[Association polymorphic variants of GRIN2B gene with paranoid schizophrenia and response to common neuroleptics in Russians and Tatars from Bashkortostan Republic].

PubMed

Gareeva, A E; Zakirov, D F; Khusnutdinova, E K

2013-09-01

An analysis of the association of paranoid schizophrenia seeking with polymorphic variants of GRIN2B gene was performed in order to identify genetic risk factors of disease development and genetic markers of the response to therapy by neuroleptics in Russian and Tatar patients from Bashkortostan Republic (BB). In the course of the analysis, we revealed the following: 1) genetic markers of increased risk of developing paranoid schizophrenia in various ethnic groups, including, in Tatars, the GRIN2B* T/*Tgenotype (p = 0.003; OR = 2.33) and GRIN2B*T allele (p = 0.001; OR = 2.36), rs1805247; in Russians, the GRIN2B*T/*T genotype (p = 0.038; OR = 2.12) and GRIN2B* T allele (p = 0.028; OR = 2.03), rs1805247, genotype GRIN2B*A/*A (p = 0.042; OR = 2.12), rs1805476; 2) genetic markers of the reduced risk of developing paranoid schizophrenia; 3) genetic markers of therapy response and the risk of side effects development during neuroleptics (haloperidol) treatment in Bashkortostan. The significant interethnic diversity of genetic factors related to the risk of this disease development was noted.

Haplotype analysis of the HFE gene among populations of Northern Eurasia, in patients with metabolic disorders or stomach cancer, and in long-lived people.

PubMed

Mikhailova, S V; Babenko, V N; Ivanoshchuk, D E; Gubina, M A; Maksimov, V N; Solovjova, I G; Voevoda, M I

2016-06-17

Previously, it was shown that the HFE gene (associated with human hereditary hemochromatosis) has several haplotypes of intronic polymorphisms. Some haplotype frequencies are race specific and hence can be used in phylogenetic analysis. We assumed that analysis of Caucasoid patients-living now in Western Siberia and having diseases associated with dietary habits and metabolic rate-will allow us to understand the processes of possible selection during settling of the northern part of Asia. Haplotype analysis of Northern Eurasian native and recently settled ethnic groups was performed on polymorphisms rs1799945, rs1800730, rs1800562, rs2071303, rs1800708, rs1572982, rs2794719, rs807209, and rs2032451 of this gene. The CCA haplotype of the rs2071303, rs1800708, and rs1572982 was found to be associated with HLA-A2 (39 %) in Asian populations. Haplotype analysis for the rs1799945, rs1800730, rs1800562, rs2071303, rs1800708, and rs1572982 was performed on Russian patients with some metabolic disorders or stomach cancer and among long-lived people. Decreased frequencies of the TTA haplotype (T in rs2071303, T in rs1800708, and A in rs1572982) were observed in the groups of patients with diseases associated with overweight (fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or metabolic syndrome + arterial hypertension) as compared with the control sample. We detected significant differences in this haplotype's frequency between the patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and Russian adolescents, elderly citizens, and long-lived people (χ(2) P value = 0.003, 0.010, and 0.015, respectively). No significant differences in frequencies of the alleles with mutations in coding regions of the HFE gene (C282Y, H63D, and S65C) were detected between the analyzed patients (with stomach cancer, metabolic syndrome, fatty liver disease, or type 2 diabetes mellitus) and the control Caucasoid sample. Monophyletic origin of H63D (rs1799945) was confirmed in Caucasoids and Northern Asians. The reasons for a sharp increase in the frequency of CCA haplotype of HFE in the Asian race remain unclear.

Environmental Control and Life Support Integration Strategy for 6-Crew Operations Stephanie Duchesne

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Duchesne, Stephanie M.

2009-01-01

The International Space Station (ISS) crew compliment has increased in size from 3 to 6 crew members . In order to support this increase in crew on ISS, the United States on-orbit Segment (USOS) has been outfitted with a suite of regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support (ECLS) hardware including an Oxygen Generation System(OGS), Waste and Hygiene Compartment (WHC), and a Water Recovery System (WRS). The WRS includes the Urine Processor Assembly (UPA) and the Water Processor Assembly (WPA). With this additional life support hardware, the ISS has achieved full redundancy in its on-orbit life support system between the USOS and Russian Segment (RS). The additional redundancy created by the Regenerative ECLS hardware creates the opportunity for independent support capabilities between segments, and for the first time since the start of ISS, the necessity to revise Life Support strategy agreements. Independent operating strategies coupled with the loss of the Space Shuttle supply and return capabilities in 2010 offer new and unique challenges. This paper will discuss the evolution of the ISS Life Support hardware strategy in support of 6-Crew on ISS, as well as the continued work that is necessary to ensure the support of crew and ISS Program objectives through the life of station.

Environmental Control and Life Support Integration Strategy for 6-Crew Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Duchesne, Stephanie M.; Tressler, Chad H.

2010-01-01

The International Space Station (ISS) crew complement has increased in size from 3 to 6 crew members. In order to support this increase in crew on ISS, the United States on-orbit Segment (USOS) has been outfitted with a suite of regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support (ECLS) hardware including an Oxygen Generation System (OGS), Waste and Hygiene Compartment (WHC), and a Water Recovery System (WRS). The WRS includes the Urine Processor Assembly (UPA) and the Water Processor Assembly (WPA). With this additional life support hardware, the ISS has achieved full redundancy in its on-orbit life support system between the t OS and Russian Segment (RS). The additional redundancy created by the Regenerative ECLS hardware creates the opportunity for independent support capabilities between segments, and for the first time since the start of ISS, the necessity to revise Life Support strategy agreements. Independent operating strategies coupled with the loss of the Space Shuttle supply and return capabilities in 2010 offer new and unique challenges. This paper will discuss the evolution of the ISS Life Support hardware strategy in support of 6-Crew on ISS, as well as the continued work that is necessary to ensure the support of crew and ISS Program objectives through the life of station

Russian EVA 39.

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-08-18

ISS040E099104 (08/18/2014) --- View of Cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev (blue stripe), Expedition 40 flight engineer outside the International Space Station, taken while performing maintenance work on the Russian segment during the Russian EVA 39 on Aug 18 2014.

Adiponectin and Adiponectin Receptor Gene Variants in Relation to Type 2 Diabetes and Insulin Resistance-Related Phenotypes

PubMed Central

Potapov, Viktor A.; Chistiakov, Dimitry A.; Dubinina, Anna; Shamkhalova, Minara S.; Shestakova, Marina V.; Nosikov, Valery V.

2008-01-01

BACKGROUND: Alterations in adiponectin-mediated pathways are known to be associated with glucose intolerance, insulin resistance (IR), obesity, and type 2 diabetes (T2D) mellitus. Genetic variations in adiponectin (ADIPOQ) and adiponectin 1 and 2 receptor (ADIPOR1 and ADIPOR2) could have effects on IR-related phenotypes and T2D. Here we examine whether the polymorphic markers rs2241766 (ADIPOQ), rs22753738 (ADIPOR1), rs11061971 and rs16928751 (both in ADIPOR2) are implicated in susceptibility to T2D in a Russian population. METHODS: The polymorphic markers were genotyped in 129 T2D patients, and 117 non-diabetic controls, by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) restriction fragment length polymorphism approach. In the subjects, biochemical characteristics including serum insulin, plasma glucose and serum lipids/lipoproteins were measured and compared for correlation with the genetic variations studied. RESULTS: Allele T of rs11061971 and allele A of rs16928751 showed association with higher risk of diabetes providing odds ratios (OR) of 2.05 (p = 0.0025) and 1.88 (p = 0.018), respectively. Haplotype A-G consisting of allele A of rs11061971 and allele G of rs16928751 was associated with reduced risk of T2D (OR = 0.59, pc = 0.0224). Compared to other variants, diabetic patients double homozygous for A/A of rs16928751 and G/G of rs16928751 had decreased homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (pc = 0.0375) and serum triglycerides (pc = 0.0285). CONCLUSIONS: The variants of ADIPOR2 confer susceptibility to T2D and are associated with some IR-related phenotypes in the Russian study population. PMID:18548168

[Glutamate receptors genes polymorphism and the risk of paranoid schizophrenia in Russians and tatars from the Republic of Bashkortostan].

PubMed

Gareeva, A E; Khusnutdinova, E K

2014-01-01

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder that affects about 1% of the world population, leading to disability and social exclusion. Glutamatergic neurotransmission is a violation of one of the main hypotheses put forward to explain the neurobiological mechanisms of schizophrenia. Post mortem studies have found changes in the degree of affinity glutamate receptors, their transcription, and altered expression of their subunits in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and thalamus in patients with schizophrenia. As a result of genetic studies of gene family encoding ionotropic AMPA and kainate glutamate receptors in schizophrenia, ambiguous results were received. The association of polymorphic variants of genes GRIA2 and GRIK2 with paranoid schizophrenia and response to therapy with haloperidol in Russian and Tatar of the Republic of Bashkortostan was conducted in the present study. DNA samples of 257 patients with paranoid schizophrenia and of 349 healthy controls of Russian and Tatar ethnic group living in the Republic of Bashkortostan were involved into the present study. In the result of the present study: (1) high risk genetic markers of paranoid schizophrenia (PSZ) were obtained: in Russians-GR4IA2*CCC (OR = 9.60) and in Tatars-GRIK2*ATG (OR = 3.5), GRIK2*TGG (OR = 3.12) (2) The following low risk genetic markers of PSZ were revealed: in Tatars-GRIA2*T/T (rs43025506) of GRIA2 gene (OR = 0.34); in Russians.- GRIA2*CCT (OR = 0.481). (3) Genetic markers of low haloperido! treatment efficacy in respect of negative and positive symptoms GRIK2*T/T (rs2227281) of GRIK2 gene and GRAL42*C/C in Russians, GRIK2*A/A (rs995640) of GRIK2 gene in Tatars. (4) Genetic markers of low haloperidol treatment efficacy in respect of positive symptoms GRL42*C/C in Russians. The results of the present study support the hypothesis of the involvement of glutamate receptor genes in schizophrenia pathway. Considerable inter-ethnic'diversity of genetic risk factors for this disease was revealed.

Searching for truth: internet search patterns as a method of investigating online responses to a Russian illicit drug policy debate.

PubMed

Zheluk, Andrey; Gillespie, James A; Quinn, Casey

2012-12-13

This is a methodological study investigating the online responses to a national debate over an important health and social problem in Russia. Russia is the largest Internet market in Europe, exceeding Germany in the absolute number of users. However, Russia is unusual in that the main search provider is not Google, but Yandex. This study had two main objectives. First, to validate Yandex search patterns against those provided by Google, and second, to test this method's adequacy for investigating online interest in a 2010 national debate over Russian illicit drug policy. We hoped to learn what search patterns and specific search terms could reveal about the relative importance and geographic distribution of interest in this debate. A national drug debate, centering on the anti-drug campaigner Egor Bychkov, was one of the main Russian domestic news events of 2010. Public interest in this episode was accompanied by increased Internet search. First, we measured the search patterns for 13 search terms related to the Bychkov episode and concurrent domestic events by extracting data from Google Insights for Search (GIFS) and Yandex WordStat (YaW). We conducted Spearman Rank Correlation of GIFS and YaW search data series. Second, we coded all 420 primary posts from Bychkov's personal blog between March 2010 and March 2012 to identify the main themes. Third, we compared GIFS and Yandex policies concerning the public release of search volume data. Finally, we established the relationship between salient drug issues and the Bychkov episode. We found a consistent pattern of strong to moderate positive correlations between Google and Yandex for the terms "Egor Bychkov" (r(s) = 0.88, P < .001), "Bychkov" (r(s) = .78, P < .001) and "Khimki"(r(s) = 0.92, P < .001). Peak search volumes for the Bychkov episode were comparable to other prominent domestic political events during 2010. Monthly search counts were 146,689 for "Bychkov" and 48,084 for "Egor Bychkov", compared to 53,403 for "Khimki" in Yandex. We found Google potentially provides timely search results, whereas Yandex provides more accurate geographic localization. The correlation was moderate to strong between search terms representing the Bychkov episode and terms representing salient drug issues in Yandex-"illicit drug treatment" (r(s) = .90, P < .001), "illicit drugs" (r(s) = .76, P < .001), and "drug addiction" (r(s) = .74, P < .001). Google correlations were weaker or absent-"illicit drug treatment" (r(s) = .12, P = .58), "illicit drugs " (r(s) = -0.29, P = .17), and "drug addiction" (r(s) = .68, P < .001). This study contributes to the methodological literature on the analysis of search patterns for public health. This paper investigated the relationship between Google and Yandex, and contributed to the broader methods literature by highlighting both the potential and limitations of these two search providers. We believe that Yandex Wordstat is a potentially valuable, and underused data source for researchers working on Russian-related illicit drug policy and other public health problems. The Russian Federation, with its large, geographically dispersed, and politically engaged online population presents unique opportunities for studying the evolving influence of the Internet on politics and policy, using low cost methods resilient against potential increases in censorship.

[MODERN INSTRUMENTS FOR EAR, NOSE AND THROAT RENDERING AND EVALUATION IN RESEARCHES ON RUSSIAN SEGMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION].

PubMed

Popova, I I; Orlov, O I; Matsnev, E I; Revyakin, Yu G

2016-01-01

The paper reports the results of testing some diagnostic video systems enabling digital rendering of TNT teeth and jaws. The authors substantiate the criteria of choosing and integration of imaging systems in future on Russian segment of the International space station kit LOR developed for examination and download of high-quality images of cosmonauts' TNT, parodentium and teeth.

MIR Solar Array Return Experiment: Power Performance Measurements and Molecular Contamination Analysis Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Visentine, James; Kinard, William; Brinker, David; Scheiman, David; Banks, Bruce; Albyn, Keith; Hornung, Steve; See, Thomas

2001-01-01

A solar array segment was recently removed from the Mir core module and returned for ground-based analysis. The segment, which is similar to the ones the Russians have provided for the FGB and Service Modules, was microscopically examined and disassembled by US and Russian science teams. Laboratory analyses have shown the segment to he heavily contaminated by an organic silicone coating, which was converted to an organic silicate film by reactions with atomic oxygen within the. orbital flight environment. The source of the contaminant was a silicone polymer used by the Russians as an adhesive and bonding agent during segment construction. During its life cycle, the array experienced a reduction in power performance from approx. 12%, when it was new and first deployed, to approx. 5%, when it was taken out of service. However, current-voltage measurements of three contaminated cells and three pristine, Russian standard cells have shown that very little degradation in solar array performance was due to the silicate contaminants on the solar cell surfaces. The primary sources of performance degradation is attributed to "thermal hot-spotting" or electrical arcing; orbital debris and micrometeoroid impacts; and possibly to the degradation of the solar cells and interconnects caused by radiation damage from high energy protons and electrons.

Russian Earth Science Research Program on ISS

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

Armand, N. A.; Tishchenko, Yu. G.

1999-01-22

Version of the Russian Earth Science Research Program on the Russian segment of ISS is proposed. The favorite tasks are selected, which may be solved with the use of space remote sensing methods and tools and which are worthwhile for realization. For solving these tasks the specialized device sets (submodules), corresponding to the specific of solved tasks, are working out. They would be specialized modules, transported to the ISS. Earth remote sensing research and ecological monitoring (high rates and large bodies transmitted from spaceborne information, comparatively stringent requirements to the period of its processing, etc.) cause rather high requirements tomore » the ground segment of receiving, processing, storing, and distribution of space information in the interests of the Earth natural resources investigation. Creation of the ground segment has required the development of the interdepartmental data receiving and processing center. Main directions of works within the framework of the ISS program are determined.« less

Borisenko works with BTKh-40/BIF (Bifidobacterius) Experiment

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-04-30

ISS027-E-018248 (29 April 2011) --- Russian cosmonaut Andrey Borisenko, Expedition 27 flight engineer, is pictured near the TBU-V thermostat-controlled incubator located in the Russian segment of the International Space Station.

View of EV Crewmember during Russian EVA 29

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-08-03

ISS028-E-020969 (3 Aug. 2011) --- Russian cosmonauts Sergei Volkov and Alexander Samokutyaev (out of frame), both Expedition 28 flight engineers, attired in Russian Orlan spacesuits, participate in a session of extravehicular activity (EVA) on the Russian segment of the International Space Station. During the six-hour, 23-minute spacewalk, Volkov and Samokutyaev moved a cargo boom from one airlock to another, installed a prototype laser communications system and deployed an amateur radio micro-satellite.

Textural feature calculated from segmental fluences as a modulation index for VMAT.

PubMed

Park, So-Yeon; Park, Jong Min; Kim, Jung-In; Kim, Hyoungnyoun; Kim, Il Han; Ye, Sung-Joon

2015-12-01

Textural features calculated from various segmental fluences of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans were optimized to enhance its performance to predict plan delivery accuracy. Twenty prostate and twenty head and neck VMAT plans were selected retrospectively. Fluences were generated for each VMAT plan by summations of segments at sequential groups of control points. The numbers of summed segments were 5, 10, 20, 45, 90, 178 and 356. For each fluence, we investigated 6 textural features: angular second moment, inverse difference moment, contrast, variance, correlation and entropy (particular displacement distances, d = 1, 5 and 10). Spearman's rank correlation coefficients (rs) were calculated between each textural feature and several different measures of VMAT delivery accuracy. The values of rs of contrast (d = 10) with 10 segments to both global and local gamma passing rates with 2%/2 mm were 0.666 (p <0.001) and 0.573 (p <0.001), respectively. It showed rs values of -0.895 (p <0.001) and 0.727 (p <0.001) to multi-leaf collimator positional errors and gantry angle errors during delivery, respectively. The number of statistically significant rs values (p <0.05) to the changes in dose-volumetric parameters during delivery was 14 among a total of 35 tested parameters. Contrast (d = 10) with 10 segments showed higher correlations to the VMAT delivery accuracy than did the conventional modulation indices. Copyright © 2015 Associazione Italiana di Fisica Medica. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Future space experiments on cosmic rays and radiation on Russian segments of ISS

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

Panasyuk, Mikhail; Galper, Arkady; Stozhov, Yurii

1999-01-22

The report presents a survey of the Russian space program in the field of radiation and cosmic ray studies. The experimental projects were developed by scientists of different Russian Institutes and are intended for implementation on the future ISS. All the projects mentioned in this report have undergone various expertise stages in the Space Council of the Russian Science Academy ('Cosmic Ray Physics' section); the International Science-Technology Center of the Rocket-Space Corporation 'Energia' ('Astrophysics and radiation Measurements' section); Committee on Science-Technical Co-operation of the Russian Space Agency.

Main results and experience obtained on Mir space station and experiment program for Russian segment of ISS.

PubMed

Utkin, V F; Lukjashchenko, V I; Borisov, V V; Suvorov, V V; Tsymbalyuk, M M

2003-07-01

This article presents main scientific and practical results obtained in course of scientific and applied research and experiments on Mir space station. Based on Mir experience, processes of research program formation for the Russian Segment of the ISS are briefly described. The major trends of activities planned in the frames of these programs as well as preliminary results of increment research programs implementation in the ISS' first missions are also presented. c2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Internet Search Patterns of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and the Digital Divide in the Russian Federation: Infoveillance Study

PubMed Central

Quinn, Casey; Hercz, Daniel; Gillespie, James A

2013-01-01

Background Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a serious health problem in the Russian Federation. However, the true scale of HIV in Russia has long been the subject of considerable debate. Using digital surveillance to monitor diseases has become increasingly popular in high income countries. But Internet users may not be representative of overall populations, and the characteristics of the Internet-using population cannot be directly ascertained from search pattern data. This exploratory infoveillance study examined if Internet search patterns can be used for disease surveillance in a large middle-income country with a dispersed population. Objective This study had two main objectives: (1) to validate Internet search patterns against national HIV prevalence data, and (2) to investigate the relationship between search patterns and the determinants of Internet access. Methods We first assessed whether online surveillance is a valid and reliable method for monitoring HIV in the Russian Federation. Yandex and Google both provided tools to study search patterns in the Russian Federation. We evaluated the relationship between both Yandex and Google aggregated search patterns and HIV prevalence in 2011 at national and regional tiers. Second, we analyzed the determinants of Internet access to determine the extent to which they explained regional variations in searches for the Russian terms for “HIV” and “AIDS”. We sought to extend understanding of the characteristics of Internet searching populations by data matching the determinants of Internet access (age, education, income, broadband access price, and urbanization ratios) and searches for the term “HIV” using principal component analysis (PCA). Results We found generally strong correlations between HIV prevalence and searches for the terms “HIV” and “AIDS”. National correlations for Yandex searches for “HIV” were very strongly correlated with HIV prevalence (Spearman rank-order coefficient [rs]=.881, P≤.001) and strongly correlated for “AIDS” (rs=.714, P≤.001). The strength of correlations varied across Russian regions. National correlations in Google for the term “HIV” (rs=.672, P=.004) and “AIDS” (rs=.584, P≤.001) were weaker than for Yandex. Second, we examined the relationship between the determinants of Internet access and search patterns for the term “HIV” across Russia using PCA. At the national level, we found Principal Component 1 loadings, including age (-0.56), HIV search (-0.533), and education (-0.479) contributed 32% of the variance. Principal Component 2 contributed 22% of national variance (income, -0.652 and broadband price, -0.460). Conclusions This study contributes to the methodological literature on search patterns in public health. Based on our preliminary research, we suggest that PCA may be used to evaluate the relationship between the determinants of Internet access and searches for health problems beyond high-income countries. We believe it is in middle-income countries that search methods can make the greatest contribution to public health. PMID:24220250

Readout-Segmented Echo-Planar Imaging in Diffusion-Weighted MR Imaging in Breast Cancer: Comparison with Single-Shot Echo-Planar Imaging in Image Quality

PubMed Central

Kim, Yun Ju; Kang, Bong Joo; Park, Chang Suk; Kim, Hyeon Sook; Son, Yo Han; Porter, David Andrew; Song, Byung Joo

2014-01-01

Objective The purpose of this study was to compare the image quality of standard single-shot echo-planar imaging (ss-EPI) and that of readout-segmented EPI (rs-EPI) in patients with breast cancer. Materials and Methods Seventy-one patients with 74 breast cancers underwent both ss-EPI and rs-EPI. For qualitative comparison of image quality, three readers independently assessed the two sets of diffusion-weighted (DW) images. To evaluate geometric distortion, a comparison was made between lesion lengths derived from contrast enhanced MR (CE-MR) images and those obtained from the corresponding DW images. For assessment of image parameters, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), lesion contrast, and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were calculated. Results The rs-EPI was superior to ss-EPI in most criteria regarding the qualitative image quality. Anatomical structure distinction, delineation of the lesion, ghosting artifact, and overall image quality were significantly better in rs-EPI. Regarding the geometric distortion, lesion length on ss-EPI was significantly different from that of CE-MR, whereas there were no significant differences between CE-MR and rs-EPI. The rs-EPI was superior to ss-EPI in SNR and CNR. Conclusion Readout-segmented EPI is superior to ss-EPI in the aspect of image quality in DW MR imaging of the breast. PMID:25053898

Environmental Control and Life Support Integration Strategy for 6-Crew Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2009-01-01

The International Space Station (ISS) crew compliment will be increasing in size from 3 to 6 crew members in the summer of 2009. In order to support this increase in crew on ISS, the United States on-orbit Segment (USOS) has been outfitted with a suite of regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support (ECLS) hardware including an Oxygen Generation System(OGS), Waste and Hygiene Compartment (WHC), and a Water Recovery System (WRS). The WRS includes the Urine Processor Assembly (UPA) and the Water Processor Assembly (WPA). A critical step in advancing to a 6Crew support capability on ISS is a full checkedout and verification of the Regenerative ECLS hardware. With a successful checkout, the ISS will achieve full redundancy in its onorbit life support system between the USOS and Russian Segment (RS). The additional redundancy created by the Regenerative ECLS hardware creates the opportunity for independent support capabilities between segments, and for the first time since the start of ISS, the necessity to revise Life Support strategy agreements. Independent operating strategies coupled with the loss of the Space Shuttle supply and return capabilities in 2010 offers additional challenges. These challenges create the need for a higher level of onorbit consumables reserve to ensure crewmember life support during a system failure. This paper will discuss the evolution of the ISS Life Support hardware strategy in support of 6Crew on ISS, as well as the continued work which will be necessary to ensure the support of crew and ISS Program objectives through the life of station.

Segmenting Broadcast News Audiences in the New Media Environment.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wicks, Robert H.

1989-01-01

Examines the "benefit segmentation model," a marketing strategy for local news media which is capable of sorting consumers into discrete segments interested in similar salient product attributes or benefits. Concludes that benefit segmentation may provide a means by which news programmers may respond to their audience. (RS)

[Detection of novel genetic markers of susceptibility to preeclampsia based on an analysis of the regulatory genes in the placental tissue].

PubMed

Serebrova, V N; Trifonova, E A; Gabidulina, T V; Bukharina, I Yu; Agarkova, T A; Evtushenko, I D; Maksimova, N R; Stepanov, V A

2016-01-01

Regulatory single nucleotide polymorphisms (rSNPs) are the least-studied group of SNP; however, they play an essential role in the development of human pathology by altering the level of candidate genes expression. In this work, we analyzed 29 rSNPs in 17 new candidate genes associated with preeclampsia (PE) according to the analysis of the transcriptome in placental tissue. Three ethnic groups have been studied (yakut, russian, and buryat). We have detected significant associations of PE with eight rSNPs in six differentially expressed genes, i.e., rs10423795 in the LHB gene; rs3771787 in the HK2 gene; rs72959687 in the INHA gene; rs12678229, rs2227262, and rs3802252 in the NDRG1 gene; rs34845949 in the SASH1 gene; and rs66707428 in the PPP1R12C gene. We used a new approach to detecting genetic markers of multifactorial diseases in the case of PE based on a combination of genomic, transcriptomic, and bioinformatic approaches. This approach proved its efficiency and may be applied to detecting new potential genetic markers in genes involved in disease pathogenesis, which reduces missing heritability in multifactorial diseases.

External Survey from Windows in Mini-Research Modules and Pirs Docking Compartment

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-04-03

Survey view of a portion of the Zarya Functional Cargo Block (FGB) taken through a window in the Russian segment of the ISS during Expedition 35. Portions of the S0 and Z1 Truss segments are also in view.

Hungarian-Russian Bilingual Schools in Hungary during the Soviet Occupation (1945-1989)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vamos, Agnes

2018-01-01

Through the example of the establishment, functioning, and closing of bilingual schools during the Soviet occupation of Hungary, this paper aims to introduce this segment of public education in Central-Eastern Europe. In the period between 1945 and 1989, the learning of Russian as a compulsory subject was introduced, teaching other languages was…

The Unified Language Testing Plan: Speaking Proficiency Test. Russian Pilot Validation Studies. Report Number 2.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thornton, Julie A.

The report describes one segment of the Federal Language Testing Board's Unified Language Testing Plan (ULTP), the validation of the speaking proficiency test in Russian. The ULTP is a project to increase standardization of foreign language proficiency measurement and promote sharing of resources among testing programs in the federal government.…

Russian Extravehicular Activity (EVA) 21A EXPOSE-R

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-03-10

ISS018-E-039227 (10 March 2009) --- One of two Expedition 18 spacewalkers on March 10 provided this close-up image of the Expose-R experiment, reinstalled a short while earlier on the outside of the Russian segment of the International Space Station. The European experiment is equipped with three trays which contain a variety of biological samples.

Russian Extravehicular Activity (EVA) 21A EXPOSE-R

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-03-10

ISS018-E-039228 (10 March 2009) --- One of two Expedition 18 spacewalkers on March 10 provided this close-up image of the Expose-R experiment, reinstalled a short while earlier on the outside of the Russian segment of the International Space Station. The European experiment is equipped with three trays which contain a variety of biological samples.

Russian Extravehicular Activity (EVA) 21A EXPOSE-R

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-03-10

ISS018-E-039226 (10 March 2009) --- One of two Expedition 18 spacewalkers on March 10 provided this close-up image of the Expose-R experiment, reinstalled a short while earlier on the outside of the Russian segment of the International Space Station. The European experiment is equipped with three trays which contain a variety of biological samples.

Russian EVA 33

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-06-24

ISS036-E-011479 (24 June 2013) --- Russian cosmonaut Fyodor Yurchikhin, Expedition 36 flight engineer, participates in a session of extravehicular activity (EVA) as work continues on the International Space Station. During the six-hour, 34-minute spacewalk, Yurchikhin and Russian cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin (out of frame), Expedition 36 flight engineer, replaced an aging fluid flow control panel on the station's Zarya module as preventative maintenance on the cooling system for the Russian segment of the station. They also installed clamps for future power cables as an early step toward swapping the Pirs airlock with a new multipurpose laboratory module. The Russian Federal Space Agency plans to launch a combination research facility, airlock and docking port late this year on a Proton rocket. Yurchikhin and Misurkin also retrieved two science experiments and installed a new one.

Russian EVA 33

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-06-24

ISS036-E-011459 (24 June 2013) --- Russian cosmonaut Fyodor Yurchikhin, Expedition 36 flight engineer, participates in a session of extravehicular activity (EVA) as work continues on the International Space Station. During the six-hour, 34-minute spacewalk, Yurchikhin and Russian cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin (out of frame), Expedition 36 flight engineer, replaced an aging fluid flow control panel on the station's Zarya module as preventative maintenance on the cooling system for the Russian segment of the station. They also installed clamps for future power cables as an early step toward swapping the Pirs airlock with a new multipurpose laboratory module. The Russian Federal Space Agency plans to launch a combination research facility, airlock and docking port late this year on a Proton rocket. Yurchikhin and Misurkin also retrieved two science experiments and installed a new one.

Russian EVA 33

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-06-24

ISS036-E-011481 (24 June 2013) --- Russian cosmonaut Fyodor Yurchikhin, Expedition 36 flight engineer, participates in a session of extravehicular activity (EVA) as work continues on the International Space Station. During the six-hour, 34-minute spacewalk, Yurchikhin and Russian cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin (out of frame), Expedition 36 flight engineer, replaced an aging fluid flow control panel on the station's Zarya module as preventative maintenance on the cooling system for the Russian segment of the station. They also installed clamps for future power cables as an early step toward swapping the Pirs airlock with a new multipurpose laboratory module. The Russian Federal Space Agency plans to launch a combination research facility, airlock and docking port late this year on a Proton rocket. Yurchikhin and Misurkin also retrieved two science experiments and installed a new one.

Russian EVA 33

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-06-24

ISS036-E-011441 (24 June 2013) --- Russian cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin, Expedition 36 flight engineer, participates in a session of extravehicular activity (EVA) as work continues on the International Space Station. During the six-hour, 34-minute spacewalk, Misurkin and Russian cosmonaut Fyodor Yurchikhin (out of frame), Expedition 36 flight engineer, replaced an aging fluid flow control panel on the station's Zarya module as preventative maintenance on the cooling system for the Russian segment of the station. They also installed clamps for future power cables as an early step toward swapping the Pirs airlock with a new multipurpose laboratory module. The Russian Federal Space Agency plans to launch a combination research facility, airlock and docking port late this year on a Proton rocket. Yurchikhin and Misurkin also retrieved two science experiments and installed a new one.

Russian EVA 33

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-06-24

ISS036-E-011747 (24 June 2013) --- Russian cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin (bottom center), Expedition 36 flight engineer, participates in a session of extravehicular activity (EVA) as work continues on the International Space Station. During the six-hour, 34-minute spacewalk, Misurkin and Russian cosmonaut Fyodor Yurchikhin (out of frame), Expedition 36 flight engineer, replaced an aging fluid flow control panel on the station's Zarya module as preventative maintenance on the cooling system for the Russian segment of the station. They also installed clamps for future power cables as an early step toward swapping the Pirs airlock with a new multipurpose laboratory module. The Russian Federal Space Agency plans to launch a combination research facility, airlock and docking port late this year on a Proton rocket. Yurchikhin and Misurkin also retrieved two science experiments and installed a new one.

Russian EVA 33

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-06-24

ISS036-E-011642 (24 June 2013) --- Russian cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin, Expedition 36 flight engineer, participates in a session of extravehicular activity (EVA) as work continues on the International Space Station. During the six-hour, 34-minute spacewalk, Misurkin and Russian cosmonaut Fyodor Yurchikhin (out of frame), Expedition 36 flight engineer, replaced an aging fluid flow control panel on the station's Zarya module as preventative maintenance on the cooling system for the Russian segment of the station. They also installed clamps for future power cables as an early step toward swapping the Pirs airlock with a new multipurpose laboratory module. The Russian Federal Space Agency plans to launch a combination research facility, airlock and docking port late this year on a Proton rocket. Yurchikhin and Misurkin also retrieved two science experiments and installed a new one.

Russian EVA 33

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-06-24

ISS036-E-011440 (24 June 2013) --- Russian cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin, Expedition 36 flight engineer, participates in a session of extravehicular activity (EVA) as work continues on the International Space Station. During the six-hour, 34-minute spacewalk, Misurkin and Russian cosmonaut Fyodor Yurchikhin (out of frame), Expedition 36 flight engineer, replaced an aging fluid flow control panel on the station's Zarya module as preventative maintenance on the cooling system for the Russian segment of the station. They also installed clamps for future power cables as an early step toward swapping the Pirs airlock with a new multipurpose laboratory module. The Russian Federal Space Agency plans to launch a combination research facility, airlock and docking port late this year on a Proton rocket. Yurchikhin and Misurkin also retrieved two science experiments and installed one new one.

Russian EVA 33

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-06-24

ISS036-E-011480 (24 June 2013) --- Russian cosmonaut Fyodor Yurchikhin, Expedition 36 flight engineer, participates in a session of extravehicular activity (EVA) as work continues on the International Space Station. During the six-hour, 34-minute spacewalk, Yurchikhin and Russian cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin (out of frame), Expedition 36 flight engineer, replaced an aging fluid flow control panel on the station's Zarya module as preventative maintenance on the cooling system for the Russian segment of the station. They also installed clamps for future power cables as an early step toward swapping the Pirs airlock with a new multipurpose laboratory module. The Russian Federal Space Agency plans to launch a combination research facility, airlock and docking port late this year on a Proton rocket. Yurchikhin and Misurkin also retrieved two science experiments and installed a new one.

Russian EVA 33

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-06-24

ISS036-E-011745 (24 June 2013) --- Russian cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin (bottom center), Expedition 36 flight engineer, participates in a session of extravehicular activity (EVA) as work continues on the International Space Station. During the six-hour, 34-minute spacewalk, Misurkin and Russian cosmonaut Fyodor Yurchikhin (out of frame), Expedition 36 flight engineer, replaced an aging fluid flow control panel on the station's Zarya module as preventative maintenance on the cooling system for the Russian segment of the station. They also installed clamps for future power cables as an early step toward swapping the Pirs airlock with a new multipurpose laboratory module. The Russian Federal Space Agency plans to launch a combination research facility, airlock and docking port late this year on a Proton rocket. Yurchikhin and Misurkin also retrieved two science experiments and installed a new one.

Russian EVA 33

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-06-24

ISS036-E-011598 (24 June 2013) --- Russian cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin, Expedition 36 flight engineer, participates in a session of extravehicular activity (EVA) as work continues on the International Space Station. During the six-hour, 34-minute spacewalk, Misurkin and Russian cosmonaut Fyodor Yurchikhin (out of frame), Expedition 36 flight engineer, replaced an aging fluid flow control panel on the station's Zarya module as preventative maintenance on the cooling system for the Russian segment of the station. They also installed clamps for future power cables as an early step toward swapping the Pirs airlock with a new multipurpose laboratory module. The Russian Federal Space Agency plans to launch a combination research facility, airlock and docking port late this year on a Proton rocket. Yurchikhin and Misurkin also retrieved two science experiments and installed one new one.

Russian EVA 33

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-06-24

ISS036-E-011477 (24 June 2013) --- Russian cosmonaut Fyodor Yurchikhin, Expedition 36 flight engineer, participates in a session of extravehicular activity (EVA) as work continues on the International Space Station. During the six-hour, 34-minute spacewalk, Yurchikhin and Russian cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin (out of frame), Expedition 36 flight engineer, replaced an aging fluid flow control panel on the station's Zarya module as preventative maintenance on the cooling system for the Russian segment of the station. They also installed clamps for future power cables as an early step toward swapping the Pirs airlock with a new multipurpose laboratory module. The Russian Federal Space Agency plans to launch a combination research facility, airlock and docking port late this year on a Proton rocket. Yurchikhin and Misurkin also retrieved two science experiments and installed a new one.

Russian EVA 33

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-06-24

ISS036-E-011439 (24 June 2013) --- Russian cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin, Expedition 36 flight engineer, participates in a session of extravehicular activity (EVA) as work continues on the International Space Station. During the six-hour, 34-minute spacewalk, Misurkin and Russian cosmonaut Fyodor Yurchikhin (out of frame), Expedition 36 flight engineer, replaced an aging fluid flow control panel on the station's Zarya module as preventative maintenance on the cooling system for the Russian segment of the station. They also installed clamps for future power cables as an early step toward swapping the Pirs airlock with a new multipurpose laboratory module. The Russian Federal Space Agency plans to launch a combination research facility, airlock and docking port late this year on a Proton rocket. Yurchikhin and Misurkin also retrieved two science experiments and installed one new one.

Russian EVA 33

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-06-24

ISS036-E-011640 (24 June 2013) --- Russian cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin, Expedition 36 flight engineer, participates in a session of extravehicular activity (EVA) as work continues on the International Space Station. During the six-hour, 34-minute spacewalk, Misurkin and Russian cosmonaut Fyodor Yurchikhin (out of frame), Expedition 36 flight engineer, replaced an aging fluid flow control panel on the station's Zarya module as preventative maintenance on the cooling system for the Russian segment of the station. They also installed clamps for future power cables as an early step toward swapping the Pirs airlock with a new multipurpose laboratory module. The Russian Federal Space Agency plans to launch a combination research facility, airlock and docking port late this year on a Proton rocket. Yurchikhin and Misurkin also retrieved two science experiments and installed a new one.

Russian EVA 33

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-06-24

ISS036-E-011608 (24 June 2013) --- Russian cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin, Expedition 36 flight engineer, participates in a session of extravehicular activity (EVA) as work continues on the International Space Station. During the six-hour, 34-minute spacewalk, Misurkin and Russian cosmonaut Fyodor Yurchikhin (out of frame), Expedition 36 flight engineer, replaced an aging fluid flow control panel on the station's Zarya module as preventative maintenance on the cooling system for the Russian segment of the station. They also installed clamps for future power cables as an early step toward swapping the Pirs airlock with a new multipurpose laboratory module. The Russian Federal Space Agency plans to launch a combination research facility, airlock and docking port late this year on a Proton rocket. Yurchikhin and Misurkin also retrieved two science experiments and installed a new one.

Maternal Genetic Variants of IL4/IL13 Pathway Genes on IgE With "Western or Eastern Environments/Lifestyles".

PubMed

Zhang, Guicheng; Khoo, Siew-Kim; Mäkelä, Mika J; Candelaria, Pierre; Hayden, Catherine M; von Hertzen, Leena; Laatikainen, Tiina; Vartiainen, Erkki; Goldblatt, Jack; Haahtela, Tari; LeSouëf, Peter N

2014-07-01

We investigated maternal genetic effects of four IL-4/IL-13 pathway genes as well as their interactions with the "Western or Eastern lifestyles/environments" on IgE in Karelian children. This study included 609 children and their mothers. Total IgE levels in children and mothers were measured and 10 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IL-4, IL-4Ra, IL-13, and STAT6 were genotyped in mothers and their children. The maternal G allele of IL-13 130 (rs20541) was significantly (P=0.001) associated with decreased IgE in children in the Karelian population (Pooling Finnish and Russian children), as well as in Finnish (P=0.030) and Russian children (P=0.018). The IgE levels were significantly (P=0.001) higher in Russian children whose mothers were homozygous for the G allele of the IL-4Ra 50 (rs1805010) SNP than that in Russian children of mothers who were AG heterozygotes or AA homozygotes. After accounting for children's genotypes, we observed interactive effects on children's IgE for maternal IL-13 130 genotypes (P=0.014) and maternal IL-4Ra 50 genotypes (P=0.0003) with "Western or Eastern" lifestyles/environments. With the adjustment for multiple comparisons using a false discovery rate (FDR) of 0.05, the interactive effect of the maternal IL-4Ra50 SNP was significant. Maternal genetic variants in IL-4/IL-13 pathway genes, such as IL-13 130 and IL-4Ra50, influenced IgE levels in school children that were independent of the children's genetic effects. These effects differ in "Western or Eastern" environments.

Smoke and fire Rocket-engine ablaze on This Week @NASA – August 14, 2015

NASA Image and Video Library

2015-08-14

On Aug. 13, NASA conducted a test firing of the RS-25 rocket engine at Stennis Space Center. The 535 second test was the sixth in the current series of seven developmental tests of the former space shuttle main engine. Four RS-25 engines will power the core stage of the new Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, which will carry humans deeper into space than ever before, including to an asteroid and Mars. Also, Veggies in space, Russian spacewalk, Supply ship undocks from ISS, Smallest giant black hole, 10th anniversary of MRO launch and more!

Results of the first stage (2002-2009) of investigation of higher plants onboard RS ISS, as an element of future closed Life Support Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sychev, Vladimir; Levinskikh, Margarita; Podolsky, Igor; Bingham, Gail; Novikova, Nataliya; Sugimoto, Manabu

A key task for biomedical human support in long-term manned space expeditions is the develop-ment of the Life Support System (LSS). It is expected that in the first continuous interplanetary expeditions LSS of only a few biological elements of the LSS, such as higher plants will be in-cluded. Therefore, investigations of growth and development of higher plants for consideration in the LSS are of high importance. In a period from October, 2002 to December 2009, 15 ex-periments on cultivation of different plants, including two genetically marked species of dwarf peas, a leaf vegetable strain of Mizuna, radish, barley and wheat were conducted in space greenhouse "LADA" onboard Russian Segment (RS) of International Space Station (ISS). The experiments resulted in the conclusion that the properties of growth and development of plants grown in space greenhouse "LADA" were unaffected by spaceflight conditions. In experiments conducted in a period from 2003 to 2005, it was shown for the first time that pea plants pre-serve reproductive functions, forming viable seeds during at least four continuous full cycles of ontogenesis ("seed to seed") under spaceflight conditions. No changes were found in the genetic apparatus of the pea plants in the four "space" generations. Since 2005, there have been routine collections of microbiological samples from the surfaces of the plants grown on-board in "LADA" greenhouse. Analysis has shown that the properties of contamination of the plants grown aboard by microorganism contain no abnormal patterns. Since 2008, the plants cultivated in "LADA" greenhouse have been frozen onboard RS ISS in the MELFI refrigerator and transferred to the Earth for further investigations. Investigations of Mizuna plants grown and frozen onboard of ISS, showed no differences between "ground control" and "space" plants in chemical and biochemical properties. There also no stress-response was found in kashinriki strain barley planted and frozen onboard ISS.

Comparison of retrievable stents and permanent stents for Budd-Chiari syndrome due to obstructive inferior vena cava.

PubMed

Bi, Yonghua; Chen, Hongmei; Ding, Penxu; Ren, Jianzhuang; Han, Xinwei

2018-05-30

To compare long-term outcomes of retrievable stents and permanent stents for BCS due to long-segment obstructive IVC. Between July 2000 and August 2016, 42 patients with BCS due to long-segment obstructive IVC were treated with retrievable stents (RS) and 41 patients were treated with permanent stents (PS). The retrievable stents was removed eventually after thrombus disappeared. Patients were subsequently followed-up by color Doppler sonography or CT scanning. All retrievable stent placements were successfully, and 37 retrievable stents were retrieved 8 to 29 days later. Forty-two stents were implanted in PS Group. One failure retrieval of retrievable stents occurred, and two failures of cannulations were found in PS Group. Two deaths may procedure-related and died from acute pulmonary thromboembolism perioperatively. One patient developed acute cerebral infarction and recovered after treatment. In PS Group, minor complications were found in 3 patients. The length of IVC lesion segment, length and thickness of IVC thrombus decreased significantly, and diameter of retrocaval IVC and diaphragm IVC increased significantly in both groups. During follow up, 3 patients died from liver failure in RS Group and 2 patients died in PS Group. RS Group showed a significantly higher primary patency rate than PS Group. Cumulative 1-, 3-, and 5-year secondary patency rates were 95.2%, 89.6%, 89.6% in RS Group, and 100%, 96.6%, 96.6% in PS Group (p= 0.7109). Retrievable stents is effective for BCS due to long-segment obstructive IVC, with a higher primary patency rate. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Russian EVA 33

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-06-24

ISS036-E-011590 (24 June 2013) --- Russian cosmonauts Alexander Misurkin (left) and Fyodor Yurchikhin, both Expedition 36 flight engineers, participate in a session of extravehicular activity (EVA) as work continues on the International Space Station. During the six-hour, 34-minute spacewalk, Misurkin and Yurchikhin replaced an aging fluid flow control panel on the station's Zarya module as preventative maintenance on the cooling system for the Russian segment of the station. They also installed clamps for future power cables as an early step toward swapping the Pirs airlock with a new multipurpose laboratory module. The Russian Federal Space Agency plans to launch a combination research facility, airlock and docking port late this year on a Proton rocket. Yurchikhin and Misurkin also retrieved two science experiments and installed a new one.

Russian EVA 33

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-06-24

ISS036-E-011593 (24 June 2013) --- Russian cosmonauts Alexander Misurkin (left) and Fyodor Yurchikhin, both Expedition 36 flight engineers, participate in a session of extravehicular activity (EVA) as work continues on the International Space Station. During the six-hour, 34-minute spacewalk, Misurkin and Yurchikhin replaced an aging fluid flow control panel on the station's Zarya module as preventative maintenance on the cooling system for the Russian segment of the station. They also installed clamps for future power cables as an early step toward swapping the Pirs airlock with a new multipurpose laboratory module. The Russian Federal Space Agency plans to launch a combination research facility, airlock and docking port late this year on a Proton rocket. Yurchikhin and Misurkin also retrieved two science experiments and installed one new one.

A matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) gene single nucleotide polymorphism is associated with predisposition to tick-borne encephalitis virus-induced severe central nervous system disease.

PubMed

Barkhash, Andrey V; Yurchenko, Andrey A; Yudin, Nikolay S; Ignatieva, Elena V; Kozlova, Irina V; Borishchuk, Inessa A; Pozdnyakova, Larisa L; Voevoda, Mikhail I; Romaschenko, Aida G

2018-05-01

The progression of infectious diseases depends on causative agents, the environment and the host's genetic susceptibility. To date, human genetic susceptibility to tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus-induced disease has not been sufficiently studied. We have combined whole-exome sequencing with a candidate gene approach to identify genes that are involved in the development of predisposition to TBE in a Russian population. Initially, six exomes from TBE patients with severe central nervous system (CNS) disease and seven exomes from control individuals were sequenced. Despite the small sample size, two nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were significantly associated with TBE virus-induced severe CNS disease. One of these SNPs is rs6558394 (G/A, Pro422Leu) in the scribbled planar cell polarity protein (SCRIB) gene and the other SNP is rs17576 (A/G, Gln279Arg) in the matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) gene. Subsequently, these SNPs were genotyped in DNA samples of 150 non-immunized TBE patients with different clinical forms of the disease from two cities and 228 control randomly selected samples from the same populations. There were no statistically significant differences in genotype and allele frequencies between the case and control groups for rs6558394. However, the frequency of the rs17576 G allele was significantly higher in TBE patients with severe CNS diseases such as meningo-encephalitis (43.5%) when compared with TBE patients with milder meningitis (26.3%; P = 0.01), as well as with the population control group (32.5%; P = 0.042). The results suggest that the MMP9 gene may affect genetic predisposition to TBE in a Russian population. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Recapitulating X-Linked Juvenile Retinoschisis in Mouse Model by Knock-In Patient-Specific Novel Mutation.

PubMed

Chen, Ding; Xu, Tao; Tu, Mengjun; Xu, Jinlin; Zhou, Chenchen; Cheng, Lulu; Yang, Ruqing; Yang, Tanchu; Zheng, Weiwei; He, Xiubin; Deng, Ruzhi; Ge, Xianglian; Li, Jin; Song, Zongming; Zhao, Junzhao; Gu, Feng

2017-01-01

X-linked juvenile retinoschisis (XLRS) is a retinal disease caused by mutations in the gene encoding retinoschisin (RS1), which leads to a significant proportion of visual impairment and blindness. To develop personalized genome editing based gene therapy, knock-in animal disease models that have the exact mutation identified in the patients is extremely crucial, and that the way which genome editing in knock-in animals could be easily transferred to the patients. Here we recruited a family diagnosed with XLRS and identified the causative mutation ( RS1 , p.Y65X), then a knock-in mouse model harboring this disease-causative mutation was generated via TALEN (transcription activator-like effector nucleases). We found that the b-wave amplitude of the ERG of the RS1 -KI mice was significantly decreased. Moreover, we observed that the structure of retina in RS1 -KI mice has become disordered, including the disarray of inner nuclear layer and outer nuclear layer, chaos of outer plexiform layer, decreased inner segments of photoreceptor and the loss of outer segments. The novel knock-in mice ( RS1 -KI) harboring patient-specific mutation will be valuable for development of treatment via genome editing mediated gene correction.

Ukrainian Program for Material Science in Microgravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fedorov, Oleg

Ukrainian Program for Material Sciences in Microgravity O.P. Fedorov, Space Research Insti-tute of NASU -NSAU, Kyiv, The aim of the report is to present previous and current approach of Ukrainian research society to the prospect of material sciences in microgravity. This approach is based on analysis of Ukrainian program of research in microgravity, preparation of Russian -Ukrainian experiments on Russian segment of ISS and development of new Ukrainian strategy of space activity for the years 2010-2030. Two parts of issues are discussed: (i) the evolution of our views on the priorities in microgravity research (ii) current experiments under preparation and important ground-based results. item1 The concept of "space industrialization" and relevant efforts in Soviet and post -Soviet Ukrainian research institutions are reviewed. The main topics are: melt supercooling, crystal growing, testing of materials, electric welding and study of near-Earth environment. The anticipated and current results are compared. item 2. The main experiments in the framework of Ukrainian-Russian Research Program for Russian Segment of ISS are reviewed. Flight installations under development and ground-based results of the experiments on directional solidification, heat pipes, tribological testing, biocorrosion study is presented. Ground-based experiments and theoretical study of directional solidification of transparent alloys are reviewed as well as preparation of MORPHOS installation for study of succinonitrile -acetone in microgravity.

Data from Russian Help to Determine in Which Languages the Possible Word Constraint Applies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alexeeva, Svetlana; Frolova, Anastasia; Slioussar, Natalia

2017-01-01

The Possible Word Constraint, or PWC, is a speech segmentation principle prohibiting to postulate word boundaries if a remaining segment contains only consonants. The PWC was initially formulated for English where all words contain a vowel and claimed to hold universally after being confirmed for various other languages. However, it is crucial to…

Natural Gas Use On Minibuses, Engaged In The Carriage Of Passengers And Baggage On The Regular Routes, As A Measure For Decrease In Harmful Environment Effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chikishev, E.; Chikisheva, A.; Anisimov, I.; Chainikov, D.

2017-01-01

The paper deals with an option of increase the compressed natural gas use as a motor fuel for diesel minibuses to reduce emissions of harmful substances with exhaust gases. In terms of the Russian company LTD "WTC Automobilist", carrying passengers and baggage on regular routes by minibuses, the calculation of the park's natural gas needs is promoted. A mini CNG RS with optimal performance is suggested. The approximate payback period of the natural gas equipment installation on all buses of company and introduction into service period of mini CNG RS are calculated.

Fuel Oxidizer Reaction Products (FORP) Contamination of Service Module (SM) and Release of N-nitrosodimethylamine(NDMA)in a Humid Environment from Crew EVA Suits Contaminated with FORP

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schmidl, William; Mikatarian, Ron; Lam, Chiu-Wing; West, Bil; Buchanan, Vanessa; Dee, Louis; Baker, David; Koontz, Steve

2004-01-01

The Service Module (SM) is an element of the Russian Segment of the International Space Station (ISS). One of the functions of the SM is to provide attitude control for the ISS using thrusters when the U.S. Control Moment Gyros (CMG's) must be desaturated. Prior to an Extravehicular Activity (EVA) on the Russian Segment, the Docking Compartment (DC1) is depressurized, as it is used as an airlock. When the DC1 is depressurized, the CMG's margin of momentum is insufficient and the SM attitude control thrusters need to fire to desaturate the CMG's. SM roll thruster firings induce contamination onto adjacent surfaces with Fuel Oxidizer Reaction Products (FORP). FORP is composed of both volatile and non-volatile components. One of the components of FORP is the potent carcinogen N-nitrosdimethylamine (NDMA). Since the EVA crewmembers often enter the area surrounding the thrusters for tasks on the aft end of the SM and when translating to other areas of the Russian Segment, the presence of FORP is a concern. This paper will discuss FORP contamination of the SM surfaces, the release of NDMA in a humid environment from crew EVA suits, if they happen to be contaminated with FORP, and the toxicological risk associated with the NDMA release.

Association of SNPs of CD40 Gene with Multiple Sclerosis in Russians

PubMed Central

Sokolova, Ekaterina Alekseevna; Malkova, Nadezhda Alekseevna; Korobko, Denis Sergeevich; Rozhdestvenskii, Aleksey Sergeevich; Kakulya, Anastasia Vladimirovna; Khanokh, Elena Vladimirovna; Delov, Roman Andreevich; Platonov, Fedor Alekseevich; Popova, Tatyana Yegorovna; Aref′eva, Elena Gennadievna; Zagorskaya, Natalia Nikolaevna; Alifirova, Valentina Mikhailovna; Titova, Marina Andreevna; Smagina, Inna Vadimovna; El′chaninova, Svetlana Alksandrovna; Popovtseva, Anna Valentinovna; Puzyrev, Valery Pavlovich; Kulakova, Olga Georgievna; Tsareva, Ekaterina Yur'evna; Favorova, Olga Olegovna; Shchur, Sergei Gennadievich; Lashch, Natalia Yurievna; Popova, Natalia Fyodorovna; Popova, Ekaterina Valerievna; Gusev, Evgenii Ivanovich; Boyko, Aleksey Nikolaevich; Aulchenko, Yurii Sergeevich; Filipenko, Maxim Leonidovich

2013-01-01

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a serious, incurable neurological disease. In 2009, the ANZgene studies detected the suggestive association of located upstream of CD40 gene in chromosome 20q13 (p = 1.3×10−7). Identification of the causal variant(s) in the CD40 locus leads to a better understanding of the mechanism underlying the development of autoimmune pathologies. We determined the genotypes of rs6074022, rs1883832, rs1535045, and rs11086996 in patients with MS (n = 1684) and in the control group (n = 879). Two SNPs were significantly associated with MS: rs6074022 (additive model C allele OR = 1.27, 95% CI = [1.12–1.45], p = 3×10−4) and rs1883832 (additive model T allele OR = 1.20, 95% CI = [1.05–1.38], p = 7×10−3). In the meta-analysis of our results and the results of four previous studies, we obtain the association p-value of 2.34×10−12, which confirmed the association between MS and rs6074022 at a genome-wide significant level. Next, we demonstrated that the model including rs6074022 only sufficiently described the association. From our analysis, we can speculate that the association between rs1883832 and MS was induced by LD, whereas rs6074022 was a marker in stronger LD with the functional variant or was the functional variant itself. Our results indicated that the functional variants were located in the upstream region of the gene CD40 and were in higher LD with rs6074022 than LD with rs1883832. PMID:23613777

Clinical evaluation of single-shot and readout-segmented diffusion-weighted imaging in stroke patients at 3 T.

PubMed

Morelli, John; Porter, David; Ai, Fei; Gerdes, Clint; Saettele, Megan; Feiweier, Thorsten; Padua, Abraham; Dix, James; Marra, Michael; Rangaswamy, Rajesh; Runge, Val

2013-04-01

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is most commonly performed utilizing a single-shot echo-planar imaging technique (ss-EPI). Susceptibility artifact and image blur are severe when this sequence is utilized at 3 T. To evaluate a readout-segmented approach to DWI MR in comparison with single-shot echo planar imaging for brain MRI. Eleven healthy volunteers and 14 patients with acute and early subacute infarctions underwent DWI MR examinations at 1.5 and 3T with ss-EPI and readout-segmented echo-planar (rs-EPI) DWI at equal nominal spatial resolutions. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) calculations were made, and two blinded readers ranked the scans in terms of high signal intensity bulk susceptibility artifact, spatial distortions, image blur, overall preference, and motion artifact. SNR and CNR were greatest with rs-EPI (8.1 ± 0.2 SNR vs. 6.0 ± 0.2; P <10(-4) at 3T). Spatial distortions were greater with single-shot (0.23 ± 0.03 at 3T; P <0.001) than with rs-EPI (0.12 ± 0.02 at 3T). Combined with blur and artifact reduction, this resulted in a qualitative preference for the readout-segmented scans overall. Substantial image quality improvements are possible with readout-segmented vs. single-shot EPI - the current clinical standard for DWI - regardless of field strength (1.5 or 3 T). This results in improved image quality secondary to greater real spatial resolution and reduced artifacts from susceptibility in MR imaging of the brain.

A Novel Polymorphism in the Promoter of the CYP4A11 Gene Is Associated with Susceptibility to Coronary Artery Disease

PubMed Central

Sirotina, Svetlana; Ponomarenko, Irina; Kharchenko, Alexander; Bykanova, Marina; Bocharova, Anna; Vagaytseva, Kseniya; Solodilova, Maria

2018-01-01

Enzymes CYP4A11 and CYP4F2 are involved in biosynthesis of vasoactive 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid and may contribute to pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD). We investigated whether polymorphisms of the CYP4A11 and CYP4F2 genes are associated with the risk of CAD in Russian population. DNA samples from 1323 unrelated subjects (637 angiographically confirmed CAD patients and 686 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals) were genotyped for polymorphisms rs3890011, rs9332978, and rs9333029 of CYP4A11 and rs3093098 and rs1558139 of CYP4F2 by using the Mass-ARRAY 4 system. SNPs rs3890011 and rs9332978 of CYP4A11 were associated with increased risk of CAD in women: OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.02–1.57, P = 0.004, and Q = 0.01 and OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.13–1.87, P = 0.004, and Q = 0.01, respectively. Haplotype G-C-A of CYP4A11 was associated with increased risk of CAD (adjusted OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.12–1.78, and P = 0.0036). Epistatic interactions were found between rs9332978 of CYP4A11 and rs1558139 of CYP4F2 (P interaction = 0.025). In silico analysis allowed identifying that SNP rs9332978 is located at a binding site for multiple transcription factors; many of them are known to regulate the pathways involved in the pathogenesis of CAD. This is the first study in Europeans that reported association between polymorphism rs9332978 of CYP4A11 and susceptibility to coronary artery disease. PMID:29484037

Gerst in Russian segment

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-06-06

ISS040-E-008044 (6 June 2014) --- European Space Agency astronaut Alexander Gerst, Expedition 40 flight engineer, is pictured in the Rassvet Mini-Research Module 1 (MRM-1) hatch of the International Space Station.

Gerst in Russian segment

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-06-06

ISS040-E-008036 (6 June 2014) --- European Space Agency astronaut Alexander Gerst, Expedition 40 flight engineer, is pictured in the Rassvet Mini-Research Module 1 (MRM-1) hatch of the International Space Station.

Mir Contamination Observations and Implications to the International Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Soares, Carlos; Mikatarian, Ron

2000-01-01

A series of external contamination measurements were made on the Russian Mir Space Station. The Mir external contamination observations summarized in this paper were essential in assessing the system level impact of Russian Segment induced contamination on the International Space Station (ISS). Mir contamination observations include results from a series of flight experiments: CNES Comes-Aragatz, retrieved NASA camera bracket, Euro-Mir '95 ICA, retrieved NASA Trek blanket, Russian Astra-II, Mir Solar Array Return Experiment (SARE), etc. Results from these experiments were studied in detail to characterize Mir induced contamination. In conjunction with Mir contamination observations, Russian materials samples were tested for condensable outgassing rates in the U.S. These test results were essential in the characterization of Mir contamination sources. Once Mir contamination sources were identified and characterized, activities to assess the implications to ISS were implemented. As a result, modifications in Russian materials selection and/or usage were implemented to control contamination and mitigate risk to ISS.

Ares V and RS-68B

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Creech, Steve; Taylor, Jim; Bellamy, Scott; Kuck, Fritz

2008-01-01

Ares V is the heavy lift vehicle NASA is designing for lunar and other space missions. It has significantly more lift capability than the Saturn V vehicle used for the Apollo missions to the moon. Ares V is powered by two recoverable 5.5 segment solid rocket boosters and six RS-68B engines on the core stage. The upper stage, designated as the Earth Departure Stage, is powered by a single J-2X engine. This paper provides an overview of the Ares V vehicle and the RS-68B engine, an upgrade to the Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne RS-68 engine developed for the Delta IV vehicle.

N-terminal segments modulate the α-helical propensities of the intrinsically disordered basic regions of bZIP proteins.

PubMed

Das, Rahul K; Crick, Scott L; Pappu, Rohit V

2012-02-17

Basic region leucine zippers (bZIPs) are modular transcription factors that play key roles in eukaryotic gene regulation. The basic regions of bZIPs (bZIP-bRs) are necessary and sufficient for DNA binding and specificity. Bioinformatic predictions and spectroscopic studies suggest that unbound monomeric bZIP-bRs are uniformly disordered as isolated domains. Here, we test this assumption through a comparative characterization of conformational ensembles for 15 different bZIP-bRs using a combination of atomistic simulations and circular dichroism measurements. We find that bZIP-bRs have quantifiable preferences for α-helical conformations in their unbound monomeric forms. This helicity varies from one bZIP-bR to another despite a significant sequence similarity of the DNA binding motifs (DBMs). Our analysis reveals that intramolecular interactions between DBMs and eight-residue segments directly N-terminal to DBMs are the primary modulators of bZIP-bR helicities. We test the accuracy of this inference by designing chimeras of bZIP-bRs to have either increased or decreased overall helicities. Our results yield quantitative insights regarding the relationship between sequence and the degree of intrinsic disorder within bZIP-bRs, and might have general implications for other intrinsically disordered proteins. Understanding how natural sequence variations lead to modulation of disorder is likely to be important for understanding the evolution of specificity in molecular recognition through intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs). Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Results of measuring neutrons doses and energy spectra inside Russian segment of the International Space Station in experiment "Matryoshka-R" using bubble detectors during the ISS-24-34 missions].

PubMed

Khulapko, S V; Liagushin, V I; Arkhangel'skiĭ, V V; Shurshakov, V A; Smith, M; Ing, H; Machrafi, R; Nikolaev, I V

2014-01-01

The paper presents the results of calculating the equivalent dose from and energy spectrum of neutrons in the right-hand crewquarters in module Zvezda of the ISS Russian segment. Dose measurements were made in the period between July, 2010 and November, 2012 (ISS Missions 24-34) by research equipment including the bubble dosimeter as part of experiment "Matryoshka-R". Neutron energy spectra in the crewquarters are in good agreement with what has been calculated for the ISS USOS and, earlier, for the MIR orbital station. The neutron dose rate has been found to amount to 196 +/- 23 microSv/d on Zvezda panel-443 (crewquarters) and 179 +/- 16 microSv/d on the "Shielding shutter" surface in the crewquarters.

Langmuir Probes for Obstanovka Experiment Aboard the Russian Segment of the International Space Station

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-08-04

charged due to the operation of so many instruments, solar batteries, life supporting devices, etc. The present grant is for the elaboration and tests of...sensors (in RKK “ Energia ” – Moscow)  Updating of the technological instruments - a new power supply block (PSB) was elaborated, which made it possible to...depending on space weather, Year of Astronomy: Solar and Solar - Terrestrial Physics 2009, Proceedings of the All-Russian Yearly Conference on Solar

Interposition of a reversed jejunal segment enhances intestinal adaptation in short bowel syndrome: an experimental study on pigs.

PubMed

Digalakis, Michail; Papamichail, Michail; Glava, Chryssoula; Grammatoglou, Xanthippi; Sergentanis, Theodoros N; Papalois, Apostolos; Bramis, John

2011-12-01

Interposition of a reversed intestinal segment as a factor facilitating intestinal adaptation has been experimentally investigated. Controversy exists about its efficacy in terms of body weight improvement, direction of luminal changes, and underlying mechanisms. This study aims to provide a comprehensive approach. The pigs were randomly allocated to two groups: (1) short bowel (SB) group (n=8) and (2) short bowel reverse jejunal segment (SB-RS) group (n=8). On postoperative d 3, 30, and 60, intestinal transit time was measured; body weight and serum albumin were measured on baseline, as well as on postoperative d 30 and 60. After sacrifice, histopathologic and immunohistochemical (PCNA, activated caspase-3) evaluation followed. Transit time was numerically longer in SB-RS group at all time points; the difference reached statistical significance on d 60. No statistically significant differences were observed concerning body weight or serum albumin. In the SB-RS group, a statistically significant increase in muscle thickness, crypt depth, villus height, and PCNA immunostaining, and a decrease in caspase-3 positive (+) cell count were documented both at the jejunal and ileal level. The reversed jejunal segment seemed able to enhance intestinal adaptation at a histopathologic level, as well as to favorably modify transit time. These putatively beneficial actions were not reflected upon body weight. The decrease in apoptosis was caspase-3-dependent. Crown Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

GRACE risk score: Sex-based validity of in-hospital mortality prediction in Canadian patients with acute coronary syndrome.

PubMed

Gong, Inna Y; Goodman, Shaun G; Brieger, David; Gale, Chris P; Chew, Derek P; Welsh, Robert C; Huynh, Thao; DeYoung, J Paul; Baer, Carolyn; Gyenes, Gabor T; Udell, Jacob A; Fox, Keith A A; Yan, Andrew T

2017-10-01

Although there are sex differences in management and outcome of acute coronary syndromes (ACS), sex is not a component of Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk score (RS) for in-hospital mortality prediction. We sought to determine the prognostic utility of GRACE RS in men and women, and whether its predictive accuracy would be augmented through sex-based modification of its components. Canadian men and women enrolled in GRACE and Canadian Registry of Acute Coronary Events were stratified as ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) or non-ST-segment elevation ACS (NSTE-ACS). GRACE RS was calculated as per original model. Discrimination and calibration were evaluated using the c-statistic and Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression was undertaken to assess potential interactions of sex with GRACE RS components. For the overall cohort (n=14,422), unadjusted in-hospital mortality rate was higher in women than men (4.5% vs. 3.0%, p<0.001). Overall, GRACE RS c-statistic and goodness-of-fit test p-value were 0.85 (95% CI 0.83-0.87) and 0.11, respectively. While the RS had excellent discrimination for all subgroups (c-statistics >0.80), discrimination was lower for women compared to men with STEMI [0.80 (0.75-0.84) vs. 0.86 (0.82-0.89), respectively, p<0.05]. The goodness-of-fit test showed good calibration for women (p=0.86), but suboptimal for men (p=0.031). No significant interaction was evident between sex and RS components (all p>0.25). The GRACE RS is a valid predictor of in-hospital mortality for both men and women with ACS. The lack of interaction between sex and RS components suggests that sex-based modification is not required. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The frequency of CYP2C19 genetic polymorphisms in Russian patients with peptic ulcers treated with proton pump inhibitors.

PubMed

Sychev, D A; Denisenko, N P; Sizova, Z M; Grachev, A V; Velikolug, K A

2015-01-01

Proton pump inhibitors, which are widely used as acid-inhibitory agents for the treatment of peptic ulcers, are mainly metabolized by 2C19 isoenzyme of cytochrome P450 (CYP2C19). CYP2C19 has genetic polymorphisms, associated with extensive, poor, intermediate or ultra-rapid metabolism of proton pump inhibitors. Genetic polymorphisms of CYP2C19 could be of clinical concern in the treatment of peptic ulcers with proton pump inhibitors. To investigate the frequencies of CYP2C19*2, CYP2C19*3, and CYP2C19*17 alleles and genotypes in Russian patients with peptic ulcers. We retrospectively reviewed the cases of 971 patients of Caucasian origin with Russian nationality from Moscow region with endoscopically and histologically proven ulcers, 428 males (44%) and 543 females (56%). The mean age was 44.6±11.9 years (range: 15-88 years). DNA was extracted from ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid whole blood samples (10 mL). The polymorphisms CYP2C19 681G.A (CYP2C19*2, rs4244285), CYP2C19 636 G.A (CYP2C19*3, rs4986893) and CYP2C19 -806 C.T (CYP2C19*17, rs12248560) were evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Regarding CYP2C19 genotype, 317 patients (32.65%) out of 971 were CYP2C19*1/*1 carriers classified as extensive metabolizers. Three hundred and eighty-six (39.75%) with CYP2C19*1/*17 or CYP2C19*17/*17 genotype were ultra-rapid metabolizers. Two hundred and fifty-one people (25.85%) were intermediate metabolizers with CYP2C19*1/*2, CYP2C19*2/*17, CYP2C19*1/*3, CYP2C19*3/*17 genotypes. Seventeen patients (1.75%) with CYP2C19*2/*2, CYP2C19*3/*3, CYP2C19*2/*3 genotypes were poor metabolizers. The allele frequencies were the following: CYP2C19*2 - 0.140, CYP2C19*3 - 0.006, CYP2C19*17 - 0.274. There is a high frequency of CYP2C19 genotypes associated with modified response to proton pump inhibitors in Russian patients with peptic ulcers. Genotyping for CYP2C19 polymorphisms is suggested to be a useful tool for personalized dosing of proton pump inhibitors.

Total and segmental colon transit time in constipated children assessed by scintigraphy with 111In-DTPA given orally.

PubMed

Vattimo, A; Burroni, L; Bertelli, P; Messina, M; Meucci, D; Tota, G

1993-12-01

Serial colon scintigraphy using 111In-DTPA (2 MBq) given orally was performed in 39 children referred for constipation, and the total and segmental colon transit times were measured. The bowel movements during the study were recorded and the intervals between defecations (ID) were calculated. This method proved able to identify children with normal colon morphology (no. = 32) and those with dolichocolon (no. = 7). Normal children were not included for ethical reasons and we used the normal range determined by others using x-ray methods (29 +/- 4 hours). Total and segmental colon transit times were found to be prolonged in all children with dolichocolon (TC: 113.55 +/- 41.20 hours; RC: 39.85 +/- 26.39 hours; LC: 43.05 +/- 18.30 hours; RS: 30.66 +/- 26.89 hours). In the group of children with a normal colon shape, 13 presented total and segmental colon transit times within the referred normal value (TC: 27.79 +/- 4.10 hours; RC: 9.11 +/- 2.53 hours; LC: 9.80 +/- 3.50 hours; RS: 8.88 +/- 4.09 hours) and normal bowel function (ID: 23.37 +/- 5.93 hours). In the remaining children, 5 presented prolonged retention in the rectum (RS: 53.36 +/- 29.66 hours), and 14 a prolonged transit time in all segments. A good correlation was found between the transit time and bowel function. From the point of view of radiation dosimetry, the most heavily irradiated organs were the lower large intestine and the ovaries, and the level of radiation burden depended on the colon transit time. We can conclude that the described method results safe, accurate and fully diagnostic.

Associations of polymorphisms in the cytokine genes IL1β (rs16944), IL6 (rs1800795), IL12b (rs3212227) and growth factor VEGFA (rs2010963) with anthracosilicosis in coal miners in Russia and related genotoxic effects.

