.9 ± 42.1 (11-250) weeks. Forty-nine of 57 patients (86.0%) who received ICBG united in an average of 22.5 ± 13.2 weeks; 46 of 56 patients (82.1%) who received RIA healed in an average of 25.8 ± 17.0 weeks. Union rates and time to union were comparable between the 2 procedures. There was no difference in complications requiring reoperation for persistent nonunion or infection at the grafted site, nor there was any difference in donor-site complications. Postoperative follow-up showed that RIA patients had significantly lower donor-site pain scores throughout follow-up. When compared with autograft obtained from the iliac crest, autograft harvested using the RIA technique achieves similar union rates with significantly less donor-site pain. RIA also yields a greater volume of graft compared with anterior ICBG and has a shorter harvest time compared with posterior ICBG. For larger volume harvests, cost analysis favors using RIA. Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Validation of sparse sampling strategies to estimate cyclosporine A area under the concentration-time curve using either a specific radioimmunoassay or high-performance liquid chromatography method.

PubMed

Koristkova, Blanka; Grundmann, Milan; Brozmanova, Hana; Perinova, Ilona; Safarcik, Kristian

2010-10-01

Area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) has been advocated as a better parameter to monitor cyclosporine A than trough concentrations. Up to now, more than 100 equations to estimate AUC using a limited sampling strategy have been published, but not all have been validated. Eight equations for AUC0-12h and two for AUC0-8h were validated. Concentrations of cyclosporine A were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and a specific radioimmunoassay (RIA) method. Forty male renal transplant patients were included in the study. Blood samples were taken predose and at 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 5, 8, and 12 hours after the morning dose when the patient was in steady state. The percentage prediction error (%pe) was used for an assessment of the performance of the equations. Mean %pe less than ± 15% and absolute %pe less than 30% in 95% of predictions were considered to be acceptable. Other possibilities such as %pe less than 25%, 20%, and 15% were also tested. Eight equations for AUC0-12h met the requirements using both assays, six in the HPLC set only and four in the RIA set only. The highest precision was obtained with AUC0-12h = 123.792 + 1.165*C1h + 3.021*C3h + 7.33*C8h proposed by de Mattos et al. The mean %pe was 1% ± 8% (-16 to 19) for HPLC (values given as mean ± standard deviation [range]) and -1 ± 5 (-17 to 10) for RIA. Mean absolute %pe was 7 ± 5 (0.0 to 19) for HPLC and 4 ± 4 (0.0 to 17) for RIA. For clinical use, the most suitable equation was AUC0-12h = 363.078 + 8.77*C1h + 3.07*C3h proposed by Wacke et al, which produced the second lowest %pe and used two sampling points in the period of 1 to 3 hours after dose. The mean %pe was -7 ± 10 (-25 to 25) for HPLC and 2.3 ± 6 (-10 to 17) for RIA. Mean absolute %pe was 10 ± 7 (0.4 to 25) for HPLC and 5 ± 4 (0.0 to 17) for RIA. The equation: AUC0-8h = 55.37 + 2.89*C0h + 1.08*C1h0.9*C2h + 2.23*C3h proposed by Foradori et al met the criteria with 95% of prediction with absolute %pe less than 15% in the HPLC set and 10% in the RIA set. The validation of equations is of major importance for prediction precision, whereas the analytical method for limited sampling strategy proposals had no influence. Because of the wide interassay variability, it is also important to know which analytical method was used for AUC calculation when interpreting the results.

Noninvasive monitoring of adrenocortical activity in carnivores by fecal glucocorticoid analyses.

PubMed

Young, K M; Walker, S L; Lanthier, C; Waddell, W T; Monfort, S L; Brown, J L

2004-06-01

Measurement of glucocorticoid metabolites in feces has become an accepted method for the noninvasive evaluation of adrenocortical activity. The objective of this study was to determine if a simple cortisol enzyme immunoassay (EIA) was suitable for monitoring adrenocortical activity in a variety of carnivore species. Performance of the cortisol EIA was gauged by comparison to a corticosterone radioimmunoassay (RIA) that has been used for measuring glucocorticoid metabolites in feces of numerous species. Tests for parallelism and extraction efficiency were used to compare the cortisol EIA and corticosterone RIA across eight species of carnivores (Himalayan black bear, sloth bear, domestic cat, cheetah, clouded leopard, black-footed ferret, slender-tailed meerkat, and red wolf). The biological relevance of immunoreactive glucocorticoid metabolites in feces was established for at least one species of each Carnivora family studied with an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) challenge. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of fecal extracts for each species revealed (1) the presence of multiple immunoreactive glucocorticoid metabolites in feces, but (2) the two immunoassays measured different metabolites, and (3) there were differences across species in the number and polarities of metabolites identified between assay systems. ACTH challenge studies revealed increases in fecal metabolite concentrations measured by the cortisol EIA and corticosterone RIA of approximately 228-1145% and approximately 231-4150% above pre-treatment baseline, respectively, within 1-2 days of injection. Concentrations of fecal glucocorticoid metabolites measured by the cortisol EIA and corticosterone RIA during longitudinal evaluation (i.e., >50 days) of several species were significantly correlated (P<0.0025, correlation coefficient range 0.383-0.975). Adrenocortical responses to physical and psychological stressors during longitudinal evaluations varied with the type of stimulus, between episodes of the same stimulus, and among species. Significant elevations of glucocorticoid metabolites were observed following some potentially stressful situations [anesthesia (2 of 3 subjects), restraint and saline injection (2 of 2 subjects), restraint and blood sampling (2 of 6 episodes), medical treatment (1 of 1 subject)], but not in all cases [e.g., gonadotropin injection (n=4), physical restraint only (n=1), mate introduction/breeding (n=1), social tension (n=1), construction (n=2) or relocation (n=1)]. Results reinforced the importance of an adequate baseline period of fecal sampling and frequent collections to assess adrenocortical status. The corticosterone RIA detected greater adrenocortical responses to exogenous ACTH and stressful exogenous stimuli in the Himalayan black bear, domestic cat (female), cheetah, clouded leopard, slender-tailed meerkat, and red wolf, whereas the cortisol EIA proved superior to resolving adrenocortical responses in the black-footed ferret and domestic cat (male). Overall results suggest the cortisol EIA tested in this study offers a practical method for laboratories restricted in the usage of radioisotopes (e.g., zoological institutions and field facilities) to integrate noninvasive monitoring of adrenocortical activity into studies of carnivore behavior and physiology.

ANATOMIC VARIATIONS OF HEPATIC ARTERY: A STUDY IN 479 LIVER TRANSPLANTATIONS.

PubMed

Fonseca-Neto, Olival Cirilo Lucena da; Lima, Heloise Caroline de Souza; Rabelo, Priscylla; Melo, Paulo Sérgio Vieira de; Amorim, Américo Gusmão; Lacerda, Cláudio Moura

2017-01-01

The incidence of anatomic variations of hepatic artery ranges from 20-50% in different series. Variations are especially important in the context of liver orthotopic transplantation, since, besides being an ideal opportunity for surgical anatomical study, their precise identification is crucial to the success of the procedure. To identify the anatomical variations in the hepatic arterial system in hepatic transplantation. 479 medical records of transplanted adult patients in the 13-year period were retrospectively analyzed, and collected data on hepatic arterial anatomy of the deceased donor. It was identified normal hepatic arterial anatomy in 416 donors (86.84%). The other 63 patients (13.15%) showed some variation. According to the Michels classification, the most frequently observed abnormalities were: right hepatic artery branch of superior mesenteric artery (Type III, n=27, 5.63%); left hepatic artery branch of the left gastric artery (Type II, n=13, 2.71%); right hepatic artery arising from the superior mesenteric artery associated with the left hepatic artery arising from the left gastric artery (Type IV, n=4, 0.83%). Similarly, in relation to Hiatt classification, the most prevalent changes were: right hepatic accessory artery or substitute of the superior mesenteric artery (Type III, n=28, 6.05%)), followed by liver ancillary left artery or replacement of gastric artery left (Type II, n=16, 3.34. Fourteen donors (2.92%) showed no anatomical abnormalities defined in classifications, the highest frequency being hepatomesenteric trunk identified in five (01.04%). Detailed knowledge of the variations of hepatic arterial anatomy is of utmost importance to surgeons who perform approaches in this area, particularly in liver transplantation, since their identification and proper management are critical to the success of the procedure. A incidência das variações anatômicas da artéria hepática varia de 20-50% em diferentes casuísticas. Elas são especialmente importantes no contexto do transplante ortotópico hepático, visto que, além de representar oportunidade ideal para seu estudo anatômico cirúrgico, a sua precisa identificação é determinante para o sucesso do procedimento. Identificar as variações anatômicas no sistema arterial hepático em transplantes hepáticos. Foram analisados retrospectivamente, no período de 13 anos, 479 prontuários de pacientes adultos transplantados, sendo coletados dados referentes à anatomia arterial hepática do doador falecido. Identificou-se anatomia arterial hepática normal em 416 doadores (86,84%). Os outros 63 indivíduos (13,15%) apresentaram alguma variação. De acordo com a classificação de Michels, as anomalias mais frequentes foram: artéria hepática direita ramo da artéria mesentérica superior (Tipo III, n=27, 5,63%); artéria hepática esquerda ramo da artéria gástrica esquerda (Tipo II, n=13, 2,71%); artéria hepática direita ramo da artéria mesentérica superior associada à artéria hepática esquerda ramo da artéria gástrica esquerda (Tipo IV, n=4, 0,83%). Do mesmo modo, em relação à Classificação de Hiatt, as variações mais prevalentes foram: artéria hepática direita acessória ou substituta da artéria mesentérica superior (Tipo III, n=28, 6,05%), seguida da artéria hepática esquerda acessória ou substituta da artéria gástrica esquerda (Tipo II, n=16, 3,34%). Quatorze pessoas (2,92%) apresentaram alterações anatômicas sem classificação definida, sendo a de maior frequência o tronco hepatomesentérico, identificado em cinco (1,04%). O conhecimento detalhado das variações da anatomia arterial hepática é de grande importância aos cirurgiões que realizam abordagens nessa região, em especial no transplante hepático, visto que sua identificação e correto manejo são fundamentais para o êxito do procedimento.

The CABRI fast neutron Hodoscope: Renovation, qualification program and first results following the experimental reactor restart

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chevalier, V.; Mirotta, S.; Guillot, J.; Biard, B.

2018-01-01

The CABRI experimental pulse reactor, located at the Cadarache nuclear research center, southern France, is devoted to the study of Reactivity Initiated Accidents (RIA). For the purpose of the CABRI International Program (CIP), managed and funded by IRSN, in the framework of an OECD/NEA agreement, a huge renovation of the facility has been conducted since 2003. The Cabri Water Loop was then installed to ensure prototypical Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) conditions for testing irradiated fuel rods. The hodoscope installed in the CABRI reactor is a unique online fuel motion monitoring system, operated by IRSN and dedicated to the measurement of the fast neutrons emitted by the tested rod during the power pulse. It is one of the distinctive features of the CABRI reactor facility, which is operated by CEA. The system is able to determine the fuel motion, if any, with a time resolution of 1 ms and a spatial resolution of 3 mm. The hodoscope equipment has been upgraded as well during the CABRI facility renovation. This paper presents the main outcomes achieved with the hodoscope since October 2015, date of the first criticality of the CABRI reactor in its new Cabri Water Loop configuration. Results obtained during reactor commissioning phase functioning, either in steady-state mode (at low and high power, up to 23 MW) or in transient mode (start-up, possibly beyond 20 GW), are discussed.

[Evaluation of professional knowledge and attitudes on dementia patient care: a trans-cultural adaptation of an evaluation instrument].

PubMed

Costa, Gislaine Desani da; Souza, Rosely Almeida; Yamashita, Cintia Hitomi; Pinheiro, Juliane Cibelle Ferreira; Alvarenga, Márcia Regina Martins; Oliveira, Maria Amélia de Campos

2015-04-01

To describe the trans-cultural adaptation of the evaluation instrument entitled Atenció Sanitària de Les Demències: la visió de L' Atenció Primarià from Catalan into versions in Portuguese for doctors and nurses. This study evaluates the knowledge and perspectives of these professionals in their treatment of patients diagnosed with dementia in cases of primary care. The adaptation followed internationally accepted rules, which include the following steps: translation, synthesis, back-translation, revision by a committee of specialists, and a test run with 35 practicing doctors and 35 practicing nurses in Brazil's Family Health Strategy (Estratégia Saúde da Família, or ESF in Portuguese). The translation, synthesis, and back-translation steps were performed satisfactorily; only small adjustments were required. The committee of specialists verified the face validity in the version translated into Portuguese, and all of the items that received an agreement score lower than 80% during the initial evaluation were revised. In the test run, the difficulties presented by the health care professionals did not reach 15% of the sample, and therefore, no changes were made. The Portuguese translation of the instrument can be considered semantically, idiomatically, culturally, and conceptually equivalent to the original Catalan version and is, therefore, appropriate for use in Brazil.

Fcγ receptor I alpha chain (CD64) expression in macrophages is critical for the onset of meningitis by Escherichia coli K1.

PubMed

Mittal, Rahul; Sukumaran, Sunil K; Selvaraj, Suresh K; Wooster, David G; Babu, M Madan; Schreiber, Alan D; Verbeek, J Sjef; Prasadarao, Nemani V

2010-11-18

Neonatal meningitis due to Escherichia coli K1 is a serious illness with unchanged morbidity and mortality rates for the last few decades. The lack of a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms involved in the development of meningitis contributes to this poor outcome. Here, we demonstrate that depletion of macrophages in newborn mice renders the animals resistant to E. coli K1 induced meningitis. The entry of E. coli K1 into macrophages requires the interaction of outer membrane protein A (OmpA) of E. coli K1 with the alpha chain of Fcγ receptor I (FcγRIa, CD64) for which IgG opsonization is not necessary. Overexpression of full-length but not C-terminal truncated FcγRIa in COS-1 cells permits E. coli K1 to enter the cells. Moreover, OmpA binding to FcγRIa prevents the recruitment of the γ-chain and induces a different pattern of tyrosine phosphorylation of macrophage proteins compared to IgG2a induced phosphorylation. Of note, FcγRIa(-/-) mice are resistant to E. coli infection due to accelerated clearance of bacteria from circulation, which in turn was the result of increased expression of CR3 on macrophages. Reintroduction of human FcγRIa in mouse FcγRIa(-/-) macrophages in vitro increased bacterial survival by suppressing the expression of CR3. Adoptive transfer of wild type macrophages into FcγRIa(-/-) mice restored susceptibility to E. coli infection. Together, these results show that the interaction of FcγRI alpha chain with OmpA plays a key role in the development of neonatal meningitis by E. coli K1.

Gene expression profiling reveals distinct molecular signatures associated with the rupture of intracranial aneurysm.

PubMed

Nakaoka, Hirofumi; Tajima, Atsushi; Yoneyama, Taku; Hosomichi, Kazuyoshi; Kasuya, Hidetoshi; Mizutani, Tohru; Inoue, Ituro

2014-08-01

The rupture of intracranial aneurysm (IA) causes subarachnoid hemorrhage associated with high morbidity and mortality. We compared gene expression profiles in aneurysmal domes between unruptured IAs and ruptured IAs (RIAs) to elucidate biological mechanisms predisposing to the rupture of IA. We determined gene expression levels of 8 RIAs, 5 unruptured IAs, and 10 superficial temporal arteries with the Agilent microarrays. To explore biological heterogeneity of IAs, we classified the samples into subgroups showing similar gene expression patterns, using clustering methods. The clustering analysis identified 4 groups: superficial temporal arteries and unruptured IAs were aggregated into their own clusters, whereas RIAs segregated into 2 distinct subgroups (early and late RIAs). Comparing gene expression levels between early RIAs and unruptured IAs, we identified 430 upregulated and 617 downregulated genes in early RIAs. The upregulated genes were associated with inflammatory and immune responses and phagocytosis including S100/calgranulin genes (S100A8, S100A9, and S100A12). The downregulated genes suggest mechanical weakness of aneurysm walls. The expressions of Krüppel-like family of transcription factors (KLF2, KLF12, and KLF15), which were anti-inflammatory regulators, and CDKN2A, which was located on chromosome 9p21 that was the most consistently replicated locus in genome-wide association studies of IA, were also downregulated. We demonstrate that gene expression patterns of RIAs were different according to the age of patients. The results suggest that macrophage-mediated inflammation is a key biological pathway for IA rupture. The identified genes can be good candidates for molecular markers of rupture-prone IAs and therapeutic targets. © 2014 American Heart Association, Inc.

BACTERICIDAL COATINGS ON TEXTILES FOR REMEDIATION OF INTERMICROBE ACTIVITY (BaCTeRIA) SUMMARY REPORT

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-07-07

Activity by Bacillus sp. P11” Food Bioprocess Technol. 4:822- 828. (2011) Levy, S.B and Marshal,l B.; “ Antibacterial resistance worldwide: causes...TEXTILES FOR REMEDIATION OF INTERMICROBE ACTIVITY (BaCTeRIA) SUMMARY REPORT by Tobyn A. Branck Courtney M. Cowell Jennifer M. Rego and...October 2011 – September 2015 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE BACTERICIDAL COATINGS ON TEXTILES FOR REMEDIATION OF INTERMICROBE ACTIVITY (BaCTeRIA) SUMMARY REPORT

Urinary corticosterone metabolite responses to capture and captivity in the cane toad (Rhinella marina).

PubMed

Narayan, Edward J; Cockrem, John F; Hero, Jean-Marc

2011-09-01

Urinary corticosterone metabolite responses to capture have recently been shown for the first time in amphibians, and in the present study urinary corticosterone metabolite responses to capture and to confinement in captivity were measured in adult cane toads (Rhinella marina) in Queensland, Australia. An adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) challenge was used to provide a biological validation for urinary corticosterone metabolite concentrations measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Urinary corticosterone metabolite increased 1-2 days after ACTH but not saline injection and then returned to initial values, indicating that the RIA could detect changes in corticosterone secretion in toads. Urinary corticosterone metabolite responses to short-term capture and restraint in plastic bags were first apparent 2h after capture of wild toads. Toads held communally in captivity for 5 days had elevated urinary corticosterone metabolite concentrations. Mean corticosterone concentrations declined significantly after a further 7 days in individual housing chambers. There was no sex difference in urinary corticosterone metabolite responses of toads to ACTH challenge, short-term capture or captivity. The relative amount of variation in the mean corticosterone responses was quantified by calculating coefficients of variation (CV) for each mean corticosterone response. Mean corticosterone at 0 min was more variable for captive toads than wild toads. Furthermore, initial corticosterone concentrations (0 min) were more variable than concentrations during the ACTH challenge, short-term capture and captivity. There was little change in the amount of variation of mean corticosterone levels between male and female toads with increasing time in captivity (12-29 days). This study has shown individual corticosterone responses of amphibians for the first-time, and has provided a novel method for quantifying the relative amount of variation in amphibian corticosterone responses. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Detection of Met-enkephalin and Leu-enkephalin in the posterior pituitary of the holostean fish, Amia calva.

PubMed

Dores, R M; McDonald, L K; Crim, J W

1989-01-01

Immunohistochemical analysis of the pituitary of the holostean fish, Amia calva, indicated that enkephalin-related immunoreactivity was restricted to the pars nervosa, and was not detected in other regions of the pituitary. Fractionation of acid extracts of posterior pituitaries by reverse phase HPLC followed by RIA analysis indicated the presence of immunoreactive Met-enkephalin and Leu-enkephalin. No immunoreactive forms were detected with RIAs specific for either Met-enkephalin-RF or Met-enkephalin-RGL. The molar ratio of Met- to Leu-enkephalin in this terminal field was 3:1 (n = 4). HPLC fractions were also digested with trypsin and carboxypeptidase B to test for C-terminally extended forms of Met-enkephalin. A novel modified form of Met-enkephalin was detected. Extracts of the posterior pituitary, forebrain, midbrain, hypothalamus and hindbrain were screened with RIAs specific for the Pro-dynorphin end products, alpha-neo-endorphin, dynorphin A(1-17), dynorphin A(1-8) and dynorphin B(1-13). The results of these analyses were negative. Collectively, these data suggest that a Pro-enkephalin-like molecule is present in holostean fish. The holostean enkephalin precursor contains at least Met-enkephalin and Leu-enkephalin. However, Pro-dynorphin-related end products with antigenic determinants similar to mammalian dynorphin A(1-17), dynorphin A(1-8), dynorphin B(1-13) and alpha-neo-endorphin could not be detected in the brain or pituitary of this species.

Hypothyroidism following treatment for head and neck cancer

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

Vrabec, D.P.; Heffron, T.J.

One hundred ninety-six head and neck patients were studied to determine the effects of radiation therapy and surgery on thyroid function. Serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were obtained as a screening test for primary hypothyroidism. Elevated TSH levels were found in 57 of the 196 patients (29.1%). The highest incidence of abnormal TSH values (66%) occurred in the group treated with combination radiation therapy and surgery, including partial thyroidectomy. TSH levels rose early in the posttreatment period with 60% of the abnormal values occurring within the first three posttreatment years. Posttreatment thyroid dysfunction was twice as common in women (48.6%)more » as in men (25.4%). When serum thyroxine levels by radioimmunoassay (T4RIA) were correlated with the elevated serum TSH levels, a similar pattern was seen with 65% of the patients in Group 3 having a decreased T4RIA level indicating overt hypothyroidism. Pretreatment levels of thyroid function including thyroid antibody studies should be established for all patients. Serial TSH levels should be done every three months during the first three posttreatment years and semiannually thereafter as long as the patient will return for follow-up care. All patients treated with combination radiation therapy and surgery who develop elevated TSH levels should be treated with thyroid replacement therapy. Patients receiving radiation therapy alone should receive replacement thyroid therapy if they develop a depressed T4RIA value or a pattern of gradually increasing TSH levels.« less

CLEIA CA125 evidences: good analytical performance avoiding "Hook effect".

PubMed

Falzarano, R; Viggiani, V; Michienzi, S; Colaprisca, B; Longo, F; Frati, L; Anastasi, E

2013-02-01

Cancer antigen 125 (CA125) is a coelomic epithelium-related antigen carried by a high molecular weight glycoprotein complex. It is commonly used as a tumor marker for ovarian cancer to monitor disease progression and response to therapy and as an early detection for recurrence after treatment. The aim of this study was to test the reliability of two different assay methods, a radioimmunometric assay (RIA) and an automated chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (CLEIA) system, by measuring CA125 serum levels using both methods in 357 patients and comparing the results. Patients were recruited from Oncologic Unit A, Policlinico Umberto I, Roma. Eighty-six were healthy donors, while 271 were oncologic patients representing a variety of diagnoses. Within this group, 76 patients were diagnosed with an ovarian related pathology (28 cancerous and 48 benign). The evaluation of CA125 marker blood levels showed a high agreement in healthy donors group (R (2) = 0.9003). Interesting results emerged when sera collected from oncologic patients were assessed: significant differences between the two assays were found in nine samples. When assayed again with RIA after a dilution, new values agreed with undiluted CLEIA values (R (2) = 0.9847). Our data suggest an overall good comparison between the two methods. However, some artifacts were obtained with RIA and indicate an underlying presence of "hook effect". CLEIA automated assay showed a good reliability and should be preferred to one-step radioimmunoassays in order to minimize errors.

Comparison of accuracy of pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) concentration in blood and milk for early pregnancy diagnosis in cows.

PubMed

Gajewski, Z; Petrajtis-Gołobów, M; Melo de Sousa, N; Beckers, J F; Pawliński, B; Wehrend, A

2014-12-01

The aim of this study was to compare two methods of early pregnancy diagnosis by determining pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) concentration in blood and PAG concentration in milk. Blood and milk samples were obtained on days 0 (AI day), 14, 21, 28, 35, 49, 63, 77, 91 and 105 of gestation from 60 lactating Holstein Frisian cows from one herd, carrying live fetuses. To determine PAG concentration a specific RIA system (RIA-706) was used. PAG concentration in blood and milk increased after 28 days of pregnancy, with blood concentrations being significantly higher than in milk. However, the accuracy of both tests at this time point was similar (sensitivity: 92 % in blood, 93 % in milk; specificity 53 % and 60 % respectively). None of the tests were able to detect open cows properly at this stage. On day 35 of gestation sensitivity (100 % for blood, 97 % for milk) and specificity (100 % for blood, 100 % for milk) were high enough to be used for reliable pregnancy diagnosis. The accuracy (sensitivity and specificity) for PAG concentrations in blood and milk for the rest of the study was 100 %. Our investigation shows that PAG determination in milk is a stress-free and non-invasive method for early pregnancy diagnosis in cattle.

MR Enterography Assessment of Bowel Inflammation Severity in Crohn Disease Using the MR Index of Activity Score: Modifying Roles of DWI and Effects of Contrast Phases.

PubMed

Kim, Jin Sil; Jang, Hye Young; Park, Seong Ho; Kim, Kyung-Jo; Han, Kyunghwa; Yang, Suk-Kyun; Ye, Byong Duk; Park, Sang Hyoung; Lee, Jong Seok; Kim, Hyun Jin

2017-05-01

The purpose of this article is to appraise the use of the MR index of activity (MaRIA) score in evaluating Crohn disease (CD) on present-day MR enterography images, with an emphasis on determining the modifying roles of DWI and the effects of different contrast enhancement phases. Fifty patients prospectively underwent MR enterography, including DWI and enteric and portal phase scans, and ileocolonoscopy with segmental CD endoscopic index of severity (CDEIS) scoring within a week. Thirty-nine terminal ilea and 40 right-sided colons (mean [± SD] segmental CDEIS score, 14.3 ± 12.1) from 42 patients with CD (mean age, 27 ± 6.2 years) were finally analyzed by three independent readers. Original and modified (ulcer replaced with DWI grade) MaRIA scores were compared regarding their correlation with segmental CDEIS score, accuracy in diagnosing active (segmental CDEIS score ≥ 3) and severe (segmental CDEIS score ≥ 12) inflammation, and interobserver reproducibility. The primary analysis used portal phase data, and the agreement between portal and enteric phase scores was analyzed. MaRIA and modified MaRIA scores correlated similarly with CDEIS scores (r = 0.737 and 0.742; p = 0.387) and did not significantly differ in terms of AUC values for the diagnosis of active (0.909 and 0.903; p = 0.571) or severe (0.907 and 0.892; p = 0.443) inflammation. The intraclass correlation coefficient was significantly higher for modified MaRIA than for MaRIA (0.845 and 0.701; p < 0.001). The mean difference between portal and enteric phase scores (i.e., portal minus enteric) was 0.33-0.36 score points for individual readers, and the Bland-Altman repeatability coefficient was 0.9-1.42 score points. Interobserver reproducibility in evaluating the severity of bowel inflammation in CD using the MaRIA score can be improved by modification with DWI. MaRIA scoring provides steady results across enteric and portal phases.

The influence of strain rate and hydrogen on the plane-strain ductility of Zircaloy cladding

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

Link, T.M.; Motta, A.T.; Koss, D.A.

1998-03-01

The authors studied the ductility of unirradiated Zircaloy-4 cladding under loading conditions prototypical of those found in reactivity-initiated accidents (RIA), i.e.: near plane-strain deformation in the hoop direction (transverse to the cladding axis) at room temperature and 300 C and high strain rates. To conduct these studies, they developed a specimen configuration in which near plane-strain deformation is achieved in the gage section, and a testing methodology that allows one to determine both the limit strain at the onset of localized necking and the fracture strain. The experiments indicate that there is little effect of strain rate (10{sup {minus}3} tomore » 10{sup 2} s{sup {minus}1}) on the ductility of unhydrided Zircaloy tubing deformed under near plane-strain conditions at either room temperature or 300 C. Preliminary experiments on cladding containing 190 ppm hydrogen show only a small loss of fracture strain but no clear effect on limit strain. The experiments also indicate that there is a significant loss of Zircaloy ductility when surface flaws are present in the form of thickness imperfections.« less

Dog cloning with in vivo matured oocytes obtained using electric chemiluminescence immunoassay-predicted ovulation method.

PubMed

Lee, Seunghoon; Zhao, Minghui; No, Jingu; Nam, Yoonseok; Im, Gi-Sun; Hur, Tai-Young

2017-01-01

Radioactive immunoassay (RIA) is a traditional serum hormone assay method, but the application of the method in reproductive studies is limited by the associated radioactivity. The aim of present study was to evaluate the reliability of RIA and to compare its canine serum progesterone concentration determination accuracy to that of the electric chemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLI). In vivo matured oocytes were utilized for canine somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), and serum progesterone levels were assessed to accurately determine ovulation and oocyte maturation. Canine serum progesterone concentrations during both proestrus and estrus were analyzed by RIA and ECLI to determine the ovulation day. Although both methods detected similar progesterone levels before ovulation, the mean progesterone concentration determined using ECLI was significantly higher than of RIA three days before ovulation. Following ovulation, oocytes were collected by surgery, and a lower percentage of mature oocytes were observed using ECLI (39%) as compared to RIA (67%) if 4-8ng/ml of progesterone were used for determination of ovulation. A high percentage of mature oocytes was observed using ECLI when 6-15 ng/mL of progesterone was used for ovulation determination. To determine whether ECLI could be used for canine cloning, six canines were selected as oocyte donors, and two puppies were obtained after SCNT and embryo transfer. In conclusion, compared to the traditional RIA method, the ECLI method is a safe and reliable method for canine cloning.

Dog cloning with in vivo matured oocytes obtained using electric chemiluminescence immunoassay-predicted ovulation method

PubMed Central

No, Jingu; Nam, Yoonseok; Im, Gi-Sun; Hur, Tai-Young

2017-01-01

Radioactive immunoassay (RIA) is a traditional serum hormone assay method, but the application of the method in reproductive studies is limited by the associated radioactivity. The aim of present study was to evaluate the reliability of RIA and to compare its canine serum progesterone concentration determination accuracy to that of the electric chemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLI). In vivo matured oocytes were utilized for canine somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), and serum progesterone levels were assessed to accurately determine ovulation and oocyte maturation. Canine serum progesterone concentrations during both proestrus and estrus were analyzed by RIA and ECLI to determine the ovulation day. Although both methods detected similar progesterone levels before ovulation, the mean progesterone concentration determined using ECLI was significantly higher than of RIA three days before ovulation. Following ovulation, oocytes were collected by surgery, and a lower percentage of mature oocytes were observed using ECLI (39%) as compared to RIA (67%) if 4-8ng/ml of progesterone were used for determination of ovulation. A high percentage of mature oocytes was observed using ECLI when 6–15 ng/mL of progesterone was used for ovulation determination. To determine whether ECLI could be used for canine cloning, six canines were selected as oocyte donors, and two puppies were obtained after SCNT and embryo transfer. In conclusion, compared to the traditional RIA method, the ECLI method is a safe and reliable method for canine cloning. PMID:28288197

Computerized optimization of radioimmunoassays for hCG and estradiol: an experimental evaluation

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

Yanagishita, M.; Rodbard, D.

1978-07-15

The mathematical and statistical theory of radioimmunoassays (RIAs) has been used to develop a series of computer programs to optimize sensitivity or precision at any desired dose level for either equilibrium or nonequilibrium assays. These computer programs provide for the calculation of the equilibrium constants of association and binding capacities for antisera (parameters of Scatchard plots), the association and dissociation rate constants, and prediction of optimum concentration of labeled ligand and antibody and optimum incubation times for the assay. This paper presents an experimental evaluation of the use of these computer programs applied to RIAs for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)more » and estradiol. The experimental results are in reasonable semiquantitative agreement with the predictions of the computer simulations (usually within a factor of two) and thus partially validate the use of computer techniques to optimize RIAs that are reasonably well behaved, as in the case of the hCG and estradiol RIAs. Further, these programs can provide insights into the nature of the RIA system, e.g., the general nature of the sensitivity and precision surfaces. This facilitates empirical optimization of conditions.« less

Total Triiodothyronine by Fluorescence Polarization Immunoassay (FPIA),

DTIC Science & Technology

Graves ’ disease . Traditionally, radioimmunoassays (RIA) have been employed for the determination of total T3. Enzyme immunoassays (EIA) and fluorescence immunoassays (FIA) have been developed for many of the analytes that formerly were measured using RIA. One variation of this new generation of immunoassays is fluorescence polarization. A fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) method for total T3 has been automated by adaptation to the TDx (Abbott, Chicago, IL) clinical analyzer. The TDx total T3 assay has been evaluated as a replacement for an RIA total T3

Photochemical and microbial alterations of DOM spectroscopic properties in the estuarine system Ria de Aveiro.

PubMed

Santos, L; Santos, E B H; Dias, J M; Cunha, A; Almeida, A

2014-08-01

The influence of photochemical transformations of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) on microbial communities was evaluated in the estuarine system Ria de Aveiro. Two sites, representative of the marine and brackish water zones of the estuary, were surveyed regularly in order to determine seasonal and vertical profiles of variation of CDOM properties. Optical parameters of CDOM indicative of aromaticity and molecular weight were used to establish CDOM sources, and microbial abundance and activity was characterized. Additionally, microcosm experiments were performed in order to simulate photochemical reactions of CDOM and to evaluate microbial responses to light-induced changes in CDOM composition. The CDOM of the two estuarine zones showed different spectral characteristics, with significantly higher values of the specific ultra-violet absorbance at 254 nm (SUVA254) (5.5 times) and of the absorption coefficient at 350 nm (a350) (12 times) and lower SR (S275-295/S350-400) ratio at brackish water compared with the marine zone, reflecting the different amounts and prevailing sources of organic matter, as well as distinct riverine and oceanic influences. At the marine zone, the abundance of bacteria and the activity of Leu-AMPase correlated with a350 and a254, suggesting a microbial contribution to the HMW CDOM pool. The irradiation of DOM resulted in a decrease of the values of a254 and a350 and an increase of the slope S275-295 and of the ratios E2 : E3 (a250/a365) and SR, which in turn increase its bioavailability. However, the extent of photoinduced transformations and microbial responses was dependent on the initial optical characteristics of CDOM. In Ria de Aveiro both photochemical and microbial processes yielded optical changes in CDOM and the overall results of these combined processes determine the fate of CDOM in the estuarine system and have an influence on local productivity and in adjacent coastal areas.

Remote infrared audible signage (RIAS) pilot program report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-07-01

The Remote Infrared Audible Sign Model Accessibility Program (RIAS MAP) is a program funded by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to evaluate the effectiveness of remote infrared audible sign systems in enabling persons with visual and cognitiv...

Correlation and comparison of Nb/sub 2/ lymphoma cell bioassay with radioimmunoassay for human prolactin

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

Subramanian, M.G.; Spirtos, N.J.; Moghissi, K.S.

Serum samples from groups of men and women with normal and elevated prolactin (PRL) levels were assayed by radioimmunoassay (RIA) and by Nb/sub 2/ lymphoma cell bioassay (BA) for the presence of PRL. Because the Nb/sub 2/ lymphoma cells respond to both PRL and growth hormone, BA for PRL activity was carried out before and after neutralization of growth hormone in the serum samples. There were excellent correlations between RIA and BA both in euprolactinemic and hyperprolactinemic subjects. On an absolute basis, RIA and BA values were similar in the euprolactinemic group (6.6 +/- 0.8 versus 6.2 +/- 1.0), whereasmore » in the hyperprolactinemic group, RIA values were significantly higher than the BA results. The two assay systems also appeared to correlate better in women who were hyperprolactinemic, with obvious menstrual cycle disturbances, than in hyperprolactinemic women without menstrual cycle disturbances.« less

Comparison of 2 enzyme immunoassays and a radioimmunoassay for measurement of progesterone concentrations in bovine plasma, skim milk, and whole milk.

PubMed

Colazo, Marcos G; Ambrose, Divakar J; Kastelic, John P; Small, Julie A

2008-01-01

The objective of this study was to compare 2 enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) with a radioimmunoassay (RIA) as to sensitivity and accuracy in the measurement of the progesterone (P4) concentration in bovine plasma, skim milk, and whole milk. The 72 samples from 24 lactating dairy cows expected to have either a high P4 concentration (cows in diestrus or pregnant) or a low P4 concentration (cows in estrus or anestrus) were analyzed by RIA, solid-phase EIA (SPEIA), which included a solvent extraction step, or direct EIA (DEIA) without solvent extraction. The overall mean concentrations of P4 did not differ (P < 0.4) among the assays. However, for the cows that were in diestrus or pregnant, the mean P4 concentrations (and standard error) were higher (P < 0.03), regardless of sample type, with RIA than with SPEIA, at 7.3 (0.7) and 6.1 (0.6) ng/mL, respectively. When only the high-P4 samples analyzed by RIA were compared, the mean P4 concentration was higher (P < 0.001) in whole milk than in skim milk, at 9.8 (1.0) and 4.1 (0.7) ng/mL, respectively. Although the mean P4 concentrations in the low-P4 samples did not differ (P < 0.80) among assays, the proportions of cows with a P4 concentration > or = 1 ng/mL were 3%, 14%, and 44% for RIA, SPEIA, and DEIA, respectively (P < 0.01; DEIA > SPEIA > RIA).

A modeling study on the hydrodynamics of a coastal embayment occupied by mussel farms (Ria de Ares-Betanzos, NW Iberian Peninsula)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duarte, Pedro; Alvarez-Salgado, Xosé Antón; Fernández-Reiriz, Maria José; Piedracoba, Silvia; Labarta, Uxío

2014-06-01

The present study suggests that both under upwelling and downwelling winds, the residual circulation of Ria de Ares-Betanzos remains positive with a strong influence from river discharge and a positive feedback from wind, unlike what is generally accepted for Galician rias. Furthermore, mussel cultivation areas may reduce residual velocities by almost 40%, suggesting their potential feedbacks on food replenishment for cultivated mussels. The Ria de Ares-Betanzos is a partially stratified estuary in the NW Iberian upwelling system where blue mussels are extensively cultured on hanging ropes. This type of culture depends to a large extent on water circulation and residence times, since mussels feed on suspended particles. Therefore, understanding the role of tides, continental runoff, and winds on the circulation of this embayment has important practical applications. Furthermore, previous works have emphasized the potential importance of aquaculture leases on water circulation within coastal ecosystems, with potential negative feedbacks on production carrying capacity. Here we implemented and validated a 3D hydrodynamic numerical model for the Ria de Ares-Betanzos to (i) evaluate the relative importance of the forcing agents on the circulation within the ria and (ii) estimate the importance of culture leases on circulation patterns at the scale of the mussel farms from model simulations. The model was successfully validated with empirical current velocity data collected during July and October 2007 using an assortment of efficiency criteria. Model simulations were carried out to isolate the effects of wind and river flows on circulation patterns.

Código para imageamento indireto de estrelas em sistemas binarios: simulação de variações elipsoidais e do perfil das linhas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Souza, T. R.; Baptista, R.

2003-08-01

As estrelas secundárias em variáveis cataclí smicas (VCs) e binárias-x de baixa massa (BXBMs) são cruciais para o entendimento da origem, evolução e comportamento destas binárias interagentes. Elas são estrelas magneticamente ativas submetidas a condições ambientais extremas [e.g., estão muito próximas de uma fonte quente e irradiante; têm rotação extremamente rápida e forma distorcida; estão perdendo massa a taxas de 10-8-10-10 M¤/ano] que contribuem para que suas propriedades sejam distintas das de estrelas de mesma massa na seqüência principal. Por outro lado, o padrão de irradiação na face da secundária fornece informação sobre a geometria das estruturas de acréscimo em torno da estrela primária. Assim, a obtenção de imagens da superfície destas estrelas é de grande interesse astrofísico. A Tomografia Roche usa as variações no perfil das linhas de emissão/absorção da estrela secundária em função da fase orbital para mapear a distribuição de brilho em sua superfície. Neste trabalho apresentamos os resultados iniciais do desenvolvimento de um programa para o mapeamento da distribuição de brilho na superfí cie das estrelas secundárias em VCs e BXBMs com técnicas de astro-tomografia. Presentemente temos em operação um código que simula as variações no perfil das linhas em conseqüência de efeito Doppler resultante da combinação de rotação e translação de uma estrela em forma de lobo de Roche em torno do centro de massa da binária, em função da distribuição de brilho na superfície desta estrela. O código igualmente produz a curva de luz resultante das variações de aspecto da estrela em função da fase orbital (variações elipsoidais).

Uma grade de perfis teóricos para estrelas massivas em transição

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nascimento, C. M. P.; Machado, M. A.

2003-08-01

Na XXVIII Reunião Anual da Sociedade Astronômica Brasileira (2002) apresentamos uma grade de perfis calculados de acordo com os pontos da trajetória evolutiva de metalicidade solar, Z = 0.02 e taxa de perda de massa () padrão, para estrelas com massa inicial de 25, 40, 60, 85 e 120 massas solares. Estes perfis foram calculados com o auxílio de um código numérico adequado para descrever os ventos de objetos massivos, supondo simetria esférica, estacionaridade e homogeneidade. No presente trabalho, apresentamos a complementação da grade com os perfis teóricos relativos às trajetórias de Z = 0.02 com taxa de perda de massa dobrada em relação a padrão (2´), e de metalicidade Z = 0.008. Para cada ponto das três trajetórias obtemos os perfis teóricos de Ha, Hb, Hg e Hd, e como esperado eles se apresentam em pura emissão, pura absorção ou em P-Cygni. Para valores de taxa de perda de massa muito baixos (~10-7) não há formação de linhas, o que é visto nos primeiros pontos em todas as trajetórias. Em geral, para um mesmo ponto a componente de emissão diminui e a absorção aumenta de Ha para Hd. É verificado que as trajetórias com Z = 0.02 e padrão possuem menos circuitos (loops) do que as com metalicidade Z = 0.02 e 2´ padrão, e seus perfis são, em geral, menos intensos. Em relação a trajetória de Z = 0.008, verifica-se menos circuitos e maior variação em luminosidade, e seus perfis mostram-se em, algumas trajetórias, mais intensos. Verificamos também que, pontos distintos em uma mesma trajetória, apresentam perfis diferentes para valores similares de luminosidade e temperatura efetiva. Sendo assim, uma grade de perfis teóricos parece ser útil para fornecer uma informação preliminar sobre o estágio evolutivo de uma estrela massiva.

Identification of the soluble form of tyrosine kinase receptor Axl as a potential biomarker for intracranial aneurysm rupture.

PubMed

Xu, Jing; Ma, Feiqiang; Yan, Wei; Qiao, Sen; Xu, Shengquan; Li, Yi; Luo, Jianhong; Zhang, Jianmin; Jin, Jinghua

2015-03-05

Subarachnoid hemorrhage caused by a ruptured intracranial aneurysm (RIA) is a devastating condition with significant morbidity and mortality. Despite the fact that RIAs can be prevented by microsurgical clipping or endovascular coiling, there are no reliable means of effectively predicting IA patients at risk for rupture. The purpose of our study was to discover differentially-expressed glycoproteins in IAs with or without rupture as potential biomarkers to predict rupture. Forty age/gender-matched patients with RIA, unruptured IA (UIA), healthy controls (HCs) and disease controls (DCs) (discovery cohort, n = 10 per group) were recruited and a multiplex quantitative proteomic method, iTRAQ (isobaric Tagging for Relative and Absolute protein Quantification), was used to quantify relative changes in the lectin-purified glycoproteins in CSF from RIAs and UIAs compared to HCs and DCs. Then we verified the proteomic results in an independent set of samples (validation cohort, n = 20 per group) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Finally, we evaluated the specificity and sensitivity of the candidate marker with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve methods. The proteomic findings identified 294 proteins, 40 of which displayed quantitative changes unique to RIA, 13 to UIA, and 20 to IA. One of these proteins, receptor tyrosine kinase Axl, was significantly increased in RIA, as confirmed in CSF from the discovery cohort as well as in CSF and plasma from the validation cohort (p <0.05). Spearman's correlation analysis revealed that the CSF and plasma Axl levels were strongly correlated (r = 0.93, p <0.0001). The ROC curve indicated an optimal CSF Axl threshold of 0.12 nM for discriminating RIA from UIA with corresponding sensitivity/specificity of 73.33%/90% and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.89 (95% CI: 0.80-0.97, p < 0.0001). The optimal threshold for plasma Axl was 1.7 nM with corresponding sensitivity/specificity of 50%/80% and an AUC of 0.71 (95% CI: 0.54-0.87, p = 0.027). Both CSF and plasma Axl levels are significantly elevated in RIA patients. Axl might serve as a promising biomarker to predict the rupture of IA.

Accuracy of a rapid enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to measure progesterone in mares

PubMed Central

Relave, Fabien; Lefebvre, Réjean C.; Beaudoin, Sandra; Price, Christopher

2007-01-01

The aim of this study was to validate an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the measurement of progesterone (P4) in mares. Specifically, the objectives were as follows: 1) to determine the specificity and sensitivity of the ELISA test for determination of P4, 2) to measure the potential agreement between the 2 people performing the test, and 3) to evaluate the effect of time on the outcome. Ten mares were sampled on the day before ovulation (D-1), and on days 1 (D1), 3 (D3), and 5 (D5) following ovulation, during the reproductive season. While mares were cycling regularly, estrus was induced by the injection of 5 mg of prostaglandin (PGF2) and monitored starting on the 4th day by daily transrectal palpation and ultrasonography to determine the time of ovulation. Blood was collected and all samples (n = 96) were assayed for P4 by a semiquantitative ELISA, by chemiluminescent immunoassay, and by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Based on the RIA, values of P4 on D-1, D1, D3, and D5 were significantly different (P < 0.0001) with mean and standard deviation(s) of 0.004, s = 0.52; 2.05, s = 2.58; 8.37, s = 4.17; and 12.76, s = 4.00 ng/mL respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the semiquantitative assay were 94% and 95%, respectively for the lowest values of P4 (< 1.0 ng/mL). The value of kappa was 0.90 between 2 individuals performing the test. In conclusion, these results suggest that the semi-quantitative test may be used reliably and economically to evaluate P4 levels in equine plasma in the clinical situation. PMID:17824324

Educational interventions to improve inhaler techniques and their impact on asthma and COPD control: a pilot effectiveness-implementation trial.

PubMed

Maricoto, Tiago; Madanelo, Sofia; Rodrigues, Luís; Teixeira, Gilberto; Valente, Carla; Andrade, Lília; Saraiva, Alcina

2016-01-01

To assess the impact that educational interventions to improve inhaler techniques have on the clinical and functional control of asthma and COPD, we evaluated 44 participants before and after such an intervention. There was a significant decrease in the number of errors, and 20 patients (46%) significantly improved their technique regarding prior exhalation and breath hold. In the asthma group, there were significant improvements in the mean FEV1, FVC, and PEF (of 6.4%, 8.6%, and 8.3% respectively). Those improvements were accompanied by improvements in Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test scores but not in Asthma Control Test scores. In the COPD group, there were no significant variations. In asthma patients, educational interventions appear to improve inhaler technique, clinical control, and functional control. RESUMO Para avaliar o impacto do ensino da técnica inalatória no controle clínico e funcional de pacientes com asma ou DPOC, incluíram-se 44 participantes antes e após essa intervenção. Houve uma diminuição significativa no número de erros cometidos, sendo que 20 pacientes (46%) melhoraram significativamente sua técnica na expiração prévia e apneia final. No grupo asma, houve significativa melhora nas médias de FEV1 (6,4%), CVF (8,6%) e PFE (8,3%), e essa melhora correlacionou-se com os resultados no Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test, mas não com os do Asthma Control Test. No grupo DPOC, não houve variações significativas. O ensino da técnica inalatória parece melhorar seu desempenho e os controles clínico e funcional em pacientes com asma.

Sensitive radioimmunoassay of total thyroxine (T4) in horses using a simple extraction method.

PubMed

Tangyuenyong, Siriwan; Nambo, Yasuo; Nagaoka, Kentaro; Tanaka, Tomomi; Watanabe, Gen

2017-07-28

Most thyroid hormone determinations in animals are based on immunoassays adapted from those used to test human samples, which may not reflect the actual values of thyroid hormone in horses because of the presence of binding proteins. The aims of the present study were i) to establish a novel radioimmunoassay (RIA) using a more simple and convenient method to separate binding proteins for the measurement of total thyroxine (T4) in horses and ii) to validate the assay by comparing total T4 concentrations in yearling horses raised in different climates. Blood samples were collected from trained yearlings in Hokkaido (temperate climate) and Miyazaki (subtropical climate) in Japan and from adult horses in estrus and diestrus. T4 was extracted from both serum and plasma using modified acid ethanol cryo-precipitation and sodium acetate ethanol methods. Circulating total T4 concentrations were determined by RIA. T4 concentration by sodium acetate ethanol was appropriately detectable rather than sodium salicylate method and was the same as for acid ethanol method. Furthermore, this sodium acetate ethanol method required fewer extraction steps than the other methods. Circulating T4 concentrations in yearlings were 225.98 ± 20.89 ng/ml, which was higher than the previous reference values. With respect to climate, T4 levels in Hokkaido yearlings tended to be higher than those in Miyazaki yearlings throughout the study period. These results indicated that this RIA protocol using a modified sodium acetate ethanol separation technique might be an appropriate tool for specific measurement of total T4 in horses.

Measuring fecal testosterone in females and fecal estrogens in males: comparison of RIA and LC/MS/MS methods for wild baboons (Papio cynocephalus)

PubMed Central

Gesquiere, Laurence R.; Ziegler, Toni E.; Chen, Patricia A.; Epstein, Katherine A.; Alberts, Susan C.; Altmann, Jeanne

2014-01-01

The development of non-invasive methods, particularly fecal determination, has made possible the assessment of hormone concentrations in wild animal populations. However, measuring fecal metabolites needs careful validation for each species and for each sex. We investigated whether radioimmunoassays (RIAs) previously used to measure fecal testosterone (fT) in male baboons and fecal estrogens (fE) in female baboons were well suited to measure these hormones in the opposite sex. We compared fE and fT concentrations determined by RIA to those measured by liquid chromatography combined with triple quadropole mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS), a highly specific method. Additionally, we conducted a biological validation to assure that the measurements of fecal concentrations reflected physiological levels of the hormone of interest. Several tests produced expected results that led us to conclude that our RIAs can reliably measure fT and fE in both sexes, and that within-sex comparisons of these measures are valid: (i) fTRIA were significantly correlated to fTLC/MS/MS for both sexes; (ii) fTRIA were higher in adult than in immature males; (iii) fTRIA were higher in pregnant than non-pregnant females; (iv) fERIA were correlated with 17β-estradiol (fE2) and with estrone (fE1) determined by LC/MS/MS in pregnant females; (v) fERIA were significantly correlated with fE2 in non-pregnant females and nearly significantly correlated in males; (vi) fERIA were higher in adult males than in immature males. fERIA were higher in females than in males, as predicted, but unexpectedly, fTRIA were higher in females than in males, suggesting a difference in steroid metabolism in the two sexes; consequently, we conclude that while within-sex comparisons are valid, fTRIA should not be used for intersexual comparisons. Our results should open the field to important additional studies, as to date the roles of testosterone in females and estrogens in males have been little investigated. PMID:24798581

Radiation tests on optical fibres: good and bad practice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuhnhenn, J.

2017-11-01

Testing optical fibers for their response to ionizing radiation is unavoidable if their properties in radiation environments need to be known. So far, no model exists that would be able to predict the behavior of optical fibers in the presence of radiation, for example because too many, mostly unknown parameters influence the changes in the fiber. To obtain reliable results from irradiation tests of optical fibers a well-defined setup and thorough experience is needed to avoid erroneous data that might lead to wrong decisions for the final application. This presentation tries to introduce basic concepts of radiation testing of optical fibers, focusing on not so well known influences or typical errors. Focus will be laid on the measurement of radiation-induced attenuation (RIA) in optical fibers.

Immunochemical quantitation, size distribution, and cross-reactivity of lepidoptera (moth) aeroallergens in southeastern Minnesota

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

Wynn, S.R.; Swanson, M.C.; Reed, C.E.

1988-07-01

With an immunochemical method, we analyzed outdoor air samples during a 3-year period for concentrations of the predominant local species of moth, Pseudaletia unipuncta (Haworth). Airborne particulates were collected on fiberglass filter sheets with an Accu-Vol sampler located 1.5 m above ground on the southeastern Minnesota prairie. Filter eluates analyzed by RIA inhibition contained concentrations of moth protein peaking in June and August to September of each year, with levels comparable to reported immunochemically measured levels of pollen and mold allergens. These peaks also corresponded with total numbers of moths captured in light traps. Moth-allergen activity was distributed in particlemore » sizes ranging from 0.8 to greater than 4.1 micron when sized samples were obtained by use of an Andersen cascade impaction head. By RIA inhibition, there was cross-reactivity between P. unipuncta and insects of different genera, families, and orders, but not with pollens or molds. Forty-five percent of 257 patients with immediate positive skin tests to common aeroallergens had positive skin tests to one or more commercially available whole body insect extracts. Of 120 patients with allergic rhinitis believed to be primarily caused by ragweed sensitivity, 5% also had elevated specific IgE to moths. We conclude that airborne concentrations of Lepidoptera can be measured immunochemically and that moths may be a seasonal allergen in the United States.« less

Evaluation of a Communication Skills Training Program for Companion-Animal Veterinarians: A Pilot Study Using RIAS Coding.

PubMed

McArthur, Michelle; Fitzgerald, Jennifer

2016-01-01

Effective veterinarian communication skills training and the related key outcomes provided the impetus for this study. We implemented a pre-experimental pre-test/post-test single-group design with a sample of 13 veterinarians and their 71 clients to evaluate the effects of a 6.5-hour communication skills intervention for veterinarians. Consultations were audiotaped and analyzed with the Roter Interaction Analysis System (RIAS). Clients completed the Consultation and Relational Care Measure, a global satisfaction scale, a Parent Medical Interview Satisfaction Scale, and the Adherence Intent measure. Veterinarians completed a communication confidence measure and a workshop satisfaction scale. Contrary to expectation, neither veterinarian communication skills nor their confidence improved post-training. Despite client satisfaction and perceptions of veterinarians' relational communication skills not increasing, clients nevertheless reported an increased intent to adhere to veterinarian recommendations. This result is important because client adherence is critical to managing and enhancing the health and well-being of animals. The results of the study suggest that while the workshop was highly regarded, either the duration of the training or practice opportunities were insufficient or a booster session was required to increase veterinarian confidence and integration of new skills. Future research should utilize a randomized control study design to investigate the appropriate intervention with which to achieve change in veterinarian communication skills. Such change could translate to more effective interactions in veterinarians' daily lives.

Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) for the Proposed Revisions to the Sulfur Dioxide National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) provides estimates of the incremental costs and monetized human health benefits of attaining a revised short‐term Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) NAAQS within the current monitoring network.

Final Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) for the NO2 National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This RIA provides illustrative estimates, as of January 2010, of the incremental costs and monetized human health benefits of attaining the revised NO2 NAAQS within the the existing community-wide monitoring network of 409 monitors.

Crack growth through the thickness of thin-sheet Hydrided Zircaloy-4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raynaud, Patrick A. C.

