CI chondrite-like clasts in the Nilpena polymict ureilite - Implications for aqueous alteration processes in CI chondrites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brearley, Adrian J.; Prinz, Martin

1992-01-01

Petrographic studies of Nilpena polymict ureilite have revealed the presence of small quantities of carbonaceous chondrite matrix clasts. Detailed electron microprobe and TEM studies show that the chemistry and fine-scale mineralogy of one of these clasts is consistent with CI carbonaceous chondrite matrix. Compared to Orgeuil, the phyllosilicate, sulfide, and oxide mineralogy suggests that the Nilpena clasts may represent a less altered type of CI matrix. It is suggested that increased oxidation and aqueous alteration of Nilpena-type materials could result in the formation of the type of mineral assemblage observed in Orgueil. Increased alteration produces progressive more Mg-rich phyllosilicates and more Fe(3+)-rich iron oxides, such as ferrihydrite. As a function of increased alteration, Ca is also progressively leached from the matrix material to form carbonate veins. The depletion of Ca in CI chondrite matrices suggests the Ivuna and Alais may be intermediate in their degree of alteration to Nilpena and Orgueil.

X-ray Reverberation Mapping of Ci Cam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bartlett, Elizabeth; Garcia, M.

2009-01-01

We have analyzed the X-ray lightcurve of the star CI Cam, the optical counterpart of the X-ray transient XTE J0421+56 using data from XMM-Newton. Our motivation is based on evidence from ground based optical interferometry from the Keck and IOTA observatories which suggests that the dust surrounding CI CAM has a taurus morphology rather than a spherical distribution as previously hypothesized. By using a technique known as reverberation mapping we have constrained the time delay between the continuum of CI Cam and the Fe-K fluorescence line, corresponding to the reflection of the continuum off the dusty taurus. The time delay yields information on the size of the taurus.

Ci8 short, a novel LPS-induced peptide from the ascidian Ciona intestinalis, modulates responses of the human immune system.

PubMed

Bonura, Angela; Vizzini, Aiti; Vlah, Sara; Gervasi, Francesco; Longo, Alessandra; Melis, Mario R; Schildberg, Frank A; Colombo, Paolo

2018-02-01

The selective modulation of immunity is an emerging concept driven by the vast advances in our understanding of this crucial host defense system. Invertebrates have raised researchers' interest as potential sources of new bioactive molecules owing to their antibacterial, anticancer and immunomodulatory activities. A LipoPolySaccharide (LPS) challenge in the ascidian Ciona intestinalis generates the transcript, Ci8 short, with cis-regulatory elements in the 3' UTR region that are essential for shaping innate immune responses. The derived amino acidic sequence in silico analysis showed specific binding to human Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) Class I and Class II alleles. The role of Ci8 short peptide was investigated in a more evolved immune system using human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) as in vitro model. The biological activities of this molecule include the activation of 70kDa TCR ζ chain Associated Protein kinase (ZAP-70) and T Cell Receptor (TCR) Vβ oligo clonal selection on CD4 + T lymphocytes as well as increased proliferation and IFN-γ secretion. Furthermore Ci8 short affects CD4 + /CD25 high induced regulatory T cells (iTreg) subset selection which co-expressed the functional markers TGF-β1/Latency Associated Protein (LAP) and CD39/CD73. This paper describes a new molecule that modulates important responses of the human adaptive immune system. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

VELoCiRaPTORS.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lundgren, J.; Esham, B.; Padalino, S. J.; Sangster, T. C.; Glebov, V.

2007-11-01

The Venting and Exhausting of Low Level Air Contaminants in the Rapid Pneumatic Transport of Radioactive Samples (VELoCiRaPTORS) system is constructed to transport radioactive materials quickly and safely at the NIF. A radioactive sample will be placed inside a carrier that is transported via an airflow system produced by controlled differential pressure. Midway through the transportation process, the carrier will be stopped and vented by a powered exhaust blower which will remove radioactive gases within the transport carrier. A Geiger counter will monitor the activity of the exhaust gas to ensure that it is below acceptable levels. If the radiation level is sufficient, the carrier will pass through the remainder of the system, pneumatically braking at the counting station. The complete design will run manually or automatically with control software. Tests were performed using an inactive carrier to determine possible transportation problems. The system underwent many consecutive trials without failure. VELoCiRaPTORS is a prototype of a system that could be installed at both the Laboratory for Laser Energetics at the University of Rochester and the National Ignition Facility at LLNL.

Dietary Salt Restriction in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

PubMed

Garofalo, Carlo; Borrelli, Silvio; Provenzano, Michele; De Stefano, Toni; Vita, Carlo; Chiodini, Paolo; Minutolo, Roberto; Nicola, Luca De; Conte, Giuseppe

2018-06-06

A clear evidence on the benefits of reducing salt in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is still lacking. Salt restriction in CKD may allow better control of blood pressure (BP) as shown in a previous systematic review while the effect on proteinuria reduction remains poorly investigated. We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of low versus high salt intake in adult patients with non-dialysis CKD on change in BP, proteinuria and albuminuria. Eleven RCTs were selected and included information about 738 CKD patients (Stage 1⁻4); urinary sodium excretion was 104 mEq/day (95%CI, 76⁻131) and 179 mEq/day (95%CI, 165⁻193) in low- and high-sodium intake subgroups, respectively, with a mean difference of −80 mEq/day (95%CI from −107 to −53; p <0.001). Overall, mean differences in clinic and ambulatory systolic BP were −4.9 mmHg (95%CI from −6.8 to −3.1, p <0.001) and −5.9 mmHg (95%CI from −9.5 to −2.3, p <0.001), respectively, while clinic and ambulatory diastolic BP were −2.3 mmHg (95%CI from −3.5 to −1.2, p <0.001) and −3.0 mmHg (95%CI from −4.3 to −1.7; p <0.001), respectively. Mean differences in proteinuria and albuminuria were −0.39 g/day (95%CI from −0.55 to −0.22, p <0.001) and −0.05 g/day (95%CI from −0.09 to −0.01, p = 0.013). Moderate salt restriction significantly reduces BP and proteinuria/albuminuria in patients with CKD (Stage 1⁻4).

Implications of CI therapy for visual deficit training

PubMed Central

Taub, Edward; Mark, Victor W.; Uswatte, Gitendra

2014-01-01

We address here the question of whether the techniques of Constraint Induced (CI) therapy, a family of treatments that has been employed in the rehabilitation of movement and language after brain damage might apply to the rehabilitation of such visual deficits as unilateral spatial neglect and visual field deficits. CI therapy has been used successfully for the upper and lower extremities after chronic stroke, cerebral palsy (CP), multiple sclerosis (MS), other central nervous system (CNS) degenerative conditions, resection of motor areas of the brain, focal hand dystonia, and aphasia. Treatments making use of similar methods have proven efficacious for amblyopia. The CI therapy approach consists of four major components: intensive training, training by shaping, a “transfer package” to facilitate the transfer of gains from the treatment setting to everyday activities, and strong discouragement of compensatory strategies. CI therapy is said to be effective because it overcomes learned nonuse, a learned inhibition of movement that follows injury to the CNS. In addition, CI therapy produces substantial increases in the gray matter of motor areas on both sides of the brain. We propose here that these mechanisms are examples of more general processes: learned nonuse being considered parallel to sensory nonuse following damage to sensory areas of the brain, with both having in common diminished neural connections (DNCs) in the nervous system as an underlying mechanism. CI therapy would achieve its therapeutic effect by strengthening the DNCs. Use-dependent cortical reorganization is considered to be an example of the more general neuroplastic mechanism of brain structure repurposing. If the mechanisms involved in these broader categories are involved in each of the deficits being considered, then it may be the principles underlying efficacious treatment in each case may be similar. The lessons learned during CI therapy research might then prove useful for the

FIRE_CI2_ETL_RADAR

Atmospheric Science Data Center

2015-11-25

FIRE_CI2_ETL_RADAR Project Title:  FIRE II CIRRUS Discipline:  ... Platform:  Ground Station Instrument:  Radar Spatial Coverage:  (37.06, -95.34) Spatial ... Order Data Guide Documents:  ETL_RADAR Guide Readme Files:  Readme ETL_RADAR (PS) ...

Dual inhibitory action of enadoline (CI977) on release of amino acids in the rat hippocampus.

PubMed

Millan, M H; Chapman, A G; Meldrum, B S

1995-06-06

The effect of the kappa-opioid receptor agonist enadoline (CI977, (5R)-(5 alpha,7 alpha,8 beta)-N-methyl-N-[7-(1-pyrrilidinyl)-1-oxaspiro [4,5]dec-8-yl-4-benzofuranacetamide monohydrochloride), on the release of amino acids was studied in the hippocampus of freely moving rats. K+, 100 mM, or veratrine, 100 microM, were applied for 10 min via the dialysis probe, either alone (control groups) or together with CI977 (after a 10 min pretreatment with CI977 in the perfusion medium). To test the specificity of the response to CI977, nor-binaltorphimine, a selective kappa-opioid receptor antagonist, was delivered together with CI977 in two groups of animals. To test the effect of systemic injection, CI977 was given subcutaneously 30 min prior to either stimulus. K(+)-induced release of glutamate and aspartate was significantly reduced by CI977, 2.5 mM; release of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) was reduced by 250 microM CI977 in the probe. The effect of CI977 on release of glutamate and aspartate, but not of GABA, was reversed by nor-binaltorphimine (45 microM). Systemic treatment with CI977, 1 or 10 mg/kg, did not reduce K(+)-induced release of glutamate. Veratrine-induced release of aspartate and glutamate was significantly inhibited by 25 microM and release of GABA by 250 microM CI977 in the probe, and this effect was not modified by nor-binaltorphimine (58 microM). Systemic injection of CI977 1 mg/kg significantly reduced veratrine-induced release of glutamate. These results indicate that CI977 regulates release of amino acids by two independent mechanisms.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

SLA: A Time for New Initiatives-- CI Division Formed, Fundraising Goal Set, Certification Coming

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DiMattia, Susan; Blumenstein, Lynn

2004-01-01

Several initiatives were announced at the Special Libraries Association (d.b.a. SLA) conference, June 4-9, at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville. A petition drive resulted in formation of a Competitive Intelligence (CI) Division from the former CI Section of the Leadership and Management Division. The board encouraged the member-driven…

The maternal genes Ci-p53/p73-a and Ci-p53/p73-b regulate zygotic ZicL expression and notochord differentiation in Ciona intestinalis embryos.

PubMed

Noda, Takeshi

2011-12-01

I isolated a Ciona intestinalis homolog of p53, Ci-p53/p73-a, in a microarray screen of rapidly degraded maternal mRNA by comparing the transcriptomes of unfertilized eggs and 32-cell stage embryos. Higher expression of the gene in eggs and lower expression in later embryonic stages were confirmed by whole-mount in situ hybridization (WISH) and quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR); expression was ubiquitous in eggs and early embryos. Knockdown of Ci-p53/p73-a by injection of antisense morpholino oligonucleotides (MOs) severely perturbed gastrulation cell movements and expression of notochord marker genes. A key regulator of notochord differentiation in Ciona embryos is Brachyury (Ci-Bra), which is directly activated by a zic-like gene (Ci-ZicL). The expression of Ci-ZicL and Ci-Bra in A-line notochord precursors was downregulated in Ci-p53/p73-a knockdown embryos. Maternal expression of Ci-p53/p73-b, a homolog of Ci-p53/p73-a, was also detected. In Ci-p53/p73-b knockdown embryos, gastrulation cell movements, expression of Ci-ZicL and Ci-Bra in A-line notochord precursors, and expression of notochord marker gene at later stages were perturbed. The upstream region of Ci-ZicL contains putative p53-binding sites. Cis-regulatory analysis of Ci-ZicL showed that these sites are involved in expression of Ci-ZicL in A-line notochord precursors at the 32-cell and early gastrula stages. These results suggest that p53 genes are maternal factors that play a crucial role in A-line notochord differentiation in C. intestinalis embryos by regulating Ci-ZicL expression. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Surviving High-temperature Components in CI Chondrites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zolensky, M.; Frank, D.

2014-01-01

The CI1 chondrites, while having the most solar-like compo-sition of any astromaterial available for laboratory analysis, have also been considerably altered by asteroidal processes including aqueous alteration. It is of fundamental importance to determine their pre-alteration mineralogy, so that the state of matter in the early Solar System can be better determined. In the course of a re-examination of the compositional range of olivine and low-Ca pyroxene in CI chondrites Orgueil, Ivuna and Alais [1] we found the first reported complete CAI, as already reported [2], with at-tached rock consisting mainly of olivine and low-Ca pyroxene. The range of residual olivine major element compositions we have determined in the CIs (Fig. 1) may now be directly com-pared with those of other astromaterials, including Wild 2 grains. The abundance of olivine and low-Ca pyroxene in CIs is higher than is generally appreciated, and in fact much higher than for some CMs [1]. We also noted numerous rounded objects varying in shape from spheres to oblate spheroids, and ranging up to 100µm in size (Fig. 2), which have been previously noted [3] but have not been well documented or appreciated. We characterized the mineralogy by transmission electron microscopy and found that they consist mainly of rather fine-grained, flaky single phase to intergrown serpentine and saponite. These two materials in fact dominate the bulk of the host CI1 chondrites. With the exception of sparse spinels, the rounded phyllosilicate objects are remarka-bly free of other minerals, suggesting that the precursor from which the phyllosilicates were derived was a homogeneous mate-rial. We suggest that these round phyllosilicates aggregates in CI1 chondrites were cryptocrystalline to glassy microchondrules. If so then CI chondrites cannot be considered chondrule-free. Small though they are, the abundance of these putative microchondrules is the same as that of chondrules in the Tagish Lake meteorite.

Imaging the asymmetric dust shell around CI Cam with long baseline optical interferometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thureau, N. D.; Monnier, J. D.; Traub, W. A.; Millan-Gabet, R.; Pedretti, E.; Berger, J.-P.; Garcia, M. R.; Schloerb, F. P.; Tannirkulam, A.-K.

2009-09-01

We present the first high angular resolution observation of the B[e] star/X-ray transient object CI Cam, performed with the two-telescope Infrared Optical Telescope Array (IOTA), its upgraded three-telescope version (IOTA3T) and the Palomar Testbed Interferometer (PTI). Visibilities and closure phases were obtained using the IONIC-3 integrated optics beam combiner. CI Cam was observed in the near-infrared H and K spectral bands, wavelengths well suited to measure the size and study the geometry of the hot dust surrounding CI Cam. The analysis of the visibility data over an 8yr period from soon after the 1998 outburst to 2006 shows that the dust visibility has not changed over the years. The visibility data show that CI Cam is elongated which confirms the disc-shape of the circumstellar environment and totally rules out the hypothesis of a spherical dust shell. Closure phase measurements show direct evidence of asymmetries in the circumstellar environment of CI Cam and we conclude that the dust surrounding CI Cam lies in an inhomogeneous disc seen at an angle. The near-infrared dust emission appears as an elliptical skewed Gaussian ring with a major axis a = 7.58 +/- 0.24mas, an axis ratio r = 0.39 +/- 0.03 and a position angle θ = 35° +/- 2°.

K2 Reveals Pulsed Accretion Driven by the 2 Myr Old Hot Jupiter CI Tau b

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biddle, Lauren I.; Johns-Krull, Christopher M.; Llama, Joe; Prato, Lisa; Skiff, Brian A.

2018-02-01

CI Tau is a young (∼2 Myr) classical T Tauri star located in the Taurus star-forming region. Radial velocity observations indicate it hosts a Jupiter-sized planet with an orbital period of approximately 9 days. In this work, we analyze time series of CI Tau’s photometric variability as seen by K2. The light curve reveals the stellar rotation period to be ∼6.6 days. Although there is no evidence that CI Tau b transits the host star, a ∼9 day signature is also present in the light curve. We believe this is most likely caused by planet–disk interactions that perturb the accretion flow onto the star, resulting in a periodic modulation of the brightness with the ∼9 day period of the planet’s orbit.

Technician-Supported Remote Interrogation of CIEDs: Initial Use in US Emergency Departments and Perioperative Areas.

PubMed

Ahmed, Imdad; Patel, Amisha S; Balgaard, Timothy J; Rosenfeld, Lynda E

2016-03-01

Interrogation/interpretation of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) is frequently required in the emergency department (ED) or perioperative areas (OR) where resources to do this are often not available. CareLink Express (CLE; Medtronic, plc, Mounds View, MN, USA) is a technician-supported real-time remote interrogation system for Medtronic CIEDs. Using data from 136 US locations, this retrospective study was designed to assess CLE efficiency compared to traditional device management, and examine its findings. All 7,044 US CLE transmissions from the ED and OR (January 2012-October 2014) were compared to 217 traditional requests where CIED interrogations/interpretations were performed by calling industry representatives to these sites. CLE reduced the time to device interrogation/interpretation by 78%: 100 ± 140-22 ± 14 minutes, P < 0.0001, improving response time and consistency; ED: 82 ± 103-23 ± 18 minutes, P, ≤ 0.01; OR: 127 ± 181-17 ± 10 minutes, P < 0.0001. Actionable events (AE) (arrhythmia, device/lead abnormalities) were infrequent: 9.1% overall (ED: 9.9%; OR: 4.1%). Only 6.5% of patients with syncope/presyncope and 13.6% with a perceived shock had AE. AEs were more common in those with suspected device problems (30.4%) or audible alerts (52.6%). They were more likely in patients not enrolled in long-term remote monitoring (23.9% vs 8.2%, P < 0.0001) and in those with older CIED systems (7.4% in year 1 vs 31.0% after 10 years). The many patients with CIEDs, and the ability to quickly identify the minority with high-risk AE from the no/low-risk majority, strongly support CLE use in the ED and OR, sites which are expensive and prioritize efficiency. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Salt intake and dietary sources of salt on weekdays and weekend days in Australian adults.

PubMed

Nowson, Caryl; Lim, Karen; Land, Mary-Ann; Webster, Jacqui; Shaw, Jonathan E; Chalmers, John; Flood, Victoria; Woodward, Mark; Grimes, Carley

2018-02-01

To assess if there is a difference in salt intake (24 h urine collection and dietary recall) and dietary sources of salt (Na) on weekdays and weekend days. A cross-sectional study of adults who provided one 24 h urine collection and one telephone-administered 24 h dietary recall. Community-dwelling adults living in the State of Victoria, Australia. Adults (n 598) who participated in a health survey (53·5 % women; mean age 57·1 (95 % CI 56·2, 58·1) years). Mean (95 % CI) salt intake (dietary recall) was 6·8 (6·6, 7·1) g/d and 24 h urinary salt excretion was 8·1 (7·8, 8·3) g/d. Mean dietary and 24 h urinary salt (age-adjusted) were 0·9 (0·1, 1·6) g/d (P=0·024) and 0·8 (0·3, 1·6) g/d (P=0·0017), respectively, higher at weekends compared with weekdays. There was an indication of a greater energy intake at weekends (+0·6 (0·02, 1·2) MJ/d, P=0·06), but no difference in Na density (weekday: 291 (279, 304) mg/MJ; weekend: 304 (281, 327) mg/MJ; P=0·360). Cereals/cereal products and dishes, meat, poultry, milk products and gravy/sauces accounted for 71 % of dietary Na. Mean salt intake (24 h urine collection) was more than 60 % above the recommended level of 5 g salt/d and 8-14 % more salt was consumed at weekends than on weekdays. Substantial reductions in the Na content of staple foods, processed meat, sauces, mixed dishes (e.g. pasta), convenience and takeaway foods are required to achieve a significant consistent reduction in population salt intake throughout the week.

Using the Web for Competitive Intelligence (CI) Gathering

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rocker, JoAnne; Roncaglia, George

2002-01-01

Businesses use the Internet as a way to communicate company information as a way of engaging their customers. As the use of the Web for business transactions and advertising grows, so too, does the amount of useful information for practitioners of competitive intelligence (CI). CI is the legal and ethical practice of information gathering about competitors and the marketplace. Information sources like company webpages, online newspapers and news organizations, electronic journal articles and reports, and Internet search engines allow CI practitioners analyze company strengths and weaknesses for their customers. More company and marketplace information than ever is available on the Internet and a lot of it is free. Companies should view the Web not only as a business tool but also as a source of competitive intelligence. In a highly competitive marketplace can any organization afford to ignore information about the other players and customers in that same marketplace?

Multisensory emotion perception in congenitally, early, and late deaf CI users

PubMed Central

Nava, Elena; Villwock, Agnes K.; Büchner, Andreas; Lenarz, Thomas; Röder, Brigitte

2017-01-01

Emotions are commonly recognized by combining auditory and visual signals (i.e., vocal and facial expressions). Yet it is unknown whether the ability to link emotional signals across modalities depends on early experience with audio-visual stimuli. In the present study, we investigated the role of auditory experience at different stages of development for auditory, visual, and multisensory emotion recognition abilities in three groups of adolescent and adult cochlear implant (CI) users. CI users had a different deafness onset and were compared to three groups of age- and gender-matched hearing control participants. We hypothesized that congenitally deaf (CD) but not early deaf (ED) and late deaf (LD) CI users would show reduced multisensory interactions and a higher visual dominance in emotion perception than their hearing controls. The CD (n = 7), ED (deafness onset: <3 years of age; n = 7), and LD (deafness onset: >3 years; n = 13) CI users and the control participants performed an emotion recognition task with auditory, visual, and audio-visual emotionally congruent and incongruent nonsense speech stimuli. In different blocks, participants judged either the vocal (Voice task) or the facial expressions (Face task). In the Voice task, all three CI groups performed overall less efficiently than their respective controls and experienced higher interference from incongruent facial information. Furthermore, the ED CI users benefitted more than their controls from congruent faces and the CD CI users showed an analogous trend. In the Face task, recognition efficiency of the CI users and controls did not differ. Our results suggest that CI users acquire multisensory interactions to some degree, even after congenital deafness. When judging affective prosody they appear impaired and more strongly biased by concurrent facial information than typically hearing individuals. We speculate that limitations inherent to the CI contribute to these group differences. PMID:29023525

Multisensory emotion perception in congenitally, early, and late deaf CI users.

PubMed

Fengler, Ineke; Nava, Elena; Villwock, Agnes K; Büchner, Andreas; Lenarz, Thomas; Röder, Brigitte

2017-01-01

Emotions are commonly recognized by combining auditory and visual signals (i.e., vocal and facial expressions). Yet it is unknown whether the ability to link emotional signals across modalities depends on early experience with audio-visual stimuli. In the present study, we investigated the role of auditory experience at different stages of development for auditory, visual, and multisensory emotion recognition abilities in three groups of adolescent and adult cochlear implant (CI) users. CI users had a different deafness onset and were compared to three groups of age- and gender-matched hearing control participants. We hypothesized that congenitally deaf (CD) but not early deaf (ED) and late deaf (LD) CI users would show reduced multisensory interactions and a higher visual dominance in emotion perception than their hearing controls. The CD (n = 7), ED (deafness onset: <3 years of age; n = 7), and LD (deafness onset: >3 years; n = 13) CI users and the control participants performed an emotion recognition task with auditory, visual, and audio-visual emotionally congruent and incongruent nonsense speech stimuli. In different blocks, participants judged either the vocal (Voice task) or the facial expressions (Face task). In the Voice task, all three CI groups performed overall less efficiently than their respective controls and experienced higher interference from incongruent facial information. Furthermore, the ED CI users benefitted more than their controls from congruent faces and the CD CI users showed an analogous trend. In the Face task, recognition efficiency of the CI users and controls did not differ. Our results suggest that CI users acquire multisensory interactions to some degree, even after congenital deafness. When judging affective prosody they appear impaired and more strongly biased by concurrent facial information than typically hearing individuals. We speculate that limitations inherent to the CI contribute to these group differences.

Regression Analysis to Identify Factors Associated with Household Salt Iodine Content at the Sub-National Level in Bangladesh, India, Ghana and Senegal

PubMed Central

Knowles, Jacky; Kupka, Roland; Dumble, Sam; Garrett, Greg S.; Pandav, Chandrakant S.; Yadav, Kapil; Nahar, Baitun; Touré, Ndeye Khady; Amoaful, Esi Foriwa; Gorstein, Jonathan

2018-01-01

Regression analyses of data from stratified, cluster sample, household iodine surveys in Bangladesh, India, Ghana and Senegal were conducted to identify factors associated with household access to adequately iodised salt. For all countries, in single variable analyses, household salt iodine was significantly different (p < 0.05) between strata (geographic areas with representative data, defined by survey design), and significantly higher (p < 0.05) among households: with better living standard scores, where the respondent knew about iodised salt and/or looked for iodised salt at purchase, using salt bought in a sealed package, or using refined grain salt. Other country-level associations were also found. Multiple variable analyses showed a significant association between salt iodine and strata (p < 0.001) in India, Ghana and Senegal and that salt grain type was significantly associated with estimated iodine content in all countries (p < 0.001). Salt iodine relative to the reference (coarse salt) ranged from 1.3 (95% CI 1.2, 1.5) times higher for fine salt in Senegal to 3.6 (95% CI 2.6, 4.9) times higher for washed and 6.5 (95% CI 4.9, 8.8) times higher for refined salt in India. Sub-national data are required to monitor equity of access to adequately iodised salt. Improving household access to refined iodised salt in sealed packaging, would improve iodine intake from household salt in all four countries in this analysis, particularly in areas where there is significant small-scale salt production. PMID:29671774

Zebrafish CiA interneurons are late-born primary neurons.

PubMed

Yeo, Sang-Yeob

2009-12-11

Pax2 is a neural-related transcription factor downstream of Notch signaling and is expressed in the developing spinal cord of zebrafish, including in CiA interneurons. However, the characteristics of pax2-positive neurons are largely unknown. The goal of this study was to characterize Pax2-positive neurons by examining their expression in embryos in which Notch function had been knocked down by mutation or injection of a morpholino or mRNA. I found that Pax2-positive CiA interneurons were late-differentiating primary neurons. pax2.1 was expressed in CoPA commissural neurons and CiA interneurons at 26 hpf. The number of pax2.1-positive cells increased in mind bomb mutant embryos or embryos injected with Su(H)1-MO, but not in cells injected with Xenopus Delta or Delta(stu) mRNA. These observations imply that Notch signaling plays a role in regulating the number of CiA neurons by preventing uncommitted precursors from acquiring a neuronal fate during vertebrate development.

21 CFR 73.3112 - C.I. Vat Orange 1.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

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21 CFR 73.3112 - C.I. Vat Orange 1.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

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21 CFR 73.3112 - C.I. Vat Orange 1.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

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21 CFR 73.3112 - C.I. Vat Orange 1.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

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21 CFR 73.3112 - C.I. Vat Orange 1.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

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Music Perception and Appraisal: Cochlear Implant Users and Simulated CI Listening

PubMed Central

Wright, Rose; Uchanski, Rosalie M.

2012-01-01

Background The inability to hear music well may contribute to decreased quality of life for cochlear implant (CI) users. Researchers have reported recently on the generally poor ability of CI users’ to perceive music, and a few researchers have reported on the enjoyment of music by CI users. However, the relation between music perception skills and music enjoyment is much less explored. Only one study has attempted to predict CI users’ enjoyment and perception of music from the users’ demographic variables and other perceptual skills (Gfeller et al., 2008). Gfeller’s results yielded different predictive relationships for music perception and music enjoyment, and the relationships were weak, at best. Purpose The first goal of this study is to clarify the nature and relationship between music perception skills and musical enjoyment for CI users, by employing a battery of music tests. The second goal is to determine whether normal hearing (NH) subjects, listening with a CI-simulation, can be used as a model to represent actual CI users for either music enjoyment ratings or music perception tasks. Research Design A prospective, cross-sectional observational study. Original music stimuli (unprocessed) were presented to CI users, and music stimuli processed with CI-simulation software were presented to twenty NH listeners (CIsim). As a control, original music stimuli were also presented to five other NH listeners. All listeners appraised twenty-four musical excerpts, performed music perception tests, and filled out a musical background questionnaire. Music perception tests were the Appreciation of Music in Cochlear Implantees (AMICI), Montreal Battery for Evaluation of Amusia (MBEA), Melodic Contour Identification (MCI), and University of Washington Clinical Assessment of Music Perception (UW-CAMP). Study Sample Twenty-five NH adults (22 – 56 years old), recruited from the local and research communities, participated in the study. Ten adult CI users (46 – 80

Semiempirical UNO-CAS and UNO-CI: method and applications in nanoelectronics.

PubMed

Dral, Pavlo O; Clark, Timothy

2011-10-20

Unrestricted Natural Orbital-Complete Active Space Configuration Interaction, abbreviated as UNO-CAS, has been implemented for NDDO-based semiempirical molecular-orbital (MO) theory. A computationally more economic technique, UNO-CIS, in which we use a configuration interaction (CI) calculation with only single excitations (CIS) to calculate excited states, has also been implemented and tested. The class of techniques in which unrestricted natural orbitals (UNOs) are used as the reference for CI calculations is denoted UNO-CI. Semiempirical UNO-CI gives good results for the optical band gaps of organic semiconductors such as polyynes and polyacenes, which are promising materials for nanoelectronics. The results of these semiempirical UNO-CI techniques are generally in better agreement with experiment than those obtained with the corresponding conventional semiempirical CI methods and comparable to or better than those obtained with far more computationally expensive methods such as time-dependent density-functional theory. We also show that symmetry breaking in semiempirical UHF calculations is very useful for predicting the diradical character of organic compounds in the singlet spin state.

The Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor, CI994, Improves Nuclear Reprogramming and In Vitro Developmental Potential of Cloned Pig Embryos.

PubMed

Jin, Long; Guo, Qing; Zhang, Guang-Lei; Xing, Xiao-Xu; Xuan, Mei-Fu; Luo, Qi-Rong; Luo, Zhao-Bo; Wang, Jun-Xia; Yin, Xi-Jun; Kang, Jin-Dan

2018-06-01

Epigenetic reprogramming and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) cloning efficiency were recently enhanced using histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis). In this study, we investigated the time effect of CI994, an HDACi, on the blastocyst formation rate, acetylation levels of H3K9 and H4K12, DNA methylation levels of anti-5-methylcytosine (5mC), and some mRNA expression of pluripotency-related genes in pig SCNT embryos. Treatment with 10 μM CI994 for 24 hours significantly improved the blastocyst formation rate of SCNT embryos in comparison with the untreated group (p < 0.05). Moreover, average fluorescence intensities of H3K9 and H4K12 in CI994-treated embryos were remarkably increased at the pseudo-pronuclear stage, but not at the blastocyst stage. The intensity of POU5F1 was higher in CI994-treated blastocysts than in control blastocysts, whereas that of 5mC did not differ between the two groups. The percentage of apoptotic cells in blastocysts was significantly higher in the untreated group than in the CI994-treated group. mRNA levels of POU5F1 and SOX2 were significantly increased in the CI994-treated group. These observations suggest that optimum exposure (10 μM for 24 hours) to CI994 after activation elevates the level of histone acetylation and subsequently improves the in vitro development of pig SCNT embryos.

Observational Approach to Molecular Cloud Evolutation with the Submillimeter-Wave CI Lines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oka, T.; Yamamoto, S.

Neutral carbon atoms (CI) play important roles both in chemistry and cooling processes of interstellar molecular clouds. It is thus crucial to explore its large area distribution to obtain information on formation processes and thermal balance of molecular clouds. However, observations of the submillimeter-wave CI lines have been limited to small areas around some representative objects. We have constructed a 1.2 m submillimeter-wave telescope at the summit of Mt.Fuji. The telescope was designed for the exclusive use of surveying molecular clouds in two submillimeter-wave CI lines, 3 P1 -3 P0 (492GHz) and 3 P2 -3 P1 (809 GHz), of atomic carbon. A superconductor-insulator-superconductor (SIS) mixer receiver was equipped on the Nasmyth focus of the telescope. The receiver noise temperatures [Trx(DSB)] are 300 K and 1000 K for the 492 GHz and the 809 GHz mixers, respectively. The intermediate frequency is centered at 2 GHz, having a 700 MHz bandwidth. An acousto-optical spectrometer (AOS) with 1024 channel outputs is used as a receiver backend. The telescope was installed at Nishi-yasugawara (alt. 3725 m), which is 200 m north of the highest peak, Kengamine (3776 m), in July 1998. It has b en operatede successfully during 4 observing seasons in a remote way from the Hongo campus of the University of Tokyo. We have already observed more than 40 square degrees of the sky with the CI 492 GHz line. The distribution of CI emission is found to be different from those of the 13 CO or C1 8 O emission in some clouds. These differences are discussed in relation to formation processes of molecular clouds.

CI2 for creating and comparing confidence-intervals for time-series bivariate plots.

PubMed

Mullineaux, David R

2017-02-01

Currently no method exists for calculating and comparing the confidence-intervals (CI) for the time-series of a bivariate plot. The study's aim was to develop 'CI2' as a method to calculate the CI on time-series bivariate plots, and to identify if the CI between two bivariate time-series overlap. The test data were the knee and ankle angles from 10 healthy participants running on a motorised standard-treadmill and non-motorised curved-treadmill. For a recommended 10+ trials, CI2 involved calculating 95% confidence-ellipses at each time-point, then taking as the CI the points on the ellipses that were perpendicular to the direction vector between the means of two adjacent time-points. Consecutive pairs of CI created convex quadrilaterals, and any overlap of these quadrilaterals at the same time or ±1 frame as a time-lag calculated using cross-correlations, indicated where the two time-series differed. CI2 showed no group differences between left and right legs on both treadmills, but the same legs between treadmills for all participants showed differences of less knee extension on the curved-treadmill before heel-strike. To improve and standardise the use of CI2 it is recommended to remove outlier time-series, use 95% confidence-ellipses, and scale the ellipse by the fixed Chi-square value as opposed to the sample-size dependent F-value. For practical use, and to aid in standardisation or future development of CI2, Matlab code is provided. CI2 provides an effective method to quantify the CI of bivariate plots, and to explore the differences in CI between two bivariate time-series. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

HoPaCI-DB: host-Pseudomonas and Coxiella interaction database

PubMed Central

Bleves, Sophie; Dunger, Irmtraud; Walter, Mathias C.; Frangoulidis, Dimitrios; Kastenmüller, Gabi; Voulhoux, Romé; Ruepp, Andreas

2014-01-01

Bacterial infectious diseases are the result of multifactorial processes affected by the interplay between virulence factors and host targets. The host-Pseudomonas and Coxiella interaction database (HoPaCI-DB) is a publicly available manually curated integrative database (http://mips.helmholtz-muenchen.de/HoPaCI/) of host–pathogen interaction data from Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Coxiella burnetii. The resource provides structured information on 3585 experimentally validated interactions between molecules, bioprocesses and cellular structures extracted from the scientific literature. Systematic annotation and interactive graphical representation of disease networks make HoPaCI-DB a versatile knowledge base for biologists and network biology approaches. PMID:24137008

Observations of CI Cam needed to support spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waagen, Elizabeth O.

2016-10-01

Kelly Gourdji and Marcella Wijngaarden (graduate students at the University of Amsterdam/Anton Pannekoek Institute for Astronomy) have requested AAVSO observers' assistance in providing optical photometry of CI Cam in support of their high-resolution spectroscopy from now through January 2017. They write: "...We are currently observing the variable star CI Cam (the B[e] optical counterpart of a HMXB system) with the HERMES spectrograph at the Mercator Telescope in La Palma. Having observed the star for three nights now, the object appears to be in outburst. In particular, H alpha was measured to be 80 times the continuum flux, and increasing between Oct. 9 and 12. This is similar to the previous outburst in 2004/5. Photometric data obtained during the 2004/5 outburst suggested an outburst duration of about 3 months and a peak brightness of 11.2 in the V band." More information is available in ATel #9634 (Wijngaarden et al.). Multiple snapshot observations per night in BVRI are requested beginning immediately and continuing through January 2017. Time series are not necessary unless requested later via an AAVSO Special Notice. Observations made using other filters will be useful as well as long as there are multiple observations in these bands. Finder charts with sequence may be created using the AAVSO Variable Star Plotter (https://www.aavso.org/vsp). Observations should be submitted to the AAVSO International Database. See full Alert Notice for more details.

Gender-based differences on the association between salt-sensitive genes and obesity in Korean children aged between 8 and 9 years.

PubMed

Lee, Myoungsook; Kim, Mi Kyung; Kim, Seon-Mee; Park, Hyesoon; Park, Chang Gyu; Park, Hye Kyung

2015-01-01

High sodium intake is associated with the development of chronic diseases such as obesity. Although its role in obesity remains controversial, there may be a correlation between salt sensitivity and the early onset of chronic diseases in obese children. In all, 2,163 Korean children (1,106 boys and 1,057 girls) aged 8-9 years were recruited from seven elementary schools in Seoul. To evaluate whether obesity risk was modulated by the salt sensitivity, 11 SNPs related to salt sensitive genes (SSG) became the target of sodium intakes in obese children. BP, HOMA-IR, LDLc, TG, and the girls' sodium intake significantly increased, but HDLc significantly decreased with increase in BMI. Regardless of sex, the obesity risk was 5.27-fold (CI; 1.320-27.560) higher in the Q2 to Q5 of sodium intake adjusted by energy (4044.9-5058.9 mg/day) than in the lowest Q1 level (2287.6 mg/day) in obese children. BP was sensitively dependent on insulin resistance and lipid accumulation in all subjects; however, sodium intake may be an independent risk factor of obesity without increasing BP in girls. GRK4 A486V mutant homozygote was highly distributed in the obese group, but other SNPs had no impact. The obesity risk increased 7.06, 16.8, and 46.09-fold more in boys with GRK4 A486V, ACE, and SLC12A3 mutants as sodium intake increased. Among girls, the obesity risk increased in GRK4 A486V heterozygote and CYP11β-2 mutant homozygote although sodium intake was relatively lower, implying that ACE, SLC12A, CYP11β-2, and GRK4 A486V polymorphisms showed gender-based differences with regard to interaction between sodium intake and obesity. A high sodium intake markedly increased the obesity risk in variants of GRK4 A486V regardless of sex. The obesity risk increased with GRK4 A486V, ACE, and SLC12A3 variants in boys, whereas it increased with GRK4 A486V and CYP11B2 variants in girls as sodium intake increased. Obese children with the specific gene variants are recommended to reduce their sodium

Nursing domain of CI governance: recommendations for health IT adoption and optimization.

PubMed

Collins, Sarah A; Alexander, Dana; Moss, Jacqueline

2015-05-01

There is a lack of recommended models for clinical informatics (CI) governance that can facilitate successful health information technology implementation. To understand existing CI governance structures and provide a model with recommended roles, partnerships, and councils based on perspectives of nursing informatics leaders. We conducted a cross-sectional study through administering a survey via telephone to facilitate semistructured interviews from June 2012 through November 2012. We interviewed 12 nursing informatics leaders, across the United States, currently serving in executive- or director-level CI roles at integrated health care systems that have pioneered electronic health records implementation projects. We found the following 4 themes emerge: (1) Interprofessional partnerships are essential. (2) Critical role-based levels of practice and competencies need to be defined. (3) Integration into existing clinical infrastructure facilitates success. (4) CI governance is an evolving process. We described specific lessons learned and a model of CI governance with recommended roles, partnerships, and councils from the perspective of nursing informatics leaders. Applied CI work is highly interprofessional with patient safety implications that heighten the need for best practice models for governance structures, adequate resource allocation, and role-based competencies. Overall, there is a notable lack of a centralized CI group comprised of formally trained informaticians to provide expertise and promote adherence to informatics principles within EHR implementation governance structures. Our model of the nursing domain of CI governance with recommended roles, partnerships, and councils provides a starting point that should be further explored and validated. Not only can the model be used to understand, shape, and standardize roles, competencies, and structures within CI practice for nursing, it can be used within other clinical domains and by other informaticians

Dietary intake and sources of sodium and potassium among Australian schoolchildren: results from the cross-sectional Salt and Other Nutrients in Children (SONIC) study.

PubMed

Grimes, Carley A; Riddell, Lynn J; Campbell, Karen J; Beckford, Kelsey; Baxter, Janet R; He, Feng J; Nowson, Caryl A

2017-10-30

To examine sodium and potassium urinary excretion by socioeconomic status (SES), discretionary salt use habits and dietary sources of sodium and potassium in a sample of Australian schoolchildren. Cross-sectional study. Primary schools located in Victoria, Australia. 666 of 780 children aged 4-12 years who participated in the Salt and Other Nutrients in Children study returned a complete 24-hour urine collection. 24-hour urine collection for the measurement of sodium and potassium excretion and 24-hour dietary recall for the assessment of food sources. Parent and child reported use of discretionary salt. SES defined by parental highest level of education. Participants were 9.3 years (95% CI 9.0 to 9.6) of age and 55% were boys. Mean urinary sodium and potassium excretion was 103 (95% CI 99 to 108) mmol/day (salt equivalent 6.1 g/day) and 47 (95% CI 45 to 49) mmol/day, respectively. Mean molar Na:K ratio was 2.4 (95% CI 2.3 to 2.5). 72% of children exceeded the age-specific upper level for sodium intake. After adjustment for age, sex and day of urine collection, children from a low socioeconomic background excreted 10.0 (95% CI 17.8 to 2.1) mmol/day more sodium than those of high socioeconomic background (p=0.04). The major sources of sodium were bread (14.8%), mixed cereal-based dishes (9.9%) and processed meat (8.5%). The major sources of potassium were dairy milk (11.5%), potatoes (7.1%) and fruit/vegetable juice (5.4%). Core foods provided 55.3% of dietary sodium and 75.5% of potassium while discretionary foods provided 44.7% and 24.5%, respectively. For most children, sodium intake exceeds dietary recommendations and there is some indication that children of lower socioeconomic background have the highest intakes. Children are consuming about two times more sodium than potassium. To improve sodium and potassium intakes in schoolchildren, product reformulation of lower salt core foods combined with strategies that seek to reduce the consumption of

Dietary intake and sources of sodium and potassium among Australian schoolchildren: results from the cross-sectional Salt and Other Nutrients in Children (SONIC) study

PubMed Central

Grimes, Carley A; Riddell, Lynn J; Campbell, Karen J; Beckford, Kelsey; Baxter, Janet R; He, Feng J; Nowson, Caryl A

2017-01-01

Objectives To examine sodium and potassium urinary excretion by socioeconomic status (SES), discretionary salt use habits and dietary sources of sodium and potassium in a sample of Australian schoolchildren. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Primary schools located in Victoria, Australia. Participants 666 of 780 children aged 4–12 years who participated in the Salt and Other Nutrients in Children study returned a complete 24-hour urine collection. Primary and secondary outcome measures 24-hour urine collection for the measurement of sodium and potassium excretion and 24-hour dietary recall for the assessment of food sources. Parent and child reported use of discretionary salt. SES defined by parental highest level of education. Results Participants were 9.3 years (95% CI 9.0 to 9.6) of age and 55% were boys. Mean urinary sodium and potassium excretion was 103 (95% CI 99 to 108) mmol/day (salt equivalent 6.1 g/day) and 47 (95% CI 45 to 49) mmol/day, respectively. Mean molar Na:K ratio was 2.4 (95% CI 2.3 to 2.5). 72% of children exceeded the age-specific upper level for sodium intake. After adjustment for age, sex and day of urine collection, children from a low socioeconomic background excreted 10.0 (95% CI 17.8 to 2.1) mmol/day more sodium than those of high socioeconomic background (p=0.04). The major sources of sodium were bread (14.8%), mixed cereal-based dishes (9.9%) and processed meat (8.5%). The major sources of potassium were dairy milk (11.5%), potatoes (7.1%) and fruit/vegetable juice (5.4%). Core foods provided 55.3% of dietary sodium and 75.5% of potassium while discretionary foods provided 44.7% and 24.5%, respectively. Conclusions For most children, sodium intake exceeds dietary recommendations and there is some indication that children of lower socioeconomic background have the highest intakes. Children are consuming about two times more sodium than potassium. To improve sodium and potassium intakes in schoolchildren, product reformulation

Cystic fibrosis respiratory tract salt concentration: An Exploratory Cohort Study.

PubMed

Grandjean Lapierre, Simon; Phelippeau, Michael; Hakimi, Cyrine; Didier, Quentin; Reynaud-Gaubert, Martine; Dubus, Jean-Christophe; Drancourt, Michel

2017-11-01

In cystic fibrosis patients, electrolytic and osmolality imbalance secondary to cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator mutations may impact on mucoid secretion accumulation and secondary colonization by opportunistic pathogens such as nontuberculous mycobacteria.We performed a noninvasive exploratory prospective controlled clinical study comparing sputum salinity and acid-base characteristics of cystic fibrosis and noncystic fibrosis control patients. A total of 57 patients and 62 controls were included.Sputum salt concentrations were 10.5 g/L (95% CI: 7.7-13.3) in patients and 7.4 g/L (95% CI: 5.9-8.9) in aged-matched controls, a difference that was found to be statistically significant (P < .05). No difference in pH was observed between patients and controls.These differences in respiratory secretions salt concentrations could influence host-pathogen interactions in the context of cystic fibrosis respiratory infections. We propose to include respiratory secretion salt measurement as a routine analysis on cystic fibrosis patients' sputum submitted for bacterial culture. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

Preferential interactions in pigmented, polymer blends - C.I. Pigment Blue 15:4 and C.I. Pigment Red 122 - as used in a poly(carbonate)-poly(butylene terephthalate) polymer blend.

PubMed

Fagelman, K E; Guthrie, J T

2005-11-18

Some important characteristics of selected pigments have been evaluated, using the inverse gas chromatography (IGC) technique, that indicate the occurrence of preferential interactions in pigmented polymer blends. Attention has been given to copper phthalocyanine pigments and to quinacridone pigments incorporated in polycarbonate-poly(butylene terephthalate) blends. Selected supporting techniques were used to provide supplementary information concerning the pigments of interest, C.I. Pigment Blue 15:4 and C.I. Pigment Red 122. For C.I. Pigment Red 122 and for C.I. Pigment Blue, the dispersive component of the surface free energy decreases as the temperature increases, indicating the relative ease with which the molecules can be removed from the surface.

Oxygen, Magnesium, and Aluminum Isotopes in the Ivuna CAI: Re-Examining High-Temperature Fractionations in CI Chondrites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frank, D. R.; Huss, G. R.; Nagashima, K.; Zolensky, M. E.; Le, L.

2017-01-01

CI chondrites are thought to approximate the bulk solar system composition since they closely match the composition of the solar photosphere. Thus, chemical differences between a planetary object and the CI composition are interpreted to result from fractionations of a CI starting composition. This interpretation is often made despite the secondary mineralogy of CI chondrites, which resulted from low-T aqueous alteration on the parent asteroid(s). Prevalent alteration and the relatively large uncertainties in the photospheric abundances (approx. +/-5-10%) permit chemical fractionation of CI chondrites from the bulk solar system, if primary chondrules and/or CAIs have been altered beyond recognition. Isolated olivine and pyroxene grains that range from approx. 5 microns to several hundred microns have been reported in CI chondrites, and acid residues of Orgueil were found to contain refractory oxides with oxygen isotopic compositions matching CAIs. However, the only CAI found to be unambiguously preserved in a CI chondrite was identified in Ivuna. The Ivuna CAI's primary mineralogy, small size (approx.170 microns), and fine-grained igneous texture classify it as a compact type A. Aqueous alteration infiltrated large portions of the CAI, but other regions remain pristine. The major primary phases are melilite (Ak 14-36 ), grossmanite (up to 20.8 wt.% TiO 2 ), and spinel. Both melilite and grossmanite have igneous textures and zoning patterns. An accretionary rim consists primarily of olivine (Fa 2-17 ) and low-Ca pyroxene (Fs 2-10 ), which could be either surviving CI2 material or a third lithology.

Detection of CI line emission towards the oxygen-rich AGB star omi Ceti

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saberi, M.; Vlemmings, W. H. T.; De Beck, E.; Montez, R.; Ramstedt, S.

2018-05-01

We present the detection of neutral atomic carbon CI(3P1-3P0) line emission towards omi Cet. This is the first time that CI is detected in the envelope around an oxygen-rich M-type asymptotic giant branch (AGB) star. We also confirm the previously tentative CI detection around V Hya, a carbon-rich AGB star. As one of the main photodissociation products of parent species in the circumstellar envelope (CSE) around evolved stars, CI can be used to trace sources of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in CSEs. The observed flux density towards omi Cet can be reproduced by a shell with a peak atomic fractional abundance of 2.4 × 10-5 predicted based on a simple chemical model where CO is dissociated by the interstellar radiation field. However, the CI emission is shifted by 4 km s-1 from the stellar velocity. Based on this velocity shift, we suggest that the detected CI emission towards omi Cet potentially arises from a compact region near its hot binary companion. The velocity shift could, therefore, be the result of the orbital velocity of the binary companion around omi Cet. In this case, the CI column density is estimated to be 1.1 × 1019 cm-2. This would imply that strong UV radiation from the companion and/or accretion of matter between two stars is most likely the origin of the CI enhancement. However, this hypothesis can be confirmed by high-angular resolution observations.

[CI] and CO in local galaxies from the Beyond the Peak Project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crocker, Alison F.; Pellegrini, E. W.; Smith, J. T.; Beyond The Peak Team

2014-01-01

From simple plane-parallel photodissociation region (PDR) models, neutral carbon ([CI]) is predicted to exist in a thin layer between C+ and CO on the surface of molecular clouds (e.g. (Hollenbach & Tielens 1999, Kaufman et al. 1999). However, observations of the Milky Way and the Magellanic Clouds indicate that [CI] may instead be a better tracer of the entire cold gas reservoir, often very well correlated with emission from 12CO(1-0) or 13CO(1-0) (e.g. Keene et al. 1996, Bolatto et al. 2000, Shimajiri et al. 2013). Here, we present the observed [CI] fluxes from the Beyond the Peak sample of 22 nearby galaxies observed with the Herschel FTS spectrometer. We first attempt to model all CO transitions and the [CI] lines as a single plane-parallel PDR, but this fails in all cases. Instead, a two-component PDR model is able to fit the CO SLED of nearly all galaxies. We investigate correlations of the [CI] fluxes and line ratio with properties of the cooler component determined from the PDR fits.

Music-Based Training for Pediatric CI Recipients: A Systematic Analysis of Published Studies

PubMed Central

Gfeller, Kate

2016-01-01

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the use of music-based training to enhance speech and language development in children with normal hearing and some forms of communication disorders, including pediatric CI users. The use of music training for CI users may initially seem incongruous given that signal processing for CIs presents a degraded version of pitch and timbre, both key elements in music. Furthermore, empirical data of systematic studies of music training, particularly in relation to transfer to speech skills are limited. This study describes the rationale for music training of CI users, describes key features of published studies of music training with CI users, and highlights some developmental and logistical issues that should be taken into account when interpreting or planning studies of music training and speech outcomes with pediatric CI recipients. PMID:27246744

Healthcare Costs Associated with an Adequate Intake of Sugars, Salt and Saturated Fat in Germany: A Health Econometrical Analysis.

PubMed

Meier, Toni; Senftleben, Karolin; Deumelandt, Peter; Christen, Olaf; Riedel, Katja; Langer, Martin

2015-01-01

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) represent not only the major driver for quality-restricted and lost life years; NCDs and their related medical treatment costs also pose a substantial economic burden on healthcare and intra-generational tax distribution systems. The main objective of this study was therefore to quantify the economic burden of unbalanced nutrition in Germany--in particular the effects of an excessive consumption of fat, salt and sugar--and to examine different reduction scenarios on this basis. In this study, the avoidable direct cost savings in the German healthcare system attributable to an adequate intake of saturated fatty acids (SFA), salt and sugar (mono- & disaccharides, MDS) were calculated. To this end, disease-specific healthcare cost data from the official Federal Health Monitoring for the years 2002-2008 and disease-related risk factors, obtained by thoroughly searching the literature, were used. A total of 22 clinical endpoints with 48 risk-outcome pairs were considered. Direct healthcare costs attributable to an unbalanced intake of fat, salt and sugar are calculated to be 16.8 billion EUR (CI95%: 6.3-24.1 billion EUR) in the year 2008, which represents 7% (CI95% 2%-10%) of the total treatment costs in Germany (254 billion EUR). This is equal to 205 EUR per person annually. The excessive consumption of sugar poses the highest burden, at 8.6 billion EUR (CI95%: 3.0-12.1); salt ranks 2nd at 5.3 billion EUR (CI95%: 3.2-7.3) and saturated fat ranks 3rd at 2.9 billion EUR (CI95%: 32 million-4.7 billion). Predicted direct healthcare cost savings by means of a balanced intake of sugars, salt and saturated fat are substantial. However, as this study solely considered direct medical treatment costs regarding an adequate consumption of fat, salt and sugars, the actual societal and economic gains, resulting both from direct and indirect cost savings, may easily exceed 16.8 billion EUR.

Gender-Based Differences on the Association between Salt-Sensitive Genes and Obesity in Korean Children Aged between 8 and 9 Years

PubMed Central

Kim, Seon-Mee; Park, Hyesoon; Park, Chang gyu; Park, Hye Kyung

2015-01-01

Background High sodium intake is associated with the development of chronic diseases such as obesity. Although its role in obesity remains controversial, there may be a correlation between salt sensitivity and the early onset of chronic diseases in obese children. Methods In all, 2,163 Korean children (1,106 boys and 1,057 girls) aged 8–9 years were recruited from seven elementary schools in Seoul. To evaluate whether obesity risk was modulated by the salt sensitivity, 11 SNPs related to salt sensitive genes (SSG) became the target of sodium intakes in obese children. Results BP, HOMA-IR, LDLc, TG, and the girls’ sodium intake significantly increased, but HDLc significantly decreased with increase in BMI. Regardless of sex, the obesity risk was 5.27-fold (CI; 1.320–27.560) higher in the Q2 to Q5 of sodium intake adjusted by energy (4044.9–5058.9 mg/day) than in the lowest Q1 level (2287.6 mg/day) in obese children. BP was sensitively dependent on insulin resistance and lipid accumulation in all subjects; however, sodium intake may be an independent risk factor of obesity without increasing BP in girls. GRK4 A486V mutant homozygote was highly distributed in the obese group, but other SNPs had no impact. The obesity risk increased 7.06, 16.8, and 46.09-fold more in boys with GRK4 A486V, ACE, and SLC12A3 mutants as sodium intake increased. Among girls, the obesity risk increased in GRK4 A486V heterozygote and CYP11β-2 mutant homozygote although sodium intake was relatively lower, implying that ACE, SLC12A, CYP11β-2, and GRK4 A486V polymorphisms showed gender-based differences with regard to interaction between sodium intake and obesity. Conclusion A high sodium intake markedly increased the obesity risk in variants of GRK4 A486V regardless of sex. The obesity risk increased with GRK4 A486V, ACE, and SLC12A3 variants in boys, whereas it increased with GRK4 A486V and CYP11B2 variants in girls as sodium intake increased. Obese children with the specific gene

Iodine status of young Burkinabe children receiving small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements and iodised salt: a cluster-randomised trial.

PubMed

Hess, Sonja Y; Abbeddou, Souheila; Yakes Jimenez, Elizabeth; Ouédraogo, Jean-Bosco; Brown, Kenneth H

2015-12-14

The objective of the present study was to assess the impact of providing small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNS) on the I status of young Burkinabe children. In total, thirty-four communities were assigned to intervention (IC) or non-intervention cohorts (NIC). IC children were randomly assigned to receive 20 g lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS)/d containing 90 µg I with 0 or 10 mg Zn from 9 to 18 months of age, and NIC children received no SQ-LNS. All the children were exposed to iodised salt through the national salt iodization programme. Spot urinary iodine (UI), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and total thyroxine (T4) in dried blood spots as well as plasma thyroglobulin (Tg) concentrations were assessed at 9 and 18 months of age among 123 IC and fifty-six NIC children. At baseline and at 18 months, UI, TSH and T4 did not differ between cohorts. Tg concentration was higher in the NIC v. IC at baseline, but this difference did not persist at 18 months of age. In both cohorts combined, the geometric mean of UI was 339·2 (95% CI 298·6, 385·2) µg/l, TSH 0·8 (95% CI 0·7, 0·8) mU/l, T4 118 (95 % CI 114, 122) nmol/l and Tg 26·0 (95% CI 24·3, 27·7) µg/l at 18 months of age. None of the children had elevated TSH at 18 months of age. Marginally more children in NIC (8·9%) had low T4 (15 ppm). A reduction of SQ-LNS I content could be considered in settings with similarly successful salt iodisation programmes.

A Candidate Young Massive Planet in Orbit around the Classical T Tauri Star CI Tau

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johns-Krull, Christopher M.; McLane, Jacob N.; Prato, L.; Crockett, Christopher J.; Jaffe, Daniel T.; Hartigan, Patrick M.; Beichman, Charles A.; Mahmud, Naved I.; Chen, Wei; Skiff, B. A.; Cauley, P. Wilson; Jones, Joshua A.; Mace, G. N.

2016-08-01

The ˜2 Myr old classical T Tauri star CI Tau shows periodic variability in its radial velocity (RV) variations measured at infrared (IR) and optical wavelengths. We find that these observations are consistent with a massive planet in a ˜9 day period orbit. These results are based on 71 IR RV measurements of this system obtained over five years, and on 26 optical RV measurements obtained over nine years. CI Tau was also observed photometrically in the optical on 34 nights over ˜one month in 2012. The optical RV data alone are inadequate to identify an orbital period, likely the result of star spot and activity-induced noise for this relatively small data set. The infrared RV measurements reveal significant periodicity at ˜9 days. In addition, the full set of optical and IR RV measurements taken together phase coherently and with equal amplitudes to the ˜9 day period. Periodic RV signals can in principle be produced by cool spots, hotspots, and reflection of the stellar spectrum off the inner disk, in addition to resulting from a planetary companion. We have considered each of these and find the planet hypothesis most consistent with the data. The RV amplitude yields an M\\sin I of ˜8.1 M Jup; in conjunction with a 1.3 mm continuum emission measurement of the circumstellar disk inclination from the literature, we find a planet mass of ˜11.3 M Jup, assuming alignment of the planetary orbit with the disk. This paper includes data taken at The McDonald Observatory of The University of Texas at Austin.

Long wave infrared (8 to 14 microns) hyperspectral imager based on an uncooled thermal camera and the traditional CI block interferometer (SI-LWIR-UC)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cabib, Dario; Lavi, Moshe; Gil, Amir; Milman, Uri

2011-06-01

Since the early '90's CI has been involved in the development of FTIR hyperspectral imagers based on a Sagnac or similar type of interferometer. CI also pioneered the commercialization of such hyperspectral imagers in those years. After having developed a visible version based on a CCD in the early '90's (taken on by a spin-off company for biomedical applications) and a 3 to 5 micron infrared version based on a cooled InSb camera in 2008, it is now developing an LWIR version based on an uncooled camera for the 8 to 14 microns range. In this paper we will present design features and expected performance of the system. The instrument is designed to be rugged for field use, yield a relatively high spectral resolution of 8 cm-1, an IFOV of 0.5 mrad., a 640x480 pixel spectral cube in less than a minute and a noise equivalent spectral radiance of 40 nW/cm2/sr/cm-1 at 10μ. The actually measured performance will be presented in a future paper.

Salt fluoridation: a meta-analysis of its efficacy for caries prevention.

PubMed

Yengopal, V; Chikte, U M E; Mickenautsch, S; Oliveira, L B; Bhayat, A

2010-03-01

The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the caries preventive effect of Salt fluoridation (SF) in the permanent dentition in children. THE OBJECTIVES WERE TO COMPARE: (1) the caries preventive effects of SF versus no exposure in different age cohorts (6-8; 9-12; and 13-15 years old); (2) SF versus other community based interventions (milk or water fluoridation [WF]). 9 English and 2 non-English databases were searched for papers that reported on the caries preventive effect of groups (with controls) that were exposed to SF in the form of mean DMFT scores with standard deviations. Differences in exposed and nonexposed groups were computed on the basis of weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). For 6-8 year olds, the pooled reduction in DMFT scores was -0.98 [95% CI: -1.68 to -0.29]; for 9-12 year olds, it was -2.13 [95% CI: -2.55 to -1.70] and for the 13-15 year old groups, -4.22 [95% CI: -6.84 to -1.55]. All the analyses favoured the SF groups (p <0.001). For SF versus WF, there was no difference (-0.11 reduction [95% CI: -0.29 to +0.07]). Within limitations, the pooled estimates of the WMDs for the different age cohorts favoured SF versus no exposure.