PubMed

Volobaev, Valentin P; Larionov, Aleksey V; Kalyuzhnaya, Ekaterina E; Serdyukova, Ekaterina S; Yakovleva, Svetlana; Druzhinin, Vladimir G; Babich, Olga O; Hill, Elena G; Semenihin, Victor A; Panev, Nikolay I; Minina, Varvara I; Sivanesan, Saravana Devi; Naoghare, Pravin; da Silva, Juliana; Barcelos, Gustavo R M; Prosekov, Alexander Y

2018-04-13

Anthracosilicosis (AS), a prevalent form of pneumoconiosis among coal miners, results from the accumulation of carbon and silica in the lungs from inhaled coal dust. This study investigated genotoxic effects and certain cytokine genes polymorphic variants in Russian coal miners with АS. Peripheral leukocytes were sampled from 129 patients with AS confirmed by X-ray and tissue biopsy and from 164 asymptomatic coal miners. Four single-nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped in the extracted DNA samples: IL1β T-511C (rs16944), IL6 C-174G (rs1800795), IL12b A1188C (rs3212227) and VEGFA C634G (rs2010963). Genotoxic effects were assessed by the analysis of chromosome aberrations in cultured peripheral lymphocytes. The mean frequency of chromatid-type aberrations and chromosome-type aberrations, namely, chromatid-type breaks and dicentric chromosomes, was found to be higher in AS patients [3.70 (95% confidence interval {CI}, 3.29-4.10) and 0.28 (95% CI, 0.17-0.38)] compared to the control group [2.41 (95% CI, 2.00-2.82) and 0.09 (95% CI, 0.03-0.15)], respectively. IL1β gene T/T genotype (rs16944) was associated with AS [17.83% in AS patients against 4.35% in healthy donors, odds ratio = 4.77 (1.88-12.15), P < 0.01]. A significant increase in the level of certain chromosome interchanges among AS donors is of interest because such effects are typical for radiation damage and caused by acute oxidative stress. IL1β T allele probably may be considered as an AS susceptibility factor among coal miners.

ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) Science Ground Segment (SGS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Metcalfe, L.; Aberasturi, M.; Alonso, E.; Álvarez, R.; Ashman, M.; Barbarisi, I.; Brumfitt, J.; Cardesín, A.; Coia, D.; Costa, M.; Fernández, R.; Frew, D.; Gallegos, J.; García Beteta, J. J.; Geiger, B.; Heather, D.; Lim, T.; Martin, P.; Muñoz Crego, C.; Muñoz Fernandez, M.; Villacorta, A.; Svedhem, H.

2018-06-01

The ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) Science Ground Segment (SGS), comprised of payload Instrument Team, ESA and Russian operational centres, is responsible for planning the science operations of the TGO mission and for the generation and archiving of the scientific data products to levels meeting the scientific aims and criteria specified by the ESA Project Scientist as advised by the Science Working Team (SWT). The ExoMars SGS builds extensively upon tools and experience acquired through earlier ESA planetary missions like Mars and Venus Express, and Rosetta, but also is breaking ground in various respects toward the science operations of future missions like BepiColombo or JUICE. A productive interaction with the Russian partners in the mission facilitates broad and effective collaboration. This paper describes the global organisation and operation of the SGS, with reference to its principal systems, interfaces and operational processes.

Instrumentation for investigation of the depth-dose distribution by the Liulin-5 instrument of a human phantom on the Russian segment of ISS for estimation of the radiation risk during long term space flights

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Semkova, J.; Koleva, R.; Todorova, G.; Kanchev, N.; Petrov, V.; Shurshakov, V.; Tchhernykh, I.; Kireeva, S.

2004-01-01

Described is the Liulin-5 experiment and instrumentation, developed for investigation of the space radiation doses depth distribution in a human phantom on the Russian Segment of the International Space Station (ISS). Liulin-5 experiment is a part of the international project MATROSHKA-R on ISS. The experiment MATROSHKA-R is aimed to study the depth dose distribution at the sites of critical organs of the human body, using models of human body-anthropomorphic and spherical tissue-equivalent phantoms. The aim of Liulin-5 experiment is long term (4-5 years) investigation of the radiation environment dynamics inside the spherical tissue-equivalent phantom, mounted in different places of the Russian Segment of ISS. Energy deposition spectra, linear energy transfer spectra, flux and dose rates for protons and the biologically-relevant heavy ion components of the galactic cosmic radiation will be measured simultaneously with near real time resolution at different depths of the phantom by a telescope of silicon detectors. Data obtained together with data from other active and passive dosimeters will be used to estimate the radiation risk to the crewmembers, verify the models of radiation environment in low Earth orbit, validate body transport model and correlate organ level dose to skin dose. Presented are the test results of the prototype unit. The spherical phantom will be flown on the ISS in 2004 year and Liulin-5 experiment is planned for 2005 year. c2004 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Role of the RS1 sequence of the cholera vibrio in amplification of the segment of plasmid DNA carrying the gene of resistance to tetracycline and the genes of cholera toxin

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

Fil'kova, S.L.; Il'ina, T.S.; Gintsburg, A.L.

1988-11-01

The hybrid plasmid pCO107, representing cointegrate 14(2)-5(2) of two plasmids, an F-derivative (pOX38) and a PBR322-derivative (pCT105) with an RS1 sequence of the cholera vibrio cloned in its makeup, contains two copes of RS1 at the sites of union of the two plasmids. Using a tetracycline resistance marker (Tc/sup R/) of the plasmid pCT105, clones were isolated which have an elevated level of resistance to tetracycline (an increase of from 4- to 30-fold). Using restriction analysis and the Southern blot method of hybridization it was shown that the increase in the level of resistance of tetracycline is associated with themore » amplification of pCT105 portion of the cointegrate, and that the process of amplification is governed by the presence of direct repeats of the RS1 sequence at its ends. The increase in the number of copies of the pCT105 segment, which contains in its composition the genes of cholera toxin (vct), is accompanied by an increase in toxin production.« less

Respiratory-gated segment reconstruction for radiation treatment planning using 256-slice CT-scanner during free breathing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mori, Shinichiro; Endo, Masahiro; Kohno, Ryosuke; Minohara, Shinichi; Kohno, Kazutoshi; Asakura, Hiroshi; Fujiwara, Hideaki; Murase, Kenya

2005-04-01

The conventional respiratory-gated CT scan technique includes anatomic motion induced artifacts due to the low temporal resolution. They are a significant source of error in radiotherapy treatment planning for the thorax and upper abdomen. Temporal resolution and image quality are important factors to minimize planning target volume margin due to the respiratory motion. To achieve high temporal resolution and high signal-to-noise ratio, we developed a respiratory gated segment reconstruction algorithm and adapted it to Feldkamp-Davis-Kress algorithm (FDK) with a 256-detector row CT. The 256-detector row CT could scan approximately 100 mm in the cranio-caudal direction with 0.5 mm slice thickness in one rotation. Data acquisition for the RS-FDK relies on the assistance of the respiratory sensing system by a cine scan mode (table remains stationary). We evaluated RS-FDK in phantom study with the 256-detector row CT and compared it with full scan (FS-FDK) and HS-FDK results with regard to volume accuracy and image noise, and finally adapted the RS-FDK to an animal study. The RS-FDK gave a more accurate volume than the others and it had the same signal-to-noise ratio as the FS-FDK. In the animal study, the RS-FDK visualized the clearest edges of the liver and pulmonary vessels of all the algorithms. In conclusion, the RS-FDK algorithm has a capability of high temporal resolution and high signal-to-noise ratio. Therefore it will be useful when combined with new radiotherapy techniques including image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) and 4D radiation therapy.

The Korean Prevocalic Palatal Glide: A Comparison with the Russian Glide and Palatalization.

PubMed

Suh, Yunju; Hwang, Jiwon

2016-01-01

Phonetic studies of the Korean prevocalic glides have often suggested that they are shorter in duration than those of languages like English, and lack a prolonged steady state. In addition, the formant frequencies of the Korean labiovelar glide are reported to be greatly influenced by the following vowel. In this study the Korean prevocalic palatal glide is investigated vis-à-vis the two phonologically similar configurations of another language - the glide /j/ and the secondary palatalization of Russian, with regard to the inherent duration of the glide component, F2 trajectory, vowel-to-glide coarticulation and glide-to-vowel coarticulation. It is revealed that the Korean palatal glide is closer to the Russian palatalization in duration and F2 trajectory, indicating a lack of steady state, and to the Russian segmental glide in the vowel-to-glide coarticulation degree. When the glide-to-vowel coarticulation is considered, the Korean palatal glide is distinguished from both Russian categories. The results suggest that both the Korean palatal glide and the Russian palatalization involve significant articulatory overlap, the former with the vowel and the latter with the consonant. Phonological implications of such a difference in coarticulation pattern are discussed, as well as the comparison between the Korean labiovelar and palatal glides. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Resilient microorganisms in dust samples of the International Space Station-survival of the adaptation specialists.

PubMed

Mora, Maximilian; Perras, Alexandra; Alekhova, Tatiana A; Wink, Lisa; Krause, Robert; Aleksandrova, Alina; Novozhilova, Tatiana; Moissl-Eichinger, Christine

2016-12-20

The International Space Station (ISS) represents a unique biotope for the human crew but also for introduced microorganisms. Microbes experience selective pressures such as microgravity, desiccation, poor nutrient-availability due to cleaning, and an increased radiation level. We hypothesized that the microbial community inside the ISS is modified by adapting to these stresses. For this reason, we analyzed 8-12 years old dust samples from Russian ISS modules with major focus on the long-time surviving portion of the microbial community. We consequently assessed the cultivable microbiota of these samples in order to analyze their extremotolerant potential against desiccation, heat-shock, and clinically relevant antibiotics. In addition, we studied the bacterial and archaeal communities from the stored Russian dust samples via molecular methods (next-generation sequencing, NGS) and compared our new data with previously derived information from the US American ISS dust microbiome. We cultivated and identified in total 85 bacterial, non-pathogenic isolates (17 different species) and 1 fungal isolate from the 8-12 year old dust samples collected in the Russian segment of the ISS. Most of these isolates exhibited robust resistance against heat-shock and clinically relevant antibiotics. Microbial 16S rRNA gene and archaeal 16S rRNA gene targeting Next Generation Sequencing showed signatures of human-associated microorganisms (Corynebacterium, Staphylococcus, Coprococcus etc.), but also specifically adapted extremotolerant microorganisms. Besides bacteria, the detection of archaeal signatures in higher abundance was striking. Our findings reveal (i) the occurrence of living, hardy microorganisms in archived Russian ISS dust samples, (ii) a profound resistance capacity of ISS microorganisms against environmental stresses, and (iii) the presence of archaeal signatures on board. In addition, we found indications that the microbial community in the Russian segment dust samples was different to recently reported US American ISS microbiota.

Pushed, pulled, or blocked? The elderly and the labor market in post-Soviet Russia.

PubMed

Gerber, Theodore P; Radl, Jonas

2014-05-01

Russia provides an interesting context for studying the labor market experiences of the elderly because of its experience with market transition, its looming growth in the elderly dependency ratio, and its unusual pension policies that do not penalize pensioners for working. We use data from twenty surveys of the Russian population conducted from February 1991 to November 2007 to analyze the labor market participation and earnings of elderly Russians following market transition. Economic desperation, exacerbated by low pension levels, pushed some elderly to seek employment for income on the labor market. Elderly Russians with more education had more opportunities to work, and education differentials increased as market reforms progressed. The correlates of earnings operate similarly for retirement- and pre-retirement age Russians, with several exceptions: unobserved factors favoring employment are negatively associated with earnings for the elderly, occupation mediates most of the effects of education, and patterns of change over time differ somewhat. Elderly Russians are not disproportionately blocked from employment following market reforms. Following the initial transition shock, their labor market activity increased. Overall, both push and pull factors shape the employment and earnings of the elderly, affecting different segments of them. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Russian consumers' motives for food choice.

PubMed

Honkanen, Pirjo; Frewer, Lynn

2009-04-01

Knowledge about food choice motives which have potential to influence consumer consumption decisions is important when designing food and health policies, as well as marketing strategies. Russian consumers' food choice motives were studied in a survey (1081 respondents across four cities), with the purpose of identifying consumer segments based on these motives. These segments were then profiled using consumption, attitudinal and demographic variables. Face-to-face interviews were used to sample the data, which were analysed with two-step cluster analysis (SPSS). Three clusters emerged, representing 21.5%, 45.8% and 32.7% of the sample. The clusters were similar in terms of the order of motivations, but differed in motivational level. Sensory factors and availability were the most important motives for food choice in all three clusters, followed by price. This may reflect the turbulence which Russia has recently experienced politically and economically. Cluster profiles differed in relation to socio-demographic factors, consumption patterns and attitudes towards health and healthy food.

Role of Runx2 polymorphisms in risk and prognosis of ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament.

PubMed

Chang, Feng; Li, Lijun; Gao, Gang; Ding, Shengqiang; Yang, Jincai; Zhang, Ting; Zuo, Genle

2017-07-01

Our study was aimed at finding out if Runx2 SNPs (single-nucleotide polymorphisms) are related to susceptibility to and prognosis of ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). We selected 80 OPLL patients and another 80 independent patients without OPLL from September 2013 to November 2014. Serum was collected to detect the genotypes of rs1321075, rs12333172, and rs1406846 on Runx2 with direct sequencing analysis. Differences in clinical characteristics, including age, weight, height, sex ratio, as well as smoking and drinking history, between OPLL and control groups appeared to be insignificant (all P-value >.05). The allele of rs1406846 (A) emerged as a key element in raising OPLL risk with the biggest statistical significance (P<.001). Conversely, alleles of rs967588 (T) and rs16873379 (C) were associated with reduced predisposition to OPLL less remarkably (both P=.033). Regarding rs16873379, the case group exhibited a smaller frequency of homozygote CC in comparison with TT genotype than the control group (P=.016). Furthermore, the improvement rate based on calculation of JOA score suggested that genotype AA of rs6908650 was beneficial for OPLL patients' recovery from posterior laminoplasty surgery (P<.05), while genotypes of rs16873379 (CC), rs1406846 (AA), and rs2677108 (CC) significantly restrained this process (P<.05). Besides, rs16873379, rs1406846, and rs2677108 were significantly associated with number of ossification segments (P<.05). Runx2 SNPs (e.g., rs16873379, rs1406846, and rs2677108) were strongly correlated with onset and treatment efficacy of OPLL, and they might regulate severity of OPLL. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A Robust Concurrent Approach for Road Extraction and Urbanization Monitoring Based on Superpixels Acquired from Spectral Remote Sensing Images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seppke, Benjamin; Dreschler-Fischer, Leonie; Wilms, Christian

2016-08-01

The extraction of road signatures from remote sensing images as a promising indicator for urbanization is a classical segmentation problem. However, some segmentation algorithms often lead to non-sufficient results. One way to overcome this problem is the usage of superpixels, that represent a locally coherent cluster of connected pixels. Superpixels allow flexible, highly adaptive segmentation approaches due to the possibility of merging as well as splitting and form new basic image entities. On the other hand, superpixels require an appropriate representation containing all relevant information about topology and geometry to maximize their advantages.In this work, we present a combined geometric and topological representation based on a special graph representation, the so-called RS-graph. Moreover, we present the use of the RS-graph by means of a case study: the extraction of partially occluded road networks in rural areas from open source (spectral) remote sensing images by tracking. In addition, multiprocessing and GPU-based parallelization is used to speed up the construction of the representation and the application.

Association of VAMP5 and MCC genetic polymorphisms with increased risk of Hirschsprung disease susceptibility in Southern Chinese children.

PubMed

Zhao, Jinglu; Xie, Xiaoli; Yao, Yuxiao; He, Qiuming; Zhang, Ruizhong; Xia, Huimin; Zhang, Yan

2018-04-25

Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a genetic disorder characterized by the absence of neural crest cells in parts of the intestine. This study aims to investigate the association of vesicle-associated membrane protein 5 ( VAMP5 ) and mutated in colorectal cancer ( MCC ) genetic polymorphisms and their correlated risks with HSCR. We examined the association in four polymorphisms (rs10206961, rs1254900 and rs14242 in VAMP5 , rs11241200 in MCC ) and HSCR susceptibility in a Southern Chinese population composed of 1473 cases and 1469 controls. Two variants in VAMP5 were replicated as associated with HSCR. Interestingly, we clarified SNPs rs10206961 and rs1254900 in VAMP5 are more essential for patients with long-segment aganglionosis (LHSCR). Relatively high expression correlation was observed between VAMP5 and MCC using data from public database showing there may exist potential genetic interactions. SNP interaction was cross-examined by logistic regression and multifactor dimensionality reduction analysis revealing that VAMP5 rs1254900 and MCC rs11241200 were interacting significantly, thereby contributing to the risk of HSCR. The results suggest that significant associations of the rs10206961 and rs14242 in VAMP5 with an increased risk of HSCR in Southern Chinese, especially in LHSCR patients. This study provided new evidence of epistatic association of VAMP5 and MCC with increased risk of HSCR.

Enterprise: an International Commercial Space Station Option

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lounge, John M.

2002-01-01

In December 1999, the U.S. aerospace company SPACEHAB, Inc., (SPACEHAB) and the Russian aerospace company Rocket and Space Corporation Energia (RSC-Energia), initiated a joint project to establish a commercial venture on the International Space Station (ISS). The approach of this venture is to use private capital to build and attach a commercial habitable module (the "Enterprise Module") to the Russian Segment of the ISS. The module will become an element of the Russian Segment; in return, exclusive rights to use this module for commercial business will be granted to its developers. The Enterprise Module has been designed as a multipurpose module that can provide research accommodation, stowage and crew support services. Recent NASA budget decisions have resulted in the cancellation of NASA's ISS habitation module, a significant delay in its new ISS crew return vehicle, and a mandate to stabilize the ISS program. These constraints limit the ISS crew size to three people and result in very little time available for ISS research support. Since research activity is the primary reason this Space Station is being built, the ISS program must find a way to support a robust international research program as soon as possible. The time is right for a commercial initiative incorporating the Enterprise Module, outfitted with life support systems, and commercially procured Soyuz vehicles to provide the capability to increase ISS crew size to six by the end of 2005.

Expedition 31 Preflight

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-04-24

Expedition 31 NASA backup crew member Kevin Ford signs for his International Space Station Russian segment event simulation test card before senior officials at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center, Tuesday, April 24, 2012 in Star City, Russia, while his fellow crew members Oleg Novitskiy (left) and Evgeny Tarelkin look on. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)

Expedition 31 Preflight

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-04-24

Expedition 31 NASA backup crew member Kevin Ford, left, Oleg Novitskiy and Evgeny Tarelkin, third from left, select International Space Station Russian segment event simulation test cards for their final qualification test in preparation for flight, Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)

iss048e045888

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-07-29

iss048e045888 (07/29/2016) --- The visual scope looking down at the Pirs docking compartment on the Russian segment of the International Space Station. Currently seen docked to Pirs is the ISS Progress 64 cargo craft, which delivered over 3 tons of food, fuel and supplies to the crew of Expedition 48

External view of ISS

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-09-02

ISS040-E-123171 (2 Sept. 2014) --- A portion of the International Space Station’s Russian segment is pictured in this image photographed by an Expedition 40 crew member onboard the station. A portion of the "Georges Lemaitre" Automated Transfer Vehicle-5 (ATV-5) docked to the Zvezda Service Module is visible at right background.

External view of ISS

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-09-02

ISS040-E-123168 (2 Sept. 2014) --- A portion of the International Space Station’s Russian segment is pictured in this image photographed by an Expedition 40 crew member onboard the station. A portion of the "Georges Lemaitre" Automated Transfer Vehicle-5 (ATV-5) docked to the Zvezda Service Module is visible at right background.

Degradability of cross-linked polyurethanes based on synthetic polyhydroxybutyrate and modified with polylactide.

PubMed

Brzeska, Joanna; Morawska, Magda; Sikorska, Wanda; Tercjak, Agnieszka; Kowalczuk, Marek; Rutkowska, Maria

2017-01-01

In many areas of application of conventional non-degradable cross-linked polyurethanes (PUR), there is a need for their degradation under the influence of specific environmental factors. It is practiced by incorporation of sensitive to degradation compounds (usually of natural origin) into the polyurethane structure, or by mixing them with polyurethanes. Cross-linked polyurethanes (with 10 and 30%wt amount of synthetic poly([ R,S ]-3-hydroxybutyrate) (R,S-PHB) in soft segments) and their physical blends with poly([d,l]-lactide) (PDLLA) were investigated and then degraded under hydrolytic (phosphate buffer solution) and oxidative (CoCl 2 /H 2 O 2 ) conditions. The rate of degradation was monitored by changes of samples mass, morphology of surface and their thermal properties. Despite the small weight losses of samples, the changes of thermal properties of polymers and topography of their surface indicated that they were susceptible to gradual degradation under oxidative and hydrolytic conditions. Blends of PDLLA and polyurethane with 30 wt% of R,S -PHB in soft segments and PUR/PDLLA blends absorbed more water and degraded faster than polyurethane with low amount of R,S -PHB.

Intelligent image processing for vegetation classification using multispectral LANDSAT data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santos, Stewart R.; Flores, Jorge L.; Garcia-Torales, G.

2015-09-01

We propose an intelligent computational technique for analysis of vegetation imaging, which are acquired with multispectral scanner (MSS) sensor. This work focuses on intelligent and adaptive artificial neural network (ANN) methodologies that allow segmentation and classification of spectral remote sensing (RS) signatures, in order to obtain a high resolution map, in which we can delimit the wooded areas and quantify the amount of combustible materials present into these areas. This could provide important information to prevent fires and deforestation of wooded areas. The spectral RS input data, acquired by the MSS sensor, are considered in a random propagation remotely sensed scene with unknown statistics for each Thematic Mapper (TM) band. Performing high-resolution reconstruction and adding these spectral values with neighbor pixels information from each TM band, we can include contextual information into an ANN. The biggest challenge in conventional classifiers is how to reduce the number of components in the feature vector, while preserving the major information contained in the data, especially when the dimensionality of the feature space is high. Preliminary results show that the Adaptive Modified Neural Network method is a promising and effective spectral method for segmentation and classification in RS images acquired with MSS sensor.

Improved motion compensation in 3D-CT using respiratory-correlated segment reconstruction: diagnostic and radiotherapy applications.

PubMed

Mori, S; Endo, M; Kohno, R; Minohara, S

2006-09-01

Conventional respiratory-gated CT and four-dimensional CT (4DCT) are disadvantaged by their low temporal resolution, which results in the inclusion of anatomic motion-induced artefacts. These represent a significant source of error both in radiotherapy treatment planning for the thorax and upper abdomen and in diagnostic procedures. In particular, temporal resolution and image quality are vitally important to accurate diagnosis and the minimization of planning target volume margin due to respiratory motion. To improve both temporal resolution and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), we developed a respiratory-correlated segment reconstruction method (RS) and adapted it to the Feldkamp-Davis-Kress algorithm (FDK) with a 256 multidetector row CT (256MDCT). The 256MDCT scans approximately 100 mm in the craniocaudal direction with a 0.5 mm slice thickness in one rotation. Data acquisition for the RS-FDK relies on the assistance of a respiratory sensing system operating in cine scan mode (continuous axial scan with the table stationary). We evaluated the RS-FDK for volume accuracy and image noise in a phantom study with the 256MDCT and compared results with those for a full scan (FS-FDK), which is usually employed in conventional 4DCT and in half scan (HS-FDK). Results showed that the RS-FDK gave a more accurate volume than the others and had the same SNR as the FS-FDK. In a subsequent animal study, we demonstrated a practical sorting process for projection data which was unaffected by variations in respiratory period, and found that the RS-FDK gave the clearest visualization among the three algorithms of the margins of the liver and pulmonary vessels. In summary, the RS-FDK algorithm provides multi-phase images with higher temporal resolution and better SNR. This method should prove useful when combined with new radiotherapeutic and diagnostic techniques.

Quality of life-related outcomes from a patient-tailored integrative medicine program: experience of Russian-speaking patients with cancer in Israel.

PubMed

Sharabi, Ilanit Shalom; Levin, Anna; Schiff, Elad; Samuels, Noah; Agour, Olga; Tapiro, Yehudith; Lev, Efraim; Keinan-Boker, Lital; Ben-Arye, Eran

2016-10-01

Complementary/integrative medicine (CIM) is increasingly being integrated with standard supportive cancer care. The effects of CIM on quality of life (QOL) during chemotherapy need to be examined in varied socio-cultural settings. We purpose to explore the impact of CIM on QOL-related outcomes among Russian-speaking (RS) patients with cancer. RS patients undergoing chemotherapy receiving standard supportive care were eligible. Patients in the treatment arm were seen by an integrative physician (IP) and treated within a patient-tailored CIM program. Symptoms and QOL were assessed at baseline, at 6, and at 12 weeks with the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS), the Measure Yourself Concerns and Wellbeing (MYCAW) questionnaire, and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). Of 70 patients referred to the treatment arm, 50 (71.4 %) underwent IP assessment and CIM treatments. Of 51 referred to the control arm, 38 (76 %) agreed to participate. At 6 weeks, CIM-treated patients reported improved ESAS scores for fatigue (P = 0.01), depression (P = 0.048), appetite (P = 0.008), sleep (P < 0.0001), and general wellbeing (P = 0.004). No improvement was observed among controls. Between-group analysis found CIM-treated patients had improved sleep scores on ESAS (P = 0.019) and EORTC (P = 0.007) at 6 weeks. Social functioning improved between 6 and 12 weeks (EORTC, P = 0.02), and global health status/QOL scale from baseline to 12 weeks (EORTC, P = 0.007). A patient-tailored CIM treatment program may improve QOL-related outcomes among RS patients undergoing chemotherapy. Integrating CIM in conventional supportive care needs to address cross-cultural aspects of care. The study protocol was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01860365 ).

Camera for detection of cosmic rays of energy more than 10 Eev on the ISS orbit

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

Garipov, G. K.; Khrenov, B. A.; Panasyuk, M. I.

1998-06-15

Concept of the EHE CR observation from the ISS orbit is discussed. A design of the camera at the Russian segment of the ISS comprising a large area (60 m{sup 2}) parabolic mirror with a photo multiplier pixel retina in its focal plane is described.

Supermoon setting behind ATV

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-08-12

ISS040-E-092583 (12 Aug. 2014) --- A portion of the International Space Station?s Russian segment with the newly attached "Georges Lemaitre" Automated Transfer Vehicle-5 (ATV-5) to the Zvezda Service Module is featured in this image photographed by an Expedition 40 crew member onboard the station. A waning full moon is visible in the background.

Cadres Decide Everything: The Pay and Pension Security of Workers in Science

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rimashevskaia, N. M.; Zubova, L. T.; Antropova, O. A.

2011-01-01

Russian science is experiencing processes of personnel aging and stagnation, which are disrupting the continuity of the generations and are limiting prospective workers' opportunities for professional and career growth. The decline in the prestige of science work, the exodus of specialists into other, more attractive segments of economic activity…

ISS Potable Water Sampling and Chemical Analysis Results for 2016

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Straub, John E., II; Plumlee, Debrah K.; Wallace William T.; Alverson, James T.; Benoit, Mickie J.; Gillispie, Robert L.; Hunter, David; Kuo, Mike; Rutz, Jeffrey A.; Hudson, Edgar K.;

ISS Potable Water Sampling and Chemical Analysis Results for 2016

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Straub, John E., II; Plumlee, Debrah K.; Wallace, William T.; Alverson, James T.; Benoit, Mickie J.; Gillispie, Robert L.; Hunter, David; Kuo, Mike; Rutz, Jeffrey A.; Hudson, Edgar K.;

Intra-abdominal fat: Comparison of computed tomography fat segmentation and bioimpedance spectroscopy.

PubMed

Finch, Peter

2017-06-01

Intra-abdominal fat is an important factor in determining the metabolic syndrome/insulin resistance, and thus the risk of diabetes and ischaemic heart disease. Computed Tomography (CT) fat segmentation represents a defined method of quantifying intra-abdominal fat, with attendant radiation risks. Bioimpedance spectroscopy may offer a method of assessment without any risks to the patients. A comparison is made of these two methods. This was a preliminary study of the utility of multifrequency bioimpedance spectroscopy of the mid abdomen as a measure of intra-abdominal fat, by comparison with fat segmentation of an abdominal CT scan in the -30 to -190 HU range. There was a significant (P < 0.01) correlation between intra-abdominal fat and mid-upper arm circumference, as well as the bioimpedance parameter, the R/S ratio. Multivariate analysis showed that these were the only independant variables and allowed the derivation of a formula to estimate intra-abdominal fat: IAF = 0.02 × MAC - 0.757 × R/S + 0.036. Circumabdominal bioimpedance spectroscopy may prove a useful method of assessing intra-abdominal fat, and may be suitable for use in studies to enhance other measures of body composition, such as mid-upper arm circumference.

Ewing's sarcoma: analysis of single nucleotide polymorphism in the EWS gene.

PubMed

Silva, Deborah S B S; Sawitzki, Fernanda R; De Toni, Elisa C; Graebin, Pietra; Picanco, Juliane B; Abujamra, Ana Lucia; de Farias, Caroline B; Roesler, Rafael; Brunetto, Algemir L; Alho, Clarice S

2012-11-10

We aimed to investigate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the EWS gene breaking region in order to analyze Ewing's sarcoma susceptibility. The SNPs were investigated in a healthy subject population and in Ewing's sarcoma patients from Southern Brazil. Genotyping was performed by TaqMan® assay for allelic discrimination using Real-Time PCR. The analysis of incidence of SNPs or different SNP-arrangements revealed a higher presence of homozygote TT-rs4820804 in Ewing's sarcoma patients (p=0.02; Chi Square Test). About 300 bp from the rs4820804 SNP lies a palindromic hexamer (5'-GCTAGC-3') and three nucleotides (GTC), which were previously identified to be in close vicinity of the breakpoint junction in both EWS and FLI1 genes. This DNA segment surrounding the rs4820804 SNP is likely to indicate a breakpoint region. If the T-rs4820804 allele predisposes a DNA fragment to breakage, homozygotes (TT-rs4820804) would have double the chance of having a chromosome break, increasing the chances for a translocation to occur. In conclusion, the TT-rs4820804 EWS genotype can be associated with Ewing's sarcoma and the SNP rs4820804 can be a candidate marker to understand Ewing's sarcoma susceptibility. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fire safety arrangement of inhabited pressurized compartments of manned spacecraft

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bolodian, Ivan; Melikhov, Anatoliy; Tanklevskiy, Leonid

2017-06-01

The article deals with innovative technical solutions that provide fire safety in inhabited pressurized compartments of manned spacecraft by means of a fireproof device of inhabited pressurized compartments via application of engineering means of fire prevention and fire spreading prevention by lowering fire load in an inhabited pressurized module up to the point when the maximum possible levels of fire factors in an inhabited pressurized compartment of a manned spacecraft are prevented. Represented technical solutions are used at the present time according to stated recommendations during provision of fire safety of equipment created by a number of Russian organizations for equipage of inhabited pressurized compartments of spacecraft of the Russian segment of International space station.

AB053. NRG1 rare variant effects in Hirschsprung disease patients

PubMed Central

Gunadi; Budi, Nova; Iskandar, Kristy; Adrianto, Indra

2017-01-01

Background Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a heterogeneous genetic disorder characterized by absence of ganglion cells along intestines resulting in functional bowel obstruction. NRG1 gene has been implicated in the intestinal ganglionosis. This study aimed to investigate the contribution of NRG1 gene into the HSCR development in Indonesian population. Methods We performed Sanger sequencing to find NRG1 variants in 54 HSCR patients. Results All patients were sporadic non-syndromic HSCR with 53/54 (98%) and 1/54 (2%) were short-segment and long-segment patients, respectively. NRG1 analysis showed one rare variant, c.397G > C (p.V133L), and three common variants, rs7834206, rs3735774, and rs75155858. The p.V133L was predicted to reside within in a region of high mammalian conservation, overlap with the promoter and enhancer histone marks of relevant tissues such as digestive and smooth muscle tissues and alter AP-4_2, BDP1_disc3, Egr-1_known1, Egr-1_known4, HEN1_2 transcription factor binding motifs. Furthermore, this variant was absent in 92 controls. Conclusions This study is the first report of NRG1 rare variant associated with HSCR patients in South-East Asian ancestry and adds insights into the NRG1 effect in the molecular pathogenesis of HSCR.

KSC-99pp0348

NASA Image and Video Library

1999-03-25

At Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., STS-96 Mission Specialists Tamara E. Jernigan and Daniel T. Barry take turns working with a Russian cargo crane, the Strela, which is to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment on the International Space Station (ISS). Technicians around the table observe. The STS-96 crew is taking part in a Crew Equipment Interface Test. Other members participating are Commander Kent V. Rominger, Pilot Rick Douglas Husband, and Mission Specialists Julie Payette, with the Canadian Space Agency, and Valery Ivanovich Tokarev, with the Russian Space Agency. For the first time, STS-96 will include an Integrated Cargo Carrier (ICC) that will carry the Russian cargo crane; the SPACEHAB Oceaneering Space System Box (SHOSS), which is a logistics items carrier; and a U.S.-built crane (ORU Transfer Device, or OTD) that will be stowed on the station for use during future ISS assembly missions. The ICC can carry up to 6,000 lb of unpressurized payload. It was built for SPACEHAB by DaimlerChrysler Aerospace and RSC Energia of Korolev, Russia. STS-96 is targeted for launch on May 24 from Launch Pad 39B. STS-101 is scheduled to launch in early December 1999

Behavior Performance of Diuraphis noxia (Homoptera: Aphididae) on Fungal Endophyte-Infected and Uninfected Perennial Ryegrass

Treesearch

S.L. Clement; D.G. Lester; A. Dan Wilson; K.S. Pike

1992-01-01

The behavior and performance of the Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko), on fungal endophyte-infected and endophyte-free perennial ryegrass, Lolium perenne L., was investigated in the laboratory and field. Aphids did not select endophyte-free over endophyte-infected leaf sheaths and stem segments in petri dish preference tests....

The Structure of the University Network: From the Soviet to Russian "Master Plan"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kuzminov, Ia. I.; Semenov, D. S.; Froumin, I. D.

2015-01-01

The authors discuss the underpinnings of structural analysis in the higher education system. The article justifies why it focuses on specific labor market segments and the nature of the university's basic product as grounds for proposing a typology and groups of institutions. A Soviet "master plan" is reconstructed on the basis of the…

Loss of retinoschisin (RS1) cell surface protein in maturing mouse rod photoreceptors elevates the luminance threshold for light-driven translocation of transducin but not arrestin.

PubMed

Ziccardi, Lucia; Vijayasarathy, Camasamudram; Bush, Ronald A; Sieving, Paul A

2012-09-19

Loss of retinoschisin (RS1) in Rs1 knock-out (Rs1-KO) retina produces a post-photoreceptor phenotype similar to X-linked retinoschisis in young males. However, Rs1 is expressed strongly in photoreceptors, and Rs1-KO mice have early reduction in the electroretinogram a-wave. We examined light-activated transducin and arrestin translocation in young Rs1-KO mice as a marker for functional abnormalities in maturing rod photoreceptors. We found a progressive reduction in luminance threshold for transducin translocation in wild-type (WT) retinas between postnatal days P18 and P60. At P21, the threshold in Rs1-KO retinas was 10-fold higher than WT, but it decreased to <2.5-fold higher by P60. Light-activated arrestin translocation and re-translocation of transducin in the dark were not affected. Rs1-KO rod outer segment (ROS) length was significantly shorter than WT at P21 but was comparable with WT at P60. These findings suggested a delay in the structural and functional maturation of Rs1-KO ROS. Consistent with this, transcription factors CRX and NRL, which are fundamental to maturation of rod protein expression, were reduced in ROS of Rs1-KO mice at P21 but not at P60. Expression of transducin was 15-30% lower in P21 Rs1-KO ROS and transducin GTPase hydrolysis was nearly twofold faster, reflecting a 1.7- to 2.5-fold increase in RGS9 (regulator of G-protein signaling) level. Transduction protein expression and activity levels were similar to WT at P60. Transducin translocation threshold elevation indicates photoreceptor functional abnormalities in young Rs1-KO mice. Rapid reduction in threshold coupled with age-related changes in transduction protein levels and transcription factor expression are consistent with delayed maturation of Rs1-KO photoreceptors.

Comparison of Diffusion-Weighted Imaging in the Human Brain Using Readout-Segmented EPI and PROPELLER Turbo Spin Echo With Single-Shot EPI at 7 T MRI.

PubMed

Kida, Ikuhiro; Ueguchi, Takashi; Matsuoka, Yuichiro; Zhou, Kun; Stemmer, Alto; Porter, David

2016-07-01

The purpose of the present study was to compare periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction-type turbo spin echo diffusion-weighted imaging (pTSE-DWI) and readout-segmented echo planar imaging (rsEPI-DWI) with single-shot echo planar imaging (ssEPI-DWI) in a 7 T human MR system. We evaluated the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), image distortion, and apparent diffusion coefficient values in the human brain. Six healthy volunteers were included in this study. The study protocol was approved by our institutional review board. All measurements were performed at 7 T using pTSE-DWI, rsEPI-DWI, and ssEPI-DWI sequences. The spatial resolution was 1.2 × 1.2 mm in-plane with a 3-mm slice thickness. Signal-to-noise ratio was measured using 2 scans. The ssEPI-DWI sequence showed significant image blurring, whereas pTSE-DWI and rsEPI-DWI sequences demonstrated high image quality with low geometrical distortion compared with reference T2-weighted, turbo spin echo images. Signal loss in ventral regions near the air-filled paranasal sinus/nasal cavity was found in ssEPI-DWI and rsEPI-DWI but not pTSE-DWI. The apparent diffusion coefficient values for ssEPI-DWI were 824 ± 17 × 10 and 749 ± 25 × 10 mm/s in the gray matter and white matter, respectively; the values obtained for pTSE-DWI were 798 ± 21 × 10 and 865 ± 40 × 10 mm/s; and the values obtained for rsEPI-DWI were 730 ± 12 × 10 and 722 ± 25 × 10 mm/s. The pTSE-DWI images showed no additional distortion comparison to the T2-weighted images, but had a lower SNR than ssEPI-DWI and rsEPI-DWI. The rsEPI-DWI sequence provided high-quality images with minor distortion and a similar SNR to ssEPI-DWI. Our results suggest that the benefits of the rsEPI-DWI and pTSE-DWI sequences, in terms of SNR, image quality, and image distortion, appear to outweigh those of ssEPI-DWI. Thus, pTSE-DWI and rsEPI-DWI at 7 T have great potential use for clinical diagnoses. However, it is noteworthy that both sequences are limited by the scan time required. In addition, pTSE-DWI has limitations on the number of slices due to specific absorption rate. Overall, rsEPI-DWI is a favorable imaging sequence, taking into account the SNR and image quality at 7 T.

KSC-99pp0349

NASA Image and Video Library

1999-03-25

At Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., technicians with DaimlerChrysler Aerospace and RSC Energia of Korolev, Russia, maneuver a Russian cargo crane, the Strela, which is to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment on the International Space Station (ISS). The Strehla has been the focus for two Shuttle crews, STS-96 who are at KSC for a Crew Equipment Interface Test, and STS-101, for payload familiarization. For the first time, STS-96 will include an Integrated Cargo Carrier (ICC) that will carry the Russian cargo crane; the SPACEHAB Oceaneering Space System Box (SHOSS), which is a logistics items carrier; and a U.S.-built crane (ORU Transfer Device, or OTD) that will be stowed on the station for use during future ISS assembly missions. The ICC can carry up to 6,000 lb of unpressurized payload. It was built for SPACEHAB by DaimlerChrysler Aerospace and RSC Energia. STS-96 is targeted for launch on May 24 from Launch Pad 39B. STS-101 is scheduled to launch in early December 1999

A novel variant associated with HDL-C levels by modifying DAGLB expression levels: An annotation-based genome-wide association study.

PubMed

Zhou, Dan; Zhang, Dandan; Sun, Xiaohui; Li, Zhiqiang; Ni, Yaqin; Shan, Zhongyan; Li, Hong; Liu, Chengguo; Zhang, Shuai; Liu, Yi; Zheng, Ruizhi; Pan, Feixia; Zhu, Yimin; Shi, Yongyong; Lai, Maode

2018-06-01

Although numbers of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been performed for serum lipid levels, limited heritability has been explained. Studies showed that combining data from GWAS and expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) signals can both enhance the discovery of trait-associated SNPs and gain a better understanding of the mechanism. We performed an annotation-based, multistage genome-wide screening for serum-lipid-level-associated loci in totally 6863 Han Chinese. A serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) associated variant rs1880118 (hg19 chr7:g. 6435220G>C) was replicated (P combined  = 1.4E-10). rs1880118 was associated with DAGLB (diacylglycerol lipase, beta) expression levels in subcutaneous adipose tissue (P = 5.9E-42) and explained 47.7% of the expression variance. After the replication, an active segment covering variants tagged by rs1880118 near 5' of DAGLB was annotated using histone modification and transcription factor binding signals. The luciferase report assay revealed that the segment containing the minor alleles showed increased transcriptional activity compared with segment contains the major alleles, which was consistent with the eQTL analyses. The expression-trait association tests indicated the association between the DAGLB and serum HDL-C levels using gene-based approaches called "TWAS" (P = 3.0E-8), "SMR" (P = 1.1E-4), and "Sherlock" (P = 1.6E-6). To summarize, we identified a novel HDL-C-associated variant which explained nearly half of the expression variance of DAGLB. Integrated analyses established a genotype-gene-phenotype three-way association and expanded our knowledge of DAGLB in lipid metabolism.

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

Li, Guang, E-mail: lig2@mskcc.org; Schmidtlein, C. Ross; Humm, John L.

Purpose: To assess and account for the impact of respiratory motion on the variability of activity and volume determination of liver tumor in positron emission tomography (PET) through a comparison between free-breathing (FB) and respiration-suspended (RS) PET images. Methods: As part of a PET/computed tomography (CT) guided percutaneous liver ablation procedure performed on a PET/CT scanner, a patient's breathing is suspended on a ventilator, allowing the acquisition of a near-motionless PET and CT reference images of the liver. In this study, baseline RS and FB PET/CT images of 20 patients undergoing thermal ablation were acquired. The RS PET provides near-motionlessmore » reference in a human study, and thereby allows a quantitative evaluation of the effect of respiratory motion on PET images obtained under FB conditions. Two methods were applied to calculate tumor activity and volume: (1) threshold-based segmentation (TBS), estimating the total lesion glycolysis (TLG) and the segmented volume and (2) histogram-based estimation (HBE), yielding the background-subtracted lesion (BSL) activity and associated volume. The TBS method employs 50% of the maximum standardized uptake value (SUV{sub max}) as the threshold for tumors with SUV{sub max} ≥ 2× SUV{sub liver-bkg}, and tumor activity above this threshold yields TLG{sub 50%}. The HBE method determines local PET background based on a Gaussian fit of the low SUV peak in a SUV-volume histogram, which is generated within a user-defined and optimized volume of interest containing both local background and lesion uptakes. Voxels with PET intensity above the fitted background were considered to have originated from the tumor and used to calculate the BSL activity and its associated lesion volume. Results: Respiratory motion caused SUV{sub max} to decrease from RS to FB by −15% ± 11% (p = 0.01). Using TBS method, there was also a decrease in SUV{sub mean} (−18% ± 9%, p = 0.01), but an increase in TLG{sub 50%} (18% ± 36%) and in the segmented volume (47% ± 52%, p = 0.01) from RS to FB PET images. The background uptake in normal liver was stable, 1% ± 9%. In contrast, using the HBE method, the differences in both BSL activity and BSL volume from RS to FB were −8% ± 10% (p = 0.005) and 0% ± 16% (p = 0.94), respectively. Conclusions: This is the first time that almost motion-free PET images of the human liver were acquired and compared to free-breathing PET. The BSL method's results are more consistent, for the calculation of both tumor activity and volume in RS and FB PET images, than those using conventional TBS. This suggests that the BSL method might be less sensitive to motion blurring and provides an improved estimation of tumor activity and volume in the presence of respiratory motion.« less

Expedition 53-54 Crew Docks to the Space Station

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-09-13

After launching in their Soyuz MS-06 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 53-54 Soyuz Commander Alexander Misurkin of Roscosmos and flight engineers Mark Vande Hei and Joe Acaba of NASA arrived at the International Space Station Sept. 13. Following their six-hour journey, they docked their Soyuz to the Poisk module on the Russian segment of the complex. Misurkin, Vande Hei and Acaba opened hatches and were greeted by station Commander Randy Bresnik of NASA and flight engineers Sergey Ryazanskiy of Roscosmos and Paolo Nespoli of the European Space Agency. As the hatches were opened, the families of the newly arrived crew members and American and Russian space officials viewed the activities from a conference facility in Baikonur.

Using speed of sound imaging to characterize breast density

PubMed Central

Sak, Mark; Duric, Neb; Littrup, Peter; Bey-Knight, Lisa; Ali, Haythem; Vallieres, Patricia; Sherman, Mark E.; Gierach, Gretchen L.

2017-01-01

A population of 165 women with negative mammographic screens also received an ultrasound tomography (UST) exam at the Karmanos Cancer Institute (KCI) in Detroit, MI. Standard statistical techniques were employed to measure the associations between the various mammographic and UST related density measures and various participant characteristics such as age, weight and height. The Mammographic percent density (MPD) was found to have similar strength associations with UST mean sound speed (Spearman coefficient, rs = 0.722, p < 0.001) and UST median sound speed (rs = 0.737, p < 0.001). Both were stronger than the associations between MPD with two separate measures of UST percent density, a k-means (rs = 0.568, p < 0.001) or a threshold (rs = 0.715, p < 0.001) measure. Segmentation of the UST sound speed images into dense and non-dense volumes showed weak to moderate associations with the mammographically equivalent measures. Relationships were found to be inversely and weakly associated between age and the UST mean sound speed (rs = −0.239, p = 0.002), UST median sound speed (rs = −0.226, p= 0.004) and MPD (rs = −0.204, p= 0.008). Relationships were found to be inversely and moderately associated between BMI and the UST mean sound speed (rs = −0.429, p < 0.001), UST median sound speed (rs = −0.447, p < 0.001) and MPD (rs = −0.489, p < 0.001). The results confirm and strengthen findings presented in previous work indicating that UST sound speed imaging yields viable markers of breast density in a manner consistent with mammography, the current clinical standard. These results lay the groundwork for further studies to assess the role of sound speed imaging in risk prediction. PMID:27692872

Cloning of Russian sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii) growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor I and their expression in male and female fish during the first period of growth.

PubMed

Yom Din, S; Hurvitz, A; Goldberg, D; Jackson, K; Levavi-Sivan, B; Degani, G

2008-03-01

In this study, the GH and IGF-I of the Russian sturgeon (rs), Acipenser gueldenstaedtii, were cloned and sequenced, and their mRNA gene expression determined. In addition, to improve our understanding of the GH function, the expression of this hormone was assessed in young males and females. Moreover, IGF-I expression was quantified in young males and compared to that in older ones. The nucleotide sequence of the rsGH cDNA was 980 bp long and had an open reading frame of 642 bp, beginning with the first ATG codon at position 39 and ending with the stop codon at position 683. A putative polyadenylation signal, AATAAA, was recognized 42 bp upstream of the poly (A) tail. The position of the signal- peptide cleavage site was predicted to be at position 111, yielding a signal peptide of 24 amino-acids (aa) and a mature peptide of 190 aa. When the rsGH aa sequence was compared with other species, the highest degree of identity was found to be with mammalians (66-70% identity), followed by anguilliformes and amphibia (61%) and other fish (39-47%). The level of rsGH mRNA was discovered to be similar in pituitaries of females and males of 5 age groups (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5- yr-old). In females and males, the levels did not change dramatically during the first 5 yr of growth. The partial nucleotide sequence of the rsIGF-I was 445 bp long and had an open reading frame of 396 bp, beginning with the ATG codon at position 50. The position of the signal-peptide cleavage site was predicted to be at position 187, yielding a signal peptide of 44 aa. The highest level of IGF-I mRNA expression was recorded in the kidney of adult sturgeons. The IGF-I mRNA expression levels in the intestine, pituitary gland, and liver were not significantly different. Low levels of expression were found in the brain, heart, and muscle. In most tissues, there was no significant difference between mRNA levels of one and 5-yr-old fish. In conclusion, based on the GH-sequence analysis, A. gueldenstaedtii is genetically distant from other teleosts. The expression of the GH mRNA was similar in males and females, and its level remained constant during the first 5 yr of growth. While the IGF-I mRNA expression differed amongst various tissues, the level in each tissue was similar in 1 and 5-yr-old fish.

Assessment of the uncertainties in air mass and pollutants transboundary exchange over the continental part of the EANET region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gromov, Sergey S.; Trifonova-Yakovleva, Alisa; Gromov, Sergey A.

2017-04-01

In this study, we attempt to quantify the uncertainties in air mass exchange in the lower troposphere across two regions of the Russian border in Eastern Siberia and the Russian Far East in 2000-2015. We use meteorological data from long-term air sound data (ASD) on mean layer winds [1] and from the ERA INTERIM re-analysis (EIR) project [2]. Using a transboundary exchange model, we estimate the total and net amounts of air crossing the boundary segments around Irkutsk (IR) and Vladivostok (VL) aerological stations. We compare transport terms derived (i) from the long-term wind statistics based on both ASD and EIR data, and (ii) from integrating 6h meteorological winds from EIR directly over the border segments cells. We find similar wind direction statistics in both meteorological datasets, however EIR favours stronger westerly winds at VL in summer, which results in more often air export from China to Russia in the Far East. There is less agreement on the wind strengths than wind directions between the datasets, with EIR often providing slower wind speeds. The resulting climatic (ASD) and directly (from EIR 6h terms) calculated non-equilibrium (net) transport terms are comparable in orders (tens of million km3/month), however may differ substantially in temporal evolution or/and magnitude. Thus, EIR net transport over the IR segment has similar annual dynamics but is higher by a factor of ˜ 4 (maxima of 3.6 vs. 12 of 106 km3/month in December, respectively). An opposite ratio is derived for the VL segment (average ˜ 6 vs. 13 of 106 km3/month), with a distinct seasonality in the ASD but not in the EIR data. We attribute this discrepancy to the variations in wind direction with altitude, which cannot be resolved in the model fed with the ASD data. Calculated transport in the boundary layer (BL, provided by the EIR) supports this inference. Thus, the BL net transport temporal dynamics differ substantially from that within the 3 km layer, owing to the BL diurnal dynamics that favour non-equilibrium air transport mostly at daytime. The BL transport reaches at most 2\\cdot 106 km3/month in April-May during air export from Russia at the IR segment and re-import from China at the VL, respectively. A non-negligible BL air import from China into Russia occurs also over the IR segment throughout winter (at a 0.7-1.5 of 106 km3/month rate). Using the data from the stations of the Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia (EANET, www.eanet.asia), we estimate the transboundary pollution fluxes of S- and N-bearing gaseous compounds (SO2, NOx, etc.) and particulate matter (SO4-, ammonia nitrate). The co-occurrence of the high pollutants load and significant non-equilibrium air exchange renders pollutant net transport a rather non-linear problem. We derive the uncertainties associated with different assumptions on plum vertical location (i.e., in the BL-only vs. free troposphere). Finally, we derive the transient record of pollution transport for 2000-2015 for the IR and VL transboundary segments. References: Brukhan, F.F.: Aeroclimatic Characteristics of the Mean Winds over USSR (ed. Ignatjushina E.N.). Gidrometeoizdat, Moscow, 54 p., 1984 (in Russian).Izrael, Yu.A., et al.: Monitoring of the Transboundary Air Pollution Transport. Gidrometeoizdat, Leningrad, 303 p., 187 (in Russian). em Dee, D. P., et al.: The ERA-Interim reanalysis: configuration and performance of the data assimilation system, Quart. J. Royal Met. Soc., 137, 553-597, doi: 10.1002/qj.828, 2011.

The Learning of Grammar: An Experimental Study. Experimental Studies on the Learning of Language, Progress Report II, Revised.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Torrey, Jane W.

An experiment in language behavior comparing two methods of learning grammatical word order in a new language presents scientific evidence supporting the use of pattern drills in foreign language teaching. The experiment reviews the performance of three groups attempting to learn small segments of Russian "microlanguage": (1) a drill group learned…

The Scientific Enlightenment System in Russia in the Early Twentieth Century as a Model for Popularizing Science

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Balashova, Yuliya B.

2016-01-01

This research reconstructs the traditions of scientific enlightenment in Russia. The turn of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries was chosen as the most representative period. The modern age saw the establishment of the optimal model for advancing science in the global context and its crucial segment--Russian science. This period was…

In-Flight Water Quality Monitoring on the International Space Station (ISS): Measuring Biocide Concentrations with Colorimetric Solid Phase Extraction (CSPE)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gazda, Daniel B.; Schultz, John R.; Siperko, Lorraine M.; Porter, Marc D.; Lipert, Robert J.; Flint, Stephanie M.; McCoy, J. Torin

2011-01-01

The colorimetric water quality monitoring kit (CWQMK) was delivered to the International Space Station (ISS) on STS-128/17A and was initially deployed in September 2009. The kit was flown as a station development test objective (SDTO) experiment to evaluate the acceptability of colorimetric solid phase extraction (CSPE) technology for routine water quality monitoring on the ISS. During the SDTO experiment, water samples from the U.S. water processor assembly (WPA), the U.S. potable water dispenser (PWD), and the Russian system for dispensing ground-supplied water (SVO-ZV) were collected and analyzed with the CWQMK. Samples from the U.S. segment of the ISS were analyzed for molecular iodine, which is the biocide added to water in the WPA. Samples from the SVOZV system were analyzed for ionic silver, the biocide used on the Russian segment of the ISS. In all, thirteen in-flight analysis sessions were completed as part of the SDTO experiment. This paper provides an overview of the experiment and reports the results obtained with the CWQMK. The forward plan for certifying the CWQMK as operational hardware and expanding the capabilities of the kit are also discussed.

Bubble-detector measurements in the Russian segment of the International Space Station during 2009-12.

PubMed

Smith, M B; Khulapko, S; Andrews, H R; Arkhangelsky, V; Ing, H; Lewis, B J; Machrafi, R; Nikolaev, I; Shurshakov, V

2015-01-01

Measurements using bubble detectors have been performed in order to characterise the neutron dose and energy spectrum in the Russian segment of the International Space Station (ISS). Experiments using bubble dosemeters and a bubble-detector spectrometer, a set of six detectors with different energy thresholds that is used to determine the neutron spectrum, were performed during the ISS-22 (2009) to ISS-33 (2012) missions. The spectrometric measurements are in good agreement with earlier data, exhibiting expected features of the neutron energy spectrum in space. Experiments using a hydrogenous radiation shield show that the neutron dose can be reduced by shielding, with a reduction similar to that determined in earlier measurements using bubble detectors. The bubble-detector data are compared with measurements performed on the ISS using other instruments and are correlated with potential influencing factors such as the ISS altitude and the solar activity. Surprisingly, these influences do not seem to have a strong effect on the neutron dose or energy spectrum inside the ISS. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Differential effects of respiratory and electrical stimulation-induced dilator muscle contraction on mechanical properties of the pharynx in the pig.

PubMed

Brodsky, A; Dotan, Y; Samri, M; Schwartz, A R; Oliven, A

2016-09-01

Respiratory stimulation (RS) during sleep often fails to discontinue flow limitation, whereas electrical stimulation (ES) of the hypoglossus (HG) nerve frequently prevents obstruction. The present work compares the effects of RS and HG-ES on pharyngeal mechanics and the relative contribution of tongue muscles and thoracic forces to pharyngeal patency. We determined the pressure-area relationship of the collapsible segment of the pharynx in anesthetized pigs under the following three conditions: baseline (BL), RS induced by partial obstruction of the tracheostomy tube, and HG-ES. Parameters were obtained also after transection of the neck muscles and the trachea (NMT) and after additional bilateral HG transection (HGT). In addition, we measured the force produced by in situ isolated geniohyoid (GH) during RS and HG-ES. Intense RS was recognized by large negative intrathoracic pressures and triggered high phasic genioglossus and GH EMG activity. GH contraction produced during maximal RS less than a quarter of the force obtained during HG-ES. The major finding of the study was that RS and ES differed in the mechanism by which they stabilized the pharynx: RS lowered the pressure-area slope, i.e., reduced pharyngeal compliance (14.1 ± 2.9 to 9.2 ± 1.9 mm(2)/cmH2O, P < 0.01). HG-ES shifted the slope toward lower pressures, i.e., lowered the calculated extraluminal pressure (17.4 ± 5.8 to 9.2 ± 7.4 cmH2O, P < 0.01). Changes during RS and HG-ES were not affected by NMT, but the effect of RS decreased significantly after HGT. In conclusion, HG-ES and RS affect the pharyngeal site of collapse differently. Tongue muscle contraction contributes to pharyngeal stiffening during RS. Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.

Two Shuttle crews check equipment at SPACEHAB to be used on ISS Flights

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1999-01-01

At Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., STS-96 Mission Specialists Tamara E. Jernigan and Daniel T. Barry take turns working with a Russian cargo crane, the Strela, which is to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment on the International Space Station (ISS). Technicians around the table observe. The STS-96 crew is taking part in a Crew Equipment Interface Test. Other members participating are Commander Kent V. Rominger, Pilot Rick Douglas Husband, and Mission Specialists Julie Payette, with the Canadian Space Agency, and Valery Ivanovich Tokarev, with the Russian Space Agency. For the first time, STS-96 will include an Integrated Cargo Carrier (ICC) that will carry the Russian cargo crane; the SPACEHAB Oceaneering Space System Box (SHOSS), which is a logistics items carrier; and a U.S.-built crane (ORU Transfer Device, or OTD) that will be stowed on the station for use during future ISS assembly missions. The ICC can carry up to 6,000 lb of unpressurized payload. It was built for SPACEHAB by DaimlerChrysler Aerospace and RSC Energia of Korolev, Russia. STS-96 is targeted for launch on May 24 from Launch Pad 39B. STS-101 is scheduled to launch in early December 1999.

Segmenting the Cable Audience by Reason for Subscribing.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Umphrey, Don

1988-01-01

Compares the habits and attitudes of those who subscribed to cable television for better reception with those who subscribed for either greater programing selection or more movies. Finds attitudes vary more than television use between those who subscribe to get better reception and those who subscribe to get more programs. (RS)

Serotonergic gene polymorphisms (5-HTTLPR, 5HTR1A, 5HTR2A), and population differences in aggression: traditional (Hadza and Datoga) and industrial (Russians) populations compared.

PubMed

Butovskaya, Marina L; Butovskaya, Polina R; Vasilyev, Vasiliy A; Sukhodolskaya, Jane M; Fekhredtinova, Dania I; Karelin, Dmitri V; Fedenok, Julia N; Mabulla, Audax Z P; Ryskov, Alexey P; Lazebny, Oleg E

2018-04-16

Current knowledge on genetic basis of aggressive behavior is still contradictory. This may be due to the fact that the majority of studies targeting associations between candidate genes and aggression are conducted on industrial societies and mainly dealing with various types of psychopathology and disorders. Because of that, our study was carried on healthy adult individuals of both sex (n = 853). Three populations were examined: two traditional (Hadza and Datoga) and one industrial (Russians), and the association of aggression with the following polymorphisms 5-HTTLPR, rs6295 (5HTR1A gene), and rs6311 (5HTR2A gene) were tested. Aggression was measured as total self-ratings on Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire. Distributions of allelic frequencies of 5-HTTLPR and 5HTR1A polymorphisms were significantly different among the three populations. Consequently, the association analyses for these two candidate genes were carried out separately for each population, while for the 5HTR2A polymorphism, it was conducted on the pooled data that made possible to introduce ethnic factor in the ANOVA model. The traditional biometrical approach revealed no sex differences in total aggression in all three samples. The three-way ANOVA (μ + 5-HTTLPR + 5HTR1A + 5HTR2A +ε) with measures of self-reported total aggression as dependent variable revealed significant effect of the second serotonin receptor gene polymorphism for the Hadza sample. For the Datoga, the interaction effect between 5-HTTLPR and 5HTR1A was significant. No significant effects of the used polymorphisms were obtained for Russians. The results of two-way ANOVA with ethnicity and the 5HTR2A polymorphism as main effects and their interactions revealed the highly significant effect of ethnicity, 5HTR2A polymorphism, and their interaction on total aggression. Our data provided obvious confirmation for the necessity to consider the population origin, as well as cultural background of tested individuals, while searching for associations between genes and behavior, and demonstrated the role of cultural attitudes towards the use of in-group aggression. Our data partly explained the reasons for disagreement in results of different teams, searching for candidate-gene associations with behavior without considerations of culturally desirable norms. Previous studies suggested that the 5HTR2A gene polymorphism associates with aggression and criminality. Our data extended these findings, demonstrating the role of rs6311 (5HTR2A gene) in aggression in adult healthy men and women from our samples. We found that G-allele carriers were rated higher on total aggression.

A Genomics-Based Model for Prediction of Severe Bioprosthetic Mitral Valve Calcification.

PubMed

Ponasenko, Anastasia V; Khutornaya, Maria V; Kutikhin, Anton G; Rutkovskaya, Natalia V; Tsepokina, Anna V; Kondyukova, Natalia V; Yuzhalin, Arseniy E; Barbarash, Leonid S

2016-08-31

Severe bioprosthetic mitral valve calcification is a significant problem in cardiovascular surgery. Unfortunately, clinical markers did not demonstrate efficacy in prediction of severe bioprosthetic mitral valve calcification. Here, we examined whether a genomics-based approach is efficient in predicting the risk of severe bioprosthetic mitral valve calcification. A total of 124 consecutive Russian patients who underwent mitral valve replacement surgery were recruited. We investigated the associations of the inherited variation in innate immunity, lipid metabolism and calcium metabolism genes with severe bioprosthetic mitral valve calcification. Genotyping was conducted utilizing the TaqMan assay. Eight gene polymorphisms were significantly associated with severe bioprosthetic mitral valve calcification and were therefore included into stepwise logistic regression which identified male gender, the T/T genotype of the rs3775073 polymorphism within the TLR6 gene, the C/T genotype of the rs2229238 polymorphism within the IL6R gene, and the A/A genotype of the rs10455872 polymorphism within the LPA gene as independent predictors of severe bioprosthetic mitral valve calcification. The developed genomics-based model had fair predictive value with area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.73. In conclusion, our genomics-based approach is efficient for the prediction of severe bioprosthetic mitral valve calcification.

A Genomics-Based Model for Prediction of Severe Bioprosthetic Mitral Valve Calcification

PubMed Central

Ponasenko, Anastasia V.; Khutornaya, Maria V.; Kutikhin, Anton G.; Rutkovskaya, Natalia V.; Tsepokina, Anna V.; Kondyukova, Natalia V.; Yuzhalin, Arseniy E.; Barbarash, Leonid S.

2016-01-01

Severe bioprosthetic mitral valve calcification is a significant problem in cardiovascular surgery. Unfortunately, clinical markers did not demonstrate efficacy in prediction of severe bioprosthetic mitral valve calcification. Here, we examined whether a genomics-based approach is efficient in predicting the risk of severe bioprosthetic mitral valve calcification. A total of 124 consecutive Russian patients who underwent mitral valve replacement surgery were recruited. We investigated the associations of the inherited variation in innate immunity, lipid metabolism and calcium metabolism genes with severe bioprosthetic mitral valve calcification. Genotyping was conducted utilizing the TaqMan assay. Eight gene polymorphisms were significantly associated with severe bioprosthetic mitral valve calcification and were therefore included into stepwise logistic regression which identified male gender, the T/T genotype of the rs3775073 polymorphism within the TLR6 gene, the C/T genotype of the rs2229238 polymorphism within the IL6R gene, and the A/A genotype of the rs10455872 polymorphism within the LPA gene as independent predictors of severe bioprosthetic mitral valve calcification. The developed genomics-based model had fair predictive value with area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.73. In conclusion, our genomics-based approach is efficient for the prediction of severe bioprosthetic mitral valve calcification. PMID:27589735

Expedition 53-54 Crew Docks to the Space Station

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-09-12

After launching in their Soyuz MS-06 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 53-54 Soyuz Commander Alexander Misurkin of Roscosmos and flight engineers Mark Vande Hei and Joe Acaba of NASA arrived at the International Space Station. The trio docked their Soyuz to the Poisk module on the Russian segment of the complex, to complete their six-hour journey to the station.

Re-rendezvous and approach of Progress 33P

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-07-12

ISS020-E-018056 (12 July 2009) --- An unpiloted ISS Progress 33 cargo craft approaches the International Space Station. On June 30, the Progress undocked from the station and was commanded into a parking orbit for its re-rendezvous with the ISS on July 12, approaching to within 10-15 meters of the Zvezda Service Module to test new automated rendezvous equipment mounted on Zvezda during a pair of spacewalks earlier this month by Gennady Padalka and Mike Barratt that will be used to guide the new Mini-Research Module-2 (MRM2) to an unpiloted docking to the zenith port of Zvezda later this year. MRM2 will serve as a new docking port for Russian spacecraft and an additional airlock for spacewalks conducted out of the Russian segment.

KSC-99pp0347

NASA Image and Video Library

1999-03-25

At Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., STS-96 Mission Speciaists Daniel T. Barry (left), Julie Payette (center, with camera), and Tamara E. Jernigan (right, pointing) get a close look at one of the payloads on their upcoming mission. Other crew members are Commander Kent V. Rominger, and Mission Specialists Ellen Ochoa and Valery Ivanovich Tokarev, with the Russian Space Agency. Payette is with the Canadian Space Agency. For the first time, STS-96 will include an Integrated Cargo Carrier (ICC) that will carry a Russian cargo crane, the Strela, to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment on the International Space Station (ISS); the SPACEHAB Oceaneering Space System Box (SHOSS), which is a logistics items carrier; and a U.S.-built crane (ORU Transfer Device, or OTD) that will be stowed on the station for use during future ISS assembly missions. The ICC can carry up to 6,000 lb of unpressurized payload. It was built for SPACEHAB by DaimlerChrysler and RSC Energia of Korolev, Russia. STS-96 is targeted for launch on May 24 from Launch Pad 39B. STS-101 is scheduled to launch in early December 1999

Decomposition of prefixed words in Russian.

PubMed

Kazanina, Nina

2011-11-01

I examined the nature of morphological decomposition in a series of masked-priming experiments with Russian prefixed nouns. In Experiments 1A and 1B, I tested 3 types of prime-target pairs in which the prime was a morphologically simple word, and a facilitation was found when the prime and the target were truly morphologically related (e.g., narost [outgrowth] and rost [growth] are morphologically related via the prefix na- [on]) or apparently morphologically related (e.g., priton [den] and ton [tone] seem to be morphologically related via the prefix pri- [toward], but this relation is false) but not when the relation was purely orthographic (e.g., kumir [idol] and mir [peace]; ku- is not an existing prefix of Russian). These results suggest that all orthographic forms that can be exhaustively parsed into a prefix and a stem are decomposed into (apparent) constituent morphemes during their retrieval from the lexicon. This early segmentation process is driven by morpho-orthographic but not by morphosemantic considerations and applies even for derived forms that are more frequent than their stem.

Two Shuttle crews check equipment at SPACEHAB to be used on ISS Flights

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1999-01-01

At Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., technicians with DaimlerChrysler Aerospace and RSC Energia of Korolev, Russia, maneuver a Russian cargo crane, the Strela, which is to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment on the International Space Station (ISS). The Strehla has been the focus for two Shuttle crews, STS-96 who are at KSC for a Crew Equipment Interface Test, and STS-101, for payload familiarization. For the first time, STS-96 will include an Integrated Cargo Carrier (ICC) that will carry the Russian cargo crane; the SPACEHAB Oceaneering Space System Box (SHOSS), which is a logistics items carrier; and a U.S.-built crane (ORU Transfer Device, or OTD) that will be stowed on the station for use during future ISS assembly missions. The ICC can carry up to 6,000 lb of unpressurized payload. It was built for SPACEHAB by DaimlerChrysler Aerospace and RSC Energia. STS-96 is targeted for launch on May 24 from Launch Pad 39B. STS-101 is scheduled to launch in early December 1999.

[Epidemiologic aspects of energy drink intake in Russian Federation].

PubMed

Zastrozhin, M S; Drozhzhina, N A

2015-01-01

Article examines the impact of 'energy" drinks that have become so popular in recent decades on people. As a research tool a short structured questionnaire was used. It included questions about whether the respondent used "energy" drinks and, if yes, how often; whether he/she had an experience of using it with alcohol; if one is informed about the affect of substances that are included in the drink on the organism; reason of using; the reason of debut consumption; primary feeling during and after consumption; primary feeling after taking a large dose of "energy" drink. Each respondent also pointed out sex and noted whether he/she wanted to learn more about "energy" drinks and effects of their use on the organism. Within 3 years of study 1377 people (682 men and 695 women) aged 12 to 42 were surveyed. The results showed that 89.0% of respondents consumed energy drinks in some to some degree, and from these 7.4% used it constantly (at least 1 can a day). 24,0% of respondents had an experience of taking "energy" drinks with alcohol. With that, the number of men who used "energy" drinks with alcohol, prevails over the same number of women: 60.3% (n = 199) and 39.7% (n = 131), respectively (p = 0.003). Relationship between age of respondents and features of using as well as effects of "energy drinks" was also statistically proven. The elder the group is the less is the number of responders who drinks energetics constantly (Rs = -0.88, p < 0.001), who knows about the affect of caffeine and other substances on the organism (Rs = -0.93, p < 0.001), who drinks energetics forced by desire to get new feelings (Rs = -0.78, p < 0.001), exams (Rs = -0.73, p < 0.001), who feels fatigue (Rs = -0.79, p < 0.001), and get headache (Rs = -0.8, p < 0.001), the more is the number of responders who noticed that the primal feeling after energetics drinking was rising of working efficiency (Rs = 0.76, p < 0.001) and excessive motional activity (Rs = 0.59, p = 0.01). Basing on the data obtained basic principles of reducing the rate of use of energy drinks program were developed.