In recent years, the limits on fuel burnup have been increased to allow an increase in the amount of energy produced by a nuclear fuel assembly thus reducing waste volume and allowing greater capacity factors. As a result, it is paramount to ensure safety after longer reactor exposure times in the case of design-basis accidents, such as reactivity-initiated accidents (RIA). Previously proposed failure criteria do not directly address the particular cladding failure mechanism during a RIA, in which crack initiation in brittle outer-layers is immediately followed by crack growth through the thickness of the thin-wall tubing. In such a case, the fracture toughness of hydrided thin-wall cladding material must be known for the conditions of through-thickness crack growth in order to predict the failure of high-burnup cladding. The fracture toughness of hydrided Zircaloy-4 in the form of thin-sheet has been examined for the condition of through-thickness crack growth as a function of hydride content and distribution at 25°C, 300°C, and 375°C. To achieve this goal, an experimental procedure was developed in which a linear hydride blister formed across the width of a four-point bend specimen was used to inject a sharp crack that was subsequently extended by fatigue pre-cracking. The electrical potential drop method was used to monitor the crack length during fracture toughness testing, thus allowing for correlation of the load-displacement record with the crack length. Elastic-plastic fracture mechanics were used to interpret the experimental test results in terms of fracture toughness, and J-R crack growth resistance curves were generated. Finite element modeling was performed to adapt the classic theories of fracture mechanics applicable to thick-plate specimens to the case of through-thickness crack growth in thin-sheet materials, and to account for non-uniform crack fronts. Finally, the hydride microstructure was characterized in the vicinity of the crack tip by means of digital image processing, so as to understand the influence of the hydride microstructure on fracture toughness, at the various test temperatures. Crack growth occurred through a microstructure which varied within the thickness of the thin-sheet Zircaloy-4 such that the hydrogen concentration and the radial hydride content decreased with increasing distance from the hydride blister. At 25°C, the fracture toughness was sensitive to the changes in hydride microstructure, such that the toughness KJi decreased from 39 MPa√m to 24 MPa√m with increasing hydrogen content and increasing the fraction of radial hydrides. The hydride particles present in the Zircaloy-4 substrate fractured ahead of the crack tip, and crack growth occurred by linking the crack-tip with the next hydride-induced primary void ahead of it. Unstable crack growth was observed at 25°C prior to any stable crack growth in the specimens where the hydrogen content was the highest. At 375°C as well as in most cases at 300°C, the hydride particles were resistant to cracking and the resistance to crack-growth initiation was very high. As a result, for this bend test procedure, crack extension was solely due to crack-tip blunting instead of crack growth in all tests at 375°C and in most cases at 300°C. The lower bound for fracture toughness at these temperatures, the parameter KJPmax, had values of K JPmax˜54MPa√m at both 300°C and 375°C. For cases where stable crack growth occurred at 300°C, the fracture toughness was K Ji˜58MPa√m and the tearing modulus was twice as high as that at 25°C. It is believed that the failure of hydrided Zircaloy-4 thin-wall cladding can be predicted using fracture mechanics analyses when failure occurs by crack growth. This failure mechanism was observed to occur in all cases at 25°C and in some cases at 300°C. However, at more elevated temperatures, such as 375°C, failure will likely occur by a mechanism other than crack growth, possibly by an imperfection-induced shear instability.

Pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) concentration in plasma and milk samples for early pregnancy diagnosis in Lacaune dairy sheep.

PubMed

El Amiri, B; Sousa, N M; Alvarez Oxiley, A; Hadarbach, D; Beckers, J F

2015-04-01

In the present study, four RIA systems (RIA-1 to -4) based on two antisera raised against ovine pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (ovPAGs), combined with an ovine or a bovine PAG tracer were used to measure PAG concentrations in plasma and milk samples of dairy ewes. Blood and milk samples were collected on different days of gestation: 0, 18, 20, 22, 25, 28, 32, 42, and 49. From day 20 onward, the PAG in plasma could be detected in all pregnant ewes using the four RIA systems. By using milk, except for RIA-1, the other systems showed a sensitivity of 100% from day 28 of gestation onward. In plasma, PAG concentrations were higher in multiple than in single pregnancies, while no clear relationship was observed in milk. In conclusion, milk is a good alternative to plasma for early pregnancy diagnosis in sheep from day 28 to day 42. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Doctors in a Southeast Asian country communicate sub-optimally regardless of patients' educational background.

PubMed

Claramita, Mora; Dalen, Jan Van; Van Der Vleuten, Cees Pm

2011-12-01

To explore the relationship between the style of doctor-patient communication and patients' educational background in a Southeast Asian teaching hospital setting using the Roter Interaction Analysis System (RIAS). We analyzed a total of 245 audio-taped consultations involving 30 internal medicine residents with 7-10 patients each in the internal medicine outpatient clinics. The patients were categorized into a group with a high and a group with a low educational level. We ranked the data into 41 RIAS utterances and RIAS-based composite categories in order of observed frequency during consultations. The residents invariantly used a paternalistic style irrespective of patients' educational background. The RIAS utterances and the composite categories show no significant relationship between communication style and patients' educational level. Doctors in a Southeast Asian country use a paternalistic communication style during consultations, regardless of patients' educational background. To approach a more partnership doctor-patient communication, culture and clinical environment concern of Southeast Asian should be further investigated. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Enhancement of the intrinsic defecation reflex by mosapride, a 5-HT4 agonist, in chronically lumbosacral denervated guinea pigs.

PubMed

Kojima, Yu; Fujii, Hisao; Katsui, Renta; Nakajima, Yoshiyuki; Takaki, Miyako

2006-10-01

The defecation reflex is composed of rectal distension-evoked rectal (R-R) reflex contractions and synchronous internal anal sphincter (R-IAS) reflex relaxations in guinea pigs. These R-R and R-IAS reflexes are controlled via extrinsic sacral excitatory nerve pathway (pelvic nerves), lumbar inhibitory nerve pathways (colonic nerves) and by intrinsic cholinergic excitatory and nitrergic inhibitory nerve pathways. The effect of mosapride (a prokinetic benzamide) on the intrinsic reflexes, mediated via enteric 5-HT(4) receptors, was evaluated by measuring the mechanical activity of the rectum and IAS in anesthetized guinea pigs using an intrinsic R-R and R-IAS reflex model resulting from chronic (two to nine days) lumbosacral denervation (PITH). In this model, the myenteric plexus remains undamaged and the distribution of myenteric and intramuscular interstitial cells of Cajal is unchanged. Although R-R and R-IAS reflex patterns markedly changed, the reflex indices (reflex pressure or force curve-time integral) of both the R-R contractions and the synchronous R-IAS relaxations were unchanged. The frequency of the spontaneous R and IAS motility was also unchanged. Mosapride (0.1-1.0 mg/kg) dose-dependently increased both intrinsic R-R (maximum: 1.82) and R-IAS reflex indices (maximum: 2.76) from that of the control (1.0) 6-9 days following chronic PITH. The dose-response curve was similar to that in the intact guinea pig, and had shifted to the left from that in the guinea pig after acute PITH. A specific 5-HT(4) receptor antagonist, GR 113808 (1.0 mg/kg), decreased both reflex indices by approximately 50% and antagonized the effect of mosapride 1.0 mg/kg. This was quite different from the result in the intact guinea pig where GR 113808 (1.0 mg/kg) did not affect either of the reflex indices. The present results indicate that mosapride enhanced the intrinsic R-R and R-IAS reflexes and functionally compensated for the deprivation of extrinsic innervation. The actions of mosapride were mediated through endogenously active, intrinsic 5-HT(4) receptors which may be post-synaptically located in the myenteric plexus of the anorectum.

The impact of a primary care e-communication intervention on the participation of chronic disease patients who had not reached guideline suggested treatment goals.

PubMed

Lussier, Marie-Thérèse; Richard, Claude; Glaser, Emma; Roberge, Denis

2016-04-01

To evaluate the efficacy of two web-based educational approaches on doctor-patient communication. The study focused on chronic disease (CD) patients in a lengthy relationship with their family physician (FP) who had not reached guideline suggested treatment goals (off-target) for their CDs. 322 hypertensive, diabetic, or dyslipidemic patients of 18 FPs were randomised into three groups: Usual Care (UC), e-Learning (e-L) and e-Learning+Workshop (e-L+W). Interventions were based on Cegala's PACE system: Prepare, Ask questions, Check understanding, Express concerns. Communication was evaluated using the Roter Interaction Analysis System (RIAS), MEDICODE and questionnaires. Encounter length was similar across groups. RIAS showed that e-L+W group engaged in more socio-emotional talk and PACE-like utterances. MEDICODE showed that interventions increased frequency, initiative and dialogue for selected CD medication themes. Quality of communication was perceived as satisfactory at baseline and did not change. Following interventions, CD patients were more activated even in well-established doctor-patient relationships. PACE web-based interventions are accessible and effective at increasing CD patients' participation. They increase legitimacy to express the patient experience. FPs should present this type of training to CD patients as an integral part of their routine practice and consider referring patients to complete it. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Burnout Syndrome prevalence of on-call surgeons in a trauma reference hospital and its correlation with weekly workload: cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Novais, Rodrigo Nobre DE; Rocha, Louise Matos; Eloi, Raissa Jardelino; Santos, Luciano Menezes Dos; Ribeiro, Marina Viegas Moura Rezende; Ramos, Fernando Wagner DA Silva; Lima, Fernando José Camello DE; Sousa-Rodrigues, Célio Fernando DE; Barbosa, Fabiano Timbó

2016-01-01

to determine the prevalence of Burnout Syndrome (BS) for surgeons working in referral hospital for trauma in Maceio and to evaluate the possible correlation between BS and weekly workload. cross-sectional study with 43 on-call surgeons at Professor Osvaldo Brandão Vilela General State Hospital, Maceió, between July and December, 2015. A self-administered form was used to evaluate BS through the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and socio-demographic characteristics among participants. Spearman's S test was used to compare BS and weekly workload. Significant level was 5%. among the surgeons studied, 95.35% were male and the mean age was 43.9 ± 8.95 years. The mean weekly workload on call in trauma was 33.90 ± 16.82 hours. The frequency of high scores in at least one of the three dimensions of MBI was 46.5%. Professional achievement was correlated with weekly workload (P = 0.020). the prevalence of Burnout Syndrome among on-call surgeons in referral hospital for trauma was 46.5%. In this sample there was correlation between weekly workload and the Burnout Syndrome. determinar a prevalência da Síndrome de Burnout (SB) em médicos cirurgiões que trabalham em hospital de referência para o trauma em Maceió e avaliar a possível correlação entre SB e a carga horária semanal de trabalho. estudo transversal com 43 cirurgiões de plantão do Hospital Geral do Estado Professor Osvaldo Brandão Vilela, Maceió, entre julho e dezembro de 2015. Um formulário autoadministrado foi utilizado para avaliar SB por meio do Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) e as características sociodemográficas entre os participantes. Foi utilizado o teste de Spearman S para comparar SB e carga horária semanal. O nível de significância foi 5%. entre os cirurgiões estudados, 95,35% eram do sexo masculino e a média de idade foi 43,9±8,95 anos. A média da carga horária semanal de plantão no trauma foi 33,90±16,82 horas. A frequência de pontuações elevadas em pelo menos uma das três dimensões do MBI foi 46,5%. Realização profissional foi correlacionada com a carga de trabalho semanal (P=0,020). a prevalência da Síndrome de Burnout entre cirurgiões plantonistas em hospital de referência para o trauma foi 46,5%. Nesta amostra houve correlação entre a carga horária semanal de trabalho e a Síndrome de Burnout.

Intimate partner violence and repeat induced abortion in Italy: A cross sectional study.

PubMed

Citernesi, Angela; Dubini, Valeria; Uglietti, Anna; Ricci, Elena; Cipriani, Sonia; Parazzini, Fabio

2015-01-01

To investigate the impact of intimate partner violence (IPV) on the risk of repeat induced abortion (RIA), we compared IPV history among women with and without previous induced abortion (IA). All consecutive women aged 18 years or more requiring IA in 12 Italian abortion clinics were eligible for inclusion in the study. They were asked to fill in an anonymous, self-developed questionnaire assessing sociodemographic data and their history of different types of violence and related risk factors. The analysis included 1030 women, 624 (60.6%) of whom reported a previous IA. Past or current IPV was reported by 19.3%: 7.0% reported sexual violence, 11.3% physical abuse and 12.1% psychological abuse. Past or current IPV was reported by 22.3% of women with RIA and 14.8% of those undergoing their first IA (adjusted odds ratio 1.57, 95% confidence interval 1.07-2.30; p = 0.02). When we considered sexual, psychological and physical abuse separately, we found that any kind of abuse was more frequent in women with RIA than in women with no previous IA. This study underlines the impact of IPV on the risk of RIA and suggests the need for screening for IPV among women requiring abortion, in order to identify women at risk of RIA and to improve their general and reproductive health.

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

Tu, J.I.; Brennan, J.; Stouffer, B.

Fosinopril (SQ 28,555) is a member of a new chemical class of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors being developed by The Squibb Institute for Medical Research. During or following absorption, fosinopril, a prodrug, is hydrolyzed pharmacologically to the active diacid, SQ 27,519. A specific radioimmunoassay (RIA) for the measurement of SQ 27,519 in human serum has been developed. The assay utilizes a specific SQ 27,519 antibody, 125I-iodohistamine-SQ 27,519 radiolabel, and human serum standards. Satisfactory zero binding and assay sensitivity are achieved after a 2-h incubation at room temperature. Separation of the antibody-bound and free radiolabeled antigens is achieved by using polyethylenemore » glycol-goat anti-rabbit gamma globulin separant. Recovery efficiencies ranged from 97.2 to 109.4%. The assay exhibited little or no cross-reactivity with captopril. Cross-reactivities for prodrug (SQ 28,555) and phenolic SQ 27,519 were 5 and 9%, respectively. Intra-assay variability (3.3-5.6%) and interassay variability (7.1-6.6%) were observed. Linear regression analysis indicates that RIA and (14C) thin-layer radiochromatography (TLRC) methods gave a highly significant correlation (RIA = 1.0 (14C)TLRC + 0.17, r = 0.991). Pharmacokinetic profiles of patient sera containing SQ 27,519 obtained by RIA and (14C)TLRC are identical. The RIA has been used routinely in support of the bioavailability and pharmacokinetic studies of fosinopril in humans.« less

miRiaD: A Text Mining Tool for Detecting Associations of microRNAs with Diseases.

PubMed

Gupta, Samir; Ross, Karen E; Tudor, Catalina O; Wu, Cathy H; Schmidt, Carl J; Vijay-Shanker, K

2016-04-29

MicroRNAs are increasingly being appreciated as critical players in human diseases, and questions concerning the role of microRNAs arise in many areas of biomedical research. There are several manually curated databases of microRNA-disease associations gathered from the biomedical literature; however, it is difficult for curators of these databases to keep up with the explosion of publications in the microRNA-disease field. Moreover, automated literature mining tools that assist manual curation of microRNA-disease associations currently capture only one microRNA property (expression) in the context of one disease (cancer). Thus, there is a clear need to develop more sophisticated automated literature mining tools that capture a variety of microRNA properties and relations in the context of multiple diseases to provide researchers with fast access to the most recent published information and to streamline and accelerate manual curation. We have developed miRiaD (microRNAs in association with Disease), a text-mining tool that automatically extracts associations between microRNAs and diseases from the literature. These associations are often not directly linked, and the intermediate relations are often highly informative for the biomedical researcher. Thus, miRiaD extracts the miR-disease pairs together with an explanation for their association. We also developed a procedure that assigns scores to sentences, marking their informativeness, based on the microRNA-disease relation observed within the sentence. miRiaD was applied to the entire Medline corpus, identifying 8301 PMIDs with miR-disease associations. These abstracts and the miR-disease associations are available for browsing at http://biotm.cis.udel.edu/miRiaD . We evaluated the recall and precision of miRiaD with respect to information of high interest to public microRNA-disease database curators (expression and target gene associations), obtaining a recall of 88.46-90.78. When we expanded the evaluation to include sentences with a wide range of microRNA-disease information that may be of interest to biomedical researchers, miRiaD also performed very well with a F-score of 89.4. The informativeness ranking of sentences was evaluated in terms of nDCG (0.977) and correlation metrics (0.678-0.727) when compared to an annotator's ranked list. miRiaD, a high performance system that can capture a wide variety of microRNA-disease related information, extends beyond the scope of existing microRNA-disease resources. It can be incorporated into manual curation pipelines and serve as a resource for biomedical researchers interested in the role of microRNAs in disease. In our ongoing work we are developing an improved miRiaD web interface that will facilitate complex queries about microRNA-disease relationships, such as "In what diseases does microRNA regulation of apoptosis play a role?" or "Is there overlap in the sets of genes targeted by microRNAs in different types of dementia?"."

Studies on the Immunochemical Techniques for Detection of Selected Fungal and Dinoflagellate Toxins

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-08-15

was tested. Alpha epimer ( natural form) was found to be more effective than the beta form in the RIA. Not only was much less antibody required, the...with tritiated reduced-VT, DAS, T-2, and DOVE. After completion of these studies, we should be able to understand the nature of such antibodies and to...the ELISA. The nature of the cross-linking of the toxin to BSA is poorly understood. Further studies should be directed to characterize the reaction

Radioimmunoassay for glyburide in human serum. [Sulfonylurea; /sup 14/C and /sup 125/I

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

Royer, M.W.; Ko, H.; Evans, J.S.

1976-01-01

A radioimmunoassay (RIA) has been developed to measure nanogram amounts of drug-related materials in human serum, after oral administration of 1.25, 2.5, 3.75 or 5.0 mg glyburide, G, Micronase, a sulfonylurea. Of the compounds tested, only the known hydroxy metabolites of G cross-reacted significantly. Recoveries were quantitative (100.6 percent). In normal human volunteers, peak serum drug concentrations were observed at 4.3 +- 1.4 hrs (S.D., M = 32).

The Role of Relative Intrinsic Aspirations in Chinese Adolescents' Prosocial Behaviors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fu, Xinyuan; Liu, Xiaolan; Yang, Ying; Zhang, Mengyuan; Kou, Yu

2018-01-01

We examined Chinese adolescents' aspirations and explored the relationship between relative intrinsic aspirations (RIA) and prosocial behaviors and whether adolescents with different levels of RIA have different emphases on self- and other-oriented considerations during prosocial decision making. In Study 1, 236 participants were recruited and…

Measurement of Steroids in Rats after Exposure to an Endocrine Disruptor: Mass Spectrometry and Radioimmunoassay Demonstrate Similar Results

EPA Science Inventory

Commercially available radioimmunoassays (RIAs) are frequently used in toxicological studies to evaluate effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on steroidogenesis in rats. Currently there are limited data comparing steroid concentrations in rats as measured by RIAs to t...

Tailoring communication in cancer genetic counseling through individual video-supported feedback: a controlled pretest-posttest design.

PubMed

Pieterse, Arwen H; van Dulmen, Alexandra M; Beemer, Frits A; Ausems, Margreet G E M; Bensing, Jozien M

2006-03-01

To assess the influence of a 1-day individual video-feedback training for cancer genetic counselors on the interaction during initial visits. Feedback was intended to help counselors make counselees' needs more explicit and increase counselors' sensitivity to these. In total 158 counselees, mainly referred for breast or colon cancer and visiting 1 of 10 counselors, received a pre- and post-visit questionnaire assessing needs (fulfillment). Visits were videotaped, counselor eye gaze was assessed, and verbal communication was analyzed by Roter Interaction Analysis System (RIAS) adapted to the genetic setting. Halfway the study, five counselors were trained. Trained counselors provided more psychosocial information, and with trained counselors emotional consequences of DNA-testing was more often discussed. Counselees seen by a trained counselor considered their need for explanations on (emotional) consequences of counseling as better fulfilled. Unexpectedly, counselees' contribution to the interaction was smaller with trained counselors. Feedback appeared to result in greater emphasis on psychosocial issues, without lengthening the visit. However, counselors did not become more verbally supportive in other ways than by providing information. A 1 day individual training appears effective to some extend; increased opportunities for watching and practicing behavioral alternatives and arranging consolidating sessions may improve training results.

Prevalence of latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in prisoners.

PubMed

Navarro, Pedro Daibert de; Almeida, Isabela Neves de; Kritski, Afrânio Lineu; Ceccato, Maria das Graças; Maciel, Mônica Maria Delgado; Carvalho, Wânia da Silva; Miranda, Silvana Spindola de

2016-01-01

To determine the prevalence of and the factors associated with latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in prisoners in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. This was a cross-sectional cohort study conducted in two prisons in Minas Gerais. Tuberculin skin tests were performed in the individuals who agreed to participate in the study. A total of 1,120 individuals were selected for inclusion in this study. The prevalence of LTBI was 25.2%. In the multivariate analysis, LTBI was associated with self-reported contact with active tuberculosis patients within prisons (adjusted OR = 1.51; 95% CI: 1.05-2.18) and use of inhaled drugs (adjusted OR = 1.48; 95% CI: 1.03-2.13). Respiratory symptoms were identified in 131 (11.7%) of the participants. Serological testing for HIV was performed in 940 (83.9%) of the participants, and the result was positive in 5 (0.5%). Two cases of active tuberculosis were identified during the study period. Within the prisons under study, the prevalence of LTBI was high. In addition, LTBI was associated with self-reported contact with active tuberculosis patients and with the use of inhaled drugs. Our findings demonstrate that it is necessary to improve the conditions in prisons, as well as to introduce strategies, such as chest X-ray screening, in order to detect tuberculosis cases and, consequently, reduce M. tuberculosis infection within the prison system. Determinar a prevalência e os fatores associados à infecção latente por Mycobacterium tuberculosis (ILTB) em pessoas privadas de liberdade no Estado de Minas Gerais. Estudo de coorte transversal realizado em duas penitenciárias em Minas Gerais. Foi realizada a prova tuberculínica nos indivíduos que aceitaram participar do estudo. Foram selecionados 1.120 indivíduos para a pesquisa. A prevalência da ILTB foi de 25,2%. Na análise multivariada, a ILTB esteve associada com relato de contato com caso de tuberculose ativa dentro da penitenciária (OR ajustada = 1,51; IC95%: 1,05-2,18) e uso de drogas inaláveis (OR ajustada = 1,48; IC95%: 1,03-2,13). Foram identificados 131 pacientes sintomáticos respiratórios (11,7%). O teste anti-HIV foi realizado em 940 (83,9%) dos participantes, sendo positivo em 5 indivíduos (0,5%). Dois casos de tuberculose ativa foram identificados no período do estudo. A prevalência de ILTB dentro das penitenciárias estudadas foi alta. Além disso, a ILTB estava associada ao relato de contato com casos de tuberculose e ao uso de drogas inaláveis. Nossos achados demonstram que é necessária a melhoria das condições de encarceramento e a utilização de outras estratégias, como a triagem por radiografia de tórax, para a descoberta de casos de tuberculose e redução da infecção pelo M. tuberculosis no sistema penitenciário.

The 1990 progress report and future plans

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Friedland, Peter; Zweben, Monte; Compton, Michael

1990-01-01

This document describes the progress and plans of the Artificial Intelligence Research Branch (RIA) at ARC in 1990. Activities span a range from basic scientific research to engineering development and to fielded NASA applications, particularly those applications that are enabled by basic research carried out at RIA. Work is conducted in-house and through collaborative partners in academia and industry. Our major focus is on a limited number of research themes with a dual commitment to technical excellence and proven applicability to NASA short, medium, and long-term problems. RIA acts as the Agency's lead organization for research aspects of artificial intelligence, working closely with a second research laboratory at JPL and AI applications groups at all NASA centers.

POSTOPERATIVE EFFECT OF PHYSICAL THERAPY RELATED TO FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY AND RESPIRATORY MUSCLE STRENGTH IN PATIENTS SUBMITTED TO BARIATRIC SURGERY.

PubMed

Oliveira, Josélia Jucirema Jarschel de; Freitas, Alexandre Coutinho Teixeira de; Almeida, Andréa Adriana de

Respiratory physiotherapy plays an important role preventing complications in bariatric surgery. To assess the effects of out-patient physiotherapy during post-operative period through respiratory pressures and functional capacity in individuals submitted to bariatric surgery. A prospective longitudinal and controlled study was done in adults with body mass index (BMI) equal or greater than 40 kg/m², who have been submitted to bariatric surgery. They were divided into two groups: intervention-group, who performed out-patient physiotherapy twice a week, from thirty to sixty days after surgery; and the control-group, who only followed home instructions. Both groups were evaluated before surgery and sixty days after surgery through manovacuometry, six-minute walk test and the Borg Scale of perceived exertion. Twenty participants were included the intervention-group and twenty-three in the control-group. Both groups had significant and similar weight loss after surgery. The manovacuometry presented no differences comparing pre- and post-surgery and in the comparison between the groups. The result of the six-minute walk test for the intervention-group increased by 10.1% in the post-operative period in relation to pre-. The Borg scale of perceived exertion in the intervention-group in pre-surgery decreased by 13.5% in the post-surgery compared to pre-surgery. In the control-group there was no difference comparing pre- and post-operative values, as in the comparison with the intervention-group. The low-intensity exercise program, carried out between the 30th and the 60th day after bariatric surgery provided better functional capacity; did not change respiratory muscle strength; and improved the perceived exertion rate. A fisioterapia respiratória tem papel importante na prevenção das complicações da cirurgia bariátrica. Avaliar os efeitos da fisioterapia ambulatorial no pós-operatório através das pressões respiratórias e da capacidade funcional dos indivíduos submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica. Estudo prospectivo, longitudinal, randomizado e controlado, em adultos com IMC≥40 kg/m², que se submeteram a cirurgia bariátrica, Foram divididos em dois grupos: grupo intervenção, que realizou fisioterapia ambulatorialmente, duas vezes por semana, do trigésimo ao sexagésimo dia de pós-operatório; e grupo controle, que seguiu orientações domiciliares. Ambos os grupos foram avaliados no pré-operatório e após 60 dias da operação através das pressões respiratórias com a manovacuometria, do teste da caminhada de 6 min e do índice de percepção de esforços pela escala de Borg. Foram incluídos 20 participantes no grupo intervenção e 23 no grupo controle, ambos com perda de peso significativa e similar no pós-operatório. A manovacuometria não demonstrou diferenças nas pressões respiratórias na comparação entre o pré-operatório e o pós-operatório e na comparação entre os grupos. O resultado do teste da caminhada de 6 min para o grupo intervenção aumentou em 10,1% no pós-operatório em relação ao pré-operatório. A percepção de esforço pela escala de Borg no grupo intervenção reduziu em 13,5% no pós-operatório comparado ao pré. No grupo controle não foi observada diferença entre o pré e o pós-operatório bem como na comparação com o grupo intervenção. O programa de exercícios de baixa intensidade realizado entre o 30º e o 60º dia de pós-operatório de cirurgia bariátrica promoveu melhor capacidade funcional; não modificou a força muscular respiratória; e melhorou o índice de percepção de esforço.

Racial Identity and the MMPI in African American Male College Students.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Whatley, P. Richard; Allen, James; Dana, Richard H.

2003-01-01

Examines the relation of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) to the Racial Identity Attitude Scale-Black, Short Form (RIAS-B) was examined among 50 African American male college students Results indicated RIAS-B scale scores functioned as predictors of MMPI scale scores. Implications of these findings for MMPI-2 research with…

Alternative Education Spaces in Mexico

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gray, Chloe

2010-01-01

This article explores the architecture of the Red de Innovacion y Aprendizaje (RIA), or Learning and Innovation Network, which is a group of education centres that provide access to computers, the Internet and quality education to low-income communities in Mexico. The RIA began in May 2009 when ten pilot centres were opened in four municipalities…

Rich internet application system for patient-centric healthcare data management using handheld devices.

PubMed

Constantinescu, L; Pradana, R; Kim, J; Gong, P; Fulham, Michael; Feng, D

2009-01-01

Rich Internet Applications (RIAs) are an emerging software platform that blurs the line between web service and native application, and is a powerful tool for handheld device deployment. By democratizing health data management and widening its availability, this software platform has the potential to revolutionize telemedicine, clinical practice, medical education and information distribution, particularly in rural areas, and to make patient-centric medical computing a reality. In this paper, we propose a telemedicine application that leverages the ability of a mobile RIA platform to transcode, organise and present textual and multimedia data, which are sourced from medical database software. We adopted a web-based approach to communicate, in real-time, with an established hospital information system via a custom RIA. The proposed solution allows communication between handheld devices and a hospital information system for media streaming with support for real-time encryption, on any RIA enabled platform. We demonstrate our prototype's ability to securely and rapidly access, without installation requirements, medical data ranging from simple textual records to multi-slice PET-CT images and maximum intensity (MIP) projections.

Optimization of the radioimmunoassays for measuring fentanyl and alfentanil in human serum

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

Schuettler, J.; White, P.F.

Measurement of serum fentanyl and alfentanil concentrations by radioimmunoassay (RIA) may result in significant errors and high variability when the technique described in the available fentanyl and alfentanil RIA kits is used. The authors found a 29-94% overestimation of measured fentanyl and alfentanil serum levels when 3H-fentanyl or 3H-alfentanil was added lastly to the mixture of antiserum and sample. This finding is related to a reduction in binding sites for the labeled compounds after preincubation of sample and antiserum. If this sequence is used, it becomes necessary to extend the incubation period up to 6 h for fentanyl and upmore » to 10 h for alfentanil in order to achieve equilibration between unlabeled and labeled drug with respect to antiserum binding. However, when antiserum is added lastly to the mixture of sample and labeled drug, measurement accuracy and precision for fentanyl and alfentanil serum concentrations are enhanced markedly. In addition, it is important to perform the calibration curves and sample measurements using the same medium (i.e., serum alone or a serum/buffer dilution). In summary, to optimize the RIA for fentanyl and alfentanil, the authors recommend the following: 1) adding the antiserum lastly to the mixture of sample and labeled drug; 2) performing calibration curves using patient's blank serum when possible; 3) carefully examining and standardizing each step of the RIA procedure to reduce variability, and, finally; 4) comparing results with those of other established RIA laboratories.« less

Resultados a longo prazo da angioplastia de artérias renais com stent na doença aterosclerótica: revisão sistemática

PubMed Central

Siqueira, Daniel Emilio Dalledone; Guillaumon, Ana Terezinha

2017-01-01

Resumo A doença renovascular aterosclerótica é a principal causa de hipertensão secundária. A história natural da doença demonstra taxas de progressão de 4 a 12% ao ano. Entre os métodos de tratamento existe a angioplastia com stent de artérias renais; porém, poucos estudos clínicos demonstraram seus resultados a longo prazo. Esta revisão sistemática da literatura se propõe a apresentar os resultados a longo prazo (acima de 24 meses) da angioplastia com stent de artérias renais na doença aterosclerótica em relação à função renal e aos níveis pressóricos no controle da hipertensão. Foi realizada uma ampla pesquisa, utilizando os termos apropriados, nas bases de dados LILACS, EMBASE, SCIELO, Cochrane Library e MEDLINE. De um total de 2.170 referências, apenas sete artigos contemplavam todos os critérios de inclusão. Conclui-se que, a longo prazo, há uma estabilização da função renal, redução dos níveis pressóricos e diminuição do número de classes de medicamentos anti-hipertensivos. PMID:29930639

Comparison between smaller ruptured intracranial aneurysm and larger un-ruptured intracranial aneurysm: gene expression profile analysis.

PubMed

Li, Hao; Li, Haowen; Yue, Haiyan; Wang, Wen; Yu, Lanbing; ShuoWang; Cao, Yong; Zhao, Jizong

2017-07-01

As it grows in size, an intracranial aneurysm (IA) is prone to rupture. In this study, we compared two extreme groups of IAs, ruptured IAs (RIAs) smaller than 10 mm and un-ruptured IAs (UIAs) larger than 10 mm, to investigate the genes involved in the facilitation and prevention of IA rupture. The aneurismal walls of 6 smaller saccular RIAs (size smaller than 10 mm), 6 larger saccular UIAs (size larger than 10 mm) and 12 paired control arteries were obtained during surgery. The transcription profiles of these samples were studied by microarray analysis. RT-qPCR was used to confirm the expression of the genes of interest. In addition, functional group analysis of the differentially expressed genes was performed. Between smaller RIAs and larger UIAs, 101 genes and 179 genes were significantly over-expressed, respectively. In addition, functional group analysis demonstrated that the up-regulated genes in smaller RIAs mainly participated in the cellular response to metal ions and inorganic substances, while most of the up-regulated genes in larger UIAs were involved in inflammation and extracellular matrix (ECM) organization. Moreover, compared with control arteries, inflammation was up-regulated and muscle-related biological processes were down-regulated in both smaller RIAs and larger UIAs. The genes involved in the cellular response to metal ions and inorganic substances may facilitate the rupture of IAs. In addition, the healing process, involving inflammation and ECM organization, may protect IAs from rupture.

Radiation tolerant passive and active optical fiber products for use in space environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hill, Mark; Hankey, Judith; Gray, Rebecca

2017-11-01

This paper reports the radiation performance results of several new product types designed for high radiation environments. The products tested include radiation hardened highly birefringent (HiBi) passive products for polarised applications and radiation tolerant active erbium doped fiber products for amplifiers. Radiation hardened, short beatlength HiBi fiber products have been developed for high accuracy polarisation maintaining (PM) gyros and sensors at both 1310nm and 1550nm operation in the space environment. The fibers have been tested up to 5kGy (500krad) - levels which could be expected in extreme, extra-terrestrial space environments. Results show a consistently low Radiation Induced Attenuation (RIA) of <7dB/km at 5kGy, giving a RIA value of 1.37×10-2 dB/km/krad at 1550nm for this product range. Radiation tolerant EDF AstroGain™ fibers are intended for use in multichannel amplifiers in optical intersatellite communications. The structure of the fibers have been designed to deliver an accelerated recovery of radiation damage through photo-annealing using only the residual energy already available in an amplifier using a 980nm pumping regime. These products have been tested up to 200Gy (20krad) - levels which can be expected in Earth orbit environments over a 20-30 mission lifetime. Results show up to 100% recovery under continuous use for dose rates of 0.11rad/hr. It has also been demonstrated through analysis of the optical spectral output that this effect reverses the gain tilt, or spectral narrowing, induced by radiation damage through the C and L band. These combined fiber characteristics allow performance stability of the amplifier over the lifetime of the space mission.

Millennial surface water dynamics in the Ria de Vigo during the last 3,000 years as revealed by coccolithophores and biomarkers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alvarez, M. C.; Flores, J. A.; Sierro, F. J.; Diz, P.; Frances, G.; Pelejero, C.; Grimalt, J.

2003-04-01

A combined study of coccolithophore assemblages and biomarkers in gravity core VIR-18 (380 cm long) located in the Ria de Vigo (42°14.07 N, 8°47.37W) at a water depth of 45 m situated in the Ria de Vigo (SW Spain) has allowed us to reconstruct the paleoenvironmental conditions for the last 3000 years. The quantitative distribution of coccolithophore species points to three different intervals along the core, dated by AMS radiocarbon measurements. A first interval (I; ca. 975 BC-252 AD), characterized by high abundances of Calcidiscus leptoporus and Gephyrocapsa muellerae, features moderate temperatures, suggesting a transition from a warmer to a cooler period. A second interval (II; ca. 252-1368 AD), characterized by the dominance of Coccolithus pelagicus, Helicosphaera carteri and Syracosphaera spp., and a high concentration of hexacosanol linked to terrestrial input, is interpreted as having been a humid period with prevailing runoff. The third interval (III; ca. 1368 AD-1950) is characterized by a high abundance of Gephyrocapsa oceanica, high values of alkenones and low values of hexacosanol, and is interpreted as a period of dominance of oceanic conditions within the Ria. Taking into account the ocean-atmospheric system existing in the region studied, we propose an alternance in the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) at millennial time scale. A developed upwelling and a good Ria-ocean connection in the warmer Interval I, suggest a NAO+ phase influenced by a Hypsithermal period. The occurrence of the humid and relatively warm Interval II is consistent with a negative phase in the NAO, as well as a relative restriction in ocean-Ria exchange. Interval III, which was dryer and more productive, suggests the dominance of a positive phase in the NAO, with a more intense oceanic connection and more energized upwelling.

The interaction of N-glycans in Fcγ receptor I α-chain with Escherichia coli K1 outer membrane protein A for entry into macrophages: experimental and computational analysis.

PubMed

Krishnan, Subramanian; Liu, Fan; Abrol, Ravinder; Hodges, Jacqueline; Goddard, William A; Prasadarao, Nemani V

2014-11-07

Neonatal meningitis, caused by Escherichia coli K1, is a serious central nervous system disease. We have established that macrophages serve as permissive niches for E. coli K1 to multiply in the host and for attaining a threshold level of bacterial load, which is a prerequisite for the onset of the disease. Here, we demonstrate experimentally that three N-glycans in FcγRIa interact with OmpA of E. coli K1 for binding to and entering the macrophages. Adoptive transfer of FcγRIa(-/-) bone marrow-derived macrophages transfected with FcγRIa into FcγRIa(-/-) newborn mice renders them susceptible to E. coli K1-induced meningitis. In contrast, mice that received bone marrow-derived macrophages transfected with FcγRIa in which N-glycosylation sites 1, 4, and 5 are mutated to alanines exhibit resistance to E. coli K1 infection. Our molecular dynamics and simulation studies predict that N-glycan 5 exhibits strong binding at the barrel site of OmpA formed by loops 3 and 4, whereas N-glycans 1 and 4 interact with loops 1, 3, and 4 of OmpA at tip regions. Molecular modeling data also suggest no role for the IgG binding site in the invasion process. In agreement, experimental mutations in IgG binding site had no effect on the E. coli K1 entry into macrophages in vitro or on the onset of meningitis in newborn mice. Together, this integration of experimental and computational studies reveals how the N-glycans in FcγRIa interact with the OmpA of E. coli K1 for inducing the disease pathogenesis. © 2014 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Prevalence and factors associated with human brucellosis in livestock professionals.

PubMed

Mufinda, Franco Cazembe; Boinas, Fernando; Nunes, Carla

2017-06-22

The objective of this study is to estimate the seroprevalence of human brucellosis in livestock professionals and analyze the factors associated with brucellosis focusing on sociodemographic variables and the variables of knowledge and practices related to the characteristics of the activities carried out in livestock. This is a cross-sectional seroepidemiological study with a population of 131 workers of butchers, slaughter rooms, and slaughterhouse and 192 breeders sampled randomly in Namibe province, Angola. The data were obtained from the collection of blood and use of questionnaires. The laboratory tests used were rose bengal and slow agglutination. The questionnaire allowed us to collect sociodemographic information and, specifically on brucellosis, it incorporated questions about knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of livestock professionals. In addition to the descriptive statistical approach, we used the Chi-square test of independence, Fisher's test, and logistic regression models, using a significance level of 10%. The general weighted prevalence of brucellosis was 15.6% (95%CI 13.61-17.50), being it 5.3% in workers and 16.7% (95%CI 11.39-21.93) in breeders. The statistical significance was observed between human seroprevalence and category (worker and breeder) (p < 0.001) and education level (p = 0.032), start of activity (p = 0079), and service location (p = 0.055). In a multivariate context, the positive factor associated with brucellosis in professionals was the professional category (OR = 3.54; 95%CI 1.57-8.30, related to breeders in relation to workers). Human brucellosis in livestock professionals is prevalent in Namibe province (15.6%), where the professional category was the most important factor. The seroprevalence levels detected are high when compared with those found in similar studies. Estimar a seroprevalência da brucelose humana em profissionais da pecuária e analisar os factores associados à brucelose com foco em variáveis sociodemográficas, de conhecimento e práticas relativas às características das actividades desenvolvidas na pecuária. Estudo transversal seroepidemiológico em população de 131 trabalhadores de talhos, salas de abate e matadouro e 192 criadores amostrados aleatoriamente na província do Namibe, Angola. Os dados foram obtidos por meio de colheita de sangue e aplicação de questionário. Os testes laboratoriais utilizados foram o Rosa de Bengala e a aglutinação lenta em tubos. O questionário permitiu recolher informação sociodemográfica e, especificamente sobre a brucelose, incorporou questões sobre conhecimento, atitudes e comportamentos dos profissionais da pecuária. Além da abordagem estatística descritiva, foram utilizados os testes de Independência do Qui-quadrado, Fisher e modelos de regressão logística, utilizando um nível de significância de 10%. A prevalência geral ponderada da brucelose foi de 15.6% (IC95% 13.61-17.50), sendo 5.3% em trabalhadores e 16.7% (IC95% 11.39-21.93) em criadores. A significância estatística foi observada entre a seroprevalência humana e a categoria (trabalhador e criador) (p < 0.001) e o nível de instrução (p = 0.032), início de actividade (p = 0.079) e local de serviço (p = 0.055). Em um contexto multivariado, o factor positivamente associado à brucelose em profissionais foi a categoria profissional (OR = 3.54; IC95% 1.57-8.30, relativo aos criadores em relação a trabalhadores). A brucelose humana em profissionais da pecuária é prevalente na província do Namibe (15.6%), onde a categoria profissional foi o factor mais relevante. Os níveis de seroprevalência detectados são elevados se comparados com outros encontrados em estudos semelhantes.

Methodological issues in assessing plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration in newborn infants.

PubMed

Gallo, Sina; Comeau, Kathryn; Agellon, Sherry; Vanstone, Catherine; Sharma, Atul; Jones, Glenville; L'abbé, Mary; Khamessan, Ali; Weiler, Hope; Rodd, Celia

2014-04-01

Although no gold standard exists, liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is a precise and accurate method for the analysis of plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D). Immunoassays are more readily available and require small volume sampling, ideal for infant testing. The objective was to compare two commercially available immunoassays for measuring circulating 25(OH)D concentration in infant plasma against LC-MS/MS. Capillary blood samples from 103 infants were analyzed for plasma 25(OH)D using an enzyme immunoassay (EIA, Octeia, IDS Ltd.) and radioimmunoassay (RIA, DiaSorin). Plasma 25(OH)D(3), C-3 epimer of 25(OH)D(3) (3-epi-25(OH)D(3)) and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (24,25(OH)(2)D(3)) were measured on the same samples using LC-MS/MS. To establish whether plasma 24,25(OH)(2)D(3) or 3-epi-25(OH)D(3) interferes with these immunoassay results, the zero 25(OH)D calibrator from each assay kit was spiked with increasing amounts of 24,25(OH)(2)D(3) or 3-epi-25(OH)D(3). Classifying infants below the common vitamin D status targets of 50 nmol/L and 75 nmol/L respectively, 58% and 99% fell below using the RIA, 19% and 56% with the EIA and 31% and 76% with LC-MS/MS. Compared to LC-MS/MS, both immunoassays showed poor Bland-Altman limits of agreement for 25(OH)D concentrations (RIA: limits of agreement -27 to +13%; EIA: -12 to +41%), and mountain plots (folded cumulative distribution) depicted significant skew and bias. Spiked 24,25(OH)2D3 concentrations, but not 3-epi-25(OH)D3, appeared as >100% of known values on the EIA but not on the RIA thus, suggesting that the EIA may cross-react with 24,25(OH)(2)D(3) to a greater extent than 3-epi-25(OH)D(3). Two common immunoassays resulted in very different classifications of vitamin D status possibly related to the interference of other vitamin D metabolites. Based on these data, LC-MS/MS assessment of vitamin D status is recommended in young infants (4-6 weeks of age). Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Development of immunoassays for human urokinase

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Atassi, M. Zouhair

1988-01-01

Radioimmune assays (RIA) and enzyme linked immune assays for measurement of pro-urokinase and the two active forms of the enzyme were developed. Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies, with desired specificities against preselected synthetic regions of urokinase (UK), were obtained by immunization with the respective synthetic peptides and used to develop RIA for zymogen and the two activated forms of UK.

A Multitrait-Multimethod Examination of the Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales in a College Sample

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beaujean, A. Alexander; Firmin, Michael W.; Michonski, Jared D.; Berry, Theodore; Johnson, Courtney

2010-01-01

This study assessed trait validity of the Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales' (RIAS) Verbal Index (VIX) and Nonverbal Index (NIX) scores in a group of college students. Using both observation of patterns and latent variable modeling of a multitrait-multimethod correlation/covariance matrix, the results indicate that the RIAS VIX scores…

Clustering high dimensional data using RIA

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

Aziz, Nazrina

2015-05-15

Clustering may simply represent a convenient method for organizing a large data set so that it can easily be understood and information can efficiently be retrieved. However, identifying cluster in high dimensionality data sets is a difficult task because of the curse of dimensionality. Another challenge in clustering is some traditional functions cannot capture the pattern dissimilarity among objects. In this article, we used an alternative dissimilarity measurement called Robust Influence Angle (RIA) in the partitioning method. RIA is developed using eigenstructure of the covariance matrix and robust principal component score. We notice that, it can obtain cluster easily andmore » hence avoid the curse of dimensionality. It is also manage to cluster large data sets with mixed numeric and categorical value.« less

Doença cística adventicial da artéria poplítea: relato de caso

PubMed Central

de Oliveira, Julio Cesar Peclat; Barreto, Fernando Tebet Ramos; Souza, Diogo Di Battista de Abreu e; Fonseca, João Marcos Fonseca e; Chimelli, Bernardo de Castro Abi Ramia; Peclat, Ana Paula Rolim Maia; Marques, Marcos Arêas; Fiorelli, Stenio Karlos Alvim

2018-01-01

Resumo A doença cística adventicial da artéria poplítea é uma doença pouco frequente, que deve ser considerada no diagnóstico diferencial de pacientes jovens com claudicação intermitente e sem fatores de risco para doença arterial periférica aterosclerótica. Apresentamos um caso de claudicação intermitente de membros inferiores em paciente masculino de 51 anos no qual essa doença foi diagnosticada. Foi submetido a ressecção do segmento de artéria comprometido e interposição de safena autóloga ipsilateral. Discutimos alternativas diagnósticas e terapêuticas. PMID:29930682

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons produced by electrocautery smoke and the use of personal protective equipment 1.

PubMed

Claudio, Caroline Vieira; Ribeiro, Renata Perfeito; Martins, Júlia Trevisan; Marziale, Maria Helena Palucci; Solci, Maria Cristina; Dalmas, José Carlos

2017-03-02

analyze the concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in electrocautery smoke in operating rooms and the use of personal protective equipment by the intraoperative team when exposed to hydrocarbons. exploratory and cross-sectional field research conducted in a surgery center. Gases were collected by a vacuum suction pump from a sample of 50 abdominal surgeries in which an electrocautery was used. A form was applied to identify the use of personal protective equipment. Gases were analyzed using chromatography. Descriptive statistics and Spearman's test were used to treat data. there were 17 (34%) cholecystectomies with an average duration of 136 minutes, while the average time of electrocautery usage was 3.6 minutes. Airborne hydrocarbons were detected in operating rooms in 100% of the surgeries. Naphthalene was detected in 48 (96.0%) surgeries and phenanthrene in 49 (98.0%). The average concentration of these compounds was 0.0061 mg/m3 and a strong correlation (0.761) was found between them. The intraoperative teams did not use respirator masks such as the N95. electrocautery smoke produces gases that are harmful to the health of the intraoperative team, which is a concern considering the low adherence to the use of personal protective equipment. analizar las concentraciones de hidrocarburos policíclicos aromáticos provenientes del humo del electrocauterio en salas quirúrgicas y el uso de equipamientos de protección individual por parte del equipo intraoperatorio, cuando expuestos a los hidrocarburos. investigación de campo, exploratoria y transversal realizada en un centro quirúrgico. En la muestra, compuesta por 50 cirugías abdominales con uso de electrocauterio, los gases fueron recolectados con una bomba de succión de vacío. Se aplicó un formulario para identificar el uso de los equipamientos de protección. Se realizó la lectura de los gases por medio de cromatografía. Los datos fueron analizados con la estadística descriptiva y el test de Spearman. 17 (34%) fueron colecistectomías con tiempo medio quirúrgico de 136 minutos y tiempo medio de uso del electrocauterio de 3,6 minutos. Fueron detectados hidrocarburos en el aire de las salas de operación en 100% de las cirugías. Se detectó el naftaleno en 48 (96,0%) cirugías y el fenantreno en 49 (98,0%). Las concentraciones promedio de esos compuestos fueron de 0,0061 mg/m3. Hubo correlación (0,761) fuerte entre estos compuestos. El equipo intraoperatorio no utilizó máscaras respiratorias, como la N95. el humo del electrocauterio produce gases perjudiciales para la salud del equipo intraoperatorio que se encuentra expuesto debido a la baja adhesión al uso de equipamientos de protección individual, tornando preocupante esta exposición. analisar as concentrações de hidrocarbonetos policíclicos aromáticos provenientes da fumaça do eletrocautério em salas cirúrgicas e o uso de equipamentos de proteção individual pela equipe intraoperatória quando expostos aos hidrocarbonetos. pesquisa de campo, exploratória e transversal realizada em um centro cirúrgico. Na amostra composta por 50 cirurgias abdominais com uso de eletrocautério, os gases foram coletados por bomba de sucção a vácuo. Um formulário foi aplicado para identificar o uso dos equipamentos de proteção. Realizou-se a leitura dos gases por cromatografia. Os dados foram analisados por estatística descritiva e teste de Spearman. 17 (34%) foram as colecistectomias com tempo médio cirúrgico de 136 minutos e tempo médio de uso do eletrocautério de 3,6 minutos. Hidrocarbonetos foram detectados no ar das salas operatórias em 100% dos atos cirúrgicos. Detectou-se o naftaleno em 48 (96,0%) cirurgias e o fenantreno em 49 (98,0%). As concentrações médias desses compostos foram de 0,0061 mg/m3. Houve correlação (0,761) forte entre estes compostos. A equipe intraoperatória não utilizou máscaras respiratórias, como a N95. a fumaça do eletrocautério produz gases prejudiciais à saúde da equipe intraoperatória exposta e diante da baixa adesão ao uso de equipamentos de proteção individual, tornando-se preocupante esta exposição.

Granular collumn collapse

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lube, G.; Sparks, R. S. J.; Huppert, H. E.; Hallworth, M. A.

2003-04-01

Through a series of analogue experiments we developed and tested a model in order to understand the fundamental problem of the collapse of granular columns. The study was motivated by the need to understand granular flows in the environment, such as pyroclastic flows and rock avalanches. Granular columns were prepared in containers that rest on a flat surface, before an unhindered axisymmetric flow was suddenly released by lifting the container. The aspect ratio a of the column (defined by its ratio of initial height h_i to radius r_i) was varied by over 3 orders of magnitude. Some experiments started with a cylinder raised at height H above the ground. We observed two flow regimes dependent on the aspect ratio. For atan α the entire free surface is in motion. The subdivision is supported by the kinematics of the flow front. For flows with atan α the front moves at constant velocity between its initial acceleration and final deceleration. Our theory is based on dimensional arguments and that the maximum runout r∞, maximum deposit height h∞ and total flow duration t∞ are functions only of h_i, r_i and g. Hence, no other internal parameters (e.g. friction between grains) play an essential role in the flow dynamics. The theory leads to different expressions in the two flow regimes: For atan α: r∞= r_i(1+c_3a1/2); h∞= c_4r_ia1/6; t∞ = c_5(r_i/g)1/2a2/3, which is in good agreement with our experimental data for c_1=1.3, c_2=3.9; c_3=1.6, c_4=0.88, c_5=2.6. The results of our preliminary study have lead us to extend the set-up in order to create flow situations more similar to nature. They can be used as a test for computational and theoretical models.

Surface water subduction during a downwelling event in a semienclosed bay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barton, E. D.; Torres, R.; Figueiras, F. G.; Gilcoto, M.; Largier, J.

2016-09-01

The Ría de Vigo is a bay strongly influenced by upwelling-downwelling cycles along the adjacent coast of NW Iberia. Moored and ship-board observations during September 2006 showed that subduction, initially associated with an estuarine circulation, strengthened when a strong downwelling circulation, resulting from northward wind over the coastal ocean, was generated in the outer Ría causing ambient waters to be advected outward in the lower layer. Incoming surface waters confined the estuarine circulation to the shallow interior and displaced isopleths downward through the water column at ˜10 m d-1. As the estuarine circulation retreated inward, strong flow convergence developed between middle and inner ria in the layer above 15 m, while divergence developed beneath. The convergence increased through the period of downwelling-favorable wind at a rate consistent with the observed isopleth displacement velocities. The coefficient of turbulent diffusion Kt, from a microstructure profiler, indicated that mixing was strong in the estuarine circulation and subsequently in the downwelling zone, where localized instabilities and temperature-salinity inversions were observed. During the downwelling, concentrations of phytoplankton, including potentially harmful species, increased, especially in the middle and inner ria, as a result of inward advection, subduction, and the ability of the dinoflagellates to maintain their position in the water column by swimming. In the course of the 5 day event, the water mass of all but the innermost Ría was flushed completely and replaced by waters originating in the coastally trapped poleward flow along the Atlantic coastline.

Ageing with elegans: a research proposal to map healthspan pathways.

PubMed

Luyten, Walter; Antal, Peter; Braeckman, Bart P; Bundy, Jake; Cirulli, Francesca; Fang-Yen, Christopher; Fuellen, Georg; Leroi, Armand; Liu, Qingfei; Martorell, Patricia; Metspalu, Andres; Perola, Markus; Ristow, Michael; Saul, Nadine; Schoofs, Liliane; Siems, Karsten; Temmerman, Liesbet; Smets, Tina; Wolk, Alicja; Rattan, Suresh I S

2016-08-01

Human longevity continues to increase world-wide, often accompanied by decreasing birth rates. As a larger fraction of the population thus gets older, the number of people suffering from disease or disability increases dramatically, presenting a major societal challenge. Healthy ageing has therefore been selected by EU policy makers as an important priority ( http://www.healthyageing.eu/european-policies-and-initiatives ); it benefits not only the elderly but also their direct environment and broader society, as well as the economy. The theme of healthy ageing figures prominently in the Horizon 2020 programme ( https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/horizon2020/en/h2020-section/health-demographic-change-and-wellbeing ), which has launched several research and innovation actions (RIA), like "Understanding health, ageing and disease: determinants, risk factors and pathways" in the work programme on "Personalising healthcare" ( https://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/portal/desktop/en/opportunities/h2020/topics/693-phc-01-2014.html ). Here we present our research proposal entitled "ageing with elegans" (AwE) ( http://www.h2020awe.eu/ ), funded by this RIA, which aims for better understanding of the factors causing health and disease in ageing, and to develop evidence-based prevention, diagnostic, therapeutic and other strategies. The aim of this article, authored by the principal investigators of the 17 collaborating teams, is to describe briefly the rationale, aims, strategies and work packages of AwE for the purposes of sharing our ideas and plans with the biogerontological community in order to invite scientific feedback, suggestions, and criticism.

Structural Interaction Between GFP-Labeled Diazotrophic Endophytic Bacterium Herbaspirillum seropedicae RAM10 and Pineapple Plantlets 'VitóRia'.

PubMed

Estrela Borges Baldotto, Lílian; Lopes Olivares, Fábio; Bressan-Smith, Ricardo

2011-01-01

The events involved in the structural interaction between the diazotrophic endophytic bacterium Herbaspirillum seropedicae, strain RAM10, labeled with green fluorescent protein, and pineapple plantlets 'Vitória' were evaluated by means of bright-field and fluorescence microscopy, combined with scanning electron microscopy for 28 days after inoculation. After 6 hours of inoculation, H. seropedicae was already adhered to the roots, colonizing mainly root hair surface and bases, followed by epidermal cell wall junctions. Bacteria adherence in the initial periods occurred mainly in the form of solitary cells and small aggregates with pleomorphic cells. Bacteria infection of root tissue occurred through the cavities caused by the disruption of epidermal cells during the emergence of lateral roots and the endophytic establishment by the colonization of intercellular spaces of the cortical parenchyma. Moreover, within 1 day after inoculation the bacteria were colonizing the shoots. In this region, the preferred sites of epiphytic colonization were epidermal cell wall junctions, peltate scutiform trichomes and non-glandular trichomes. Subsequently, the bacteria occupied the outer periclinal walls of epidermal cells and stomata. The penetration into the shoot occurred passively through stoma aperture followed by the endophytic establishment on the substomatal chambers and spread to the intercellular spaces of spongy chlorenchyma. After 21 days of inoculation, bacterial biofilm were seen at the root hair base and on epidermal cell wall surface of root and leaf, also confirming the epiphytic nature of H. seropedicae.

Reinterpretation of the Quaternary sedimentary infill of the Ría de Vigo, NW Iberian Peninsula, as a compound incised valley

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martínez-Carreño, N.; García-Gil, S.