Electro-chemical coupling in the voltage-dependent phosphatase Ci-VSP

PubMed Central

Kohout, Susy C.; Bell, Sarah C.; Liu, Lijun; Xu, Qiang; Minor, Daniel L.; Isacoff, Ehud Y.

2010-01-01

In the voltage sensing phosphatase, Ci-VSP, a voltage sensing domain (VSD) controls a lipid phosphatase domain (PD). The mechanism by which the domains are allosterically coupled is not well understood. Using an in vivo assay, we find that the inter-domain linker that connects the VSD to the PD is essential for coupling the full-length protein. Biochemical assays show that the linker is also needed for activity in the isolated PD. We identify a late step of VSD motion in the full-length protein that depends on the linker. Strikingly, this VSD motion is found to require PI(4,5)P2, a substrate of Ci-VSP. These results suggest that the voltage-driven motion of the VSD turns the enzyme on by rearranging the linker into an activated conformation, and that this activated conformation is stabilized by PI(4,5)P2. We propose that Ci-VSP activity is self-limited because its decrease of PI(4,5)P2 levels decouples the VSD from the enzyme. PMID:20364128

Magnetorheological properties of sodium sulphonate capped electrolytic iron based MR fluid: a comparison with CI based MR fluid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vinod, Sithara; John, Reji; Philip, John

2017-02-01

Magnetorheological fluids have numerous engineering applications due to their interesting field assisted rheological behavior. Most commonly used dispersed phase in MR fluids is carbonyl iron (CI). The relatively high cost of CI warrants the need to develop cheaper alternatives to CI, without compromising rheological properties. With the above goal in mind, we have synthesized sodium sulphonate capped electrolytic iron based MR fluid and studied their magnetorheological properties. The results are compared with that of CI based MR fluid. EI and CI particles of average particle size of ∼10 μm with fumed silica particles additives are used in the present study. The dynamic yield stress for EI and CI based MR fluid were found to vary with field strength with an exponent of roughly 1.2 and 1.24, respectively. The slightly lower static and dynamic yield stress values of EI based MR fluid is attributed to the lower magnetization and polydispersity values. The dynamic yield stress showed a decrease of 18.73% and 61.8% for field strengths of 177 mT and 531 mT, respectively as the temperature was increased from 293 to 323 K. The optorheological studies showed a peak in the loss moduli, close to the crossover point of the storage and loss moduli, due to freely moving large sized aggregates along the shear direction that are dislodged from the rheometer plates at higher strains. Our results suggests that EI based MR fluids have magnetorheological behavior comparable to that of CI based MR fluids. As EI is much cheaper than CI, our findings will have important commercial implications in producing cost effective EI based MR fluids.

Expression, purification, and reconstitution of the voltage-sensing domain from Ci-VSP.

PubMed

Li, Qufei; Jogini, Vishwanath; Wanderling, Sherry; Cortes, D Marien; Perozo, Eduardo

2012-10-16

The voltage-sensing domain (VSD) is the common scaffold responsible for the functional behavior of voltage-gated ion channels, voltage sensitive enzymes, and proton channels. Because of the position of the voltage dependence of the available VSD structures, at present, they all represent the activated state of the sensor. Yet in the absence of a consensus resting state structure, the mechanistic details of voltage sensing remain controversial. The voltage dependence of the VSD from Ci-VSP (Ci-VSD) is dramatically right shifted, so that at 0 mV it presumably populates the putative resting state. Appropriate biochemical methods are an essential prerequisite for generating sufficient amounts of Ci-VSD protein for high-resolution structural studies. Here, we present a simple and robust protocol for the expression of eukaryotic Ci-VSD in Escherichia coli at milligram levels. The protein is pure, homogeneous, monodisperse, and well-folded after solubilization in Anzergent 3-14 at the analyzed concentration (~0.3 mg/mL). Ci-VSD can be reconstituted into liposomes of various compositions, and initial site-directed spin labeling and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopic measurements indicate its first transmembrane segment folds into an α-helix, in agreement with the homologous region of other VSDs. On the basis of our results and enhanced relaxation EPR spectroscopy measurement, Ci-VSD reconstitutes essentially randomly in proteoliposomes, precluding straightforward application of transmembrane voltages in combination with spectroscopic methods. Nevertheless, these results represent an initial step that makes the resting state of a VSD accessible to a variety of biophysical and structural approaches, including X-ray crystallography, spectroscopic methods, and electrophysiology in lipid bilayers.

Expression, Purification and Reconstitution of the Voltage Sensing Domain from Ci-VSP

PubMed Central

Li, Qufei; Jogini, Vishwanath; Wanderling, Sherry; Cortes, D. Marien; Perozo, Eduardo

2013-01-01

The voltage-sensing domain (VSD) is the common scaffold responsible for the functional behavior of voltage gated ion channels, voltage sensitive enzymes and proton channels. Because of the position of the voltage dependence of the available VSD structures, at present, they all represent the activated state of the sensor. Yet, in the absence of a consensus resting state structure, the mechanistic details of voltage sensing remain controversial. The voltage dependence of the VSD from Ci-VSP (Ci-VSD) is dramatically right shifted, so that at 0 mV It presumably populates the putative resting state. Appropriate biochemical methods are an essential prerequisite to generate sufficient amounts of Ci-VSD protein for high-resolution structural studies. Here, we present a simple and robust protocol for the Escherichia coli expression of eukaryotic Ci-VSD at milligram levels. The protein is pure, homogeneous, mono-disperse and well folded after solubilization in Anzergent 3-14 at the analyzed concentration (~ 0.3 mg/mL). Ci-VSD can be reconstituted into liposomes of various compositions and initial site-directed spin labeling and EPR spectroscopic measurements indicate its first transmembrane segment folds into an α-helix, in agreement to the homologous region of other VSDs. Based on current results and enhanced relaxation EPR spectroscopy measurement, Ci-VSD reconstitutes essentially randomly in proteo-liposomes, precluding straightforward application of transmembrane voltages in combination with spectroscopic methods. Nevertheless, the present results represent an initial step that makes the resting state of a VSD accessible to a variety of biophysical and structural approaches, including X-ray crystallography, spectroscopic methods and electrophysiology in lipid bilayers. PMID:22989304

Certification procedures for nuclear fast red (Kernechtrot), CI 60760.

PubMed

Frank, M; Dapson, Rw; Wickersham, Tw; Kiernan, Ja

2007-02-01

Nuclear fast red (CI 60760), also known as Kernechtrot, is commonly used in conjunction with an excess of aluminum ions as a red nuclear counterstain following histochemical procedures that yield blue products. The dye has also been used as a histochemical and colorimetric reagent for calcium. Unsatisfactory samples of nuclear fast red are encountered occasionally, and confusion has resulted from applying the name of the dye to neutral red (CI 50040), an unrelated compound with different properties. Tests for the identity and performance of nuclear fast red have been developed in the laboratory of the Biological Stain Commission. The Commission will now accept samples submitted by vendors for certification. We describe here the spectrophotometric, chromatographic and biological staining methods that are used to identify and test nuclear fast red.

Ci4SeR--curation interface for semantic resources--evaluation with adverse drug reactions.

PubMed

Souvignet, Julien; Asfari, Hadyl; Declerck, Gunnar; Lardon, Jérémy; Trombert-Paviot, Béatrice; Jaulent, Marie-Christine; Bousquet, Cédric

2014-01-01

Evaluation and validation have become a crucial problem for the development of semantic resources. We developed Ci4SeR, a Graphical User Interface to optimize the curation work (not taking into account structural aspects), suitable for any type of resource with lightweight description logic. We tested it on OntoADR, an ontology of adverse drug reactions. A single curator has reviewed 326 terms (1020 axioms) in an estimated time of 120 hours (2.71 concepts and 8.5 axioms reviewed per hour) and added 1874 new axioms (15.6 axioms per hour). Compared with previous manual endeavours, the interface allows increasing the speed-rate of reviewed concepts by 68% and axiom addition by 486%. A wider use of Ci4SeR would help semantic resources curation and improve completeness of knowledge modelling.

[The Heidelberg CI database module : Quality control in hearing restoration with cochlear implants].

PubMed

Herisanu, I T; Hoth, S; Praetorius, M

2016-12-01

Cochlear implants (CI) have been established as the therapy of choice for functional deafness. The number of CI-rehabilitated patients is continuously growing. The resulting data can provide important information for physicians, health insurance companies, and scientists. Assessment and structuring of data becomes more feasible with the application of modern database systems. In collaboration with Innoforce Est., Liechtenstein, the authors developed a database module for the specific needs of CI patients. Data of 100 patients were included and evaluated. The main features of the module and an example data analysis are presented. Analysis of data from these 100 patients reveals 50 men and 50 women aged between 1 and 87 years, with a maximum value in the 51-60-years age group. More than 50% of the patients were also severely hearing impaired in the contralateral ear and fitted the CI indication criteria. Functional deafness in the ear subsequently fitted with CI in most of the patients had arisen more than 20 years previously. Preoperative diagnostic electrical stimulation of the cochlear nerve was positive in 67 patients. All 100 patients perceived auditory sensations with the CI. The presented patient cohort is representative of patients at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Heidelberg Medical Center, Germany, and the demographic distribution is in accordance with the literature. The state of the contralateral ear, often also fitting the CI indication, is not surprising, as cochlear implantation is a comparatively new procedure. Preoperative electrical stimulation turned out not to be significant by itself. The hearing results and overview of complications were easy to calculate in comparison to a pure data storage system such as i.s.h.med.

Thermal Aspects of Future Spacecraft Thermal Management Systems.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-07-01

eutectic salt ) (278 278) (168) (n-a n-a) (0.78 0.78) (2290 2290) (inexpensive))) (95.4 % NaNO3 - 4.6 % NaCl) (inorganic eutectic salt ) (297 297) (178) (n-a...n-a) (0.69 0.69) (2260 2260) (inexpensive))) (69.9 % CaC12 - 30.1 % NaCI) (inorganic eutectic salt ) (490 490) (233) (n-a n-a) (4 4) (2400 2400...inexpensive))) (46.2 % KC1 - 29.9 X CaCI2 -23.9 X NaCi) (inorganic eutectic salt ) (515 515) (265) (n-a n-a) (3.8 3.8) (2160 2160) (inexpensive))) (79

10 CFR 709.4 - Notification of a CI evaluation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... person, in accordance with § 709.21 of this part. (b) Any job announcement or posting with respect to any... retention in that position (709.3(b) and (c)) upon his or her successful completion of a CI evaluation...

Specific Inhibition of the transcription factor Ci by a Cobalt(III)-Schiff base-DNA conjugate

PubMed Central

Hurtado, Ryan R.; Harney, Allison S.; Heffern, Marie C.; Holbrook, Robert J.; Holmgren, Robert A.; Meade, Thomas J.

2012-01-01

We describe the use of Co(III) Schiff base-DNA conjugates, a versatile class of research tools that target C2H2 transcription factors, to inhibit the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway. In developing mammalian embryos, Hh signaling is critical for the formation and development of many tissues and organs. Inappropriate activation of the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway has been implicated in a variety of cancers including medulloblastomas and basal cell carcinomas. It is well known that Hh regulates the activity of the Gli family of C2H2 zinc finger transcription factors in mammals. In Drosophila the function of the Gli proteins is performed by a single transcription factor with an identical DNA binding consensus sequence, Cubitus Interruptus (Ci). We have demonstrated previously that conjugation of a specific 17 base-pair oligonucleotide to a Co(III) Schiff base complex results in a targeted inhibitor of the Snail family C2H2 zinc finger transcription factors. Modification of the oligonucleotide sequence in the Co(III) Schiff base-DNA conjugate to that of Ci’s consensus sequence (Co(III)-Ci) generates an equally selective inhibitor of Ci. Co(III)-Ci irreversibly binds the Ci zinc finger domain and prevents it from binding DNA in vitro. In a Ci responsive tissue culture reporter gene assay, Co(III)-Ci reduces the transcriptional activity of Ci in a concentration dependent manner. In addition, injection of wild-type Drosophila embryos with Co(III)-Ci phenocopies a Ci loss of function phenotype, demonstrating effectiveness in vivo. This study provides evidence that Co(III) Schiff base-DNA conjugates are a versatile class of specific and potent tools for studying zinc finger domain proteins and have potential applications as customizable anti-cancer therapeutics. PMID:22214326

The Exon Junction Complex and Srp54 Contribute to Hedgehog Signaling via ci RNA Splicing in Drosophila melanogaster.

PubMed

Garcia-Garcia, Elisa; Little, Jamie C; Kalderon, Daniel

2017-08-01

Hedgehog (Hh) regulates the Cubitus interruptus (Ci) transcription factor in Drosophila melanogaster by activating full-length Ci-155 and blocking processing to the Ci-75 repressor. However, the interplay between the regulation of Ci-155 levels and activity, as well as processing-independent mechanisms that affect Ci-155 levels, have not been explored extensively. Here, we identified Mago Nashi (Mago) and Y14 core Exon Junction Complex (EJC) proteins, as well as the Srp54 splicing factor, as modifiers of Hh pathway activity under sensitized conditions. Mago inhibition reduced Hh pathway activity by altering the splicing pattern of ci to reduce Ci-155 levels. Srp54 inhibition also affected pathway activity by reducing ci RNA levels but additionally altered Ci-155 levels and activity independently of ci splicing. Further tests using ci transgenes and ci mutations confirmed evidence from studying the effects of Mago and Srp54 that relatively small changes in the level of Ci-155 primary translation product alter Hh pathway activity under a variety of sensitized conditions. We additionally used ci transgenes lacking intron sequences or the presumed translation initiation codon for an alternatively spliced ci RNA to provide further evidence that Mago acts principally by modulating the levels of the major ci RNA encoding Ci-155, and to show that ci introns are necessary to support the production of sufficient Ci-155 for robust Hh signaling and may also be important mediators of regulatory inputs. Copyright © 2017 by the Genetics Society of America.

Comprehensive in vitro Proarrhythmia Assay (CiPA): Pending issues for successful validation and implementation.

PubMed

Cavero, Icilio; Guillon, Jean-Michel; Ballet, Veronique; Clements, Mike; Gerbeau, Jean-Frédéric; Holzgrefe, Henry

2016-01-01

The Comprehensive in vitro Proarrhythmia Assay (CiPA) is a nonclinical Safety Pharmacology paradigm for discovering electrophysiological mechanisms that are likely to confer proarrhythmic liability to drug candidates intended for human use. Key talks delivered at the 'CiPA on my mind' session, held during the 2015 Annual Meeting of the Safety Pharmacology Society (SPS), are summarized. Issues and potential solutions relating to crucial constituents [e.g., biological materials (ion channels and pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes), study platforms, drug solutions, and data analysis] of CiPA core assays are critically examined. In order to advance the CiPA paradigm from the current testing and validation stages to a research and regulatory drug development strategy, systematic guidance by CiPA stakeholders is necessary to expedite solutions to pending and newly arising issues. Once a study protocol is proved to yield robust and reproducible results within and across laboratories, it can be implemented as qualified regulatory procedure. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Communication: CDFT-CI couplings can be unreliable when there is fractional charge transfer

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

Mavros, Michael G.; Van Voorhis, Troy, E-mail: tvan@mit.edu

2015-12-21

Constrained density functional theory with configuration interaction (CDFT-CI) is a useful, low-cost tool for the computational prediction of electronic couplings between pseudo-diabatic constrained electronic states. Such couplings are of paramount importance in electron transfer theory and transition state theory, among other areas of chemistry. Unfortunately, CDFT-CI occasionally fails significantly, predicting a coupling that does not decay exponentially with distance and/or overestimating the expected coupling by an order of magnitude or more. In this communication, we show that the eigenvalues of the difference density matrix between the two constrained states can be used as an a priori metric to determine whenmore » CDFT-CI are likely to be reliable: when the eigenvalues are near 0 or ±1, transfer of a whole electron is occurring, and CDFT-CI can be trusted. We demonstrate the utility of this metric with several illustrative examples.« less

Communication: CDFT-CI couplings can be unreliable when there is fractional charge transfer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mavros, Michael G.; Van Voorhis, Troy

2015-12-01

Constrained density functional theory with configuration interaction (CDFT-CI) is a useful, low-cost tool for the computational prediction of electronic couplings between pseudo-diabatic constrained electronic states. Such couplings are of paramount importance in electron transfer theory and transition state theory, among other areas of chemistry. Unfortunately, CDFT-CI occasionally fails significantly, predicting a coupling that does not decay exponentially with distance and/or overestimating the expected coupling by an order of magnitude or more. In this communication, we show that the eigenvalues of the difference density matrix between the two constrained states can be used as an a priori metric to determine when CDFT-CI are likely to be reliable: when the eigenvalues are near 0 or ±1, transfer of a whole electron is occurring, and CDFT-CI can be trusted. We demonstrate the utility of this metric with several illustrative examples.

Non-CI refractory lithophile abundances in bulk planetary materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dauphas, N.

2015-12-01

Refractory inclusions in meteorites show evidence for fractionation of refractory lithophile elements relative to one another. For bulk planetary materials, it is most often assumed that refractory lithophile elements (e.g., Ca, Al, Ti, REEs) are in proportions similar to CI carbonaceous chondrites, which is taken to be a proxy for solar composition. A diagnostic feature of REE patterns in refractory inclusions in meteorites is the presence of thulium anomalies, arising from the fact that this heavy REE is more volatile than the highly refractory HREEs surrounding it (Tm/Tm* is defined relative to either Er-Yb or Er-Lu). Tm anomalies thus represent an excellent diagnostic tool to test the assumption that refractory lithophile elements have uniform relative abundances at a bulk planetary scale. Prior to this work, high precision Tm measurements were lacking because it is mono-isotopic and as such is not amenable to high-precision single spike measurements. We have developed a multi-collector REE abundance measurement technique to measure all REEs at high precision, including the mono-isotopic ones. This technique was used to revise the abundance of CI and PAAS REE abundances (Pourmand et al. 2012) and the CI composition agrees well with an independent study (Barrat et al. 2012). The same technique was applied to measure REE patterns in 41 chondrites as well as terrestrial rocks (Dauphas and Pourmand, 2015). Our results reveal the presence of Tm anomalies of about -4.5 % in terrestrial rocks, enstatite and ordinary chondrites, relative to carbonaceous chondrites including CIs. This demonstrates that the assumption that refractory lithophile elements are in constant proportions among planetary bodies is unwarranted. It also shows that carbonaceous chondrites cannot be a major constituent of the Earth. The presence of Tm anomalies in meteorites and terrestrial rocks suggests that either (i) the material in the inner part of the solar system was formed from a gas

PAT: From Western solid dosage forms to Chinese materia medica preparations using NIR-CI.

PubMed

Zhou, Luwei; Xu, Manfei; Wu, Zhisheng; Shi, Xinyuan; Qiao, Yanjiang

2016-01-01

Near-infrared chemical imaging (NIR-CI) is an emerging technology that combines traditional near-infrared spectroscopy with chemical imaging. Therefore, NIR-CI can extract spectral information from pharmaceutical products and simultaneously visualize the spatial distribution of chemical components. The rapid and non-destructive features of NIR-CI make it an attractive process analytical technology (PAT) for identifying and monitoring critical control parameters during the pharmaceutical manufacturing process. This review mainly focuses on the pharmaceutical applications of NIR-CI in each unit operation during the manufacturing processes, from the Western solid dosage forms to the Chinese materia medica preparations. Finally, future applications of chemical imaging in the pharmaceutical industry are discussed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Ciênsação: gaining a feeling for sciences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abreu de Oliveira, Marcos Henrique; Fischer, Robert

2017-03-01

Ciênsação, an open online repository for hands-on experiments, has been developed to convince teachers in Latin America that science is best experienced first hand. Permitting students to experiment autonomously in small groups can be a challenging endeavour for educators in these countries. We analyse the reasons that cause hesitation of teachers appling hands-on experiments in class, and discuss how Ciênsação was implemented to overcome these obstacles. The resulting student research activities are specifically designed to be easily integrated in formal science education at school, to foster research skills and, most importantly, to let young people get to know science as an engaging creative activity.

Binge Drinking Associations with Patrons’ Risk Behaviors and Alcohol Effects after Leaving a Nightclub: Sex Differences in the "Balada com Ciência" Portal Survey Study in Brazil

PubMed Central

Sanchez, Zila M.; Ribeiro, Karen J.; Wagner, Gabriela A.

2015-01-01

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the potential associations of binge drinking detected at the exit of nightclubs and risk behaviors and alcohol effects just after leaving the venue in a representative sample of Brazilian nightclub patrons according to sex. For this purpose, a portal survey study called Balada com Ciência was conducted in 2013 in the megacity of São Paulo, Brazil, using a two-stage cluster sampling survey design. Individual-level data were collected in 2422 subjects at the entrance and 1822 subjects at the exit of 31 nightclubs, and breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) was measured using a breathalyzer. The following day, 1222 patrons answered an online follow-up survey that included questions about risk behaviors and alcohol effects practiced just after leaving the nightclub. Weighted logistic regressions were used to analyze binge drinking associated with risk behaviors by sex. For both sexes, the most prevalent risk behaviors practiced after leaving a nightclub were drinking and driving (men=27.9%; women=20.4%), the use of illicit drugs (men=15.8%; women=9.4%) and risky sexual behavior (men=11.4%; women=6.8%). The practice of binge drinking increased the behavior of illicit drug use after leaving the nightclub by 2.54 times [95% CI: 1.26-5.09] among men who drank and increased the risk of an episode of new alcohol use by 5.80 times [95% CI: 1.50-22.44] among women who drank. Alcoholic blackouts were more prevalent among men [OR=8.92; 95% CI: 3.83-20.80] and women [OR= 5.31; 95% CI: 1.68-16.84] whose BrAC was equivalent to binge drinking compared with patrons with a lower BrAC. Public policies aiming to reduce patrons’ BrAC at the exit of nightclubs, such as staff training in responsible beverage service and legislation to prevent alcohol sales to drunk individuals, would be useful to protect patrons from the risk behaviors associated with binge drinking in nightclubs. PMID:26287954

Binge Drinking Associations with Patrons' Risk Behaviors and Alcohol Effects after Leaving a Nightclub: Sex Differences in the "Balada com Ciência" Portal Survey Study in Brazil.

PubMed

Sanchez, Zila M; Ribeiro, Karen J; Wagner, Gabriela A

2015-01-01

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the potential associations of binge drinking detected at the exit of nightclubs and risk behaviors and alcohol effects just after leaving the venue in a representative sample of Brazilian nightclub patrons according to sex. For this purpose, a portal survey study called Balada com Ciência was conducted in 2013 in the megacity of São Paulo, Brazil, using a two-stage cluster sampling survey design. Individual-level data were collected in 2422 subjects at the entrance and 1822 subjects at the exit of 31 nightclubs, and breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) was measured using a breathalyzer. The following day, 1222 patrons answered an online follow-up survey that included questions about risk behaviors and alcohol effects practiced just after leaving the nightclub. Weighted logistic regressions were used to analyze binge drinking associated with risk behaviors by sex. For both sexes, the most prevalent risk behaviors practiced after leaving a nightclub were drinking and driving (men=27.9%; women=20.4%), the use of illicit drugs (men=15.8%; women=9.4%) and risky sexual behavior (men=11.4%; women=6.8%). The practice of binge drinking increased the behavior of illicit drug use after leaving the nightclub by 2.54 times [95% CI: 1.26-5.09] among men who drank and increased the risk of an episode of new alcohol use by 5.80 times [95% CI: 1.50-22.44] among women who drank. Alcoholic blackouts were more prevalent among men [OR=8.92; 95% CI: 3.83-20.80] and women [OR= 5.31; 95% CI: 1.68-16.84] whose BrAC was equivalent to binge drinking compared with patrons with a lower BrAC. Public policies aiming to reduce patrons' BrAC at the exit of nightclubs, such as staff training in responsible beverage service and legislation to prevent alcohol sales to drunk individuals, would be useful to protect patrons from the risk behaviors associated with binge drinking in nightclubs.

Coupling between the voltage-sensing and phosphatase domains of Ci-VSP.

PubMed

Villalba-Galea, Carlos A; Miceli, Francesco; Taglialatela, Maurizio; Bezanilla, Francisco

2009-07-01

The Ciona intestinalis voltage sensor-containing phosphatase (Ci-VSP) shares high homology with the phosphatidylinositol phosphatase enzyme known as PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10). We have taken advantage of the similarity between these proteins to inquire about the coupling between the voltage sensing and the phosphatase domains in Ci-VSP. Recently, it was shown that four basic residues (R11, K13, R14, and R15) in PTEN are critical for its binding onto the membrane, required for its catalytic activity. Ci-VSP has three of the basic residues of PTEN. Here, we show that when R253 and R254 (which are the homologues of R14 and R15 in PTEN) are mutated to alanines in Ci-VSP, phosphatase activity is disrupted, as revealed by a lack of effect on the ionic currents of KCNQ2/3, where current decrease is a measure of phosphatase activity. The enzymatic activity was not rescued by the introduction of lysines, indicating that the binding is an arginine-specific interaction between the phosphatase binding domain and the membrane, presumably through the phosphate groups of the phospholipids. We also found that the kinetics and steady-state voltage dependence of the S4 segment movement are affected when the arginines are not present, indicating that the interaction of R253 and R254 with the membrane, required for the catalytic action of the phosphatase, restricts the movement of the voltage sensor.

40 CFR 60.4202 - What emission standards must I meet for emergency engines if I am a stationary CI internal...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... CI ICE with a maximum engine power less than or equal to 2,237 KW (3,000 HP) and a displacement of... CI ICE with a maximum engine power greater than 2,237 KW (3,000 HP) and a displacement of less than... CFR 94.8, as applicable, for all pollutants, for the same displacement and maximum engine power: (1...

40 CFR 60.4202 - What emission standards must I meet for emergency engines if I am a stationary CI internal...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... CI ICE with a maximum engine power less than or equal to 2,237 KW (3,000 HP) and a displacement of... CI ICE with a maximum engine power greater than 2,237 KW (3,000 HP) and a displacement of less than... CFR 94.8, as applicable, for all pollutants, for the same displacement and maximum engine power: (1...

40 CFR 60.4202 - What emission standards must I meet for emergency engines if I am a stationary CI internal...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... CI ICE with a maximum engine power less than or equal to 2,237 KW (3,000 HP) and a displacement of... CI ICE with a maximum engine power greater than 2,237 KW (3,000 HP) and a displacement of less than... CFR 94.8, as applicable, for all pollutants, for the same displacement and maximum engine power: (1...

Tanzania national survey on iodine deficiency: impact after twelve years of salt iodation

PubMed Central

Assey, Vincent D; Peterson, Stefan; Kimboka, Sabas; Ngemera, Daniel; Mgoba, Celestin; Ruhiye, Deusdedit M; Ndossi, Godwin D; Greiner, Ted; Tylleskär, Thorkild

2009-01-01

Background In many low-income countries, children are at high risk of iodine deficiency disorders, including brain damage. In the early 1990s, Tanzania, a country that previously suffered from moderate to severe iodine deficiency, adopted universal salt iodation (USI) as an intervention strategy, but its impact remained unknown. Methods We report on the first national survey in mainland Tanzania, conducted in 2004 to assess the extent to which iodated salt was used and its apparent impact on the total goitre prevalence (TGP) and urinary iodine concentrations (UIC) among the schoolchildren after USI was initiated. In 2004, a cross-sectional goitre survey was conducted; covering 140,758 schoolchildren aged 6 - 18 years were graded for goitre according to new WHO goitre classification system. Comparisons were made with district surveys conducted throughout most of the country during the 1980s and 90s. 131,941 salt samples from households were tested for iodine using rapid field test kits. UIC was determined spectrophotometrically using the ammonium persulfate digestion method in 4523 sub-sampled children. Results 83.6% (95% CI: 83.4 - 83.8) of salt samples tested positive for iodine. Whereas the TGP was about 25% on average in the earlier surveys, it was 6.9% (95%CI: 6.8-7.0) in 2004. The TGP for the younger children, 6-9 years old, was 4.2% (95%CI: 4.0-4.4), n = 41,965. In the 27 goitre-endemic districts, TGP decreased from 61% (1980s) to 12.3% (2004). The median UIC was 204 (95% CF: 192-215) μg/L. Only 25% of children had UIC <100 μg/L and 35% were ≥ 300 μg/L, indicating low and excess iodine intake, respectively. Conclusion Our study demonstrates a marked improvement in iodine nutrition in Tanzania, twelve years after the initiation of salt iodation programme. The challenge in sustaining IDD elimination in Tanzania is now two-fold: to better reach the areas with low coverage of iodated salt, and to reduce iodine intake in areas where it is excessive

Tanzania national survey on iodine deficiency: impact after twelve years of salt iodation.

PubMed

Assey, Vincent D; Peterson, Stefan; Kimboka, Sabas; Ngemera, Daniel; Mgoba, Celestin; Ruhiye, Deusdedit M; Ndossi, Godwin D; Greiner, Ted; Tylleskär, Thorkild

2009-09-03

In many low-income countries, children are at high risk of iodine deficiency disorders, including brain damage. In the early 1990s, Tanzania, a country that previously suffered from moderate to severe iodine deficiency, adopted universal salt iodation (USI) as an intervention strategy, but its impact remained unknown. We report on the first national survey in mainland Tanzania, conducted in 2004 to assess the extent to which iodated salt was used and its apparent impact on the total goitre prevalence (TGP) and urinary iodine concentrations (UIC) among the schoolchildren after USI was initiated. In 2004, a cross-sectional goitre survey was conducted; covering 140,758 schoolchildren aged 6 - 18 years were graded for goitre according to new WHO goitre classification system. Comparisons were made with district surveys conducted throughout most of the country during the 1980s and 90s. 131,941 salt samples from households were tested for iodine using rapid field test kits. UIC was determined spectrophotometrically using the ammonium persulfate digestion method in 4523 sub-sampled children. 83.6% (95% CI: 83.4 - 83.8) of salt samples tested positive for iodine. Whereas the TGP was about 25% on average in the earlier surveys, it was 6.9% (95%CI: 6.8-7.0) in 2004. The TGP for the younger children, 6-9 years old, was 4.2% (95%CI: 4.0-4.4), n = 41,965. In the 27 goitre-endemic districts, TGP decreased from 61% (1980s) to 12.3% (2004). The median UIC was 204 (95% CF: 192-215) microg/L. Only 25% of children had UIC <100 microg/L and 35% were > or = 300 microg/L, indicating low and excess iodine intake, respectively. Our study demonstrates a marked improvement in iodine nutrition in Tanzania, twelve years after the initiation of salt iodation programme. The challenge in sustaining IDD elimination in Tanzania is now two-fold: to better reach the areas with low coverage of iodated salt, and to reduce iodine intake in areas where it is excessive. Particular attention is needed in

AHRQ series on complex intervention systematic reviews-paper 7: PRISMA-CI elaboration and explanation.

PubMed

Guise, Jeanne-Marie; Butler, Mary; Chang, Christine; Viswanathan, Meera; Pigott, Terri; Tugwell, Peter

2017-10-01

Complex interventions are widely used in health care, public health, education, criminology, social work, business, and welfare. They have increasingly become the subject of systematic reviews and are challenging to effectively report. The Complex Interventions Methods Workgroup developed an extension to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Complex Interventions (PRISMA-CI). Following the EQUATOR Network guidance for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extensions, this Explanation and Elaboration (EE) document accompanies the PRISMA-CI checklist to promote consistency in reporting of systematic reviews of complex interventions. The EE document explains the meaning and rationale for each unique PRISMA-CI checklist item and provides examples to assist systematic review authors in operationalizing PRISMA-CI guidance. The Complex Interventions Workgroup developed PRISMA-CI as an important start toward increased consistency in reporting of systematic reviews of complex interventions. Because the field is rapidly expanding, the Complex Interventions Methods Workgroup plans to re-evaluate periodically for the need to add increasing specificity and examples as the field matures. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

CI as a Tracer of Gas Mass in Star Forming Galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bourne, Nathan

2018-01-01

Research in galaxy evolution aims to understand the cosmic industry of converting gas into stars. While SFR and stellar mass evolution are well constrained by current data, our knowledge of gas in galaxies throughout cosmic time is comparatively lacking. Almost all high-redshift gas measurements to date rely on CO as a tracer, but this is subject to systematic uncertainties due to optically thick emission and poorly constrained dependences on gas density, distribution and metallicity. Recently, some attention has been given to dust continuum as an alternative gas tracer, which shows promise for large samples but still requires accurate calibration on a direct gas tracer at high redshift. The [CI] 492GHz emission line could overcome much of the systematic uncertainty, as it is optically thin and has similar excitation conditions to CO(1-0), but observational limitations have so far restricted CI measurements to very small samples. I will presen t some new data from ALMA, for the first time testing the CI/dust correlation in a representative sample of star-forming galaxies at z=1, and discuss how future observations could be designed to more widely exploit this independent gas tracer.

OT1_tvelusam_2: HIFI studies of the small-scale structures in the Galactic diffuse clouds with [CII] and [CI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Velusamy, T.

2010-07-01

The 1.9 THz [CII] observations provide a powerful probe of warm diffuse clouds, because they can observe them in emission and are useful as a tracer of their molecular H2 not directly traced by CO or other means. HIFI observations of [CII] provide a high resolution of 12 arcsec, better than that for single dish CO (> 30 arcsec) maps, and much better than HI (>30 arcsec). Thus with HIFI we have an opportunity probe the small scale structures in diffuse clouds in the inner Galaxy at distances > 3 kpc. To study the structure of diffuse ISM gas at small scales we propose HIFI maps of 1.9 THz (158 micron) [CII] line emission in a selection of 16 lines of sight (LOSs) towards the inner Galaxy, which are also being observed as part of the GOT C+ survey of [CII] in the Galactic plane. GOT C+ provides mainly single point spectra without any spatial data. Maps of [CII] will constrain better the cloud properties and models when combining [CII] and HI data. The proposed OTF X map will be along the longitude and latitude centered on 18 selected GOT C+ LOS over a length of 3 arcmin in each direction, which is adequate enough to provide sufficient spatial information on the small scale structures at larger distances (>3 kpc) and to characterize the CII filling factor in the larger beams of the ancillary (HI, CO, and CI data). The [CI] 609 & 370micron and the 12CO(7-6) (which lies within the CI band) are excellent diagnostics of the physical conditions of transition clouds and PDRs. We will use the ratio of the [CI] lines to constrain the kinetic temperature and volume density of the CII/CI/CO transition zones in molecular clouds using radiative transfer codes. We also propose OTF X maps in both the [CI] lines for all CII target LOSs. We anticipate fully resolved structural data in [CII] on at least 300 velocity resolved clouds along with their [CI] emissions. We request a total of 33.2 hrs of HIFI observing time.

The radiation shielding potential of CI and CM chondrites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pohl, Leos; Britt, Daniel T.

2017-03-01

Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCRs) and Solar Energetic Particles (SEPs) pose a serious limit on the duration of deep space human missions. A shield composed of a bulk mass of material in which the incident particles deposit their energy is the simplest way to attenuate the radiation. The cost of bringing the sufficient mass from the Earth's surface is prohibitive. The shielding properties of asteroidal material, which is readily available in space, are investigated. Solution of Bethe's equation is implemented for incident protons and the application in composite materials and the significance of various correction terms are discussed; the density correction is implemented. The solution is benchmarked and shows good agreement with the results in literature which implement more correction terms within the energy ranges considered. The shielding properties of CI and CM asteroidal taxonomy groups and major asteroidal minerals are presented in terms of stopping force. The results show that CI and CM chondrites have better stopping properties than Aluminium. Beneficiation is discussed and is shown to have a significant effect on the stopping power.

Estimating population salt intake in India using spot urine samples.

PubMed

Petersen, Kristina S; Johnson, Claire; Mohan, Sailesh; Rogers, Kris; Shivashankar, Roopa; Thout, Sudhir Raj; Gupta, Priti; He, Feng J; MacGregor, Graham A; Webster, Jacqui; Santos, Joseph Alvin; Krishnan, Anand; Maulik, Pallab K; Reddy, K Srinath; Gupta, Ruby; Prabhakaran, Dorairaj; Neal, Bruce

2017-11-01

To compare estimates of mean population salt intake in North and South India derived from spot urine samples versus 24-h urine collections. In a cross-sectional survey, participants were sampled from slum, urban and rural communities in North and in South India. Participants provided 24-h urine collections, and random morning spot urine samples. Salt intake was estimated from the spot urine samples using a series of established estimating equations. Salt intake data from the 24-h urine collections and spot urine equations were weighted to provide estimates of salt intake for Delhi and Haryana, and Andhra Pradesh. A total of 957 individuals provided a complete 24-h urine collection and a spot urine sample. Weighted mean salt intake based on the 24-h urine collection, was 8.59 (95% confidence interval 7.73-9.45) and 9.46 g/day (8.95-9.96) in Delhi and Haryana, and Andhra Pradesh, respectively. Corresponding estimates based on the Tanaka equation [9.04 (8.63-9.45) and 9.79 g/day (9.62-9.96) for Delhi and Haryana, and Andhra Pradesh, respectively], the Mage equation [8.80 (7.67-9.94) and 10.19 g/day (95% CI 9.59-10.79)], the INTERSALT equation [7.99 (7.61-8.37) and 8.64 g/day (8.04-9.23)] and the INTERSALT equation with potassium [8.13 (7.74-8.52) and 8.81 g/day (8.16-9.46)] were all within 1 g/day of the estimate based upon 24-h collections. For the Toft equation, estimates were 1-2 g/day higher [9.94 (9.24-10.64) and 10.69 g/day (9.44-11.93)] and for the Kawasaki equation they were 3-4 g/day higher [12.14 (11.30-12.97) and 13.64 g/day (13.15-14.12)]. In urban and rural areas in North and South India, most spot urine-based equations provided reasonable estimates of mean population salt intake. Equations that did not provide good estimates may have failed because specimen collection was not aligned with the original method.

Ingress observations of the 1980 eclipse of the symbiotic star CI Cyngni

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stencel, R. E.; Michalitsianos, A. G.; Kafatos, M.; Boyarchuk, A. A.

1981-01-01

One of the major results from the IUE may prove to be the knowledge gained by studies of the ultraviolet spectra of symbiotic stars. Symbiotics combine spectral features of a cool M giant like photosphere with strong high excitation emission lines of nebular origin, superposed. The UV spectra are dominated by intense permitted and semiforbidden emission lines and weak continua indicative of hot compact objects and accretion disks. Two symbiotics, AR Pav and CI Cyg are thought to be eclipsing binaries and IUE observations during the 1980 eclipse of CI Cygni are discussed.

Oxygen, Magnesium, and Aluminum Isotopes in the Ivuna CAI: Re-Examining High-Temperature Fractionations in CI Chondrites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frank, D. R.; Huss, G. R.; Nagashima, K.; Zolensky, M. E.; Le, L.

2017-07-01

The only whole CAI preserved in the aqueously altered CI chondrites is 16O-rich and has no resolvable radiogenic Mg. Accretion of CAIs by the CI parent object(s) may limit the precision of cosmochemical models that require a CI starting composition.

Perfluoroalkyl Substances, Sex Hormones, and Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 at 6-9 Years of Age: A Cross-Sectional Analysis within the C8 Health Project.

PubMed

Lopez-Espinosa, Maria-Jose; Mondal, Debapriya; Armstrong, Ben G; Eskenazi, Brenda; Fletcher, Tony

2016-08-01

Exposure to some perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), such as perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), may alter levels of sex hormones and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in animals. Human studies on this topic are scarce, and none have been conducted in young children. We investigated the relationship between levels of PFAS and estradiol, total testosterone, and IGF-1 in 2,292 children (6-9 years of age) from the C8 Health Project who lived near a chemical plant in the Mid-Ohio Valley (USA) with local contamination from PFOA. Serum samples were collected in 2005-2006 and analyzed for PFAS, sex hormones, and IGF-1. Results from regression models were expressed as the adjusted percentage difference (95% CI) per sex-specific interquartile range (IQR) increment of each PFAS serum concentration. Analyses by PFAS quartiles were also conducted. Median concentrations of PFHxS, PFOA, PFOS, and PFNA were 8, 35, 22, and 1.7 ng/mL in boys and 7, 30, 21, and 1.7 ng/mL in girls. In boys, PFOA concentrations were significantly associated with testosterone levels (-4.9%; 95% CI: -8.7, -0.8%); PFOS with estradiol (-4.0%; 95% CI: -7.7, -0.1%), testosterone (-5.8%; 95% CI: -9.4, -2.0%), and IGF-1 (-5.9%; 95% CI: -8.3, -3.3%); and PFNA with IGF-1 (-3.5%; 95% CI: -6.0, -1.0%). In girls, significant associations were found between PFOS and testosterone (-6.6%; 95% CI: -10.1, -2.8%) and IGF-1 (-5.6%; -8.2, -2.9%); and PFNA and IGF-1 (-3.8%; 95% CI: -6.4, -1.2%). In both sexes, the magnitudes of the associations decreased monotonically across quartiles for both testosterone and IGF-1 in relation to PFOS, and for IGF-1 and PFNA in girls. To our knowledge, this is the first study suggesting that PFAS are associated with lower levels of IGF-1 and sex hormones in young children. Lopez-Espinosa MJ, Mondal D, Armstrong BG, Eskenazi B, Fletcher T. 2016. Perfluoroalkyl substances, sex hormones, and

An efficient approach to CI: General matrix element formulas for spin-coupled particle-hole excitations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tavan, Paul; Schulten, Klaus

1980-03-01

A new, efficient algorithm for the evaluation of the matrix elements of the CI Hamiltonian in the basis of spin-coupled ν-fold excitations (over orthonormal orbitals) is developed for even electron systems. For this purpose we construct an orthonormal, spin-adapted CI basis in the framework of second quantization. As a prerequisite, spin and space parts of the fermion operators have to be separated; this makes it possible to introduce the representation theory of the permutation group. The ν-fold excitation operators are Serber spin-coupled products of particle-hole excitations. This construction is also designed for CI calculations from multireference (open-shell) states. The 2N-electron Hamiltonian is expanded in terms of spin-coupled particle-hole operators which map any ν-fold excitation on ν-, and ν±1-, and ν±2-fold excitations. For the calculation of the CI matrix this leaves one with only the evaluation of overlap matrix elements between spin-coupled excitations. This leads to a set of ten general matrix element formulas which contain Serber representation matrices of the permutation group Sν×Sν as parameters. Because of the Serber structure of the CI basis these group-theoretical parameters are kept to a minimum such that they can be stored readily in the central memory of a computer for ν?4 and even for higher excitations. As the computational effort required to obtain the CI matrix elements from the general formulas is very small, the algorithm presented appears to constitute for even electron systems a promising alternative to existing CI methods for multiply excited configurations, e.g., the unitary group approach. Our method makes possible the adaptation of spatial symmetries and the selection of any subset of configurations. The algorithm has been implemented in a computer program and tested extensively for ν?4 and singlet ground and excited states.

Decolorization of C.I. Acid Blue 9 solution by UV/Nano-TiO(2), Fenton, Fenton-like, electro-Fenton and electrocoagulation processes: a comparative study.

PubMed

Khataee, A R; Vatanpour, V; Amani Ghadim, A R

2009-01-30

This study makes a comparison between UV/Nano-TiO(2), Fenton, Fenton-like, electro-Fenton (EF) and electrocoagulation (EC) treatment methods to investigate the removal of C.I. Acid Blue 9 (AB9), which was chosen as the model organic contaminant. Results indicated that the decolorization efficiency was in order of Fenton>EC>UV/Nano-TiO(2)>Fenton-like>EF. Desired concentrations of Fe(2+) and H(2)O(2) for the abatement of AB9 in the Fenton-based processes were found to be 10(-4)M and 2 x 10(-3) M, respectively. In the case of UV/Nano-TiO(2) process, we have studied the influence of the basic photocatalytic parameters such as the irradiation time, pH of the solution and amount of TiO(2) nanoparticles on the photocatalytic decolorization efficiency of AB9. Accordingly, it could be stated that the complete removal of color, after selecting desired operational parameters could be achieved in a relatively short time, about 25 min. Our results also revealed that the most effective decomposition of AB9 was observed with 150 mg/l of TiO(2) nanoparticles in acidic condition. The effect of operational parameters including current density, initial pH and time of electrolysis were studied in electrocoagulation process. The results indicated that for a solution of 20 mg/l AB9, almost 98% color were removed, when the pH was about 6, the time of electrolysis was 8 min and the current density was approximately 25 A/m(2) in electrocoagulation process.

CI+MBPT calculations of Ar I energies, g factors, and transition line strengths

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Savukov, I. M.

2018-03-01

Excited states of noble gas atoms present certain challenges to atomic theory for several reasons: first, relativistic effects are important and LS coupling is not optimal; second, energy intervals can be quite small, leading to strong mixing of states; third, many-body perturbation theory for hole states does not converge well. Previously, some attempts were made to solve this problem, using for example the all-order coupled-cluster approach and particle-hole configuration-interaction many-body perturbation theory (CI-MBPT) with modified denominators. However, while these approaches were promising, the accuracy was still limited. In this paper, we calculate Ar I energies, g factors, and transition amplitudes using ab initio CI-MBPT with eight valence electrons to avoid the problem of slow convergence of MBPT due to strong interaction between 3p and 3s states. We also included in CI many dominant states obtained by double excitations of the ground state configuration. Thus perturbation corrections were needed only for 1s, 2s, 2p core electrons non-included in valence-valence CI, which are quite small. We found that energy, g factors, and electric dipole matrix elements are in reasonable agreement with experiments. It is noteworthy that the theory agreed well with accurately measured g factors. Experimental oscillator strengths have large uncertainty, so in some cases we made a comparison with average values.

Jenkins-CI, an Open-Source Continuous Integration System, as a Scientific Data and Image-Processing Platform.

PubMed

Moutsatsos, Ioannis K; Hossain, Imtiaz; Agarinis, Claudia; Harbinski, Fred; Abraham, Yann; Dobler, Luc; Zhang, Xian; Wilson, Christopher J; Jenkins, Jeremy L; Holway, Nicholas; Tallarico, John; Parker, Christian N

2017-03-01

High-throughput screening generates large volumes of heterogeneous data that require a diverse set of computational tools for management, processing, and analysis. Building integrated, scalable, and robust computational workflows for such applications is challenging but highly valuable. Scientific data integration and pipelining facilitate standardized data processing, collaboration, and reuse of best practices. We describe how Jenkins-CI, an "off-the-shelf," open-source, continuous integration system, is used to build pipelines for processing images and associated data from high-content screening (HCS). Jenkins-CI provides numerous plugins for standard compute tasks, and its design allows the quick integration of external scientific applications. Using Jenkins-CI, we integrated CellProfiler, an open-source image-processing platform, with various HCS utilities and a high-performance Linux cluster. The platform is web-accessible, facilitates access and sharing of high-performance compute resources, and automates previously cumbersome data and image-processing tasks. Imaging pipelines developed using the desktop CellProfiler client can be managed and shared through a centralized Jenkins-CI repository. Pipelines and managed data are annotated to facilitate collaboration and reuse. Limitations with Jenkins-CI (primarily around the user interface) were addressed through the selection of helper plugins from the Jenkins-CI community.

Jenkins-CI, an Open-Source Continuous Integration System, as a Scientific Data and Image-Processing Platform

PubMed Central

Moutsatsos, Ioannis K.; Hossain, Imtiaz; Agarinis, Claudia; Harbinski, Fred; Abraham, Yann; Dobler, Luc; Zhang, Xian; Wilson, Christopher J.; Jenkins, Jeremy L.; Holway, Nicholas; Tallarico, John; Parker, Christian N.

2016-01-01

High-throughput screening generates large volumes of heterogeneous data that require a diverse set of computational tools for management, processing, and analysis. Building integrated, scalable, and robust computational workflows for such applications is challenging but highly valuable. Scientific data integration and pipelining facilitate standardized data processing, collaboration, and reuse of best practices. We describe how Jenkins-CI, an “off-the-shelf,” open-source, continuous integration system, is used to build pipelines for processing images and associated data from high-content screening (HCS). Jenkins-CI provides numerous plugins for standard compute tasks, and its design allows the quick integration of external scientific applications. Using Jenkins-CI, we integrated CellProfiler, an open-source image-processing platform, with various HCS utilities and a high-performance Linux cluster. The platform is web-accessible, facilitates access and sharing of high-performance compute resources, and automates previously cumbersome data and image-processing tasks. Imaging pipelines developed using the desktop CellProfiler client can be managed and shared through a centralized Jenkins-CI repository. Pipelines and managed data are annotated to facilitate collaboration and reuse. Limitations with Jenkins-CI (primarily around the user interface) were addressed through the selection of helper plugins from the Jenkins-CI community. PMID:27899692

Perfil dos Professores de Ciências Naturais do Recôncavo da Bahia - Alunos da Disciplina Terra e Universo no Curso de Ciências Naturais do Parfor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lima, S. R.; Cerqueira Júnior, W.; Dutra, G.

2011-12-01

Este trabalho foi desenvolvido pelo projeto Astronomia no Recôncavo da Bahia, no Centro de Formação de Professores da Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia. Traçamos o perfil de um grupo de professores que lecionam conteúdos de Ciências Naturais no recôncavo, alunos do curso de Licenciatura em Ciências Naturais, oferecido dentro do Plano Nacional de Formação de Professores da Educação Básica. Nosso objetivo era avaliar se eles estão preparados para trabalhar conteúdos de Astronomia e identificar suas dificuldades. Os resultados serviram para orientar o professor da disciplina “Terra e Universo”, oferecida no segundo semestre de 2010. Durante a primeira aula da disciplina Terra e Universo, os alunos responderam a um questionário contendo questões abertas e fechadas, divididas em duas partes. A primeira procurando caracterizar profissionalmente os alunos enquanto professores da rede pública da região do Recôncavo Sul da Bahia e uma segunda parte procurando identificar conhecimentos básicos em Astronomia. Os resultados indicam uma predominância de professores do sexo feminino, com idade superior aos 40 anos, pardos e sem formação específica para o ensino de ciências. A maioria leciona há mais de 15 anos para turmas do 1º ao 5º ano, alguns lecionam para turmas de 6º ao 9º ano. Quase todos nunca participaram de um curso de formação continuada em Astronomia. Além disso, não estão habituados a ler revistas especializadas e nem livros com esta temática. Os que procuram ensinar temas voltados para a Astronomia têm, no livro didático, a maior fonte de informação sobre o assunto. As respostas também indicam uma deficiência em conteúdos básicos como a compreensão da esfericidade da Terra, noções de verticalidade e gravidade, incapacidade de identificar a Terra como um planeta, no Sistema Solar, em uma galáxia, no Universo. Estes resultados ressaltam a importância de disciplinas de Astronomia básica na formação dos

Regulation of notochord-specific expression of Ci-Bra downstream genes in Ciona intestinalis embryos.

PubMed

Takahashi, Hiroki; Hotta, Kohji; Takagi, Chiyo; Ueno, Naoto; Satoh, Nori; Shoguchi, Eiichi

2010-02-01

Brachyury, a T-box transcription factor, is expressed in ascidian embryos exclusively in primordial notochord cells and plays a pivotal role in differentiation of notochord cells. Previously, we identified approximately 450 genes downstream of Ciona intestinalis Brachyury (Ci-Bra), and characterized the expression profiles of 45 of these in differentiating notochord cells. In this study, we looked for cisregulatory sequences in minimal enhancers of 20 Ci-Bra downstream genes by electroporating region within approximately 3 kb upstream of each gene fused with lacZ. Eight of the 20 reporters were expressed in notochord cells. The minimal enchancer for each of these eight genes was narrowed to a region approximately 0.5-1.0-kb long. We also explored the genome-wide and coordinate regulation of 43 Ci-Bra-downstream genes. When we determined their chromosomal localization, it became evident that they are not clustered in a given region of the genome, but rather distributed evenly over 13 of the 14 pairs of chromosomes, suggesting that gene clustering does not contribute to coordinate control of the Ci-Bra downstream gene expression. Our results might provide Insights Into the molecular mechanisms underlying notochord formation in chordates.

Photopolarimetric Observations of CI(1657 Angstroms) and Dust Continuum Emissions from Comet Hale-Bopp with the WISP Sounding Rocket

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harris, W. M.; Nordsieck, K. H.; Scherb, F.; Mierkiewicz, E. J.

1997-07-01

We report on photopolarimetric observations of resonant emission from Carbon [CI(1657 Angstroms)] and scattered solar continuum from dust at 2800 Angstroms using the Wisconsin Imaging Survey Polarimeter (WISP). The WISP is a wide field (1.5deg x 4.8deg ) sounding rocket telescope originally designed for polarimetric observations of diffuse galactic light at a 1% photometric level. We will describe the initial results of our launch on 8 April, 1997 from the White Sands Missile range, including a discussion of the images obtained, and the results from supporting visible/near-infrared measurements of gas and dust from the Burrell Schmidt telescope, and spectroscopic observations of the CI(9850 Angstroms) metastable line from the McMath Pierce Solar Telescope. This research was supported by NASA grant NAG5-5091 and NSF grant AST-9615625.

The Effects of Thermal Metamorphism on the Amino Acid Content of the CI-Like Chondrite Y-86029

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burton, A. S.; Grunsfeld, S.; Glavin, D. P.; Dworkin, J. P.

2014-01-01

Carbonaceous chondrites con-tain a diverse suite of amino acids that varies in abundance and structural diversity depending on the degree of aqueous alteration and thermal histo-ry that the parent body experienced [1 - 3]. We recently determined the amino acid contents of several fragments of the Sutter's Mill CM2 chon-drite [4]. In contrast with most other CM2 chon-drites, the Sutter's Mill meteorites showed minimal evidence for the presence of indigenous amino acids. A notable difference between the Sutter's Mill meteorites and other CM2 chondrites are that the Sutter's Mill stones were heated to tempera-tures of 150 - 400 C [4], whereas most other CM2 chondrites do not show evidence for thermal met-amorphism [5]. Because empirical studies have shown that amino acids rapidly degrade in aqueous solutions above 150 C and the presence of miner-als accelerates this degradation [6], a plausible explanation for the lack of amino acids observed in the Sutter's Mill meteorites is that they were destroyed during metamorphic alteration. Fewer CI chondrites have been analyzed for amino acids because only a small number of these meteorites have been recovered. Nevertheless, indigenous amino acids have been reported in the CI chondrites Ivuna and Orgueil [7]. Here we report on the amino acid analysis of the CI-like chondrite, Yamato 86029 (Y-86029; sample size of 110 mg). Just as the Sutter's Mill meteorites were thermally metamporphosed CM2 chondrites, Y-86029 has experienced thermal metamorphism at higher temperatures than Orgueil and Ivuna (normal CI chondrites) experienced, possibly up to 600 C [8].

Iodine deficiency status and iodised salt consumption in Malaysia: findings from a national iodine deficiency disorders survey.

PubMed

Selamat, Rusidah; Mohamud, Wan Nazaimoon Wan; Zainuddin, Ahmad Ali; Rahim, Nor Syamlina Che Abdul; Ghaffar, Suhaila Abdul; Aris, Tahir

2010-01-01

A nationwide cross-sectional school-based survey was undertaken among children aged 8-10 years old to determine the current iodine deficiency status in the country. Determination of urinary iodine (UI) and palpation of the thyroid gland were carried out among 18,012 and 18,078 children respectively while iodine test of the salt samples was done using Rapid Test Kits and the iodometric method. The results showed that based on WHO/ ICCIDD/UNICEF criteria, the national median UI was 109 μg/L [25th, 75th percentile (67, 166)] showing borderline adequacy. The overall national prevalence of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) with UI<100 μg/L was 48.2% (95% CI: 46.0, 50.4), higher among children residing in rural areas than in urban areas. The highest prevalence of UI<100 μg/L was noted among the aborigines [(81.4% (95% CI: 75.1, 86.4)]. The national total goitre rate (grade 1 and grade 2 goitre) was 2.1%. Of 17,888 salt samples brought by the school children, 28.2% (95% CI: 26.4, 30.2) were found to have iodine content. However, the overall proportion of the households in Malaysia using adequately iodised salt as recommended by Malaysian Food Act 1983 of 20-30 ppm was only 6.8% (95% CI: 5.1, 9.0). In conclusion, although a goitre endemic was not present in Malaysia, almost half of the states in Peninsular Malaysia still have large proportion of UI level <100 μg/L and warrant immediate action. The findings of this survey suggest that there is a need for review on the current approach of the national IDD prevention and control programme.

SAC-CI methodology applied to molecular spectroscopy and photo-biology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hasegawa, J.; Miyahara, T.; Nakashima, H.; Nakatsuji, H.

2012-06-01

The SAC-CI method was applied to the spectroscopy of radical cations and anions of various organic molecules. It was also applied to photo-biology, in particular, to elucidate the bio-molecular color-tuning mechanism of human visions and to the circular dichroism spectroscopy that is used to understand the helical structures of DNA and RNA.

Ciênsação: Gaining a Feeling for Sciences

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

de Oliveira, Marcos Henrique Abreu; Fischer, Robert

2017-01-01

Ciênsação, an open online repository for hands-on experiments, has been developed to convince teachers in Latin America that science is best experienced first hand. Permitting students to experiment autonomously in small groups can be a challenging endeavour for educators in these countries. We analyse the reasons that cause hesitation of teachers…

The EvoDevoCI: A Concept Inventory for Gauging Students’ Understanding of Evolutionary Developmental Biology

PubMed Central

Perez, Kathryn E.; Hiatt, Anna; Davis, Gregory K.; Trujillo, Caleb; French, Donald P.; Terry, Mark; Price, Rebecca M.

2013-01-01

The American Association for the Advancement of Science 2011 report Vision and Change in Undergraduate Biology Education encourages the teaching of developmental biology as an important part of teaching evolution. Recently, however, we found that biology majors often lack the developmental knowledge needed to understand evolutionary developmental biology, or “evo-devo.” To assist in efforts to improve evo-devo instruction among undergraduate biology majors, we designed a concept inventory (CI) for evolutionary developmental biology, the EvoDevoCI. The CI measures student understanding of six core evo-devo concepts using four scenarios and 11 multiple-choice items, all inspired by authentic scientific examples. Distracters were designed to represent the common conceptual difficulties students have with each evo-devo concept. The tool was validated by experts and administered at four institutions to 1191 students during preliminary (n = 652) and final (n = 539) field trials. We used student responses to evaluate the readability, difficulty, discriminability, validity, and reliability of the EvoDevoCI, which included items ranging in difficulty from 0.22–0.55 and in discriminability from 0.19–0.38. Such measures suggest the EvoDevoCI is an effective tool for assessing student understanding of evo-devo concepts and the prevalence of associated common conceptual difficulties among both novice and advanced undergraduate biology majors. PMID:24297293

Direct Simple Shear Test Data Analysis using Jupyter Notebooks on DesignSafe-CI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eslami, M.; Esteva, M.; Brandenberg, S. J.

2017-12-01

Due to the large number of files and their complex structure, managing data generated during natural hazards experiments requires scalable and specialized tools. DesignSafe-CI (https://www.designsafe-ci.org/) is a web-based research platform that provides computational tools to analyze, curate, and publish critical data for natural hazards research making it understandable and reusable. We present a use case from a series of Direct Simple Shear (DSS) experiments in which we used DS-CI to post-process, visualize, publish, and enable further analysis of the data. Current practice in geotechnical design against earthquakes relies on the soil's plasticity index (PI) to assess liquefaction susceptibility, and cyclic softening triggering procedures, although, quite divergent recommendations on recommended levels of plasticity can be found in the literature for these purposes. A series of cyclic and monotonic direct simple shear experiments was conducted on three low-plasticity fine-grained mixtures at the same plasticity index to examine the effectiveness of the PI in characterization of these types of materials. Results revealed that plasticity index is an insufficient indicator of the cyclic behavior of low-plasticity fine-grained soils, and corrections for pore fluid chemistry and clay minerology may be necessary for future liquefaction susceptibility and cyclic softening assessment procedures. Each monotonic, or cyclic experiment contains two stages; consolidation and shear, which include time series of load, displacement, and corresponding stresses and strains, as well as equivalent excess pore-water pressure. Using the DS-CI curation pipeline we categorized the data to display and describe the experiment's structure and files corresponding to each stage of the experiments. Two separate notebooks in Python 3 were created using the Jupyter application available in DS-CI. A data plotter aids visualizing the experimental data in relation to the sensor from which it was

Identification and Validation of Novel Hedgehog-Responsive Enhancers Predicted by Computational Analysis of Ci/Gli Binding Site Density

PubMed Central

Richards, Neil; Parker, David S.; Johnson, Lisa A.; Allen, Benjamin L.; Barolo, Scott; Gumucio, Deborah L.