Characterization of thalamocortical association using amplitude and connectivity of fMRI in mild traumatic brain injury

PubMed Central

Zhou, Yongxia; Lui, Yvonne W; Zuo, Xi-Nian; Milham, Michael P.; Reaume, Joseph; Grossman, Robert I.; Ge, Yulin

2013-01-01

Purpose To examine thalamic and cortical injuries using fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF) and functional connectivity MRI (fcMRI) based on resting state (RS) and task-related fMRI in patients with mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI). Materials and Methods Twenty-seven patients and 27 age-matched controls were recruited. 3T fMRI at RS and finger tapping task were used to assess fALFF and fcMRI patterns. fALFF was computed with filtering (0.01-0.08Hz) and scaling after preprocessing. fcMRI was performed using a standard seed-based correlation method, and delayed fcMRI (coherence) in frequency domain were also performed between thalamus and cortex. Results In comparison with controls, MTBI patients exhibited significantly decreased fALFF in the thalamus (and frontal/temporal sub segments) and cortical frontal and temporal lobes; as well as decreased thalamo-thalamo and thalamo-frontal/thalamo-temporal fcMRI at rest based on RS-fMRI (corrected P<0.05). This thalamic and cortical disruption also existed at task-related condition in patients. Conclusion The decreased fALFF (i.e. lower neuronal activity) in the thalamus and its segments provides additional evidence of thalamic injury in patients with MTBI. Our findings of fALFF and fcMRI changes during motor task and resting state may offer insights into the underlying cause and primary location of disrupted thalamo-cortical networks after MTBI. PMID:24014176

Approach to developing numeric water quality criteria for ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Human activities on land increase nutrient loads to coastal waters, which can increase phytoplankton production and biomass and potentially cause harmful ecological effects. States can adopt numeric water quality criteria into their water quality standards to protect the designated uses of their coastal waters from eutrophication impacts. The first objective of this study was to provide an approach for developing numeric water quality criteria for coastal waters based on archived SeaWiFS ocean color satellite data. The second objective was to develop an approach for transferring water quality criteria assessments to newer ocean color satellites such as MODIS and MERIS. Spatial and temporal measures of SeaWiFS, MODIS, and MERIS chlorophyll-a (ChlRS-a, mg m-3) were resolved across Florida’s coastal waters between 1998 and 2009. Annual geometric means of SeaWiFS ChlRS-a were evaluated to determine a quantitative reference baseline from the 90th percentile of the annual geometric means. A method for transferring to multiple ocean color sensors was implemented with SeaWiFS as the reference instrument. The ChlRS-a annual geometric means for each coastal segment from MODIS and MERIS were regressed against SeaWiFS to provide a similar response among all three satellites. Standardization factors for each coastal segment were calculated based on differences between 90th percentiles from SeaWiFS to MODIS and SeaWiFS to MERIS. This transfer approach allowed for futu

De novo balanced complex chromosome rearrangements involving chromosomes 1B and 3B of wheat and 1R of rye.

PubMed

Ren, Tianheng; Li, Zhi; Yan, Benju; Tan, Feiquan; Tang, Zongxiang; Fu, Shulan; Yang, Manyu; Ren, Zhenglong

2016-12-01

Complex chromosome rearrangements (CCRs) are defined as structural abnormalities involving more than two chromosome breaks, coupled with exchanges of chromosomal segments. Information on CCRs in plants is limited. In the present study, a plant (26-4) harboring translocation chromosomes 1RS.1BL and 4RS.4DL was selected from a double monosomic (1R and 4R) addition line, which was derived from the hybrid between wheat cultivar MY11 and a Chinese local rye variety. The genome of the plant with double alien translocation chromosomes in the monosomic form showed more instability than that harboring a single translocation. The CCRs involving chromosomes 1RS.1BL and 3B, which were generated de novo in this plant, showed double monosomic translocation chromosomes. A new CCR line with balanced reciprocal translocations 1RS.3BL and 3BS.1BL was developed, which presented normal morphological traits of wheat and underwent rapid growth in the field. A new 1RS.1BL translocation line was also selected from the progeny of plant 26-4. The CCRs and simple 1RS.1BL translocation lines showed significant improvement in grain yield, number of spikes per square meter, kernel number per spike, and resistance to stripe rust and powdery mildew. The CCR line exhibited better agronomic traits and adult plant resistance in the field than its sister line, which harbored a simple 1RS.1BL translocation. The CCRs are remarkable genetic resources for crop improvement.

Proton range shift analysis on brain pseudo-CT generated from T1 and T2 MR.

PubMed

Pileggi, Giampaolo; Speier, Christoph; Sharp, Gregory C; Izquierdo Garcia, David; Catana, Ciprian; Pursley, Jennifer; Amato, Francesco; Seco, Joao; Spadea, Maria Francesca

2018-05-29

In radiotherapy, MR imaging is only used because it has significantly better soft tissue contrast than CT, but it lacks electron density information needed for dose calculation. This work assesses the feasibility of using pseudo-CT (pCT) generated from T1w/T2w MR for proton treatment planning, where proton range comparisons are performed between standard CT and pCT. MR and CT data from 14 glioblastoma patients were used in this study. The pCT was generated by using conversion libraries obtained from tissue segmentation and anatomical regioning of the T1w/T2w MR. For each patient, a plan consisting of three 18 Gy beams was designed on the pCT, for a total of 42 analyzed beams. The plan was then transferred onto the CT that represented the ground truth. Range shift (RS) between pCT and CT was computed at R 80 over 10 slices. The acceptance threshold for RS was according to clinical guidelines of two institutions. A γ-index test was also performed on the total dose for each patient. Mean absolute error and bias for the pCT were 124 ± 10 and -16 ± 26 Hounsfield Units (HU), respectively. The median and interquartile range of RS was 0.5 and 1.4 mm, with highest absolute value being 4.4 mm. Of the 42 beams, 40 showed RS less than the clinical range margin. The two beams with larger RS were both in the cranio-caudal direction and had segmentation errors due to the partial volume effect, leading to misassignment of the HU. This study showed the feasibility of using T1w and T2w MRI to generate a pCT for proton therapy treatment, thus avoiding the use of a planning CT and allowing better target definition and possibilities for online adaptive therapies. Further improvements of the methodology are still required to improve the conversion from MRI intensities to HUs.

Progress 33P undock

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-06-30

ISS020-E-015987 (30 June 2009) --- An unpiloted ISS Progress 33 cargo craft, filled with trash and unneeded items, departs from the International Space Station?s Pirs Docking Compartment at 1:30 p.m. (CDT) on June 30, 2009. The Progress was commanded into a parking orbit for its re-rendezvous with the ISS on July 12, approaching to within 10-15 meters of the Zvezda Service Module to test new automated rendezvous equipment mounted on Zvezda during a pair of spacewalks earlier this month by Gennady Padalka and Mike Barratt that will be used to guide the new Mini-Research Module-2 (MRM2) to an unpiloted docking to the zenith port of Zvezda later this year. MRM2 will serve as a new docking port for Russian spacecraft and an additional airlock for spacewalks conducted out of the Russian segment.

A unique haplotype of RCCX copy number variation: from the clinics of congenital adrenal hyperplasia to evolutionary genetics

PubMed Central

Doleschall, Márton; Luczay, Andrea; Koncz, Klára; Hadzsiev, Kinga; Erhardt, Éva; Szilágyi, Ágnes; Doleschall, Zoltán; Németh, Krisztina; Török, Dóra; Prohászka, Zoltán; Gereben, Balázs; Fekete, György; Gláz, Edit; Igaz, Péter; Korbonits, Márta; Tóth, Miklós; Rácz, Károly; Patócs, Attila

2017-01-01

There is a difficulty in the molecular diagnosis of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to the c.955C>T (p.(Q319*), formerly Q318X, rs7755898) variant of the CYP21A2 gene. Therefore, a systematic assessment of the genetic and evolutionary relationships between c.955C>T, CYP21A2 haplotypes and the RCCX copy number variation (CNV) structures, which harbor CYP21A2, was performed. In total, 389 unrelated Hungarian individuals with European ancestry (164 healthy subjects, 125 patients with non-functioning adrenal incidentaloma and 100 patients with classical CAH) as well as 34 adrenocortical tumor specimens were studied using a set of experimental and bioinformatic methods. A unique, moderately frequent (2%) haplotypic RCCX CNV structure with three repeated segments, abbreviated to LBSASB, harboring a CYP21A2 with a c.955C>T variant in the 3′-segment, and a second CYP21A2 with a specific c.*12C>T (rs150697472) variant in the middle segment occurred in all c.955C>T carriers with normal steroid levels. The second CYP21A2 was free of CAH-causing mutations and produced mRNA in the adrenal gland, confirming its functionality and ability to rescue the carriers from CAH. Neither LBSASB nor c.*12C>T occurred in classical CAH patients. However, CAH-causing CYP21A2 haplotypes with c.955C>T could be derived from the 3′-segment of LBSASB after the loss of functional CYP21A2 from the middle segment. The c.*12C>T indicated a functional CYP21A2 and could distinguish between non-pathogenic and pathogenic genomic contexts of the c.955C>T variant in the studied European population. Therefore, c.*12C>T may be suitable as a marker to avoid this genetic confound and improve the diagnosis of CAH. PMID:28401898

A unique haplotype of RCCX copy number variation: from the clinics of congenital adrenal hyperplasia to evolutionary genetics.

PubMed

Doleschall, Márton; Luczay, Andrea; Koncz, Klára; Hadzsiev, Kinga; Erhardt, Éva; Szilágyi, Ágnes; Doleschall, Zoltán; Németh, Krisztina; Török, Dóra; Prohászka, Zoltán; Gereben, Balázs; Fekete, György; Gláz, Edit; Igaz, Péter; Korbonits, Márta; Tóth, Miklós; Rácz, Károly; Patócs, Attila

2017-06-01

There is a difficulty in the molecular diagnosis of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to the c.955C>T (p.(Q319*), formerly Q318X, rs7755898) variant of the CYP21A2 gene. Therefore, a systematic assessment of the genetic and evolutionary relationships between c.955C>T, CYP21A2 haplotypes and the RCCX copy number variation (CNV) structures, which harbor CYP21A2, was performed. In total, 389 unrelated Hungarian individuals with European ancestry (164 healthy subjects, 125 patients with non-functioning adrenal incidentaloma and 100 patients with classical CAH) as well as 34 adrenocortical tumor specimens were studied using a set of experimental and bioinformatic methods. A unique, moderately frequent (2%) haplotypic RCCX CNV structure with three repeated segments, abbreviated to LBSASB, harboring a CYP21A2 with a c.955C>T variant in the 3'-segment, and a second CYP21A2 with a specific c.*12C>T (rs150697472) variant in the middle segment occurred in all c.955C>T carriers with normal steroid levels. The second CYP21A2 was free of CAH-causing mutations and produced mRNA in the adrenal gland, confirming its functionality and ability to rescue the carriers from CAH. Neither LBSASB nor c.*12C>T occurred in classical CAH patients. However, CAH-causing CYP21A2 haplotypes with c.955C>T could be derived from the 3'-segment of LBSASB after the loss of functional CYP21A2 from the middle segment. The c.*12C>T indicated a functional CYP21A2 and could distinguish between non-pathogenic and pathogenic genomic contexts of the c.955C>T variant in the studied European population. Therefore, c.*12C>T may be suitable as a marker to avoid this genetic confound and improve the diagnosis of CAH.

Diminutives facilitate word segmentation in natural speech: cross-linguistic evidence.

PubMed

Kempe, Vera; Brooks, Patricia J; Gillis, Steven; Samson, Graham

2007-06-01

Final-syllable invariance is characteristic of diminutives (e.g., doggie), which are a pervasive feature of the child-directed speech registers of many languages. Invariance in word endings has been shown to facilitate word segmentation (Kempe, Brooks, & Gillis, 2005) in an incidental-learning paradigm in which synthesized Dutch pseudonouns were used. To broaden the cross-linguistic evidence for this invariance effect and to increase its ecological validity, adult English speakers (n=276) were exposed to naturally spoken Dutch or Russian pseudonouns presented in sentence contexts. A forced choice test was given to assess target recognition, with foils comprising unfamiliar syllable combinations in Experiments 1 and 2 and syllable combinations straddling word boundaries in Experiment 3. A control group (n=210) received the recognition test with no prior exposure to targets. Recognition performance improved with increasing final-syllable rhyme invariance, with larger increases for the experimental group. This confirms that word ending invariance is a valid segmentation cue in artificial, as well as naturalistic, speech and that diminutives may aid segmentation in a number of languages.

Rosoboroneksport: Arms Sales and the Structure of Russian Defense Industry

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-01-01

comparable with such segments of the global economy as energy and food . Competition here is 11 extremely strong.”26 Moreover, he also stated that...as energy and food . Competition here is extremely strong.”266 Similarly, as early as 2004, management changes at key defense industrial firms like...Military Realities,” Juergen Schwarz, Wilfred A. Herrmann, and Hanns-Frank Seller, eds., Maritime Strategies in Asia, Bangkok: White Lotus Press

Expedition 53-54 Crew Safely Onboard the Space Station

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-09-13

After docking their Soyuz MS-06 spacecraft to the Poisk module on the Russian segment of the International Space Station, Expedition 53-54 Soyuz Commander Alexander Misurkin of Roscosmos and flight engineers Mark Vande Hei and Joe Acaba of NASA were greeted by station Commander Randy Bresnik of NASA and flight engineers Sergey Ryazanskiy of Roscosmos and Paolo Nespoli of the European Space Agency, as the hatches between the spacecraft were opened.

Draft Genome Sequences from a Novel Clade of Bacillus cereus Sensu Lato Strains, Isolated from the International Space Station.

PubMed

Venkateswaran, Kasthuri; Checinska Sielaff, Aleksandra; Ratnayake, Shashikala; Pope, Robert K; Blank, Thomas E; Stepanov, Victor G; Fox, George E; van Tongeren, Sandra P; Torres, Clinton; Allen, Jonathan; Jaing, Crystal; Pierson, Duane; Perry, Jay; Koren, Sergey; Phillippy, Adam; Klubnik, Joy; Treangen, Todd J; Rosovitz, M J; Bergman, Nicholas H

2017-08-10

The draft genome sequences of six Bacillus strains, isolated from the International Space Station and belonging to the Bacillus anthracis - B. cereus - B. thuringiensis group, are presented here. These strains were isolated from the Japanese Experiment Module (one strain), U.S. Harmony Node 2 (three strains), and Russian Segment Zvezda Module (two strains). Copyright © 2017 Venkateswaran et al.

Fine mapping of chromosome 15q25.1 lung cancer susceptibility in African-Americans.

PubMed

Hansen, Helen M; Xiao, Yuanyuan; Rice, Terri; Bracci, Paige M; Wrensch, Margaret R; Sison, Jennette D; Chang, Jeffery S; Smirnov, Ivan V; Patoka, Joseph; Seldin, Michael F; Quesenberry, Charles P; Kelsey, Karl T; Wiencke, John K

2010-09-15

Several genome-wide association studies identified the chr15q25.1 region, which includes three nicotinic cholinergic receptor genes (CHRNA5-B4) and the cell proliferation gene (PSMA4), for its association with lung cancer risk in Caucasians. A haplotype and its tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) encompassing six genes from IREB2 to CHRNB4 were most strongly associated with lung cancer risk (OR = 1.3; P < 10(-20)). In order to narrow the region of association and identify potential causal variations, we performed a fine-mapping study using 77 SNPs in a 194 kb segment of the 15q25.1 region in a sample of 448 African-American lung cancer cases and 611 controls. Four regions, two SNPs and two distinct haplotypes from sliding window analyses, were associated with lung cancer. CHRNA5 rs17486278 G had OR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.07-1.54 and P = 0.008, whereas CHRNB4 rs7178270 G had OR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.66-0.94 and P = 0.008 for lung cancer risk. Lung cancer associations remained significant after pack-year adjustment. Rs7178270 decreased lung cancer risk in women but not in men; gender interaction P = 0.009. For two SNPs (rs7168796 A/G and rs7164594 A/G) upstream of PSMA4, lung cancer risks for people with haplotypes GG and AA were reduced compared with those with AG (OR = 0.56, 95% CI 0.38-0.82; P = 0.003 and OR = 0.73, 95% CI 0.59-0.90, P = 0.004, respectively). A four-SNP haplotype spanning CHRNA5 (rs11637635 C, rs17408276 T, rs16969968 G) and CHRNA3 (rs578776 G) was associated with increased lung cancer risk (P = 0.002). The identified regions contain SNPs predicted to affect gene regulation. There are multiple lung cancer risk loci in the 15q25.1 region in African-Americans.

STS-112 crew during TCDT activities with M-113 carrier

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2002-01-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - STS-112 Mission Specialist Fyodor Yurchikhin, with the Russian Space Agency, Ashby is ready for his practice run driving the M-113 armored personnel carrier. Yurchikhin and the rest of the crew are at KSC for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which also include a simulated launch countdown. Mission STS-112 aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis is scheduled to launch no earlier than Oct. 2, between 2 and 6 p.m. EDT. STS-112 is the 15th assembly mission to the International Space Station. Atlantis will be carrying the S1 Integrated Truss Structure, the first starboard truss segment. The S1 will be attached to the central truss segment, S0, during the 11-day mission.

STS-112 crew during Crew Equipment Interface Test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2002-01-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During a Crew Equipment Interface Test, STS-112 Mission Specialist Fyodor Yurchikhin looks at Atlantis, the designated orbiter for the mission. Yurchikhin is with the Russian Space Agency. STS-112 is the 15th assembly flight to the International Space Station and will be ferrying the S1 Integrated Truss Structure. The S1 truss is the first starboard (right-side) truss segment, whose main job is providing structural support for the radiator panels that cool the Space Station's complex power system. The S1 truss segment also will house communications systems, external experiment positions and other subsystems. The S1 truss will be attached to the S0 truss. STS-112 is currently scheduled for launch Aug. 22, 2002.

KSC-99pp0345

NASA Image and Video Library

1999-03-25

At Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., members of two Shuttle crews take a close look at components of a Russian cargo crane, the Strela, to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment on the International Space Station (ISS). From left are STS-96 Mission Specialists Daniel T. Barry and Tamara E. Jernigan, Pilot Rick Douglas Husband, and Mission Specialist Julie Payette; next to them is STS-101 Mission Specialist Yuri Ivanovich Malenchenko, with the Russian Space Agency. Both missions include the SPACEHAB Double Module, carrying internal and resupply cargo for Station outfitting. For the first time, STS-96 will include an Integrated Cargo Carrier (ICC) that will carry the Strela; the SPACEHAB Oceaneering Space System Box (SHOSS), which is a logistics items carrier; and a U.S.-built crane (ORU Transfer Device, or OTD) that will be stowed on the station for use during future ISS assembly missions. The ICC can carry up to 6,000 lb of unpressurized payload. It was built for SPACEHAB by DaimlerChrysler and RSC Energia of Korolev, Russia. STS-96 is targeted for launch on May 24 from Launch Pad 39B. STS-101 is scheduled to launch in early December 1999

Russian Character Recognition using Self-Organizing Map

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gunawan, D.; Arisandi, D.; Ginting, F. M.; Rahmat, R. F.; Amalia, A.

2017-01-01

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 2014 released that there are 28 million visitors who visit Russia. Most of the visitors might have problem in typing Russian word when using digital dictionary. This is caused by the letters, called Cyrillic that used by the Russian and the countries around it, have different shape than Latin letters. The visitors might not familiar with Cyrillic. This research proposes an alternative way to input the Cyrillic words. Instead of typing the Cyrillic words directly, camera can be used to capture image of the words as input. The captured image is cropped, then several pre-processing steps are applied such as noise filtering, binary image processing, segmentation and thinning. Next, the feature extraction process is applied to the image. Cyrillic letters recognition in the image is done by utilizing Self-Organizing Map (SOM) algorithm. SOM successfully recognizes 89.09% Cyrillic letters from the computer-generated images. On the other hand, SOM successfully recognizes 88.89% Cyrillic letters from the image captured by the smartphone’s camera. For the word recognition, SOM successfully recognized 292 words and partially recognized 58 words from the image captured by the smartphone’s camera. Therefore, the accuracy of the word recognition using SOM is 83.42%

Two Shuttle crews check equipment at SPACEHAB to be used on ISS Flights

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1999-01-01

At Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., STS-96 Mission Speciaists Daniel T. Barry (left), Julie Payette (center, with camera), and Tamara E. Jernigan (right, pointing) get a close look at one of the payloads on their upcoming mission. Other crew members are Commander Kent V. Rominger, and Mission Specialists Ellen Ochoa and Valery Ivanovich Tokarev, with the Russian Space Agency. Payette is with the Canadian Space Agency. For the first time, STS-96 will include an Integrated Cargo Carrier (ICC) that will carry a Russian cargo crane, the Strela, to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment on the International Space Station (ISS); the SPACEHAB Oceaneering Space System Box (SHOSS), which is a logistics items carrier; and a U.S.-built crane (ORU Transfer Device, or OTD) that will be stowed on the station for use during future ISS assembly missions. The ICC can carry up to 6,000 lb of unpressurized payload. It was built for SPACEHAB by DaimlerChrysler and RSC Energia of Korolev, Russia. STS-96 is targeted for launch on May 24 from Launch Pad 39B. STS-101 is scheduled to launch in early December 1999.

Two Shuttle crews check equipment at SPACEHAB to be used on ISS Flights

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1999-01-01

At Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., members of two Shuttle crews take a close look at components of a Russian cargo crane, the Strela, to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment on the International Space Station (ISS). From left are STS-96 Mission Specialists Daniel T. Barry and Tamara E. Jernigan, Pilot Rick Douglas Husband, and Mission Specialist Julie Payette; next to them is STS-101 Mission Specialist Yuri Ivanovich Malenchenko, with the Russian Space Agency. Both missions include the SPACEHAB Double Module, carrying internal and resupply cargo for Station outfitting. For the first time, STS-96 will include an Integrated Cargo Carrier (ICC) that will carry the Strela; the SPACEHAB Oceaneering Space System Box (SHOSS), which is a logistics items carrier; and a U.S.-built crane (ORU Transfer Device, or OTD) that will be stowed on the station for use during future ISS assembly missions. The ICC can carry up to 6,000 lb of unpressurized payload. It was built for SPACEHAB by DaimlerChrysler and RSC Energia of Korolev, Russia. STS-96 is targeted for launch on May 24 from Launch Pad 39B. STS-101 is scheduled to launch in early December 1999.

Relationship Between C-Reactive Protein Serum Concentration and the 1846 C>T (rs1205) Polymorphism in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome from Western Mexico.

PubMed

Reynoso-Villalpando, Gabriela Lizet; Padilla-Gutiérrez, Jorge Ramón; Valdez-Haro, Angélica; Casillas-Muñoz, Fidel; Muñoz-Valle, José Francisco; Castellanos-Nuñez, Edgar; Chávez-Herrera, Juan Carlos; Valle, Yeminia

2017-05-01

To determine the relationship among the 1846 C>T (rs1205) polymorphism, C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration, and interleukin 6 (IL-6) serum levels in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) from Western Mexico. Three hundred participants in the control group (CG) and 300 patients with ACS from Western Mexico were included in the study. Genotyping was performed with polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) concentration was measured by immunonephelometry. For IL-6 measurement, we used a solid-phase sandwich Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Serum CRP concentration was increased in patients compared with controls (19 mg/L vs. 2.00 mg/L; p < 0.0001). ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction exhibited a higher CRP concentration than without elevation (non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction) and patients with unstable angina (21.81, 17.10, and 5.91 mg/L; p < 0.01). The rs1205 CRP polymorphism was not associated with ACS; however, T carriers had lower CRP concentrations than C/C (2.80 mg/L vs. 5.20 mg/L; p = 0.004) in CG and ACS (17.76 vs. 21.45; p = 0.046). IL-6 showed a strong positive correlation with CRP concentration in ACS patients (rho = 0.74, p < 0.0001). Patients with ACS had increased CRP levels compared with CG, and this appears to be related with ACS clinical spectrum severity. The rs1205 polymorphism is not a susceptibility genetic marker to ACS in Western Mexico population; however, the T allele is associated with lower CRP concentration. Further studies are needed to confirm the prognostic value of ACS and IL-6/CRP correlation, but it could be a reliable test for predicting adverse cardiac events in the Mexican population.

Recursive approach of EEG-segment-based principal component analysis substantially reduces cryogenic pump artifacts in simultaneous EEG-fMRI data.

PubMed

Kim, Hyun-Chul; Yoo, Seung-Schik; Lee, Jong-Hwan

2015-01-01

Electroencephalography (EEG) data simultaneously acquired with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data are preprocessed to remove gradient artifacts (GAs) and ballistocardiographic artifacts (BCAs). Nonetheless, these data, especially in the gamma frequency range, can be contaminated by residual artifacts produced by mechanical vibrations in the MRI system, in particular the cryogenic pump that compresses and transports the helium that chills the magnet (the helium-pump). However, few options are available for the removal of helium-pump artifacts. In this study, we propose a recursive approach of EEG-segment-based principal component analysis (rsPCA) that enables the removal of these helium-pump artifacts. Using the rsPCA method, feature vectors representing helium-pump artifacts were successfully extracted as eigenvectors, and the reconstructed signals of the feature vectors were subsequently removed. A test using simultaneous EEG-fMRI data acquired from left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) clenching tasks performed by volunteers found that the proposed rsPCA method substantially reduced helium-pump artifacts in the EEG data and significantly enhanced task-related gamma band activity levels (p=0.0038 and 0.0363 for LH and RH tasks, respectively) in EEG data that have had GAs and BCAs removed. The spatial patterns of the fMRI data were estimated using a hemodynamic response function (HRF) modeled from the estimated gamma band activity in a general linear model (GLM) framework. Active voxel clusters were identified in the post-/pre-central gyri of motor area, only from the rsPCA method (uncorrected p<0.001 for both LH/RH tasks). In addition, the superior temporal pole areas were consistently observed (uncorrected p<0.001 for the LH task and uncorrected p<0.05 for the RH task) in the spatial patterns of the HRF model for gamma band activity when the task paradigm and movement were also included in the GLM. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Diffusion Tensor Imaging of Lumbar Nerve Roots: Comparison Between Fast Readout-Segmented and Selective-Excitation Acquisitions.

PubMed

Manoliu, Andrei; Ho, Michael; Nanz, Daniel; Piccirelli, Marco; Dappa, Evelyn; Klarhöfer, Markus; Del Grande, Filippo; Kuhn, Felix Pierre

2016-08-01

The aim of this study was to compare the quality of recently emerged advanced diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) techniques with conventional single-shot echo-planar imaging (EPI) in a functional assessment of lumbar nerve roots. The institutional review board approved the study including 12 healthy volunteers. Diffusion tensor imaging was performed at 3 T (MAGNETOM Skyra; Siemens Healthcare) with b-values of 0 and 700 s/mm and an isotropic spatial resolution for subsequent multiplanar reformatting. The nerve roots L2 to S1 were imaged in coronal orientation with readout-segmented EPI (rs-DTI) and selective-excitation EPI (sTX-DTI) with an acquisition time of 5 minutes each, and in axial orientation with single-shot EPI (ss-DTI) with an acquisition time of 12 minutes (scan parameters as in recent literature). Two independent readers qualitatively and quantitatively assessed image quality. The interobserver reliability ranged from "substantial" to "almost perfect" for all examined parameter and all 3 sequences (κ = 0.70-0.94). Overall image quality was rated higher, and artifact levels were scored lower for rs-DTI and sTX-DTI than for ss-DTI (P = 0.007-0.027), while fractional anisotropy and signal-to-noise ratio values were similar for all sequences (P ≥ 0.306 and P ≥ 0.100, respectively). Contrast-to-noise ratios were significantly higher for rs-DTI and ss-DTI than for sTX-DTI (P = 0.004-0.013). Despite shorter acquisition times, rs-DTI and sTX-DTI produced images of higher quality with smaller geometrical distortions than the current standard of reference, ss-DTI. Thus, DTI acquisitions in the coronal plane, requiring fewer slices for full coverage of exiting nerve roots, may allow for functional neurography in scan times suitable for routine clinical practice.

The frequency of SLCO1B1*5 polymorphism genotypes among Russian and Sakha (Yakutia) patients with hypercholesterolemia.

PubMed

Sychev, Dmitrij Alekseevitch; Shuev, Grigorij Nikolaevich; Chertovskih, Jana Valer'evna; Maksimova, Nadezhda Romanovna; Grachev, Andrej Vladimirovich; Syrkova, Ol'ga Aleksandrovna

2016-01-01

Statins are the most commonly prescribed medicines for treatment of hypercholesterolemia. At the same time, up to 25% of patients cannot tolerate or have to discontinue the statin therapy due to statin-induced myopathy. In a majority of cases, statin-induced myopathy is attributed to SLCO1B1 gene polymorphism. The strongest association between statin-induced myopathy and SLCO1B1 gene polymorphism was described for simvastatin. Our research was focused on the frequency of SLCO1B1*5 genetic variant in the Russian population and in the native population of Sakha (Yakutia). A total of 1,071 hyperlipidemic Russian and 76 hyperlipidemic Sakha (Yakutian) patients were included in the study. Genotypes of SLCO1B1*5 (c.521T>C, rs4149056) were determined with polymerase chain reaction amplification. The results of our study were compared with data about hyperlipidemic patients in available publications. In the Russian population 665 (62%) patients had TT genotype of SLCO1B1*5, 346 (32%) patients had TC genotype, and in 60 patients (6%) CC variant was found (Hardy-Weinberg's chi-square test was 3.1 P=0.21). In comparison with Brazil, France, the People's Republic of China, Japan, and the native population of Sakha (Yakutia), C-allele, which causes an increased risk of statin-induced myopathy, was found significantly more often in the Russian population. In the native population of Sakha (Yakutia) SLCO1B1 polymorphism was TT - 62 (82%), TC - 11 (14%), CC - 3 (4%) (Hardy-Weinberg's chi-square test was 5.13 P=0.077). In comparison with data from Brazil, France, the People's Republic of China, and Japan, C-allele frequency in the Sakha (Yakutian) population was not significantly different. Thus, we have studied the incidence of pathologic SLCO1B1 c.521C-allele in Russian and Sakha hyperlipidemic patients. The presence of SLCO1B1 C-allele in patients with hyperlipidemia forces us to be more careful in hypolipidemic drug prescription, especially statins, according to a higher risk of statin-induced myopathy development. The fact that SLCO1B1 C-allele is rarer among Sakha patients, could be interesting from the point of studying adverse drug effects frequency and statins' effectiveness.

ACVR1B rs2854464 Is Associated with Sprint/Power Athletic Status in a Large Cohort of Europeans but Not Brazilians.

PubMed

Voisin, Sarah; Guilherme, João Paulo F L; Yan, Xu; Pushkarev, Vladimir P; Cieszczyk, Pawel; Massidda, Myosotis; Calò, Carla M; Dyatlov, Dmitry A; Kolupaev, Vitaliy A; Pushkareva, Yuliya E; Maciejewska, Agnieszka; Sawczuk, Marek; Lancha, Antonio H; Artioli, Guilherme G; Eynon, Nir

2016-01-01

Skeletal muscle strength and mass, major contributors to sprint/power athletic performance, are influenced by genetics. However, to date, only a handful of genetic variants have been associated with sprint/power performance. The ACVR1B A allele (rs rs2854464) has previously been associated with increased muscle-strength in non-athletic cohort. However, no follow-up and/or replications studies have since been conducted. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to compare the genotype distribution of ACVR1B rs2854464 between endurance athletes (E), sprint/power (S/P) athletes, mixed athletes (M), and non-athletic control participants in 1672 athletes (endurance athletes, n = 482; sprint/power athletes, n = 578; mixed athletes, n = 498) and 1089 controls (C) of both European Caucasians (Italian, Polish and Russians) and Brazilians. We have also compared the genotype distribution according to the athlete's level of competition (elite vs. sub-elite). DNA extraction and genotyping were performed using various methods. Fisher's exact test (adjusted for multiple comparisons) was used to test whether the genotype distribution of rs2854464 (AA, AG and GG) differs between groups. The A allele was overrepresented in S/P athletes compared with C in the Caucasian sample (adjusted p = 0.048), whereas there were no differences in genotype distribution between E athletes and C, in neither the Brazilian nor the Caucasian samples (adjusted p > 0.05). When comparing all Caucasian athletes regardless of their sporting discipline to C, we found that the A allele was overrepresented in athletes compared to C (adjusted p = 0.024). This association was even more pronounced when only elite-level athletes were considered (adjusted p = 0.00017). In conclusion, in a relatively large cohort of athletes from Europe and South America we have shown that the ACVR1B rs2854464 A allele is associated with sprint/power performance in Caucasians but not in Brazilian athletes. This reinforces the notion that phenotype-genotype associations may be ethnicity-dependent.

Radiation Segmentectomy versus Selective Chemoembolization in the Treatment of Early-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

PubMed

Biederman, Derek M; Titano, Joseph J; Korff, Ricki A; Fischman, Aaron M; Patel, Rahul S; Nowakowski, Francis S; Lookstein, Robert A; Kim, Edward

2018-01-01

To compare outcomes of radiation segmentectomy (RS) and segmental transarterial chemoembolization in treatment of unresectable, solitary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ≤ 3 cm. From January 2012 to January 2016, 534 and 877 patients were treated with radioembolization and transarterial chemoembolization, respectively. A cohort of 112 (radiation segmentectomy [RS], 55; chemoembolization, 57) locoregional therapy-naïve patients with solitary HCC ≤ 3 cm without vascular invasion or metastasis was retrospectively identified and stratified according to baseline patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and laboratory values. Propensity score matching (PSM) was conducted using a nearest neighbor algorithm (1:1). Outcomes analyzed included laboratory toxicities, imaging response, time to secondary therapy (TTST), and overall survival. Before PSM, complete response (CR) rate was 81.2% for RS and 49.1% for chemoembolization (odds ratio 2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-3.3; P < .001). Median (95% CI) TTST after initial therapy was 246 days (135-250 d) in chemoembolization group and 700 days (308-812 d) in RS group (hazard ratio 0.71; 95% CI, 0.55-0.92; P = .009). Overall survival before PSM was not significantly different between the 2 groups (P = .29). Overall CR rate after PSM was 92.1% in RS group and 52.6% in chemoembolization group (P = .005). Median (95% CI) TTST after matching was 161 days (76-350 d) in chemoembolization group and 812 days (363-812 d) in RS group (P = .001). Overall survival after matching was not significantly different between the 2 groups (P = .71). RS results in improved imaging response and longer TTST compared with transarterial chemoembolization in treatment of early-stage HCC. Copyright © 2017 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Penetrant injuries of colon--our experience].

PubMed

Lazović, R; Krivokapić, Z; Dobricanin, V

2010-01-01

In attemption to determine the place of primary repair in management of colon injuries, an open, non randomized clinical study was performed. Retrospective (RS) group of 62 patients according to exclusion criteria by Stone (S/F) and Flint (F1) was managed by one or two stage surgical procedure. Prospective (PR) group of 34 patients was managed using one stage repair non-selectively: two stage procedures were performed in 3 cases of advanced peritonitis and multi-segmental lacerations with impaired circulation of colon. In RS group 36 patients were managed by primary repair and in PR group, 31 were managed by primary repair. Both groups were of similar age/sex. Indexes of trauma severity were similar (TS, ISS, PATI). The latent time was shorter in PR group. Associated injuries to other body regions and abdominal organs were similar in both groups. S/F criteria and Flint grading in both (RS vs. PR) groups were similar. Comparison of attempted and successful primary repairs justifies the more liberal use of primary repair in early management of colon injuries.

Expedition 31 Preflight

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-04-23

Expedition 31 NASA NASA Flight Engineer Joe Acaba signs for his International Space Station Russian segment event simulation test card before senior officials at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center, Monday, April 23, 2012 in Star City, Russia, while his fellow crew members Soyuz commander Gennady Padalka (left) and Sergei Revin look on. Acaba, Padalka and Revin are set to launch May 15 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in their Soyuz TMA-04M spacecraft to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)

Thermal Design of Boiler Unit (Standard Method).

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-04-29

T-0411-80" h EhlllllEI mhEhhhhh m~lEElhElllllE Elhllllllhllll llllllllmllllu llllllllhllllu "’FTD-ID(RS)T-0411-80 FOREIGN TECHNOLOGY DIVISION THERMAL...Block italic Transliter. - - A a A, a P p p p R, r S B, b C C S B V, v T m , t r g Y y SD, d SE a Ye, ye; E, e* x X x Kh, , W Zc h , z h L 4 Ti , L...sh sn arc_4n 6 ch cosh arc or -. tar. th tanh arc t- Scot zth cct arc c’- h sec Sch sech arc sc- . - o-ec csc cscn cs ch aronc sc Russian Er.I n h rot

STS-112 crew arrives at KSC's SLF for launch

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2002-01-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-112 Mission Specialist Fyodor Yurchikhin, who is with the Russian Space Agency, shows his happiness at returning to KSC to prepare for launch. He will be making his first Shuttle flight. STS-112, aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis, is the 15th assembly mission to the International Space Station. Atlantis will be carrying the S1 Integrated Truss Structure, the first starboard truss segment, to be attached to the central truss segment, S0, and the Crew and Equipment Translation Aid (CETA) Cart A. The CETA is the first of two human-powered carts that will ride along the ISS railway, providing mobile work platforms for future spacewalking astronauts. The 11-day mission includes three spacewalks. Launch is scheduled for Oct. 2 betw een 2 and 6 p.m.

Posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms: Anatomical variations and surgical strategies

PubMed Central

Singh, Rohit K.; Behari, Sanjay; Kumar, Vijendra; Jaiswal, Awadhesh K.; Jain, Vijendra K.

2012-01-01

Context: Posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysms are associated with multiple anatomical variations of the parent vessel. Complexities in their surgical clipping relate to narrow corridors limited by brain-stem, petrous-occipital bones, and multiple neurovascular structures occupying the cerebellomedullary and cerebellopontine cisterns. Aims: The present study focuses on surgical considerations during clipping of saccular PICA aneurysms. Setting and Design: Tertiary care, retrospective study. Materials and Methods: In 20 patients with PICA aneurysms, CT angiogram/digital substraction angiogram was used to correlate the site and anatomical variations of aneurysms located on different segments of PICA with the approach selected, the difficulties encountered and the final outcome. Statistical Analysis: Comparison of means and percentages. Results: Aneurysms were located on PICA at: vertebral artery/basilar artery (VA/BA)-PICA (n=5); anterior medullary (n=4); lateral medullary (n=3); tonsillomedullary (n=4); and, telovelotonsillar (n=4) segments. The Hunt and Hess grade distribution was I in 15; II in 2; and, III in 3 patients (mean ictus-surgery interval: 23.5 days; range: 3-150 days). Eight patients had hydrocephalus. Anatomical variations included giant, thrombosed aneurysms; 2 PICA aneurysms proximal to an arteriovenous malformation; bilobed or multiple aneurysms; low PICA situated at the foramen magnum with a hypoplastic VA; and fenestrated PICA. The approaches included a retromastoid suboccipital craniectomy (n=9); midline suboccipital craniectomy (n=6); and far-lateral approach (n=5). At a follow-up (range 6 months-2.5 years), 13 patients had no deficits (modified Rankin score (mRS) 0); 2 were symptomatic with no significant disability (mRS1); 1 had mild disability (mRS2); 1 had moderately severe disability (mRS4); and 3 died (mRS6). Three mortalities were caused by vasospasm (2) and, rupture of unclipped second VA-BA junctional aneurysm (1). Conclusions: PICA aneurysms may present with only IVth ventricular blood without subarachnoid hemorrhage. PICA may have multiple anomalies and its aneurysms may be missed on CT angiograms. Surgical approach is influenced by VA-BA tortuosity and variations in anatomy, location of the VA-BA junction and the PICA aneurysm relative to the brain-stem, and the pattern of collateral supply. The special category of VA-PICA junctional aneurysms and its management; and, the multiple anatomical variations of PICA aneurysms, merit special surgical considerations and have been highlighted in this study. PMID:22639684

Further investigation of the effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine, 8-OH-DPAT and DOI to mediate contraction and relaxation responses in the intestine and emesis in Suncus murinus.

PubMed

Javid, Farideh A; Afshin-Javid, Saeed; Horn, Charles C

2018-02-15

5-HT receptors are implicated in many gastrointestinal disorders. However, the precise role of 5-HT in mediating GI responses in Suncus murnius is still unclear. Therefore in this study, the effects of 5-HT and its agonists were investigated in Suncus. The involvement of 5-HT 2C receptors in mediating emesis was also investigated. The ability of 5-HT and its agonists/antagonists at 5-HT 1A and 5-HT 2 to modify GI motility was investigated in vitro and in vivo. WAY100635 (a 5-HT 1A antagonist) inhibited the contraction response to 5-HT in the proximal segments without affecting the maximum response; whilst enhancing the contraction to 5-HT (>30.0nM) in the distal intestine. The selective 5-HT 2A and 5-HT 2B receptor antagonists MDL-100907 and RS-127445 attenuated 5-HT-induced contractions (<10.0µM) in the distal segments. RS-127445 also attenuated 5-HT-induced contractions in the central segments. The selective 5-HT 2C receptor antagonist SB-242084, attenuated the responses to 5-HT (> 3.0nM) in the proximal and central but not the distal regions. 8-OH-DPAT-induced relaxation was resistant to the antagonism by 5-HT 1A/7 antagonists. DOI in the presence of 5-HT 1A/2A/2B/2C antagonists induced greater contraction responses (>1.0µM) in most tissues, whilst RS-127445, or SB-242084, reduced the responses to DOI (< 1.0µM) in some tissues. SB-242084 also suppressed emesis-induced by motion and intragastric CuSO 4 . In conclusion, within different regions of intestine, 5-HT 2 receptors are differently involved in contraction and emetic responses and that 8-OH-DPAT induces relaxation via non-5-HT 1A/7 receptors. Suncus could provide a model to investigate these diverse actions of 5-HT. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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

PubMed

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

2015-01-02

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

Expedition 31 Preflight

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-04-23

Expedition 31 NASA Flight Engineer Joe Acaba, far left, Expedition 31 Soyuz Commander Gennady Padalka and Flight Engineer Sergei Revin, third from left, select International Space Station Russian segment event simulation test cards for their final qualification test in preparation for launch, Monday, April 23, 2012 at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia. Padalka, Acaba and Revin are set to launch May 15 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in their Soyuz TMA-04M spacecraft to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)

The distribution pattern of ERα expression, ESR1 genetic variation and expression of growth factor receptors: association with breast cancer prognosis in Russian patients treated with adjuvant tamoxifen.

PubMed

Babyshkina, Nataliya; Vtorushin, Sergey; Zavyalova, Marina; Patalyak, Stanislav; Dronova, Tatyana; Litviakov, Nikolay; Slonimskaya, Elena; Kzhyshkowska, Julia; Cherdyntseva, Nadejda; Choynzonov, Evgeny

2017-08-01

Identification of additional biomarkers associated with ER genomic and nongenomic pathways could be very useful to distinguish patients who will benefit from tamoxifen treatment. The aim of this study was to analyze the prognostic significance of the distribution pattern of ERα expression, ESR1 gene single-nucleotide polymorphisms and expression levels of growth factor receptors in Russian hormone receptor-positive breast cancer patients treated with adjuvant tamoxifen. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor tissue samples from 97 patients were examined for the distribution pattern of ERα expression, as well as for EGFR and TGF-βR1 expression by immunohistochemistry. Genotypes for ESR1 +30T>C (rs2077647) and ESR1 2014G>A (rs2228480) were analyzed using a TaqMan assay. Progression-free survival (PFS) was used as an endpoint for the survival analyses. We found that patients with the heterogeneous distribution of ERα expression had poor prognosis on tamoxifen treatment (P = 0.021). We identified a high EGFR expression in patients who developed distant metastasis or recurrence during tamoxifen treatment (a tamoxifen-resistant group-TR) in contrast to the distant metastasis-free patients (a tamoxifen-sensitive group-TS) (80.0 vs. 41.9 %, respectively, P = 0.009). Carriers of the ESR12014A mutant allele were more prevalent among the TR patients compared to the TS patients (26.3 vs. 8.0 %, respectively, P = 0.009). EGFR expression and the distribution pattern of ERα expression were associated with the response to tamoxifen by both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. The presence of these markers either alone or in combination was correlated with the worse PFS for all patients. Analysis of the distribution pattern of ERα expression and the EGFR status in tumor tissue may be valuable for patient selection for tamoxifen adjuvant therapy.

KSC-99pp0342

NASA Image and Video Library

1999-03-25

Two Shuttle crews take part in familiarization activities at Astrotech in Titusville, Fla. From left are STS-101 Mission Specialist Jeffrey N. Williams and Yuri Ivanovich Malenchenko, with the Russian Space Agency; STS-96 Mission Specialist Tamara E. Jernigan; STS-101 Mission Specialist Edward Tsang Lu (leaning over); a technician with RSC Energia of Korolev, Russia; Manfred Nordhoff, with DaimlerChrysler Aerospace; STS-96 Mission Specialist Daniel T. Barry; and another technician with RSC Energia. They are looking at components of the Russian cargo crane, Strela, to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment on the International Space Station (ISS). Both missions include the SPACEHAB Double Module, carrying internal and resupply cargo for Station outfitting. For the first time, STS-96 will include an Integrated Cargo Carrier (ICC) that will carry the Strela; the SPACEHAB Oceaneering Space System Box (SHOSS), which is a logistics items carrier; and a U.S.-built crane (ORU Transfer Device, or OTD) that will be stowed on the station for use during future ISS assembly missions. The ICC can carry up to 6,000 lb of unpressurized payload. It was built for SPACEHAB by DaimlerChrysler Aerospace of Bremen and RSC Energia of Korolev, Russia. STS-96 is targeted for launch on May 24 from Launch Pad 39B. STS-101 is scheduled to launch in early December 1999

KSC-99pp0343

NASA Image and Video Library

1999-03-25

At Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., members of two Shuttle crews look at components of a Russian cargo crane, the Strela, to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment on the International Space Station (ISS). From left are STS-96 Mission Specialist Julie Payette and Daniel T. Barry, Commander Kent V. Rominger and Mission Specialist Tamara E. Jernigan; three technicians from DaimlerChrysler Aerospace; (in the background, facing right) STS-101 Commander James Donald Halsell Jr.; STS-101 Mission Specialists Yuri Ivanovich Malenchenko, with the Russian Space Agency, and Edward Tsang Lu; and two more technicians from DaimlerChrysler. Both missions include the SPACEHAB Double Module, carrying internal and resupply cargo for Station outfitting. For the first time, STS-96 will include an Integrated Cargo Carrier (ICC) that will carry the Strela; the SPACEHAB Oceaneering Space System Box (SHOSS), which is a logistics items carrier; and a U.S.-built crane (ORU Transfer Device, or OTD) that will be stowed on the station for use during future ISS assembly missions. The ICC can carry up to 6,000 lb of unpressurized payload. It was built for SPACEHAB by DaimlerChrysler and RSC Energia of Korolev, Russia. STS-96 is targeted for launch on May 24 from Launch Pad 39B. STS-101 is scheduled to launch in early December 1999

STS-96 crew takes part in payload Interface Verification Test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1999-01-01

In the SPACEHAB Facility, STS-96 Mission Specialist Valery Tokarev (in foreground) of the Russian Space Agency closes a container, part of the equipment that will be in the SPACEHAB module on mission STS-96. Behind Tokarev are Pilot Rick Husband (left) and Mission Specialist Dan Barry (right). Other crew members at KSC for a payload Interface Verification Test for the upcoming mission to the International Space Station are Commander Kent Rominger and Mission Specialists Ellen Ochoa, Tamara Jernigan and Julie Payette. Mission STS-96 carries the SPACEHAB Logistics Double Module, which has equipment to further outfit the International Space Station service module and equipment that can be off-loaded from the early U.S. assembly flights. The SPACEHAB carries internal logistics and resupply cargo for station outfitting, plus an external Russian cargo crane to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment and used to perform space walking maintenance activities. The double module stowage provides capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. with the ability to accommodate powered payloads, four external rooftop stowage locations, four double-rack locations (two powered), up to 61 bulkhead-mounted middeck locker locations, and floor storage for large unique items and Soft Stowage. STS-96 is targeted to launch May 20 about 9:32 a.m.

[Metaphylaxis of urolithiasis: new look, modern approach, implementation in a mobile application].

PubMed

Gadzhiev, N K; Brovkin, S S; Grigorev, V E; Dmitriev, V V; Malkhasyan, V A; Shkarupa, D D; Pisarev, A V; Mazurenko, D A; Obidnyak, V M; Orlov, I N; Popov, S V; Tagirov, N S; Petrov, S V

2017-04-01

To analyze the sub-segment of mHealth devoted to assessing of the risk of recurrent stone formation and metaphylaxis of stone formation. To design a smartphone application (app.) in Russian language for urolithiasis patients. Three working groups of urologists from three St. Petersburg clinics searched for downloadable medical applications relevant to the above requirements. After searching and analyzing existing medical applications, the most acceptable design and structure of our own application were identified. The developed "Urolithiasis" application is available for free download in Russian language versions in App Store (Apple, Inc.) and Google Play (Android market, Google, Inc.). It features the following sections: 1) "Take the test" (personalized calculation of the risk of kidney stone recurrence and providing relevant recommendations using ROKS nomogram), 2) "Water" (with reminders to drink water and automatic logging of the water intake), 3) "Food" (Nutrition facts on the content of calcium, oxalate, purine, protein, citrate and calories in common foods), 4) "My doctor" (in the future this option will allow for on-line communication with a patients physician), 5) "Feedback" (if the patient does not find the desired product or has a question - this section is for him/her). The smartphone application "Urolithiasis" in Russian may be recommended to patients with urolithiasis for improving the effectiveness of metaphylaxis.

Introgression of chromosome segments from multiple alien species in wheat breeding lines with wheat streak mosaic virus resistance.

PubMed

Ali, N; Heslop-Harrison, Js Pat; Ahmad, H; Graybosch, R A; Hein, G L; Schwarzacher, T

2016-08-01

Pyramiding of alien-derived Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) resistance and resistance enhancing genes in wheat is a cost-effective and environmentally safe strategy for disease control. PCR-based markers and cytogenetic analysis with genomic in situ hybridisation were applied to identify alien chromatin in four genetically diverse populations of wheat (Triticum aestivum) lines incorporating chromosome segments from Thinopyrum intermedium and Secale cereale (rye). Out of 20 experimental lines, 10 carried Th. intermedium chromatin as T4DL*4Ai#2S translocations, while, unexpectedly, 7 lines were positive for alien chromatin (Th. intermedium or rye) on chromosome 1B. The newly described rye 1RS chromatin, transmitted from early in the pedigree, was associated with enhanced WSMV resistance. Under field conditions, the 1RS chromatin alone showed some resistance, while together with the Th. intermedium 4Ai#2S offered superior resistance to that demonstrated by the known resistant cultivar Mace. Most alien wheat lines carry whole chromosome arms, and it is notable that these lines showed intra-arm recombination within the 1BS arm. The translocation breakpoints between 1BS and alien chromatin fell in three categories: (i) at or near to the centromere, (ii) intercalary between markers UL-Thin5 and Xgwm1130 and (iii) towards the telomere between Xgwm0911 and Xbarc194. Labelled genomic Th. intermedium DNA hybridised to the rye 1RS chromatin under high stringency conditions, indicating the presence of shared tandem repeats among the cereals. The novel small alien fragments may explain the difficulty in developing well-adapted lines carrying Wsm1 despite improved tolerance to the virus. The results will facilitate directed chromosome engineering producing agronomically desirable WSMV-resistant germplasm.

Behavioral and electrophysiological evidence for early and automatic detection of phonological equivalence in variable speech inputs.

PubMed

Kharlamov, Viktor; Campbell, Kenneth; Kazanina, Nina

2011-11-01

Speech sounds are not always perceived in accordance with their acoustic-phonetic content. For example, an early and automatic process of perceptual repair, which ensures conformity of speech inputs to the listener's native language phonology, applies to individual input segments that do not exist in the native inventory or to sound sequences that are illicit according to the native phonotactic restrictions on sound co-occurrences. The present study with Russian and Canadian English speakers shows that listeners may perceive phonetically distinct and licit sound sequences as equivalent when the native language system provides robust evidence for mapping multiple phonetic forms onto a single phonological representation. In Russian, due to an optional but productive t-deletion process that affects /stn/ clusters, the surface forms [sn] and [stn] may be phonologically equivalent and map to a single phonological form /stn/. In contrast, [sn] and [stn] clusters are usually phonologically distinct in (Canadian) English. Behavioral data from identification and discrimination tasks indicated that [sn] and [stn] clusters were more confusable for Russian than for English speakers. The EEG experiment employed an oddball paradigm with nonwords [asna] and [astna] used as the standard and deviant stimuli. A reliable mismatch negativity response was elicited approximately 100 msec postchange in the English group but not in the Russian group. These findings point to a perceptual repair mechanism that is engaged automatically at a prelexical level to ensure immediate encoding of speech inputs in phonological terms, which in turn enables efficient access to the meaning of a spoken utterance.

Accuracy of speckle tracking in the context of stress echocardiography in short axis view: An in vitro validation study.

PubMed

Hodzic, Amir; Chayer, Boris; Wang, Diya; Porée, Jonathan; Cloutier, Guy; Milliez, Paul; Normand, Hervé; Garcia, Damien; Saloux, Eric; Tournoux, Francois

2018-01-01

This study aimed to test the accuracy of a speckle tracking algorithm to assess myocardial deformation in a large range of heart rates and strain magnitudes compared to sonomicrometry. Using a tissue-mimicking phantom with cyclic radial deformation, radial strain derived from speckle tracking (RS-SpT) of the upper segment was assessed in short axis view by conventional echocardiography (Vivid q, GE) and post-processed with clinical software (EchoPAC, GE). RS-SpT was compared with radial strain measured simultaneously by sonomicrometers (RS-SN). Radial strain was assessed with increasing deformation rates (60 to 160 beats/min) and increasing pulsed volumes (50 to 100 ml/beat) to simulate physiological changes occurring during stress echocardiography. There was a significant correlation (R2 = 0.978, P <0.001) and a close agreement (bias ± 2SD, 0.39 ± 1.5%) between RS-SpT and RS-SN. For low strain values (<15%), speckle tracking showed a small but significant overestimation of radial strain compared to sonomicrometers. Two-way analysis of variance did not show any significant effect of the deformation rate. For RS-SpT, the feasibility was excellent and the intra- and inter-observer variability were low (the intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.96 and 0.97, respectively). Speckle tracking demonstrated a good correlation with sonomicrometry for the assessment of radial strain independently of the heart rate and strain magnitude in a physiological range of values. Though speckle tracking seems to be a reliable and reproducible technique to assess myocardial deformation variations during stress echocardiography, further studies are mandated to analyze the impact of angulated and artefactual out-of-plane motions and inter-vendor variability.

Accuracy of speckle tracking in the context of stress echocardiography in short axis view: An in vitro validation study

PubMed Central

Chayer, Boris; Wang, Diya; Porée, Jonathan; Cloutier, Guy; Milliez, Paul; Normand, Hervé; Garcia, Damien; Saloux, Eric; Tournoux, Francois

2018-01-01

Aim This study aimed to test the accuracy of a speckle tracking algorithm to assess myocardial deformation in a large range of heart rates and strain magnitudes compared to sonomicrometry. Methods and results Using a tissue-mimicking phantom with cyclic radial deformation, radial strain derived from speckle tracking (RS-SpT) of the upper segment was assessed in short axis view by conventional echocardiography (Vivid q, GE) and post-processed with clinical software (EchoPAC, GE). RS-SpT was compared with radial strain measured simultaneously by sonomicrometers (RS-SN). Radial strain was assessed with increasing deformation rates (60 to 160 beats/min) and increasing pulsed volumes (50 to 100 ml/beat) to simulate physiological changes occurring during stress echocardiography. There was a significant correlation (R2 = 0.978, P <0.001) and a close agreement (bias ± 2SD, 0.39 ± 1.5%) between RS-SpT and RS-SN. For low strain values (<15%), speckle tracking showed a small but significant overestimation of radial strain compared to sonomicrometers. Two-way analysis of variance did not show any significant effect of the deformation rate. For RS-SpT, the feasibility was excellent and the intra- and inter-observer variability were low (the intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.96 and 0.97, respectively). Conclusions Speckle tracking demonstrated a good correlation with sonomicrometry for the assessment of radial strain independently of the heart rate and strain magnitude in a physiological range of values. Though speckle tracking seems to be a reliable and reproducible technique to assess myocardial deformation variations during stress echocardiography, further studies are mandated to analyze the impact of angulated and artefactual out-of-plane motions and inter-vendor variability. PMID:29584751

Polymorphism rs2073618 of the osteoprotegerin gene as a potential marker of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in Caucasians with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Pleskovič, Aleš; Ramuš, Sara Mankoč; Pražnikar, Zala Jenko; Šantl Letonja, Marija; Cokan Vujkovac, Andreja; Gazdikova, Katarina; Caprnda, Martin; Gaspar, Ludovit; Kruzliak, Peter; Petrovič, Daniel

2017-08-01

The OPG/RANKL/RANK (osteoprotegerin/receptor-activator of nuclear factor κB ligand/receptor-activator of nuclear factor κB) axis has been recently linked to the development of atherosclerosis and plaque destabilization. We have investigated whether polymorphism rs2073618 of the OPG gene is associated with subclinical markers of carotid atherosclerosis in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). 595 subjects with T2DM were enrolled in the cross-sectional study. Subclinical markers of carotid atherosclerosis (carotid intima media thickness, plaque thickness, and plaques presence) were assessed with ultrasound at the time of recruitment. Genotyping for rs2073618 (a missense variant located in exon I of the OPG gene) was performed, and OPG serum levels were determined by ELISA. Compared to the GG genotype, the CC genotype of the rs2073618 polymorphism had a significantly increased risk for the presence of carotid plaque (OR = 2.54, 95 % CI = 1.22-5.28, p = 0.01). No statistically significant difference could be detected (p = 0.68) upon comparing median values of serum OPG levels among studied genotype groups in subjects with T2DM. Multivariable linear regression analyses in T2DM subjects demonstrated that GC and CC genotypes (p = 0.03 and p = 0.003), together with statin therapy (p = 0.009), were independent predictors of the number of carotid segments with plaques. Despite the fact that OPG rs2073618 genotypes failed to predict the serum OPG levels as there was no statistical difference among compared genotypes, our results demonstrate that the rs2073618 polymorphism could be a possible genetic marker for the prediction of increased risk for carotid plaque burden as a measure of advanced subclinical atherosclerosis in T2DM subjects.

Utility of the cumulative stress and mismatch hypotheses in understanding the neurobiological impacts of childhood abuse and recent stress in youth with emerging mental disorder.

PubMed

Paquola, Casey; Bennett, Maxwell R; Hatton, Sean N; Hermens, Daniel F; Lagopoulos, Jim

2017-05-01

Childhood abuse has an enduring impact on the brain's stress system. Whether the effects of childhood abuse and adulthood stress are additive (cumulative stress hypothesis) or interactive (mismatch hypothesis) is widely disputed, however. The primary aim of this study was to test the utility of the cumulative stress and mismatch hypotheses in understanding brain and behaviour. We recruited 64 individuals (aged 14-26) from a specialised clinic for assessment and early intervention of mental health problems in young people. A T1-weighted MRI, a resting state fMRI and clinical assessment were acquired from each participant. Grey matter estimates and resting state functional connectivity (rsFC) of the hippocampus, amygdala and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) were determined using segmentation and seed-to-voxel rsFC analyses. We explored the effects of childhood abuse and recent stress on the structure and function of the regions of interest within general linear models. Worse psychiatric symptoms were significantly related to higher levels of life time stress. Individuals with mismatched childhood and recent stress levels had reduced left hippocampal volume, reduced ACC-ventrolateral prefrontal cortex rsFC and greater ACC-hippocampus rsFC, compared to individuals with matched childhood and recent stress levels. These results show specific utility of the cumulative stress hypothesis in understanding psychiatric symptomatology and of the mismatch hypothesis in modelling hippocampal grey matter, prefrontal rsFC, and prefrontal-hippocampal rsFC. We provide novel evidence for the enduring impact of childhood abuse on stress reactivity in a clinical population, and demonstrate the distinct effects of stress in different systems. Hum Brain Mapp 38:2709-2721, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Intrinsic motions in the N-terminal domain of an ionotropic glutamate receptor detected by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy.

PubMed

Jensen, Mette H; Sukumaran, Madhav; Johnson, Christopher M; Greger, Ingo H; Neuweiler, Hannes

2011-11-18

Ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) mediate excitatory neurotransmission in the central nervous system and play key roles in brain development and disease. iGluRs have two distinct extracellular domains, but the functional role of the distal N-terminal domain (NTD) is poorly understood. Crystal structures of the NTD from some non-N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) iGluRs are consistent with a rigid body that facilitates receptor assembly but suggest an additional dynamic role that could modulate signaling. Here, we moved beyond spatial and temporal limitations of conventional protein single-molecule spectroscopy by employing correlation analysis of extrinsic oxazine fluorescence fluctuations. We observed nanosecond (ns)-to-microsecond (μs) motions of loop segments and helices within a region of an AMPA-type iGluR NTD, which has been identified previously to be structurally variable. Our data reveal that the AMPA receptor NTD undergoes rapid conformational fluctuations, suggesting an inherent allosteric capacity for this domain in addition to its established assembly function. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Charged Particle Periodicities in Saturn's Outer Magnetosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carbary, J.; Mitchell, D.; Krimigis, S.; Krupp, N.

2006-12-01

The MIMI/LEMMS instrument on the Cassini spacecraft has measured energetic electrons in the energy range 20-300 keV within Saturn's magnetosphere. In the outer magnetosphere beyond about 20 RS, these electrons and their spectral index display strong variations with periods comparable to the 10.76 hour period measured by radio observations of Cassini. Inside about 20 RS, such electron variations may be present but are masked by satellite and ring effects. Electron periodicities are most easily recognized on the "night side" segments of the Cassini orbits, although they are also observed to some extent on the day side. For both day and night sides, a wavelet analysis of de-trended count rates in the 20-40 RS region reveals a mean period of 10.52 +/- 0.74 hrs for the six electron channels investigated. If constrained to the night side only, a wavelet analysis gives a mean period of 10.88 +/- 0.52 hours. These periods were obtained from several orbits of the Cassini spacecraft during the two-year period from SOI (July 2004) to the present (November 2006).

STS-112 crew during TCDT activities with M-113 carrier

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2002-01-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - The STS-112 crew poses for a photo on the back of the M-113 armored personnel carrier they practiced driving as part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. From left are Mission Specialist David Wolf, Pilot Pamela Melroy, Mission Specialist Sandra Magnus, Commander Jeffrey Ashby, and Mission Specialists Piers Sellers and Fyodor Yurchikhin, who is with the Russian Space Agency. Mission STS-112 aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis is scheduled to launch no earlier than Oct. 2, between 2 and 6 p.m. EDT. STS-112 is the 15th assembly mission to the International Space Station. Atlantis will be carrying the S1 Integrated Truss Structure, the first starboard truss segment. The S1 will be attached to the central truss segment, S0, during the 11-day mission.

Some mechanical design aspects of the European Robotic Arm

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lambooy, Peter J.; Mandersloot, Wart M.; Bentall, Richard H.

1995-01-01

The European Robotic Arm (ERA) is a contribution to the Russian Segment of the International Space Station Alpha. It will start operating on the Russian Segment during the assembly phase. ERA is designed and produced by a large industrial consortium spread over Europe with Fokker Space & Systems as prime contractor. In this paper, we will describe some of the overall design aspects and focus on the development of several mechanisms within ERA. The operation of ERA during the approach of its end effector towards the grapple interface and the grapple operation is discussed, with a focus on mechanisms. This includes the geometry of the end effector leading edge, which is carefully designed to provide the correct and complete tactile information to a torque-force sensor (TFS). The data from this TFS are used to steer the arm such that forces and moments are kept below 20 N and 20 N.m respectively during the grappling operation. Two hardware models of the end effector are built. The problems encountered are described as well as their solutions. The joints in the wrists and the elbow initially used a harmonic drive lubricated by MoS2. During development testing, this combination showed an insufficient lifetime in air to survive the acceptance test program. The switch-over to a system comprising planetary gearboxes with grease lubrication is described. From these development efforts, conclusions are drawn and recommendations are given for the design of complex space mechanisms.

ISS GN and C - First Year Surprises

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Begley, Michael

2002-01-01

Assembly of the International Space Station (ISS) began in late 1998 with the joining of the first two US and Russ ian elements. For more than two years, the outpost was served by two Russian Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C) systems. The station requires orbital translation and attitude control functions for its 100+ configurations, from the nascent two-module station to the half million kilogram completed station owned and operated by seventeen nations. With the launch of the US Laboratory module in February 2001, the integration of the US GN&C system with its Russian counterpart laid the foundation for such a robust system. In its first year of combined operation, the ISS GN&C system has performed admirably, even better than many expected, but there have been surprises. Loss of command capability, loss of communication between segments, a control system force-fight, and "non-propulsive vents" that weren't - such events have repeatedly underscored the importance of thorough program integration, testing, and operation, both across subsystem boundaries and across international borders.

U.S. and Russia sign agreements to cooperate in Antarctica and Beringia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Showstack, Randy

2012-09-01

U.S. secretary of state Hillary Rodham Clinton and Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Cooperation in Antarctica and issued a Joint Statement on Pursuing a Transboundary Area of Shared Beringian Heritage, which is related to a segment of the Bering Strait, at an 8 September ceremony in Vladivostok, Russia. The Antarctica MOU strengthens cooperation and improves coordination of bilateral policies, science, logistics, search and rescue, training, and public outreach in Antarctica. “We are formally deepening our scientific cooperation in Antarctica, a continent with vast opportunities for research,” Clinton said. “Scientists from both our countries will work together to explore Antarctica's terrain, study the effects of climate change, and cooperate on a range of issues to better understand and protect our shared environment.” She added that U.S. and Russian officials and scientists will work together to enforce the 1959 Antarctic Treaty, including inspecting foreign facilities and looking for violations of the treaty and environmental commitments.

STS-114 Flight Day 10 Highlights

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2005-01-01

On Flight Day 10 of the STS-114 mission the International Space Station (ISS) is seen in low lighting while the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS), also known as Canadarm 2 grapples the Raffaello Multipurpose Logistics Module (MPLM) in preparation for its undocking the following day. Members of the shuttle crew (Commander Eileen Collins, Pilot James Kelly, Mission Specialists Soichi Noguchi, Stephen Robinson, Andrew Thomas, Wendy Lawrence, and Charles Camarda) and the Expedition 11 crew (Commander Sergei Krikalev and NASA ISS Science Officer and Flight Engineer John Phillips) of the ISS read statements in English and Russian in a ceremony for astronauts who gave their lives. Interview segments include one of Collins, Robinson, and Camarda, wearing red shirts to commemorate the STS-107 Columbia crew, and one of Collins and Noguchi on board the ISS, which features voice over from an interpreter translating questions from the Japanese prime minister. The video also features a segment showing gap fillers on board Discovery after being removed from underneath the orbiter, and another segment which explains an experimental plug for future shuttle repairs being tested onboard the mid deck.

Three-Dimensional Morphometric Analysis of the Iris by Swept-Source Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography in a Caucasian Population.

PubMed

Invernizzi, Alessandro; Giardini, Piero; Cigada, Mario; Viola, Francesco; Staurenghi, Giovanni

2015-07-01

We analyzed by swept-source anterior segment optical coherence tomography (SS-ASOCT) the three-dimensional iris morphology in a Caucasian population, and correlated the findings with iris color, iris sectors, subject age, and sex. One eye each from consecutive healthy emmetropic (refractive spherical equivalent ± 3 diopters) volunteers were selected for the study. The enrolled eye underwent standardized anterior segment photography to assess iris color. Iris images were assessed by SS-ASOCT for volume, thickness, width, and pupil size. Sectoral variations of morphometric data among the superior, nasal, inferior, and temporal sectors were recorded. A total of 135 eyes from 57 males and 78 females, age 49 ± 17 years, fulfilled the inclusion criteria. All iris morphometric parameters varied significantly among the different sectors (all P < 0.0001). Iris total volume and thickness were significantly correlated with increasingly darker pigmentation (P < 0.0001, P = 0.0384, respectively). Neither width nor pupil diameter was influenced by iris color. Age did not affect iris volume or thickness; iris width increased and pupil diameter decreased with age (rs = 0.52, rs = -0.58, respectively). There was no effect of sex on iris volume, thickness, or pupil diameter; iris width was significantly greater in males (P = 0.007). Morphology of the iris varied by iris sector, and iris color was associated with differences in iris volume and thickness. Morphological parameter variations associated with iris color, sector, age, and sex can be used to identify pathological changes in suspect eyes. To be effective in clinical settings, construction of iris morphological databases for different ethnic and racial populations is essential.

Operational Aspects of Space Radiation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1997-01-01

In this session, Session FA4, the discussion focuses on the following topics: Solar Particle Events and the International Space Station; Radiation Environment on Mir and ISS Orbits During the Solar Cycle; New approach to Radiation Risk Assessment; An Industrial Method to Predict Major Solar Flares for a Better Protection of Human Beings in Space; Description of the Space Radiation Control System for the Russian Segment of ISS; Orbit Selection and Its Impact on Radiation Warning Architecture for a Human Mission to Mars; and Space Nuclear Power - Technology, Policy and Risk Considerations in Human Missions to Mars.

Two Shuttle crews check equipment at SPACEHAB to be used on ISS Flights

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1999-01-01

Two Shuttle crews take part in familiarization activities at Astrotech in Titusville, Fla. From left are STS-101 Mission Specialist Jeffrey N. Williams and Yuri Ivanovich Malenchenko, with the Russian Space Agency; STS-96 Mission Specialist Tamara E. Jernigan; STS-101 Mission Specialist Edward Tsang Lu (leaning over); a technician with RSC Energia of Korolev, Russia; Manfred Nordhoff, with DaimlerChrysler Aerospace; STS-96 Mission Specialist Daniel T. Barry; and another technician with RSC Energia. They are looking at components of the Russian cargo crane, Strela, to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment on the International Space Station (ISS). Both missions include the SPACEHAB Double Module, carrying internal and resupply cargo for Station outfitting. For the first time, STS-96 will include an Integrated Cargo Carrier (ICC) that will carry the Strela; the SPACEHAB Oceaneering Space System Box (SHOSS), which is a logistics items carrier; and a U.S.-built crane (ORU Transfer Device, or OTD) that will be stowed on the station for use during future ISS assembly missions. The ICC can carry up to 6,000 lb of unpressurized payload. It was built for SPACEHAB by DaimlerChrysler Aerospace of Bremen and RSC Energia of Korolev, Russia. STS-96 is targeted for launch on May 24 from Launch Pad 39B. STS-101 is scheduled to launch in early December 1999.

Two Shuttle crews check equipment at SPACEHAB to be used on ISS Flights

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1999-01-01

At Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., members of two Shuttle crews look at components of a Russian cargo crane, the Strela, to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment on the International Space Station (ISS). From left are STS-96 Mission Specialist Julie Payette and Daniel T. Barry, Commander Kent V. Rominger and Mission Specialist Tamara E. Jernigan; three technicians from DaimlerChrysler Aerospace; (in the background, facing right) STS-101 Commander James Donald Halsell Jr.; STS-101 Mission Specialists Yuri Ivanovich Malenchenko, with the Russian Space Agency, and Edward Tsang Lu; and two more technicians from DaimlerChrysler. Both missions include the SPACEHAB Double Module, carrying internal and resupply cargo for Station outfitting. For the first time, STS-96 will include an Integrated Cargo Carrier (ICC) that will carry the Strela; the SPACEHAB Oceaneering Space System Box (SHOSS), which is a logistics items carrier; and a U.S.-built crane (ORU Transfer Device, or OTD) that will be stowed on the station for use during future ISS assembly missions. The ICC can carry up to 6,000 lb of unpressurized payload. It was built for SPACEHAB by DaimlerChrysler and RSC Energia of Korolev, Russia. STS-96 is targeted for launch on May 24 from Launch Pad 39B. STS-101 is scheduled to launch in early December 1999.