2017-10-01

Seismic data have been used to investigate the stratigraphy of the Galician rias for more than two decades. Here, we present a new interpretation of the sedimentary infill of an incised valley (Ría de Vigo, NW Iberian Peninsula), based on high-resolution seismic profiles, core sediment analysis, and radiocarbon 14C data. The new data indicate that the stratigraphic architecture of the Galician rias result from multiple incision/infill phases and, therefore, they are reclassified as compound rather than simple incised valleys. Seven seismic units were identified: one of Tertiary age (U1), four of Pleistocene age (U2-U5) which are interpreted as 4th-order sequences deposited between MIS 11 and MIS 2, and Late Pleistocene (U6) and Holocene (U7) units corresponding with post-glacial sedimentation. The sedimentary infill overlies a highly faulted irregular granitic and metamorphic basement; the inherited morphology is shown to be important for controlling the pathway and evolution of the fluvial network as well as preservation of the sedimentary deposits during several glacial/interglacial cycles. The presence of a rocky barrier at the mouth of the ria is a distinctive feature that conditions sedimentation and exchange of sediment between the ria and the adjacent shelf. For the first time, faults and tilted blocks affecting Late Pleistocene (MIS 3) deposits have been identified. The new data presented here provide the opportunity to reconstruct the evolution of the sedimentary infill of a ria, with especially high-resolution during the last post-glacial transgression.

Cell-Based Screen Identifies Human Interferon-Stimulated Regulators of Listeria monocytogenes Infection

PubMed Central

Eitson, Jennifer L.; Chen, Didi; Jimenez, Alyssa; Mettlen, Marcel; Schoggins, John W.; Alto, Neal M.

2016-01-01

The type I interferon (IFN) activated transcriptional response is a critical antiviral defense mechanism, yet its role in bacterial pathogenesis remains less well characterized. Using an intracellular pathogen Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) as a model bacterial pathogen, we sought to identify the roles of individual interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) in context of bacterial infection. Previously, IFN has been implicated in both restricting and promoting Lm growth and immune stimulatory functions in vivo. Here we adapted a gain-of-function flow cytometry based approach to screen a library of more than 350 human ISGs for inhibitors and enhancers of Lm infection. We identify 6 genes, including UNC93B1, MYD88, AQP9, and TRIM14 that potently inhibit Lm infection. These inhibitors act through both transcription-mediated (MYD88) and non-transcriptional mechanisms (TRIM14). Further, we identify and characterize the human high affinity immunoglobulin receptor FcγRIa as an enhancer of Lm internalization. Our results reveal that FcγRIa promotes Lm uptake in the absence of known host Lm internalization receptors (E-cadherin and c-Met) as well as bacterial surface internalins (InlA and InlB). Additionally, FcγRIa-mediated uptake occurs independently of Lm opsonization or canonical FcγRIa signaling. Finally, we established the contribution of FcγRIa to Lm infection in phagocytic cells, thus potentially linking the IFN response to a novel bacterial uptake pathway. Together, these studies provide an experimental and conceptual basis for deciphering the role of IFN in bacterial defense and virulence at single-gene resolution. PMID:28002492

Investigation of Proprietary Air-Entraining Admixtures to Produce Frost- Resistant Concrete with Low Air Content

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-03-01

LABORATORY rci-dr Civil Works Investigation Studies Work Unit 31138 92 4 22096 Best Avai~lable Copy ’ p ~ o) n< w : -c rnsu on’ ratur.- 𔃼t crrJ’ria’ cr...Low Air Investigation Content Studies 6. AUTHOR(S) Work Unit 31138 Billy D. Neeley, W. E. McDonald, Michael K. Lloyd 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S...as a part of Civil Works Investigation Studies Work Unit 31138 , "New Technologies for Testing and Evaluating Concrete." The study was conducted under

Primary Dermal Irritation Potential of Components of the M-258A-1 Decontamination Kit (Study 3).

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-09-01

PROJECT: Medical Defense Against Chemical Agents 612772.875. GLP STUDY NUMBER: 81019 STUDY DIRECTOR: LTC (P) John T. Fruin, DVM, PhD, VC, Diplomate...hereby certify that in relation to LAIR GLP study 81019 the following inspections were made: 11 June 1981 15 June 1981 16 June 1981 18 June 1981...gryI___________- APPENDIX A-3 Suiu:c ria of Prir-ary SkiT: Irritation Test Data GLP St Jv No. 81019 Chemica1 ;lanme Conr Solvent :Amt AoI ied Date of

The Arbitrary Body of Revolution Code (ABORC) for SGEMP/IEMP

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-07-01

Ill, ,4 t iwv. dependent Spect ria, I’a eallt rlllt ,ýcltllt i , itlld currll - in.icct iwill silIkit ion tests of satel I ites. "S1 1’. Waanaasl ; et...time. For example, in the case where the emission is due to,. photon interaction with materials, the photon energy and time spect run determines the...ally performed by separating the i. onse of the in-._ tn, p rtion of ’he problem from thai of the external iort(n. Thus, 0i details of tbi - internal

Development and Test of a Digital/Optical Linear Position Transducer.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-06-01

Laboratory, US Army Research June 1982 and Technology Laboratories (AVRADCOM) 13. NUMBER OFPAGES Fort Eustis. Vi rinia 2.il4 198 14. MONITORING AGENCY NABE ...C22 ~ yy Li T RiA I R Sy R97 * II1 f4 R98 R3 . ’J2i S (.14I *Rae CR53 A32 _ *. C2ci EUfIaNAQ o R" 52 U4 KIQ 3&2 537 1NO2EU: 9 IuCAE u fis S1GTA C

Integrative assessment of coastal marine pollution in the Bay of Santander and the Upper Galician Rias

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rial, Diego; León, Víctor M.; Bellas, Juan

2017-12-01

Sediments from the Rias of A Coruña, Ferrol, Betanzos and Ares (n = 26) and the Bay of Santander (n = 11) were sampled in July 2012. The concentration of organic contaminants in sediment elutriates (CBs, PAHs, pesticides and personal care products) and sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus) embryotoxicity were assessed. Relevant concentrations of organic pollutants were detected in the elutriates (ΣContaminants < 400 ng/L) but their interpretation in terms of the observed toxicity was not straightforward. A clear gradient of toxicity from the inner to the outer areas of the Bay of Santander was observed. Sediment elutriates from three stations situated close to the city of A Coruña showed moderate toxicity values, whereas sediment elutriates from the Rias of Ares and Betanzos showed no marked toxicity. Stations located close to the city of Ferrol showed moderate to high toxicity, which is indicative of a nearby source of contamination. On the contrary, the outer area of the Ria of Ferrol was classified as "Good" according to the calculated toxic units. These results allowed for an integrative assessment of the environmental quality of the studied areas.

Comparative study of knowledge about oral cancer among undergraduate dental students.

PubMed

Silva, Samara Ribeiro da; Juliano, Yara; Novo, Neil Ferreira; Weinfeld, Ilan

2016-01-01

To evaluate and compare the knowledge of dental undergraduate students about oral cancer. The students were divided into two groups according to semester attended in the undergraduate course: Group A, the first semester; and Group B, seventh semester. They were asked to answer a questionnaire about epidemiology, risk factors, clinical aspects, therapeutic solutions and oral self-examination. For statistical analysis, the Fisher's exact test, the Cochran's G test and Kendall's concordance test were used, with significance level set at 0.05. Regarding the prevalent sex, only 8.0% of Group A and 56.0% of Group B judged males as the frequent affected by the disease (p=0.0006). In terms of age, 84.0% of the Group B and 44.0% of the Group A estimated that most cases were diagnosed over 40 years (p=0.0072). Smoking was identified as the major risk factor for 64.0% and 91.6% of Groups A and B, respectively (p=0.0110). On issues related to sex, ethnicity, age, risk factors, self-examination, treatment, professional responsible for treatment and profile of an individual with the disease, the seventh-semester showed significantly higher correct answer percentages than first-semester undergraduates. There was significant correlation between the right and wrong answers given by first and seventh semester students, making necessary a specific approach directed to their lack of knowledge. Avaliar e comparar o conhecimento de acadêmicos de odontologia sobre câncer bucal. Os acadêmicos foram divididos em dois grupos, de acordo com o semestre cursado na graduação: Grupo A, primeiro semestre; e Grupo B: sétimo semestre. Eles foram convidados a responderem um questionário referente a epidemiologia, fatores de risco, aspectos clínicos, soluções terapêuticas e autoexame bucal. Para a análise estatística dos resultados, foram utilizados o teste exato de Fisher, o teste G de Cochran e o teste de concordância de Kendall, com nível de significância estabelecido em 0,05. Somente 8,0% do Grupo A e 56,0% do Grupo B julgaram o sexo masculino como aquele frequentemente acometido pela lesão (p=0,0006). Em relação à faixa etária, 84,0% do Grupo B e 44,0% do Grupo A estimaram que a maioria dos casos era diagnosticada acima dos 40 anos (p=0,0072). O tabagismo foi apontado como principal fator de risco por 64,0% e 91,6% dos alunos dos Grupos A e B, respectivamente (p=0,0110). Nas questões referentes a sexo, etnia, faixa etária, fatores de risco, autoexame, tratamento, profissional responsável pelo tratamento e perfil de um indivíduo portador da lesão, os alunos do sétimo semestre apresentaram percentagens de respostas corretas significantemente maiores que as dos discentes do primeiro semestre. Houve significativa concordância entre os erros e acertos dos discentes do primeiro e sétimo semestres, sendo necessária uma abordagem específica direcionada à deficiência por eles apresentadas.

Design of Grid Portal System Based on RIA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Caifeng; Luo, Jianguo; Qiu, Zhixin

Grid portal is an important branch of grid research. In order to solve the weak expressive force, the poor interaction, the low operating efficiency and other insufficiencies of the first and second generation of grid portal system, RIA technology was introduced to it. A new portal architecture was designed based on RIA and Web service. The concrete realizing scheme of portal system was presented by using Adobe Flex/Flash technology, which formed a new design pattern. In system architecture, the design pattern has B/S and C/S superiorities, balances server and its client side, optimizes the system performance, realizes platform irrelevance. In system function, the design pattern realizes grid service call, provides client interface with rich user experience, integrates local resources by using FABridge, LCDS, Flash player and some other components.

The Impacts of a Scalable Intervention on the Language and Literacy Development of Rural Pre-Kindergartners

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mashburn, Andrew; Justice, Laura M.; McGinty, Anita; Slocum, Laura

2016-01-01

Read It Again (RIA) is a curriculum for pre-kindergarten (pre-K) classrooms that targets children's development of language and literacy skills. A cluster randomized trial was conducted in which 104 pre-K classrooms in the Appalachian region of the United States were randomly assigned to one of three study conditions: Control (n = 30), RIA only…

Language and Literacy Curriculum Supplement for Preschoolers Who Are Academically At Risk: A Feasibility Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Justice, Laura M.; McGinty, Anita S.; Cabell, Sonia Q.; Kilday, Carolyn R.; Knighton, Kathy; Huffman, Ginger

2010-01-01

Purpose: The potential benefit that a low-cost scripted language and literacy supplemental curriculum titled "Read It Again!" (RIA; L. M. Justice, A. S. McGinty, A. R. Beckman, & C. R. Kilday, 2006) may have on preschool-age children's skills was explored. RIA was developed to meet the needs of preschool educators who may not have access to…

Serum bioactive and immunoreactive luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels in women with cycle abnormalities, with or without polycystic ovarian disease.

PubMed

Fauser, B C; Pache, T D; Lamberts, S W; Hop, W C; de Jong, F H; Dahl, K D

1991-10-01

Serum steroid, gonadotropin, and alpha-subunit levels were assessed in 35 women with cycle abnormalities [11 with and 24 without polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) according to strict clinical and biochemical criteria] and 8 regularly cycling women in the early (cycle day 3 or 4) and mid (cycle day 7 or 8) follicular phase. LH and FSH levels were estimated using two immunological techniques [RIA and immunoradiometric assay (IRMA)] and in vitro bioassays (BIO), using mouse Leydig cells and rat granulosa cells, respectively. In PCOD patients mean alpha-subunit, free androgen index [FAI; testosterone x 100/sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)], androstenedione, estrone, and estradiol (E2) were significantly elevated compared to levels in the early follicular phase of control cycles and non-PCOD patients. In addition, in PCOD patients mean IRMA-LH and RIA-LH levels were distinctly increased (2.8- to 3.6 fold, respectively; both comparisons, P less than 0.001) compared to control values, but in the same order of magnitude (1.3- to 1.4-fold increments) as that in non-PCOD patients. However, the median BIO-LH level in PCOD patients was 5.9-fold higher than that in non-PCOD patients and 4.0-fold higher than the BIO-LH in the early follicular phase of control women. Consequently, the median BIO/IRMA-LH ratio was 4.8-fold higher in PCOD patients compared to non-PCOD patients. In women with cycle abnormalities, individual BIO/IRMA-LH ratios correlated with BIO-LH (rs = 0.48), FAI (rs = 0.39), free estrogens (E2/SHBG ratios; rs = 0 0.47), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (rs = 0.60) concentrations. Mean IRMA-, RIA-, and BIO-FSH levels and BIO/IRMA-FSH ratios were not significantly different when various groups were compared. Although RIA- and IRMA-LH levels showed good correlation (rs = 0.88), RIA-LH levels were consistently higher, resulting in distinctly higher RIA-LH/FSH ratios (mean, 4.5) compared to IRMA-LH/FSH ratios (median, 1.8) in PCOD patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

A reliability study on brain activation during active and passive arm movements supported by an MRI-compatible robot.

PubMed

Estévez, Natalia; Yu, Ningbo; Brügger, Mike; Villiger, Michael; Hepp-Reymond, Marie-Claude; Riener, Robert; Kollias, Spyros

2014-11-01

In neurorehabilitation, longitudinal assessment of arm movement related brain function in patients with motor disability is challenging due to variability in task performance. MRI-compatible robots monitor and control task performance, yielding more reliable evaluation of brain function over time. The main goals of the present study were first to define the brain network activated while performing active and passive elbow movements with an MRI-compatible arm robot (MaRIA) in healthy subjects, and second to test the reproducibility of this activation over time. For the fMRI analysis two models were compared. In model 1 movement onset and duration were included, whereas in model 2 force and range of motion were added to the analysis. Reliability of brain activation was tested with several statistical approaches applied on individual and group activation maps and on summary statistics. The activated network included mainly the primary motor cortex, primary and secondary somatosensory cortex, superior and inferior parietal cortex, medial and lateral premotor regions, and subcortical structures. Reliability analyses revealed robust activation for active movements with both fMRI models and all the statistical methods used. Imposed passive movements also elicited mainly robust brain activation for individual and group activation maps, and reliability was improved by including additional force and range of motion using model 2. These findings demonstrate that the use of robotic devices, such as MaRIA, can be useful to reliably assess arm movement related brain activation in longitudinal studies and may contribute in studies evaluating therapies and brain plasticity following injury in the nervous system.

Social and behavior change communication in the fight against malaria in Mozambique.

PubMed

Arroz, Jorge Alexandre Harrison

2017-03-23

Long-lasting insecticide-treated nets and/or indoor residual spraying, associated with case management, are key interventions in the control of malaria in Africa. The objective of this study is to comment on the role of social and behavior change communication as a potential key intervention in the control of malaria in Mozambique. RESUMO As redes mosquiteiras impregnadas com insecticidade de longa duração e/ou pulverização intra-domiciliária, associada ao manejo de casos são intervenções-chave no controlo da malária em África. O objetivo deste estudo foi comentar o papel da comunicação para a mudança social e de comportamento como intervenção potencialmente chave no controlo da malária em Moçambique.

Variability of Hormonal Stress Markers Collected from a Managed Dolphin Population

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-09-30

physiological indicators of stress in wild marine mammals and the interrelationships between different stress markers can be used to estimate the impact...and thyroid hormones via radioimmunoassay (RIA). The methods have been validated for cortisol and aldosterone in this species (Houser et al., 2011...measurement methods. Metabolites of cortisol, aldosterone and thyroid hormone will be extracted from fecal samples and measured via RIA using established

The Feasibility and Usability of the Read It Again Dual Language and Literacy Curriculum

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Durán, Lillian K.; Gorman, Brenda K.; Kohlmeier, Theresa; Callard, Chase

2016-01-01

The purpose of this paper is to describe the components, usability, and feasibility of a new Read it Again-Dual Language curriculum (RIA-DL; Durán et al. n.d.). The RIA-DL is based on the Read it Again-PreK! (Justice and McGinty 2009) and adapted to meet the unique needs of Spanish-English bilingual preschoolers. The curriculum targets…

A kinetic model to explain the grain size and organic matter content dependence of magnetic susceptibility in transitional marine environments: A case study in Ria de Muros (NW Iberia)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohamed, Kais J.; Andrade, Alba; Rey, Daniel; Rubio, Belén.; Bernabeu, Ana María.

2017-06-01

Magnetic minerals in marine sediments are sensitive indicators of processes such as provenance changes, climatic controls, pollution, and postdepositional geochemical changes. Magnetic susceptibility is the bulk property of the sediments most commonly used to understand the magnetic characteristics of sediments. Before conclusions can be drawn from changes in this parameter, it is important to understand what factors and to what extent control changes in magnetic susceptibility. The magnetic susceptibility of surficial sediments in the Galician Rias Baixas, in NW Spain, has been shown to covary with sediment texture and organic matter content. Downcore, the magnetic properties of these sediments experience drastic changes as a result of strong dissolution caused by early diagenesis. In this paper, we further explore the relationship between these factors and formalize the observed covariations as the result of a simple second-order kinetic model dependent on the content of organic matter in surficial sediments in the Ria de Muros. The reanalysis of previously reported data from the Rias de Vigo and Pontevedra confirmed the validity of this model and suggested further controls such as wave climate and water depth in the rates at which magnetic susceptibility changes are controlled by organic matter content.

Biomonitoring of urinary metals in a population living in the vicinity of industrial sources: a comparison with the general population of Andalusia, Spain.

PubMed

Aguilera, Inmaculada; Daponte, Antonio; Gil, Fernando; Hernández, Antonio F; Godoy, Patricia; Pla, Antonio; Ramos, Juan Luis

2008-12-15

The Ria of Huelva (south-west Spain) is one of the most polluted fluvial-estuarine systems in the world. Industrial activity delivers huge amounts of pollutants to the local environment, particularly heavy metals and arsenic. Here we aimed to determine urinary levels of As, Cd, Cr, Cu and Ni in a representative sample (n=857) of adults living in the Ria of Huelva. Levels were compared to those from a representative sample of 861 adults of the general urban population of Andalusia (southern Spain) and multiple regression models were developed to identify individual factors associated with urinary levels of these elements. Arsenic levels were significantly higher in the Ria of Huelva as compared to other Andalusian cities, whereas Cd and Ni levels were significantly lower. Despite these differences, levels in both groups were similar to the reference values reported in previous studies for general population. Age, gender, diet and lifestyle were the major factors contributing to the interindividual variation in urinary metals. In conclusion, despite living in a highly polluted area, the population of the Ria of Huelva failed to show higher urinary levels of the studied metals as compared to a reference urban population of the same region.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Predicts Histopathological Composition of Ileal Crohn's Disease.

PubMed

Wagner, Mathilde; Ko, Huaibin Mabel; Chatterji, Manjil; Besa, Cecilia; Torres, Joana; Zhang, Xiaofei; Panchal, Hinaben; Hectors, Stefanie; Cho, Judy; Colombel, Jean-Frederic; Harpaz, Noam; Taouli, Bachir

2018-05-25

Recently, smooth muscle hypertrophy has been suggested to be a contributor to small bowel lesions secondary to Crohn's disease [CD], in addition to inflammation and fibrosis. Here, we assess the value of magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] for the characterisation of histopathological tissue composition of small bowel CD, including inflammation, fibrosis, and smooth muscle hypertrophy. A total of 35 consecutive patients [male/female 17/18, mean age 33 years] with ileal CD, who underwent small bowel resection and a preoperative contrast-enhanced MRI examination within 1 month before surgery, were retrospectively included. Image assessment included qualitative [pattern/degree of enhancement, presence of ulcerations/fistulas/abscesses] and quantitative parameters [wall thickness on T2/T1-weighted images [WI], enhancement ratios, apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC], Clermont and Magnetic Resonance Index of Activity [MaRIA] scores). MRI parameters were compared with histopathological findings including active inflammation, collagen deposition, and muscle hypertrophy using chi square/Fisher or Mann-Whitney tests and univariate/multivariate logistic/linear regression analyses. Forty ileal segments were analysed in 35 patients. Layered pattern at early-post-contrast phase was more prevalent (odds ratio [OR] = 8; p = 0.008), ADC was significantly lower [OR = 0.005; p = 0.022], and MaRIA score was significantly higher [OR = 1.125; p = 0.022] in inflammation grades 2-3 compared with grade 1. Wall thickness on T2WI was significantly increased [OR = 1.688; p = 0.043], and fistulas [OR = 14.5; p = 0.017] were more prevalent in segments with disproportionately increased muscle hypertrophy versus those with disproportionately increased fibrosis. MaRIA/Clermont scores, wall thickness on T1WI and T2WI, and ADC were all significantly correlated with degree of muscular hypertrophy. MRI predicts the degree of inflammation, and can distinguish prominent muscle hypertrophy from prominent fibrosis in ileal CD with reasonable accuracy (area under receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC] > 0.7).

Chewing lice (Phthiraptera) from wild birds in southern Portugal.

PubMed

Tomás, André; Palma, Ricardo L; Rebelo, Maria Teresa; da Fonseca, Isabel Pereira

2016-06-01

This study was carried out to determine chewing louse species of wild birds in the Ria Formosa Natural Park, located in southern Portugal. In addition, the hypothesis that bird age, avian migration and social behaviour have an impact on the louse prevalence was tested. Between September and December of 2013, 122 birds (belonging to 10 orders, 19 families, 31 genera and 35 species) captured in scientific ringing sessions and admitted to the Wildlife Rehabilitation and Investigation Centre of Ria Formosa were examined for lice. Twenty-six (21.3%) birds were found to be infested with at least one chewing louse species. The chewing lice identified include 18 species. Colonial birds (34.9%) and migratory birds (29.5%) had statistically significant higher prevalence than territorial birds (6.8%) and resident birds (13.1%), respectively. This paper records 17 louse species for the first time in southern Portugal: Laemobothrion maximum, Laemobothrion vulturis, Actornithophilus piceus lari, Actornithophilus umbrinus, Austromenopon lutescens, Colpocephalum heterosoma, Colpocephalum turbinatum, Eidmanniella pustulosa, Nosopon casteli, Pectinopygus bassani, Pseudomenopon pilosum, Trinoton femoratum, Trinoton querquedulae, Craspedorrhynchus platystomus, Degeeriella fulva, Falcolipeurus quadripustulatus, Lunaceps schismatus. Also a nymph of the genus Strigiphilus was collected from a Eurasian eagle-owl. These findings contribute to the knowledge of avian chewing lice from important birds areas in Portugal. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Uncited articles in Brazilian public health journals.

PubMed

Cuenca, Angela Maria Belloni; Barbosa, Milena Maria de Araújo Lima; Oliveira, Karoline de; Quinta, Fernanda Paranhos; Alvarez, Maria do Carmo Avamilano; França, Ivan

2017-12-04

Here, we describe the percentage of non-citation in Brazilian public health journals, a field that, until now, had not been investigated nationally or internationally. We analyzed articles, published between 2008 and 2012, of eight public health journals indexed in the scopus database. The percentage of non-citation differs between journals (from 5.7% to 58.1%). We identified four statistically distinct groups: História, Ciência, Saúde - Manguinhos (58% uncited articles); Physis: Revista de Saúde Coletiva, Interface, and Saúde e Sociedade (32% to 37%); Ciência & Saúde Coletiva and Revista Brasileira de Epidemiologia (16% to 17%); and Cadernos de Saúde Pública and Revista de Saúde Pública (6%). The non-citation in the first three years post-publication also varies according to journal. Four journals have shown a clear decline of non-citation: Cadernos de Saúde Pública, Ciência & Saúde Coletiva, Revista Brasileira de Epidemiologia, and Physis. Another three (Revista de Saúde Pública, Saúde e Sociedade, and Interface) presented an oscillation in non-citation, but the rates of 2008 and 2012 are similar, with different magnitudes. In turn, the journal História, Ciência, Saúde - Manguinhos maintains high rates of non-citation. Multidisciplinary journals attract more citation, but a comprehensive citation model still needs to be formulated and tested.

QTL mapping of soybean oil content for marker-assisted selection in plant breeding program.

PubMed

Leite, D C; Pinheiro, J B; Campos, J B; Di Mauro, A O; Unêda-Trevisoli, S H

2016-03-18

The present study was undertaken to detect and map the quantitative trait loci (QTL) related to soybean oil content. We used 244 progenies derived from a bi-parental cross of the Lineage 69 (from Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho"/Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - Breeding Program) and Tucunaré cultivar. A total of 358 simple sequence repeat (SSR; microsatellite) markers were used to investigate the polymorphism between the parental lines, and for the polymorphic lines all the F2 individuals were tested. Evaluation of the oil content and phenotype was performed with the aid of a Tango equipment by near infra-red reflectance spectroscopy, using single F2 seeds and F2:3 progenies, in triplicate. The data were analyzed by QTL Cartographer program for 56 SSR polymorphic markers. Two oil-content related QTLs were detected on K and H linkage groups. The total phenotypic variation explained by QTLs ranged from 7.8 to 46.75% for oil content. New QTLs were identified for the oil content in addition to those previously identified in other studies. The results reported in this study show that regions different from those already known could be involved in the genetic control of soybean oil content.

Correlation of E. coli K-1 bacteremia and capsular polysaccharide antigenemia in acute and chronic infection.

PubMed

Stevens, P; Young, L S; Alam, S

1983-09-01

The K-1 polysaccharide is an important virulence factor in human E. coli infections. Using E. coli 016K1, we investigated the kinetic association of bacteremia and K-1 antigenemia in acute lapine and canine infections and in a chronic infection model of neutropenic rats. Additionally, we assessed the presence of K-1 antigenemia in E. coli K-1 bacteremic patients. K-1 was measured by a solid phase radioimmunoassay (RIA) using cross-reactive equine anti-Group B meningococcal IgM. In acute infections, none of the dogs or rabbits developed antigenemia even with a bacteremia of 2 X 10(4) CFU/ml or 5 X 10(5) CFU/ml, respectively. Antigenemia appeared in the rabbit only with an infecting dose of greater than or equal to 5 X 10(8) CFU. In the rat model we observed an initial bacteremia of 10(3) CFU/ml, which increased to 10(6) CFU/ml at 24 hrs. However, antigenemia was most often delayed, appearing in only greater than or equal to 30 hrs postinfection. Percent mortality was directly associated with the degree of bacteremia and antigenemia. In acute human E. coli K-1 bacteremia, 11 of 22 (50%) of patients were positive for K-1 antigenemia. The data demonstrated that K-1 polysaccharide was not usually detectable in the early stages of bacteremia, but occurred only after prolonged infection or very high infecting doses. The RIA to measure K-1 antigenemia would not be a useful diagnostic tool.

Epidemiological Survey for Incidence of Shigellosis and Hepatitis to Evaluate Potential Field Test Sites for Vaccine Trials. Part 1. Shigellosis

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-03-01

06 BACTERIOLOGY-, SHIGELLA VACCINES, RIA, HEPATITIS A. iS di . i L ’ 7 Z1 i s I2y w a , t o (:I e (- 11neLh e i r u- (I n:~ ’I~ q I𔃻 .1ie iec sd unI...the IDF and to evaluate the associa- homologous Shigella and the occurrence of disease. In this study, soldiers in five units were followed...assay (ELISA). Epidemic and sporadic morbidity due to Shigella organisms was identified using bacter- iological and serological diagnostic methods. The

[Dialogues between Clio and Asclepius: Ivolino de Vasconcellos and the Revista Brasileira de História da Medicina].

PubMed

Amoroso, Mauro

2007-01-01

The Brazilian Institute for the History of Medicine was founded on 1945 by the physician Ivolino de Vasconcellos. Because the movement intended to be of national scope, the Federação Nacional de História da Medicina e Ciências Afins was also created (National Federation for the History of Medicine and Related Sciences). The latter group had a humanistic understanding of medicine, wherein the history of medicine played a central role; since this subject honored great names and achievements in medicine, members of the federation felt it was a prime tool in the ethical and humanistic training of healthcare professionals. Thus was born the Revista Brasileira de História da Medicina, which fostered scientific and academic production and events in the field of history of medicine and also registered the Federation's activities and scientific output.

An electrochemical immunoassay for the screening of celiac disease in saliva samples.

PubMed

Adornetto, Gianluca; Fabiani, Laura; Volpe, Giulia; De Stefano, Alessia; Martini, Sonia; Nenna, Raffaella; Lucantoni, Federica; Bonamico, Margherita; Tiberti, Claudio; Moscone, Danila

2015-09-01

A highly sensitive electrochemical immunoassay for the initial diagnosis of celiac disease (CD) in saliva samples that overcomes the problems related to its high viscosity and to the low concentration of anti-transglutaminase antigen (tTG) IgA in this medium has been developed for the first time. The system uses magnetic beads (MBs) covered with tTG, which reacts with the anti-tTG IgA antibodies present in positive saliva samples. An anti-human IgA, conjugated with alkaline phosphate (AP) enzyme, was used as the label and a strip of eight magnetized screen-printed electrodes as the electrochemical transducer. In particular, two different immunoassay approaches were optimized and blindly compared to analyze a large number of saliva samples, whose anti-tTG IgA levels were independently determined by the radioimmunoassay (RIA) method. The obtained results, expressed as Ab index, were used to perform a diagnostic test evaluation through the construction of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The approach, involving a pre-incubation between the anti-human IgA-AP and saliva samples prior to the addition of MBs-tTG, showed a cutoff of 0.022 with 95% clinical sensitivity and 96% clinical specificity. The area under the ROC curve is equal to 1, a result that classifies our test as "perfect." This study demonstrates that it is possible to perform the screening of CD with a rapid, simple, inexpensive, and sensitive method able to detect anti-tTG antibodies in saliva samples, which are easily obtained by non-invasive techniques. This aspect is of fundamental importance to screen a large number of subjects, especially in the pediatric age.

Diagnostic accuracy of blood centers in the screening of blood donors for viral markers

PubMed Central

Dogbe, Elliot Eli; Arthur, Fareed

2015-01-01

Introduction Blood transfusion still remains a life saving intervention in almost all healthcare facilities worldwide. Screening of blood donors/blood units is done in almost every blood bank facility before the blood units/blood components are transfused to prevent transfusion-transmissible infections. The kind of testing kits or the methods used by a facility and the technical expertise of the personnel greatly affects the screening results of a facility. This study was aimed at evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of five hospital-based blood bank testing facilities (Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital KNUST, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Agogo, Bekwai and Sunyani) that used rapid immunochromatograhic assays (RIA) in screening blood donors/blood units in Ghana. Methods Blood samples (300) from the five testing facilities and their screening results for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibodies to hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) using RIAs were obtained. All the samples were then analysed for the three viral markers using 3rd generational enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit as the gold standard. Results The mean false positive for HBsAg was 2.2% with Bekwai testing facility having the highest of 4.4%. For HCV, the mean false positive was 2.8% with Agogo and Bekwai testing facilities having the highest of 8.7% respectively. For HIV screening, the mean false positive was 11.1% with Bekwai testing facility having the highest of 28.0%. The mean false negative for the facilities were 3.0% for HBV, 75.0% for HCV and 0.0% for HIV with KATH having the highest of 6.3% for HBV, Bekwai having the highest of 100% for HCV and no facility showing false negative for HIV. Mean sensitivity of the screening procedure for the facilities was 97.0%, 25.0% and 100.0% whilst the mean specificity was 97.8%, 97.2% and 88.9% for HBV, HCV and HIV respectively. Statistical comparison among the testing facilities showed no significant differences among the various testing centres for HBV screening; however, significant differences were obtained for HCV and HIV screening. Conclusion This study has shown that there is no standardised screening procedure for blood bank testing facilities in the country. There is therefore an urgent need for an internal and external control body to oversee screening procedures in blood banks across the country. PMID:26090067

Rapid method for the measurement of circulating thyroid hormones in low volumes of teleost fish plasma by LC-ESI/MS/MS

PubMed Central

Noyes, Pamela D.; Lema, Sean C.; Roberts, Simon C.; Cooper, Ellen M.

2014-01-01

Thyroid hormones are critical regulators of normal development and physiological functioning in all vertebrates. Radioimmunoassay (RIA) approaches have been the method of choice for measuring circulating levels of thyroid hormones in vertebrates. While sensitive, RIA-based approaches only allow for a single analyte measurement per assay, can lack concordance across platforms and laboratories, and can be prone to analytical interferences especially when used with fish plasma. Ongoing advances in liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) have led to substantial decreases in detection limits for thyroid hormones and other biomolecules in complex matrices, including human plasma. Despite these advances, current analytical approaches do not allow for the measurement of native thyroid hormone in teleost fish plasma by mass spectrometry and continue to rely on immunoassay. In this study, we developed a new method that allows for the rapid extraction and simultaneous measurement of total T4 (TT4) and total T3 (TT3) in low volumes (50 μL) of fish plasma by LC/MS/MS. Methods were optimized initially in plasma from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and applied to plasma from other teleost fishes, including fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas), mummichogs (Fundulus heteroclitus), sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka), and coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch). Validation of method performance with T4- and T3-spiked rainbow trout plasma at 2 and 4 ng/mL produced mean recoveries ranging from 82 to 95 % and 97 to 105 %, respectively. Recovery of 13C12-T4 internal standard in plasma extractions was: 99±1.8 % in rainbow trout, 85±11 % in fathead minnow, 73±5.0 % in mummichog, 73±1.7 % in sockeye salmon, and 80±8.4 % in coho salmon. While absolute levels of thyroid hormones measured in identical plasma samples by LC/MS/MS and RIA varied depending on the assay used, T4/T3 ratios were generally consistent across both techniques. Less variability was measured among samples subjected to LC/MS/MS suggesting a more precise estimate of thyroid hormone homeostasis in the species targeted. Overall, a sensitive and reproducible method was established that takes advantage of LC/MS/MS techniques to rapidly measure TT4 and TT3 with negligible interferences in low volumes of plasma across a variety of teleost fishes. PMID:24343452

Magnetic resonance enterography changes after antibody to tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) alpha therapy in Crohn's disease: correlation with SES-CD and clinical-biological markers.

PubMed

Stoppino, Luca Pio; Della Valle, Nicola; Rizzi, Stefania; Cleopazzo, Elsa; Centola, Annarita; Iamele, Donatello; Bristogiannis, Christos; Stoppino, Giuseppe; Vinci, Roberta; Macarini, Luca

2016-05-05

In recent years, the use of MRI in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) has increased. However, few data are available on how MRI parameters of active disease change during treatment with anti-TNF and whether these changes correspond to symptoms, serum biomarkers, or endoscopic appearance. The aim of this study was to determine the changes over time in MRI parameters during treatment with anti-TNF in patients with CD, and to verify the correlation between MRI score, endoscopic appearance and clinical-biological markers. We performed a prospective single centre study of 27 patients with active CD (18 males and 9 females; median age of 27,4 ys; age range, 19-49). All patients underwent ileocolonoscopy and MRI at baseline and 26 weeks after anti-TNF therapy. Endoscopic severity was graded according to the Simple Endoscopic Score for Crohn's Disease (SES-CD) and Magnetic Resonance Index of Activity (MaRIA) was calculated. Patients underwent clinical evaluation (CDAI) and the C-reactive protein (CRP) level was measured. The associations between variables were assessed with Pearson's bivariate correlation analysis. A total of 135 intestinal segments were studied. The median patient age was 27,4 years, 67 % were male and the mean disease duration was 6,1 years. For induction of remission, 18 patients were treated with infliximab and 9 with adalimumab. The mean SES-CD and MaRIA scores significantly changed at week 26 (SES-CD: 14,7 ± 8,9 at baseline vs. 4,4 ± 4,6 at 26 weeks - p < 0.001; MaRIA: 41,1 ± 14,8 at baseline vs. 32,8 ± 11,7 at 26 weeks - p < 0.001). Also the CDAI and serum levels of CRP decreased significantly following treatment (p < 0.001). The overall MaRIA correlated with endoscopic score and with clinical activity (CDAI) both at baseline and at week 26 (p < 0.05). The correlation between overall MaRIA and CRP was significant only at week 26 (p < 0.001). The MaRIA has a good correlation with SES-CD, a high accuracy for prediction of endoscopic mucosal healing and is a reliable indicator to monitor the use of TNF antagonists in patients with CD.

Comparison of methods for assessing thyroid function in nonthyroidal illness

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

Melmed, S.; Geola, F.L.; Reed, A.W.

1982-02-01

Various tests of thyroid function were studied in sick patients with nonthyroidal illness (NTI) in order to determine the utility of each test for differentiating these patients from a group with hypothyroidism. We evaluated each test in 22 healthy volunteers who served as controls, 20 patients with hypothyroidism, 14 patients admitted to medical intensive care unit whose serum T/sub 4/ was less than 5 ..mu..g/dl, 13 patients with chronic liver disease, 32 patients on chronic hemodialysis for renal failure, 13 ambulatory oncology patients receiving chemotherapy 16 pregnant women, 7 women on estrogens, and 20 hyperthyroid patients. On all samples, wemore » measured serum T/sub 4/, the free T/sub 4/ index by several methods, free T/sub 4/ by equilibrium dialysis, free T/sub 4/ calculated from thyronine-binding globulin (TBG) RIA, free T/sub 4/ by three commercial kits (Gammacoat, Immophase, and Liquisol), T/sub 3/, rT/sub 3/, and TSH (by 3 different RIA). Although all of the methods used for measuring free T/sub 4/ (including free T/sub 4/ index, free T/sub 4/ by dialysis, free T/sub 4/ assessed by TBG, and free T/sub 4/ assessed by the 3 commercial kits) were excellent for the diagnosis of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and euthyroidism in the presence of high TBG, none of these methods showed that free T/sub 4/ was consistently normal in patients with NTI; with each method, a number of NTI patients had subnormal values. In the NTI groups, free T/sub 4/ measured by dialysis and the free T/sub 4/ index generally correlated significantly with the commercial free T/sub 4/ methods. Serum rT/sub 3/ was elevated or normal in NTI patients and low in hypothyroid subjects. Serum TSH provided the most reliable differentiation between patients with primary hypothyroidism and those with NTI and low serum T/sub 4/ levels.« less

Cognitive performance of neuromyelitis optica patients: comparison with multiple sclerosis.

PubMed

Vanotti, Sandra; Cores, Evangelina Valeria; Eizaguirre, Barbara; Melamud, Luciana; Rey, Raúl; Villa, Andrés

2013-06-01

The aim of the present research was to investigate cognitive pattern of patients with neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and to compare it with multiple sclerosis (MS) patients' performance. Fourteen NMO, 14 relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), and 14 healthy control patients participated in the investigation. Neuropsychological functions were evaluated with the Brief Repeatable Neuropsychological Battery for MS; Symbol Digit Modalities Test; Digit Span; and Semantic Fluency. Fifty-seven percent of NMO patients and 42.85% of the MS ones had abnormal performance in at least two cognitive tests. The NMO Group showed abnormal performance in verbal fluency, verbal and visual memories, with greater attention deficits. NMO patients outperformed healthy control in the paced auditory serial addition test (PASAT). However, no difference was found between NMO and RRMS patients. The NMO Group showed more dysfunction in attention and verbal fluencies than in verbal and visual memories. When compared with the MS patients, a similar dysfunction pattern was found. O objetivo da presente pesquisa foi investigar o padrão cognitivo de pacientes com neuromielite óptica (NMO) e compará-lo com o desempenho de pacientes com esclerose múltipla (EM). Métodos: Quatorze pacientes com NMO, 14 com esclerose múltipla recorrente remitente (EMRR) e 14 participantes do Controle saudáveis participaram da presente investigação. As funções neuropsicológicas foram avaliadas com a Bateria Breve de Testes Neuropsicológicos de Rao, Teste Símbolo Digit e a Fluência Semântica. Resultados: Cinquenta e sete por cento dos pacientes com NMO e 42,85% daqueles com EM apresentaram desempenho anormal em pelo menos dois testes cognitivos. O Grupo NMO apresentarou desempenho anormal na fluência verbal e nas memórias visual e verbal, com maiores déficits de atenção. Pacientes com NMO superaram os controles saudáveis em PASAT. No entanto, não foi encontrada diferença entre os pacientes com NMO e aqueles com EMRR. Conclusões: O Grupo NMO mostrou mais disfunção nas fluências de atenção e verbais do que nas memórias verbal e visual. Quando comparados com os pacientes com EM, um padrão de disfunção semelhante foi encontrado.

The role of thromboelastometry in the assessment and treatment of coagulopathy in liver transplant patients.

PubMed

Zamper, Raffael Pereira Cezar; Amorim, Thiago Chaves; Costa, Luiz Guilherme Villares da; Takaoka, Flávio; Serpa, Ary

2017-01-01

Perioperative monitoring of coagulation is vital to assess bleeding risks, diagnose deficiencies associated with hemorrhage, and guide hemostatic therapy in major surgical procedures, such as liver transplantation. Routine static tests demand long turnaround time and do not assess platelet function; they are determined on plasma at a standard temperature of 37°C; hence these tests are ill-suited for intraoperative use. In contrast, methods which evaluate the viscoelastic properties of whole blood, such as thromboelastogram and rotational thromboelastometry, provide rapid qualitative coagulation assessment and appropriate guidance for transfusion therapy. These are promising tools for the assessment and treatment of hyper- and hypocoagulable states associated with bleeding in liver transplantation. When combined with traditional tests and objective assessment of the surgical field, this information provides ideal guidance for transfusion strategies, with potential improvement of patient outcomes. RESUMO A monitorização perioperatória da coagulação é fundamental para estimar o risco de sangramento, diagnosticar deficiências causadoras de hemorragia e guiar terapias hemostáticas durante procedimentos cirúrgicos de grande porte, como o transplante hepático. Os testes estáticos, comumente usados na prática clínica, são insatisfatórios no intraoperatório, pois demandam tempo e não avaliam a função plaquetária; são determinados no plasma e realizados em temperatura padrão de 37°C. Os métodos que avaliam as propriedades viscoelásticas do sangue total, como o tromboelastograma e a tromboelastometria rotacional, podem suprir as deficiências dos testes estáticos tradicionais, uma vez que permitem avaliar a coagulação de forma rápida e qualitativa, guiando a terapia transfusional de forma adequada. A tromboelastometria rotacional mostrou-se promissora na avaliação e no tratamento de estados de hipercoagulação e hipocoagulação, associados a sangramento no transplante hepático. Estas informações, combinadas com os testes tradicionais e uma avaliação objetiva do campo cirúrgico, promovem um cenário ótimo para guiar as estratégias transfusionais e potencialmente melhorar o desfecho destes pacientes.

Wirelessly controlled micro- and nanostructures for bioapplications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lindo, Andre Machado

Apresentar uma contribuicao para a caracterizacao e compreensao do comportamento hidrodinâmico da laguna Ria de Aveiro, baseada num estudo experimental e num estudo de modelacao numerica, e o objectivo deste trabalho. As caracteristicas hidrologicas da Ria de Aveiro foram investigadas atraves da realizacao de varias campanhas de amostragem, tendo sido efectuadas medicoes de altura de agua, salinidade, temperatura da agua e velocidade da corrente em varias estacoes distribuidas ao longo de quatro canais principais da laguna. None

A Population-based survey of the prevalence of HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections and associated risk factors among young women in Vitória, Brazil

PubMed Central

Miranda, Angelica Espinosa; Figueiredo, Nínive Camilo; Schmidt, Renylena; Page-Shafer, Kimberly

2017-01-01

Objective To estimate the prevalence of HIV, hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) and syphilis infections and associated risk exposures in a population-based sample of young women in Vitória, Brazil. Methods From March to December 2006, a cross-sectional sample of women aged 18 to 29 years was recruited into a single stage, population-based study. Serological markers of HIV, HBV, HCV, and syphilis infections and associated risk exposures were assessed. Results Of 1,200 eligible women, 1,029 (85.8%) enrolled. Median age was 23 (interquartile range [IQR] 20, 26) years; 32.2% had ≤ 8 years of education. The survey weighted prevalence estimates were: HIV, 0.6% (95% CI), 0.1%, 1.1%); anti-HBc, 4.2% (3.0%, 5.4%); HBsAg, 0.9% (0.4%, 1.6%); anti-HCV, 0.6% (0.1%, 1.1%) and syphilis 1.2% (0.5%, 1.9%). Overall, 6.1% had at least one positive serological marker for any of the tested infection. A majority (87.9%) was sexually active, of whom 12.1% reported a previously diagnosed sexually transmitted infection (STI) and 1.4% a history of commercial sex work. Variables independently associated with any positive serological test included: older age (≥25 vs. <25 years), low monthly income (≤ 4× vs. >4× minimum wage), previously diagnosed STI, ≥ 1 sexual partner, and any illicit drug use. Conclusions These are the first population-based estimates of the prevalence of exposure to these infectious diseases and related risks in young women, a population for whom there is a scarcity of data in Brazil. PMID:18401700

Active B12: a rapid, automated assay for holotranscobalamin on the Abbott AxSYM analyzer.

PubMed

Brady, Jeff; Wilson, Lesley; McGregor, Lynda; Valente, Edward; Orning, Lars

2008-03-01

Conventional tests for vitamin B(12) deficiency measure total serum vitamin B12, whereas only that portion of vitamin B12 carried by transcobalamin (holotranscobalamin) is metabolically active. Measurement of holotranscobalamin (holoTC) may be more diagnostically accurate for detecting B(12) deficiency that requires therapy. We developed an automated assay for holoTC that can be used on the Abbott AxSYM immunoassay analyzer. AxSYM Active B12 is a 2-step sandwich microparticle enzyme immunoassay. In step 1, a holoTC-specific antibody immobilized onto latex microparticles captures holoTC in samples of serum or plasma. In step 2, the captured holoTC is detected with a conjugate of alkaline phosphatase and antiTC antibody. Neither apoTC nor haptocorrin exhibited detectable cross-reactivity. The detection limit was < or = 0.1 pmol/L. Within-run and total imprecision (CV ranges) were 3.4%-5.1% and 6.3%-8.5%, respectively. Assay CVs were < 20% from at least 3 pmol/L to 107 pmol/L. With diluted serum samples, measured concentrations were 104%-114% of the expected values in the working range of the assay. No interference from bilirubin, hemoglobin, triglycerides, erythrocytes, rheumatoid factor, or total protein was detected at expected (abnormal) concentrations. A comparison of the AxSYM Active B12 assay with a commercial RIA for holoTC yielded the regression equation: AxSYM = 0.98RIA + 4.7 pmol/L (S(y x), 11.4 pmol/L; n = 204). Assay throughput was 45 tests/h. A 95% reference interval of 19-134 pmol/L holoTC was established with samples from 292 healthy individuals. The AxSYM Active B12 assay allows rapid, precise, sensitive, specific, and automated measurement of human holoTC in serum and plasma.

Detection of the potential pancreatic cancer marker MUC4 in serum using surface-enhanced Raman scattering.

PubMed

Wang, Gufeng; Lipert, Robert J; Jain, Maneesh; Kaur, Sukhwinder; Chakraboty, Subhankar; Torres, Maria P; Batra, Surinder K; Brand, Randall E; Porter, Marc D

2011-04-01

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most lethal malignancies. It has a 5-year survival rate of only 6%, owing in part to the lack of a reliable tumor marker for early diagnosis. Recent research has shown that the mucin protein MUC4 is aberrantly expressed in pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell lines and tissues but is undetectable in normal pancreas and chronic pancreatitis. Thus, the level of MUC4 in patient sera has the potential to function as a diagnostic and prognostic marker for PC. However, the measurement of MUC4 in sera using conventional test platforms (e.g., enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and radioimmunoassay (RIA)) has been unsuccessful. This has prevented the assessment of the utility of this protein as a possible PC marker in sera. In addressing this obstacle, the work herein examines the potential to create a simple diagnostic test for MUC4 through the development of a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based immunoassay, which was then used to demonstrate the first ever detection of MUC4 in cancer patient serum samples. Importantly, these measurements showed that sera from patients with PC produced a significantly higher SERS response for MUC4 compared to sera from healthy individuals and from patients with benign diseases. These results indicate that a SERS-based immunoassay can monitor MUC4 levels in patient sera, representing a much needed first step toward assessing the potential of this protein to serve as a serum marker for the early stage diagnosis of PC. This paper details these and other findings (i.e., the detection of the mucin protein CA19-9), which demonstrate that our SERS assay outperforms conventional assays (i.e., RIA and ELISA) with respect to limits of detection, readout time, and required sample volume.

Gender, exercise training, and eNOS expression in porcine skeletal muscle arteries.

PubMed

Laughlin, M Harold; Welshons, Wade V; Sturek, Michael; Rush, James W E; Turk, James R; Taylor, Julia A; Judy, Barbara M; Henderson, Kyle K; Ganjam, V K

2003-07-01

Our purpose was to determine the effects of gender and exercise training on endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) protein content of porcine skeletal muscle arteries and to evaluate the role of 17beta-estradiol (E2) in these effects. We measured eNOS and SOD content with immunoblots and immunohistochemistry in femoral and brachial arteries of trained and sedentary male and female pigs and measured estrogen receptor (ER) mRNA and alpha-ER and beta-ER protein in aortas of male and female pigs. Results indicate that female arteries contain more eNOS than male arteries and that exercise training increases eNOS content independent of gender. Male and female pigs expressed similar levels of alpha-ER mRNA and protein and similar amounts beta-ER protein in their arteries. E2 concentrations as measured by RIA were 180 +/- 34 pg/ml in male sera and approximately 5 pg/ml in female sera, and neither was changed by training. However, bioassay indicated that biologically active estrogen equivalent to only 35 +/- 5 pg/ml was present in male sera. E2 in female pigs, whether measured by RIA or bioassay, was approximately 24 pg/ml at peak estrous and 2 pg/ml on day 5 diestrus. The free fraction of E2 in sera did not explain the low measurements, relative to RIA, of E2. We conclude that 1). gender has significant influence on eNOS and SOD content of porcine skeletal muscle arteries; 2). the effects of gender and exercise training vary among arteries of different anatomic origin; 3). male sera contains compounds that cause RIA to overestimate circulating estrogenic activity; and 4). relative to human men, the male pig is not biologically estrogenized by high levels of E2 reported by RIA, whereas in female pigs E2 levels are lower than in the blood of human women.

The Retrospective Iterated Analysis Scheme for Nonlinear Chaotic Dynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Todling, Ricardo

2002-01-01

Atmospheric data assimilation is the name scientists give to the techniques of blending atmospheric observations with atmospheric model results to obtain an accurate idea of what the atmosphere looks like at any given time. Because two pieces of information are used, observations and model results, the outcomes of data assimilation procedure should be better than what one would get by using one of these two pieces of information alone. There is a number of different mathematical techniques that fall under the data assimilation jargon. In theory most these techniques accomplish about the same thing. In practice, however, slight differences in the approaches amount to faster algorithms in some cases, more economical algorithms in other cases, and even give better overall results in yet some other cases because of practical uncertainties not accounted for by theory. Therefore, the key is to find the most adequate data assimilation procedure for the problem in hand. In our Data Assimilation group we have been doing extensive research to try and find just such data assimilation procedure. One promising possibility is what we call retrospective iterated analysis (RIA) scheme. This procedure has recently been implemented and studied in the context of a very large data assimilation system built to help predict and study weather and climate. Although the results from that study suggest that the RIA scheme produces quite reasonable results, a complete evaluation of the scheme is very difficult due to the complexity of that problem. The present work steps back a little bit and studies the behavior of the RIA scheme in the context of a small problem. The problem is small enough to allow full assessment of the quality of the RIA scheme, but it still has some of the complexity found in nature, namely, its chaotic-type behavior. We find that the RIA performs very well for this small but still complex problem which is a result that seconds the results of our early studies.

Highly sensitive radioimmunoassay for chorionic gonadotropin in human urine. [/sup 125/I tracer technique

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

Ayala, A.R.; Nisula, B.C.; Chen, H.C.

1978-10-01

The value of RIAs that measure hCG levels in human urine has been limited principally because of cross-reactivity with human LH. Recently, antisera generated to antigenic determinants on the intact hCG..beta.. subunit and its carboxyl-terminal peptide have been shown to exhibit substantially reduced human LH cross-reactivity. To take maximal advantage of these antisera and to minimize interference by nonspecific substances in urine, a procedure for extracting and concentrating hCG from 24-h urine samples was developed. The procedure involves preparation of a standard kaolin-acetone urine concentrate and adsorption of the hCG in the concentrate to Concanavalin A covalently linked to agarosemore » for purification and subsequent RIA. In urine samples obtained from patients with gestational trophoblastic disease, there was a direct correlation between hCG levels measured by RIA and those estimated by mouse uterine weight bioassy. In individual subjects, hCG levels were determined in serum and urine obtained the same day. When hCG was clearly detectable in the serum at levels greater than 1 ng/ml, the quantity of hCG measured in the urine concentrate exceeded 500 ng/24 h. The concentrates prepared from the urine of normal persons contained an hCG-like glycoprotein substance with antigenic determinants similar to those of the carboxyl-terminal peptide of hCG..beta... As the range of hCG immunoreactivity measured in the urine concentrates of normal subjects was 6 to 52 ng/24 h, specific and sensitive detection of urinary hCG could be accomplished in patients whose sera contained hCG undetectable by conventional RIA. Partial purification and concentration of urinary hCG by this procedure with subsequent RIA provides a sensitive and reliable method for detecting hCG in urine.« less

Neutronics Assessments for a RIA Fragmentation Line Beam Dump Concept

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

Boles, J L; Reyes, S; Ahle, L E

Heavy ion and radiation transport calculations are in progress for conceptual beam dump designs for the fragmentation line of the proposed Rare Isotope Accelerator (RIA). Using the computer code PHITS, a preliminary design of a motor-driven rotating wheel beam dump and adjacent downstream multipole has been modeled. Selected results of these calculations are given, including neutron and proton flux in the wheel, absorbed dose and displacements per atom in the hub materials, and heating from prompt radiation and from decay heat in the multipole.

Brominated Flame Retardants in Sediments of Four Coastal Lagoons of Yucatan, Mexico.

PubMed

Valenzuela-Sánchez, I S; Gold-Bouchot, G; Hernández-Núñez, E; Barrientos-Medina, R C; Garza-Gisholt, E; Zapata-Pérez, O

2018-05-02

We examined the sediments of four coastal lagoons (Ria Lagartos, Bocas de Dzilam, Laguna de Chelem and Ria Celestun) from the state of Yucatan, Mexico, for three widely used commercial polybrominated diphenyl ethers formulations (penta-, octa- and deca-BDE). The most commonly found congeners in all four lagoons were BDEs 47, 99 and 100 (all in the penta-BDE formulation) and BDE209 (deca-BDE formulation). The greatest variety and highest concentrations of brominated flame retardants were found in Ria Lagartos, which also showed the highest BDE 100 concentration (24.129 ng/g). Hexabromocyclododecane was found in all lagoons, but at lower concentrations than those of the various polybrominated diphenyl ethers. Dispersal routes of these compounds are discussed, such as a ring of sinkholes (cenotes) adjacent to the lagoons. Moreover, electronic waste is a serious problem because municipal landfills have been the primary disposal method for these wastes and therefore represent a reservoir of brominated fire retardants.

Retinal imaging analysis based on vessel detection.

PubMed

Jamal, Arshad; Hazim Alkawaz, Mohammed; Rehman, Amjad; Saba, Tanzila

2017-07-01

With an increase in the advancement of digital imaging and computing power, computationally intelligent technologies are in high demand to be used in ophthalmology cure and treatment. In current research, Retina Image Analysis (RIA) is developed for optometrist at Eye Care Center in Management and Science University. This research aims to analyze the retina through vessel detection. The RIA assists in the analysis of the retinal images and specialists are served with various options like saving, processing and analyzing retinal images through its advanced interface layout. Additionally, RIA assists in the selection process of vessel segment; processing these vessels by calculating its diameter, standard deviation, length, and displaying detected vessel on the retina. The Agile Unified Process is adopted as the methodology in developing this research. To conclude, Retina Image Analysis might help the optometrist to get better understanding in analyzing the patient's retina. Finally, the Retina Image Analysis procedure is developed using MATLAB (R2011b). Promising results are attained that are comparable in the state of art. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Rapid enzymatic degradation of (/sup 125/I) (Tyr 10) FGF (1-10) by serum in vitro and involvement in the determination of circulating FGF by RIA

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

Gauthier, T.; Maftouh, M.; Picard, C.