2015-01-01

The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway directs a multitude of cellular responses during embryogenesis and adult tissue homeostasis. Stimulation of the pathway results in activation of Hh target genes by the transcription factor Ci/Gli, which binds to specific motifs in genomic enhancers. In Drosophila, only a few enhancers (patched, decapentaplegic, wingless, stripe, knot, hairy, orthodenticle) have been shown by in vivo functional assays to depend on direct Ci/Gli regulation. All but one (orthodenticle) contain more than one Ci/Gli site, prompting us to directly test whether homotypic clustering of Ci/Gli binding sites is sufficient to define a Hh-regulated enhancer. We therefore developed a computational algorithm to identify Ci/Gli clusters that are enriched over random expectation, within a given region of the genome. Candidate genomic regions containing Ci/Gli clusters were functionally tested in chicken neural tube electroporation assays and in transgenic flies. Of the 22 Ci/Gli clusters tested, seven novel enhancers (and the previously known patched enhancer) were identified as Hh-responsive and Ci/Gli-dependent in one or both of these assays, including: Cuticular protein 100A (Cpr100A); invected (inv), which encodes an engrailed-related transcription factor expressed at the anterior/posterior wing disc boundary; roadkill (rdx), the fly homolog of vertebrate Spop; the segment polarity gene gooseberry (gsb); and two previously untested regions of the Hh receptor-encoding patched (ptc) gene. We conclude that homotypic Ci/Gli clustering is not sufficient information to ensure Hh-responsiveness; however, it can provide a clue for enhancer recognition within putative Hedgehog target gene loci. PMID:26710299

New places and phases of CO-poor/CI-rich molecular gas in the Universe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Papadopoulos, Padelis P.; Bisbas, Thomas G.; Zhang, Zhiyu

2018-04-01

In this work we extend the work on the recently discovered role of Cosmic Rays (CRs) in regulating the average CO/H_2 abundance ratio in molecular clouds (and thus their CO line visibility) in starburst galaxies, and find that it can lead to a CO-poor/CI-rich H_2 gas phase even in environments with Galactic or in only modestly enhanced CR backgrounds expected in ordinary star-forming galaxies. Furthermore, the same CR-driven astro-chemistry raises the possibility of a widespread phase transition of molecular gas towards a CO-poor/CI-rich phase in: a) molecular gas outflows found in star-forming galaxies, b) active galactic nuclei (AGNs), and c) near synchrotron-emitting radio jets and the radio-loud cores of powerful radio galaxies. For main sequence galaxies we find that CRs can render some of their molecular gas mass CO-invisible, compounding the effects of low metallicities. Imaging the two fine structure lines of atomic carbon with resolution high enough to search beyond the CI/CO-bright line regions associated with central starbursts can reveal such a CO-poor/CI-rich molecular gas phase, provided that relative brightness sensitivity levels of Tb(CI 1 - 0)/Tb(CO J = 1 - 0) ˜0.15 are reached. The capability to search for such gas in the Galaxy is now at hand with the new high-frequency survey telescope HEAT deployed in Antarctica and future ones to be deployed in Dome A. ALMA can search for such gas in star-forming spiral disks, galactic molecular gas outflows and the CR-intense galactic and circumgalactic gas-rich environments of radio-loud objects.

Geochemistry of CI chondrites: Major and trace elements, and Cu and Zn Isotopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barrat, J. A.; Zanda, B.; Moynier, F.; Bollinger, C.; Liorzou, C.; Bayon, G.

2012-04-01

In order to check the heterogeneity of the CI chondrites and determine the average composition of this group of meteorites, we analyzed a series of six large chips (weighing between 0.6 and 1.2 g) of Orgueil prepared from five different stones. In addition, one sample from each of Ivuna and Alais was analyzed. Although the sizes of the chips used in this study were “large”, our results show evidence for minor chemical heterogeneity in Orgueil, particularly for alkali elements and U. After removal of one outlier sample, the spread of the results is considerably reduced. For most of the 46 elements analyzed in this study, the average composition calculated for Orgueil is in very good agreement with previous CI estimates. This average, obtained with a “large” mass of samples, is analytically homogeneous and is suitable for normalization purposes. Finally, the Cu and Zn isotopic ratios are homogeneously distributed within the CI parent body with a spread of less than 100 ppm per atomic mass unit (amu).

Validation of specific inhalation challenge for the diagnosis of occupational asthma due to persulphate salts

PubMed Central

Munoz, X; Cruz, M; Orriols, R; Torres, F; Espuga, M; Morell, F

2004-01-01

Background: The significant value of tests used to certify the diagnosis of occupational asthma due to persulphate salts remains uncertain. Aims: To validate the specific inhalation challenge (SIC) test for the diagnosis of occupational asthma. Methods: Eight patients with occupational asthma due to persulphate salts, eight patients with bronchial asthma who were never exposed to persulphate salts, and ten healthy subjects were studied. Clinical history taking, spirometry, bronchial challenge with methacholine, skin prick testing to common inhalant allergens and persulphate salts, total IgE levels, and SIC to potassium persulphate were carried out in all subjects. The SIC used increasing concentrations of potassium persulphate (5, 10, 15, and 30 g) mixed with 150 g of lactose. Patients tipped the mixture from one tray to another at a distance of 30 cm from the face for 10 minutes in a challenge booth. Results: The SIC was positive in all subjects with persulphate induced asthma and in one patient with bronchial asthma who had never been exposed to persulphate salts. Sensitivity was 100% (95% CI 67.6 to 100) and specificity was 87.5% (95% CI 52.9–97.8) when patients with occupational asthma due to persulphate salts were compared with those with bronchial asthma never exposed to persulphate salts. Conclusions: SIC to persulphate salts performed according to the protocol described appears to be useful for the diagnosis of occupational asthma secondary to inhalation of this substance. PMID:15377773

Spacecraft COst REduction Team (SCORE): TQM/CI on a massive scale

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bullard, Jerry D.

1992-01-01

The business of building satellites and space systems has matured. Few missions require, or can afford, excellent performance at any price. The new paradigm is doing more with less, providing quality systems at lower cost--in other words, doing our job 'Faster-Better-Cheaper.' The TRW Spacecraft COst REduction (SCORE) initiative was launched in 1990 by Daniel S. Goldin, then general manager of TRW's Space & Technology Group. The SCORE mission is to apply continuous improvement (CI) techniques to effect major reductions in the cost (our primary goal) and span time (as a corollary) required for the production of spacecraft. SCORE is a multi-year initiative that is having a profound effect on both the procedural and the cultural aspects of how we do business. The objectives of this initiative are being realized. The focus of this paper is not on the results of SCORE per se, but rather on the things we have leaned about how to do continuous improvement on a massive scale, with multilevel (hierarchical) CI teams. The following sections summarize the chronology of the SCORE initiative, from team formation to development of the year-end report for 1991. Lessons learned, the core of this presentation, are discussed--with particular focus on the unique aspects of SCORE. The SCORE initiative is continuing and, as a part of our evolving culture, will never end. It has resulted in profound insights into the way we do work and (the topic at hand) how to do CI for large and complex multidisciplinary development activities.

School performance and wellbeing of children with CI in different communicative-educational environments.

PubMed

Langereis, Margreet; Vermeulen, Anneke

2015-06-01

This study aimed to evaluate the long term effects of CI on auditory, language, educational and social-emotional development of deaf children in different educational-communicative settings. The outcomes of 58 children with profound hearing loss and normal non-verbal cognition, after 60 months of CI use have been analyzed. At testing the children were enrolled in three different educational settings; in mainstream education, where spoken language is used or in hard-of-hearing education where sign supported spoken language is used and in bilingual deaf education, with Sign Language of the Netherlands and Sign Supported Dutch. Children were assessed on auditory speech perception, receptive language, educational attainment and wellbeing. Auditory speech perception of children with CI in mainstream education enable them to acquire language and educational levels that are comparable to those of their normal hearing peers. Although the children in mainstream and hard-of-hearing settings show similar speech perception abilities, language development in children in hard-of-hearing settings lags significantly behind. Speech perception, language and educational attainments of children in deaf education remained extremely poor. Furthermore more children in mainstream and hard-of-hearing environments are resilient than in deaf educational settings. Regression analyses showed an important influence of educational setting. Children with CI who are placed in early intervention environments that facilitate auditory development are able to achieve good auditory speech perception, language and educational levels on the long term. Most parents of these children report no social-emotional concerns. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Perfluoroalkyl Substances, Sex Hormones, and Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 at 6–9 Years of Age: A Cross-Sectional Analysis within the C8 Health Project

PubMed Central

Lopez-Espinosa, Maria-Jose; Mondal, Debapriya; Armstrong, Ben G.; Eskenazi, Brenda; Fletcher, Tony

2016-01-01

Background: Exposure to some perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), such as perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), may alter levels of sex hormones and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in animals. Human studies on this topic are scarce, and none have been conducted in young children. Objectives: We investigated the relationship between levels of PFAS and estradiol, total testosterone, and IGF-1 in 2,292 children (6–9 years of age) from the C8 Health Project who lived near a chemical plant in the Mid-Ohio Valley (USA) with local contamination from PFOA. Methods: Serum samples were collected in 2005–2006 and analyzed for PFAS, sex hormones, and IGF-1. Results from regression models were expressed as the adjusted percentage difference (95% CI) per sex-specific interquartile range (IQR) increment of each PFAS serum concentration. Analyses by PFAS quartiles were also conducted. Results: Median concentrations of PFHxS, PFOA, PFOS, and PFNA were 8, 35, 22, and 1.7 ng/mL in boys and 7, 30, 21, and 1.7 ng/mL in girls. In boys, PFOA concentrations were significantly associated with testosterone levels (–4.9%; 95% CI: –8.7, –0.8%); PFOS with estradiol (–4.0%; 95% CI: –7.7, –0.1%), testosterone (–5.8%; 95% CI: –9.4, –2.0%), and IGF-1 (–5.9%; 95% CI: –8.3, –3.3%); and PFNA with IGF-1 (–3.5%; 95% CI: –6.0, –1.0%). In girls, significant associations were found between PFOS and testosterone (–6.6%; 95% CI: –10.1, –2.8%) and IGF-1 (–5.6%; –8.2, –2.9%); and PFNA and IGF-1 (–3.8%; 95% CI: –6.4, –1.2%). In both sexes, the magnitudes of the associations decreased monotonically across quartiles for both testosterone and IGF-1 in relation to PFOS, and for IGF-1 and PFNA in girls. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first study suggesting that PFAS are associated with lower levels of IGF-1 and sex hormones in young children. Citation: Lopez

On the extension of the MCSCF/CI method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bauschlicher, C., Jr.; Nelin, C. J.; Komornicki, A.

1984-01-01

Research conducted during this period was focused on two main areas: (1) bonding in transition metal oxides; and (2) adsorption of CO on Al and Ni. In both of these theoretical studies a major interest was to obtain a better understanding of the nature of the bonding in transition metal containing systems. The studies used self consistent field (SCF), multi-configuration self cosistent field (MCSCF) and configuration interaction (CI) methods in the treatment of the transition metal oxides and only the SCF method in the adsorption studies. The reports of three principle investigators who contributed to this work during the tenure of the project are presented along with associated published papers.

Combustion Characteristics of CI Diesel Engine Fuelled With Blends of Jatropha Oil Biodiesel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Manpreet; Yunus Sheikh, Mohd.; Singh, Dharmendra; Nageswara rao, P.

2018-03-01

Jatropha Curcas oil is a non-edible oil which is used for Jatropha biodiesel (JBD) production. Jatropha biodiesel is produced using transesterification technique and it is used as an alternative fuel in CI diesel engine without any hardware modification. Jatropha biodiesel is used in CI diesel engine with various volumetric concentrations (blends) such as JBD5, JBD15, JBD25, JBD35 and JBD45. The combustion parameters such as in-cylinder pressure, rate of pressure rise, net heat release, cumulative heat release, mass fraction burned are analyzed and compared for all blends combustion data with mineral diesel fuel (D100).

The circular RNA ciRS-7 promotes APP and BACE1 degradation in an NF-κB-dependent manner.

PubMed

Shi, Zhemin; Chen, Ting; Yao, Qingbin; Zheng, Lina; Zhang, Zhen; Wang, Jingzhao; Hu, Zhimei; Cui, Hongmei; Han, Yawei; Han, Xiaohui; Zhang, Kun; Hong, Wei

2017-04-01

The aberrant accumulation of β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) in the brain is a key feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and enhanced cleavage of β-amyloid precursor protein (APP) by β-site APP-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) has a major causative role in AD. Despite their prominence in AD pathogenesis, the regulation of BACE1 and APP is incompletely understood. In this study, we report that the circular RNA circular RNA sponge for miR-7 (ciRS-7) has an important role in regulating BACE1 and APP protein levels. Previous studies have shown that ciRS-7, which is highly expressed in the human brain, is down-regulated in the brain of people with AD but the relevance of this finding was not clear. We have found that ciRS-7 is not involved in the regulation of APP and BACE1 gene expression, but instead reduces the protein levels of APP and BACE1 by promoting their degradation via the proteasome and lysosome. Consequently, overexpression of ciRS-7 reduces the generation of Aβ, indicating a potential neuroprotective role of ciRS-7. Our data also suggest that ciRS-7 modulates APP and BACE1 levels in a nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)-dependent manner: ciRS-7 expression inhibits translation of NF-κB and induces its cytoplasmic localization, thus derepressing expression of UCHL1, which promotes APP and BACE1 degradation. Additionally, we demonstrated that APP reduces the level of ciRS-7, revealing a mutual regulation of ciRS-7 and APP. Taken together, our data provide a molecular mechanism implicating reduced ciRS-7 expression in AD, suggesting that ciRS-7 may represent a useful target in the development of therapeutic strategies for AD. © 2017 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.

Possible Thermal Metamorphism on the C Asteroids Seen from the 3-micrometer Hydration Band in Comparison with Heated CI/CM Meteorites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hiroi, T.; Pieters, C. M.; Zolensky, M. E.; Lipschutz, M. E.

1995-09-01

bodies. Because common CI/CM meteorites are spectrally different from any of the observed asteroids, those meteorites must have come from another asteroid population, assuming the asteroid surfaces are not significantly altered by space weathering. CI/CM meteorites may have come from smaller unobservable asteroids or the lost outer portions of asteroids, which escaped extensive heating events. Acknowledgments: Antarctic meteorites were loaned from National Institute of Polar Research and Meteorite Working Group. Laboratory reflectance spectra were measured at RELAB operated under NASA grant NAGW-748. Asteroidal 3-micrometer reflectance spectra were taken from SOARD database. This research was supported in part by NASA grant NAG 9-48 to M. L. and the NASA Origins of Solar Systems Program to M. Z. References: [1] Hiroi T. et al. (1993) Science, 261, 1016-1018; Hiroi T. et al. (1994) Proc. NIPR Symp. Antarct. Meteorites, 7, 230-243. [2] Zellner B. et al. (1985) Icarus, 61, 355-416; Bell J. F. et al. (1988) LPS XIX, 57-58; Jones T. D. et al. (1990) Icarus, 88, 172-192. [3] Matza S. D. and Lipschutz M. E. (1977) Proc. LSC 8th, 161-176. [4] Miyamoto M. and Zolensky M. E. (1994) Meteoritics, 29, 849-853. [5] Kojima H. et al. (1993) Meteoritics, 28, 649-658.

Determining the Optimum Cut-Off Grades in Sulfide Copper Deposits / Określanie Optymalnej Wartości Odcięcia Zawartości Procentowej Pierwiastka Użytecznego W Złożach Siarczku Miedzi

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahimi, Esmaeil; Oraee, Kazem; Shafahi, Zia Aldin; Ghasemzadeh, Hasan

2015-03-01

Optimum cut-off grades determination in mining life affects production planning and ultimate pit limit and it is also important from social, economical and environmental aspects. Calculation of optimum cut-off grades has been less considered for mines containing various mineral processing methods. In this paper, an optimization technique is applied to obtain optimum cut-off grades for both concentration and heap leaching processes. In this technique, production costs and different recoveries of heap leaching method directed into modeling different annual cash flows in copper mines. Considering the governing constraints, the Lagrange multiplier method is practiced to optimize the cut-off grades in which the objective function is supposed to maximize Net Present Value. The results indicate the effect of heap leaching process on the optimum cut-off grades of primary and secondary sulfide deposits. Określanie optymalnego poziomu odcięcia dla zawartości procentowej pierwiastka użytecznego ma poważny wpływ na planowanie produkcji, określanie ostatecznych limitów zasobów złoża; jest to także ważna kwestia z punktu widzenia kwestii społecznych, ekonomicznych i środowiskowych. Obliczanie optymalnego poziomu odcięcia dla zawartości procentowej pierwiastka użytecznego nie było zwykle szeroko rozważane w przypadku kopalni prowadzących ciągły system przeróbki. W pracy tej przedstawiono technikę optymalizacji określania poziomu zawartości procentowej pierwiastka użytecznego z uwzględnieniem zarówno procesów koncentracji jak i ługowania. W metodzie uwzględniono koszty produkcji i różne wskaźniki odzysku rudy, wielkości te wykorzystane zostały do modelowania rocznych przepływów gotówki w kopalniach miedzi. Uwzględniając narzucone ograniczenia, zastosowano metodę mnożników Lagrange'a w celu optymalizacji określania poziomu zawartości procentowej pierwiastka użytecznego, gdzie przyjętą funkcją celu jest

Spectral characteristics of iron-bearing phyllosilicates: Comparison to Orgueil (CI1), Murchison and Murray (CM2)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Calvin, W.M.; King, T.V.V.

1997-01-01

Phyllosilicate alteration minerals are commonly found in low petrologic types of carbonaceous chondrites. Previous spectral studies have examined Mg-bearing phyllosilicates with limited success in matching the spectral properties of CM and CI chondrites. Transmission electron microscope and other analytical techniques suggest that Fe-bearing clays are more abundant in CI and CM chondrites than magnesian varieties. Here, we present the results of an examination of the reflectance spectra of Fe-phyllosilicates, including serpentines and berthierines, of which the latter were formerly known as septechlorites. We have measured the diffuse reflectance spectra of powdered samples from 0.3 to 25 ??m. We find that these minerals provide a better spectral match to many of the features seen in CI and CM chondrites, and simple linear combinations of the spectra of both Fe- and Mg-phyllosilicates closely approximate the spectra of CM and CI chondrites.

S100A8/A9 increases the mobilization of pro-inflammatory Ly6Chigh monocytes to the synovium during experimental osteoarthritis.

PubMed

Cremers, Niels A J; van den Bosch, Martijn H J; van Dalen, Stephanie; Di Ceglie, Irene; Ascone, Giuliana; van de Loo, Fons; Koenders, Marije; van der Kraan, Peter; Sloetjes, Annet; Vogl, Thomas; Roth, Johannes; Geven, Edwin J W; Blom, Arjen B; van Lent, Peter L E M

2017-09-29

Monocytes are dominant cells present within the inflamed synovium during osteoarthritis (OA). In mice, two functionally distinct monocyte subsets are described: pro-inflammatory Ly6C high and patrolling Ly6C low monocytes. Alarmins S100A8/A9 locally released by the synovium during inflammatory OA for prolonged periods may be dominant proteins involved in stimulating recruitment of Ly6C high monocytes from the circulation to the joint. Our objective was to investigate the role of S100A8/A9 in the mobilization of Ly6C high and Ly6C low monocytic populations to the inflamed joint in collagenase-induced OA (CiOA). S100A8 was injected intra-articularly to investigate monocyte influx. CiOA was induced by injection of collagenase into knee joints of wild-type C57BL/6 (WT), and S100a9 -/- mice. Mice were sacrificed together with age-matched saline-injected control mice (n = 6/group), and expression of monocyte markers, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and chemokines was determined in the synovium using ELISA and RT-qPCR. Cells were isolated from the bone marrow (BM), spleen, blood, and synovium and monocytes were identified using FACS. S100A8/A9 was highly expressed during CiOA. Intra-articular injection of S100A8 leads to elevated expression of monocyte markers and the monocyte-attracting chemokines CCL2 and CX3CL1 in the synovium. At day 7 (d7) after CiOA induction in WT mice, numbers of Ly6C high , but not Ly6C low monocytes, were strongly increased (7.6-fold) in the synovium compared to saline-injected controls. This coincided with strong upregulation of CCL2, which preferentially attracts Ly6C high monocytes. In contrast, S100a9 -/- mice showed a significant increase in Ly6C low monocytes (twofold) within the synovium at CiOA d7, whereas the number of Ly6C high monocytes remained unaffected. In agreement with this finding, the Ly6C low mobilization marker CX3CL1 was significantly higher within the synovium of S100a9 -/- mice. Next, we studied the effect of S100A8/A9 on

Early Sign Language Experience Goes Along with an Increased Cross-modal Gain for Affective Prosodic Recognition in Congenitally Deaf CI Users.

PubMed

Fengler, Ineke; Delfau, Pia-Céline; Röder, Brigitte

2018-04-01

It is yet unclear whether congenitally deaf cochlear implant (CD CI) users' visual and multisensory emotion perception is influenced by their history in sign language acquisition. We hypothesized that early-signing CD CI users, relative to late-signing CD CI users and hearing, non-signing controls, show better facial expression recognition and rely more on the facial cues of audio-visual emotional stimuli. Two groups of young adult CD CI users-early signers (ES CI users; n = 11) and late signers (LS CI users; n = 10)-and a group of hearing, non-signing, age-matched controls (n = 12) performed an emotion recognition task with auditory, visual, and cross-modal emotionally congruent and incongruent speech stimuli. On different trials, participants categorized either the facial or the vocal expressions. The ES CI users more accurately recognized affective prosody than the LS CI users in the presence of congruent facial information. Furthermore, the ES CI users, but not the LS CI users, gained more than the controls from congruent visual stimuli when recognizing affective prosody. Both CI groups performed overall worse than the controls in recognizing affective prosody. These results suggest that early sign language experience affects multisensory emotion perception in CD CI users.

Determination of Spatially Resolved Tablet Density and Hardness Using Near-Infrared Chemical Imaging (NIR-CI).

PubMed

Talwar, Sameer; Roopwani, Rahul; Anderson, Carl A; Buckner, Ira S; Drennen, James K

2017-08-01

Near-infrared chemical imaging (NIR-CI) combines spectroscopy with digital imaging, enabling spatially resolved analysis and characterization of pharmaceutical samples. Hardness and relative density are critical quality attributes (CQA) that affect tablet performance. Intra-sample density or hardness variability can reveal deficiencies in formulation design or the tableting process. This study was designed to develop NIR-CI methods to predict spatially resolved tablet density and hardness. The method was implemented using a two-step procedure. First, NIR-CI was used to develop a relative density/solid fraction (SF) prediction method for pure microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) compacts only. A partial least squares (PLS) model for predicting SF was generated by regressing the spectra of certain representative pixels selected from each image against the compact SF. Pixel selection was accomplished with a threshold based on the Euclidean distance from the median tablet spectrum. Second, micro-indentation was performed on the calibration compacts to obtain hardness values. A univariate model was developed by relating the empirical hardness values to the NIR-CI predicted SF at the micro-indented pixel locations: this model generated spatially resolved hardness predictions for the entire tablet surface.

Low-lying π∗ resonances associated with cyano groups: A CAP/SAC-CI study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ehara, Masahiro; Kanazawa, Yuki; Sommerfeld, Thomas

2017-01-01

The complex absorbing potential (CAP)/symmetry-adapted cluster-configuration interaction (SAC-CI) method is applied to low-lying π∗ resonance states of molecules containing one or two cyano (CN) groups. Benchmark calculations are carried out comparing the non-variational and approximate variational approach of SAC-CI and studying the selection threshold of operators. Experimental resonance positions from electron transmission spectroscopy (ETS) are reproduced provided the anticipated deviations due to vibronic effects are taken into account. Moreover, the calculated positions and widths agree well with those obtained in previous electron scattering calculations for HCN, CH3CN and their isonitriles. Based on our results, we suggest a reassignment of the experimental ETS of fumaronitrile and malononitrile. Our present results demonstrate again that the CAP/SAC-CI method reliably predicts low-lying π∗ resonances, and regarding the total numbers of molecules and resonances investigated, it is fair to say that it is presently the most extensively used high-level method in the temporary anion field.

Hematopoietic cell transplantation comorbidity index (HCT-CI) is predictive of adverse events and overall survival in older allogeneic transplant recipients.

PubMed

Keller, Jesse W; Andreadis, Charalambos; Damon, Lloyd E; Kaplan, Lawrence D; Martin, Thomas G; Wolf, Jeffrey L; Ai, Weiyun Z; Venstrom, Jeffrey M; Smith, Catherine C; Gaensler, Karin M L; Hwang, Jimmy; Olin, Rebecca L

2014-07-01

Our goal was to evaluate the ability of the hematopoietic cell transplantation comorbidity index (HCT-CI) to predict outcomes after allogeneic stem cell transplant (SCT) within the context of an older patient population, where multiple comorbidities are common. We performed a retrospective cohort study of SCT patients ≥50years of age at our institution, identifying 59 patients with complete HCT-CI data collected prospectively. HCT-CI category distribution in our sample was disproportionate, with almost half of patients having scores ≥3. High HCT-CI score (≥3 vs <3) was associated with significantly inferior OS (median OS not reached for HCT-CI <3 vs 14months for HCT-CI ≥3; hazard ratio (HR) 2.2, p=0.02). HCT-CI score was a better predictor of OS than age, performance status or conditioning intensity. When adjusted for disease relapse risk, HCT-CI score conferred a worse prognosis in the low risk group (HR 1.43, p=0.03) but not in the intermediate/high risk group (HR 1.08, p=0.65). NRM was low in the total sample (6% at one year) and was not associated with HCT-CI score. Grade 3-4 non-hematologic adverse events within the first 100days after SCT were significantly more common in the higher HCT-CI groups (p=0.02). In our older patient cohort with a high incidence of multiple comorbidities, HCT-CI score ≥3 was significantly associated with OS, particularly in the subset of patients with a low disease relapse risk. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control and sodium intake in Shandong Province, China: baseline results from Shandong-Ministry of Health Action on Salt Reduction and Hypertension (SMASH), 2011.

PubMed

Bi, Zhenqiang; Liang, Xiaofeng; Xu, Aiqiang; Wang, Linghong; Shi, Xiaoming; Zhao, Wenhua; Ma, Jixiang; Guo, Xiaolei; Zhang, Xiaofei; Zhang, Jiyu; Ren, Jie; Yan, Liuxia; Lu, Zilong; Wang, Huicheng; Tang, Junli; Cai, Xiaoning; Dong, Jing; Zhang, Juan; Chu, Jie; Engelgau, Michael; Yang, Quanhe; Hong, Yuling; Wang, Yu

2014-05-22

In China, population-based blood pressure levels and prevalence of hypertension are increasing. Meanwhile, sodium intake, a major risk factor for hypertension, is high. In 2011, to develop intervention priorities for a salt reduction and hypertension control project in Shandong Province (population 96 million), a cross-sectional survey was conducted to collect information on sodium intake and hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control. Complex, multistage sampling methods were used to select a provincial-representative adult sample. Blood pressure was measured and a survey conducted among all participants; condiments were weighed in the household, a 24-hour dietary recall was conducted, and urine was collected. Hypertension was determined by blood pressure measured on a single occasion and self-reported use of antihypertension medications. Overall, 23.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 20.9%-26.0%) of adults in Shandong were estimated to have hypertension. Among those classified as having hypertension, approximately one-third (34.5%) reported having hypertension, approximately one-fourth (27.5%) reported taking medications, and one-seventh (14.9%) had their blood pressure controlled (<140/<90 mm Hg). Estimated total average daily dietary sodium intake was 5,745 mg (95% CI, 5,428 mg-6,063 mg). Most dietary sodium (80.8%) came from salt and high-salt condiments added during cooking: a sodium intake of 4,640 mg (95% CI, 4,360 mg-4,920 mg). The average daily urinary sodium excretion was 5,398 mg (95% CI, 5,112 mg-5,683 mg). Hypertension and excessive sodium intake in adults are major public health problems in Shandong Province, China.

Multilevel evaluation of 'China Healthy Lifestyles for All', a nationwide initiative to promote lower intakes of salt and edible oil.

PubMed

Zhang, Juan; Astell-Burt, Thomas; Seo, Dong-Chul; Feng, Xiaoqi; Kong, Lingzhi; Zhao, Wenhua; Li, Nicole; Li, Yuan; Yu, Shicheng; Feng, Guoshuang; Ren, Duofu; Lv, Yuebin; Wang, Jinglei; Shi, Xiaoming; Liang, Xiaofeng; Chen, Chunming

2014-10-01

To evaluate the impact of 'China Healthy Lifestyle for All' on levels of knowledge, taste and intentions to modify future consumption of salt and edible oil. Between May and August 2012, a face-to-face survey carried out in all 31 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities in mainland China, achieved a 98.1% response. Intention-To-Treat analysis via multilevel logistic regression was used to examine differences in outcomes between 31,396 non-institutionalised individuals aged > 18 years from 31 'intervention' (i.e. participating) and 26 'control' (i.e. non-participating) counties respectively. Adjusting for socioeconomic confounders, participants in 'intervention' counties were more likely to know the limit of salt (Odds Ratio 3.14, 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) 1.98, 4.96) and oil consumption (3.67, 95% CI 2.31, 5.82), and were more intent to modify their consumption (salt 1.98, 95% CI 1.41, 2.76; oil OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.41, 2.81) and to report a change in taste (salt 1.90, 95% CI 1.31, 2.75; oil 2.07, 95% CI 1.38, 3.10). 'Intervention' effects were consistent regardless of income or education, but women and older participants benefited disproportionately. Outcomes were 2.8 and 4.7 times more likely among those with better recall. Place-based health promotion interventions have an important role to play in addressing non-communicable disease in China. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Novel MC/BZY Proton Conductor: Materials Development, Device Evaluation, and Theoretical Exploration using CI and DFT Methods

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-09-05

Report: Novel MC/BZY Proton Conductor: Materials Development, Device Evaluation, and Theoretical Exploration using CI and DFT Methods The views...policy or decision, unless so designated by other documentation. 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS (ES) U.S. Army Research Office P.O...Box 12211 Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2211 REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE 11. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S REPORT NUMBER(S) 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM(S

I-Xe dating of aqueous alteration in the CI chondrite Orgueil: I. Magnetite and ferromagnetic separates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pravdivtseva, O.; Krot, A. N.; Hohenberg, C. M.

2018-04-01

The I-Xe system was studied in a ferromagnetic sample separated from the Orgueil CI carbonaceous chondrite with a hand-held magnet and in two magnetite samples, one chemically separated before and the other one after neutron irradiation. This work was done in order to investigate the effects of chemical separation by LiCl and NaOH on the I-Xe system in magnetite. Our test demonstrated that the chemical separation of magnetite before irradiation using either LiCl or NaOH, or both, does not contaminate the sample with iodine and thus cannot lead to erroneous I-Xe ages due to introduction of uncorrelated 128∗Xe. The I-Xe ages of two Orgueil magnetite samples are mutually consistent within experimental uncertainties and, when normalized to an absolute time scale with the reevaluated Shallowater aubrite standard, place the onset of aqueous alteration on the CI parent body at 4564.3 ± 0.3 Ma, 2.9 ± 0.3 Ma after formation of the CV Ca-AI-rich inclusions (CAIs). The I-Xe age of the ferromagnetic Orgueil separate is 3.4 Ma younger, corresponding to a closure of the I-Xe system at 4560.9 ± 0.2 Ma. These and previously published I-Xe data for Orgueil (Hohenberg et al., 2000) indicate that aqueous alteration on the CI parent body lasted for at least 5 Ma. Although the two magnetite samples gave indistinguishable I-Xe ages, their temperature release profiles differed. One of the two Orgueil magnetites released less radiogenic Xe than the other, 80% of it corresponding to the low-temperature peak of the release profile, compared to only 6% in case of the second Orgueil magnetite sample. This could be due to the difference in iodine trapping efficiencies for magnetite grains of different morphologies. Alternatively, the magnetite grains with the lower radiogenic Xe concentrations may have formed at a later stage of alteration when iodine in an aqueous solution was depleted.

40 CFR 60.4210 - What are my compliance requirements if I am a stationary CI internal combustion engine manufacturer?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... I am a stationary CI internal combustion engine manufacturer? 60.4210 Section 60.4210 Protection of... Combustion Engines Compliance Requirements § 60.4210 What are my compliance requirements if I am a stationary CI internal combustion engine manufacturer? (a) Stationary CI internal combustion engine...

40 CFR 60.4210 - What are my compliance requirements if I am a stationary CI internal combustion engine manufacturer?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... I am a stationary CI internal combustion engine manufacturer? 60.4210 Section 60.4210 Protection of... Combustion Engines Compliance Requirements § 60.4210 What are my compliance requirements if I am a stationary CI internal combustion engine manufacturer? (a) Stationary CI internal combustion engine...

40 CFR 60.4210 - What are my compliance requirements if I am a stationary CI internal combustion engine manufacturer?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... I am a stationary CI internal combustion engine manufacturer? 60.4210 Section 60.4210 Protection of... Combustion Engines Compliance Requirements § 60.4210 What are my compliance requirements if I am a stationary CI internal combustion engine manufacturer? (a) Stationary CI internal combustion engine...

40 CFR 60.4210 - What are my compliance requirements if I am a stationary CI internal combustion engine manufacturer?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... I am a stationary CI internal combustion engine manufacturer? 60.4210 Section 60.4210 Protection of... Combustion Engines Compliance Requirements § 60.4210 What are my compliance requirements if I am a stationary CI internal combustion engine manufacturer? (a) Stationary CI internal combustion engine...

40 CFR 60.4210 - What are my compliance requirements if I am a stationary CI internal combustion engine manufacturer?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... I am a stationary CI internal combustion engine manufacturer? 60.4210 Section 60.4210 Protection of... Combustion Engines Compliance Requirements § 60.4210 What are my compliance requirements if I am a stationary CI internal combustion engine manufacturer? (a) Stationary CI internal combustion engine...

Computer-assisted CI fitting: Is the learning capacity of the intelligent agent FOX beneficial for speech understanding?

PubMed

Meeuws, Matthias; Pascoal, David; Bermejo, Iñigo; Artaso, Miguel; De Ceulaer, Geert; Govaerts, Paul J

2017-07-01

The software application FOX ('Fitting to Outcome eXpert') is an intelligent agent to assist in the programing of cochlear implant (CI) processors. The current version utilizes a mixture of deterministic and probabilistic logic which is able to improve over time through a learning effect. This study aimed at assessing whether this learning capacity yields measurable improvements in speech understanding. A retrospective study was performed on 25 consecutive CI recipients with a median CI use experience of 10 years who came for their annual CI follow-up fitting session. All subjects were assessed by means of speech audiometry with open set monosyllables at 40, 55, 70, and 85 dB SPL in quiet with their home MAP. Other psychoacoustic tests were executed depending on the audiologist's clinical judgment. The home MAP and the corresponding test results were entered into FOX. If FOX suggested to make MAP changes, they were implemented and another speech audiometry was performed with the new MAP. FOX suggested MAP changes in 21 subjects (84%). The within-subject comparison showed a significant median improvement of 10, 3, 1, and 7% at 40, 55, 70, and 85 dB SPL, respectively. All but two subjects showed an instantaneous improvement in their mean speech audiometric score. Persons with long-term CI use, who received a FOX-assisted CI fitting at least 6 months ago, display improved speech understanding after MAP modifications, as recommended by the current version of FOX. This can be explained only by intrinsic improvements in FOX's algorithms, as they have resulted from learning. This learning is an inherent feature of artificial intelligence and it may yield measurable benefit in speech understanding even in long-term CI recipients.

Engineering of a genetically encodable fluorescent voltage sensor exploiting fast Ci-VSP voltage-sensing movements.

PubMed

Lundby, Alicia; Mutoh, Hiroki; Dimitrov, Dimitar; Akemann, Walther; Knöpfel, Thomas

2008-06-25

Ci-VSP contains a voltage-sensing domain (VSD) homologous to that of voltage-gated potassium channels. Using charge displacement ('gating' current) measurements we show that voltage-sensing movements of this VSD can occur within 1 ms in mammalian membranes. Our analysis lead to development of a genetically encodable fluorescent protein voltage sensor (VSFP) in which the fast, voltage-dependent conformational changes of the Ci-VSP voltage sensor are transduced to similarly fast fluorescence read-outs.

Adequacy Assessment of a Universal Salt Iodization Program Two Decades after Its Implementation: A National Cross-Sectional Study of Iodine Status among School-Age Children in Tunisia.

PubMed

Doggui, Radhouene; El Ati-Hellal, Myriam; Traissac, Pierre; Lahmar, Lilia; El Ati, Jalila

2016-12-25

In the framework of a worldwide policy to eliminate iodine deficiency (ID) disorders, universal salt iodization was adopted in Tunisia two decades ago. The present study aims to evaluate this strategy, using both performance and impact indicators. A total of 1560 children, aged 6-12 years, were randomly sampled using a national, two-stage, stratified, cross-sectional cluster survey in 2012. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) of the subjects, and household salt iodine content, were analyzed. The national median UIC was 220 µg/L (95% confidence interval (CI): 199-241), indicating an acceptable iodine status at the population level. Only 11.4% (95% CI: 8.6-14.9) of the children had UIC <100 µg/L, but with large regional disparities (4.3% to 25.5%, p < 0.01); however, more than a quarter of the subjects were at risk of adverse health consequences due to iodine excess. Children from households of low socio-economic levels were more prone to inadequate UIC. The national median iodine concentration of household salt was 22 mg/kg (95% CI: 21-23). Only half of the households used adequately iodized salt (15-25 ppm), with large regional disparities. National ID rates are now well below the target criteria of WHO (World Health Organization) certification (<20% of children with UIC <50 µg/L and <50% with UIC <100 µg/L). The coverage of adequately iodized salt fell short in meeting the goals of USI (Universal Salt Iodization), i.e., >90% of households. Regular monitoring of iodized salt production lines must be strengthened with involvement by producers.

Comment on Mars as the Parent Body of the CI Carbonaceous Chondrites by J. E. Brandenburg

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Treiman, Allan H.

1996-01-01

Geological and chemical data refute a martian origin for the CI carbonaceous chondrites. Here, I will first consider Brandenburg's [1996] proposal that the CI's formed as water-deposited sediments on Mars, and that these sediments had limited chemical interactions with their martian environment. Finally, I will address oxygen isotope ratios, the strongest link between the CIs and the martian meteorites.

AEROBIC AND ANAEROBIC TREATMENT OF C.I. DISPERSE BLUE 79 - VOLUME I

EPA Science Inventory

This study was conducted to determine the fate of C.I. Disperse Blue 79, one of the largest production volume dyes, and select biodegradation products in a conventionally operated activated sludge process and an anaerobic sludge digestion system. To achieve this objective, a pilo...

10 CFR 709.17 - Final disposition of CI evaluation findings and recommendations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... recommendations. 709.17 Section 709.17 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY COUNTERINTELLIGENCE EVALUATION PROGRAM CI... Intelligence and Counterintelligence must recommend, in writing, to the appropriate Program Manager that the covered person's access be approved or retained, or denied or revoked. (b) If the Program Manager agrees...

75 FR 5566 - NOAA Cooperative Institutes (CIs): (1) A CI To Support NOAA Research Facilities in the Pacific...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-02-03

... Northwest, (2) A CI for Southwestern U.S. Marine Ecosystems, Climate and Ocean Studies, and (3) A... Southwestern U.S. Marine Ecosystems, Climate and Ocean Studies, and (3) A Southeastern Regional CI for...

10 CFR 709.14 - Consequences of a refusal to complete a CI evaluation including a polygraph examination.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 10 Energy 4 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Consequences of a refusal to complete a CI evaluation including a polygraph examination. 709.14 Section 709.14 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY COUNTERINTELLIGENCE EVALUATION PROGRAM CI Evaluation Protocols and Protection of National Security § 709.14 Consequences of a...

10 CFR 709.17 - Final disposition of CI evaluation findings and recommendations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... and recommendations. (a) Following completion of a CI evaluation, the Director of the Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence must recommend, in writing, to the appropriate Program Manager that the covered person's access be approved or retained, or denied or revoked. (b) If the Program Manager agrees...

Identification of Apolipoprotein C-I as a Potential Wilms’ Tumor Marker after Excluding Inflammatory Factors

PubMed Central

Zhang, Junjie; Guo, Fei; Wang, Lei; Zhao, Wei; Zhang, Da; Yang, Heying; Yu, Jiekai; Niu, Lili; Yang, Fuquan; Zheng, Shu; Wang, Jiaxiang

2014-01-01

Wilms’ tumor is one of the most common malignant tumors observed in children, and its early diagnosis is important for late-stage treatment and prognosis. We previously screened and identified protein markers for Wilms’ tumor; however, these markers lacked specificity, and some were associated with inflammation. In the current study, serum samples from children with Wilms’ tumors were compared with those of healthy controls and patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). After exclusion of factors associated with inflammation, specific protein markers for Wilms’ tumors were identified. After comparing the protein peak values obtained from all three groups, a protein with a m/z of 6438 Da was specified. Purification and identification of the target protein using high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and two-dimensional liquid chromatography-linearion trap mass spectrometry(2D-LC-LTQ-MS) mass spectrometry, respectively, revealed that it was apolipoprotein C-I (APO C-I). Thus, APO C-I is a specific protein marker for Wilms’ tumor. PMID:25222555

The Statin-Associated Muscle Symptom Clinical Index (SAMS-CI): Revision for Clinical Use, Content Validation, and Inter-rater Reliability.

PubMed

Rosenson, Robert S; Miller, Kate; Bayliss, Martha; Sanchez, Robert J; Baccara-Dinet, Marie T; Chibedi-De-Roche, Daniela; Taylor, Beth; Khan, Irfan; Manvelian, Garen; White, Michelle; Jacobson, Terry A

2017-04-01

The Statin-Associated Muscle Symptom Clinical Index (SAMS-CI) is a method for assessing the likelihood that a patient's muscle symptoms (e.g., myalgia or myopathy) were caused or worsened by statin use. The objectives of this study were to prepare the SAMS-CI for clinical use, estimate its inter-rater reliability, and collect feedback from physicians on its practical application. For content validity, we conducted structured in-depth interviews with its original authors as well as with a panel of independent physicians. Estimation of inter-rater reliability involved an analysis of 30 written clinical cases which were scored by a sample of physicians. A separate group of physicians provided feedback on the clinical use of the SAMS-CI and its potential utility in practice. Qualitative interviews with providers supported the content validity of the SAMS-CI. Feedback on the clinical use of the SAMS-CI included several perceived benefits (such as brevity, clear wording, and simple scoring process) and some possible concerns (workflow issues and applicability in primary care). The inter-rater reliability of the SAMS-CI was estimated to be 0.77 (confidence interval 0.66-0.85), indicating high concordance between raters. With additional provider feedback, a revised SAMS-CI instrument was created suitable for further testing, both in the clinical setting and in prospective validation studies. With standardized questions, vetted language, easily interpreted scores, and demonstrated reliability, the SAMS aims to estimate the likelihood that a patient's muscle symptoms were attributable to statins. The SAMS-CI may support better detection of statin-associated muscle symptoms in clinical practice, optimize treatment for patients experiencing muscle symptoms, and provide a useful tool for further clinical research.

Hypertension Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment, and Control and Sodium Intake in Shandong Province, China: Baseline Results From Shandong–Ministry of Health Action on Salt Reduction and Hypertension (SMASH), 2011

PubMed Central

Bi, Zhenqiang; Liang, Xiaofeng; Xu, Aiqiang; Wang, Linghong; Shi, Xiaoming; Zhao, Wenhua; Ma, Jixiang; Guo, Xiaolei; Zhang, Xiaofei; Zhang, Jiyu; Ren, Jie; Yan, Liuxia; Lu, Zilong; Wang, Huicheng; Tang, Junli; Cai, Xiaoning; Dong, Jing; Zhang, Juan; Chu, Jie; Engelgau, Michael; Yang, Quanhe; Hong, Yuling

2014-01-01

Introduction In China, population-based blood pressure levels and prevalence of hypertension are increasing. Meanwhile, sodium intake, a major risk factor for hypertension, is high. In 2011, to develop intervention priorities for a salt reduction and hypertension control project in Shandong Province (population 96 million), a cross-sectional survey was conducted to collect information on sodium intake and hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control. Methods Complex, multistage sampling methods were used to select a provincial-representative adult sample. Blood pressure was measured and a survey conducted among all participants; condiments were weighed in the household, a 24-hour dietary recall was conducted, and urine was collected. Hypertension was determined by blood pressure measured on a single occasion and self-reported use of antihypertension medications. Results Overall, 23.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 20.9%–26.0%) of adults in Shandong were estimated to have hypertension. Among those classified as having hypertension, approximately one-third (34.5%) reported having hypertension, approximately one-fourth (27.5%) reported taking medications, and one-seventh (14.9%) had their blood pressure controlled (<140/<90 mm Hg). Estimated total average daily dietary sodium intake was 5,745 mg (95% CI, 5,428 mg–6,063 mg). Most dietary sodium (80.8%) came from salt and high-salt condiments added during cooking: a sodium intake of 4,640 mg (95% CI, 4,360 mg–4,920 mg). The average daily urinary sodium excretion was 5,398 mg (95% CI, 5,112 mg–5,683 mg). Conclusion Hypertension and excessive sodium intake in adults are major public health problems in Shandong Province, China. PMID:24854239

The origin of the eccentricity of the hot Jupiter in CI Tau

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosotti, G. P.; Booth, R. A.; Clarke, C. J.; Teyssandier, J.; Facchini, S.; Mustill, A. J.

2017-01-01

Following the recent discovery of the first radial velocity planet in a star still possessing a protoplanetary disc (CI Tau), we examine the origin of the planet's eccentricity (e ˜0.3). We show through long time-scale (105 orbits) simulations that the planetary eccentricity can be pumped by the disc, even when its local surface density is well below the threshold previously derived from short time-scale integrations. We show that the disc may be able to excite the planet's orbital eccentricity in <1 Myr for the system parameters of CI Tau. We also perform two-planet scattering experiments and show that alternatively the observed planet may plausibly have acquired its eccentricity through dynamical scattering of a migrating lower mass planet, which has either been ejected from the system or swallowed by the central star. In the latter case the present location and eccentricity of the observed planet can be recovered if it was previously stalled within the disc's magnetospheric cavity.

IOTA interferometer observations of the B[e] star/X-ray transient object CI Cam.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thureau, N. D.; Traub, W.; Millan-Gabet, R.; Monnier, J. D.; Pedretti, E.; Berger, J.-P.; Schloerb, P.

2005-12-01

We present the results from an observing campaign on the star CI Cam carried out at the IOTA interferometer in November-December 2004 using the IONIC 3 telescope beam combiner in the H spectral band with projected baselines in the range 10-36m. CI Cam is a known B[e] star and X-ray transient source and has been intensively observed since its powerful X-ray, radio and optical outburst occurred in April 1998. Our visibility measurements put strong constraints on the nature of the source and we can rule out all existing SED models available in the literature. Our new results are in agreement with previous observations of CI Cam obtained with IOTA2 in the H and K' spectral bands in September-November 1998, indicating the infrared excess is long-lived and not directly associated with the outburst. We have explored new models that can better fit our observations. Additionally, we have measured small non-zero closure phases which are the signature of asymmetries in the brightness distribution function. Financial support for NDT is provided by the European Commission through a Marie Curie Outgoing International Fellowships MOIF-CT-2004-002990.

Free Surface of the Liquid-Gas Phase Separation as a Measuring Membrane of a Device for Measuring Small Hydrostatic Pressure Difference Values / Powierzchnia Swobodna Rozdziału Faz Ciecz-Gaz Jako Membrana Pomiarowa Urządzenia Do Pomiaru Małych Wartości Różnicy Ciśnienia Hydrostatycznego

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Filipek, Wiktor; Broda, Krzysztof; Branny, Marian

2015-03-01

wykorzystaniem napisanego w języku Delphi autorskiego programu do obróbki numerycznej zdjęć. Występujące trudności ilustruje rysunek 2 przedstawiający przesunięcie linii odniesienia w trzech kolejno po sobie wykonanych zdjęciach. Następnie omówiono sposób przygotowania stanowiska do pomiarów oraz sposób ich przeprowadzania czego ilustracją są rysunki 3 i 4. Przedstawiono występujące problemy oraz zastosowane sposoby ich rozwiązania. Zarejestrowany przykładowy obraz po przejściu promienia lasera przez badaną strukturę dla wybranych wartości różnicy ciśnień hydrostatycznych uzyskany za pomocą kulek ceramicznych przedstawiono na rysunku 5. Rysunek 6 wyjaśnia metodę obróbki numerycznej zdjęć w oparciu o autorski program i zależności (1),(2),(3). Na rysunkach 7 i 9 zestawiono otrzymane krzywe zmienności intensywności barw uzyskane w trakcie opracowania numerycznego. Zwrócono także uwagę na rozkład zmian intensywności barw dla różnicy między powierzchniami swobodnymi cieczy w cylindrach (Rys. 8-11) dla wybranych serii pomiarowych. W dalszej części artykułu dokonano analizy otrzymanych obrazów zwracając uwagę na włączenie metody transformacji Fouriera lub "Falkowej" (Ziółko, 2000) do numerycznej analizy posiadanych danych (Rys. 12-14). Na rysunku 12 pokazano wybrane trzy zależności opisujące zmienność natężania barwy w funkcji położenia ramki (1), dla których dokonano transformacji Fouriera według zależności (3). Analizy dokonano metodą arytmetyczna Perry'ego (Ziółko, 2000) w okienku o szerokości n = 2300 przyjmując jako położenie startowe wartość x = 1600. Rysunek 13 przedstawia wartości współczynnika Ak a rys.14 przedstawia wartości kąta przesunięcia jk dla pierwszych 58 harmonicznych. Prace nad udoskonaleniem metody trwają. W dalszej części artykułu autorzy podsumowują osiągnięte wyniki zwracając uwagę na uzyskaną precyzję pomiarów oraz korzystne zastosowanie powierzchni swobodnej

40 CFR 60.4202 - What emission standards must I meet for emergency engines if I am a stationary CI internal...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... emergency engines if I am a stationary CI internal combustion engine manufacturer? 60.4202 Section 60.4202... Combustion Engines Emission Standards for Manufacturers § 60.4202 What emission standards must I meet for emergency engines if I am a stationary CI internal combustion engine manufacturer? (a) Stationary CI...

40 CFR 60.4208 - What is the deadline for importing or installing stationary CI ICE produced in previous model years?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... installing stationary CI ICE produced in previous model years? 60.4208 Section 60.4208 Protection of... or installing stationary CI ICE produced in previous model years? (a) After December 31, 2008, owners and operators may not install stationary CI ICE (excluding fire pump engines) that do not meet the...

40 CFR 60.4208 - What is the deadline for importing or installing stationary CI ICE produced in previous model years?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... installing stationary CI ICE produced in previous model years? 60.4208 Section 60.4208 Protection of... or installing stationary CI ICE produced in previous model years? (a) After December 31, 2008, owners and operators may not install stationary CI ICE (excluding fire pump engines) that do not meet the...

40 CFR 60.4208 - What is the deadline for importing or installing stationary CI ICE produced in previous model years?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... installing stationary CI ICE produced in previous model years? 60.4208 Section 60.4208 Protection of... or installing stationary CI ICE produced in previous model years? (a) After December 31, 2008, owners and operators may not install stationary CI ICE (excluding fire pump engines) that do not meet the...

Electronic and vibrational spectroscopic studies of jet-cooled 5-cyanoindole and its water clusters, 5CI-(H2O)n, (n = 0-2)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Min, Ahreum; Moon, Cheol Joo; Ahn, Ahreum; Lee, Ji Hoon; Kim, Seong Keun; Choi, Myong Yong

2016-08-01

Mass-selected resonant two-photon ionization (R2PI) and UV-UV hole-burning, and infrared-dip spectra of 5-cyanoindole (5CI) and its water clusters, 5CI-(H2O)n (n = 1 and 2) were measured. Although, the structures of 5CI-(H2O)1-2 are similar to those of 3CI-(H2O)1-2, the photofragmentation behaviors of the two systems are quite different due to the La-Lb state energy lowering and higher binding energies of 5CI-(H2O)1-2 compared to those of 3CI-(H2O)1-2. Especially for the case of 5CI-(H2O)2 cluster, shortening excited-state lifetime of 5CI-(H2O)2 causes the broad background in the R2PI spectrum of 5CI-(H2O)2.

40 CFR 60.4208 - What is the deadline for importing or installing stationary CI ICE produced in the previous model...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... installing stationary CI ICE produced in the previous model year? 60.4208 Section 60.4208 Protection of... or installing stationary CI ICE produced in the previous model year? (a) After December 31, 2008, owners and operators may not install stationary CI ICE (excluding fire pump engines) that do not meet the...

40 CFR 60.4208 - What is the deadline for importing or installing stationary CI ICE produced in the previous model...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... installing stationary CI ICE produced in the previous model year? 60.4208 Section 60.4208 Protection of... or installing stationary CI ICE produced in the previous model year? (a) After December 31, 2008, owners and operators may not install stationary CI ICE (excluding fire pump engines) that do not meet the...

Development of Xi'an-CI package – applying the hole–particle symmetry in multi-reference electronic correlation calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suo, Bingbing; Lei, Yibo; Han, Huixian; Wang, Yubin

2018-04-01

This mini-review introduces our works on the Xi'an-CI (configuration interaction) package using graphical unitary group approach (GUGA). Taking advantage of the hole-particle symmetry in GUGA, the Galfand states used to span the CI space are classified into CI subspaces according to the number of holes and particles, and the coupling coefficients used to calculate Hamiltonian matrix elements could be factorised into the segment factors in the hole, active and external spaces. An efficient multi-reference CI with single and double excitations (MRCISD) algorithm is thus developed that reduces the storage requirement and increases the number of correlated electrons significantly. The hole-particle symmetry also gives rise to a doubly contracted MRCISD approach. Moreover, the internally contracted Gelfand states are defined within the CI subspace arising from the hole-particle symmetry, which makes the implementation of internally contracted MRCISD in the framework of GUGA possible. In addition to MRCISD, the development of multi-reference second-order perturbation theory (MRPT2) also benefits from the hole-particle symmetry. A configuration-based MRPT2 algorithm is proposed and extended to the multi-state n-electron valence-state second-order perturbation theory.

Development of the radical-stable Coprinus cinereus peroxidase (CiP) by blocking the radical attack.

PubMed

Kim, Su Jin; Joo, Jeong Chan; Kim, Han Sang; Kwon, Inchan; Song, Bong Keun; Yoo, Young Je; Kim, Yong Hwan

2014-11-10

Despite the potential use of peroxidases as industrial biocatalysts, their practical application is often impeded due to suicide inactivation by radicals generated in oxidative reactions. Using a peroxidase from Coprinus cinereus (CiP) as a model enzyme, we revealed a dominant factor for peroxidase inactivation during phenol oxidation, and we engineered radical-stable mutants by site-directed mutagenesis of an amino acid residue susceptible to modification by phenoxyl radical. Mass spectrometry analysis of inactivated CiP identified an adduct between F230 and a phenoxyl radical, and subsequently, the F230 residue was mutated to amino acids that resisted radical coupling. Of the F230 mutants, the F230A mutant showed the highest stability against radical inactivation, retaining 80% of its initial activity, while the wild-type protein was almost completely inactivated. The F230A mutant also exhibited a 16-fold higher turnover of the phenol substrate compared with the wild-type enzyme. Furthermore, the F230A mutant was stable during the oxidation of other phenolic compounds, including m-cresol and 3-methoxyphenol. No structural changes were observed by UV-vis and CD spectra of CiP after radical coupling, implying that the F230-phenol radical adduct inactivated CiP by blocking substrate access to the active site. Our novel strategy can be used to improve the stability of other peroxidases inactivated by radicals. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of the BseCI DNA methyltransferase from Bacillus stearothermophilus in complex with its cognate DNA

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

Kapetaniou, Evangelia G.; Kotsifaki, Dina; Providaki, Mary

2007-01-01

The DNA methyltransferase M.BseCI from B. stearothermophilus was crystallized as a complex with its cognate DNA. Crystals belong to space group P6 and diffract to 2.5 Å resolution at a synchrotron source. The DNA methyltransferase M.BseCI from Bacillus stearothermophilus (EC 2.1.1.72), a 579-amino-acid enzyme, methylates the N6 atom of the 3′ adenine in the sequence 5′-ATCGAT-3′. M.BseCI was crystallized in complex with its cognate DNA. The crystals were found to belong to the hexagonal space group P6, with unit-cell parameters a = b = 87.0, c = 156.1 Å, β = 120.0° and one molecule in the asymmetric unit. Twomore » complete data sets were collected at wavelengths of 1.1 and 2.0 Å to 2.5 and 2.8 Å resolution, respectively, using synchrotron radiation at 100 K.« less

Photocatalytic degradation of Maxilon C.I. basic dye using CS/CoFe2O4/GONCs as a heterogeneous photo-Fenton catalyst prepared by gamma irradiation.

PubMed

Al-Kahtani, Abdullah A; Abou Taleb, Manal F

2016-05-15

CS/CF/GONCs were synthesized via gamma irradiation cross-linking method with the aid of sonication. The nanocomposites exhibited a photo-Fenton catalytic feature for the degradation of Maxilon C.I. basic dye in aqueous medium using sunlight. The effects of pH, H2O2 concentration, and dosage of the catalyst, on the degradation rates of the dyes were examined. The optimal degradation rate was reached with 10mM H2O2 at pH 9.5. It was verified that the Maxilon C.I. basic dye degradation rate fits a pseudo-first-order kinetics for different initial concentrations of Maxilon C.I. dye. Fourth cyclic tests for Maxilon C.I. degradation showed that the magnetic catalyst was very stable, recoverable, highly active, and easy to separate using an external magnet. Hence, this magnetic catalyst has potential use in organic pollutant removal. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Plasticity in the Oxidative Folding Pathway of the High Affinity Nerita Versicolor Carboxypeptidase Inhibitor (NvCI).

PubMed

Esperante, Sebastián A; Covaleda, Giovanni; Trejo, Sebastián A; Bronsoms, Sílvia; Aviles, Francesc X; Ventura, Salvador

2017-07-14

Nerita Versicolor carboxypeptidase inhibitor (NvCI) is the strongest inhibitor reported so far for the M14A subfamily of carboxypeptidases. It comprises 53 residues and a protein fold composed of a two-stranded antiparallel β sheet connected by three loops and stabilized by three disulfide bridges. Here we report the oxidative folding and reductive unfolding pathways of NvCI. Much debate has gone on whether protein conformational folding guides disulfide bond formation or instead they are disulfide bonds that favour the arrangement of local or global structural elements. We show here that for NvCI both possibilities apply. Under physiological conditions, this protein folds trough a funnelled pathway involving a network of kinetically connected native-like intermediates, all sharing the disulfide bond connecting the two β-strands. In contrast, under denaturing conditions, the folding of NvCI is under thermodynamic control and follows a "trial and error" mechanism, in which an initial quasi-stochastic population of intermediates rearrange their disulfide bonds to attain the stable native topology. Despite their striking mechanistic differences, the efficiency of both folding routes is similar. The present study illustrates thus a surprising plasticity in the folding of this extremely stable small disulfide-rich inhibitor and provides the basis for its redesign for biomedical applications.