STS-112 crew group photo in white room during TCDT

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2002-01-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-112 crew pauses for a photo in the White Room during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. From left, clockwise, are Mission Specialists Piers Sellers and Sandra Magnus, Pilot Pamela Melroy, Commander Jeffrey Ashby and Mission Specialists Fyodor Yurchikhin and David Wolf. Ashby is holding the mission insignia. Yurchikhin is with the Russian Space Agency. Mission STS-112 aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis is scheduled to launch no earlier than Oct. 2, between 2 and 6 p.m. EDT. STS-112 is the 15th assembly mission to the International Space Station. Atlantis will be carrying the S1 Integrated Truss Structure, the first starboard truss segment, to be attached to the central truss segment, S0, and the Crew and Equipment Translation Aid (CETA) Cart A. The CETA is the first of two human-powered carts that will ride along the ISS railway, providing mobile work platforms for future spacewalking astronauts.

STS-112 crew group photo in white room during TCDT

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2002-01-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-112 crew pauses for a photo in the White Room during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. Kneeling in front are Mission Specialists Piers Sellers and David Wolf; standing, left to right, are Mission Specialist Sandra Magnus, Pilot Pamela Melroy, Commander Jeffrey Ashby and Mission Specialist Fyodor Yurchikhin. (with the Russian Space Agency). Mission STS-112 aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis is scheduled to launch no earlier than Oct. 2, between 2 and 6 p.m. EDT. STS-112 is the 15th assembly mission to the International Space Station. Atlantis will be carrying the S1 Integrated Truss Structure, the first starboard truss segment, to be attached to the central truss segment, S0, and the Crew and Equipment Translation Aid (CETA) Cart A. The CETA is the first of two human-powered carts that will ride along the ISS railway, providing mobile work platforms for future spacewalking astronauts.

Beach ridges as paleoseismic indicators of abrupt coastal subsidence during subduction zone earthquakes, and implications for Alaska-Aleutian subduction zone paleoseismology, southeast coast of the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kelsey, Harvey M.; Witter, Robert C.; Engelhart, Simon E.; Briggs, Richard; Nelson, Alan R.; Haeussler, Peter J.; Corbett, D. Reide

2015-01-01

The Kenai section of the eastern Alaska-Aleutian subduction zone straddles two areas of high slip in the 1964 great Alaska earthquake and is the least studied of the three megathrust segments (Kodiak, Kenai, Prince William Sound) that ruptured in 1964. Investigation of two coastal sites in the eastern part of the Kenai segment, on the southeast coast of the Kenai Peninsula, identified evidence for two subduction zone earthquakes that predate the 1964 earthquake. Both coastal sites provide paleoseismic data through inferred coseismic subsidence of wetlands and associated subsidence-induced erosion of beach ridges. At Verdant Cove, paleo-beach ridges record the paleoseismic history; whereas at Quicksand Cove, buried soils in drowned coastal wetlands are the primary indicators of paleoearthquake occurrence and age. The timing of submergence and death of trees mark the oldest earthquake at Verdant Cove that is consistent with the age of a well documented ∼900-year-ago subduction zone earthquake that ruptured the Prince William Sound segment of the megathrust to the east and the Kodiak segment to the west. Soils buried within the last 400–450 years mark the penultimate earthquake on the southeast coast of the Kenai Peninsula. The penultimate earthquake probably occurred before AD 1840 from its absence in Russian historical accounts. The penultimate subduction zone earthquake on the Kenai segment did not rupture in conjunction with the Prince William Sound to the northeast. Therefore the Kenai segment, which is presently creeping, can rupture independently of the adjacent Prince William Sound segment that is presently locked.

Site-specific association between distal aortic pulse wave velocity and peripheral arterial stenosis severity: a prospective cardiovascular magnetic resonance study.

PubMed

van den Bosch, Harrie C M; Westenberg, Jos J M; Setz-Pels, Wikke; Wondergem, John; Wolterbeek, Ron; Duijm, Lucien E M; Teijink, Joep A W; de Roos, Albert

2015-01-20

Vascular disease expression in one location may not be representative for disease severity in other vascular territories, however, strong correlation between disease expression and severity within the same vascular segment may be expected. Therefore, we hypothesized that aortic stiffening is more strongly associated with disease expression in a vascular territory directly linked to that aortic segment rather than in a more remote segment. We prospectively compared the association between aortic wall stiffness, expressed by pulse wave velocity (PWV), sampled in the distal aorta, with the severity of peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) as compared to atherosclerotic markers sampled in remote vascular territories such as PWV in the proximal aorta and the normalized wall index (NWI), representing the vessel wall thickness, of the left common carotid artery. Forty-two patients (23 men; mean age 64±10 years) underwent velocity-encoded cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in the proximal and distal aorta, whole-body contrast-enhanced MR angiography (CE-MRA) and carotid vessel wall imaging with black-blood CMR in the work-up for PAOD. Strength of associations between aortic stiffness, carotid NWI and peripheral vascular stenosis grade were assessed and evaluated with multiple linear regression. Stenosis severity correlated well with PWV in the distal aorta (Pearson rP=0.64, p<0.001, Spearman rS=0.65, p<0.001) but to a lesser extent with PWV in the proximal aorta (rP=0.48, p=0.002, rS=0.22, p=0.18). Carotid NWI was not associated with peripheral stenosis severity (rP=0.17, p=0.28, rS=0.14, p=0.37) nor with PWV in the proximal aorta (rP=0.22, p=0.17) nor in the distal aorta (rP=0.21, p=0.18). Correlation between stenosis severity and distal aortic PWV remained statistically significant after correction for age and gender. Distal aortic wall stiffness is more directly related to peripheral arterial stenosis severity than markers from more remote vascular territories such as proximal aortic wall stiffness or carotid arterial wall thickness. Site-specific evaluation of vascular disease may be required for full vascular risk estimation.

Determination of vessel cross-sectional area by thresholding in Radon space

PubMed Central

Gao, Yu-Rong; Drew, Patrick J

2014-01-01

The cross-sectional area of a blood vessel determines its resistance, and thus is a regulator of local blood flow. However, the cross-sections of penetrating vessels in the cortex can be non-circular, and dilation and constriction can change the shape of the vessels. We show that observed vessel shape changes can introduce large errors in flux calculations when using a single diameter measurement. Because of these shape changes, typical diameter measurement approaches, such as the full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) that depend on a single diameter axis will generate erroneous results, especially when calculating flux. Here, we present an automated method—thresholding in Radon space (TiRS)—for determining the cross-sectional area of a convex object, such as a penetrating vessel observed with two-photon laser scanning microscopy (2PLSM). The thresholded image is transformed back to image space and contiguous pixels are segmented. The TiRS method is analogous to taking the FWHM across multiple axes and is more robust to noise and shape changes than FWHM and thresholding methods. We demonstrate the superior precision of the TiRS method with in vivo 2PLSM measurements of vessel diameter. PMID:24736890

AB071. Semaphorin 3D impact in Indonesian Hirschsprung patients

PubMed Central

Iskandar, Kristy; Sunardi, Mukhamad; Gunadi

2017-01-01

Background Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a heterogeneous genetic disorder characterized by absence of ganglion cells along the intestines, results in functional bowel obstruction in children. Recently, Semaphorin 3D (SEMA3D) gene has been implicated in the pathogenesis of intestinal ganglionosis. We aimed to conduct a mutation analysis of SEMA3D gene in HSCR patients in Indonesia, a genetically distinct group within Asia. Methods We ascertained 40 patients with HSCR of whom 27 and 13 were males and females, respectively. Subsequently, we performed direct sequencing to clarify the contribution of SEMA3D gene to HSCR development. Results All patients were sporadic HSCR with degree of aganglionosis as follows: short-segment in 39/40 (98%) patients and long-segment in 1/40 (2%) patients. Transanal endorectal pull-through (TEPT) has been the most common definitive surgery (54%), followed by Duhamel (21%), and Soave (14%). Mutation analysis of SEMA3D gene showed no rare variant, but one common variant in exon 17, rs7800072. The risk allele frequency at rs7800072 (C) among HSCR patients were 0.52. Conclusions This result implies that the SEMA3D gene may not have an effect in the molecular pathogenesis of HSCR, particularly in Indonesia. This study is the first report of SEMA3D gene in Asian ancestry. Further study with multicenter and a larger number of samples is necessary to clarify the results.

Pupil Influence on the Visual Outcomes of a New-Generation Multifocal Toric Intraocular Lens With a Surface-Embedded Near Segment.

PubMed

Wang, Mengmeng; Corpuz, Christine Carole C; Huseynova, Tukezban; Tomita, Minoru

2016-02-01

To evaluate the influences of preoperative pupil parameters on the visual outcomes of a new-generation multifocal toric intraocular lens (IOL) model with a surface-embedded near segment. In this prospective study, patients with cataract had phacoemulsification and implantation of Lentis Mplus toric LU-313 30TY IOLs (Oculentis GmbH, Berlin, Germany). The visual and optical outcomes were measured and compared preoperatively and postoperatively. The correlations between preoperative pupil parameters (diameter and decentration) and 3-month postoperative visual outcomes were evaluated using the Spearman's rank-order correlation coefficient (Rs) for the nonparametric data. A total of 27 eyes (16 patients) were enrolled into the current study. Statistically significant improvements in visual and refractive performances were found after the implantation of Lentis Mplus toric LU-313 30TY IOLs (P < .05). Statistically significant correlations were present between preoperative pupil diameters and postoperative visual acuities (Rs > 0; P < .05). Patients with a larger pupil always have better postoperative visual acuities. Meanwhile, there was no statistically significant correlation between pupil decentration and visual acuities (P > .05). Lentis Mplus toric LU-313 30TY IOLs provided excellent visual and optical performances during the 3-month follow-up. The preoperative pupil size is an important parameter when this toric multifocal IOL model is contemplated for surgery. Copyright 2016, SLACK Incorporated.

Space Radiation Dosimetry to Evaluate the Effect of Polyethylene Shielding in the Russian Segment of the International Space Station

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagamatsu, Aiko; Casolino, Marco; Larsson, Oscar; Ito, Tsuyoshi; Yasuda, Nakahiro; Kitajo, Keiichi; Shimada, Ken; Takeda, Kazuo; Tsuda, Shuichi; Sato, Tatsuhiko

As a part of the Alteino Long Term Cosmic Ray measurements on board the International Space Station (ALTCRISS) project, the shielding effect of polyethylene (PE) were evaluated in the Russian segment of the ISS, using active and passive dosimeter systems covered with or without PE shielding. For the passive dosimeter system, PADLES (Passive Dosimeter for Life-Science and Experiments in Space) was used in the project, which consists of a Thermo-Luminescent Dosimeters (TLD) and CR-39 Plastic Nuclear Track Detectors (PNTDs) attached to a radiator. Not only CR-39 PNTD itself but also a tissue equivalent material, NAN-JAERI, were employed as the radiator in order to investigate whether CR-39 PNTD can be used as a surrogate of tissue equivalent material in space dosimetry or not. The agreements between the doses measured by PADLES with CR-39 PNTD and NAN-JAERI radiators were quite satisfactorily, indicating the tissue-equivalent dose can be measured by conventional PADLES even though CR-39 PNTD is not perfect tissue-equivalent material. It was found that the shielding effect of PE varies with location inside the spacecraft: it became less significant with an increase of the mean thickness of the wall. This tendency was also verified by Monte Carlo simulation using the PHITS code. Throughout the flight experiments, in a series of four phases in the ALTCRISS project from December 2005 to October 2007, we assessed the ability of PE to decrease radiation doses in Low Earth Orbit(LEO).

International Space Station USOS Potable Water Dispenser Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shaw, Laura A.; Barreda, Jose L.

2008-01-01

The International Space Station (ISS) Russian Segment currently provides potable water dispensing capability for crewmember food and beverage rehydration. All ISS crewmembers rehydrate Russian and U.S. style food packages from this location. A new United States On-orbit Segment (USOS) Potable Water Dispenser (PWD) is under development. This unit will provide additional potable water dispensing capability to support an onorbit crew of six. The PWD is designed to provide incremental quantities of hot and ambient temperature potable water to U.S. style food packages. It will receive iodinated water from the Fuel Cell Water Bus in the U.S. Laboratory element. The unit will provide potable-quality water, including active removal of biocidal iodine prior to dispensing. A heater assembly contained within the unit will be able to supply up to 2.0 liters of hot water (65 to 93oC) every thirty minutes. This quantity will allow three to four crewmembers to rehydrate their food and beverages from this location during a single meal. The unit is designed to remain functional for up to ten years with replacement of limited life items such as filters. It will be the size of two stacked Shuttle Middeck lockers (approximately the size of two small suitcases) and integrated into a science payload rack in the U.S. Laboratory element. Providing potable-quality water at the proper temperature for food and beverage reconstitution is critical to maintaining crew health and well-being. The numerous engineering challenges as well as human factors and safety considerations during the concept, design, and prototyping are outlined in this paper.

[Polymorphism in the regulatory regions -С2578A and +C936T of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) gene in Russian women with rheumatoid arthritis].

PubMed

Shevchenko, A V; Prokofyev, V F; Korolev, M A; Banshchikova, N E; Konenkov, V I

To analyze polymorphism in the regulatory regions of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene in female patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The investigation enrolled 257 female patients with RA. A control group consisted of 297 women without chronic diseases. The investigators examined the single-nucleotide polymorphism of VEGF-А2578С in the promoter region (rs699947) and that of VEGF+С936Т 3 in the retranslated region (rs3025039) of the gene. Genotyping was performed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. There was an increase in the frequency of VEGF+936 CT and a reduction in that of the VEGF+936СС genotypes in the seronegative patients as compared to the healthy women. The VEGF+936СС genotype frequency was higher in the patients with seropositive RA than in the subgroup of seronegative patients. The frequency of the VEGF-2578СС genotype was increased in the patients with RA and rheumatoid nodules, as compared to the healthy women. The data presented suggest that the presence of certain VEGF gene variants located in the regulatory regions may reflect the nature of immunopathological mechanisms in RA.

Fine-Mapping of the 1p11.2 Breast Cancer Susceptibility Locus

PubMed Central

Horne, Hisani N.; Chung, Charles C.; Zhang, Han; Yu, Kai; Prokunina-Olsson, Ludmila; Michailidou, Kyriaki; Bolla, Manjeet K.; Wang, Qin; Dennis, Joe; Hopper, John L.; Southey, Melissa C.; Schmidt, Marjanka K.; Broeks, Annegien; Muir, Kenneth; Lophatananon, Artitaya; Fasching, Peter A.; Beckmann, Matthias W.; Fletcher, Olivia; Johnson, Nichola; Sawyer, Elinor J.; Tomlinson, Ian; Burwinkel, Barbara; Marme, Frederik; Guénel, Pascal; Truong, Thérèse; Bojesen, Stig E.; Flyger, Henrik; Benitez, Javier; González-Neira, Anna; Anton-Culver, Hoda; Neuhausen, Susan L.; Brenner, Hermann; Arndt, Volker; Meindl, Alfons; Schmutzler, Rita K.; Brauch, Hiltrud; Hamann, Ute; Nevanlinna, Heli; Khan, Sofia; Matsuo, Keitaro; Iwata, Hiroji; Dörk, Thilo; Bogdanova, Natalia V.; Lindblom, Annika; Margolin, Sara; Mannermaa, Arto; Kosma, Veli-Matti; Chenevix-Trench, Georgia; Wu, Anna H.; ven den Berg, David; Smeets, Ann; Zhao, Hui; Chang-Claude, Jenny; Rudolph, Anja; Radice, Paolo; Barile, Monica; Couch, Fergus J.; Vachon, Celine; Giles, Graham G.; Milne, Roger L.; Haiman, Christopher A.; Marchand, Loic Le; Goldberg, Mark S.; Teo, Soo H.; Taib, Nur A. M.; Kristensen, Vessela; Borresen-Dale, Anne-Lise; Zheng, Wei; Shrubsole, Martha; Winqvist, Robert; Jukkola-Vuorinen, Arja; Andrulis, Irene L.; Knight, Julia A.; Devilee, Peter; Seynaeve, Caroline; García-Closas, Montserrat; Czene, Kamila; Darabi, Hatef; Hollestelle, Antoinette; Martens, John W. M.; Li, Jingmei; Lu, Wei; Shu, Xiao-Ou; Cox, Angela; Cross, Simon S.; Blot, William; Cai, Qiuyin; Shah, Mitul; Luccarini, Craig; Baynes, Caroline; Harrington, Patricia; Kang, Daehee; Choi, Ji-Yeob; Hartman, Mikael; Chia, Kee Seng; Kabisch, Maria; Torres, Diana; Jakubowska, Anna; Lubinski, Jan; Sangrajrang, Suleeporn; Brennan, Paul; Slager, Susan; Yannoukakos, Drakoulis; Shen, Chen-Yang; Hou, Ming-Feng; Swerdlow, Anthony; Orr, Nick; Simard, Jacques; Hall, Per; Pharoah, Paul D. P.

2016-01-01

The Cancer Genetic Markers of Susceptibility genome-wide association study (GWAS) originally identified a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs11249433 at 1p11.2 associated with breast cancer risk. To fine-map this locus, we genotyped 92 SNPs in a 900kb region (120,505,799–121,481,132) flanking rs11249433 in 45,276 breast cancer cases and 48,998 controls of European, Asian and African ancestry from 50 studies in the Breast Cancer Association Consortium. Genotyping was done using iCOGS, a custom-built array. Due to the complicated nature of the region on chr1p11.2: 120,300,000–120,505,798, that lies near the centromere and contains seven duplicated genomic segments, we restricted analyses to 429 SNPs excluding the duplicated regions (42 genotyped and 387 imputed). Per-allelic associations with breast cancer risk were estimated using logistic regression models adjusting for study and ancestry-specific principal components. The strongest association observed was with the original identified index SNP rs11249433 (minor allele frequency (MAF) 0.402; per-allele odds ratio (OR) = 1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08–1.13, P = 1.49 x 10-21). The association for rs11249433 was limited to ER-positive breast cancers (test for heterogeneity P≤8.41 x 10-5). Additional analyses by other tumor characteristics showed stronger associations with moderately/well differentiated tumors and tumors of lobular histology. Although no significant eQTL associations were observed, in silico analyses showed that rs11249433 was located in a region that is likely a weak enhancer/promoter. Fine-mapping analysis of the 1p11.2 breast cancer susceptibility locus confirms this region to be limited to risk to cancers that are ER-positive. PMID:27556229

Fine-Mapping of the 1p11.2 Breast Cancer Susceptibility Locus.

PubMed

Horne, Hisani N; Chung, Charles C; Zhang, Han; Yu, Kai; Prokunina-Olsson, Ludmila; Michailidou, Kyriaki; Bolla, Manjeet K; Wang, Qin; Dennis, Joe; Hopper, John L; Southey, Melissa C; Schmidt, Marjanka K; Broeks, Annegien; Muir, Kenneth; Lophatananon, Artitaya; Fasching, Peter A; Beckmann, Matthias W; Fletcher, Olivia; Johnson, Nichola; Sawyer, Elinor J; Tomlinson, Ian; Burwinkel, Barbara; Marme, Frederik; Guénel, Pascal; Truong, Thérèse; Bojesen, Stig E; Flyger, Henrik; Benitez, Javier; González-Neira, Anna; Anton-Culver, Hoda; Neuhausen, Susan L; Brenner, Hermann; Arndt, Volker; Meindl, Alfons; Schmutzler, Rita K; Brauch, Hiltrud; Hamann, Ute; Nevanlinna, Heli; Khan, Sofia; Matsuo, Keitaro; Iwata, Hiroji; Dörk, Thilo; Bogdanova, Natalia V; Lindblom, Annika; Margolin, Sara; Mannermaa, Arto; Kosma, Veli-Matti; Chenevix-Trench, Georgia; Wu, Anna H; Ven den Berg, David; Smeets, Ann; Zhao, Hui; Chang-Claude, Jenny; Rudolph, Anja; Radice, Paolo; Barile, Monica; Couch, Fergus J; Vachon, Celine; Giles, Graham G; Milne, Roger L; Haiman, Christopher A; Marchand, Loic Le; Goldberg, Mark S; Teo, Soo H; Taib, Nur A M; Kristensen, Vessela; Borresen-Dale, Anne-Lise; Zheng, Wei; Shrubsole, Martha; Winqvist, Robert; Jukkola-Vuorinen, Arja; Andrulis, Irene L; Knight, Julia A; Devilee, Peter; Seynaeve, Caroline; García-Closas, Montserrat; Czene, Kamila; Darabi, Hatef; Hollestelle, Antoinette; Martens, John W M; Li, Jingmei; Lu, Wei; Shu, Xiao-Ou; Cox, Angela; Cross, Simon S; Blot, William; Cai, Qiuyin; Shah, Mitul; Luccarini, Craig; Baynes, Caroline; Harrington, Patricia; Kang, Daehee; Choi, Ji-Yeob; Hartman, Mikael; Chia, Kee Seng; Kabisch, Maria; Torres, Diana; Jakubowska, Anna; Lubinski, Jan; Sangrajrang, Suleeporn; Brennan, Paul; Slager, Susan; Yannoukakos, Drakoulis; Shen, Chen-Yang; Hou, Ming-Feng; Swerdlow, Anthony; Orr, Nick; Simard, Jacques; Hall, Per; Pharoah, Paul D P; Easton, Douglas F; Chanock, Stephen J; Dunning, Alison M; Figueroa, Jonine D

2016-01-01

The Cancer Genetic Markers of Susceptibility genome-wide association study (GWAS) originally identified a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs11249433 at 1p11.2 associated with breast cancer risk. To fine-map this locus, we genotyped 92 SNPs in a 900kb region (120,505,799-121,481,132) flanking rs11249433 in 45,276 breast cancer cases and 48,998 controls of European, Asian and African ancestry from 50 studies in the Breast Cancer Association Consortium. Genotyping was done using iCOGS, a custom-built array. Due to the complicated nature of the region on chr1p11.2: 120,300,000-120,505,798, that lies near the centromere and contains seven duplicated genomic segments, we restricted analyses to 429 SNPs excluding the duplicated regions (42 genotyped and 387 imputed). Per-allelic associations with breast cancer risk were estimated using logistic regression models adjusting for study and ancestry-specific principal components. The strongest association observed was with the original identified index SNP rs11249433 (minor allele frequency (MAF) 0.402; per-allele odds ratio (OR) = 1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08-1.13, P = 1.49 x 10-21). The association for rs11249433 was limited to ER-positive breast cancers (test for heterogeneity P≤8.41 x 10-5). Additional analyses by other tumor characteristics showed stronger associations with moderately/well differentiated tumors and tumors of lobular histology. Although no significant eQTL associations were observed, in silico analyses showed that rs11249433 was located in a region that is likely a weak enhancer/promoter. Fine-mapping analysis of the 1p11.2 breast cancer susceptibility locus confirms this region to be limited to risk to cancers that are ER-positive.

Impact of single-site axonal GABAergic synaptic events on cerebellar interneuron activity.

PubMed

de San Martin, Javier Zorrilla; Jalil, Abdelali; Trigo, Federico F

2015-12-01

Axonal ionotropic receptors are present in a variety of neuronal types, and their function has largely been associated with the modulation of axonal activity and synaptic release. It is usually assumed that activation of axonal GABA(A)Rs comes from spillover, but in cerebellar molecular layer interneurons (MLIs) the GABA source is different: in these cells, GABA release activates presynaptic GABA(A) autoreceptors (autoRs) together with postsynaptic targets, producing an autoR-mediated synaptic event. The frequency of presynaptic, autoR-mediated miniature currents is twice that of their somatodendritic counterparts, suggesting that autoR-mediated responses have an important effect on interneuron activity. Here, we used local Ca(2+) photolysis in MLI axons of juvenile rats to evoke GABA release from individual varicosities to study the activation of axonal autoRs in single release sites. Our data show that single-site autoR conductances are similar to postsynaptic dendritic conductances. In conditions of high [Cl(-)](i), autoR-mediated conductances range from 1 to 5 nS; this corresponds to ∼30-150 GABA(A) channels per presynaptic varicosity, a value close to the number of channels in postsynaptic densities. Voltage responses produced by the activation of autoRs in single varicosities are amplified by a Na(v)-dependent mechanism and propagate along the axon with a length constant of 91 µm. Immunolabeling determination of synapse location shows that on average, one third of the synapses produce autoR-mediated signals that are large enough to reach the axon initial segment. Finally, we show that single-site activation of presynaptic GABA(A) autoRs leads to an increase in MLI excitability and thus conveys a strong feedback signal that contributes to spiking activity. © 2015 Zorrilla de San Martin et al.

The Distribution of Charged Amino Acid Residues and the Ca2+ Permeability of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors: A Predictive Model.

PubMed

Fucile, Sergio

2017-01-01

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are cation-selective ligand-gated ion channels exhibiting variable Ca 2+ permeability depending on their subunit composition. The Ca 2+ permeability is a crucial functional parameter to understand the physiological role of nAChRs, in particular considering their ability to modulate Ca 2+ -dependent processes such as neurotransmitter release. The rings of extracellular and intracellular charged amino acid residues adjacent to the pore-lining TM2 transmembrane segment have been shown to play a key role in the cation selectivity of these receptor channels, but to date a quantitative relationship between these structural determinants and the Ca 2+ permeability of nAChRs is lacking. In the last years the Ca 2+ permeability of several nAChR subtypes has been experimentally evaluated, in terms of fractional Ca 2+ current ( Pf , i.e., the percentage of the total current carried by Ca 2+ ions). In the present study, the available Pf -values of nAChRs are used to build a simplified modular model describing the contribution of the charged residues in defined regions flanking TM2 to the selectivity filter controlling Ca 2+ influx. This model allows to predict the currently unknown Pf -values of existing nAChRs, as well as the hypothetical Ca 2+ permeability of subunit combinations not able to assemble into functional receptors. In particular, basing on the amino acid sequences, a Pf > 50% would be associated with homomeric nAChRs composed by different α subunits, excluding α7, α9, and α10. Furthermore, according to the model, human α7β2 receptors should have Pf -values ranging from 3.6% (4:1 ratio) to 0.1% (1:4 ratio), much lower than the 11.4% of homomeric α7 nAChR. These results help to understand the evolution and the function of the large diversity of the nicotinic receptor family.

Inter-annual variability of air mass and acidified pollutants transboundary exchange in the north-eastern part of the EANET region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gromov, Sergey A.; Trifonova-Yakovleva, Alisa; Gromov, Sergey S.

2016-04-01

Anthropogenic emissions, be it exhaust gases or aerosols, stem from multitude of sources and may survive long-range transport within the air masses they were emitted into. So they follow regional and global transport pathways varying under different climatological regimes. Transboundary transfer of pollutants occurs this way and has a significant impact on the ecological situation of the territories neighbouring those of emission sources, as found in a few earlier studies examining the environmental monitoring data [1]. In this study, we employ a relatively facile though robust technique for estimating the transboundary air and concomitant pollutant fluxes using actual or climatological meteorological and air pollution monitoring data. Practically, we assume pollutant transfer being proportional to the horizontal transport of air enclosed in the lower troposphere and to the concentration of the pollutant of interest. The horizontal transport, in turn, is estimated using the mean layer wind direction and strength, or their descriptive statistics at the individual transects of the boundary of interest. The domain of our interest is the segment of Russian continental border in East Asia spanning from 88° E (southern Middle Siberia) to 135° E (Far East at Pacific shore). The data on atmospheric pollutants concentration are available from the Russian monitoring sites of the region-wide Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia (EANET, http://www.eanet.asia/) Mondy (Baikal area) and Primorskaya (near Vladivostok). The data comprises multi-year continuous measurement of gas-phase and particulate species abundances in air with at least biweekly sampling rate starting from 2000. In the first phase of our study, we used climatological dataset on winds derived from the aerological soundings at Russian stations along the continental border for the 10-year period (1961-1970) by the Research Institute of Hydrometeorological Information - World Data Centre (RIHMI-WDC) [3]. This dataset provides comprehensive monthly statistics on the wind meteorological regime at the stations of interest in a given range of altitudes. Based on long-term source observational data, the dataset is assumed being representative up to date, which allowed us to estimate monthly pollutant fluxes for the years 2006-2008 over segments of the Russian border and its whole [4]. In the current phase of our study, we calculate the inter-annual variations in the transboundary pollutant fluxes for 2000-2012 using longer-term EANET data and transient changes in air mass fluxes derived from the meteorological wind fields from ERA INTERIM re-analysis [5]. We gauge similar average air transport terms and dynamics from the statistical and reanalysis data, which bolsters our earlier findings. The reanalysis data, being naturally more variable, convolutes the variations in net air fluxes and pollutant concentrations into several episodes we emphasise, in addition to the integral pollutant transfer terms we estimate. At last, we discuss on the possibility of climate change effect on the flux strength and dynamics together with regional air quality tendencies in North-East Asia countries. References: Izrael, Yu.A., et al.: Monitoring of the Transboundary Air Pollution Transport. Gidrometeoizdat, Leningrad, 303 p., 187 (in Russian). Akimoto H., et al.: Periodic Report of the State of Acid Deposition in East Asia. Part I: Regional Assessment. EANET-UNEP/RRC.AP-ADORC, 258 p., 2006. Brukhan, F.F.: Aeroclimatic Characteristics of the Mean Winds over USSR (ed. Ignatjushina E.N.). Gidrometeoizdat, Moscow, 54 p., 1984 (in Russian). Gromov S.A., et al.: First-order evaluation of transboundary pollution fluxes in areas of EANET stations in Eastern Siberia and the Russian Far East. EANET Science Bulletin, vol. 3, pp. 195-203, 2013. Dee, D. P., et al.: The ERA-Interim reanalysis: configuration and performance of the data assimilation system, Quart. J. Royal Met. Soc., 137, 553-597, doi: 10.1002/qj.828, 2011.

Differentiation of malignant and benign breast lesions: Added value of the qualitative analysis of breast lesions on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) using readout-segmented echo-planar imaging at 3.0 T.

PubMed

An, Yeong Yi; Kim, Sung Hun; Kang, Bong Joo

2017-01-01

To determine the added value of qualitative analysis as an adjunct to quantitative analysis for the discrimination of benign and malignant lesions in patients with breast cancer using diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with readout-segmented echo-planar imaging (rs-EPI). A total of 99 patients with 144 lesions were reviewed from our prospectively collected database. DWI data were obtained using rs-EPI acquired at 3.0 T. The diagnostic performances of DWI in the qualitative, quantitative, and combination analyses were compared with that of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI). Additionally, the effect of lesion size on the diagnostic performance of the DWI combination analysis was evaluated. The strongest indicators of malignancy on DWI were a heterogeneous pattern (P = 0.005) and an apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value <1.0 × 10-3 mm2/sec (P = 0.002). The area under the curve (AUC) values for the qualitative analysis, quantitative analysis, and combination analysis on DWI were 0.732 (95% CI, 0.651-0.803), 0.780 (95% CI, 0.703-0.846), and 0.826 (95% CI, 0.754-0.885), respectively (P<0.0001). The AUC for the combination analysis on DWI was superior to that for DCE-MRI alone (0.651, P = 0.003) but inferior to that for DCE-MRI plus the ADC value (0.883, P = 0.03). For the DWI combination analysis, the sensitivity was significantly lower in the size ≤1 cm group than in the size >1 cm group (80% vs. 95.6%, P = 0.034). Qualitative analysis of tumor morphology was diagnostically applicable on DWI using rs-EPI. This qualitative analysis adds value to quantitative analyses for lesion characterization in patients with breast cancer.

Clinic value of two-dimensional speckle tracking combined with adenosine stress echocardiography for assessment of myocardial viability.

PubMed

Ran, Hong; Zhang, Ping-Yang; Fang, Ling-Ling; Ma, Xiao-Wu; Wu, Wen-Fang; Feng, Wang-Fei

2012-07-01

To evaluate whether myocardial strain under adenosine stress calculated from two-dimensional echocardiography by automatic frame-by-frame tracking of natural acoustic markers enables objective description of myocardial viability in clinic. Two-dimensional echocardiography and two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging (2D STI) at rest were performed first and once again after adenosine was infused at 140 ug/kg/min over a period of 6 minutes in 36 stable patients with previous myocardial infarction. Then radionuclide myocardial perfusion/metabolic imaging served as the "gold standard" to define myocardial viability was given in all patients within 1 day. Two-dimensional speckle tracking images were acquired at rest and after adenosine administration. An automatic frame-by-frame tracking system of natural acoustic echocardiographic markers was used to calculate 2D strain variables including peak-systolic circumferential strain (CS(peak-sys)), radial strain (RS(peak-sys)), and longitudinal strain (LS(peak-sys)). Those segments with abnormal motion from visual assessment of two-dimensional echocardiography were selected for further study. As a result, 126 regions were viable whereas 194 were nonviable among 320 abnormal motion segments in 36 patients according to radionuclide imaging. At rest, there were no significant changes of 2D strain between the viable and nonviable myocardium. After adenosine administration (140 ug/kg/min), CS(peak-sys) had a little change of the viable myocardium while RS(peak-sys) and LS(peak-sys) increased significantly compared with those at rest. In nonviable group, CS(peak-sys), RS(peak-sys), and LS(peak-sys) had no significant changes during adenosine administration. After adenosine administration, RS(peak-sys) and LS(peak-sys) in viable group increased significantly compared with nonviable group. Obtained strain data were highly reproducible and affected in small intraobserver and interobserver variabilities. A change of radial strain more than 9.5% has a sensitivity of 83.9% and a specificity of 81.4% for viable whereas a change of longitudinal strain more than 14.6% allowed a sensitivity of 86.7% and a specificity of 90.2%. 2D STI combined with adenosine stress echocardiography could provide a new and reliable method to identify myocardium viability. © 2012, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Extraction of dynamic functional connectivity from brain grey matter and white matter for MCI classification.

PubMed

Chen, Xiaobo; Zhang, Han; Zhang, Lichi; Shen, Celina; Lee, Seong-Whan; Shen, Dinggang

2017-10-01

Brain functional connectivity (FC) extracted from resting-state fMRI (RS-fMRI) has become a popular approach for diagnosing various neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and its prodromal stage, mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Current studies mainly construct the FC networks between grey matter (GM) regions of the brain based on temporal co-variations of the blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) signals, which reflects the synchronized neural activities. However, it was rarely investigated whether the FC detected within the white matter (WM) could provide useful information for diagnosis. Motivated by the recently proposed functional correlation tensors (FCT) computed from RS-fMRI and used to characterize the structured pattern of local FC in the WM, we propose in this article a novel MCI classification method based on the information conveyed by both the FC between the GM regions and that within the WM regions. Specifically, in the WM, the tensor-based metrics (e.g., fractional anisotropy [FA], similar to the metric calculated based on diffusion tensor imaging [DTI]) are first calculated based on the FCT and then summarized along each of the major WM fiber tracts connecting each pair of the brain GM regions. This could capture the functional information in the WM, in a similar network structure as the FC network constructed for the GM, based only on the same RS-fMRI data. Moreover, a sliding window approach is further used to partition the voxel-wise BOLD signal into multiple short overlapping segments. Then, both the FC and FCT between each pair of the brain regions can be calculated based on the BOLD signal segments in the GM and WM, respectively. In such a way, our method can generate dynamic FC and dynamic FCT to better capture functional information in both GM and WM and further integrate them together by using our developed feature extraction, selection, and ensemble learning algorithms. The experimental results verify that the dynamic FCT can provide valuable functional information in the WM; by combining it with the dynamic FC in the GM, the diagnosis accuracy for MCI subjects can be significantly improved even using RS-fMRI data alone. Hum Brain Mapp 38:5019-5034, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Launch in orbit of the telescope NINA for cosmic ray observations: preliminary results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sparvoli, R.; Bidoli, V.; Canestro, A.; Casolino, M.; de Pascale, M. P.; Furano, G.; Iannucci, A.; Morselli, A.; Picozza, P.; Bakaldin, A.; Galper, A.; Koldashov, S.; Korotkov, M.; Leonov, A.; Mikhailov, V.; Murashov, A.; Voronov, S.; Bonvicini, V.; Cirami, R.; Vacchi, A.; Zampa, N.; Ambriola, M.; Bellotti, R.; Cafagna, F.; Ciacio, F.; Circella, M.; de Marzo, C.; Bartalucci, S.; Ricci, M.; Adriani, O.; Papini, P.; Piccardi, S.; Spillantini, P.; Boezio, M.; Castellini, G.

2000-05-01

On July the 10th, 1998 the telescope NINA was launched in space on board the Russian satellite Resurs-01 n.4. The scientific task of the mission is the study of the galactic, solar and anomalous components of the cosmic rays in the energy interval 10-200 MeV/n for contained particles. The core of NINA is a segmented silicon detector mounted onto the satellite so to point to the zenith.In this paper we report about the cosmic ray measurements performed by the telescope during its first 6 months of operation

iss050e059576

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-03-24

iss050e059576 (03/24/2017) --- Russian cosmonaut Oleg Novitskiy (middle) poses with Expedition 50 Commander Shane Kimbrough of NASA (left) and Flight Engineer Thomas Pesquet of ESA (European Space Agency) (right) prior to their spacewalk. The pair conducted a six hour and 34 minute spacewalk on March 24, 2017. The two astronauts successfully disconnected cables and electrical connections on the Pressurized Mating Adapter-3 to prepare for its robotic move, lubricated the latching end effector on the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator “extension” for the Canadarm2 robotic arm, inspected a radiator valve and replaced cameras on the Japanese segment of the outpost.

Coulomb scatter of diamagnetic dust particles in a cusp magnetic trap under microgravity conditions

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

Myasnikov, M. I., E-mail: miasnikovmi@mail.ru; D’yachkov, L. G.; Petrov, O. F.

2017-02-15

The effect of a dc electric field on strongly nonideal Coulomb systems consisting of a large number (~10{sup 4}) of charged diamagnetic dust particles in a cusp magnetic trap are carried out aboard the Russian segment of the International Space Station (ISS) within the Coulomb Crystal experiment. Graphite particles of 100–400 μm in size are used in the experiments. Coulomb scatter of a dust cluster and the formation of threadlike chains of dust particles are observed experimentally. The processes observed are simulated by the molecular dynamics (MD) method.

[Radiation effect on cosmonauts during extravehicular activities in 2008-2009].

PubMed

Mitrikas, V G

2010-01-01

The geometrical model of suited cosmonaut's phantom was used in mathematical modeling of EVAs performed by cosmonauts with consideration of changes in the ISS Russian segment configuration during 2008-2009 and the dependence of space radiation absorbed dose on EVA scene. Influence of spatial position of cosmonaut on absorbed dose value was evaluated with the EVA dosimeter model reproducing the actually determined weight and dimension. Calculated absorbed dose values are in good agreement with experimental data. Absorbed doses imparted to body organs (skin, lens, hemopoietic system, gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system, gonads) were determined for specific EVA events.

KSC-99pp0346

NASA Image and Video Library

1999-03-25

At Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., members of two Shuttle crews take a close look at a component of a Russian cargo crane, the Strela, to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment on the International Space Station (ISS). From left, they are STS-101 Mission Specialist Edward Tsang Lu, plus STS-96 Mission Specialist Julie Payette and Pilot Rick Douglas Husband. Payette represents the Canadian Space Agency. Both missions include the SPACEHAB Double Module, carrying internal and resupply cargo for Station outfitting. For the first time, STS-96 will include an Integrated Cargo Carrier (ICC) that will carry the Strela; the SPACEHAB Oceaneering Space System Box (SHOSS), which is a logistics items carrier; and a U.S.-built crane (ORU Transfer Device, or OTD) that will be stowed on the station for use during future ISS assembly missions. The ICC can carry up to 6,000 lb of unpressurized payload. It was built for SPACEHAB by DaimlerChrysler and RSC Energia of Korolev, Russia. STS-96 is targeted for launch on May 24 from Launch Pad 39B. STS-101 is scheduled to launch in early December 1999

Macromolecular recognition: Structural aspects of the origin of the genetic system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rein, Robert; Barak, Dov; Luo, Ning; Zielinski, Theresa Julia; Shibata, Masayuki

1991-01-01

Theoretical simulation of prebiotic chemical processes is an invaluable tool for probing the phenomenon of evolution of life. Using computational and modeling techniques and guided by analogies from present day systems we, seek to understand the emergence of genetic apparatus, enzymatic catalysis and protein synthesis under prebiotic conditions. In one possible scenario, the RNA enzymatic reaction plays a key role in the emergence of the self-replicating and offers a clue to the onset of enzymatic catalysis prior to the existence of the protein biosynthetic machinery. Our ultimate goal is to propose a simple RNA segment which contains the specificity and catalytic activity of the contemporary RNA enzyme and which could emerge in a primordial chemical environment. To understand the mechanism of ribozyme catalyzed reactions, ab initio and semi-empirical (ZINDO) programs were used to investigate the reaction path of transphosphorylation. A special emphasis was placed on the possible catalytic and structural roles played by the coordinated magnesium cation. Both the inline and adjacent mechanisms of transphosphorylation have been studied. Another important aspect of this reaction is the identity of the functional groups which are essential for the acid base catalysis. The structural characteristics of the target helices, particularly a possible role of G center dot T pair, is under examination by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation technique. Modeling of the ancestral aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aRS) may provide important clues to the emergence of the genetic code and the protein synthetic machinery. Assuming that the catalytic function evolved before the elements of specific recognition of a particular amino acid, we are exploring the minimal structural requirements for the catalysis of tRNA aminoacylation. The molecular modeling system SYBYL was used for this study based on the high resolution crystallographic structures of the present day tyrosyl-adenylate:tyrRS and tRNA(Gln): ATP:glnRS complexes. The trinucleotide CCA of the 3'-end tRNA is placed into the active site pocket of tyrRS, based on the scheme of interaction between tRNA(Gln) and glnRS, and upon the stereochemistry of the tyrRS:tRNA:Tyr-AMP transition state. This provides a model of the non-specific recognition of a tRNA's 3'-end by an aRS, which might be similar to that of the ancestral aRS's. In the next step, modeling of the rest of the acceptor stem of tRNA (Tyr) with tyrRS is carried out.

A common polymorphism of the MCT1 gene and athletic performance.

PubMed

Fedotovskaya, Olga N; Mustafina, Leysan J; Popov, Daniil V; Vinogradova, Olga L; Ahmetov, Ildus I

2014-01-01

In red skeletal muscle, monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) is required for lactate to enter the myocytes for oxidation. The A1470T polymorphism (rs1049434) in the MCT1 gene was shown to be associated with lactate transport rates in human skeletal muscles. The aim of the study was to compare genotype and allele frequencies of the MCT1 gene polymorphism in 323 Russian athletes and 467 nonathletic controls and to investigate the association of the MCT1 gene A1470T polymorphism with maximal oxygen consumption and maximal lactate concentration in rowers (n = 79). Genotyping for the A1470T MCT1 polymorphism was performed by PCR-RFLP method. Physiological measurements of 79 Russian rowers of national competitive standard were determined during an incremental test to exhaustion on a rowing ergometer. Frequencies of the A allele (71.8% vs 62.5%, P < .0001) and AA genotype (59.8% vs 39.4%, P < .0001) were significantly higher in endurance-oriented athletes (n = 142) than in the control group. Mean blood lactate concentration was higher in male rowers with the T allele (AT+TT 10.26 ± 1.89 mmol/L, AA 8.75 ± 1.69 mmol/L, P = .005). MCT1 gene A1470T polymorphism is associated with endurance athlete status and blood lactate level after intensive exercise.

Association of the MTHFR 1298A>C (rs1801131) polymorphism with speed and strength sports in Russian and Polish athletes.

PubMed

Zarebska, Aleksandra; Ahmetov, Ildus I; Sawczyn, Stanislaw; Weiner, Alexandra S; Kaczmarczyk, Mariusz; Ficek, Krzysztof; Maciejewska-Karlowska, Agnieszka; Sawczuk, Marek; Leonska-Duniec, Agata; Klocek, Tomasz; Voronina, Elena N; Boyarskikh, Uljana A; Filipenko, Maksim L; Cieszczyk, Pawel

2014-01-01

It has been suggested that DNA hypomethylation because of poorer effectiveness of the 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) enzyme induces muscular growth. We hypothesised that the common, functional 1298A>C polymorphism in the MTHFR gene is associated with athletic status. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the distribution of the 1298A>C variant in Polish (n = 302) and Russian (n = 842) athletes divided into four groups: endurance, strength-endurance, sprint-strength and strength-endurance, as well as in 1540 control participants. We found different genotypes (the AC heterozygote advantage) and allele distributions among sprint-strength athletes and strength athletes than the groups of sedentary controls for each nationality. In the combined study, the allelic frequencies for the 1298C variant were 35.6% in sprint-strength athletes (OR 1.18 [1.02-1.36], P = 0.024 vs. controls) and 38.6% in strength athletes (OR 1.34 [1.10-1.64], P = 0.003 vs. controls). The results of the initial and repetition studies as well as the combined analysis suggest that the functional 1298A>C polymorphism in the MTHFR gene is associated with athletic status. The presence of the C allele seems to be beneficial in sprint-strength and strength athletes. It needs to be established whether and to what extent this effect is mediated by alteration in DNA methylation status.

Association of Polymorphisms of Serotonin Transporter (5HTTLPR) and 5-HT2C Receptor Genes with Criminal Behavior in Russian Criminal Offenders

PubMed Central

Toshchakova, Valentina A.; Bakhtiari, Yalda; Kulikov, Alexander V.; Gusev, Sergey I.; Trofimova, Marina V.; Fedorenko, Olga Yu.; Mikhalitskaya, Ekaterina V.; Popova, Nina K.; Bokhan, Nikolay A.; Hovens, Johannes E.; Loonen, Anton J.M.; Wilffert, Bob; Ivanova, Svetlana A.

2018-01-01

Background Human aggression is a heterogeneous behavior with biological, psychological, and social backgrounds. As the biological mechanisms that regulate aggression are components of both reward-seeking and adversity-fleeing behavior, these phenomena are difficult to disentangle into separate neurochemical processes. Nevertheless, evidence exists linking some forms of aggression to aberrant serotonergic neurotransmission. We determined possible associations between 6 serotonergic neurotransmission-related gene variants and severe criminal offenses. Methods Male Russian prisoners who were convicted for murder (n = 117) or theft (n = 77) were genotyped for variants of the serotonin transporter (5HTTLPR), tryptophan hydroxylase, tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase, or type 2C (5-HT2C) receptor genes and compared with general-population male controls (n = 161). Prisoners were psychologically phenotyped using the Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory and the Beck Depression Inventory. Results No differences were found between murderers and thieves either concerning genotypes or concerning psychological measures. Comparison of polymorphism distribution between groups of prisoners and controls revealed highly significant associations of 5HTTLPR and 5-HTR2C (rs6318) gene polymorphisms with being convicted for criminal behavior. Conclusions The lack of biological differences between the 2 groups of prisoners indicates that the studied 5HT-related genes do not differentiate between the types of crimes committed. PMID:29621775

The Extraction of Post-Earthquake Building Damage Informatiom Based on Convolutional Neural Network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, M.; Wang, X.; Dou, A.; Wu, X.

2018-04-01

The seismic damage information of buildings extracted from remote sensing (RS) imagery is meaningful for supporting relief and effective reduction of losses caused by earthquake. Both traditional pixel-based and object-oriented methods have some shortcoming in extracting information of object. Pixel-based method can't make fully use of contextual information of objects. Object-oriented method faces problem that segmentation of image is not ideal, and the choice of feature space is difficult. In this paper, a new stratage is proposed which combines Convolution Neural Network (CNN) with imagery segmentation to extract building damage information from remote sensing imagery. the key idea of this method includes two steps. First to use CNN to predicate the probability of each pixel and then integrate the probability within each segmentation spot. The method is tested through extracting the collapsed building and uncollapsed building from the aerial image which is acquired in Longtoushan Town after Ms 6.5 Ludian County, Yunnan Province earthquake. The results show that the proposed method indicates its effectiveness in extracting damage information of buildings after earthquake.

Transfer to wheat (Triticum aestivum) of small chromosome segments from rye (Secale cereale) carrying disease resistance genes.

PubMed

Fu, S; Tang, Z; Ren, Z; Zhang, H

2010-01-01

One hundred wheat lines, derived from monosomic additions of chromosome 1R of rye inbred line R12 (Chinese rye), were detected by PCR amplification using rye-specific primer pairs. Only 5 wheat lines, 1R296, 1R330, 1R314, 1R725, and 1R734, were determined to contain rye chromatin. While 1R296 and 1R330 were highly susceptible to stripe rust and powdery mildew, 1R314, 1R725 and 1R734 were highly resistant to both diseases. Acid-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that the omega-secalin bands were absent in 1R314, but present in the other 4 wheat lines. Genomic in situ hybridization indicated that 1R296, 1R330, and 1R725 contained translocations involving the whole short arm of chromosome 1R. However, 1R314 and 1R734 contained a pair of wheat chromosomes with small, terminal, rye-derived chromosome segments. The results suggest that the translocation breakpoint of 1RS in 1R314 was located between the Sec-1 locus and the disease-resistance loci, while in line 1R734, the breakpoint was located between the Sec-1 locus and the centromere. Taking account of the improved disease resistance of 1R725, 1R314 and 1R734, the chromosome arm 1RS of R12 may represent new and valuable disease resistance resources for wheat improvement.

Monitoring urban growth by using segmentation-classification of multispectral Landsat images in Izmit, Turkey.

PubMed

Yildiz, Selin; Doker, Mehmet Fatih

2016-07-01

Assessing the spatial land use and land cover (LULC) information is essential for decision making and management of landscapes. In fact, LULC information has been changed dramatically in fast-growing cities. This results in wrong land use problems due to unplanned and uncontrolled urbanization. The planning and evaluating of limited natural resources under the pressure of a growing population can be possible when a precise land use management plan is established. Therefore, it is imperative to monitor continuous LULC changes for future planning. Remote sensing (RS) technique is used for determining changes in LULC in urban areas. In this study, we have focused on Izmit, which is one of a growing number of metropolitan cities where the impact of the spatial growing period on LULC has been assessed over the past 30 years by using RS data. We have utilized the segmentation process and supervised classification of Landsat satellite images for four different dates (1985, 1995, 2005, and 2015). The outcome of this research can be summarized by significant changes in the shares of urban areas and farmland LULC classes. The overall observed increase in urban area class is up to 2177 ha between 1985 and 2015 period and this dramatic change has resulted in the decline of 1211 ha of farmland. Another conclusion is that the new residential areas have been created to the north, south and east of Izmit during this period.

Role of coupled dynamics in the catalytic activity of prokaryotic-like prolyl-tRNA synthetases.

PubMed

Sanford, Brianne; Cao, Bach; Johnson, James M; Zimmerman, Kurt; Strom, Alexander M; Mueller, Robyn M; Bhattacharyya, Sudeep; Musier-Forsyth, Karin; Hati, Sanchita

2012-03-13

Prolyl-tRNA synthetases (ProRSs) have been shown to activate both cognate and some noncognate amino acids and attach them to specific tRNA(Pro) substrates. For example, alanine, which is smaller than cognate proline, is misactivated by Escherichia coli ProRS. Mischarged Ala-tRNA(Pro) is hydrolyzed by an editing domain (INS) that is distinct from the activation domain. It was previously shown that deletion of the INS greatly reduced cognate proline activation efficiency. In this study, experimental and computational approaches were used to test the hypothesis that deletion of the INS alters the internal protein dynamics leading to reduced catalytic function. Kinetic studies with two ProRS variants, G217A and E218A, revealed decreased amino acid activation efficiency. Molecular dynamics studies showed motional coupling between the INS and protein segments containing the catalytically important proline-binding loop (PBL, residues 199-206). In particular, the complete deletion of INS, as well as mutation of G217 or E218 to alanine, exhibited significant effects on the motion of the PBL. The presence of coupled dynamics between neighboring protein segments was also observed through in silico mutations and essential dynamics analysis. Altogether, this study demonstrates that structural elements at the editing domain-activation domain interface participate in coupled motions that facilitate amino acid binding and catalysis by bacterial ProRSs, which may explain why truncated or defunct editing domains have been maintained in some systems, despite the lack of catalytic activity.

Role of Coupled-Dynamics in the Catalytic Activity of Prokaryotic-like Prolyl-tRNA Synthetases

PubMed Central

Sanford, Brianne; Cao, Bach; Johnson, James M.; Zimmerman, Kurt; Strom, Alexander M.; Mueller, Robyn M.; Bhattacharyya, Sudeep; Musier-Forsyth, Karin; Hati, Sanchita

2012-01-01

Prolyl-tRNA synthetases (ProRSs) have been shown to activate both cognate and some noncognate amino acids and attach them to specific tRNAPro substrates. For example, alanine, which is smaller than cognate proline, is misactivated by Escherichia coli ProRS. Mischarged Ala-tRNAPro is hydrolyzed by an editing domain (INS) that is distinct from the activation domain. It was previously shown that deletion of the INS greatly reduced cognate proline activation efficiency. In the present study, experimental and computational approaches were used to test the hypothesis that INS deletion alters the internal protein dynamics leading to reduce catalytic function. Kinetic studies with two ProRS variants, G217A and E218A, revealed decreased amino acid activation efficiency. Molecular dynamics studies showed motional coupling between the INS and protein segments containing the catalytically important proline-binding loop (PBL, residues 199–206). In particular, the complete deletion of INS, as well as mutation of G217 or E218 to alanine, exhibited significant effects on the motion of the PBL. The presence of coupled-dynamics between neighboring protein segments was also observed through in silico mutations and essential dynamics analysis. Taken together, the present study demonstrates that structural elements at the editing domain-activation domain interface participate in coupled motions that facilitate amino acid binding and catalysis by bacterial ProRSs, which may explain why truncated or defunct editing domains have been maintained in some systems, despite the lack of catalytic activity. PMID:22356126

Node 3 Relocation Environmental Control and Life Support System Modification Kit Verification and Updated Status

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, David E.; Spector, Lawrence N.

2009-01-01

Node 1 (Unity) flew to International Space Station (ISS) on Flight 2A. Node 1 was the first module of the United States On-Orbit Segment (USOS) launched to ISS. The Node 1 ISS Environmental Control and Life Support (ECLS) design featured limited ECLS capability. The main purpose of Node 1 was to provide internal storage by providing four stowage rack locations within the module and to allow docking of multiple modules and a truss segment to it. The ECLS subsystems inside Node 1 were routed through the element prior to launch to allow for easy integration of the attached future elements, particularly the Habitation Module which was planned to be located at the nadir docking port of Node 1. After Node 1 was on-orbit, the Program decided not to launch the Habitation Module and instead, to replace it with Node 3 (Tranquility). In 2007, the Program became concerned with a potential Russian docking port approach issue for the Russian FGB nadir docking port after Node 3 is attached to Node 1. To solve this concern the Program decided to relocate Node 3 from Node 1 nadir to Node 1 port. To support the movement of Node 3 the Program decided to build a modification kit for Node 1, an on-orbit feedthrough leak test device, and new vestibule jumpers to support the ECLS part of the relocation. This paper provides a design overview of the modification kit, a summary of the Node 1 ECLS re-verification to support the Node 3 relocation from Node 1 nadir to Node 1 port, and a status of the ECLS modification kit installation into Node 1.

Earthquake source nucleation process in the zone of a permanently creeping deep fault

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lykov, V. I.; Mostryukov, A. O.

2008-10-01

The worldwide practice of earthquake prediction, whose beginning relates to the 1970s, shows that spatial manifestations of various precursors under real seismotectonic conditions are very irregular. As noted in [Kurbanov et al., 1980], zones of bending, intersection, and branching of deep faults, where conditions are favorable for increasing tangential tectonic stresses, serve as “natural amplifiers” of precursory effects. The earthquake of September 28, 2004, occurred on the Parkfield segment of the San Andreas deep fault in the area of a local bending of its plane. The fault segment about 60 km long and its vicinities are the oldest prognostic area in California. Results of observations before and after the earthquake were promptly analyzed and published in a special issue of Seismological Research Letters (2005, Vol. 76, no. 1). We have an original method enabling the monitoring of the integral rigidity of seismically active rock massifs. The integral rigidity is determined from the relative numbers of brittle and viscous failure acts during the formation of source ruptures of background earthquakes in a given massif. Fracture mechanisms are diagnosed from the steepness of the first arrival of the direct P wave. Principles underlying our method are described in [Lykov and Mostryukov, 1996, 2001, 2003]. Results of monitoring have been directly displayed at the site of the Laboratory ( http://wwwbrk.adm.yar.ru/russian/1_512/index.html ) since the mid-1990s. It seems that this information has not attracted the attention of American seismologists. This paper assesses the informativeness of the rigidity monitoring at the stage of formation of a strong earthquake source in relation to other methods.

Node 3 Relocation Environmental Control and Life Support System Modification Kit Verification and Updated Status

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, David E.; Spector Lawrence N.

2010-01-01

Node 1 (Unity) flew to International Space Station (ISS) on Flight 2A. Node 1 was the first module of the United States On-Orbit Segment (USOS) launched to ISS. The Node 1 ISS Environmental Control and Life Support (ECLS) design featured limited ECLS capability. The main purpose of Node 1 was to provide internal storage by providing four stowage rack locations within the module and to allow docking of multiple modules and a truss segment to it. The ECLS subsystems inside Node 1 were routed through the element prior to launch to allow for easy integration of the attached future elements, particularly the Habitation Module which was planned to be located at the nadir docking port of Node 1. After Node I was on-orbit, the Program decided not to launch the Habitation Module and instead, to replace it with Node 3 (Tranquility). In 2007, the Program became concerned with a potential Russian docking port approach issue for the Russian FGB nadir docking port after Node 3 is attached to Node 1. To solve this concern the Program decided to relocate Node 3 from Node I nadir to Node 1 port. To support the movement of Node 3 the Program decided to build a modification kit for Node 1, an on-orbit feedthrough leak test device, and new vestibule jumpers to support the ECLS part of the relocation. This paper provides a design overview of the modification kit for Node 1, a summary of the Node 1 ECLS re-verification to support the Node 3 relocation from Node 1 nadir to Node 1 port, and a status of the ECLS modification kit installation into Node 1.

Structure of the rabbit ryanodine receptor RyR1 at near-atomic resolution

PubMed Central

Wu, Jianping; Li, Zhangqiang; Xie, Tian; Peng, Wei; Yin, Changcheng; Li, Xueming; Scheres, Sjors H.W.; Shi, Yigong; Yan, Nieng

2014-01-01

The ryanodine receptors (RyRs) are high-conductance intracellular Ca2+ channels that play a pivotal role in the excitation-contraction coupling of skeletal and cardiac muscles. RyRs are the largest known ion channels, with a homotetrameric organization and approximately 5000 residues in each protomer. Here we report the structure of the rabbit RyR1 in complex with its modulator FKBP12 at an overall resolution of 3.8 Å, determined by single-particle electron cryo-microscopy. Three previously uncharacterized domains, named Central, Handle, and Helical domains, display the armadillo repeat fold. These domains, together with the amino-terminal domain, constitute a network of superhelical scaffold for binding and propagation of conformational changes. The channel domain exhibits the voltage-gated ion channel superfamily fold with distinct features. A negative charge-enriched hairpin loop connecting S5 and the pore helix is positioned above the entrance to the selectivity filter vestibule. The four elongated S6 segments form a right-handed helical bundle that closes the pore at the cytoplasmic border of the membrane. Allosteric regulation of the pore by the cytoplasmic domains is mediated through extensive interactions between the Central domains and the channel domain. These structural features explain high ion conductance by RyRs and the long-range allosteric regulation of channel activities. PMID:25517095

Application of longitudinal and transversal bioimpedance measurements in peritoneal dialysis at 50 kHz

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nescolarde, L.; Doñate, T.; Casañas, R.; Rosell-Ferrer, J.

2010-04-01

More relevant information of the fluid changes in peritoneal dialysis (PD) might be obtained with segmental bioimpedance measurements rather than whole-body measurement, who hidden information of body composition. Whole-body and segmental bioimpedance measurements were obtained using 5 configurations (whole-body or right-side (RS), longitudinal-leg (L-LEG), longitudinal-abdomen (L-AB), transversal-abdomen (T-AB), and transversal-leg (T-LEG)) in 20 patients: 15 males (56.5 ± 9.4 yr, 24.2 ± 4.2 kg/m2) and 5 females (58.4 ± 7.1 yr, 28.2 ± 5.9 kg/m2) in peritoneal dialysis (PD). The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between whole-body, longitudinal-segmental (L-LEG and L-AB) and transversal-segmental (TAB and TLEG) bioimpedance measurement at 50 kHz, with clinical parameters of cardiovascular risk, dyslipidemia, nutrition and hydration. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used for the normality test of all variables. Longitudinal bioimpedance parameters were normalized by the height of the patients. The Spearman correlation was used to analyze the correlation between bioimpedance and clinical parameters. The statistical significance was considered with P < 0.05. Transversal bioimpedance measurements have higher correlation with clinical parameters than longitudinal measurements.

Is computer-aided interpretation of 99Tcm-HMPAO leukocyte scans better than the naked eye?

PubMed

Almer, S; Peters, A M; Ekberg, S; Franzén, L; Granerus, G; Ström, M

1995-04-01

In order to compare visual interpretation of inflammation detected by leukocyte scintigraphy with that of different computer-aided quantification methods, 34 patients (25 with ulcerative colitis and 9 with endoscopically verified non-inflamed colonic mucosa), were investigated using 99Tcm-hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime (99Tcm-HMPAO) leukocyte scintigraphy and colonoscopy with biopsies. Scintigrams were obtained 45 min and 4 h after the injection of labelled cells. Computer-generated grading of seven colon segments using four different methods was performed on each scintigram for each patient. The same segments were graded independently using a 4-point visual scale. Endoscopic and histological inflammation were scored on 4-point scales. At 45 min, a positive correlation was found between endoscopic and scan gradings in individual colon segments when using visual grading and three of the four computer-aided methods (Spearman's rs = 0.30-0.64, P < 0.001). Histological grading correlated with visual grading and with two of the four computer-aided methods at 45 min (rs = 0.42-0.54, P < 0.001). At 4 h, all grading methods correlated positively with both endoscopic and histological assessment. The correlation coefficients were, in all but one instance, highest for the visual grading. As an inter-observer comparison to assess agreement between the visual gradings of two nuclear physicians, 14 additional patients (9 ulcerative colitis, 5 infectious enterocolitis) underwent leukocyte scintigraphy. Agreement assessed using kappa statistics was 0.54 at 45 min (P < 0.001). Separate data concerning the presence/absence of active inflammation showed a high kappa value (0.74, P < 0.001). Our results showed that a simple scintigraphic scoring system based on assessment using the human eye reflects colonic inflammation at least as well as computer-aided grading, and that highly correlated results can be achieved between different investigators.

Little late Holocene strain accumulation and release on the Aleutian megathrust below the Shumagin Islands, Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Witter, Robert C.; Briggs, Richard W.; Engelhart, Simon E.; Gelfenbaum, Guy R.; Koehler, Richard D.; Barnhart, William D.

2014-01-01

Can a predominantly creeping segment of a subduction zone generate a great (M > 8) earthquake? Despite Russian accounts of strong shaking and high tsunamis in 1788, geodetic observations above the Aleutian megathrust indicate creeping subduction across the Shumagin Islands segment, a well-known seismic gap. Seeking evidence for prehistoric great earthquakes, we investigated Simeonof Island, the archipelago's easternmost island, and found no evidence for uplifted marine terraces or subsided shorelines. Instead, we found freshwater peat blanketing lowlands, and organic-rich silt and tephra draping higher glacially smoothed bedrock. Basal peat ages place glacier retreat prior to 10.4 ka and imply slowly rising (<0.2 m/ka) relative sea level since ~3.4 ka. Storms rather than tsunamis probably deposited thin, discontinuous deposits in coastal sites. If rupture of the megathrust beneath Simeonof Island produced great earthquakes in the late Holocene, then coseismic uplift or subsidence was too small (≤0.3 m) to perturb the onshore geologic record.

Development of the International Space Station (ISS) Fine Water Mist (FWM) Portable Fire Extinguisher

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rodriquez, Branelle; Graf, John; Carlile, Christie; Young, GIna

2012-01-01

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is developing a Fine Water Mist (FWM) Portable Fire Extinguisher (PFE) for use on the International Space Station (ISS). The ISS presently uses two different types of fire extinguishers: a water foam extinguisher in the Russian Segment, and a carbon dioxide extinguisher in the United States Orbital Segments, which include Columbus and Kibo pressurized elements. Currently, there are operational concerns with the emergency breathing equipment and the carbon dioxide extinguisher. The toxicity of the carbon dioxide requires the crew members to have an oxygen supply present during a fire event, therefore inherently creating an unsafe environment. The FWM PFE extinguishes a fire without creating a hazardous breathing environment for crew members. The following paper will discuss the unique functional and performance requirements that have been levied on the FWM PFE, identify unique microgravity design considerations for liquid and gas systems, as well as discuss the NASA ISS specific fire standards that were developed to establish an acceptable portable fire extinguisher s performance.

STS-112 crew group photo at launch pad during TCDT

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2002-01-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, the STS-112 crew poses for a group photo near the launch pad where Space Shuttle Atlantis waits for launch. Standing left to right are Mission Specialist Piers Sellers, Commander Jeffrey Ashby, Mission Specialist David Wolf, Pilot Pamela Melroy, and Mission Specialists Sandra Magnus and Fyodor Yurchikhin, who is with the Russian Space Agency. The TCDT includes emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. Mission STS-112 aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis is scheduled to launch no earlier than Oct. 2, between 2 and 6 p.m. EDT. STS-112 is the 15th assembly mission to the International Space Station. Atlantis will be carrying the S1 Integrated Truss Structure, the first starboard truss segment, to be attached to the central truss segment, S0, and the Crew and Equipment Translation Aid (CETA) Cart A. The CETA is the first of two human-powered carts that will ride along the ISS railway, providing mobile work platforms for future spacewalking astronauts.

Thyroid nodules, polymorphic variants in DNA repair and RET-related genes, and interaction with ionizing radiation exposure from nuclear tests in Kazakhstan

PubMed Central

Sigurdson, Alice J.; Land, Charles E.; Bhatti, Parveen; Pineda, Marbin; Brenner, Alina; Carr, Zhanat; Gusev, Boris I.; Zhumadilov, Zhaxibay; Simon, Steven L.; Bouville, Andre; Rutter, Joni L.; Ron, Elaine; Struewing, Jeffery P.

2010-01-01

Risk factors for thyroid cancer remain largely unknown except for ionizing radiation exposure during childhood and a history of benign thyroid nodules. Because thyroid nodules are more common than thyroid cancers and are associated with thyroid cancer risk, we evaluated several polymorphisms potentially relevant to thyroid tumors and assessed interaction with ionizing radiation exposure to the thyroid gland. Thyroid nodules were detected in 1998 by ultrasound screening of 2997 persons who lived near the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site in Kazakhstan when they were children (1949-62). Cases with thyroid nodules (n=907) were frequency matched (1:1) to those without nodules by ethnicity (Kazakh or Russian), gender, and age at screening. Thyroid gland radiation doses were estimated from fallout deposition patterns, residence history, and diet. We analyzed 23 polymorphisms in 13 genes and assessed interaction with ionizing radiation exposure using likelihood ratio tests (LRT). Elevated thyroid nodule risks were associated with the minor alleles of RET S836S (rs1800862, p = 0.03) and GFRA1 -193C>G (rs not assigned, p = 0.05) and decreased risk with XRCC1 R194W (rs1799782, p-trend = 0.03) and TGFB1 T263I (rs1800472, p = 0.009). Similar patterns of association were observed for a small number of papillary thyroid cancers (n=25). Ionizing radiation exposure to the thyroid gland was associated with significantly increased risk of thyroid nodules (age and gender adjusted excess odds ratio/Gy = 0.30, 95% confidence interval 0.05-0.56), with evidence for interaction by genotype found for XRCC1 R194W (LRT p value = 0.02). Polymorphisms in RET signaling, DNA repair, and proliferation genes may be related to risk of thyroid nodules, consistent with some previous reports on thyroid cancer. Borderline support for gene-radiation interaction was found for a variant in XRCC1, a key base excision repair protein. Other pathways, such as genes in double strand break repair, apoptosis, and genes related to proliferation should also be pursued. PMID:19138047

Replication of KCNJ11 (p.E23K) and ABCC8 (p.S1369A) Association in Russian Diabetes Mellitus 2 Type Cohort and Meta-Analysis

PubMed Central

Sokolova, Ekaterina Alekseevna; Bondar, Irina Arkadievna; Shabelnikova, Olesya Yurievna; Pyankova, Olga Vladimirovna; Filipenko, Maxim Leonidovich

2015-01-01

The genes ABCC8 and KCNJ11 have received intense focus in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) research over the past two decades. It has been hypothesized that the p.E23K (KCNJ11) mutation in the 11p15.1 region may play an important role in the development of T2DM. In 2009, Hamming et al. found that the p.1369A (ABCC8) variant may be a causal factor in the disease; therefore, in this study we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the association between these single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), including our original data on the Siberian population (1384 T2DM and 414 controls). We found rs5219 and rs757110 were not associated with T2DM in this population, and that there was linkage disequilibrium in Siberians (D’=0.766, r2= 0.5633). In addition, the haplotype rs757110[T]-rs5219[C] (p.23K/p.S1369) was associated with T2DM (OR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.04-2.24). We included 44 original studies published by June 2014 in a meta-analysis of the p.E23K association with T2DM. The total OR was 1.14 (95% CI: 1.11-1.17) for p.E23K for a total sample size of 137,298. For p.S1369A, a meta-analysis was conducted on a total of 10 studies with a total sample size of 14,136 and pooled OR of 1.14 [95% CI (1.08-1.19); p = 2 x 10-6]. Our calculations identified causal genetic variation within the ABCC8/KCNJ11 region for T2DM with an OR of approximately 1.15 in Caucasians and Asians. Moreover, the OR value was not dependent on the frequency of p.E23K or p.S1369A in the populations. PMID:25955821

Electronic atlas of the Russian Arctic coastal zone: natural conditions and technogenic risk

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Drozdov, D. S.; Rivkin, F. M.; Rachold, V.

2004-12-01

The Arctic coast is characterized by a diversity of geological-geomorphological structures and geocryological conditions, which are expected to respond differently to changes in the natural environment and in anthropogenic impacts. At present, oil fields are prospected and developed and permanent and temporary ports are constructed in the Arctic regions of Russia. Thus, profound understanding of the processes involved and measures of nature conservation for the coastal zone of the Arctic Seas are required. One of the main field of Arctic coastal investigations and database formation of coastal conditions is the mapping of the coasts. This poster presents a set of digital maps including geology, quaternary sediments, landscapes, engineering-geology, vegetation, geocryology and a series of regional sources, which have been selected to characterize the Russian Arctic coast. The area covered in this work includes the 200-km-wide band along the entire Russian Arctic coast from the Norwegian boundary in the west to the Bering Strait in the east. Methods included the collection of the majority of available hard copies of cartographic material and their digital formats and the transformation of these sources into a uniform digital graphic format. The atlas consists of environmental maps and maps of engineering-geological zoning. The set of environmental maps includes geology, quaternary sediments, landscapes and vegetation of the Russian Arctic coast at a scale of 1:4000000. The set of engineering-geocryological maps includes a map of engineering-geocryological zoning of the Russian Arctic coast, a map of the intensity of destructive coastal process and a map of industrial impact risk assessment ( 1:8000000 scale). Detailed mapping has been performed for key sites (at a scale of 1:100000) in order to enable more precise estimates of the intensity of destructive coastal process and industrial impact. The engineering-geocryological map of the Russian Arctic coast was compiled based on the analysis of geotechnical and geocryological conditions in the areas adjacent to the coastal band. Industrial impact assessment has been estimated differently for each engineering-geocryological region distinguished on the coast, considering technological features of construction and engineering facilities: aerial construction, highways and airdromes, underground (with positive and negative pipe temperatures) and surface pipelines and quarries. The atlas is being used as a base for the circum-Arctic segmentation of the coastline and the analyses of coastal dynamics within the Arctic Coastal Dynamics (ACD) Project. The work has been supported by INTAS (project number 01-2332).