1987-06-15

In the conditions used in the RIA procedure for circulating FGF quantitation, the tracer (/sup 125/I) (Tyr 10) FGF (1-10) was extensively degraded into two non immunoreactive peptides corresponding to a sequential removal of two amino acid residues at the NH2-terminus i.e. Pro and Ala. A FGF like immunoreactive fraction exists in serum the molecular weight of which was estimated to be 240 Kda. This fraction was also able to perform the same extensive degradation of (Tyr 10) FGF (1-10) than whole serum. The results presented raise the question of the validity of RIA for the determination of circulating FGF.more » They also present evidence that a high molecular weight serum fraction which reacts as immunoreactive FGF is an enzymatic activity responsible for biodegradation of the growth factor rather than a distinct biological entity which is related to the FGF structure.« less

The neuropeptide NLP-22 regulates a sleep-like state in Caenorhabditis elegans

PubMed Central

Nelson, MD; Trojanowski, NF; George-Raizen, JB; Smith, CJ; Yu, C-C; Fang-Yen, C; Raizen, DM

2013-01-01

Neuropeptides play central roles in the regulation of homeostatic behaviors such as sleep and feeding. Caenorhabditis elegans displays sleep-like quiescence of locomotion and feeding during a larval transition stage called lethargus and feeds during active larval and adult stages. Here we show that the neuropeptide NLP-22 is a regulator of Caenorhabditis elegans sleep-like quiescence observed during lethargus. nlp-22 shows cyclical mRNA expression in synchrony with lethargus; it is regulated by LIN-42, an orthologue of the core circadian protein PERIOD; and it is expressed solely in the two RIA interneurons. nlp-22 and the RIA interneurons are required for normal lethargus quiescence, and forced expression of nlp-22 during active stages causes anachronistic locomotion and feeding quiescence. Optogenetic stimulation of RIA interneurons has a movement-promoting effect, demonstrating functional complexity in a single neuron type. Our work defines a quiescence-regulating role for NLP-22 and expands our knowledge of the neural circuitry controlling Caenorhabditis elegans behavioral quiescence. PMID:24301180

The neuropeptide NLP-22 regulates a sleep-like state in Caenorhabditis elegans.

PubMed

Nelson, M D; Trojanowski, N F; George-Raizen, J B; Smith, C J; Yu, C-C; Fang-Yen, C; Raizen, D M

2013-01-01

Neuropeptides have central roles in the regulation of homoeostatic behaviours such as sleep and feeding. Caenorhabditis elegans displays sleep-like quiescence of locomotion and feeding during a larval transition stage called lethargus and feeds during active larval and adult stages. Here we show that the neuropeptide NLP-22 is a regulator of Caenorhabditis elegans sleep-like quiescence observed during lethargus. nlp-22 shows cyclical mRNA expression in synchrony with lethargus; it is regulated by LIN-42, an orthologue of the core circadian protein PERIOD; and it is expressed solely in the two RIA interneurons. nlp-22 and the RIA interneurons are required for normal lethargus quiescence, and forced expression of nlp-22 during active stages causes anachronistic locomotion and feeding quiescence. Optogenetic stimulation of the RIA interneurons has a movement-promoting effect, demonstrating functional complexity in a single-neuron type. Our work defines a quiescence-regulating role for NLP-22 and expands our knowledge of the neural circuitry controlling Caenorhabditis elegans behavioural quiescence.

Sources and timing of anthropogenic pollution in the Ensenada de San Simon (inner Ria de Vigo), Galicia, NW Spain: an application of mixture-modelling and nonlinear optimization to recent sedimentation.

PubMed

Howarth, Richard J; Evans, Graham; Croudace, Ian W; Cundy, Andrew B

2005-03-20

The Ensenada de San Simon is the inner part of the Ria de Vigo, one of the major mesotidal rias of the Galician coast, NW Spain. The geochemistry of its bottom sediments can be accounted for in terms of both natural and anthropogenic sources. Mixture-modelling enables much of the Cr, Ni, V, Cu, Pb and Zn concentrations of the bottom and subaqueous sediments to be explained by sediment input from the river systems and faecal matter from manmade mussel rafts. The compositions and relative contributions of additional, unknown, sources of anomalous heavy-metal concentrations are quantified using constrained nonlinear optimization. The pattern of metal enrichment is attributed to: material carried in solution and suspension in marine water entering the Ensenada from the polluted industrial areas of the adjacent Ria de Vigo; wind-borne urban dusts and/or vehicular emissions from the surrounding network of roads and a motorway road-bridge over the Estrecho de Rande; industrial and agricultural pollution from the R. Redondela; and waste from a former ceramics factory near the mouth of the combined R. Oitaben and R. Verdugo. Using (137)Cs dating, it is suggested that heavy metal build-up in the sediments since the late 1970s followed development of inshore fisheries and introduction of the mussel rafts (ca. 1960) and increasing industrialisation.

Characterisation of heavy metal discharge into the Ria of Huelva.

PubMed

Sainz, A; Grande, J A; de la Torre, M L

2004-06-01

The Ria of Huelva estuary, in SW Spain, is known to be one of the most heavy metal contaminated estuaries in the world. River contribution to the estuary of dissolved Cu, Zn, Mn, Cr, Ni, Cd, and As were analysed for the period 1988-2001. The obtained mean values show that this contribution, both because of the magnitude of total metals (895.1 kg/h), composition, toxicity (8.7 kg/h of As+Cd+Pb) and persistence, is an incomparable case in heavy metal contamination of estuaries. The amount and typology of heavy metal discharge to the Ria of Huelva are related to freshwater flow (and, consequently, to rainfall); as a result, two different types of heavy metal discharge can be distinguished in the estuary: during low water (50% of the days), with only 19.3 kg/h of heavy metals, and during high water or flood (17% of the days), where daily maximum discharge of 72,475 kg of heavy metals were recorded, from which 1481 kg were of As, 470 kg of Pb, and 170 kg of Cd. In the most frequent situation (77% of the days), the Odiel River discharges from 90% to 100% of the freshwater received by the estuary. Despite this, the high concentration of heavy metals in the Tinto River water causes this river to discharge into the Ria of Huelva 12.5% of fluvial total dissolved metal load received by the estuary.

TREAT Neutronics Analysis of Water-Loop Concept Accommodating LWR 9-rod Bundle

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

Hill, Connie M.; Woolstenhulme, Nicolas E.; Parry, James R.

Abstract. Simulation of a variety of transient conditions has been successfully achieved in the Transient Reactor Test (TREAT) facility during operation between 1959 and 1994 to support characterization and safety analysis of nuclear fuels and materials. A majority of previously conducted tests were focused on supporting sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR) designs. Experiments evolved in complexity. Simulation of thermal-hydraulic conditions expected to be encountered by fuels and materials in a reactor environment was realized in the development of TREAT sodium loop experiment vehicles. These loops accommodated up to 7-pin fuel bundles and served to simulate more closely the reactor environment whilemore » safely delivering large quantities of energy into the test specimen. Some of the immediate TREAT restart operations will be focused on testing light water reactor (LWR) accident tolerant fuels (ATF). Similar to the sodium loop objectives, a water loop concept, developed and analyzed in the 1990’s, aimed at achieving thermal-hydraulic conditions encountered in commercial power reactors. The historic water loop concept has been analyzed in the context of a reactivity insertion accident (RIA) simulation for high burnup LWR 2-pin and 3-pin fuel bundles. Findings showed sufficient energy could be deposited into the specimens for evaluation. Similar results of experimental feasibility for the water loop concept (past and present) have recently been obtained using MCNP6.1 with ENDF/B-VII.1 nuclear data libraries. The old water loop concept required only two central TREAT core grid spaces. Preparation for future experiments has resulted in a modified water loop conceptual design designated the TREAT water environment recirculating loop (TWERL). The current TWERL design requires nine TREAT core grid spaces in order to place the water recirculating pump under the TREAT core. Due to the effectiveness of water moderation, neutronics analysis shows that removal of seven additional TREAT fuel elements to facilitate the experiment will not inhibit the ability to successfully simulate a RIA for the 2-pin or 3-pin bundle. This new water loop design leaves room for accommodating a larger fuel pin bundle than previously analyzed. The 7-pin fuel bundle in a hexagonal array with similar spacing of fuel pins in a SFR fuel assembly was considered the minimum needed for one central fuel pin to encounter the most correct thermal conditions. The 9-rod fuel bundle in a square array similar in spacing to pins in a LWR fuel assembly would be considered the LWR equivalent. MCNP analysis conducted on a preliminary LWR 9-rod bundle design shows that sufficient energy deposition into the central pin can be achieved well within range to investigate fuel and cladding performance in a simulated RIA. This is achieved by surrounding the flow channel with an additional annulus of water. Findings also show that a highly significant increase in TREAT to specimen power coupling factor (PCF) within the central pin can be achieved by surrounding the experiment with one to two rings of TREAT upgrade fuel assemblies. The experiment design holds promise for the performance evaluation of PWR fuel at extremely high burnup under similar reactor environment conditions.« less

Suppression of collagen induced arthritis by idiotype coupled lymphoid cells

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

Nagler-Anderson, C.; Gurish, M.F.; Robinson, M.E.

1986-03-01

Studies were initiated to evaluate the regulatory influence of idiotype (Id) networks in an experimental auto-immune disease. Collagen induced arthritis is an animal model of polyarthritis induced in susceptible mice by immunization with collagen II (CII). A humoral immune response to CII appears to be critical for the development of diseases. If subpopulations of the anti-CII abs, important for the induction of arthritis, could be identified and manipulated through the presence of a major Id, it should be possible to decrease arthritis incidence by suppressing the production of these Ids. Specifically purified anti-CII abs from arthritic DBA/1 mice were coupledmore » to syngeneic spleen cells and administered IV prior to intradermal immunization with CII. By day 34 after 1/sup 0/ immunization, 100% of control mice and 50% of treated mice had developed arthritis. Suppression of the Id population administered to the treated group was confirmed by RIA. Sera from individual mice were tested as inhibitors of binding of /sup 125/I-labelled polyclonal DBA/1 anti-CII to a rabbit anti-Id directed against polyclonal anti-CII isolated from the sera of arthritic mice. Mean percentage of inhibition of binding of /sup 125/I-Id to rabbit anti-Id by sera from non-arthritic treated mice was found to be significantly lower than that observed in the arthritic control group (p = .045), but did not correlate with total anti-CII ab titers.« less

Interactive Materials In The Teaching Of Astronomy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Macêdo, J. A.; Voelzke, M. R.

2014-10-01

This study presents results of a survey conducted at the Federal Institution of Education, Science and Technology in the North of Minas Gerais (IFNMG), and aimed to investigate the potentialities of the use of interactive materials in the teaching of astronomy. An advanced training course with involved learning activities about basic concepts of astronomy was offered to thirty-two Licenciate students in Physics, Mathematics and Biological Science. The following steps were to be taken: i) analysis of the pedagogical projects (PPC) of the licenciates at the IFNMG, research locus of its Campus Januária; ii) analysis of students' preconceptions about astronomy and digital technologies, identified by the application of an initial questionnaire; iii) preparation of the course taking into account the students' previous knowledge; iv) application of the education proposal developed under part-time presence modality, using various interactive tools; v) application and analysis of the final questionnaire. The test was conducted with the qualitative and quantitative methodology, combined with a content analysis. The results indicated that in the IFNMG only the licenciate-course in physics includes astronomy content diluted in various subjects of the curriculum; the rates of students prior knowledge in relation to astronomy was low; an evidence of meaningful learning of the concepts related to astronomy, and of viability of resource use involving digital technologies in the Teaching of astronomy, which may contribute to the broadening of methodological options of future teachers and meet their training needs.

Prevalence of vision impairment and refractive error in school children in Ba Ria – Vung Tau province, Vietnam

PubMed Central

Paudel, Prakash; Ramson, Prasidh; Naduvilath, Thomas; Wilson, David; Phuong, Ha Thanh; Ho, Suit M; Giap, Nguyen V

2014-01-01

Background To assess the prevalence of vision impairment and refractive error in school children 12–15 years of age in Ba Ria – Vung Tau province, Vietnam. Design Prospective, cross-sectional study. Participants 2238 secondary school children. Methods Subjects were selected based on stratified multistage cluster sampling of 13 secondary schools from urban, rural and semi-urban areas. The examination included visual acuity measurements, ocular motility evaluation, cycloplegic autorefraction, and examination of the external eye, anterior segment, media and fundus. Main Outcome Measures Visual acuity and principal cause of vision impairment. Results The prevalence of uncorrected and presenting visual acuity ≤6/12 in the better eye were 19.4% (95% confidence interval, 12.5–26.3) and 12.2% (95% confidence interval, 8.8–15.6), respectively. Refractive error was the cause of vision impairment in 92.7%, amblyopia in 2.2%, cataract in 0.7%, retinal disorders in 0.4%, other causes in 1.5% and unexplained causes in the remaining 2.6%. The prevalence of vision impairment due to myopia in either eye (–0.50 diopter or greater) was 20.4% (95% confidence interval, 12.8–28.0), hyperopia (≥2.00 D) was 0.4% (95% confidence interval, 0.0–0.7) and emmetropia with astigmatism (≥0.75 D) was 0.7% (95% confidence interval, 0.2–1.2). Vision impairment due to myopia was associated with higher school grade and increased time spent reading and working on a computer. Conclusions Uncorrected refractive error, particularly myopia, among secondary school children in Vietnam is a major public health problem. School-based eye health initiative such as refractive error screening is warranted to reduce vision impairment. PMID:24299145

Prevalence of vision impairment and refractive error in school children in Ba Ria - Vung Tau province, Vietnam.

PubMed

Paudel, Prakash; Ramson, Prasidh; Naduvilath, Thomas; Wilson, David; Phuong, Ha Thanh; Ho, Suit M; Giap, Nguyen V

2014-04-01

To assess the prevalence of vision impairment and refractive error in school children 12-15 years of age in Ba Ria - Vung Tau province, Vietnam. Prospective, cross-sectional study. 2238 secondary school children. Subjects were selected based on stratified multistage cluster sampling of 13 secondary schools from urban, rural and semi-urban areas. The examination included visual acuity measurements, ocular motility evaluation, cycloplegic autorefraction, and examination of the external eye, anterior segment, media and fundus. Visual acuity and principal cause of vision impairment. The prevalence of uncorrected and presenting visual acuity ≤6/12 in the better eye were 19.4% (95% confidence interval, 12.5-26.3) and 12.2% (95% confidence interval, 8.8-15.6), respectively. Refractive error was the cause of vision impairment in 92.7%, amblyopia in 2.2%, cataract in 0.7%, retinal disorders in 0.4%, other causes in 1.5% and unexplained causes in the remaining 2.6%. The prevalence of vision impairment due to myopia in either eye (-0.50 diopter or greater) was 20.4% (95% confidence interval, 12.8-28.0), hyperopia (≥2.00 D) was 0.4% (95% confidence interval, 0.0-0.7) and emmetropia with astigmatism (≥0.75 D) was 0.7% (95% confidence interval, 0.2-1.2). Vision impairment due to myopia was associated with higher school grade and increased time spent reading and working on a computer. Uncorrected refractive error, particularly myopia, among secondary school children in Vietnam is a major public health problem. School-based eye health initiative such as refractive error screening is warranted to reduce vision impairment. © 2013 The Authors. Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology published by Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd on behalf of Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists.

Circulating Concentrations of Advanced Glycation end Products, its Association With the Development of Diabetes Mellitus.

PubMed

Jiménez, Itzel Uribe; Díaz-Díaz, Eulises; Castro, Jorge Salmerón; Ramos, Julia Pérez; León, Mario Cárdenas; Alvarado Ríos, José Antonio; Auriostigue Bautista, Juan Carlos; Correa-Rotter, Ricardo; Aguilar Salinas, Carlos Alberto; Larrea, Fernando

2017-05-01

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is characterized by the production and accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which are one of the key mechanisms in the development of its chronic complications. To assess the serum AGEs concentration by a radioimmunoassay (RIA) developed in our laboratory, to establish reference values in healthy population and to evaluate the diagnostic potential of measuring longitudinal changes in circulating AGEs concentrations to predict the development of DM. Clinical and metabolic parameters were obtained from a cohort of 781 Mexican people, initially and then seven years later. AGEs were quantified by a specific RIA. Associations of the changes in circulating levels of AGEs with the appearance of impaired fasting glucose (IFG), and the development of DM were evaluated. Diabetic subjects had higher circulating levels of AGEs than normoglycemic subjects or individuals with IFG in both samples studied (471 vs. 246 and 342 μU/mL, p <0.001; and 912 vs. 428 and 519 μU/mL, p <0.001; respectively). A multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that subjects who had AGEs concentration ≥400 μU/mL in the baseline sample had a relative risk ratio of 1.98 to develop IFG seven years later (p = 0.003). While the subjects who had AGEs concentration ≥450 μU/mL in the baseline sample had a relative risk ratio of 10.7 to develop DM seven years later (p <0.001). Circulating AGEs concentration is a good early marker to predict risk of developing DM. Copyright © 2017 IMSS. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Studies of guinea pig immunoglobulin isotype, idiotype and antiidiotype

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

Tirrell, S.M.

1988-01-01

Immunization of Guinea pigs with diphtheria toxoid generated antibodies of the IgG class that were capable of neutralizing native toxin in vivo. Sera from these animals were used to affinity purify idiotypic antibodies (AB1). AB1 vaccines derived from the IgG1 class and from F(ab{prime}){sub 2} of IgG1 + IgG2 (IgG1/2) classes were effective in inducing a syngeneic anti-idiotype (AB2) response. Animals immunized with AB1 consisting of both IgG1/2 did not elicit a detectable AB2 response. Binding of homologous {sup 125}I-F(ab{prime}){sub 2} (AB1) to the antiidiotype was inhibited 90% in the presence of DT.F(ab{prime}){sub 2} derived from preimmune serum or hadmore » no inhibitory effects on the idiotype-antiidiotype interactions. Two groups of outbred guinea pigs were vaccinated with alum absorbed F(ab{prime}){sub 2} of anti-idiotype IgG1/2 (AB2). Of the ten animals inoculated with AB2, three tested positive by RIA against {sup 125}I-DT. Two of the RIA positive sera contained antibodies that neutralized diphtheria toxin in a rabbit intracutaneous assay. Purification of guinea pig IgG by protein A-Sepharose affinity chromatography resulted in the separation of three distinct IgG populations.« less

Uncited articles in Brazilian public health journals

PubMed Central

Cuenca, Angela Maria Belloni; Barbosa, Milena Maria de Araújo Lima; de Oliveira, Karoline; Quinta, Fernanda Paranhos; Alvarez, Maria do Carmo Avamilano; França, Ivan

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Here, we describe the percentage of non-citation in Brazilian public health journals, a field that, until now, had not been investigated nationally or internationally. We analyzed articles, published between 2008 and 2012, of eight public health journals indexed in the scopus database. The percentage of non-citation differs between journals (from 5.7% to 58.1%). We identified four statistically distinct groups: História, Ciência, Saúde – Manguinhos (58% uncited articles); Physis: Revista de Saúde Coletiva, Interface, and Saúde e Sociedade (32% to 37%); Ciência & Saúde Coletiva and Revista Brasileira de Epidemiologia (16% to 17%); and Cadernos de Saúde Pública and Revista de Saúde Pública (6%). The non-citation in the first three years post-publication also varies according to journal. Four journals have shown a clear decline of non-citation: Cadernos de Saúde Pública, Ciência & Saúde Coletiva, Revista Brasileira de Epidemiologia, and Physis. Another three (Revista de Saúde Pública, Saúde e Sociedade, and Interface) presented an oscillation in non-citation, but the rates of 2008 and 2012 are similar, with different magnitudes. In turn, the journal História, Ciência, Saúde – Manguinhos maintains high rates of non-citation. Multidisciplinary journals attract more citation, but a comprehensive citation model still needs to be formulated and tested. PMID:29211202

The Collaborative Coordination of Special Interest Groups on the Telemedicine University Network (RUTE) in Brazil.

PubMed

de Lima Verde Brito, Thiago Delevidove; Baptista, Roberto Silva; de Lima Lopes, Paulo Roberto; Haddad, Ana Estela; Messina, Luiz Ary; Torres Pisa, Ivan

2015-01-01

In Brazil the Telemedicine University Network (Rede Universitária de Telemedicina RUTE) is an initiative that among others promotes collaboration between university hospitals, universities, and health professionals through information technology infrastructure and special interest groups (SIGs) support. This paper presents results of analyses on collaboration during implementation and coordination activities of RUTE SIGs. This study is based on descriptive statistics and data visualization previously collected by RUTE national coordination relative to the status in July 2014. The analysis through collaboration graph identified the strongest collaboration RUTE units. The graph also highlights the collaborative relationship of RUTE units in form of communities, the most collaborative with each other in a communion in the same SIGs, and the less the collaborative units in the network. It should be stated that the most active units are also the oldest in the community.

Comparison of the Immulite and RIA assay methods for measuring peripheral blood progesterone levels in Greyhound bitches.

PubMed

Chapwanya, A; Clegg, T; Stanley, P; Vaughan, L

2008-09-15

Determination of optimal breeding time in bitches earmarked for single insemination only is based on measurement of peripheral blood serum or plasma progesterone concentration. In this paper a comparison is made between radioimmune assay (RIA) and chemoluminescent assay (Immulite) for determination of P4 concentrations in the bitch. The Immulite assay is shown to be an accurate and reliable method for serum or plasma P4 measurement. It compares favourably with other methods in terms of turn-around time, cost and accessibility for veterinarians in practice.

Optimized radiation-hardened erbium doped fiber amplifiers for long space missions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ladaci, A.; Girard, S.; Mescia, L.; Robin, T.; Laurent, A.; Cadier, B.; Boutillier, M.; Ouerdane, Y.; Boukenter, A.

2017-04-01

In this work, we developed and exploited simulation tools to optimize the performances of rare earth doped fiber amplifiers (REDFAs) for space missions. To describe these systems, a state-of-the-art model based on the rate equations and the particle swarm optimization technique is developed in which we also consider the main radiation effect on REDFA: the radiation induced attenuation (RIA). After the validation of this tool set by confrontation between theoretical and experimental results, we investigate how the deleterious radiation effects on the amplifier performance can be mitigated following adequate strategies to conceive the REDFA architecture. The tool set was validated by comparing the calculated Erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) gain degradation under X-rays at ˜300 krad(SiO2) with the corresponding experimental results. Two versions of the same fibers were used in this work, a standard optical fiber and a radiation hardened fiber, obtained by loading the previous fiber with hydrogen gas. Based on these fibers, standard and radiation hardened EDFAs were manufactured and tested in different operating configurations, and the obtained data were compared with simulation data done considering the same EDFA structure and fiber properties. This comparison reveals a good agreement between simulated gain and experimental data (<10% as the maximum error for the highest doses). Compared to our previous results obtained on Er/Yb-amplifiers, these results reveal the importance of the photo-bleaching mechanism competing with the RIA that cannot be neglected for the modeling of the radiation-induced gain degradation of EDFAs. This implies to measure in representative conditions the RIA at the pump and signal wavelengths that are used as input parameters for the simulation. The validated numerical codes have then been used to evaluate the potential of some EDFA architecture evolutions in the amplifier performance during the space mission. Optimization of both the fiber length and the EDFA pumping scheme allows us to strongly reduce its radiation vulnerability in terms of gain. The presented approach is a complementary and effective tool for hardening by device techniques and opens new perspectives for the applications of REDFAs and lasers in harsh environments.

Association between the concentration of fine particles in the atmosphere and acute respiratory diseases in children.

PubMed

Nascimento, Antônio Paula; Santos, Jane Meri; Mill, José Geraldo; Souza, Juliana Bottoni de; Reis, Neyval Costa; Reisen, Valdério Anselmo

2017-01-12

To analyze the association between fine particulate matter concentration in the atmosphere and hospital care by acute respiratory diseases in children. Ecological study, carried out in the region of Grande Vitória, Espírito Santo, in the winter (June 21 to September 21, 2013) and summer (December 21, 2013 to March 19, 2014). We assessed data of daily count for outpatient care and hospitalization by respiratory diseases (ICD-10) in children from zero to 12 years in three hospitals in the Region of Grande Vitória. For collecting fine particulate matter, we used portable samplers of particles installed in six locations in the studied region. The Generalized Additive Model with Poisson distribution, fitted for the effects of predictor covariates, was used to evaluate the relationship between respiratory outcomes and concentration of fine particulate matter. The increase of 4.2 µg/m3 (interquartile range) in the concentration of fine particulate matter increased in 3.8% and 5.6% the risk of medical care or hospitalization, respectively, on the same day and with six-day lag from the exposure. We identified positive association between outpatient care and hospitalizations of children under 12 years due to acute respiratory diseases and the concentration of fine particulate matter in the atmosphere. Analisar a associação entre a concentração de material particulado fino na atmosfera e atendimento hospitalar por doenças respiratórias agudas em crianças. Estudo ecológico, realizado na Região da Grande Vitória, ES, no inverno (21 de junho a 21 de setembro de 2013) e no verão (21 de dezembro de 2013 a 19 de março de 2014). Foram avaliados dados de contagem diária de atendimentos ambulatoriais e hospitalizações por doenças respiratórias (CID-10) em crianças de zero a 12 anos em três hospitais da Região da Grande Vitoria. Para a coleta de material particulado fino foram utilizados amostradores portáteis de partículas instalados em seis locais na região estudada. O Modelo Aditivo Generalizado com distribuição de Poisson, ajustado para efeitos das covariáveis preditoras, foi utilizado para avaliar a relação entre os desfechos respiratórios e a concentração de material particulado fino. O incremento de 4,2 µg/m3 (intervalo interquartílico) na concentração de material particulado fino aumentou em 3,8% e 5,6% o risco de atendimento ou internação, respectivamente, no mesmo dia e com seis dias de defasagem da exposição. Foi identificada associação positiva entre atendimentos ambulatoriais e hospitalizações de crianças com até 12 anos devido a doenças respiratórias agudas e a concentração de material particulado fino na atmosfera.

Real-time terminal area trajectory planning for runway independent aircraft

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xue, Min

The increasing demand for commercial air transportation results in delays due to traffic queues that form bottlenecks along final approach and departure corridors. In urban areas, it is often infeasible to build new runways, and regardless of automation upgrades traffic must remain separated to avoid the wakes of previous aircraft. Vertical or short takeoff and landing aircraft as Runway Independent Aircraft (RIA) can increase passenger throughput at major urban airports via the use of vertiports or stub runways. The concept of simultaneous non-interfering (SNI) operations has been proposed to reduce traffic delays by creating approach and departure corridors that do not intersect existing fixed-wing routes. However, SNI trajectories open new routes that may overfly noise-sensitive areas, and RIA may generate more noise than traditional jet aircraft, particularly on approach. In this dissertation, we develop efficient SNI noise abatement procedures applicable to RIA. First, we introduce a methodology based on modified approximated cell-decomposition and Dijkstra's search algorithm to optimize longitudinal plane (2-D) RIA trajectories over a cost function that minimizes noise, time, and fuel use. Then, we extend the trajectory optimization model to 3-D with a k-ary tree as the discrete search space. We incorporate geography information system (GIS) data, specifically population, into our objective function, and focus on a practical case study: the design of SNI RIA approach procedures to Baltimore-Washington International airport. Because solutions were represented as trim state sequences, we incorporated smooth transition between segments to enable more realistic cost estimates. Due to the significant computational complexity, we investigated alternative more efficient optimization techniques applicable to our nonlinear, non-convex, heavily constrained, and discontinuous objective function. Comparing genetic algorithm (GA) and adaptive simulated annealing (ASA) with our original Dijkstra's algorithm, ASA is identified as the most efficient algorithm for terminal area trajectory optimization. The effects of design parameter discretization are analyzed, with results indicating a SNI procedure with 3-4 segments effectively balances simplicity with cost minimization. Finally, pilot control commands were implemented and generated via optimization-base inverse simulation to validate execution of the optimal approach trajectories.

The Response of Sediments and Dissolved Organic Matter to Rapid Rainfall in the Santa Maria da Vitoria Watershed, Espírito Santo, BR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ward, N. D.; Firme de Almeida, L.; Dias, G.; Gould, R.; Tan, A.; Bianchi, T. S.; Krusche, A. V.; Keil, R. G.; Richey, J. E.

2015-12-01

The Santa Maria da Vitória River supplies over 30% of the water for the greater Vitória, Espírito Santo, BR metropolitan area, which has a population of roughly 1.6 million people. The availability of clean freshwater is severely limited during periods of heavy rainfall because water sanitation facilities are "clogged" by high sediment discharge. The headwaters of the Santa Maria da Vitória River are characterized by relatively pristine forested environments, transitioning into primarily agricultural and rural land uses, and finally reaching the large urban center of Vitória near its marine receiving waters. The discharge of suspended sediments and dissolved organic matter (DOM) was examined at a 3 hour frequency during heavy storm flows from October 2013 to May 2015 in the Santa Maria da Vitória River main channel and a small tributary, the Mangaraí River. Bulk isotopic analyses were used to determine potential sediment sources and whether specific landscape/land use features were functionalized during periods of high runoff. Likewise, time of flight mass spectrometry (GC-ToF-MS) was used to identify a broad suite of DOM compounds that responded positively with river discharge in an effort to determine the influence of land use on the delivery of dissolved components to the river. For example, the abundance of compounds related to specific agricultural settings increased during storm flow along with anthropogenic DOM sources such as plasticizer and pesticide-derived compounds. Suspended sediment concentrations increased by as much as 70 times during peak river discharge relative to base flow several days earlier with similar increases in particulate organic carbon and nitrogen observed. Results from this study and previous field measurements were integrated into a coupled hydrology-sediment transport model, DHSVM, as part of a dynamic information framework with the goal of predicting water/sediment discharge to inform management and policy sectors of the state of Espírito Santo.

Fat Layer from Medullary Canal Reamer Aspirate for Potential Use as a Supplemental Osteoinductive Bone Graft Material.

PubMed

Sinclair, Sarina S Kay; Horton, C Olsen; Jeray, Kyle J; Tanner, Stephanie L; Burgl, Karen J L

2015-01-01

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are of therapeutic interest to clinicians and researchers, as they have been shown to augment the osteogenic properties of bone grafts. MSCs are known to be prevalent in bone marrow, but are still limited in numbers. Hence, additional sources of MSCs are beneficial to increasing grafting potential. Aspirate material collected using the Reamer/Irrigator/Aspirator (RIA) device (Synthes; Paoli, PA) during reaming of the femoral shaft consists of three main components: bone fragments, liquid flow-through, and a fat layer. Currently, only the bone and liquid layers have been examined for osteoinductive elements, and the bone fragments are exclusively used as autologous bone graft. In the present study, a method to promote cellular outgrowth, tapping proliferative capacity from the previously discarded fatty layer of RIA aspirate, is described. Proliferating cells were successfully isolated from the bone and fatty layers of a consenting patient and found to be viable after liquid nitrogen storage. The osteogenic differentiation potential of the cells isolated from the fat and bone layers was assessed. Cells from both layers of the aspirate expressed statistically significant levels (p < 0.05) of the bone cell marker alkaline phosphatase compared to the control cells, suggesting differentiation along the osteoblastic pathway. Results from this pilot study indicate that the traditionally discarded fatty element of RIA aspirate may be a source of MSCs with bone-forming capabilities and the described isolation technique is effective. Combining the aspirate fatty and bony elements may enhance the clinical success of the RIA autograft.

Simulation of temporal and spatial distribution of required irrigation water by crop models and the pan evaporation coefficient method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Yan-min; Yang, Yonghui; Han, Shu-min; Hu, Yu-kun

2009-07-01

Hebei Plain is the most important agricultural belt in North China. Intensive irrigation, low and uneven precipitation have led to severe water shortage on the plain. This study is an attempt to resolve this crucial issue of water shortage for sustainable agricultural production and water resources management. The paper models distributed regional irrigation requirement for a range of cultivated crops on the plain. Classic crop models like DSSAT- wheat/maize and COTTON2K are used in combination with pan-evaporation coefficient method to estimate water requirements for wheat, corn, cotton, fruit-trees and vegetables. The approach is more accurate than the static approach adopted in previous studies. This is because the combination use of crop models and pan-evaporation coefficient method dynamically accounts for irrigation requirement at different growth stages of crops, agronomic practices, and field and climatic conditions. The simulation results show increasing Required Irrigation Amount (RIA) with time. RIA ranges from 5.08×109 m3 to 14.42×109 m3 for the period 1986~2006, with an annual average of 10.6×109 m3. Percent average water use by wheat, fruit trees, vegetable, corn and cotton is 41%, 12%, 12%, 11%, 7% and 17% respectively. RIA for April and May (the period with the highest irrigation water use) is 1.78×109 m3 and 2.41×109 m3 respectively. The counties in the piedmont regions of Mount Taihang have high RIA while the central and eastern regions/counties have low irrigation requirement.

Splenic artery aneurysm.

PubMed

Tcbc-Rj, Rui Antônio Ferreira; Ferreira, Myriam Christina Lopes; Ferreira, Daniel Antônio Lopes; Ferreira, André Gustavo Lopes; Ramos, Flávia Oliveira

2016-01-01

Splenic artery aneurysms - the most common visceral artery aneurysms - are found most often in multiparous women and in patients with portal hypertension. Indications for treatment of splenic artery aneurysm or pseudoaneurysm include specific symptoms, female gender and childbearing age, presence of portal hypertension, planned liver transplantation, a pseudoaneurysm of any size, and an aneurysm with a diameter of more than 2.5cm. Historically, the treatment of splenic artery aneurysm has been surgical ligation of the splenic artery, ligation of the aneurysm, or aneurysmectomy with or without splenectomy, depending on the aneurysm location. There are other percutaneous interventional techniques. The authors present a case of a splenic artery aneurysm in a 51-year-old woman, detected incidentally. RESUMO Aneurismas da artéria esplênica - os aneurismas arteriais viscerais mais comuns - são encontrados mais frequentemente em mulheres multíparas e em pacientes com hipertensão portal. As indicações para o seu tratamento incluem sintomas específicos, sexo feminino e idade fértil, presença de hipertensão portal, paciente em fila de transplante hepático, um pseudoaneurisma de qualquer tamanho, e um aneurisma com um diâmetro superior a 2,5cm. Historicamente, o tratamento do aneurisma da artéria esplênica tem sido a ligadura cirúrgica da artéria esplênica, a ligadura do aneurisma ou a aneurismectomia, com ou sem esplenectomia, dependendo do local do aneurisma. Existem outras técnicas intervencionistas percutâneas. Os autores apresentam o caso de um aneurisma de artéria esplênica em uma mulher de 51 anos de idade, diagnosticado incidentalmente.

Determinação da composição química em nebulosas planetárias na direção do anticentro galáctico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Costa, R. D. D.; Uchida, M. M. M.; Maciel, W. J.

2003-08-01

Existe um gradiente radial de abundâncias no disco galáctico, cujo comportamento é razoavelmente bem conhecido para distâncias galactocêntricas entre 3 e 10 kpc. Foi obtido a partir de resultados derivados de nebulosas planetárias, regiões HII e estrelas, como as estrelas quentes de tipo O, B e aglomerados abertos. Com o objetivo de investigar o comportamento deste gradiente radial na região externa do disco, conhecida como anticentro galáctico, reportamos aqui os resultados finais da análise de uma amostra de nebulosas planetárias na direção do anticentro, observadas no LNA e no ESO entre 1995 e 2000. O uso de nebulosas planetárias permite o cálculo das abundâncias de elementos traçadores da evolução química do disco como oxigênio, argônio e neônio com o uso de técnicas de espectroscopia nebular. Os resultados indicam uma distribuição de abundâncias distinta daquela encontrada na vizinhança solar, mostrando que o gradiente radial diminui sensivelmente para distâncias galactocêntricas maiores que 10 kpc. Este resultado está de acordo com os mais recentes modelos de evolução química do disco, que prevêem uma diminuição ou mesmo um desaparecimento do gradiente radial no bordo externo do disco galáctico. (FAPESP/CNPq)

Convenient radioimmunoassay for urinary human choriogonadotropin without interference by urinary human lutropin

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

Wehmann, R.E.; Harman, S.M.; Birken, S.

1981-12-01

We have devised a radioimmunoassay (RIA) for human choriogonadotropin (hCG) in first morning-voided urine specimens. Concanavalin A, a lectin, is used to extract and concentrate the hCG from urine. A high-affinity antiserum is used, directed to the hCG..beta.. carboxy-terminal peptide, a unique immunological determinant not shared by the beta subunit of human lutropin. This ensures that urinary human lutropin-related molecules, which interfere with RIAs involving antisera to the intact hCG..beta.. subunit, will not cross react in this assay. A concentration of hCG as low as 0.4 ..mu..g/L can be detected in the first morning-voided urine. The effective sensitivity of thismore » assay for the unequivocal detection of hCG production is somewhat better than that achieved with the serum hCG RIA involving antisera to the hCG..beta.. subunit. The improved specificity and sensitivity of this assay, and the greater convenience of collecting samples of urine rather than blood, are clinically useful advantages of this approach to assessing hCG production in humans.« less

Satellite-delivered gravimetry for the Vitória-Trindade Chain, Southeast Brazil, and its bearing on the volcanic seamount structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Motoki, A.; Motoki, K. F.; Sichel, S. E.; Souza, K.; Bueno, G. V.; Poseidon

2013-05-01

The authors present gravimetric and geomorphologic analyses for the Vitória-Trindade volcanic seamount chain, State of Espírito Santo, Brazil. The seamounts are generally of 30 km in base diameter, 10 km in flat-top diameter, and 2500 to 4000 m in relative height. The flat-tops are constant in depth, without evidence of basement subsidence. The western half of the chain shows basement elevation of 2000 m, which took place before the eruptions. The size and frequency of the seamounts become smaller to the east. Most of them have conical form of central eruptions, and some large ones are of elongated form of fissure eruptions. The volcanic seamounts usually have Bouguer anomaly about 100 mGal lower than the adjacent area, showing funnel-shaped Bouguer depression. Large volcanoes show ring-like Bouguer structure composed of the central high and the marginal low. The marginal low is about 100 mGal lower than the adjacent abyssal plane and the central high is about 80 mGal higher than the marginal low. Very large volcanoes have bull's eye-like low Bouguer sites along the marginal low. On the foot of the volcanoes, there is the area with Bouguer anomaly 20 to 40 mGal higher, called peripheral high. These observations suggest the following growth history of the volcanic seamounts. At the initial stage, repeated central eruptions of lava flow construct the volcanic edifice. The weight of the volcano is sustained by mechanical firmness of the basement. The Bouguer anomaly is characterized by funnel-shaped depression. At the advanced stage, gabbroic radial dyke intrusion occurs along the central conduit in the upper level of the volcanic edifice, which is evidenced by the central Bouguer high. The seamount is supported mainly by mechanical firmness and partially by isostatic compensation of crustal down-buckling. At the highly advanced stage, the intrusion takes place into the lower level of the main volcanic edifice resulting lateral eruptions along its foot, which is shown by the bull's eye-like Bouguer lows. The crustal down-buckling and consequent isostatic compensation become relevant. The peripheral Bouguer high could be the rebound of the crustal down-buckling. The regional Bouguer anomaly suggests lithosphere thinning along the Vitória-Trindade Chain, which is relevant at the western end of the chain and becomes weak to east. The magmatism and tectonism of are strong at the western end of the chain and become less intense to the east.

Influence of heart failure on resting lung volumes in patients with COPD.

PubMed

Souza, Aline Soares de; Sperandio, Priscila Abreu; Mazzuco, Adriana; Alencar, Maria Clara; Arbex, Flávio Ferlin; Oliveira, Mayron Faria de; O'Donnell, Denis Eunan; Neder, José Alberto

2016-01-01

To evaluate the influence of chronic heart failure (CHF) on resting lung volumes in patients with COPD, i.e., inspiratory fraction-inspiratory capacity (IC)/TLC-and relative inspiratory reserve-[1 - (end-inspiratory lung volume/TLC)]. This was a prospective study involving 56 patients with COPD-24 (23 males/1 female) with COPD+CHF and 32 (28 males/4 females) with COPD only-who, after careful clinical stabilization, underwent spirometry (with forced and slow maneuvers) and whole-body plethysmography. Although FEV1, as well as the FEV1/FVC and FEV1/slow vital capacity ratios, were higher in the COPD+CHF group than in the COPD group, all major "static" volumes-RV, functional residual capacity (FRC), and TLC-were lower in the former group (p < 0.05). There was a greater reduction in FRC than in RV, resulting in the expiratory reserve volume being lower in the COPD+CHF group than in the COPD group. There were relatively proportional reductions in FRC and TLC in the two groups; therefore, IC was also comparable. Consequently, the inspiratory fraction was higher in the COPD+CHF group than in the COPD group (0.42 ± 0.10 vs. 0.36 ± 0.10; p < 0.05). Although the tidal volume/IC ratio was higher in the COPD+CHF group, the relative inspiratory reserve was remarkably similar between the two groups (0.35 ± 0.09 vs. 0.44 ± 0.14; p < 0.05). Despite the restrictive effects of CHF, patients with COPD+CHF have relatively higher inspiratory limits (a greater inspiratory fraction). However, those patients use only a part of those limits, probably in order to avoid critical reductions in inspiratory reserve and increases in elastic recoil. Avaliar a influência da insuficiência cardíaca crônica (ICC) nos volumes pulmonares de repouso em pacientes com DPOC, ou seja, fração inspiratória -capacidade inspiratória (CI)/CPT - e reserva inspiratória relativa - [1 - (volume pulmonar inspiratório final/CPT)]. Após cuidadosa estabilização clínica, 56 pacientes com DPOC (24 alocados no grupo DPOC+ICC; 23 homens/1 mulher) e 32 (28 homens/4 mulheres) com DPOC isolada foram submetidos à espirometria forçada e lenta e pletismografia de corpo inteiro. Os pacientes do grupo DPOC+ICC apresentaram maior VEF1, VEF1/CVF e VEF1/capacidade vital lenta; porém, todos os principais volumes "estáticos" - VR, capacidade residual funcional (CRF) e CPT - foram menores que aqueles do grupo DPOC (p < 0,05). A CRF diminuiu mais do que o VR, determinando assim menor volume de reserva expiratória no grupo DPOC+ICC que no grupo DPOC. Houve redução relativamente proporcional da CRF e da CPT nos dois grupos; logo, a CI também foi similar. Consequentemente, a fração inspiratória no grupo DPOC+ICC foi maior que no grupo DPOC (0,42 ± 0,10 vs. 0,36 ± 0,10; p < 0,05). Embora a razão volume corrente/CI fosse maior no grupo DPOC+ICC, a reserva inspiratória relativa foi notadamente similar entre os grupos (0,35 ± 0,09 vs. 0,44 ± 0,14; p < 0,05). Apesar dos efeitos restritivos da ICC, pacientes com DPOC+ICC apresentam elevações relativas dos limites inspiratórios (maior fração inspiratória). Entretanto, esses pacientes utilizam apenas parte desses limites, com o provável intuito de evitar reduções críticas da reserva inspiratória e maior trabalho elástico.

Robotic pulmonary lobectomy for lung cancer treatment: program implementation and initial experience.

PubMed

Terra, Ricardo Mingarini; Araujo, Pedro Henrique Xavier Nabuco de; Lauricella, Leticia Leone; Campos, José Ribas Milanez de; Costa, Herbert Felix; Pego-Fernandes, Paulo Manuel

2016-01-01

To describe the implementation of a robotic thoracic surgery program at a public tertiary teaching hospital and to analyze its initial results. This was a planned interim analysis of a randomized clinical trial aimed at comparing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and robotic surgery in terms of the results obtained after pulmonary lobectomy. The robotic surgery program developed at the Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, is a multidisciplinary initiative involving various surgical specialties, as well as anesthesiology, nursing, and clinical engineering teams. In this analysis, we evaluated the patients included in the robotic lobectomy arm of the trial during its first three months (from April to June of 2015). Ten patients were included in this analysis. There were eight women and two men. The mean age was 65.1 years. All of the patients presented with peripheral tumors. We performed right upper lobectomy in four patients, right lower lobectomy in four, and left upper lobectomy in two. Surgical time varied considerably (range, 135-435 min). Conversion to open surgery or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was not necessary in any of the cases. Intraoperative complications were not found. Only the first patient required postoperative transfer to the ICU. There were no deaths or readmissions within the first 30 days after discharge. The only postoperative complication was chest pain (grade 3), in two patients. Pathological examination revealed complete tumor resection in all cases. When there is integration and proper training of all of the teams involved, the implementation of a robotic thoracic surgery program is feasible and can reduce morbidity and mortality. Descrever a implantação de um programa de cirurgia torácica robótica em um hospital terciário público universitário e analisar seus resultados iniciais. Este estudo é uma análise interina planejada de um ensaio clínico aleatorizado cujo objetivo é comparar resultados da lobectomia pulmonar por videotoracoscopia com a robótica. O programa de cirurgia robótica do Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, localizado na cidade de São Paulo (SP), foi uma iniciativa multidisciplinar que envolveu diversas especialidades cirúrgicas e equipes de anestesia, enfermagem e engenharia clínica. Nesta análise, avaliamos os pacientes incluídos no braço lobectomia robótica durante os primeiros três meses do estudo (de abril a junho de 2015). Dez pacientes foram incluídos nesta análise. Eram oito mulheres e dois homens. A média de idade foi de 65,1 anos. Todos apresentavam tumores periféricos. Foram realizadas lobectomia superior direita, em quatro pacientes; lobectomia inferior direita, em quatro; e lobectomia superior esquerda, em dois. Os tempos cirúrgicos variaram bastante (variação, 135-435 min). Não foi necessária a conversão para técnica aberta ou videotoracoscópica em nenhum paciente. Não foram observadas complicações intraoperatórias. Apenas o primeiro paciente foi encaminhado à UTI no pós-operatório. Não houve mortalidade nem reinternações em 30 dias após a alta. A única complicação pós-operatória observada foi dor torácica (grau 3), em dois pacientes. O exame anatomopatológico revelou a ressecção completa do tumor em todos os casos. A implantação de um programa de cirurgia torácica robótica, quando há integração e treinamento adequado de todas as equipes envolvidas, é factível e pode reduzir a morbidade e a mortalidade.

Development of data base with mechanical properties of un- and pre-irradiated VVER cladding

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

Asmolov, V.; Yegorova, L.; Kaplar, E.

1998-03-01

Analysis of recent RIA test with PWR and VVER high burnup fuel, performed at CABRI, NSRR, IGR reactors has shown that the data base with mechanical properties of the preirradiated cladding is necessary to interpret the obtained results. During 1997 the corresponding cycle of investigations for VVER clad material was performed by specialists of NSI RRC KI and RIAR in cooperation with NRC (USA), IPSN (France) in two directions: measurements of mechanical properties of Zr-1%Nb preirradiated cladding versus temperature and strain rate; measurements of failure parameters for gas pressurized cladding tubes. Preliminary results of these investigations are presented in thismore » paper.« less

Analysis of potential trade-offs in regulation of disinfection by-products

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

Cromwell, J.E.; Zhang, X.; Regli, S.

1992-11-01

Executive Order 12291 requires the preparation of a Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) on all new major federal regulations. The goal of an RIA is to develop and organize information on benefits, costs, and economic impacts so as to clarify trade-offs among alternative regulatory options. This paper outlines explicit methodology for assessing the technical potential for risk-risk tradeoffs. The strategies used to cope with complexities and uncertainties in developing the Disinfection By-Products Regulatory Analysis Model are explained. Results are presented and discussed in light of uncertainties, and in light of the analytical requirements for regulatory impact analysis.

10 CFR 26.139 - Reporting initial validity and drug test results.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 10 Energy 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Reporting initial validity and drug test results. 26.139... § 26.139 Reporting initial validity and drug test results. (a) The licensee testing facility shall... permitted under § 26.75(h), positive test results from initial drug tests at the licensee testing facility...

10 CFR 26.139 - Reporting initial validity and drug test results.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 10 Energy 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Reporting initial validity and drug test results. 26.139... § 26.139 Reporting initial validity and drug test results. (a) The licensee testing facility shall... permitted under § 26.75(h), positive test results from initial drug tests at the licensee testing facility...

Radioimmunoassay of human high molecular weight kininogen in normal and deficient plasmas

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

Proud, D.; Pierce, J.V.; Pisano, J.J.

1980-04-01

An RIA for human HMW kininogen, capable of detecting 150 pg of antigen, has been developed. Antibody to HMW kininogen was purified by immunoaffinity chromatography, and double-antibody precipitation was used to separate free and bound antigen. Of the LMW kininogens only one of the forms tested (B3.2) showed significant cross-reaction (2%). Bradykinin and human plasma kallikrein both showed no cross-reaction, and monkey HMW kininogen showed identity to the human antigen. Intraassay and interassay coefficients of variation were 2 and 1.5%, respectively. Recovery of HMW kininogen added to 6 plasmas was 97.7% +- 1.8%. Assay of 17 normal plasmas gave amore » level of 90.8 +- 2.5 ..mu..g/ml HMW kininogen (mean +- S.E.M.). A bioassay of the samples, based on specific release of kinin by purified plasma kallikrein, yielded a level of 90.2 +- 2.8 ..mu..g/ml HMW kininogen (r = 0.83, p < 0.001). In neither assay was any significant sex difference observed. No evidence of any antigenic fragments was seen upon gel filtration of normal plasmas. RIA measurements were also performed on seven plasmas reportedly deficient in HMW kininogen. Williams, Dayton, San Francisco, and Flaujeac plasmas all showed no significant cross-reaction, whereas Fitzgerald, Reid, and Detroit plasmas showed 1.0, 2.5, and 3.5% of normal antigenic levels, respectively. This sensitive, convenient method should facilitate studies on the role of the kallikrein-kinin system in health and disease.« less

Immunoassay screening of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and its confirmation by HPLC and fluorescence detection following LSD ImmunElute extraction.

PubMed

Grobosch, T; Lemm-Ahlers, U

2002-04-01

In all, 3872 urine specimens were screened for lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) using the CEDIA DAU LSD assay. Forty-eight samples, mainly from psychiatric patients or drug abusers, were found to be LSD positive, but only 13 (27%) of these could be confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD) following immunoaffinity extraction (IAE). Additional analysis for LSD using the DPC Coat-a-Count RIA was performed to compare the two immunoassay screening methods. Complete agreement between the DPC RIA assay and HPLC-FLD results was observed at concentrations below a cutoff concentration of 500 pg/mL. Samples that were LSD positive in the CEDIA DAU assay but not confirmed by HPLC-FLD were also investigated for interfering compounds using REMEDI HS drug-profiling system. REMEDI HS analysis identified 15 compounds (parent drugs and metabolites) that are believed to cross-react in the CEDIA DAU LSD assay: ambroxol, prilocaine, pipamperone, diphenhydramine, metoclopramide, amitriptyline, doxepine, atracurium, bupivacaine, doxylamine, lidocaine, mepivacaine, promethazine, ranitidine, and tramadole. The IAE/HPLC-FLD combination is rapid, easy to perform and reliable. It can reduce costs when standard, rather than more advanced, HPLC equipment is used, especially for labs that perform analyses for LSD infrequently. The chromatographic analysis of LSD, nor-LSD, and iso-LSD is not influenced by any of the tested cross-reacting compounds even at a concentration of 100 ng/mL.

Use of an innovative video feedback technique to enhance communication skills training.

PubMed

Roter, Debra L; Larson, Susan; Shinitzky, Harold; Chernoff, Robin; Serwint, Janet R; Adamo, Graceanne; Wissow, Larry

2004-02-01

Despite growing interest in medical communication by certification bodies, significant methodological and logistic challenges are evident in experiential methods of instruction. There were three study objectives: 1) to explore the acceptability of an innovative video feedback programme to residents and faculty; 2) to evaluate a brief teaching intervention comprising the video feedback innovation when linked to a one-hour didactic and role-play teaching session on paediatric residents' communication with a simulated patient; and 3) to explore the impact of resident gender on communication change. Pre/post comparison of residents' performance in videotaped interviews with simulated patients before and after the teaching intervention. Individually tailored feedback on targeted communication skills was facilitated by embedding the Roter Interaction Analysis System (RIAS) within a software platform that presents a fully coded interview with instant search and review features. 28 first year residents in a large, urban, paediatric residency programme. Communication changes following the teaching intervention were demonstrated through significant improvements in residents' performance with simulated patients pre and post teaching and feedback. Using paired t-tests, differences include: reduced verbal dominance; increased use of open-ended questions; increased use of empathy; and increased partnership building and problem solving for therapeutic regimen adherence. Female residents demonstrated greater communication change than males. The RIAS embedded CD-ROM provides a flexible structure for individually tailoring feedback of targeted communication skills that is effective in facilitating communication change as part of a very brief teaching intervention.

Chemical profile of pineapple cv. Vitória in different maturation stages using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Ogawa, Elizângela M; Costa, Helber B; Ventura, José A; Caetano, Luiz Cs; Pinto, Fernanda E; Oliveira, Bruno G; Barroso, Maria Eduarda S; Scherer, Rodrigo; Endringer, Denise C; Romão, Wanderson

2018-02-01

Pineapple is the fruit of Ananas comosus var. comosus plant, being cultivated in tropical areas and has high energy content and nutritional value. Herein, 30 samples of pineapple cv. Vitória were analyzed as a function of the maturation stage (0-5) and their physico-chemical parameters monitored. In addition, negative-ion mode electrospray ionization mass spectrometry [ESI(-)FT-ICR MS] was used to identify and semi-quantify primary and secondary metabolites present in the crude and phenolic extracts of pineapple, respectively. Physico-chemical tests show an increase in the total soluble solids (TSS) values and in the TSS/total titratable acidity ratio as a function of the maturity stage, where a maximum value was observed in stage 3 (¾ of the fruit is yellow, which corresponds to the color of the fruit peel). ESI(-)FT-ICR MS analysis for crude extracts showed the presence mainly of sugars as primary metabolites present in deprotonated molecule form ([M - H] - and [2 M - H] - ions) whereas, for phenolic fractions, 11 compounds were detected, being the most abundant in the third stage of maturation. This behavior was confirmed by quantitative analysis of total polyphenols. ESI-FT-ICR MS was efficient in identifying primary (carbohydrates and organic acids) and secondary metabolites (13 phenolic compounds) presents in the crude and phenolic extract of the samples, respectively. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Body weight and food consumption scores in adolescents from northeast Brazil

PubMed Central

Barreto, Augusto Cesar; de Andrade, Maria Izabel Siqueira; Lima, Vera Lúcia de Menezes; Diniz, Alcides da Silva

2015-01-01

Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of excess weight and analyze eating habits in relation to cardiovascular disease in adolescents from the city of Vitória de Santo Antão, state of Pernambuco, northeast Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with male and female students (10-19 years old) enrolled at public and private schools in Vitória de Santo Antão. Sociodemographic, anthropometric and lifestyle variables were collected. Food consumption was evaluated using a Food Frequency Questionnaire and subsequently converted to monthly intake pattern scores, obtaining the intake distribution for a group of foods associated with the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and for a group of protective foods. The significance level for the statistical tests was set at 5.0%. Results: The sample consisted of 2866 students. The female gender accounted for 54.2% of the sample, and median age was 14 years (interquartile range: 12-16 years). The food intake scores showed greater dispersion in the group of protective foods (51.1%). Higher median scores for consumption of risk foods were found among adolescents whose mothers had more than 9 years of schooling (p<0.001). Conclusions: Excess weight was prevalent among the students analyzed. The consumption of risk foods was only associated with maternal schooling, which shows the need for nutritional interventions directed at families, regardless of socioeconomic status. PMID:26113308

Initial Implementation of Transient VERA-CS

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

Gerlach, Andrew; Kochunas, Brendan; Salko, Robert

In this milestone the capabilities of both CTF and MPACT were extended to perform coupled transient calculations. This required several small changes in MPACT to setup the problems correctly, perform the edits correctly, and call the appropriate CTF interfaces in the right order. For CTF, revisions and corrections to the transient timestepping algorithm were made, as well as the addition of a new interface subroutine to allow MPACT to drive CTF at each timestep. With the modifications completed, the initial coupled capability was demonstrated on some problems used for code verification, a hypothetical small mini-core, and a Watts Bar demonstrationmore » problem. For each of these cases the results showed good agreement with the previous MPACT internal TH feedback model that relied on a simplified fuel heat conduction model and simplified coolant treatment. After the pulse the results are notably different as expected, where the effects of convection of heat to the coolant can be observed. Areas for future work were discussed, including assessment and development of the CTF dynamic fuel deformation and gap conductance models, addition of suitable transient boiling and CHF models for the rapid heating and cooling rates seen in RIAs, additional validation and demonstration work, and areas for improvement to the code input and output capabilities.« less

[Spleen injuries in Spain: at what point are we?].