40 CFR 63.6604 - What fuel requirements must I meet if I own or operate an existing stationary CI RICE?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... I own or operate an existing stationary CI RICE? 63.6604 Section 63.6604 Protection of Environment....6604 What fuel requirements must I meet if I own or operate an existing stationary CI RICE? If you own or operate an existing non-emergency, non-black start CI stationary RICE with a site rating of more...

40 CFR 63.6604 - What fuel requirements must I meet if I own or operate an existing stationary CI RICE?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... I own or operate an existing stationary CI RICE? 63.6604 Section 63.6604 Protection of Environment....6604 What fuel requirements must I meet if I own or operate an existing stationary CI RICE? If you own or operate an existing non-emergency CI stationary RICE with a site rating of more than 300 brake HP...

Adequacy Assessment of a Universal Salt Iodization Program Two Decades after Its Implementation: A National Cross-Sectional Study of Iodine Status among School-Age Children in Tunisia

PubMed Central

Doggui, Radhouene; El Ati-Hellal, Myriam; Traissac, Pierre; Lahmar, Lilia; El Ati, Jalila

2016-01-01

In the framework of a worldwide policy to eliminate iodine deficiency (ID) disorders, universal salt iodization was adopted in Tunisia two decades ago. The present study aims to evaluate this strategy, using both performance and impact indicators. A total of 1560 children, aged 6–12 years, were randomly sampled using a national, two-stage, stratified, cross-sectional cluster survey in 2012. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) of the subjects, and household salt iodine content, were analyzed. The national median UIC was 220 µg/L (95% confidence interval (CI): 199–241), indicating an acceptable iodine status at the population level. Only 11.4% (95% CI: 8.6–14.9) of the children had UIC <100 µg/L, but with large regional disparities (4.3% to 25.5%, p < 0.01); however, more than a quarter of the subjects were at risk of adverse health consequences due to iodine excess. Children from households of low socio-economic levels were more prone to inadequate UIC. The national median iodine concentration of household salt was 22 mg/kg (95% CI: 21–23). Only half of the households used adequately iodized salt (15–25 ppm), with large regional disparities. National ID rates are now well below the target criteria of WHO (World Health Organization) certification (<20% of children with UIC <50 µg/L and <50% with UIC <100 µg/L). The coverage of adequately iodized salt fell short in meeting the goals of USI (Universal Salt Iodization), i.e., >90% of households. Regular monitoring of iodized salt production lines must be strengthened with involvement by producers. PMID:28029137

[Influence of mixing ratios of a FM-system on speech understanding of CI-users].

PubMed

Hey, M; Anft, D; Hocke, T; Scholz, G; Hessel, H; Begall, K

2009-05-01

At school we find two major acoustic situations: (first) the "teacher is talking" being disturbed by the pupils making noise and (second) another "pupil is talking" disturbed by other pupils. The understanding of words and sentences in hearing impaired patients with a cochlear implant (CI) in a noisy situation can be improved by using a FM system. The aim of this study is to test speech understanding depending on mixing ratios between FM input and microphone input to the speech processor in different circumstances. Speech understanding was evaluated using the adaptive Oldenburger sentence test (OLSA) in background noise. CI patients used the FM system Microlink for Freedom CIs together with a Campus transmitter (Phonak AG). 17 postlingually deafened adults were tested, using unilateral Freedom cochlear implant systems (Cochlear Ltd). A group of eight normally hearing adults was used as a control group in the same setup. We found that the median value of L (50)=1.6 dB in CI patients without a FM system is higher than the median value of L(50)=-13 dB in normally hearing subjects. The sentence recognition in CI patients with FM system increased with increasing mixing ratio. The benefit using the FM system to understand the teacher is of high advantage in any mixing ratio. The difference between the L(50) values in situations with or without a FM-system is 15 dB for the mixing ratio 3:1 (FM to microphone). If we take into account an increase of 15% per dB in the OLSA (at L(50)) in CI patients, the difference of 15 dB means a calculated advantage of 225%. The speech understanding during the second condition ("pupil is talking") however remained nearly the same in all used mixing ratios. The calculations showed no statistical difference between these situations with and without a FM system. The speaker comprehension for the two investigated listening conditions showed different results. Understanding in the "teacher is talking" situation increased with increasing mixing

Cyberinfrastructure (CI) for Interactive Ocean Observatories: LOOKING Ahead

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Orcutt, J.; Abbott, M.; Bellingham, J.; Chave, A.; Delaney, J.; Johnson, R.; Lazowska, E.; Moline, M.; Smarr, L.

2004-12-01

Investments in next-generation facilities to achieve a permanent, interactive telepresence throughout remote or hostile environments can empower a broad spectrum of autonomous sensornet facilities through the NSF Major Research Equipment and Facililties Construction Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI). These systems must involve powerful suites of generic cyberinfrastructure tools designed to optimize access and benefits to a large academic and public user base. Many future research and educational efforts focused throughout the ocean basins, especially within heavily populated coastal regions, will be empowered by these new systems. Our project LOOKING (Laboratory for the Ocean Observatory Knowledge Integration Grid) is developing prototype CI for the OOI to achieve these goals. In the case of ocean observatory networks, it is essential to establish powerful network infrastructures linking the wet or subsea portion, with a host of shore station facilities. These components in turn must seamlessly communicate with an ensemble of data repositories, and relevant computer and visualization resources designed to serve a widely diverse ocean science community with real time, broadband access to all observatory system data, products, and metadata. This infrastructure must be secure, reliable, and resilient. It must meet the potentially ambitious latency, bandwidth, and performance requirements demanded by a set of evolving autonomous sensor platforms over a period of decades. This Grid environment must seamlessly interconnect all relevant national and international research and education nets accessible through high speed, next generation communication networks. The primary components of LOOKING are remote services that fulfill the CI needs of the ocean observatory community. These services arise from overarching science and education requirements: 1) Instrument Services operate at the sensor end of an ocean observatory, and are dominantly but not exclusively wet. 2

A new high-resolution sediment record from Lake Gościąż (central Poland)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonk, Alicja; Błaszkiewicz, Mirosław; Brauer, Achim; Brykała, Dariusz; Gierszewski, Piotr; Kramkowski, Mateusz; Plessen, Brigit; Schwab, Markus; Słowiński, Michał; Tjallingii, Rik

2017-04-01

The varved sediments from Lake Gościąż, located in the Vistula Valley in Central Poland, are an iconic record for palaeoclimate and palaeoenvironmental reconstruction (Goslar et al. 2000, Hajdas et al. 1995, Ralska-Jasiewiczowa et al. 1998). Recently, we obtained a set of new sediment cores from Lake Gościąż and established a 21 m long sediment profile. Except of the topmost part of the core, it is continuously laminated down to glacial sands. We aim at applying a comprehensive multi-proxy core analyses combined with monitoring of present-day sedimentation processes. Sediment investigations will include new methods that have been developed or advanced since the previous studies on the Lake Gościąż sediments including continuous micro-facies analyses, μXRF core scanning and tephrochronology. The main aims of our new project are a revision of the existing floating chronology and to synchronise the Lake Gościąż sediment record based on independent isochrones with other European varved lake records like, e.g. Lake Meerfelder Maar, in order to investigate in detail proxy responses to climate change and to decipher regional leads and lags in climate change. Here, we will present (1) the objectives of our new project on this key record of past climate and environmental change and, (2) preliminary results including magnetic susceptibility, μ-XRF core scanning and microfacies images. This study is a contribution to scientific project financed by the National Science Centre, Poland - No DEC-2015/19/B/ST10/03039.

40 CFR 60.4202 - What emission standards must I meet for emergency engines if I am a stationary CI internal...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... CI ICE with a maximum engine power less than or equal to 2,237 KW (3,000 HP) and a displacement of... CI ICE with a maximum engine power greater than 2,237 KW (3,000 HP) and a displacement of less than... stationary CI ICE with a displacement of greater than or equal to 10 liters per cylinder and less than 30...

Proarrhythmia liability assessment and the comprehensive in vitro Proarrhythmia Assay (CiPA): An industry survey on current practice.

PubMed

Authier, Simon; Pugsley, Michael K; Koerner, John E; Fermini, Bernard; Redfern, William S; Valentin, Jean-Pierre; Vargas, Hugo M; Leishman, Derek J; Correll, Krystle; Curtis, Michael J

2017-07-01

The Safety Pharmacology Society (SPS) has conducted a survey of its membership to identify industry practices related to testing considered in the Comprehensive In vitro Proarrhythmia Assay (CiPA). Survey topics included nonclinical approaches to address proarrhythmia issues, conduct of in silico studies, in vitro ion channel testing methods used, drugs used as positive controls during the conduct of cardiac ion channel studies, types of arrhythmias observed in non-clinical studies and use of the anticipated CiPA ion channel assay. In silico studies were used to evaluate effects on ventricular action potentials by only 15% of responders. In vitro assays were used mostly to assess QT prolongation (95%), cardiac Ca 2+ and Na + channel blockade (82%) and QT shortening or QRS prolongation (53%). For de-risking of candidate drugs for proarrhythmia, those assays most relevant to CiPA including cell lines stably expressing ion channels used to determine potency of drug block were most frequently used (89%) and human stem cell-derived or induced pluripotent stem cell cardiomyocytes (46%). Those in vivo assays related to general proarrhythmia derisking include ECG recording using implanted telemetry technology (88%), jacketed external telemetry (62%) and anesthetized animal models (53%). While the CiPA initiative was supported by 92% of responders, there may be some disconnect between current practice and future expectations, as explained. Proarrhythmia liability assessment in drug development presently includes study types consistent with CiPA. It is anticipated that CiPA will develop into a workable solution to the concern that proarrhythmia liability testing remains suboptimal. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Bioinformatic analysis of the distribution of inorganic carbon transporters and prospective targets for bioengineering to increase Ci uptake by cyanobacteria.

PubMed

Gaudana, Sandeep B; Zarzycki, Jan; Moparthi, Vamsi K; Kerfeld, Cheryl A

2015-10-01

Cyanobacteria have evolved a carbon-concentrating mechanism (CCM) which has enabled them to inhabit diverse environments encompassing a range of inorganic carbon (Ci: [Formula: see text] and CO2) concentrations. Several uptake systems facilitate inorganic carbon accumulation in the cell, which can in turn be fixed by ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase. Here we survey the distribution of genes encoding known Ci uptake systems in cyanobacterial genomes and, using a pfam- and gene context-based approach, identify in the marine (alpha) cyanobacteria a heretofore unrecognized number of putative counterparts to the well-known Ci transporters of beta cyanobacteria. In addition, our analysis shows that there is a huge repertoire of transport systems in cyanobacteria of unknown function, many with homology to characterized Ci transporters. These can be viewed as prospective targets for conversion into ancillary Ci transporters through bioengineering. Increasing intracellular Ci concentration coupled with efforts to increase carbon fixation will be beneficial for the downstream conversion of fixed carbon into value-added products including biofuels. In addition to CCM transporter homologs, we also survey the occurrence of rhodopsin homologs in cyanobacteria, including bacteriorhodopsin, a class of retinal-binding, light-activated proton pumps. Because they are light driven and because of the apparent ease of altering their ion selectivity, we use this as an example of re-purposing an endogenous transporter for the augmentation of Ci uptake by cyanobacteria and potentially chloroplasts.

Expression of calcium-binding proteins S100A8, S100A9 and S100A12 in otitis media.

PubMed

Hong, Wenzhou; Khampang, Pawjai; Samuels, Tina L; Kerschner, Joseph E; Yan, Ke; Simpson, Pippa

2017-10-01

Calgranulins (calcium-binding proteins S100A8, S100A9 and S100A12) are predominant cytoplasmic proteins of neutrophils and produced by various cells, playing multiple functions in innate immunity and the inflammatory process. Although up-regulated expression of S100A8 and S100A9 genes were observed in an animal model of otitis media (OM), their expressions have not been studied in human middle ear epithelial cells in response to the OM pathogen or in patients with recurrent or chronic OM (recurrent OM/RecOM or chronic OM with effusion/COME). Gene expressions were compared between Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP)-infected and non-infected human middle ear epithelial cells (HMEECs) as well as between chronic OM patients and control patients (CI). Gene expressions were profiled by quantitative real time PCR (qPCR). S100 proteins in OM patient and CI middle ear biopsies were detected by immunostaining. S100A8, S100A9 and S100A12 gene expressions were elevated in SP-infected HMEECs in time-dependent manner. S100A8 and S100A9 but not S100A12 gene expression was significantly elevated in the middle ear mucosa of OM patients. S100A8 and S100A9 protein were observed in middle ear mucosa of OM, but not CI patients. Minimal co-localization was observed between S100A8 and S100A9 with neutrophil elastase and cytokeratin in ME sections of OM patients. Elevated S100A8 and S100A9 gene expression in SP-infected HMEECs and in the middle ear mucosa of OM, minor co-localized with neutrophil markers suggests that middle ear epithelial cell secretion of S100A8 and S100A9 may play a role in the pathogenesis of recurrent and chronic OM. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

AEROBIC AND ANAEROBIC TREATMENT OF C.I. DISPERSE BLUE 79 - VOLUME II, APPENDICES

EPA Science Inventory

This study was conducted to determine the fate of C.I. Disperse Blue 79, one of the largest production volume dyes, and select biodegradation products in a conventionally operated activated sludge process and an anaerobic sludge digestion system. To achieve this objective, a pilo...

Helminth parasites of freshwater fishes from Cuatro Ciénegas, Coahuila, in the Chihuahuan Desert of Mexico: inventory and biogeographical implications.

PubMed

Aguilar-Aguilar, Rogelio; Martínez-Aquino, Andrés; Espinosa-Pérez, Héctor; Pérez-Ponce de León, Gerardo

2014-06-01

As part of an ongoing inventory of the helminth parasites of freshwater fishes in Mexico, 570 individual fish were collected between Apr 2008 and Oct 2011 in 26 localities along the Cuatro Ciénegas region in Coahuila State, northern Mexico. Seventeen species of hosts, mostly corresponding to Nearctic freshwater elements, were studied. A total of 8324 individual worms were collected during this survey, representing 25 species of helminths, of which 9 were digeneans, 3 monogeneans, 3 acanthocephalans, 9 nematodes and 1 cestode. Most of the records in this checklist represent new host or locality records. The information provided in this checklist may be helpful for our understanding of the biodiversity and historical biogeography of this host-parasite system, because in the Cuatro Ciénegas region occur a Nearctic freshwater fish fauna, along with Neotropical and endemic elements, and from a biogeographical point of view, this may represent a transitional area. © 2013 International Society of Zoological Sciences, Institute of Zoology/Chinese Academy of Sciences and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

Early Sign Language Experience Goes along with an Increased Cross-Modal Gain for Affective Prosodic Recognition in Congenitally Deaf CI Users

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fengler, Ineke; Delfau, Pia-Céline; Röder, Brigitte

2018-01-01

It is yet unclear whether congenitally deaf cochlear implant (CD CI) users' visual and multisensory emotion perception is influenced by their history in sign language acquisition. We hypothesized that early-signing CD CI users, relative to late-signing CD CI users and hearing, non-signing controls, show better facial expression recognition and…

AHRQ series on complex intervention systematic reviews-paper 6: PRISMA-CI extension statement and checklist.

PubMed

Guise, Jeanne-Marie; Butler, Mary E; Chang, Christine; Viswanathan, Meera; Pigott, Terri; Tugwell, Peter

2017-10-01

Complex interventions are widely used in health systems, public health, education, and communities and are increasingly the subject of systematic reviews. Oversimplification and inconsistencies in reporting about complex interventions can limit the usability of review findings. Although guidance exists to ensure that reports of individual studies and systematic reviews adhere to accepted scientific standards, their design-specific focus leaves important reporting gaps relative to complex interventions in health care. This paper provides a stand-alone extension to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting tool for complex interventions-PRISMA-CI-to help authors, publishers, and readers understand and apply to systematic reviews of complex interventions. PRISMA-CI development followed the Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency Of health Research Network guidance for extensions and focused on adding or modifying only essential items that are truly unique to complex interventions and are not covered by broader interpretation of current PRISMA guidance. PRISMA-CI provides an important structure and guidance for systematic reviews and meta-analyses for the highly prevalent and dynamic field of complex interventions. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Assessing precision, bias and sigma-metrics of 53 measurands of the Alinity ci system.

PubMed

Westgard, Sten; Petrides, Victoria; Schneider, Sharon; Berman, Marvin; Herzogenrath, Jörg; Orzechowski, Anthony

2017-12-01

Assay performance is dependent on the accuracy and precision of a given method. These attributes can be combined into an analytical Sigma-metric, providing a simple value for laboratorians to use in evaluating a test method's capability to meet its analytical quality requirements. Sigma-metrics were determined for 37 clinical chemistry assays, 13 immunoassays, and 3 ICT methods on the Alinity ci system. Analytical Performance Specifications were defined for the assays, following a rationale of using CLIA goals first, then Ricos Desirable goals when CLIA did not regulate the method, and then other sources if the Ricos Desirable goal was unrealistic. A precision study was conducted at Abbott on each assay using the Alinity ci system following the CLSI EP05-A2 protocol. Bias was estimated following the CLSI EP09-A3 protocol using samples with concentrations spanning the assay's measuring interval tested in duplicate on the Alinity ci system and ARCHITECT c8000 and i2000 SR systems, where testing was also performed at Abbott. Using the regression model, the %bias was estimated at an important medical decisions point. Then the Sigma-metric was estimated for each assay and was plotted on a method decision chart. The Sigma-metric was calculated using the equation: Sigma-metric=(%TEa-|%bias|)/%CV. The Sigma-metrics and Normalized Method Decision charts demonstrate that a majority of the Alinity assays perform at least at five Sigma or higher, at or near critical medical decision levels. More than 90% of the assays performed at Five and Six Sigma. None performed below Three Sigma. Sigma-metrics plotted on Normalized Method Decision charts provide useful evaluations of performance. The majority of Alinity ci system assays had sigma values >5 and thus laboratories can expect excellent or world class performance. Laboratorians can use these tools as aids in choosing high-quality products, further contributing to the delivery of excellent quality healthcare for patients

The interaction of C.I. acid red 27 with human hemoglobin in solution.

PubMed

Wang, Yan-Qing; Zhang, Hong-Mei; Tang, Bo-Ping

2010-08-02

The nature of the interaction between human hemoglobin and C.I. acid red 27 was investigated systematically by ultraviolet-vis absorbance, circular dichroism, fluorescence, synchronous fluorescence, and three-dimensional fluorescence spectra techniques at pH 7.40. The quenching mechanism, binding constants, and the number of binding sites were determined by the quenching of human hemoglobin fluorescence in presence of C.I. acid red 27. The results showed that the nature of the quenching was of static type and the process of binding acid red 27 on human hemoglobin was a spontaneous molecular interaction procedure. The electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions played a major role in stabilizing the complex; The distance r between donor and acceptor was obtained to be 4.40 nm according to Förster's theory; The effect of acid red 27 on the conformation of human hemoglobin was analyzed using synchronous fluorescence, circular dichroism and three-dimensional fluorescence spectra. 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Impact of antioxidant additives on the performance and emission characteristics of C.I engine fuelled with B20 blend of rice bran biodiesel.

PubMed

Alagu, Karthikeyan; Nagappan, Beemkumar; Jayaraman, Jayaprabakar; Arul GnanaDhas, Anderson

2018-04-17

This manuscript presents the impact of addition of antioxidant additives to rice bran biodiesel blend on the performance and emission characteristics of compression ignition (C.I) engine. Rice bran methyl ester (RBME) was produced from rice bran oil by transesterification using sodium hydroxide as catalyst. An experimental investigation was conducted on a single-cylinder four-stroke C.I engine to analyze the performance and emission characteristics of rice bran methyl ester (RBME) blended with diesel at 20% by volume (B20) with and without addition of 1000 ppm of two monophenolic antioxidant additives, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). The results showed that the BHA- and BHT-treated B20 blend decreased the brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) by 2.1 and 1.2% and increased the brake thermal efficiency (BTE) by 1.04 and 0.5% compared to B20. The BHA- and BHT-treated B20 blend produced mean reductions in NOx emission of 12.2 and 9.6%, respectively, compared to B20. The carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbon (HC) emissions of BHA- and BHT-treated B20 were increased by 14.8-16.6% and 10.6-11.2%, respectively, compared to B20. However the emission levels were lower than those of diesel.

Fossils of Cyanobacteria in CI1 Carbonaceous Meteorites: Implications to Life on Comets, Europa, and Enceladus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoover, Richard B.

Environmental (ESEM) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) investigations of the internal surfaces of the CI1 Carbonaceous Meteorites have yielded images of large complex filaments. The filaments have been observed to be embedded in freshly fractured internal surfaces of the stones. They exhibit features (e.g., the size and size ranges of the internal cells and their location and arrangement within sheaths) that are diagnostic of known genera and species of trichomic cyanobacteria and other trichomic prokaryotes such as the filamentous sulfur bacteria. ESEM and FESEM studies of living and fossil cyanobacteria show similar features in uniseriate and multiseriate, branched or unbranched, isodiametric or tapered, polarized or unpolarized filaments with trichomes encased within thin or thick external sheaths. Filaments found in the CI1 meteorites have also been detected that exhibit structures consistent with the specialized cells and structures used by cyanobacteria for reproduction (baeocytes, akinetes and hormogonia), nitrogen fixation (basal, intercalary or apical heterocysts) and attachment or motility (fimbriae). Energy dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) studies indicate that the meteorite filaments are typically carbon rich sheaths infilled with magnesium sulfate and other minerals characteristic of the CI1 carbonaceous meteorites. The size, structure, detailed morphological characteristics and chemical compositions of the meteorite filaments are not consistent with known species of minerals. The nitrogen content of the meteorite filaments are almost always below the detection limit of the EDS detector. EDS analysis of terrestrial minerals and biological materials (e.g., fibrous epsomite, filamentous cyanobacteria; mummy and mammoth hair/tissues, and fossils of cyanobacteria, trilobites, insects in amber) indicate that nitrogen remains detectable in biological materials for thousands of years but is undetectable in the ancient fossils. These

Fossils of Cyanobacteria in CI1 Carbonaceous Meteorites: Implications to Life on Comets, Europa and Enceladus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoover, Richard B.

2011-10-01

Environmental (ESEM) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) investigations of the internal surfaces of the CI1 Carbonaceous Meteorites have yielded images of large complex filaments. The filaments have been observed to be embedded in freshly fractured internal surfaces of the stones. They exhibit recognizable features (e.g., the size and size ranges of the internal cells and their location and arrangement within sheaths) that are diagnostic of known genera and species of filamentous trichomic cyanobacteria and other trichomic prokaryotes (such as filamentous sulfur bacteria). ESEM and FESEM studies of living and fossil cyanobacteria show features similar to the filaments found in the meteorites -- uniseriate and multiseriate, branched or unbranched, isodiametric or tapered, polarized or unpolarized filaments with trichomes encased within thin or thick external sheaths. Some of the filaments found in the CI1 meteorites also exhibit specialized cells and structures used by cyanobacteria for reproduction (baeocytes, akinetes and hormogonia), nitrogen fixation (basal, intercalary or apical heterocysts), attachment (pili or fimbriae) or indicative of oscillatoria type locomotion (escaped or coiling hormogonia and flattened and coiled empty sheaths). Energy dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) studies indicate that the Orgueil meteorite filaments are typically carbon-rich sheaths infilled with magnesium sulfate and other minerals characteristic of the CI1 carbonaceous meteorites. However, the size, structure, detailed morphological characteristics and chemical compositions of the meteorite filaments are not consistent with known species of abiotic minerals. The nitrogen content of the meteorite filaments are almost always below the detection limit of the EDS detector. EDS analysis of living and dead biological materials (e.g., filamentous cyanobacteria; bacteria, mummy and mammoth hair and tissues, and fossils of cyanobacteria, trilobites and insects in

The Music Experiences and Attitudes Of A First Cohort of Prelingually-Deaf Adolescents and Young Adults CI Recipients

PubMed Central

Gfeller, Kate; Driscoll, Virginia; Smith, Rachel See; Scheperle, Christina

2012-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the musical engagement (participation and attitude) of pediatric CI recipients who were implanted during early childhood and who have reached age 15 or older. A questionnaire was administered to a group of 31 prelingually deaf CI users who receive annual follow up services and assessment in a clinical research center. The questionnaire was used to examine involvement in and attitudes toward music in school, the community, and in the home; social affiliation (hearing, Deaf, both) and mode of communication (oral, manual, both) were also examined. Despite the technical limitations of cochlear implants in transmitting pitch, melody, and tone quality, over two thirds of this sample described music as being important or very important in their lives. A high level of past and present familial involvement in music was associated with higher levels of current involvement and importance of music in the lives of adolescent and young adult CI users. Comparisons were noted with data from prior studies of persons with hearing loss who were non-CI users. PMID:23565029

10 CFR 709.3 - Covered persons subject to a CI evaluation and polygraph.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 10 Energy 4 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Covered persons subject to a CI evaluation and polygraph. 709.3 Section 709.3 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY COUNTERINTELLIGENCE EVALUATION PROGRAM General... (currently designated as Sigma 14); and improvised nuclear device concepts or designs; and (6) Any system...

Collaborative efforts for managing Melaleuca in the Ciénega de Zapata, Cuba

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The Ciénega de Zapata Biosphere Reserve is the largest protected area not only in Cuba but also throughout the Caribbean. This swamp ecosystem is characterized by a high biodiversity that comprises several endemic birds, reptiles and invertebrates and is visited by 65 species of birds during their a...

Relationship between Salt Preference and Gastric Cancer Screening: An Analysis of a Nationwide Survey in Korea.

PubMed

Shin, Ji-Yeon; Kim, Jeongseon; Choi, Kui Son; Suh, Mina; Park, Boyoung; Jun, Jae Kwan

2016-07-01

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated an association between excessive salt intake and gastric cancer risk, and this potential risk increases the need for adequate gastric cancer screening in individuals with high salt intake. However, the association between salt intake and gastric cancer screening in the general population has rarely been investigated. We explored the association between salt preference and participation in gastric cancer screening among a nationally representative Korean population. The study population was derived from the Korean National Cancer Screening Survey (KNCSS) 2006-2007, an annual nationwide interview survey investigating cancer screening rates. Of 4,055 individuals who participated in the KNCSS 2006-2007, 3,336 individuals aged over 40 years were included in our analysis. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated using polytomous logistic regression. Individuals with higher salt preference were less likely to participate in regular gastric cancer screening. After adjusting for age, sex, monthly household income, education, family history of cancer, and self-rated health status, ORs for undergoing regular gastric cancer screening were 1.00, 0.82 (95% CI, 0.61 to 1.12), 0.74 (95% CI, 0.54 to 1.00), 0.77 (95% CI, 0.56 to 1.05), and 0.38 (95% CI, 0.16 to 0.92) according to the level of salt preference (p for trend=0.048). Individuals with higher salt preference showed suboptimal gastric cancer screening adherence compared to those with a lower salt preference. These findings highlight the need for better delivery of educational messages to change risk perceptions regarding gastric cancer screening practice.

Concurrent validity of the Wheeler signs of homosexuality in the Rorschach: P (Ci/Rj).

PubMed

Stone, N M; Schneider, R E

1975-12-01

The Rorschach protocols of 43 males consecutively admitted to a university outpatient clinic were scored for frequency of the 20 Wheeler signs of homosexuality. Based on case history data, patients were assigned to homosexual, sex-role disturbed, or normal-control groups. In addition to the traditional group comparison the results were analyzed to yield P (Ci/Rj); that is, the probability of criterion group membership given test indicator. Both the homosexual and sex-role disturbed group displayed significantly more Wheeler signs than normals. Furthermore, given a Wheeler sign score of 15%, .75 of the predicted-homosexual group would be correctly classified compared to a .21 baserate prediction. It was suggested that expressing results as P (Ci/Rj) provides information more relevant to the clinician than is provided by the traditional practice of reporting significant differences between groups.

A non-BRICHOS SFTPC mutant (SP-CI73T) linked to interstitial lung disease promotes a late block in macroautophagy disrupting cellular proteostasis and mitophagy

PubMed Central

Hawkins, Arie; Guttentag, Susan H.; Deterding, Robin; Funkhouser, William K.; Goralski, Jennifer L.; Chatterjee, Shampa; Beers, Michael F.

2014-01-01

Mutation of threonine for isoleucine at codon 73 (I73T) in the human surfactant protein C (hSP-C) gene (SFTPC) accounts for a significant portion of SFTPC mutations associated with interstitial lung disease (ILD). Cell lines stably expressing tagged primary translation product of SP-C isoforms were generated to test the hypothesis that deposition of hSP-CI73T within the endosomal system promotes disruption of a key cellular quality control pathway, macroautophagy. By fluorescence microscopy, wild-type hSP-C (hSP-CWT) colocalized with exogenously expressed human ATP binding cassette class A3 (hABCA3), an indicator of normal trafficking to lysosomal-related organelles. In contrast, hSP-CI73T was dissociated from hABCA3 but colocalized to the plasma membrane as well as the endosomal network. Cells expressing hSP-CI73T exhibited increases in size and number of cytosolic green fluorescent protein/microtubule-associated protein 1 light-chain 3 (LC3) vesicles, some of which colabeled with red fluorescent protein from the gene dsRed/hSP-CI73T. By transmission electron microscopy, hSP-CI73T cells contained abnormally large autophagic vacuoles containing organellar and proteinaceous debris, which phenocopied ultrastructural changes in alveolar type 2 cells in a lung biopsy from a SFTPC I73T patient. Biochemically, hSP-CI73T cells exhibited increased expression of Atg8/LC3, SQSTM1/p62, and Rab7, consistent with a distal block in autophagic vacuole maturation, confirmed by flux studies using bafilomycin A1 and rapamycin. Functionally, hSP-CI73T cells showed an impaired degradative capacity for an aggregation-prone huntingtin-1 reporter substrate. The disruption of autophagy-dependent proteostasis was accompanied by increases in mitochondria biomass and parkin expression coupled with a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential. We conclude that hSP-CI73T induces an acquired block in macroautophagy-dependent proteostasis and mitophagy, which could contribute to the increased

Divergence and Phylogeny of Firmicutes from the Cuatro Ciénegas Basin, Mexico: A Window to an Ancient Ocean

PubMed Central

Moreno-Letelier, Alejandra; Olmedo-Alvarez, Gabriela; Eguiarte, Luis E.

2012-01-01

Abstract The Cuatro Ciénegas Basin (CCB) has been identified as a center of endemism for many life-forms. Nearly half the bacterial species found in the spring systems have their closest relatives in the ocean. This raises the question of whether the high diversity observed today is the product of an adaptive radiation similar to that of the Galapagos Islands or whether the bacterial groups are “survivors” of an ancient sea, which would be of interest for astrobiology. To help answer this question, we focused on Firmicutes from Cuatro Ciénegas (mainly Bacillus and Exiguobacterium). We reconstructed the phylogenetic relationships of Firmicutes with 28 housekeeping genes and dated the resulting tree using geological events as calibration points. Our results show that marine Bacillus diverged from other Bacillus strains 838 Ma, while Bacillus from Cuatro Ciénegas have divergence dates that range from 770 to 202 Ma. The members of Exiguobacterium from the CCB conform to a much younger group that diverged from the Andes strain 60 Ma and from the one in Yellowstone 183 Ma. Therefore, the diversity of Firmicutes in Cuatro Ciénegas is not the product of a recent radiation but the product of the isolation of lineages from an ancient ocean. Hence, Cuatro Ciénegas is not a Galapagos Archipelago for bacteria but is more like an astrobiological “time machine” in which bacterial lineages survived in an oligotrophic environment that may be very similar to that of the Precambrian. Key Words: Firmicutes—Cuatro Ciénegas—Precambrian—Molecular dating—Western Interior Seaway. Astrobiology 12, 674–684. PMID:22920517

Objective Assessment of Vergence after Treatment of Concussion-Related CI: A Pilot Study

PubMed Central

Scheiman, Mitchell; Talasan, Henry; Mitchell, Gladys L; Alvarez, Tara L.

2016-01-01

Purpose To evaluate changes in objective measures of disparity vergence after office-based vision therapy (OBVT) for concussion-related convergence insufficiency (CI), and determine the feasibility of using this objective assessment as an outcome measure in a clinical trial. Methods This was a prospective, observational trial. All participants were treated with weekly OBVT with home reinforcement. Participants included two adolescents and three young adults with concussion-related, symptomatic CI. The primary outcome measure was average peak velocity for 4-degree symmetrical convergence steps. Other objective outcome measures of disparity vergence included time to peak velocity, latency, accuracy, settling time, and main sequence. We also evaluated saccadic eye movements using the same outcome measures. Changes in clinical measures (near point of convergence, positive fusional vergence at near, Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS) score) were evaluated. Results There were statistically significant and clinically meaningful changes in all clinical measures for convergence. Four of the five subjects met clinical success criteria. For the objective measures, we found a statistically significant increase in peak velocity, response accuracy to 4° symmetrical convergence and divergence step stimuli and the main sequence ratio for convergence step stimuli. Objective saccadic eye movements (5° and 10°) appeared normal pre-OBVT, and did not show any significant change after treatment. Conclusions This is the first report of the use of objective measures of disparity vergence as outcome measures for concussion-related convergence insufficiency. These measures provide additional information that is not accessible with clinical tests about underlying physiological mechanisms leading to changes in clinical findings and symptoms. The study results also demonstrate that patients with concussion can tolerate the visual demands (over 200 vergence and versional eye

Objective Assessment of Vergence after Treatment of Concussion-Related CI: A Pilot Study.

PubMed

Scheiman, Mitchell M; Talasan, Henry; Mitchell, G Lynn; Alvarez, Tara L

2017-01-01

To evaluate changes in objective measures of disparity vergence after office-based vision therapy (OBVT) for concussion-related convergence insufficiency (CI) and determine the feasibility of using this objective assessment as an outcome measure in a clinical trial. This was a prospective, observational trial. All participants were treated with weekly OBVT with home reinforcement. Participants included two adolescents and three young adults with concussion-related, symptomatic CI. The primary outcome measure was average peak velocity for 4° symmetrical convergence steps. Other objective outcome measures of disparity vergence included time to peak velocity, latency, accuracy, settling time, and main sequence. We also evaluated saccadic eye movements using the same outcome measures. Changes in clinical measures (near point of convergence, positive fusional vergence at near, Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey [CISS] score) were evaluated. There were statistically significant and clinically meaningful changes in all clinical measures for convergence. Four of the five subjects met clinical success criteria. For the objective measures, we found a statistically significant increase in peak velocity, response accuracy to 4° symmetrical convergence and divergence step stimuli, and the main sequence ratio for convergence step stimuli. Objective saccadic eye movements (5 and 10°) appeared normal pre-OBVT and did not show any significant change after treatment. This is the first report of the use of objective measures of disparity vergence as outcome measures for concussion-related convergence insufficiency. These measures provide additional information that is not accessible with clinical tests about underlying physiological mechanisms leading to changes in clinical findings and symptoms. The study results also demonstrate that patients with concussion can tolerate the visual demands (over 200 vergence and versional eye movements) during the 25-minute testing time

CI-WATER HPC Model: Cyberinfrastructure to Advance High Performance Water Resources Modeling in the Intermountain Western U.S

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ogden, F. L.; Lai, W.; Douglas, C. C.; Miller, S. N.; Zhang, Y.

2012-12-01

The CI-WATER project is a cooperative effort between the Utah and Wyoming EPSCoR jurisdictions, and is funded through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. National Science Foundation EPSCoR. The CI-WATER project is acquiring hardware and developing software cyberinfrastructure (CI) to enhance accessibility of High Performance Computing for water resources modeling in the Western U.S. One of the components of the project is development of a large-scale, high-resolution, physically-based, data-driven, integrated computational water resources model, which we call the CI-WATER HPC model. The objective of this model development is to enable evaluation of integrated system behavior to guide and support water system planning and management by individual users, cities, or states. The model is first being tested in the Green River basin of Wyoming, which is the largest tributary to the Colorado River. The model will ultimately be applied to simulate the entire Upper Colorado River basin for hydrological studies, watershed management, economic analysis, as well as evaluation of potential changes in environmental policy and law, population, land use, and climate. In addition to hydrologically important processes simulated in many hydrological models, the CI-WATER HPC model will emphasize anthropogenic influences such as land use change, water resources infrastructure, irrigation practices, trans-basin diversions, and urban/suburban development. The model operates on an unstructured mesh, employing adaptive mesh at grid sizes as small as 10 m as needed- particularly in high elevation snow melt regions. Data for the model are derived from remote sensing sources, atmospheric models and geophysical techniques. Monte-Carlo techniques and ensemble Kalman filtering methodologies are employed for data assimilation. The model includes application programming interface (API) standards to allow easy substitution of alternative process-level simulation routines, and provide post

The low-lying electronic excitations in long polyenes: A PPP-MRD-CI study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tavan, Paul; Schulten, Klaus

1986-12-01

A correct description of the electronic excitations in polyenes demands that electron correlation is accounted for correctly. Very large expansions are necessary including many-electron configurations with at least one, two, three, and four electrons promoted from the Hartree-Fock ground state. The enormous size of such expansions had prohibited accurate computations of the spectra for polyenes with more than ten π electrons. We present a multireference double excitation configuration interaction method (MRD-CI) which allows such computations for polyenes with up to 16 π electrons. We employ a Pariser-Parr-Pople (PPP) model Hamiltonian. For short polyenes with up to ten π electrons our calculations reproduce the excitation energies resulting from full-CI calculations. We extend our calculations to study the low-lying electronic excitations of the longer polyenes, in particular, the gap between the first optically forbidden and the first optically allowed excited singlet state. The size of this gap is shown to depend strongly on the degree of bond alternation and on the dielectric shielding of the Coulomb repulsion between the π electrons.

Identification and localization of the sperm CRISP family protein CiUrabin involved in gamete interaction in the ascidian Ciona intestinalis.

PubMed

Yamaguchi, Akira; Saito, Takako; Yamada, Lixy; Taniguchi, Hisaaki; Harada, Yoshito; Sawada, Hitoshi

2011-07-01

Ascidians are hermaphrodites, and most release sperm and eggs nearly simultaneously. Many species, including Halocynthia roretzi and Ciona intestinalis, are self-sterile. We previously reported that the interaction between a 12 EGF-like repeat-containing vitelline-coat (VC) protein, HrVC70, and a sperm GPI-anchored CRISP, HrUrabin, in lipid rafts plays a key role in self-/nonself-recognizable gamete interaction in H. roretzi. On the other hand, we recently identified two pairs of polymorphic genes responsible for self-incompatibility in C. intestinalis by positional cloning: The sperm polycystin 1-like receptors s-Themis-A/B and its fibrinogen-like ligand v-Themis-A/B on the VC. However, it is not known if the orthologs of HrVC70 and HrUrabin also participate in gamete interaction in C. intestinalis since they are from different orders. Here, we tested for a C. intestinalis ortholog (CiUrabin) of HrUrabin by searching the genome database and proteomes of sperm lipid rafts. The identified CiUrabin belongs to the CRISP family, with a PR domain and a GPI-anchor-attachment site. CiUrabin appears to be specifically expressed in the testis and localized at the surface of the sperm head, as revealed by Northern blotting and immunocytochemistry, respectively. The specific interaction between CiVC57, a C. intestinalis ortholog of HrVC70, and CiUrabin was confirmed by Far Western analysis, similarly to the interaction between HrVC70 and HrUrabin. The molecular interaction between CiVC57 and CiUrabin may be involved in the primary binding of sperm to the VC prior to the allorecognition process, mediated by v-Themis-A/B and s-Themis-A/B, during fertilization of C. intestinalis. Copyright © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Ciência & Saúde Coletiva: scientific production analysis and collaborative research networks.

PubMed

Conner, Norma; Provedel, Attilio; Maciel, Ethel Leonor Noia

2017-03-01

The purpose of this metric and descriptive study was to identify the most productive authors and their collaborative research networks from articles published in Ciência & Saúde Coletiva between, 2005, and 2014. Authors meeting the cutoff criteria of at least 10 articles were considered the most productive authors. VOSviewer and Network Workbench technologies were applied for visual representations of collaborative research networks involving the most productive authors in the period. Initial analysis recovered 2511 distinct articles, with 8920 total authors with an average of 3.55 authors per article. Author analysis revealed 6288 distinct authors, 24 of these authors were identified as the most productive. These 24 authors generated 287 articles with an average of 4.31 authors per article, and represented 8 separate collaborative partnerships, the largest of which had 14 authors, indicating a significant degree of collaboration among these authors. This analysis provides a visual representation of networks of knowledge development in public health and demonstrates the usefulness of VOSviewer and Network Workbench technologies in future research.

THE CHANGE OF THE ORBITAL PERIODS ACROSS ERUPTIONS AND THE EJECTED MASS FOR RECURRENT NOVAE CI AQUILAE AND U SCORPII

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

Schaefer, Bradley E.

2011-12-01

I report on the cumulative results from a program started 24 years ago designed to measure the orbital period change of recurrent novae (RNe) across an eruption. The goal is to use the orbital period change to measure the mass ejected during each eruption as the key part of trying to measure whether the RNe white dwarfs are gaining or losing mass over an entire eruption cycle, and hence whether they can be progenitors for Type Ia supernovae. This program has now been completed for two eclipsing RNe: CI Aquilae (CI Aql) across its eruption in 2000 and U Scorpiimore » (U Sco) across its eruption in 1999. For CI Aql, I present 78 eclipse times from 1991 to 2009 (including four during the tail of the 2000 eruption) plus two eclipses from 1926 and 1935. For U Sco, I present 67 eclipse times, including 46 times during quiescence from 1989 to 2009, plus 21 eclipse times in the tails of the 1945, 1999, and 2010 eruptions. The eclipse times during the tails of eruptions are systematically and substantially shifted with respect to the ephemerides from the eclipses in quiescence, with this being caused by shifts of the center of light during the eruption. These eclipse times are plotted on an O - C diagram and fitted to models with a steady period change ( P-dot ) between eruptions (caused by, for example, conservative mass transfer) plus an abrupt period change ({Delta}P) at the time of eruption. The primary uncertainty arises from the correlation between {Delta}P with P-dot , such that a more negative P-dot makes for a more positive {Delta}P. For CI Aql, the best fit is {Delta}P = -3.7{sup +9.2}{sub -7.3} Multiplication-Sign 10{sup -7}. For U Sco, the best fit is {Delta}P = (+ 43 {+-} 69) Multiplication-Sign 10{sup -7} days. These period changes can directly give a dynamical measure of the mass ejected (M{sub ejecta}) during each eruption with negligible sensitivity to the stellar masses and no uncertainty from distances. For CI Aql, the 1{sigma} upper limit is M

Evaluation of DSH/JP-8 Fuel Blends: Regarding its Effectiveness for Use in Ground Vehicles and Equipment

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-10-31

Pump Blade Edges before Testing with 20/80 DSH8/JP-8 Fuel with 9-ppm CI/LI...46 Figure 22. Pump SN:17102937 Transfer Pump Blade Edges with 500-Hours Testing with 20/80 DSH8/JP-8 Fuel with 9... Blade Sides before Testing with 20/80 DSH8/JP-8 Fuel with 9-ppm CI/LI

Advantages of estimating parameters of photosynthesis model by fitting A-Ci curves at multiple subsaturating light intensities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, W.; Gu, L.; Hoffman, F. M.

2013-12-01

The photosynthesis model of Farquhar, von Caemmerer & Berry (1980) is an important tool for predicting the response of plants to climate change. So far, the critical parameters required by the model have been obtained from the leaf-level measurements of gas exchange, namely the net assimilation of CO2 against intercellular CO2 concentration (A-Ci) curves, made at saturating light conditions. With such measurements, most points are likely in the Rubisco-limited state for which the model is structurally overparameterized (the model is also overparameterized in the TPU-limited state). In order to reliably estimate photosynthetic parameters, there must be sufficient number of points in the RuBP regeneration-limited state, which has no structural over-parameterization. To improve the accuracy of A-Ci data analysis, we investigate the potential of using multiple A-Ci curves at subsaturating light intensities to generate some important parameter estimates more accurately. Using subsaturating light intensities allow more RuBp regeneration-limited points to be obtained. In this study, simulated examples are used to demonstrate how this method can eliminate the errors of conventional A-Ci curve fitting methods. Some fitted parameters like the photocompensation point and day respiration impose a significant limitation on modeling leaf CO2 exchange. The multiple A-Ci curves fitting can also improve over the so-called Laisk (1977) method, which was shown by some recent publication to produce incorrect estimates of photocompensation point and day respiration. We also test the approach with actual measurements, along with suggested measurement conditions to constrain measured A-Ci points to maximize the occurrence of RuBP regeneration-limited photosynthesis. Finally, we use our measured gas exchange datasets to quantify the magnitude of resistance of chloroplast and cell wall-plasmalemma and explore the effect of variable mesophyll conductance. The variable mesophyll conductance

40 CFR 63.6602 - What emission limitations must I meet if I own or operate an existing stationary CI RICE with a...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... if I own or operate an existing stationary CI RICE with a site rating of equal to or less than 500....6602 What emission limitations must I meet if I own or operate an existing stationary CI RICE with a... own or operate an existing stationary CI RICE with a site rating of equal to or less than 500 brake HP...

Assessment of Electromagnetic Interference with Active Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Devices (CIEDs) Caused by the Qi A13 Design Wireless Charging Board

PubMed Central

Seckler, Tobias; Jagielski, Kai; Stunder, Dominik

2015-01-01

Electromagnetic interference is a concern for people wearing cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). The aim of this study was to assess the electromagnetic compatibility between CIEDs and the magnetic field of a common wireless charging technology. To do so the voltage induced in CIEDs by Qi A13 design magnetic fields were measured and compared with the performance limits set by ISO 14117. In order to carry this out a measuring circuit was developed which can be connected with unipolar or bipolar pacemaker leads. The measuring system was positioned at the four most common implantation sites in a torso phantom filled with physiological saline solution. The phantom was exposed by using Helmholtz coils from 5 µT to 27 µT with 111 kHz sine-bursts or by using a Qi A13 design wireless charging board (Qi-A13-Board) in two operating modes “power transfer” and “pinging”. With the Helmholtz coils the lowest magnetic flux density at which the performance limit was exceeded is 11 µT. With the Qi-A13-Board in power transfer mode 10.8% and in pinging mode 45.7% (2.2% at 10 cm distance) of the performance limit were reached at maximum. In neither of the scrutinized cases, did the voltage induced by the Qi-A13-Board exceed the performance limits. PMID:26024360

Assessment of Electromagnetic Interference with Active Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Devices (CIEDs) Caused by the Qi A13 Design Wireless Charging Board.

PubMed

Seckler, Tobias; Jagielski, Kai; Stunder, Dominik

2015-05-27

Electromagnetic interference is a concern for people wearing cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). The aim of this study was to assess the electromagnetic compatibility between CIEDs and the magnetic field of a common wireless charging technology. To do so the voltage induced in CIEDs by Qi A13 design magnetic fields were measured and compared with the performance limits set by ISO 14117. In order to carry this out a measuring circuit was developed which can be connected with unipolar or bipolar pacemaker leads. The measuring system was positioned at the four most common implantation sites in a torso phantom filled with physiological saline solution. The phantom was exposed by using Helmholtz coils from 5 µT to 27 µT with 111 kHz sine‑bursts or by using a Qi A13 design wireless charging board (Qi‑A13‑Board) in two operating modes "power transfer" and "pinging". With the Helmholtz coils the lowest magnetic flux density at which the performance limit was exceeded is 11 µT. With the Qi‑A13‑Board in power transfer mode 10.8% and in pinging mode 45.7% (2.2% at 10 cm distance) of the performance limit were reached at maximum. In neither of the scrutinized cases, did the voltage induced by the Qi‑A13‑Board exceed the performance limits.

Kinetic-energy matrix elements for atomic Hylleraas-CI wave functions.

PubMed

Harris, Frank E

2016-05-28

Hylleraas-CI is a superposition-of-configurations method in which each configuration is constructed from a Slater-type orbital (STO) product to which is appended (linearly) at most one interelectron distance rij. Computations of the kinetic energy for atoms by this method have been difficult due to the lack of formulas expressing these matrix elements for general angular momentum in terms of overlap and potential-energy integrals. It is shown here that a strategic application of angular-momentum theory, including the use of vector spherical harmonics, enables the reduction of all atomic kinetic-energy integrals to overlap and potential-energy matrix elements. The new formulas are validated by showing that they yield correct results for a large number of integrals published by other investigators.

40 CFR 60.4206 - How long must I meet the emission standards if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... emission standards as required in §§ 60.4204 and 60.4205 according to the manufacturer's written... of stationary CI ICE must operate and maintain stationary CI ICE that achieve the emission standards... standards if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal combustion engine? 60.4206 Section 60...

Enrichment of the amino acid l-isovaline by aqueous alteration on CI and CM meteorite parent bodies

PubMed Central

Glavin, Daniel P.; Dworkin, Jason P.

2009-01-01

The distribution and enantiomeric composition of the 5-carbon (C5) amino acids found in CI-, CM-, and CR-type carbonaceous meteorites were investigated by using liquid chromatography fluorescence detection/TOF-MS coupled with o-phthaldialdehyde/N-acetyl-l-cysteine derivatization. A large l-enantiomeric excess (ee) of the α-methyl amino acid isovaline was found in the CM meteorite Murchison (lee = 18.5 ± 2.6%) and the CI meteorite Orgueil (lee = 15.2 ± 4.0%). The measured value for Murchison is the largest enantiomeric excess in any meteorite reported to date, and the Orgueil measurement of an isovaline excess has not been reported previously for this or any CI meteorite. The l-isovaline enrichments in these two carbonaceous meteorites cannot be the result of interference from other C5 amino acid isomers present in the samples, analytical biases, or terrestrial amino acid contamination. We observed no l-isovaline enrichment for the most primitive unaltered Antarctic CR meteorites EET 92042 and QUE 99177. These results are inconsistent with UV circularly polarized light as the primary mechanism for l-isovaline enrichment and indicate that amplification of a small initial isovaline asymmetry in Murchison and Orgueil occurred during an extended aqueous alteration phase on the meteorite parent bodies. The large asymmetry in isovaline and other α-dialkyl amino acids found in altered CI and CM meteorites suggests that amino acids delivered by asteroids, comets, and their fragments would have biased the Earth's prebiotic organic inventory with left-handed molecules before the origin of life. PMID:19289826

TLR7/8/9 polymorphisms and their associations in systemic lupus erythematosus patients from southern Brazil.

PubMed

dos Santos, B P; Valverde, J V; Rohr, P; Monticielo, O A; Brenol, J C T; Xavier, R M; Chies, J A B

2012-03-01

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease and can affect several organs and systems. It is characterized by high production of autoantibodies against nuclear compounds. TLR7/8/9 are responsible for nucleic acid recognition and they trigger proinflammatory responses through activation of NK-kappaB and Type I IFN production, making a bridge between the innate and the adaptative immune systems. We analyzed the frequency of TLR7 rs179008, TLR8 rs3764880, TLR9 rs5743836 and rs352140 in 370 patients with SLE and 415 healthy controls from southern Brazil. All analyses were conducted with regard to gender and ethnicity. Genotypic and allelic frequencies were different for TLR7 rs179008 (0.253 vs. 0.163, p = 0.020 and p = 0.003, OR for T allele: 1.74 CI 95% 1.12-2.70) and TLR9 rs5743836 (0.174 vs. 0.112, p = 0.045 and p = 0.017, OR for C allele: 1.59, CI 95% 0.99-2.57) between European-derived female groups. A higher frequency was observed for the presence of Anti-SSa/Ro for TRL9 rs5743836 C allele carriers (0.228 vs 0.126, Bonferroni corrected p = 0.06). No statistical differences were found for TLR9 haplotypic analyses. We suggest that TLR7 rs179008 and TLR9 rs5743836 can be considered SLE susceptibility factors for women of European descent in our population.

Excess maternal salt intake produces sex-specific hypertension in offspring: putative roles for kidney and gastrointestinal sodium handling.

PubMed

Gray, Clint; Al-Dujaili, Emad A; Sparrow, Alexander J; Gardiner, Sheila M; Craigon, Jim; Welham, Simon J M; Gardner, David S

2013-01-01

Hypertension is common and contributes, via cardiovascular disease, towards a large proportion of adult deaths in the Western World. High salt intake leads to high blood pressure, even when occurring prior to birth - a mechanism purported to reside in altered kidney development and later function. Using a combination of in vitro and in vivo approaches we tested whether increased maternal salt intake influences fetal kidney development to render the adult individual more susceptible to salt retention and hypertension. We found that salt-loaded pregnant rat dams were hypernatraemic at day 20 gestation (147±5 vs. 128±5 mmoles/L). Increased extracellular salt impeded murine kidney development in vitro, but had little effect in vivo. Kidneys of the adult offspring had few structural or functional abnormalities, but male and female offspring were hypernatraemic (166±4 vs. 149±2 mmoles/L), with a marked increase in plasma corticosterone (e.g. male offspring; 11.9 [9.3-14.8] vs. 2.8 [2.0-8.3] nmol/L median [IQR]). Furthermore, adult male, but not female, offspring had higher mean arterial blood pressure (effect size, +16 [9-21] mm Hg; mean [95% C.I.]. With no clear indication that the kidneys of salt-exposed offspring retained more sodium per se, we conducted a preliminary investigation of their gastrointestinal electrolyte handling and found increased expression of proximal colon solute carrier family 9 (sodium/hydrogen exchanger), member 3 (SLC9A3) together with altered faecal characteristics and electrolyte handling, relative to control offspring. On the basis of these data we suggest that excess salt exposure, via maternal diet, at a vulnerable period of brain and gut development in the rat neonate lays the foundation for sustained increases in blood pressure later in life. Hence, our evidence further supports the argument that excess dietary salt should be avoided per se, particularly in the range of foods consumed by physiologically immature young.

Excess Maternal Salt Intake Produces Sex-Specific Hypertension in Offspring: Putative Roles for Kidney and Gastrointestinal Sodium Handling

PubMed Central

Gray, Clint; Al-Dujaili, Emad A.; Sparrow, Alexander J.; Gardiner, Sheila M.; Craigon, Jim; Welham, Simon J.M.; Gardner, David S.

2013-01-01

Hypertension is common and contributes, via cardiovascular disease, towards a large proportion of adult deaths in the Western World. High salt intake leads to high blood pressure, even when occurring prior to birth – a mechanism purported to reside in altered kidney development and later function. Using a combination of in vitro and in vivo approaches we tested whether increased maternal salt intake influences fetal kidney development to render the adult individual more susceptible to salt retention and hypertension. We found that salt-loaded pregnant rat dams were hypernatraemic at day 20 gestation (147±5 vs. 128±5 mmoles/L). Increased extracellular salt impeded murine kidney development in vitro, but had little effect in vivo. Kidneys of the adult offspring had few structural or functional abnormalities, but male and female offspring were hypernatraemic (166±4 vs. 149±2 mmoles/L), with a marked increase in plasma corticosterone (e.g. male offspring; 11.9 [9.3–14.8] vs. 2.8 [2.0–8.3] nmol/L median [IQR]). Furthermore, adult male, but not female, offspring had higher mean arterial blood pressure (effect size, +16 [9–21] mm Hg; mean [95% C.I.]. With no clear indication that the kidneys of salt-exposed offspring retained more sodium per se, we conducted a preliminary investigation of their gastrointestinal electrolyte handling and found increased expression of proximal colon solute carrier family 9 (sodium/hydrogen exchanger), member 3 (SLC9A3) together with altered faecal characteristics and electrolyte handling, relative to control offspring. On the basis of these data we suggest that excess salt exposure, via maternal diet, at a vulnerable period of brain and gut development in the rat neonate lays the foundation for sustained increases in blood pressure later in life. Hence, our evidence further supports the argument that excess dietary salt should be avoided per se, particularly in the range of foods consumed by physiologically immature young. PMID

Kinetic-energy matrix elements for atomic Hylleraas-CI wave functions

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

Harris, Frank E., E-mail: harris@qtp.ufl.edu

Hylleraas-CI is a superposition-of-configurations method in which each configuration is constructed from a Slater-type orbital (STO) product to which is appended (linearly) at most one interelectron distance r{sub ij}. Computations of the kinetic energy for atoms by this method have been difficult due to the lack of formulas expressing these matrix elements for general angular momentum in terms of overlap and potential-energy integrals. It is shown here that a strategic application of angular-momentum theory, including the use of vector spherical harmonics, enables the reduction of all atomic kinetic-energy integrals to overlap and potential-energy matrix elements. The new formulas are validatedmore » by showing that they yield correct results for a large number of integrals published by other investigators.« less

Mortality rates among trichlorophenol workers with exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin.

PubMed

Collins, James J; Bodner, Kenneth; Aylward, Lesa L; Wilken, Michael; Bodnar, Catherine M

2009-08-15

The authors examined 1,615 workers exposed to dioxins in trichlorophenol production in Midland, Michigan, to determine if there were increased mortality rates from exposure. Historical dioxin levels were estimated by a serum survey of workers. Vital status was followed from 1942 to 2003, and cause-specific death rates and trends with exposure were evaluated. All cancers combined (standardized mortality ratio (SMR) = 1.0, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.8, 1.1), lung cancers (SMR = 0.7, 95% CI: 0.5, 0.9), and nonmalignant respiratory disease (SMR = 0.8, 95% CI: 0.6, 1.0) were at or below expected levels. Observed deaths for leukemia (SMR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.0, 3.2), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (SMR = 1.3, 95% CI: 0.6, 2.5), diabetes (SMR = 1.1, 95% CI: 0.6, 1.8), and ischemic heart disease (SMR = 1.1, 95% CI: 0.9, 1.2) were slightly greater than expected. No trend was observed with exposure for these causes of death. However, for 4 deaths of soft tissue sarcoma (SMR = 4.1, 95% CI: 1.1, 10.5), the mortality rates increased with exposure. The small number of deaths and the uncertainty in both diagnosis and nosology coding make interpretation of this finding tenuous. With the exception of soft tissue sarcoma, the authors found little evidence of increased disease risk from exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin.

Preparation of C.I. Pigment 52:1 anion-pillared layered double hydroxide and the thermo- and photostability of the resulting intercalated material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Shengchang; Evans, David G.; Li, Dianqing

2006-05-01

Intercalation of 2-naphthalenecarboxylic acid, 4-((4-chloro-5-methyl-2-sulfophenyl) azo)-3-hydroxy-, calcium salt (1:1) (C.I. Pigment Red 52:1, also known as New Rubine S6B) into a layered double hydroxide (LDHs) host was carried out using MgAl NO3 LDHs as a precursor in an effort to improve the thermal and photo stability of the pigment. After intercalation, the powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern shows that the basal spacing of the LDHs increased from 0.86 to 1.92 nm. Infrared spectra and TG DTA curves demonstrate that there are supramolecular host guest interactions. It was found that the intercalated material is more stable than the pristine pigment at high temperatures. The pigment anion-pillared LDHs also exhibit much higher photostablity to UV-light than the pristine pigment.

Transfer of Kv3.1 voltage sensor features to the isolated Ci-VSP voltage-sensing domain.

PubMed

Mishina, Yukiko; Mutoh, Hiroki; Knöpfel, Thomas

2012-08-22

Membrane proteins that respond to changes in transmembrane voltage are critical in regulating the function of living cells. The voltage-sensing domains (VSDs) of voltage-gated ion channels are extensively studied to elucidate voltage-sensing mechanisms, and yet many aspects of their structure-function relationship remain elusive. Here, we transplanted homologous amino acid motifs from the tetrameric voltage-activated potassium channel Kv3.1 to the monomeric VSD of Ciona intestinalis voltage-sensitive phosphatase (Ci-VSP) to explore which portions of Kv3.1 subunits depend on the tetrameric structure of Kv channels and which properties of Kv3.1 can be transferred to the monomeric Ci-VSP scaffold. By attaching fluorescent proteins to these chimeric VSDs, we obtained an optical readout to establish membrane trafficking and kinetics of voltage-dependent structural rearrangements. We found that motifs extending from 10 to roughly 100 amino acids can be readily transplanted from Kv3.1 into Ci-VSP to form engineered VSDs that efficiently incorporate into the plasma membrane and sense voltage. Some of the functional features of these engineered VSDs are reminiscent of Kv3.1 channels, indicating that these properties do not require interactions between Kv subunits or between the voltage sensing and the pore domains of Kv channels. Copyright © 2012 Biophysical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

10 CFR 709.16 - Application of Counterintelligence Evaluation Review Boards in reaching conclusions regarding CI...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 10 Energy 4 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Application of Counterintelligence Evaluation Review Boards in reaching conclusions regarding CI evaluations. 709.16 Section 709.16 Energy DEPARTMENT OF... Counterintelligence Evaluation Review Board's views, including any consensus recommendation, or if the members are...