Relationship between human LTA4H polymorphisms and extra-pulmonary tuberculosis in an ethnic Han Chinese population in Eastern China.

PubMed

Yang, Jinghui; Chen, Jin; Yue, Jun; Liu, Lirong; Han, Min; Wang, Hongxiu

2014-12-01

Two single nucleotide polymorphisms in Leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H) gene were reported to be associated with protection from pulmonary tuberculosis in Vietnamese population. But these associations were not found in the Russians. To investigate the association of LTA4H polymorphisms with tuberculosis in a Han Chinese population in Eastern China, we genotyped 5 SNPs of LTA4H gene in 743 of pulmonary tuberculosis patients, 372 of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis patients and 888 of healthy controls individuals. The CC and TT homozygotes of rs1978331 and rs2540474 were identified to have higher rates (P < 0.01) and be risk factors in the patients with extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (OR = 1.412; 95% CI = 1.104-1.804 and(OR = 1.380; 95% CI = 1.080-1.764). However, no significant association was found between any of the SNPs and pulmonary tuberculosis. In the extra-pulmonary tuberculosis subgroups. LTA4H gene were significantly associated with tuberculous meningitis, lymph node tuberculosis, bone tuberculosis and other extra-pulmonary tuberculosis except for pleural tuberculosis. The present findings suggest that polymorphisms in the LTA4H gene may affect susceptibility to extra-pulmonary tuberculosis and change the risk of developing the disease in the Han nationality in the East China. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

SLS Resource Reel Aug 2016 orig

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-07-04

Space Launch System Resource Reel Description: This video includes launch animation of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS), as well as work taking place across NASA centers and the country to build and test the various components that make up the rocket including: the 5-segment solid rocket boosters, the RS-25 rocket engines, the massive tanks that make up the Core Stage of the rocket that fuels the RS-25 engines, and upper portions of the rocket that connect the interim cryogenic propulsion stage to the Orion spacecraft. SLS, is an advanced launch vehicle for a new era of exploration beyond Earth’s orbit into deep space. SLS, the world’s most powerful rocket, will launch astronauts in the agency’s Orion spacecraft on missions to an asteroid and eventually to Mars, while opening new possibilities for other payloads including robotic scientific missions to places like Mars, Saturn and Jupiter. Graphic Information: PAO Name:Kim Henry Phone Number:256-544-1899 Email Address: kimberly.m.henry@nasa.gov

Novel Tenascin-C Haplotype Modifies the Risk for a Failure to Heal After Rotator Cuff Repair.

PubMed

Kluger, Rainer; Huber, Klaus R; Seely, Philipp G; Berger, Christian E; Frommlet, Florian

2017-11-01

Several single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TNC gene have recently been found to be associated with degenerative rotator cuff tears. Exonic SNPs in the TNC gene are related to the risk for a failure to heal after rotator cuff repair. Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. A total of 302 patients from the Vienna area and European Caucasian ancestry underwent mini-open rotator cuff repair for a full-thickness superior or posterosuperior tear and were assessed for the integrity of the repair 1 year postoperatively with a real-time 7.5- to 10-MHz ultrasound linear array transducer. Outcomes were classified as intact (complete footprint coverage), small (<200 mm 2 ), or large (≥200 mm 2 ) recurrent defect. Patients were genotyped for 15 previously identified risk SNPs within a 49-kbp segment of the TNC gene with the KASP genotyping technology or the Ion-Torrent Personal Genome Machine System. All recurrent defects were atraumatic failures, and the overall failure rate was 39.7%. Of the traditional risk factors, only the initial tear size was significantly associated with a failure to heal. In a multinomial logistic regression model, the T allele at rs1138545 [C>T] was protective for a large recurrent defect (odds ratio = 0.16; 95% CI, 0.09-0.31). The role of rs1138545 was further backed by haplotype analysis, which showed that the combination of the C allele at rs1138545 [C>T], the A allele at rs2104772 [A>T], and the G allele at rs10759752 [A>G] formed the risk-related haplotype [CAG]. The CAG haplotype was associated with large recurrent defects ( P < .0001; haplotype frequency, 0.394; haplotype score, 4.518). Exonic marker rs1138545 transcribed into all isoforms of the TNC protein, whereas exonic marker rs2104772, which has been associated with Achilles tendinopathy before, transcribed only into large isoforms of the TNC protein. Recurrent defects after rotator cuff repairs are clinically relevant, and a heritable component of the disorder is plausible on the basis of a genetic association with 8 TNC variants. Characterization of TNC sequences that favor tendon healing will help engineer new products in regenerative medicine.

Space Research Program on Planarian Schmidtea Mediterranea's Establishment of the Anterior-Posterior Axis in Altered Gravity Conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Auletta, G.; Adell, T.; Colagè, I.; D'Ambrosio, P.; Salò, E.

2012-12-01

Planarians of the species Schmidtea mediterranea are a well-established model for regeneration studies. In this paper, we first recall the morphological characters and the molecular mechanisms involved in the regeneration process, especially focussing on the Wnt pathway and the establishment of the antero-posterior axial polarity. Then, after an assessment of a space-experiment (run in 2006 on the Russian Segment of the International Space Station) on planarians of the species Girardia tigrina, we present our experimental program to ascertain the effects that altered-gravity conditions may have on regeneration processes in S. mediterrnea at the molecular and genetic level.

Field Test: Results from the One Year Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reschke, M. F.; Kozlovskaya, I. B.; Kofman, I. S.; Tomilovskaya, E. S.; Cerisano, J. M.; Rosenberg, M. J. F.; Bloomberg, J. J.; Stenger, M. B.; Lee, S. M. C.; Laurie, S. S.;

The possibility of gamma-ray astronomy measurements on the Russian segment of the International Space Station.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fradkin, M. I.; Gorchakov, E. V.; Kaplin, V. A.; Kaplin, D. V.; Kurnosova, L. V.; Labenskij, A. G.; Runtso, M. F.; Topchiev, N. P.

The conditions required for gamma-ray astronomy measurements at energies of 10 - 1000 GeV by a gamma-ray telescope on the International Space Station are discussed. It is shown that the properties of the detected gamma rays can be determined accurately at 30 - 1000 GeV, even if the space station solar arrays fall in the aperture of the gamma-ray telescope. Measurements of the secondary gamma-ray spectrum using a ground-based model of the gamma-ray telescope have been carried out, and the resulting spectrum at energies of 1 - 100 GeV is presented.

Re-sequencing of the APOAI promoter region and the genetic association of the -75G > A polymorphism with increased cholesterol and low density lipoprotein levels among a sample of the Kuwaiti population

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background APOAI, a member of the APOAI/CIII/IV/V gene cluster on chromosome 11q23-24, encodes a major protein component of HDL that has been associated with serum lipid levels. The aim of this study was to determine the genetic association of polymorphisms in the APOAI promoter region with plasma lipid levels in a cohort of healthy Kuwaiti volunteers. Methods A 435 bp region of the APOAI promoter was analyzed by re-sequencing in 549 Kuwaiti samples. DNA was extracted from blood taken from 549 healthy Kuwaiti volunteers who had fasted for the previous 12 h. Univariate and multivariate analysis was used to determine allele association with serum lipid levels. Results The target sequence included a partial segment of the promoter region, 5’UTR and exon 1 located between nucleotides −141 to +294 upstream of the APOAI gene on chromosome 11. No novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were observed. The sequences obtained were deposited with the NCBI GenBank with accession number [GenBank: JX438706]. The allelic frequencies for the three SNPs were as follows: APOAI rs670G = 0.807; rs5069C = 0.964; rs1799837G = 0.997 and found to be in HWE. A significant association (p < 0.05) was observed for the APOAI rs670 polymorphism with increased serum LDL-C. Multivariate analysis showed that APOAI rs670 was an independent predictive factor when controlling for age, sex and BMI for both LDL-C (OR: 1.66, p = 0.014) and TC (OR: 1.77, p = 0.006) levels. Conclusion This study is the first to report sequence analysis of the APOAI promoter in an Arab population. The unexpected positive association found between the APOAI rs670 polymorphism and increased levels of LDL-C and TC may be due to linkage disequilibrium with other polymorphisms in candidate and neighboring genes known to be associated with lipid metabolism and transport. PMID:24028463

Re-sequencing of the APOAI promoter region and the genetic association of the -75G > A polymorphism with increased cholesterol and low density lipoprotein levels among a sample of the Kuwaiti population.

PubMed

Al-Bustan, Suzanne A; Al-Serri, Ahmad E; Annice, Babitha G; Alnaqeeb, Majed A; Ebrahim, Ghada A

2013-09-12

APOAI, a member of the APOAI/CIII/IV/V gene cluster on chromosome 11q23-24, encodes a major protein component of HDL that has been associated with serum lipid levels. The aim of this study was to determine the genetic association of polymorphisms in the APOAI promoter region with plasma lipid levels in a cohort of healthy Kuwaiti volunteers. A 435 bp region of the APOAI promoter was analyzed by re-sequencing in 549 Kuwaiti samples. DNA was extracted from blood taken from 549 healthy Kuwaiti volunteers who had fasted for the previous 12 h. Univariate and multivariate analysis was used to determine allele association with serum lipid levels. The target sequence included a partial segment of the promoter region, 5'UTR and exon 1 located between nucleotides -141 to +294 upstream of the APOAI gene on chromosome 11. No novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were observed. The sequences obtained were deposited with the NCBI GenBank with accession number [GenBank: JX438706]. The allelic frequencies for the three SNPs were as follows: APOAI rs670G = 0.807; rs5069C = 0.964; rs1799837G = 0.997 and found to be in HWE. A significant association (p < 0.05) was observed for the APOAI rs670 polymorphism with increased serum LDL-C. Multivariate analysis showed that APOAI rs670 was an independent predictive factor when controlling for age, sex and BMI for both LDL-C (OR: 1.66, p = 0.014) and TC (OR: 1.77, p = 0.006) levels. This study is the first to report sequence analysis of the APOAI promoter in an Arab population. The unexpected positive association found between the APOAI rs670 polymorphism and increased levels of LDL-C and TC may be due to linkage disequilibrium with other polymorphisms in candidate and neighboring genes known to be associated with lipid metabolism and transport.

The SH2B1 obesity locus is associated with myocardial infarction in diabetic patients and with NO synthase activity in endothelial cells.

PubMed

Prudente, Sabrina; Morini, Eleonora; Larmon, Jay; Andreozzi, Francesco; Di Pietro, Natalia; Nigro, Angela; Gervino, Ernest V; Mannino, Gaia Chiara; Bacci, Simonetta; Hauser, Thomas H; Bellacchio, Emanuele; Formoso, Gloria; Pellegrini, Fabio; Proto, Vittoria; Menzaghi, Claudia; Frittitta, Lucia; Pandolfi, Assunta; Sesti, Giorgio; Doria, Alessandro; Trischitta, Vincenzo

2011-12-01

Obesity and cardiovascular disease recognize a common metabolic soil and may therefore share part of their genetic background. Genome-wide association studies have identified variability at the SH2B1 locus as a predictor of obesity. We investigated whether SNP rs4788102, which captures the entire SH2B1 variability, is associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) and/or myocardial infarction (MI) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). SNP rs4788102 was typed in 2015 White subjects with T2DM from three CAD case-control studies [n=740 from the Gargano Hearth Study (GHS, Italy); n=818 from the Joslin Hearth Study (JHS, Boston); n=457 from the University of Catanzaro (CZ, Italy)]. SNP rs4788102 (G/A) was not associated with CAD (overall allelic OR=1.06, 95% CI=0.93-1.21; p=0.37). On the contrary, it was associated with MI in GHS (1.42, 1.12-1.81; p=0.004) and in the three samples analyzed together (1.21, 1.04-1.41; p=0.016). Insulin stimulated nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity in human vein endothelial cells from G/G (n=4, p=0.03) but not the G/A (n=5, p=0.83) genotype. Of the SNPs in perfect LD with rs4788102, one (rs7498665) affects amino acid polarity (Ala484Thr) and falls into a highly conserved protein segment of SH2B1 containing a class II SH3 domain binding site. Variability at the SH2B1 obesity locus is associated with MI in diabetic patients and with reduced insulin-stimulated NOS activity in human endothelial cells. Further studies are needed to replicate this association and dissect the biology underlying this finding. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Most Earth Size, Habitable Zone Planets around a Single Star on This Week @NASA – 02/24/2017

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-02-24

NASA held a news conference Feb. 22 at the agency’s headquarters to discuss the finding by the agency’s Spitzer Space Telescope of seven Earth-sized planets around a tiny, relatively nearby, ultra-cool dwarf star. Three of the planets in this system, known as TRAPPIST-1, are in the habitable zone – the region around the star in which liquid water is most likely to thrive on a rocky planet. This is the first time so many planets have been found in a single star's habitable zone outside our solar system, and is the best target yet for studying the atmospheres of potentially habitable, Earth-sized worlds. Also, Kennedy’s Pad 39A, Back in Business, Russian Cargo Ship Arrives at Space Station, RS-25 Engine Tests Resume at Stennis, Structural Testing Begins on SLS Hardware, and 55th Anniversary of Friendship 7 Flight!

KSC-99pp0344

NASA Image and Video Library

1999-03-25

At Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., members of two Shuttle crews get a close look at components of a Russian cargo crane, the Strela, to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment on the International Space Station (ISS). At left are STS-96 Mission Specialist Daniel T. Barry and Pilot Rick Douglas Husband. At center, STS-96 Mission Specialist Tamara E. Jernigan gives her attention to a technician with DaimlerChrysler while STS-101 Mission Specialist Edward Tsang Lu looks on. Both missions include the SPACEHAB Double Module, carrying internal and resupply cargo for Station outfitting. For the first time, STS-96 will include an Integrated Cargo Carrier (ICC) that will carry the Strela; the SPACEHAB Oceaneering Space System Box (SHOSS), which is a logistics items carrier; and a U.S.-built crane (ORU Transfer Device, or OTD) that will be stowed on the station for use during future ISS assembly missions. The ICC can carry up to 6,000 lb of unpressurized payload. It was built for SPACEHAB by DaimlerChrysler and RSC Energia of Korolev, Russia. STS-96 is targeted for launch on May 24 from Launch Pad 39B. STS-101 is scheduled to launch in early December 1999

KSC-99pp0341

NASA Image and Video Library

1999-03-25

Two Shuttle crews take part in familiarization activities at Astrotech in Titusville, Fla. From left are STS-96 Mission Specialists Daniel T. Barry and Tamara E. Jernigan, and Pilot Rick Douglas Husband; plus STS-101 Mission Specialists Edward Tsang Lu and Jeffrey N. Williams. They are looking at components of a Russian cargo crane, the Strela, to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment on the International Space Station (ISS). Both missions include the SPACEHAB Double Module, carrying internal and resupply cargo for Station outfitting. For the first time, STS-96 will include an Integrated Cargo Carrier (ICC) that will carry the Strela; the SPACEHAB Oceaneering Space System Box (SHOSS), which is a logistics items carrier; and a U.S.-built crane (ORU Transfer Device, or OTD) that will be stowed on the station for use during future ISS assembly missions. The ICC can carry up to 6,000 lb of unpressurized payload. It was built for SPACEHAB by DaimlerChrysler Aerospace of Bremen and RSC Energia of Korolev, Russia. STS-96 is targeted for launch on May 24 from Launch Pad 39B. STS-101 is scheduled to launch in early December 1999

STS-96 crew takes part in payload Interface Verification Test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1999-01-01

At the SPACEHAB Facility, STS-96 Mission Specialist Ellen Ochoa and Commander Kent Rominger pause during a payload Interface Verification Test (IVT) for their upcoming mission to the International Space Station. Other crew members at KSC for the IVT are Pilot Rick Husband and Mission Specialists Tamara Jernigan, Dan Barry, Julie Payette and Valery Tokarev of Russia. Mission STS-96 carries the SPACEHAB Logistics Double Module, which will have equipment to further outfit the International Space Station service module and equipment that can be off-loaded from the early U.S. assembly flights. It carries internal logistics and resupply cargo for station outfitting, plus an external Russian cargo crane to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment and used to perform space walking maintenance activities. The double module stowage provides capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. with the ability to accommodate powered payloads, four external rooftop stowage locations, four double-rack locations (two powered), up to 61 bulkhead-mounted middeck locker locations, and floor storage for large unique items and Soft Stowage. STS-96 is targeted to launch May 20 about 9:32 a.m. EDT.

STS-96 crew takes part in payload Interface Verification Test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1999-01-01

In the SPACEHAB Facility, STS-96 Mission Specialist Julie Payette closes a container, part of the equipment to be carried on the SPACEHAB and mission STS-96. She and other crew members Commander Kent Rominger, Pilot Rick Husband, and Mission Speciaists Ellen Ochoa, Tamara Jernigan, Dan Barry and Valery Tokarev of Russia are at KSC for a payload Interface Verification Test for the upcoming mission to the International Space Station . Mission STS-96 carries the SPACEHAB Logistics Double Module, which has equipment to further outfit the International Space Station service module and equipment that can be off-loaded from the early U.S. assembly flights. The SPACEHAB carries internal logistics and resupply cargo for station outfitting, plus an external Russian cargo crane to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment and used to perform space walking maintenance activities. The double module stowage provides capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. with the ability to accommodate powered payloads, four external rooftop stowage locations, four double-rack locations (two powered), up to 61 bulkhead-mounted middeck locker locations, and floor storage for large unique items and Soft Stowage. STS-96 is targeted to launch May 20 about 9:32 a.m.

STS-96 crew takes part in payload Interface Verification Test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1999-01-01

Posing on the platform next to the SPACEHAB Logistics Double Module in the SPACEHAB Facility are the STS-96 crew (from left) Mission Specialists Dan Barry, Tamara Jernigan, Valery Tokarev of Russia, and Julie Payette; Pilot Rick Husband; Mission Specialist Ellen Ochoa; and Commander Kent Rominger. The crew is at KSC for a payload Interface Verification Test for their upcoming mission to the International Space Station. Mission STS-96 carries the SPACEHAB Logistics Double Module, which will have equipment to further outfit the International Space Station service module and equipment that can be off-loaded from the early U.S. assembly flights. It carries internal logistics and resupply cargo for station outfitting, plus an external Russian cargo crane to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment and used to perform space walking maintenance activities. The double module stowage provides capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. with the ability to accommodate powered payloads, four external rooftop stowage locations, four double-rack locations (two powered), up to 61 bulkhead-mounted middeck locker locations, and floor storage for large unique items and Soft Stowage. STS-96 is targeted to launch May 20 about 9:32 a.m.

STS-96 crew takes part in payload Interface Verification Test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1999-01-01

At the SPACEHAB Facility, STS-96 Mission Specialist Ellen Ochoa and Commander Kent Rominger smile for the camera during a payload Interface Verification Test (IVT) for their upcoming mission to the International Space Station. Other crew members at KSC for the IVT are Pilot Rick Husband and Mission Specialists Tamara Jernigan, Dan Barry, Julie Payette and Valery Tokarev of Russia. Mission STS-96 carries the SPACEHAB Logistics Double Module, which will have equipment to further outfit the International Space Station service module and equipment that can be off-loaded from the early U.S. assembly flights. It carries internal logistics and resupply cargo for station outfitting, plus an external Russian cargo crane to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment and used to perform space walking maintenance activities. The double module stowage provides capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. with the ability to accommodate powered payloads, four external rooftop stowage locations, four double-rack locations (two powered), up to 61 bulkhead-mounted middeck locker locations, and floor storage for large unique items and Soft Stowage. STS-96 is targeted to launch May 20 about 9:32 a.m. EDT.

STS-96 crew takes part in payload Interface Verification Test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1999-01-01

During a payload Interface Verification Test (IVT) for the upcoming mission to the International Space Station , Chris Jaskolka of Boeing points out a piece of equipment in the SPACEHAB module to STS-96 Commander Kent Rominger, Mission Specialist Ellen Ochoa and Pilot Rick Husband. Other crew members visiting KSC for the IVT are Mission Specialists Tamara Jernigan, Dan Barry, Julie Payette and Valery Tokarev of Russia. Mission STS-96 carries the SPACEHAB Logistics Double Module, which will have equipment to further outfit the International Space Station service module and equipment that can be off-loaded from the early U.S. assembly flights. It carries internal logistics and resupply cargo for station outfitting, plus an external Russian cargo crane to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment and used to perform space walking maintenance activities. The double module stowage provides capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. with the ability to accommodate powered payloads, four external rooftop stowage locations, four double-rack locations (two powered), up to 61 bulkhead-mounted middeck locker locations, and floor storage for large unique items and Soft Stowage. STS-96 is targeted to launch May 20 about 9:32 a.m. EDT.

STS-96 crew takes part in payload Interface Verification Test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1999-01-01

In the SPACEHAB Facility, STS-96 Mission Specialists Dan Barry and Tamara Jernigan discuss procedures during a payload Interface Verification Test (IVT) for their upcoming mission to the International Space Station. Other STS-96 crew members at KSC for the IVT are Commander Kent Rominger, Pilot Rick Husband and Mission Specialists Ellen Ochoa, Julie Payette and Valery Tokarev of Russia. Mission STS-96 carries the SPACEHAB Logistics Double Module, which will have equipment to further outfit the International Space Station service module and equipment that can be off-loaded from the early U.S. assembly flights. It carries internal logistics and resupply cargo for station outfitting, plus an external Russian cargo crane to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment and used to perform space walking maintenance activities. The double module stowage provides capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. with the ability to accommodate powered payloads, four external rooftop stowage locations, four double-rack locations (two powered), up to 61 bulkhead-mounted middeck locker locations, and floor storage for large unique items and Soft Stowage. STS-96 is targeted to launch May 20 about 9:32 a.m.

STS-96 crew takes part in payload Interface Verification Test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1999-01-01

In the SPACEHAB Facility, James Behling, with Boeing, talks about equipment for mission STS-96 during a payload Interface Verification Test (IVT). Watching are (from left) Mission Specialists Ellen Ochoa, Julie Payette and Dan Berry, and Pilot Rick Husband. Other STS-96 crew members at KSC for the IVT are Commander Kent Rominger and Mission Specialists Tamara Jernigan and Valery Tokarev of Russia. Mission STS-96 carries the SPACEHAB Logistics Double Module, which will have equipment to further outfit the International Space Station service module and equipment that can be off-loaded from the early U.S. assembly flights. It carries internal logistics and resupply cargo for station outfitting, plus an external Russian cargo crane to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment and used to perform space walking maintenance activities. The double module stowage provides capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. with the ability to accommodate powered payloads, four external rooftop stowage locations, four double-rack locations (two powered), up to 61 bulkhead-mounted middeck locker locations, and floor storage for large unique items and Soft Stowage. STS-96 is targeted to launch May 20 about 9:32 a.m.

STS-96 crew takes part in payload Interface Verification Test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1999-01-01

During a payload Interface Verification Test (IVT) for their upcoming mission to the International Space Station, STS-96 Mission Specialists Julie Payette, Dan Barry, and Valery Tokarev of Russia, look at a Sequential Shunt Unit in the SPACEHAB Facility. Other crew members at KSC for the IVT are Commander Kent Rominger, Pilot Rick Husband, and Mission Specialists Ellen Ochoa and Tamara Jernigan. Mission STS-96 carries the SPACEHAB Logistics Double Module, which will have equipment to further outfit the International Space Station service module and equipment that can be off-loaded from the early U.S. assembly flights. It carries internal logistics and resupply cargo for station outfitting, plus an external Russian cargo crane to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment and used to perform space walking maintenance activities. The double module stowage provides capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. with the ability to accommodate powered payloads, four external rooftop stowage locations, four double-rack locations (two powered), up to 61 bulkhead-mounted middeck locker locations, and floor storage for large unique items and Soft Stowage. STS-96 is targeted to launch May 20 about 9:32 a.m. EDT.

STS-96 crew takes part in payload Interface Verification Test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1999-01-01

In the SPACEHAB Facility for a payload Interface Verification Test (IVT) for their upcoming mission to the International Space Station are (left to right) Mission Specialists Valery Tokarev, Julie Payette (holding a lithium hydroxide canister) and Dan Barry. Other crew members at KSC for the IVT are Commander Kent Rominger, Pilot Rick Husband and Mission Specialists Ellen Ochoa and Tamara Jernigan. Mission STS-96 carries the SPACEHAB Logistics Double Module, which has equipment to further outfit the International Space Station service module and equipment that can be off-loaded from the early U.S. assembly flights. The SPACEHAB carries internal logistics and resupply cargo for station outfitting, plus an external Russian cargo crane to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment and used to perform space walking maintenance activities. The double module stowage provides capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. with the ability to accommodate powered payloads, four external rooftop stowage locations, four double-rack locations (two powered), up to 61 bulkhead-mounted middeck locker locations, and floor storage for large unique items and Soft Stowage. STS-96 is targeted to launch May 20 about 9:32 a.m.

STS-96 crew takes part in payload Interface Verification Test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1999-01-01

In the SPACEHAB Facility, the STS-96 crew looks over equipment during a payload Interface Verification Test for the upcoming mission to the International Space Station. From left are Commander Kent Rominger, Mission Specialists Tamara Jernigan and Valery Tokarev of Russia, Pilot Rick Husband, and Mission Specialists Ellen Ochoa and Julie Payette (backs to the camera). They are listening to Chris Jaskolka of Boeing talk about the equipment. Mission STS-96 carries the SPACEHAB Logistics Double Module, which will have equipment to further outfit the International Space Station service module and equipment that can be off-loaded from the early U.S. assembly flights. It carries internal logistics and resupply cargo for station outfitting, plus an external Russian cargo crane to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment and used to perform space walking maintenance activities. The double module stowage provides capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. with the ability to accommodate powered payloads, four external rooftop stowage locations, four double-rack locations (two powered), up to 61 bulkhead-mounted middeck locker locations, and floor storage for large unique items and Soft Stowage. STS-96 is targeted to launch May 20 about 9:32 a.m. EDT.

KSC-99pp0208

NASA Image and Video Library

1999-02-11

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the SPACEHAB Facility for a payload Interface Verification Test (IVT) for their upcoming mission to the International Space Station are (left to right) Mission Specialists Valery Tokarev, Julie Payette (holding a lithium hydroxide canister) and Dan Barry. Other crew members at KSC for the IVT are Commander Kent Rominger, Pilot Rick Husband and Mission Specialists Ellen Ochoa and Tamara Jernigan. Mission STS-96 carries the SPACEHAB Logistics Double Module, which has equipment to further outfit the International Space Station service module and equipment that can be off-loaded from the early U.S. assembly flights. The SPACEHAB carries internal logistics and resupply cargo for station outfitting, plus an external Russian cargo crane to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment and used to perform space walking maintenance activities. The double module stowage provides capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. with the ability to accommodate powered payloads, four external rooftop stowage locations, four double-rack locations (two powered), up to 61 bulkhead-mounted middeck locker locations, and floor storage for large unique items and Soft Stowage. STS-96 is targeted to launch May 20 about 9:32 a.m

Two Shuttle crews check equipment at SPACEHAB to be used on ISS Flights

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1999-01-01

At Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., members of two Shuttle crews take a close look at a component of a Russian cargo crane, the Strela, to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment on the International Space Station (ISS). From left, they are STS-101 Mission Specialist Edward Tsang Lu, plus STS-96 Mission Specialist Julie Payette and Pilot Rick Douglas Husband. Payette represents the Canadian Space Agency. Both missions include the SPACEHAB Double Module, carrying internal and resupply cargo for Station outfitting. For the first time, STS-96 will include an Integrated Cargo Carrier (ICC) that will carry the Strela; the SPACEHAB Oceaneering Space System Box (SHOSS), which is a logistics items carrier; and a U.S.-built crane (ORU Transfer Device, or OTD) that will be stowed on the station for use during future ISS assembly missions. The ICC can carry up to 6,000 lb of unpressurized payload. It was built for SPACEHAB by DaimlerChrysler and RSC Energia of Korolev, Russia. STS-96 is targeted for launch on May 24 from Launch Pad 39B. STS-101 is scheduled to launch in early December 1999.

Two Shuttle crews check equipment at SPACEHAB to be used on ISS Flights

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1999-01-01

Two Shuttle crews take part in familiarization activities at Astrotech in Titusville, Fla. From left are STS-96 Mission Specialists Daniel T. Barry and Tamara E. Jernigan, and Pilot Rick Douglas Husband; plus STS-101 Mission Specialists Edward Tsang Lu and Jeffrey N. Williams. They are looking at components of a Russian cargo crane, the Strela, to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment on the International Space Station (ISS). Both missions include the SPACEHAB Double Module, carrying internal and resupply cargo for Station outfitting. For the first time, STS-96 will include an Integrated Cargo Carrier (ICC) that will carry the Strela; the SPACEHAB Oceaneering Space System Box (SHOSS), which is a logistics items carrier; and a U.S.-built crane (ORU Transfer Device, or OTD) that will be stowed on the station for use during future ISS assembly missions. The ICC can carry up to 6,000 lb of unpressurized payload. It was built for SPACEHAB by DaimlerChrysler Aerospace of Bremen and RSC Energia of Korolev, Russia. STS-96 is targeted for launch on May 24 from Launch Pad 39B. STS-101 is scheduled to launch in early December 1999.

Status of NASA's Space Launch System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Honeycutt, John; Lyles, Garry

2016-01-01

NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) continued to make significant progress in 2015 and 2016, completing hardware and testing that brings NASA closer to a new era of deep space exploration. Programmatically, SLS completed Critical Design Review (CDR) in 2015. A team of independent reviewers concluded that the vehicle design is technically and programmatically ready to move to Design Certification Review (DCR) and launch readiness in 2018. Just five years after program start, every major element has amassed development and flight hardware and completed key tests that will lead to an accelerated pace of manufacturing and testing in 2016 and 2017. Key to SLS' rapid progress has been the use of existing technologies adapted to the new launch vehicle. The existing fleet of RS-25 engines is undergoing adaptation tests to prove it can meet SLS requirements and environments with minimal change. The four-segment shuttle-era booster has been modified and updated with a fifth propellant segment, new insulation, and new avionics. The Interim Cryogenic Upper Stage is a modified version of an existing upper stage. The first Block I SLS configuration will launch a minimum of 70 metric tons (t) of payload to low Earth orbit (LEO). The vehicle architecture has a clear evolutionary path to more than 100t and, ultimately, to 130t. Among the program's major 2015-2016 accomplishments were two booster qualification hotfire tests, a series of RS-25 adaptation hotfire tests, manufacturing of most of the major components for both core stage test articles and first flight tank, delivery of the Pegasus core stage barge, and the upper stage simulator. Renovations to the B-2 test stand for stage green run testing was completed at NASA Stennis Space Center. This year will see the completion of welding for all qualification and flight EM-1 core stage components and testing of flight avionics, completion of core stage structural test stands, casting of the EM-1 solid rocket motors, additional testing of RS-25 engines and flight engine controllers This paper will discuss these and other technical and programmatic successes and challenges over the past year and provide a preview of work ahead before the first flight of this new capability.

Status of NASA's Space Launch System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Honeycutt, John; Cook, Jerry; Lyles, Garry

2016-01-01

NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) continued to make significant progress in 2015, completing hardware and testing that brings NASA closer to a new era of deep space exploration. The most significant program milestone of the year was completion of Critical Design Review (CDR). A team of independent reviewers concluded that the vehicle design is technically and programmatically ready to move to Design Certification Review (DCR) and launch readiness in 2018. Just four years after program start, every major element has amassed development and flight hardware and completed key tests that will set the stage for a growing schedule of manufacturing and testing in 2016. Key to SLS' rapid progress has been the use of existing technologies adapted to the new launch vehicle. The space shuttle-heritage RS-25 engine is undergoing adaptation tests to prove it can meet SLS requirements and environments with minimal change. The four-segment shuttle-era booster has been modified and updated with an additional propellant segment, new insulation, and new avionics. The Interim Cryogenic Upper Stage is a modified version of an existing upper stage. The first Block I SLS configuration will launch a minimum of 70 metric tons of payload to low Earth orbit (LEO). The vehicle architecture has a clear evolutionary path to more than 100 metric tons and, ultimately, to 130 metric tons. Among the program's major accomplishments in 2015 were the first booster qualification hotfire test, a series of seven RS-25 adaptation hotfire tests, manufacturing of most of the major components for both core stage test articles and first flight tank, delivery of the Pegasus core stage barge, and the upper stage simulator. Renovations to the B-2 test stand for stage green run testing was completed at NASA Stennis Space Center. This year will see the second booster qualification motor hotfire, flight and additional development RS-25 engine tests, and completion of core stage test articles and test stands and several flight article sections. This paper will discuss these and other technical and programmatic successes and challenges over the past year and provide a preview of work ahead before the first flight of this new capability.

Status of NASA's Space Launch System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lyles, Garry

2016-01-01

NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) continued to make significant progress in 2015, completing hardware and testing that brings NASA closer to a new era of deep space exploration. The most significant program milestone of the year was completion of Critical Design Review (CDR). A team of independent reviewers concluded that the vehicle design is technically and programmatically ready to move to Design Certification Review (DCR) and launch readiness in 2018. Just four years after program start, every major element has amassed development and flight hardware and completed key tests that will set the stage for a growing schedule of manufacturing and testing in 2016. Key to SLS' rapid progress has been the use of existing technologies adapted to the new launch vehicle. The space shuttle-heritage RS-25 engine is undergoing adaptation tests to prove it can meet SLS requirements and environments with minimal change. The four-segment shuttle-era booster has been modified and updated with an additional propellant segment, new insulation, and new avionics. The Interim Cryogenic Upper Stage is a modified version of an existing upper stage. The first Block I SLS configuration will launch a minimum of 70 metric tons (t) of payload to low Earth orbit (LEO). The vehicle architecture has a clear evolutionary path to more than 100t and, ultimately, to 130t. Among the program's major accomplishments in 2015 were the first booster qualification hotfire test, a series of seven RS-25 adaptation hotfire tests, manufacturing of most of the major components for both core stage test articles and first flight tank, delivery of the Pegasus core stage barge, and the upper stage simulator. Renovations to the B-2 test stand for stage green run testing was completed at NASA Stennis Space Center. This year will see the second booster qualification motor hotfire, flight and additional development RS-25 engine tests, and completion of core stage test articles and test stands and several flight article sections. This paper will discuss these and other technical and programmatic successes and challenges over the past year and provide a preview of work ahead before the first flight of this new capability.

NASA's Space Launch System: Progress Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cook, Jerry; Lyles, Garry

2017-01-01

NASA and its commercial industry team achieved significant progress in 2016 in manufacturing and testing of the Block 1 vehicle for the first launch of the Space Launch System (SLS). Test and flight article hardware for the liquid hydrogen fuel tank as well as the engine section for the core stage were completed at Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF) in New Orleans. Test stands neared completion at Marshall Space Flight Center for the propellant tanks, engine section, intertank and payload section. Stennis Space Center completed major structural renovations on the B2 test stand, where the core stage "green run" test program will be conducted. The SLS team completed a hotfire test series at Stennis to successfully demonstrate the ability of the RS-25 engine to operate under SLS environments and performance conditions. The team also test fired the second qualification five-segment solid rocket motor and cast the first six motor segments for the first SLS mission. The Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS) test article was delivered to Marshall for structural tests, and work is nearly finished on the flight stage. Flight software testing completed at Marshall included power quality and command and data handling. In 2017, that work continues. SLS completed Preliminary Design Review (PDR) on the Exploration Upper Stage (EUS), a powerful, human-rated spacecraft that will propel explorers to cis-lunar space. In 2017, hardware will continue to be integrated at MAF for core stage structural test articles and the first two operational flights. RS-25 hotfire testing will continue to explore engine performance, as well as test flight-like software and four new Engine Controller Units (ECUs) for the first mission. Production of development components for a more affordable RS-25 design is underway. Core stage structural test articles have begun arriving at Marshall. While engineering challenges typical of a new development are possible, SLS is working toward launch readiness in late 2018. This paper will discuss these and other technical and programmatic successes and challenges over the past year and provide a preview of work ahead before first flight

Detection of small subendocardial infarction using speckle tracking echocardiography in a rat model.

PubMed

Bachner-Hinenzon, Noa; Shlomo, Liron; Khamis, Hanan; Ertracht, Offir; Vered, Zvi; Malka, Assaf; Binah, Ofer; Adam, Dan

2016-10-01

It is challenging to detect small nontransmural infarcts visually or automatically. As it is important to detect myocardial infarction (MI) at early stages, we tested the hypothesis that small nontransmural MI can be detected using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) at the acute stage. Minimal nontransmural infarcts were induced in 18 rats by causing recurrent ischemia-reperfusion of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery, followed by a 30-min ligation and by reperfusion. A week later, the scar size was measured by histological analysis. Each rat underwent three echocardiography measurements: at baseline, 1 day post-MI, and 1 week post-MI. To measure the peak circumferential strain (CS), peak systolic CS, radial strain (RS), and time-to-peak (TTP) of the CS, short-axis view of the apex was analyzed by a STE program. The TTP was normalized by the duration of the heart cycle to create percent change of heart cycle. Histological analysis after 1 week showed scar size of 4±6% at the anterior wall. At 24 h post-MI, the peak CS, peak systolic CS, and RS were reduced compared to baseline at the anterior wall due to the MI, and at the adjacent segments-the anterior septum and lateral wall, due to stunning (P<.05). However, only the anterior wall, the genuine damaged segment, showed prolonged TTP vs baseline (baseline 36%, 24 h 48%, P<.05). The TTP of the CS can distinguish between regions adjacent to MI (stunned or tethered) and MI, even in small nontransmural infarcts. © 2016, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Connectivity-based parcellation reveals distinct cortico-striatal connectivity fingerprints in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

PubMed

Balsters, Joshua H; Mantini, Dante; Wenderoth, Nicole

2018-04-15

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has been associated with abnormal synaptic development causing a breakdown in functional connectivity. However, when measured at the macro scale using resting state fMRI, these alterations are subtle and often difficult to detect due to the large heterogeneity of the pathology. Recently, we outlined a novel approach for generating robust biomarkers of resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (RS-fMRI) using connectivity based parcellation of gross morphological structures to improve single-subject reproducibility and generate more robust connectivity fingerprints. Here we apply this novel approach to investigating the organization and connectivity strength of the cortico-striatal system in a large sample of ASD individuals and typically developed (TD) controls (N=130 per group). Our results showed differences in the parcellation of the striatum in ASD. Specifically, the putamen was found to be one single structure in ASD, whereas this was split into anterior and posterior segments in an age, IQ, and head movement matched TD group. An analysis of the connectivity fingerprints revealed that the group differences in clustering were driven by differential connectivity between striatum and the supplementary motor area, posterior cingulate cortex, and posterior insula. Our approach for analysing RS-fMRI in clinical populations has provided clear evidence that cortico-striatal circuits are organized differently in ASD. Based on previous task-based segmentations of the striatum, we believe that the anterior putamen cluster present in TD, but not in ASD, likely contributes to social and language processes. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Primary repair of colon injuries: clinical study of nonselective approach.

PubMed

Lazovic, Ranko G; Barisic, Goran I; Krivokapic, Zoran V

2010-12-02

This study was designed to determine the role of primary repair and to investigate the possibility of expanding indications for primary repair of colon injuries using nonselective approach. Two groups of patients were analyzed. Retrospective (RS) group included 30 patients managed by primary repair or two stage surgical procedure according to criteria published by Stone (S/F) and Flint (Fl). In this group 18 patients were managed by primary repair. Prospective (PR) group included 33 patients with primary repair as a first choice procedure. In this group, primary repair was performed in 30 cases. Groups were comparable regarding age, sex, and indexes of trauma severity. Time between injury and surgery was shorter in PR group, (1.3 vs. 3.1 hours). Stab wounds were more frequent in PR group (9:2), and iatrogenic lesions in RS group (6:2). Associated injuries were similar, as well as segmental distribution of colon injuries. S/F criteria and Flint grading were similar.In RS group 15 primary repairs were successful, while in two cases relaparotomy and colostomy was performed due to anastomotic leakage. One patient died. In PR group, 25 primary repairs were successful, with 2 immediate and 3 postoperative (7-10 days) deaths, with no evidence of anastomotic leakage. Results of this study justify more liberal use of primary repair in early management of colon injuries. Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN94682396.

Utilization and costs of glucose lowering therapies following health technology assessment for the new reimbursement scheme in Sweden.

PubMed

Pettersson, Billie; Hoffmann, Mikael; Andersson, David; Wändell, Per; Levin, Lars-Åke

2012-12-01

A new reimbursement scheme (RS) for glucose lowering therapies (GLT) was implemented in Sweden on March 1, 2010. Products on the market were retained, restricted, excluded or excluded for new courses in the new RS. The aim of this study was to compare utilization and costs of GLT for type 2 diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) before and after the implementation of the changed RS. This was a quasi-experimental study using data on dispensed GLT and costs from a database on dispensed individual based prescriptions in Sweden. Segmented regression analyses were used to assess utilization and costs. Following the changed reimbursement status, there was an accelerated increasing trend in number of patients treated with restricted (P=0.0007) or retained (P=0.0021) insulins, as well as in costs for insulin based GLT (P=0.0014). No impact was detected in the total number of patients treated with oral GLT, but a slightly negative trend in total costs for oral GLT was detected following the intervention (P=0.0177). The new reimbursement scheme had a minor impact on utilization and costs of oral GLT. Despite restricted reimbursement for patients with T2DM, the utilization of insulin based GLT and related costs increased faster following the intervention. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Determinants of iron accumulation in the normal aging brain.

PubMed

Pirpamer, Lukas; Hofer, Edith; Gesierich, Benno; De Guio, François; Freudenberger, Paul; Seiler, Stephan; Duering, Marco; Jouvent, Eric; Duchesnay, Edouard; Dichgans, Martin; Ropele, Stefan; Schmidt, Reinhold

2016-07-01

In a recent postmortem study, R2* relaxometry in gray matter (GM) of the brain has been validated as a noninvasive measure for iron content in brain tissue. Iron accumulation in the normal aging brain is a common finding and relates to brain maturation and degeneration. The goal of this study was to assess the determinants of iron accumulation during brain aging. The study cohort consisted of 314 healthy community-dwelling participants of the Austrian Stroke Prevention Study. Their age ranged from 38-82 years. Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging was performed on 3T and included R2* mapping, based on a 3D multi-echo gradient echo sequence. The median of R2* values was measured in all GM regions, which were segmented automatically using FreeSurfer. We investigated 25 possible determinants for cerebral iron deposition. These included demographics, brain volume, lifestyle factors, cerebrovascular risk factors, serum levels of iron, and single nucleotide polymorphisms related to iron regulating genes (rs1800562, rs3811647, rs1799945, and rs1049296). The body mass index (BMI) was significantly related to R2* in 15/32 analyzed brain regions with the strongest correlations found in the amygdala (p = 0.0091), medial temporal lobe (p = 0.0002), and hippocampus (p ≤ 0.0001). Further associations to R2* values were found in deep GM for age and smoking. No significant associations were found for gender, GM volume, serum levels of iron, or iron-associated genetic polymorphisms. In conclusion, besides age, the BMI and smoking are the only significant determinants of brain iron accumulation in normally aging subjects. Smoking relates to iron deposition in the basal ganglia, whereas higher BMI is associated with iron content in the neocortex following an Alzheimer-like distribution. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Diets high in resistant starch and arabinoxylan modulate digestion processes and SCFA pool size in the large intestine and faecal microbial composition in pigs.

PubMed

Nielsen, Tina S; Lærke, Helle N; Theil, Peter K; Sørensen, Jens F; Saarinen, Markku; Forssten, Sofia; Knudsen, Knud E Bach

2014-12-14

The effects of a high level of dietary fibre (DF) either as arabinoxylan (AX) or resistant starch (RS) on digestion processes, SCFA concentration and pool size in various intestinal segments and on the microbial composition in the faeces were studied in a model experiment with pigs. A total of thirty female pigs (body weight 63.1 (sem 4.4) kg) were fed a low-DF, high-fat Western-style control diet (WSD), an AX-rich diet (AXD) or a RS-rich diet (RSD) for 3 weeks. Diet significantly affected the digestibility of DM, protein, fat, NSP and NSP components, and the arabinose:xylose ratio, as well as the disappearance of NSP and AX in the large intestine. RS was mainly digested in the caecum. AX was digested at a slower rate than RS. The digesta from AXD-fed pigs passed from the ileum to the distal colon more than twice as fast as those from WSD-fed pigs, with those from RSD-fed pigs being intermediate (P< 0.001). AXD feeding resulted in a higher number of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Roseburia intestinalis, Blautia coccoides-Eubacterium rectale, Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp. in the faeces sampled at week 3 of the experimental period (P< 0.05). In the caecum, proximal and mid colon, AXD feeding resulted in a 3- to 5-fold higher pool size of butyrate compared with WSD feeding, with the RSD being intermediate (P <0.001). In conclusion, the RSD and AXD differently affected digestion processes compared with the WSD, and the AXD most efficiently shifted the microbial composition towards butyrogenic species in the faeces and increased the large-intestinal butyrate pool size.

Impact of single-site axonal GABAergic synaptic events on cerebellar interneuron activity

PubMed Central

Zorrilla de San Martin, Javier; Jalil, Abdelali

2015-01-01

Axonal ionotropic receptors are present in a variety of neuronal types, and their function has largely been associated with the modulation of axonal activity and synaptic release. It is usually assumed that activation of axonal GABAARs comes from spillover, but in cerebellar molecular layer interneurons (MLIs) the GABA source is different: in these cells, GABA release activates presynaptic GABAA autoreceptors (autoRs) together with postsynaptic targets, producing an autoR-mediated synaptic event. The frequency of presynaptic, autoR-mediated miniature currents is twice that of their somatodendritic counterparts, suggesting that autoR-mediated responses have an important effect on interneuron activity. Here, we used local Ca2+ photolysis in MLI axons of juvenile rats to evoke GABA release from individual varicosities to study the activation of axonal autoRs in single release sites. Our data show that single-site autoR conductances are similar to postsynaptic dendritic conductances. In conditions of high [Cl−]i, autoR-mediated conductances range from 1 to 5 nS; this corresponds to ∼30–150 GABAA channels per presynaptic varicosity, a value close to the number of channels in postsynaptic densities. Voltage responses produced by the activation of autoRs in single varicosities are amplified by a Nav-dependent mechanism and propagate along the axon with a length constant of 91 µm. Immunolabeling determination of synapse location shows that on average, one third of the synapses produce autoR-mediated signals that are large enough to reach the axon initial segment. Finally, we show that single-site activation of presynaptic GABAA autoRs leads to an increase in MLI excitability and thus conveys a strong feedback signal that contributes to spiking activity. PMID:26621773

A Scan Line Algorithm for Computer Generated Flight Visuals,

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-02-01

8217--- P FIG. 3.4 POLYGON CLIPPING 13 f ace cnri ProtyPriority f ace index etrd Protyindex index 0 n -i FIG. 3.5 FACE - PRIORITY LINK 3.4 Perspecliite...along edges vr2 and 1a1.1, and then along the segment rs results in the point p being assigned colour !15 20 1 35cl +.-9C 2 + I- C3 + 3-C4 49 49 14 14...AR-002-259 0 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE 0DEFENCE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ORGANISATION 7- n AERONAUTICAL RESEARCH LABORATORIES TN4 MELBOURNE, VICTORIA 1 b

International Space Station USOS Waste and Hygiene Compartment Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Link, Dwight E., Jr.; Broyan, James Lee, Jr.; Gelmis, Karen; Philistine, Cynthia; Balistreri, Steven

2007-01-01

The International Space Station (ISS) currently provides human waste collection and hygiene facilities in the Russian Segment Service Module (SM) which supports a three person crew. Additional hardware is planned for the United States Operational Segment (USOS) to support expansion of the crew to six person capability. The additional hardware will be integrated in an ISS standard equipment rack structure that was planned to be installed in the Node 3 element; however, the ISS Program Office recently directed implementation of the rack, or Waste and Hygiene Compartment (WHC), into the U.S. Laboratory element to provide early operational capability. In this configuration, preserved urine from the WHC waste collection system can be processed by the Urine Processor Assembly (UPA) in either the U.S. Lab or Node 3 to recover water for crew consumption or oxygen production. The human waste collection hardware is derived from the Service Module system and is provided by RSC-Energia. This paper describes the concepts, design, and integration of the WHC waste collection hardware into the USOS including integration with U.S. Lab and Node 3 systems.

Numerical Study of Ammonia Leak and Dispersion in the International Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Son, Chang H.

2011-01-01

Management of off-nominal situations on-board the International Space Station (ISS) is important to its continuous operation. One situation of concern is an accidental release of a chemical into the ISS atmosphere. In particular, introduction of ammonia into the cabin atmosphere can occur via the interface heat exchangers (IFHX) between the external thermal control system containing ammonia and internal thermal control system that uses water as a coolant to remove heat from ISS subsystems. Breach of the water/ammonia barrier of the IFHX can lead to a catastrophic rupture. Once the liquid water/ammonia mixture exits the ITCS, it instantly vaporizes and mixes with the U.S. Laboratory cabin atmosphere that results in rapid contamination of the cabin. The goal of the study is to assess the amount of ammonia in the Russian Segment by the time the crew is able to isolate the U.S. Segment. A Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model for an accurate prediction of airflow and ammonia transport in the frozen flow field within the assembly complete ISS cabin was developed. The localized effects of ammonia dispersion are examined and discussed.

International Space Station USOS Crew Quarters Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Broyan, James Lee, Jr.; Borrego, Melissa Ann; Bahr, Juergen F.

2008-01-01

The International Space Station (ISS) United States Operational Segment (USOS) currently provides a Temporary Sleep Station (TeSS) as crew quarters for one crewmember in the Laboratory Module. The Russian Segment provides permanent crew quarters (Kayutas) for two crewmembers in the Service Module. The TeSS provides limited electrical, communication, and ventilation functionality. A new permanent rack sized USOS ISS Crew Quarters (CQ) is being developed. Up to four CQs can be installed into the Node 2 element to increase the ISS crewmember size to six. The new CQs will provide private crewmember space with enhanced acoustic noise mitigation, integrated radiation reduction material, controllable airflow, communication equipment, redundant electrical systems, and redundant caution and warning systems. The rack sized CQ is a system with multiple crewmember restraints, adjustable lighting, controllable ventilation, and interfaces that allow each crewmember to personalize their CQ workspace. Providing an acoustically quiet and visually isolated environment, while ensuring crewmember safety, is critical for obtaining crewmember rest and comfort to enable long term crewmember performance. The numerous human factor, engineering, and program considerations during the concept, design, and prototyping are outlined in the paper.

[Successful correction with stent-graft of coronary artery rupture after angioplasty].

PubMed

Demin, V V

2003-01-01

Rupture and perforation of coronary arteries complicate in average 0.5% of radiosurgical coronary interventions and often are accompanied by serious consequences and high mortality. According to-type of coronary perforation different methods of correction are used, ranging from conservative measures to urgent cardiosurgical interventions. Coronary stent-grafts with 'sandwich' type of construction ore composed from two metal stents and PTFE layer between them. Development of such stents enabled effective radioguided endovascular repair of coronary ruptures. The paper presents the first Russian experience of stout-graft implantation for coronary artery rupture occurred during direct stenting of proximal anterior descending artery and balloon angioplasty in distal segment. The rupture occurred probably because of wall fragility between affected segment and muscular bridge. Stent-graft JoStent 16 mm in length connected with 3-mm balloon was implanted with subsequent complete restitution of blood flow, resolution of pain syndrome and ECG normalization. Echocardiography in operative theatre and one day after surgery showed no intrapericardial fluid. Stent-graft devices for urgent implantation in cases of coronary rupture must be included into obligatory equipment of radiosurgical facilities.

Multiple-sip temporal dominance of sensations associated with acceptance test: a study on special beers.

PubMed

Corrêa Simioni, Síntia Carla; Ribeiro, Michele Nayara; de Souza, Vanessa Rios; Nunes, Cleiton Antônio; Pinheiro, Ana Carla Marques

2018-03-01

In this study, we proposed the use of a multiple-sip temporal dominance of sensations (TDS) test alongside with an acceptance test over repeated consumption for the analysis of special beers, with the aim of contributing to a deeper understanding of consumer behavior regarding temporal descriptions and sensory acceptance. Consumers of special beers sequentially evaluated six sips of a particular type of beer by TDS analysis and an acceptance test was performed for each sip. Four different kinds of specialty beers were evaluated [Bohemian Pilsner (BP), Witbier (WB), Belgian Strong Ale Dubbel (BD), and Russian Imperial Stout (RS)]. In general, the descriptive profile of beers varied temporally, i.e., there was an increased dominance of bitterness and a decreased dominance of fruity, floral, toffee, and coffee attributes. Concurrently, a reduction in sensory acceptance with an increased number of sips, especially the last sip, was observed in two kinds of beers that possessed a strong flavor, BD and RS. BP and WB presented smooth attributes and low notable characteristics, which could have contributed to the maintenance of the acceptance grades as the number of sips increased. The combination of TDS and acceptance over repeated sips can be useful for obtaining detailed descriptions of products that are closer to real time consumption by consumers, and thus aids in ensuring good product performance once released. The information obtained can also help product development scientists to fine-tune product formulations and ensure acceptability.

[Specific features of gastroesophageal reflux disease associated with obesity and overweight].

PubMed

Livzan, M A; Lapteva, I V; Krolevets, T S; Kiselev, I E

2016-01-01

To reveal the specific features of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) associated with obesity and overweight, by investigating the clinical and endoscopic manifestations of the disease, 24-hour pH-metry scores, and leptin levels. A total of 131 patients with GERD were examined. The data about complaints and those from life and medical histories were collected; anthropometric measurements and the results of blood biochemical tests, esophagoduodenoscopy (EPDS), and pH-metry were assessed; and the serum levels of leptin and its receptor were estimated. The patients were allocated into a study group (104 obese and/or overweight patients) and a comparison one (27 normal weight people). Waist circumference, hip circumference, and blood glucose levels proved to be statistically significantly higher in the study group (p<0.00000, p<0.00002, and p<0.02, respectively). The obese patients were found to have a statistically significantly higher level of leptin and a lower level of its soluble receptors: the median leptin levels were 30.42 (13.42-45.62) ng/ml in the study group and 5.47 (3.35-7.68) ng/ml in the comparison group; the median levels of the receptors were 18.83 (14.98-25.11) ng/ml and 30.93 (24.68-33.53) ng/ml, respectively). This group showed a moderate negative correlation between these indicators (rs=-0.451; p<0.0004). The study group displayed higher pH values in the gastric cardia and body (p<0.05 and p<0.04, respectively). The mucosal contact time with the refluxate having with a low pH value (<4) in the above segments turned out to be longer in the comparison group (p<0.05). There were weight-independent relationships of the leptin level to its spread, aggressiveness quotient, to the highest pH value in the gastric cardia and body, and to the mucosal contact time with the refluxate having a pH below 4.0 (rs=0.543; p<0.006; rs=0.432; p<0.04; rs=0.431; p<0.04; rs=-0.450; p<0.03, respectively), leptin receptors with a pH ratio in the gastric cardia and body, to the number of reflux episodes longer than 5 minutes in the esophagus, and to the De Meester index for this indicator (rs=0.471; p<0.04; rs=-0.455; p<0.04; rs=-0,454; p<0.04, respectively). Obese and overweight patients develop GERD in the presence of leptin resistance and biliary tract disease, which determines the specific features of the disease (alkaline or mixed refluxate) and the need for individualized therapy.

[Regional features of obesity-associated gene polymorphism (rs9939609 FTO gene and gene Trp64Arg ADRB3) in Russian population].

PubMed

Baturin, A K; Sorokina, E Iu; Pogozheva, A V; Peskova, E V; Makurina, O N; Tutel'ian, V A

2014-01-01

Recent studies have shown a significant association with obesity polymorphisms: rs9939609 gene due to fat mass and obesity FTO in European and some Asian and African American populations Trp64Arg ADRB3 gene in several European populations. Association of variants rs9939609 and Trp64Arg obesity was studied in 1244 the inhabitants of Moscow and Sverdlovsk regions. Genotyping was performed using allele-specific amplification, detection results in real time using TaqMan-probes complementary DNA polymorphic sites. The frequency of the mutant allele of the FTO gene in the population of Moscow and Sverdlovsk region was 45.1%, with the TT genotype was detected in 30.2% of cases, AT--49.5%, AA--20.3%. Women had the presence of the mutant allele more likely than men (48.4 vs. 42.5%). People with obesity were more genotypes AA (26.3%) and AT (52.8%) compared to the surveyed with a BMI of less than 30 kg/m2 (respectively 18.1 and 50.7%). A significantly higher incidence of risk allele A was found in individuals with obesity (52.6 and 43.4%). The presence of the mutant allele of the gene ADRB3 among the population of Moscow and Sverdlovsk regions was noted in 7.4% of cases. While 15.5% of patients had a heterozygous genotype Trp64Arg ADRB3, that is consistent with international research. The frequency of the risk allele and genotype Arg64 Trp64Arg in women (9.3 and 18.5%) was significantly higher than men (6.2 and 12.2%). The presence of the mutant allele and genotype Trp64Arg ADRB3 (respectively, 9.1 and 18.1%) were significantly more marked in the examined obese compared with those with a body mass index less than 30 kg/m2 (7.4 and 14.9%), but these differences were not statistically significant. The results of these studies suggest that genetic variants of the FTO gene rs9939609 genotype and Trp64Arg ADRB3 contribute to the development of obesity among residents of Moscow and Sverdlovsk Region of Russia. The risk of obesity increases in the case of combined polymorphisms in both genes.

Standing Without Gravity: the Use of Lower Body Negative Pressure for Research and Reconditioning in Spaceflight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Charles, John B.; Campbell, M.R.; Stenger, M.B.; Lee, S.M.C.

2014-01-01

Weightlessness during spaceflight causes cephalad redistribution of intravascular and extravascular fluid, provoking cardiovascular and autonomic nervous system adaptations. The resulting functional state is appropriate for weightlessness but can result in orthostatic hypotension and intolerance during and after return to a persistent acceleration or gravitational environment. Lower body negative pressure (LBNP) applies subambient air pressure to the legs and lower abdomen inside a volume sealed at the waist, and decompression by 40-50 mmHg reverses the spaceflight-induced cephalad shift. LBNP has been used both to test the state of cardiovascular system during spaceflight and as a countermeasure by all space-faring nations. Two configurations have thus far been used in spaceflight since the first LBNP flew on the first Soviet Salyut station in 1971. The Soviet and Russian configuration, used in four Salyut stations, the Mir space station and the Russian segment of the International Space Station, has no saddle to support the body so during decompression the feet press against the bottom of the collapsible chamber which shortens and applies force against the feet proportional to the decompression level. Thus, activation of the skeletal musculature partially counteracts vascular and venous pooling in the enclosed body segments, stimulating the orthostatic compensatory mechanisms as they would be standing on Earth. In the American configuration, used aboard Skylab and the Space Shuttle, a saddle supported the astronaut so the feet did not contact the bottom of the chamber, and vascular engorgement was not countered by muscular contraction. This minimized skeletal muscle involvement, unmasked vascular compensatory mechanisms for research purposes, and allowed measurements of changes in leg volume and muscle sympathetic nerve activity. Both variants have demonstrated research and therapeutic value in appropriately designed protocols. LBNP continues to be used for research and countermeasures on ISS, and future versions may explore the value of exercise during LBNP as an integrated countermeasure. This paperwill review the history and development of LBNP for spaceflight research and therapeutic purposes.

Impact of posterior communicating artery on basilar artery steno-occlusive disease.

PubMed

Hong, J M; Choi, J Y; Lee, J H; Yong, S W; Bang, O Y; Joo, I S; Huh, K

2009-12-01

Acute brainstem infarction with basilar artery (BA) occlusive disease is the most fatal type of all ischaemic strokes. This report investigates the prognostic impact of the posterior communicating artery (PcoA) and whether its anatomy is a safeguard or not. Consecutive patients who had acute brainstem infarction with at least 50% stenosis of BA upon CT angiography (CTA) were studied. The configuration of PcoA was divided into two groups upon CTA: "textbook" group (invisible PcoA with good P1 and P2 segment) and "fetal-variant of PcoA" group (only visible PcoA with absent P1 segment). Baseline demographics, radiological findings and stroke mechanisms were analysed. A multiple regression analysis was performed to predict clinical outcome at 30 days (modified Rankin disability Scale (mRS

Utility of Readout-Segmented Echo-Planar Imaging-Based Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging for Differentiating Malignant from Benign Masses in Head and Neck Region.

PubMed

Ma, Gao; Xu, Xiao-Quan; Hu, Hao; Su, Guo-Yi; Shen, Jie; Shi, Hai-Bin; Wu, Fei-Yun

2018-01-01

To compare the diagnostic performance of readout-segmented echo-planar imaging (RS-EPI)-based diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) and that of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) for differentiating malignant from benign masses in head and neck region. Between December 2014 and April 2016, we retrospectively enrolled 72 consecutive patients with head and neck masses who had undergone RS-EPI-based DKI scan (b value of 0, 500, 1000, and 1500 s/mm 2 ) for pretreatment evaluation. Imaging data were post-processed by using monoexponential and diffusion kurtosis (DK) model for quantitation of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), apparent diffusion for Gaussian distribution (D app ), and apparent kurtosis coefficient (K app ). Unpaired t test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare differences of quantitative parameters between malignant and benign groups. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were performed to determine and compare the diagnostic ability of quantitative parameters in predicting malignancy. Malignant group demonstrated significantly lower ADC (0.754 ± 0.167 vs. 1.222 ± 0.420, p < 0.001) and D app (1.029 ± 0.226 vs. 1.640 ± 0.445, p < 0.001) while higher K app (1.344 ± 0.309 vs. 0.715 ± 0.249, p < 0.001) than benign group. Using a combination of D app and K app as diagnostic index, significantly better differentiating performance was achieved than using ADC alone (area under curve: 0.956 vs. 0.876, p = 0.042). Compared to DWI, DKI could provide additional data related to tumor heterogeneity with significantly better differentiating performance. Its derived quantitative metrics could serve as a promising imaging biomarker for differentiating malignant from benign masses in head and neck region.

A locus on mouse Ch10 influences susceptibility to limbic seizure severity: fine mapping and in silico candidate gene analysis

PubMed Central

Winawer, Melodie R.; Klassen, Tara L.; Teed, Sarah; Shipman, Marissa; Leung, Emily H.; Palmer, Abraham A.

2014-01-01

Identification of genes contributing to mouse seizure susceptibility can reveal novel genes or pathways that provide insight into human epilepsy. Using mouse chromosome substitution strains and interval-specific congenic strains (ISCS), we previously identified an interval conferring pilocarpine-induced limbic seizure susceptibility on distal mouse Chromosome 10 (Ch10). We narrowed the region by generating subcongenics with smaller A/J Ch10 segments on a C57BL/6J (B6) background and tested them with pilocarpine. We also tested pilocarpine susceptible congenics for 6Hz ECT, another model of limbic seizure susceptibility, to determine whether the susceptibility locus might have a broad effect on neuronal hyperexcitability across more than one mode of limbic seizure induction. ISCS Line 1, which contained the distal 2.7 Mb segment from A/J (starting at rs29382217), was more susceptible to both pilocarpine and ECT. Line 2, which was a subcongenic of Line1 (starting at rs13480828), was not susceptible; thus defining a 1.0 Mb critical region that was unique to Line1. Bioinformatic approaches identified 52 human orthologues within the unique Line 1 susceptibility region, the majority syntenic to human Ch12. Applying an epilepsy network analysis of known and suspected excitability genes and examination of interstrain genomic and brain expression differences revealed novel candidates within the region. These include Stat2, which plays a role in hippocampal GABA receptor expression after status epilepticus, and novel candidates Pan2, Cdk2, Gls2, and Cs, which are involved in neural cell differentiation, cellular remodeling, and embryonic development. Our strategy may facilitate discovery of novel human epilepsy genes. PMID:24373497

STS-96 crew takes part in payload Interface Verification Test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1999-01-01

In the SPACEHAB Facility, the STS-96 crew looks at equipment as part of a payload Interface Verification Test (IVT) for their upcoming mission to the International Space Station . From left are Mission Specialist Ellen Ochoa (behind the opened storage cover ), Commander Kent Rominger, Pilot Rick Husband (holding a lithium hydroxide canister) and Mission Specialists Dan Barry, Valery Tokarev of Russia and Julie Payette. In the background is TTI interpreter Valentina Maydell. The other crew member at KSC for the IVT is Mission Specialist Tamara Jernigan. Mission STS-96 carries the SPACEHAB Logistics Double Module, which has equipment to further outfit the International Space Station service module and equipment that can be off-loaded from the early U.S. assembly flights. The SPACEHAB carries internal logistics and resupply cargo for station outfitting, plus an external Russian cargo crane to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment and used to perform space walking maintenance activities. The double module stowage provides capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. with the ability to accommodate powered payloads, four external rooftop stowage locations, four double-rack locations (two powered), up to 61 bulkhead-mounted middeck locker locations, and floor storage for large unique items and Soft Stowage. STS-96 is targeted to launch May 20 about 9:32 a.m.

STS-96 crew takes part in payload Interface Verification Test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1999-01-01

In the SPACEHAB Facility, STS-96 crew members look over equipment during a payload Interface Verification Test (IVT) for their upcoming mission to the International Space Station. From left are Khristal Parker, with Boeing; Mission Specialist Dan Barry, Pilot Rick Husband, Mission Specialist Tamara Jernigan, and at the far right, Mission Specialist Julie Payette. An unidentified worker is in the background. Also at KSC for the IVT are Commander Kent Rominger and Mission Specialists Ellen Ochoa and Valery Tokarev of Russia. Mission STS-96 carries the SPACEHAB Logistics Double Module, which will have equipment to further outfit the International Space Station service module and equipment that can be off-loaded from the early U.S. assembly flights. It carries internal logistics and resupply cargo for station outfitting, plus an external Russian cargo crane to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment and used to perform space walking maintenance activities. The double module stowage provides capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. with the ability to accommodate powered payloads, four external rooftop stowage locations, four double-rack locations (two powered), up to 61 bulkhead-mounted middeck locker locations, and floor storage for large unique items and Soft Stowage. STS-96 is targeted to launch May 20 about 9:32 a.m.

STS-96 crew takes part in payload Interface Verification Test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1999-01-01

In the SPACEHAB Facility, (left to right) STS-96 Pilot Rick Husband and Mission Specialists Julie Payette and Ellen Ochoa work the straps on the Sequential Shunt Unit (SSU) in front of them. The STS-96 crew is at KSC for a payload Interface Verification Test (IVT) for its upcoming mission to the International Space Station . Other crew members at KSC for the IVT are Commander Kent Rominger and Mission Specialists Tamara Jernigan, Dan Barry and Valery Tokarev of Russia. The SSU is part of the cargo on Mission STS-96, which carries the SPACEHAB Logistics Double Module, with equipment to further outfit the International Space Station service module and equipment that can be off-loaded from the early U.S. assembly flights. The SPACEHAB carries internal logistics and resupply cargo for station outfitting, plus an external Russian cargo crane to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment and used to perform space walking maintenance activities. The double module stowage provides capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. with the ability to accommodate powered payloads, four external rooftop stowage locations, four double-rack locations (two powered), up to 61 bulkhead-mounted middeck locker locations, and floor storage for large unique items and Soft Stowage. STS-96 is targeted to launch May 20 about 9:32 a.m.

STS-96 crew takes part in payload Interface Verification Test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1999-01-01

In the SPACEHAB Facility, STS-96 Mission Specialist Valery Tokarev of Russia (left) and Commander Kent Rominger (second from right) listen to Lynn Ashby (far right), with JSC, talking about the SPACEHAB equipment in front of them during a payload Interface Verification Test (IVT). In the background behind Tokarev is TTI interpreter Valentina Maydell. Other STS-96 crew members at KSC for the IVT are Pilot Rick Husband and Mission Specialists Dan Barry, Ellen Ochoa, Tamara Jernigan and Julie Payette. Mission STS-96 carries the SPACEHAB Logistics Double Module, which will have equipment to further outfit the International Space Station service module and equipment that can be off-loaded from the early U.S. assembly flights. It carries internal logistics and resupply cargo for station outfitting, plus an external Russian cargo crane to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment and used to perform space walking maintenance activities. The double module stowage provides capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. with the ability to accommodate powered payloads, four external rooftop stowage locations, four double-rack locations (two powered), up to 61 bulkhead-mounted middeck locker locations, and floor storage for large unique items and Soft Stowage. STS-96 is targeted to launch May 20 about 9:32 a.m.

STS-96 crew takes part in payload Interface Verification Test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1999-01-01

During a payload Interface Verification Test (IVT) in the SPACEHAB Facility, STS-96 Mission Specialist Valery Tokarev of Russia (second from left) and Commander Kent Rominger learn about the Sequential Shunt Unit (SSU) in front of them from Lynn Ashby (far right), with Johnson Space Center. At the far left looking on is TTI interpreter Valentina Maydell. Other crew members at KSC for the IVT are Pilot Rick Husband and Mission Specialists Ellen Ochoa, Tamara Jernigan, Dan Barry and Julie Payette. The SSU is part of the cargo on Mission STS-96, which carries the SPACEHAB Logistics Double Module, with equipment to further outfit the International Space Station service module and equipment that can be off-loaded from the early U.S. assembly flights. The SPACEHAB carries internal logistics and resupply cargo for station outfitting, plus an external Russian cargo crane to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment and used to perform space walking maintenance activities. The double module stowage provides capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. with the ability to accommodate powered payloads, four external rooftop stowage locations, four double-rack locations (two powered), up to 61 bulkhead-mounted middeck locker locations, and floor storage for large unique items and Soft Stowage. STS-96 is targeted to launch May 20 about 9:32 a.m.

STS-96 crew takes part in payload Interface Verification Test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1999-01-01

During a payload Interface Verification Test (IVT) in the SPACEHAB Facility, STS-96 Mission Specialist Tamara Jernigan checks over instructions while Mission Specialist Dan Barry looks up from the Sequential Shunt Unit (SSU) in front of him to other equipment Lynn Ashby (right), with Johnson Space Center, is pointing at. Other crew members at KSC for the IVT are Commander Kent Rominger, Pilot Rick Husband, and Mission Specialists Ellen Ochoa, Julie Payette and Valery Tokarev of Russia. The SSU is part of the cargo on Mission STS-96, which carries the SPACEHAB Logistics Double Module, with equipment to further outfit the International Space Station service module and equipment that can be off-loaded from the early U.S. assembly flights. The SPACEHAB carries internal logistics and resupply cargo for station outfitting, plus an external Russian cargo crane to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment and used to perform space walking maintenance activities. The double module stowage provides capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. with the ability to accommodate powered payloads, four external rooftop stowage locations, four double-rack locations (two powered), up to 61 bulkhead-mounted middeck locker locations, and floor storage for large unique items and Soft Stowage. STS-96 is targeted to launch May 20 about 9:32 a.m.