PubMed

Jiménez Fuertes, Montiel; Costa Navarro, David; Jover Navalón, José María; Turégano Fuentes, Fernando; Ceballos Esparragón, José; Yuste, Pedro; Sánchez Tocino, Juan María; Navarro Soto, Salvador; Montmany, Sandra

2013-11-01

Management of spleen trauma has changed over last decades, although there is no data on its treatment in Spain. The aim of this study is to determine the characteristics of spleen injuries in adults with severe abdominal injuries and how we manage them. A prospective study using the databases of six Spanish hospitals: Gregorio Marañón Hospital, Virgen de la Vega Hospital, Torrevieja Hospital, Getafe Hospital, Doce de Octubre Hospital and Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí. A total of 566 patients who had sustained spleen injuries were analyzed (448 males and 118 females), most of them were due to blunt trauma (94%), and the most frequent mechanism of injury was motor vehicle accident. The mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 25.2. The initial treatment was surgical in 56.6% of the patients (85.3% total splenectomy and 14.7% other conservative surgical procedures, of which 4.6% finally failed and required total splenectomy). The remaining 43.4% were initially managed conservatively, but 6.5% of them finally required surgical splenectomy, and in 8.8% angio-embolization was performed. In Spain, management of spleen trauma is mainly surgical (particularly splenectomy). Angio-embolization and conservative surgical procedures are now hardly used. Copyright © 2011 AEC. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

The effects of initial testing on false recall and false recognition in the social contagion of memory paradigm.

PubMed

Huff, Mark J; Davis, Sara D; Meade, Michelle L

2013-08-01

In three experiments, participants studied photographs of common household scenes. Following study, participants completed a category-cued recall test without feedback (Exps. 1 and 3), a category-cued recall test with feedback (Exp. 2), or a filler task (no-test condition). Participants then viewed recall tests from fictitious previous participants that contained erroneous items presented either one or four times, and then completed final recall and source recognition tests. The participants in all conditions reported incorrect items during final testing (a social contagion effect), and across experiments, initial testing had no impact on false recall of erroneous items. However, on the final source-monitoring recognition test, initial testing had a protective effect against false source recognition: Participants who were initially tested with and without feedback on category-cued initial tests attributed fewer incorrect items to the original event on the final source-monitoring recognition test than did participants who were not initially tested. These data demonstrate that initial testing may protect individuals' memories from erroneous suggestions.

Statistical analysis of radioimmunoassay. In comparison with bioassay (in Japanese)

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

Nakano, R.

1973-01-01

Using the data of RIA (radioimmunoassay), statistical procedures for dealing with two problems of the linearization of dose response curve and calculation of relative potency were described. There were three methods for linearization of dose response curve of RIA. In each method, the following parameters were shown on the horizontal and vertical axis: dose x, (B/T)/sup -1/; c/x + c, B/T (C: dose which makes B/T 50%); log x, logit B/T. Among them, the last method seems to be most practical. The statistical procedures for bioassay were employed for calculating the relative potency of unknown samples compared to the standardmore » samples from dose response curves of standand and unknown samples using regression coefficient. It is desirable that relative potency is calculated by plotting more than 5 points in the standard curve and plotting more than 2 points in unknow samples. For examining the statistical limit of precision of measuremert, LH activity of gonadotropin in urine was measured and relative potency, precision coefficient and the upper and lower limits of relative potency at 95% confidence limit were calculated. On the other hand, bioassay (by the ovarian ascorbic acid reduction method and anteriol lobe of prostate weighing method) was done in the same samples, and the precision was compared with that of RIA. In these examinations, the upper and lower limits of the relative potency at 95% confidence limit were near each other, while in bioassay, a considerable difference was observed between the upper and lower limits. The necessity of standardization and systematization of the statistical procedures for increasing the precision of RIA was pointed out. (JA)« less

The Interaction of N-Glycans in Fcγ Receptor I α-Chain with Escherichia coli K1 Outer Membrane Protein A for Entry into Macrophages

PubMed Central

Krishnan, Subramanian; Liu, Fan; Abrol, Ravinder; Hodges, Jacqueline; Goddard, William A.; Prasadarao, Nemani V.

2014-01-01

Neonatal meningitis, caused by Escherichia coli K1, is a serious central nervous system disease. We have established that macrophages serve as permissive niches for E. coli K1 to multiply in the host and for attaining a threshold level of bacterial load, which is a prerequisite for the onset of the disease. Here, we demonstrate experimentally that three N-glycans in FcγRIa interact with OmpA of E. coli K1 for binding to and entering the macrophages. Adoptive transfer of FcγRIa−/− bone marrow-derived macrophages transfected with FcγRIa into FcγRIa−/− newborn mice renders them susceptible to E. coli K1-induced meningitis. In contrast, mice that received bone marrow-derived macrophages transfected with FcγRIa in which N-glycosylation sites 1, 4, and 5 are mutated to alanines exhibit resistance to E. coli K1 infection. Our molecular dynamics and simulation studies predict that N-glycan 5 exhibits strong binding at the barrel site of OmpA formed by loops 3 and 4, whereas N-glycans 1 and 4 interact with loops 1, 3, and 4 of OmpA at tip regions. Molecular modeling data also suggest no role for the IgG binding site in the invasion process. In agreement, experimental mutations in IgG binding site had no effect on the E. coli K1 entry into macrophages in vitro or on the onset of meningitis in newborn mice. Together, this integration of experimental and computational studies reveals how the N-glycans in FcγRIa interact with the OmpA of E. coli K1 for inducing the disease pathogenesis. PMID:25231998

Determining Vitamin D Status: A Comparison between Commercially Available Assays

PubMed Central

Snellman, Greta; Melhus, Håkan; Gedeborg, Rolf; Byberg, Liisa; Berglund, Lars; Wernroth, Lisa; Michaëlsson, Karl

2010-01-01

Background Vitamin D is not only important for bone health but can also affect the development of several non-bone diseases. The definition of vitamin D insufficiency by serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D depends on the clinical outcome but might also be a consequence of analytical methods used for the definition. Although numerous 25-hydroxyvitamin D assays are available, their comparability is uncertain. We therefore aim to investigate the precision, accuracy and clinical consequences of differences in performance between three common commercially available assays. Methodology/Principal Findings Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels from 204 twins from the Swedish Twin Registry were determined with high-pressure liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-mass spectrometry (HPLC-APCI-MS), a radioimmunoassay (RIA) and a chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA). High inter-assay disagreement was found. Mean 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were highest for the HPLC-APCI-MS technique (85 nmol/L, 95% CI 81–89), intermediate for RIA (70 nmol/L, 95% CI 66–74) and lowest with CLIA (60 nmol/L, 95% CI 56–64). Using a 50-nmol/L cut-off, 8% of the subjects were insufficient using HPLC-APCI-MS, 22% with RIA and 43% by CLIA. Because of the heritable component of 25-hydroxyvitamin D status, the accuracy of each method could indirectly be assessed by comparison of within-twin pair correlations. The strongest correlation was found for HPLC-APCI-MS (r = 0.7), intermediate for RIA (r = 0.5) and lowest for CLIA (r = 0.4). Regression analyses between the methods revealed a non-uniform variance (p<0.0001) depending on level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Conclusions/Significance There are substantial inter-assay differences in performance. The most valid method was HPLC-APCI-MS. Calibration between 25-hydroxyvitamin D assays is intricate. PMID:20644628

46 CFR 56.97-38 - Initial service leak test (reproduces 137.7).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 46 Shipping 2 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Initial service leak test (reproduces 137.7). 56.97-38... PIPING SYSTEMS AND APPURTENANCES Pressure Tests § 56.97-38 Initial service leak test (reproduces 137.7). (a) An initial service leak test and inspection is acceptable when other types of test are not...

Application of minidisk infiltrometer to estimate soil water repellency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alagna, Vincenzo; Iovino, Massimo; Bagarello, Vincenzo; Mataix-Solera, Jorge; Lichner, Ľubomír

2016-04-01

Soil water repellency (SWR) reduces affinity of soils to water resulting in detrimental implication for plants growth as well as for hydrological processes. During the last decades, it has become clear that SWR is much more widespread than formerly thought, having been reported for a wide variety of soils, land uses and climatic conditions. The repellency index (RI), based on soil-water to soil-ethanol sorptivity ratio, was proposed to characterize subcritical SWR that is the situation where a low degree of repellency impedes infiltration but does not prevent it. The minidisk infiltrometer allows adequate field assessment of RI inherently scaled to account for soil physical properties other than hydrophobicity (e.g., the volume, connectivity and the geometry of pores) that directly influence the hydrological processes. There are however some issues that still need consideration. For example, use of a fixed time for both water and ethanol sorptivity estimation may lead to inaccurate RI values given that water infiltration could be negligible whereas ethanol sorptivity could be overestimated due to influence of gravity and lateral diffusion that rapidly come into play when the infiltration process is very fast. Moreover, water and ethanol sorptivity values need to be determined at different infiltration sites thus implying that a large number of replicated runs should be carried out to obtain a reliable estimate of RI for a given area. Minidisk infiltrometer tests, conducted under different initial soil moisture and management conditions in the experimental sites of Ciavolo, Trapani (Italy) and Javea, Alicante (East Spain), were used to investigate the best applicative procedure to estimate RI. In particular, different techniques to estimate the water, Sw, and ethanol, Se, sorptivities were compared including i) a fixed 1-min time interval, ii) the slope of early-time 1D infiltration equation and iii) the two-term transient 3D infiltration equation that explicitly accounts for the effects of gravity and lateral expansion. According to Pekárová et al. (2015), the combination of all the ethanol and water sorptivities was used to calculate an aggregated repellency index, RIa, that accounts for the influence of spatial variability. Alternatively, the plot of the water cumulative infiltration vs. square root of time, exhibiting a clear "hockey-stick-like" shape, was used to estimate a single-test repellency index, RI∗, that overcomes the limitations of the traditional approach given that information on both the hydrophobic and the wettable states of soil are gathered from a unique infiltration test. The mean RI values were affected by the technique used to estimate Sw and Se. In particular, the choice of a fixed time interval lead to overestimation of RI up to a factor of 3.2 as compared with the other techniques. The RIa yielded unbiased estimations of the mean RI values and also allowed to quantify the variability of SWR within a given area. A statistically significant relationship was found between RI∗ and RI but also between RI∗ and the water retention cessation time, that is the time hydrophobic turns into wettable soil, thus indicating that RI∗ is potentially able detect both the degree and the persistence of SWR. Pekárová P., Pekár J., Lichner Ľ. 2015. A new method for estimating soil water repellency index. Biologia, 70(11):1450-1455.

An increase in estradiol facilitates the onset of paternal behavior in the dwarf hamster (Phodopus campbelli).

PubMed

Romero-Morales, Luis; Martínez-Torres, Martín; Cárdenas, Mario; Álvarez, Carmen; Carmona, Agustín; Cedillo, Benita; Loya-Zurita, Eduardo; Luis, Juana

2018-03-01

In the dwarf hamster (Phodopus campbelli), activational effects of testosterone (T) and estradiol (E 2 ) in the regulation of paternal behavior have been repeatedly rejected because peripheral concentrations of E 2 do not change across the reproductive cycle of males. Further, castration no affected paternal behavior despite that both T and E 2 concentrations decreased significantly. However, the role of these hormones has not been evaluated in models of castration and hormonal replacement in virgin males. Here, we analysed the effects of E 2 and T in paternal behavior in virgin male dwarf hamster (Phodopus campbelli). Thirty paternal (PAT) males were bilaterally castrated; of them, 10 were implanted with T, 10 with E 2 and 10 males received no treatment. Other 10 PAT males underwent sham-castration. Seventeen aggressive (AGG) males were also bilaterally castrated; of these, 10 AGG received E 2 replacement, 7 were not treated. Other 7 AGG males were submitted to sham-castration. Following treatments, paternal behavior tests were conducted again. T and E 2 levels in plasma were quantified by radioimmunoassay (RIA). The results showed that the treatments did not affect the paternal behavior of males that were initially paternal. Neither castration nor sham-castration surgery affected the behavior of AGG males. However, when these males were treated with E 2 and the concentrations of this hormone increase significantly they became paternal. Our data suggest that an increase in E 2 levels shifted infanticidal behavior to paternal behavior in dwarf hamster. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the teamwork climate scale.

PubMed

Silva, Mariana Charantola; Peduzzi, Marina; Sangaleti, Carine Teles; Silva, Dirceu da; Agreli, Heloise Fernandes; West, Michael A; Anderson, Neil R

2016-08-22

To adapt and validate the Team Climate Inventory scale, of teamwork climate measurement, for the Portuguese language, in the context of primary health care in Brazil. Methodological study with quantitative approach of cross-cultural adaptation (translation, back-translation, synthesis, expert committee, and pretest) and validation with 497 employees from 72 teams of the Family Health Strategy in the city of Campinas, SP, Southeastern Brazil. We verified reliability by the Cronbach's alpha, construct validity by the confirmatory factor analysis with SmartPLS software, and correlation by the job satisfaction scale. We problematized the overlap of items 9, 11, and 12 of the "participation in the team" factor and the "team goals" factor regarding its definition. The validation showed no overlapping of items and the reliability ranged from 0.92 to 0.93. The confirmatory factor analysis indicated suitability of the proposed model with distribution of the 38 items in the four factors. The correlation between teamwork climate and job satisfaction was significant. The version of the scale in Brazilian Portuguese was validated and can be used in the context of primary health care in the Country, constituting an adequate tool for the assessment and diagnosis of teamwork. Adaptar e validar a escala Team Climate Invetory, de medida do clima de trabalho em equipe, para o idioma português, no contexto da atenção primária à saúde no Brasil. Estudo metodológico com abordagem quantitativa de adaptação transcultural (tradução, retrotradução, síntese, comitê de especialistas e pré-teste) e validação com 497 trabalhadores de 72 equipes da Estratégia Saúde da Família no município de Campinas, São Paulo. Verificou-se confiabilidade pelo alfa de Cronbach, validade de construto pela análise fatorial confirmatória pelo software SmartPLS e correlação com escala de satisfação no trabalho. Foi problematizado a sobreposição dos itens 9, 11 e 12 do fator participação na equipe e o fator objetivos da equipe no tocante à sua definição. A validação mostrou que não houve sobreposição dos itens e a confiabilidade variou entre 0,92 a 0,93. A análise fatorial confirmatória indicou adequação do modelo proposto com distribuição dos 38 itens nos quatro fatores. A correlação entre clima de trabalho em equipe e satisfação no trabalho foi significativa. A versão da escala em português falado no Brasil foi validada e pode ser utilizada no contexto da atenção primária à saúde no País, constituindo ferramenta adequada para a avaliação e diagnóstico do trabalho em equipe.

[Revista Brasileira de História da Medicina, a pioneer in medical historiography].

PubMed

Mendonça, Amanda; Nicolini, Gabriel Baptista

2007-01-01

I(It? This?) presents the general characteristics of the Revista Brasileira de História da Medicina, which contributed for the emergence of the field of medicine history in Brazil by inciting bibliographic production on the subject. The purpose of our analysis is to foster research on the history of medicine and of the sciences. From the description of the editorial aspects of the journal one can have an idea of how the research field was organized between 1940 and 1960. The periodical also allows for an overview of the exchange occurring between Brazilian and foreign historian physicians at that time.

Comparison of results for morphine urinalyses by radioimmunoassay and thin-layer chromatography in a narcotic clinic setting.

PubMed

Kokoski, R J; Jain, M

1975-03-01

Radioimmunoassay (RIA) and thin-layer chromatography (TLC) were compared for morphine detection in an actual narcotic clinic setting. A choice of urines from all those screened by TLC allowed a critical comparison as to actual use or non-use of narcotic drugs, rather than a sampling at random in which the question of possible false positives or negatives cannot be conclusively answered. Although RIA is more sensitive than TLC, its advantage is apparent only in those cases where urine specimens are difficult to obtain frequently regularly or where the use of morphine is suspected by the positive identification of quinine in urine that was morphine-negative by TLC. In a selected group of negative and positive specimens chosen without conscious bias, the two methods gave consistently similar results, indicating that the modified TLC method provided a few or no false positives or negatives if the negatives were from those cases that were not positive anytime up to 3-4 days before urine collection. We conclude that RIA can be of significant value as a supplement to a TLC screening program, without sacrificing the many advantages that TLC has to offer.

On the predictability of extreme events in records with linear and nonlinear long-range memory: Efficiency and noise robustness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bogachev, Mikhail I.; Bunde, Armin

2011-06-01

We study the predictability of extreme events in records with linear and nonlinear long-range memory in the presence of additive white noise using two different approaches: (i) the precursory pattern recognition technique (PRT) that exploits solely the information about short-term precursors, and (ii) the return interval approach (RIA) that exploits long-range memory incorporated in the elapsed time after the last extreme event. We find that the PRT always performs better when only linear memory is present. In the presence of nonlinear memory, both methods demonstrate comparable efficiency in the absence of white noise. When additional white noise is present in the record (which is the case in most observational records), the efficiency of the PRT decreases monotonously with increasing noise level. In contrast, the RIA shows an abrupt transition between a phase of low level noise where the prediction is as good as in the absence of noise, and a phase of high level noise where the prediction becomes poor. In the phase of low and intermediate noise the RIA predicts considerably better than the PRT, which explains our recent findings in physiological and financial records.

[Prenatal patient cards and quality of prenatal care in public health services in Greater Metropolitan Vitória, Espírito Santo State, Brazil].

PubMed

Santos Neto, Edson Theodoro dos; Oliveira, Adauto Emmerich; Zandonade, Eliana; Gama, Silvana Granado Nogueira da; Leal, Maria do Carmo

2012-09-01

This study aimed to assess the completeness of prenatal care information on the patients' prenatal care cards, according to coverage by various public health services: Family Health Strategy (FHS), Community-Based Health Workers' Program (CBHWP), and traditional Primary Care Units (PCU) in Greater Metropolitan Vitória, Espírito Santo State, Brazil. In a cross-sectional study, 1,006 prenatal cards were randomly selected from postpartum women at maternity hospitals in the metropolitan area. Completeness of the cards was assessed according to the criteria proposed by Romero & Cunha, which measure the quality on a scale from excellent (< 5% incomplete cards) to very bad (> 50% incomplete cards). In general, completion of information on the cards was bad (> 20% incomplete), but cards were filled out better in the FHS than in the CBHWP and PCU, especially for tetanus vaccination (p = 0.016) and gestational weight (p = 0.039). In conclusion, the quality of prenatal care in the public health system in Greater Metropolitan Vitória fails to meet the Brazilian national guidelines for maternal and child health.

[Overgeneral autobiographical memory in depressive disorders].

PubMed

Dutra, Tarcísio Gomes; Kurtinaitis, Laila da Camara Lima; Cantilino, Amaury; Vasconcelos, Maria Carolina Souto de; Hazin, Izabel; Sougey, Everton Botelho

2012-01-01

This article aims to review studies focusing on the relationship between overgeneral autobiographical memory and depressive disorders. Such characteristic has attracted attention because of its relationship with a poor ability to solve problems and to imagine the future, as well as with the maintenance and a poor prognosis of depression. Data were collected through a systematic search on LILACS, SciELO, MEDLINE, and IBECS databases, and also on the health sciences records of Portal de Periódicos da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES), a Brazilian journal database, focusing on articles published between 2000 and 2010. The following keywords were used: memória autobiográfica, supergeneralização da memória autobiográfica, and memória autobiográfica e depressão in Portuguese; and autobiographical memory, overgeneral autobiographical memory, and autobiographical memory and depression in English. Following application of exclusion criteria, a total of 27 studies were reviewed. Overgeneral autobiographical memory has been investigated in several depressive disorders. However, further longitudinal studies are required to confirm the relevant role of this cognitive characteristic in anamnesis and in the treatment of mood disorders.

Does microphytobenthos resuspension influence phytoplankton in shallow systems? A comparison through a Fourier series analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brito, Ana C.; Fernandes, Teresa F.; Newton, Alice; Facca, Chiara; Tett, Paul

2012-09-01

Shallow coastal lagoons, especially the ones with clear waters and lighted substrata, are likely to have large microphytobenthos (MPB) communities. MPB is an important component of these systems, representing up to 99% of the chlorophyll concentration when compared to phytoplankton. It is therefore expected that MPB resuspension play a key role in the dynamics of phytoplankton due to the tide and wind action. Water samples were collected twice per month inside and outside Ria Formosa lagoon (Portugal), for nutrients and chlorophyll a (chl a). Sediment samples were also collected for MPB chl a. Chl a was also analysed in water and sediment samples from Venice lagoon (Italy), at least once per month. A truncated Fourier series was fitted to the data to investigate the seasonal and high-frequency components of the time-series. In the Ria Formosa, the best significant fit for MPB was obtained considering the sum of 26 wave-pairs (sin and cosine), which explained 31% of the variability. The seasonal cycle (1-3 waves) explained approximately 5% of the total variability. Within-day variability which includes spatial heterogeneity explained 61% of the variability. The best fit for phytoplankton inside Ria Formosa was obtained considering the sum of 23 wave-pairs. Outside the lagoon the best fit was obtained using only the sum of 16 wave-pairs. For both cases, the sum of waves explained more than 64% of the variability and the seasonal cycle explained more than 31% of the variability. It is expected that primary producers in the water column have a strong seasonal factor due to the direct effect of the solar cycle, which is the case of other clear waters. In the Venice lagoon, which is microtidal, the best fit for MPB was obtained using 10 wave-pairs. However, the best fit for phytoplankton was obtained with only 3 wave-pairs, indicating the importance of the seasonal cycle. Significant relationships were found between phytoplankton inside and outside the Ria Formosa, as well as between microphytobenthos and phytoplankton in the lagoons of Venice and Ria Formosa. These results suggest the influence of MPB resuspension in the phytoplankton community of shallow coastal lagoons and the importance of phytoplankton exportation to the coastal zone.

77 FR 73056 - Initial Test Programs for Water-Cooled Nuclear Power Plants

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-12-07

... NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION [NRC-2012-0293] Initial Test Programs for Water-Cooled Nuclear Power... (DG), DG-1259, ``Initial Test Programs for Water-Cooled Nuclear Power Plants.'' This guide describes the general scope and depth that the staff of the NRC considers acceptable for Initial Test Programs...

77 FR 36014 - Initial Test Program of Emergency Core Cooling Systems for Boiling-Water Reactors

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-15

... NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION [NRC-2012-0134] Initial Test Program of Emergency Core Cooling... for public comment draft regulatory guide (DG), DG-1277, ``Initial Test Program of Emergency Core... acceptable to implement with regard to initial testing features of emergency core cooling systems (ECCSs) for...

[REBEn in the context of the history of Brazilian nursing: the significance of remembering Dr. Glete de Alcântara].

PubMed

Mendes, Isabel Amélia Costa; Leite, Joséte Luzia; Leite, Juçara Luzia; Trevizan, Maria Auxiliadora

2002-01-01

This is a Social History study which aims at recuperating the professional trajectory of Glete de Alcântara in the Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem/REBEn (Brazilian Journal of Nursing), initially called Anais de Enfermagem. It is based on the concept of memory of Maurice Halbwach, and on the concept of generation of Daniel Pécaut. The study contextualizes the professional development of Glete de Alcântara in the history of the Brazilian nursing, highlighting the creation of the Nursing School of the University of São Paulo (EERP/USP) in Ribeirão Preto. The sources for the study were documents obtained in the Centro de Memória da Escola de Enfermagem (Memory Center of the School of Nursing) of Ribeirão Preto and in ABEN (Brazilian Association of Nursing) in Brasília. Data obtained in this association were mainly collected from its record books the journals.

INFLAMMATORY DISORDERS ASSOCIATED WITH HELICOBACTER PYLORI IN THE ROUX-EN-Y BYPASS GASTRIC POUCH.

PubMed

Chaves, Luiz Claudio Lopes; Borges, Isabela Klautau Leite Chaves; Souza, Maíra Danielle Gomes de; Silva, Ian Passos; Silva, Lyz Bezerra; Magalhães, Marcelo Alexandre Prado; Fonseca, Allan Herbert Feliz; Campos, Josemberg Marins

The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in obese candidates for bariatric surgery and its role in the emergence of inflammatory lesions after surgery has not been well established. To identify the incidence of inflammatory lesions in the stomach after bariatric surgery and to correlate it with H. pylori infection. This is a prospective study with 216 patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. These patients underwent histopathological endoscopy to detect H. pylori prior to surgery. Positive cases were treated with antibiotics and a proton inhibitor pump followed by endoscopic follow-up in the 6th and 12th month after surgery. Most patients were female (68.1%), with grade III obesity (92.4%). Preoperative endoscopy revealed gastritis in 96.8%, with H. pylori infection in 40.7% (88/216). A biopsy was carried out in 151 patients, revealing H. pylori in 60/151, related to signs of inflammation in 90% (54/60). In the 6th and 12th month after surgery, the endoscopy and the histopathological exam showed a normal gastric pouch in 84% of patients and the incidence of H. pylori was 11% and 16%, respectively. The presence of inflammation was related to H. pylori infection (p<0,001). H. pylori has a similar prevalence in both obese patients scheduled to undergo bariatric surgery and the general population. There is a low incidence of it in the 6th and 12th months after surgery, probably owing to its eradication when detected prior to surgery. When inflammatory disease is present in the new gastric reservoir it is directly related to H. pylori infection. Helicobacter pylori é responsável por várias doenças gastrointestinais. Com o aumento de cirurgia bariátrica no país, há poucos estudos sobre a prevalência desta bactéria em obesos com indicação cirúrgica e o seu papel no surgimento de lesões inflamatórias no pós-operatório. Identificar a incidência de lesões inflamatórias no estômago pós-cirurgia bariátrica e correlacionar com a infecção por H. pylori. Estudo prospectivo com dois grupos de pacientes. Em ambos os grupos verificou-se a prevalência do H. pylori no pré-operatório através de histopatologia, mas em apenas um dos grupos, nos casos de H. pylori positivo realizou-se o tratamento com antibioticoterapia e inibidor de bomba de próton com realização de nova endoscopia no 6° e 12° mês pós-operatório. Avaliou-se 216 pacientes, com as seguintes características: sexo feminino (68,1%), faixa etária entre 30-40 anos, com 31,9% e 31%, respectivamente. De acordo com o IMC, 17,6% apresentavam obesidade moderada, 82,4% obesidade severa/mórbida e 9,7% superobesidade. Nos pacientes submetidos à endoscopia, a positividade do H. pylori se manifestou em 40,7%, sendo responsável pela atividade inflamatória na mucosa gástrica (p<0,001). No pós-operatório, investigou-se a mucosa gástrica através de endoscopia e histopatologia no 6° e 12° mês, que demonstrou normalidade no neorreservatorio gástrico em 84% dos pacientes, e a incidência de H. pylori foi 11% aos seis meses e 16% aos 12 meses, sendo a presença de processo inflamatório relacionado com a infecção pela bactéria (p<0,001). - H. pylori apresenta prevalência similar tanto em obesos que irão submeter-se à cirurgia bariátrica quanto à população em geral; há baixa incidência dele no 6° e 12° mês após a operação e isto deve-se provavelmente à sua erradicação quando detectado no pré-operatório; quando presente a doença inflamatória no neorreservatório gástrico possui relação direta com a infecção por H. pylori.

40 CFR 63.2261 - By what date must I conduct performance tests or other initial compliance demonstrations?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... tests upon initial startup or no later than 180 calendar days after the compliance date that is... conduct initial compliance demonstrations that do not require performance tests upon initial startup or no...

40 CFR 75.20 - Initial certification and recertification procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... all applicable initial certification tests under paragraph (c) of this section are completed by the... installed, initial certification is required. (1) Notification of initial certification test dates. The...) tests. (4) Certification (or recertification) application formal approval process. The Administrator...

40 CFR 75.20 - Initial certification and recertification procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... all applicable initial certification tests under paragraph (c) of this section are completed by the... installed, initial certification is required. (1) Notification of initial certification test dates. The...) tests. (4) Certification (or recertification) application formal approval process. The Administrator...

40 CFR 75.20 - Initial certification and recertification procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... all applicable initial certification tests under paragraph (c) of this section are completed by the... installed, initial certification is required. (1) Notification of initial certification test dates. The...) tests. (4) Certification (or recertification) application formal approval process. The Administrator...

Reparo de aneurisma de artéria ilíaca roto em criança

PubMed Central

Hoshiko, Fernando Massaru; Zampieri, Elisa Helena Subtil; Dalio, Marcelo Bellini; Dezotti, Nei Rodrigues Alves; Joviliano, Edwaldo Edner

2017-01-01

Resumo Relatamos o caso de uma menina de 12 anos que deu entrada na unidade de emergência com quadro de abdome agudo hemorrágico, massa abdominal pulsátil e instabilidade hemodinâmica. Confirmado o diagnóstico de aneurisma roto de artéria ilíaca direita, foi realizada correção cirúrgica de emergência por reparo aberto com reconstrução extra-anatômica, utilizando enxerto sintético de fino calibre, compatível com a anatomia. O tratamento foi bem-sucedido e a criança apresentou evolução favorável em curto prazo.

Zn2+ chelation by serum albumin improves hexameric Zn2+-insulin dissociation into monomers after exocytosis

PubMed Central

Pertusa, José A. G.; León-Quinto, Trinidad; Berná, Genoveva; Tejedo, Juan R.; Hmadcha, Abdelkrim; Bedoya, Francisco J.; Soria, Bernat

2017-01-01

β-cells release hexameric Zn2+-insulin into the extracellular space, but monomeric Zn2+-free insulin appears to be the only biologically active form. The mechanisms implicated in dissociation of the hexamer remain unclear, but they seem to be Zn2+ concentration-dependent. In this study, we investigate the influence of albumin binding to Zn2+ on Zn2+-insulin dissociation into Zn2+-free insulin and its physiological, methodological and therapeutic relevance. Glucose and K+-induced insulin release were analyzed in isolated mouse islets by static incubation and perifusion experiments in the presence and absence of albumin and Zn2+ chelators. Insulin tolerance tests were performed in rats using different insulin solutions with and without Zn2+ and/or albumin. Albumin-free buffer does not alter quantification by RIA of Zn2+-free insulin but strongly affects RIA measurements of Zn2+-insulin. In contrast, accurate determination of Zn2+-insulin was obtained only when bovine serum albumin or Zn2+ chelators were present in the assay buffer solution. Albumin and Zn2+ chelators do not modify insulin release but do affect insulin determination. Preincubation with albumin or Zn2+ chelators promotes the conversion of “slow” Zn2+-insulin into “fast” insulin. Consequently, insulin diffusion from large islets is ameliorated in the presence of Zn2+ chelators. These observations support the notion that the Zn2+-binding properties of albumin improve the dissociation of Zn2+-insulin into subunits after exocytosis, which may be useful in insulin determination, insulin pharmacokinetic assays and islet transplantation. PMID:29099856

Comparison of immunoreactive serum trypsinogen and lipase in Cystic Fibrosis

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

Lloyd-Still, J.D.; Weiss, S.; Wessel, H.

1984-01-01

The incidence of Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is 1 in 2,000. Early detection and treatment of CF may necessitate newborn screening with a reliable and cost-effective test. Serum immunoreactive trypsinogen (IRT) an enzyme produced by the pancreas, is detectable by radioimmunoassay (RIA) techniques. Recently, it has been shown that IRT is elevated in CF infants for the first few months of life and levels become subnormal as pancreatic insufficiency progresses. Other enzymes produced by the pancreas, such as lipase, are also elevated during this time. The author's earlier work confirmed previous reports of elevated IRT levels in CF infants. The developmentmore » of a new RIA for lipase (nuclipase) has enabled comparison of these 2 pancreatic enzymes in C.F. Serum IRT and lipase determinations were performed on 2 groups of CF patients; infants under 1 year of age, and children between 1 and 18 years of age. Control populations of the same age groups were included. The results showed that both trypsin (161 +- 92 ng/ml, range 20 to 400) and lipase (167 +- 151 ng/ml, range 29 to 500) are elevated in CF in the majority of infants. Control infants had values of IRT ranging from 20 to 29.5 ng/ml and lipase values ranging from 23 to 34 ng/ml. IRT becomes subnormal in most CF patients by 8 years of age as pancreatic function insufficiency increases. Lipase levels and IRT levels correlate well in infancy, but IRT is a more sensitive indicator of pancreatic insufficiency in older patients with CF.« less

Fieldable, real-time enzyme immunoassay kits for drugs on surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chiappini, Michele W.; Wendel, Gregory J.; Duquette, Peter H.; Hamilton, Martha J.; Chudzik, Stephen J.; Chappa, Ralph A.

1994-03-01

Immunoassays (e.g., RIA, EIA) have been demonstrated to be useful for rapid, convenient detection and semiquantitative analysis of drugs. Thermedics Detection, Inc. manufactures a rapid, sensitive, self-contained, disposable, EIA device, developed by Bio-Metric Systems, Inc., designed to allow untrained personnel to perform in field situations. This format has been developed for drugs in biological fluids and on surfaces. The analyte in the test sample competes with an enzyme-analyte conjugate for a limited number of immobilized antibody sites. The AccuPRESS Test format can detect analytes at 10 ppb in biological fluids, water, and soil, and on surfaces, such as suitcases, vehicles, tables and hands, with positive results indicated by clearly visible color development within 5 minutes. This format is designed to have all dry components and to have an ambient shelf life of greater than one year. The format is available for cocaine and opiate derivatives, including heroin, and is readily adaptable for use with numerous other drugs, explosives, and environmental pollutants.

Association Between Direct-to-Consumer Advertising and Testosterone Testing and Initiation in the United States, 2009-2013.

PubMed

Layton, J Bradley; Kim, Yoonsang; Alexander, G Caleb; Emery, Sherry L

2017-03-21

Testosterone initiation increased substantially in the United States from 2000 to 2013, especially among men without clear indications. Direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) also increased during this time. To investigate associations between televised DTCA and testosterone testing and initiation in the United States. Ecologic study conducted in designated market areas (DMAs) in the United States. Monthly testosterone advertising ratings were linked to DMA-level testosterone use data from 2009-2013 derived from commercial insurance claims. Associations between DTCA and testosterone testing, initiation, and initiation without recent baseline tests were estimated using Poisson generalized estimating equations. Monthly Nielsen ratings for testosterone DTCA in the 75 largest DMAs. (1) Rates of new serum testosterone testing; (2) rates of testosterone initiation (in-office injection, surgical implant, or pharmacy dispensing) for all testosterone products combined and for specific brands; and (3) rates of testosterone initiation without recent serum testosterone testing. Of 17 228 599 commercially insured men in the 75 DMAs, 1 007 990 (mean age, 49.6 [SD, 11.5] years) had new serum testosterone tests and 283 317 (mean age, 51.8 [SD, 11.3] years) initiated testosterone treatment. Advertising intensity varied by geographic region and time, with the highest intensity seen in the southeastern United States and with months ranging from no ad exposures to a mean of 13.6 exposures per household. Nonbranded advertisements were common prior to 2012, with branded advertisements becoming more common during and after 2012. Each household advertisement exposure was associated with a monthly increase in rates of new testosterone testing (rate ratio [RR], 1.006; 95% CI, 1.004-1.008), initiation (RR, 1.007; 95% CI, 1.004-1.010), and initiation without a recent test (RR, 1.008; 95% CI, 1.002-1.013). Mean absolute rate increases were 0.14 tests (95% CI, 0.09-0.19), 0.05 new initiations (95% CI, 0.03-0.08), and 0.02 initiations without a recent test (95% CI, 0.01-0.03) per 10 000 men for each monthly ad exposure over the entire period. Among US men residing in the 75 designated market areas, regional exposure to televised direct-to-consumer advertising was associated with greater testosterone testing, new initiation, and initiation without recent testing.

[The trajectory of a public service for alcohol and drug addicts in Vitória: the case of the CPTT].

PubMed

Dos Reis, Rossana; Garcia, Maria Lúcia Teixeira

2008-01-01

The aim of this case study is to analyze the Center for Prevention and Treatment of Alcohol and Drug Addiction (CPTT)/Psychosocial Care Center in Drugs and Alcohol (CAPS ad), and to reflect about the implementation process of the local addiction recovery policy for drug users and alcoholics. A document research was performed using as sources the CPTTs mid-year/annual and/or management reports and articles about the service. Data were analyzed using a priori and a posteriori content analysis. The CPTT, a health service of the government of the city of Vitória, was created in 1992 as a psychosocial service. The services provided by the CPTT include individual care, daily group activities and reception and follow-up groups. Today, the situation in the CPTT is characterized by precarious employment relations for most of the professionals working there. The trajectory of the implementation of the CPTT in the city of Vitória expresses two contradictory features: on one hand the advances made in the implementation of the public policy for prevention and treatment of drug and alcohol abuse, and on the other hand the challenge posed by the lack of a human resources policy capable of putting in effect the advances proposed by the policy.

Comparação entre cirurgia aberta e endovascular no tratamento do aneurisma da artéria poplítea: uma revisão

PubMed Central

Gonçalves, Ana Fernanda Fagundes; Pelek, Carlos Augusto; Nogueira, Lorena Slusarz; de Carvalho, Renan Francisco; Stumpf, Matheo Augusto Morandi; Gomes, Ricardo Zanetti; Kluthcovsky, Ana Claudia Garabeli Cavalli

2018-01-01

Resumo Os aneurismas de artéria poplítea correspondem a 70% dos aneurismas periféricos e o tratamento é cirúrgico, com controvérsias sobre os resultados da via endovascular. Este estudo objetivou realizar uma revisão da literatura sobre a comparação entre cirurgia aberta e endovascular no tratamento dos aneurismas da artéria poplítea. A pesquisa foi realizada utilizando os termos apropriados nos portais de periódicos LILACS e MEDLINE, com a seleção de 15 artigos. Um total de 5.166 procedimentos cirúrgicos foram comparados, sendo 3.930 cirurgias abertas e 1.236 cirurgias endovasculares. A cirurgia aberta com bypass venoso continua sendo o padrão-ouro. A cirurgia endovascular apresenta menor tempo de internação e é uma opção viável em pacientes eletivos, com baixa expectativa de vida, alto risco cirúrgico, comorbidades e mais idosos, desde que tenham anatomia favorável para o procedimento. Contudo, são necessários estudos de longo prazo para estabelecer os reais benefícios e indicações das duas técnicas, como o ensaio clínico randomizado controlado.

Geochemical and geological factors controlling the spatial distribution of sulfate-methane transition zone in the Ría de Vigo (NW Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martínez-Carreño, N.; García-Gil, S.; Cartelle, V.; de Blas, E.; Ramírez-Pérez, A. M.; Insua, T. L.

2017-05-01

High-resolution seismic profiles, gravity core analysis and radiocarbon data have been used to identify the factors behind the methane production and free gas accumulation in the Ría de Vigo. Lithological and geochemical parameters (sulfate and methane concentration) from seventeen gravity cores were analyzed to characterize the sediment of the ria. The distribution of methane-charged sediments is mainly controlled by the quantity and quality of organic matter. Geochemical analyses reveal minimum methane concentrations ranging between 1 μM and 1 mM in sediments located outside the acoustic gas field, while gas-bearing sediments, show methane concentrations up to 5 mM. A shallowing of the sulfate-methane transition zone (SMTZ) is observed from the outer to the inner area of the ria. The presence of methane in the sulfate reduction zone (SRZ) likely to reflect the existence of methylotropic methanogenesis and/or migration processes of deeper methane gas in the sediments of the Ría de Vigo. The presence of an 'anomalous' high-sulfate concentration layer below the SMTZ in the inner and middle area of the ria, is attributed to the intrusion of sulfate-rich waters from adjacent areas that could be transported laterally through more porous layers.

Radioimmunoassay for etorphine in horses with a /sup 125/I analog of etorphine

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

Tai, C.L.; Wang, C.; Weckman, T.J.

1988-05-01

To improve the sensitivity and specificity of screening for etorphine in horses, an /sup 125/I-labeled etorphine analog was synthesized and an antibody to etorphine was raised in rabbits. A radioimmunoassay (RIA) for etorphine was developed, using these reagents. Bound and free /sup 125/I-labeled etorphine was separated by a double-antibody method that reduced interference from materials associated with equine urine. The /sup 125/I-labeled etorphine binding was rarely greater than 250 pg of background etorphine equivalents/ml in raw urine and was 100 pg/ml in hydrolyzed urine. The /sup 125/I-RIA was capable of detecting etorphine equivalents in urine above these background values. Etorphinemore » equivalents were detected in equine urine samples for about 7 days after 4 mares were dosed with 0.22 microgram of etorphine/kg of body weight, IV. The stability of etorphine in urine from these mares was evaluated. Urine from these dosed mares was held in constant -20 C storage, and aliquots were repeatedly frozen and thawed. When analyzed for etorphine equivalents using an /sup 125/I-RIA, etorphine and its metabolites in urine samples were stable for less than or equal to 38 days if continuously frozen and also were resistant to repeated freezing and thawing.« less

Simple, rapid /sup 125/I-labeled cyclosporine double antibody/polyethylene glycol radioimmunoassay used in a pediatric cardiac transplant program

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

Berk, L.S.; Webb, G.; Imperio, N.C.

1986-01-01

We modified the Sandoz cyclosporine radioimmunoassay because of our need for frequent clinical monitoring of cyclosporine drug levels in allo- and xenograft pediatric cardiac transplant patients. With application of a commercially available (/sup 125/I)cyclosporine label in place of (/sup 3/H)cyclosporine and a second antibody/polyethylene glycol (PEG) method of separation in place of charcoal separation, we simplified and enhanced the speed and precision of assay performance. Studies of 140 whole blood samples comparing this new method to the (/sup 3/H)cyclosporine radioimmunoassay (RIA) method of Berk and colleagues yielded a coefficient of correlation of 0.96 (p less than 0.00001) with means ofmore » 626 and 667 ng/ml for (/sup 3/H)RIA and (/sup 125/I)RIA, respectively, and a regression equation of y = 28 + 1.02x. The major advantages are that total assay time is reduced to approximately 1 h; (/sup 125/I)cyclosporine label is used, avoiding the problems associated with liquid scintillation counting; and precision is enhanced by separating bound and free fractions with second antibody/PEG. These modifications should provide for greater ease of assay performance and improved clinical utility of cyclosporine monitoring not only in the pediatric but also in the adult transplant patient.« less

[Disclosing the work processes of the community health agents on the Family Health Strategy in Vitória (ES, Brazil)].

PubMed

Galavote, Heletícia Scabelo; do Prado, Thiago Nascimento; Maciel, Ethel Leonor Noia; de Cássia Duarte Lima, Rita

2011-01-01

The community health agent (CHA) has a singular role as a "link" between the community and the health service. The main purpose of this descriptive/qualitative study is to evaluate the production of the CHA work processes in the Family Health Strategy in the county of Vitória (ES, Brazil). The research was developed in the health region of Maruípe, a district in the county of Vitória. The researchers invited 14 CHAs to use a half structured interview based on a guide script containing 24 questions. The process of work in health was considered as "a prevention and promotion of health", and the domiciliary visits were considered as being an everyday basic activity. The CHAs withhold several interpretations concerning to the work process and associated to the concept of unit the team has. It is also possible to notice a kind of idealism of the competences concerning to the CHA work, thus, causing a feeling of impotence and limitation when facing the challenges imposed by it. It is possible to conclude that the CHA needs tools and abilities that overcome their technical knowledge in order to act in a social scope and also to deal with the health needs of each user.

Hydrodynamic and shock heating instabilities of liquid metal strippers for RIA

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

Hassanein, Ahmed

2013-05-24

Stripping of accelerated ions is a key problem for the design of RIA to obtain high efficiency. Thin liquid Lithium film flow is currently considered as stripper for RIA ion beams to obtain higher Z for following acceleration: in extreme case of Uranium from Z=29 to Z=60-70 (first stripper) and from Z=70 till full stripping Z=92 (second stripper). Ionization of ion occurs due to the interaction of the ion with electrons of target material (Lithium) with the loss of parts of the energy due to ionization, Q{sub U}, which is also accompanied with ionization energy losses, Q{sub Li} of themore » lithium. The resulting heat is so high that can be removed not by heat conduction but mainly by convection, i.e., flowing of liquid metal across beam spot area. The interaction of the beam with the liquid metal generates shock wave propagating along direction perpendicular to the beam as well as excites oscillations along beam direction. We studied the dynamics of these excited waves to determine conditions for film stability at the required velocities for heat removal. It will allow optimizing jet nozzle shapes and flow parameters to prevent film fragmentation and to ensure stable device operation.« less

Fontes binárias supermoles de raios X

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pires, A. M.; Janot Pacheco, E.

2003-08-01

Estuda-se as características físicas das fontes supermoles (de raios X (SSS), utilizando dados ópticos e em altas energias, no âmbito de um trabalho de IC. Trata-se de binárias que apresentam espectro X muito mole, baixas temperaturas e altas luminosidades bolométricas. Esse sistemas são compostos por uma anã branca realizando fusão em sua superfície, a partir de matéria perdida pela estrela companheira. Os resíduos de fusão se acumulam na superfície da anã branca, e essa pode ultrapassar o limite de Chadrasekhar, produzir um colapso gravitacional, sendo esse um dos cenários propostos para as explosões de SN Ia. Apresentamos nesta comunicação o estado da arte das características físicas das fontes SSS, situando-as no âmbito das VCs. Procuramos também situar esses objetos em relação às variáveis galácticas V Sge, na medida em que os dois grupos apresentam certas caracerísticas bastante semelhantes.A metodologia adotada é aquela pedagógico-cognitiva clássica de um trabalho de IC na área de ciências exatas.

Lithogenic sources, composition and intra-annual variability of suspended particulate matter supplied from rivers to the Northern Galician Rias (Bay of Biscay)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bernárdez, Patricia; Prego, Ricardo; Filgueiras, Ana Virginia; Ospina-Álvarez, Natalia; Santos-Echeandía, Juan; Álvarez-Vázquez, Miguel Angel; Caetano, Miguel

2017-12-01

Scarce research about small European rivers from non-human impacted areas to determine their natural background state has been undertaken. During the annual hydrological cycle of 2008-9 the patterns of particulate supply (SPM, POC, PON, Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, V, Zn) from the rivers Sor, Mera Landro, Lourido and Landoi to the Northern Galician Rias (SW Bay of Biscay) were tackled. No differences in the composition of the SPM were detected for the studied rivers regarding Al, Fe and POC but the relative percentage of particulate trace elements (PTE) discriminate the rivers. So, Cr, Co and Ni in the Lourido, and Landoi rivers, and Cu in the Mera River, are controlled by watershed minerals of Ortegal Geological Complex while for the rest rivers PTE are by granitic and Ollo de Sapo bedrock watershed. Therefore, the imprint of PTE in the parental rocks of the river basins is reflected on the coastal sediments of the Rias. The main process controlling the dynamics and variations of chemical elements in the particulate form is the river discharge. This fact exemplifies that these rivers presents a natural behavior not being highly influenced by anthropogenic activities.

Impact of using a local protocol in preoperative testing: blind randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

Santos, Mônica Loureiro; Iglesias, Antônio Carlos

2017-01-01

to evaluate the impact of the use of a local protocol of preoperative test requests in reducing the number of exams requested and in the occurrence of changes in surgical anesthetic management and perioperative complications. we conducted a randomized, blinded clinical trial at the Gaffrée and Guinle University Hospital with 405 patients candidates for elective surgery randomly divided into two groups, according to the practice of requesting preoperative exams: a group with non-selectively requested exams and a protocol group with exams requested according to the study protocol. Studied exams: complete blood count, coagulogram, glycemia, electrolytes, urea and creatinine, ECG and chest X-ray. Primary outcomes: changes in surgical anesthetic management caused by abnormal exams, reduction of the number of exams requested after the use of the protocol and perioperative complications. there was a significant difference (p<0.001) in the number of exams with altered results between the two groups (14.9% vs. 29.1%) and a reduction of 57.3% in the number of exams requested between the two groups (p<0.001), which was more pronounced in patients of lower age groups, ASA I, without associated diseases and submitted to smaller procedures. There was no significant difference in the frequency of conduct changes motivated by the results of exams or complications between the two groups. In the multivariate analysis, complete blood count and coagulogram were the only exams capable of modifying the anesthetic-surgical management. the proposed protocol was effective in eliminating a significant number of complementary exams without clinical indication, without an increase in perioperative morbidity and mortality. avaliar o impacto do uso de um protocolo local de solicitações de exames pré-operatórios na redução do número de exames solicitados e na ocorrência de alterações na conduta anestésico-cirúrgica e de complicações perioperatórias. ensaio clínico randomizado, cego, realizado no Hospital Universitário Gaffrée e Guinle com 405 pacientes candidatos à operação eletiva divididos randomicamente em dois grupos segundo a prática de solicitação de exames pré-operatórios: grupo Rotina com exames solicitados de maneira não seletiva e grupo Protocolo com exames solicitados de acordo com o protocolo em estudo. Exames em estudo: hemograma, coagulograma, glicemia, eletrólitos, ureia e creatinina, ECG e radiografia de tórax. Desfechos primários: alterações na conduta anestésico-cirúrgica motivadas por exames anormais, redução do número de exames solicitados após o uso do protocolo e complicações perioperatórias. foi observada diferença significativa (p<0,001) no número de exames com resultados alterados entre os dois grupos (14,9% x 29,1%) e redução de 57,3% no número de exames pedidos entre os dois grupos (p<0,001), mais acentuada nos pacientes de menor faixa etária, ASA I, sem doenças associadas e submetidos a procedimentos de menor porte. Não houve diferença significativa na frequência de alterações de conduta motivada por resultado de exames, nem de complicações entre os dois grupos. Na análise multivariada hemograma e coagulograma foram os únicos exames capazes de modificar a conduta anestésico-cirúrgica. o protocolo proposto foi efetivo em eliminar um quantitativo significativo de exames complementares sem indicação clínica, sem que houvesse aumento na morbidade e mortalidades perioperatórias.

On ambiente de binárias de pequena massa em formação: o caso do glóbulo cometário CG30 e IRAS08076-3556

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hickel, G. R.; Vilas-Boas, J. W. S.

2003-08-01

Neste trabalho, combinamos observações de polarização linear no óptico (banda R), dados no infravermelho distante (IRAS) e observações de transições moleculares em radiofreqüências (CO e espécies isotópicas, HCN e HCO+) para analisar o glóbulo cometário (GC) CG30 (na região da IRAS Vela Shell), que apresenta objetos Herbig-Haro e ejeções de matéria, além de uma fonte pontual IRAS em seu interior. Os objetivos deste estudo são: determinar a eficiência de formação estelar nos glóbulos cometários, através da relação entre a massa total do GC e da massa das estrelas em formação; determinar como o campo magnético influencia na formação de estrelas no interior destes objetos; e analisar as modificações que ejeções de matéria de estrelas em formação causam no gás e no campo magnético dos GCs. Combinando nossos dados com trabalhos já publicados, mostramos que CG30 tem uma eficiência de formação estelar em torno de 3%; que o campo magnético é importante na manutenção da estrutura global do GC e demonstra sinais de torção e compressão; e que a ejeção bipolar de matéria das estrelas do par formam uma ejeção quadripolar, a qual influencia na densidade e temperatura do gás e no grau de polarização dos grãos de poeira associados ao gás do GC.

Lagoon-sea exchanges, nutrient dynamics and water quality management of the Ria Formosa (Portugal)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Newton, Alice; Mudge, Stephen M.

2005-02-01

Historical data from the Ria Formosa lagoon are classified according to the EEA 2001 guidelines to provide a frame of reference to evaluate the effect of management during the implementation of the environmental legislative Directives. Water samples from the Ria Formosa lagoon were significantly enriched in nitrogen (NH 4+ NO 2- and NO 3-) with respect to the adjacent coastal waters indicating that inputs from sewage, agricultural runoff and benthic fluxes were not fully assimilated within the lagoon. Tidal flushing was insufficient in the inner areas of the lagoon to remove or effectively dilute these inputs. Enrichment was most severe close to the urban centres of Faro and Olhão, as well as in the Gilão Estuary and the shallow extremities. Dissolved oxygen undersaturation (mean 75% during daylight hours) was associated with the area close to the sewage outlets of Faro. In the shallow west end of the lagoon during summer, dissolved oxygen supersaturation reached 140% during the day but fell to 50% at night. Classification using the EEA (2001) guidelines suggests the system is "poor" or "bad" with respect to phosphate concentrations for the majority of the year and "poor" in nitrogen contamination during the autumn rainy period. Due to the high overall nitrogen load in the lagoon, there is a net export to the coastal waters, especially during November and December, and phosphate only becomes limiting briefly during the spring bloom (April). Therefore, substantial phytoplankton populations may be supported year-round in the lagoon. The consequences of water quality deterioration in the Ria Formosa would negatively affect the lagoon as a regional resource, important for its ecological, economic and recreational value. The industries most affected would be tourism, fisheries and aquaculture. Management options include Urban Waste Water Treatment, dredging, artificial inlets, limits on urban development and changes in agricultural practices.

Functional traits of selected mangrove species in Brazil as biological indicators of different environmental conditions.