Neck and whole-body scanning with 5-mCi dose of (123)I as diagnostic tracer in patients with well-differentiated thyroid cancer.

PubMed

Gulzar, Z; Jana, S; Young, I; Bukberg, P; Yen, V; Naddaf, S; Abdel-Dayem, H M

2001-01-01

To determine whether a 5-mCi dose of 123I can be used as an effective radiotracer for assessing the presence of remnant thyroid tissue and for searching for metastatic lesions in patients with well-differentiated thyroid cancer as well as to attempt to ascertain whether a scan performed only at 4 hours is sufficient for accurate diagnosis and might replace the conventional protocol of scanning at both 4 hours and 24 hours. We prospectively studied 27 patients who had undergone near-total thyroidectomy and had a documented diagnosis of well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Patients underwent scanning after receiving a 5-mCi dose of 123I, at a time when they had discontinued thyroid replacement therapy and had a thyrotropin level in excess of 30 mIU/mL. Whole-body images at 4 hours and 24 hours were obtained and were compared with posttherapy scans obtained 5 to 7 days after administration of 131I. Scans were interpreted by two board-certified nuclear medicine physicians. Of the 27 patients, 2 (7.4%) showed discordance between the 123I scan performed at 24 hours and the posttherapy 131I scan. When 4-hour images after administration of 123I were compared with the posttherapy 131I scans, a discordance rate of 14.8% (4 of 27 patients) was noted. In addition, two of these four patients showed lesions on the 24-hour images that were not seen on the 4-hour images (one with new lung metastatic involvement and the other with a local recurrence in the lower neck area). The prognosis and treatment of these two patients were substantially changed by the result of the 24-hour images. On comparison of scans obtained after administration of a 5-mCi dose of 123I with those obtained after 131I therapy, we conclude that 5 mCi of 123I produces images that have excellent quality and resolution and also compare favorably with those obtained after 131I therapy. Furthermore, a decrease in the dose of 123I from 10 mCi to 5 mCi lowered the cost of the study without compromising the

40 CFR 60.4203 - How long must my engines meet the emission standards if I am a stationary CI internal combustion...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... emission standards if I am a stationary CI internal combustion engine manufacturer? 60.4203 Section 60.4203... Combustion Engines Emission Standards for Manufacturers § 60.4203 How long must my engines meet the emission standards if I am a stationary CI internal combustion engine manufacturer? Engines manufactured by...

40 CFR 60.4203 - How long must my engines meet the emission standards if I am a stationary CI internal combustion...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... emission standards if I am a stationary CI internal combustion engine manufacturer? 60.4203 Section 60.4203... Combustion Engines Emission Standards for Manufacturers § 60.4203 How long must my engines meet the emission standards if I am a stationary CI internal combustion engine manufacturer? Engines manufactured by...

40 CFR 60.4203 - How long must my engines meet the emission standards if I am a manufacturer of stationary CI...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... emission standards if I am a manufacturer of stationary CI internal combustion engines? 60.4203 Section 60... Ignition Internal Combustion Engines Emission Standards for Manufacturers § 60.4203 How long must my engines meet the emission standards if I am a manufacturer of stationary CI internal combustion engines...

40 CFR 60.4203 - How long must my engines meet the emission standards if I am a manufacturer of stationary CI...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... emission standards if I am a manufacturer of stationary CI internal combustion engines? 60.4203 Section 60... Ignition Internal Combustion Engines Emission Standards for Manufacturers § 60.4203 How long must my engines meet the emission standards if I am a manufacturer of stationary CI internal combustion engines...

40 CFR 60.4203 - How long must my engines meet the emission standards if I am a manufacturer of stationary CI...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... emission standards if I am a manufacturer of stationary CI internal combustion engines? 60.4203 Section 60... Ignition Internal Combustion Engines Emission Standards for Manufacturers § 60.4203 How long must my engines meet the emission standards if I am a manufacturer of stationary CI internal combustion engines...

Response surface optimization of electro-oxidation process for the treatment of C.I. Reactive Yellow 186 dye: reaction pathways

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajkumar, K.; Muthukumar, M.

2017-05-01

In this study, central composite design at five levels (- β, -1, 0, +1, + β) combined with response surface methodology has been applied to optimize C.I. Reactive Yellow 186 using electro-oxidation process with graphite electrodes in a batch reactor. The variables considered were the pH ( X 1), NaCl concentration (M) ( X 2), and electrolysis time (min) ( X 3) on C.I. Reactive Yellow 186 were studied. A second-order empirical relationship between the response and independent variables was derived. Analysis of variance showed a high coefficient of determination value ( R 2 = 0.9556 and 0.9416 for color and COD, respectively). The optimized condition of the electro-oxidation of Reactive Yellow 186 is as follows: pH 3.9; NaCl concentration 0.11 M; and electrolysis time 18 min. Under this condition, the maximal decolorization efficiency of 99 % and COD removal 73 % was achieved. Detailed physico-chemical analysis of electrode and residues of the electro-oxidation process has also been carried out UV-Visible and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The intermediate compounds formed during the oxidation were identified using a gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. According to these results, response surface methodology could be useful for reducing the time to treat effluent wastewater.

Reduced dietary salt for the prevention of cardiovascular disease

PubMed Central

Taylor, Rod S; Ashton, Kate E; Moxham, Tiffany; Hooper, Lee; Ebrahim, Shah

2014-01-01

Background An earlier Cochrane review of dietary advice identified insufficient evidence to assess effects of reduced salt intake on mortality or cardiovascular events. Objectives To assess the long term effects of interventions aimed at reducing dietary salt on mortality and cardiovascular morbidity. To investigate whether blood pressure reduction is an explanatory factor in any effect of such dietary interventions on mortality and cardiovascular outcomes. Search methods The Cochrane Library (CENTRAL, Health Technology Assessment (HTA) and Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effect (DARE)), MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycInfo were searched through to October 2008. References of included studies and reviews were also checked. No language restrictions were applied. Selection criteria Trials fulfilled the following criteria: (1) randomised with follow up of at least six-months, (2) intervention was reduced dietary salt (restricted salt dietary intervention or advice to reduce salt intake), (3) adults, (4) mortality or cardiovascular morbidity data was available. Two reviewers independently assessed whether studies met these criteria. Data collection and analysis Data extraction and study validity were compiled by a single reviewer, and checked by a second. Authors were contacted where possible to obtain missing information. Events were extracted and relative risks (RRs) and 95% CIs calculated. Main results Six studies (including 6,489 participants) met the inclusion criteria - three in normotensives (n=3518), two in hypertensives (n=758), and one in a mixed population of normo- and hypertensives (n=1981) with end of trial follow-up of seven to 36 months and longest observational follow up (after trial end) to 12.7 yrs. Relative risks for all cause mortality in normotensives (end of trial RR 0.67, 95% CI: 0.40 to 1.12, 60 deaths; longest follow up RR 0.90, 95% CI: 0.58 to 1.40, 79 deaths) and hypertensives (end of trial RR 0.97, 95% CI: 0.83 to 1.13, 513 deaths

Gender-specific effects of caste and salt on hypertension in poverty: a population-based study.

PubMed

Thrift, Amanda G; Evans, Roger G; Kalyanram, Kartik; Kartik, Kamakshi; Fitzgerald, Sharyn M; Srikanth, Velandai

2011-03-01

Little is known about the risk of developing hypertension in those living in poverty in rural India. We examined gender and caste influences on risk factors for hypertension in a disadvantaged rural community. In 1479 adults living in 12 hamlets in rural Andhra Pradesh, we measured blood pressure, height, weight, waist and hip girth, and used point-of-care devices to measure blood glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride and haemoglobin levels. Information about lifestyle habits was obtained by questionnaire. Multivariable backward stepwise logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with hypertension (blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mmHg). The mean age was 39.7 years; 46.2% were men, 11.4% were hypertensive, 0.8% were obese and 44.4% were underweight (BMI <18.5 kg/m). Dietary salt intake was more than 40 g/day. Belonging to a forward caste was associated with a greater risk of hypertension in both men and women. The association of caste was eliminated after adjustment for BMI in women [odds ratio (OR) 1.12; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.61-2.06], but not in men (OR 2.93, 95% CI 1.77-4.86). Similar results were found for educational status. High salt intake was not associated with hypertension in women (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.44-1.65), but was in men (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.27-4.02). In this disadvantaged rural community, men are particularly prone to the effects of relative socioeconomic advantage and salt intake on the risk of hypertension. Traditional risk factors may play a greater role in the development of hypertension in men living in poverty than in women.

The Stool DNA Test is More Accurate than the Plasma Septin 9 Test in Detecting Colorectal Neoplasia

PubMed Central

Ahlquist, David A.; Taylor, William R.; Mahoney, Douglas W.; Zou, Hongzhi; Domanico, Michael; Thibodeau, Stephen N.; Boardman, Lisa A.; Berger, Barry M.; Lidgard, Graham P.

2014-01-01

Background & Aims Several noninvasive tests have been developed for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. We compared the sensitivities of a multi-marker test for stool DNA (sDNA) and a plasma test for methylated Septin 9 (SEPT9) in identifying patients with large adenomas or CRC. Methods We analyzed paired stool and plasma samples from 30 patients with CRC and 22 with large adenomas from Mayo Clinic archives. Stool (n=46) and plasma (n=49) samples from age- and sex-matched patients with normal colonoscopy results were used as controls. The sDNA test is an assay for methylated BMP3, NDRG4, vimentin, and TFPI2; mutant KRAS; the β-actin gene, and quantity of hemoglobin (by the porphyrin method). It was performed blindly at Exact Sciences (Madison WI); the test for SEPT9 was performed at ARUP Laboratories (Salt Lake City UT). Results were considered positive based on the manufacturer's specificity cutoff values of 90% and 89%, respectively. Results The sDNA test detected adenomas (median 2 cm, range 1–5 cm) with 82% sensitivity (95% confidence interval [CI], 60%–95%); SEPT9 had 14% sensitivity (95% CI, 3%–35%; P=.0001). The sDNA test identified patients with CRC with 87% sensitivity (95% CI, 69%–96%); SEPT9 had 60% sensitivity (95% CI, 41%–77%; P=.046). The sDNA test identified patients with stage I–III CRC with 91% sensitivity (95% CI, 71%–99%); SEPT9 had 50% sensitivity (95% CI, 28%–72%; P=.013); for stage IV CRC, sensitivity values were 75% (95% CI, 35%–97%) and 88% (95% CI, 47%–100%), respectively (P=.56). False-positive rates were 7% for the sDNA test and 27% for SEPT9. Conclusions Based on analyses of paired samples, the sDNA test detects non-metastatic CRC and large adenomas with significantly greater levels of sensitivity than the SEPT9 test. These findings might be used to modify approaches for CRC prevention and early detection. PMID:22019796

A Comprehensive Evaluation of H2SO4 formation from OH and sCI pathways in high BVOC environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, S.; Seco, R.; Park, J. H.; Guenther, A. B.; Smith, J. N.; Kuang, C.; Bustillos, J. O. V.; Tota, J.; Souza, R. A. F. D.

2014-12-01

The recently highlighted importance of stabilized Criegee intermediates (sCI) as an oxidant for atmospheric SO2 triggered a number of studies to assess the atmospheric implications of H2SO4 formation from the sCI reaction pathway. In addition, it has not been clear why new particle formation events are not observed in the Amazon rain forest. The mostly widely speculated reason has been a very low H2SO4 level. We will present quantitative assessments of SO2 oxidation by sCI leading to the H2SO4 production using a comprehensive observational dataset from a tropical rainforest study during the GOAmazon field campaign at the T3 site in Manacapuru, Amazonas, Brazil. To our best knowledge, this is the first observation of H2SO4 and OH in Amazon and is unique for all tropical sites due to the accompanying comprehensive gas and aerosol observations such as CO, NOX, SO2, VOCs, and physical and chemical characteristics of aerosols. We will discuss observed H2SO4 levels during the GOAmazon field campaigns to demonstrate 1) H2SO4 formation potential from OH and sCI oxidation pathways by contrasting extremely clean and relatively polluted air masses and 2) the Implications of the observed H2SO4 levels in new particle formation and particle growth events.

Getting the Weights of Lewis Structures out of Huckel Theory: Huckel-Lewis Configuration Interaction (HL-CI)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Humbel, Stephane

2007-01-01

A simple method is proposed based on energies obtained with the Huckel theory to compute the weights of the structures. The Huckel-Lewis CI technique extends to the Huckel theory the field of the resonance between Lewis structures.

40 CFR 60.4211 - What are my compliance requirements if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal combustion engine? 60.4211 Section 60.4211... Combustion Engines Compliance Requirements § 60.4211 What are my compliance requirements if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal combustion engine? (a) If you are an owner or operator and must comply...

40 CFR 60.4211 - What are my compliance requirements if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal combustion engine? 60.4211 Section 60.4211... Combustion Engines Compliance Requirements § 60.4211 What are my compliance requirements if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal combustion engine? (a) If you are an owner or operator and must comply...

40 CFR 60.4211 - What are my compliance requirements if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal combustion engine? 60.4211 Section 60.4211... Combustion Engines Compliance Requirements § 60.4211 What are my compliance requirements if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal combustion engine? (a) If you are an owner or operator and must comply...

40 CFR 60.4209 - What are the monitoring requirements if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal combustion engine? 60.4209 Section 60.4209... Combustion Engines Other Requirements for Owners and Operators § 60.4209 What are the monitoring requirements if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal combustion engine? If you are an owner or...

40 CFR 60.4211 - What are my compliance requirements if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal combustion engine? 60.4211 Section 60.4211... Combustion Engines Compliance Requirements § 60.4211 What are my compliance requirements if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal combustion engine? (a) If you are an owner or operator and must comply...

40 CFR 60.4211 - What are my compliance requirements if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal combustion engine? 60.4211 Section 60.4211... Combustion Engines Compliance Requirements § 60.4211 What are my compliance requirements if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal combustion engine? (a) If you are an owner or operator and must comply...

40 CFR 60.4209 - What are the monitoring requirements if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal combustion engine? 60.4209 Section 60.4209... Combustion Engines Other Requirements for Owners and Operators § 60.4209 What are the monitoring requirements if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal combustion engine? If you are an owner or...

40 CFR 60.4209 - What are the monitoring requirements if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal combustion engine? 60.4209 Section 60.4209... Combustion Engines Other Requirements for Owners and Operators § 60.4209 What are the monitoring requirements if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal combustion engine? If you are an owner or...

40 CFR 60.4209 - What are the monitoring requirements if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal combustion engine? 60.4209 Section 60.4209... Combustion Engines Other Requirements for Owners and Operators § 60.4209 What are the monitoring requirements if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal combustion engine? If you are an owner or...

40 CFR 60.4209 - What are the monitoring requirements if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal combustion engine? 60.4209 Section 60.4209... Combustion Engines Other Requirements for Owners and Operators § 60.4209 What are the monitoring requirements if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal combustion engine? If you are an owner or...

Localization of CiCBR in the invertebrate chordate Ciona intestinalis: evidence of an ancient role for cannabinoid receptors as axonal regulators of neuronal signalling.

PubMed

Egertová, Michaela; Elphick, Maurice R

2007-06-01

CiCBR is a G-protein-coupled receptor in the sea-squirt Ciona intestinalis and the first ortholog of vertebrate CB(1) and CB(2) cannabinoid receptors to be identified in an invertebrate (Elphick et al. [2003] Gene 302:95-101). Here we have used Western blotting and immunocytochemistry to examine expression of CiCBR in adult Ciona, employing novel antibodies to the C-terminal tail of CiCBR. Consistent with the expected mass for CiCBR, a approximately 47-kDa band was detected in Ciona membranes, and immunocytochemical analysis of serial sections of Ciona revealed intense immunoreactivity in the cerebral ganglion localised in a dense meshwork of fibers in the neuropile. Accordingly, Western blot analysis of neural complex homogenates revealed the presence of a approximately 47-kDa band. CiCBR immunoreactivity was also observed in axons exiting the ganglion in the anterior and posterior nerves, and analysis of whole-mount preparations revealed that these axons project over the interior surface of the oral and atrial siphons. Isolated CiCBR-immunoreactive axons not associated with the anterior and posterior nerves were observed projecting through the cortical layer of the cerebral ganglion. Central and peripheral CiCBR-immunoreactive fibers were studded with intensely stained varicosities, indicative of a role for CiCBR in regulation of axonal release of neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, or neurohormones. Collectively, our data suggest that the well-established role that the CB(1) receptor has as an axonal regulator of neurotransmitter release in mammals may have originated with ancestral-type cannabinoid receptors in invertebrate chordates before the emergence of CB(1)- and CB(2)-type receptors in vertebrates. (c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

In situ recovery of water from dormant comet cores and CI carbonaceous chondrites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuck, David L.

A model is presented for the derivation of water and volatiles from drill holes in dormant comet cores and class CI or CM asteroids, as in the Frasch process applied to sulfur mines. Hot gas is injected to melt ice, as well as to blow water and/or steam from the hole; heating to over 393 K removes six of the seven water molecules from epsomite, and melts elemental sulfur; a temperature above 573 K can drive water from hydrated phylosilicates.

Factors Affecting the Presence of Adequately Iodized Salt at Home in Wolaita, Southern Ethiopia: Community Based Study.

PubMed

Kumma, Wondimagegn Paulos; Haji, Yusuf; Abdurahmen, Junayde; Mehretie Adinew, Yohannes

2018-01-01

Universal use of iodized salt is a simple and inexpensive method to prevent and eliminate iodine deficiency disorders like mental retardation. However, little is known about the level of adequately iodized salt consumption in the study area. Therefore, the study was aimed at assessing the proportion of households having adequately iodized salt and associated factors in Wolaita Sodo town and its peripheries, Southern Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 10 to 20, 2016, in 441 households in Sodo town and its peripheries. Samples were selected using the systematic sampling technique. An iodometric titration method (AOAC, 2000) was used to analyze the iodine content of the salt samples. Data entry and analysis were done using Epi Info version 3.5.1 and SPSS version 16, respectively. The female to male ratio of the respondents was 219. The mean age of the respondents was 30.2 (±7.3 SD). The proportion of households having adequately iodized salt was 37.7%, with 95% CI of 33.2% to 42.2%. Not exposing salt to sunlight with [OR: 3.75; 95% CI: 2.14, 6.57], higher monthly income [OR: 3.71; 95% CI: 1.97-7.01], and formal education of respondents with [OR: 1.75; 95% CI: 1.14, 2.70] were found associated with the presence of adequately iodized salt at home. This study revealed low levels of households having adequately iodized salt in Wolaita Sodo town and its peripheries. The evidence here shows that there is a need to increase the supply of adequately iodized salt to meet the goal for monitoring progress towards sustainable elimination of IDD.

Factors Affecting the Presence of Adequately Iodized Salt at Home in Wolaita, Southern Ethiopia: Community Based Study

PubMed Central

Abdurahmen, Junayde

2018-01-01

Background Universal use of iodized salt is a simple and inexpensive method to prevent and eliminate iodine deficiency disorders like mental retardation. However, little is known about the level of adequately iodized salt consumption in the study area. Therefore, the study was aimed at assessing the proportion of households having adequately iodized salt and associated factors in Wolaita Sodo town and its peripheries, Southern Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 10 to 20, 2016, in 441 households in Sodo town and its peripheries. Samples were selected using the systematic sampling technique. An iodometric titration method (AOAC, 2000) was used to analyze the iodine content of the salt samples. Data entry and analysis were done using Epi Info version 3.5.1 and SPSS version 16, respectively. Result The female to male ratio of the respondents was 219. The mean age of the respondents was 30.2 (±7.3 SD). The proportion of households having adequately iodized salt was 37.7%, with 95% CI of 33.2% to 42.2%. Not exposing salt to sunlight with [OR: 3.75; 95% CI: 2.14, 6.57], higher monthly income [OR: 3.71; 95% CI: 1.97–7.01], and formal education of respondents with [OR: 1.75; 95% CI: 1.14, 2.70] were found associated with the presence of adequately iodized salt at home. Conclusion This study revealed low levels of households having adequately iodized salt in Wolaita Sodo town and its peripheries. The evidence here shows that there is a need to increase the supply of adequately iodized salt to meet the goal for monitoring progress towards sustainable elimination of IDD. PMID:29765978

The Role of Journals in Building up Communities: The Experience of "Ciência em Tela"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Martins, Isabel; de Souza Barros, Susana

2015-01-01

"Ciência em Tela" is an open access Brazilian science teacher education online journal that has been published twice a year since 2008 and which encourages the participation of professionals with different backgrounds and the submission of a variety of textual genres, besides research papers. Another feature is that the journal includes…

Parametric Factors for the Tangential-Rotary Picks Quality Assessment / Wskaźniki Parametryczne Oceny Jakości Noży Styczno-Obrotowych

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krauze, Krzysztof; Bołoz, Łukasz; Wydro, Tomasz

2015-03-01

Procedure of the quality assessment of tangential-rotary picks used in various types of mining machines, has been described in the present study. Authorial method of the quality assessment of tangential- -rotary picks based on examination of geometrical and material factors, including pick wear rate, has been discussed. The method is based on parametrical factors and the described examinations tailored to determined conditions of the machine operations, including user requirements. Testing results collected in form of measurement cards allow selection of the optimal pick, including the influence of chosen parameters into the pick wear rate. Frezujące organy są elementami roboczymi wielu maszyn takich jak górnicze kombajny ścianowe i chodnikowe, frezarki pracujące w przemyśle skalnym oraz frezarki drogowe i spągowe. Urabianie organami wyposażonymi w noże styczno-obrotowe znajduje obecnie wiele zastosowań do skrawania węgla, rud metali, skał, betonu oraz asfaltu. Noże te wyparły starsze rozwiązania, czyli noże styczne oraz promieniowe, dzięki większej trwałości oraz zachowaniu podczas eksploatacji odpowiedniego kształtu ostrza czyli prawidłowych kątów skrawania. Maszynom urabiającym, a w szczególności kombajnom ścianowym oraz chodnikowym stawia się coraz bardziej restrykcyjne wymagania dotyczące wydajności, niezawodności, bezpieczeństwa i komfortu pracy załogi. W celu zapewnienia prawidłowej pracy maszyny należy w pierwszym rzędzie zadbać o prawidłowy dobór narzędzi skrawających wraz z uchwytami nożowymi oraz organem urabiającym. Mając na uwadze procedury przetargowe oraz prawo zamówień publicznych obowiązujące w Polsce opracowano taki sposób badania noży, aby możliwe było jednoznaczne wybranie najlepszej oferty przy zachowaniu jak najniższej ceny. Wskaźniki oceny jakości noży zostały sparametryzowane, dzięki czemu możliwe jest dostosowanie opracowanych procedur do badania no

Association between serum levels of the proinflammatory protein S100A8/A9 and clinical and structural characteristics of patients with established knee, hip, and hand osteoarthritis.

PubMed

Mahler, E A M; Zweers, M C; van Lent, P L; Blom, A B; van den Hoogen, F H; van den Berg, W B; Roth, J; Vogl, T; Bijlsma, J W J; van den Ende, C H M; den Broeder, A A

2015-01-01

To explore the association between S100A8/A9 serum levels with clinical and structural characteristics of patients with established knee, hip, or hand osteoarthritis (OA). A cross-sectional exploratory study was conducted with 162 OA patients. Measures for pain, stiffness, and function included the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) questionnaire or the Australian Canadian Osteoarthritis Hand (AUSCAN) Index and for structural abnormalities, osteophytes and joint space narrowing grades. The association between S100A8/A9 and clinical or structural characteristics was analysed using linear regression or logistic regression where appropriate. The mean age of the OA patients was 56 years, 71% were female, and 61% had a Kellgren and Lawrence (K&L) score ≥ 2. The serum S100A8/A9 level did not differ between knee, hip, and hand OA patients and no association was found between serum S100A8/A9 and clinical characteristics. The serum S100A8/A9 level was negatively associated with the sum score of osteophytes after adjusting for sex and body mass index (BMI) [adjusted β -0.015, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.030 to 0.001, p = 0.062] and positively associated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) > 12 mm/h (adjusted OR 1.002, 95% CI 1.000-1.004 p = 0.049) for each increase in S100A8/A9 of 1 ng/mL. For hand OA patients, a negative association of S100A8/A9 with sum score of joint space narrowing was found (adjusted β -0.007, 95% CI -0.016 to 0.001, p = 0.099). The results from this cross-sectional exploratory study do not support an important role for serum S100A8/A9 levels as a biomarker for clinical and structural characteristics in established knee, hip, and hand OA patients. The inverse association with structural abnormalities and the positive association with ESR may reflect inflammatory synovial processes in patients with OA before structural abnormalities occur.

CI-KNOW: Cyberinfrastructure Knowledge Networks on the Web. A Social Network Enabled Recommender System for Locating Resources in Cyberinfrastructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Green, H. D.; Contractor, N. S.; Yao, Y.

2006-12-01

A knowledge network is a multi-dimensional network created from the interactions and interconnections among the scientists, documents, data, analytic tools, and interactive collaboration spaces (like forums and wikis) associated with a collaborative environment. CI-KNOW is a suite of software tools that leverages automated data collection, social network theories, analysis techniques and algorithms to infer an individual's interests and expertise based on their interactions and activities within a knowledge network. The CI-KNOW recommender system mines the knowledge network associated with a scientific community's use of cyberinfrastructure tools and uses relational metadata to record connections among entities in the knowledge network. Recent developments in social network theories and methods provide the backbone for a modular system that creates recommendations from relational metadata. A network navigation portlet allows users to locate colleagues, documents, data or analytic tools in the knowledge network and to explore their networks through a visual, step-wise process. An internal auditing portlet offers administrators diagnostics to assess the growth and health of the entire knowledge network. The first instantiation of the prototype CI-KNOW system is part of the Environmental Cyberinfrastructure Demonstration project at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications, which supports the activities of hydrologic and environmental science communities (CLEANER and CUAHSI) under the umbrella of the WATERS network environmental observatory planning activities (http://cleaner.ncsa.uiuc.edu). This poster summarizes the key aspects of the CI-KNOW system, highlighting the key inputs, calculation mechanisms, and output modalities.

Using 25 Percent / 75 Percent ATJ/JP-8 Blend Rotary Fuel Injection Pump Wear Testing at Elevated Temperature

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-09-01

Transfer Pump Liner before Testing with 25/75 ATJ/JP-8 Fuel with 9-ppm CI/LI...46 Figure 26. Pump SN:16756534 Transfer Pump Liner with 251-hours Testing with 25/75 ATJ/JP-8 Fuel...Transfer Pump Liner before Testing with 25/75 ATJ/JP-8 Fuel with 9-ppm CI/LI

Survival times for cats with hyperthyroidism treated with a 3.35 mCi iodine-131 dose: a retrospective study of 96 cases.

PubMed

Vagney, Marie; Desquilbet, Loic; Reyes-Gomez, Edouard; Delisle, Françoise; Devauchelle, Patrick; Rodriguez-Piñeiro, Maria Isabel; Rosenberg, Dan; de Fornel-Thibaud, Pauline

2018-06-01

Objectives Radioiodine ( 131 I) dose determination using radiotracer kinetic studies or scoring systems, and fixed relatively high 131 I dose (ie, 4 or 5 mCi) administration, are effective and associated with prolonged survival times for hyperthyroid cats. The latter method is less complicated but could expose patients and veterinary personnel to unnecessary levels of radiation. The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the efficacy of a fixed 3.35 mCi 131 I dose for the treatment of 96 hyperthyroid cats with no length estimation for any palpated goitre ⩾20 mm, assess outcome and identify factors associated with survival. Methods Serum total thyroxine concentrations at diagnosis and at follow-up times, survival times and cause of death were recorded. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with time to any cause of death from 131 I therapy initiation. Results Administration of a median (interquartile range) dose of 3.35 mCi (3.27-3.44 mCi) radioiodine was an effective treatment in 94/96 cats, but two cats remained hyperthyroid. No death related to hyperthyroidism was recorded. Median survival time was 3.0 years; the 1 and 2 year survival rates after 131 I therapy were 90% and 78%, respectively. Low body weight (⩽3.1 kg; adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 5.88; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.22-16.67; P <0.01) and male gender (aHR 2.63; 95% CI 1.01-7.14; P = 0.04) were independently associated with death, whereas age, prior treatment with antithyroid drugs, reason for treatment and pretreatment azotaemia were not. Conclusions and relevance This study suggests that a fixed 3.35 mCi 131 I dose treatment is effective for hyperthyroid cats with goitre(s) with a maximal length estimation <20 mm, that long-term survival can be achieved and that low body weight and male gender are significantly associated with shorter survival times.

Modified Stability Charts for Rock Slopes Based on the Hoek-Brown Failure Criterion / Zmodyfikowane Diagramy Stabilności Skalistych Zboczy Otrzymane W Oparciu O Warunek Wytrzymałości Hoeka-Browna

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nekouei, Mahdi; Ahangari, Kaveh

2013-09-01

Only an article rendered by Lia et al. in 2008 has represented charts based on Hoek-Brown criterion for rock slopes, however, these charts are not precise and efficient. Because of this problem, a modification is suggested for the mentioned charts in this study. The new charts are calculated according to four methods. Among the methods, one relates to finite element method using Phase2 software. The other three methods are Janbu, Bishop and Fellenius that belong to limit equilibrium method by using Slide software. For each slope angle, the method having high correlation coefficient is selected as the best one. Then, final charts are rendered according to the selected method and its specific equations. Among forty equations, twenty-five ones or 62.5% relate to numerical method and Phase2 software, six ones or 15% belong to Fellenius limit equilibrium, six ones or 15% relate to Bishop limit equilibrium, and three ones or 7.5% belong to Janbu limit equilibrium. In order to validate new charts, slope stability analysis is carried out for several sections of Chadormalu iron ore open pit mine, Iran. The error percentage of new charts in limit equilibrium method using Slide software and in Bishop method for slopes of Chadormalu iron ore mine are rendered and compared. The charts on a basis of Hoek-Brown failure criterion for rock slopes show less than ±4% error. This indicates that these charts are appropriate tools and their safety factor is optimal for rock slopes. Diagramy stabilności skalistych zboczy otrzymane w oparciu o warunek wytrzymałości Hoeka- Browna znaleźć można jedynie w pracy Lia et al. (2008), choć wykresy te nie są absolutnie dokładne i jasne. Dlatego też w niniejszym artykule zaproponowano pewną modyfikację diagramów. Nowe wykresu sporządzono w oparciu o cztery metody. Jedna z metod opiera się na metodzie elementów skończonych i wykorzystuje oprogramowanie Phase2. Pozostałe trzy podejścia to metody Janbu, Bishopa i Felleniusa bazuj

Notification of HIV status disclosure and its related factors in HIV-infected adolescents in 2009 in the Aconda program (CePReF, CHU Yopougon) in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, The PRADO-CI Study.

PubMed

Meless, Guanga David; Aka-Dago-Akribi, Hortense; Cacou, Chantal; Eboua, Tanoh François; Aka, Addi Edmond; Oga, Aimé Maxime; Bouah, Belinda; Eugène, Messou; Moh, Corinne; Arrivé, Elise; Timité-Konan, Marguerite; Leroy, Valériane

2013-06-18

We studied the frequency of documentation of disclosure of HIV status in medical charts and its correlates among HIV-infected adolescents in 2009, in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. The PRADO-CI is a cross-sectional study aimed at studying HIV-infected adolescents' social, psychological, and behavioural difficulties and their determinants in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. In this study, we present specific analyses on disclosure. All HIV-infected adolescents aged 13-21 years and followed at least once in 2009 in two urban HIV-care centres in Abidjan (Cepref and Yopougon Teaching Hospital) were enrolled in the study. Standardized data were extracted from medical records to document if there was notification of disclosure of HIV status in the medical record. Frequency of notification of HIV disclosure was estimated with its 95% confidence interval (CI) and correlates were analyzed using logistic regression. In 2009, 229 adolescents were included: 126 (55%) males; 93% on antiretroviral therapy (ART), 61% on cotrimoxazole prophylaxis. Their median age was 15 years at the time of the study. Among the 193 patients for whom information on HIV status disclosure was documented (84%), only 63 (32.6%; 95% CI=26.0-39.3%) were informed of their status. The proportion of adolescents informed increased significantly with age: 19% for 13-15 years, 33% for 16-18 years and 86% for 19-21 years (p <0.0001). Adolescents on ART tended to be more likely to be informed of their HIV status (34.5%) than those not treated (13.3%) (p=0.11). Those on cotrimoxazole were significantly more likely to be informed (39.6%) than those not (21.9%) (p=0.01). Disclosure was significantly higher in adolescents with a history of ART regimen change (p=0.003) and in those followed in the Cepref (48.4%) compared to the Yopougon Teaching Hospital (24.8%), (p=0.001). In multivariate analyses, disclosed HIV status was significantly higher in those followed-up in the Cepref compared to the other centre: adjusted odds ratio

Reporting accuracy of population dietary sodium intake using duplicate 24 h dietary recalls and a salt questionnaire.

PubMed

De Keyzer, Willem; Dofková, Marcela; Lillegaard, Inger Therese L; De Maeyer, Mieke; Andersen, Lene Frost; Ruprich, Jirí; Řehůřková, Irena; Geelen, Anouk; van 't Veer, Pieter; De Henauw, Stefaan; Crispim, Sandra Patricia; de Boer, Evelien; Ocké, Marga; Slimani, Nadia; Huybrechts, Inge

2015-02-14

High dietary Na intake is associated with multiple health risks, making accurate assessment of population dietary Na intake critical. In the present study, reporting accuracy of dietary Na intake was evaluated by 24 h urinary Na excretion using the EPIC-Soft 24 h dietary recall (24-HDR). Participants from a subsample of the European Food Consumption Validation study (n 365; countries: Belgium, Norway and Czech Republic), aged 45-65 years, completed two 24 h urine collections and two 24-HDR. Reporting accuracy was calculated as the ratio of reported Na intake to that estimated from the urinary biomarker. A questionnaire on salt use was completed in order to assess the discretionary use of table and cooking salt. The reporting accuracy of dietary Na intake was assessed using two scenarios: (1) a salt adjustment procedure using data from the salt questionnaire; (2) without salt adjustment. Overall, reporting accuracy improved when data from the salt questionnaire were included. The mean reporting accuracy was 0·67 (95 % CI 0·62, 0·72), 0·73 (95 % CI 0·68, 0·79) and 0·79 (95 % CI 0·74, 0·85) for Belgium, Norway and Czech Republic, respectively. Reporting accuracy decreased with increasing BMI among male subjects in all the three countries. For women from Belgium and Norway, reporting accuracy was highest among those classified as obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2: 0·73, 95 % CI 0·67, 0·81 and 0·81, 95 % CI 0·77, 0·86, respectively). The findings from the present study showed considerable underestimation of dietary Na intake assessed using two 24-HDR. The questionnaire-based salt adjustment procedure improved reporting accuracy by 7-13 %. Further development of both the questionnaire and EPIC-Soft databases (e.g. inclusion of a facet to describe salt content) is necessary to estimate population dietary Na intakes accurately.

Electrodeposition of Dense Chromium Coatings from Molten Salt Electrolytes

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-04-01

AD-A235 978 . JUN 03 391 ELECTRODEPOSITION OF DENSE CHROMIUM COATINGS FROM MOLTEN SALT ELECTROLYTES Final Technical Report J t ]Vgca or by ~ 4 OTC... molten salts , pulsed currents, electrodeposition. 2. The results, on the electrodeposition of dense chromium coatings from molten salt electrolytes... salts dissolved in molten salts using the cell Cl2/C/!Cr 2 + in LiCI-KCI//Cr metal The chromium ions are introduced by anodizing a piece of chromium and

Volatiles in interplanetary dust particles: A comparison with CI and CM chondrites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bustin, Roberta

1992-01-01

In an effort to classify and determine the origin of interplanetary dust particles (IDPs), 14 of these particles were studied using a laser microprobe/mass spectrometer. The mass spectra for these particles varied dramatically. Some particles released hydroxide or water which probably originated in hydroxide-bearing minerals or hydrates. Others produced spectra which included a number of hydrocarbons and resembled meteorite spectra. However, none of the individual IDPs gave spectra which could be matched identically with a particular meteorite type such as a CI or CM carbonaceous chondrite. We believe this was due to the fact that 10-20 micron size IDPs are too small to be representative of the parent body. To verify that the diversity was due primarily to the small particle sizes, small grains of approximately the same size range as the IDPs were obtained from two primitive meteorites, Murchison and Orgueil, and these small meteorite particles were treated exactly like the IDPs. Considerable diversity was observed among individual grains, but a composite spectrum of all the grains from one meteorite closely resembled the spectrum obtained from a much larger sample of that meteorite. A composite spectrum of the 14 IDPs also resembled the spectra of the CM and CI meteorites, pointing to a possible link between IDPs and carbonaceous chondrites. This also illustrates that despite the inherent diversity in particles as small as 10-20 micron, conclusions can be drawn about the possible origin and overall composition of such particles by looking not only at results from individual particles but also by including many particles in a study and basing conclusions on some kind of composite data.

Poor dietary diversity, wealth status and use of un-iodized salt are associated with goiter among school children: a cross-sectional study in Ethiopia.

PubMed

Abebe, Zegeye; Gebeye, Ejigu; Tariku, Amare

2017-01-07

Globally, more than two billion people are at risk of iodine deficiency disorders, 32% of which are school children. Iodine deficiency has been recognized as a severe public health concern in Ethiopia, however little is known about the problem. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of goiter and associated factors among school children (6 to 12 years) in Dabat District, northwest Ethiopia. A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 21 to March 31, 2016. A total of 735 school children were included in the study. A stratified multistage sampling followed by systematic sampling technique was employed to select the study participants. Thyroid physical examination was done and classified according to the World Health Organization recommendations as grade 0, grade 1, and grade 2. The level of salt iodine content was determined using the rapid field test kit. The value 0 parts per million (PPM), <15 PPM and ≥15 PPM with the corresponding color chart on the rapid test kit were used to classify the level of iodine in the sampled salt. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with goiter. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was calculated to show the strength of association. In multivariable analysis, variables with a P-value of <0.05 were considered statistically significant. In this community, the overall prevalence of goiter was 29.1% [95% CI: 25.9, 32.6], in which about 22.4 and 6.7% had goiter grade 1 and grade 2, respectively. The age of children (AOR = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.26), being housewife mother (AOR = 1.49; 95% CI: 1.08, 2.15), use of unprotected well water source for drinking (AOR = 6.25; 95% CI: 2.50, 15.66), medium household wealth status (AOR = 1.78; 95% CI: 1.18, 2.92), use of inadequately iodized salt (AOR = 2.79; 95% CI: 1.86, 4.19), poor dietary diversity score of the child (AOR = 1.92;95% CI: 1.06, 3.48) and medium

A biotechnological project with a gamma radiation source of 100,000 Ci

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lombardo, J. H.; Smolko, E. E.

A project for the production of radiovaccines and other bio-medical products is presented which includes a radiation facility provided with a gamma ray source equivalent to 100,000 Ci of Co-60. The whole process incorporates novel basic features in virus production and inactivation steps. The former is carried out in animals previously subjected to immunodepression through electromagnetic radiation. The later is obtained at low temperatures by using either electromagnetic or particle radiations. A vaccine manufacture process is shown to illustrate the utilization of ionizing radiations to obtain a foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) vaccine with good antigenic quality and low cost.

40 CFR 60.4207 - What fuel requirements must I meet if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal combustion engine subject to this subpart? 60... Compression Ignition Internal Combustion Engines Fuel Requirements for Owners and Operators § 60.4207 What fuel requirements must I meet if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal combustion...

40 CFR 60.4207 - What fuel requirements must I meet if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal combustion engine subject to this subpart? 60... Compression Ignition Internal Combustion Engines Fuel Requirements for Owners and Operators § 60.4207 What fuel requirements must I meet if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal combustion...

40 CFR 60.4207 - What fuel requirements must I meet if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal combustion engine subject to this subpart? 60... Compression Ignition Internal Combustion Engines Fuel Requirements for Owners and Operators § 60.4207 What fuel requirements must I meet if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal combustion...

40 CFR 60.4207 - What fuel requirements must I meet if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal combustion engine subject to this subpart? 60... Compression Ignition Internal Combustion Engines Fuel Requirements for Owners and Operators § 60.4207 What fuel requirements must I meet if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal combustion...

40 CFR 60.4207 - What fuel requirements must I meet if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal combustion engine subject to this subpart? 60... Compression Ignition Internal Combustion Engines Fuel Requirements for Owners and Operators § 60.4207 What fuel requirements must I meet if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal combustion...

78 FR 37792 - Mario Julian Martinez-Bernache, Inmate Number #95749-279, CI Big Spring, Corrections Institution...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-24

... DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Bureau of Industry and Security Mario Julian Martinez-Bernache, Inmate Number 95749-279, CI Big Spring, Corrections Institution, 2001 Rickabaugh Drive, Big Spring, TX 79720... Spring, Corrections Institution, 2001 Rickabaugh Drive, Big Spring, TX 79720, and when acting for or on...

Salt intake and gastric cancer risk according to Helicobacter pylori infection, smoking, tumour site and histological type.

PubMed

Peleteiro, B; Lopes, C; Figueiredo, C; Lunet, N

2011-01-04

Although salt intake is considered a probable risk factor for gastric cancer, relevant studies have provided heterogeneous results, and the magnitude of the association has not been accurately quantified. To quantify gastric cancer risk in relation to dietary salt exposure according to Helicobacter pylori infection status and virulence, smoking, tumour site, and histological type, we evaluated 422 gastric cancer cases and 649 community controls. Salt exposure was estimated in the year before the onset of symptoms through: sodium intake (estimated by a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ)); main food items/groups contributing to dietary sodium intake; visual analogical scale for salt intake preference; use of table salt; and duration of refrigerator ownership. Comparing subjects with the highest with those with the lowest salt exposure (3rd vs 1st third), sodium intake (OR=2.01, 95% CI: 1.16-3.46), consumption of food items with high contribution to sodium intake (OR=2.54, 95% CI: 1.56-4.14) and salt intake evaluated by visual analogical scale (OR=1.83, 95% CI: 1.28-2.63) were associated with an increased gastric cancer risk. Subjects owning a refrigerator for >50 years had a lower risk for gastric cancer (OR=0.28, 95% CI: 0.14-0.57). These associations were observed regardless of H. pylori infection status and virulence, smoking, tumour site or histological type. Our results support the view that salt intake is an important dietary risk factor for gastric cancer, and confirms the evidence of no differences in risk according to H. pylori infection and virulence, smoking, tumour site and histological type.

Oxygen Isotope Ratios of Magnetite in CI-Like Clasts from a Polymict Ureilite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kita, N. T.; Defouilloy, C.; Goodrich, C. A.; Zolensky, M. E.

2017-01-01

Polymict ureilites contain a variety of Less than or equal to mm to cm sized non-ureilitic clasts, many of which can be identifed as chondritic and achondritic meteorite types. Among them, dark clasts have been observed in polymict ureilites that are similar to CI chondrites in mineralogy, containing phyllosilicates, magnetite, sulfide and carbonates. Bulk oxygen isotope analyses of a dark clast in Nilpena plot along the CCAM line and above the terrestrial fractionation line, on the O-poor extension of the main group ureilite trend and clearly different from bulk CI chondrites. One possible origins of such dark clast is that they represent aqueously altered precursors of ureilite parent body (UPB) that were preserved on the cold surface of the UPB. Oxygen isotope analyses of dark clasts are key to better understanding their origins. Oxygen isotope ratios of magnetite are of special interest because they reflect the compositions of the fluids in asteroidal bodies. In primitive chondrites, Delta O (= Delta O - 0.52× Delta O) values of magnetites are always higher than those of the bulk meteorites and represent minimum Delta O values of the initial O-poor aqueous fluids in the parent body. Previous SIMS analyses on magnetite and fayalite in dark clasts from the DaG 319 polymict ureilite were analytically difficult due to small grain sizes, though data indicated positive Delta O values of 3-4 per mille, higher than that of the dark clast in Nilpena (1.49per mille).

A treatment for a chronic stroke patient with a plegic hand combining CI therapy with conventional rehabilitation procedures: case report.

PubMed

Bowman, Mary H; Taub, Edward; Uswatte, Gitendra; Delgado, Adriana; Bryson, Camille; Morris, David M; McKay, Staci; Mark, Victor W

2006-01-01

Constraint-Induced Movement therapy (CI therapy) is a recognized rehabilitation approach for persons having stroke with mild to moderately severe motor upper extremity deficits. To date, no rehabilitation treatment protocol has been proven effective that addresses both motor performance and spontaneous upper extremity use in the life situation for chronic stroke participants having severe upper extremity impairment with no active finger extension or thumb abduction. This case report describes treatment of a chronic stroke participant with a plegic hand using a CI therapy protocol that combines CI therapy with selected occupational and physical therapy techniques. Treatment consisted of six sessions of adaptive equipment and upper extremity orthotics training followed by a three-week, six-hour daily intervention of CI therapy plus neurodevelopmental treatment. Outcome measures included the Motor Activity Log for very low functioning patients (Grade 5 MAL), upper extremity portion of the Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment, Graded Wolf Motor Function Test - for very low functioning patients (gWMFT- Grade 5), and Modified Ashworth Scale. The participant showed improvement on each outcome measure with the largest improvement on the Grade 5 MAL. In follow-up, the participant had good retention of his gains in motor performance and use of his more affected arm for real world activities after 3 months; after a one-week brush-up at 3 months, and at one year post-treatment.

Biophysical characterization of the fluorescent protein voltage probe VSFP2.3 based on the voltage-sensing domain of Ci-VSP.

PubMed

Lundby, Alicia; Akemann, Walther; Knöpfel, Thomas

2010-11-01

A voltage sensitive phosphatase was discovered in the ascidian Ciona intestinalis. The phosphatase, Ci-VSP, contains a voltage-sensing domain homologous to those known from voltage-gated ion channels, but unlike ion channels, the voltage-sensing domain of Ci-VSP can reside in the cell membrane as a monomer. We fused the voltage-sensing domain of Ci-VSP to a pair of fluorescent reporter proteins to generate a genetically encodable voltage-sensing fluorescent probe, VSFP2.3. VSFP2.3 is a fluorescent voltage probe that reports changes in membrane potential as a FRET (fluorescence resonance energy transfer) signal. Here we report sensing current measurements from VSFP2.3, and show that VSFP2.3 carries 1.2 e sensing charges, which are displaced within 1.5 ms. The sensing currents become faster at higher temperatures, and the voltage dependence of the decay time constants is temperature dependent. Neutralization of an arginine in S4, previously suggested to be a sensing charge, and measuring associated sensing currents indicate that this charge is likely to reside at the membrane-aqueous interface rather than within the membrane electric field. The data presented give us insights into the voltage-sensing mechanism of Ci-VSP, which will allow us to further improve the sensitivity and kinetics of the family of VSFP proteins.

Salt Use Behaviours of Ghanaians and South Africans: A Comparative Study of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices

PubMed Central

Menyanu, Elias; Russell, Joanna; Biritwum, Richard; Kowal, Paul

2017-01-01

Salt consumption is high in Africa and the continent also shares the greatest burden of hypertension. This study examines salt-related knowledge, attitude and self-reported behaviours (KAB) amongst adults from two African countries—Ghana and South Africa—which have distributed different public health messages related to salt. KAB was assessed in the multinational longitudinal World Health Organisation (WHO) study on global AGEing and adult health (WHO-SAGE) Wave 2 (2014–2015). Respondents were randomly selected across both countries—Ghana (n = 6746; mean age 58 years old; SD 17; 41% men; 31% hypertensive) and South Africa (n = 3776, mean age 54 years old; SD 17; 32% men; 45% hypertensive). South Africans were more likely than Ghanaians to add salt to food at the table (OR 4.80, CI 4.071–5.611, p < 0.001) but less likely to add salt to food during cooking (OR 0.16, CI 0.130–0.197, p < 0.001). South Africans were also less likely to take action to control their salt intake (OR 0.436, CI 0.379–0.488, p < 0.001). Considering the various salt reduction initiatives of South Africa that have been largely absent in Ghana, this study supports additional efforts to raise consumer awareness on discretionary salt use and behaviour change in both countries. PMID:28846641

Citrate salts for preventing and treating calcium containing kidney stones in adults.

PubMed

Phillips, Rebecca; Hanchanale, Vishwanath S; Myatt, Andy; Somani, Bhaskar; Nabi, Ghulam; Biyani, C Shekhar

2015-10-06

poor, and there was a high risk of attrition bias in two studies.Compared with placebo or no intervention, citrate therapy significantly reduced the stone size (4 studies, 160 participants: RR 2.35, 95% CI 1.36 to 4.05). New stone formation was significantly lower with citrate therapy compared to control (7 studies, 324 participants: RR 0.26, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.68). The beneficial effect on stone size stability was also evident (4 studies, 160 participants: RR 1.97, 95% CI 1.19 to 3.26). Adverse events were reported in four studies, with the main side effects being upper gastrointestinal disturbance and one patient reported a rash. There were more gastrointestinal adverse events in the citrate group; however this was not significant (4 studies, 271 participants: RR 2.55, 95% CI 0.71 to 9.16). There were significantly more dropouts due to adverse events with citrate therapy compared to control (4 studies, 271 participants: RR 4.45, 95% CI 1.28 to 15.50). The need for retreatment was significantly less with citrate therapy compared to control (2 studies, 157 participants: RR 0.22, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.89). Citrate salts prevent new stone formation and reduce further stone growth in patients with residual stones that predominantly contain oxalate. The quality of reported literature remains moderate to poor; hence a well-designed statistically powered multi-centre RCT is needed in order to answer relevant questions concerning the efficacy of citrate salts.

New records of bee flies (Diptera, Bombyliidae) from Cuatro Ciénegas, Coahuila, Mexico

PubMed Central

Ávalos-Hernández, Omar; Kits, Joel; Trujano-Ortega, Marysol; García-Vázquez, Uri Omar; Cano-Santana, Zenón

2014-01-01

Abstract Forty one new records of species of Bombyliidae are reported for Coahuila in northeastern Mexico. Nine of these species are reported for the first time for the country. The specimens were collected in the Cuatro Ciénegas Basin and Sierra La Madera mountains during 2007–2013. The modified distributions of species are discussed. The gaps in the distribution of many species suggest an undersampling of this group of insects in the north of Mexico. PMID:25061389

A Computational Intelligence (CI) Approach to the Precision Mars Lander Problem

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Birge, Brian; Walberg, Gerald

2002-01-01

A Mars precision landing requires a landed footprint of no more than 100 meters. Obstacles to reducing the landed footprint include trajectory dispersions due to initial atmospheric entry conditions such as entry angle, parachute deployment height, environment parameters such as wind, atmospheric density, parachute deployment dynamics, unavoidable injection error or propagated error from launch, etc. Computational Intelligence (CI) techniques such as Artificial Neural Nets and Particle Swarm Optimization have been shown to have great success with other control problems. The research period extended previous work on investigating applicability of the computational intelligent approaches. The focus of this investigation was on Particle Swarm Optimization and basic Neural Net architectures. The research investigating these issues was performed for the grant cycle from 5/15/01 to 5/15/02. Matlab 5.1 and 6.0 along with NASA's POST were the primary computational tools.

Salt taste preference, sodium intake and gastric cancer in China.

PubMed

Zhang, Zhiyong; Zhang, Xiefu

2011-01-01

The risk factors mostly strongly associated with gastric cancer are gastric bacteria Helicobacter pylori and diet. By using a case-control study among residents in China, we examined the association between sodium intake, presence of H,pylori, and gastric cancer risk. A population-based case-control study including 235 cases and 410 controls were used. Potential risk factors of gastric cancer were interview for cases and controls by questionnaire, salt taste preference was measured for all subjects, and IgG antibodies to H,pylori was used for H.pylori infection. Risk measures were calculated using unconditional logistic regression. H.pylori infection and smoking increased the risk of gastric cancer, with the OR(95%CI) of 1.91(1.32-2.79) and 1.47(1.05- 2.05), respectively. Dietary sodium intake independently increased the risk of gastric cancer. Participants with the highest sodium intake(>5g/day) had a high gastric cancer risk [OR(95%CI)= 3.78(1.74-5.44)]. Participants with the salt taste preference at 7.3g/L and ≥ 14.6g/L showed higher risk of gastric cancer [OR(95%) for 7.3g/L and ≥ 14.6g/L were 5.36(2.72-10.97) and 4.75(2.43-8.85), respectively]. A significantly interaction was found between salt taste preference and H.pylori infection (p=0.037). Salt taste preference was significantly correlated with sodium intake (Correlation coefficient=0.46, p< 0.001). Salt taste preference test could be a simple way to evaluate an inherited characteristic of sodium intake, and our study confirms the gastric cancer is associated with sodium intake and H.pylori.

CI-Miner: A Semantic Methodology to Integrate Scientists, Data and Documents through the Use of Cyber-Infrastructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pinheiro da Silva, P.; CyberShARE Center of Excellence

2011-12-01

Scientists today face the challenge of rethinking the manner in which they document and make available their processes and data in an international cyber-infrastructure of shared resources. Some relevant examples of new scientific practices in the realm of computational and data extraction sciences include: large scale data discovery; data integration; data sharing across distinct scientific domains, systematic management of trust and uncertainty; and comprehensive support for explaining processes and results. This talk introduces CI-Miner - an innovative hands-on, open-source, community-driven methodology to integrate these new scientific practices. It has been developed in collaboration with scientists, with the purpose of capturing, storing and retrieving knowledge about scientific processes and their products, thereby further supporting a new generation of science techniques based on data exploration. CI-Miner uses semantic annotations in the form of W3C Ontology Web Language-based ontologies and Proof Markup Language (PML)-based provenance to represent knowledge. This methodology specializes in general-purpose ontologies, projected into workflow-driven ontologies(WDOs) and into semantic abstract workflows (SAWs). Provenance in PML is CI-Miner's integrative component, which allows scientists to retrieve and reason with the knowledge represented in these new semantic documents. It serves additionally as a platform to share such collected knowledge with the scientific community participating in the international cyber-infrastructure. The integrated semantic documents that are tailored for the use of human epistemic agents may also be utilized by machine epistemic agents, since the documents are based on W3C Resource Description Framework (RDF) notation. This talk is grounded upon interdisciplinary lessons learned through the use of CI-Miner in support of government-funded national and international cyber-infrastructure initiatives in the areas of geo

Iodine status in late pregnancy and psychosocial determinants of iodized salt use in rural northern Viet Nam

PubMed Central

Tran, Thach; Biggs, Beverley; Tran, Tuan; Dwyer, Terry; Casey, Gerard; Tho, Dang Hai; Hetzel, Basil

2011-01-01

Abstract Objective To establish iodine status among pregnant women in rural northern Viet Nam and explore psychosocial predictors of the use of iodized salt in their households. Methods This prospective study included pregnant women registered in health stations in randomly-selected communes in Ha Nam province. At recruitment (< 20 weeks of gestation), sociodemographic factors, reproductive health, intimate partner relationship, family violence, symptoms of common mental disorders and use of micronutrient supplements were assessed. During a second assessment (> 28 weeks of gestation) a urine specimen was collected to measure urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and iodized salt use was assessed. Predictors were explored through univariable analyses and multivariable linear and logistic regression. Findings The 413 pregnant women who provided data for this study had a median UIC of 70 µg/l; nearly 83% had a UIC lower than the 150 µg/l recommended by the World Health Organization; only 73.6% reported using iodized salt in any form in their households. Iodized salt use was lower among nulliparous women (odds ratio, OR: 0.56; 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.32–0.96); less educated women (OR: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.16–0.71); factory workers or small-scale traders (OR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.31–0.86), government workers (OR: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.13–0.89) and women with common mental disorders at recruitment (OR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.38–0.98). Conclusion The decline in the use of iodized salt in Viet Nam since the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme was suspended in 2005 has placed pregnant women and their infants in rural areas at risk of iodine deficiency disorders. PMID:22084527

MUTAGENICITY EVALUATION OF THE COMMERCIAL PRODUCT CI DISPERSE BLUE 291 USING DIFFERENT PROTOCOLS OF THE SALMONELLA ASSAY

EPA Science Inventory

Textile dyes can enter the water ecosystem through wastewater discharges potentially exposing humans through the consumption of water and food. The commercial disperse dye product C.I. Disperse Blue 291 containing the aminoazobenzene 2-[(2-bromo-4,6-dinitrophenyl)azo]-5(diethylam...

A comparison between coherent and noncoherent mobile systems in large Doppler shift, delay spread, and C/I environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Feher, Kamilo

1993-01-01

The performance and implementation complexity of coherent and of noncoherent QPSK and GMSK modulation/demodulation techniques in a complex mobile satellite systems environment, including large Doppler shift, delay spread, and low C/I, are compared. We demonstrate that for large f(sub d)T(sub b) products, where f(sub d) is the Doppler shift and T(sub b) is the bit duration, noncoherent (discriminator detector or differential demodulation) systems have a lower BER floor than their coherent counterparts. For significant delay spreads, e.g., tau(sub rms) greater than 0.4 T(sub b), and low C/I, coherent systems outperform noncoherent systems. However, the synchronization time of coherent systems is longer than that of noncoherent systems. Spectral efficiency, overall capacity, and related hardware complexity issues of these systems are also analyzed. We demonstrate that coherent systems have a simpler overall architecture (IF filter implementation-cost versus carrier recovery) and are more robust in an RF frequency drift environment. Additionally, the prediction tools, computer simulations, and analysis of coherent systems is simpler. The threshold or capture effect in low C/I interference environment is critical for noncoherent discriminator based systems. We conclude with a comparison of hardware architectures of coherent and of noncoherent systems, including recent trends in commercial VLSI technology and direct baseband to RF transmit, RF to baseband (0-IF) receiver implementation strategies.

A comparison between coherent and noncoherent mobile systems in large Doppler shift, delay spread, and C/I environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feher, Kamilo

The performance and implementation complexity of coherent and of noncoherent QPSK and GMSK modulation/demodulation techniques in a complex mobile satellite systems environment, including large Doppler shift, delay spread, and low C/I, are compared. We demonstrate that for large f(sub d)T(sub b) products, where f(sub d) is the Doppler shift and T(sub b) is the bit duration, noncoherent (discriminator detector or differential demodulation) systems have a lower BER floor than their coherent counterparts. For significant delay spreads, e.g., tau(sub rms) greater than 0.4 T(sub b), and low C/I, coherent systems outperform noncoherent systems. However, the synchronization time of coherent systems is longer than that of noncoherent systems. Spectral efficiency, overall capacity, and related hardware complexity issues of these systems are also analyzed. We demonstrate that coherent systems have a simpler overall architecture (IF filter implementation-cost versus carrier recovery) and are more robust in an RF frequency drift environment. Additionally, the prediction tools, computer simulations, and analysis of coherent systems is simpler. The threshold or capture effect in low C/I interference environment is critical for noncoherent discriminator based systems. We conclude with a comparison of hardware architectures of coherent and of noncoherent systems, including recent trends in commercial VLSI technology and direct baseband to RF transmit, RF to baseband (0-IF) receiver implementation strategies.