STS-96 crew takes part in payload Interface Verification Test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1999-01-01

During a payload Interface Verification Test (IVT) in the SPACEHAB Facility, STS-96 Pilot Rick Husband and Mission Specialist Ellen Ochoa (on the left) and Mission Specialist Julie Payette (on the far right) listen to Khristal Parker (second from right), with Boeing, explain about the equipment in front of them. Other crew members at KSC for the IVT are Commander Kent Rominger and Mission Specialists Tamara Jernigan, Dan Barry and Valery Tokarev of Russia. The SSU is part of the cargo on Mission STS-96, which carries the SPACEHAB Logistics Double Module, with equipment to further outfit the International Space Station service module and equipment that can be off-loaded from the early U.S. assembly flights. The SPACEHAB carries internal logistics and resupply cargo for station outfitting, plus an external Russian cargo crane to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment and used to perform space walking maintenance activities. The double module stowage provides capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. with the ability to accommodate powered payloads, four external rooftop stowage locations, four double-rack locations (two powered), up to 61 bulkhead-mounted middeck locker locations, and floor storage for large unique items and Soft Stowage. STS-96 is targeted to launch May 20 about 9:32 a.m.

STS-96 crew takes part in payload Interface Verification Test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1999-01-01

In the SPACEHAB Facility for a payload Interface Verification Test (IVT) for their upcoming mission to the International Space Station are (kneeling) STS-96 Mission Specialists Julie Payette and Ellen Ochoa, Pilot Rick Husband, and (standing at right) Mission Specialist Dan Barry. At the left is James Behling, with Boeing, explaining some of the equipment that will be on board STS-96. Other STS-96 crew members at KSC for the IVT are Commander Kent Rominger and Mission Specialists Tamara Jernigan and Valery Tokarev of Russia. Mission STS-96 carries the SPACEHAB Logistics Double Module, which will have equipment to further outfit the International Space Station service module and equipment that can be off-loaded from the early U.S. assembly flights. It carries internal logistics and resupply cargo for station outfitting, plus an external Russian cargo crane to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment and used to perform space walking maintenance activities. The double module stowage provides capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. with the ability to accommodate powered payloads, four external rooftop stowage locations, four double-rack locations (two powered), up to 61 bulkhead-mounted middeck locker locations, and floor storage for large unique items and Soft Stowage. STS-96 is targeted to launch May 20 about 9:32 a.m.

KSC-99pd0209

NASA Image and Video Library

1999-02-11

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the SPACEHAB Facility, the STS-96 crew looks at equipment as part of a payload Interface Verification Test (IVT) for their upcoming mission to the International Space Station . From left are Mission Specialist Ellen Ochoa (behind the opened storage cover ), Commander Kent Rominger, Pilot Rick Husband (holding a lithium hydroxide canister) and Mission Specialists Dan Barry, Valery Tokarev of Russia and Julie Payette. In the background is TTI interpreter Valentina Maydell. The other crew member at KSC for the IVT is Mission Specialist Tamara Jernigan. Mission STS-96 carries the SPACEHAB Logistics Double Module, which has equipment to further outfit the International Space Station service module and equipment that can be off-loaded from the early U.S. assembly flights. The SPACEHAB carries internal logistics and resupply cargo for station outfitting, plus an external Russian cargo crane to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment and used to perform space walking maintenance activities. The double module stowage provides capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. with the ability to accommodate powered payloads, four external rooftop stowage locations, four double-rack locations (two powered), up to 61 bulkhead-mounted middeck locker locations, and floor storage for large unique items and Soft Stowage. STS-96 is targeted to launch May 20 about 9:32 a.m

KSC-99pp0201

NASA Image and Video Library

1999-02-11

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the SPACEHAB Facility, STS-96 Mission Specialist Valery Tokarev of Russia (left) and Commander Kent Rominger (second from right) listen to Lynn Ashby (far right), with JSC, talking about the SPACEHAB equipment in front of them during a payload Interface Verification Test (IVT). In the background behind Tokarev is TTI interpreter Valentina Maydell. Other STS-96 crew members at KSC for the IVT are Pilot Rick Husband and Mission Specialists Dan Barry, Ellen Ochoa, Tamara Jernigan and Julie Payette. Mission STS-96 carries the SPACEHAB Logistics Double Module, which will have equipment to further outfit the International Space Station service module and equipment that can be off-loaded from the early U.S. assembly flights. It carries internal logistics and resupply cargo for station outfitting, plus an external Russian cargo crane to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment and used to perform space walking maintenance activities. The double module stowage provides capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. with the ability to accommodate powered payloads, four external rooftop stowage locations, four double-rack locations (two powered), up to 61 bulkhead-mounted middeck locker locations, and floor storage for large unique items and Soft Stowage. STS-96 is targeted to launch May 20 about 9:32 a.m

KSC-99pd0214

NASA Image and Video Library

1999-02-11

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During a payload Interface Verification Test (IVT) in the SPACEHAB Facility, STS-96 Mission Specialist Valery Tokarev of Russia (second from left) and Commander Kent Rominger learn about the Sequential Shunt Unit (SSU) in front of them from Lynn Ashby (far right), with Johnson Space Center. At the far left looking on is TTI interpreter Valentina Maydell. Other crew members at KSC for the IVT are Pilot Rick Husband and Mission Specialists Ellen Ochoa, Tamara Jernigan, Dan Barry and Julie Payette. The SSU is part of the cargo on Mission STS-96, which carries the SPACEHAB Logistics Double Module, with equipment to further outfit the International Space Station service module and equipment that can be off-loaded from the early U.S. assembly flights. The SPACEHAB carries internal logistics and resupply cargo for station outfitting, plus an external Russian cargo crane to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment and used to perform space walking maintenance activities. The double module stowage provides capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. with the ability to accommodate powered payloads, four external rooftop stowage locations, four double-rack locations (two powered), up to 61 bulkhead-mounted middeck locker locations, and floor storage for large unique items and Soft Stowage. STS-96 is targeted to launch May 20 about 9:32 a.m

Two Shuttle crews check equipment at SPACEHAB to be used on ISS Flights

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1999-01-01

At Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., members of two Shuttle crews get a close look at components of a Russian cargo crane, the Strela, to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment on the International Space Station (ISS). At left are STS-96 Mission Specialist Daniel T. Barry and Pilot Rick Douglas Husband. At center, STS-96 Mission Specialist Tamara E. Jernigan gives her attention to a technician with DaimlerChrysler while STS-101 Mission Specialist Edward Tsang Lu looks on. Both missions include the SPACEHAB Double Module, carrying internal and resupply cargo for Station outfitting. For the first time, STS-96 will include an Integrated Cargo Carrier (ICC) that will carry the Strela; the SPACEHAB Oceaneering Space System Box (SHOSS), which is a logistics items carrier; and a U.S.-built crane (ORU Transfer Device, or OTD) that will be stowed on the station for use during future ISS assembly missions. The ICC can carry up to 6,000 lb of unpressurized payload. It was built for SPACEHAB by DaimlerChrysler and RSC Energia of Korolev, Russia. STS-96 is targeted for launch on May 24 from Launch Pad 39B. STS-101 is scheduled to launch in early December 1999.

Space Station Astronauts Make Safe Landing on This Week @NASA – September 11, 2015

NASA Image and Video Library

2015-09-11

Aboard the International Space Station, the Expedition 45 crew – including new Commander Scott Kelly and Kjell Lindgren of NASA, said goodbye to Gennady Padalka of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Andreas Mogensen of ESA (European Space Agency) and Aidyn Aimbetov of the Kazakh Space Agency (Kazcosmos) as the trio climbed aboard their Soyuz spacecraft for the return trip to Earth. The Soyuz landed safely in Kazakhstan on Sept. 11 Eastern time, Sept. 12 in Kazakhstan -- closing out a 168-day mission for Padalka and an 8-day stay on the station for Mogensen and Aimbetov. Also, First Orion crew module segments welded, SLS Launch Vehicle Stage Adapter, New Ceres imagery, New Horizons update, 9/11 tribute and National Preparedness Month!

[Human venous hemodynamics in microgravity and prediction of orthostatic tolerance in flight].

PubMed

Kotovskaya, A R; Fomina, G A

2013-01-01

The paper presents the results of investigating the lower limbs venous status in cosmonauts (n = 13) with the use of occlusion plethysmography in 6-month missions to the Russian segment of the International space station (ISS). An interrelation of shifts in venous capacitance, compliance and filling with orthostatic tolerance (OT) in the lower body negative pressure test (LBNP) was stated. OT predictability by the leg vein status in the course of space flight was demonstrated. The objective changes of veins predictive of OT reduction were identified. There are 3 levels of changes in venous capacitance, compliance and filling that prognosticate respective reductions in LBNP tolerance and were attested in 91% of the in-flight LBNP testing.

ARIES NDA Robot operators` manual

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

Scheer, N.L.; Nelson, D.C.

1998-05-01

The ARIES NDA Robot is an automation device for servicing the material movements for a suite of Non-destructive assay (NDA) instruments. This suite of instruments includes a calorimeter, a gamma isotopic system, a segmented gamma scanner (SGS), and a neutron coincidence counter (NCC). Objects moved by the robot include sample cans, standard cans, and instrument plugs. The robot computer has an RS-232 connection with the NDA Host computer, which coordinates robot movements and instrument measurements. The instruments are expected to perform measurements under the direction of the Host without operator intervention. This user`s manual describes system startup, using the mainmore » menu, manual operation, and error recovery.« less

No Uncertain Terms Terminology Guide for Translators Volume 8, Number 1, 1993.

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-02-01

EURASIA RUSSIAN LEGAL TERMS RUSSIAN SOCIAL SCIENCE TERMS PROBLEM RUSSIAN TERMS CENTRAL ASIAN MUSLIM NAMES JPRS-NNT-93-036 JAN-FEB1993 2 4 7...several Russian word lists, two contributed by readers ("Russian Social Science Terms," and "Problem Russian Terms"). "Russian Legal Terms...Edition, 1990). FBIS Staff Russian Social Science Terms Kurt McFye sent the following letter responding to a recent glossary published by FBIS. Our

Increase in substance P precursor mRNA in noninflamed small-bowel sections in patients with Crohn's disease.

PubMed

Michalski, Christoph W; Autschbach, Frank; Selvaggi, Federico; Shi, Xin; Di Mola, Fabio Francesco; Roggo, Antoine; Müller, Michael W; Di Sebastiano, Pierluigi; Büchler, Markus W; Giese, Thomas; Friess, Helmut

2007-04-01

Neuropeptides, such as substance P (SP), are mediators of neurogenic inflammation and play an important role in inflammatory disorders. To further investigate the role of the SP pathway in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), we analyzed the following in normal intestinal tissue specimens and in tissue specimens from patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC): neurokinin receptor-1 (NK-1R); its isoforms (NK-1R-L and NK-1R-S); its ligand SP, encoded by preprotachykinin-A (PPT-A); and the SP-degradation enzyme, neutral endopeptidase (NEP). Real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to simultaneously determine the expression of NK-1R-L, NK-1R-S, and PPT-A. Protein levels of NK-1R and NEP were determined by immunoblot analysis. In noninflamed small-bowel tissue samples of CD patients, PPT-A mRNA expression was significantly increased, whereas there was no difference between inflamed or noninflamed UC and normal intestinal tissue samples. Examining subgroups of diverse intestinal segments from CD and UC samples with various levels of inflammation revealed no differences in NK-1R-L and NK-1R-S mRNA expression, whereas there was a tendency toward overall lower NK-1R-S mRNA copy numbers. Immunoblot analysis showed upregulation of NK-1R protein levels in cases of IBD, with more pronounced enhancement in cases of CD than in UC. For NEP, there were no differences in protein levels in normal, CD, and UC intestinal tissues. These observations suggest a contribution of SP and its receptor, NK-1R, in the local inflammatory reaction in IBD and particularly in ileal CD. Moreover, significant upregulation of PPT-A mRNA in the noninflamed ileum of these patients suggests an influence of inflamed intestines on their healthy counterparts.

Pulmonary Emphysema in Cystic Fibrosis Detected by Densitometry on Chest Multidetector Computed Tomography

PubMed Central

Wielpütz, Mark O.; Weinheimer, Oliver; Eichinger, Monika; Wiebel, Matthias; Biederer, Jürgen; Kauczor, Hans-Ulrich; Heußel, Claus P.

2013-01-01

Background Histopathological studies on lung specimens from patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and recent results from a mouse model indicate that emphysema may contribute to CF lung disease. However, little is known about the relevance of emphysema in patients with CF. In the present study, we used computationally generated density masks based on multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) of the chest for non-invasive characterization and quantification of emphysema in CF. Methods Volumetric MDCT scans were acquired in parallel to pulmonary function testing in 41 patients with CF (median age 20.1 years; range 7-66 years) and 21 non-CF controls (median age 30.4 years; range 4-68 years), and subjected to dedicated software. The lung was segmented, low attenuation volumes below a threshold of -950 Hounsfield units were assigned to emphysema volume (EV), and the emphysema index was computed (EI). Results were correlated with forced expiratory volume in 1 s percent predicted (FEV1%), residual volume (RV), and RV/total lung capacity (RV/TLC). Results We show that EV was increased in CF (457±530 ml) compared to non-CF controls (78±90 ml) (P<0.01). EI was also increased in CF (7.7±7.5%) compared to the control group (1.2±1.4%) (P<0.05). EI correlated inversely with FEV1% (rs=-0.66), and directly with RV (rs=0.69) and RV/TLC (rs=0.47) in patients with CF (P<0.007), but not in non-CF controls. Emphysema in CF was detected from early adolescence (~13 years) and increased with age (rs=0.67, P<0.001). Conclusions Our results indicate that early onset emphysema detected by densitometry on chest MDCT is a characteristic pathology that contributes to airflow limitation and may serve as a novel endpoint for monitoring lung disease in CF. PMID:23991177

Both exogenous 5-HT and endogenous 5-HT, released by fluoxetine, enhance distension evoked propulsion in guinea-pig ileum in vitro.

PubMed

Gwynne, Rachel M; Clarke, Amanda J; Furness, John B; Bornstein, Joel C

2014-01-01

The roles of 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 receptors in the modulation of intestinal propulsion by luminal application of 5-HT and augmentation of endogenous 5-HT effects were studied in segments of guinea-pig ileum in vitro. Persistent propulsive contractions evoked by saline distension were examined using a modified Trendelenburg method. When 5-HT (30 nM), fluoxetine (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor; 1 nM), 2-methyl-5-HT (5-HT3 receptor agonist; 1 mM), or RS 67506 (5-HT4 receptor agonist, 1 μM) was infused into the lumen, the pressure needed to initiate persistent propulsive activity fell significantly. A specific 5-HT4 receptor antagonist, SB 207266 (10 nM in lumen), abolished the effects of 5-HT, fluoxetine, and RS 67506, but not those of 2-methyl-5-HT. Granisetron (5-HT3 receptor antagonist; 1 μM in lumen) abolished the effect of 5-HT, fluoxetine, RS 67506, and 2-methyl-5-HT. The NK3 receptor antagonist SR 142801 (100 nM in lumen) blocked the effects of 5-HT, fluoxetine, and 2-methyl-5-HT. SB 207266, granisetron, and SR 142801 had no effect by themselves. Higher concentrations of fluoxetine (100 and 300 nM) and RS 67506 (3 and 10 μM) had no effect on the distension threshold for propulsive contractions. These results indicate that luminal application of exogenous 5-HT, or increased release of endogenous mucosal 5-HT above basal levels, acts to lower the threshold for propulsive contractions in the guinea-pig ileum via activation of 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 receptors and the release of tachykinins. The results further indicate that basal release of 5-HT is insufficient to alter the threshold for propulsive motor activity.

Legal issues of the environmental safety regulation in the sphere of nanotechnology in Russian Federation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belokrylova, Ekaterina A.

2013-04-01

Nowadays one of the principal innovative spheres in Russia is considered to be a rapid development of nanotechnology and nanomaterials and implementation its products into almost all fields of social and industrial life. Nevertheless, despite the pointed advantages an appearance of nano products has set not only a positive example of the scientific progress development and dynamics, but also a potential threat of possible risks for the environment and people's health in the case of its massive use when there is a lack of research about its impacts. In Russian Federation the problem of nanosafety regulation is extremely actual. A number of international documents have noted a lack of legal regulation in the sphere of nanotechnologies in Russian Federation. Thus, according to the strategic EU program, it's mentioned that in 2009 on an annual meeting of OECD Tour de Table Meeting in Paris (November, 2007) Russia took responsibility to develop a long term program of nanoindustry development by 2015 (Nanotechnology Action Plan for Russia-2015). The key role should be dedicated to the nanosafety aspects and potential risk assessment of nanomaterials for environment and humans' health. Unfortunately, until now Russia did not provide this document for discussion at the international level by the partners of nanoconsortcium. Indeed, from 2007 until nowadays in Russian Federation there are no a single federal act of legislation (federal'nyi zakon), establishing the state foundations of regulation of nanosafety. The only one Federeal Legal Act in the described sphere is the Federalniy Zakon from 19 July 2007 "About the Russian corporation of nanotechnologies", which has established the principles of organization, activites, functions and termination of Rosnanotech. However, there are no articles dedicated to the environmental safety provision in regards of nano products applications. Also there is no complex federal act consolidating legal status of action in the field of development and application of nanoproducts, inspite of fact, that these relationships have a significant financial segment. Thus, according to the Federal Act from December 13, 2010 "About federal budget for 2011 year and the period of 2012 and 2013 years" the expenses for realisation of program "The infrastructure development of nano industry in Russian Federation for 2008-2011" were 250 milliard of Russian rubbles. The profound analyses of the current legal systems has demonstrated that nowadays the main legal regulation in nano sphere consist of some range of frame documents (accentuated by the author). Thereby, one of the most dynamic and developed field of innovative activities in Russian Federation - nanotechnology - is left out of environmental and legal area of protection and that is might lead to the raising level of ecological risks at the stage of creation and application nano products to the environment and humans' health. During the analyses of annual norms of the Report OECD "Nano technologies: the Environment, health and safety" the conclusion is following - 2010 Russia has an extremely low degree of conceptual realization of the program in the sphere of forming the policy connected with nanotechnology and its impact on the environment and also a lack of implementations of norms into the national legal systems in terms of the assessment criteria of nano safety EHS (Environmental, Health and Safety) and ELSI (Ethical, Legal and Social Issues). To the great regret, there is no independent and precise legal act about the ways to creat and apply nano products with the certain definitions and principles and, more importantly, with the level of legal obligations and responsibility. This gap is not possible to fill by just altering and editing the existed legal acts due to the lack of the state Russian regulation. Thus, one of the most dynamic fields of innovative activities - nano technologies - is practically out of the regulation. It might lead to an increase of ecological risks' level in the process of creation and application of nano products to the environment and health of people. As a result, implementation of international legal recommendations in the field of safety regulation of nanotechnology is quite crucial for Russian Federation.

International Space Station Potable Water Characterization for 2013

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Straub, John E. II; Plumlee, Debrah K.; Schultz, John R..; Mudgett, Paul D.

2014-01-01

In this post-construction, operational phase of International Space Station (ISS) with an ever-increasing emphasis on its use as a test-bed for future exploration missions, the ISS crews continue to rely on water reclamation systems for the majority of their water needs. The onboard water supplies include US Segment potable water from humidity condensate and urine, Russian Segment potable water from condensate, and ground-supplied potable water, as reserve. In 2013, the cargo returned on the Soyuz 32-35 flights included archival potable water samples collected from Expeditions 34-37. The Water and Food Analytical Laboratory at the NASA Johnson Space Center continued its long-standing role of performing chemical analyses on ISS return water samples to verify compliance with potable water quality specifications. This paper presents and discusses the analytical results for potable water samples returned from Expeditions 34-37, including a comparison to ISS quality standards. During the summer of 2013, the U.S. Segment potable water experienced an anticipated temporary rise and fall in total organic carbon (TOC) content, as the result of organic contamination breaking through the water system's treatment process. Analytical results for the Expedition 36 archival samples returned on Soyuz 34 confirmed that dimethylsilanediol was once again the responsible contaminant, just as it was for comparable TOC rises in 2010 and 2012. Discussion herein includes the use of the in-flight Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) as a key monitoring tool for tracking these TOC rises and scheduling appropriate remediation action.

Development of the International Space Station Fine Water Mist Portable Fire Extinguisher

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rodriquez, Branelle; Young, GIna

2013-01-01

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is developing a Fine Water Mist (FWM) Portable Fire Extinguisher (PFE) for use on the International Space Station (ISS). The ISS presently uses two different types of fire extinguishers: a water foam extinguisher in the Russian Segments, and a carbon dioxide extinguisher in the United States Orbital Segments, which include Columbus and Kibo pressurized elements. Currently, there are operational and compatibility concerns with the emergency breathing equipment and the carbon dioxide extinguisher. ISS emergency response breathing equipment does not filter carbon dioxide; therefore, crew members are required to have an oxygen supply present during a fire event since the carbon dioxide PFE creates an unsafe breathing environment. The ISS program recommended a nontoxic fire extinguisher to mitigate this operational risk. The FWM PFE can extinguish a fire without creating a hazardous breathing environment for crewmembers. This paper will discuss the unique functional and performance requirements that have been levied on the FWM PFE, identify unique microgravity design considerations for liquid and gas systems, and discuss the NASA ISS specific fire standards that were developed to establish an acceptable portable fire extinguisher s performance.

Reading Russian-English Homographs in Sentence Contexts: Evidence from ERPs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jouravlev, Olessia; Jared, Debra

2014-01-01

The current study investigated whether Russian--English bilinguals activate knowledge of Russian when reading English sentences. Russian and English share only a few letters, but there are some interlingual homographs (e.g., POT, which means "mouth" in Russian). Critical sentences were written such that the Russian meaning of the…

Macular Pigment Optical Density and Ocular Pulse Amplitude in Subjects with Different Axial Lengths and Refractive Errors.

PubMed

Czepita, Maciej; Karczewicz, Danuta; Safranow, Krzysztof; Czepita, Damian

2015-06-13

The purpose of our study was to: (1) investigate the macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and ocular pulse amplitude (OPA) in subjects with different axial lengths (AL) and refractive errors (RE); (2) determine if there is a correlation between MPOD and OPA; and (3) evaluate whether MPOD and OPA depend on intraocular pressure (IOP). This study included 140 eyes of 70 subjects - 17 men and 53 women, aged 18 to 29 years (mean: 22.5 years; SD=2.8). Every examined person underwent a thorough eye examination including: visual acuity, anterior segment and fundus examination, keratometry, auto-refractometry, and MPOD, OPA, AL, and IOP measurements. The obtained results were analyzed statistically using Statistica 10 software. P values of <0.05 were considered statistically significant. The following refractive errors were selected: emmetropia (34 eyes), hyperopia (18 eyes), low myopia (60 eyes), medium myopia (19 eyes), and high myopia (9 eyes). It has been established that the OPA increases with the rise in the spherical equivalents (SE) (Rs=+0.38, P<0.001), while the increase in AL correlates with the decrease of OPA (Rs=-0.40, P<0.001). The increase in IOP correlates with the rise in the OPA (Rs=+0.20, P<0.05). There were no significant correlations between IOP and SE or AL. (1) MPOD is not correlated with the OPA in subjects with different AL and RE; (2) OPA decreases with the rise of AL; (3) OPA decreases with the fall of the SE; and (4) OPA increases with the rise in IOP.

Comparing writing style feature-based classification methods for estimating user reputations in social media.

PubMed

Suh, Jong Hwan

2016-01-01

In recent years, the anonymous nature of the Internet has made it difficult to detect manipulated user reputations in social media, as well as to ensure the qualities of users and their posts. To deal with this, this study designs and examines an automatic approach that adopts writing style features to estimate user reputations in social media. Under varying ways of defining Good and Bad classes of user reputations based on the collected data, it evaluates the classification performance of the state-of-art methods: four writing style features, i.e. lexical, syntactic, structural, and content-specific, and eight classification techniques, i.e. four base learners-C4.5, Neural Network (NN), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Naïve Bayes (NB)-and four Random Subspace (RS) ensemble methods based on the four base learners. When South Korea's Web forum, Daum Agora, was selected as a test bed, the experimental results show that the configuration of the full feature set containing content-specific features and RS-SVM combining RS and SVM gives the best accuracy for classification if the test bed poster reputations are segmented strictly into Good and Bad classes by portfolio approach. Pairwise t tests on accuracy confirm two expectations coming from the literature reviews: first, the feature set adding content-specific features outperform the others; second, ensemble learning methods are more viable than base learners. Moreover, among the four ways on defining the classes of user reputations, i.e. like, dislike, sum, and portfolio, the results show that the portfolio approach gives the highest accuracy.

(In)Complete Acquisition of Aspect in Second Language and Heritage Russian

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mikhaylova, Anna

2012-01-01

This dissertation compares the knowledge of Russian Verbal Aspect in two types of learners enrolled in college level Russian courses: foreign language learners of Russian whose native language is English and heritage language speakers of Russian whose dominant language at the time of study is English. Russian Aspect is known to be problematic both…

STS-96 crew takes part in payload Interface Verification Test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1999-01-01

In the SPACEHAB Facility, (from left) STS-96 Mission Specialist Julie Payette, Pilot Rick Husband and Mission Specialist Ellen Ochoa learn about the Sequential Shunt Unit (SSU) in front of them from Lynn Ashby (far right), with Johnson Space Center. The STS-96 crew is at KSC for a payload Interface Verification Test (IVT) for their upcoming mission to the International Space Station . Other crew members at KSC for the IVT are Commander Kent Rominger and Mission Specialists Tamara Jernigan, Dan Barry and Valery Tokarev of Russia. The SSU is part of the cargo on Mission STS-96, which carries the SPACEHAB Logistics Double Module, with equipment to further outfit the International Space Station service module and equipment that can be off-loaded from the early U.S. assembly flights. The SPACEHAB carries internal logistics and resupply cargo for station outfitting, plus an external Russian cargo crane to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment and used to perform space walking maintenance activities. The double module stowage provides capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. with the ability to accommodate powered payloads, four external rooftop stowage locations, four double-rack locations (two powered), up to 61 bulkhead-mounted middeck locker locations, and floor storage for large unique items and Soft Stowage. STS-96 is targeted to launch May 20 about 9:32 a.m.

Extermophylic microorganisms: issue of interplanetary transfer on external spacecraft surfaces.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Novikova, N.; Deshevaya, E.; Polykarpov, N.; Svistunova, Y.; Grigoriev, A.

Interplanetary transfer of terrestrial microbes capable of surviving in extreme environments and planetary protection from accidental biocontamination by them are the issues of major practical rather than hypothetical value The natural resistance of microbes to extreme environments and a possibility of their transfer beyond geographical barriers of Earth on external spacecraft surfaces have brought forward a need in profound research into the likelihood of their survival in outer space Hardware and a program have been developed at the State Scientific Research Center of the Russian Federation -- Institute for Biomedical Problems with the goal of carrying out a space experiment Biorisk The experiment was aimed at assessing the possibility of long-term comparable with the duration of the Martian flight survival of microorganisms in outer space on materials used in space industry Samples of materials were contaminated with test cultures of bacteria Bacillus and fungi Aspergillus Penicillium Cladosporium known to be common residents of various environments on Earth and resistant to multiple alternation of high and low temperatures Materials used in the construction of external spacecraft surfaces such as steel aluminium alloy heat-insulating coating were chosen as test samples for the experiment Containers with materials and test microorganisms were placed on the external side of the Russian segment of the ISS Unique data have been accumulated after a 204 day exposure on the external side of the ISS which have proved that

United States Control Module Guidance, Navigation, and Control Subsystem Design Concept

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Polites, M. E.; Bartlow, B. E.

1997-01-01

Should the Russian Space Agency (RSA) not participate in the International Space Station (ISS) program, then the United States (U.S.) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) may choose to execute the ISS mission. However, in order to do this, NASA must build two new space vehicles, which must perform the functions that the Russian vehicles and hardware were to perform. These functions include periodic ISS orbit reboost, initial ISS attitude control, and U.S. On-Orbit Segment (USOS) control Moment gyroscope (CMG) momentum desaturation. The two new NASA vehicles that must perform these functions are called the U.S. control module (USCM) and the U.S. resupply module. This paper presents a design concept for the USCM GN&C subsystem, which must play a major role in ISS orbit reboost and initial attitude control, plus USOS CMG momentum desaturation. The proposed concept is structured similar to the USOS GN&C subsystem, by design. It is very robust, in that it allows the USCM to assume a variety of vehicle attitudes and stay power-positive. It has a storage/safe mode that places the USCM in a gravity-gradient orientation and keeps it there for extended periods of time without consuming a great deal of propellant. Simulation results are presented and discussed that show the soundness of the design approach. An equipment list is included that gives detailed information on the baselined GN&C components.

Liulin-type spectrometry-dosimetry instruments.

PubMed

Dachev, Ts; Dimitrov, Pl; Tomov, B; Matviichuk, Yu; Spurny, F; Ploc, O; Brabcova, K; Jadrnickova, I

2011-03-01

The main purpose of Liulin-type spectrometry-dosimetry instruments (LSDIs) is cosmic radiation monitoring at the workplaces. An LSDI functionally is a low mass, low power consumption or battery-operated dosemeter. LSDIs were calibrated in a wide range of radiation fields, including radiation sources, proton and heavy-ion accelerators and CERN-EC high-energy reference field. Since 2000, LSDIs have been used in the scientific programmes of four manned space flights on the American Laboratory and ESA Columbus modules and on the Russian segment of the International Space Station, one Moon spacecraft and three spacecraft around the Earth, one rocket, two balloons and many aircraft flights. In addition to relative low price, LSDIs have proved their ability to qualify the radiation field on the ground and on the above-mentioned carriers.

International Space Station Medical Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, Jeffrey A.

2008-01-01

NASA is currently the leader, in conjunction with our Russian counterpart co-leads, of the Multilateral Medical Policy Board (MMPB), the Multilateral Medical Operations Panel (MMOP), which coordinates medical system support for International Space Station (ISS) crews, and the Multilateral Space Medicine Board (MSMB), which medically certifies all crewmembers for space flight on-board the ISS. These three organizations have representatives from NASA, RSA-IMBP (Russian Space Agency- Institute for Biomedical Problems), GCTC (Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center), ESA (European Space Agency), JAXA (Japanese Space Agency), and CSA (Canadian Space Agency). The policy and strategic coordination of ISS medical operations occurs at this level, and includes interactions with MMOP working groups in Radiation Health, Countermeasures, Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA), Informatics, Environmental Health, Behavioral Health and Performance, Nutrition, Clinical Medicine, Standards, Post-flight Activities and Rehabilitation, and Training. Each ISS Expedition has a lead Crew Surgeon from NASA and a Russian Crew Surgeon from GCTC assigned to the mission. Day-to-day issues are worked real-time by the flight surgeons and biomedical engineers (also called the Integrated Medical Group) on consoles at the MCC (Mission Control Center) in Houston and the TsUP (Center for Flight Control) in Moscow/Korolev. In the future, this may also include mission control centers in Europe and Japan, when their modules are added onto the ISS. Private medical conferences (PMCs) are conducted regularly and upon crew request with the ISS crew via private audio and video communication links from the biomedical MPSR (multipurpose support room) at MCC Houston. When issues arise in the day-to-day medical support of ISS crews, they are discussed and resolved at the SMOT (space medical operations team) meetings, which occur weekly among the International Partners. Any medical or life science issue that is not resolved at the SMOT can be taken to the Mission Management Team meeting, which occurs biweekly from MCC-Houston. This meeting includes the other International Partners and all flight support and console position representatives via teleconference. ISS Crew Surgeons have handled many medical conditions on orbit; including skin rashes, dental abscesses, lacerations, and STT segment EKG changes. Fortunately to date, there have not been any forced medical evacuations from the ISS. This speaks well for the implementation of the primary, secondary and even tertiary prevention strategies invoked by the Integrated Medical Group, as there were several medical evacuations during the previous Russian space stations.

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

Romanov, Gennady

Typically the RFQs are designed using the Parmteq, DesRFQ and other similar specialized codes, which produces the files containing the field and geometrical parameters for every cell. The beam dynamic simulations with these analytical fields a re, of course, ideal realizations of the designed RFQs. The new advanced computing capabilities made it possible to simulate beam and even dark current in the realistic 3D electromagnetic fields in the RFQs that may reflect cavity tuning, presence of tune rs and couplers, RFQ segmentation etc. The paper describes the utilization of full 3D field distribution obtained with CST Studio Suite for beammore » dynamic simulations using both PIC solver of CST Particle Studio and the beam dynamic code TRACK.« less

Crustal nature and origin of the Russian Altai: Implications for the continental evolution and growth of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, Keda; Sun, Min; Buslov, M. M.; Jahn, Bor-ming; Xiao, Wenjiao; Long, Xiaoping; Chen, Huayong; Wan, Bo; Chen, Ming; Rubanova, E. S.; Kulikova, A. V.; Voytishek, E. E.

2016-04-01

The Central Asian Orogenic Belt is a gigantic tectonic collage of numerous accreted terranes. However, its geodynamic evolution has been hotly debated primarily due to incomplete knowledge on the nature of these enigmatic terranes. This work presents new detrital zircon U-Pb and Hf isotopic data to constrain the crustal nature and origin of the Russian Altai, a critical segment of Altai-Mongolian terrane. The youngest zircon 206Pb/238U ages of 470 Ma constrain that the Terekta Formation, previously envisaged as Precambrian basement, was actually deposited after the Middle Ordovician. As for the three more sedimentary sequences above the Terekta Formation, they have youngest zircon 206Pb/238U ages of 425 Ma, 440 Ma and 380 Ma, respectively, indicating their depositions likely in the Late Silurian to Devonian. From all analyses, it is noted that many zircon U-Pb ages cluster at ca. 520 Ma and ca. 800 Ma, and these zircons display oscillatory zoning and have subhedral to euhedral morphology, which, collectively, suggests that adjacent Neoproterozoic to Paleozoic igneous rocks were possibly dominant in the sedimentary provenance. Additionally, a few rounded Archean to Mesoproterozoic zircon grains are characterized by complex texture, which are interpreted as recycling materials probably derived from the Tuva-Mongolian microcontinent. Precambrian rocks have not been identified in the Russian Altai, Chinese Altai and Mongolian Altai so far, therefore, Precambrian basement may not exist in the Altai-Mongolian terrane, but this terrane probably represents a large subduction-accretion complex built on the margin of the Tuva-Mongolian microcontinent in the Early Paleozoic. Multiple episodes of ridge-trench interaction may have caused inputs of mantle-derived magmas to trigger partial melting of the newly accreted crustal materials, which contributed to the accretionary complex. During accretionary orogenesis of the CAOB, formation of such subduction-accretion complex is likely ubiquitous, indicating continental crust growth by both lateral accumulation and vertical basaltic injection.

``DMS-R, the Brain of the ISS'', 10 Years of Continuous Successful Operation in Space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wolff, Bernd; Scheffers, Peter

2012-08-01

Space industries on both sides of the Atlantic were faced with a new situation of collaboration in the beginning of the 1990s.In 1995, industrial cooperation between ASTRIUM ST, Bremen and RSC-E, Moscow started aiming the outfitting of the Russian Service Module ZVEZDA for the ISS with computers. The requested equipments had to provide not only redundancy but fault tolerance and high availability. The design and development of two fault tolerant computers, (FTCs) responsible for the telemetry (Telemetry Computer: TC) and the central control (CC), as well as the man machine interface CPC were contracted to ASTRIUM ST, Bremen. The computer system is responsible e.g. for the life support system and the ISS re-boost control.In July 2000, the integration of the Russian Service Module ZVEZDA with Russian ZARYA FGB and American Node 1 bears witness for transatlantic and European cooperation.The Russian Service module ZVEZDA provides several basic functions as Avionics Control, the Environmental Control and Life Support (ECLS) in the ISS and control of the docked Automatic Transfer Vehicle (ATV) which includes re-boost of ISS. If these elementary functions fail or do not work reliable the effects for the ISS will be catastrophic with respect to Safety (manned space) and ISS mission.For that reason the responsible computer system Data Management System - Russia (DMS-R) is also called "The brain of the ISS".The Russian Service module ZVEZDA, including DMS-R, was launched on 12th of July, 2000. DMS-R was operational also during launch and docking.The talk provide information about the definition, design and development of DMS-R, the integration of DMS-R in the Russian Service module and the maintenance of the system in space. Besides the technical aspects are also the German - Russian cooperation an important subject of this speech. An outlook finalises the talk providing further development activities and application of fault tolerant systems.The importance of the DMS-R equipment for the ISS related to availability and reliability is reported in paragraph 1.2, describing a serious incident.The DMS-R architecture, consisting of two fault tolerant computers, their interconnection via MIL 1553 STD Bus and the Control Post Computer (CPC) as man- machine interface is given in figure 1. The main data transfer within the ISS and therefore also the Russian segment is managed by the MIL1553 STD bus. The focus of this script is neither the operational concept nor the fault tolerant design according the Byzantine Theorem, but the architectural embedment. One fault tolerant computer consists out of up to four fault containment regions (FCR), comparing in- and output data and deciding by majority voting whether a faulty FCR has to be isolated. For this purpose all data have to pass the so-called fault management element and are distributed to the other participants in the computer pool (FTC). Each fault containment region is connected to the avionic busses of the vehicle avionics system. In case of a faulty FCR (wrong calculation result was detected by the other FCRs or by build-in self-detection) the dedicated FCR will reset itself or will be reset by the others. The bus controller functions of the isolated FCR will be taken over according to a specific deterministic scheme from another FCR. The FTC data throughput will be maintained, the FTC operation will continue without interruption. Each FCR consists of an application CPU board (ALB), the fault management layer (FML), the avionics bus interface board (AVI) and a power supply (PSU), sharing a VME data bus.The FML is fully transparent, in terms of I/O accessibility, to the application S/W and votes the data autonomously received from the avionics busses and transmitted from the application.

Russian Orthography and Learning to Read

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kerek, Eugenia; Niemi, Pekka

2009-01-01

The unique structure of Russian orthography may influence the organization and acquisition of reading skills in Russian. The present review examines phonemic-graphemic correspondences in Russian orthography and discusses its grain-size units and possible difficulties for beginning readers and writers. Russian orthography is governed by a…

Rusistika: The Russian Journal of the Association for Language Learning, 1994-1997.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tejerizo, Margaret, Ed.

1997-01-01

This journal focuses on the teaching and learning of Russian. Selected articles include the following: "Soviet Cinema: Women's films"; "Learning and Teaching Russian"; "Russian in a Weekend?""Words Having a Religious Connotation in Russian"; "Grammar and Communication: The Ab Initio Russian…

31 CFR 540.304 - Government of the Russian Federation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 3 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Government of the Russian Federation...) AGREEMENT ASSETS CONTROL REGULATIONS General Definitions § 540.304 Government of the Russian Federation. (a) The term Government of the Russian Federation means the Government of the Russian Federation, any...

31 CFR 540.304 - Government of the Russian Federation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 3 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Government of the Russian Federation...) AGREEMENT ASSETS CONTROL REGULATIONS General Definitions § 540.304 Government of the Russian Federation. (a) The term Government of the Russian Federation means the Government of the Russian Federation, any...

Research on Russian National Character

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Na, Zhuo

2008-01-01

The special geographical location Russia lies in creates the unique character of the Russian nation. Based on the dual nature of the Russian national character, the Russian geographical environment and the analysis of its social structure, this text tries to explore the reasons of the dual nature of Russian national character.

31 CFR 540.304 - Government of the Russian Federation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance: Treasury 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Government of the Russian Federation...) AGREEMENT ASSETS CONTROL REGULATIONS General Definitions § 540.304 Government of the Russian Federation. (a) The term Government of the Russian Federation means the Government of the Russian Federation, any...

31 CFR 540.304 - Government of the Russian Federation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 3 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Government of the Russian Federation...) AGREEMENT ASSETS CONTROL REGULATIONS General Definitions § 540.304 Government of the Russian Federation. (a) The term Government of the Russian Federation means the Government of the Russian Federation, any...

31 CFR 540.304 - Government of the Russian Federation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 3 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Government of the Russian Federation...) AGREEMENT ASSETS CONTROL REGULATIONS General Definitions § 540.304 Government of the Russian Federation. (a) The term Government of the Russian Federation means the Government of the Russian Federation, any...

Measurement equivalence of four psychological questionnaires in native-born Germans, Russian-speaking immigrants, and native-born Russians.

PubMed

Hirsch, Oliver; Donner-Banzhoff, Norbert; Bachmann, Viktoria

2013-07-01

Psychological constructs depend on cultural context. It is therefore important to show the equivalence of measurement instruments in cross-cultural research. There is evidence that in Russian-speaking immigrants, cultural and language issues are important in health care. We examined measurement equivalence of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15), the Hamburg Self-Care Questionnaire (HamSCQ), and the questionnaire on communication preferences of patients with chronic illness (KOPRA) in native-born Germans, Russian-speaking immigrants living in Germany, and native-born Russians living in the former Soviet Union (FSU). All four questionnaires fulfilled requirements of measurement equivalence in confirmatory factor analyses and analyses of differential item functioning. The Russian translations can be used in Russian-speaking immigrants and native-born Russians. This offers further possibilities for cross-cultural research and for an improvement in health care research in Russian-speaking immigrants in Germany. The most pronounced differences occurred in the KOPRA, which point to differences in German and Russian health care systems.

The TGFB1 gene is associated with curve severity but not with the development of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a replication study in the Chinese population.

PubMed

Xu, Leilei; Sun, Weixiang; Qin, Xiaodong; Qiu, Yong; Zhu, Zezhang

2016-01-13

The transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFB1) gene was recently reported to be a new susceptible gene of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) in Russian population. This study aimed to replicate the relationship between the TGFB1 gene and the susceptibility of AIS in a Chinese population, and to further describe its association with the curve severity. A total of 1251 female AIS patients and 994 age-matched healthy controls were included in this study. The rs1800469 of TGFB1 gene was genotyped for all participants using the PCR-based Invader assay. The differences of genotype and allele distributions between AIS patients and healthy controls were assessed using the Chi-square test. One-way ANOVA test was used to compare the mean Cobb angles among patients with different genotypes. There was no significant difference in terms of the genotype and the allele frequency between the patients and the controls. The mean Cobb angle was 34.7 ± 11.9° (range 25-61°). Case-only analysis showed that rs1800469 was significantly associated with the curve severity. Patients with genotype TT had remarkably higher curve magnitude (39.1 ± 12.8°) than those with genotype CT (34.8 ± 11.1°) or CC (32.1 ± 10.6°). The TGFB1 gene may not be a predisposition gene of AIS in the Chinese population. However, it can play a role in the curve progression of AIS. Replication studies in other ethnic groups are warranted to understand the implication of TGFB1 gene in AIS.

International Space Station Potable Water Characterization for 2013

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Straub, John E., II; Plumlee, Debrah K.; Schultz, John R.; Mudgett, Paul D.

2014-01-01

In this post-construction, operational phase of International Space Station (ISS) with an ever-increasing emphasis on its use as a test-bed for future exploration missions, the ISS crews continue to rely on water reclamation systems for the majority of their water needs. The onboard water supplies include U.S. Segment potable water from humidity condensate and urine, Russian Segment potable water from condensate, and ground-supplied potable water, as reserve. In 2013, the cargo returned on the Soyuz 32-35 flights included archival potable water samples collected from Expeditions 34-37. The former Water and Food Analytical Laboratory (now Toxicology and Evironmental Chemistry Laboratory) at the NASA Johnson Space Center continued its long-standing role of performing chemical analyses on ISS return water samples to verify compliance with potable water quality specifications. This paper presents and discusses the analytical results for potable water samples returned from Expeditions 34-37, including a comparison to ISS quality standards. During the summer of 2013, the U.S. Segment potable water experienced a third temporary rise and fall in total organic carbon (TOC) content, as the result of organic contamination breaking through the water system's treatment process. Analytical results for the Expedition 36 archival samples returned on Soyuz 34 confirmed that dimethylsilanediol was once again the responsible contaminant, just as it was for the previous comparable TOC rises in 2010 and 2012. Discussion herein includes the use of the in-flight total organic carbon analyzer (TOCA) as a key monitoring tool for tracking these TOC rises and scheduling appropriate remediation.

Evaluation of drug incorporation into hair segments and nails by enantiomeric analysis following controlled single MDMA intakes.

PubMed

Madry, Milena M; Steuer, Andrea E; Hysek, Cédric M; Liechti, Matthias E; Baumgartner, Markus R; Kraemer, Thomas

2016-01-01

Incorporation rates of the enantiomers of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and its metabolite 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) into hair and nails were investigated after controlled administration. Fifteen subjects without MDMA use received two doses of 125 mg of MDMA. Hair, nail scrapings, and nail clippings were collected 9-77 days after the last administration (median 20 days). Hair samples were analyzed in segments of 1- to 2-cm length. After chiral derivatization with N-(2,4-dinitro-5-fluorophenyl)-L-valinamide, MDMA and MDA diastereomers were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Highest concentrations in hair segments corresponded to the time of MDMA intake. They ranged from 101 to 3200 pg/mg and 71 to 860 pg/mg for R- and S-MDMA, and from 3.2 to 116 pg/mg and 4.4 to 108 pg/mg for R- and S-MDA, respectively. MDMA and MDA concentrations in nail scrapings and clippings were significantly lower than in hair samples. There was no significant difference between enantiomeric ratios of R/S-MDMA and R/S-MDA in hair and nail samples (medians 2.2-2.4 for MDMA and 0.85-0.95 for MDA). Metabolite ratios of MDA to MDMA were in the same range in hair and nail samples (medians 0.044-0.055). Our study demonstrates that administration of two representative doses of MDMA was detected in the hair segments corresponding to the time of intake based on average hair growth rates. MDMA was detected in all nail samples regardless of time passed after intake. Comparable R/S ratios in hair and nail samples may indicate that incorporation mechanisms into both matrices are comparable.

Acute inflammation induces segmental, bilateral, supraspinally mediated opioid release in the rat spinal cord, as measured by μ-opioid receptor internalization

PubMed Central

Chen, Wenling; Marvizón, Juan Carlos G.

2009-01-01

The objective of this study was to measure opioid release in the spinal cord during acute and long-term inflammation using μ-opioid receptor (MOR) internalization. In particular, we determined whether opioid release occurs in the segments receiving the noxious signals or in the entire spinal cord, and whether it involves supraspinal signals. Internalization of neurokinin 1 receptors (NK1Rs) was measured to track the intensity of the noxious stimulus. Rats received peptidase inhibitors intrathecally to protect opioids from degradation. Acute inflammation of the hindpaw with formalin induced moderate MOR internalization in the L5 segment bilaterally, whereas NK1R internalization occurred only ipsilaterally. MOR internalization was restricted to the lumbar spinal cord, regardless of whether the peptidase inhibitors were injected in a lumbar or thoracic site. Formalin-induced MOR internalization was substantially reduced by isoflurane anesthesia. It was also markedly reduced by a lidocaine block of the cervical-thoracic spinal cord (which did not affect the evoked NK1R internalization) indicating that spinal opioid release is mediated supraspinally. In the absence of peptidase inhibitors, formalin and hindpaw clamp induced a small amount of MOR internalization, which was significantly higher than in controls. To study spinal opioid release during chronic inflammation, we injected Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) in the hindpaw and peptidase inhibitors intrathecally. Two days later, no MOR or NK1R internalization was detected. Furthermore, CFA inflammation decreased MOR internalization induced by clamping the inflamed hindpaw. These results show that acute inflammation, but not chronic inflammation, induce segmental opioid release in the spinal cord that involves supraspinal signals. PMID:19298846

Acute inflammation induces segmental, bilateral, supraspinally mediated opioid release in the rat spinal cord, as measured by mu-opioid receptor internalization.

PubMed

Chen, W; Marvizón, J C G

2009-06-16

The objective of this study was to measure opioid release in the spinal cord during acute and long-term inflammation using mu-opioid receptor (MOR) internalization. In particular, we determined whether opioid release occurs in the segments receiving the noxious signals or in the entire spinal cord, and whether it involves supraspinal signals. Internalization of neurokinin 1 receptors (NK1Rs) was measured to track the intensity of the noxious stimulus. Rats received peptidase inhibitors intrathecally to protect opioids from degradation. Acute inflammation of the hind paw with formalin induced moderate MOR internalization in the L5 segment bilaterally, whereas NK1R internalization occurred only ipsilaterally. MOR internalization was restricted to the lumbar spinal cord, regardless of whether the peptidase inhibitors were injected in a lumbar or thoracic site. Formalin-induced MOR internalization was substantially reduced by isoflurane anesthesia. It was also markedly reduced by a lidocaine block of the cervical-thoracic spinal cord (which did not affect the evoked NK1R internalization) indicating that spinal opioid release is mediated supraspinally. In the absence of peptidase inhibitors, formalin and hind paw clamp induced a small amount of MOR internalization, which was significantly higher than in controls. To study spinal opioid release during chronic inflammation, we injected complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) in the hind paw and peptidase inhibitors intrathecally. Two days later, no MOR or NK1R internalization was detected. Furthermore, CFA inflammation decreased MOR internalization induced by clamping the inflamed hind paw. These results show that acute inflammation, but not chronic inflammation, induces segmental opioid release in the spinal cord that involves supraspinal signals.

Assessing the quality of humidity measurements from global operational radiosonde sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moradi, Isaac; Soden, Brian; Ferraro, Ralph; Arkin, Phillip; Vömel, Holger

2013-07-01

The quality of humidity measurements from global operational radiosonde sensors in upper, middle, and lower troposphere for the period 2000-2011 were investigated using satellite observations from three microwave water vapor channels operating at 183.31±1, 183.31±3, and 183.31±7 GHz. The radiosonde data were partitioned based on sensor type into 19 classes. The satellite brightness temperatures (Tb) were simulated using radiosonde profiles and a radiative transfer model, then the radiosonde simulated Tb's were compared with the observed Tb's from the satellites. The surface affected Tb's were excluded from the comparison due to the lack of reliable surface emissivity data at the microwave frequencies. Daytime and nighttime data were examined separately to see the possible effect of daytime radiation bias on the sonde data. The error characteristics among different radiosondes vary significantly, which largely reflects the differences in sensor type. These differences are more evident in the mid-upper troposphere than in the lower troposphere, mainly because some of the sensors stop responding to tropospheric humidity somewhere in the upper or even in the middle troposphere. In the upper troposphere, most sensors have a dry bias but Russian sensors and a few other sensors including GZZ2, VZB2, and RS80H have a wet bias. In middle troposphere, Russian sensors still have a wet bias but all other sensors have a dry bias. All sensors, including Russian sensors, have a dry bias in lower troposphere. The systematic and random errors generally decrease from upper to lower troposphere. Sensors from China, India, Russia, and the U.S. have a large random error in upper troposphere, which indicates that these sensors are not suitable for upper tropospheric studies as they fail to respond to humidity changes in the upper and even middle troposphere. Overall, Vaisala sensors perform better than other sensors throughout the troposphere exhibiting the smallest systematic and random errors. Because of the large differences between different radiosonde humidity sensors, it is important for long-term trend studies to only use data measured using a single type of sensor at any given station. If multiple sensor types are used then it is necessary to consider the bias between sensor types and its possible dependence on humidity and temperature.

PREFACE: Rusnanotech 2010 International Forum on Nanotechnology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kazaryan, Konstantin

2011-03-01

The Rusnanotech 2010 International Forum on Nanotechnology was held from November 1-3, 2010, in Moscow, Russia. It was the third forum organized by RUSNANO (Russian Corporation of Nanotechnologies) since 2008. In March 2011 RUSNANO was established as an open joint-stock company through the reorganization of the state corporation Russian Corporation of Nanotechnologies. RUSNANO's mission is to develop the Russian nanotechnology industry through co-investment in nanotechnology projects with substantial economic potential or social benefit. Within the framework of the Forum Science and Technology Program, presentations on key trends of nanotechnology development were given by foreign and Russian scientists, R&D officers of leading international companies, universities and scientific centers. The science and technology program of the Forum was divided into eight sections as follows (by following hyperlinks you may find each section's program including videos of all oral presentations): Catalysis and Chemical Industry Nanobiotechnology Nanodiagnostics Nanoelectronics Nanomaterials Nanophotonics Nanotechnolgy In The Energy Industry Nanotechnology in Medicine The scientific program of the forum included 115 oral presentations by leading scientists from 15 countries. Among them in the "Nanomaterials" section was the lecture by Dr Konstantin Novoselov, winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics 2010. The poster session consisted of over 500 presentations, 300 of which were presented in the framework of the young scientists' nanotechnology papers competition. This volume of the Journal of Physics: Conference Series includes a selection of 57 submissions. The scientific program committee: Prof Zhores Alferov, AcademicianVice-president of Russian Academy of Sciences, Nobel Prize winner, Russia, Chairman of the Program CommitteeProf Sergey Deev, Corresponding Member of Russian Academy of SciencesHead of the Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, M M Shemyakin and Yu A Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia, Deputy Chairman of the Program CommitteeProf Alexander Aseev, AcademicianVice-president of Russian Academy of Sciences Director, A V Rzhanov-Institute of Semiconductor Physics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, RussiaProf Sergey Bagaev, AcademicianDirector, Institute of Laser Physics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, RussiaProf Alexander Gintsburg, Ademician, Russian Academy of Medical SciencesDirector Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, RussiaProf Anatoly Grigoryev, Academician, Russian Academy of Sciences, Russian Academy of Medical SciencesVice-president, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, RussiaProf Michael Kovalchuk, RAS Corresponding MemberDirector, Kurchatov Institute Russian Scientific Center, RussiaProf Valery Lunin, AcademicianDean, Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, RussiaProf Valentin Parmon, Academician, DirectorBoreskov Institute of Catalysis, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, RussiaProf Rem Petrov, AcademicianAdvisor, Russian Academy of Sciences, RussiaProf Konstantin Skryabin, AcademicianDirector, Bioinzheneriya Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, RussiaProf Vsevolod Tkachuk, Academician, Russian Academy of Sciences, Russian Academy of Medical SciencesDean, Faculty of Fundamental Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, RussiaProf Vladimir Fortov, AcademicianDirector, Joint Institute for High Temperatures, Russian Academy of Sciences, RussiaProf Alexey Khokhlov, AcademicianVice Principal, Head of Innovation, Information and International Scientific Affairs Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, RussiaProf Valery Bukhtiyarov, RAS Corresponding MemberDirector, Physicochemical Research Methods Dept., Boreskov Institute of Catalysis, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, RussiaProf Anatoly Dvurechensky, RAS Corresponding MemberDeputy Director, Institute of Semiconductor Physics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, RussiaProf Vladimir Kvardakov, Corresponding Member of Russian Academy of SciencesExecutive Director, Kurchatov Center of Synchrotron Radiation and Nanotechnology, RussiaProf Edward Son, Corresponding member of Russian Academy of SciencesScientific Deputy Director, Joint Institute for High Temperatures, Russian Academy of Sciences, RussiaProf Andrey GudkovSenior Vice President, Basic Science Chairman, Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, USAProf Robert NemanichChair, Department of Physics, Arizona State University, USAProf Kandlikar SatishProfessor, Rochester Institute of Technology, USAProf Xiang ZhangUC Berkeley, Director of NSF Nano-scale Science and Engineering Center (NSEC), USAProf Andrei ZvyaginProfessor, Macquarie University, AustraliaProf Sergey KalyuzhnyDirector of the Scientific and Technological Expertise Department, RUSNANO, RussiaKonstantin Kazaryan, PhDExpert of the Scientific and Technological Expertise Department, RUSNANO, Russia, Program Committee SecretarySimeon ZhavoronkovHead of Nanotechnology Programs Development Office, Rusnanotech Forum Fund for the Nanotechnology Development, Russia Editors of the proceedings: Section "Nanoelectronics" - Corresponding Member of Russian Academy of Sciences, Professor Anatoly Dvurechenskii (Institute of Semiconductor Physics, RAS).Section "Nanophotonics" - Professor Vasily Klimov (Institute of Physics, RAS).Section "Nanodiagnostics" - Professor P Kashkarov (Russian Scientific Center, Kurchatov Institute).Section "Nanotechnology for power engineering" - Corresponding Member of Russian Academy of Sciences, Professor Eduard Son (Joint Institute for High Temperatures, RAS).Section "Catalysis and chemical industry" - Member of Russian Academy of Sciences, Professor Valentin Parmon (Institute of Catalysis SB RAS).Section "Nanomaterials" - E Obraztsova, PhD (Institute of Physics, RAS), Marat Gallamov PhD (Moscow State University).Section "Nanotechnology in medicine" - Denis Logunov, PhD (Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, RAMS).Section "Nanobiotechnology" - Member of Russian Academy of Sciences, Professor Konstantin Skryabin (Bioengineering Center, RAS), Member of Russian Academy of Sciences, Professor Rem Petrov (RAS), Corresponding Member of Russian Academy of Sciences, Professor Sergey Deev (Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry).

Identification of novel ROR2 gene mutations in Indian children with Robinow syndrome.

PubMed

Tamhankar, Parag M; Vasudevan, Lakshmi; Kondurkar, Shweta; Yashaswini, K; Agarwalla, Sunil Kumar; Nair, Mohandas; Ramkumar, T V; Chaubal, Nitin; Chennuri, Vasundhara Sridhar

2014-01-01

Robinow syndrome (RS) is an extremely rare genetic disorder characterized by short-limbed dwarfism, defects in vertebral segmentation and abnormalities in the head, face and external genitalia. Mutations in the ROR2 gene cause autosomal recessive RS (RRS) whereas mutations in WNT5A are responsible for the autosomal dominant (AD) form of RS. In AD Robinow patients, oral manifestations are more prominent, while hemivertebrae and scoliosis rarely occur and facial abnormalities tend to be milder. Three unrelated patients from different parts of India were studied. These patients were diagnosed as RRS due to presence of characteristic fetal facies, mesomelia, short stature, micropenis, hemivertebrae and rib abnormalities. One of the patients had fetal facies and micropenis but unusually mild skeletal features. This patient's mother had mild affection in the form of short stature and prominent eyes. Testosterone response to human chorionic gonadotropin was investigated in two patients and were normal. The exons and exon-intron boundaries of the ROR2 gene were sequenced for all probands. Bioinformatics analysis was done for putative variants using SIFT, PolyPhen2 and Mutation Taster. Patients 1, 2 and 3 were homozygous for c.G545A or p.C182Y in exon 5, c.227G>A or p.G76D in exon 3 and c.668G>A or p.C223Y in exon 6 respectively. Prenatal diagnosis could be performed in an ongoing pregnancy in one family and the fetus was confirmed to be unaffected. ROR2 mutations were documented for the first time in the Indian population. Knowledge of the molecular basis of the disorder served to provide accurate counseling and prenatal diagnosis to the families.

Novel genomic rearrangements mediated by multiple genetic elements in Streptococcus pyogenes M23ND confer potential for evolutionary persistence

PubMed Central

Bao, Yun-Juan; Liang, Zhong; Mayfield, Jeffrey A.; McShan, William M.; Lee, Shaun W.; Ploplis, Victoria A.; Castellino, Francis J.

2016-01-01

Symmetric genomic rearrangements around replication axes in genomes are commonly observed in prokaryotic genomes, including Group A Streptococcus (GAS). However, asymmetric rearrangements are rare. Our previous studies showed that the hypervirulent invasive GAS strain, M23ND, containing an inactivated transcriptional regulator system, covRS, exhibits unique extensive asymmetric rearrangements, which reconstructed a genomic structure distinct from other GAS genomes. In the current investigation, we identified the rearrangement events and examined the genetic consequences and evolutionary implications underlying the rearrangements. By comparison with a close phylogenetic relative, M18-MGAS8232, we propose a molecular model wherein a series of asymmetric rearrangements have occurred in M23ND, involving translocations, inversions and integrations mediated by multiple factors, viz., rRNA-comX (factor for late competence), transposons and phage-encoded gene segments. Assessments of the cumulative gene orientations and GC skews reveal that the asymmetric genomic rearrangements did not affect the general genomic integrity of the organism. However, functional distributions reveal re-clustering of a broad set of CovRS-regulated actively transcribed genes, including virulence factors and metabolic genes, to the same leading strand, with high confidence (p-value ~10−10). The re-clustering of the genes suggests a potential selection advantage for the spatial proximity to the transcription complexes, which may contain the global transcriptional regulator, CovRS, and other RNA polymerases. Their proximities allow for efficient transcription of the genes required for growth, virulence and persistence. A new paradigm of survival strategies of GAS strains is provided through multiple genomic rearrangements, while, at the same time, maintaining genomic integrity. PMID:27329479

Energy expenditure of genuine laughter

PubMed Central

Buchowski, MS; Majchrzak, KM; Blomquist, K; Chen, KY; Byrne, DW; Bachorowski, J-A

2012-01-01

Objective To measure energy expenditure (EE) and heart rate (HR) during genuine laughter. Design Experimental trial of viewing film clips in four cycles either intended to evoke laughter (humorous −10 min) or unlikely to elicit laughter (not humorous −5 min) under strictly controlled conditions of a whole-room indirect calorimeter equipped with audio recording system. Participants Forty five adult friend dyads in either same-sex male (n=7), same-sex female (n=21) and mix-sex male-female (n=17); age 18–34 years; body mass index 24.7±4.9 (range 17.9–41.1). Measurements Energy expenditure in a whole-room indirect calorimeter, HR using Polar HR monitor. Laugh rate, duration and type from digitized audio data using a computerized system and synchronized with HR and EE results. Results Laughter EE was 0.79±1.30 kJ/min (0.19±0.31 kcal/min) higher than resting EE (P<0.001, 95% confidence interval=0.75–0.88 kJ/min), ranging from −2.52 to 9.67 kJ/min (−0.60–2.31 kcal/min). Heart rate during laughter segments increased above resting by 2.1±3.8 beats/min, ranging from −7.6 to 26.8 beats/min. Laughter EE was correlated with HR (rs=0.250, P<0.01). Both laughter EE and HR were positively correlated with laughter duration (rs=0.282 and 0.337, both P<0.001) and rate (rs=0.256 and 0.298, both P<0.001). Conclusion Genuine voiced laughter causes a 10–20% increase in EE and HR above resting values, which means that 10–15 min of laughter per day could increase total EE by 40–170 kJ (10–40 kcal). PMID:16652129

Some new classification methods for hyperspectral remote sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Du, Pei-jun; Chen, Yun-hao; Jones, Simon; Ferwerda, Jelle G.; Chen, Zhi-jun; Zhang, Hua-peng; Tan, Kun; Yin, Zuo-xia

2006-10-01

Hyperspectral Remote Sensing (HRS) is one of the most significant recent achievements of Earth Observation Technology. Classification is the most commonly employed processing methodology. In this paper three new hyperspectral RS image classification methods are analyzed. These methods are: Object-oriented FIRS image classification, HRS image classification based on information fusion and HSRS image classification by Back Propagation Neural Network (BPNN). OMIS FIRS image is used as the example data. Object-oriented techniques have gained popularity for RS image classification in recent years. In such method, image segmentation is used to extract the regions from the pixel information based on homogeneity criteria at first, and spectral parameters like mean vector, texture, NDVI and spatial/shape parameters like aspect ratio, convexity, solidity, roundness and orientation for each region are calculated, finally classification of the image using the region feature vectors and also using suitable classifiers such as artificial neural network (ANN). It proves that object-oriented methods can improve classification accuracy since they utilize information and features both from the point and the neighborhood, and the processing unit is a polygon (in which all pixels are homogeneous and belong to the class). HRS image classification based on information fusion, divides all bands of the image into different groups initially, and extracts features from every group according to the properties of each group. Three levels of information fusion: data level fusion, feature level fusion and decision level fusion are used to HRS image classification. Artificial Neural Network (ANN) can perform well in RS image classification. In order to promote the advances of ANN used for HIRS image classification, Back Propagation Neural Network (BPNN), the most commonly used neural network, is used to HRS image classification.

Macromolecular recognition: Structural aspects of the origin of the genetic system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rein, Robert; Sokalski, W. Andrzej; Barak, Dov; Luo, Ning; Zielinski, Theresa Julia; Shibata, Masayuki

1991-01-01

Theoretical simulation of prebiotic chemical processes is an invaluable tool for probing the phenomenon of the evolution of life. Using computational and modeling techniques and guided by analogies from present day systems, we seek to understand the emergence of the genetic apparatus, enzymatic catalysis and protein synthesis under prebiotic conditions. Modeling of the ancestral aminoacyl-tRNA-synthetases (aRS) may provide important clues to the emergence of the genetic code and the protein synthetic machinery. The minimal structural requirements for the catalysis of tRNA aminoacylation are being explored. A formation of an aminoacyl adenylate was studied in the framework of ab initio molecular orbital theory. The role of individual residues in the vicinity of the TyrRS active site was examined, and the effect of all possible amino acids substitutions near the active site was examined. A formation of aminoacyl tRNA was studied by the molecular modeling system SYBYL with the high resolution crystallographic structures of the present day tRNA, aRS's complexes. The ultimate goal is to propose a simple RNA segment that is small enough to be build in the primordial chemical environment but maintains the specificity and catalytic activity of the contemporary RNA enzyme. To understand the mechanism of ribozyme catalyzed reactions, ab initio and semi-empirical (ZINDO) programs were used to investigate the reaction path of transphosphorylation. A special emphasis was placed on the possible catalytic and structural roles played by the coordinated magnesium cation. Both the inline and adjacent mechanisms of transphosphorylation were studied. The structural characteristics of the target helices, particularly a possible role for the G-T pair, is also studied by a molecular dynamics (MD) simulation technique.

Violence on the Russian & American Media Screen and Youth Audience

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fedorov, Alexander

2003-01-01

The comparison of the Russian and American experience regarding media violence, standards for rating Russian media programs, and a course of study on media violence for students will have a significant impact upon Russian society, will raise Russian societal and governmental attention to the infringement of the Rights of the Child on the Russian…

Bubble-detector measurements of neutron radiation in the international space station: ISS-34 to ISS-37

PubMed Central

Smith, M. B.; Khulapko, S.; Andrews, H. R.; Arkhangelsky, V.; Ing, H.; Koslowksy, M. R.; Lewis, B. J.; Machrafi, R.; Nikolaev, I.; Shurshakov, V.

2016-01-01

Bubble detectors have been used to characterise the neutron dose and energy spectrum in several modules of the International Space Station (ISS) as part of an ongoing radiation survey. A series of experiments was performed during the ISS-34, ISS-35, ISS-36 and ISS-37 missions between December 2012 and October 2013. The Radi-N2 experiment, a repeat of the 2009 Radi-N investigation, included measurements in four modules of the US orbital segment: Columbus, the Japanese experiment module, the US laboratory and Node 2. The Radi-N2 dose and spectral measurements are not significantly different from the Radi-N results collected in the same ISS locations, despite the large difference in solar activity between 2009 and 2013. Parallel experiments using a second set of detectors in the Russian segment of the ISS included the first characterisation of the neutron spectrum inside the tissue-equivalent Matroshka-R phantom. These data suggest that the dose inside the phantom is ∼70 % of the dose at its surface, while the spectrum inside the phantom contains a larger fraction of high-energy neutrons than the spectrum outside the phantom. The phantom results are supported by Monte Carlo simulations that provide good agreement with the empirical data. PMID:25899609

The Electric Power System of the International Space Station: A Platform for Power Technology Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gietl, Eric B.; Gholdston, Edward W.; Manners, Bruce A.; Delventhal, Rex A.

2000-01-01

The electrical power system developed for the International Space Station represents the largest space-based power system ever designed and, consequently, has driven some key technology aspects and operational challenges. The full U.S.-built system consists of a 160-Volt dc primary network, and a more tightly regulated 120-Volt dc secondary network. Additionally, the U.S. system interfaces with the 28-Volt system in the Russian segment. The international nature of the Station has resulted in modular converters, switchgear, outlet panels, and other components being built by different countries, with the associated interface challenges. This paper provides details of the architecture and unique hardware developed for the Space Station, and examines the opportunities it provides for further long-term space power technology development, such as concentrating solar arrays and flywheel energy storage systems.

ISS Expedition 54-55 Docking, Hatch Opening and Welcome Activities

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-12-19

After launching Dec. 17 in their Soyuz MS-07 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 54-55 Soyuz Commander Anton Shkaplerov of Roscosmos and Flight Engineers Scott Tingle of NASA and Norishige Kanai of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) arrived at the International Space Station Dec. 19 to complete a two-day journey, docking their vehicle to the Rassvet module on the Russian segment of the complex. A few hours after docking their Soyuz MS-07 spacecraft to the International Space Station, Expedition 54-55 Soyuz Commander Anton Shkaplerov of Roscosmos and Flight Engineers Scott Tingle of NASA and Norishige Kanai of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), opened hatches and were greeted by station Commander Alexander Misurkin of Roscosmos and Flight Engineers Joe Acaba and Mark Vande Hei of NASA.

Changes in the Russian Wheat Aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) Biotype Complex in South Africa.

PubMed

Jankielsohn, Astrid

2016-04-01

Russian wheat aphid Diuraphis noxia (Kurdjumov) has spread from its native area in central Asia to all the major wheat-producing countries in the world to become an international wheat pest. Because the Russian wheat aphid is a serious threat to the wheat industry in South Africa, it is important to investigate the key factors involved in the distribution of Russian wheat aphid biotypes and in the changes of the Russian wheat aphid biotype complex in South Africa. There are currently four known Russian wheat aphid biotypes occurring in South Africa. Russian wheat aphid samples were collected from 2011 to 2014 during the wheat-growing season in spring and summer and these samples were screened to determine the biotype status. RWASA1 occurred predominantly in the Western Cape, while RWASA2 and RWASA3 occurred predominantly in the Eastern Free State. Following the first record of RWASA4 in 2011, this biotype was restricted to the Eastern Free State. The surveys suggest that the Russian wheat aphid bioype complex was more diverse in the Eastern Free State than in the other wheat production areas. There was also a shift in Russian wheat aphid biotype composition over time. The Russian wheat aphid biotype complex is dynamic, influenced by environmental factors such as host plants, altitude, and climate, and it can change and diversify over time causing fluctuation in populations over sites and years. This dynamic nature of the Russian wheat aphid will continue to challenge the development of Russian wheat aphid-resistant wheat cultivars in South Africa, and the continued monitoring of the biotypic and genetic structure, to determine genetic relatedness and variation in different biotypes, of Russian wheat aphid populations is important for protecting wheat.

Coverage of Russian psychological contributions in American psychology textbooks.

PubMed

Aleksandrova-Howell, Maria; Abramson, Charles I; Craig, David Philip Arthur

2012-01-01

Internationalizing psychology is an important component of current globalization trends. American textbooks on the history of psychology and introductory psychology were surveyed for the presence of historical and contemporary important Russian psychologists to assess the current status of Russian-American crossfertilization. Of a list of 97 important Russian psychologists, as determined by the editors of the Russian journal Methodology and History in Psychology, less than 22% are mentioned in the reviewed texts. The most common names were Pavlov, Luria, and Vygotsky. As the internet is arguably the single most important factor affecting the increase of international communication and dissemination of knowledge, we also searched for these 97 names on various websites, most notably Wikipedia and Google. Forty-one internet sites contained some amount of biographical information about Russian psychologists. On Wikipedia, 14 Russian psychologists had articles documenting biographical information. We also developed a rubric to determine the amount of information available on the internet for these psychologists and compared Wikipedia's mean score with various other websites. Wikipedia pages on average had a significantly higher score than the rest of the internet. Recommendations to improve Russian coverage in America are provided and include: (1) developing pages on Wikipedia and other virtual venues highlighting Russian contributions, (2) soliciting articles for US journals from Russian psychologists, and (3) incorporating Russian contributions in introductory and historical textbooks. We provide a partial bibliography of Russian contributions that can be used by authors of such textbooks. We would like to thank Dr Viktor Fedorovich Petrenko and Dr Igor Nikolaevich Karitsky from the journal Methodology and History of Psychology for supplying the names of the Russian psychologists. We would also like to express our appreciation to Robert García for reviewing and editing an earlier version of this manuscript.