PubMed

Arrivabene, Hiulana Pereira; Souza, Iara; Có, Walter Luiz Oliveira; Rodella, Roberto Antônio; Wunderlin, Daniel Alberto; Milanez, Camilla Rozindo

2014-04-01

Ecological studies on phenotypic plasticity illustrate the relevance of this phenomenon in nature. Conditions of biota reflect environmental changes, highlighting the adaptability of resident species that can be used as bioindicators of such changes. We report the morpho-anatomical plasticity of leaves of Avicennia schaueriana Stapf & Leechm. ex Moldenke, Laguncularia racemosa (L.) C.F.Gaertn. and Rhizophora mangle L., evaluated in three estuaries (Vitória bay, Santa Cruz and Itaúnas River; state of Espírito Santo, Brazil), considering five areas of mangrove ecosystems with diverse environmental issues. Two sampling sites are part of the Ecological Station Lameirão Island in Vitória bay, close to a harbor. A third sampling site in Cariacica (Vitória bay) is inside the Vitória harbor and also is influenced by domestic sewage. The fourth studied area (Santa Cruz) is part of Piraquê Mangrove Ecological Reservation, while the fifth (Itaúnas River) is a small mangrove, with sandy sediment and greater photosynthetically active radiation, also not strongly influenced by anthropic activity. Results pointed out the morpho-anatomical plasticity in studied species, showing that A. schaueriana and L. racemosa might be considered the most appropriate bioindicators to indicate different settings and environmental conditions. Particularly, the dry mass per leaf area (LMA) of A. schaueriana was the main biomarker measured. In our study, LMA of A. schaueriana was positively correlated with salinity (Spearman 0.71), Mn content (0.81) and pH (0.82) but negatively correlated with phosphorus content (-0.63). Thus, the evaluation of modification in LMA of A. schaueriana pointed out changes among five studied sites, suggesting its use to reflect changes in the environment, which could be also useful in the future to evaluate the climate change. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Use of multiscale zirconium alloy deformation models in nuclear fuel behavior analysis

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

Montgomery, Robert; Tomé, Carlos; Liu, Wenfeng

Accurate prediction of cladding mechanical behavior is a key aspect of modeling nuclear fuel behavior, especially for conditions of pellet-cladding interaction (PCI), reactivity-initiated accidents (RIA), and loss of coolant accidents (LOCA). Current approaches to fuel performance modeling rely on empirical models for cladding creep, growth and plastic deformation, which are limited to the materials and conditions for which the models were developed. CASL has endeavored to improve upon this approach by incorporating a microstructurally-based, atomistically-informed, zirconium alloy mechanical deformation analysis capability into the BISON-CASL engineering scale fuel performance code. Specifically, the viscoplastic self-consistent (VPSC) polycrystal plasticity modeling approach, developed bymore » Lebensohn and Tome´ [2], has been coupled with BISON-CASL to represent the mechanistic material processes controlling the deformation behavior of the cladding. A critical component of VPSC is the representation of the crystallographic orientation of the grains within the matrix material and the ability to account for the role of texture on deformation. The multiscale modeling of cladding deformation mechanisms allowed by VPSC far exceed the functionality of typical semi-empirical constitutive models employed in nuclear fuel behavior codes to model irradiation growth and creep, thermal creep, or plasticity. This paper describes the implementation of an interface between VPSC and BISON-CASL and provides initial results utilizing the coupled functionality.« less

On Ensino da Astronomia no Ensino Médio sob Diferentes Abordagens Metodológicas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Voelzke, Marcos Rincon; Albrecht, Evonir

2011-12-01

O presente trabalho, sobre a intervenção de metodologias de ensino, foi desenvolvido na Escola Estadual Colônia dos Pescadores, na cidade de Caraguatatuba - SP, em três turmas do terceiro ano do Ensino Médio, perfazendo um total de 119 educandos, entre 16 e 19 anos. Antes de iniciar-se a intervenção, um questionário de vinte perguntas objetivas e dissertativas foi desenvolvido, aplicado pelo professor da classe, que ministrou as aulas correspondentes. Este questionário foi o mesmo em todas as três classes com o objetivo de diagnosticar o conhecimento prévio dos alunos sobre Astronomia. Começando a intervenção nas turmas, o professor envolvido usou três diferentes metodologias de ensino: (A) em forma de seminários, elaborados e apresentados pelos alunos, nos quais o professor fazia apenas as intervenções necessárias, (B) na forma tradicional, com a ajuda de multimídia para o desenvolvimento das aulas e a terceira (C) a tradicional, fazendo uso exclusivo de lousa e giz. No final do trabalho os alunos responderam o mesmo questionário novamente, de modo que os três métodos utilizados puderam ser comparados. Os resultados apresentados após a intervenção foram melhores que os resultados iniciais indicando a ocorrência de uma aprendizagem significativa. Quando os estudantes foram inicialmente questionados sobre quantos planetas existem no nosso sistema solar, a classe A obteve 39% de respostas certas, a classe B 48% e a classe C 46%, mas após o desenvolvimento das atividades, as classes obtiveram respectivamente 94%, 97 % e 90% de aproveitamento. No término do bimestre, foi sugerido aos educandos que elaborassem uma história em quadrinhos, a qual serviu para averiguar se os conceitos inicialmente observados foram alterados e se novos foram agregados. A análise das histórias foi dividida em três partes: Criatividade; Temas abordados; Emprego correto dos conceitos estudados. Ao final quatorze histórias foram confeccionadas. O aprendizado foi tão significativo que os alunos produzira m histórias em quadrinhos, com informações muito ricas. Outro dado muito importante é que, apesar da Astronomia ser um tema amplamente recomendado, não é ensinado nem em escolas de ensino fundamental nem no ensino médio.

40 CFR 60.4400 - How do I conduct the initial and subsequent performance tests, regarding NOX?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... subsequent performance tests, regarding NOX? 60.4400 Section 60.4400 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... Standards of Performance for Stationary Combustion Turbines Performance Tests § 60.4400 How do I conduct the initial and subsequent performance tests, regarding NOX? (a) You must conduct an initial performance test...

40 CFR 60.4400 - How do I conduct the initial and subsequent performance tests, regarding NOX?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... subsequent performance tests, regarding NOX? 60.4400 Section 60.4400 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... Standards of Performance for Stationary Combustion Turbines Performance Tests § 60.4400 How do I conduct the initial and subsequent performance tests, regarding NOX? (a) You must conduct an initial performance test...

40 CFR 60.4400 - How do I conduct the initial and subsequent performance tests, regarding NOX?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... subsequent performance tests, regarding NOX? 60.4400 Section 60.4400 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... Standards of Performance for Stationary Combustion Turbines Performance Tests § 60.4400 How do I conduct the initial and subsequent performance tests, regarding NOX? (a) You must conduct an initial performance test...

40 CFR 60.4400 - How do I conduct the initial and subsequent performance tests, regarding NOX?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... subsequent performance tests, regarding NOX? 60.4400 Section 60.4400 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... Standards of Performance for Stationary Combustion Turbines Performance Tests § 60.4400 How do I conduct the initial and subsequent performance tests, regarding NOX? (a) You must conduct an initial performance test...

40 CFR 60.4400 - How do I conduct the initial and subsequent performance tests, regarding NOX?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... subsequent performance tests, regarding NOX? 60.4400 Section 60.4400 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... Standards of Performance for Stationary Combustion Turbines Performance Tests § 60.4400 How do I conduct the initial and subsequent performance tests, regarding NOX? (a) You must conduct an initial performance test...

10 CFR 26.139 - Reporting initial validity and drug test results.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 10 Energy 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Reporting initial validity and drug test results. 26.139 Section 26.139 Energy NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION FITNESS FOR DUTY PROGRAMS Licensee Testing Facilities § 26.139 Reporting initial validity and drug test results. (a) The licensee testing facility shall...

10 CFR 26.139 - Reporting initial validity and drug test results.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 10 Energy 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Reporting initial validity and drug test results. 26.139 Section 26.139 Energy NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION FITNESS FOR DUTY PROGRAMS Licensee Testing Facilities § 26.139 Reporting initial validity and drug test results. (a) The licensee testing facility shall...

10 CFR 26.139 - Reporting initial validity and drug test results.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 10 Energy 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Reporting initial validity and drug test results. 26.139 Section 26.139 Energy NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION FITNESS FOR DUTY PROGRAMS Licensee Testing Facilities § 26.139 Reporting initial validity and drug test results. (a) The licensee testing facility shall...

Trends in asthma mortality in the 0- to 4-year and 5- to 34-year age groups in Brazil.

PubMed

Graudenz, Gustavo Silveira; Carneiro, Dominique Piacenti; Vieira, Rodolfo de Paula

2017-01-01

To provide an update on trends in asthma mortality in Brazil for two age groups: 0-4 years and 5-34 years. Data on mortality from asthma, as defined in the International Classification of Diseases, were obtained for the 1980-2014 period from the Mortality Database maintained by the Information Technology Department of the Brazilian Unified Health Care System. To analyze time trends in standardized asthma mortality rates, we conducted an ecological time-series study, using regression models for the 0- to 4-year and 5- to 34-year age groups. There was a linear trend toward a decrease in asthma mortality in both age groups, whereas there was a third-order polynomial fit in the general population. Although asthma mortality showed a consistent, linear decrease in individuals ≤ 34 years of age, the rate of decline was greater in the 0- to 4-year age group. The 5- to 34-year group also showed a linear decline in mortality, and the rate of that decline increased after the year 2004, when treatment with inhaled corticosteroids became more widely available. The linear decrease in asthma mortality found in both age groups contrasts with the nonlinear trend observed in the general population of Brazil. The introduction of inhaled corticosteroid use through public policies to control asthma coincided with a significant decrease in asthma mortality rates in both subsets of individuals over 5 years of age. The causes of this decline in asthma-related mortality in younger age groups continue to constitute a matter of debate. Apresentar uma atualização das tendências da mortalidade da asma no Brasil em duas faixas etárias: 0-4 anos e 5-34 anos. Dados relativos ao período de 1980 a 2014 referentes à mortalidade da asma, conforme se definiu na Classificação Internacional de Doenças, foram extraídos Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade do Departamento de Tecnologia da Informação do Sistema Único de Saúde. Para analisar as tendências temporais das taxas padronizadas de mortalidade da asma, realizou-se um estudo ecológico de séries temporais com modelos de regressão para as faixas etárias de 0 a 4 anos e 5 a 34 anos. Houve uma tendência linear de redução da mortalidade da asma em ambas as faixas etárias e uma tendência polinomial de terceira ordem na população geral. Embora a mortalidade da asma tenha apresentado redução linear consistente em indivíduos com idade ≤ 34 anos, a taxa de declínio foi maior na faixa etária de 0 a 4 anos. A faixa etária de 5 a 34 anos também apresentou redução linear da mortalidade, e essa redução tornou-se mais pronunciada após o ano de 2004, quando o tratamento com corticosteroides inalatórios tornou-se mais amplamente disponível. A redução linear da mortalidade da asma em ambas as faixas etárias contrasta com a tendência não linear observada na população geral do Brasil. A introdução do uso de corticosteroides inalatórios por meio de políticas públicas de controle da asma coincidiu com uma diminuição significativa das taxas de mortalidade da asma em ambos os subgrupos de indivíduos com mais de 5 anos de idade. As causas dessa redução da mortalidade da asma em faixas etárias mais jovens ainda são objeto de debate.

40 CFR 63.6610 - By what date must I conduct the initial performance tests or other initial compliance...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... initial performance tests or other initial compliance demonstrations if I own or operate a stationary RICE... performance tests or other initial compliance demonstrations if I own or operate a stationary RICE with a site... stationary RICE with a site rating of more than 500 brake HP located at a major source of HAP emissions you...

40 CFR 63.6610 - By what date must I conduct the initial performance tests or other initial compliance...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... initial performance tests or other initial compliance demonstrations if I own or operate a stationary RICE... performance tests or other initial compliance demonstrations if I own or operate a stationary RICE with a site... stationary RICE with a site rating of more than 500 brake HP located at a major source of HAP emissions you...

Association Between Direct-to-Consumer Advertising and Testosterone Testing and Initiation in the United States, 2009–2013

PubMed Central

Layton, J. Bradley; Kim, Yoonsang; Alexander, G. Caleb; Emery, Sherry L.

2017-01-01

IMPORTANCE Testosterone initiation increased substantially in the United States from 2000 to 2013, especially among men without clear indications. Direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) also increased during this time. OBJECTIVE To investigate associations between televised DTCA and testosterone testing and initiation in the United States. DESIGN, SETTING, AND POPULATION Ecologic study conducted in designated market areas (DMAs) in the United States. Monthly testosterone advertising ratings were linked to DMA-level testosterone use data from 2009–2013 derived from commercial insurance claims. Associations between DTCA and testosterone testing, initiation, and initiation without recent baseline tests were estimated using Poisson generalized estimating equations. EXPOSURES Monthly Nielsen ratings for testosterone DTCA in the 75 largest DMAs. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES (1) Rates of new serum testosterone testing; (2) rates of testosterone initiation (in-office injection, surgical implant, or pharmacy dispensing) for all testosterone products combined and for specific brands; and (3) rates of testosterone initiation without recent serum testosterone testing. RESULTS Of 17 228 599 commercially insured men in the 75 DMAs, 1 007 990 (mean age, 49.6 [SD, 11.5] years) had new serum testosterone tests and 283 317 (mean age, 51.8 [SD, 11.3] years) initiated testosterone treatment. Advertising intensity varied by geographic region and time, with the highest intensity seen in the southeastern United States and with months ranging from no ad exposures to a mean of 13.6 exposures per household. Nonbranded advertisements were common prior to 2012, with branded advertisements becoming more common during and after 2012. Each household advertisement exposure was associated with a monthly increase in rates of new testosterone testing (rate ratio [RR], 1.006; 95% CI, 1.004–1.008), initiation (RR, 1.007; 95% CI, 1.004–1.010), and initiation without a recent test (RR, 1.008; 95% CI, 1.002–1.013). Mean absolute rate increases were 0.14 tests (95% CI, 0.09–0.19), 0.05 new initiations (95% CI, 0.03–0.08), and 0.02 initiations without a recent test (95% CI, 0.01–0.03) per 10 000 men for each monthly ad exposure over the entire period. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Among US men residing in the 75 designated market areas, regional exposure to televised direct-to-consumer advertising was associated with greater testosterone testing, new initiation, and initiation without recent testing. PMID:28324090

Eosinophils, pruritus and psoriasis: effects of treatment with etretinate or cyclosporin-A.

PubMed

Schopf, R E; Hultsch, T; Lotz, J; Bräutigam, M

1998-11-01

The antipsoriatic drugs cyclosporin A (CyA) and etretinate have been found to influence proinflammatory eosinophilic leukocytes and pruritus. We compared the number of blood eosinophils, concentration of serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), and pruritus in patients with psoriasis treated with either CyA or etretinate. Patients with psoriasis vulgaris were randomly assigned to treatment for 10 weeks with either CyA (n = 21) or etretinate (n = 10). The psoriasis area-and-severity index (PASI-score) and pruritus (according to a 0-3 scale) served as clinical parameters, the blood esosinophil counts (Coulter Counter) and the serum ECP (RIA, Pharmacia) as laboratory parameters. After CyA treatment the PASI-score amounted to 24 +/- 4%, after etretinate to 56 +/- 6% of the initial values (mean +/- SEM). One week after CyA treatment, esosinophils dropped from 190 +/- 21 to 137 +/- 16/microliter (P = 0.038, Wilcoxon test), after 10 weeks to 127 +/- 18/microliter (P = 0.006). By contrast, under etretinate blood eosinophil counts only changed marginally. Before treatment, ECP concentrations of 15.71 +/- 1.30 (CyA) and 15.3 +/- 5.53 micrograms/l (etretinate) were measured (normal range 3-16 micrograms/l), ECP remained constant under both CyA and etretinate or tended to increase after 10 weeks; about 50% of the patients exhibited elevated ECP concentrations. Pruritus diminished more with CyA than etretinate therapy. PASI-scores and pruritus were directly proportional. We conclude that treatment of psoriasis with CyA leads to a rapid drop of blood eosinophils and that the activation state of eosinophils does not decrease after antipsoriatic treatment. Pruritus in psoriasis is coupled to disease severity. The underlying antipsoriatic mechanisms of CyA may be linked to lowering the number of blood eosinophils.

Regulation of steroidogenesis in fetal bovine ovaries: differential effects of LH and FSH.

PubMed

Allen, J J; Herrick, S L; Fortune, J E

2016-11-01

In cattle, primordial follicles form before birth. Fetal ovarian capacity to produce progesterone and estradiol is high before follicle formation begins and decreases around the time follicles first appear (around 90 days of gestation). However, mechanisms that regulate steroid production during this time remain unclear. We hypothesized that LH stimulates progesterone and androgen production and that FSH stimulates aromatization of androgens to estradiol. To test this, we cultured pieces from fetal bovine ovaries for 10 days without or with exogenous hormones and then measured the accumulation of steroids in the culture medium by RIA. LH (100 ng/mL) alone increased the accumulation of progesterone, androstenedione, testosterone and estradiol. FSH (100 ng/mL) alone increased both progesterone and estradiol accumulation, but had no effect on androgens. Exogenous testosterone (0.5 µM) alone greatly increased estradiol accumulation and the combination of testosterone + FSH, but not testosterone + LH, increased estradiol relative to testosterone alone. Interestingly, exogenous testosterone and estradiol decreased progesterone accumulation in a dose-dependent manner. Because the highest dose of estradiol (0.5 µM) decreased progesterone accumulation, but increased both pregnenolone and androstenedione in the same cultures, endogenous estradiol may be a paracrine regulator of steroid synthesis. Together, these results confirm our initial hypotheses and indicate that LH stimulates androgen production in fetal bovine ovaries via the Δ 5 pathway, whereas FSH stimulates aromatization of androgens to estradiol. These results are consistent with the two-cell, two-gonadotropin model of estradiol production by bovine preovulatory follicles, which suggests that the mechanisms regulating ovarian steroid production are established during fetal life. © 2016 Society for Endocrinology.

Relativistic impulse approximation analysis of unstable calcium isotopes: {sup 60-74}Ca

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

Kaki, K.

2009-06-15

Recent relativistic mean-field calculations have provided nuclear distributions of Ca isotopes whose mass numbers are 60 through 74. We calculate observables of proton elastic scattering from these unstable isotopes and discuss relations between observables and nuclear distributions of such unstable nuclei. The calculations are based on relativistic impulse approximation (RIA) at incident proton energies from 100 through 500 MeV where predictions of RIA have been shown to provide good agreement with experimental data. To validate the use of optimal factorization and first-order calculations at these energies, contributions from the Fermi motion of the target nuclei and multiple scattering are estimatedmore » and compared with results calculated without these effects.« less

Regulatory impact analysis: benefits and costs of proposed surface water treatment rule and total coliform rule

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

Not Available

1987-09-01

This report contains an analysis of the costs and benefits of controlling microbial contaminants in drinking water through the promulgation of two regulations: (1) the Surface Water Treatment Rule (SWTR); and (2) the Total Coliform Rule. This regulatory impact analysis (RIA) was prepared in accordance with Executive Order 12291, which requires that the costs and benefits of all major rules be examined and compared. The major topical areas covered in the RIA are as follows: problem definition; market imperfections, the need for federal regulation, and consideration of regulatory alternatives; assessment of total costs; assessment of benefits; regulatory flexibility act andmore » Paperwork Reduction Act analyses; and a summary of costs and benefits.« less

29 CFR 1919.14 - Initial tests of cargo gear and tests after alterations, renewals or repairs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 29 Labor 7 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Initial tests of cargo gear and tests after alterations, renewals or repairs. 1919.14 Section 1919.14 Labor Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (CONTINUED) GEAR CERTIFICATION Certification of Vessels' Cargo Gear § 1919.14 Initial tests...

29 CFR 1919.14 - Initial tests of cargo gear and tests after alterations, renewals or repairs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 29 Labor 7 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Initial tests of cargo gear and tests after alterations, renewals or repairs. 1919.14 Section 1919.14 Labor Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (CONTINUED) GEAR CERTIFICATION Certification of Vessels' Cargo Gear § 1919.14 Initial tests...

29 CFR 1919.14 - Initial tests of cargo gear and tests after alterations, renewals or repairs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 29 Labor 7 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Initial tests of cargo gear and tests after alterations, renewals or repairs. 1919.14 Section 1919.14 Labor Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (CONTINUED) GEAR CERTIFICATION Certification of Vessels' Cargo Gear § 1919.14 Initial tests...

29 CFR 1919.14 - Initial tests of cargo gear and tests after alterations, renewals or repairs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 29 Labor 7 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Initial tests of cargo gear and tests after alterations, renewals or repairs. 1919.14 Section 1919.14 Labor Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (CONTINUED) GEAR CERTIFICATION Certification of Vessels' Cargo Gear § 1919.14 Initial tests...

10 CFR 26.131 - Cutoff levels for validity screening and initial validity tests.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 10 Energy 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Cutoff levels for validity screening and initial validity tests. 26.131 Section 26.131 Energy NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION FITNESS FOR DUTY PROGRAMS Licensee Testing Facilities § 26.131 Cutoff levels for validity screening and initial validity tests. (a) Each...

10 CFR 26.131 - Cutoff levels for validity screening and initial validity tests.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 10 Energy 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Cutoff levels for validity screening and initial validity tests. 26.131 Section 26.131 Energy NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION FITNESS FOR DUTY PROGRAMS Licensee Testing Facilities § 26.131 Cutoff levels for validity screening and initial validity tests. (a) Each...

Comparative urinary androstanes in the great apes.

PubMed

Hagey, L R; Czekala, N M

2003-01-01

Urinary androstanes from seven species of male great apes (human, bonobo, chimpanzee, lowland gorilla, mountain gorilla, Bornean orangutan, and Sumatran orangutan) were separated by HPLC and detected by RIA using two testosterone antibodies. All animals examined showed the presence of testosterone and six additional immunoreactive peaks. Although testosterone was the dominant peak (85%) in human urine, its proportion in urine was much less in the other apes, ranging from a high of 59% in the bonobo and chimpanzee to a low of 24% in the mountain gorilla. Urinary androstanes were also directly visualized using nano-spray mass spectrometry (nanoESI-MS). Although the RIA can qualitatively produce a strong signal for testosterone in unchromatographed urine, it is quantitatively present only as a trace metabolite, as demonstrated by nanoESI-MS. The combination of the two techniques showed large differences in androstane metabolism between the seven species. A previously undescribed testosterone metabolite (tentatively identified as either delta1- or delta6-testosterone sulfate) was present in significant proportions in all of the non-human apes examined. We conclude that in the great apes, testosterone is only a trace metabolite in urine, and as a consequence, its measurement may not produce results that parallel the levels of serum testosterone. The RIA measurement of urinary testosterone in part records additional androstane metabolites, which vary even between closely related genera, making the results neither equivalent with nor comparable to different species.

Tsunami inundation after the Great East Japan Earthquake and mortality of affected communities.

PubMed

Ishiguro, A; Yano, E

2015-10-01

To examine the relationship between mortality rate and tsunami inundation after the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE) in 2011. Cross-sectional study. One hundred and fifty-five town or village sections in Ishinomaki, Myagi Prefecture, were included in this study. Three areas in the city were classified by characteristic landforms: plains area (n = 114), ria coastal area (n = 27) and Kitakami riverside (n = 14). The correlation coefficient between tsunami inundation depth and mortality rate was calculated for each area, and the differences between the areas were examined. Furthermore, multivariate analyses adjusted for the characteristics of the sections were conducted using census data taken before the GEJE. An association was found between inundation depth and mortality rate for Ishinomaki as a whole (r = 0.65, P < 0.001), Kitakami riverside (r = 0.85, P < 0.001) and the plains area (r = 0.75, P < 0.001) in separate analyses. However, no association was detected between inundation depth and mortality rate for the ria coastal area (r = 0.14, P = 0.47). The ria coastal area has good accessibility to the hills and tight bonding between members of the community. These factors seemed to play crucial roles in the lower mortality rate in this area despite the deep inundation. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Fish Biodiversity of the Vitória-Trindade Seamount Chain, Southwestern Atlantic: An Updated Database

PubMed Central

Pinheiro, Hudson T.; Mazzei, Eric; Moura, Rodrigo L.; Amado-Filho, Gilberto M.; Carvalho-Filho, Alfredo; Braga, Adriana C.; Costa, Paulo A. S.; Ferreira, Beatrice P.; Ferreira, Carlos Eduardo L.; Floeter, Sergio R.; Francini-Filho, Ronaldo B.; Gasparini, João Luiz; Macieira, Raphael M.; Martins, Agnaldo S.; Olavo, George; Pimentel, Caio R.; Rocha, Luiz A.; Sazima, Ivan; Simon, Thiony; Teixeira, João Batista; Xavier, Lucas B.; Joyeux, Jean-Christophe

2015-01-01

Despite a strong increase in research on seamounts and oceanic islands ecology and biogeography, many basic aspects of their biodiversity are still unknown. In the southwestern Atlantic, the Vitória-Trindade Seamount Chain (VTC) extends ca. 1,200 km offshore the Brazilian continental shelf, from the Vitória seamount to the oceanic islands of Trindade and Martin Vaz. For a long time, most of the biological information available regarded its islands. Our study presents and analyzes an extensive database on the VTC fish biodiversity, built on data compiled from literature and recent scientific expeditions that assessed both shallow to mesophotic environments. A total of 273 species were recorded, 211 of which occur on seamounts and 173 at the islands. New records for seamounts or islands include 191 reef fish species and 64 depth range extensions. The structure of fish assemblages was similar between islands and seamounts, not differing in species geographic distribution, trophic composition, or spawning strategies. Main differences were related to endemism, higher at the islands, and to the number of endangered species, higher at the seamounts. Since unregulated fishing activities are common in the region, and mining activities are expected to drastically increase in the near future (carbonates on seamount summits and metals on slopes), this unique biodiversity needs urgent attention and management. PMID:25738798

Volatile organic compounds speciation and their influence on ozone formation potential in an industrialized urban area in Brazil.

PubMed

Galvão, Elson Silva; Santos, Jane Meri; Reis Junior, Neyval Costa; Stuetz, Richard Michael

2016-09-01

Speciation and the influence on the ozone formation potential (OFP) from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been studied between February June 2013 in Vitória, ES, Brazil. Passive samplers were installed at three air-quality monitoring stations and a total of 96 samplings were collected. A total of 78 VOCs were characterized by gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer. The predominant group was organic acids, followed by alcohols and substituted aromatics and 14 precursor species were quantified. An analysis correlating concentrations with wind direction was conducted to identify possible sources. The OFP was calculated applying the scale of maximum incremental reactivity proposed by Carter.[ 23 ] Ozone precursors with the greatest OFP such as undecane, toluene, ethylbenzene and m, p-xylene compounds were the most abundant with means of 0.855, 0.365, 0.259 and 0.289 µg m(-3), respectively. The benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX) group was found below the limits considered harmful to the health of the population living in Vitória. The OFP calculated for the precursors group was 22.55 µg m(-3) for the rainy season and 32.11 µg m(-3) for the dry season. The VOC/NOx ratio in Vitória is approximately 1.71, indicating that the region has a VOC-limiting condition for the production of ozone.

[Measurement of free urinary cortisol and cortisone using liquid chromatography associated with tandem mass spectrometry method].

PubMed

Vieira, José Gilberto H; Nakamura, Odete H; Carvalho, Valdemir M

2005-04-01

Free urinary cortisol (UFF) measurement is one of the most useful screening tests for Cushing's syndrome. Immunoassays employed today by most clinical laboratories present limitations, specially concerning specificity. These limitations restrain a widespread application of the method, as well as the comparison of results obtained by the use of different methods. We present the development and characterization of a UFF and cortisone method based on liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). A 200 microL aliquot from a 24 h urine sample is mixed with a solution containing a known quantity of deuterated cortisol and on-line extracted in solid phase (C18). The eluate is transferred to a second C18 column (Phenomenex Luna, 3 micro, 50 x 2 mm) and the isocratic mode elution profile is directly applied to a tandem mass spectrometer model Quattro Micro operating in positive mode atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI). All process is automated and the quantification is performed by isotopic dilution, based on the analyte and the deuterated internal standard peak area ratios. The specificity study showed that all the steroids tested presented cross reactivity of <1% for cortisol and cortisone. Functional sensitivity is <1 microg/L for both steroids, and the interassay CV <8%. Recovery and linearity studies were satisfactory and comparison of results obtained using a RIA for UFF and the present method in 98 routine samples showed a correlation of r= 0.838, with the results obtained with LC-MS/MS significantly lower (medians of 22.0 vs. 49.4 microg/24 h for RIA) (P<0.0001). Reference values for cortisol were defined as values between 11 and 43 microg/24 h, compatible to those recently described for similar methods. The concomitant measurement of UF cortisone allows the study of the activity of the enzyme 11beta-HSD2 and the diagnosis of the apparent mineralocorticoid excess syndrome. The method represents the first steroid assay of a new generation, based on automated preparative methods and tandem mass spectrometry, described in our country.

Production of Antiserum to LH-Releasing Hormone (LH-RH) Associated with Gonadal Atrophy in Rabbits: Development of Radioimmunoassays for LH-RH

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

ARIMURA, A.; SATO, H.; KUMASAKA, T.

1973-11-01

Repeated injections of synthetic LH -- RH decapeptide, adsorbed on polyvinylpyrrolidone and emulsified with complete Freund's adjuvant, resulted in the production of a specific antiserum to LH-- RH in two of three rabbits. The animals that produced this antiserum showed a reduction of pituitary LH content and marked atrophy of the testes. The antiserum-antibody complex was detected by the complement flxation test. The antiserum was capable of binding /sup 125/I- labeled LH--RH. After iodination of LHRH (using /sup 125/I and either the chloramine T or lactoperoxidase method) separation of the iodination products on CMC yielded three main peaks of radioactivity:more » The first was free iodide, the second was labeled peptide with low immunoreactivity, and the third was immunoreactive peptide. This 3rd peak consisted of two or three subpeaks; the leading subpeak(s) were more readily bound by antiserum than the trailing one(s). Binding of these fractions to antiserum was increased in the presence of small amounts of unlabeled LH--RH (a phenomenon called paradoxical binding or hock effect) but inhibited by larger amounts. Both the augmentation and the inhibition effects were dose-related, allowing the development of two different radioimmunoassay (RIA) systems for LH--RH. An ordinary (coinpetitive) type of RIA was developed in which a small amount (0.31 ng/assay tube) of unlabeled LH-- RH was added to the labeled peptide. This saturated the antiserum's capacity for paradoxical binding, so that further addition of LH-- RH (from 0.04 to 2.5 ng/ tube) inhibited binding of labeled LH--RH. The assay developed using paradoxical binding omitted the premixing of labeled and unlabeled LH--RH; in this assay addition of very small amounts (0.5 to 310 pg) of unlabeled LH--RH to the assay tubes increased the amount of label bound to antiserum and allowed construction of a parabolic curve of positive slope when B/T was plotted against arithmetic dose. The assays seem to be highly specific for LH--RH although both polymers and degradation products of LH--RH appeared to have some immunoreactivity.« less

Association between filial responsibility when caring for parents and the caregivers overload.

PubMed

Aires, Marinês; Mocellin, Duane; Fengler, Fernanda Laís; Rosset, Idiane; Santos, Naiana Oliveira Dos; Machado, Diani de Oliveira; Day, Carolina Baltar; Paskulin, Lisiane Manganelli Girardi

2017-01-01

To analyze the association between filial responsibility and the overload of the children when caring for their older parents. Cross-sectional study with 100 caregiver children of older adults. Filial liability was assessed by the attitudes of the responsible child (scale of expectation and filial duty) and by care behaviors (assistance in activities of daily living, emotional and financial support, and keeping company). The overload was assessed by the Caregiver Burden Inventory. To assess the associations, the correlation coefficients of Pearson and Spearman, Kruskal-Wallis Test, and Mann-Whitney were employed. Variables that presented p-value<0.20 in the bivariate analysis were inserted in a multivariate linear regression model. The factors associated with overload were: formal employment (p=0.002), feelings regarding family life (p<0.001), financial support (p=0.027), and assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) (p<0.001). Children who were more involved with the ADLs and provided financial support showed higher levels of overload. Analisar a associação entre a responsabilidade filial e a sobrecarga dos filhos cuidadores de pessoas idosas. Estudo transversal com 100 filhos cuidadores de pessoas idosas. A responsabilidade filial foi avaliada pelas atitudes de responsabilidade filial (escala de expectativa e dever filial) e pelos comportamentos de cuidar (auxílio nas atividades de vida diária, apoio emocional, financeiro e companhia). A sobrecarga foi avaliada pelo Inventário de Sobrecarga do Cuidador. Para avaliar as associações utilizaram-se os coeficientes de correlação de Pearson e Spearman, Teste de Kruskal-Wallis e Mann-whitney. Variáveis que apresentaram valor de p<0,20 na análise bivariada foram inseridas em um modelo multivariado de regressão linear. Os fatores associados com a sobrecarga foram: emprego formal (p=0,002), sentimentos na vida familiar (p<0,001), apoio financeiro (p=0,027) e ajuda nas Atividades da Vida Diária (AVDs) (p<0,001). Os filhos que mais auxiliavam nas AVDs e prestavam apoio financeiro apresentaram maiores níveis de sobrecarga.

Prevalence and factors associated with preoperative anxiety in children aged 5-12 years.

PubMed

Moura, Louise Amália de; Dias, Iohanna Maria Guimarães; Pereira, Lilian Varanda

2016-06-14

to estimate the prevalence and factors associated with preoperative anxiety in children who wait for outpatient surgery. cross-sectional analysis of baseline data of a prospective cohort study that investigates the predictors of postoperative pain in children aged 5-12 years submitted to inguinal and umbilical hernia repair. It was selected 210 children, which were interviewed in the preoperative holding area of a general hospital. Anxiety was evaluated using the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (mYPAS). Sociodemographic and clinical variables were analyzed as exposure and anxiety (mYPAS final score>30) as outcome. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with preoperative anxiety. forty-two percent (42.0%) of children presented preoperative anxiety (CI95%: 35.7%-48.6%), with mean scores equal to 30.1 (SD=8.4). Factors associated with preoperative anxiety were: age group of 5-6 years (OR=2.28; p=0.007) and socioeconomic status classified as class C (OR=2.39; p=0.016). the evaluation of children who wait for outpatient surgery should be multidimensional and comprise information on age and socioeconomic status, in order to help in the identification and early treatment of preoperative anxiety. estimar a prevalência e os fatores associados à ansiedade pré-operatória em crianças que aguardam cirurgia ambulatorial. análise transversal de dados da linha de base de um estudo de coorte prospectiva que investiga os preditores de dor pós-operatória em crianças de 5 a 12 anos, submetidas à herniorrafia inguinal e umbilical. Foram selecionadas 210 crianças, entrevistadas na sala de espera de um hospital geral. Avaliou-se a ansiedade por meio da Escala de Ansiedade Pré-operatória de Yale Modificada (EAPY-m). Variáveis sociodemográficas e clínicas foram analisadas, como exposição e ansiedade (soma dos escores da EAPY-m>30) como desfecho. A regressão logística foi utilizada para identificar fatores associados à ansiedade pré-operatória. quarenta e dois por cento (42,0%) das crianças apresentaram ansiedade pré-operatória (IC95%:35,7%-48,6%), com média dos escores igual a 30,1 (dp=8,4). Os fatores associados à ansiedade pré-operatória foram faixa etária de 5 a 6 anos (OR=2,28; p=0,007) e classe socioeconômica C (OR=2,39; p=0,016). a avaliação de crianças que aguardam cirurgias ambulatoriais deve ser multidimensional e conter informações sobre a idade e o nível socioeconômico, com vistas a auxiliar a identificação e o tratamento precoce da ansiedade pré-operatória. estimar la prevalencia y los factores asociados con la ansiedad preoperatoria en niños que aguardan cirugía ambulatoria. análisis transversal de los datos de referencia de un estudio de cohorte prospectivo que investiga los predictores de dolor postoperatorio en niños de 5-12 años, sometidos a reparación de hernia inguinal y umbilical. Se seleccionaron 210 niños, entrevistados en la sala de espera de un hospital general. La ansiedad se evaluó por medio de la Escala de Ansiedad Preoperatoria de Yale Modificada (EAPY-m). Se analizaron variables sociodemográficas y clínicas, como exposición y ansiedad (suma de las puntuaciones de la EAPY-m>30) como resultado. Se utilizó regresión logística para identificar factores asociados con la ansiedad preoperatoria. cuarenta y dos por ciento (42.0%) de los niños presentaron ansiedad preoperatoria (IC95%: 35,7%-48,6%), con una puntuación media igual a 30,1 (DE=8,4). Los factores asociados con la ansiedad preoperatoria fueron grupo de edad de 5-6 años (OR=2,28; p=0,007) y clase socioeconómica C (OR=2,39; p=0,016). la evaluación de los niños que aguardan cirugía ambulatoria debe ser multidimensional y contener información sobre la edad y el nivel socioeconómico, con el fin de ayudar a la identificación y el tratamiento precoz de la ansiedad preoperatoria.

Anti-telomere antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): a comparison with five antinuclear antibody assays in 430 patients with SLE and other rheumatic diseases.

PubMed

Salonen, E M; Miettinen, A; Walle, T K; Koskenmies, S; Kere, J; Julkunen, H

2004-10-01

To investigate the prevalence and diagnostic significance of antibodies against telomeric DNA in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and other autoimmune rheumatic diseases, and to make comparisons with five conventional anti-DNA or anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) assays. Antibodies to telomeres, which are highly repetitive sequences of DNA (TTAGGG/CCCTAA) at the end of eukaryotic chromosomes, were measured by an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 305 patients with SLE and 125 patients with other autoimmune rheumatic diseases (78 rheumatoid arthritis, 32 primary Sjögren's syndrome, eight mixed connective tissue disease, seven miscellaneous rheumatic diseases). Other assays used were two commercial ELISA assays for anti-dsDNA using calf thymus as antigen, Crithidialuciliae immunofluorescence, and radioimmunoassay (RIA) for anti-dsDNA and immunofluorescence using Hep-2 cells for ANA. The prevalence of anti-telomere in SLE was 60%, v 5% in rheumatoid arthritis and 18% in other autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Specificity of anti-telomere for SLE was 91%; positive and negative predictive values were 95% and 46%, respectively. For anti-dsDNA by two ELISA assays using calf thymus as antigen, sensitivities were 69% and 29% and specificities 66% and 96%, respectively. Other anti-dsDNA assays had low sensitivities (RIA 43%, Crithidia immunofluorescence 13%). The association of anti-telomere with a history of nephritis in patients with SLE was stronger (p = 0.005) than by any other assay (p = 0.006-0.999). The correlations between the different assays were good (p<0.001 for all comparisons). The new ELISA for anti-telomere antibodies using standardised human dsDNA as antigen is a sensitive and highly specific test for SLE.

Effects of adrenocorticotropic hormone challenge and age on hair cortisol concentrations in dairy cattle

PubMed Central

del Rosario González-de-la-Vara, Marcela; Valdez, Ricardo Arturo; Lemus-Ramirez, Vicente; Vázquez-Chagoyán, Juan Carlos; Villa-Godoy, Alejandro; Romano, Marta C.

2011-01-01

Dairy cattle suffer stress from management and production; contemporary farming tries to improve animal welfare and reduce stress. Therefore, the assessment of long-term hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal function using non-invasive techniques is useful. The aims in this study were: to measure cortisol concentration in cow and calves hair by radioimmunoassay (RIA), to test cortisol accumulation in bovine hair after adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) challenges, and determine the influence of hair color on cortisol concentrations. Fifteen Holstein heifers were allotted to 3 groups (n = 5 each): in control group (C), just the hair was sampled; in the saline solution group (SS), IV saline solution was administered on days 0, 7, and 14; and the ACTH group was challenged 3 times with ACTH (0.15 UI per kg of body weight) on days 0, 7, and 14. Serum samples from the SS and ACTH groups were obtained 0, 60 and 90 min post-injection. Serum cortisol concentration was greater 60 and 90 min after injection with ACTH. Hair was clipped on days 0, 14, 28, and 44. Hair cortisol was methanol extracted and measured by RIA. Hair cortisol was preserved for 11 mo. Hair cortisol concentrations in the ACTH group were greater than in the saline and control groups on days 14 and 28, but not on day 44. Concentrations were greater in calves than in cows and greater in white hair than in black hair. Cortisol accumulated in bovine hair after ACTH challenges, but the concentration was affected by both age and hair color. If hair color effects are taken into account, assessing cortisol concentration in hair is a potentially useful non-invasive method for assessing stress in cattle. PMID:22210998

Cholinesterase characterization of two autochthonous species of Ria de Aveiro (Diopatra neapolitana and Solen marginatus) and comparison of sensitivities towards a series of common contaminants.

PubMed

Nunes, Bruno; Resende, Sara Teixeira

2017-05-01

Biomonitoring of chemical contamination requires the use of well-established and validated tools, including biochemical markers that can be potentially affected by exposure to important environmental toxicants. Cholinesterases (ChEs) are present in a large number of species and have been successfully used for decades to discriminate the environmental presence of specific groups of pollutants. The success of cholinesterase inhibition has been due to their usefulness as a biomarker to address the presence of organophosphate (OP) and carbamate (CB) pesticides. However, its use in ecotoxicology has not been limited to such chemicals, and several other putative classes of contaminants have been implicated in cholinesterasic impairment. Nevertheless, the use of cholinesterases as a monitoring tool requires its full characterization in species to be used as test organisms. This study analyzed and differentiated the various cholinesterase forms present in two autochthonous organisms from the Ria de Aveiro (Portugal) area, namely the polychaete Diopatra neapolitana and the bivalve Solen marginatus, to be used in subsequent monitoring studies. In addition, this study also validated the putative use of the now characterized cholinesterasic forms by analyzing the in vitro effects of common anthropogenic contaminants, such as detergents, pesticides, and metals. The predominant cholinesterasic form found in tissues of D. neapolitana was acetylcholinesterase, while homogenates of S. marginatus were shown to possess an atypical cholinesterasic form, with a marked preference for propionylthiocholine. Cholinesterases from D. neapolitana were generally non-responsive towards the majority of the selected chemicals. On the contrary, strong inhibitory effects were reported for ChEs of S. marginatus following exposure to the selected pesticides.

Pulmonary function in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease: have we paid proper attention to this problem?

PubMed

Vieira, Ana Karine; Alvim, Cristina Gonçalves; Carneiro, Maria Cristina Marquez; Ibiapina, Cássio da Cunha

2016-01-01

To evaluate pulmonary function and functional capacity in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease. This was a cross-sectional study involving 70 children and adolescents (8-15 years of age) with sickle cell disease who underwent pulmonary function tests (spirometry) and functional capacity testing (six-minute walk test). The results of the pulmonary function tests were compared with variables related to the severity of sickle cell disease and history of asthma and of acute chest syndrome. Of the 64 patients who underwent spirometry, 15 (23.4%) showed abnormal results: restrictive lung disease, in 8 (12.5%); and obstructive lung disease, in 7 (10.9%). Of the 69 patients who underwent the six-minute walk test, 18 (26.1%) showed abnormal results regarding the six-minute walk distance as a percentage of the predicted value for age, and there was a ≥ 3% decrease in SpO2 in 36 patients (52.2%). Abnormal pulmonary function was not significantly associated with any of the other variables studied, except for hypoxemia and restrictive lung disease. In this sample of children and adolescents with sickle cell disease, there was a significant prevalence of abnormal pulmonary function. The high prevalence of respiratory disorders suggests the need for a closer look at the lung function of this population, in childhood and thereafter. Avaliar a função pulmonar e a capacidade funcional em crianças e adolescentes com doença falciforme. Estudo transversal com 70 crianças e adolescentes com doença falciforme (8-15 anos), submetidos a testes de função respiratória (espirometria) e de capacidade funcional (teste de caminhada de seis minutos). Os resultados da avaliação da função pulmonar foram comparados com variáveis relacionadas à gravidade da doença falciforme e à presença de história de asma e de síndrome torácica aguda. Dos 64 pacientes submetidos à espirometria, 15 (23,4%) apresentaram resultados alterados: distúrbio ventilatório restritivo, em 8; (12,5%) e distúrbio respiratório obstrutivo, em 7 (10,9%). Dos 69 pacientes submetidos ao teste de caminhada de seis minutos, 18 (26,1%) apresentaram resultados alterados na distância em % do previsto para a idade, e houve uma queda ≥ 3% na SpO2 em 36 (52,2%) dos pacientes. Não houve associações significativas entre função pulmonar alterada e as outras variáveis analisadas, exceto para hipoxemia e distúrbio ventilatório restritivo. Observou-se uma significativa prevalência de alterações na função pulmonar nesta amostra de crianças e adolescentes com doença falciforme. A elevada prevalência de distúrbios ventilatórios sugere a necessidade de um olhar mais atento à função pulmonar desde a infância nessa população.

The views and experiences of nurses and midwives in the provision and management of provider-initiated HIV testing and counseling: a systematic review of qualitative evidence.

PubMed

Evans, Catrin; Nalubega, Sylivia; McLuskey, John; Darlington, Nicola; Croston, Michelle; Bath-Hextall, Fiona

2016-01-15

Global progress towards HIV prevention and care is contingent upon increasing the number of those aware of their status through HIV testing. Provider-initiated HIV testing and counseling is recommended globally as a strategy to enhance uptake of HIV testing and is primarily conducted by nurses and midwives. Research shows that provider-initiated HIV testing and counseling implementation is sub-optimal. The reasons for this are unclear. The review aimed to explore nurses' and midwives' views and experiences of the provision and management of provider-initiated HIV testing and counseling. All cadres of nurses and midwives were considered, including those who undertake routine HIV testing as part of a diverse role and those who are specifically trained as HIV counselors. Types of phenomenon of interest: The review sought to understand the views and experiences of the provision and management of provider-initiated HIV testing and counseling (including perceptions, opinions, beliefs, practices and strategies related to HIV testing and its implementation in practice). The review included only provider-initiated HIV testing and counseling. It excluded all other models of HIV testing. The review included all countries and all healthcare settings. Types of studies: This review considered all forms of qualitative study design and methodology. Qualitative elements of a mixed method study were included if they were presented separately within the publication. A three-step search strategy was utilized. Eight databases were searched for papers published from 1996 to October 2014, followed by hand searching of reference lists. Only studies published in the English language were considered. Methodological quality was assessed using the Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Qualitative findings were extracted using the Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument. Qualitative research findings were pooled using a pragmatic meta-aggregative approach and the Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument software. This review included 21 publications from 18 research studies, representing a wide range of countries and healthcare settings. There were 245 findings which were aggregated into 12 categories and five synthesized findings. 1. Nurses/midwives are supportive of provider-initiated HIV testing and counseling if it is perceived to enhance patient care and to align with perceived professional roles. 2. Nurses'/midwives' ability to perform provider-initiated HIV testing and counseling well requires an appropriate infrastructure and adequate human and material resources. 3. At the organizational level, nurses'/midwives' engagement with provider-initiated HIV testing and counseling is facilitated by an inclusive management structure, alongside the provision of ongoing training and clinical supervision. Provider-initiated HIV testing and counseling is hindered by difficulties in fitting it into existing workloads and routines. 4. Nurses/midwives perceive that good quality care in provider-initiated HIV testing and counseling involves finding a balance between public health needs and individual patient needs. Good care requires time and the ability to apply a patient centred approach. 5. The emotional work involved in provider-initiated HIV testing and counseling can be stressful. Nurses/Midwives may require support to deal with complex moral and ethical issues. This review shows that provider-initiated HIV testing and counseling is supported by nurses/midwives who strive to implement it according to principles of good care and a patient centered approach. Nurses/midwives face multiple operational, infra-structural, resource and ethical challenges in the implementation of provider-initiated HIV testing and counseling. The implementation process for provider-initiated HIV testing and counseling would benefit from using a quality improvement framework. Nurses/midwives undertaking provider-initiated HIV testing and counseling require management support, ongoing training and adequate infrastructure/resources. Additional guidance is required on legal/ethical issues in testing of children and in third party disclosure. Operational research is required to determine an optimal skill mix and optimal methods of integrating provider-initiated HIV testing and counseling into existing work routines. The Joanna Briggs Institute.

10 CFR 26.95 - Conducting an initial test for alcohol using a breath specimen.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 10 Energy 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Conducting an initial test for alcohol using a breath specimen. 26.95 Section 26.95 Energy NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION FITNESS FOR DUTY PROGRAMS Collecting Specimens for Testing § 26.95 Conducting an initial test for alcohol using a breath specimen. (a) The...

10 CFR 26.95 - Conducting an initial test for alcohol using a breath specimen.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 10 Energy 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Conducting an initial test for alcohol using a breath specimen. 26.95 Section 26.95 Energy NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION FITNESS FOR DUTY PROGRAMS Collecting Specimens for Testing § 26.95 Conducting an initial test for alcohol using a breath specimen. (a) The...

10 CFR 26.95 - Conducting an initial test for alcohol using a breath specimen.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 10 Energy 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Conducting an initial test for alcohol using a breath specimen. 26.95 Section 26.95 Energy NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION FITNESS FOR DUTY PROGRAMS Collecting Specimens for Testing § 26.95 Conducting an initial test for alcohol using a breath specimen. (a) The...

10 CFR 26.95 - Conducting an initial test for alcohol using a breath specimen.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 10 Energy 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Conducting an initial test for alcohol using a breath specimen. 26.95 Section 26.95 Energy NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION FITNESS FOR DUTY PROGRAMS Collecting Specimens for Testing § 26.95 Conducting an initial test for alcohol using a breath specimen. (a) The...

10 CFR 26.95 - Conducting an initial test for alcohol using a breath specimen.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 10 Energy 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Conducting an initial test for alcohol using a breath specimen. 26.95 Section 26.95 Energy NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION FITNESS FOR DUTY PROGRAMS Collecting Specimens for Testing § 26.95 Conducting an initial test for alcohol using a breath specimen. (a) The...

[História, Ciências, Saúde--Manguinhos: examining 12 years of regular circulation].

PubMed

Benchimol, Jaime L; Cerqueira Roberta, Cardoso; Martins, Ruth B; Mendonça, Amanda

2007-01-01

The article analyzes the trajectory of História, Ciências, Saúde--Manguinhos since it was first released in 1994. This multidisciplinary journal opens its pages to unpublished, peer-reviewed articles, images, documents, interviews, and other material that address issues and important figures in the history of medicine, public health, and the life sciences. Approaching from the perspectives of health and of historiography, the article explores the context in which the journal was born and discusses the daily workings of a scientific editorial office. Tables and graphs illustrate variations in the topics submitted for publication, acceptance and rejection rates for articles, the geographical origin of authors, and how the profiles of contributors and readers of the print and online versions differ in terms of their areas of interest.

Reaction-based Indicator displacement Assay (RIA) for the selective colorimetric and fluorometric detection of peroxynitrite.

PubMed

Sun, Xiaolong; Lacina, Karel; Ramsamy, Elena C; Flower, Stephen E; Fossey, John S; Qian, Xuhong; Anslyn, Eric V; Bull, Steven D; James, Tony D

2015-05-01

Using the self-assembly of aromatic boronic acids with Alizarin Red S (ARS), we developed a new chemosensor for the selective detection of peroxynitrite. Phenylboronic acid (PBA), benzoboroxole (BBA) and 2-( N , N -dimethylaminomethyl)phenylboronic acid (NBA) were employed to bind with ARS to form the complex probes. In particular, the ARS-NBA system with a high binding affinity can preferably react with peroxynitrite over hydrogen peroxide and other ROS/RNS due to the protection of the boron via the solvent-insertion B-N interaction. Our simple system produces a visible colorimetric change and on-off fluorescence response towards peroxynitrite. By coupling a chemical reaction that leads to an indicator displacement, we have developed a new sensing strategy, referred to herein as RIA (Reaction-based Indicator displacement Assay).

Sewage contamination of sediments from two Portuguese Atlantic coastal systems, revealed by fecal sterols.

PubMed

Rada, Jesica P A; Duarte, Armando C; Pato, Pedro; Cachada, Anabela; Carreira, Renato S

2016-02-15

Fecal sterols in sediments were used to assess the degree of sewage contamination in Ria de Aveiro lagoon and Mondego River estuary for the first time. Coprostanol, the major fecal sterol, averaged 1.82 ± 4.12 μg g(-1), with maxima of 16.6 μg g(-1). The northwestern sector of the Ria and a marina at Mondego estuary showed the highest level of sewage contamination. This scenario was confirmed by several diagnostic ratios based on fecal sterols and other phytosterols. Our data revealed that in spite of the improvements achieved in the last decades, there is still a need for control the organic inputs into the aquatic environment in the studied regions. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Increases in Recent HIV Testing Among Men Who Have Sex With Men Coincide With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Expanded Testing Initiative

PubMed Central

Cooley, Laura A.; Wejnert, Cyprian; Rose, Charles E.; Paz-Bailey, Gabriela; Taussig, Jennifer; Gern, Robert; Hoyte, Tamika; Salazar, Laura; White, Jianglan; Todd, Jeff; Bautista, Greg; Flynn, Colin; Sifakis, Frangiscos; German, Danielle; Isenberg, Debbie; Driscoll, Maura; Hurwitz, Elizabeth; Doherty, Rose; Wittke, Chris; Prachand, Nikhil; Benbow, Nanette; Melville, Sharon; Pannala, Praveen; Yeager, Richard; Sayegh, Aaron; Dyer, Jim; Sheu, Shane; Novoa, Alicia; Thrun, Mark; Al-Tayyib, Alia; Wilmoth, Ralph; Higgins, Emily; Griffin, Vivian; Mokotoff, Eve; MacMaster, Karen; Wolverton, Marcia; Risser, Jan; Rehman, Hafeez; Padgett, Paige; Bingham, Trista; Sey, Ekow Kwa; LaLota, Marlene; Metsch, Lisa; Forrest, David; Beck, Dano; Cardenas, Gabriel; Nemeth, Chris; Anderson, Bridget J.; Watson, Carol-Ann; Smith, Lou; Robinson, William T.; Gruber, DeAnn; Barak, Narquis; Murrill, Chris; Neaigus, Alan; Jenness, Samuel; Hagan, Holly; Reilly, Kathleen H.; Wendel, Travis; Cross, Helene; Bolden, Barbara; D'Errico, Sally; Wogayehu, Afework; Godette, Henry; Brady, Kathleen A.; Kirkland, Althea; Sifferman, Andrea; Miguelino-Keasling, Vanessa; Velasco, Al; Tovar, Veronica; Raymond, H. Fisher; De León, Sandra Miranda; Rolón-Colón, Yadira; Marzan, Melissa; Courogen, Maria; Jaenicke, Tom; Thiede, Hanne; Burt, Richard; Jia, Yujiang; Opoku, Jenevieve; Sansone, Marie; West, Tiffany; Magnus, Manya; Kuo, Irene

2015-01-01

According to National HIV Behavioral Surveillance system data, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing increased among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men from 2008 to 2011 in cities funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Expanded Testing Initiative, suggesting that focused HIV testing initiatives might have positive effects. PMID:25352589

Physics division annual report 2000.

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

Thayer, K., ed.

2001-10-04

This report summarizes the research performed in 2000 in the Physics Division of Argonne National Laboratory. The Division's programs include operation of ATLAS as a national user facility, nuclear structure and reaction research, nuclear theory and medium energy physics research, and accelerator research and development. As the Nuclear Science Advisory Committee and the nuclear science community create a new long range plan for the field in 2001, it is clear that the research of the Division is closely aligned with and continues to help define the national goals of our field. The NSAC 2001 Long Range Plan recommends as themore » highest priority for major new construction the Rare Isotope Accelerator (RIA), a bold step forward for nuclear structure and nuclear astrophysics. The accelerator R&D in the Physics Division has made major contributions to almost all aspects of the RIA design concept and the community was convinced that this project is ready to move forward. 2000 saw the end of the first Gammasphere epoch at ATLAS, One hundred Gammasphere experiments were completed between January 1998 and March 2000, 60% of which used the Fragment Mass Analyzer to provide mass identification in the reaction. The experimental program at ATLAS then shifted to other important research avenues including proton radioactivity, mass measurements with the Canadian Penning Trap and measurements of high energy gamma-rays in nuclear reactions with the MSU/ORNL/Texas A&M BaF{sub 2} array. ATLAS provided 5460 beam-research hours for user experiments and maintained an operational reliability of 95%. Radioactive beams accounted for 7% of the beam time. ATLAS also provided a crucial test of a key RIA concept, the ability to accelerate multiple charge states in a superconducting heavy-ion linac. This new capability was immediately used to increase the performance for a scheduled experiment. The medium energy program continued to make strides in examining how the quark-gluon structure of matter impacts the structure of nuclei and extended the exquisite sensitivity of the Atom-Trap-Trace-Analysis technique to new species and applications. All of this progress was built on advances in nuclear theory, which the Division pursues at the quark, hadron, and nuclear collective degrees of freedom levels. These are just a few of the highlights in the Division's research program. The results reflect the talents and dedication of the Physics Division staff and the visitors, guests and students who bring so much to the research.« less

14 CFR 33.90 - Initial maintenance inspection test.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Initial maintenance inspection test. 33.90 Section 33.90 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AIRCRAFT AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS: AIRCRAFT ENGINES Block Tests; Turbine Aircraft Engines § 33.90 Initial maintenance...

14 CFR 33.90 - Initial maintenance inspection test.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Initial maintenance inspection test. 33.90 Section 33.90 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AIRCRAFT AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS: AIRCRAFT ENGINES Block Tests; Turbine Aircraft Engines § 33.90 Initial maintenance...

14 CFR 33.90 - Initial maintenance inspection test.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Initial maintenance inspection test. 33.90 Section 33.90 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AIRCRAFT AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS: AIRCRAFT ENGINES Block Tests; Turbine Aircraft Engines § 33.90 Initial maintenance...

14 CFR 33.90 - Initial maintenance inspection test.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Initial maintenance inspection test. 33.90 Section 33.90 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AIRCRAFT AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS: AIRCRAFT ENGINES Block Tests; Turbine Aircraft Engines § 33.90 Initial maintenance...

Model systems for defining initiation, promotion, and progression of skin neoplasms.