Evaluation of flurbiprofen urinary ratios as in vivo indices for CYP2C9 activity

PubMed Central

Zgheib, N K; Frye, R F; Tracy, T S; Romkes, M; Branch, R A

2007-01-01

Aims We investigated flurbiprofen pharmacokinetics in 12 volunteers to develop a phenotypic trait measure that correlates with the fractional clearance to 4′-hydroxyflurbiprofen. The effect of the CYP2C9 inhibitor fluconazole on flurbiprofen metabolism was also evaluated. Methods Flurbiprofen pharmacokinetics were evaluated before and after the first and seventh doses of fluconazole. The urinary recovery ratio was calculated as FLRR = 4′-OHF/ [4′-OHF + Ftot] and the urinary metabolic ratio was calculated as FLMR = 4′-OHF/Ftot, where 4′-OHF and Ftot represent total (conjugated and unconjugated) amounts recovered in urine. Results There was a statistically significant relationship between the 4′-OHF formation clearance (4OHCLf) and both the 8-h FLRR and the 8-h FLMR with and without administration of fluconazole. The flurbiprofen apparent oral clearance (CL/F) was decreased by 53% [90% confidence interval (CI) −58, −48] and 64% (90% CI −69, −59), respectively, after administration of one and seven doses of fluconazole when compared with administration of flurbiprofen alone; similarly, the 4OHCLf decreased by 69% (90% CI −74, −64) and 78% (90% CI −83, −73), the 8-h FLRR decreased by 35% (90% CI −41, −29) and 40% (90% CI −46, −35) and the 8-h FLMR decreased by 61% (90% CI −65, −58) and 67% (90% CI −70, −63). The magnitude of decrease in CL/F and 4OHCLf was greater after seven doses compared with after one dose of fluconazole (P < 0.005). Conclusions This study provides strong evidence that both the 8-h FLRR and the 8-h FLMR are suitable phenotypic indices for CYP2C9 activity. PMID:17054666

Identification by CI-mass spectrometry of an unexpected benzodiazepine degradation product

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buret, D.; Breton, D.; Clair, P.; Lafosse, M.

2006-01-01

The French Military Health Service (SSA) has developed an innovative drug product, as a treatment against neurotoxic organophosphate poisoning (NOP). It contains three drug substances: an anticholinergic, an anticonvulsant and a cholinesterase reactivator. Testing stability study, in normal conditions, over 18 months, for this speciality, has given unexpected results. Indeed, one of the drug substances, avizafone (pro-drug of diazepam), breaks down partially into a compound which migrates into the plastic container where this degradation product is demethylated after absorption. Mass spectrometry with negative chemical ionisation (negative CI-MS) was used, to monitor decomposition of the drug substance. This method first showed migration of the degradation product and has been used to monitor its evolution during the stability testing study. The demethylation seems to be due to an additive product present in the plastic. The degradation products remain trapped in the container holding the pharmaceutical formulation.

40 CFR 60.4206 - How long must I meet the emission standards if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... standards if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal combustion engine? 60.4206 Section 60... Ignition Internal Combustion Engines Emission Standards for Owners and Operators § 60.4206 How long must I meet the emission standards if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal combustion engine...

40 CFR 60.4206 - How long must I meet the emission standards if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... standards if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal combustion engine? 60.4206 Section 60... Ignition Internal Combustion Engines Emission Standards for Owners and Operators § 60.4206 How long must I meet the emission standards if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal combustion engine...

40 CFR 60.4206 - How long must I meet the emission standards if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... standards if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal combustion engine? 60.4206 Section 60... Ignition Internal Combustion Engines Emission Standards for Owners and Operators § 60.4206 How long must I meet the emission standards if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal combustion engine...

Speech understanding in noise with the Roger Pen, Naida CI Q70 processor, and integrated Roger 17 receiver in a multi-talker network.

PubMed

De Ceulaer, Geert; Bestel, Julie; Mülder, Hans E; Goldbeck, Felix; de Varebeke, Sebastien Pierre Janssens; Govaerts, Paul J

2016-05-01

Roger is a digital adaptive multi-channel remote microphone technology that wirelessly transmits a speaker's voice directly to a hearing instrument or cochlear implant sound processor. Frequency hopping between channels, in combination with repeated broadcast, avoids interference issues that have limited earlier generation FM systems. This study evaluated the benefit of the Roger Pen transmitter microphone in a multiple talker network (MTN) for cochlear implant users in a simulated noisy conversation setting. Twelve post-lingually deafened adult Advanced Bionics CII/HiRes 90K recipients were recruited. Subjects used a Naida CI Q70 processor with integrated Roger 17 receiver. The test environment simulated four people having a meal in a noisy restaurant, one the CI user (listener), and three companions (talkers) talking non-simultaneously in a diffuse field of multi-talker babble. Speech reception thresholds (SRTs) were determined without the Roger Pen, with one Roger Pen, and with three Roger Pens in an MTN. Using three Roger Pens in an MTN improved the SRT by 14.8 dB over using no Roger Pen, and by 13.1 dB over using a single Roger Pen (p < 0.0001). The Roger Pen in an MTN provided statistically and clinically significant improvement in speech perception in noise for Advanced Bionics cochlear implant recipients. The integrated Roger 17 receiver made it easy for users of the Naida CI Q70 processor to take advantage of the Roger system. The listening advantage and ease of use should encourage more clinicians to recommend and fit Roger in adult cochlear implant patients.

Efficient approach for the detection and identification of new androgenic metabolites by applying SRM GC-CI-MS/MS: a methandienone case study.

PubMed

Polet, Michael; Van Gansbeke, Wim; Van Eenoo, Peter; Deventer, Koen

2016-07-01

Identification of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) is a vital issue in doping control and toxicology, and searching for metabolites with longer detection times remains an important task. Recently, a gas chromatography chemical ionization triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-CI-MS/MS) method was introduced, and CI, in comparison with electron ionization (EI), proved to be capable of increasing the sensitivity significantly. In addition, correlations between AAS structure and fragmentation behavior could be revealed. This enables the search for previously unknown but expected metabolites by selection of their predicted transitions. The combination of both factors allows the setup of an efficient approach to search for new metabolites. The approach uses selected reaction monitoring which is inherently more sensitive than full scan or precursor ion scan. Additionally, structural information obtained from the structure specific CI fragmentation pattern facilitates metabolite identification. The procedure was demonstrated by a methandienone case study. Its metabolites have been studied extensively in the past, and this allowed an adequate evaluation of the efficiency of the approach. Thirty three metabolites were detected, including all relevant previously discovered metabolites. In our study, the previously reported long-term metabolite (18-nor-17β-hydroxymethyl,17α-methyl-androst-1,4,13-trien-3-one) could be detected up to 26 days by using GC-CI-MS/MS. The study proves the validity of the approach to search for metabolites of new synthetic AAS and new long-term metabolites of less studied AAS and illustrates the increase in sensitivity by using CI. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Recombinant Botulinum Neurotoxin Hc Subunit (BoNT Hc) and Catalytically Inactive Clostridium botulinum Holoproteins (ciBoNT HPs) as Vaccine Candidates for the Prevention of Botulism

PubMed Central

Webb, Robert P.; Smith, Theresa J.; Smith, Leonard A.; Wright, Patrick M.; Guernieri, Rebecca L.; Brown, Jennifer L.; Skerry, Janet C.

2017-01-01

There are few available medical countermeasures against botulism and the discontinuation of the pentavalent botulinum toxoid vaccine by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2011 has resulted in the need for a safe and effective prophylactic alternative. Advances in genetic engineering have resulted in subsequent vaccine efforts being primarily focused on the production of highly purified recombinant protein antigens representing one or more domains of the botulinum neurotoxin. Recombinant subunit vaccines based on the carboxy one-third of the toxin (Hc) developed in our lab against serotypes A-F have been shown to be safe and effective. However, in response to the identification of an ever increasing number of BoNT subtypes with significant amino acid heterogeneity, we have developed catalytically inactive BoNT holoproteins (ciBoNT HPs) in an attempt to elicit greater protective immunity to address these toxin variants. Here we report the production of ciBoNT/B1 HP, ciBoNT/C1 HP, ciBoNT/E1 HP and ciBoNT/F1 HP and compare the immunological and protective abilities of ciBoNT HPs and BoNT/A Hc, BoNT/B Hc, BoNT/C Hc, BoNT/E Hc and BoNT/F Hc vaccines when challenged with homologous and heterologous toxins. Our results suggest the ciBoNT HP vaccines exhibit superior potency after single vaccinations but multiple vaccinations with BoNT/Hc antigens resulted in increased survival rates at the toxin challenge levels used. PMID:28869522

Transplantation for acute liver failure in patients exposed to NSAIDs or paracetamol (acetaminophen): the multinational case-population SALT study.

PubMed

Gulmez, Sinem Ezgi; Larrey, Dominique; Pageaux, Georges-Philippe; Lignot, Severine; Lassalle, Régis; Jové, Jérémy; Gatta, Angelo; McCormick, P Aiden; Metselaar, Harold J; Monteiro, Estela; Thorburn, Douglas; Bernal, William; Zouboulis-Vafiadis, Irene; de Vries, Corinne; Perez-Gutthann, Susana; Sturkenboom, Miriam; Bénichou, Jacques; Montastruc, Jean-Louis; Horsmans, Yves; Salvo, Francesco; Hamoud, Fatima; Micon, Sophie; Droz-Perroteau, Cécile; Blin, Patrick; Moore, Nicholas

2013-02-01

Most NSAIDs are thought to be able to cause hepatic injury and acute liver failure (ALF), but the event rates of those leading to transplantation (ALFT) remain uncertain. The aim of the study was to estimate population event rates for NSAID-associated ALFT METHODS: This was a case-population study of ALFT in 57 eligible liver transplant centres in seven countries (France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal and the UK). Cases were all adults registered from 2005 to 2007 for a liver transplant following ALFT without identified clinical aetiology, exposed to an NSAID or paracetamol (acetaminophen) within 30 days before the onset of clinical symptoms. NSAID and paracetamol population exposures were assessed using national sales data from Intercontinental Marketing Services (IMS). Risk was estimated as the rate of ALFT per million treatment-years (MTY). In the 52 participating centres, 9479 patients were registered for transplantation, with 600 for ALFT, 301 of whom, without clinical aetiology, had been exposed to a drug within 30 days. Of these 301 patients, 40 had been exposed to an NSAID and 192 to paracetamol (81 of whom were without overdose). Event rates per MTY were 1.59 (95 % CI 1.1-2.2) for all NSAIDs pooled, 2.3 (95 % CI 1.2-3.9) for ibuprofen, 1.9 (95 % CI 0.8-3.7) for nimesulide, 1.6 (95 % CI 0.6-3.4) for diclofenac and 1.6 (95 % CI 0.3-4.5) for ketoprofen. For paracetamol, the event rate was 3.3 per MTY (95 % CI 2.6-4.1) without overdoses and 7.8 (95 % CI 6.8-9.0) including overdoses. ALF leading to registration for transplantation after exposure to an NSAID was rare, with no major difference between NSAID. Non-overdose paracetamol-exposed liver failure was twice more common than NSAID-exposed liver failure.

Project Ci-Nergy Towards AN Integrated Energy Urban Planning System from a Data Modelling and System Architecture Perspective

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agugiaro, G.; Robineau, J.-L.; Rodrigues, P.

2017-09-01

Growing urbanisation, its related environmental impacts, and social inequalities in cities are challenges requiring a holistic urban planning perspective that takes into account the different aspects of sustainable development. One crucial point is to reconcile urban planning with environmental targets, which include decreasing energy demand and CO2 emissions, and increasing the share of renewable energy. Within this context, the project CI-NERGY aims to develop urban energy modelling, simulation and optimisation methods and tools to support decision making in urban planning. However, there are several barriers to the implementation of such tools, such as: fragmentation of involved disciplines, different stakeholders, multiplicity of scales in a city and extreme heterogeneity of data regarding all the processes to be addressed. Project CI-NERGY aims, among other goals, at overcoming these barriers, and focuses on two case study cities, Geneva in Switzerland and Vienna in Austria. In particular, project CI-NERGY faces several challenges starting with different cities, heterogeneous data sources and simulation tools, diverse user groups and their individual needs. This paper describes the experiences gathered during the project. After giving a brief overview of the project, the two case study cities, Geneva and Vienna, are briefly presented, and the focus shifts then on overall system architecture of the project, ranging from urban data modelling topics to the implementation of a Service-Oriented Architecture. Some of the challenges faced, the solutions found, as well some plans for future improvements are described and commented.

Evidence for Impact Shock Melting in CM and CI Chondrite Regolith Samples

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zolensky, Michael; Mikouchi, Takashi; Hagiya, Kenji; Ohsumi, Kazumasa; Komatsu, Mutsumi; Le, Loan

2014-01-01

C class asteroids frequently exhibit reflectance spectra consistent with thermally metamorphosed carbonaceous chondrites, or a mixture of phyllosilicate-rich material along with regions where they are absent. One particularly important example appears to be near-Earth asteroid 1999 JU3, the target of the Hayabusa II sample return mission [1], although not all spectra indicate this. In fact most spectra of 1999 JU3 are featureless, suggesting a heterogeneous regolith. Here we explore an alternative cause of dehydration of regolith of C class asteroids - impact shock melting. Impact shock melting has been proposed to explain some mineralogical characteristics of CB chondrites, but has not been considered a major process for hydrous carbonaceous chondrites. What evidence is there for significant shock melting in the very abundant CMs, or less abundant but still important CI chondrites?

40 CFR 60.4212 - What test methods and other procedures must I use if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... displacement of less than 30 liters per cylinder? 60.4212 Section 60.4212 Protection of Environment... owner or operator of a stationary CI internal combustion engine with a displacement of less than 30 liters per cylinder? Owners and operators of stationary CI ICE with a displacement of less than 30 liters...

40 CFR 60.4212 - What test methods and other procedures must I use if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... displacement of less than 30 liters per cylinder? 60.4212 Section 60.4212 Protection of Environment... owner or operator of a stationary CI internal combustion engine with a displacement of less than 30 liters per cylinder? Owners and operators of stationary CI ICE with a displacement of less than 30 liters...

40 CFR 60.4212 - What test methods and other procedures must I use if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... displacement of less than 30 liters per cylinder? 60.4212 Section 60.4212 Protection of Environment... owner or operator of a stationary CI internal combustion engine with a displacement of less than 30 liters per cylinder? Owners and operators of stationary CI ICE with a displacement of less than 30 liters...

40 CFR 60.4212 - What test methods and other procedures must I use if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... displacement of less than 30 liters per cylinder? ] 60.4212 Section 60.4212 Protection of Environment... owner or operator of a stationary CI internal combustion engine with a displacement of less than 30 liters per cylinder?] Owners and operators of stationary CI ICE with a displacement of less than 30...

40 CFR 60.4212 - What test methods and other procedures must I use if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... displacement of less than 30 liters per cylinder? 60.4212 Section 60.4212 Protection of Environment... owner or operator of a stationary CI internal combustion engine with a displacement of less than 30 liters per cylinder? Owners and operators of stationary CI ICE with a displacement of less than 30 liters...

Usina de ciências: um espaço pedagógico para aprendizagens múltiplas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martin, V. A. F.; Poppe, P. C. R.; Orrico, A. C. P.; Pereira, M. G.

2003-08-01

Entendemos que o Ensino de Astronomia é especialmente apropriado para motivar os alunos e aprofundar conteúdos em diversas áreas do conhecimento, pois envolve temas ligados à Física, Matemática, Química, Computação, Tratamento de Imagens e Instrumentação de Alta Precisão, além daqueles pertinentes as áreas de Geografia, História e Antropologia. Contudo, apesar do caráter interdisciplinar que esta ciência possui, a realidade atual é que a maioria dos professores em sala de aula não foram devidamente capacitados, durante o período de formação acadêmica, para ministrar conteúdos de Astronomia nos atuais Ensinos Fundamental e Médio. Neste trabalho, discutiremos de maneira ampla, num primeiro momento, a realidade do atual ensino de ciências praticado no Estado da Bahia, apontando por dependência administrativa, o crescimento e a redução do número de escolas, da taxa de analfabetismo por faixa etária, da escolarização, do atendimento, da aprovação, reprovação e abandono, de equipamentos e laboratórios e o grau de formação dos nossos atuais professores em pleno exercício de atividade docente. Num segundo momento, discutiremos o papel do Observatório Astronômico Antares/UEFS dentro desse contexto, ou seja, suas ações implementadas ao longo dos últimos anos e em particular, o recente projeto de extensão Ensino e Difusão de Astronomia, financiado pela Fundação Vitae, que procura traduzir no lúdico, no brincar de ciências, um espaço pedagógico para aprendizagens múltiplas. Neste, o papel do professor multiplicador associado ao laboratório de kits didáticos, de fácil construção e manipulação (alguns dos quais serão mostrados), perfazem os principais veículos para o desenvolvimento de conhecimentos, atitudes, habilidades e valores que preparam os nossos alunos para a carreira técnico-científica e para sua participação crítica e criativa na Sociedade.

The functional significance of cortical reorganization and the parallel development of CI therapy

PubMed Central

Taub, Edward; Uswatte, Gitendra; Mark, Victor W.

2014-01-01

For the nineteenth and the better part of the twentieth centuries two correlative beliefs were strongly held by almost all neuroscientists and practitioners in the field of neurorehabilitation. The first was that after maturity the adult CNS was hardwired and fixed, and second that in the chronic phase after CNS injury no substantial recovery of function could take place no matter what intervention was employed. However, in the last part of the twentieth century evidence began to accumulate that neither belief was correct. First, in the 1960s and 1970s, in research with primates given a surgical abolition of somatic sensation from a single forelimb, which rendered the extremity useless, it was found that behavioral techniques could convert the limb into an extremity that could be used extensively. Beginning in the late 1980s, the techniques employed with deafferented monkeys were translated into a rehabilitation treatment, termed Constraint Induced Movement therapy or CI therapy, for substantially improving the motor deficit in humans of the upper and lower extremities in the chronic phase after stroke. CI therapy has been applied successfully to other types of damage to the CNS such as traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injury, and it has also been used to improve function in focal hand dystonia and for aphasia after stroke. As this work was proceeding, it was being shown during the 1980s and 1990s that sustained modulation of afferent input could alter the structure of the CNS and that this topographic reorganization could have relevance to the function of the individual. The alteration in these once fundamental beliefs has given rise to important recent developments in neuroscience and neurorehabilitation and holds promise for further increasing our understanding of CNS function and extending the boundaries of what is possible in neurorehabilitation. PMID:25018720

Changes in the SF-8 scores among healthy non-smoking school teachers after the enforcement of a smoke-free school policy: a comparison by passive smoke status

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background The effects of the enforcement of a smoke-free workplace policy on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among a healthy population are poorly understood. The present study was undertaken to examine the effects of the enforcement of a smoke-free school policy on HRQOL among healthy non-smoking schoolteachers with respect to their exposure to passive smoke. Methods Two self-reported questionnaire surveys were conducted, the first before and the second after the enforcement of a total smoke-free public school policy in Nara City. A total of 1534 teachers were invited from 62 schools, and their HRQOL was assessed using six domains extracted from the Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form-8 questionnaire (SF-8): general health perception (GH), role functioning-physical (RP), vitality (VT), social functioning (SF), mental health (MH), and role functioning-emotional (RE). The participants were divided into two groups according to their exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) at baseline: participants not exposed to ETS at school (non-smokers), and participants exposed to ETS at school (passive smokers). Changes in each SF-8 score were evaluated using paired t-tests for each group, and their inter-group differences were evaluated using multiple linear regression analyses adjusted for sex, age, school type, managerial position, and attitude towards a smoke-free policy. Results After ineligible subjects were excluded, 689 teachers were included in the analyses. The number of non-smokers and passive smokers was 447 and 242, respectively. Significant changes in SF-8 scores were observed for MH (0.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.2-1.5) and RE (0.7; 95% CI, 0.0-1.3) in non-smokers, and GH (2.2; 95% CI, 1.2-3.1), VT (1.8; 95% CI, 0.9-2.7), SF (2.7; 95% CI, 1.6-3.8), MH (2.0; 95% CI, 1.0-2.9), and RE (2.0; 95% CI, 1.2-2.8) in passive smokers. In the multiple linear regression analyses, the net changes in the category scores of GH (1.8; 95% CI, 0.7-2.9), VT (1

Changes in the SF-8 scores among healthy non-smoking school teachers after the enforcement of a smoke-free school policy: a comparison by passive smoke status.

PubMed

Kiyohara, Kosuke; Itani, Yuri; Kawamura, Takashi; Matsumoto, Yoshitaka; Takahashi, Yuko

2010-04-28

The effects of the enforcement of a smoke-free workplace policy on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among a healthy population are poorly understood. The present study was undertaken to examine the effects of the enforcement of a smoke-free school policy on HRQOL among healthy non-smoking schoolteachers with respect to their exposure to passive smoke. Two self-reported questionnaire surveys were conducted, the first before and the second after the enforcement of a total smoke-free public school policy in Nara City. A total of 1534 teachers were invited from 62 schools, and their HRQOL was assessed using six domains extracted from the Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form-8 questionnaire (SF-8): general health perception (GH), role functioning-physical (RP), vitality (VT), social functioning (SF), mental health (MH), and role functioning-emotional (RE). The participants were divided into two groups according to their exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) at baseline: participants not exposed to ETS at school (non-smokers), and participants exposed to ETS at school (passive smokers). Changes in each SF-8 score were evaluated using paired t-tests for each group, and their inter-group differences were evaluated using multiple linear regression analyses adjusted for sex, age, school type, managerial position, and attitude towards a smoke-free policy. After ineligible subjects were excluded, 689 teachers were included in the analyses. The number of non-smokers and passive smokers was 447 and 242, respectively. Significant changes in SF-8 scores were observed for MH (0.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.2-1.5) and RE (0.7; 95% CI, 0.0-1.3) in non-smokers, and GH (2.2; 95% CI, 1.2-3.1), VT (1.8; 95% CI, 0.9-2.7), SF (2.7; 95% CI, 1.6-3.8), MH (2.0; 95% CI, 1.0-2.9), and RE (2.0; 95% CI, 1.2-2.8) in passive smokers. In the multiple linear regression analyses, the net changes in the category scores of GH (1.8; 95% CI, 0.7-2.9), VT (1.4, 95% CI, 0.3-2.5), SF (2

The development of a thermostable CiP (Coprinus cinereus peroxidase) through in silico design.

PubMed

Kim, Su Jin; Lee, Jeong Ah; Joo, Jeong Chan; Yoo, Young Je; Kim, Yong Hwan; Song, Bong Keun

2010-01-01

Protein thermostability is a crucial issue in the practical application of enzymes, such as inorganic synthesis and enzymatic polymerization of phenol derivatives. Much attention has been focused on the enhancement and numerous successes have been achieved through protein engineering methods. Despite fruitful results based on random mutagenesis, it was still necessary to develop a novel strategy that can reduce the time and effort involved in this process. In this study, a rapid and effective strategy is described for increasing the thermal stability of a protein. Instead of random mutagenesis, a rational strategy was adopted to theoretically stabilize the thermo labile residues of a protein using computational methods. Protein residues with high flexibility can be thermo labile due to their large range of movement. Here, residue B factor values were used to identify putatively thermo labile residues and the RosettaDesign program was applied to search for stable sequences. Coprinus cinereus (CiP) heme peroxidase was selected as a model protein for its importance in commercial applications, such as the polymerization of phenolic compounds. Eleven CiP residues with the highest B factor values were chosen as target mutation sites for thermostabilization, and then redesigned using RosettaDesign to identify sequences. Eight mutants based on the redesigns, were produced as functional enzymes and two of these (S323Y and E328D) showed increased thermal stability over the wild-type in addition to conserved catalytic activity. Thus, this strategy can be used as a rapid and effective in silico design tool for obtaining thermostable proteins. (c) 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers

40 CFR Table 7 to Subpart IIIi of... - Requirements for Performance Tests for Stationary CI ICE With a Displacement of ≥30 Liters per...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... Stationary CI ICE With a Displacement of â¥30 Liters per Cylinder 7 Table 7 to Subpart IIII of Part 60... Performance Tests for Stationary CI ICE With a Displacement of ≥30 Liters per Cylinder [As stated in § 60.4213... displacement of ≥30 liters per cylinder:] For each Complying with therequirement to You must Using According to...

40 CFR Table 7 to Subpart IIIi of... - Requirements for Performance Tests for Stationary CI ICE With a Displacement of ≥30 Liters per...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... Stationary CI ICE With a Displacement of â¥30 Liters per Cylinder 7 Table 7 to Subpart IIII of Part 60... Performance Tests for Stationary CI ICE With a Displacement of ≥30 Liters per Cylinder [As stated in § 60.4213... displacement of ≥30 liters per cylinder:] For each Complying with therequirement to You must Using According to...

40 CFR Table 7 to Subpart IIIi of... - Requirements for Performance Tests for Stationary CI ICE With a Displacement of ≥30 Liters per...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Stationary CI ICE With a Displacement of â¥30 Liters per Cylinder 7 Table 7 to Subpart IIII of Part 60... Performance Tests for Stationary CI ICE With a Displacement of ≥30 Liters per Cylinder [As stated in § 60.4213... displacement of ≥30 liters per cylinder:] For each Complying with therequirement to You must Using According to...

40 CFR Table 7 to Subpart IIIi of... - Requirements for Performance Tests for Stationary CI ICE With a Displacement of ≥30 Liters per...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... Stationary CI ICE With a Displacement of â¥30 Liters per Cylinder 7 Table 7 to Subpart IIII of Part 60... Performance Tests for Stationary CI ICE With a Displacement of ≥30 Liters per Cylinder As stated in § 60.4213... displacement of ≥30 liters per cylinder: Each Complying with the requirement to You must Using According to the...

40 CFR Table 7 to Subpart IIIi of... - Requirements for Performance Tests for Stationary CI ICE With a Displacement of ≥30 Liters per...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... Stationary CI ICE With a Displacement of â¥30 Liters per Cylinder 7 Table 7 to Subpart IIII of Part 60... Performance Tests for Stationary CI ICE With a Displacement of ≥30 Liters per Cylinder [As stated in § 60.4213... displacement of ≥30 liters per cylinder:] For each Complying with therequirement to You must Using According to...

Structure and Bonding of Carbon in Clays from CI Carbonaceous Chondrites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Garview, Laurence a. J.; Buseck, Peter R.

2005-01-01

Carbonaceous chondrites (CC) contain a diverse suite of C-rich materials. Acid dissolution of these meteorites leaves a C-rich residue with chemical and structural affinities to kerogen. This material has primarily been analyzed in bulk, and much information has been provided regarding functional groups and elemental and isotopic compositions. However, comparatively little work has been done on C in unprocessed meteorites. Studies of CCs suggest a spatial relationship of some C-rich materials with products of aqueous alteration. Recent studies revealed discrete submicronsized, C-rich particles in Tagish Lake and a range of CM2 meteorites. A challenge is to correlate the findings from the bulk acid-residue studies with those of high-spatial resolution-mineralogical and spectroscopic observations of unprocessed meteorites. Hence, the relationship between the C-rich materials in the acid residues and its form and locations in the unprocessed meteorite remains unclear. Here we provide information on the structure and bonding of C associated with clays in CI carbonaceous chondrites. Additional information is included in the original extended abstract.

78 FR 37791 - In the Matter of: Jose Guadalupe Reyes-Martinez, Inmate Number #85993-279, CI Adams County...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-24

... DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Bureau of Industry and Security In the Matter of: Jose Guadalupe Reyes-Martinez, Inmate Number 85993-279, CI Adams County, Correctional Institution, P.O. Box 1600, Washington, MS 39190; Order Denying Export Privileges On November 21, 2011, in the U.S. District Court, Southern...

Ecofriendly degradation of sulfonated diazo dye C.I. Reactive Green 19A using Micrococcus glutamicus NCIM-2168.

PubMed

Saratale, R G; Saratale, G D; Chang, J S; Govindwar, S P

2009-09-01

Micrococcus glutamicus NCIM-2168 exhibited complete decolorization and degradation of C.I. Reactive Green 19A (an initial concentration of 50 mg l(-1)) within 42 h at temperature 37 degrees C and pH 8, under static condition. Extent of mineralization was determined with total organic carbon (TOC) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) measurement, showing a satisfactory reduction of TOC (72%) and COD (66%) within 42 h. Enzyme studies shows involvement of oxidoreductive enzymes in decolorization/degradation process. Analytical studies of the extracted metabolites confirmed the significant degradation of Reactive Green 19A into various metabolites. The microbial toxicity and phytotoxicity assay revealed that the degradation of Reactive Green 19A produced nontoxic metabolites. In addition, the M. glutamicus strain was applied to decolorize a mixture of ten reactive dyes showing a 63% decolorization (in terms of decrease in ADMI value) within 72 h, along with 48% and 42% reduction in TOC and COD under static condition.

The Kto-Skd complex can regulate ptc expression by interacting with Cubitus interruptus (Ci) in the Hedgehog signaling pathway.

PubMed

Mao, Feifei; Yang, Xiaofeng; Fu, Lin; Lv, Xiangdong; Zhang, Zhao; Wu, Wenqing; Yang, Siqi; Zhou, Zhaocai; Zhang, Lei; Zhao, Yun

2014-08-08

The hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway plays a very important role in metazoan development by controlling pattern formation. Drosophila imaginal discs are subdivided into anterior and posterior compartments that derive from adjacent cell populations. The anterior/posterior (A/P) boundaries, which are critical to maintaining the position of organizers, are established by a complex mechanism involving Hh signaling. Here, we uncover the regulation of ptc in the Hh signaling pathway by two subunits of mediator complex, Kto and Skd, which can also regulate boundary location. Collectively, we provide further evidence that Kto-Skd affects the A/P-axial development of the whole wing disc. Kto can interact with Cubitus interruptus (Ci), bind to the Ci-binding region on ptc promoter, which are both regulated by Hh signals to down-regulate ptc expression. © 2014 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Unresolved grief and its consequences. A nationwide follow-up of teenage loss of a parent to cancer 6-9 years earlier.

PubMed

Bylund-Grenklo, T; Fürst, C J; Nyberg, T; Steineck, G; Kreicbergs, U

2016-07-01

The early loss of a parent is a tragedy and a serious life event. This study investigated grief resolution and morbidity in cancer-bereaved teenagers 6 to 9 years after the loss of a parent to cancer. In a nationwide population-based study of 622 of 851 (73 %) youths who as teenagers 6 to 9 years earlier had lost a parent to cancer, we explored the magnitude of unresolved grief and its association with psychological and physiological morbidity. Participants answered a study-specific anonymous questionnaire including questions about if they had worked through their grief and about their current health. Six to nine years post-loss 49 % reported unresolved grief (8 % no and 41 % a little grief resolution). They had, in comparison with youths reporting resolved grief, statistically significantly elevated risks, e.g. for insomnia (sons' relative risk (RR) 2.3, 95 % CI 1.3-4.0; daughters' RR 1.7, 95 % CI 1.1-2.7), fatigue (sons' RR 1.8, 95 % CI 1.3-2.5; daughters' RR 1.4, 95 % CI 1.1-1.7) and moderate to severe depression, i.e. score >9, PHQ-9 (sons' RR 3.6, 95 % CI 1.4-8.8; daughters' RR 1.8, 95 % CI 1.1-3.1). Associations remained for insomnia in sons, exhaustion in daughters and fatigue in both sons and daughters when depression, negative intrusive thoughts and avoiding reminders of the parents' disease or death were included in a model. Approximately half of cancer-bereaved youth report no or little grief resolution 6 to 9 years post-loss, which is associated with fatigue, sleeping problems and depressive symptoms.

XPS of oxygen atoms on Ag(111) and Ag(110) surfaces: accurate study with SAC/SAC-CI combined with dipped adcluster model.

PubMed

Ishikawa, Atsushi; Nakatsuji, Hiroshi

2013-08-05

O1s core-electron binding energies (CEBE) of the atomic oxygens on different Ag surfaces were investigated by the symmetry adapted cluster-configuration interaction (SAC-CI) method combined with the dipped adcluster model, in which the electron exchange between bulk metal and adsorbate is taken into account properly. Electrophilic and nucleophilic oxygens (O(elec) and O(nuc)) that might be important for olefin epoxidation in a low-oxygen coverage condition were focused here. We consider the O1s CEBE as a key property to distinguish the surface oxygen states, and series of calculation was carried out by the Hartree-Fock, Density functional theory, and SAC/SAC-CI methods. The experimental information and our SAC/SAC-CI results indicate that O(elec) is the atomic oxygen adsorbed on the fcc site of Ag(111) and that O(nuc) is the one on the reconstructed added-row site of Ag(110) and that one- and two-electron transfers occur, respectively, to the O(elec) and O(nuc) adclusters from the silver surface. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Head Shadow, Squelch, and Summation Effects with an Energetic or Informational Masker in Bilateral and Bimodal CI Users

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pyschny, Verena; Landwehr, Markus; Hahn, Moritz; Lang-Roth, Ruth; Walger, Martin; Meister, Hartmut

2014-01-01

Purpose: The objective of the study was to investigate the influence of noise (energetic) and speech (energetic plus informational) maskers on the head shadow (HS), squelch (SQ), and binaural summation (SU) effect in bilateral and bimodal cochlear implant (CI) users. Method: Speech recognition was measured in the presence of either a competing…

Prevalence of overweight, obesity and thinness in 9-10 year old children in Mauritius.

PubMed

Caleyachetty, Rishi; Rudnicka, Alicja R; Echouffo-Tcheugui, Justin B; Siegel, Karen R; Richards, Nigel; Whincup, Peter H

2012-07-23

To document the prevalence of overweight, obesity and thinness in 9-10 year old children in Mauritius. 412 boys and 429 girls aged 9-10 years from 23 primary schools were selected using stratified cluster random sampling. All data was cross-sectional and collected via anthropometry and self-administered questionnaire. Outcome measures were BMI (kg/m2), prevalence of overweight, obesity (International Obesity Task Force definitions) and thinness (low BMI for age). Linear and logistic regression analyses, accounting for clustering at the school level, were used to assess associations between gender, ethnicity, school location, and school's academic performance (average) to each outcome measure. The distribution of BMI was marginally skewed with a more pronounced positive tail in the girls. Median BMI was 15.6 kg/m2 in boys and 15.4 kg/m2 in girls, respectively. In boys, prevalence of overweight was 15.8% (95% CI: 12.6, 19.6), prevalence of obesity 4.9% (95% CI: 3.2, 7.4) and prevalence of thinness 12.4% (95% CI: 9.5, 15.9). Among girls, 18.9% (95% CI: 15.5, 22.9) were overweight, 5.1% (95% CI: 3.4, 7.7) were obese and 13.1% (95% CI: 10.2, 16.6) were thin. Urban children had a slightly higher mean BMI than rural children (0.5 kg/m2, 95% CI: 0.01, 1.00) and were nearly twice as likely to be obese (6.7% vs. 4.0%; adjusted odds ratio 1.6; 95% CI: 0.9, 3.5). Creole children were less likely to be classified as thin compared to Indian children (adjusted odds ratio 0.3, 95% CI: 0.2, 0.6). Mauritius is currently in the midst of nutritional transition with both a high prevalence of overweight and thinness in children aged 9-10 years. The coexistence of children representing opposite sides of the energy balance equation presents a unique challenge for policy and interventions. Further exploration is needed to understand the specific causes of the double burden of malnutrition and to make appropriate policy recommendations.

TD-CI simulation of the electronic optical response of molecules in intense fields II: comparison of DFT functionals and EOM-CCSD.

PubMed

Sonk, Jason A; Schlegel, H Bernhard

2011-10-27

Time-dependent configuration interaction (TD-CI) simulations can be used to simulate molecules in intense laser fields. TD-CI calculations use the excitation energies and transition dipoles calculated in the absence of a field. The EOM-CCSD method provides a good estimate of the field-free excited states but is rather expensive. Linear-response time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) is an inexpensive alternative for computing the field-free excitation energies and transition dipoles needed for TD-CI simulations. Linear-response TD-DFT calculations were carried out with standard functionals (B3LYP, BH&HLYP, HSE2PBE (HSE03), BLYP, PBE, PW91, and TPSS) and long-range corrected functionals (LC-ωPBE, ωB97XD, CAM-B3LYP, LC-BLYP, LC-PBE, LC-PW91, and LC-TPSS). These calculations used the 6-31G(d,p) basis set augmented with three sets of diffuse sp functions on each heavy atom. Butadiene was employed as a test case, and 500 excited states were calculated with each functional. Standard functionals yield average excitation energies that are significantly lower than the EOM-CC, while long-range corrected functionals tend to produce average excitation energies slightly higher. Long-range corrected functionals also yield transition dipoles that are somewhat larger than EOM-CC on average. The TD-CI simulations were carried out with a three-cycle Gaussian pulse (ω = 0.06 au, 760 nm) with intensities up to 1.26 × 10(14) W cm(-2) directed along the vector connecting the end carbons. The nonlinear response as indicated by the residual populations of the excited states after the pulse is far too large with standard functionals, primarily because the excitation energies are too low. The LC-ωPBE, LC-PBE, LC-PW91, and LC-TPSS long-range corrected functionals produce responses comparable to EOM-CC.

40 CFR 721.5281 - 2-Naphthalenesulfonic acid, 3-[[4-[(2,4-dimethyl-6-sulfophenyl)azo]-2-methoxy-5-methylphenyl]azo...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

..., compd. With 2,2â²,2â³-nitrilotris [ethanol] (9CI). 721.5281 Section 721.5281 Protection of Environment... salt, compd. With 2,2′,2″-nitrilotris [ethanol] (9CI). (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses.... With 2,2′,2″-nitrilotris [ethanol] (9CI) (PMN P-95-1235; CAS No. 94213-53-3) is subject to reporting...

40 CFR 721.5281 - 2-Naphthalenesulfonic acid, 3-[[4-[(2,4-dimethyl-6-sulfophenyl)azo]-2-methoxy-5-methylphenyl]azo...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

..., compd. With 2,2â²,2â³-nitrilotris [ethanol] (9CI). 721.5281 Section 721.5281 Protection of Environment... salt, compd. With 2,2′,2″-nitrilotris [ethanol] (9CI). (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses.... With 2,2′,2″-nitrilotris [ethanol] (9CI) (PMN P-95-1235; CAS No. 94213-53-3) is subject to reporting...

40 CFR 721.5281 - 2-Naphthalenesulfonic acid, 3-[[4-[(2,4-dimethyl-6-sulfophenyl)azo]-2-methoxy-5-methylphenyl]azo...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

..., compd. With 2,2â²,2â³-nitrilotris [ethanol] (9CI). 721.5281 Section 721.5281 Protection of Environment... salt, compd. With 2,2′,2″-nitrilotris [ethanol] (9CI). (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses.... With 2,2′,2″-nitrilotris [ethanol] (9CI) (PMN P-95-1235; CAS No. 94213-53-3) is subject to reporting...

40 CFR 721.5281 - 2-Naphthalenesulfonic acid, 3-[[4-[(2,4-dimethyl-6-sulfophenyl)azo]-2-methoxy-5-methylphenyl]azo...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

..., compd. With 2,2â²,2â³-nitrilotris [ethanol] (9CI). 721.5281 Section 721.5281 Protection of Environment... salt, compd. With 2,2′,2″-nitrilotris [ethanol] (9CI). (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses.... With 2,2′,2″-nitrilotris [ethanol] (9CI) (PMN P-95-1235; CAS No. 94213-53-3) is subject to reporting...

40 CFR 721.5281 - 2-Naphthalenesulfonic acid, 3-[[4-[(2,4-dimethyl-6-sulfophenyl)azo]-2-methoxy-5-methylphenyl]azo...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

..., compd. With 2,2â²,2â³-nitrilotris [ethanol] (9CI). 721.5281 Section 721.5281 Protection of Environment... salt, compd. With 2,2′,2″-nitrilotris [ethanol] (9CI). (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses.... With 2,2′,2″-nitrilotris [ethanol] (9CI) (PMN P-95-1235; CAS No. 94213-53-3) is subject to reporting...

Comments on "Determination and Analysis of the Theoretical Production of a Bucket Wheel Excavator" / Uwagi I Komentarze Do Pracy: "Określanie I Analiza Teoretycznej Wydajności Pracy Koparki Wielonaczyniowej Kołowej"

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bošnjak, Srđan M.

2015-03-01

ągnięcia badań teoretycznych Che i Chen (2014, strona 289) przedstawione dla konkretnej koparki wielonaczyniowej kołowej eksploatowanej w kopalni odkrywkowej lignitu w Reńskim Zagłębiu Węglowym ..." (Che i Chen 2014). Obliczenia głębokości wrębu i prędkości kątowej wysięgnika oraz teoretycznej wydajności pracy przeprowadzono na cztery sposoby, co obrazuje Tabela 2: • Wariant 1 - z wykorzystaniem teorii rozwiniętej przez Che i Chena (2014, strona 289); • Wariant 2 różni się od Wariantu 1 tylko zasadą określającą zmiany prędkości kątowej, i.e. określona jest ona wzorem: "...zasada 1/cosφ (Che i Chen 2014, strona 289); • Wariant 3 wykorzystuje znane równania podane w cytowanej literaturze przedmiotu (Durst i Vogt, 1988; Pajer i in., 1971; Rasper, 1975); • Wariant 4 różni od Wariantu 3 wyłącznie wyrażenie określające głębokości wrębu, w Wariancie 4 zastosowane zostało wyrażenie pozwalające na dokładne obliczenie głębokości wrębu. Zaprezentowane wyniki prowadzą do następujących wniosków: • Maksymalna teoretycznie obliczona wydajność dla wszystkich wariantów jest niższa od wartości maksymalnej otrzymanej przy wykorzystaniu równania (s), tak więc nie zachodzi niebezpieczeństwo nadmiernego przeciążenia łyżki, jak to zostało stwierdzone w pracy Che i Chena (2014); • Maksymalne teoretycznie wyliczone wydajności dla wariantu 1 i 2 należy odrzucić z powodu błędu w definicji promienia odniesienia Re, określonego równaniem (I), co zostało szczegółowo omówione w rozdziale 3 tej pracy; • Gdy teoretyczna wydajność obliczana jest w oparciu o dokładny wzór na głębokość wrębu (Wariant 4), otrzymujemy nieco wyższe wartości niż w Wariancie 3. Procentowo, różnica ta jest mniejsza niż 1% dla 0 ≤ φ ≤ 50.8°, poniżej 2% dla 0 ≤ φ ≤ 64.5° i poniżej 3% dla 0 ≤ φ ≤ 75.6° (rys. 11). Maksymalna wartość (5.9%) osiągana jest dla φ = 80°. Z punktu widzenia zastosowań in

Impacts of a national strategy to reduce population salt intake in England: serial cross sectional study.

PubMed

Millett, Christopher; Laverty, Anthony A; Stylianou, Neophytos; Bibbins-Domingo, Kirsten; Pape, Utz J

2012-01-01

The UK introduced an ambitious national strategy to reduce population levels of salt intake in 2003. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of this strategy on salt intake in England, including potential effects on health inequalities. Secondary analysis of data from the Health Survey for England. Our main outcome measure was trends in estimated daily salt intake from 2003-2007, as measured by spot urine. Secondary outcome measures were knowledge of government guidance and voluntary use of salt in food preparation over this time period. There were significant reductions in salt intake between 2003 and 2007 (-0.175 grams per day per year, p<0.001). Intake decreased uniformly across all other groups but remained significantly higher in younger persons, men, ethnic minorities and lower social class groups and those without hypertension in 2007. Awareness of government guidance on salt use was lowest in those groups with the highest intake (semi-skilled manual v professional; 64.9% v 71.0% AOR 0.76 95% CI 0.58-0.99). Self reported use of salt added at the table reduced significantly during the study period (56.5% to 40.2% p<0.001). Respondents from ethnic minority groups remained significantly more likely to add salt during cooking (white 42.8%, black 74.1%, south Asian 88.3%) and those from lower social class groups (unskilled manual 46.6%, professional 35.2%) were more likely to add salt at the table. The introduction a national salt reduction strategy was associated with uniform but modest reductions in salt intake in England, although it is not clear precisely which aspects of the strategy contributed to this. Knowledge of government guidance was lower and voluntary salt use and total salt intake was higher among occupational and ethnic groups at greatest risk of cardiovascular disease.

Plasma Septin9 versus fecal immunochemical testing for colorectal cancer screening: a prospective multicenter study.

PubMed

Johnson, David A; Barclay, Robert L; Mergener, Klaus; Weiss, Gunter; König, Thomas; Beck, Jürgen; Potter, Nicholas T

2014-01-01

Screening improves outcomes related to colorectal cancer (CRC); however, suboptimal participation for available screening tests limits the full benefits of screening. Non-invasive screening using a blood based assay may potentially help reach the unscreened population. To compare the performance of a new Septin9 DNA methylation based blood test with a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) for CRC screening. In this trial, fecal and blood samples were obtained from enrolled patients. To compare test sensitivity for CRC, patients with screening identified colorectal cancer (n = 102) were enrolled and provided samples prior to surgery. To compare test specificity patients were enrolled prospectively (n = 199) and provided samples prior to bowel preparation for screening colonoscopy. Plasma and fecal samples were analyzed using the Epi proColon and OC Fit-Check tests respectively. For all samples, sensitivity for CRC detection was 73.3% (95% CI 63.9-80.9%) and 68.0% (95% CI 58.2-76.5%) for Septin9 and FIT, respectively. Specificity of the Epi proColon test was 81.5% (95% CI 75.5-86.3%) compared with 97.4% (95% CI 94.1-98.9%) for FIT. For paired samples, the sensitivity of the Epi proColon test (72.2% -95% CI 62.5-80.1%) was shown to be statistically non-inferior to FIT (68.0%-95% CI 58.2-76.5%). When test results for Epi proColon and FIT were combined, CRC detection was 88.7% at a specificity of 78.8%. At a sensitivity of 72%, the Epi proColon test is non- inferior to FIT for CRC detection, although at a lower specificity. With negative predictive values of 99.8%, both methods are identical in confirming the absence of CRC. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01580540.

Stability and Load Bearing Capacity of a Bars with Built up Cross Section and Elastic Supports / Badania Stateczności I Nosności Prętów Złożonych Z Podporami Sprężystymi

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krajewski, Marcin

2015-03-01

The present paper is devoted to the numerical analysis and experimental tests of compressed bars with built-up cross section which are commonly used as a top chord of the roof trusses. The significant impact on carrying capacity for that kind of elements in case of out-of-plane buckling is appropriate choice of battens which are used to provide interaction between separate members. Linear buckling analysis results and nonlinear static analysis results, with material and geometrical nonlinearity, are presented for the bar with built-up cross section which was used as the top chord of the truss made in reality. Diagonals and verticals which are supports for the top chord between marginal joints were replaced by the elastic supports. The threshold stiffness (minimum stiffness) for the intermediate elastic supports which ensures maximum buckling load was appointed for the beam and shell model of the structure. The magnitude of limit load depended on length of the battens was calculated for models with initial geometric imperfections. The experimental tests results for the axially compressed bars with builtup cross section and elastic support are presented. Niniejsza praca poświecona jest analizom numerycznym i badaniom doświadczalnym ściskanych prętów złożonych, które są często stosowane, jako pasy górne kratownic dachowych. Istotny wpływ na nośność tego typu elementów, przy założeniu wyboczenia z płaszczyzny układu, ma odpowiedni dobór przewiązek zapewniający współpracę poszczególnych gałęzi. W pracy przedstawiono rezultaty liniowych analiz stateczności oraz fizycznie i geometrycznie nieliniowych analiz statycznych dla pręta złożonego, z którego zbudowany jest pas górny kratownicy wykonanej w rzeczywistości. Słupki i krzyżulce podpierające pas między węzłami skrajnymi zastąpiono podporami sprężystymi. Wyznaczono graniczną (minimalna) sztywność sprężystych podpór pośrednich zapewniającą maksymalną wartość obci

Transmission of human herpesvirus type 8 infection within families in american indigenous populations from the Brazilian Amazon.

PubMed

Borges, Jaila D; Souza, Vanda A U F; Giambartolomei, Claudia; Dudbridge, Frank; Freire, Wilton S; Gregório, Shinai Arriel; Torrez, Pasesa Pascuala Quispe; Quiroga, Mariana; Mayaud, Philippe; Pannuti, Claudio S; Nascimento, Maria Cláudia

2012-06-15

The intrafamilial dynamics of endemic infection with human herpesvirus type 8 (HHV-8) in Amerindian populations is unknown. Serum samples were obtained from 517 Amerindians and tested for HHV-8 anti-latent nuclear antigen (anti-LANA) and antilytic antibodies by immunofluorescence assays. Logistic regression and mixed logistic models were used to estimate the odds of being HHV-8 seropositive among intrafamilial pairs. HHV-8 seroprevalence by either assay was 75.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 71.5%-79.1%), and it was age-dependent (P(trend) < .001). Familial dependence in HHV-8 seroprevalence by either assay was found between mother-offspring (odds ratio [OR], 5.44; 95% CI: 1.62-18.28) and siblings aged ≥10 years (OR 4.42, 95% CI: 1.70-11.45) or siblings in close age range (<5 years difference) (OR 3.37, 95% CI: 1.21-9.40), or in families with large (>4) number of siblings (OR, 3.20, 95% CI: 1.33-7.67). In separate analyses by serological assay, there was strong dependence in mother-offspring (OR 8.94, 95% CI: 2.94-27.23) and sibling pairs aged ≥10 years (OR, 11.91, 95% CI: 2.23-63.64) measured by LANA but not lytic antibodies. This pattern of familial dependence suggests that, in this endemic population, HHV-8 transmission mainly occurs from mother to offspring and between close siblings during early childhood, probably via saliva. The mother to offspring dependence was derived chiefly from anti-LANA antibodies.

[Factor Characterization Associated with Suicidal Behavior in 8(th) Grade Adolescent Students in Three Schools from Bogotá (Colombia)].

PubMed

Pérez-Olmos, Isabel; Cruz, Doris Lorena Téllez; Traslaviña, Ángela Liliana Vélez; Ibáñez-Pinilla, Milcíades

2012-03-01

To establish the probability for suicide risk and/or mental disorders, together with related factors among high school students in 3 schools in Bogota. Cross sectional study of 309 adolescents. The average age was 13.83 ± 0.9, female dominance (58.6%) and a 3(rd) socioeconomic stratum (68.3%). The suicidal risk behavioral probability and/or mental symptoms was 47.6%, 26.5% exhibited some suicide manifestations, 14.23% had experienced suicidal ideas in the last 3 months, 3.55% had had suicide attempts at least once in life, and 8.73% had suicidal ideas in the last 3 months with suicide attempts. The risk of suicidal behavior and/or mental disorders was explained jointly by depression (OR=27.9, 95% CI: 3.5-223. 1), low self-esteem (OR=11.8, 95% CI: 2.5-56.5), severe family dysfunction (OR=3.4, 95%CI 1.2-9.7), being female (OR=2.1, 95% CI: 1.2-3.8) and being 15 or older (OR=1.9, 95% CI: 0.967-3.9). Psychological abuse followed by physical mistreatment was associated with suicidal behavior and /or mental illness while good family relationships were associated to lower probability. Depression, low self-esteem, severe family dysfunction, female gender, older age (≥15) and domestic violence are risk factors associated with suicide and/or mental disorders in adolescents; good family relationships are associated with lower risk. Copyright © 2012 Asociación Colombiana de Psiquiatría. Publicado por Elsevier España. All rights reserved.

Coupling of the phosphatase activity of Ci-VSP to its voltage sensor activity over the entire range of voltage sensitivity

PubMed Central

Sakata, Souhei; Hossain, Md. Israil; Okamura, Yasushi

2011-01-01

Abstract The voltage sensing phosphatase Ci-VSP is composed of a voltage sensor domain (VSD) and a cytoplasmic phosphatase domain. Upon membrane depolarization, movement of the VSD triggers the enzyme's phosphatase activity. To gain further insight into its operating mechanism, we studied the PI(4,5)P2 phosphatase activity of Ci-VSP expressed in Xenopus oocytes over the entire range of VSD motion by assessing the activity of coexpressed Kir2.1 channels or the fluorescence signal from a pleckstrin homology domain fused with green fluorescent protein (GFP) (PHPLC-GFP). Both assays showed greater phosphatase activity at 125 mV than at 75 mV, which corresponds to ‘sensing’ charges that were 90% and 75% of maximum, respectively. On the other hand, the activity at 160 mV (corresponding to 98% of the maximum ‘sensing’ charge) was indistinguishable from that at 125 mV. Modelling the kinetics of the PHPLC-GFP fluorescence revealed that its time course was dependent on both the level of Ci-VSP expression and the diffusion of PHPLC-GFP beneath the plasma membrane. Enzyme activity was calculated by fitting the time course of PHPLC-GFP fluorescence into the model. The voltage dependence of the enzyme activity was superimposable on the Q–V curve, which is consistent with the idea that the enzyme activity is tightly coupled to VSD movement over the entire range of membrane potentials that elicit VSD movement. PMID:21486809

Outburst-related period changes of recurrent nova CI aquilae

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

Wilson, R. E.; Honeycutt, R. K., E-mail: honey@astro.indiana.edu, E-mail: rewilson@ufl.edu

2014-11-01

Pre-outburst and post-outburst light curves and post-outburst eclipse timings are analyzed to measure any period (P) change related to nova CI Aql's outburst of early 2000 and a mean post-outburst dP/dt, which then lead to estimates of the accreting component's rate of mass (M) change and its overall outburst-related change of mass over roughly a decade of observations. We apply a recently developed procedure for unified analysis of three timing-related data types (light curves, radial velocities, and eclipse timings), although with only light curves and timings in this case. Fits to the data are reasonably good without need for amore » disk in the light-curve model, although the disk certainly exists and has an important role in our post-outburst mass flow computations. Initial experiments showed that, although there seems to be an accretion hot spot, it has essentially no effect on derived outburst-related ΔP or on post-outburst dP/dt. Use of atomic time (HJED) in place of HJD also has essentially nil effect on ΔP and dP/dt. We find ΔP consistently negative in various types of solutions, although at best only marginally significant statistically in any one experiment. Pre-outburst HJD {sub 0} and P results are given, as are post-outburst HJD {sub 0}, P, and dP/dt, with light curves and eclipse times as joint input, and also with only eclipse time input. Post-outburst dP/dt is negative at about 2.4σ. Explicit formulae for mass transfer rates and epoch-to-epoch mass change are developed and applied. A known offset in the magnitude zero point for 1991-1994 is corrected.« less

The Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência and its Outreach

PubMed Central

Leão, Maria João; Godinho, Ana; Fernandes, Pedro

2012-01-01

The Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência (IGC) is biomedical research institute that acts as a host institution for small research groups, in Portugal. Most of its activities reach out to the scientific community in several ways. The IGC organizes regular series of seminars with invited international speakers, workshops, courses and conferences, and an in-house PhD programme. Specific outreach needs had to be met in the two instances that are described here. GTPB The Gulbenkian Training Programme in Bioinformatics (GTPB) started as a regular activity in 1999 in response to the demand of users seeking opportunities to acquire hands-on practical skills in Bioinformatics in an effective way. Training provision in Bioinformatics requires the conciliation of a variety of interests into a series of highly effective training events, in which scientists can acquire skills and a high degree of independence in their usage. The GTPB programme currently offers more than 30 themes, of which 15 to 20 are chosen for single events in each year. The GTPB has provided training to more than 2000 researchers and students, so far. IGC Outreach A dedicated outreach programme targets science education and public engagement in science, for different audience groups. The aim of the outreach programme is to promote scientific literacy, foster careers in science and empower citizens to engage in cutting-edge biomedical research. Activities include Open Days, seminars and laboratory workshops for teachers, development of online, multimedia and hard-copy resources and experimental protocols to be used in schools, visits to schools with hands-on experiments and career talks by researchers and facility staff. Less conventional outreach activities include direct participation in venues for the general public (such a a music festival, for example) have created unexpected opportunities for fundraising and direct financial support for students engaged in research projects.

Projeto educação em ciências com observatórios virtuais: a participação da Escola Moppe no período 2000-2003

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wuensche, C. A.; Gavioli, E.; Oliveira, A. L. P. R. S.; da Silva, C.; Cardoso, H. P.; Estácio, S.

2003-08-01

O projeto Educação em Ciências com Observatórios Virtuais foi concebido pelo Instituto Astronômico e Geofísico da USP, agregando diversas instituições de ensino e pesquisa no país para desenvolver competências diversas na educação fundamental, média e superior utilizando a astronomia como ferramenta multidisciplinar. Este trabalho descreve a participação da MOPPE, escola-piloto do INPE no projeto, no período de 2000-2003. Serão apresentadas 1) a criação de um clube de ciências (1999 a 2001) cujo tema foi a colonização de Marte e 2) a ementa de astronomia trabalhada com as 7a. e 8a. séries do ensino fundamental. A proposta do projeto Colonizando Marte foi estudar diversos aspectos de uma missão interplanetária e construir experiementos que permitissem quantificar esses aspectos. Os resultados obtidos incluiram apresentações nas SBPC Jovem em 2000 e 2001. Discutiremos também as ementas de astronomia trabalhadas desde 2001 e o envolvimento dos alunos com atividades ligadas a astronomia, fora da aula de ciências. A inclusão de astronomia no currículo das últimas séries motivou a participação de mais alunos culminando com a conquista de duas medalhas para alunos da 7a. série na Olimpiada Brasileira de Astronomia em 2002. Houve também um aumento no número de participantes na OBA 2003 e nos projetos de astronomia mais elaborados nas Feira de Ciências de 2001 e 2002. Destacamos em 2003 a inclusão da MOPPE no projeto TIE - Telescopes in Education - da NASA, que utiliza o telescópio do Observatório de Mount Wilson (EUA) para observações remotas em projetos pedagógicos para o ensino de astronomia.

Prevalence of overweight, obesity and thinness in 9–10 year old children in Mauritius

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Objective To document the prevalence of overweight, obesity and thinness in 9–10 year old children in Mauritius. Methods 412 boys and 429 girls aged 9–10 years from 23 primary schools were selected using stratified cluster random sampling. All data was cross-sectional and collected via anthropometry and self-administered questionnaire. Outcome measures were BMI (kg/m2), prevalence of overweight, obesity (International Obesity Task Force definitions) and thinness (low BMI for age). Linear and logistic regression analyses, accounting for clustering at the school level, were used to assess associations between gender, ethnicity, school location, and school's academic performance (average) to each outcome measure. Results The distribution of BMI was marginally skewed with a more pronounced positive tail in the girls. Median BMI was 15.6 kg/m2 in boys and 15.4 kg/m2 in girls, respectively. In boys, prevalence of overweight was 15.8% (95% CI: 12.6, 19.6), prevalence of obesity 4.9% (95% CI: 3.2, 7.4) and prevalence of thinness 12.4% (95% CI: 9.5, 15.9). Among girls, 18.9% (95% CI: 15.5, 22.9) were overweight, 5.1% (95% CI: 3.4, 7.7) were obese and 13.1% (95% CI: 10.2, 16.6) were thin. Urban children had a slightly higher mean BMI than rural children (0.5 kg/m2, 95% CI: 0.01, 1.00) and were nearly twice as likely to be obese (6.7% vs. 4.0%; adjusted odds ratio 1.6; 95% CI: 0.9, 3.5). Creole children were less likely to be classified as thin compared to Indian children (adjusted odds ratio 0.3, 95% CI: 0.2, 0.6). Conclusion Mauritius is currently in the midst of nutritional transition with both a high prevalence of overweight and thinness in children aged 9–10 years. The coexistence of children representing opposite sides of the energy balance equation presents a unique challenge for policy and interventions. Further exploration is needed to understand the specific causes of the double burden of malnutrition and to make appropriate policy recommendations

Capturing the Petermann Ice Island Flux With the CI2D3 Database

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crawford, A. J.; Crocker, G.; Mueller, D.; Saper, R.; Desjardins, L.; Carrieres, T.