Speech-sound duration processing in a second language is specific to phonetic categories.

PubMed

Nenonen, Sari; Shestakova, Anna; Huotilainen, Minna; Näätänen, Risto

2005-01-01

The mismatch negativity (MMN) component of the auditory event-related potential was used to determine the effect of native language, Russian, on the processing of speech-sound duration in a second language, Finnish, that uses duration as a cue for phonological distinction. The native-language effect was compared with Finnish vowels that either can or cannot be categorized using the Russian phonological system. The results showed that the duration-change MMN for the Finnish sounds that could be categorized through Russian was reduced in comparison with that for the Finnish sounds having no Russian equivalent. In the Finnish sounds that can be mapped through the Russian phonological system, the facilitation of the duration processing may be inhibited by the native Russian language. However, for the sounds that have no Russian equivalent, new vowel categories independent of the native Russian language have apparently been established, enabling a native-like duration processing of Finnish.

Morphometric Analysis to Prioritize Sub-Watershed for Flood Risk Assessment in Central Karakoram National Park Using Gis/rs Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Syed, N. H.; Rehman, A. A.; Hussain, D.; Ishaq, S.; Khan, A. A.

2017-11-01

Morphometric analysis is vital for any watershed investigation and it is inevitable for flood risk assessment in sub-watershed basins. Present study undertaken to carry out critical evaluation and assessment of sub watershed morphological parameters for flood risk assessment of Central Karakorum National Park (CKNP), where Geographical information system and remote sensing (GIS & RS) approach used for quantifying the parameter and mapping of sub watershed units. ASTER DEM used as a geo-spatial data for watershed delineation and stream network. Morphometric analysis carried out using spatial analyst tool of ArcGIS 10.2. The parameters included were bifurcation ratio (Rb), Drainage Texture (Rt), Circulatory ratio (Rc), Elongated ratio (Re), Drainage density (Dd), Stream Length (Lu), Stream order (Su), Slope and Basin length (Lb) have calculated separately. The analysis revealed that the stream order varies from order 1 to 6 and the total numbers of stream segments of all orders were 52. Multi criteria analysis process used to calculate the risk factor. As an accomplished result, map of sub watershed prioritization developed using weighted standardized risk factor. These results helped to understand sensitivity of flush floods in different sub watersheds of the study area and leaded to better management of the mountainous regions in prospect of flush floods.

An Association Between Functional Polymorphisms of the Interleukin 1 Gene Complex and Schizophrenia Using Transmission Disequilibrium Test.

PubMed

Kapelski, Pawel; Skibinska, Maria; Maciukiewicz, Malgorzata; Pawlak, Joanna; Dmitrzak-Weglarz, Monika; Szczepankiewicz, Aleksandra; Zaremba, Dorota; Twarowska-Hauser, Joanna

2016-12-01

IL1 gene complex has been implicated in the etiology of schizophrenia. To assess whether IL1 gene complex is associated with susceptibility to schizophrenia in Polish population we conducted family-based study. Functional polymorphisms from IL1A (rs1800587, rs17561, rs11677416), IL1B (rs1143634, rs1143643, rs16944, rs4848306, rs1143623, rs1143633, rs1143627) and IL1RN (rs419598, rs315952, rs9005, rs4251961) genes were genotyped in 143 trio with schizophrenia. Statistical analysis was performed using transmission disequilibrium test. We have found a trend toward an association of rs1143627, rs16944, rs1143623 in IL1B gene with the risk of schizophrenia. Our results show a protective effect of allele T of rs4251961 in IL1RN against schizophrenia. We also performed haplotype analysis of IL1 gene complex and found a trend toward an association with schizophrenia of GAGG haplotype (rs1143627, rs16944, rs1143623, rs4848306) in IL1B gene, haplotypes: TG (rs315952, rs9005) and TT (rs4251961, rs419598) in IL1RN. Haplotype CT (rs4251961, rs419598) in IL1RN was found to be associated with schizophrenia. After correction for multiple testing associations did not reach significance level. Our results might support theory that polymorphisms of interleukin 1 complex genes (rs1143627, rs16944, rs1143623, rs4848306 in IL1B gene and rs4251961, rs419598, rs315952, rs9005 in IL1RN gene) are involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia, however, none of the results reach significance level after correction for multiple testing.

Genome-Wide Association Study of White Blood Cell Count in 16,388 African Americans: the Continental Origins and Genetic Epidemiology Network (COGENT)

PubMed Central

Arepalli, Sampath; Britton, Angela; Chen, Zhao; Couper, David; Curb, J. David; Eaton, Charles B.; Fornage, Myriam; Grant, Struan F. A.; Harris, Tamara B.; Hernandez, Dena; Kamatini, Naoyuki; Keating, Brendan J.; Kubo, Michiaki; LaCroix, Andrea; Lange, Leslie A.; Liu, Simin; Lohman, Kurt; Meng, Yan; Mohler, Emile R.; Musani, Solomon; Nakamura, Yusuke; O'Donnell, Christopher J.; Okada, Yukinori; Palmer, Cameron D.; Papanicolaou, George J.; Patel, Kushang V.; Singleton, Andrew B.; Takahashi, Atsushi; Tang, Hua; Taylor, Herman A.; Taylor, Kent; Thomson, Cynthia; Yanek, Lisa R.; Yang, Lingyao; Ziv, Elad; Zonderman, Alan B.; Folsom, Aaron R.; Evans, Michele K.; Liu, Yongmei; Becker, Diane M.; Snively, Beverly M.; Wilson, James G.

2011-01-01

Total white blood cell (WBC) and neutrophil counts are lower among individuals of African descent due to the common African-derived “null” variant of the Duffy Antigen Receptor for Chemokines (DARC) gene. Additional common genetic polymorphisms were recently associated with total WBC and WBC sub-type levels in European and Japanese populations. No additional loci that account for WBC variability have been identified in African Americans. In order to address this, we performed a large genome-wide association study (GWAS) of total WBC and cell subtype counts in 16,388 African-American participants from 7 population-based cohorts available in the Continental Origins and Genetic Epidemiology Network. In addition to the DARC locus on chromosome 1q23, we identified two other regions (chromosomes 4q13 and 16q22) associated with WBC in African Americans (P<2.5×10−8). The lead SNP (rs9131) on chromosome 4q13 is located in the CXCL2 gene, which encodes a chemotactic cytokine for polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Independent evidence of the novel CXCL2 association with WBC was present in 3,551 Hispanic Americans, 14,767 Japanese, and 19,509 European Americans. The index SNP (rs12149261) on chromosome 16q22 associated with WBC count is located in a large inter-chromosomal segmental duplication encompassing part of the hydrocephalus inducing homolog (HYDIN) gene. We demonstrate that the chromosome 16q22 association finding is most likely due to a genotyping artifact as a consequence of sequence similarity between duplicated regions on chromosomes 16q22 and 1q21. Among the WBC loci recently identified in European or Japanese populations, replication was observed in our African-American meta-analysis for rs445 of CDK6 on chromosome 7q21 and rs4065321 of PSMD3-CSF3 region on chromosome 17q21. In summary, the CXCL2, CDK6, and PSMD3-CSF3 regions are associated with WBC count in African American and other populations. We also demonstrate that large inter-chromosomal duplications can result in false positive associations in GWAS. PMID:21738479

NATO-Russian Relations: Status and Prospectives

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-12-01

commission to draft it until July 1994. 91 Anne C. Aldis and Roger N. McDermott, Russian Military Reform 1992... Russian Military Reform 1992-2002, p. 4. 42 Finally, the President signed the first National Security Concept of the Russian Federation on 17 December...INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 73 LIST OF REFERENCES Aldis, Anne C. and McDermott, Roger N., Russian Military Reform 1992-2002, (Portland, OR: Conflict

Education Standards and Assessment in the Russian Federation: Results from Russian-Dutch Cooperation in Education. First Edition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Voogt, Joke, Ed.; Plomp, Tjeerd, Ed.

From 1992 to 1997, a joint Russian-Dutch project team contributed to the elaboration of education standards and an educational assessment system in the Russian Federation in the wake of the transition in the Russian Federation from a centralized to a decentralized society. The chapters in this book describe the results of the project and provide…

The desensitization gate of inhibitory Cys-loop receptors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gielen, Marc; Thomas, Philip; Smart, Trevor G.

2015-04-01

Cys-loop neurotransmitter-gated ion channels are vital for communication throughout the nervous system. Following activation, these receptors enter into a desensitized state in which the ion channel shuts even though the neurotransmitter molecules remain bound. To date, the molecular determinants underlying this most fundamental property of Cys-loop receptors have remained elusive. Here we present a generic mechanism for the desensitization of Cys-loop GABAA (GABAARs) and glycine receptors (GlyRs), which both mediate fast inhibitory synaptic transmission. Desensitization is regulated by interactions between the second and third transmembrane segments, which affect the ion channel lumen near its intracellular end. The GABAAR and GlyR pore blocker picrotoxin prevented desensitization, consistent with its deep channel-binding site overlapping a physical desensitization gate.

Development of Clinical Pharmacology in the Russian Federation.

PubMed

Petrov, V I; Kagramanyan, I N; Khokhlov, A L; Frolov, M U; Lileeva, E G

2016-05-01

The article aims to provide the history, organization, and approaches to clinical pharmacology in the Russian Federation. This article is based on major international and Russian documents, along with groundbreaking historical facts and scientific articles related to the development of modern clinical pharmacology the Russian Federation. Improving the quality of drug therapy is the main goal of clinical pharmacology in the Russian Federation. Decisions of the World Health Organization, scientific achievements, and the work of well-known scientists among the world community and in the Russian Federation have strongly influenced the development of clinical pharmacology the Russian Federation. Clinical pharmacology in the Russian Federation addresses a wide range of problems; it actively engages in modern scientific research, education; and clinical practice. Clinical pharmacologists participate in studies of new drugs and often have a specific area of expertise. The future development of clinical pharmacology in the Russian Federation will be related to improvements in training, refinement of the framework that regulates clinical pharmacologists, and the creation of clinical pharmacology laboratories with modern equipment. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier HS Journals, Inc. All rights reserved.

Association of FTO rs9939609 with Obesity.

PubMed

Yasri, Sora; Wiwanitkit, Viroj

2018-05-30

Association of FTO rs9939609 with Obesity Association of FTO rs9939609 with Obesity Association of FTO rs9939609 with Obesity Association of FTO rs9939609 with Obesity Association of FTO rs9939609 with Obesity Association of FTO rs9939609 with Obesity Association of FTO rs9939609 with Obesity Association of FTO rs9939609 with Obesity Association of FTO rs9939609 with Obesity Association of FTO rs9939609 with Obesity Association of FTO rs9939609 with Obesity Association of FTO rs9939609 with Obesity

Materials (Subjects) and Methods

Association of FTO rs9939609 with Obesity Association of FTO rs9939609 with Obesity Association of FTO rs9939609 with Obesity Association of FTO rs9939609 with Obesity Association of FTO rs9939609 with Obesity

Results:

Association of FTO rs9939609 with Obesity

Conclusion:

Association of FTO rs9939609 with Obesity Association of FTO rs9939609 with Obesity Association of FTO rs9939609 with Obesity Association of FTO rs9939609 with Obesity Association of FTO rs9939609 with Obesity Association of FTO rs9939609 with Obesity Association of FTO rs9939609 with Obesity Association of FTO rs9939609 with Obesity Association of FTO rs9939609 with Obesity. ©2018The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.

Impact of Biofilms on the Design and Operation of ISS Life Support Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carter, Donald Layne; Brown, Chris

2017-01-01

Biofilm growth has been an ongoing issue for US and Russian water systems on the International Space Station, and is a critical issue for exploration missions in which water systems must be designed to accommodate dormant periods of up to one year. On ISS, Russian condensate plumbing has previously clogged with biomass, requiring condensate plumbing to now be regularly replaced. In the US Segment, the release of biofilm from the Water Processor waste tank has clogged a solenoid valve downstream of the tank, resulting in the costly replacement of the inlet separator and process pump. Subsequent management of the biofilm in the waste tank involves restrictions on tank cycles to limit the release of biomass and an additional filter to protect downstream components. Engineering personnel are now evaluating concepts to better manage the biomass, including the use of microbial inhibitors and UV LEDs. Though current ISS operations could likely be sustained for the duration of ISS, a more effective method must be developed for managing the growth and release of biomass in future exploration vehicles. Biofilm management for future missions is complicated by the requirement to accommodate extended periods of dormancy during which time the water system will be stagnant. The current approach under consideration is to flush the waste water with product water to reduce the organic content followed by use of microbial inhibitors or UV. However, other concepts may also be developed based on ongoing research.

Does the centre of mass remain stable during complex human postural equilibrium tasks in weightlessness?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stapley, Paul; Pozzo, Thierry

In normal gravity conditions the execution of voluntary movement involves the displacement of body segments as well as the maintenance of a stable reference value for equilibrium control. It has been suggested that centre of mass (CM) projection within the supporting base (BS) is the stabilised reference for voluntary action, and is conserved in weightlessness. The purpose of this study was to determine if the CM is stabilised during whole body reaching movements executed in weightlessness. The reaching task was conducted by two cosmonauts aboard the Russian orbital station MIR, during the Franco-Russian mission ALTAIR, 1993. Movements of reflective markers were recorded using a videocamera, successive images being reconstructed by computer every 40ms. The position of the CM, ankle joint torques and shank and thigh angles were computed for each subject pre- in- and post-flight using a 7-link mathematical model. Results showed that both cosmonauts adopted a backward leaning posture prior to reaching movements. Inflight, the CM was displaced throughout values in the horizontal axis three times those of pre-flight measures. In addition, ankle dorsi flexor torques inflight increased to values double those of pre- and post-flight tests. This study concluded that CM displacements do not remain stable during complex postural equilibrium tasks executed in weightlessness. Furthermore, in the absence of gravity, subjects changed their strategy for producing ankle torque during spaceflight from a forward to a backward leaning posture.

System-Level Reuse of Space Systems Simulations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hazen, Michael R.; Williams, Joseph C.

2004-01-01

One of the best ways to enhance space systems simulation fidelity is to leverage off of (reuse) existing high-fidelity simulations. But what happens when the model you would like to reuse is in a different coding language or other barriers arise that make one want to just start over with a clean sheet of paper? Three diverse system-level simulation reuse case studies are described based on experience to date in the development of NASA's Space Station Training Facility (SSTF) at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Case studies include (a) the Boeing/Rocketdyne-provided Electrical Power Simulation (EPSIM), (b) the NASA Automation and Robotics Division-provided TRICK robotics systems model, and (c) the Russian Space Agency- provided Russian Segment Trainer. In each case, there was an initial tendency to dismiss simulation reuse candidates based on an apparent lack of suitability. A more careful examination based on a more structured assessment of architectural and requirements-oriented representations of the reuse candidates revealed significant reuse potential. Specific steps used to conduct the detailed assessments are discussed. The steps include the following: 1) Identifying reuse candidates; 2) Requirements compatibility assessment; 3) Maturity assessment; 4) Life-cycle cost determination; and 5) Risk assessment. Observations and conclusions are presented related to the real cost of system-level simulation component reuse. Finally, lessons learned that relate to maximizing the benefits of space systems simulation reuse are shared. These concepts should be directly applicable for use in the development of space systems simulations in the future.

Expedition 9 Russian News Conference

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-04-20

NASA Deputy Administrator Fred Gregory, second from right, and Russian Federal Space Agency Deputy General-Director Nikolai Moiseev, center, answer questions from reporters along with other Russian space officials at a news conference, Wednesday, April 21, 2004, at the Russian Mission Control Center outside Moscow following the docking of the Expedition 9 crew and a European Space Agency astronaut to the International Space Station in a Russian Soyuz spacecraft. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Development of Culturally Appropriate Support Strategies to Increase Uptake of Nicotine Replacement Therapy Among Russian- and Chinese-Speaking Smokers in New York City.

PubMed

Quinn, Erin C; Sacks, Rachel; Farley, Shannon M; Thihalolipavan, Sayone

2017-06-01

Approximately 80,000 New York City smokers are Chinese or Russian speakers. To increase utilization of smoking cessation services among these populations, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene developed linguistically and culturally tailored outreach strategies to promote and enhance its annual Nicotine Patch and Gum Program. In 2010, online web applications in Chinese and Russian were introduced. In 2011, input was sought from the community to develop Russian-language radio and newspaper ads, and a Russian-speaking liaison provided phone-assisted online enrollment support. In 2012, Chinese newspaper ads were introduced, and a Cantonese- and Mandarin-speaking liaison was hired to provide enrollment support. In 2010, 51 Russian speakers and 40 Chinese speakers enrolled in the program via web application. In 2011, 510 Russian speakers applied via the web application, with 463 assisted by the Russian-speaking liaison; forty-four Chinese speakers applied online. In 2012, 394 Russian speakers applied via the web application; 363 were assisted by the Russian-speaking liaison. Eighty-five Chinese smokers applied online via the web application; seventy were assisted by the Chinese-speaking liaison. Following the implementation of culturally tailored cessation support interventions, ethnic Russian smokers' uptake of cessation support increased tenfold, while Chinese smokers' uptake doubled. Although linguistically appropriate resources are an essential foundation for reaching immigrant communities with high smoking rates, devising culturally tailored strategies to increase quit rates is critical to programmatic success.

Molecular differentiation of Russian wild ginseng using mitochondrial nad7 intron 3 region.

PubMed

Li, Guisheng; Cui, Yan; Wang, Hongtao; Kwon, Woo-Saeng; Yang, Deok-Chun

2017-07-01

Cultivated ginseng is often introduced as a substitute and adulterant of Russian wild ginseng due to its lower cost or misidentification caused by similarity in appearance with wild ginseng. The aim of this study is to develop a simple and reliable method to differentiate Russian wild ginseng from cultivated ginseng. The mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 7 ( nad 7) intron 3 regions of Russian wild ginseng and Chinese cultivated ginseng were analyzed. Based on the multiple sequence alignment result, a specific primer for Russian wild ginseng was designed by introducing additional mismatch and allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed for identification of wild ginseng. Real-time allele-specific PCR with endpoint analysis was used for validation of the developed Russian wild ginseng single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) marker. An SNP site specific to Russian wild ginseng was exploited by multiple alignments of mitochondrial nad 7 intron 3 regions of different ginseng samples. With the SNP-based specific primer, Russian wild ginseng was successfully discriminated from Chinese and Korean cultivated ginseng samples by allele-specific PCR. The reliability and specificity of the SNP marker was validated by checking 20 individuals of Russian wild ginseng samples with real-time allele-specific PCR assay. An effective DNA method for molecular discrimination of Russian wild ginseng from Chinese and Korean cultivated ginseng was developed. The established real-time allele-specific PCR was simple and reliable, and the present method should be a crucial complement of chemical analysis for authentication of Russian wild ginseng.

A Bright Future for Russian Higher Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kishkovsky, Sophia

2000-01-01

Russian higher education is reinventing itself, but in distinctly Russian ways. While universities embrace new technology, students are frustrated as new freedoms confront old educational methods (grueling entrance exams, rote learning, dictatorial professors, and minimal participation). Education is still basically Russian, though capitalism is…

Russian Military Reform: Problems and Challenges

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-03-25

RUSSIAN MILITARY REFORM : PROBLEMS AND CHALLENGES BY LIEUTENANT COLONEL ZURAB AGLADZE Georgian Army...USAWC STRATEGIC REASERCH PROJECT RUSSIAN MILITARY REFORM : PROBLEMS AND CHALLENGES by Lieutenant Colonel...noncommissioned officers still continue to be unsolved. Despite some successes, Russian military reform still faces many challenges that will

[Linguistic adaptation of the Russian version of the Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2].

PubMed

Bakhtadze, M A; Bolotov, D A; Kuzminov, K O; Padun, M P; Zakharova, O B

Linguistic adaptation of the Russian version of the Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2), which is conceptually equivalent to the original questionnaire. The adaptation of the Russian version of SF-MPQ-2 was performed in accordance to established rules in several stages by two independent translators with the development of a consensus Russian version and its back translation by two independent translators and development of a consensus English version. The final Russian SF-MPQ-2 version was then created. The Russian version of the Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2-RU) was generated based on the established rules. This version was legally registered by the right holder - Mapi Research Trust and recommended for research in the Russian Federation.

Returning HEU Fuel from the Czech Republic to Russia

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

Michael Tyacke; Dr. Igor Bolshinsky

In December 1999, representatives from the United States, Russian Federation, and International Atomic Energy Agency began working on a program to return Russian supplied, highly enriched, uranium fuel stored at foreign research reactors to Russia. Now, under the Global Threat Reduction Initiative’s Russian Research Reactor Fuel Return Program, this effort has repatriated over 800 kg of highly enriched uranium to Russia from over 10 countries. In May 2004, the “Agreement Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Russian Federation Concerning Cooperation for the Transfer of Russian Produced Research Reactor Nuclear Fuel to themore » Russian Federation” was signed. This agreement provides legal authority for the Russian Research Reactor Fuel Return Program and establishes parameters whereby eligible countries may return highly enriched uranium spent and fresh fuel assemblies and other fissile materials to Russia. On December 8, 2007, one of the largest shipments of highly enriched uranium spent nuclear fuel was successfully made from a Russian-designed nuclear research reactor in the Czech Republic to the Russian Federation. This accomplishment is the culmination of years of planning, negotiations, and hard work. The United States, Russian Federation, and the International Atomic Energy Agency have been working together. In February 2003, Russian Research Reactor Fuel Return Program representatives met with the Nuclear Research Institute in Rež, Czech Republic, and discussed the return of their highly enriched uranium spent nuclear fuel to the Russian Federation for reprocessing. Nearly 5 years later, the shipment was made. This article discusses the planning, preparations, coordination, and cooperation required to make this important international shipment.« less

Expedition 9 Russian News Conference

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-04-20

NASA Deputy Administrator Fred Gregory, far right, and Russian Federal Space Agency Deputy General-Director Nikolai Moiseev, second from right, answer questions from reporters along with other Russian space officials at a news conference, Wednesday, April 21, 2004, at the Russian Mission Control Center outside Moscow following the docking of the Expedition 9 crew and a European Space Agency astronaut to the International Space Station in a Russian Soyuz spacecraft. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Russian EVA 34

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-08-16

ISS036-E-033400 (16 Aug. 2013) --- Russian cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin (lower left), Expedition 36 flight engineer, attired in a Russian Orlan spacesuit, participates in a session of extravehicular activity (EVA) to continue outfitting the International Space Station. During the seven-hour, 29-minute spacewalk ? the longest ever conducted by a pair of Russian cosmonauts ? Misurkin and Fyodor Yurchikhin (out of frame) rigged cables for the future arrival of a Russian laboratory module and installed an experiment panel.

Russian EVA 34

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-08-16

ISS036-E-033402 (16 Aug. 2013) --- Russian cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin (lower left), Expedition 36 flight engineer, attired in a Russian Orlan spacesuit, participates in a session of extravehicular activity (EVA) to continue outfitting the International Space Station. During the seven-hour, 29-minute spacewalk ? the longest ever conducted by a pair of Russian cosmonauts ? Misurkin and Fyodor Yurchikhin (out of frame) rigged cables for the future arrival of a Russian laboratory module and installed an experiment panel.

The Role of the Russian Methodological and Training Center in providing Nondestructive Assay Technical Assistance to Russian Enterprises

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

Bogdanov, Sergey; Bezhunov, Gennady; Ryazanov, Boris

The Russian Methodological and Training center (RMTC) was initially created to provide not only personnel training in the areas of nuclear material control and accounting (MC&A), but also methodological and technical assistance to the Russian government and nuclear facilities. The goal of the assistance was to promote enhancement of Russian MC&A infrastructure and modernize the MC&A systems at individual enterprises and facilities.

Global threat reduction initiative Russian nuclear material removal progress

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

Cummins, Kelly; Bolshinsky, Igor

2008-07-15

In December 1999 representatives from the United States, the Russian Federation, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) started discussing a program to return to Russia Soviet- or Russian-supplied highly enriched uranium (HEU) fuel stored at the Russian-designed research reactors outside Russia. Trilateral discussions among the United States, Russian Federation, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have identified more than 20 research reactors in 17 countries that have Soviet- or Russian-supplied HEU fuel. The Global Threat Reduction Initiative's Russian Research Reactor Fuel Return Program is an important aspect of the U.S. Government's commitment to cooperate with the other nationsmore » to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons and weapons-usable proliferation-attractive nuclear materials. To date, 496 kilograms of Russian-origin HEU have been shipped to Russia from Serbia, Latvia, Libya, Uzbekistan, Romania, Bulgaria, Poland, Germany, and the Czech Republic. The pilot spent fuel shipment from Uzbekistan to Russia was completed in April 2006. (author)« less

Bibliometric Indicators of Russian Journals by JCR-Science Edition, 1995-2010.

PubMed

Libkind, A N; Markusova, V A; Mindeli, L E

2013-07-01

A representative empirical bibliometric analysis of Russian journals included in the Journal Citation Reports-Science Edition (JCR-SE) for the time period 1995-2010 was conducted at the macro level (excluding the subject categories). It was found that the growth in the number of articles covered by JCR (a 1.8-fold increase compared to 1995) is ahead of the growth rates of Russian publications (1.2-fold increase). Hence, the share of Russian articles covered by JCR-SE was down from 2.5% in 1995 to 1.7% in 2010. It was determined that the number of articles published in an average Russian journal reduced by 20% as compared to the number of articles in an average journal of the full data set. These facts could partly shed light on the question why Russian research performance is staggering (approximately 30,000 articles per year), although the coverage of Russian journals has expanded to 150 titles. Over the past 15 years, a twofold increase in the impact factor of the Russian journals has been observed, which is higher than that for the full data set of journals (a 1.4-fold increase). Measures to improve the quality of Russian journals are proposed.

50 CFR 300.152 - Procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

.... Nationals Fishing in Russian Fisheries § 300.152 Procedures. (a) Application for annual permits. U.S. vessel owners and operators must have a valid permit issued by the Russian Federation obtained pursuant to a complete application submitted through NMFS before fishing in the Russian EZ or for Russian fishery...

50 CFR 300.152 - Procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

.... Nationals Fishing in Russian Fisheries § 300.152 Procedures. (a) Application for annual permits. U.S. vessel owners and operators must have a valid permit issued by the Russian Federation obtained pursuant to a complete application submitted through NMFS before fishing in the Russian EZ or for Russian fishery...

50 CFR 300.152 - Procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

.... Nationals Fishing in Russian Fisheries § 300.152 Procedures. (a) Application for annual permits. U.S. vessel owners and operators must have a valid permit issued by the Russian Federation obtained pursuant to a complete application submitted through NMFS before fishing in the Russian EZ or for Russian fishery...

50 CFR 300.152 - Procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

.... Nationals Fishing in Russian Fisheries § 300.152 Procedures. (a) Application for annual permits. U.S. vessel owners and operators must have a valid permit issued by the Russian Federation obtained pursuant to a complete application submitted through NMFS before fishing in the Russian EZ or for Russian fishery...

50 CFR 300.152 - Procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

.... Nationals Fishing in Russian Fisheries § 300.152 Procedures. (a) Application for annual permits. U.S. vessel owners and operators must have a valid permit issued by the Russian Federation obtained pursuant to a complete application submitted through NMFS before fishing in the Russian EZ or for Russian fishery...

Strategic Forum. Number 274. January 2012. Raising Our Sights: Russian-American Strategic Restraint in an Age of Vulnerability

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-01-01

leader. Although Russians remain wary of the United States, perpetuating and accenting American- Russian dif- ferences is no longer the formula for...truly seek a nonadversarial relationship, each can agree not to be the Raising Our Sights: Russian - American Strategic Restraint in an Age of...Raising Our Sights: Russian -American Strategic Restraint in an Age of Vulnerability 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT

Association study of functional polymorphisms in interleukins and interleukin receptors genes: IL1A, IL1B, IL1RN, IL6, IL6R, IL10, IL10RA and TGFB1 in schizophrenia in Polish population.

PubMed

Kapelski, Pawel; Skibinska, Maria; Maciukiewicz, Malgorzata; Wilkosc, Monika; Frydecka, Dorota; Groszewska, Agata; Narozna, Beata; Dmitrzak-Weglarz, Monika; Czerski, Piotr; Pawlak, Joanna; Rajewska-Rager, Aleksandra; Leszczynska-Rodziewicz, Anna; Slopien, Agnieszka; Zaremba, Dorota; Twarowska-Hauser, Joanna

2015-12-01

Schizophrenia has been associated with a large range of autoimmune diseases, with a history of any autoimmune disease being associated with a 45% increase in risk for the illness. The inflammatory system may trigger or modulate the course of schizophrenia through complex mechanisms influencing neurodevelopment, neuroplasticity and neurotransmission. In particular, increases or imbalance in cytokine before birth or during the early stages of life may affect neurodevelopment and produce vulnerability to the disease. A total of 27 polymorphisms of IL1N gene: rs1800587, rs17561; IL1B gene: rs1143634, rs1143643, rs16944, rs4848306, rs1143623, rs1143633, rs1143627; IL1RN gene: rs419598, rs315952, rs9005, rs4251961; IL6 gene: rs1800795, rs1800797; IL6R gene: rs4537545, rs4845617, rs2228145, IL10 gene: rs1800896, rs1800871, rs1800872, rs1800890, rs6676671; IL10RA gene: rs2229113, rs3135932; TGF1B gene: rs1800469, rs1800470; each selected on the basis of molecular evidence for functionality, were investigated in this study. Analysis was performed on a group of 621 patients with diagnosis of schizophrenia and 531 healthy controls in Polish population. An association of rs4848306 in IL1B gene, rs4251961 in IL1RN gene, rs2228145 and rs4537545 in IL6R with schizophrenia have been observed. rs6676671 in IL10 was associated with early age of onset. Strong linkage disequilibrium was observed between analyzed polymorphisms in each gene, except of IL10RA. We observed that haplotypes composed of rs4537545 and rs2228145 in IL6R gene were associated with schizophrenia. Analyses with family history of schizophrenia, other psychiatric disorders and alcohol abuse/dependence did not show any positive findings. Further studies on larger groups along with correlation with circulating protein levels are needed. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Decreased external skeletal robustness in schoolchildren--a global trend? Ten year comparison of Russian and German data.

PubMed

Rietsch, Katrin; Godina, Elena; Scheffler, Christiane

2013-01-01

Obesity and a reduced physical activity are global developments. Physical activity affects the external skeletal robustness which decreased in German children. It was assumed that the negative trend of decreased external skeletal robustness can be found in other countries. Therefore anthropometric data of Russian and German children from the years 2000 and 2010 were compared. Russian (2000/2010 n = 1023/268) and German (2000/2010 n = 2103/1750) children aged 6-10 years were investigated. Height, BMI and external skeletal robustness (Frame-Index) were examined and compared for the years and the countries. Statistical analysis was performed by Mann-Whitney-Test. Comparison 2010 and 2000: In Russian children BMI was significantly higher; boys were significantly taller and exhibited a decreased Frame-Index (p = .002) in 2010. German boys showed significantly higher BMI in 2010. In both sexes Frame-Index (p = .001) was reduced in 2010. Comparison Russian and German children in 2000: BMI, height and Frame-Index were different between Russian and German children. German children were significantly taller but exhibited a lower Frame-Index (p<.001). Even German girls showed a significantly higher BMI. Comparison Russian and German children in 2010: BMI and Frame-Index were different. Russian children displayed a higher Frame-Index (p<.001) compared with Germans. In Russian children BMI has increased in recent years. Frame-Index is still higher in Russian children compared with Germans however in Russian boys Frame-Index is reduced. This trend and the physical activity should be observed in the future.

Evaluation of Prediction of Polymorphisms of DNA Repair Genes on the Efficacy of Platinum-Based Chemotherapy in Patients With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Network Meta-Analysis.

PubMed

Yu, Shao-Nan; Liu, Gui-Feng; Li, Xue-Feng; Fu, Bao-Hong; Dong, Li-Xin; Zhang, Shu-Hua

2017-12-01

This network meta-analysis (NMA) was conducted to compare the predictive value of 14 SNPs in eight DNA repair genes on the efficacy of platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). These included ERCC1 (rs11615, rs3212986, rs3212948), XRCC1 (rs25487, rs25489, rs1799782), XPD (rs13181, rs1799793), XPG (rs1047768, rs17655), XPA (rs1800975), XRCC3 (rs861539), APE1 (rs3136820), and RRM1 (rs1042858). The PubMed and Cochrane library databases were reviewed from their inception to February 2017 and studies which met our inclusion criteria were included in our investigation. This network meta-analysis combines direct and indirect evidence to assess the predictive value of 14 SNPs in eight DNA repair genes on the efficacy of platinum-based chemotherapy in NSCLC. We evaluated the predictive value through the use of the odd ratios (OR) and drawing surface under the cumulative ranking curves (SUCRA). A total of 26 eligible cohort studies were enrolled in this NMA. The pairwise meta-analysis indicated that in terms of overall response ratio (ORR), ERCC1 (rs11615), XRCC1 (rs25487, rs1799782), and XPD (rs13181) polymorphisms are associated with the efficacy of platinum-based chemotherapy in NSCLC. The result of this NMA suggests that there is no significant difference in predictive value of 8 DNA repair genes on the efficacy of platinum-based chemotherapy in NSCLC patients. The rank of SUCRA values of the 14 SNPs in the eight DNA repair genes were: XPD (rs1799793)→ERCC1 (rs3212986)→XPA(rs1800975)→ERCC1(rs3212948)→XRCC1(rs25487)→XRCC3(rs861539)→APE1(rs3136820)→ERCC1(rs11615)→XRCC1(rs1799782)→RRM1(rs1042858)→XPD(rs13181)→XPG (rs1047768)→XPG(rs17655)→XRCC1(rs25489). ERCC1(rs11615), XRCC1(rs25487, rs1799782) and XPD(rs13181) polymorphisms were better predictors in evaluating the efficacy of platinum-based chemotherapy in NSCLC patients. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4782-4791, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Suraev wearing Russian Orlan Spacesuit in the Pirs DC-1 during Expedition 22

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-01-12

ISS022-E-023793 (12 Jan. 2010) --- Attired in a Russian Orlan spacesuit, Russian cosmonaut Maxim Suraev, Expedition 22 flight engineer, checks out his Orlan suit in preparation for a spacewalk scheduled for Jan. 14 to outfit the new Poisk module for future Russian vehicle dockings.

77 FR 29964 - Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-21

...: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Title: U.S. Fishermen Fishing in Russian Waters... part 300, Subpart J, govern United States (U.S.) fishing in the Economic Zone of the Russian Federation. Russian authorities may permit U.S. fishermen to fish for allocations of surplus stocks in the Russian...

LESSONS FROM THE FRONT: A CASE STUDY OF RUSSIAN CYBER WARFARE

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-12-01

Lessons From The Front: A Case Study Of Russian Cyber Warfare looks to capitalize on the lessons learned from the alleged Russian cyber-offensive on...through the careful analysis and comparison of two disparate conflicts related by their collision with Russian cyber - warfare . Following case study

Russian Flight Control Room

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-04-20

NASA Deputy Administrator Fred Gregory, left, joins Russian Federal Space Agency Deputy General-Director Nikolai Moiseev, Wednesday, April 21, 2004, at the Russian Mission Control Center outside Moscow to view the docking of the Expedition 9 crew to the International Space Station in a Russian Soyuz spacecraft. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Presence of Russian honey bee genotypes in swarms in Louisiana.

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Swarm traps were placed in an area around USDA, ARS apiaries near Baton Rouge, Louisiana, which had contained ARS Russian and other honey bees for several years. Eighty swarms were sampled and analyzed for their genotype (Russian, hybrid or non-Russian) and mite infestation percentages. Ten swarms...

Studying Russian and Soviet History.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ascher, Abraham, Ed.

These essays were written to assist teachers in the task of making Russian history intelligible to young U.S. students. In "An Approach to Russian History," Edward Keenan proposes that students need to gain a better understanding of how Russians perceive themselves and their history. In "Pre-Petrine Russia," Andrzej S. Kaminski…

Association of ARID5B gene variants with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Yemeni children.

PubMed

Al-Absi, Boshra; Noor, Suzita M; Saif-Ali, Riyadh; Salem, Sameer D; Ahmed, Radwan H; Razif, Muhammad Fm; Muniandy, Sekaran

2017-04-01

Studies have shown an association between ARID5B gene polymorphisms and childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. However, the association between ARID5B variants and acute lymphoblastic leukemia among the Arab population still needs to be studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between ARID5B variants with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Yemeni children. A total of 14 ARID5B gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped in 289 Yemeni children, of whom 136 had acute lymphoblastic leukemia and 153 were controls, using the nanofluidic Dynamic Array (Fluidigm 192.24 Dynamic Array). Using logistic regression adjusted for age and gender, the risks of acute lymphoblastic leukemia were presented as odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. We found that nine SNPs were associated with acute lymphoblastic leukemia under additive genetic models: rs7073837, rs10740055, rs7089424, rs10821936, rs4506592, rs10994982, rs7896246, rs10821938, and rs7923074. Furthermore, the recessive models revealed that six SNPs were risk factors for acute lymphoblastic leukemia: rs10740055, rs7089424, rs10994982, rs7896246, rs10821938, and rs7923074. The gender-specific impact of these SNPs under the recessive genetic model revealed that SNPs rs10740055, rs10994982, and rs6479779 in females, and rs10821938 and rs7923074 in males were significantly associated with acute lymphoblastic leukemia risk. Under the dominant model, SNPs rs7073837, rs10821936, rs7896246, and rs6479778 in males only showed striking association with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The additive model revealed that SNPs with significant association with acute lymphoblastic leukemia were rs10821936 (both males and females); rs7073837, rs10740055, rs10994982, and rs4948487 (females only); and rs7089424, rs7896246, rs10821938, and rs7923074 (males only). In addition, the ARID5B haplotype block (CGAACACAA) showed a higher risk for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The haplotype (CCCGACTGC) was associated with protection against acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In conclusion, our study has shown that ARID5B variants are associated with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Yemeni children with several gender biases of ARID5B single nucleotide polymorphisms reported.

Looking West: Russian Perspectives of the Baltics Through the Lens of the Great Patriotic War

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-04-13

legacy of the Great Patriotic War is still potent in the minds of Russian officials. 15. SUBJECT TERMS Russia; Baltics; Great Patriotic War; Estonia...thinking towards the Baltic region, and they indicate that the legacy of the Great Patriotic War is still potent in the minds of Russian officials...real in the minds of Russian citizens. The war also represents the preeminent subject of study by the Russian military. The military and political

The Tripartite Seminars at the Russian Methodological and Training Center: An Overview of Progress in Nuclear Materials Control and Accounting in the Russian Federation

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

Pshakin, Gennady; Dickman, Deborah A.; Ryazanov, Boris

2003-09-16

The development of the Russian Methodological and Training Center (RMTC) has been an important element of collaboration between the Russian Federation (RF), the European Union and the US. The RMTC, located at the Institute of Physics and Power Engineering (IPPE) in Obninsk, Russia has been designated by the Russian Ministry of Atomic Energy (Minatom) to provide nuclear materials protection, control and Accounting training to Minatom and the Federal Nuclear and Radiation Safety Authority (Gosatomnadzor) personnel. In addition, the RMTC was chartered with the responsibility of providing a venue for exchange of experiences and information between Russian and international specialists.

Russian perspectives: The past shapes the present

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

Houck, R.P.

1994-11-01

This document contains an outline of a speech given to a group of professionals at Pacific Northwest Laboratory which was intended to give an unbiased view of Soviet perceptions. Topics discussed include: The new mission of US and Soviet labs and institutions to develop products and dedicate research to post cold war threat, historical prospectives of Russia, Russian military roles and missions, ideology of Russian politics, evils of capitalism, Russian civil war, communism, world war II, Russian losses during the war, the cold war, reasons why America should care what happens in Russia, the internal threat against a market-based economy,more » the US should help, and the Russian people and their attitudes.« less

Association between ADAM metallopeptidase domain 33 gene polymorphism and risk of childhood asthma: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Sun, F J; Zou, L Y; Tong, D M; Lu, X Y; Li, J; Deng, C B

2017-08-31

This study aimed to investigate the association between ADAM metallopeptidase domain 33 (ADAM33) gene polymorphisms and the risk of childhood asthma. The relevant studies about the relationship between ADAM33 gene polymorphisms and childhood asthma were searched from electronic databases and the deadline of retrieval was May 2016. The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of ADAM33 (rs511898, rs2280092, rs3918396, rs528557, rs2853209, rs44707, rs2280091 and rs2280089) were analyzed based on several models including the allele, codominant, recessive and dominant models. The results showed that the ADAM33 rs2280091 polymorphism in all four genetic models was associated with an increased risk of childhood asthma. Positive associations were also found between the polymorphisms rs2280090, rs2787094, rs44707 and rs528557 and childhood asthma in some genetic models. This meta-analysis suggested that ADAM33 polymorphisms rs2280091, rs2280090, rs2787094, rs44707 and rs528557 were significantly associated with a high risk of childhood asthma.

Association between Six CETP Polymorphisms and Metabolic Syndrome in Uyghur Adults from Xinjiang, China

PubMed Central

Hou, Huixian; Ma, Rulin; Guo, Heng; He, Jia; Hu, Yunhua; Mu, Lati; Yan, Yizhong; Ma, Jiaolong; Li, Shugang; Zhang, Jingyu; Ding, Yusong; Zhang, Mei; Niu, Qiang; Liu, Jiaming; Guo, Shuxia

2017-01-01

Objective: To explore the association between CETP gene polymorphisms and metabolic syndrome (MS), as well as the relationship between the CETP gene polymorphisms and each component of MS. Methods: A total of 571 individuals which were randomly selected from 5692 Uyghur adults were subdivided into two groups, including 280 patients with MS and 291 control subjects, using the group-matching method after matching for gender. We detected CETP polymorphisms (rs5882, rs1800775, rs3764261, rs12149545, rs711752, and rs708272) by using the Snapshot method. Results: (1) Significant differences were found involving the frequency distribution of genotypes and alleles of rs1800775, rs3764261, rs12149545, rs711752, and rs708272 between the control and MS groups (all p < 0.05). (2) rs1800775, rs3764261, rs12149545, rs711752, and rs708272 polymorphisms were significantly related to the risk of MS (all p < 0.05). (3) The rs1800775 polymorphism was associated with high fasting blood glucose levels and low high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C); rs3764261 and rs12149545 polymorphisms were associated with all components of MS except high blood pressure; rs711752 and rs708272 polymorphisms were associated with low HDL-C (all p < 0.05). (4) Complete linkage disequilibrium (LD) was identified for two pairs of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs3764261 and rs12149545 (D’ = 1.000, r2 = 0.931), rs711752 and rs708272 (D’ = 1.000, r2 = 0.996)). (5) The A-G-G-G-C (p = 0.013, odds ratio [OR] = 0.622, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 0.427–0.906) and A-T-A-A-T (p < 0.001, OR = 0.519, 95% CI = 0.386–0.697) haplotypes were more frequent in the control group than in the case group. Conclusions: The rs1800775, rs3764261, rs12149545, rs711752, and rs708272 polymorphisms of CETP were associated with MS and its components among the Uyghur ethnic group. Complete LD was found between two pairs of SNPs (rs3764261 and rs12149545, rs711752, and rs708272). The A-G-G-G-C and A-T-A-A-T haplotypes might be protective factors for MS. PMID:28629169

Illness perception differences between Russian- and Hebrew-speaking Israeli oncology patients.

PubMed

Popov, Nadia; Heruti, Irit; Levy, Sigal; Lulav-Grinwald, Doron; Bar-Sela, Gil

2014-03-01

Illness perception influences health and illness behaviors. This study was designed to estimate illness perception differences between Russian-speaking and Hebrew-speaking Israeli oncology patients. Changes in illness perception associated with time spent in Israel among Russian-speaking patients were also evaluated. Additionally, we evaluated differences in illness perception of patients exposed to Chernobyl's consequences. A total of 144 oncology patients (77 Hebrew-speaking, 67 Russian-speaking) completed personal data questionnaires and The illness perception questionnaire revised, translated into Russian for this study. Significantly more Russian-speaking oncology patients perceived their illness as chronic and having negative consequences on life (p < .01). Russian-speaking oncology patients tend to have a more negative perception of cancer compared to Hebrew-speaking patients. Time spent in Israel may create more positive perceptions of cancer among these patients. No illness perception differences were found concerning Chernobyl consequences.

Successful Completion of the Largest Shipment of Russian Research Reactor High-Enriched Uranium Spent Nuclear Fuel from Czech Republic to Russian Federation

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

Michael Tyacke; Dr. Igor Bolshinsky; Jeff Chamberlin

On December 8, 2007, the largest shipment of high-enriched uranium spent nuclear fuel was successfully made from a Russian-designed nuclear research reactor in the Czech Republic to the Russian Federation. This accomplishment is the culmination of years of planning, negotiations, and hard work. The United States, Russian Federation, and the International Atomic Energy Agency have been working together on the Russian Research Reactor Fuel Return (RRRFR) Program in support of the Global Threat Reduction Initiative. In February 2003, RRRFR Program representatives met with the Nuclear Research Institute in Rež, Czech Republic, and discussed the return of their high-enriched uranium spentmore » nuclear fuel to the Russian Federation for reprocessing. Nearly 5 years later, the shipment was made. This paper discusses the planning, preparations, coordination, and cooperation required to make this important international shipment.« less

[A scale for early assessment of risk of death and myocardial infarction during initial hospitalization of patients with acute coronary syndromes (based on data from the RECORD registry)].

PubMed

Érlikh, A D

2010-01-01

Independent predictors of death and death or myocardial infarction (MI) during initial hospitalization of patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) were determined using database of Russian independent ACS registry RECORD. These predictors (admission Killip class II, ST-segment elevation 1 mm, systolic blood pressure 100 mm Hg, hemoglobin <110 g/L, age 65 years, history of diabetes) were attributed equal weight (1 point) and combined in a prognostic scale for assessment of risk of inhospital death and death or MI. The scale did not include markers of necrosis, and the most time consuming component was measurement of hemoglobin. Sensitivity and specificity of risk scores for prediction of death were 78.5%. The use of GRACE score in this group of patients gave similar results. These preliminary data require confirmation on larger populations of patients with ACS.

Nano-Disperse Borides and Carbides: Plasma Technology Production, Specific Properties, Economic Evaluation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galevskii, G. V.; Rudneva, V. V.; Galevskii, S. G.; Tomas, K. I.; Zubkov, M. S.

2016-04-01

The experience of production and study on properties of nano-disperse chromium and titanium borides and carbides, and silicon carbide has been generalized. The structure and special service aspects of utilized plasma-metallurgical complex equipped with a three-jet direct-flow reactor with a capacity of 150 kW have been outlined. Processing, heat engineering and service life characteristics of the reactor are specified. The synthesis parameters of borides and carbides, as well as their basic characteristics in nano-disperse condition and their production flow diagram are outlined. Engineering and economic performance of synthesizing borides in laboratory and industrial conditions is assessed, and the respective segment of the international market as well. The work is performed at State Siberian Industrial University as a project part of the State Order of Ministry of Science and Education of the Russian Federation No. 11.1531/2014/K.

Analysis of irradiated U-7wt%Mo dispersion fuel microstructures using automated image processing

DOE PAGES

Collette, R.; King, J.; Buesch, C.; ...

2016-04-01

The High Performance Research Reactor Fuel Development (HPPRFD) program is responsible for developing low enriched uranium (LEU) fuel substitutes for high performance reactors fueled with highly enriched uranium (HEU) that have not yet been converted to LEU. The uranium-molybdenum (U-Mo) fuel system was selected for this effort. In this study, fission gas pore segmentation was performed on U-7wt%Mo dispersion fuel samples at three separate fission densities using an automated image processing interface developed in MATLAB. Pore size distributions were attained that showed both expected and unexpected fission gas behavior. In general, it proved challenging to identify any dominant trends whenmore » comparing fission bubble data across samples from different fuel plates due to varying compositions and fabrication techniques. Here, the results exhibited fair agreement with the fission density vs. porosity correlation developed by the Russian reactor conversion program.« less

Analysis of irradiated U-7wt%Mo dispersion fuel microstructures using automated image processing

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

Collette, R.; King, J.; Buesch, C.

The High Performance Research Reactor Fuel Development (HPPRFD) program is responsible for developing low enriched uranium (LEU) fuel substitutes for high performance reactors fueled with highly enriched uranium (HEU) that have not yet been converted to LEU. The uranium-molybdenum (U-Mo) fuel system was selected for this effort. In this study, fission gas pore segmentation was performed on U-7wt%Mo dispersion fuel samples at three separate fission densities using an automated image processing interface developed in MATLAB. Pore size distributions were attained that showed both expected and unexpected fission gas behavior. In general, it proved challenging to identify any dominant trends whenmore » comparing fission bubble data across samples from different fuel plates due to varying compositions and fabrication techniques. Here, the results exhibited fair agreement with the fission density vs. porosity correlation developed by the Russian reactor conversion program.« less

A planetary telescope at the ISS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korablev, O.; Moroz, V.; Avanesov, G.; Rodin, V.; Bellucci, G.; Vid Machenko, A.; Tejfel, V.

We present the development of a 40-cm telescope to be deployed at the Russian segment of International Space Station (ISS) dedicated to the observations of planets of Solar system, which primary goal will be tracking climate-related changes and other variable phenomena on planets. The most effective will be the observations of Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and comets, while other interesting targets will be certainly considered. This space-based observatory will perform monitoring of Solar System objects on regular basis The observatory includes the 40-cm narrow-field (f:20) telescope at a pointing platform with guidance system assuring pointing accuracy of ~10", and an internal tracking system with an accuracy inferior to 1" during tens of minutes. Four focal plane instruments, a camera, two spectrometers and a spectropolarimeter, will perform imaging and spectral observations in the range from ~200 nm to ~3 μm.

KSC-05PD-0554

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2005-01-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. At the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Skid Strip, workers inside a Russian Antonov AH-124-100 cargo airplane roll out the booster segment for a Lockheed Martin Atlas V. The Atlas V, designated AV-007, is the launch vehicle for the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO). The MRO is designed for a series of global mapping, regional survey and targeted observations from a near-polar, low-altitude Mars orbit. These observations will be unprecedented in terms of the spatial resolution and coverage achieved by the orbiters instruments as they observe the atmosphere and surface of Mars while probing its shallow subsurface as part of a follow the water strategy. The orbiter is undergoing environmental tests in facilities at Lockheed Martin Space Systems in Denver, Colo., and is on schedule for a launch window that begins Aug. 10. Launch will be from Launch Pad 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

Russian History; A Guide to Reference Sources.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McGill Univ., Montreal (Quebec). McLennan Library.

This guide identifies reference sources for the study of Russian and Soviet history available in the McGill University (Montreal) McLennan Library. Russian, English, French, and German language works covering Russian history from its origins to World War II are included. The guide is arranged in two parts: general reference sources and…

The Transformation of Russian Military Doctrine: Lessons Learned from Kosovo and Chechnya

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-07-01

operations. However, due to the failures of Russian military reform from 1992–1997 and the chronic underfunding of Russian defense from 1997–1999 (in...since NATO’s attack. A serious reassessment of Russian military reform became essential. Once again conventional forces would need to be ready for the

Family Language Policies, Reported Language Use and Proficiency in Russian-Hebrew Bilingual Children in Israel

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Altman, Carmit; Burstein Feldman, Zhanna; Yitzhaki, Dafna; Armon Lotem, Sharon; Walters, Joel

2014-01-01

The relationship between family language policy (FLP) and language choice, language use, proficiency in Russian and Hebrew, codeswitching (CS) and linguistic performance was studied in Russian-speaking immigrant parents and their Russian-Hebrew bilingual preschool children. By means of Glaser's Grounded Theory, the content of sociolinguistic…

Russian Loanword Adaptation in Persian; Optimal Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kambuziya, Aliye Kord Zafaranlu; Hashemi, Eftekhar Sadat

2011-01-01

In this paper we analyzed some of the phonological rules of Russian loanword adaptation in Persian, on the view of Optimal Theory (OT) (Prince & Smolensky, 1993/2004). It is the first study of phonological process on Russian loanwords adaptation in Persian. By gathering about 50 current Russian loanwords, we selected some of them to analyze. We…

Communicative, Educational, Pedagogical Objectives and Planning in Russian Language Teaching

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Evtyugina, Alla A.; Hasanova, Irina I.; Kotova, Svetlana S.; Sokolova, Anastasia N.; Svetkina, Irina A.

2016-01-01

The relevance of the problem stems from the necessity to distinctly plan educational process and set the goals for successful mastering of Russian language by foreign students in Russian higher educational institutions. The article is aimed at defining the foreign students' objectives for Russian language training, allowing them to get involved…

English Speech Acquisition in 3- to 5-Year-Old Children Learning Russian and English

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gildersleeve-Neumann, Christina E.; Wright, Kira L.

2010-01-01

Purpose: English speech acquisition in Russian-English (RE) bilingual children was investigated, exploring the effects of Russian phonetic and phonological properties on English single-word productions. Russian has more complex consonants and clusters and a smaller vowel inventory than English. Method: One hundred thirty-seven single-word samples…

Invisibility and Ownership of Language: Problems of Representation in Russian Language Textbooks

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Azimova, Nigora; Johnston, Bill

2012-01-01

Using the 2 theoretical lenses of representation (Barthes, 1977) and ownership of language (Higgins, 2003), this article offers a critical analysis of representations of Russian speakers in 9 widely used Russian language textbooks aimed at university-level learners. Particular attention is paid to representations of Russian speakers other than…

Recent Anthologies of Eighteenth-Century Russian Literature: A Review Article.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Edgerton, William B.

1968-01-01

Harold Segel's recently published anthology of eighteenth-century Russian literature in English is compared with the Soviet anthologies of Gukovskij and Kokorev (in Russian), the Polish anthology of Jakubowski (in Russian with Polish notes), and the early nineteenth-century Wiener anthology (in English). All of these works are described in some…

Sociocultural Aspects of Russian-Speaking Parents' Choice of Language of Instruction for Their Children in Estonia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kemppainen, Raija Pini; Ferrin, Scott Ellis; Hite, Steven J.; Hilton, Sterling C.

2008-01-01

The present research was undertaken to identify sociocultural variables that influence whether Russian-speaking parents living in Estonia choose Russian, Estonian, or bilingual (Russian and Estonian) instruction for their children. To examine which sociocultural variables are related to parents' choice of language of instruction, 346…

The Role of Attitudes in the Development of Russian as a Foreign Language: A Retrospective Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bátyi, Szilvia

2017-01-01

The article reports the findings of a retrospective study which looked at Hungarian learners' attitudes towards Russian people, the Russian language and teachers of Russian. Mixed-methods sequential explanatory design (Ivankova, Creswell, & Stick, 2006) was applied which combines the collection and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data…

Current knowledge and attitudes: Russian olive biology, ecology and management

Treesearch

Sharlene E. Sing; Kevin J. Delaney

2016-01-01

The primary goals of a two-day Russian olive symposium held in February 2014 were to disseminate current knowledge and identify data gaps regarding Russian olive biology and ecology, distributions, integrated management, and to ascertain the feasibility and acceptance of a proposed program for classical biological control of Russian olive. The symposium was...

78 FR 37925 - Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Disposition of Russian Highly Enriched...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-24

... National Emergency With Respect to the Disposition of Russian Highly Enriched Uranium On June 25, 2012, by... America and the Government of the Russian Federation Concerning the Disposition of Highly Enriched Uranium... Russian highly enriched uranium declared in Executive Order 13617. [[Page 37926

Russian Civic Education and Social Studies Education at Purdue University

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nelson, Lynn R.; Rapoport, Anatoli

2005-01-01

There are three distinct Russian civic education programs at Purdue University (the Civics Mosaic program, the Training of Professors for Civic Education program, and the Russian Maymester program). The programs are loosely joined together by a civic education purpose, but remain distinct in the nature of their participants--Russian and American…

Saltcedar and Russian Olive Control Demonstration Act Science Assessment

USGS Publications Warehouse

Shafroth, Patrick B.; Brown, Curtis A.; Merritt, David M.

2010-01-01

The primary intent of this document is to provide the science assessment called for under The Saltcedar and Russian Olive Control Demonstration Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-320; the Act). A secondary purpose is to provide a common background for applicants for prospective demonstration projects, should funds be appropriated for this second phase of the Act. This document synthesizes the state-of-the-science on the following topics: the distribution and abundance (extent) of saltcedar (Tamarix spp.) and Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) in the Western United States, potential for water savings associated with controlling saltcedar and Russian olive and the associated restoration of occupied sites, considerations related to wildlife use of saltcedar and Russian olive habitat or restored habitats, methods to control saltcedar and Russian olive, possible utilization of dead biomass following removal of saltcedar and Russian olive, and approaches and challenges associated with revegetation or restoration following control efforts. A concluding chapter discusses possible long-term management strategies, needs for additional study, potentially useful field demonstration projects, and a planning process for on-the-ground projects involving removal of saltcedar and Russian olive.

Russian psychology at the turn of the 21st century and post-Soviet reforms in the humanities disciplines.

PubMed

Vassilieva, Julia

2010-05-01

The author traces the changes in Russian psychology in the past 25 years and links these changes to the earlier Russian legacy of Lev Vygotsky (1896-1934) and Aleksei N. Leontiev (1903-1979). The move into the 21st century coincided for Russian psychology as well as for the Russian society at large with the reforms of perestroika, leading to greater openness in the academic sphere. In particular, Russian psychology was able to connect in a more free and fundamental way with its own heritage and with various developments around the world. The author discusses how these factors affected continuity and innovation with regard to the 2 dominant theoretical perspectives in Russian psychology--the cultural-historical theory of Vygotsky and the theory of activity, initially developed by Leontiev. The author argues that while there are now original and substantial shifts within Russian psychology--namely toward the new paradigm characterized by various researchers as "organic psychology," "nonclassical psychology," or even "post-non-classical" psychology--the issues of agency and meaning, which were central for the previous generation of Russian psychologists, such as Vygotsky, Leontiev, Luria, Zaporozhets, Rubinstein, and others, continue to inform the development of the discipline in the 21st century.

Bibliometric Indicators of Russian Journals by JCR-Science Edition, 1995-2010

PubMed Central

Libkind, A.N.; Markusova, V.A.; Mindeli, L.E.

2013-01-01

A representative empirical bibliometric analysis of Russian journals included in the Journal Citation Reports-Science Edition (JCR-SE) for the time period 1995–2010 was conducted at the macro level (excluding the subject categories). It was found that the growth in the number of articles covered by JCR (a 1.8-fold increase compared to 1995) is ahead of the growth rates of Russian publications (1.2-fold increase). Hence, the share of Russian articles covered by JCR-SE was down from 2.5% in 1995 to 1.7% in 2010. It was determined that the number of articles published in an average Russian journal reduced by 20% as compared to the number of articles in an average journal of the full data set. These facts could partly shed light on the question why Russian research performance is staggering (approximately 30,000 articles per year), although the coverage of Russian journals has expanded to 150 titles. Over the past 15 years, a twofold increase in the impact factor of the Russian journals has been observed, which is higher than that for the full data set of journals (a 1.4-fold increase). Measures to improve the quality of Russian journals are proposed. PMID:24303198

Russian-American health care: bridging the communication gap between physicians and patients.

PubMed

Shpilko, Inna

2006-12-01

The objectives of this article are two-fold: (1) to gather in one place reliable information about Russian-Americans' past medical practices and their current outlook on health care and to provide health care professionals with an overview of the major afflictions suffered by this ethnic group; and (2) to educate Russian-speaking patients about the American heath care system and social services geared towards immigrants by locating and evaluating free, culturally appropriate patient education Web sites available in Russian. In order to draw data on specific diseases and conditions affecting the Russian-speaking population, the author searched various scholarly health-related electronic databases. A number of well-established U.S. government consumer-health Web sites were searched to locate patient education resources that can be utilized by recent Russian immigrants. The author provides an overview of the major health problems encountered by the Russian-speaking population before emigration and potential health concerns for Russian immigrant communities. In addition, the author provides a scholarly exploration of patient education materials available in Russian. In this increasingly diverse society, physicians are faced with the challenge of providing culturally sensitive health care. Multicultural Web-based health resources can serve as a valuable tool for reducing communication barriers between patients and health care providers, thus improving the delivery of quality health care services. Recommendations for further research are indicated. The author offers recommendations for practitioners serving Russian-speaking immigrants. Suggestions on utilization of Web resources are also provided.

Local environmental context conditions the impact of Russian olive in a heterogeneous riparian ecosystem

USGS Publications Warehouse

Tuttle, Graham M.; Katz, Gabrielle L.; Friedman, Jonathan M.; Norton, Andrew P.

2016-01-01

Local abiotic and biotic conditions can alter the strength of exotic species impacts. To better understand the effects of exotic species on invaded ecosystems and to prioritize management efforts, it is important that exotic species impacts are put in local environmental context. We studied how differences in plant community composition, photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), and available soil N associated with Russian olive presence are conditioned by local environmental variation within a western U.S. riparian ecosystem. In four sites along the South Fork of the Republican River in Colorado, we established 200 pairs of plots (underneath and apart from Russian olive) to measure the effects of invasion across the ecosystem. We used a series of a priori mixed models to identify environmental variables that altered the effects of Russian olive. For all response variables, models that included the interaction of environmental characteristics, such as presence/absence of an existing cottonwood canopy, with the presence/absence of Russian olive canopy were stronger candidate models than those that just included Russian olive canopy presence as a factor. Compared with reference plots outside of Russian olive canopy, plots underneath Russian olive had higher relative exotic cover (exotic/total cover), lower perennial C4 grass cover, and higher perennial forb cover. These effects were reduced, however, in the presence of a cottonwood canopy. As expected, Russian olive was associated with reduced PAR and increased N, but these effects were reduced under cottonwood canopy. Our results demonstrate that local abiotic and biotic environmental factors condition the effects of Russian olive within a heterogeneous riparian ecosystem and suggest that management efforts should be focused in open areas where Russian olive impacts are strongest.

Tanks have left, Gazprom is back: Russian energy companies' expansion towards Poland, Slovakia and Hungary between 1991 and 2004

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Orban, Anita

A casual observant of post-Soviet Russian corporate activity in Central Europe finds a hectic behavior of Russian companies in the Polish, Hungarian and Slovakian economies. There were times when these companies showed great interest toward the region, followed by periods of non-activity. To solve the puzzle, the study tests neoclassical realist theory in explaining Russian corporate propensity to expand into Central Europe. Neoclassical realist theory argues that the relative distribution of power in the international system (independent variable) through the perception of state leaders (intervening variable) together with state power, to be defined as power to mobilize the necessary resources (intervening variable), explain foreign political outcomes (dependent variable). The dissertation draws the following hypothesis from neorealist theory: When the Russian leadership perceives that Russia's relative influence vis-a-vis the West is low and Russia possesses enough state power to mobilize the necessary resources, Russian energy companies will manifest expansionary moves into Central Europe. When Russia does not perceive its influence low and/or does not possess enough state power, Russian companies will not manifest any expansionary moves into Central Europe. To test the hypotheses the study uses the case study methodology. There is one case examined: Russian energy companies' activity in Central Europe between 1991 and 2004. The study splits this period into five sub-periods which correspond with the widely accepted milestones of post-Soviet Russian foreign policy: 1991-1993 Early Atlanticism, 1994-1996 Facing Nato Enlargement, 1996-1998 Against a Unipolar World, 1998-2000 Instability and Uncertainty, and 2000-2004 The First Putin Presidency. Russian energy companies were very active in two sub-periods: between 1994 and 1996, and between 2000 and 2004. However, they showed little to no interest for expansion in the other three sub-periods: 1991-1993, 1996-1998 and 1998-2000. In Chapters Four and Five the study examines in detail Russian perceptions about Russia's place in the world, changes in its state power and the Russian energy companies' activity in Central Europe where it is applicable. It finds that in the "active periods" (between 1994 and 1996 as well as between 2000 and 2004) Russian leadership assessed the relative power distribution in the international system to be disadvantageous for Russia and at the same time had considerable state power to mobilize. These two variables were not present together in the three "inactive periods". That is to say, the energy companies' Central European activities were consistent with what the hypothesis drawn from neoclassical realist theory would predict. The study proves the validity of neoclassical realist theory in explaining post-Soviet Russian foreign policy. Additionally, in the Russian studies today it is conventional wisdom that Vladimir Putin turned Russian energy companies into tools of his country's foreign policy vis-a-vis its neighbors. However, this study shows that the phenomenon is neither new, nor dependent on the current Russian president; moreover, it has never been limited to the countries of the former Soviet Union. In fact, ever since 1991, Russian corporate expansion in Central Europe has been driven by the highs and lows of Russian state power and its key decision makers' perceptions about their country's relative power vis-a-vis the West.

Azerbaijani-Russian Code-Switching and Code-Mixing: Form, Function, and Identity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zuercher, Kenneth

2009-01-01

From incorporation into the Russian Empire in 1828, through the collapse of the U.S.S.R. in 1991 governmental language policies and other socio/political forces influenced the Turkic population of the Republic of Azerbaijan to speak Russian. Even with changes since independence Russian use--including various kinds of code-switching and…

Kotov and Suraev wearing Russian Orlan Spacesuits in the Pirs DC-1 during Expedition 22

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-01-12

ISS022-E-023790 (12 Jan. 2010) --- Attired in their Russian Orlan spacesuits, Russian cosmonauts Oleg Kotov (left) and Maxim Suraev, both Expedition 22 flight engineers, check out their Orlan suits in preparation for a spacewalk scheduled for Jan. 14 to outfit the new Poisk module for future Russian vehicle dockings.

Regulation of the Debt Sustainability of the Russian Economy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Seleznev, Alexander Z.; Chapluk, Vladimir Z.; Sayrenko, Tatiana N.; Sorokina, Larisa N.; Pertovskaya, Maria V.; Alekseenko, Elena A.

2016-01-01

The relevance of the investigating problem is caused by the need to reduce the total aggregated amount of debt in Russian economy in conditions of crisis and the strengthening of external anti-Russian sanctions. In this context, the purpose of this article is to identify measures aimed to regulate debt sustainability of the Russian economy using…

76 FR 13355 - Magnesium Metal From the Russian Federation: Notice of Court Decision Not in Harmony With Final...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-11

... Russian Federation: Notice of Court Decision Not in Harmony With Final Results of Administrative Review... antidumping duty order on magnesium metal from the Russian Federation covering the period of review April 1... administrative review of the antidumping duty order on magnesium metal from the Russian Federation for the period...

Russian: A Guide to the Spoken Language.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Department of Defense, Washington, DC.

This Russian language guide is of assistance in carrying on simple conversations in Russian and is used in conjunction with records. Russian ranks after Chinese and English as the third most widespread language in the world. All the words and phrases are written in a simplified spelling which is read like English. Useful words and phrases include…

National Strategy for Promotion of Russian Universities in the World Market of Education Services

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mushketova, Natalia; Bydanova, Elizaveta; Rouet, Gilles

2018-01-01

Purpose: The export of Russian educational services worldwide was not considered by the Russian Government as a full-fledged economic sector until recently. However, the situation has changed since the early 2000s, when in 2002, the Russian Government approved the national strategy for higher education promotion abroad and since then has been…

Subjects of the State within the Russian Federation: Constitutional and Legal Framework

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tumanov, Dmitriy Yu.; Sakhapov, Rinat R.

2016-01-01

The purpose of this study is to analyze the modern problems of federalism in the Russian Federation. In particular, the article examines the main provisions of the Constitution of the Russian Federation, which regulate the legal status of subjects in the Russian Federation, their rights and responsibilities, limits of autonomy and differentiation…

Russian Electoral Politics and the Search for National Identity.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ishiyama, John T.; Launer, Michael K.; Likhachova, Irina E.; Williams, David Cratis; Young, Marilyn J.

1997-01-01

Explores the role of national identity formation in the democratization of the Russian Federation, analyzing arguments of the 1993 and 1995 Duma elections and the 1996 Russian presidential campaign. Contends results of these elections say more about the search for Russian identity in the wake of social and economic change than they do about the…

Vladimir Zhirinovskiy: An Assessment of a Russian Ultra-Nationalist

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-04-01

establish his party, Zhirinovskiy has stated: "Never. All that is propaganda. Just like they say that I am a Zionist, anti-Jewish, a member of the radical ... right or left, or Jewish. Nothing of the sort. I am Russian, Russian, Russian.ś 3 In response to questions about KGB funding, he has said: "With

Problemi dell'Insegnamento della Lingua Russa Come Lingua Straniera ai Filologi Russisti (Problems of Teaching Russian as a Foreign Language to Philologists of Russian)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gak, V. G.

1977-01-01

Frequently, universities prepare philologists of Russian for future careers as researchers, when most of them will become teachers of Russian as a foreign language. This article suggests a course of studies more suitable for future teachers. (Text is in Italian.) (CFM)

Reading L2 Russian: The Challenges of the Russian-English Dictionary

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Comer, William J.

2014-01-01

This descriptive study examines when and how students use Russian-English dictionaries while reading informational texts in Russian and what success they have with word lookup. The study uses introspective verbal protocols (i.e., think-alouds) to follow how readers construct meaning from two texts while reading them for a limited time first…

Russian policy and the Korean crisis. Final report

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

Blank, S.J.

1994-09-30

The author relates Russian policy to the broader struggle for power and coherence in Russian security policy generally, and in Russian policy towards Asia. He also explores the ambivalence of Russia's position, trying to maintain a foot in all camps on the Korean issue even as it asserts its opposition to nuclear proliferation and to any settlement from which it is excluded. The author concludes by expanding his frame of reference to use the Russian case as an example illustrating the difficulties inherent in moving to a new, broader Northeast Asian security system.

MRM2/Poisk approaches the ISS

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-11-12

ISS021-E-024527 (12 Nov. 2009) --- The new unpiloted Russian Mini-Research Module 2 (MRM2), also known as Poisk, approaches the International Space Station. The MRM2 docked to the space-facing port of the Zvezda Service Module at 9:41 a.m. (CST) on Nov. 12, 2009. It began its trip to the station when it was launched aboard a Soyuz rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Nov. 10. Poisk is a Russian term that translates to search, seek and explore. It will provide an additional docking port for visiting Russian spacecrafts and will serve as an extra airlock for spacewalkers wearing Russian Orlan spacesuits. Poisk joins a Russian Progress resupply vehicle and two Russian Soyuz spacecraft currently docked at the station.

Multifractal structures for the Russian stock market

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ikeda, Taro

2018-02-01

In this paper, we apply the multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MFDFA) to the Russian stock price returns. To the best of our knowledge, this paper is the first to reveal the multifractal structures for the Russian stock market by financial crises. The contributions of the paper are twofold. (i) Finding the multifractal structures for the Russian stock market. The generalized Hurst exponents estimated become highly-nonlinear to the order of the fluctuation functions. (ii) Computing the multifractality degree according to Zunino et al. (2008). We find that the multifractality degree of the Russian stock market can be categorized within emerging markets, however, the Russian 1998 crisis and the global financial crisis dampen the degree when we consider the order of the polynomial trends in the MFDFA.