PubMed

Boutwell, R K

1989-01-01

A number of items that must be considered in designing and choosing a suitable model for initiation and promotion testing have been described. Although these items may seem complex, tests for initiation and promotion are, in reality, quite simple and provide a rational approach to carcinogen testing. Several tests have been described here and Eastin, elsewhere in this book, describes the validation of a simple and highly recommended test. The processes involved in initiation and promotion are qualitatively different. The criteria for concern about possible human hazards as well as for regulation of initiators and promoters should be based on these qualitative differences. Realistic appraisal of the risk must be based on the level and nature of the potential hazard. In particular, it must be recognized that promoting action is reversible, that a threshold exists, and that promotion is readily inhibited. Therefore, animal tests that differentiate between potential initiators and promoters are essential to enable a logical assessment of human risk and the implementation of appropriate protective measures based on scientific facts.

10 CFR 26.97 - Conducting an initial test for alcohol using a specimen of oral fluids.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 10 Energy 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Conducting an initial test for alcohol using a specimen of oral fluids. 26.97 Section 26.97 Energy NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION FITNESS FOR DUTY PROGRAMS Collecting Specimens for Testing § 26.97 Conducting an initial test for alcohol using a specimen of oral...

10 CFR 26.97 - Conducting an initial test for alcohol using a specimen of oral fluids.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 10 Energy 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Conducting an initial test for alcohol using a specimen of oral fluids. 26.97 Section 26.97 Energy NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION FITNESS FOR DUTY PROGRAMS Collecting Specimens for Testing § 26.97 Conducting an initial test for alcohol using a specimen of oral...

10 CFR 26.97 - Conducting an initial test for alcohol using a specimen of oral fluids.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 10 Energy 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Conducting an initial test for alcohol using a specimen of oral fluids. 26.97 Section 26.97 Energy NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION FITNESS FOR DUTY PROGRAMS Collecting Specimens for Testing § 26.97 Conducting an initial test for alcohol using a specimen of oral...

10 CFR 26.97 - Conducting an initial test for alcohol using a specimen of oral fluids.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 10 Energy 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Conducting an initial test for alcohol using a specimen of oral fluids. 26.97 Section 26.97 Energy NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION FITNESS FOR DUTY PROGRAMS Collecting Specimens for Testing § 26.97 Conducting an initial test for alcohol using a specimen of oral...

10 CFR 26.97 - Conducting an initial test for alcohol using a specimen of oral fluids.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 10 Energy 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Conducting an initial test for alcohol using a specimen of oral fluids. 26.97 Section 26.97 Energy NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION FITNESS FOR DUTY PROGRAMS Collecting Specimens for Testing § 26.97 Conducting an initial test for alcohol using a specimen of oral...

Pilot study of pharmacist-assisted delivery of pharmacogenetic testing in a primary care setting.

PubMed

Haga, Susanne B; LaPointe, Nancy M Allen; Cho, Alex; Reed, Shelby D; Mills, Rachel; Moaddeb, Jivan; Ginsburg, Geoffrey S

2014-09-01

To describe the rationale and design of a pilot program to implement and evaluate pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing in a primary care setting. Several factors have impeded the uptake of PGx testing, including lack of provider knowledge and challenges with operationalizing PGx testing in a clinical practice setting. We plan to compare two strategies for the implementation of PGx testing: a pharmacist-initiated testing arm compared with a physician-initiated PGx testing arm. Providers in both groups will be required to attend an introduction to PGx seminar. Anticipated results: We anticipate that providers in the pharmacist-initiated group will be more likely to order PGx testing than providers in the physician-initiated group. Overall, we aim to generate data that will inform an effective delivery model for PGx testing and to facilitate a seamless integration of PGx testing in primary care practices.

Cancer genetic counseling: communication and counselees' post-visit satisfaction, cognitions, anxiety, and needs fulfillment.

PubMed

Pieterse, Arwen H; van Dulmen, Alexandra M; Beemer, Frits A; Bensing, Jozien M; Ausems, Margreet G E M

2007-02-01

Little is known about the relation between communication during cancer genetic counseling and outcome. We assessed associations between counselor-counselee communication and counselee satisfaction, cognitions, anxiety, and fulfillment of major needs, corrected for pre-visit levels as appropriate. In total 171 consecutive new counselees, mainly referred for breast or colon cancer, received pre- and post-visit questionnaires assessing needs/fulfillment, knowledge, perceived control (PPC), anxiety (STAI), and satisfaction. Initial visits were videotaped and counselor eye gaze was recorded. Verbal communication was rated by Roter Interaction Analysis System (RIAS). Asking more medical questions was associated with lower satisfaction levels. Receiving more medical information was related to higher correct knowledge scores, higher reported fulfillment of some needs, and unrelated to perceptions of control. Receiving more psychosocial information and longer counselor eye gaze were related to higher anxiety scores. Longer visits were related to higher correct knowledge scores. Providing medical information appears the most powerful communication aspect to increase counselee satisfaction and address needs. More research is needed on how to address adequately (emotional) needs and increase feelings of control.

Retrieval enhances eyewitness suggestibility to misinformation in free and cued recall.

PubMed

Wilford, Miko M; Chan, Jason C K; Tuhn, Sam J

2014-03-01

Immediately recalling a witnessed event can increase people's susceptibility to later postevent misinformation. But this retrieval-enhanced suggestibility (RES) effect has been shown only when the initial recall test included specific questions that reappeared on the final test. Moreover, it is unclear whether this phenomenon is affected by the centrality of event details. These limitations make it difficult to generalize RES to criminal investigations, which often begin with free recall prior to more specific queries from legal officials and attorneys. In 3 experiments, we examined the influence of test formats (free recall vs. cued recall) and centrality of event details (central vs. peripheral) on RES. In Experiment 1, both the initial and final tests were cued recall. In Experiment 2, the initial test was free recall and the final test was cued recall. In Experiment 3, both the initial and final tests were free recall. Initial testing increased misinformation reporting on the final test for peripheral details in all experiments, but the effect was significant for central details only after aggregating the data from all 3 experiments. These results show that initial free recall can produce RES, and more broadly, that free recall can potentiate subsequent learning of complex prose materials. © 2013 American Psychological Association

40 CFR 63.7940 - By what date must I conduct performance tests or other initial compliance demonstrations?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... compliance is not demonstrated using a performance test or design evaluation, you must demonstrate initial... performance tests or other initial compliance demonstrations? 63.7940 Section 63.7940 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL EMISSION STANDARDS...

14 CFR 135.295 - Initial and recurrent flight attendant crewmember testing requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... PERSONS ON BOARD SUCH AIRCRAFT Crewmember Testing Requirements § 135.295 Initial and recurrent flight attendant crewmember testing requirements. No certificate holder may use a flight attendant crewmember, nor... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Initial and recurrent flight attendant...

14 CFR 135.295 - Initial and recurrent flight attendant crewmember testing requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... PERSONS ON BOARD SUCH AIRCRAFT Crewmember Testing Requirements § 135.295 Initial and recurrent flight attendant crewmember testing requirements. No certificate holder may use a flight attendant crewmember, nor... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Initial and recurrent flight attendant...

14 CFR 135.295 - Initial and recurrent flight attendant crewmember testing requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... PERSONS ON BOARD SUCH AIRCRAFT Crewmember Testing Requirements § 135.295 Initial and recurrent flight attendant crewmember testing requirements. No certificate holder may use a flight attendant crewmember, nor... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Initial and recurrent flight attendant...

14 CFR 135.295 - Initial and recurrent flight attendant crewmember testing requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... PERSONS ON BOARD SUCH AIRCRAFT Crewmember Testing Requirements § 135.295 Initial and recurrent flight attendant crewmember testing requirements. No certificate holder may use a flight attendant crewmember, nor... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Initial and recurrent flight attendant...

14 CFR 125.289 - Initial and recurrent flight attendant crewmember testing requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... AIRCRAFT Flight Crewmember Requirements § 125.289 Initial and recurrent flight attendant crewmember testing... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Initial and recurrent flight attendant crewmember testing requirements. 125.289 Section 125.289 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION...

14 CFR 125.289 - Initial and recurrent flight attendant crewmember testing requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... AIRCRAFT Flight Crewmember Requirements § 125.289 Initial and recurrent flight attendant crewmember testing... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Initial and recurrent flight attendant crewmember testing requirements. 125.289 Section 125.289 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION...

14 CFR 135.295 - Initial and recurrent flight attendant crewmember testing requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... PERSONS ON BOARD SUCH AIRCRAFT Crewmember Testing Requirements § 135.295 Initial and recurrent flight attendant crewmember testing requirements. No certificate holder may use a flight attendant crewmember, nor... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Initial and recurrent flight attendant...

14 CFR 125.289 - Initial and recurrent flight attendant crewmember testing requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... AIRCRAFT Flight Crewmember Requirements § 125.289 Initial and recurrent flight attendant crewmember testing... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Initial and recurrent flight attendant crewmember testing requirements. 125.289 Section 125.289 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION...

14 CFR 125.289 - Initial and recurrent flight attendant crewmember testing requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... AIRCRAFT Flight Crewmember Requirements § 125.289 Initial and recurrent flight attendant crewmember testing... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Initial and recurrent flight attendant crewmember testing requirements. 125.289 Section 125.289 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION...

14 CFR 125.289 - Initial and recurrent flight attendant crewmember testing requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... AIRCRAFT Flight Crewmember Requirements § 125.289 Initial and recurrent flight attendant crewmember testing... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Initial and recurrent flight attendant crewmember testing requirements. 125.289 Section 125.289 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION...

First Assessment of the Sex Ratio for an East Pacific Green Sea Turtle Foraging Aggregation: Validation and Application of a Testosterone ELISA.

PubMed

Allen, Camryn D; Robbins, Michelle N; Eguchi, Tomoharu; Owens, David W; Meylan, Anne B; Meylan, Peter A; Kellar, Nicholas M; Schwenter, Jeffrey A; Nollens, Hendrik H; LeRoux, Robin A; Dutton, Peter H; Seminoff, Jeffrey A

2015-01-01

Determining sex ratios of endangered populations is important for wildlife management, particularly species subject to sex-specific threats or that exhibit temperature-dependent sex determination. Sea turtle sex is determined by incubation temperature and individuals lack external sex-based traits until sexual maturity. Previous research utilized serum/plasma testosterone radioimmunoassays (RIA) to determine sex in immature/juvenile sea turtles. However, there has been a growing application of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for wildlife endocrinology studies, but no study on sea turtles has compared the results of ELISA and RIA. This study provides the first sex ratio for a threatened East Pacific green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) foraging aggregation, a critical step for future management of this species. Here, we validate a testosterone ELISA and compare results between RIA and ELISA of duplicate samples. The ELISA demonstrated excellent correspondence with the RIA for providing testosterone concentrations for sex determination. Neither assay proved reliable for predicting the sex of reproductively active females with increased testosterone production. We then applied ELISA to examine the sex ratio of 69 green turtles foraging in San Diego Bay, California. Of 45 immature turtles sampled, sex could not be determined for three turtles because testosterone concentrations fell between the ranges for either sex (females: 4.1-113.1 pg/mL, males: 198.4-2,613.0 pg/mL) and these turtles were not subsequently recaptured to enable sex determination; using a Bayesian model to predict probabilities of turtle sex we predicted all three 'unknowns' were female (> 0.86). Additionally, the model assigned all turtles with their correct sex (if determined at recapture) with 100% accuracy. Results indicated a female bias (2.83F:1M) among all turtles in the aggregation; when focusing only on putative immature turtles the sex ratio was 3.5F:1M. With appropriate validation, ELISA sexing could be applied to other sea turtle species, and serve as a crucial conservation tool.

Simultaneous Measurement of Thirteen Steroid Hormones in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Control Women Using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry

PubMed Central

Zhang, Ke; Clarke, Nigel; Welt, Corrine K.

2014-01-01

Background The measurement of adrenal and ovarian androgens in women with PCOS has been difficult based on poor specificity and sensitivity of assays in the female range. Methods Women with PCOS (NIH criteria; n = 52) and control subjects with 25–35 day menstrual cycles, no evidence of hyperandrogenism and matched for BMI (n = 42) underwent morning blood sampling. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to simultaneously measure 13 steroids from a single blood sample to measure adrenal and ovarian steroids. Androgen and progesterone results were compared in the same samples using RIA. Results Testosterone, androstenedione, progesterone and 17OH progesterone levels were higher when measured using RIA compared to LC-MS/MS, although the testosterone RIA demonstrated the best agreement with the LC-MS/MS using a Bland-Altman analysis. Results using LC-MS/MS demonstrated that the concentration of androgens and their precursors were higher in women with PCOS than controls [median (2.5, 97.5th %ile); 1607 (638, 3085) vs. 1143 (511, 4784) ng/dL; p = 0.03]. Women with PCOS had higher testosterone [49 (16, 125) vs. 24 (10, 59) ng/dL], androstenedione [203 (98, 476) vs. 106 (69, 223) ng/dL] and 17OH progesterone levels [80 (17, 176) vs. 44 (17, 142) ng/dL] compared to controls (all P<0.02), but no differences in serum concentrations of the adrenal steroids DHEAS, cortisol, corticosterone and their 11 deoxy precursors. Women with PCOS also had an increase in the product:precursor ratio for 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase [22% (6, 92) vs. 20% (4, 43); p = 0.009]. Conclusion LC-MS/MS was superior to RIA in measuring androstenedione, progesterone and 17OH progesterone levels, while testosterone measurements were better matched in the two assays. Androgen levels were higher in women with PCOS in the absence of a difference in adrenal-predominant steroids. These data support previous findings that the ovary is an important source for the androgen excess in women with PCOS. PMID:24713888

First Assessment of the Sex Ratio for an East Pacific Green Sea Turtle Foraging Aggregation: Validation and Application of a Testosterone ELISA

PubMed Central

Allen, Camryn D.; Robbins, Michelle N.; Eguchi, Tomoharu; Owens, David W.; Meylan, Anne B.; Meylan, Peter A.; Kellar, Nicholas M.; Schwenter, Jeffrey A.; Nollens, Hendrik H.; LeRoux, Robin A.; Dutton, Peter H.; Seminoff, Jeffrey A.

2015-01-01

Determining sex ratios of endangered populations is important for wildlife management, particularly species subject to sex-specific threats or that exhibit temperature-dependent sex determination. Sea turtle sex is determined by incubation temperature and individuals lack external sex-based traits until sexual maturity. Previous research utilized serum/plasma testosterone radioimmunoassays (RIA) to determine sex in immature/juvenile sea turtles. However, there has been a growing application of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for wildlife endocrinology studies, but no study on sea turtles has compared the results of ELISA and RIA. This study provides the first sex ratio for a threatened East Pacific green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) foraging aggregation, a critical step for future management of this species. Here, we validate a testosterone ELISA and compare results between RIA and ELISA of duplicate samples. The ELISA demonstrated excellent correspondence with the RIA for providing testosterone concentrations for sex determination. Neither assay proved reliable for predicting the sex of reproductively active females with increased testosterone production. We then applied ELISA to examine the sex ratio of 69 green turtles foraging in San Diego Bay, California. Of 45 immature turtles sampled, sex could not be determined for three turtles because testosterone concentrations fell between the ranges for either sex (females: 4.1–113.1 pg/mL, males: 198.4–2,613.0 pg/mL) and these turtles were not subsequently recaptured to enable sex determination; using a Bayesian model to predict probabilities of turtle sex we predicted all three ‘unknowns’ were female (> 0.86). Additionally, the model assigned all turtles with their correct sex (if determined at recapture) with 100% accuracy. Results indicated a female bias (2.83F:1M) among all turtles in the aggregation; when focusing only on putative immature turtles the sex ratio was 3.5F:1M. With appropriate validation, ELISA sexing could be applied to other sea turtle species, and serve as a crucial conservation tool. PMID:26465620

Massa do gás e das estrelas em aglomerados: eficiência da formação estelar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laganá, T. F.; Lima Neto, G. B.

2003-08-01

Os aglomerados de galáxias apresentam um interesse especial para a cosmologia observacional. Eles são as maiores estruturas ligadas pela gravitação no Universo e relaxadas na região central. A comparação entre a massa do gás intra-aglomerado (responsável por ~25% da massa total, inferida a partir de observações em raios-X), a massa contida nas estrelas (i.e., nas galáxias) e a massa total (incluindo a matéria escura não bariônica), nos dá informações importantes sobre os processos de formação e evolução de aglomerados. Por exemplo, a razão entre a massa do gás e a massa total é uma medida da fração de bárions no Universo (razão entre a matéria bariônica e matéria escura) e, utilizando a densidade de bárions predita pela nucleosíntese primordial, podemos deduzir a densidade de matéria escura no Universo (cf. White et al. 1993). O objetivo deste trabalho é obter as razões entre as massas do gás, estelar (contida nas galáxias), e a total (massa dinâmica). As massas do gás e total são obtidas a partir das análises fotométrica e espectroscópica em raios-X enquanto que a massa estelar é obtida pela análise fotométrica das galáxias. Esta análise foi aplicada ao aglomerado Abell 496 observado pelo satélite XMM-Newton. A massa contida nas galáxias foi estimada a partir da função de luminosidade obtida por Durret et al. (2002). Para determinar as massas dinâmica e do gás nos precisamos determinar os perfis radiais de densidade e temperatura. Nós apresentaremos aqui estes resultados e suas implicações na eficiência da formação estelar em Abell 496.

[Response of pancreatic polypeptide to a protein rich meal in insulin non dependent diabetes melitus and autonomic neuropathy].

PubMed

Kostić, N; Zamaklar, M; Novaković, R; Stajić, S

1994-01-01

Parasympathetic function and plasma hPP response to a protein rich meal were evaluated in 105 insulin non-dependent diabetic patients: 20 with autonomic neuropathy (group A), diagnosed by Clonidin test; 35 patients with neurophysiological evidence of polyneuropath (group B); 30 patients with autonomic neuropathy and polineuropathy (group C), and 20 patients without any sign of neuropathy (group D). Plasma hPP levels were determined by RIA using an anti-hPP antiserum, kindly provided by Prof. S. R. Bloom (Hammersmith Hospital, London). Blood was taken at 0. 45 and 60 minutes after the beginning of the meal. In groups A and C, the meal induced hPP increase was significantly lower than in group D (p 0.001). All group B patients had a marked increase in the peptide, similar to that in diabetics without neuropathy. These result ssuggest that diabetic autonomic neuropathy is associated with dysfunction of hPP secretion, and that the evaluation of hPP response to test meal may be a sensitive and simple method for the assessment of paraympathetic impairment in diabetes.

Department of Defense (DOD) Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) Version 1.2: Initial Operational Test and Evaluation Report

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-05-01

Director, Operational Test and Evaluation Department of Defense (DOD) Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) Version 1.2 Initial...Operational Test and Evaluation Report May 2015 This report on the Department of Defense (DOD) Automated Biometric Identification System...COVERED - 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Department of Defense (DOD) Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) Version 1.2 Initial Operational Test

Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative: evaluation of the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding

PubMed Central

Lopes, Soraia da Silva; Laignier, Mariana Rabello; Primo, Cândida Caniçali; Leite, Franciéle Marabotti C.

2013-01-01

OBJECTIVE: To asses the performance of the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding in an university hospital. METHODS: Descriptive and quantitative research, in which 103 people were interviewed in the outpatient prenatal clinic, in the maternity-ward and in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of a university hospital in Vitória, Southeast Brazil. The "Institutional Self-Evaluation Questionnaire" of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative was applied. Using this tool, the outcome was measured by the concordance index (CI) proposed by the World Health Organization and by the United Nations Children's Fund. RESULTS: Although the hospital does not have a policy that addresses promotion, protection and support for breastfeeding, 93.3% of the mothers had contact with their babies immediately after birth (step 4), 83.3% of the professionals guided mothers how to breastfeed (step 5), 86.6% of the neonates did not receive any food or drink other than breast milk (step 6), 100% of babies were housed together with their mothers (step 7), 83.3% of the women were encouraged for breastfeeding on demand (step 8) and 100% of the infants did not use bottles or pacifiers (step 9). CONCLUSIONS: 60% of the steps were completed by the hospital. The greatest difficulty was to inform pregnant women about the importance and the management of breastfeeding (step 3). Therefore, visits to pregnant women are recommended, in order to prepare them for breastfeeding and to explain about the infants' healthy feeding habits. PMID:24473954

The dark side of testing memory: repeated retrieval can enhance eyewitness suggestibility.

PubMed

Chan, Jason C K; Lapaglia, Jessica A

2011-12-01

Eyewitnesses typically recount their experiences many times before trial. Such repeated retrieval can enhance memory retention of the witnessed event. However, recent studies (e.g., Chan, Thomas, & Bulevich, 2009) have found that initial retrieval can exacerbate eyewitness suggestibility to later misleading information--a finding termed retrieval-enhanced suggestibility (RES). Here we examined the influence of multiple retrieval attempts on eyewitness suggestibility to subsequent misinformation. In four experiments, we systematically varied the number of initial tests taken (between zero and six), the delay between initial testing and misinformation exposure (~30 min or 1 week), and whether initial testing was manipulated between- or within-subjects. University undergraduate students were used as participants. Overall, we found that eyewitness suggestibility increased as the number of initial tests increased, but this RES effect was qualified by the delay and by whether initial testing occurred in a within- or between-subjects manner. Specifically, the within-subjects RES effect was smaller than the between-subjects RES effect, possibly because of the influence of retrieval-induced forgetting/facilitation (Chan, 2009) when initial testing was manipulated within subjects. Moreover, consistent with the testing effect literature (Roediger & Karpicke, 2006), the benefits of repeated testing on later memory were stronger after a 1-week delay than after a 30-min delay, thus reducing the negative impact of RES in long-term situations. These findings suggest that conditions that are likely to occur in criminal investigations can either increase (repeated testing) or reduce (delay) the influence of RES, thus further demonstrating the complex relationship between eyewitness memory and repeated retrieval.

49 CFR 40.95 - What are the adulterant cutoff concentrations for initial and confirmation tests?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... Transportation PROCEDURES FOR TRANSPORTATION WORKPLACE DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING PROGRAMS Drug Testing... laboratory, you must use the cutoff concentrations for the initial and confirmation adulterant testing as...

49 CFR 40.95 - What are the adulterant cutoff concentrations for initial and confirmation tests?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... Transportation PROCEDURES FOR TRANSPORTATION WORKPLACE DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING PROGRAMS Drug Testing... laboratory, you must use the cutoff concentrations for the initial and confirmation adulterant testing as...

49 CFR 40.95 - What are the adulterant cutoff concentrations for initial and confirmation tests?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... Transportation PROCEDURES FOR TRANSPORTATION WORKPLACE DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING PROGRAMS Drug Testing... laboratory, you must use the cutoff concentrations for the initial and confirmation adulterant testing as...

49 CFR 40.95 - What are the adulterant cutoff concentrations for initial and confirmation tests?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... Transportation PROCEDURES FOR TRANSPORTATION WORKPLACE DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING PROGRAMS Drug Testing... laboratory, you must use the cutoff concentrations for the initial and confirmation adulterant testing as...

49 CFR 40.95 - What are the adulterant cutoff concentrations for initial and confirmation tests?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... Transportation PROCEDURES FOR TRANSPORTATION WORKPLACE DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING PROGRAMS Drug Testing... laboratory, you must use the cutoff concentrations for the initial and confirmation adulterant testing as...

78 FR 63516 - Initial Test Program of Emergency Core Cooling Systems for New Boiling-Water Reactors

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-10-24

... NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION [NRC-2012-0134] Initial Test Program of Emergency Core Cooling....79.1, ``Initial Test Program of Emergency Core Cooling Systems for New Boiling-Water Reactors.'' This... emergency core cooling systems (ECCSs) for boiling- water reactors (BWRs) whose licenses are issued after...

14 CFR 91.1065 - Initial and recurrent pilot testing requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Initial and recurrent pilot testing... Ownership Operations Program Management § 91.1065 Initial and recurrent pilot testing requirements. (a) No program manager or owner may use a pilot, nor may any person serve as a pilot, unless, since the beginning...

14 CFR 91.1065 - Initial and recurrent pilot testing requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Initial and recurrent pilot testing... Ownership Operations Program Management § 91.1065 Initial and recurrent pilot testing requirements. (a) No program manager or owner may use a pilot, nor may any person serve as a pilot, unless, since the beginning...

Barriers to and acceptability of provider-initiated HIV testing and counselling and adopting HIV-prevention behaviours in rural Uganda: a qualitative study.

PubMed

Kiene, Susan M; Sileo, Katelyn; Wanyenze, Rhoda K; Lule, Haruna; Bateganya, Moses H; Jasperse, Joseph; Nantaba, Harriet; Jayaratne, Kia

2015-02-01

In Uganda, a nationwide scale-up of provider-initiated HIV testing and counselling presents an opportunity to deliver HIV-prevention services to large numbers of people. In a rural Ugandan hospital, focus group discussions and key informant interviews were conducted with outpatients receiving provider-initiated HIV testing and counselling and staff to explore the HIV-prevention information, motivation and behavioural skills strengths and weaknesses, and community-level and structural barriers to provider-initiated HIV testing and counselling acceptability and HIV prevention among this population. Strengths and weakness occurred at all levels, and results suggest brief client-centred interventions during provider-initiated HIV testing and counselling may be an effective approach to increase prevention behaviours in outpatient settings. © The Author(s) 2013.

Component qualification and initial build of the AGT 100 advanced automotive gas turbine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, R. A.

1983-01-01

In advance of initial dynamometer testing of the AGT 100 engine, all prime components and subsystems were bench/rig tested. Included were compressor, combustor, turbines, regenerator, ceramic components, and electronic control system. Results are briefly reviewed. Initial engine buildup was completed and rolled-out for test cell installation in July 1982. Shakedown testing included motoring and sequential firing of the combustor's three fuel nozzles.

Isolation, purification and partial characterization of early pregnancy factor (EPF) from sera of pregnant women.

PubMed

Haq, A; Mothi, B A; Al-Hussein, K; Al-Tufail, M; Hollanders, J; Jaroudi, K; Al-Waili, N; Shabani, M

2001-05-29

Early pregnancy factor (EPF) is a pregnancy protein, which is secreted into the maternal serum 12-16 hours after fertilization. It is thought to be an immunosuppressive molecule. EPF is detected in pregnant woman's serum by the rosette inhibition assay (RIA). In this study, EPF was purified from the pregnant woman's sera by using ion exchange chromatography and analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The proteins which showed a positive result with the RIA, were found to be 35 kDa and 17 kDa molecular weights. The biological activities of these proteins were stable upon heat treatment at 56 degrees C for 30 min. Proteins isolated and purified in this study might be of great significance to the field of human reproduction with particular reference to pregnancy and recurrent abortion.

Enkephalin inhibition of angiotensin-stimulated release of oxytocin and vasopressin

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Keil, L. C.; Chee, O.; Rosella-Dampman, L. M.; Emmert, S.; Summy-Long, J. Y.

1984-01-01

The effect of intracerebroventricular (ICV) pretreatment with 100 ng/5 microliter leucine(5)-enkephalin (LE) on the increase in plasma oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (VP) caused by ICV injection of 10, 50, or 100 ng/5 microliter of angiotensin II (AII) is investigated experimentally in conscious adult male Sprague-Dawley rats; the effects of water-deprivation dehydration and lactation/suckling (in female rats) are also studied. An OT radioimmunoassay (RIA) with a sensitivity of 800 fg/ml (described in detail) and the VP RIA technique of Keil and Severs (1977) are employed. Administration of AII or dehydration for 48 or 72 h cause a significant increase in OT and VP without affecting the ratio, while lactation and suckling increase OT only. LE pretreatment inhibits significantly but does not suppress the AII-stimulated OT-VP response.

Activity and growth efficiency of heterotrophic bacteria in a salt marsh (Ria de Aveiro, Portugal).

PubMed

Cunha, M A; Pedro, R; Almeida, M A; Silva, M H

2005-01-01

Bacterial utilization of monomers is recognized as an important step in the biogeochemical cycling of organic matter. In this study we have compared the heterotrophic activity of bacterial communities from different micro-habitats within a salt marsh environment (Ria de Aveiro, Portugal) in order to establish spatial patterns of bacterial abundance, monomer turnover rates (Tr) and bacterial growth efficiency (BGE). Differences in bacterial abundance and activity could be found between distinct plant rhizospheres. BGE tended to be lower at Halimione portulacoides banks, when compared to Sarcocornia perennis subsp. perennis banks which, on the contrary, showed the highest bacterial densities. Experiments of amendment of natural samples with organic and inorganic supplements indicated that salt marsh bacteria are not strongly regulated by salinity but the increased availability of labile organic matter causes a significant metabolic shift towards mineralization.

Research Using the Roter Method of Interaction Process Analysis (RIAS) for Communication Education in the Pharmaceutical Sciences.

PubMed

Arita, Etsuko

2017-01-01

The ability to communicate effectively as a healthcare professional has come into greater focus as the role of pharmacists expands from "medicine-based" to "client-based" (e.g., working with patients, their families, and in multidisciplinary interactions). The ability to communicate cannot be acquired solely in the classroom; a large part of acquiring such skill is based on practical experience. Role-playing with simulated patients has already been implemented in pharmaceutical education; in that sense, opportunities to receive education in practical communication are increasing. However, in order to assure that these educational opportunities are more than "experiences" in theory alone, aspects of communications training that are satisfactory or need improvement must be clarified through empirical studies. While data used in pharmaceutical studies have mainly been quantitative in nature, data required for medical communication studies is generally more qualitative. Only recently the importance of qualitative research has been recognized in pharmaceutical studies, a field in which any aspect difficult to express numerically has been considered subjective, and thus less acceptable. Against this backdrop, this report introduces an aspect of communication research that employs the Roter method of interaction process analysis (RIAS), a medical communication analyzing method by Professor Debra Roter at Johns Hopkins University. RIAS is a quantitative analysis of qualitative data. I want to discuss the significance of using results of research based on qualitative data to improve the quality of communication.

Action cameras and the Roter interaction analysis system to assess veterinarian-producer interactions in a dairy setting.

PubMed

Ritter, Caroline; Barkema, Herman W; Adams, Cindy L

2018-02-24

Herd health and production management (HH&PM) are critical aspects of production animal veterinary practice; therefore, dairy veterinarians need to effectively deliver these services. However, limited research that can inform veterinary education has been conducted to characterise these farm visits. The aim of the present study was to assess the applicability of action cameras (eg, GoPro cameras) worn by veterinarians to provide on-farm recordings, and the suitability of these recordings for comprehensive communication analyses. Seven veterinarians each recorded three dairy HH&PM visits. Recordings were analysed using the Roter interaction analysis system (RIAS), which has been used to evaluate medical conversations in human and companion animal contexts, and provided insights regarding the importance of effective clinical communication. However, the RIAS has never been used in a production animal environment. Results of this pilot study indicate that on-farm recordings were suitable for RIAS coding. Dairy practitioners use a substantial amount of talk allocated to relationship-building and farmer education but that communication patterns of the same veterinarian vary considerably between farm visits. Consecutive studies using this method will provide observational data for research purposes and promise to aid in the improvement of veterinary education through identification of communication priorities and gaps in dairy advisory discussions. © British Veterinary Association (unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Improved Savitzky-Golay-method-based fluorescence subtraction algorithm for rapid recovery of Raman spectra.

PubMed

Chen, Kun; Zhang, Hongyuan; Wei, Haoyun; Li, Yan

2014-08-20

In this paper, we propose an improved subtraction algorithm for rapid recovery of Raman spectra that can substantially reduce the computation time. This algorithm is based on an improved Savitzky-Golay (SG) iterative smoothing method, which involves two key novel approaches: (a) the use of the Gauss-Seidel method and (b) the introduction of a relaxation factor into the iterative procedure. By applying a novel successive relaxation (SG-SR) iterative method to the relaxation factor, additional improvement in the convergence speed over the standard Savitzky-Golay procedure is realized. The proposed improved algorithm (the RIA-SG-SR algorithm), which uses SG-SR-based iteration instead of Savitzky-Golay iteration, has been optimized and validated with a mathematically simulated Raman spectrum, as well as experimentally measured Raman spectra from non-biological and biological samples. The method results in a significant reduction in computing cost while yielding consistent rejection of fluorescence and noise for spectra with low signal-to-fluorescence ratios and varied baselines. In the simulation, RIA-SG-SR achieved 1 order of magnitude improvement in iteration number and 2 orders of magnitude improvement in computation time compared with the range-independent background-subtraction algorithm (RIA). Furthermore the computation time of the experimentally measured raw Raman spectrum processing from skin tissue decreased from 6.72 to 0.094 s. In general, the processing of the SG-SR method can be conducted within dozens of milliseconds, which can provide a real-time procedure in practical situations.

Repeat Chlamydia trachomatis testing among heterosexual STI outpatient clinic visitors in the Netherlands: a longitudinal study.

PubMed

Visser, Maartje; van Aar, Fleur; Koedijk, Femke D H; Kampman, Carolina J G; Heijne, Janneke C M

2017-12-20

Chlamydia infections are common in both men and women, are often asymptomatic and can cause serious complications. Repeat testing in high-risk groups is therefore indicated. In the Netherlands, guidelines on repeat chlamydia testing differ between testing facilities, and knowledge on repeat testing behaviour is limited. Here, we analyse the current repeat testing behaviour of heterosexual STI clinic visitors, and aim to identify groups for which repeat testing advice could be advantageous. Longitudinal surveillance data from all Dutch STI outpatient clinics were used, which included all STI clinic consultations carried out among heterosexual men and women between June 2014 and December 2015. Repeat testing was defined as returning to the same STI clinic between 35 days and 12 months after initial consultation. We calculated chlamydia positivity at repeat test stratified by initial test result and time between consultations. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify predictors of repeat testing, and predictors of having a chlamydia positive repeat test. In total, 140,486 consultations in 75,487 women and 46,286 men were available for analyses. Overall, 15.4% of women and 11.1% of men returned to the STI clinic within the study period. Highest chlamydia positivity at repeat test was seen 3-5 months after initial positive test. Among both women and men, repeat testing was associated with non-Western ethnicity, having had more than two sex partners in the past 6 months, reporting STI symptoms, having a history of STI, and having a chlamydia positive initial test. Among repeat testers, chlamydia positive repeat test was most strongly associated with younger age, followed by a chlamydia positive initial test. Repeat testing most often resulted in a positive test result among young heterosexuals (<25) and heterosexuals of any age with a chlamydia infection at the initial consultation. Further efforts are needed to determine optimal repeat testing strategies.

Algebraic method for parameter identification of circuit models for batteries under non-zero initial condition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Devarakonda, Lalitha; Hu, Tingshu

2014-12-01

This paper presents an algebraic method for parameter identification of Thevenin's equivalent circuit models for batteries under non-zero initial condition. In traditional methods, it was assumed that all capacitor voltages have zero initial conditions at the beginning of each charging/discharging test. This would require a long rest time between two tests, leading to very lengthy tests for a charging/discharging cycle. In this paper, we propose an algebraic method which can extract the circuit parameters together with initial conditions. This would theoretically reduce the rest time to 0 and substantially accelerate the testing cycles.

Radioactive dispersion analysis for hypothetical nuclear power plant (NPP) candidate site in Perak state, Malaysia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shamsuddin, Shazmeen Daniar; Basri, Nor Afifah; Omar, Nurlyana; Koh, Meng-Hock; Ramli, Ahmad Termizi; Saridan Wan Hassan, Wan Muhamad

2017-10-01

Malaysia is planning to build a nuclear power plant (NPP) by 2030 to diversify the national electricity supply and resources. Selection of an NPP site must consider various factors, especially nuclear safety consideration to fulfil the nuclear safety objectives. Environmental Risk Assessment Analysis is a part of safety requirements by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) prior to the NPP commissioning process. Risk Assessments Analysis (RIA) is compulsory for the NPP site evaluation. One of RIA methods are Radioactive Dispersion Analysis using probabilistic risk analysis software. It is also important to perform studies to estimate the impact to the neighbouring population in the case of a nuclear accident at the power plant. In the present work, aimed to study the impact of a hypothetical nuclear accident by simulating the dispersion pattern of radionuclides originated from a candidate site at Manjung, Perak. The work has been performed using the HotSpot Health Physics codes. Two types of radionuclides have been considered namely 137Cs and 131I. In calculations, the initial concentration of radioactive materials of Fukushima Daiichi accident data are used which are 2.06 x 1016 Bq and 1.68 x 1017 Bq respectively for the two radionuclides. The result shows that the dispersion distance obtained from both software are not the same. It shows that 137Cs and 131I can be dispersed as far as 16 km and 80 km away from the site during radiological accident respectively, reaching major towns in Perak. Using HOTSPOT, the estimated total effective dose equivalent (TEDE) for 137Cs and 131I at major towns in Perak such as Lumut and Sitiawan are 1.2 mSv and 9.9 mSv. As for Taiping, Ipoh, Kampar, and Teluk Intan the estimated TEDE is around 0.2 mSv and 1.6 mSv respectively. In conclusion, the dispersion can reach as far as 80 km from the site. However, estimated annual effective dose is not more than 1 mSv limit, which is considered acceptable in the point of view of radiological health risk for human and the environment.

Exploring the cause of initially reactive bovine brains on rapid tests for BSE

PubMed Central

Dudas, Sandor; James, Jace; Anderson, Renee; Czub, Stefanie

2015-01-01

ABSTRACT Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) is an invariably fatal prion disease of cattle. The identification of the zoonotic potential of BSE prompted safety officials to initiate surveillance testing for this disease. In Canada, BSE surveillance is primarily focused on high risk cattle including animals which are dead, down and unable to rise, diseased or distressed. This targeted surveillance results in the submission of brain samples with a wide range of tissue autolysis and associated contaminants. These contaminants have the potential to interfere with important steps of surveillance tests resulting in initially positive test results requiring additional testing to confirm the disease status of the animal. The current tests used for BSE screening in Canada utilize the relative protease resistance of the prion protein gained when it misfolds from PrPC to PrPSc as part of the disease process. Proteinase K completely digests PrPC in normal brains, but leaves most of the PrPSc in BSE positive brains intact which is detected using anti-prion antibodies. These tests are highly reliable but occasionally give rise to initially reactive/false positive results. Test results for these reactive samples were close to the positive/negative cut-off on a sub set of test platforms. This is in contrast to all of the previous Canadian positive samples whose numeric values on these same test platforms were 10 to 100 fold greater than the test positive/negative cut-off. Here we explore the potential reason why a sample is repeatedly positive on a sub-set of rapid surveillance tests, but negative on other test platforms. In order to better understand and identify what might cause these initial reactions, we have conducted a variety of rapid and confirmatory assays as well as bacterial isolation and identification on BSE positive, negative and initially reactive samples. We observed high levels of viable bacterial contamination in initially reactive samples suggesting that the reactivity may be related to bacterial factors. Several bacteria isolated from the initially reactive samples have characteristics of biofilm forming bacteria and this extracellular matrix might play a role in preventing complete digestion of PrPC in these samples. PMID:26689488

40 CFR 63.5722 - How do I use the performance test data to demonstrate initial compliance?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 12 2011-07-01 2009-07-01 true How do I use the performance test data... Manufacturing Demonstrating Compliance for Open Molding Operations Controlled by Add-on Control Devices § 63.5722 How do I use the performance test data to demonstrate initial compliance? Demonstrate initial...

40 CFR 63.5722 - How do I use the performance test data to demonstrate initial compliance?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 12 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 true How do I use the performance test data... Manufacturing Demonstrating Compliance for Open Molding Operations Controlled by Add-on Control Devices § 63.5722 How do I use the performance test data to demonstrate initial compliance? Demonstrate initial...

40 CFR 53.7 - Testing of methods at the initiative of the Administrator.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 5 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Testing of methods at the initiative of the Administrator. 53.7 Section 53.7 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... Provisions § 53.7 Testing of methods at the initiative of the Administrator. (a) In the absence of an...

10 CFR 26.91 - Acceptable devices for conducting initial and confirmatory tests for alcohol and methods of use.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 10 Energy 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Acceptable devices for conducting initial and confirmatory tests for alcohol and methods of use. 26.91 Section 26.91 Energy NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION FITNESS FOR DUTY PROGRAMS Collecting Specimens for Testing § 26.91 Acceptable devices for conducting initial...

10 CFR 26.91 - Acceptable devices for conducting initial and confirmatory tests for alcohol and methods of use.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 10 Energy 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Acceptable devices for conducting initial and confirmatory tests for alcohol and methods of use. 26.91 Section 26.91 Energy NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION FITNESS FOR DUTY PROGRAMS Collecting Specimens for Testing § 26.91 Acceptable devices for conducting initial...

10 CFR 26.91 - Acceptable devices for conducting initial and confirmatory tests for alcohol and methods of use.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 10 Energy 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Acceptable devices for conducting initial and confirmatory tests for alcohol and methods of use. 26.91 Section 26.91 Energy NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION FITNESS FOR DUTY PROGRAMS Collecting Specimens for Testing § 26.91 Acceptable devices for conducting initial...

10 CFR 26.91 - Acceptable devices for conducting initial and confirmatory tests for alcohol and methods of use.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 10 Energy 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Acceptable devices for conducting initial and confirmatory tests for alcohol and methods of use. 26.91 Section 26.91 Energy NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION FITNESS FOR DUTY PROGRAMS Collecting Specimens for Testing § 26.91 Acceptable devices for conducting initial...

10 CFR 26.91 - Acceptable devices for conducting initial and confirmatory tests for alcohol and methods of use.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 10 Energy 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Acceptable devices for conducting initial and confirmatory tests for alcohol and methods of use. 26.91 Section 26.91 Energy NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION FITNESS FOR DUTY PROGRAMS Collecting Specimens for Testing § 26.91 Acceptable devices for conducting initial...

Students' Initial Knowledge State and Test Design: Towards a Valid and Reliable Test Instrument

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

CoPo, Antonio Roland I.

2015-01-01

Designing a good test instrument involves specifications, test construction, validation, try-out, analysis and revision. The initial knowledge state of forty (40) tertiary students enrolled in Business Statistics course was determined and the same test instrument undergoes validation. The designed test instrument did not only reveal the baseline…

Retention of Prose Following Testing with Different Types of Tests.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Duchastel, Philippe C.

1981-01-01

Taking a test on a passage one has just studied is known to enhance later retention. This effect was influenced by the type of initial test used. It was evident in the case of the initial short-answer test, but not in the case of multiple choice and free recall tests. (Author/RD)

Anthrax

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-01

antimicrobials listed below) Initial therapye (intravenous dosing) Oral dosing Initial therapy (intravenous) IV treatment initially Switch to oral...high index of suspicion for anthrax, initiation of therapy should not be delayed for results of these confirmatory tests. 1. MICROBIOLOGICAL TESTS...Sputum specimens from inhalational anthrax patients should be plated on chocolate agar, SBA, and MAC. Cultures will show isolated B. anthracis

Risk factors associated with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Espírito Santo, Brazil.

PubMed

Fregona, Geisa; Cosme, Lorrayne Belique; Moreira, Cláudia Maria Marques; Bussular, José Luis; Dettoni, Valdério do Valle; Dalcolmo, Margareth Pretti; Zandonade, Eliana; Maciel, Ethel Leonor Noia

2017-04-27

To analyze the prevalence and factors associated with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Espírito Santo, Brazil. This is a cross-sectional study of cases of tuberculosis tested for first-line drugs (isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, ethambutol, and streptomycin) in Espírito Santo between 2002 and 2012. We have used laboratory data and registration of cases of tuberculosis - from the Sistema Nacional de Agravos de Notificação and Sistema para Tratamentos Especiais de Tuberculose. Individuals have been classified as resistant and non-resistant and compared in relation to the sociodemographic, clinical, and epidemiological variables. Some variables have been included in a logistic regression model to establish the factors associated with resistance. In the study period, 1,669 individuals underwent anti-tuberculosis drug susceptibility testing. Of these individuals, 10.6% showed resistance to any anti-tuberculosis drug. The rate of multidrug resistance observed, that is, to rifampicin and isoniazid, has been 5%. After multiple analysis, we have identified as independent factors associated with resistant tuberculosis: history of previous treatment of tuberculosis [recurrence (OR = 7.72; 95%CI 4.24-14.05) and re-entry after abandonment (OR = 3.91; 95%CI 1.81-8.43)], smoking (OR = 3.93; 95%CI 1.98-7.79), and positive culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis at the time of notification of the case (OR = 3.22; 95%CI 1.15-8.99). The partnership between tuberculosis control programs and health teams working in the network of Primary Health Care needs to be strengthened. This would allow the identification and monitoring of individuals with a history of previous treatment of tuberculosis and smoking. Moreover, the expansion of the offer of the culture of tuberculosis and anti-tuberculosis drug susceptibility testing would provide greater diagnostic capacity for the resistant types in Espírito Santo. Analisar a prevalência e fatores associados à tuberculose resistente no Espírito Santo. Estudo transversal dos casos de tuberculose testados para fármacos de primeira linha (isoniazida, rifampicina, pirazinamida, etambutol e estreptomicina) no Espírito Santo entre 2002 e 2012. Foram utilizados dados laboratoriais e de registro de casos de tuberculose - Sistema Nacional de Agravos de Notificação e Sistema para Tratamentos Especiais de Tuberculose. Os indivíduos foram classificados em resistentes e não resistentes, e comparados para variáveis sociodemográficas, clínicas e epidemiológicas. Algumas variáveis foram inclusas em um modelo de regressão logística para estabelecimento de fatores associados à resistência. No período do estudo, 1.669 indivíduos tiveram o teste de sensibilidade aos fármacos antituberculose realizado. Destes, 10,6% apresentaram resistência a qualquer droga antituberculose. A taxa de multirresistência observada, isto é, à rifampicina e isoniazida, foi de 5%. Após a análise múltipla, foram identificados como fatores associados independentes para tuberculose resistente: história de tratamento prévio para tuberculose [Recidiva (OR = 7,72; IC95% 4,24-14,05) e reingresso após abandono (OR = 3,91; IC95% 1,81-8,43)], tabagismo (OR = 3,93; IC95% 1,98-7,79) e cultura positiva para Mycobacterium tuberculosis no momento da notificação do caso (OR = 3,22; IC95% 1,15-8,99). É necessário o fortalecimento da parceria entre os programas de controle de tuberculose e as equipes de saúde que atuam na rede de Atenção Primária à Saúde. Isso possibilitaria identificar e acompanhar indivíduos com história de tratamento prévio para tuberculose e tabagismo. Além disso, a ampliação da oferta de cultura e Teste de Sensibilidade a fármacos antituberculose proporcionaria maior capacidade diagnóstica para as formas resistentes no Espírito Santo.

Regulatory Impact Analysis for the Final Cross-State Air Pollution Rule

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) presents the health and welfare benefits, costs, and other impacts of the Transport Rule, also called the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule, focusing primarily on 2014.

Comparative analysis of ampoules and vials in sterile and conventional packaging as to microbial load and sterility test.

PubMed

Freitas, Raphael Ribeiro de Aquino; Tardelli, Maria Angela

2016-05-24

To compare sterility and microbial (bacteria and fungi) load in the outer part of hyperbaric bupivacaine (Neocaína®) in ampoule and bupivacaine in vial, in conventional and sterile pack formulations. The sterile packs were divided into two groups: G1 (n=16) with ampoules and G2 (n=16) with vials. Conventional formulations were divided into two groups, being G3 (n=16) with ampoules and G4 (n=16) with vials. The ampoules and vials were opened and had their content drawn. The empty bottles were then placed in sterile plastic bags and sent for analysis of microbial load (bacteria and fungi) and sterility testing. Data were analyzed using the χ2 test with Yates correction, and 95% confidence interval. G1 and G2 showed no bacterial growth when compared to conventional groups (p<0.001). The most common agent in conventional microbiological samples was Staphylococcus aureus. There was no fungal growth in both groups. The use of (sterile pack) reduces the microbial load of bottles, and would decrease the chance of exposure to potential contamination of the anesthetic solution. Comparar a esterilidade e a carga microbiana (bactérias e fungos) da parte externa dos frascos de envasamento de bupivacaína hiperbárica (Neocaína®) em ampola e bupivacaína em frasco-ampola das apresentações convencional e estéril (sterile pack). As apresentações estéreis (sterile pack) foram distribuídas em dois grupos, sendo que o G1 (n=16) continha as ampolas e o G2 (n=16), os frascos-ampola. As apresentações convencionais foram distribuídas em dois grupos, a saber G3 (n=16) com as ampolas e G4 (n=16) com os frascos-ampola. As ampolas e os frascos-ampolas eram abertos e tinham seu conteúdo aspirado. Os frascos vazios eram, então, acondicionados em sacos plásticos estéreis e enviados para análise quanto à carga microbiana (bactérias e fungos), bem como para o teste de esterilidade. Os dados foram analisados por meio do teste χ2 com correção Yates com intervalo de confiança de 95%. Os grupos G1 e G2 não apresentaram crescimento bacteriano quando comparado aos grupos convencionais (p<0,001). O microbiano mais comum nas amostras convencionais foi o Staphylococcus aureus. Não houve crescimento de fungos em nenhum dos grupos. O uso de embalagens estéreis (sterile pack) diminui a carga microbiana dos frascos de envasamentos, o que diminuiria a chance de exposição a uma potencial contaminação da solução anestésica.

10 CFR 26.75 - Sanctions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... initial test results for marijuana or cocaine metabolites from a specimen that is reported to be valid on... respect to positive initial drug test results from a licensee testing facility for marijuana and cocaine...

10 CFR 26.75 - Sanctions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... initial test results for marijuana or cocaine metabolites from a specimen that is reported to be valid on... respect to positive initial drug test results from a licensee testing facility for marijuana and cocaine...

10 CFR 26.75 - Sanctions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... initial test results for marijuana or cocaine metabolites from a specimen that is reported to be valid on... respect to positive initial drug test results from a licensee testing facility for marijuana and cocaine...

40 CFR 63.9915 - What test methods and other procedures must I use to demonstrate initial compliance with dioxin...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... must I use to demonstrate initial compliance with dioxin/furan emission limits? 63.9915 Section 63.9915....9915 What test methods and other procedures must I use to demonstrate initial compliance with dioxin... limit for dioxins/furans in Table 1 to this subpart, you must follow the test methods and procedures...

The Effects of Hot Corrosion Pits on the Fatigue Resistance of a Disk Superalloy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gabb, Timothy P.; Telesman, Jack; Hazel, Brian; Mourer, David P.

2009-01-01

The effects of hot corrosion pits on low cycle fatigue life and failure modes of the disk superalloy ME3 were investigated. Low cycle fatigue specimens were subjected to hot corrosion exposures producing pits, then tested at low and high temperatures. Fatigue lives and failure initiation points were compared to those of specimens without corrosion pits. Several tests were interrupted to estimate the fraction of fatigue life that fatigue cracks initiated at pits. Corrosion pits significantly reduced fatigue life by 60 to 98 percent. Fatigue cracks initiated at a very small fraction of life for high temperature tests, but initiated at higher fractions in tests at low temperature. Critical pit sizes required to promote fatigue cracking were estimated, based on measurements of pits initiating cracks on fracture surfaces.

Background compensation for a radiation level monitor

DOEpatents

Keefe, D.J.

1975-12-01

Background compensation in a device such as a hand and foot monitor is provided by digital means using a scaler. With no radiation level test initiated, a scaler is down-counted from zero according to the background measured. With a radiation level test initiated, the scaler is up-counted from the previous down-count position according to the radiation emitted from the monitored object and an alarm is generated if, with the scaler having crossed zero in the positive going direction, a particular number is exceeded in a specific time period after initiation of the test. If the test is initiated while the scale is down-counting, the background count from the previous down- count stored in a memory is used as the initial starting point for the up-count.

78 FR 39757 - Current List of Laboratories and Instrumented Initial Testing Facilities Which Meet Minimum...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-02

... Engage in Urine Drug Testing for Federal Agencies AGENCY: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services... the standards of the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs (Mandatory... and Instrumented Initial Testing Facilities [[Page 39758

Primary Health Care: care coordinator in regionalized networks?

PubMed

Almeida, Patty Fidelis de; Santos, Adriano Maia Dos

2016-12-22

To analyze the breadth of care coordination by Primary Health Care in three health regions. This is a quantitative and qualitative case study. Thirty-one semi-structured interviews with municipal, regional and state managers were carried out, besides a cross-sectional survey with the administration of questionnaires to physicians (74), nurses (127), and a representative sample of users (1,590) of Estratégia Saúde da Família (Family Health Strategy) in three municipal centers of health regions in the state of Bahia. Primary Health Care as first contact of preference faced strong competition from hospital outpatient and emergency services outside the network. Issues related to access to and provision of specialized care were aggravated by dependence on the private sector in the regions, despite progress observed in institutionalizing flows starting out from Primary Health Care. The counter-referral system was deficient and interprofessional communication was scarce, especially concerning services provided by the contracted network. Coordination capacity is affected both by the fragmentation of the regional network and intrinsic problems in Primary Health Care, which poorly supported in its essential attributes. Although the health regions have common problems, Primary Health Care remains a subject confined to municipal boundaries. Analisar o alcance da coordenação do cuidado pela Atenção Primária à Saúde em três regiões de saúde. Trata-se de estudo de caso, com abordagem quantitativa e qualitativa. Foram realizadas 31 entrevistas semiestruturadas com gestores municipais, regionais e estaduais e estudo transversal com aplicação de questionários para médicos (74), enfermeiros (127) e amostra representativa de usuários (1.590) da Estratégia Saúde da Família em três municípios-sede de regiões de saúde do estado da Bahia. A função de porta de entrada preferencial pela Atenção Primária à Saúde deparava-se com forte concorrência de serviços ambulatoriais hospitalares e de pronto-atendimento, desarticulados da rede. Problemas de acesso e oferta de atenção especializada eram agravados pela dependência do setor privado nas regiões, ainda que tenham sido observados avanços na institucionalização de fluxos desde a Atenção Primária à Saúde. A contrarreferência era deficiente e a comunicação interprofissional escassa, principalmente quando o usuário era atendido na rede contratada ou conveniada. A capacidade de coordenação mostra-se afetada tanto pela fragmentação da rede regional, quanto por problemas intrínsecos à Atenção Primária à Saúde, pouco fortalecida em seus atributos essenciais. Apesar de as regiões de saúde apresentarem problemas em comum, a Atenção Primária à Saúde continua sendo um tema circunscrito aos limites municipais.

Land-ocean contributions of arsenic through a river-estuary-ria system (SW Europe) under the influence of arsenopyrite deposits in the fluvial basin.

PubMed

Costas, Marta; Prego, Ricardo; Filgueiras, Ana V; Bendicho, Carlos

2011-12-15

Water was sampled monthly from September 2005 to August 2006 at 14 stations distributed throughout the coastal system of Anllóns-Laxe, from where 30 surface sediment samples were also taken. After filtration through 0.22 μm polycarbonate filters, dissolved inorganic and total arsenic (UV oxidation) concentration was determined by HG-AFS. After microwave digestion, the arsenic in SPM and sediment was determined by AAS. Ultra-clean procedures were adopted during sampling, handling and analysis and the analytical accuracy was checked using certified reference material. Spatial distribution of As in water (0.2-4.0 μg L(-1)), SPM (21-169 mg kg(-1)) and sediment of the river reservoir was altered by the presence of arsenopyrite deposits in the middle fluvial basin that increases 2.1±0.5 and 1.7±0.5 times the concentrations of inorganic dissolved (DI-As) and particulate (P-As) arsenic, respectively. At the termination fluvial zone As fluxes can be calculated to be: [DI-As]=7.09·Q(-0.69). The Anllóns River exports to its estuary 460 kg a(-1) of dissolved (<7% as organic) arsenic annually. It is higher (i.e. 0.83 kgs(-1) km(-2) of DI-As) than that of most of European rivers. In the estuary reservoir, the influence of arsenopyrite is also evident as the river concentration of DI-As, which was lower than in seawater during the wet season and higher during the dry season. Arsenic has non-conservative behaviour, as in other European estuaries, but the Anllóns shows an ambivalent pattern: as it usually gains DI-As during the wet season and loses it during the dry season, whilst P-As seems to behave contrary to the DI-As. When the fluvial arsenic reaches the ria its concentration varies due to the estuarine processes. In the wet season DI-As increases its concentration by one third whilst in the dry season it decreases by one fifth and the annual contribution to the ria is 10% higher than the fluvial output. In the case of P-As more data are necessary to quantify its behaviour; however, the estuarine sediments are contaminated by arsenic. In the ria reservoir DI-As levels were similar to those of the ocean, DO-As comprises 9-22% of the inorganic, P-As ranges from 3 to 40 mg kg(-1), and As-sedimentary can be classified as uncontaminated (4-18 mg kg(-1)), except in the fishing ports. The ria circulation, reinforced by upwelling favours the exportation of arsenic to the ocean. In the Anllóns-Laxe system as a whole, the freshwater-saline interface processes do not lead to a decrease in the dissolved fluvial arsenic flux to the ocean. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

40 CFR 60.2922 - How do I conduct the initial and annual performance test?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... of this part must be used. (ii) The post-test moisture removal procedure described in section 8.1.6... performance test? 60.2922 Section 60.2922 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED... Testing § 60.2922 How do I conduct the initial and annual performance test? (a) All performance tests must...