2017-12-01

The Petermann Glacier ice tongue lost >460 km2 of areal extent ( 38 Gt of mass) due to three large calving events in 2008, 2010 and 2012, as well as three previously unrecorded events in 2011 and 2012. Hundreds of ice islands subsequently drifted south between Hall Basin and Newfoundland's Grand Banks, but no systematic data collection or analysis has been conducted for the full flux of fragments prior to the present study. To accomplish this, the Canadian Ice Service's extensive RADARSAT-1 and -2 synthetic aperture radar image archive was mined to create the Canadian Ice Island Drift, Deterioration and Detection (CI2D3) Database. Over 15000 fragments have been digitized in GIS software from 3200 SAR scenes. A unique characteristic of the database is the inclusion of the lineage (i.e., connecting repeat observations or mother-daughter fragments) for all tracked fragments with areas >0.25 km2. This genealogical information was used to isolate ice islands that were about to fracture in order to assess the environmental conditions and morphological characteristics that influence this deterioration mechanism. Fracture counts showed a significant relationship with sea ice concentration (r = -0.56). However, variations in relative thickness played a large role in fracturing likelihood regardless of sea ice conditions. The exceedance probability of the daughter fragment length was calculated, as is often conducted for offshore industry hazard assessment. Grounded ice islands, which are hazards to seafloor installations and disturb benthic ecology, were recognized from their negligible drift speeds and two grounding hot-spots were identified along the Coburg and eastern Baffin island coasts. Petermann ice islands have been noted to drift along specific isobaths due to the influence of bathymetry on ocean currents. 50% of observations occurred between the 100 and 300 m isobaths, and smaller ice islands were observed more frequently in deeper regions. The CI2D3 Database can

Determination of discretionary salt intake in rural Guatemala and Benin to determine the iodine fortification of salt required to control iodine deficiency disorders: studies using lithium-labeled salt.

PubMed

Melse-Boonstra, A; Rozendaal, M; Rexwinkel, H; Gerichhausen, M J; van den Briel, T; Bulux, J; Solomons, N W; West, C E

1998-09-01

The use of discretionary salt, which is salt added during cooking and at the table, as a suitable vehicle for iodine intake was assessed by measuring salt consumption using the lithium-marker technique in rural areas of Guatemala and Benin. In both countries, we studied boys aged 6-12 y and their mothers. Subjects used lithium-labeled salt after all unlabeled salt was removed from their households. In Guatemala, 24-h urine samples for 9 mother-son pairs were collected at baseline and on days 7, 8, and 9 during the use of lithium-labeled salt. Total maternal salt intake averaged 5.2 +/- 1.7 g/d (mean +/- SD), of which 77 +/- 24% came from discretionary sources, whereas Guatemalan boys consumed 1.8 +/- 0.6 g salt/d, of which 72 +/- 12% came from discretionary sources. In Benin, urine collection from 13 mother-son pairs took place at baseline and on days 5 and 7. Beninese mothers had a total salt intake of 9.0 +/- 2.9 g/d and their sons had an intake of 5.7 +/- 2.8 g/d; discretionary salt contributed 52 +/- 14% and 50 +/- 13%, respectively, of total salt consumed. Therefore, fortification of household salt appears to be an appropriate method of controlling iodine deficiency in both countries, although fortification of other salt sources could be considered in Benin.

ALMA reveals starburst-like interstellar medium conditions in a compact star-forming galaxy at z 2 using [CI] and CO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Popping, Gergö; Decarli, Roberto; Man, Allison W. S.; Nelson, Erica J.; Béthermin, Matthieu; De Breuck, Carlos; Mainieri, Vincenzo; van Dokkum, Pieter G.; Gullberg, Bitten; van Kampen, Eelco; Spaans, Marco; Trager, Scott C.

2017-06-01

We present ALMA detections of the [CI] 1-0, CO J = 3-2, and CO J = 4-3 emission lines, as well as the ALMA band 4 continuum for a compact star-forming galaxy (cSFG) at z = 2.225, 3D-HST GS30274. As is typical for cSFGs, this galaxy has a stellar mass of 1.89 ± 0.47 × 1011M⊙, with a star formation rate (SFR) of 214 ± 44 M⊙ yr-1 putting it on the star-forming "main-sequence", but with an H-band effective radius of 2.5 kpc, making it much smaller than the bulk of "main-sequence" star-forming galaxies. The intensity ratio of the line detections yield an ISM density ( 6 × 104 cm-3) and a UV-radiation field ( 2 × 104G0), similar to the values in local starburst and ultra-luminous infrared galaxy environments. A starburst phase is consistent with the short depletion times (tH2,dep ≤ 140 Myr) we find in 3D-HST GS30274 using three different proxies for the H2 mass ([CI], CO, dust mass). This depletion time is significantly shorter than in more extended SFGs with similar stellar masses and SFRs. Moreover, the gas fraction of 3D-HST GS30274 is smaller than typically found in extended galaxies. We measure the CO and [CI] kinematics and find a FWHM line width of 750 ± 41 km s-1. The CO and [CI] FWHM are consistent with a previously measured Hα FWHM for this source. The line widths are consistent with gravitational motions, suggesting we are seeing a compact molecular gas reservoir. A previous merger event, as suggested by the asymmetric light profile, may be responsible for the compact distribution of gas and has triggered a central starburst event. This event gives rise to the starburst-like ISM properties and short depletion times in 3D-HST GS30274. The centrally located and efficient star formation is quickly building up a dense core of stars, responsible for the compact distribution of stellar light in 3D-HST GS30274.

Ciência & Saúde coletiva Journal at the national and international context of scientific communication.

PubMed

Minayo, Maria Cecília de Souza; Gomes, Romeu

2015-07-01

The article discusses the role of the Ciência & Saúde Coletiva Journal in the dissemination of knowledge in Brazil and in the international scientific community, its new challenges and role in the consolidation of the national public health field. Its history is outlined, positioning it as a scientific journal and the themes approached in it are analyzed. Among the findings, it is emphasized that the journal features a structured space by the habitus of public health, and creates its own habitus that contributes to structure this field. In addition, the journal contributes to the development of critical mass in the area and is committed to the Brazilian Public Health System.

Similarities and Differences between RNA and DNA Double-Helical Structures in Circular Dichroism Spectroscopy: A SAC-CI Study.

PubMed

Miyahara, Tomoo; Nakatsuji, Hiroshi; Sugiyama, Hiroshi

2016-11-17

The helical structures of DNA and RNA are investigated experimentally using circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. The signs and the shapes of the CD spectra are much different between the right- and left-handed structures as well as between DNA and RNA. The main difference lies in the sign at around 295 nm of the CD spectra: it is positive for the right-handed B-DNA and the left-handed Z-RNA but is negative for the left-handed Z-DNA and the right-handed A-RNA. We calculated the SAC-CI CD spectra of DNA and RNA using the tetramer models, which include both hydrogen-bonding and stacking interactions that are important in both DNA and RNA. The SAC-CI results reproduced the features at around 295 nm of the experimental CD spectra of each DNA and RNA, and elucidated that the strong stacking interaction between the two base pairs is the origin of the negative peaks at 295 nm of the CD spectra for both DNA and RNA. On the basis of these facts, we discuss the similarities and differences between RNA and DNA double-helical structures in the CD spectroscopy based on the ChiraSac methodology.

On the mechanical stability of the body-centered cubic phase and the emergence of a metastable cI16 phase in classical hard sphere solids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Warshavsky, Vadim B.; Ford, David M.; Monson, Peter A.

2018-01-01

The stability of the body-centered cubic (bcc) solid phase of classical hard spheres is of intrinsic interest and is also relevant to the development of perturbation theories for bcc solids of other model systems. Using canonical ensemble Monte Carlo, we simulated systems initialized in a perfect bcc lattice at various densities in the solid region. We observed that the systems rapidly evolved into one of four structures that then persisted for the duration of the simulation. Remarkably, one of these structures was identified as cI16, a cubic crystalline structure with 16 particles in the unit cell, which has recently been observed experimentally in lithium and sodium solids at high pressures. The other three structures do not exhibit crystalline order but are characterized by common patterns in the radial distribution function and bond-orientational order parameter distribution; we refer to them as bcc-di, with i ranging from 1 to 3. We found similar outcomes when employing any of the three single occupancy cell (SOC) restrictions commonly used in the literature. We also ran long constant-pressure simulations with box shape fluctuations initiated from bcc and cI16 initial configurations. At lower pressures, all the systems evolved to defective face-centered cubic (fcc) or hexagonal close-packed (hcp) structures. At higher pressures, most of the systems initiated as bcc evolved to cI16 with some evolving to defective fcc/hcp. High pressure systems initiated from cI16 remained in that structure. We computed the chemical potential of cI16 using the Einstein crystal reference method and found that it is higher than that of fcc by ˜0.5kT-2.5kT over the pressure range studied, with the difference increasing with pressure. We find that the undistorted bcc solid, even with constant-volume and SOC restrictions applied, is so mechanically unstable that it is unsuitable for consideration as a metastable phase or as a reference system for studying bcc phases of other systems

A Science Centre as a Geoturism promoter - the Lagos Ciência Viva examples (Portugal).

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azevedo Rodrigues, Luis; Leote, Catarina

2017-04-01

Science outreach and engagement are crucial core objectives of the Lagos Ciência Viva Science Centre (CCVL). By engaging audiences in the real world a link is made between their science centre experience and the environment in which they live. Therefore, it has been an option of the CCVL to offer geological outdoor activities, both in the natural environment and urban context. Dinosaurs are an appealing science subject for both students and tourists. Thus, the CCVL has a long tradition in organizing and guiding field trips to two dinosaur track sites - Salema and Santa beaches (Vila do Bispo, southwest Algarve). These sites, both from the Lower Cretaceous reveal at least two types of tracks - theropod and iguanodontian footprints. Often in combination with the paleontology field trips, the CCVL also offers different geological field trips both for formal (school) and informal (tourism) education. This allows students and tourists to be introduced to dinosaur paleobiology and ichnology and to the structural geology and stratigraphy of the area. Our science outreach is being further developed by contractual agreement with a regional tour operator, in which the CCVL is responsible for the scientific content and guidance of the visits. Aiming at an urban context, the CCVL produced three Urban Geology and Paleontology Guide Books for three Algarve cities (Lagos, Faro and Tavira), which can be acquired in the three Ciência Viva Science Centres shops as well as in the tourist information offices serving this way as a basis for guided urban tours also offered by the CCVL. Based on our experience, we review and contextualise these geoscience activities and their potential for science outreach, communication and tourism. We discuss and propose a classification of different possibilities in geoscience communication and outreach based on three vertices: Science, Heritage and Geotourism. Some particularities of these visits, such as the merge between geosciences and other

Evaluation of Biological Activity of Cellulose Pulp by Means of the Static Respiration Index (At4)/ Ocena Aktywności Biologicznej Pulpy Celulozowej Testem Respiracyjnym At4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Myszograj, Sylwia; Kozłowska, Katarzyna; Krochmal, Agata

2014-09-01

In the countries of the European Union, work is presently being conducted on the standardisation of the limit values and test methods for the determination of the biological activity of waste. The aim of conducting the tests is to monitor the effectiveness of waste biodegradation during composting, the evaluate any decrease in the biological activity of the waste before its landfilling and control processes taking place at landfills. The evaluation of the waste's biological activity can be performed, among others, by testing respiration. One such method is AT4 (Static Respiration Index) determination. The results of respirometric tests depict the availability of substrates for microorganisms, that is, the biodegradability. The article describes the tests of the biological activity of the cellulose pulp, the impact of the degree of compost inoculation on the value of this parameter and the dependence on the content of organic mass and total organic carbon in the tested substrate. The measurements of the oxygen demand were made using the OxiTop® Control measuring system. W krajach UE prowadzone są obecnie prace nad ujednoliceniem wartości granicznych oraz metod testowych oznaczania aktywności biologicznej odpadów. Celem prowadzenia testów jest monitoring efektywności biologicznego rozkładu odpadów podczas kompostowania, ocena zmniejszenia aktywności biologicznej odpadów przed ich składowaniem, kontrola procesów zachodzących na składowiskach. Ocenę aktywności biologicznej odpadów można przeprowadzić m.in. poprzez badanie respiracji. Jedną z takich metod jest oznaczenie AT4 (Static Respiration Index). Wyniki badań respirometrycznych obrazują dostępność substratów dla mikroorganizmów, czyli podatność na biodegradację. W artykule opisano badania aktywności biologicznej pulpy celulozowej testem AT4, wpływ stopnia zaczepienia kompostem na wartość tego parametru oraz zależność od zawartości masy organicznej i OWO w badanym substracie

CpA/CpG methylation of CiMDA5 possesses tight association with the resistance against GCRV and negatively regulates mRNA expression in grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella.

PubMed

Shang, Xueying; Su, Jianguo; Wan, Quanyuan; Su, Juanjuan

2015-01-01

Melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) plays a crucial role in recognizing intracellular viral infection, activating the interferon regulatory factor pathways as well as inducing antiviral response. While the antiviral regulatory mechanism of MDA5 remains unclear. In the present study, CiMDA5 (Ctenopharyngodon idella MDA5) against grass carp reovirus (GCRV) would be initially revealed from the perspective of DNA methylation, a pivotal epigenetic modification. Two CpG islands (CGIs) were predicted located in the first exon of CiMDA5, of which the first CpG island was 427 bp in length possessed 29 candidate CpG loci and 34 CpA loci, and the second one was 130 bp in length involving 7 CpG loci as well as 10 CpA loci. By bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP), the methylation statuses were detected in spleen of 70 individuals divided into resistant/susceptible groups post challenge experiment, and the resistance-association analysis was performed with Chi-square test. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) was carried out to explore the relationship between DNA methylation and gene expression in CiMDA5. Results indicated that the methylation levels of CpA/CpG sites at +200, +202, +204, +207 nt, which consisted of a putative densely methylated element (DME), were significantly higher in the susceptible group than those in the resistant group. Meanwhile, the average transcription of CiMDA5 was down-regulated in the susceptible individuals compared with the resistant individuals. Evidently, the DNA methylation may be the negative modulator of CiMDA5 antiviral expression. Collectively, the methylation levels of CiMDA5 demonstrated the tight association with the resistance against GCRV and the negative-regulated roles in mRNA expression. This study first discovered the resistance-associated gene modulated by DNA methylation in teleost, preliminary revealed the underlying regulatory mechanism of CiMDA5 transcription against GCRV as well as laid a theoretical foundation

[Study on physiological characteristics and effects of salt stress in Andrographis paniculata].

PubMed

Chen, Juan; Gu, Wei; Duan, Jin-Ao; Su, Shu-Lan; Shao, Jing; Geng, Chao

2014-08-01

To study the physiological characteristics and effects of salt stress in Andrographis paniculata. Andrographis paniculata was treated with NaCl of different concentration. The photosynthetic characteristics and transpiration rate were an- alyzed by LI-6400 Portable Photosynthesis System. The activities of enzymes were studied with kits. The net photosynthetic rate (Pn) and stomatal conductance (Gs) showed a diurnal variation of bimodal curve, the transpiration rate (Tr) and stomatal limitation (Ls) both had a single peak diurnal variation, while the intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) and the water use efficiency (WUE) presented a single valley type of diurnal variation. With salt concentration rising, Pn, Tr, Ci, Ca and WUE decreased but L, increased, the activities of SOD, CAT and POD increased firstly and then decreased, while the MDA and proline content showed a rising trend. Andrographis paniculata is a type of sun plant. The net photosynthetic rate of Andrographis paniculata leaves has an obvious "midday depression" phenomenon. The results also indicate that Andrographis paniculata has a resistance to salt stress and appropriate shade is good for the quality improvement.

Consumer acceptance of reformulated food products: A systematic review and meta-analysis of salt-reduced foods.

PubMed

Jaenke, Rachael; Barzi, Federica; McMahon, Emma; Webster, Jacqui; Brimblecombe, Julie

2017-11-02

Food product reformulation is promoted as an effective strategy to reduce population salt intake and address the associated burden of chronic disease. Salt has a number of functions in food processing, including impacting upon physical and sensory properties. Manufacturers must ensure that reformulation of foods to reduce salt does not compromise consumer acceptability. The aim of this systematic review is to determine to what extent foods can be reduced in salt without detrimental effect on consumer acceptability. Fifty studies reported on salt reduction, replacement or compensation in processed meats, breads, cheeses, soups, and miscellaneous products. For each product category, levels of salt reduction were collapsed into four groups: <40%, 40-59%, 60-79% and ≥80%. Random effects meta-analyses conducted on salt-reduced products showed that salt could be reduced by approximately 40% in breads [mean change in acceptability for reduction <40% (-0.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.62, 0.08; p = 0.13)] and approximately 70% in processed meats [mean change in acceptability for reductions 60-69% (-0.18, 95% CI -0.44, 0.07; p = 0.15)] without significantly impacting consumer acceptability. Results varied for other products. These results will support manufacturers to make greater reductions in salt when reformulating food products, which in turn will contribute to a healthier food supply.

Cochlear implantation (CI) for prelingual deafness: the relevance of studies of brain organization and the role of first language acquisition in considering outcome success

PubMed Central

Campbell, Ruth; MacSweeney, Mairéad; Woll, Bencie

2014-01-01

Cochlear implantation (CI) for profound congenital hearing impairment, while often successful in restoring hearing to the deaf child, does not always result in effective speech processing. Exposure to non-auditory signals during the pre-implantation period is widely held to be responsible for such failures. Here, we question the inference that such exposure irreparably distorts the function of auditory cortex, negatively impacting the efficacy of CI. Animal studies suggest that in congenital early deafness there is a disconnection between (disordered) activation in primary auditory cortex (A1) and activation in secondary auditory cortex (A2). In humans, one factor contributing to this functional decoupling is assumed to be abnormal activation of A1 by visual projections—including exposure to sign language. In this paper we show that that this abnormal activation of A1 does not routinely occur, while A2 functions effectively supramodally and multimodally to deliver spoken language irrespective of hearing status. What, then, is responsible for poor outcomes for some individuals with CI and for apparent abnormalities in cortical organization in these people? Since infancy is a critical period for the acquisition of language, deaf children born to hearing parents are at risk of developing inefficient neural structures to support skilled language processing. A sign language, acquired by a deaf child as a first language in a signing environment, is cortically organized like a heard spoken language in terms of specialization of the dominant perisylvian system. However, very few deaf children are exposed to sign language in early infancy. Moreover, no studies to date have examined sign language proficiency in relation to cortical organization in individuals with CI. Given the paucity of such relevant findings, we suggest that the best guarantee of good language outcome after CI is the establishment of a secure first language pre-implant—however that may be achieved

Cochlear implantation (CI) for prelingual deafness: the relevance of studies of brain organization and the role of first language acquisition in considering outcome success.

PubMed

Campbell, Ruth; MacSweeney, Mairéad; Woll, Bencie

2014-01-01

Cochlear implantation (CI) for profound congenital hearing impairment, while often successful in restoring hearing to the deaf child, does not always result in effective speech processing. Exposure to non-auditory signals during the pre-implantation period is widely held to be responsible for such failures. Here, we question the inference that such exposure irreparably distorts the function of auditory cortex, negatively impacting the efficacy of CI. Animal studies suggest that in congenital early deafness there is a disconnection between (disordered) activation in primary auditory cortex (A1) and activation in secondary auditory cortex (A2). In humans, one factor contributing to this functional decoupling is assumed to be abnormal activation of A1 by visual projections-including exposure to sign language. In this paper we show that that this abnormal activation of A1 does not routinely occur, while A2 functions effectively supramodally and multimodally to deliver spoken language irrespective of hearing status. What, then, is responsible for poor outcomes for some individuals with CI and for apparent abnormalities in cortical organization in these people? Since infancy is a critical period for the acquisition of language, deaf children born to hearing parents are at risk of developing inefficient neural structures to support skilled language processing. A sign language, acquired by a deaf child as a first language in a signing environment, is cortically organized like a heard spoken language in terms of specialization of the dominant perisylvian system. However, very few deaf children are exposed to sign language in early infancy. Moreover, no studies to date have examined sign language proficiency in relation to cortical organization in individuals with CI. Given the paucity of such relevant findings, we suggest that the best guarantee of good language outcome after CI is the establishment of a secure first language pre-implant-however that may be achieved, and

Salt-Rich Selenium for Prevention and Control Children with Kashin-Beck Disease: a Meta-analysis of Community-Based Trial.

PubMed

Yu, Fang-fang; Han, Jing; Wang, Xi; Fang, Hua; Liu, Huan; Guo, Xiong

2016-03-01

Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) in western China is not well controlled. The objective of this study is to evaluate prevention and control children with KBD through a meta-analysis of a community-based trial. Web of knowledge, PubMed, Elsevier, the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP and Wanfang data had been electronically searched up to February 2015. Search terms included the trial terms "Salt rich selenium" and "Kashin-Beck disease." Eligible studies were prospective trials of salt-rich selenium in endemic villages. Data extraction was performed by two authors using predefined data fields that also included quality evaluation. Of 292 potentially relevant articles initially screened, reporting 11 community-based trials with a total enrollment of 2652 participants were included, from five provinces in China. The pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) of primary prevention in healthy children were 0.16 and 0.08∼0.33, respectively. The OR and 95 % CI of clinical improvement in KBD children were 6.57 and 3.33∼12.93, respectively. The OR of repairing rate of metaphysis lesions was 5.53 (95 % CI 2.92∼10.47) based on X-ray film, which was statistically significantly different in favor of salt-rich selenium. The combined standard mean difference (SMD) of selenium content in hair was 2.54 (95 % CI 1.21∼3.87) which was significantly higher in selenium group. Current evidence showed that supplement salt-rich selenium was effective in reducing new incidence in healthy children and clinical improvement including repairing metaphysis lesions instead of repairing distal end of phalanx lesions in KBD children.

[História, Ciências, Saúde--Manguinhos: examining 12 years of regular circulation].

PubMed

Benchimol, Jaime L; Cerqueira Roberta, Cardoso; Martins, Ruth B; Mendonça, Amanda

2007-01-01

The article analyzes the trajectory of História, Ciências, Saúde--Manguinhos since it was first released in 1994. This multidisciplinary journal opens its pages to unpublished, peer-reviewed articles, images, documents, interviews, and other material that address issues and important figures in the history of medicine, public health, and the life sciences. Approaching from the perspectives of health and of historiography, the article explores the context in which the journal was born and discusses the daily workings of a scientific editorial office. Tables and graphs illustrate variations in the topics submitted for publication, acceptance and rejection rates for articles, the geographical origin of authors, and how the profiles of contributors and readers of the print and online versions differ in terms of their areas of interest.

[Impact of high salt consumption of blood pressure on a non-hypertensive population].

PubMed

Domínguez Cancino, Karen; Paredes Escobar, María Cristina

2017-12-01

Background There is conflicting evidence regarding the role of salt intake in blood pressure (BP). Aim To estimate the impact of salt consumption on the BP level of a non-hypertensive population aged between 15 and 64 years. Material and Methods Analytical-observational study using data from the National Health Survey 2009-2010. A BP cut-off point at 120/80 mmHg BP was considered to determine risk. Salt consumption was divided into four strata. The prevalence ratios (PR) were determined using the Poisson model with robust variance. The formulas of the studies of Dal Grande and Walter for the estimation of population attributable fraction (PAF) were used. Results The sample was constituted by 1,263 individuals and 24.3% had BP at risk. A statistically significant association was observed between high salt intake and risk BP with PR of 1.91 (95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.44-2.57) in the consumption stratum of 11 g / day and more. It was estimated that 4.7% (95% CI 4.2-5.2) of BP risk can be attributed to salt consumption, when controlling by age group, sex and educational level. Conclusions The 4.7% PAF is lower than the figure of 30% reported abroad. Interventions to reduce salt consumption in the entire population and the identification of risk groups are recommended.

Canada's experience in applying C&I to measure progress towards SFM - perspectives from the National, Regional and local levels

Treesearch

John E. Hall; S. R. J. Bridge; Brian D. Haddon

2006-01-01

This paper will provide perspectives of Canada’s experiences in applying Criteria and Indicators (C&I) to measure progress towards Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) at the National, Regional (Provincial) and local levels. SFM is rooted in Bruntland’s concept of Sustainable Development and is about providing for present forest-based needs without compromising...

Nutritive Evaluation of the Bambara Groundnut Ci12 Landrace [Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc. (Fabaceae)] Produced in Côte d'Ivoire.

PubMed

Yao, Denis N'Dri; Kouassi, Kouakou Nestor; Erba, Daniela; Scazzina, Francesca; Pellegrini, Nicoletta; Casiraghi, Maria Cristina

2015-09-07

The nutritional evaluation of the Bambara groundnut Ci12 landrace (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) seeds produced in Côte d'Ivoire shows a 19% content of protein, containing all the essential amino acids with tryptophan as the limiting amino acid, a total dietary fiber level of 10%, with a low soluble fraction content, and a fat content of 1.4%, with a high proportion of total unsaturated fatty acids (61%) of which 36% were n-6 fatty acids. This legume contains phosphorus, as the major mineral, followed by magnesium and calcium, and trace elements (iron, copper and zinc). It is characterized by the same amount of α-tocopherol and antioxidant capacity as common legumes. The high concentration of essential amino acids, n-6 fatty acids and minerals, mainly Fe, in the Ci12 landrace of Bambara groundnut indicates that this local legume has the potentiality to improve the nutritional status in Côte d'Ivoire and it could be regarded as a nutrient dense food.

Nutritive Evaluation of the Bambara Groundnut Ci12 Landrace [Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc. (Fabaceae)] Produced in Côte d’Ivoire

PubMed Central

N’Dri Yao, Denis; Kouassi, Kouakou Nestor; Erba, Daniela; Scazzina, Francesca; Pellegrini, Nicoletta; Casiraghi, Maria Cristina

2015-01-01

The nutritional evaluation of the Bambara groundnut Ci12 landrace (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) seeds produced in Côte d’Ivoire shows a 19% content of protein, containing all the essential amino acids with tryptophan as the limiting amino acid, a total dietary fiber level of 10%, with a low soluble fraction content, and a fat content of 1.4%, with a high proportion of total unsaturated fatty acids (61%) of which 36% were n-6 fatty acids. This legume contains phosphorus, as the major mineral, followed by magnesium and calcium, and trace elements (iron, copper and zinc). It is characterized by the same amount of α-tocopherol and antioxidant capacity as common legumes. The high concentration of essential amino acids, n-6 fatty acids and minerals, mainly Fe, in the Ci12 landrace of Bambara groundnut indicates that this local legume has the potentiality to improve the nutritional status in Côte d’Ivoire and it could be regarded as a nutrient dense food. PMID:26370971

Certification procedures for sirius red F3B (CI 35780, Direct red 80).

PubMed

Dapson, R W; Fagan, C; Kiernan, J A; Wickersham, T W

2011-06-01

Sirius red F3B (CI 35780, Direct red 80) is a polyazo dye used principally in staining methods for collagen and amyloid. For certification by the Biological Stain Commission, a sample of the dye must exhibit an absorption spectrum of characteristic shape with a maximum at 528-529 nm, a small shoulder near 500 nm and narrow peaks at 372, 281-282 and 230-235 nm. Spot tests (color changes with addition of concentrated H(2)SO(4) or HCl and subsequent dilution or neutralization) also are applied. The dye must perform satisfactorily in the picro-sirius red method for collagen by providing red staining of all types of collagen with yellow and green birefringence of fibers. Llewellyn's alkaline sirius red method applied to tissue known to contain amyloid must show red coloration of the products with green birefringence. Dye content, which does not influence significantly the staining properties of sirius red F3B, is not assayed.

Near-infrared chemical imaging (NIR-CI) as a process monitoring solution for a production line of roll compaction and tableting.

PubMed

Khorasani, Milad; Amigo, José M; Sun, Changquan Calvin; Bertelsen, Poul; Rantanen, Jukka

2015-06-01

In the present study the application of near-infrared chemical imaging (NIR-CI) supported by chemometric modeling as non-destructive tool for monitoring and assessing the roller compaction and tableting processes was investigated. Based on preliminary risk-assessment, discussion with experts and current work from the literature the critical process parameter (roll pressure and roll speed) and critical quality attributes (ribbon porosity, granule size, amount of fines, tablet tensile strength) were identified and a design space was established. Five experimental runs with different process settings were carried out which revealed intermediates (ribbons, granules) and final products (tablets) with different properties. Principal component analysis (PCA) based model of NIR images was applied to map the ribbon porosity distribution. The ribbon porosity distribution gained from the PCA based NIR-CI was used to develop predictive models for granule size fractions. Predictive methods with acceptable R(2) values could be used to predict the granule particle size. Partial least squares regression (PLS-R) based model of the NIR-CI was used to map and predict the chemical distribution and content of active compound for both roller compacted ribbons and corresponding tablets. In order to select the optimal process, setting the standard deviation of tablet tensile strength and tablet weight for each tablet batch was considered. Strong linear correlation between tablet tensile strength and amount of fines and granule size was established, respectively. These approaches are considered to have a potentially large impact on quality monitoring and control of continuously operating manufacturing lines, such as roller compaction and tableting processes. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Plasma Septin9 versus Fecal Immunochemical Testing for Colorectal Cancer Screening: A Prospective Multicenter Study

PubMed Central

Johnson, David A.; Barclay, Robert L.; Mergener, Klaus; Weiss, Gunter; König, Thomas; Beck, Jürgen; Potter, Nicholas T.

2014-01-01

Background Screening improves outcomes related to colorectal cancer (CRC); however, suboptimal participation for available screening tests limits the full benefits of screening. Non-invasive screening using a blood based assay may potentially help reach the unscreened population. Objective To compare the performance of a new Septin9 DNA methylation based blood test with a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) for CRC screening. Design: In this trial, fecal and blood samples were obtained from enrolled patients. To compare test sensitivity for CRC, patients with screening identified colorectal cancer (n = 102) were enrolled and provided samples prior to surgery. To compare test specificity patients were enrolled prospectively (n = 199) and provided samples prior to bowel preparation for screening colonoscopy. Measurements Plasma and fecal samples were analyzed using the Epi proColon and OC Fit-Check tests respectively. Results For all samples, sensitivity for CRC detection was 73.3% (95% CI 63.9–80.9%) and 68.0% (95% CI 58.2–76.5%) for Septin9 and FIT, respectively. Specificity of the Epi proColon test was 81.5% (95% CI 75.5–86.3%) compared with 97.4% (95% CI 94.1–98.9%) for FIT. For paired samples, the sensitivity of the Epi proColon test (72.2% –95% CI 62.5–80.1%) was shown to be statistically non-inferior to FIT (68.0%–95% CI 58.2–76.5%). When test results for Epi proColon and FIT were combined, CRC detection was 88.7% at a specificity of 78.8%. Conclusions At a sensitivity of 72%, the Epi proColon test is non- inferior to FIT for CRC detection, although at a lower specificity. With negative predictive values of 99.8%, both methods are identical in confirming the absence of CRC. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01580540 PMID:24901436

Induced maize salt tolerance by rhizosphere inoculation of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SQR9.

PubMed

Chen, Lin; Liu, Yunpeng; Wu, Gengwei; Veronican Njeri, Kimani; Shen, Qirong; Zhang, Nan; Zhang, Ruifu

2016-09-01

Salt stress reduces plant growth and is now becoming one of the most important factors restricting agricultural productivity. Inoculation of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) has been shown to confer plant tolerance against abiotic stress, but the detailed mechanisms of how this occurs remain unclear. In this study, hydroponic experiments indicated that the PGPR strain Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SQR9 could help maize plants tolerate salt stress. After exposure to salt stress for 20 days, SQR9 significantly promoted the growth of maize seedlings and enhanced the chlorophyll content compared with the control. Additional analysis showed that the involved mechanisms could be the enhanced total soluble sugar content for decreasing cell destruction, improved peroxidase/catalase activity and glutathione content for scavenging reactive oxygen species, and reduced Na(+) levels in the plant to decrease Na(+) toxicity. These physiological appearances were further confirmed by the upregulation of RBCS, RBCL, H(+) -PPase, HKT1, NHX1, NHX2 and NHX3, as well as downregulation of NCED expression, as determined by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. However, SQR9 counteracted the increase of abscisic acid in response to salt stress. In summary, these results show that SQR9 confers plant salt tolerance by protecting the plant cells and managing Na(+) homeostasis. Hence, it can be used in salt stress prone areas, thereby promoting agricultural production. © 2016 Scandinavian Plant Physiology Society.

8. Photographic copy of photograph (Source: Salt River Project Archives, ...

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

8. Photographic copy of photograph (Source: Salt River Project Archives, Tempe, Box 8040, File 29) View of transformer house looking north. No date. CA. 1920. - Theodore Roosevelt Dam, Transformer House, Salt River, Tortilla Flat, Maricopa County, AZ

Optimization of photocatalytic degradation of sulphonated diazo dye C.I. Reactive Green 19 using ceramic-coated TiO2 nanoparticles.

PubMed

Rastegar, M; Shadbad, K Rahmati; Khataee, A R; Pourrajab, R

2012-01-01

Optimization of photocatalytic degradation of C.I. Reactive Green 19 (RG 19) under UV light irradiation using ceramic-coated TiO2 nanoparticles in a continuous circulation rectangular photoreactor was studied. The used catalyst was TiO2 Millennium PC-500 (crystallite mean size 8 nm) immobilized on ceramic plates. A central composite design was used for optimization of the UV/TiO2 process. Predicted values of decolorization efficiency were found to be in good agreement with experimental values (R2 = 0.97 and Adj-R2 = 0.91). Optimization results showed that maximum decolorization efficiency was achieved at the optimum conditions of: initial dye concentration 10 mg/L, UV light intensity 47.2 W/m2, flow rate 150 mL/min and reaction time 240 min. Photocatalytic mineralization of RG 19 was monitored by chemical oxygen demand (COD) decrease and changes in the UV-Vis spectrum.

Colorectal cancer risk factors among the population of South-East Siberia: a case-control study.

PubMed

Zhivotovskiy, Alexey S; Kutikhin, Anton G; Azanov, Artur Z; Yuzhalin, Arseniy E; Magarill, Yuri A; Brusina, Elena B

2012-01-01

Colorectal cancer remains one of the most widespread malignancies in the world. However, there is a lack of comprehensive studies considering colorectal cancer risk factors among Russian populations, particularly in Siberia. The aim of this investigation was to determine the impact of various lifestyle, dietary, family, and socioeconomical factors on colorectal cancer risk in South-East Siberia. We recruited 185 Russian colorectal cancer cases and 210 gender-, age-, and ethnicity-matched asymptomatic controls with no history of any malignant tumor, using a specially designed questionnaire to obtain relevant information. After the statistical analysis, we defined several significant factors affecting colorectal cancer risk. Among these were smoking (OR=2.13, 95%CI=1.4- 3.24, P=0.0004), being overweight (BMI between 25-30, OR=2.45, 95%CI=1.49-4.03, P=0.0004), alcohol drinking (OR=8.73, 95%CI=5.49-13.87, P<0.0001), beer drinking (OR=9.24, 95%CI=5.14-16.61, P<0.0001), consumption of hard liquor (OR=9.37, 95%CI=5.92-14.82, P<0.0001), excessive red meat consumption (P<0.0001), excessive intake of red meat products (P<0.0001), excessive intake of dairy products (P<0.0001), excessive sour cream and cheese consumption (P<0.0001 and 0.0002, respectively), spicy food consumption (OR=2.87, 95%CI=1.9-4.33, P<0.0001), family history of gastrointestinal malignant tumors (OR=3.99, 95%CI=2.09-7.59, P<0.0001), and income exceeding twice the subsistence minimum (OR=5.34, 95%CI=3.35-8.53, P<0.0001). Certain factors, such as high concentration of salt in the food and precancerous colonic lesions, demonstrated borderline significance (OR=3.45, 95%CI=1.68-7.1, P=0.0008, and OR=5.25, 95%CI=1.94-14.22, P=0.001, respectively). Some factors were established as protective, like consumption of rye bread and both rye and wheat bread (OR=0.32, 95%CI=0.21-0.5, P<0,0001, and OR=0.07, 95%CI=0.02-0.21, P<0.0001, respectively), and also low concentration of salt in the food, although this was of

Prevalence of iodine deficiency and associated factors among pregnant women in Ada district, Oromia region, Ethiopia: a cross- sectional study.

PubMed

Fereja, Mengistu; Gebremedhin, Samson; Gebreegziabher, Tafere; Girma, Meron; Stoecker, Barbara J

2018-06-25

Maternal iodine deficiency (ID) during pregnancy has been recognized as a major cause of abortion, stillbirth, congenital abnormalities, perinatal mortality and irreversible mental retardation. In Ethiopia limited information is available regarding the epidemiology of maternal ID. The purpose of the present study was to assess the prevalence of iodine deficiency and associated factors among pregnant women in Ada district, Oromia region, Ethiopia. A community based, cross-sectional study was conducted in rural areas of Ada district, October to November, 2014. Data were collected from 356 pregnant women selected by multistage cluster sampling technique. Presence of goiter was examined by palpation and urinary iodine concentration was measured using inductively-coupled-plasma mass spectrometry. Salt iodine concentration was determined using a digital electronic iodine checker. Statistical analysis was done primarily using binary logistic regression. The outputs of the analysis are presented using adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with the respective 95% confidence intervals (CI). The median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was 85.7 (interquartile range (IQR): 45.7-136) μg/L. Based on UIC, 77.6% (95% CI: 73.0-82.0%) of the study subjects had insufficient iodine intake (UIC < 150 μg/L). The goiter rate was 20.2% (95% CI: 16.0-24.0%). The median iodine concentration of the household salt samples was 12.2 (IQR: 6.9-23.8) ppm. Of the households, only 39.3% (95% CI: 34.0-44.0%) consumed adequately iodized salt (≥15 ppm). Prevalence of goiter was significantly higher among pregnant women aged 30-44 years (AOR = 2.32 (95% CI: 1.05-5.14)) than among younger women and among illiterate women (AOR = 2.71 (95% CI: 1.54-4.79)). Compared to nulliparous, women with parity of 1, 2 and 3 or more had 2.28 (95% CI: 1.01-5.16), 2.81 (95% CI: 1.17-6.74) and 4.41 (95% CI: 1.58-12.26) times higher risk of goiter. Iodine deficiency was a public health problem in the study area

Radical Prostatectomy, External Beam Radiotherapy, or External Beam Radiotherapy With Brachytherapy Boost and Disease Progression and Mortality in Patients With Gleason Score 9-10 Prostate Cancer.

PubMed

Kishan, Amar U; Cook, Ryan R; Ciezki, Jay P; Ross, Ashley E; Pomerantz, Mark M; Nguyen, Paul L; Shaikh, Talha; Tran, Phuoc T; Sandler, Kiri A; Stock, Richard G; Merrick, Gregory S; Demanes, D Jeffrey; Spratt, Daniel E; Abu-Isa, Eyad I; Wedde, Trude B; Lilleby, Wolfgang; Krauss, Daniel J; Shaw, Grace K; Alam, Ridwan; Reddy, Chandana A; Stephenson, Andrew J; Klein, Eric A; Song, Daniel Y; Tosoian, Jeffrey J; Hegde, John V; Yoo, Sun Mi; Fiano, Ryan; D'Amico, Anthony V; Nickols, Nicholas G; Aronson, William J; Sadeghi, Ahmad; Greco, Stephen; Deville, Curtiland; McNutt, Todd; DeWeese, Theodore L; Reiter, Robert E; Said, Johnathan W; Steinberg, Michael L; Horwitz, Eric M; Kupelian, Patrick A; King, Christopher R

2018-03-06

The optimal treatment for Gleason score 9-10 prostate cancer is unknown. To compare clinical outcomes of patients with Gleason score 9-10 prostate cancer after definitive treatment. Retrospective cohort study in 12 tertiary centers (11 in the United States, 1 in Norway), with 1809 patients treated between 2000 and 2013. Radical prostatectomy (RP), external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) with androgen deprivation therapy, or EBRT plus brachytherapy boost (EBRT+BT) with androgen deprivation therapy. The primary outcome was prostate cancer-specific mortality; distant metastasis-free survival and overall survival were secondary outcomes. Of 1809 men, 639 underwent RP, 734 EBRT, and 436 EBRT+BT. Median ages were 61, 67.7, and 67.5 years; median follow-up was 4.2, 5.1, and 6.3 years, respectively. By 10 years, 91 RP, 186 EBRT, and 90 EBRT+BT patients had died. Adjusted 5-year prostate cancer-specific mortality rates were RP, 12% (95% CI, 8%-17%); EBRT, 13% (95% CI, 8%-19%); and EBRT+BT, 3% (95% CI, 1%-5%). EBRT+BT was associated with significantly lower prostate cancer-specific mortality than either RP or EBRT (cause-specific HRs of 0.38 [95% CI, 0.21-0.68] and 0.41 [95% CI, 0.24-0.71]). Adjusted 5-year incidence rates of distant metastasis were RP, 24% (95% CI, 19%-30%); EBRT, 24% (95% CI, 20%-28%); and EBRT+BT, 8% (95% CI, 5%-11%). EBRT+BT was associated with a significantly lower rate of distant metastasis (propensity-score-adjusted cause-specific HRs of 0.27 [95% CI, 0.17-0.43] for RP and 0.30 [95% CI, 0.19-0.47] for EBRT). Adjusted 7.5-year all-cause mortality rates were RP, 17% (95% CI, 11%-23%); EBRT, 18% (95% CI, 14%-24%); and EBRT+BT, 10% (95% CI, 7%-13%). Within the first 7.5 years of follow-up, EBRT+BT was associated with significantly lower all-cause mortality (cause-specific HRs of 0.66 [95% CI, 0.46-0.96] for RP and 0.61 [95% CI, 0.45-0.84] for EBRT). After the first 7.5 years, the corresponding HRs were 1.16 (95% CI, 0.70-1.92) and 0.87 (95% CI, 0.57-1.32). No

Analysis of Advanced CI Applications

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-03-01

rner Street Boston, ,/iA 021 10 Atcn« L,r. Fred Quelle AF^L/Of (ianscum AHB, MA 01/31 Atun « ./r. John Oanny AF..L/AL0 Kirtiand AHB...M d/11 / Atun « .jr. J. d. Hoyye ArJC/OL Andrew^ Ar’d, DO 20.334 Atv,n« oapt Oyole AFdC/X^rU Andrews Af-d, ÜO 20334 8 10 II...8217’■ ..:., ■■ . >. ■ — Ini Mil/Li;icoin Lab H. ). üux l-i Le ; in ji-on, MA U^l /.j Atun » iJr. ü. üreenwooj 4U Naval

Health Care Utilisation by Bullying Victims: A Cross-Sectional Study of A 9-Year-Old Cohort in Ireland

PubMed Central

Taut, Cristina; Nixon, Elizabeth; Williams, James; O’Dowd, Thomas; Reulbach, Udo

2018-01-01

Children frequently refrain from disclosing being bullied. Early identification of bullying by healthcare professionals in children may prevent adverse health consequences. The aim of our study was to determine whether Health Care Utilisation (HCU) is higher in 9-year-olds who report being bullied and factors influencing type of HCU. The study consists of cross-sectional surveys of Child Cohort of Irish National Longitudinal Study of Children (Wave 1), 8,568 9-year-olds, and their carers. Being bullied was assessed by a self-reported questionnaire completed by children at home. HCU outcomes consisted of the following: visits to GP, Mental Health Practitioner (MHP), Emergency Department (ED), and nights in hospital by parent interview. Bivariate logistic regression and gender-stratified Poisson models were used to determine association. Victimisation by bullying independently increased visits to GP (OR 1.13, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03 to 1.25; p = 0.02), MHP (OR 1.31, 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.63; p = 0.02), though not ED visits (OR 0.99, 95% CI: 0.87 to 1.13; p = 0.8) or nights in hospital (OR 1.07 95% CI: 0.97 to 1.18; p = 0.2), adjusting for underlying chronic condition(s) and socio-demographic confounders. Victimised girls made higher GP visits (RR 1.14, 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.23; p < 0.001) and spent more nights in hospital (RR 1.10, 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.15; p < 0.001). Victimised boys were more likely to contact MHPs (RR 1.21, 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.44; p = 0.03). 9-year-old bullied subjects were more likely to utilise primary care services than non-bullied 9-year-olds. Different HCU patterns were observed according to gender and gender differences in the presentation of victimisation. Our findings may lead to the development of clinical practice guidelines for early detection and appropriate management of bullied children. PMID:29495335

Health Care Utilisation by Bullying Victims: A Cross-Sectional Study of A 9-Year-Old Cohort in Ireland.

PubMed

Hayes, Catherine; Kelly, Dervla; Taut, Cristina; Nixon, Elizabeth; Zgaga, Lina; Williams, James; O'Dowd, Thomas; Reulbach, Udo

2018-02-25

Children frequently refrain from disclosing being bullied. Early identification of bullying by healthcare professionals in children may prevent adverse health consequences. The aim of our study was to determine whether Health Care Utilisation (HCU) is higher in 9-year-olds who report being bullied and factors influencing type of HCU. The study consists of cross-sectional surveys of Child Cohort of Irish National Longitudinal Study of Children (Wave 1), 8,568 9-year-olds, and their carers. Being bullied was assessed by a self-reported questionnaire completed by children at home. HCU outcomes consisted of the following: visits to GP, Mental Health Practitioner (MHP), Emergency Department (ED), and nights in hospital by parent interview. Bivariate logistic regression and gender-stratified Poisson models were used to determine association. Victimisation by bullying independently increased visits to GP (OR 1.13, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03 to 1.25; p = 0.02), MHP (OR 1.31, 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.63; p = 0.02), though not ED visits (OR 0.99, 95% CI: 0.87 to 1.13; p = 0.8) or nights in hospital (OR 1.07 95% CI: 0.97 to 1.18; p = 0.2), adjusting for underlying chronic condition(s) and socio-demographic confounders. Victimised girls made higher GP visits (RR 1.14, 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.23; p < 0.001) and spent more nights in hospital (RR 1.10, 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.15; p < 0.001). Victimised boys were more likely to contact MHPs (RR 1.21, 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.44; p = 0.03). 9-year-old bullied subjects were more likely to utilise primary care services than non-bullied 9-year-olds. Different HCU patterns were observed according to gender and gender differences in the presentation of victimisation. Our findings may lead to the development of clinical practice guidelines for early detection and appropriate management of bullied children.

The QWeCI Project: seamlessly linking climate science to society

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morse, A. P.; Caminade, C.; Jones, A. E.; MacLeod, D.; Heath, A. E.

2012-04-01

The EU FP7 QWeCI project Quantifying Weather and Climate Impacts on health in developing countries (www.liv.ac.uk/qweci) has 13 partners with 7 of these in Africa. The geographical focus of the project is in Senegal, Ghana and Malawi. In all three countries the project has a strong scientific dissemination outlook as well as having field based surveillance programmes in Ghana and Senegal to understand more about the local parameters controlling the transmission of malaria and in Senegal of Rift Valley fever. The project has a strong and active climate science activity in using hindcasts of the new System 4 seasonal forecasting system at ECMWF; to further develop the use of monthly to seasonal forecasts from ensemble prediction systems; within project downscaling development; the assessment of decadal ensemble prediction systems; and the development and testing of vector borne disease models for malaria and Rift Valley fever. In parallel with the science programme the project has a large outreach activity involving regular communication and bi-lateral exchanges, science and decision maker focused workshops. In Malawi a long range WiFi network has been established for the dissemination of data. In Senegal where they is a concentration of partners and stakeholders the project is gaining a role as a catalyst for wider health and climate related activity within government departments and national research bodies along with the support and involvement of local communities. Within these wider community discussions we have interactive inputs from African and European scientists who are partners in the project. This paper will show highlights of the work completed so far and give an outline to future development and to encourage a wider user interaction from outside of the current project team and their direct collaborators.

Predicting the Shifts of Absorption Maxima of Azulene Derivatives Using Molecular Modeling and ZINDO CI Calculations of UV-Vis Spectra

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Patalinghug, Wyona C.; Chang, Maharlika; Solis, Joanne

2007-01-01

The deep blue color of azulene is drastically changed by the addition of substituents such as CH[subscript 3], F, or CHO. Computational semiempirical methods using ZINDO CI are used to model azulene and azulene derivatives and to calculate their UV-vis spectra. The calculated spectra are used to show the trends in absorption band shifts upon…

Feasibility Analysis of Groundwater Abstraction for Gas Shale Fracturing in the Lublin Basin (Eastern Poland) / Ocena Możliwości Poboru Wód Podziemnych Do Szczelinowania Łupków Gazonośnych W Basenie Lubelskim (Wschodnia Polska)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duda, Robert; Macuda, Jan

2015-03-01

szczelinowania skał. Zabiegi te realizowane są przy wykorzystaniu dużych ilości cieczy szczelinujących, które w 90.5% składają się z wody, 9.0% piasku podsadzkowego (proppant) oraz 0.5% różnych substancji chemicznych, niezbędnych do utrzymania właściwych parametrów technologicznych cieczy. Zapotrzebowanie na wodę do szczelinowania wzrasta wraz ze zwiększeniem zwięzłości i głębokości zalegania łupków gazonośnych. W związku z tym właściciele koncesji na eksploatację gazu ze skał łupkowych oczekują informacji o możliwościach poboru wód podziemnych w celu szczelinowania. W pracy przedstawiono ocenę realnych możliwości poboru wód podziemnych do przygotowania cieczy szczelinujących dla otworów eksploatacyjnych gazu niekonwencjonalnego w obszarze basenu lubelskiego, będącego rejonem perspektywicznej eksploatacji gazu z łupków ordowiku i syluru (dolny paleozoik). Możliwości poboru wody zbadano na podstawie oczekiwanych wydajności jednostkowych studni ujmujących wody głównego użytkowego poziomu wodonośnego (GUPW) w rejonie badań. GUPW na przeważającej części tego obszaru związany jest ze skałami górnej kredy - spękanymi marglami, kredą, opokami, wapieniami i gezami, a także utworami czwartorzędu i trzeciorzędu. Znajomość wartości wydatku jednostkowego umożliwia zaprojektowanie ujęcia stosownie do określonych potrzeb. Witczak et al. (1999) proponują przyjęcie wydatku jednostkowego studni (q), jako obiektywnej danej empirycznej cechującej się wysokim wskaźnikiem pewności, w celu charakterystyki wodonośności poziomów wodonośnych w skali regionalnej. Przestrzenną ocenę wartości q oparto na danych zestawionych w 7 arkuszach Mapy hydrogeologicznej Polski w skali 1:200,000 (MHP). Dane dotyczyły q uzyskiwanych przy określonych maksymalnych depresjach poziomu wody. Obliczono q studni ujmujących wodę z GUPW w formacjach kredy górnej, trzeciorzędu i czwartorzędu, w granicach obszarów arkuszy MHP lub ich części

Study of the electrochemical oxidation and reduction of C.I. Reactive Orange 4 in sodium sulphate alkaline solutions.

PubMed

del Río, A I; Molina, J; Bonastre, J; Cases, F

2009-12-15

Synthetic solutions of hydrolysed C.I. Reactive Orange 4, a monoazo textile dye commercially named Procion Orange MX-2R (PMX2R) and colour index number C.I. 18260, was exposed to electrochemical treatment under galvanostatic conditions and Na2SO4 as electrolyte. The influence of the electrochemical process as well as the applied current density was evaluated. Ti/SnO2-Sb-Pt and stainless steel electrodes were used as anode and cathode, respectively, and the intermediates generated on the cathode during electrochemical reduction were investigated. Aliquots of the solutions treated were analysed by UV-visible and FTIR-ATR spectroscopy confirming the presence of aromatic structures in solution when an electro-reduction was carried out. Electro-oxidation degraded both the azo group and aromatic structures. HPLC measures revealed that all processes followed pseudo-first order kinetics and decolourisation rates showed a considerable dependency on the applied current density. CV experiments and XPS analyses were carried out to study the behaviour of both PMX2R and intermediates and to analyse the state of the cathode after the electrochemical reduction, respectively. It was observed the presence of a main intermediate in solution after an electrochemical reduction whose chemical structure is similar to 2-amino-1,5-naphthalenedisulphonic acid. Moreover, the analysis of the cathode surface after electrochemical reduction reveals the presence of a coating layer with organic nature.

Prenatal and childhood perfluoroalkyl substances exposures and children's reading skills at ages 5 and 8years.

PubMed

Zhang, Hongmei; Yolton, Kimberly; Webster, Glenys M; Ye, Xiaoyun; Calafat, Antonia M; Dietrich, Kim N; Xu, Yingying; Xie, Changchun; Braun, Joseph M; Lanphear, Bruce P; Chen, Aimin

2018-02-01

Exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) may impact children's neurodevelopment. To examine the association of prenatal and early childhood serum PFAS concentrations with children's reading skills at ages 5 and 8years. We used data from 167 mother-child pairs recruited during pregnancy (2003-2006) in Cincinnati, OH, quantified prenatal serum PFAS concentrations at 16±3weeks of gestation and childhood sera at ages 3 and 8years. We assessed children's reading skills using Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement III at age 5years and Wide Range Achievement Test-4 at age 8years. We used general linear regression to quantify the covariate-adjusted associations between natural log-transformed PFAS concentrations and reading skills, and used multiple informant model to identify the potential windows of susceptibility. Median serum PFASs concentrations were PFOS>PFOA>PFHxS>PFNA in prenatal, 3-year, and 8-year children. The covariate-adjusted general linear regression identified positive associations between serum PFOA, PFOS and PFNA concentrations and children's reading scores at ages 5 and 8years, but no association between any PFHxS concentration and reading skills. The multiple informant model showed: a) Prenatal PFOA was positively associated with higher children's scores in Reading Composite (β: 4.0, 95% CI: 0.6, 7.4 per a natural log unit increase in exposure) and Sentence Comprehension (β: 4.2, 95% CI: 0.5, 8.0) at age 8years; b) 3-year PFOA was positively associated with higher children's scores in Brief Reading (β: 7.3, 95% CI: 0.9, 13.8), Letter Word Identification (β: 6.6, 95% CI: 1.1, 12.0), and Passage Comprehension (β: 5.9, 95% CI: 1.5, 10.2) at age 5years; c) 8-year PFOA was positively associated with higher children's Word Reading scores (β: 5.8, 95% CI: 0.8, 10.7) at age 8years. Prenatal PFOS and PFNA were positively associated with children's reading abilities at age 5years, but not at age 8years; 3-year PFOS and PFNA were positively associated

Poultry farms as a source of avian influenza A (H7N9) virus reassortment and human infection

PubMed Central

Wu, Donglin; Zou, Shumei; Bai, Tian; Li, Jing; Zhao, Xiang; Yang, Lei; Liu, Hongmin; Li, Xiaodan; Yang, Xianda; Xin, Li; Xu, Shuang; Zou, Xiaohui; Li, Xiyan; Wang, Ao; Guo, Junfeng; Sun, Bingxin; Huang, Weijuan; Zhang, Ye; Li, Xiang; Gao, Rongbao; Shen, Bo; Chen, Tao; Dong, Jie; Wei, Hejiang; Wang, Shiwen; Li, Qun; Li, Dexin; Wu, Guizhen; Feng, Zijian; Gao, George F.; Wang, Yu; Wang, Dayan; Fan, Ming; Shu, Yuelong

2015-01-01

Live poultry markets are a source of human infection with avian influenza A (H7N9) virus. On February 21, 2014, a poultry farmer infected with H7N9 virus was identified in Jilin, China, and H7N9 and H9N2 viruses were isolated from the patient's farm. Reassortment between these subtype viruses generated five genotypes, one of which caused the human infection. The date of H7N9 virus introduction to the farm is estimated to be between August 21, 2013 (95% confidence interval [CI] June 6, 2013-October 6, 2013) and September 25, 2013 (95% CI May 28, 2013-January 4, 2014), suggesting that the most likely source of virus introduction was the first batch of poultry purchased in August 2013. The reassortment event that led to the human virus may have occurred between January 2, 2014 (95% CI November 8, 2013-February 12, 2014) and February 12, 2014 (95% CI January 19, 2014-February 18, 2014). Our findings demonstrate that poultry farms could be a source of reassortment between H7N9 virus and H9N2 virus as well as human infection, which emphasizes the importance to public health of active avian influenza surveillance at poultry farms. PMID:25591105

Effectiveness of remote monitoring of CIEDs in detection and treatment of clinical and device-related cardiovascular events in daily practice: the HomeGuide Registry

PubMed Central

Ricci, Renato Pietro; Morichelli, Loredana; D'Onofrio, Antonio; Calò, Leonardo; Vaccari, Diego; Zanotto, Gabriele; Curnis, Antonio; Buja, Gianfranco; Rovai, Nicola; Gargaro, Alessio

2013-01-01

Aims The HomeGuide Registry was a prospective study (NCT01459874), implementing a model for remote monitoring of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) in daily clinical practice, to estimate effectiveness in major cardiovascular event detection and management. Methods and results The workflow for remote monitoring [Biotronik Home Monitoring (HM)] was based on primary nursing: each patient was assigned to an expert nurse for management and to a responsible physician for medical decisions. In-person visits were scheduled once a year. Seventy-five Italian sites enrolled 1650 patients [27% pacemakers, 27% single-chamber implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), 22% dual-chamber ICDs, 24% ICDs with cardiac resynchronization therapy]. Population resembled the expected characteristics of CIED patients. During a 20 ± 13 month follow-up, 2471 independently adjudicated events were collected in 838 patients (51%): 2033 (82%) were detected during HM sessions; 438 (18%) during in-person visits. Sixty were classified as false-positive, with generalized estimating equation-adjusted sensitivity and positive predictive value of 84.3% [confidence interval (CI), 82.5–86.0%] and 97.4% (CI, 96.5–98.2%), respectively. Overall, 95% of asymptomatic and 73% of actionable events were detected during HM sessions. Median reaction time was 3 days [interquartile range (IQR), 1–14 days]. Generalized estimating equation-adjusted incremental utility, calculated according to four properties of major clinical interest, was in favour of the HM sessions: +0.56 (CI, 0.53–0.58%), P < 0.0001. Resource consumption: 3364 HM sessions performed (76% by nurses), median committed monthly manpower of 55.5 (IQR, 22.0–107.0) min × health personnel/100 patients. Conclusion Home Monitoring was highly effective in detecting and managing clinical events in CIED patients in daily practice with remarkably low manpower and resource consumption. PMID:23362021

Metamorphosed CM and CI Carbonaceous Chondrites Could Be from the Breakup of the Same Earth-crossing Asteroid

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zolensky, Michael; Abell, Paul; Tonui, Eric

2005-01-01

Far from being the relatively unprocessed materials they were once believed to be, we now know that a significant number of carbonaceous chondrites were thermally metamorphosed on their parent asteroid(s). Numerous studies indicate that 7 "CM" and 2 "CI" chondrites have been naturally heated, variously, at from 400 to over 700 C on their parent asteroid(s). Petrographic textures reveal that this thermal metamorphism occurred after the dominant aqueous alteration phase, although some meteorites show evidence of a heating event between two aqueous alteration episodes, i.e. pro- and retrograde aqueous alteration. Aside from the issues of the identification of the transient heat source, timing of metamorphism, and the relation of these materials (if any) to conventional CM and CI chondrites, there is also a mystery related to their recovery. All of these meteorites have been recovered from the Antarctic; none are falls or finds from anyplace else. Indeed, the majority have been collected by the Japanese NIPR field parties in the Yamato Mountains. In fact, one estimate is that these meteorites account for approx. 64 wt% of the CM carbonaceous chondrites at the NIPR. The reasons for this are unclear and might be due in part to simple sampling bias. However we suggest that this recovery difference is related to the particular age of the Yamato Mountains meteorite recovery surfaces, and differences in meteoroid fluxes between the Yamato meteorites and recent falls and substantially older Antarctic meteorites. Additional information is included in the original extended abstract.

Corrosion Behavior of Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia-Coated 9Cr-1Mo Steel in Molten UCl3-LiCl-KCl Salt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jagadeeswara Rao, Ch.; Venkatesh, P.; Prabhakara Reddy, B.; Ningshen, S.; Mallika, C.; Kamachi Mudali, U.

2017-02-01

For the electrorefining step in the pyrochemical reprocessing of spent metallic fuels of future sodium cooled fast breeder reactors, 9Cr-1Mo steel has been proposed as the container material. The electrorefining process is carried out using 5-6 wt.% UCl3 in LiCl-KCl molten salt as the electrolyte at 500 °C under argon atmosphere. In the present study, to protect the container vessel from hot corrosion by the molten salt, 8-9% yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) ceramic coating was deposited on 9Cr-1Mo steel by atmospheric plasma spray process. The hot corrosion behavior of YSZ-coated 9Cr-1Mo steel specimen was investigated in molten UCl3-LiCl-KCl salt at 600 °C for 100-, 500-, 1000- and 2000-h duration. The results revealed that the weight change in the YSZ-coated specimen was insignificant even after exposure to molten salt for 2000 h, and delamination of coating did not occur. SEM examination showed the lamellar morphology of the YSZ coating after the corrosion test with occluded molten salt. The XRD analysis confirmed the presence of tetragonal and cubic phases of ZrO2, without any phase change. Formation of UO2 in some regions of the samples was evident from XRD results.