Associations of Genetic Polymorphisms Relevant to Metabolic Pathway of Vitamin D3 with Development and Prognosis of Childhood Bronchial Asthma.

PubMed

Zhang, Ying; Wang, Zhansheng; Ma, Tongshuai

2017-08-01

This study was aimed at investigating the correlation between genetic polymorphisms relevant to metabolic pathway of vitamin D3 (VD 3 ) and susceptibility to childhood bronchial asthma. Altogether 143 childhood patients with bronchial asthma and 143 healthy children of Chinese Han ethnicity were enrolled in this study. The key single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified by HaploView 4.2 software and selected from previous investigations. Genomic DNAs were isolated from peripheral blood samples by using TaqMan Blood DNA kits. The genotyping of SNPs was performed by TaqMan SNPs genotyping assay. Odds ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated to evaluate the association between SNPs and susceptibility to bronchial asthma. Statistical analyses were conducted by using SPSS 13.0 software. Rs10766197 of CYP2R1, rs7041 and rs4588 of CG, rs4646536 of CYP27B1, rs2228570, rs7975232, and rs1544410 of VDR, as well as rs1805192 and rs10865710 of PPAR were shown to be significantly associated with increased risk of bronchial asthma. Besides, prognosis of childhood bronchial asthma, which was represented as Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) scoring, was closely linked with CYP2R1 rs10766197, CYP27B1 rs4646536, VDR rs7975232, VDR rs1544410, PPAR rs1805192, and PPAR rs10865710. The haplotype analysis suggested that TA and CG of CG rs7041/rs4588, CA and AG of VDR rs7975232/rs1544410, and CC of PPAR rs1805192/rs10865710 were, respectively, correlated with levels of VD, IL-4, and IL-5. And only haplotypes of VDR showed associations with risk of bronchial asthma during childhood, whereas hardly any significance could be observed between the haplotypes and behavior of quality-of-life (SGRQ) scoring. Significant associations were found between rs10766197 of CYP2R1, rs7041 and rs4588 of CG, rs4646536 of CYP27B1, rs2228570, rs7975232, and rs1544410 of VDR, as well as rs1805192 and rs10865710 of PPAR and susceptibility to and prognosis of childhood bronchial asthma, providing novel targets for treating the disorder.

Field Synopsis and Re-analysis of Systematic Meta-analyses of Genetic Association Studies in Multiple Sclerosis: a Bayesian Approach.

PubMed

Park, Jae Hyon; Kim, Joo Hi; Jo, Kye Eun; Na, Se Whan; Eisenhut, Michael; Kronbichler, Andreas; Lee, Keum Hwa; Shin, Jae Il

2018-07-01

To provide an up-to-date summary of multiple sclerosis-susceptible gene variants and assess the noteworthiness in hopes of finding true associations, we investigated the results of 44 meta-analyses on gene variants and multiple sclerosis published through December 2016. Out of 70 statistically significant genotype associations, roughly a fifth (21%) of the comparisons showed noteworthy false-positive rate probability (FPRP) at a statistical power to detect an OR of 1.5 and at a prior probability of 10 -6 assumed for a random single nucleotide polymorphism. These associations (IRF8/rs17445836, STAT3/rs744166, HLA/rs4959093, HLA/rs2647046, HLA/rs7382297, HLA/rs17421624, HLA/rs2517646, HLA/rs9261491, HLA/rs2857439, HLA/rs16896944, HLA/rs3132671, HLA/rs2857435, HLA/rs9261471, HLA/rs2523393, HLA-DRB1/rs3135388, RGS1/rs2760524, PTGER4/rs9292777) also showed a noteworthy Bayesian false discovery probability (BFDP) and one additional association (CD24 rs8734/rs52812045) was also noteworthy via BFDP computation. Herein, we have identified several noteworthy biomarkers of multiple sclerosis susceptibility. We hope these data are used to study multiple sclerosis genetics and inform future screening programs.

Environmental tolerance of an invasive riparian tree and its potential for continued spread in the southwestern US

USGS Publications Warehouse

Reynolds, L.V.; Cooper, D.J.

2010-01-01

Questions: Exotic plant invasion may be aided by facilitation and broad tolerance of environmental conditions, yet these processes are poorly understood in species-rich ecosystems such as riparian zones. In the southwestern United States (US) two plant species have invaded riparian zones: tamarisk (Tamarix ramosissima, T. chinensis, and their hybrids) and Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia). We addressed the following questions: (1) is Russian olive able to tolerate drier and shadier conditions than cottonwood and tamarisk? (2) Can tamarisk and cottonwood facilitate Russian olive invasion? Location: Arid riparian zones, southwestern US. Methods: We analyzed riparian tree seedling requirements in a controlled experiment, performed empirical field studies, and analyzed stable oxygen isotopes to determine the water sources used by Russian olive. Results: Russian olive survival was significantly higher in dense shade and low moisture conditions than tamarisk and cottonwood. Field observations indicated Russian olive established where flooding cannot occur, and under dense canopies of tamarisk, cottonwood, and Russian olive. Tamarisk and native riparian plant species seedlings cannot establish in these dry, shaded habitats. Russian olive can rely on upper soil water until 15 years of age, before utilizing groundwater. Conclusions: We demonstrate that even though there is little evidence of facilitation by cottonwood and tamarisk, Russian olive is able to tolerate dense shade and low moisture conditions better than tamarisk and cottonwood. There is great potential for continued spread of Russian olive throughout the southwestern US because large areas of suitable habitat exist that are not yet inhabited by this species. ?? 2010 International Association for Vegetation Science.

Segmented socioeconomic adaptation of New Eastern European professionals in the United States.

PubMed

Michalikova, Nina

2018-01-01

This study examines the socioeconomic adaptation of post-1991 Eastern European professionals in the United States. The data were obtained from the pooled 2006-2010 American Community Surveys. The analysis includes recent immigrants between ages of 25-65 who have at least an associate's degree. Skilled immigrants in professional or managerial occupations are compared with non-professionals or managers to examine and compare socioeconomic outcomes. The findings presented in this study support the segmented assimilation theory and reveal cross-group and cross-country disparities in socioeconomic adaptation. Despite the high amount of human capital, Eastern European skilled immigrants tend to have a lower share of professionals and managers than other groups. Their average income is lower than the income of some other groups in the analysis, especially immigrants from Northern and Western Europe, suggesting these immigrants experience difficulties in transferring human capital. Among the three largest Eastern European groups - Russia, Ukraine, and Poland - there is a clear hierarchy in socioeconomic status with Russian professionals having the highest educational attainment and income, followed by immigrants from Ukraine and Poland. Results also revealed gender differences in socioeconomic adaptation. Women from Eastern Europe are highly professional, but they tend to be concentrated in different occupations than men, leading to a significant gender-wage gap. The effect of selected individual and country-level characteristics on skilled immigrants' socioeconomic adaptation is discussed.

UrtheCast Second-Generation Earth Observation Sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beckett, K.

2015-04-01

UrtheCast's Second-Generation state-of-the-art Earth Observation (EO) remote sensing platform will be hosted on the NASA segment of International Space Station (ISS). This platform comprises a high-resolution dual-mode (pushbroom and video) optical camera and a dual-band (X and L) Synthetic Aperture RADAR (SAR) instrument. These new sensors will complement the firstgeneration medium-resolution pushbroom and high-definition video cameras that were mounted on the Russian segment of the ISS in early 2014. The new cameras are expected to be launched to the ISS in late 2017 via the Space Exploration Technologies Corporation Dragon spacecraft. The Canadarm will then be used to install the remote sensing platform onto a CBM (Common Berthing Mechanism) hatch on Node 3, allowing the sensor electronics to be accessible from the inside of the station, thus limiting their exposure to the space environment and allowing for future capability upgrades. The UrtheCast second-generation system will be able to take full advantage of the strengths that each of the individual sensors offers, such that the data exploitation capabilities of the combined sensors is significantly greater than from either sensor alone. This represents a truly novel platform that will lead to significant advances in many other Earth Observation applications such as environmental monitoring, energy and natural resources management, and humanitarian response, with data availability anticipated to begin after commissioning is completed in early 2018.

Bubble-detector measurements of neutron radiation in the international space station: ISS-34 to ISS-37.

PubMed

Smith, M B; Khulapko, S; Andrews, H R; Arkhangelsky, V; Ing, H; Koslowksy, M R; Lewis, B J; Machrafi, R; Nikolaev, I; Shurshakov, V

2016-02-01

Bubble detectors have been used to characterise the neutron dose and energy spectrum in several modules of the International Space Station (ISS) as part of an ongoing radiation survey. A series of experiments was performed during the ISS-34, ISS-35, ISS-36 and ISS-37 missions between December 2012 and October 2013. The Radi-N2 experiment, a repeat of the 2009 Radi-N investigation, included measurements in four modules of the US orbital segment: Columbus, the Japanese experiment module, the US laboratory and Node 2. The Radi-N2 dose and spectral measurements are not significantly different from the Radi-N results collected in the same ISS locations, despite the large difference in solar activity between 2009 and 2013. Parallel experiments using a second set of detectors in the Russian segment of the ISS included the first characterisation of the neutron spectrum inside the tissue-equivalent Matroshka-R phantom. These data suggest that the dose inside the phantom is ∼70% of the dose at its surface, while the spectrum inside the phantom contains a larger fraction of high-energy neutrons than the spectrum outside the phantom. The phantom results are supported by Monte Carlo simulations that provide good agreement with the empirical data. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Feasibility of commercialization of Russian thistle, Salsola kali L. , as a fuel source. Final report

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

Karpiscak, M.M.; Foster, K.E.; Rawles, R.L.

1981-10-01

The use of Russian thistle as an energy resource has been demonstrated. Russian thistle biomass can be harvested, stored and transported using readily available machinery. Propagation seed can be harvested, cleaned and sown using commercially available machines and traditional techniques. In addition, preliminary tests did not detect that burning Russian thistle biomass causes any major toxicological or immunological problems. Many questions remain to be answered, however, concerning use of Russian thistle as a biomass fuel. The lack of confirmed, long-term data, on the agronomics of Russian thistle makes additional research necessary. Additional data are required to produce a sound datamore » base for evaluating the economics of Russian thistle production, for improving agricultural methods, and for fully evaluating the toxic and immunologic properties of Russian thistle. In conclusion, it appears that Russian thistle biomass has a great potential for becoming a fuel source in arid areas that are lacking fossil fuel reserves or where possible reduction of environmental problems associated with the use of fossil fuels is desired. Analyses of economic and energy factors show that there is a significant net gain in energy with the production and processing of Russia thistle biomass into synthetic logs (Tumblelogs), although the cost of Tumblelogs is slightly higher than that of synthetic logs made from wood waste. 10 refs., 12 figs., 17 tabs.« less

Distribution of the IL-1RN, IL-6, IL-10, INF-γ, and TNF-α Gene Polymorphisms in the Mexican Population

PubMed Central

Vargas-Alarcon, Gilberto; Ramírez-Bello, Julián; Juárez-Cedillo, Teresa; Ramírez-Fuentes, Silvestre; Carrillo-Sánchez, Silvia

2012-01-01

Background: Cytokines are a group of polypeptides with an important role in the inflammatory response. It has been suggested that certain polymorphisms located in several cytokine genes are associated with different diseases. The aim of the present study was to establish the gene frequency of 13 polymorphisms of the IL-1RN, IL-6, IL-10, INF-γ, and TNF-α genes in a Mexican population. These polymorphisms have been reported in several populations, with important variation in frequency according to the studied population. Methods: Thirteen polymorphisms (rs419598, rs315951, rs2234663, rs3811058, rs1800796, rs2069827, rs1800896, rs1800871, rs1800872, rs1800629, rs2069709, rs2069710, and rs361525) were analyzed by 5′ exonuclease TaqMan genotyping assays in a group of 248 healthy unrelated Mexican individuals. Results: The results obtained showed that the studied Mexican population presents significant differences (p<0.05) in the distribution of the IL1RN (rs419598, rs315951, and and rs2234663), IL1F10 (rs3811058), IL6 (rs1800796, rs2069827), IL10 (rs1800896, rs1800871, and rs1800872), and TNF-α (rs1800629) polymorphisms when compared to Caucasian, Asian, and African populations. Conclusions: In summary, the distribution of the IL-1RN, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α cytokine gene polymorphisms distinguishes the studied Mexican population from other groups. Since the alleles of these cytokines are associated with the development of several inflammatory diseases, knowledge of the distribution of these alleles in the studied Mexican population could be helpful to understand their true role as a genetic susceptibility marker in this population. PMID:22971140

Distribution of the IL-1RN, IL-6, IL-10, INF-γ, and TNF-α Gene Polymorphisms in the Mexican Population.

PubMed

Vargas-Alarcon, Gilberto; Ramírez-Bello, Julián; Juárez-Cedillo, Teresa; Ramírez-Fuentes, Silvestre; Carrillo-Sánchez, Silvia; Fragoso, José Manuel

2012-10-01

Cytokines are a group of polypeptides with an important role in the inflammatory response. It has been suggested that certain polymorphisms located in several cytokine genes are associated with different diseases. The aim of the present study was to establish the gene frequency of 13 polymorphisms of the IL-1RN, IL-6, IL-10, INF-γ, and TNF-α genes in a Mexican population. These polymorphisms have been reported in several populations, with important variation in frequency according to the studied population. Thirteen polymorphisms (rs419598, rs315951, rs2234663, rs3811058, rs1800796, rs2069827, rs1800896, rs1800871, rs1800872, rs1800629, rs2069709, rs2069710, and rs361525) were analyzed by 5' exonuclease TaqMan genotyping assays in a group of 248 healthy unrelated Mexican individuals. The results obtained showed that the studied Mexican population presents significant differences (p<0.05) in the distribution of the IL1RN (rs419598, rs315951, and and rs2234663), IL1F10 (rs3811058), IL6 (rs1800796, rs2069827), IL10 (rs1800896, rs1800871, and rs1800872), and TNF-α (rs1800629) polymorphisms when compared to Caucasian, Asian, and African populations. In summary, the distribution of the IL-1RN, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α cytokine gene polymorphisms distinguishes the studied Mexican population from other groups. Since the alleles of these cytokines are associated with the development of several inflammatory diseases, knowledge of the distribution of these alleles in the studied Mexican population could be helpful to understand their true role as a genetic susceptibility marker in this population.

The Religiosity of Young People in College: A Comparison Experiment with the Religiosity of Russians

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Andreeva, L. A.; Andreeva, L. K.

2012-01-01

Survey data on religiosity among Russian students shows that self-identifying as religious does not imply either belief in the details of Orthodoxy or participation in religious services. Attempts to make Russian Orthodoxy the basis of a new Russian state may be influencing public statements of affiliation, but not of behavior. Interest in…

Russian expats seek research reforms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Banks, Michael

2009-11-01

Over 170 Russian researchers working abroad have signed a letter addressed to the Russian president, Dmitry Medvedev, and prime minister Vladimir Putin raising concerns about "the catastrophic state of basic science" in the country. The letter, which appeared last month in the Moscow business paper Vedomosti, warns Russian leaders that unless urgent measures are implemented by the government, then science in the country may collapse.

Russian Lyric Diction: A Practical Guide with Introduction and Annotations and a Bibliography with Annotations on Selected Sources

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Grayson, Craig M.

2012-01-01

The purpose of this dissertation is twofold-to investigate, in brief, the available guides to Russian lyric diction and to present my own comprehensive guide, which gives singers the tools to prepare the pronunciation of Russian vocal pieces independently. The survey examines four guides to Russian lyric diction found in popular anthologies or…

Demonstrating appropriate silviculture for sustainable forestry in central Siberia: a Russian - American partnership

Treesearch

J. C. Brissette; S. T. Eubanks; A. J. R. Gillespie; R. J. Lasko; A. V. Rykoff

1997-01-01

A joint Northeastern Forest Experiment Station - Eastern Region team is working with Russian counterparts on a Forests for the Future Initiative in the Krasnoyarsk region of central Siberia. Russian team members include scientists from the Sukachev Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, managers from a number of units of the Federal Forest Service of Russia, and...

Phonotactic constraints: Implications for models of oral reading in Russian.

PubMed

Ulicheva, Anastasia; Coltheart, Max; Saunders, Steven; Perry, Conrad

2016-04-01

The present article investigates how phonotactic rules constrain oral reading in the Russian language. The pronunciation of letters in Russian is regular and consistent, but it is subject to substantial phonotactic influence: the position of a phoneme and its phonological context within a word can alter its pronunciation. In Part 1 of the article, we analyze the orthography-to-phonology and phonology-to-phonology (i.e., phonotactic) relationships in Russian monosyllabic words. In Part 2 of the article, we report empirical data from an oral word reading task that show an effect of phonotactic dependencies on skilled reading in Russian: humans are slower when reading words where letter-phoneme correspondences are highly constrained by phonotactic rules compared with those where there are few or no such constraints present. A further question of interest in this article is how computational models of oral reading deal with the phonotactics of the Russian language. To answer this question, in Part 3, we report simulations from the Russian dual-route cascaded model (DRC) and the Russian connectionist dual-process model (CDP++) and assess the performance of the 2 models by testing them against human data. (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

ALL RUSSIAN INSTITUTE FOR SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION (VINITI) OF THE RUSSIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

PubMed Central

Markusova, Valentina

2012-01-01

The aim of the paper is to overview the leading information processing domain in Russia and Eastern Europe, namely All Russian Institute for Scientific and Technical Information (VINITI ) of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Russian science structure is different from that in the Western Europe and the US. The main aim of VINITI is to collect, process and disseminate scientific information on various fields of science and technology, published in 70 countries in 40 languages, selected from books, journals, conference proceedings, and patents. A special attention is given to the journal selection and depositing manuscripts (a kind of grey literature), an important source for Russian research. VINITI has created the largest database containing about 30 million records dating back to 1980. About 80,000-100,000 new records are added monthly. VINITI publishes the Journal Abstract (JA) on 19 fields of science, including medicine, containing about a million publications annually. Two thirds of these records are foreign and 36.7% – Russian sources. PMID:23322964

All Russian institute for scientific and technical information (viniti) of the Russian academy of sciences.

PubMed

Markusova, Valentina

2012-06-01

The aim of the paper is to overview the leading information processing domain in Russia and Eastern Europe, namely All Russian Institute for Scientific and Technical Information (VINITI ) of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Russian science structure is different from that in the Western Europe and the US. The main aim of VINITI is to collect, process and disseminate scientific information on various fields of science and technology, published in 70 countries in 40 languages, selected from books, journals, conference proceedings, and patents. A special attention is given to the journal selection and depositing manuscripts (a kind of grey literature), an important source for Russian research. VINITI has created the largest database containing about 30 million records dating back to 1980. About 80,000-100,000 new records are added monthly. VINITI publishes the Journal Abstract (JA) on 19 fields of science, including medicine, containing about a million publications annually. Two thirds of these records are foreign and 36.7% - Russian sources.

MRM2/Poisk approaches the ISS

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-11-12

ISS021-E-024524 (12 Nov. 2009) --- Backdropped by a blue and white part of Earth, the new unpiloted Russian Mini-Research Module 2 (MRM2), also known as Poisk, approaches the International Space Station. The MRM2 docked to the space-facing port of the Zvezda Service Module at 9:41 a.m. (CST) on Nov. 12, 2009. It began its trip to the station when it was launched aboard a Soyuz rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Nov. 10. Poisk is a Russian term that translates to search, seek and explore. It will provide an additional docking port for visiting Russian spacecrafts and will serve as an extra airlock for spacewalkers wearing Russian Orlan spacesuits. Poisk joins a Russian Progress resupply vehicle and two Russian Soyuz spacecraft currently docked at the station.

MRM2/Poisk approaches the ISS

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-11-12

ISS021-E-024520 (12 Nov. 2009) --- Backdropped by a blue and white part of Earth, the new unpiloted Russian Mini-Research Module 2 (MRM2), also known as Poisk, approaches the International Space Station. The MRM2 docked to the space-facing port of the Zvezda Service Module at 9:41 a.m. (CST) on Nov. 12, 2009. It began its trip to the station when it was launched aboard a Soyuz rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Nov. 10. Poisk is a Russian term that translates to search, seek and explore. It will provide an additional docking port for visiting Russian spacecrafts and will serve as an extra airlock for spacewalkers wearing Russian Orlan spacesuits. Poisk joins a Russian Progress resupply vehicle and two Russian Soyuz spacecraft currently docked at the station.

MRM2/Poisk approaches the ISS

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-11-12

ISS021-E-024531 (12 Nov. 2009) --- Backdropped by Earth’s horizon and the blackness of space, the new unpiloted Russian Mini-Research Module 2 (MRM2), also known as Poisk, approaches the International Space Station. The MRM2 docked to the space-facing port of the Zvezda Service Module at 9:41 a.m. (CST) on Nov. 12, 2009. It began its trip to the station when it was launched aboard a Soyuz rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Nov. 10. Poisk is a Russian term that translates to search, seek and explore. It will provide an additional docking port for visiting Russian spacecrafts and will serve as an extra airlock for spacewalkers wearing Russian Orlan spacesuits. Poisk joins a Russian Progress resupply vehicle and two Russian Soyuz spacecraft currently docked at the station.

MRM2/Poisk approaches the ISS

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-11-12

ISS021-E-024522 (12 Nov. 2009) --- Backdropped by a blue and white part of Earth, the new unpiloted Russian Mini-Research Module 2 (MRM2), also known as Poisk, approaches the International Space Station. The MRM2 docked to the space-facing port of the Zvezda Service Module at 9:41 a.m. (CST) on Nov. 12, 2009. It began its trip to the station when it was launched aboard a Soyuz rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Nov. 10. Poisk is a Russian term that translates to search, seek and explore. It will provide an additional docking port for visiting Russian spacecrafts and will serve as an extra airlock for spacewalkers wearing Russian Orlan spacesuits. Poisk joins a Russian Progress resupply vehicle and two Russian Soyuz spacecraft currently docked at the station.

MRM2/Poisk approaches the ISS

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-11-12

ISS021-E-024534 (12 Nov. 2009) --- Backdropped by Earth’s horizon and the blackness of space, the new unpiloted Russian Mini-Research Module 2 (MRM2), also known as Poisk, approaches the International Space Station. The MRM2 docked to the space-facing port of the Zvezda Service Module at 9:41 a.m. (CST) on Nov. 12, 2009. It began its trip to the station when it was launched aboard a Soyuz rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Nov. 10. Poisk is a Russian term that translates to search, seek and explore. It will provide an additional docking port for visiting Russian spacecrafts and will serve as an extra airlock for spacewalkers wearing Russian Orlan spacesuits. Poisk joins a Russian Progress resupply vehicle and two Russian Soyuz spacecraft currently docked at the station.

MRM2/Poisk approaches the ISS

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-11-12

ISS021-E-024517 (12 Nov. 2009) --- Backdropped by a blue and white part of Earth, the new unpiloted Russian Mini-Research Module 2 (MRM2), also known as Poisk, approaches the International Space Station. The MRM2 docked to the space-facing port of the Zvezda Service Module at 9:41 a.m. (CST) on Nov. 12, 2009. It began its trip to the station when it was launched aboard a Soyuz rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Nov. 10. Poisk is a Russian term that translates to search, seek and explore. It will provide an additional docking port for visiting Russian spacecrafts and will serve as an extra airlock for spacewalkers wearing Russian Orlan spacesuits. Poisk joins a Russian Progress resupply vehicle and two Russian Soyuz spacecraft currently docked at the station.

MRM2/Poisk approaches the ISS

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-11-12

ISS021-E-024516 (12 Nov. 2009) --- Backdropped by a blue and white part of Earth, the new unpiloted Russian Mini-Research Module 2 (MRM2), also known as Poisk, approaches the International Space Station. The MRM2 docked to the space-facing port of the Zvezda Service Module at 9:41 a.m. (CST) on Nov. 12, 2009. It began its trip to the station when it was launched aboard a Soyuz rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Nov. 10. Poisk is a Russian term that translates to search, seek and explore. It will provide an additional docking port for visiting Russian spacecrafts and will serve as an extra airlock for spacewalkers wearing Russian Orlan spacesuits. Poisk joins a Russian Progress resupply vehicle and two Russian Soyuz spacecraft currently docked at the station.

MRM2/Poisk approaches the ISS

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-11-12

ISS021-E-024518 (12 Nov. 2009) --- Backdropped by a blue and white part of Earth, the new unpiloted Russian Mini-Research Module 2 (MRM2), also known as Poisk, approaches the International Space Station. The MRM2 docked to the space-facing port of the Zvezda Service Module at 9:41 a.m. (CST) on Nov. 12, 2009. It began its trip to the station when it was launched aboard a Soyuz rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Nov. 10. Poisk is a Russian term that translates to search, seek and explore. It will provide an additional docking port for visiting Russian spacecrafts and will serve as an extra airlock for spacewalkers wearing Russian Orlan spacesuits. Poisk joins a Russian Progress resupply vehicle and two Russian Soyuz spacecraft currently docked at the station.

A new genus and two new nematode species (Drilonematoidea: Ungellidae: Synoecneminae) parasitic in two morphs of Drawida ghilarovi Gates, endemic earthworm from the Russian Far East.

PubMed

Ivanova, Elena S; Ganin, Gennadiy N; Spiridonov, Sergei E

2014-03-01

Drasico n. g. is erected to accommodate two new species of nematode, Drasico nemoralis n. sp. and D. paludigenus n. sp., recovered from coelomic cavities of Drawida ghilarovi Gates, endemic earthworms of the Russian Far East. The new genus is characterised by the following unique for the Synoecneminae characters: apical portion of the head attenuated, cephalic hooks displaced to the base of attenuated portion, amphids displaced posterior to cephalic hooks, excretory duct short and weak, males possessing several genital papilliform sensilla. The new species are differentiated by the size, number and disposition of the male genital sensilla (larger and more numerous in D. nemoralis n. sp.); the body shape of females (with thinner neck and wider mid-body in D. paludigenus n. sp.) and the ovarian tube arranged in transversal folds in D. paludigenus (vs longitudinal folds in D. nemoralis n. sp.). Nucleotide sequences of D2-D3 expansion segment of 28S rDNA for the two new species differed at 13 positions. Phylogenetic analysis revealed close relationships of Drasico n. g. with species of Siconema Timm, 1966. The host species was represented by two morphs (blue-grey forest and tar-black meadow-swamp morph) with intraspecific divergence of 16-17% for cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene, and each host morph was found infected by a different nematode species. A co-infection with the plectid nematode Creagrocercus drawidae Ivanova & Spiridonov, 2011 was recorded together with D. nemoralis n. sp. in the blue-grey forest morph.

Service Life Extension of the ISS Propulsion System Elements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kamath, Ulhas; Grant, Gregory; Kuznetsov, Sergei; Shaevich, Sergey; Spencer, Victor

2015-01-01

The International Space Station (ISS) is a result of international collaboration in building a sophisticated laboratory of an unprecedented scale in Low Earth Orbit. After a complex assembly sequence spanning over a decade, some of the early modules launched at the beginning of the program would reach the end of their certified lives, while the newer modules were just being commissioned into operation. To maximize the return on global investments in this one-of-a-kind orbiting platform that was initially conceived for a service life until 2016, it is essential for the cutting edge research on ISS to continue as long as the station can be sustained safely in orbit. ISS Program is assessing individual modules in detail to extend the service life of the ISS to 2024, and possibly to 2028. Without life extension, Functional Cargo Block (known by its Russian acronym as FGB) and the Service Module (SM), two of the early modules on the Russian Segment, would reach the end of their certified lives in 2013 and 2015 respectively. Both FGB and SM are critical for the propulsive function of the ISS. This paper describes the approach used for the service life extension of the FGB propulsion system. Also presented is an overview of the system description along with the process adopted for developing the life test plans based on considerations of system failure modes, fault tolerance and safety provisions. Tests and analyses performed, important findings and life estimates are summarized. Based on the life extension data, FGB propulsion system, in general, is considered ready for a service life until 2028.

Exploring in-hospital death from myocardial infarction in Eastern Europe: from the International Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes in Transitional Countries (ISACS-TC); on the Behalf of the Working Group on Coronary Pathophysiology & Microcirculation of the European Society of Cardiology.

PubMed

Bugiardini, Raffaele; Manfrini, Olivia; Majstorović Stakić, Marta; Cenko, Edina; Boytsov, Sergei; Merkely, Bela; Becker, David; Dilic, Mirza; Vasiljevic, Zorana; Koller, Akos; Badimon, Lina

2014-01-01

The aim of the current study was to investigate the outcomes of coronary reperfusion therapies and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in patients of Eastern countries with economies in transition. Federation, and Serbia. The overall population consisted of 23,486 consecutive patients admitted to hospitals from January 1(st) to December 31(st) 2009. Registry data and statistics from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries for the same period were used for comparison (2009-2010). In-hospital mortality was between 4% and 5% in the Western countries. In comparison mortality data were significantly larger in Serbia (10.8%) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (11.2%), intermediate in Russian Federation (7.2%) and similar in Hungary (5.0%). The rates of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (primary PCI) were very low in Bosnia and Herzegovina (18.3%), low in Russian Federation (20.6%) and Serbia (22%), and high in Hungary (70%). Major risk factors for death appear to be lack of reperfusion therapy, longer time delay from symptoms onset to hospital presentation as well as the higher percentage of patients with clinical presentation in Killip class III/IV. In-hospital STEMI case-fatality rates ranges widely in the former Eastern Bloc countries. Beyond the quality of care provided in hospitals, differences in time delay from symptoms onset to hospital admission may strongly influence STEMI patients' outcome.

International Space Station (ISS)

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-10-03

In this photograph, Russians are working on the aft portion of the United States-funded, Russian-built Functional Cargo Bay (FGB) also known as Zarya (Russian for sunrise). Built at Khrunichev, the FGB began pre-launch testing shortly after this photo was taken. Launched by a Russian Proton rocket from the Baikonu Cosmodrome on November 20, 1998, Zarya was the first element of the International Space Station (ISS) followed by the U.S. Unity Node. The aft docking mechanism, Pirs, on the far right with ventilation ducting rurning through it, will be docked with the third Station element, the Russian Service Module, or Zvezda.

Polymorphisms of CHAT but not TFAM or VR22 are Associated with Alzheimer Disease Risk.

PubMed

Gao, Lili; Zhang, Yan; Deng, Jinghua; Yu, Wenbing; Yu, Yunxia

2016-06-07

BACKGROUND Alzheimer disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that is one of the most prevalent health problems among seniors. The cause of AD has not yet been elucidated, but many risk factors have been identified that might contribute to the pathogenesis and prognosis of AD. We conducted a meta-analysis of studies involving CHAT, TFAM, and VR22 polymorphisms and AD susceptibility to further understand the pathogenesis of AD. MATERIAL AND METHODS PubMed/Medline, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were searched for relevant articles. Rs1880676, rs2177369, rs3810950, and rs868750 of CHAT; rs1937 and rs2306604 of TFAM; and rs10997691 and rs7070570 of VR22 are studied in this meta-analysis. RESULTS A total of 51 case-control studies with 16 446 cases and 16 057 controls were enrolled. For CHAT, rs2177369 (G>A) in whites and rs3810950 (G>A) in Asians were found to be associated with AD susceptibility. No association was detected between rs1880676 and rs868750 and AD risk. For TFAM and VR22, no significant association was detected in studied single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). CONCLUSIONS Rs2177369 and rs3810950 of CHAT are associated with AD susceptibility, but rs1880676 and rs868750 are not. Rs1937 and rs2306604 of TFAM, and rs10997691 and rs7070570 of VR22 are not significantly associated with AD risk.

Consumption of retrograded (RS3) but not uncooked (RS2) resistant starch shifts nitrogen excretion from urine to feces in cannulated piglets.

PubMed

Heijnen, M L; Beynen, A C

1997-09-01

To study the effect of resistant starch (RS) on the route of nitrogen excretion, we fed three groups of six cannulated piglets each a diet containing either uncooked resistant starch (RS2 ), retrograded resistant starch (RS3 ) or glucose. The use of piglets with a cannula at the end of the ileum allowed measurement of the amount of nitrogen that entered the colon. Ileal digesta, urine and feces were collected quantitatively and weighed, and dry matter, starch and nitrogen content were determined. We hypothesized that RS2 would lower colonic absorption of nitrogen when compared with RS3 , because RS2 may be more fermentable than RS3 , thus trapping more nitrogen in bacteria. The piglets fed RS3 had a significantly higher production of ileal digesta and feces than the piglets fed glucose or RS2 . In the piglets fed RS2 , 44% of the amount of RS fed was recovered in the ileal digesta; in the piglets fed RS3 , 71% was recovered. Thus, more fermentable material entered the colon in the RS3 -fed piglets than in the RS2 -fed piglets. Virtually no starch was recovered in the feces of any dietary group. Replacement of glucose by either RS2 or RS3 did not affect nitrogen retention but increased fecal nitrogen excretion. Compared with glucose, RS3 but not RS2 reduced urinary nitrogen excretion, mainly in the form of urea, and reduced the amount of nitrogen absorbed by the colon when expressed as a percentage of the amount of nitrogen entering the colon. This study provides evidence that RS3 , but not RS2 , shifts nitrogen excretion from urine to feces in cannulated piglets.

[Construction and function identification of luciferase reporter gene vectors containing SNPs in NFKBIA gene 3'UTR].

PubMed

Yang, Shuo; Li, Jia-li; Bi, Hui-chang; Zhou, Shou-ning; Liu, Xiao-man; Zeng, Hang; Hu, Bing-fang; Huang, Min

2016-01-01

This study aims to investigate the function of two SNPs (rs8904C > T and rs696G >A) in 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of NFKBIA gene by constructing luciferase reporter gene. A patient's genomic DNA with rs8904 CC and rs696 GA genotype was used as the PCR template. Full-length 3'UTR of NFKBIA gene was amplified by different primers. After sequencing validation, these fragments were inserted to the luciferase reporter vector, pGL3-promoter to construct recombinant plasmids containing four kinds of haplotypes, pGL3-rs8904C/rs696G, pGL3-rs8904C/rs696A, pGL3-rs8904T/rs696G and pGL3-rs8904T/rs696A. Then these plasmids were transfected into LS174T cells and the luciferase activity was detected. Compared with pGL3-vector transfected cells (negative control), the luciferase activity of the four kinds of recombinant plasmids was significantly decreased (P < 0.001). For rs696G > A, the luciferase activity of the recombinant plasmids containing A allele (pGL3-rs8904C/rs696A and pGL3-rs8904T/rs696A) was about 45.1% (P < 0.05) and 56.1% (P < 0.001) lower than those containing G allele (pGL3-rs8904C/rs696G and pGL3-rs8904T/rs696G), respectively. For rs8904C > T, there were no significant differences in the luciferase activity between the recombinant plasmids containing T allele and those with C allele. Together, the luciferase reporter gene vectors containing SNPs in NFKBIA gene 3'UTR were constructed successfully and rs696G > A could decrease the luciferase activity while rs8904C >T didn't have much effect on the luciferase activity.

Influence of NR3C1 and VDR polymorphisms on stable warfarin dose in patients with mechanical cardiac valves.

PubMed

Lee, Kyung Eun; Chung, Jee Eun; Yi, Boram; Cho, Yoon Jeong; Kim, Hyun Jeong; Lee, Gwan Yung; Kim, Joo Hee; Chang, Byung Chul; Gwak, Hye Sun

2017-06-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations between polymorphisms of VKORC1, CYP2C9, CYP4F2, NR3C1 and VDR genes and stable warfarin doses in Korean patients with mechanical heart valves. Seventeen single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 204 patients with stable warfarin dose were analyzed: VKORC1 (rs9934438), CYP2C9 (rs1057910), CYP4F2 (rs2108622), NR3C1 (rs41423247, rs1800445, rs56149945, rs10052957, rs6198, rs33388, rs6196, and rs244465), and VDR (rs1544410, rs11568820, rs731236, rs757343, rs7975232, and rs2228570). Statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate the associations of gene variations with stable warfarin dose. Number needed to genotype was obtained by calculating the percentage of patients whose predicted dose was at least 20% higher or lower than the actual stable dose. The combined genotypes of rs7975232 and rs2228570 of the VDR gene revealed a significant association with stable warfarin dose, along with VKORC1, CYP2C9, and CYP4F2 polymorphisms. Patients with the genotype combination GT,TT/CT,CC of VDR rs7975232/rs2228570 required significantly higher stable warfarin dose (5.79±2.02mg) than those with the other genotypic combinations (5.19±1.78mg, p=0.034). Multivariate analysis showed that VDR rs7975232/rs2228570 explained 2.0% of the 47.5% variability in overall warfarin dose. Adding VDR SNP combinations to the base model including non-genetic variables (age, sex, and body weight) and genetic variables (VKORC1 rs9934438, CYP2C9 rs1057910, and CYP4F2 rs2108622) gave a number needed to genotype of 41. This study showed that stable warfarin dose is associated with VDR SNPs along with VKORC1, CYP2C9, and CYP4F2 SNPs. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Russian Orthodox Culture or Russian Orthodox Teaching? Reflections on the Textbooks in Religious Education in Contemporary Russia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shnirelman, Victor A.

2012-01-01

A new textbook in religious education is analysed, first, in comparison to earlier ones, and, second, with respect to its content and goals. The aim of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) is threefold--to educate into religion, to foster the ethnic Russian identity and to make youngsters loyal to the state. Actually, the state rather than society is…

The Russian Identity and Values in the Post-Soviet Era: Learning from the Past to Reinvent the Future

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Herman, William E.; Herman, Bryan K.; Sanatullova-Allison, Elvira

2007-01-01

This paper employed a psychological-historical framework for an analytical examination of the Russian identity during the Soviet period through the fall of the Soviet Union and the transitional period that led to an establishment of the Russian Federation. A theoretical model is provided for the analysis of Russian identity that can be generalized…

Russian EVA fit check

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-06-21

ISS036-E-009793 (21 June 2013) --- Russian cosmonauts Fyodor Yurchikhin (left) and Alexander Misurkin, both Expedition 36 flight engineers, participate in a suited exercise dry run in preparation for a spacewalk in their Russian Orlan spacesuits, which is scheduled for June 24 from the International Space Station’s Pirs docking compartment. Russian cosmonaut Pavel Vinogradov (mostly out of frame at right), Expedition 36 commander, assists Yurchikhin and Misurkin.

Selected translated abstracts of Russian-language climate-change publications: II, Clouds. Issue 159 (in English;Russian)

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

Burtis, M.D.

This report presents abstracts (translated into English) of important Russian-language literature concerning clouds as they relate to climate change. In addition to the bibliographic citations and abstracts translated into English, this report presents the original citations and abstracts in Russian. Author and title indexes are included to assist the reader in locating abstracts of particular interest.

Selected translated abstracts of Russian-language climate-change publications. 4: General circulation models (in English;Russian)

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

Burtis, M.D.; Razuvaev, V.N.; Sivachok, S.G.

1996-10-01

This report presents English-translated abstracts of important Russian-language literature concerning general circulation models as they relate to climate change. Into addition to the bibliographic citations and abstracts translated into English, this report presents the original citations and abstracts in Russian. Author and title indexes are included to assist the reader in locating abstracts of particular interest.

Russian Political, Economic, and Security Issues and U.S. Interests

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-29

potential.77 Russian Restrictions on Meat Imports Russia has been a very important market for U.S. pork and poultry producers. At the end of 2009...34 Russian Restrictions on Meat Imports ........................................................................... 36 U.S. Assistance to Russia...and made progress in respecting the rule of law and human rights. Russia’s restrictions on meat imports are becoming a major irritant in U.S.-Russian

Excess Weapons Plutonium Immobilization in Russia

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

Jardine, L.; Borisov, G.B.

2000-04-15

The joint goal of the Russian work is to establish a full-scale plutonium immobilization facility at a Russian industrial site by 2005. To achieve this requires that the necessary engineering and technical basis be developed in these Russian projects and the needed Russian approvals be obtained to conduct industrial-scale immobilization of plutonium-containing materials at a Russian industrial site by the 2005 date. This meeting and future work will provide the basis for joint decisions. Supporting R&D projects are being carried out at Russian Institutes that directly support the technical needs of Russian industrial sites to immobilize plutonium-containing materials. Special R&Dmore » on plutonium materials is also being carried out to support excess weapons disposition in Russia and the US, including nonproliferation studies of plutonium recovery from immobilization forms and accelerated radiation damage studies of the US-specified plutonium ceramic for immobilizing plutonium. This intriguing and extraordinary cooperation on certain aspects of the weapons plutonium problem is now progressing well and much work with plutonium has been completed in the past two years. Because much excellent and unique scientific and engineering technical work has now been completed in Russia in many aspects of plutonium immobilization, this meeting in St. Petersburg was both timely and necessary to summarize, review, and discuss these efforts among those who performed the actual work. The results of this meeting will help the US and Russia jointly define the future direction of the Russian plutonium immobilization program, and make it an even stronger and more integrated Russian program. The two objectives for the meeting were to: (1) Bring together the Russian organizations, experts, and managers performing the work into one place for four days to review and discuss their work with each other; and (2) Publish a meeting summary and a proceedings to compile reports of all the excellent Russian plutonium immobilization contract work. This proceedings document presents the wide extent of Russian immobilization activities, provides a reference for their work, and makes it available to others.« less

Association between Eight Functional Polymorphisms and Haplotypes in the Cholesterol Ester Transfer Protein (CETP) Gene and Dyslipidemia in National Minority Adults in the Far West Region of China.

PubMed

Guo, Shuxia; Hu, Yunhua; Ding, Yusong; Liu, Jiaming; Zhang, Mei; Ma, Rulin; Guo, Heng; Wang, Kui; He, Jia; Yan, Yizhong; Rui, Dongsheng; Sun, Feng; Mu, Lati; Niu, Qiang; Zhang, Jingyu; Li, Shugang

2015-12-16

We have investigated the relationship between the polymorphisms and haplotypes in the CETP gene, and dyslipidemia among the Xinjiang Kazak and Uyghur populations in China. A total of 712 patients with dyslipidemia and 764 control subjects of CETP gene polymorphism at rs12149545, rs3764261, rs1800775, rs711752, rs708272, rs289714, rs5882, and rs1801706 loci were studied by the Snapshot method, linkage disequilibrium analysis and haplotype construction. The results are as follows: (1) the minor allele of eight loci of frequencies in the two groups were different from other results of similar studies in other countries; (2) In the linear regression analysis, the HDL-C levels of rs708272 TT, rs1800775 AA, rs289714 CC and rs711752 AA genotypes were significantly higher than those of other genotypes, however, the rs3764261 GG and rs12149545 GG genotypes were significantly lower than those of other genotypes in the two ethnic groups. The HDL-C levels of the rs12149545 GG genotype were lower than those of other genotypes; (3) in the control group, the rs708272 CT genotype of TG levels were lower than in the CC genotype, the T genotype of LDL-C levels were lower than in the CC genotype, and the HDL-C levels were higher than in the CT genotype; the rs1800775 AC genotype of TG levels were higher than in the AA genotype, the rs711752 AG genotype of TG levels were lower than in the GG genotype, the AA genotype LDL-C levels were lower than in the GG genotype, and the HDL-C levels were higher than in the AG genotype; the rs1800775 AC genotype of TG levels were higher than in the AA genotype. In the dyslipidemia group, the rs708272 TT genotype of TC and LDL-C levels were higher than in the CT genotype and the rs3764261 TT genotype of TC levels were higher than in the GG genotype. The rs711752 AA genotype of TC and LDL-C levels were higher than in the AG genotype, and the rs12149545 AA genotype of TC and LDL-C levels were higher than in the GG genotype; (4) perfect Linkage Disequilibrium was observed for two sets of two SNPs: rs3764261 and rs12149545; rs711752 and rs708272. (5) Using SHEsis software analysis, the five A/T/A/A/T/C/A/G, A/T/A/A/T/T/G/A, G/G/A/G/C/C/G/G, G/G/C/G/C/C/A/G and G/G/C/G/C/T/G/G haplotypes were between dyslipidemia group and control group statistically significantly different (p < 0.05 in each case). The polymorphism of CETP genes rs708272, rs3764261, rs1800775, rs711752, rs12149545 was closely related to the dyslipidemia in the Xinjiang Uyghur and Kazakh ethnic groups; and the rs708272 T, rs3764261 T, rs711752 A, and rs12149545 A alleles could reduce risk of dyslipidemia in the Uyghur and Kazakh populations, however, the rs1800775 C allele showed risk factors.

Association between Eight Functional Polymorphisms and Haplotypes in the Cholesterol Ester Transfer Protein (CETP) Gene and Dyslipidemia in National Minority Adults in the Far West Region of China

PubMed Central

Guo, Shuxia; Hu, Yunhua; Ding, Yusong; Liu, Jiaming; Zhang, Mei; Ma, Rulin; Guo, Heng; Wang, Kui; He, Jia; Yan, Yizhong; Rui, Dongsheng; Sun, Feng; Mu, Lati; Niu, Qiang; Zhang, Jingyu; Li, Shugang

2015-01-01

We have investigated the relationship between the polymorphisms and haplotypes in the CETP gene, and dyslipidemia among the Xinjiang Kazak and Uyghur populations in China. A total of 712 patients with dyslipidemia and 764 control subjects of CETP gene polymorphism at rs12149545, rs3764261, rs1800775, rs711752, rs708272, rs289714, rs5882, and rs1801706 loci were studied by the Snapshot method, linkage disequilibrium analysis and haplotype construction. The results are as follows: (1) the minor allele of eight loci of frequencies in the two groups were different from other results of similar studies in other countries; (2) In the linear regression analysis, the HDL-C levels of rs708272 TT, rs1800775 AA, rs289714 CC and rs711752 AA genotypes were significantly higher than those of other genotypes, however, the rs3764261 GG and rs12149545 GG genotypes were significantly lower than those of other genotypes in the two ethnic groups. The HDL-C levels of the rs12149545 GG genotype were lower than those of other genotypes; (3) in the control group, the rs708272 CT genotype of TG levels were lower than in the CC genotype, the T genotype of LDL-C levels were lower than in the CC genotype, and the HDL-C levels were higher than in the CT genotype; the rs1800775 AC genotype of TG levels were higher than in the AA genotype, the rs711752 AG genotype of TG levels were lower than in the GG genotype, the AA genotype LDL-C levels were lower than in the GG genotype, and the HDL-C levels were higher than in the AG genotype; the rs1800775 AC genotype of TG levels were higher than in the AA genotype. In the dyslipidemia group, the rs708272 TT genotype of TC and LDL-C levels were higher than in the CT genotype and the rs3764261 TT genotype of TC levels were higher than in the GG genotype. The rs711752 AA genotype of TC and LDL-C levels were higher than in the AG genotype, and the rs12149545 AA genotype of TC and LDL-C levels were higher than in the GG genotype; (4) perfect Linkage Disequilibrium was observed for two sets of two SNPs: rs3764261 and rs12149545; rs711752 and rs708272. (5) Using SHEsis software analysis, the five A/T/A/A/T/C/A/G, A/T/A/A/T/T/G/A, G/G/A/G/C/C/G/G, G/G/C/G/C/C/A/G and G/G/C/G/C/T/G/G haplotypes were between dyslipidemia group and control group statistically significantly different (p < 0.05 in each case). The polymorphism of CETP genes rs708272, rs3764261, rs1800775, rs711752, rs12149545 was closely related to the dyslipidemia in the Xinjiang Uyghur and Kazakh ethnic groups; and the rs708272 T, rs3764261 T, rs711752 A, and rs12149545 A alleles could reduce risk of dyslipidemia in the Uyghur and Kazakh populations, however, the rs1800775 C allele showed risk factors. PMID:26694435

Individual differences in the ability to identify, select and use appropriate frames of reference for perceptuo-motor control.

PubMed

Isableu, B; Ohlmann, T; Cremieux, J; Vuillerme, N; Amblard, B; Gresty, M A

2010-09-01

The causes of the interindividual differences (IDs) in how we perceive and control spatial orientation are poorly understood. Here, we propose that IDs partly reflect preferred modes of spatial referencing and that these preferences or "styles" are maintained from the level of spatial perception to that of motor control. Two groups of experimental subjects, one with high visual field dependency (FD) and one with marked visual field independency (FI) were identified by the Rod and Frame Test, which identifies relative dependency on a visual frame of reference (VFoR). FD and FI subjects were tasked with standing still in conditions of increasing postural difficulty while visual cues of self-orientation (a visual frame tilted in roll) and self-motion (in stroboscopic illumination) were varied and in darkness to assess visual dependency. Postural stability, overall body orientation and modes of segmental stabilization relative to either external (space) or egocentric (adjacent segments) frames of reference in the roll plane were analysed. We hypothesized that a moderate challenge to balance should enhance subjects' reliance on VFoR, particularly in FD subjects, whereas a substantial challenge should constrain subjects to use a somatic-vestibular based FoR to prevent falling in which case IDs would vanish. The results showed that with increasing difficulty, FD subjects became more unstable and more disoriented shown by larger effects of the tilted visual frame on posture. Furthermore, their preference to coalign body/VFoR coordinate systems lead to greater fixation of the head-trunk articulation and stabilization of the hip in space, whereas the head and trunk remained more stabilized in space with the hip fixed on the leg in FI subjects. These results show that FD subjects have difficulties at identifying and/or adopting a more appropriate FoR based on proprioceptive and vestibular cues to regulate the coalignment of posturo/exocentric FoRs. The FI subjects' resistance in the face of altered VFoR and balance challenge resides in their greater ability to coordinate movement by coaligning body axes with more appropriate FoRs (provided by proprioceptive and vestibular co-variance). Copyright (c) 2010 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Association between Fas/FasL gene polymorphism and musculoskeletal degenerative diseases: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Huang, Donghua; Xiao, Jinrong; Deng, Xiangyu; Ma, Kaige; Liang, Hang; Shi, Deyao; Wu, Fashuai; Shao, Zengwu

2018-05-07

It was reported that Fas (rs1800682, rs2234767) and FasL (rs5030772, rs763110) gene polymorphism might be related to the risk of musculoskeletal degenerative diseases (MSDD), such as osteoarthritis (OA), intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, data from different studies was inconsistent. Here we aim to elaborately summarize and explore the association between the Fas (rs1800682, rs2234767) and FasL (rs5030772, rs763110) and MSDD. Literatures were selected from PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus and Medline in English and VIP, SinoMed, Wanfang and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) in Chinese up to August 21, 2017. All the researches included are case-control studies about human. We calculated the pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) to evaluate the strengths of the associations of Fas (rs1800682, rs2234767) and FasL (rs5030772, rs763110) polymorphisms with MSDD risk. Eleven eligible studies for rs1800682 with 1930 cases and 1720 controls, 6 eligible studies for rs2234767 with 1794 cases and 1909 controls, 3 eligible studies for rs5030772 with 367 cases and 313 controls and 8 eligible studies for rs763110 with 2010 cases and 2105 controls were included in this analysis. The results showed that the G allele of Fas (rs1800682) is associated with an increased risk of IVDD in homozygote and recessive models. The G allele of Fas (rs2234767) is linked to a decreased risk of RA but an enhanced risk of OA in allele and recessive models. In addition, the T allele of FasL (rs763110) is correlated with a reduced risk of IVDD in all of models. However, no relationship was found between FasL (rs5030772) and these three types of MSDD in any models. Fas (rs1800682) and FasL (rs763110) polymorphism were associated with the risk of IVDD and Fas (rs2234767) was correlated to the susceptibility of OA and RA. Fas (rs1800682) and Fas (rs2234767) are more likely to be associated with MSDD for Chinese people. FasL (rs763110) is related to the progression of MSDD for both Caucasoid and Chinese race groups. But FasL (rs5030772) might not be associated with any types of MSDD or any race groups statistically.

The impact of APOA5, APOB, APOC3 and ABCA1 gene polymorphisms on ischemic stroke: Evidence from a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Au, Anthony; Griffiths, Lyn R; Irene, Looi; Kooi, Cheah Wee; Wei, Loo Keat

2017-10-01

Genetic studies have been reported on the association between APOA5, APOB, APOC3 and ABCA1 gene polymorphisms and ischemic stroke, but results remain controversial. Hence, this meta-analysis aimed to infer the causal relationships of APOA5 (rs662799, rs3135506), APOB (rs693, rs1042031, rs1801701), APOC3 (rs4520, rs5128, rs2854116, rs2854117) and ABCA1 rs2230806 with ischemic stroke risk. A systematic review was performed for all the articles retrieved from multiple databases, up until March 2017. Data were extracted from all eligible studies, and meta-analysis was carried out using RevMan 5.3 and R package 3.2.1. The strength of association between each studied polymorphism and ischemic stroke risk was measured as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), under fixed- and random-effect models. A total of 79 studies reporting on the association between the studied polymorphisms and ischemic stroke risk were identified. The pooled data indicated that all genetic models of APOA5 rs662799 (ORs = 1.23-1.43), allelic and over-dominant models of APOA5 rs3135506 (ORs = 1.77-1.97), APOB rs1801701 (ORs = 1.72-2.13) and APOB rs1042031 (ORs = 1.66-1.88) as well as dominant model of ABCA1 rs2230806 (OR = 1.31) were significantly associated with higher risk of ischemic stroke. However, no significant associations were observed between ischemic stroke and the other five polymorphisms, namely ApoB (rs693) and APOC3 (rs4520, rs5128, rs2854116 and rs2854117), under any genetic model. The present meta-analysis confirmed a significant association of APOA5 rs662799 CC, APOA5 rs3135506 CG, APOB rs1801701 GA, APOB rs1042031 GA and ABCA1 rs2230806 GG with increased risk of ischemic stroke. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Review of Excess Weapons Plutonium Disposition LLNL Contract Work in Russia-(English)

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

Jardine, L; Borisov, G B

This third meeting of the recently completed and ongoing Russian plutonium immobilization contract work was held at the State Education Center (SEC) in St. Petersburg on January 14-18, 2002. The meeting agenda is reprinted here as Appendix A and the attendance list as Appendix B. The meeting had 58 Russian participants from 21 Russian organizations, including the industrial sites (Mayak, Krasonayarsk-26, Tomsk), scientific institutes (VNIINM, KRI, VNIPIPT, RIAR), design organizations (VNIPIET and GSPI), universities (Nyzhny Novgorod, Urals Technical), Russian Academy of Sciences (Institute of Physical Chemistry or IPhCh, Institute of Ore-Deposit Geology, Petrography, Mineralogy, and Geochemistry or IGEM), Radon-Moscow, S&TCmore » Podol'osk, Kharkov-Ukraine, GAN-SEC-NRS and SNIIChM, the RF Ministry of Atomic Energy (Minatom) and Gosatomnadzor (GAN). This volume, published by LLNL, documents this third annual meeting. Forty-nine technical papers were presented by the Russian participants, and nearly all of these have been collected in this Proceedings. The two objectives for the meeting were to: (1) Bring together the Russian organizations, experts, and managers performing this contract work into one place for four days to review and discuss their work amongst each other. (2) Publish a meeting summary and proceedings of all the excellent Russian plutonium immobilization and other plutonium disposition contract work in one document so that the wide extent of the Russian immobilization activities are documented, referencable and available for others to use, as were the Proceedings of the two previous meetings. Attendees gave talks describing their LLNL contract work and submitted written papers documenting their contract work (in English and Russian), in both hard copy and on computer disks. Simultaneous translation into Russian and English was used for presentations made at the State Region Educational Center (SEC).« less

Association of six CpG-SNPs in the inflammation-related genes with coronary heart disease.

PubMed

Chen, Xiaomin; Chen, Xiaoying; Xu, Yan; Yang, William; Wu, Nan; Ye, Huadan; Yang, Jack Y; Hong, Qingxiao; Xin, Yanfei; Yang, Mary Qu; Deng, Youping; Duan, Shiwei

2016-07-25

Chronic inflammation has been widely considered to be the major risk factor of coronary heart disease (CHD). The goal of our study was to explore the possible association with CHD for inflammation-related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) involved in cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) dinucleotides. A total of 784 CHD patients and 739 non-CHD controls were recruited from Zhejiang Province, China. Using the Sequenom MassARRAY platform, we measured the genotypes of six inflammation-related CpG-SNPs, including IL1B rs16944, IL1R2 rs2071008, PLA2G7 rs9395208, FAM5C rs12732361, CD40 rs1800686, and CD36 rs2065666). Allele and genotype frequencies were compared between CHD and non-CHD individuals using the CLUMP22 software with 10,000 Monte Carlo simulations. Allelic tests showed that PLA2G7 rs9395208 and CD40 rs1800686 were significantly associated with CHD. Moreover, IL1B rs16944, PLA2G7 rs9395208, and CD40 rs1800686 were shown to be associated with CHD under the dominant model. Further gender-based subgroup tests showed that one SNP (CD40 rs1800686) and two SNPs (FAM5C rs12732361 and CD36 rs2065666) were associated with CHD in females and males, respectively. And the age-based subgroup tests indicated that PLA2G7 rs9395208, IL1B rs16944, and CD40 rs1800686 were associated with CHD among individuals younger than 55, younger than 65, and over 65, respectively. In conclusion, all the six inflammation-related CpG-SNPs (rs16944, rs2071008, rs12732361, rs2065666, rs9395208, and rs1800686) were associated with CHD in the combined or subgroup tests, suggesting an important role of inflammation in the risk of CHD.

Genetic variation in the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene is associated with Asperger Syndrome.

PubMed

Di Napoli, Agnese; Warrier, Varun; Baron-Cohen, Simon; Chakrabarti, Bhismadev

2014-01-01

Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) are a group of neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by impairments in communication and social interaction, alongside unusually repetitive behaviors and narrow interests. ASC are highly heritable and have complex patterns of inheritance where multiple genes are involved, alongside environmental and epigenetic factors. Asperger Syndrome (AS) is a subgroup of these conditions, where there is no history of language or cognitive delay. Animal models suggest a role for oxytocin (OXT) and oxytocin receptor (OXTR) genes in social-emotional behaviors, and several studies indicate that the oxytocin/oxytocin receptor system is altered in individuals with ASC. Previous studies have reported associations between genetic variations in the OXTR gene and ASC. The present study tested for an association between nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the OXTR gene and AS in 530 individuals of Caucasian origin, using SNP association test and haplotype analysis. There was a significant association between rs2268493 in OXTR and AS. Multiple haplotypes that include this SNP (rs2268493-rs2254298, rs2268490-rs2268493-rs2254298, rs2268493-rs2254298-rs53576, rs237885-rs2268490-rs2268493-rs2254298, rs2268490-rs2268493-rs2254298-rs53576) were also associated with AS. rs2268493 has been previously associated with ASC and putatively alters several transcription factor-binding sites and regulates chromatin states, either directly or through other variants in linkage disequilibrium (LD). This study reports a significant association of the sequence variant rs2268493 in the OXTR gene and associated haplotypes with AS.

Russian BAR/EXPERT experiment

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-08-28

ISS020-E-035016 (27 Aug. 2009) --- Russian cosmonaut Gennady Padalka, Expedition 20 commander, uses the Russian BAR/EXPERT science payload to take various environmental measurements in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station.

Russian EVA 33

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-06-24

View of Russian cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin (bottom center), Expedition 36 flight engineer, participating in Russian extravehicular activity (EVA) 33. Also visible are the Progress spacecraft docked to the Pirs Docking Compartment (DC1) with the Service Module (SM) .

Russian BAR/EXPERT experiment

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-08-28

ISS020-E-035022 (27 Aug. 2009) --- Russian cosmonaut Roman Romanenko, Expedition 20 flight engineer, uses the Russian BAR/EXPERT science payload to take various environmental measurements in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station.

Russian BAR/EXPERT experiment

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-08-28

ISS020-E-035017 (27 Aug. 2009) --- Russian cosmonaut Gennady Padalka, Expedition 20 commander, uses the Russian BAR/EXPERT science payload to take various environmental measurements in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station.

Health-behaviour inequalities among Russian and ethnic majority school-aged children in the Baltic countries.

PubMed

Sumskas, Linas; Zaborskis, Apolinaras; Aasvee, Katrin; Gobina, Inese; Pudule, Iveta

2012-08-01

The main aim of this paper was to investigate whether ethnic heath inequalities exist in self-rated health and risk-taking behaviours (smoking, drunkenness, use of cannabis) between ethnic majority (Estonian, Latvian, Lithuanian) and minority (Russian) population groups of school-aged children in three Baltic countries. Investigation was carried out in the framework of Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study. Randomly selected students aged 11, 13, and 15 years answered questionnaires in the classroom in 2006. In total, 14,354 questionnaire forms were selected for analysis. Russian boys were more likely (p<0.05) to evaluate their self-rated health positively in schools with Russian teaching language. Odd ratios for current smoking and drunkenness were significantly lower among Russian boys in the schools with Russian language of instruction (p<0.05) in comparison with the reference group. Russian girls did not differ significantly (the exceptions were smoking in Estonia and cannabis use in Latvia) from the majority population girls by self-rated health as well as by the risk of smoking, drunkenness, and use of cannabis. The study found some differences in self-rated health and in risk-taking behaviours between Russian minority and ethnic majority students as well as between students of schools with different language of instruction (majority language vs. Russian) in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Being a member of minority group was not related with poor self-rated health or involvement in risk-taking behaviours in school-aged children in the Baltic countries.

[Analysis of genetic diversity of Russian regional populations based on common STR markers used in DNA identification].

PubMed

Pesik, V Yu; Fedunin, A A; Agdzhoyan, A T; Utevska, O M; Chukhraeva, M I; Evseeva, I V; Churnosov, M I; Lependina, I N; Bogunov, Yu V; Bogunova, A A; Ignashkin, M A; Yankovsky, N K; Balanovska, E V; Orekhov, V A; Balanovsky, O P

2014-06-01

We conducted the first genetic analysis of a wide a range of rural Russian populations in European Russia with a panel of common DNA markers commonly used in criminalistics genetic identification. We examined a total of 647 samples from indigenous ethnic Russian populations in Arkhangelsk, Belgorod, Voronezh, Kursk, Rostov, Ryazan, and Orel regions. We employed a multiplex genotyping kit, COrDIS Plus, to genotype Short Tandem Repeat (STR) loci, which included the genetic marker panel officially recommended for DNA identification in the Russian Federation, the United States, and the European Union. In the course of our study, we created a database of allelic frequencies, examined the distribution of alleles and genotypes in seven rural Russian populations, and defined the genetic relationships between these populations. We found that, although multidimensional analysis indicated a difference between the Northern gene pool and the rest of the Russian European populations, a pairwise comparison using 19 STR markers among all populations did not reveal significant differences. This is in concordance with previous studies, which examined up to 12 STR markers of urban Russian populations. Therefore, the database of allelic frequencies created in this study can be applied for forensic examinations and DNA identification among the ethnic Russian population over European Russia. We also noted a decrease in the levels of heterozygosity in the northern Russian population compared to ethnic populations in southern and central Russia, which is consistent with trends identified previously using classical gene markers and analysis of mitochondrial DNA.

[A rank-order method for the integrated assessment of trends in all-cause and cardiovascular mortality rates in the subjects of the Russian Federation in 2006-2012].

PubMed

Artamonova, G V; Maksimov, S A; Tabakaev, M V; Barbarash, L S

2016-01-01

To rank the subjects of the Russian Federation by the trend direction in all-cause and cardiovascular mortality (including mortality from coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular diseases) as a whole and at able-bodied age. The investigation used mortality rates from to the 2006 and 2012 data available in the Federal State Statistics Service on 81 subjects of the Russian Federation. According to mortality rates, each region was assigned a rank in 2006 and 2012. Trends in rank changes in the Russian Federation's regions were analyzed. A cluster analysis was used to group the subjects of the Russian Federation by trends in rank changes. The cluster analysis of rank changes from 2006 to 2012 could combine the Russian Federation's regions into 10 groups showing the similar trends in all-cause and circulatory disease mortality rates. Overall, the results of the ranking and further clusterization of the regions of the Russian Federation correspond to the trends in all-cause and cardiovascular mortality rates according to the data of other Russian investigations, by qualitatively complementing them. The trend rank-order method permits a comprehensive comparative analysis of changes in all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in the subjects of the Russian Federation both as a whole and at able-bodied age, which provides qualitatively new information complementing the universally accepted approaches to studying the population's mortality.

Polymorphisms in the Inflammatory Pathway Genes TLR2, TLR4, TLR9, LY96, NFKBIA, NFKB1, TNFA, TNFRSF1A, IL6R, IL10, IL23R, PTPN22, and PPARG Are Associated with Susceptibility of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in a Danish Cohort

PubMed Central

Bank, Steffen; Skytt Andersen, Paal; Burisch, Johan; Pedersen, Natalia; Roug, Stine; Galsgaard, Julie; Ydegaard Turino, Stine; Broder Brodersen, Jacob; Rashid, Shaista; Kaiser Rasmussen, Britt; Avlund, Sara; Bastholm Olesen, Thomas; Jürgen Hoffmann, Hans; Kragh Thomsen, Marianne; Østergaard Thomsen, Vibeke; Frydenberg, Morten; Andersen Nexø, Bjørn; Sode, Jacob; Vogel, Ulla; Andersen, Vibeke

2014-01-01

Background The inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), result from the combined effects of susceptibility genes and environmental factors. Polymorphisms in genes regulating inflammation may explain part of the genetic heritage. Methods Using a candidate gene approach, 39 mainly functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 26 genes regulating inflammation were assessed in a clinical homogeneous group of severely diseased patients consisting of 624 patients with CD, 411 patients with UC and 795 controls. The results were analysed using logistic regression. Results Sixteen polymorphisms in 13 genes involved in regulation of inflammation were associated with risk of CD and/or UC (p≤0.05). The polymorphisms TLR2 (rs1816702), NFKB1 (rs28362491), TNFRSF1A (rs4149570), IL6R (rs4537545), IL23R (rs11209026) and PTPN22 (rs2476601) were associated with risk of CD and the polymorphisms TLR2 (rs1816702), TLR4 (rs1554973 and rs12377632), TLR9 (rs352139), LY96 (rs11465996), NFKBIA (rs696), TNFA (rs1800629), TNFRSF1A (rs4149570), IL10 (rs3024505), IL23R (rs11209026), PTPN22 (rs2476601) and PPARG (rs1801282) were associated with risk of UC. When including all patients (IBD) the polymorphisms TLR2 (rs4696480 and rs1816702), TLR4 (rs1554973 and rs12377632), TLR9 (rs187084), TNFRSF1A (rs4149570), IL6R (rs4537545), IL10 (rs3024505), IL23R (rs11209026) and PTPN22 (rs2476601) were associated with risk. After Bonferroni correction for multiple testing, both the homozygous and the heterozygous variant genotypes of IL23R G>A(rs11209026) (ORCD,adj: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.21–0.67, p = 0.03; ORIBD,adj 0.43, 95% CI: 0.28–0.67, p = 0.007) and PTPN22 1858 G>A(rs2476601) (ORCD,unadj 0.54, 95% CI: 0.41–0.72, p = 7*10−4; ORIBD,unadj: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.48–0.77, p = 0.001) were associated with reduced risk of CD. Conclusion The biological effects of the studied polymorphisms suggest that genetically determined high inflammatory response was associated with increased risk of CD. The many SNPs found in TLRs suggest that the host microbial composition or environmental factors in the gut are involved in risk of IBD in genetically susceptible individuals. PMID:24971461

Inflammatory and Immune Response Genes Polymorphisms are Associated with Susceptibility to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Tatars Population from Russia.

PubMed

Korytina, Gulnaz Faritovna; Akhmadishina, L Z; Kochetova, O V; Aznabaeva, Y G; Zagidullin, Sh Z; Victorova, T V

2016-08-01

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a complex chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory system affecting primarily distal respiratory pathways and lung parenchyma. This work was designed as a case-control study aimed at investigating the association of COPD with polymorphisms in inflammatory and immune response genes (JAK1, JAK3, STAT1, STAT3, NFKB1, IL17A, ADIPOQ, ADIPOR1, etc.) in Tatar population from Russia. Ten SNPs (rs310216, rs3212780, rs12693591, rs2293152, rs28362491, rs4711998, rs1974226, rs1501299, rs266729, and rs12733285) were genotyped by the real-time polymerase chain reaction (TaqMan assays) in a case-control study (425 COPD patients and 457 in the control group, from Ufa, Russia). Logistic regression was used to detect the association of SNPs in different models. Linear regression analyses were performed to estimate the relationship between SNPs and lung function parameters and pack-years. In Tatar population, significant associations of JAK1 (rs310216) (P = 0.0002, OR 1.70 in additive model), JAK3 (rs3212780) (P = 0.001, OR 1.61 in dominant model), and IL17A (rs1974226) (P = 0.0037, OR 2.31 in recessive model) with COPD were revealed. The disease risk was higher in carriers of insertion allele of NFKB1 (rs28362491) (P = 0.045, OR 1.22). We found a significant gene-by-environment interaction of smoking status and IL17A (rs1974226) (P interact = 0.016), JAK3 (rs3212780) (P interact = 0.031), ADIPOQ (rs266729) (P interact = 0.013), and ADIPOR1 (rs12733285) (P interact = 0.018). The relationship between the rs4711998, rs1974226, rs310216, rs3212780, rs28362491, and smoking pack-years was found (P = 0.045, P = 0.004, P = 0.0005, P = 0.021, and P = 0.042). A significant genotype-dependent variation of forced vital capacity was observed for NFKB1 (rs28362491) (P = 0.017), ADIPOR1 (rs12733285) (P = 0.043), and STAT1 (rs12693591) (P = 0.048). The genotypes of STAT1 (rs12693591) (P = 0.013) and JAK1 (rs310216) (P = 0.048) were associated with forced expiratory volume in 1 s.

Estonian National Security Strategy: Current and Future Challenges

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-03-01

its offensive capabilities. In the 11 following chapter the Russian military reform and its impacts on Estonia are discussed. ‘The report...recently were called “Serdjukov’s military reforms”, are: 1) Russian military reform shows that the main concerns for Russia are still US (NATO...borders of peaceful Northern-Europe. Russian officials rushed to claim that the Russian military reform will go on even without recently fired

Russian Foreign Policy in Historical and Current Context: A Reassessment

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-01-01

concerns did not slow the growth of Russian trade with the European Union or Russian tourism to Western European countries. Moreover, before the...Russia’s economic interests. Crimea’s primary economic activities have been tourism and hosting the Russian (and Ukrainian) Black Sea fleets. As incomes...age benefits.41 Following the Beslan hostage crisis, elected gover - nors were replaced by appointed representatives. (And although this was

Russian Language Study in 1975: A Status Report. CAL-ERIC/CLL Series on Languages and Linguistics, No. 29.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Conrad, Joseph L., Ed.

The papers included in this collection attempt to provide a comprehensive overview of the situation confronting the Russian language-teaching profession and a picture of the status of the teaching of Russian in the U.S. today. The papers are: (1) "Trends in Enrollments in Russian in U.S. Colleges and Public Secondary Schools," by Richard I. Brod…

The current state of the petroleum industry and the problems of the development of the Russian economy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eder, L. V.; Filimonova, I. V.; Provornaya, I. V.; Nemov, V. Yu

2017-09-01

In the article features of resource-raw development of the Russian economy for the period between 2000 and 2014 have been considered. The main features of the resource-raw development of the Russian economy at the present stage have been analyzed. The basic principles of the transition of the Russian economy to a resource-innovative development trajectory have been formulated.