40 CFR 60.2922 - How do I conduct the initial and annual performance test?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... of this part must be used. (ii) The post-test moisture removal procedure described in section 8.1.6... performance test? 60.2922 Section 60.2922 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED... Testing § 60.2922 How do I conduct the initial and annual performance test? (a) All performance tests must...

Non-destructive testing of concrete.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1979-11-01

This research project was initiated to evaluate the performance of an ultrasonic testing device device in predicting compressive strengths from tests performed on samples of fresh concrete. : The initial phase of this study involved laboratory perora...

Radioimmunoassay of dermorphin-like peptides in mammalian and non-mammalian tissues.

PubMed

Negri, L; Melchiorri, P; Erspamer, G F; Erspamer, V

1981-01-01

A selective RIA for D-Ala2-Dermorphin (Der), a natural peptide extracted from amphibian skin, has been developed using an antibody raised in rabbits against Der which has been coupled to BSA through its phenolic hydroxyl groups of tyrosine residues with 2,4-Dichloro-6-methoxy-1,3,5-triazine. The cross-reactivity of this antibody with dermorphin analogs, C- and N-terminal fragments of dermorphin molecule, some opioid and gastrointestinal peptides was tested. Der-like immunoreactivity has been identified in tissue extracts of rats, frog and cephalopoda. Der-like peptides were purified by passing methanol extracts of the tissues through a Sephadex G25 column (16 x 100 cm) eluted with 0.1 M acetic acid at 4 degrees C. Der-like immunoreactivity from neural tissue of Dosidicus gigas, Eledone moscata, and rat brain showed a good agreement with an authentic sample of synthetic dermorphin.

Prevalence of HIV Infection and Risk Factors Among Female Sex Workers in a Southeast Province of Vietnam.

PubMed

Nguyen, Tri; Stewart, Donald Edwin; Lee, Chiao Tzu Patricia; Dang, Thi Nhu Hang

2017-08-01

Female sex workers (FSWs) are at heightened risk of HIV infection. This research aims to determine the prevalence of HIV and relevant risk factors and related behavior among FSWs in Ba Ria - Vung Tau, a southeast province of Vietnam. 420 FSWs were interviewed using a structured questionnaire and biological samples tested for HIV. 2.6 % were found to be HIV positive. HIV infection was significantly higher in FSWs who had low income (≤AUD 200 per month), have had anal sex, have had sex with injecting drug users, and had a low level of HIV/AIDS-related knowledge. Improved employment opportunities and income are important to reduce the pressure for young women to engage in sex work for income purposes, but in public health terms, existing HIV treatment, prevention and intervention programs needs better targeting and improvements to reduce the risk of HIV infection.

78 FR 58385 - Medicare Program; Prospective Payment System for Federally Qualified Health Centers; Changes to...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-09-23

... ResDAC Research Data Assistance Center RIA Regulatory Impact Analysis RHC Rural Health Clinic SNF... Community Health Applied Research Network. We believe that the proposals in this proposed rule benefited...

Rail integrity alert system (RIAS) feature discrimination : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-08-01

This report describes GE Global Researchs research, in partnership with GE Transportation, into developing and deploying : algorithms for a locomotive-based inductive sensing system that has a very high probability of detecting broken rails with v...

The economic survival of long stay institutions for impoverished aged people.

PubMed

Creutzberg, Marion; Gonçalves, Lúcia Hisako Takase; Sobottka, Emil Albert

2007-01-01

Identify structural couplings of Retirement Institutions for the Aged (RIA) with the economic system, in order to maintain those institutions that shelter the poor aged in the Brazilian context. Qualitative, exploratory-descriptive study. The data collection was carried out through interviews with seven leading people and eight aged people, analysis of communication of 52 non-profit Brazilian RIAs, both public and private. The content analysis was performed based on the Niklas Luhmann's Systems Theory. It was verified that in face of the aged scarce resources, a considerable share of the maintenance costs are supported by the institutions themselves, whose search for resources is done by leaders, team, the aged and communities. The excessive involvement of these institutions in the elaboration of programs for searching funds can harm the performance of their essential function which is to care for the poor aged.

Aeromonas veronii, a tributyltin (TBT)-degrading bacterium isolated from an estuarine environment, Ria de Aveiro in Portugal.

PubMed

Cruz, Andreia; Caetano, Tânia; Suzuki, Satoru; Mendo, Sónia

2007-12-01

Organotin compounds are used in a variety of industrial processes therefore their subsequent discharge into the environment is widespread. Bacteria play an important role in biogeochemical transformations acting as natural decontamination agents. Therefore, screening for tributyltin (TBT)-resistant and -degrading bacteria is relevant for the selection of isolates with decontamination ability of these polluted areas. With this purpose, 50 strains were isolated from sediment and water from Ria de Aveiro and their tolerance to TBT, up to 3mM, was evaluated. Generally, occurrence of highly TBT-resistant bacteria was observed, and Gram negative bacteria exhibited more tolerance to TBT than Gram positive bacteria. A memory response was observed when bacteria were progressively exposed to increasingly higher TBT concentrations. One isolate, Aeromonas veronii Av27, highly resistant to TBT (3mM) uses this compound as carbon source and degrades it to less toxic compounds.

Uranium carbide fission target R&D for RIA - an update

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Greene, J. P.; Levand, A.; Nolen, J.; Burtseva, T.

2004-12-01

For the Rare Isotope Accelerator (RIA) facility, ISOL targets employing refractory compounds of uranium are being developed to produce radioactive ions for post-acceleration. The availability of refractory uranium compounds in forms that have good thermal conductivity, relatively high density, and adequate release properties for short-lived isotopes remains an important issue. Investigations using commercially obtained uranium carbide material and prepared into targets involving various binder materials have been carried out at ANL. Thin sample pellets have been produced for measurements of thermal conductivity using a new method based on electron bombardment with the thermal radiation observed using a two-color optical pyrometer and performed on samples as a function of grain size, pressing pressure and sintering temperature. Manufacture of uranium carbide powder has now been achieved at ANL. Simulations have been carried out on the thermal behavior of the secondary target assembly incorporating various heat shield configurations.

75 FR 17174 - Market Test

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-05

... POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION [Docket No. MT2010-1; Order No. 434] Market Test AGENCY: Postal... notice announcing its intent to initiate a market test. This notice addresses procedural steps associated... intent to initiate a market test beginning on or about May 1, 2010, of an experimental competitive...

40 CFR 86.609-98 - Calculation and reporting of test results.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... results. 86.609-98 Section 86.609-98 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED....609-98 Calculation and reporting of test results. (a) Initial test results are calculated following the test procedures specified in § 86.608-98(a). Round the initial test results to the number of...

40 CFR 86.609-98 - Calculation and reporting of test results.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... results. 86.609-98 Section 86.609-98 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED... Vehicles § 86.609-98 Calculation and reporting of test results. (a) Initial test results are calculated following the test procedures specified in § 86.608-98(a). Round the initial test results to the number of...

40 CFR 86.609-98 - Calculation and reporting of test results.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... results. 86.609-98 Section 86.609-98 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED... Vehicles § 86.609-98 Calculation and reporting of test results. (a) Initial test results are calculated following the test procedures specified in § 86.608-98(a). Round the initial test results to the number of...

40 CFR 63.2261 - By what date must I conduct performance tests or other initial compliance demonstrations?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... initial startup or no later than 180 calendar days after the compliance date that is specified for your... compliance demonstrations that do not require performance tests upon initial startup or no later than 30...

40 CFR 63.2261 - By what date must I conduct performance tests or other initial compliance demonstrations?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... initial startup or no later than 180 calendar days after the compliance date that is specified for your... compliance demonstrations that do not require performance tests upon initial startup or no later than 30...

40 CFR 63.2261 - By what date must I conduct performance tests or other initial compliance demonstrations?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... conduct performance tests upon initial startup or no later than 180 calendar days after the compliance... initial startup or no later than 30 calendar days after the compliance date that is specified for your...

40 CFR 63.2261 - By what date must I conduct performance tests or other initial compliance demonstrations?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... conduct performance tests upon initial startup or no later than 180 calendar days after the compliance... initial startup or no later than 30 calendar days after the compliance date that is specified for your...

Antioxidant responses versus DNA damage and lipid peroxidation in golden grey mullet liver: a field study at Ria de Aveiro (Portugal).

PubMed

Oliveira, M; Ahmad, I; Maria, V L; Pacheco, M; Santos, M A

2010-10-01

The present work aimed to investigate golden grey mullet (Liza aurata) liver protection versus damage responses at a polluted coastal lagoon, Ria de Aveiro (Portugal), as a tool to evaluate the human impacts on environmental health at five critical sites in Ria de Aveiro (Portugal) in comparison to a reference site (Torreira; TOR). Protection was evaluated by measuring non-enzymatic [total glutathione (GSHt) and non-protein thiols (NPT)] and enzymatic [catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and glutathione reductase (GR)] antioxidant defenses. Damage was assessed as DNA integrity loss and lipid peroxidation (LPO). No significant differences were found between sites in terms of non-enzymatic defenses (GSHt and NPT). CAT did not display significant differences among sites. However, GPx at Barra (BAR, associated with naval traffic), Gafanha (GAF, harbor and dry-dock activities area), Laranjo (LAR, metal contaminated associated with chlor-alkali plant), and Vagos (VAG, contaminated by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) was significantly lower than the reference site. GST was lower at GAF, Rio Novo do Príncipe (RIO, pulp mill effluent area), LAR, and VAG, whereas GR was lower at RIO. The loss of antioxidant defenses was paralleled by higher LPO levels only at GAF and VAG. However, no DNA integrity loss was found. Results highlight the importance of the adopted multibiomarkers as applied in the liver of L. aurata in coastal water pollution monitoring. The integration of liver antioxidant defense and damage responses can improve the aquatic contamination assessment.

Quantification of VGF- and pro-SAAS-derived peptides in endocrine tissues and the brain, and their regulation by diet and cold stress.

PubMed

Chakraborty, Tandra R; Tkalych, Oleg; Nanno, Daniela; Garcia, Angelo L; Devi, Lakshmi A; Salton, Stephen R J

2006-05-17

Two novel granin-like polypeptides, VGF and pro-SAAS, which are stored in and released from secretory vesicles and are expressed widely in nervous, endocrine, and neuroendocrine tissues, play roles in the regulation of body weight, feeding, and energy expenditure. Both VGF and pro-SAAS are cleaved into peptide fragments, several of which are biologically active. We utilized a highly sensitive and specific radioimmunoassay (RIA) to immunoreactive, pro-SAAS-derived PEN peptides, developed another against immunoreactive, VGF-derived AQEE30 peptides, and quantified these peptides in various mouse tissues and brain regions. Immunoreactive AQEE30 was most abundant in the pituitary, while brain levels were highest in hypothalamus, striatum, and frontal cortex. Immunoreactive PEN levels were highest in the pancreas and spinal cord, and in brain, PEN was most abundant in striatum, hippocampus, pons and medulla, and cortex. Since both peptides were expressed in hypothalamus, a region of the brain that controls feeding and energy expenditure, double label immunofluorescence studies were employed. These demonstrated that 42% of hypothalamic arcuate neurons coexpress VGF and SAAS peptides, and that the intracellular distributions of these peptides in arcuate neurons differed. By RIA, cold stress increased immunoreactive AQEE30 and PEN peptide levels in female but not male hypothalamus, while a high fat diet increased AQEE30 and PEN peptide levels in female but not male hippocampus. VGF and SAAS-derived peptides are therefore widely expressed in endocrine, neuroendocrine, and neural tissues, can be accurately quantified by RIA, and are differentially regulated in the brain by diet and cold stress.

40 CFR 60.3027 - How do I conduct the initial and annual performance test?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 26A of appendix A of this part must be used. (ii) The post-test moisture removal procedure described... performance test? 60.3027 Section 60.3027 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED..., 2004 Model Rule-Performance Testing § 60.3027 How do I conduct the initial and annual performance test...

40 CFR 60.2922 - How do I conduct the initial and annual performance test?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 26A of appendix A of this part must be used. (ii) The post-test moisture removal procedure described... performance test? 60.2922 Section 60.2922 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED... Qualification Performance Testing § 60.2922 How do I conduct the initial and annual performance test? (a) All...

40 CFR 60.3027 - How do I conduct the initial and annual performance test?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 26A of appendix A of this part must be used. (ii) The post-test moisture removal procedure described... performance test? 60.3027 Section 60.3027 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED..., 2004 Model Rule-Performance Testing § 60.3027 How do I conduct the initial and annual performance test...

40 CFR 60.3027 - How do I conduct the initial and annual performance test?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 26A of appendix A of this part must be used. (ii) The post-test moisture removal procedure described... performance test? 60.3027 Section 60.3027 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED..., 2004 Model Rule-Performance Testing § 60.3027 How do I conduct the initial and annual performance test...

40 CFR 60.3027 - How do I conduct the initial and annual performance test?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 26A of appendix A of this part must be used. (ii) The post-test moisture removal procedure described... performance test? 60.3027 Section 60.3027 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED..., 2004 Model Rule-Performance Testing § 60.3027 How do I conduct the initial and annual performance test...

40 CFR 60.3027 - How do I conduct the initial and annual performance test?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 26A of appendix A of this part must be used. (ii) The post-test moisture removal procedure described... performance test? 60.3027 Section 60.3027 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED..., 2004 Model Rule-Performance Testing § 60.3027 How do I conduct the initial and annual performance test...

40 CFR 60.2922 - How do I conduct the initial and annual performance test?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 26A of appendix A of this part must be used. (ii) The post-test moisture removal procedure described... performance test? 60.2922 Section 60.2922 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED... Qualification Performance Testing § 60.2922 How do I conduct the initial and annual performance test? (a) All...

40 CFR 60.2922 - How do I conduct the initial and annual performance test?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 26A of appendix A of this part must be used. (ii) The post-test moisture removal procedure described... performance test? 60.2922 Section 60.2922 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED... Qualification Performance Testing § 60.2922 How do I conduct the initial and annual performance test? (a) All...

78 FR 46996 - Current List of Laboratories and Instrumented Initial Testing Facilities Which Meet Minimum...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-02

... Engage in Urine Drug Testing for Federal Agencies AGENCY: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services... the standards of the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs (Mandatory... and Instrumented Initial Testing Facilities (IITF) must meet in order to conduct drug and specimen...

Reduced Interference from Memory Testing: A Postretrieval Monitoring Account

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pierce, Benton H.; Gallo, David A.; McCain, Jason L.

2017-01-01

Initial learning can interfere with subsequent learning (proactive interference [PI]), but recent work indicates initial testing can reduce PI. Here, we tested 2 alternative hypotheses of this effect: Does testing reduce PI by constraining retrieval to the target list, or by facilitating a postretrieval monitoring process? Participants first…

Rare earth elements in coastal sediments of the northern Galician shelf: Influence of geological features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prego, Ricardo; Caetano, Miguel; Bernárdez, Patricia; Brito, Pedro; Ospina-Alvarez, Natalia; Vale, Carlos

2012-03-01

The Northern coast of Galicia, NW Iberian Peninsula, exhibits a variety of geological features: Ortegal allochthonous complex, Ollo-de-Sapo autochthonous domain and massifs of Bares, Barqueiro and San-Ciprian. In order to examine the influence of terrestrial lithologies on coastal sediments, 103 samples were collected in the Rias of Ortigueira, Barqueiro and Viveiro, their neighbouring shelf and the estuaries of Mera, Sor and Landro rivers. Aluminium, Fe, Sc, particulate inorganic and organic carbon and rare earth elements (REE) were determined in the <2 mm fraction. In addition, calcite, muscovite, quartz and riebeckite minerals were identified and quantified in 33 selected samples. The distributions of riebeckite and Fe reflect the influence of Ortegal complex on the coastal areas around the Cape Ortegal. The highest concentrations of ΣREE were found in fine sediments from confined inner parts of the Rias (up to 233 mg kg-1), while most of the sands contained 11-70 mg kg-1. ΣREE normalised to European Shale (ES) highlights the relative abundance of lanthanides (ΣREEN>6) near Cape Ortegal and the innermost ria zones. The ratio between light and heavy REE (L/H) showed lower values (4-11) around Cape Ortegal and the shelf while higher ratios (15-23) were detected in west of the Cape Estaca-de-Bares and in the inner Viveiro Ria due to elevated contributions of La and Ce. The L/H values normalised to ES reflects the importance of HREE in the adjacent area to Ortegal Complex (LN/HN<0.8) and the LREE (LN/HN>1.4) in the inner estuaries and west Cape Estaca-de-Bares. The highest REE individual ES normalised were measured in fine-grained sediments of the Mera and Sor estuaries. Sediments from the eastern shelf of Cape Ortegal presented enhanced ratios only for HREE. These results indicate that distribution of REE in the northern Galician region is highly depending on the neighbouring lithological pattern, contrasting with the situation found in the western Galician shelf and the Bay of Biscay. Lanthanides can, thus, provide a useful tool to follow the sediment pathway in the land-sea boundary zones, denoting continental geochemical imprint or fluvial outputs accordingly to the existing hydrological and geological conditions.

Ensino de astronomia no 1o. e 2o. ciclos do nível fundamental e na educação de jovens e adultos: exemplos e discussões

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Queiroz, A. S. B.; Jafelice, L. C.

2003-08-01

Tem-se constatado uma preocupante carência no ensino de astronomia nos diversos níveis de escolaridade. Neste trabalho discutimos várias práticas didático-pedagógicas que vimos desenvolvendo para crianças, jovens e adultos em processo de alfabetização, visando contribuir para reparar aquela carência. Propomos uma metodologia que incorpora as recentes exigências das políticas públicas educacionais, estimula o desenvolvimento de textos e materiais instrucionais, é compatível com a realidade desse público e é adaptável às respectivas faixas etárias. A observação do céu sempre esteve presente na vida de nossos antepassados, dando suporte à compreensão do ser humano como integrante da natureza. Visamos com este trabalho suprir a deficiência encontrada para se tratar a relação do ser humano com o céu, no ambiente escolar. Os resultados são animadores e envolvem práticas e textos que desenvolvemos e atividades realizadas pelos alunos. No primeiro grupo destacamos o desenvolvimento de várias práticas: "viagem aos planetas" (construímos o "foguete", os planetas em escala, contamos história e redigimos texto de orientação para os professores); "gnômon humano" (os próprios corpos dos alunos são usados para registrar o movimento aparente do Sol); "crateras da Lua" (concretização de "meteoritos" e "solo lunar" de gesso e exploração da relação entre energia cinética do bólido e tamanho da cratera formada); etc. No segundo grupo, produções de desenhos e redações e discussões dos alunos após a realização de cada prática, revelam que estas têm se mostrado muito eficientes, tanto para estimular a imaginação e a fantasia dos envolvidos, como para trabalhar-se habilidades, competências e conteúdos relacionados à astronomia, segundo uma perspectiva interdisciplinar contextualizada. (PPGECNM/UFRN; NUPA/USP; Temáticos/FAPESP)

Melhoramentos no código Wilson-Devinney para binárias eclipsantes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vieira, L. A.; Vaz, L. P. R.

2003-08-01

A análise de curvas de luz e velocidades radiais de sistemas binários eclipsantes pode ser feita por meio de vários modelos. Um desses é o Modelo Wilson-Devinney (WD). Ao longo dos anos, esse modelo sofreu várias alterações em seus códigos principais, com a finalidade de torná-lo mais consistente tanto fíisica como numericamente. O Modelo WD tem sido melhorado de várias maneiras em seus dois códigos: um para a predição das curvas de luz teórica e de velocidade radiais e outra para as soluções destas curvas. Teoricamente, na física do modelo, nós introduzimos a possibilidade de levar em conta os efeitos do movimento apsidal. Numericamente, nós introduzimos a possibilidade de usar o Método SIMPLEX no procedimento da solução, como uma alternativa para o já implementado Método de Mínimos Quadrados (Least Squares Method). Estas modificações, juntamente com outras já introduzidas pelo nosso grupo anteriormente, tornam o código mais eficiente na solução das curvas de luz e de velocidade radiais de binárias eclipsantes. Como o modelo tem sido usado para analisar sistemas com componentes pré-sequência principal (TY CrA, Casey et al. 1998, Vaz et al. 1998), SM 790, Stassun et al. 2003), este melhoramento beneficiará estes casos também. Apresentamos os resultados obtidos com a modificação do código WD por meio do uso de dados da estrela GL Carinae, comprovando, (1) que os parâmetros orbitais calculados por nós são coerentes com os obtidos anteriormente na literatura (Giménez & Clausen, 1986) e com os obtidos por Faria (1987), e (2) que a implementação do Método SIMPLEX torna o código mais lento mas completamente consistente internamente e evita os problemas gerados pelo uso do Método de Mínimos Quadrados, tais como imprecisão no cálculo das derivadas parciais e convergência para mínimos locais.

Abundância química de simbióticas na direção do bojo galáctico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luna, G. J. M.; Costa, R. D. D.

2003-08-01

O estudo da distribuição de metalicidades de gigantes K no Bojo indica um largo intervalo com valores entre 0.1 a 10 vezes o valor solar. As razões elementais Ca/Fe, Si/Fe, Mg/Fe são típicas de estrelas do halo, apontando para um processo rápido de enriquecimento, via estrelas masssivas (SN's tipo II). No entanto, este cenário não combina com os resultados derivados de nebulosas planetárias do bojo tais como os de Ratag et al. (1992, A&A,255,270), Cuisinier et al.(2000, A&A,353, 543), Escudero e Costa (2001, A&A,380, 300),que obtêm abundâncias análogas às do disco. Neste cenário, o estudo de estrelas simbióticas possibilita uma abordagem particularmente apropriada para o problema das abundâncias químicas de estrelas de massa intermediária em estágios avançados da evoluçao estelar. Apresentamos aqui os resultados da determinacão das abundâncias do grupo do CNO numa extensa amostra de simbióticas do bojo. Aliás, com a disponibilidade de espectros no visível determinamos também abundâncias de Ar, Ne, S e He, fundamentais para analisar os processos de enriquecimento químico ocorridos ao longo da evolução estelar, bem como a evolução química do meio interestelar. Com os espectros UV do satelite IUE obtivemos abundâncias de C, necessárias no estudo da evolução dos sistemas. As relaçoes C/N-O/N mostram que o material nebular é produto do vento da componente gigante e não dos eventos de nova que às vezes acontecem nestes sistemas, como foi mostrado por Nussbaumer et al (1988,A&A,198,179). As abundâncias de Ar, S, Ne e O são compativeis com resultados de fontes no disco e bojo, seguindo o gradiente proposto por muitos autores na literatura a partir de diferentes objetos como cefeidas, nebulosas planetárias e anãs G. (CAPES,FAPESP,CNPq)

Evolução temporal de discos circunstelares em estrelas Be

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fernandes, M. V. M.; Leister, N. V.; Levenhagen, R. S.

2003-08-01

A pesquisa do mecanismo que leva uma estrela do tipo Be a perder massa e formar um envelope circunstelar, nomeado como fenômeno Be, é uma questão em aberto, intrigante, e que adquire contornos interessantes em face às informações espectroscópicas de alta resolução. Nesta última década, consolida-se a idéia de que a forma destes envelopes é de tipo discóide, obedecendo a uma lei Kepleriana de velocidades, e mais ainda, recentemente há evidências de que a distribuição de matéria nestes discos pode assumir um caráter de anel. Medidas de algumas dimensões de discos circunstelares puderam ser obtidas pela análise de espectros de alta resolução e alta relação sinal-ruído para as estrelas Be: alpha Eri (HD 10144, B3Vpe), omicron And (HD 217675, B6IIIpe), e eta Cen (HD el972, B1.5Vne), no período dos anos de 1991 a 2001. Alguns modelos clássicos de envelope predizem uma distribuição de massa que decresce suavemente a partir da superfície estelar. Entretanto, considerando que a separação de picos de emissão em perfis de linhas do HeI e H-alpha, alargados por efeitos cinemáticos, é função do raio estelar e da velocidade rotacional projetada (vsini); nossos resultados sugerem a presença de um anel de matéria circunstelar, que aparece logo após a ejeção do material fotosférico, imediatamente acima da superfície estelar, e que se expande para raios maiores ao longo do tempo, eventualmente desconectando-se da superfície por uma região de densidade de matéria mínima. Tais interpretações revivem a idéia de que anéis de matéria circunstelar podem ser os responsáveis por algumas variabilidades em perfis de linhas de emissão, como as variações V/R.

Decomposing the interaction between retention interval and study/test practice: The role of retrievability

PubMed Central

Jang, Yoonhee; Wixted, John T.; Pecher, Diane; Zeelenberg, René; Huber, David E.

2012-01-01

Even without feedback, test practice enhances delayed performance compared to study practice, but the size of the effect is variable across studies. We investigated the benefit of testing, separating initially retrievable items from initially non-retrievable items. In two experiments, an initial test determined item retrievability. Retrievable or non-retrievable items were subsequently presented for repeated study or test practice. Collapsing across items, in Experiment 1, we obtained the typical crossover interaction between retention interval and practice type. For retrievable items, however, the crossover interaction was quantitatively different, with a small study benefit for an immediate test and a larger testing benefit after a delay. For non-retrievable items, there was a large study benefit for an immediate test, but one week later there was no difference between the study and test practice conditions. In Experiment 2, initially non-retrievable items were given additional study followed by either an immediate test or even more additional study, and one week later performance did not differ between the two conditions. These results indicate that the effect size of study/test practice is due to the relative contribution of retrievable and non-retrievable items. PMID:22304454

Decomposing the interaction between retention interval and study/test practice: the role of retrievability.

PubMed

Jang, Yoonhee; Wixted, John T; Pecher, Diane; Zeelenberg, René; Huber, David E

2012-01-01

Even without feedback, test practice enhances delayed performance compared to study practice, but the size of the effect is variable across studies. We investigated the benefit of testing, separating initially retrievable items from initially nonretrievable items. In two experiments, an initial test determined item retrievability. Retrievable or nonretrievable items were subsequently presented for repeated study or test practice. Collapsing across items, in Experiment 1, we obtained the typical cross-over interaction between retention interval and practice type. For retrievable items, however, the cross-over interaction was quantitatively different, with a small study benefit for an immediate test and a larger testing benefit after a delay. For nonretrievable items, there was a large study benefit for an immediate test, but one week later there was no difference between the study and test practice conditions. In Experiment 2, initially nonretrievable items were given additional study followed by either an immediate test or even more additional study, and one week later performance did not differ between the two conditions. These results indicate that the effect size of study/test practice is due to the relative contribution of retrievable and nonretrievable items.

Association between secondhand smoking in the home and respiratory morbidity in preschool children.

PubMed

Sigaud, Cecília Helena de Siqueira; Castanheira, Ana Barbara de Couto; Costa, Priscila

2016-01-01

Identifying the prevalence of secondhand smoking in the home and its association with morbidity and hospitalization from respiratory causes in preschool children. This is a cross-sectional study conducted in five early childhood education centers at a public university in São Paulo. Sample size calculation was performed and the participants were randomly determined. Data were collected through questionnaires completed by family members or caregivers of 215 children. Chi-square and Student's t-test were used for the statistical analysis, using a 0.05 significance level. The prevalence of secondhand smoke in the household was 15.3%. Bivariate analysis revealed that secondhand smoke in the household was associated with the occurrence of rapid breathing, subdiaphragmatic retractions in the past three months, and treated ear infections/otitis. A low prevalence of secondhand smoking in the home was found. Secondhand smoke was associated with a higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms and morbidity. Identificar a prevalência de tabagismo passivo em domicílio e verificar sua associação com morbidades e hospitalização por causas respiratórias em crianças pré-escolares. Trata-se de estudo transversal conduzido em cinco centros de educação infantil de uma universidade pública de São Paulo. Foi realizado cálculo de tamanho amostral, e a seleção dos participantes foi feita por sorteio. Os dados foram coletados por meio de questionários preenchidos pelos familiares ou cuidadores de 215 crianças. Na análise estatística foram empregados os testes Qui-quadrado e t-Student, considerando-se um nível de significância de 0,05. A prevalência de tabagismo passivo em domicílio foi de 15,3%. Verificou-se na análise bivariada que o tabagismo passivo em domicílio esteve associado à ocorrência de respiração rápida, retração subdiafragmática nos últimos três meses, e otite tratada. Verificou-se uma baixa prevalência de tabagismo passivo domiciliar. O tabagismo passivo esteve associado a uma prevalência maior de sintomas e morbidade respiratória.

Communication and patient participation influencing patient recall of treatment discussions.

PubMed

Richard, Claude; Glaser, Emma; Lussier, Marie-Thérèse

2017-08-01

Patient recall of treatment information is a key variable towards chronic disease (CD) management. It is unclear what communication and patient participation characteristics predict recall. To assess what aspects of doctor-patient communication predict patient recall of medication information. To describe lifestyle treatment recall, in CD primary care patients. Observational study within a RCT. Community-based primary care (PC) practices. Family physicians (n=18): practicing >5 years, with a CD patient caseload. Patients (n=159): >40 years old, English speaking, computer literate, off-target hypertension, type II diabetes and/or dyslipidaemia. Patient characteristics: age, education, number of CDs. Information characteristics: length of encounter, medication status, medication class. Communication variables: socio-emotional utterances, physician dominance and communication control scores and PACE (ask, check and express) utterances, measured by RIAS. Number of medication themes, dialogue and initiative measured by MEDICODE. Recall of CD, lifestyle treatment and medication information. Frequency of lifestyle discussions varied by topic. Patients recalled 43% (alcohol), 52% (diet) to 70% (exercise) of discussions. Two and a half of six possible medication themes were broached per medication discussion. Less than one was recalled. Discussing more themes, greater dialogue and patient initiative were significant predictors of improved medication information recall. Critical treatment information is infrequently exchanged. Active patient engagement and explicit conversations about medications are associated with improved treatment information recall in off-target CD patients followed in PC. Providers cannot take for granted that long-term off-target CD patients recall information. They need to encourage patient participation to improve recall of treatment information. © 2016 The Authors. Health Expectations Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Use of multiscale zirconium alloy deformation models in nuclear fuel behavior analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Montgomery, Robert; Tomé, Carlos; Liu, Wenfeng; Alankar, Alankar; Subramanian, Gopinath; Stanek, Christopher

2017-01-01

Accurate prediction of cladding mechanical behavior is a key aspect of modeling nuclear fuel behavior, especially for conditions of pellet-cladding interaction (PCI), reactivity-initiated accidents (RIA), and loss of coolant accidents (LOCA). Current approaches to fuel performance modeling rely on empirical constitutive models for cladding creep, growth and plastic deformation, which are limited to the materials and conditions for which the models were developed. To improve upon this approach, a microstructurally-based zirconium alloy mechanical deformation analysis capability is being developed within the United States Department of Energy Consortium for Advanced Simulation of Light Water Reactors (CASL). Specifically, the viscoplastic self-consistent (VPSC) polycrystal plasticity modeling approach, developed by Lebensohn and Tomé [1], has been coupled with the BISON engineering scale fuel performance code to represent the mechanistic material processes controlling the deformation behavior of light water reactor (LWR) cladding. A critical component of VPSC is the representation of the crystallographic nature (defect and dislocation movement) and orientation of the grains within the matrix material and the ability to account for the role of texture on deformation. A future goal is for VPSC to obtain information on reaction rate kinetics from atomistic calculations to inform the defect and dislocation behavior models described in VPSC. The multiscale modeling of cladding deformation mechanisms allowed by VPSC far exceed the functionality of typical semi-empirical constitutive models employed in nuclear fuel behavior codes to model irradiation growth and creep, thermal creep, or plasticity. This paper describes the implementation of an interface between VPSC and BISON and provides initial results utilizing the coupled functionality.

Four-terminal electrical testing device. [initiator bridgewire resistance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Robinson, Robert L. (Inventor); Graves, Thomas J. (Inventor); Hoffman, William C., III (Inventor)

1987-01-01

The invention relates to a four-terminal electrical connector device for testing and measuring unknown resistances of initiators used for starting pyrotechnic events aboard the space shuttle. The testing device minimizes contact resistance degradation effects and so improves the reliability of resistance measurements taken with the device. Separate and independent voltage sensing and current supply circuits each include a pair of socket contacts for mating engagement with the pins of the initiator. The unknown resistance that is measured by the device is the resistance of the bridgewire of the initiator which is required to be between 0.95 and 1.15 ohms.

Test Results of Initial Installation DATAS/TCAS Monitor: DFW Airport

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1992-01-01

This document presents the results of initial tests with the Data Link Test and : Analysis System (DATAS)/Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS). : Since a significant amount of air carriers have recently been equipped with : Traffic Ale...

Flight demonstration of laser diode initiated ordnance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boucher, Craig J.; Schulze, Norman R.

1995-01-01

A program has been initiated by NASA Headquarters to validate laser initiated ordnance in flight applications. The primary program goal is to bring together a team of government and industry members to develop a laser initiated ordnance system having the test and analysis pedigree to be flown on launch vehicles. The culmination of this effort was a flight of the Pegasus launch vehicle which had two fin rockets initiated by this laser system. In addition, a laser initiated ordnance squib was fired into a pressure bomb during thrusting flight. The complete ordnance system comprising a laser diode firing unit, fiber optic cable assembly, laser initiated detonator, and laser initiated squib was designed and built by The Ensign Bickford Company. The hardware was tested to the requirements of the Pegasus launch vehicle and integrated into the vehicle by The Ensign Bickford Company and the Orbital Sciences Corporation. Discussions include initial program concept, contract implementation, team member responsibilities, analysis results, vehicle integration, safing architecture, ordnance interfaces, mission timeline and telemetry data. A complete system description, summary of the analyses, the qualification test results, and the results of flight are included.

Non-Invasive Screening Techniques for Drugs of Abuse,

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-08-01

documentation. The system is capable of identifying all common drugs of abuse except cannabinoids, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and psilocybin ...combined with LSD, diphenhydramine (Benadryl), mari- huana or other drugs. Methods of detection: TLC, GLC, EMIT, RIA. Psilocybin (’magic mushrooms

Prefeitura Municipal de Amparo - Prefeitura Municipal de Amparo

Science.gov Websites

PARA O FESTIVAL DE INVERNO Veja quais foram os projetos aprovados Saiba mais GALERIA VIRTUAL GALERIA VIRTUAL Homenagem aos ex-combatentes da Força Expedicionária Brasileira Confira TRSD TRSD O formulÃ

Initial test results with a single-cylinder rhombic-drive Stirling engine. [to be applied to automobile engine design to conserve energy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cairelli, J. E.; Thieme, L. G.; Walter, R. J.

1978-01-01

A 6 kW (8 hp), single-cylinder, rhombic-drive Stirling engine was restored to operating condition, and preliminary characterization tests run with hydrogen and helium as the working gases. Initial tests show the engine brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) with hydrogen working gas to be within the range of BSFC observed by the Army at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, in 1966. The minimum system specific fuel consumption (SFC) observed during the initial tests with hydrogen was 669 g/kW hr (1.1 lb/hpx hr), compared with 620 g/kWx hr (1.02 lb/hpx hr) for the Army tests. However, the engine output power for a given mean compression-space pressure was lower than for the Army tests. The observed output power at a working-space pressure of 5 MPa (725 psig) was 3.27 kW (4.39 hp) for the initial tests and 3.80 kW (5.09 hp) for the Army tests. As expected, the engine power with helium was substantially lower than with hydrogen.

Investigation of Low-Cycle Bending Fatigue of AISI 9310 Steel Spur Gears

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Handschuh, Robert F.; Krantz, Timothy L.; Lerch, Bradley A.; Burke, Christopher S.

2007-01-01

An investigation of the low-cycle bending fatigue of spur gears made from AISI 9310 gear steel was completed. Tests were conducted using the single-tooth bending method to achieve crack initiation and propagation. Tests were conducted on spur gears in a fatigue test machine using a dedicated gear test fixture. Test loads were applied at the highest point of single tooth contact. Gear bending stresses for a given testing load were calculated using a linear-elastic finite element model. Test data were accumulated from 1/4 cycle to several thousand cycles depending on the test stress level. The relationship of stress and cycles for crack initiation was found to be semi-logarithmic. The relationship of stress and cycles for crack propagation was found to be linear. For the range of loads investigated, the crack propagation phase is related to the level of load being applied. Very high loads have comparable crack initiation and propagation times whereas lower loads can have a much smaller number of cycles for crack propagation cycles as compared to crack initiation.

Investigation of Low-Cycle Bending Fatigue of AISI 9310 Steel Spur Gears

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Handschuh, Robert F.; Krantz, Timothy L.; Lerch, Bradley A.; Burke, Christopher S.

2007-01-01

An investigation of the low-cycle bending fatigue of spur gears made from AISI 9310 gear steel was completed. Tests were conducted using the single-tooth bending method to achieve crack initiation and propagation. Tests were conducted on spur gears in a fatigue test machine using a dedicated gear test fixture. Test loads were applied at the highest point of single tooth contact. Gear bending stresses for a given testing load were calculated using a linear-elastic finite element model. Test data were accumulated from 1/4 cycle to several thousand cycles depending on the test stress level. The relationship of stress and cycles for crack initiation was found to be semilogarithmic. The relationship of stress and cycles for crack propagation was found to be linear. For the range of loads investigated, the crack propagation phase is related to the level of load being applied. Very high loads have comparable crack initiation and propagation times whereas lower loads can have a much smaller number of cycles for crack propagation cycles as compared to crack initiation.

Is Follow-Up Testing with the FilmArray Gastrointestinal Multiplex PCR Panel Necessary?

PubMed Central

Park, Sholhui; Hitchcock, Matthew M.; Gomez, Carlos A.

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT The FilmArray gastrointestinal (GI) panel (BioFire Diagnostics, Salt Lake City, UT) is a simple, sample-to-answer, on-demand, multiplex, nucleic acid amplification test for syndromic diagnosis of infectious gastroenteritis. The aim of this study was to measure the yield of follow-up testing with FilmArray GI panel within 4 weeks of an initial test. Consecutive adult and pediatric patients tested at an academic institution between August 2015 and June 2016 were included in this study. Of 145 follow-up tests in 106 unique patients with an initial negative result, 134 (92.4%) tests and 98 (92.5%) patients remained negative upon follow-up testing. Excluding targets that are not reported at this institution (Clostridium difficile, enteroaggregative Escherichia coli, enteropathogenic E. coli, and enterotoxigenic E. coli), 137 (94.5%) follow-up tests and 101 (95.3%) patients remained negative. Weekly conversion rates were not significantly different across the 4-week follow-up interval. No epidemiological or clinical factors were significantly associated with a negative to positive conversion. Of 80 follow-up tests in patients with an initial positive result, 43 (53.8%) remained positive for the same target, 34 (42.5%) were negative, and 3 were positive for a different target (3.8%). Follow-up testing with FilmArray GI panel within 4 weeks of a negative result rarely changed the initial result, and the follow-up test reverted to negative less than half the time after an initial positive result. In the absence of clinical or epidemiological evidence for a new infection, follow-up testing should be limited and FilmArray GI panel should not be used as a test of cure. PMID:28122874

Predictors of provider- initiated HIV testing and counseling refusal by outpatient department clients in Wolaita zone, Southern Ethiopia: a case control study.

PubMed

Facha, Wolde; Kassahun, Wondewosen; Workicho, Abdulhalik

2016-08-12

Despite different strategies designed to rapidly identify HIV infected individuals, majority of HIV-infected people are unaware of their sero-status in developing countries. The objective of this study was to assess predictors of provider-initiated HIV testing and counseling (PITC) refusal by outpatient department (OPD) clients in Wolaita zone, Southern Ethiopia. Facility based unmatched case control study was conducted on outpatient department clients in randomly selected seven health facilities in Wolaita zone, Southern Ethiopia in February 2012. A total of 291 participants (97 cases and 194 controls) were included in our study. Cases were patients who refused HIV test while controls were patients who tested for HIV after provider-initiated HIV testing and counseling (PITC) recommendation by outpatient department (OPD) clinicians. We used both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. Pretested interviewer administered questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data by trained nurses, and in-depth interview with 14 OPD clinicians was conducted by principal investigator to supplement quantitative findings. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were done to identify independent predictors of provider-initiated HIV testing and counseling refusal by OPD clients. Study participants who had stigmatizing attitude [AOR = 6.09, (95 % CI: 1.70, 21.76)], who had perceived risk for HIV infection [AOR = 5.23, (95 % CI: 2.22, 12.32)], who did not perceive the benefits of provider-initiated HIV testing and counseling [AOR = 4.64, (95 % CI: 1.79, 12.01)], who did not get minimum recommended pretest information from their providers [AOR = 2.98, (95 % CI: 1.06, 8.35)], who ever not heard of provider-initiated HIV testing and counseling service [AOR = 2.41, (95 % CI: 1.14, 5.09)], and who were from urban area [AOR = 2.40, (95 % CI = 1.26, 4.57)] were more likely to refuse provider-initiated HIV testing and counseling service than their counterparts. Knowledge on HIV/AIDS, attitude towards people living with HIV/AIDS and perceived risk for HIV infection by clients were the major barriers for provider-initiated HIV testing and counseling acceptance. Health professionals working at outpatient department should give due attention to overcome these barriers so as to enhance HIV testing acceptance by their clients.

The development of decision limits for the GH-2000 detection methodology using additional insulin-like growth factor-I and amino-terminal pro-peptide of type III collagen assays.

PubMed

Holt, Richard I G; Böhning, Walailuck; Guha, Nishan; Bartlett, Christiaan; Cowan, David A; Giraud, Sylvain; Bassett, E Eryl; Sönksen, Peter H; Böhning, Dankmar

2015-09-01

The GH-2000 and GH-2004 projects have developed a method for detecting GH misuse based on measuring insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and the amino-terminal pro-peptide of type III collagen (P-III-NP). The objectives were to analyze more samples from elite athletes to improve the reliability of the decision limit estimates, to evaluate whether the existing decision limits needed revision, and to validate further non-radioisotopic assays for these markers. The study included 998 male and 931 female elite athletes. Blood samples were collected according to World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) guidelines at various sporting events including the 2011 International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Athletics Championships in Daegu, South Korea. IGF-I was measured by the Immunotech A15729 IGF-I IRMA, the Immunodiagnostic Systems iSYS IGF-I assay and a recently developed mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. P-III-NP was measured by the Cisbio RIA-gnost P-III-P, Orion UniQ™ PIIINP RIA and Siemens ADVIA Centaur P-III-NP assays. The GH-2000 score decision limits were developed using existing statistical techniques. Decision limits were determined using a specificity of 99.99% and an allowance for uncertainty because of the finite sample size. The revised Immunotech IGF-I - Orion P-III-NP assay combination decision limit did not change significantly following the addition of the new samples. The new decision limits are applied to currently available non-radioisotopic assays to measure IGF-I and P-III-NP in elite athletes, which should allow wider flexibility to implement the GH-2000 marker test for GH misuse while providing some resilience against manufacturer withdrawal or change of assays. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The impact of depressive symptoms on patient–provider communication in HIV care

PubMed Central

Jonassaint, Charles R.; Haywood, Carlton; Korthuis, Philip Todd; Cooper, Lisa A.; Saha, Somnath; Sharp, Victoria; Cohn, Jonathon; Moore, Richard D.; Beach, Mary Catherine

2013-01-01

Persons with HIV who develop depression have worse medical adherence and outcomes. Poor patient–provider communication may play a role in these outcomes. This cross-sectional study evaluated the influence of patient depression on the quality of patient–provider communication. Patient–provider visits (n = 406) at four HIV care sites were audio-recorded and coded with the Roter Interaction Analysis System (RIAS). Negative binomial and linear regressions using generalized estimating equations tested the association of depressive symptoms, as measured by the Center for Epidemiology Studies Depression scale (CES-D), with RIAS measures and postvisit patient-rated quality of care and provider-reported regard for his or her patient. The patients, averaged 45 years of age (range = 20–77), were predominately male (n = 286, 68.5%), of black race (n = 250, 60%), and on antiretroviral medications (n = 334, 80%). Women had greater mean CES-D depression scores (12.0) than men (10.6; p = 0.03). There were no age, race, or education differences in depression scores. Visits with patients reporting severe depressive symptoms compared to those reporting none/mild depressive symptoms were longer and speech speed was slower. Patients with severe depressive symptoms did more emotional rapport building but less social rapport building, and their providers did more data gathering/counseling (ps < 0.05). In postvisit questionnaires, providers reported lower levels of positive regard for, and rated more negatively patients reporting more depressive symptoms (p < 0.01). In turn, patients reporting more depressive symptoms felt less respected and were less likely to report that their provider knows them as a person than none/mild depressive symptoms patients (ps < 0.05). Greater psychosocial needs of patients presenting with depressive symptoms and limited time/resources to address these needs may partially contribute to providers’ negative attitudes regarding their patients with depressive symptoms. These negative attitudes may ultimately serve to adversely impact patient–provider communication and quality of HIV care. PMID:23320529

Macroalgal Morphogenesis Induced by Waterborne Compounds and Bacteria in Coastal Seawater

PubMed Central

Grueneberg, Jan; Engelen, Aschwin H.; Costa, Rodrigo; Wichard, Thomas

2016-01-01

Axenic gametes of the marine green macroalga Ulva mutabilis Føyn (Ria Formosa, locus typicus) exhibit abnormal development into slow-growing callus-like colonies with aberrant cell walls. Under laboratory conditions, it was previously demonstrated that all defects in growth and thallus development can be completely abolished when axenic gametes are inoculated with a combination of two specific bacterial strains originally identified as Roseobacter sp. strain MS2 and Cytophaga sp. strain MS6. These bacteria release diffusible morphogenetic compounds (= morphogens), which act similar to cytokinin and auxin. To investigate the ecological relevance of the waterborne bacterial morphogens, seawater samples were collected in the Ria Formosa lagoon (Algarve, Southern Portugal) at 20 sampling sites and tidal pools to assess their morphogenetic effects on the axenic gametes of U. mutabilis. Specifically the survey revealed that sterile-filtered seawater samples can completely recover growth and morphogenesis of U. mutabilis under axenic conditions. Morphogenetic activities of free-living and epiphytic bacteria isolated from the locally very abundant Ulva species (i.e., U. rigida) were screened using a multiwell-based testing system. The most represented genera isolated from U. rigida were Alteromonas, Pseudoalteromonas and Sulfitobacter followed by Psychrobacter and Polaribacter. Several naturally occurring bacterial species could emulate MS2 activity (= induction of cell divisions) regardless of taxonomic affiliation, whereas the MS6 activity (= induction of cell differentiation and cell wall formation) was species-specific and is probably a feature of difficult-to-culture bacteria. Interestingly, isolated bacteroidetes such as Algoriphagus sp. and Polaribacter sp. could individually trigger complete Ulva morphogenesis and thus provide a novel mode of action for bacterial-induced algal development. This study also highlights that the accumulation of algal growth factors in a shallow water body separated from the open ocean by barrier islands might have strong implications to, for example, the wide usage of natural coastal seawater in algal (land based) aquacultures of Ulva. PMID:26745366

Subconjunctivally Implanted Hydrogels for Sustained Insulin Release to Reduce Retinal Cell Apoptosis in Diabetic Rats.

PubMed

Imai, Hisanori; Misra, Gauri P; Wu, Linfeng; Janagam, Dileep R; Gardner, Thomas W; Lowe, Tao L

2015-12-01

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of blindness in diabetic patients that involves early-onset retinal cell loss. Here, we report our recent work using subconjunctivally implantable hydrogels for sustained insulin release to the retina to prevent retinal degeneration. The hydrogels are synthesized by UV photopolymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide and a dextran macromer containing oligolactate-(2-hydroxyetheyl methacrylate) units. Insulin was loaded into the hydrogels during the synthesis. The ex vivo bioactivity of insulin released from the hydrogels was tested on fresh rat retinas using immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting to measure insulin receptor tyrosine and Akt phosphorylation. The biosafety and the effect on the blood glucose of the hydrogels were evaluated in rats 2 months after subconjunctival implantation. The release of insulin from the hydrogels was studied both in vitro in PBS (pH 7.4), and in vivo using confocal microscopy and RIA kit. The in vivo bioactivity of the released insulin was investigated in diabetic rats using DNA fragmentation method. The hydrogels could load insulin with approximately 98% encapsulation efficiency and continuously release FITC-insulin in PBS (pH = 7.4) at 37°C for at least 5 months depending on their composition. Insulin lispro released from the hydrogels was biologically active by increasing insulin receptor tyrosine and Akt serine phosphorylation of ex vivo retinas. In vivo studies showed normal retinal histology 2 months post subconjunctival implantation. Insulin released from subconjunctivally implanted hydrogels could be detected in the retina by using confocal microscopy and RIA kit for 1 week. The implanted hydrogels with insulin lispro did not change the blood glucose level of normal and diabetic rats, but significantly reduced the DNA fragmentation of diabetic retinas for 1 week. The developed hydrogels have great potential to sustain release of insulin to the retina via subconjunctival implantation to minimize DR without the risk of hypoglycemia.

Subconjunctivally Implanted Hydrogels for Sustained Insulin Release to Reduce Retinal Cell Apoptosis in Diabetic Rats

PubMed Central

Imai, Hisanori; Misra, Gauri P.; Wu, Linfeng; Janagam, Dileep R.; Gardner, Thomas W.; Lowe, Tao L.

2015-01-01

Purpose Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of blindness in diabetic patients that involves early-onset retinal cell loss. Here, we report our recent work using subconjunctivally implantable hydrogels for sustained insulin release to the retina to prevent retinal degeneration. Methods The hydrogels are synthesized by UV photopolymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide and a dextran macromer containing oligolactate-(2-hydroxyetheyl methacrylate) units. Insulin was loaded into the hydrogels during the synthesis. The ex vivo bioactivity of insulin released from the hydrogels was tested on fresh rat retinas using immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting to measure insulin receptor tyrosine and Akt phosphorylation. The biosafety and the effect on the blood glucose of the hydrogels were evaluated in rats 2 months after subconjunctival implantation. The release of insulin from the hydrogels was studied both in vitro in PBS (pH 7.4), and in vivo using confocal microscopy and RIA kit. The in vivo bioactivity of the released insulin was investigated in diabetic rats using DNA fragmentation method. Results The hydrogels could load insulin with approximately 98% encapsulation efficiency and continuously release FITC-insulin in PBS (pH = 7.4) at 37°C for at least 5 months depending on their composition. Insulin lispro released from the hydrogels was biologically active by increasing insulin receptor tyrosine and Akt serine phosphorylation of ex vivo retinas. In vivo studies showed normal retinal histology 2 months post subconjunctival implantation. Insulin released from subconjunctivally implanted hydrogels could be detected in the retina by using confocal microscopy and RIA kit for 1 week. The implanted hydrogels with insulin lispro did not change the blood glucose level of normal and diabetic rats, but significantly reduced the DNA fragmentation of diabetic retinas for 1 week. Conclusions The developed hydrogels have great potential to sustain release of insulin to the retina via subconjunctival implantation to minimize DR without the risk of hypoglycemia. PMID:26658505

Differential uptake of recent Papanicolaou testing by HPV vaccination status among young women in the United States, 2008-2013.

PubMed

Sauer, Ann Goding; Jemal, Ahmedin; Simard, Edgar P; Fedewa, Stacey A

2015-08-01

A positive association between recent Papanicolaou (Pap) test uptake and initiation of HPV vaccination among U.S. women has been reported. However, it is unknown whether recent Pap testing by HPV vaccination status varies by race/ethnicity. Discerning racial/ethnic variations is important given the higher prevalence of HPV types other than 16 and 18 in some racial/ethnic groups. We assessed whether uptake of recent Pap testing differed among women aged 21-30 years who had not initiated the HPV vaccination series versus those who had and whether this pattern differed by sociodemographic factors. 2008, 2010, and 2013 National Health Interview Survey data were used to generate weighted prevalence estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) (n=7095). Adjusted predicted marginal models were used to generate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) to assess the relationship between recent Pap test uptake and HPV vaccination series initiation by race/ethnicity. The uptake of recent Pap testing among those who had not initiated the HPV vaccination series was significantly lower (81.0%) compared to those who had initiated vaccination (90.5%) (aPR=0.93, 95% CI: 0.90-0.96). This finding was consistent across most sociodemographic factors, though not statistically significant for Blacks, Hispanics, those with lower levels of education, or those with higher levels of income. Young women who had not initiated HPV vaccination were less likely to have had a recent Pap test compared to women who had initiated vaccination. Concerted efforts are needed to increase uptake of recommended cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination among young women. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cost-effectiveness of quantitative fecal lactoferrin assay for diagnosis of symptomatic patients with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis.

PubMed

Parsi, Mansour A; Ellis, Jeffrey J; Lashner, Bret A

2008-08-01

To assess cost-effectiveness of fecal lactoferrin (FL) as the initial diagnostic approach to symptomatic patients with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA). Four competing strategies [empiric metronidazole therapy (txMTZ), initial pouch endoscopy with biopsy (testBiop), initial FL assay followed by metronidazole therapy (testFL+MTZ), and initial FL assay followed by pouch endoscopy and biopsy (testFL+Biop)] were modeled in a decision tree. In the base-case, the average cost per patient was $241 for testFL+MTZ, $251 for txMTZ, $405 for testFL+Biop, and $431 for testBiop. The testBiop strategy had greater effectiveness compared with txMTZ but at an incremental cost of $158 per day. The txMTZ strategy was slightly more costly and minimally more effective than testFL+MTZ with an incremental cost effectiveness of just over $12 per day. However, the testFL+MTZ strategy was associated with a 31% absolute reduction in antibiotic exposure compared with the txMTZ strategy. Compared with empiric metronidazole therapy, FL before treatment with metronidazole is less costly with less exposure to antibiotics and less need for endoscopy, with only marginal decrease in effectiveness.

A Paradox in the Study of the Benefits of Test-Item Review

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

van der Linden, Wim J.; Jeon, Minjeong; Ferrara, Steve

2011-01-01

According to a popular belief, test takers should trust their initial instinct and retain their initial responses when they have the opportunity to review test items. More than 80 years of empirical research on item review, however, has contradicted this belief and shown minor but consistently positive score gains for test takers who changed…

Engine systems analysis results of the Space Shuttle Main Engine redesigned powerhead initial engine level testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sander, Erik J.; Gosdin, Dennis R.

1992-01-01

Engineers regularly analyze SSME ground test and flight data with respect to engine systems performance. Recently, a redesigned SSME powerhead was introduced to engine-level testing in part to increase engine operational margins through optimization of the engine internal environment. This paper presents an overview of the MSFC personnel engine systems analysis results and conclusions reached from initial engine level testing of the redesigned powerhead, and further redesigns incorporated to eliminate accelerated main injector baffle and main combustion chamber hot gas wall degradation. The conclusions are drawn from instrumented engine ground test data and hardware integrity analysis reports and address initial engine test results with respect to the apparent design change effects on engine system and component operation.