Morbidity in New Zealand pesticide producers exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD).

PubMed

't Mannetje, Andrea; Eng, Amanda; Walls, Chris; Dryson, Evan; Douwes, Jeroen; Bertazzi, Pier; Ryder-Lewis, Simon; Scott, David; Brooks, Collin; McLean, Dave; Cheng, Soo; Pearce, Neil

2018-01-01

To conduct a cross-sectional morbidity survey among 245 former employees of a pesticide production plant exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in New Zealand. Demographic factors and health information were collected in face-to-face interviews. TCDD, lipids, thyroid hormones, glucose and immunoglobulin G (IgG) were determined in non-fasting blood. For 111 participants, a neurological examination was conducted. Associations between health outcomes and working in a TCDD exposed job (prevalence 49%) and serum TCDD concentration≥10pg/g lipid (18%) were assessed using logistic regression whilst controlling for age, gender, smoking, body mass index and ethnicity. Diabetes was more common in those who had worked in TCDD exposed jobs (OR 4.0, 95%CI 1.0-15.4) and in those with serum TCDD ≥10pg/g (OR 3.1, 95%CI 0.9-10.7). Non-fasting glucose levels >6.6mmol/l were more common in those with TCDD exposed jobs (OR 3.6, 95%CI 1.0-12.9), as were serum free thyroxine 4<12.8pmol/l (OR 4.5, 95%CI 1.4-14.4), triglycerides >1.7mmol/l (OR 2.5, 95%CI 1.1-5.7) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) <1mmol/l (OR 4.0, 95%CI 1.2-13.2). IgG was negatively associated with TCDD (linear regression p=0.05). The neurological examination revealed a higher frequency of abnormal reflexes in those with serum TCDD ≥10pg/g (OR 4.8, 95%CI 1.1-21.0). In this occupationally exposed population, TCDD was associated with an increased risk of diabetes and a range of subclinical responses in multiple systems (peripheral nervous system, immune system, thyroid hormones and lipid metabolism), several decades after last exposure. These results need to be interpreted with caution due to the small study size and the cross-sectional nature of the study. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A highly sensitive search strategy for clinical trials in Literatura Latino Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS) was developed.

PubMed

Manríquez, Juan J

2008-04-01

Systematic reviews should include as many articles as possible. However, many systematic reviews use only databases with high English language content as sources of trials. Literatura Latino Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS) is an underused source of trials, and there is not a validated strategy for searching clinical trials to be used in this database. The objective of this study was to develop a sensitive search strategy for clinical trials in LILACS. An analytical survey was performed. Several single and multiple-term search strategies were tested for their ability to retrieve clinical trials in LILACS. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of each single and multiple-term strategy were calculated using the results of a hand-search of 44 Chilean journals as gold standard. After combining the most sensitive, specific, and accurate single and multiple-term search strategy, a strategy with a sensitivity of 97.75% (95% confidence interval [CI]=95.98-99.53) and a specificity of 61.85 (95% CI=61.19-62.51) was obtained. LILACS is a source of trials that could improve systematic reviews. A new highly sensitive search strategy for clinical trials in LILACS has been developed. It is hoped this search strategy will improve and increase the utilization of LILACS in future systematic reviews.

Comparative effectiveness of water and salt community-based fluoridation methods in preventing dental caries among schoolchildren.

PubMed

Fabruccini, A; Alves, L S; Alvarez, L; Alvarez, R; Susin, C; Maltz, M

2016-12-01

To compare the effectiveness of water and salt community-based fluoridation methods on caries experience among schoolchildren. Data derived from two population-based oral health surveys of 12-year-old schoolchildren exposed to different community-based fluoridation methods were compared: artificially fluoridated water in Porto Alegre, South Brazil and artificially fluoridated salt in Montevideo, Uruguay. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, maternal education and oral hygiene were collected. Dental caries was defined according to the WHO criteria (cavitated lesions) and to the modified WHO criteria (active noncavitated lesions and cavitated ones). The association between community-based fluoridation methods and dental caries was modelled using logistic (caries prevalence) and Poisson regression (DMFT). Odds ratios (OR), rate ratios (RR), and the 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated. A total of 1528 in Porto Alegre and 1154 in Montevideo were examined (response rates: 83.2% and 69.6%, respectively). Adjusted estimates for caries prevalence and DMFT showed that schoolchildren from Porto Alegre were less affected by dental caries than their counterparts from Montevideo, irrespective of the criteria used. After adjusting for important characteristics, schoolchildren exposed to fluoridated salt had significantly higher likelihood of having caries (WHO criteria) than those exposed to fluoridated water (OR for prevalence=1.61, 95% CI=1.26-2.07; RR for DMFT=1.32, 95% CI=1.16-1.51). Similar differences were observed using the modified WHO criteria. Fluoridated water appears to provide a better protective effect against dental caries than fluoridated household salt among schoolchildren from developing countries. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Adsorption of C.I. Natural Red 4 onto Spongin Skeleton of Marine Demosponge

PubMed Central

Norman, Małgorzata; Bartczak, Przemysław; Zdarta, Jakub; Tylus, Włodzimierz; Szatkowski, Tomasz; Stelling, Allison L.; Ehrlich, Hermann; Jesionowski, Teofil

2014-01-01

C.I. Natural Red 4 dye, also known as carmine or cochineal, was adsorbed onto the surface of spongin-based fibrous skeleton of Hippospongia communis marine demosponge for the first time. The influence of the initial concentration of dye, the contact time, and the pH of the solution on the adsorption process was investigated. The results presented here confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method for developing a novel dye/biopolymer hybrid material. The kinetics of the adsorption of carmine onto a marine sponge were also determined. The experimental data correspond directly to a pseudo-second-order model for adsorption kinetics (r2 = 0.979–0.999). The hybrid product was subjected to various types of analysis (FT-IR, Raman, 13C CP/MAS NMR, XPS) to investigate the nature of the interactions between the spongin (adsorbent) and the dye (the adsorbate). The dominant interactions between the dye and spongin were found to be hydrogen bonds and electrostatic effects. Combining the dye with a spongin support resulted with a novel hybrid material that is potentially attractive for bioactive applications and drug delivery systems. PMID:28787926

Fluctuations of Wigner-type random matrices associated with symmetric spaces of class DIII and CI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stolz, Michael

2018-02-01

Wigner-type randomizations of the tangent spaces of classical symmetric spaces can be thought of as ordinary Wigner matrices on which additional symmetries have been imposed. In particular, they fall within the scope of a framework, due to Schenker and Schulz-Baldes, for the study of fluctuations of Wigner matrices with additional dependencies among their entries. In this contribution, we complement the results of these authors by explicit calculations of the asymptotic covariances for symmetry classes DIII and CI and thus obtain explicit CLTs for these classes. On the technical level, the present work is an exercise in controlling the cumulative effect of systematically occurring sign factors in an involved sum of products by setting up a suitable combinatorial model for the summands. This aspect may be of independent interest. Research supported by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) via SFB 878.

9 CFR 203.8-203.9 - [Reserved

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false [Reserved] 203.8-203.9 Section 203.8-203.9 Animals and Animal Products GRAIN INSPECTION, PACKERS AND STOCKYARDS ADMINISTRATION (PACKERS AND... ACT §§ 203.8-203.9 [Reserved] ...

Mathematical Model of Forecasting the Formation of Sinkhole Using Salustowicz's Theory / Model Matematyczny Prognozowania Zapadlisk Przy Wykorzystaniu Teorii Sklepienia Ciśnień Sałustowicza

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Strzałkowski, Piotr

2015-03-01

In area affected by old, shallow extraction in some cases sinkholes are formed, causing security issues in urbanized areas. Problem of working out deterministic forecast of this threat seems to be important and up-to-date. Mathematical model presented in this work let us predict the possibility of sinkhole formation. That prediction is essential for analyzing possibility of investments in such areas. Basing on presented work, it is also possible to determine dimensions of sinkhole. Considerations are based on known from literature Sałustowicz's theory, which is utilises Huber's solution of equation describing the stress state around elliptic void made in flat plate Początki eksploatacji górniczej na Górnym Śląsku sięgają XVIII stulecia. Dawna eksploatacja prowadzona na głębokościach nie przekraczających 80 m, do dziś generuje zagrożenia bezpieczeństwa powszechnego z uwagi na możliwość wystąpienia zapadlisk. Jak to wynika z pracy (Chudek i in., 2013), obszary pod którymi prowadzono w minionych latach płytką eksploatację zajmują znaczną powierzchnię śląskich miast, które w dalszym ciągu się rozbudowują. Dlatego problem występowania zapadlisk należy w dalszym ciągu uznać za ważny i aktualny. Duża liczba zapadlisk, ze zrozumiałych względów, jest wynikiem utraty stateczności płytkich wyrobisk korytarzowych. Istniejące metody prognozowania zapadlisk pozwalają głównie określać prawdopodobieństwo wystąpienia zapadliska. Jeśli wartość prawdopodobieństwa wystąpienia zapadliska jest większa od 0, wówczas należy się liczyć z zagrożeniem bezpieczeństwa terenu i co istotniejsze ludności. Taki sposób prognozowania wystąpienia zapadlisk nie daje jednoznacznej odpowiedzi na pytanie, czy teren objęty analizą jest rzeczywiście zagrożony. Dlatego istotnym jest stworzenie możliwości deterministycznego prognozowania tego typu deformacji. W tym kierunku zmierza propozycja autora pracy, w kt

Adsorption of C.I. Reactive Red 228 and Congo Red dye from aqueous solution by amino-functionalized Fe3O4 particles: kinetics, equilibrium, and thermodynamics.

PubMed

Yan, Ting-guo; Wang, Li-Juan

2014-01-01

A magnetic adsorbent was synthesized by γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) modification of Fe(3)O(4) particles using a two-step process. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and vibration sample magnetometry were used to characterize the obtained magnetic adsorbent. EDS and XPS showed that APTES polymer was successfully introduced onto the as-prepared Fe(3)O(4)/APTES particle surfaces. The saturation magnetization of the magnetic adsorbent was around 65 emu g(-1), which indicated that the dye can be removed fast and efficiently from aqueous solution with an external magnetic field. The maximum adsorption capacities of Fe(3)O(4)/APTES for C.I. Reactive Red 228 (RR 228) and Congo Red (CR) were 51.4 and 118.8 mg g(-1), respectively. The adsorption of C.I. Reactive Red 228 (RR 228) and Congo Red (CR) on Fe(3)O(4)/APTES particles corresponded well to the Langmuir model and the Freundlich model, respectively. The adsorption processes for RR 228 and CR followed the pseudo-second-order model. The Boyd's film-diffusion model showed that film diffusion also played a major role in the studied adsorption processes for both dyes. Thermodynamic study indicated that both of the adsorption processes of the two dyes are spontaneous exothermic.

Obstetric and perinatal outcome of babies born from sperm selected by MACS from a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Romany, Laura; Garrido, Nicolas; Cobo, Ana; Aparicio-Ruiz, Belen; Serra, Vicente; Meseguer, Marcos

2017-02-01

The purpose of this study is to assess outcomes after magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) technology on obstetric and perinatal outcomes compared with those achieved after swim up from randomized controlled trial. This is a two-arm, unicentric, prospective, randomized, and triple-blinded trial and has a total of 237 infertile couples, between October 2010 and January 2013. A total of 65 and 66 newborns from MACS and control group, respectively, were described. MACS had no clinically relevant adverse effects on obstetric and perinatal outcomes. No differences were found for obstetric problems including premature rupture of membranes 6.1% (CI95% 0-12.8) vs. 5.9% (CI95% 0-12.4), 1st trimester bleeding 28.6% (CI95% 15.9-41.2) vs. 23.5% (CI95% 11.9-35.1), invasive procedures as amniocentesis 2.0% (CI95% 0-5.9) vs. 3.9% (CI95% 0-9.2), diabetes 14.3% (CI95% 4.5-24.1) vs. 9.8% (CI95% 1.6-17.9), anemia 6.1% (CI95% 0-12.8) vs. 5.9%(CI95% 0-12.4), 2nd and 3rd trimesters 10.2% (CI95% 1.7-18.7) vs. 5.9% (CI95% 0-12.4), urinary tract infection 8.2% (CI95% 0.5-15.9) vs. 3.9% (CI95% 0-9.2), pregnancy-induced hypertension 6.1% (CI95% 0-12.8) vs. 15.7% (CI95% 5.7-25.7), birth weight (g) 2684.10 (CI95% 2499.48-2868.72) vs. 2676.12 (CI95% 2499.02-2852.21), neonatal height (cm) 48.3 (CI95% 47.1-49.4) vs. 46.5 (CI95% 44.6-48.4), and gestational cholestasis 0%(CI95% 0-0) vs. 3.9% (CI95% 0-9.2), respectively, in MACS group compared with control group. Our data suggest that MACS technology does not increase or decrease Powered by Editorial Manager® and ProduXion Manager® from Aries Systems Corporation adverse obstetric and perinatal outcomes in children conceived when this technology was performed, being the largest randomized control trial with live birth reported results with MACS.

Combined effect of fuel-design and after-treatment system on reduction of local and global emissions from CI engine.

PubMed

Thiyagarajan, S; Geo, V Edwin; Martin, Leenus Jesu; Nagalingam, B

2018-03-22

This experimental study aims to mitigate harmful emissions from a CI engine using bio-energy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) approach. The engine used for this experimental work is a single cylinder CI engine with a rated power of 5.2 kW at a constant speed of 1500 rpm. The BECCS approach is a combination of plant-based biofuels and carbon capture and storage (CCS) system. The whole investigation was done in four phases: (1) Substituting diesel with Karanja oil methyl ester (KOME) (2) Equal volume blending of Orange oil (ORG) with KOME (3) 20% blending of n-butanol (B) with KOME-ORG blend (4) CCS system with zeolite based non-selective catalytic reduction (NSCR) and mono ethanolamine (MEA) based selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR) system with KOME-ORG + B20 blend. The experimental results show that substitution of diesel with KOME reduces smoke emission, but increases NO and CO 2 emission. KOME-ORG blend reduces CO 2 and smoke emissions with high NO emission due to combustion improvement. In comparison with the sole combustion of KOME at full load condition, the combination of KOME-ORG + B20 as bio-fuel with zeolite based post-combustion treatment system resulted in a maximum reduction of NO, smoke and CO 2 emission by 41%, 19% and 15% respectively.

40 CFR 180.1284 - Ammonium salts of higher fatty acids (C8-C18 saturated; C8-C12 unsaturated); exemption from the...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 23 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Ammonium salts of higher fatty acids... Ammonium salts of higher fatty acids (C8-C18 saturated; C8-C12 unsaturated); exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. Ammonium salts of C8-C18 saturated and C8-C12 unsaturated higher fatty acids are...

40 CFR 180.1284 - Ammonium salts of higher fatty acids (C8-C18 saturated; C8-C12 unsaturated); exemption from the...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 24 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Ammonium salts of higher fatty acids... Ammonium salts of higher fatty acids (C8-C18 saturated; C8-C12 unsaturated); exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. Ammonium salts of C8-C18 saturated and C8-C12 unsaturated higher fatty acids are...

Comets as parent bodies of CI1 carbonaceous meteorites and possible habitats of ice-microbes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wickramasinghe, N. Chandra; Wickramasinghe, Janaki T.; Wallis, Jamie; Hoover, Richard B.; Rozanov, Alexei Y.

2011-10-01

Recent studies of comets and cometary dust have confirmed the presence of biologically relevant organic molecules along with clay minerals and water ice. It is also now well established by deuterium/hydrogen ratios that the CI1 carbonaceous meteorites contain indigenous extraterrestrial water. The evidence of extensive aqueous alteration of the minerals in these meteorites led to the hypothesis that water-bearing asteroids or comets represent the parent bodies of the CI1 (and perhaps CM2) carbonaceous meteorites. These meteorites have also been shown to possess a diverse array of complex organics and chiral and morphological biomarkers. Stable isotope studies by numerous independent investigators have conclusively established that the complex organics found in these meteorites are both indigenous and extraterrestrial in nature. Although the origin of these organics is still unknown, some researchers have suggested that they originated by unknown abiotic mechanisms and may have played a role in the delivery of chiral biomolecules and the origin of life on Early Earth. In this paper we review these results and investigate the thermal history of comets. We show that permanent as well as transient domains of liquid water can be maintained on a comet under a plausible set of assumptions. With each perihelion passage of a comet volatiles are preferentially released, and during millions of such passages the comet could shed crustal debris that may survive transit through the Earth's atmosphere as a carbonaceous meteorite. We review the current state of knowledge of comets and carbonaceous meteorites. We also present the results of recent studies on the long-term viability of terrestrial ice-microbiota encased in ancient glacial ice and permafrost. We suggest that the conditions which have been observed to prevail on many comets do not preclude either survivability (or even the active metabolism and growth) of many types of eukaryotic and prokaryotic microbial

Comets as Parent Bodies of CI1 Carbonaceous Meteorites and Possible Habitats of Ice-Microbiota

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wickramasinghe, N. Chandra; Wallis, Daryl H.; Rozanov, Alexei Yu.; Hoover, Richard B.

2011-01-01

Recent studies of comets and cometary dust have confirmed the presence of biologically relevant organic molecules along with clay minerals and water ice. It is also now well established by deuterium/hydrogen ratios that the CI1 carbonaceous meteorites contain indigenous extraterrestrial water. The evidence of extensive aqueous alteration of the minerals in these meteorites led to the hypothesis that water-bearing asteroids or comets represent the parent bodies of the CI1 (and perhaps CM2) carbonaceous meteorites. These meteorites have also been shown to possess a diverse array of complex organics and chiral and morphological biomarkers. Stable isotope studies by numerous independent investigators have conclusively established that the complex organics found in these meteorites are both indigenous and extraterrestrial in nature. Although the origin of these organics is still unknown, some researchers have suggested that they originated by unknown abiotic mechanisms and may have played a role in the delivery of chiral biomolecules and the origin of life on Early Earth. In this paper we review these results and investigate the thermal history of comets. We show that permanent as well as transient domains of liquid water can be maintained on a comet under a plausible set of assumptions. With each perihelion passage of a comet volatiles are preferentially released, and during millions of such passages the comet could shed crustal debris that may survive transit through the Earth s atmosphere as a carbonaceous meteorite. We review the current state of knowledge of comets and carbonaceous meteorites. We also present the results of recent studies on the long-term viability of terrestrial ice-microbiota encased in ancient glacial ice and permafrost. We suggest that the conditions which have been observed to prevail on many comets do not preclude either survivability (or even the active metabolism and growth) of many types of eukaryotic and prokaryotic microbial

Prevalence of child abuse in school environment in Kerala, India: An ICAST-CI based survey.

PubMed

Kumar, Manoj Therayil; Kumar, Sebind; Singh, Surendra P; Kar, Nilamadhab

2017-08-01

Very few studies focus on childhood abuse in developing countries and only a small fraction of such studies explicitly deal with abuse in a school environment. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse in a school environment in a developing country. Abuse history was collected using the International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (ISPCAN) Child Abuse Screening Tool - Children's Institutional Version (ICAST-CI). Demographic variables were also collected. Student supportive measures were provided both during and after the survey. 6682 school attending adolescents in Thrissur, Kerala participated in this cross sectional self report study. One year and lifetime prevalence of physical (75.5%, 78.5%), emotional (84.5%, 85.7%) and sexual (21.0%, 23.8%) abuse was high. Abuse was considered to be present even if an individual item from these three categories was reported. Most abuse was reported as occurring 'sometimes' rather than 'many times'. More males than females reported being victims of abuse; figures for one-year prevalence were: physical abuse (83.4% vs. 61.7%), emotional abuse (89.5% vs. 75.7%), and sexual abuse (29.5% vs. 6.2%). Various factors significantly increase the likelihood of abuse-male gender, low socioeconomic status, regular use of alcohol and drugs by family member at home, and having other difficulties at school. Children tended to report abuse less frequently if they liked attending school and if they always felt safe at school. The results highlight the urgent need to address the issue of abuse in the school environment and minimize its impact. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Closed System Step Etching of CI chondrite Ivuna reveals primordial noble gases in the HF-solubles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riebe, My E. I.; Busemann, Henner; Wieler, Rainer; Maden, Colin

2017-05-01

We analyzed all the noble gases in HF-soluble phases in the CI chondrite Ivuna by in-vacuum gas release using the "Closed System Step Etching" (CSSE) technique, which allows for direct noble gas measurements of acid-soluble phases. The main motivation was to investigate if there are primordial noble gases in HF-soluble phases in Ivuna, something that has not been done before in CI chondrites, as most primordial noble gases are known to reside in HF-resistant phases. The first steps under mild etching released He, Ne, and Ar with solar-like elemental and isotopic compositions, confirming that Ivuna contains implanted solar wind (SW) noble gases acquired in the parent body regolith. The SW component released in some etch steps was elementally unfractionated. This is unusual as trapped SW noble gases are elementally fractionated in most meteoritic material. In the intermediate etch steps under slightly harsher etching, cosmogenic noble gases were more prominent than SW noble gases. The HF-soluble portion of Ivuna contained primordial Ne and Xe, that was most visible in the last etch steps after all cosmogenic and most SW gases had been released. The primordial Ne and Xe in the HF-solubles have isotopic and elemental ratios readily explained as a mixture of the two most abundant primordial noble gas components in Ivuna bulk samples: HL and Q. Only small fractions of the total HL and Q in Ivuna were released during CSSE analysis; ∼3% of 20NeHL and ∼4% of 132XeQ. HL is known to reside in nanodiamond-rich separates and Q-gases are most likely carried by a carbonaceous phase known as phase Q. Q-gases were likely released from an HF-soluble portion of phase Q. However, nanodiamonds might not be the source of the HL-gases released upon etching, since nanodiamond-rich separates are very HF-resistant and the less tightly bound nanodiamond component P3 was not detected.

N,N-Dimethyltryptamine and dichloromethane: rearrangement of quaternary ammonium salt product during GC-EI and CI-MS-MS analysis.

PubMed

Brandt, Simon D; Martins, Cláudia P B; Freeman, Sally; Dempster, Nicola; Wainwright, Mark; Riby, Philip G; Alder, John F

2008-05-12

N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) 1 is a simple tryptamine derivative with powerful psychoactive properties. It is abundant in nature and easily accessible through a variety of synthetic routes. Most work-up procedures require the use of organic solvents and halogenated representatives are often employed. DMT was found to be reactive towards dichloromethane, either during work-up or long term storage therein, which led to the formation of the quaternary ammonium salt N-chloromethyl-DMT chloride 2. Analysis of this side-product by gas chromatography ion trap mass spectrometry (GC-MS), both in electron and chemical ionisation tandem MS modes, gave only degradation products. For example, 2 could not be detected but appeared to have rearranged to 3-(2-chloroethyl)indole 3 and 2-methyltetrahydro-beta-carboline 4, whereas HPLC analysis enabled the detection of 2. GC-MS is a standard tool for the fingerprinting of drug products. The identification of a particular synthetic route is based on the analysis of impurities, provided these side products can be established to be route-specific. The in situ detection of both 3 and 4 within a DMT sample may have led to erroneous conclusions with regards to the identification of the synthetic route.

Local cluster of germ cell cancer in a cohort of male automotive workers in Germany not explained by previous or concurrent activities and exposures in farming and forestry.

PubMed

Schmeisser, N; Behrens, T; Mester, B; Gottlieb, A; Langner, I; Ahrens, W

2011-02-01

To examine whether exposures or activities in farming, forestry and related occupations explain the excess incidence of germ cell cancer (GCC) observed among male employees in one of the six car-manufacturing plants that is located in a geographic area where farming is frequent. A cohort based case-control study was conducted among workers in six car-manufacturing plants located in areas with different industrial structure. The study involved 188 cases of germ cell cancer identified through active retrieval in 38 hospitals and 1000 controls, drawn from administrative accounting files, individually matched by year of birth (± 2 years). Information regarding tasks and exposures and potential confounding variables were obtained by face-to-face or telephone interviews. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using a conditional logistic regression model adjusted for cryptorchidism and other potential confounders. In this case-control study 5.3% of cases and 6.3% of controls ever worked in agriculture or livestock farming. No increased risks were observed for working in agriculture (OR=0.8 95% CI: 0.4-1.6), livestock farming (OR=0.8 95% CI: 0.4-1.6) or for exposure to pesticides (OR=0.7 95% CI: 0.3-1.7), for exposure to fertilizers (OR=0.8 95% CI: 0.4-1.8) and disinfectants (OR=1.0 95% CI: 0.3-2.8). There were no statistically significant increases in risk associated with ever exposure to salt based wood protection agents (OR=2.3 95% CI: 0.6-9.1), working with plywood (OR=1.4 95% CI: 0.6-3.2), coated wood (OR=1.4 95% CI: 0.5-3.9) or working in forestry (OR=1.7 95% CI: 0.5-6.4). Lagging of exposures did not alter the results. The observed excess incidence in the cohort of automotive workers can be hardly explained by previous or concurrent work in farming or forestry. Because of the small numbers of subjects ever employed in farming the statistical power in assessing associations between agricultural work and agricultural exposures was limited

Prebiotic carbon in clays from Orgueil and Ivuna (CI), and Tagish Lake (C2 ungrouped) meteorites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garvie, Laurence A. J.; Buseck, Peter R.

Transmission electron microscopic (TEM) and electron energy-loss spectroscopic (EELS) study of the Ivuna and Orgueil (CI), and Tagish Lake (C2 ungrouped) carbonaceous chondrite meteorites shows two types of C-clay assemblages. The first is coarser-grained (to 1 μm) clay flakes that show an intense O K edge from the silicate together with a prominent C K edge, but without discrete C particles. Nitrogen is common in some clay flakes. Individual Orgueil and Tagish Lake meteorite clay flakes contain up to 6 and 8 at% C, respectively. The C K-edge spectra from the clays show fine structure revealing aromatic, aliphatic, carboxylic, and carbonate C. The EELS data shows that this C is intercalated with the clay flakes. The second C-clay association occurs as poorly crystalline to amorphous material occurring as nanometer aggregates of C, clay, and Fe-O-rich material. Some aggregates are dominated by carbonaceous particles that are structurally and chemically similar to the acid insoluble organic matter. The C K-edge shape from this C resembles that of amorphous C, but lacking the distinct peaks corresponding to aliphatic, carboxylic, and carbonate C groups. Nanodiamonds are locally abundant in some carbonaceous particles. The abundance of C in the clays suggest that molecular speciation in the carbonaceous chondrites is partly determined by the effects of aqueous processing on the meteorite parent bodies, and that clays played an important role. This intricate C-clay association lends credence to the proposal that minerals were important in the prebiotic chemical evolution of the early solar system.

Incidence of sports-related concussion among youth football players aged 8-12 years.

PubMed

Kontos, Anthony P; Elbin, R J; Fazio-Sumrock, Vanessa C; Burkhart, Scott; Swindell, Hasani; Maroon, Joseph; Collins, Michael W

2013-09-01

To determine the risk of concussion among youth football players (ages 8-12 years). Participants included 468 male youth football players in western Pennsylvania during the 2011 youth football season. Incidence rates (IRs) and incidence density ratios (IDRs) of concussion were calculated for games and practices and for age groups. There was a total of 11,338 (8415 practice and 2923 game) athletic exposures (AEs) in the study period, during which 20 medically diagnosed concussions occurred. A majority of concussions were the result of head-to-head (45%) contact. The combined concussion IR for practices and games was 1.76 per 1000 AEs (95% CI 0.99-2.54). The concussion IR was 0.24 per 1000 AEs (95% CI 0.04-0.79) in practices and 6.16 per 1000 AEs (95% CI 3.76-9.54) in games. The IDR for concussions in games to practices was 25.91 (95% CI 6.01-111.70). The IDR of concussions for youth aged 11-12 years compared with youth aged 8-10 years was 2.72 (95% CI 0.66-4.78). The overall IR for concussion in youth football players aged 8-12 years was comparable with that reported previously for high school and collegiate samples. However, participation in games was associated with an increase in risk of concussion compared with practices, which was higher than rates previously reported for high school and collegiate athletes. Younger players were slightly less likely to incur a concussion than were older players. Copyright © 2013 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Adverse events with bismuth salts for Helicobacter pylori eradication: Systematic review and meta-analysis

PubMed Central

Ford, Alexander C; Malfertheiner, Peter; Giguère, Monique; Santana, José; Khan, Mostafizur; Moayyedi, Paul

2008-01-01

AIM: To assess the safety of bismuth used in Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) eradication therapy regimens. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched (up to October 2007) to identify randomised controlled trials comparing bismuth with placebo or no treatment, or bismuth salts in combination with antibiotics as part of eradication therapy with the same dose and duration of antibiotics alone or, in combination, with acid suppression. Total numbers of adverse events were recorded. Data were pooled and expressed as relative risks with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: We identified 35 randomised controlled trials containing 4763 patients. There were no serious adverse events occurring with bismuth therapy. There was no statistically significant difference detected in total adverse events with bismuth [relative risk (RR) = 1.01; 95% CI: 0.87-1.16], specific individual adverse events, with the exception of dark stools (RR = 5.06; 95% CI: 1.59-16.12), or adverse events leading to withdrawal of therapy (RR = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.54-1.37). CONCLUSION: Bismuth for the treatment of H pylori is safe and well-tolerated. The only adverse event occurring significantly more commonly was dark stools. PMID:19109870

Risk factors for lung cancer in the Pakistani population.

PubMed

Luqman, Muhammad; Javed, Muhammad Mohsin; Daud, Shakeela; Raheem, Nafeesa; Ahmad, Jamil; Khan, Amin-Ul-Haq

2014-01-01

Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies in the world and both incidence and mortality rates are continuing to rise in Pakistan. However, epidemiological studies to identify common lung cancer determinants in the Pakistani population have been limited. In this retrospective case-control study, 400 cases and 800 controls were enrolled from different hospitals of all provinces of Pakistan. Information about socio-demographic, occupational, lifestyle and dietary variables was extracted by questionnaire from all subjects. Odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. and dose-response associations were also assessed for suitable factors. Strong associations were observed for smoking (OR=9.4, 95%CI=6.9-12.8), pesticide exposure (OR=5.1, 95%CI=3.1-8.3), exposure to diesel exhaust (OR=3.1, 95%CI=2.1-4.5), red meat consumption (OR=2.9, 95%CI=1.8-4.7) and chicken consumption (OR=2.8, 95%CI=1.7-49). Other associated factors observed were welding fumes (OR=2.5, 95%CI=1.0-6.5), sedentary living (OR=2.0, 95%CI=1.6-2.6), family history (OR=2.0, 95%CI=0.8-4.9), wood dust (OR=1.9, 95%CI=1.2- 3.1), tea consumption (OR=1.8, 95%CI=1.2-2.6), coffee consumption (OR=1.8, 95%CI=1.1-2.8), alcoholism (OR=1.7, 95%CI=1.1-2.5) and asbestos exposure(OR=1.5, 95%CI=0.5-4.4). Consumption of vegetables (OR=0.3, 95%CI=0.2-0.4), juices (OR=0.3, 95%CI=0.3-0.4), fruits (OR=0.7, 95%CI=0.5-0.9) and milk (OR=0.6, 95%CI=0.5- 0.8) showed reduction in risk of lung cancer. Strongest dose-response relationships were observed for smoking (?2=333.8, p≤0.0000001), pesticide exposure (?2=50.9, p≤0.0000001) and exposure to diesel exhaust (?2=51.8, p≤0.0000001). Smoking, pesticide exposure, diesel exhaust and meat consumption are main lung cancer determinants in Pakistan. Consuming vegetables, fruits, milk and juices can reduce the risk of lung cancer risk, as in other countries.

40 CFR 60.4206 - How long must I meet the emission standards if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... emission standards as required in §§ 60.4204 and 60.4205 according to the manufacturer's written... standards if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI internal combustion engine? 60.4206 Section 60...) STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE FOR NEW STATIONARY SOURCES Standards of Performance for Stationary Compression...

The Association of Knowledge and Behaviours Related to Salt with 24-h Urinary Salt Excretion in a Population from North and South India

PubMed Central

Johnson, Claire; Mohan, Sailesh; Rogers, Kris; Shivashankar, Roopa; Thout, Sudhir Raj; Gupta, Priti; He, Feng J.; MacGregor, Graham A.; Webster, Jacqui; Krishnan, Anand; Maulik, Pallab K.; Reddy, K. Srinath; Prabhakaran, Dorairaj; Neal, Bruce

2017-01-01

Consumer knowledge is understood to play a role in managing risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease and may be influenced by level of education. The association between population knowledge, behaviours and actual salt consumption was explored overall, and for more-educated compared to less-educated individuals. A cross-sectional survey was done in an age-and sex-stratified random sample of 1395 participants from urban and rural areas of North and South India. A single 24-h urine sample, participants’ physical measurements and questionnaire data were collected. The mean age of participants was 40 years, 47% were women and mean 24-h urinary salt excretion was 9.27 (8.87–9.69) g/day. Many participants reported favourable knowledge and behaviours to minimise risks related to salt. Several of these behaviours were associated with reduced salt intake—less use of salt while cooking, avoidance of snacks, namkeens, and avoidance of pickles (all p < 0.003). Mean salt intake was comparable in more-educated (9.21, 8.55–9.87 g/day) versus less-educated (9.34, 8.57–10.12 g/day) individuals (p = 0.82). There was no substantively different pattern of knowledge and behaviours between more-versus less-educated groups and no clear evidence that level of education influenced salt intake. Several consumer behaviours related to use of salt during food preparation and consumption of salty products were related to actual salt consumption and therefore appear to offer an opportunity for intervention. These would be a reasonable focus for a government-led education campaign targeting salt. PMID:28212309

The Association of Knowledge and Behaviours Related to Salt with 24-h Urinary Salt Excretion in a Population from North and South India.

PubMed

Johnson, Claire; Mohan, Sailesh; Rogers, Kris; Shivashankar, Roopa; Thout, Sudhir Raj; Gupta, Priti; He, Feng J; MacGregor, Graham A; Webster, Jacqui; Krishnan, Anand; Maulik, Pallab K; Reddy, K Srinath; Prabhakaran, Dorairaj; Neal, Bruce

2017-02-16

Consumer knowledge is understood to play a role in managing risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease and may be influenced by level of education. The association between population knowledge, behaviours and actual salt consumption was explored overall, and for more-educated compared to less-educated individuals. A cross-sectional survey was done in an age-and sex-stratified random sample of 1395 participants from urban and rural areas of North and South India. A single 24-h urine sample, participants' physical measurements and questionnaire data were collected. The mean age of participants was 40 years, 47% were women and mean 24-h urinary salt excretion was 9.27 (8.87-9.69) g/day. Many participants reported favourable knowledge and behaviours to minimise risks related to salt. Several of these behaviours were associated with reduced salt intake-less use of salt while cooking, avoidance of snacks, namkeens, and avoidance of pickles (all p < 0.003). Mean salt intake was comparable in more-educated (9.21, 8.55-9.87 g/day) versus less-educated (9.34, 8.57-10.12 g/day) individuals ( p = 0.82). There was no substantively different pattern of knowledge and behaviours between more-versus less-educated groups and no clear evidence that level of education influenced salt intake. Several consumer behaviours related to use of salt during food preparation and consumption of salty products were related to actual salt consumption and therefore appear to offer an opportunity for intervention. These would be a reasonable focus for a government-led education campaign targeting salt.

Incidence and Prevalence of Cardiovascular Risk Factors Among Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriasis, or Psoriatic Arthritis.

PubMed

Radner, Helga; Lesperance, Tamara; Accortt, Neil A; Solomon, Daniel H

2017-10-01

To estimate prevalence and incidence of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and obesity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriasis, or psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Patients with RA, psoriasis, or PsA were identified based on medical and pharmacy claims from the MarketScan claims databases from January 1, 2002 through December 31, 2014. Primary outcomes included age- and sex-standardized prevalence of CV risk factors during the 12 months preceding diagnosis date and incidence rates per 1,000 patient-years, with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) during followup. Prevalence for RA, psoriasis, and PsA cohorts for hypertension was 18.6% (95% CI 18.3-18.8), 16.6% (95% CI 16.3-17.0), and 19.9% (95% CI 19.4-20.4), respectively; for diabetes mellitus 6.2% (95% CI 6.1-6.4), 6.3% (95% CI 6.0-6.5), and 7.8% (95% CI 7.4-8.2); for hyperlipidemia 9.9% (95% CI 9.7-10.1), 10.4% (95% CI 10.2-10.7), and 11.6% (95% CI 11.2-12.0); and for obesity 4.4% (95% CI 4.2-4.6), 3.8% (95% CI 3.5-4.0), and 6.0% (95% CI 5.6-6.5). Incidence rates per 1,000 patient-years during followup for RA, psoriasis, and PsA cohorts, respectively, for hypertension were 74.0 (95% CI 72.5-75.5), 68.2 (95% CI 65.9-70.4), and 79.8 (95% CI 76.3-83.3); for diabetes mellitus 10.6 (95% CI 10.1-11.1), 13.0 (95% CI 12.1-13.8), and 14.7 (95% CI 13.5-16.0); for hyperlipidemia 40.3 (95% CI 39.4-41.3), 47.1 (95% CI 45.4-48.7), and 52.0 (95% CI 49.6-54.3); and for obesity 24.4 (95% CI 23.4-25.4), 26.4 (95% CI 25.0-27.8), and 32.9 (95% CI 30.6-35.2). Patients with RA, psoriasis, and PsA have high prevalence and incidence of CV risk factors, suggesting the need for risk factor monitoring of these patients. © 2016, American College of Rheumatology.

[Nutritional status associated with demographic characteristics in older Peruvian adults].

PubMed

Tarqui-Mamani, Carolina; Alvarez-Dongo, Doris; Espinoza-Oriundo, Paula; Gomez-Guizado, Guillermo

2014-01-01

To describe the nutritional status in older adults and its association with sociodemographic characteristics. A cross-sectional study was conducted. Sampling was probabilistic, stratifi and multistage. Nutritional status was assessed by body mass index (BMI) according to the classifi of nutritional status for the elderly from the Ministry of Health of Peru. The statistical analysis considered the necessary weight for complex samples. The study included 7,267 older adults. 26.8% of participants were underweight, 21.7% overweight, 10.6% obese and 40.8% normal. The average age in the sample was 70.1 ± 8.3 years. Illiteracy (OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.2-3.0), primary education (OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.3-2.9), extreme poverty (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.6-2.5), living in rural areas (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.5-2.1), living in the mountains (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.2-2.2) or jungle (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.1-2.2) were found associated with underweight. Females (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.4-2.1), living in urban areas (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.6-2.5), living in the coastal region (OR 1.5; 95% CI 1.2- 1.8); and not classifi as poor (OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.3-2.9) were associated with overweight. Female sex (OR 3.1; 95% CI 2.3-4.1), primary education (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.5-4.0) and secondary (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.2-3.4); live in urban areas (OR 2.2; 95% CI 1.6-2.9), inhabiting the coast (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.3-2.4), Metro (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1-2.2) and jungle (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.1-2.2), and not classifi as poor (OR 3.5; 95% CI 1.8-7.0) were associated with obesity. The data suggest that both underweight and overweight are common in the elderly population studied.

Polymorphs and Prodrugs and Salts (Oh My!): An Empirical Analysis of “Secondary” Pharmaceutical Patents

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background While there has been much discussion by policymakers and stakeholders about the effects of “secondary patents” on the pharmaceutical industry, there is no empirical evidence on their prevalence or determinants. Characterizing the landscape of secondary patents is important in light of recent court decisions in the U.S. that may make them more difficult to obtain, and for developing countries considering restrictions on secondary patents. Methodology/Principal Findings We read the claims of the 1304 Orange Book listed patents on all new molecular entities approved in the U.S. between 1988 and 2005, and coded the patents as including chemical compound claims (claims covering the active molecule itself) and/or one of several types of secondary claims. We distinguish between patents with any secondary claims, and those with only secondary claims and no chemical compound claims (“independent” secondary patents). We find that secondary claims are common in the pharmaceutical industry. We also show that independent secondary patents tend to be filed and issued later than chemical compound patents, and are also more likely to be filed after the drug is approved. When present, independent formulation patents add an average of 6.5 years of patent life (95% C.I.: 5.9 to 7.3 years), independent method of use patents add 7.4 years (95% C.I.: 6.4 to 8.4 years), and independent patents on polymorphs, isomers, prodrug, ester, and/or salt claims add 6.3 years (95% C.I.: 5.3 to 7.3 years). We also provide evidence that late-filed independent secondary patents are more common for higher sales drugs. Conclusions/Significance Policies and court decisions affecting secondary patenting are likely to have a significant impact on the pharmaceutical industry. Secondary patents provide substantial additional patent life in the pharmaceutical industry, at least nominally. Evidence that they are also more common for best-selling drugs is consistent with accounts of active �

The somatic symptom scale-8 (SSS-8): a brief measure of somatic symptom burden.

PubMed

Gierk, Benjamin; Kohlmann, Sebastian; Kroenke, Kurt; Spangenberg, Lena; Zenger, Markus; Brähler, Elmar; Löwe, Bernd

2014-03-01

Somatic symptoms are the core features of many medical diseases, and they are used to evaluate the severity and course of illness. The 8-item Somatic Symptom Scale (SSS-8) was recently developed as a brief, patient-reported outcome measure of somatic symptom burden, but its reliability, validity, and usefulness have not yet been tested. To investigate the reliability, validity, and severity categories as well as the reference scores of the SSS-8. A national, representative general-population survey was performed between June 15, 2012, and July 15, 2012, in Germany, including 2510 individuals older than 13 years. The SSS-8 mean (SD), item-total correlations, Cronbach α, factor structure, associations with measures of construct validity (Patient Health Questionnaire-2 depression scale, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2 scale, visual analog scale for general health status, 12-month health care use), severity categories, and percentile rank reference scores. The SSS-8 had excellent item characteristics and good reliability (Cronbach α = 0.81). The factor structure reflects gastrointestinal, pain, fatigue, and cardiopulmonary aspects of the general somatic symptom burden. Somatic symptom burden as measured by the SSS-8 was significantly associated with depression (r = 0.57 [95% CI, 0.54 to 0.60]), anxiety (r = 0.55 [95% CI, 0.52 to 0.58]), general health status (r = -0.24 [95% CI, -0.28 to -0.20]), and health care use (incidence rate ratio, 1.12 [95% CI, 1.10 to 1.14]). The SSS-8 severity categories were calculated in accordance with percentile ranks: no to minimal (0-3 points), low (4-7 points), medium (8-11 points), high (12-15 points), and very high (16-32 points) somatic symptom burden. For every SSS-8 severity category increase, there was a 53% (95% CI, 44% to 63%) increase in health care visits. The SSS-8 is a reliable and valid self-report measure of somatic symptom burden. Cutoff scores identify individuals with low, medium, high, and very high somatic

Impact of oxygenated additives to diesel-biodiesel blends in the context of performance and emissions characteristics of a CI engine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahmudul, H. M.; Hagos, Ftwi Y.; Mamat, Rizalman; Abdullah, Abdul A.

2016-11-01

Butanol is receiving huge interest in the area of alternative fuel in the compression ignition (CI) engines. In this work, butanol is used as an oxygenated additive to diesel and biodiesel blend fuels to evaluate the performance and emission of CI engine. The commercially available pure diesel fuel (D100) and 80% commercially available diesel- biodiesel bled (5% biodiesel and 95% by volume) and 20% butanol (BU20) fuels were investigated to evaluate the effects of the fuel blends on the performance and exhaust emissions of a single cylinder diesel engine. The experiment was conducted at fixed load of 75% with the five engine speeds (from 1200-2400 rpm with an interval of 300 rpm). The engine performance parameters such as power, torque, fuel consumption and thermal efficiency and exhaust gas emissions such as nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and exhaust gas temperature were analysed from the experimental data. The results shows that although butanol addition has caused a slight reduction in power and torque values (11.1% and 3.5%, respectively), the emission values of the engine were improved. With respect to the exhaust gas temperature, CO and NOx emissions, of BU20 is reported to have reduction by 17.7%, 20% and 3%, respectively than the B100. Therefore, butanol can be used as a fuel additive to diesel-biodiesel blends.

Addition by subtraction in coupled-cluster theory: a reconsideration of the CC and CI interface and the nCC hierarchy.

PubMed

Bartlett, Rodney J; Musiał, Monika

2006-11-28

The nCC hierarchy of coupled-cluster approximations, where n guarantees exactness for n electrons and all products of n electrons are derived and applied to several illustrative problems. The condition of exactness for n=2 defines nCCSD=2CC, with nCCSDT=3CC and nCCSDTQ=4CC being exact for three and four electrons. To achieve this, the minimum number of diagrams is evaluated, which is less than in the corresponding CC model. For all practical purposes, nCC is also the proper definition of a size-extensive CI. 2CC is also an orbitally invariant coupled electron pair approximation. The numerical results of nCC are close to those for the full CC variant, and in some cases are closer to the full CI reference result. As 2CC is exact for separated electron pairs, it is the natural zeroth-order approximation for the correlation problem in molecules with other effects introduced as these units start to interact. The nCC hierarchy of approximations has all the attractive features of CC including its size extensivity, orbital invariance, and orbital insensitivity, but in a conceptually appealing form suited to bond breaking, while being computationally less demanding. Excited states from the equation of motion (EOM-2CC) are also reported, which show results frequently approaching those of EOM-CCSDT.

ISHNE/EHRA expert consensus on remote monitoring of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs).

PubMed

Dubner, Sergio; Auricchio, Angelo; Steinberg, Jonathan S; Vardas, Panos; Stone, Peter; Brugada, Josep; Piotrowicz, Ryszard; Hayes, David L; Kirchhof, Paulus; Breithardt, Günter; Zareba, Wojciech; Schuger, Claudio; Aktas, Mehmet K; Chudzik, Michal; Mittal, Suneet; Varma, Niraj

2012-02-01

We are in the midst of a rapidly evolving era of technology-assisted medicine. The field of telemedicine provides the opportunity for highly individualized medical management in a way that has never been possible before. Evolving medical technologies using cardiac implantable devices (CIEDs) with capabilities for remote monitoring permit evaluation of multiple parameters of cardiovascular physiology and risk, including cardiac rhythm, device function, blood pressure values, the presence of myocardial ischaemia, and the degree of compensation of congestive heart failure. Cardiac risk, device status, and response to therapies can now be assessed with these electronic systems of detection and reporting. This document reflects the extensive experience from investigators and innovators around the world who are shaping the evolution of this rapidly expanding field, focusing in particular on implantable pacemakers (IPGs), implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), devices for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) (both, with and without defibrillation properties), loop recorders, and haemodynamic monitoring devices. This document covers the basic methodologies, guidelines for their use, experience with existing applications, and the legal and reimbursement aspects associated with their use. To adequately cover this important emerging topic, the International Society for Holter and Noninvasive Electrocardiology (ISHNE) and the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) combined their expertise in this field. We hope that the development of this field can contribute to improve care of our cardiovascular patients.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training in Schools Following 8 Years of Mandating Legislation in Denmark: A Nationwide Survey.

PubMed

Malta Hansen, Carolina; Zinckernagel, Line; Ersbøll, Annette Kjær; Tjørnhøj-Thomsen, Tine; Wissenberg, Mads; Lippert, Freddy Knudsen; Weeke, Peter; Gislason, Gunnar Hilmar; Køber, Lars; Torp-Pedersen, Christian; Folke, Fredrik

2017-03-14

School cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training has become mandatory in many countries, but whether legislation has translated into implementation of CPR training is largely unknown. We assessed CPR training of students following 8 years of legislative mandates in Denmark. A nationwide cross-sectional survey of Danish school leadership (n=1240) and ninth-grade homeroom teachers (n=1381) was carried out for school year 2013-2014. Qualitative interviews and the Theory of Planned Behavior were used to construct the survey. Logistic regression models were employed to identify factors associated with completed CPR training. Information from 63.1% of eligible schools was collected: 49.3% (n=611) of leadership and 48.2% (n=665) of teachers responded. According to teachers, 28.4% (95% CI 25.0% to 32.0%) and 10.3% (95% CI 8.1% to 12.8%) of eligible classes had completed CPR and automated external defibrillator training, respectively. Among leadership, 60.2% (95% CI 56.2% to 64.1%) reported CPR training had occurred during the 3 years prior to the survey. Factors associated with completed CPR training included believing other schools were conducting training (odds ratio [OR] 9.68 [95% CI 4.65-20.1]), awareness of mandating legislation (OR 4.19 [95% CI 2.65-6.62]), presence of a school CPR training coordinator (OR 3.01 [95% CI 1.84-4.92]), teacher feeling competent to conduct training (OR 2.78 [95% CI 1.74-4.45]), and having easy access to training material (OR 2.08 [95% CI 1.57-2.76]). Despite mandating legislation, school CPR training has not been successfully implemented. Completed CPR training was associated with believing other schools were conducting training, awareness of mandating legislation, presence of a school CPR training coordinator, teachers teacher feeling competent to conduct training, and having easy access to training material. Facilitating these factors may increase rates of school CPR training. © 2017 The Authors. Published on behalf of the

Extraterrestrial Amino Acids in Orgueil and Ivuna: Tracing the Parent Body of CI Type Carbonaceous Chondrites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meyer, Michael (Technical Monitor); Ehrenfreund, Pascale; Glavin, Daniel P.; Bota, Oliver; Cooper, George; Bada, Jeffrey

2001-01-01

Amino acid analyses using HPLC of pristine interior pieces of the CI carbonaceous chondrites Orgueil and Ivuna have found that beta-alanine, glycine, and gamma-amino-n-butyric acid (ABA) are the most abundant amino acids in these two meteorites, with concentrations ranging from approx. 600 to 2,000 parts per billion (ppb). Other alpha-amino acids such as alanine, alpha-ABA, alpha-aminoisobutyric acid (AIB), and isovaline are present only in trace amounts (less than 200 ppb). Carbon isotopic measurements of beta-alanine and glycine and the presence of racemic (D/L 1) alanine and beta-ABA in Orgueil suggest that these amino acids are extraterrestrial in origin. In comparison to the CM carbonaceous chondrites Murchison and Murray, the amino acid composition of the CIs is strikingly distinct, suggesting that these meteorites came from a different type of parent body, possibly an extinct comet, than did the CM carbonaceous chondrites.

Carbohydrates Alone or Mixing With Beef or Whey Protein Promote Similar Training Outcomes in Resistance Training Males: A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

PubMed

Naclerio, Fernando; Seijo-Bujia, Marco; Larumbe-Zabala, Eneko; Earnest, Conrad P

2017-10-01

Beef powder is a new high-quality protein source scarcely researched relative to exercise performance. The present study examined the impact of ingesting hydrolyzed beef protein, whey protein, and carbohydrate on strength performance (1RM), body composition (via plethysmography), limb circumferences and muscular thickness (via ultrasonography), following an 8-week resistance-training program. After being randomly assigned to one of the following groups: Beef, Whey, or Carbohydrate, twenty four recreationally physically active males (n = 8 per treatment) ingested 20 g of supplement, mixed with orange juice, once a day (immediately after workout or before breakfast). Post intervention changes were examined as percent change and 95% CIs. Beef (2.0%, CI, 0.2-2.38%) and Whey (1.4%, CI, 0.2-2.6%) but not Carbohydrate (0.0%, CI, -1.2-1.2%) increased fat-free mass. All groups increased vastus medialis thickness: Beef (11.1%, CI, 6.3-15.9%), Whey (12.1%, CI, 4.0, -20.2%), Carbohydrate (6.3%, CI, 1.9-10.6%). Beef (11.2%, CI, 5.9-16.5%) and Carbohydrate (4.5%, CI, 1.6-7.4%), but not Whey (1.1%, CI, -1.7-4.0%), increased biceps brachialis thickness, while only Beef increased arm (4.8%, CI, 2.3-7.3%) and thigh (11.2%, 95%CI 0.4-5.9%) circumferences. Although the three groups significantly improved 1RM Squat (Beef 21.6%, CI 5.5-37.7%; Whey 14.6%, CI, 5.9-23.3%; Carbohydrate 19.6%, CI, 2.2-37.1%), for the 1RM bench press the improvements were significant for Beef (15.8% CI 7.0-24.7%) and Whey (5.8%, CI, 1.7-9.8%) but not for carbohydrate (11.4%, CI, -0.9-23.6%). Protein-carbohydrate supplementation supports fat-free mass accretion and lower body hypertrophy. Hydrolyzed beef promotes upper body hypertrophy along with similar performance outcomes as observed when supplementing with whey isolate or maltodextrin.

Proactive Approach for Safe Use of Antimicrobial Coatings in Healthcare Settings: Opinion of the COST Action Network AMiCI

PubMed Central

Ahonen, Merja; Kahru, Anne; Ivask, Angela; Kasemets, Kaja; Kõljalg, Siiri; Mantecca, Paride; Vinković Vrček, Ivana; Keinänen-Toivola, Minna M.; Crijns, Francy

2017-01-01

Infections and infectious diseases are considered a major challenge to human health in healthcare units worldwide. This opinion paper was initiated by EU COST Action network AMiCI (AntiMicrobial Coating Innovations) and focuses on scientific information essential for weighing the risks and benefits of antimicrobial surfaces in healthcare settings. Particular attention is drawn on nanomaterial-based antimicrobial surfaces in frequently-touched areas in healthcare settings and the potential of these nano-enabled coatings to induce (eco)toxicological hazard and antimicrobial resistance. Possibilities to minimize those risks e.g., at the level of safe-by-design are demonstrated. PMID:28362344

Novel Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol formulation Namisol® has beneficial pharmacokinetics and promising pharmacodynamic effects

PubMed Central

Klumpers, Linda E; Beumer, Tim L; van Hasselt, Johan G C; Lipplaa, Astrid; Karger, Lennard B; Kleinloog, H Daniël; Freijer, Jan I; de Kam, Marieke L; van Gerven, Joop M A

2012-01-01

AIMS Among the main disadvantages of currently available Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) formulations are dosing difficulties due to poor pharmacokinetic characteristics. Namisol® is a novel THC formulation, designed to improve THC absorption. The study objectives were to investigate the optimal administration route, pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD) and tolerability of Namisol®. METHODS This first in human study consisted of two parts. Panel I included healthy males and females (n = 6/6) in a double-blind, double-dummy, randomized, crossover study with sublingual (crushed tablet) and oral administration of Namisol® (5 mg THC). Based on these results, male and female (n = 4/5) participants from panel I received oral THC 6.5 and 8.0 mg or matching placebo in a randomized, crossover, rising dose study during panel II. PD measurements were body sway; visual analogue scales (VAS) mood, psychedelic and heart rate. THC and 11-OH-THC population PK analysis was performed. RESULTS Sublingual administration showed a flat concentration profile compared with oral administration. Oral THC apparent t1/2 was 72–80 min, tmax was 39–56 min and Cmax 2.92–4.69 ng ml−1. THC affected body sway (60.8%, 95% CI 29.5, 99.8), external perception (0.078 log mm, 95% CI 0.019, 0.137), alertness (−2.7 mm, 95% CI −4.5, −0.9) feeling high (0.256 log mm, 95% CI 0.093, 0.418) and heart rate (5.6 beats min–1, 95% CI 2.7, 6.5). Namisol® was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS Oral Namisol® showed promising PK and PD characteristics. Variability and tmax of THC plasma concentrations were smaller for Namisol® than reported for studies using oral dronabinol and nabilone. This study was performed in a limited number of healthy volunteers. Therefore, future research on Namisol® should study clinical effects in patient populations. PMID:22680341

Quantum chemical characterization of the X((1)A'), a((3)A'') and A((1)A'') states of CHBr and CHI and computed heats of formation for CHI and CI.

PubMed

Bacskay, George B

2010-08-26

The relative energies of the X, a, and A states of CHBr and CHI and their atomization and dissociation energies in the complete basis limit were determined by extrapolating (R/U)CCSD(T) and Davidson corrected MRCI energies calculated with the aug-cc-pVxZ (x = T,Q,5) basis sets, which were corrected for core-valence correlation, spin-orbit coupling, and zero point energies. The all-electron calculations on the bromine containing molecules were explicitly corrected for scalar relativity, while in the iodo systems they are implicit in the ECP28MDF pseudopotential of iodine. The geometries and vibrational frequencies were calculated at the CASPT2/cc-pVTZ level of theory. The computed singlet-triplet splittings (5.7 and 3.7 kcal mol(-1) for CHBr and CHI respectively) are in close agreement with the recent experimental values, while the predicted A <-- X excitation energies are within approximately 1 kcal mol(-1) of experiment. The barriers to linearity and dissociation on the A surface were also characterized. For CHI and CI, the predicted heats of formation at 298 K are 134.5 +/- 1.0 and 103.9 +/- 1.0 kcal mol(-1), respectively. The spin-orbit splitting in iodomethylidyne (CI) is computed to be 746 cm(-1), although that value may be an underestimate by approximately 20%.

The redox state of iron in the matrix of CI, CM and metamorphosed CM chondrites by XANES spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beck, P.; De Andrade, V.; Orthous-Daunay, F.-R.; Veronesi, G.; Cotte, M.; Quirico, E.; Schmitt, B.

2012-12-01

Carbonaceous chondrites record the action of water at some point of their petrological history. These meteorites are usually connected to low albedo asteroid, which present visible/near-IR absorption explained by iron related absorption within phyllosilicates and oxides. In order to obtain quantitative insight into the mineralogy of iron-bearing phases, we have measured X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy at the iron K-edge of matrix from carbonaceous chondrites. This method enables to constrain the redox state and environment of iron in these meteorites. For this study, we selected seven CM chondrites and the CI Orgueil, expected to span a range of aqueous alteration degrees. Our analysis of the pre-edge features show that the redox state of Orgueil (CI) is dominated by octahedral Fe and that the Fe3+/(Fe3++Fe2+) atomic ratio is above 80%. Full-inversion of the spectra suggests that the iron budget is dominated by iron oxides, with additional contributions from phyllosilicate. In the case of the CM, the iron speciation appears different that in the case of Orgueil. Cronstedtite is identified from the inversion of the spectra, and suggested by the presence of significant amount of tetrahedral Fe3+. Within the CM chondrites, a trend of aqueous alteration appears presents, and which is roughly correlated to the scheme defined by Rubin et al. (2007). This trend is characterized by an increase in the amount of iron oxides. Two shock metamorphosed CM are present in our dataset (PCA 91008, WIS 91600). If WIS 91600 does not appear distinguishable, from the CM trend, in the case of PCA 91008, shock metamorphism did impact the pre-edge intensity and an increased amount of anhydrous silicates is found. Although the matrix was dehydrated, significant amount of Fe3+ is still present, providing a memory of the aqueous alteration.

A Chinese patent medicine Salvia miltiorrhiza depside salts for infusion combined with conventional treatment for patients with angina pectoris: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PubMed

Zhang, Yili; Xie, Yanming; Liao, Xing; Jia, Qiulei; Chai, Yan

2017-02-15

Currently, many trials have been conducted to investigate the beneficial and harmful effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza depside salts for infusion for treating patients with angina pectoris. It is important to systematically and criticallyevaluate the existing literature into providing a pooled effect to examine outcomes of angina pectoris with Salvia miltiorrhiza depside salts for infusion. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to determine the clinical curative effect and safety of Salvia miltiorrhiza depside salts for infusion for angina pectoris and provide clear evidence to inform clinical practice. The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and other four electronic Chinese databases were searched to identify relevant randomized controlled trials. Methodological quality and reporting quality of eligible studies was evaluated by using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and CONSORT for traditional Chinese medicine respectively. Meta-analysis was performed by RevMan 5.3 software. Fifty-six randomized controlled trials involving 5503 patients were included. Most of the trials were classified as having an unclear risk of bias because of poor reported methodology. The main outcomes are improvements in angina symptoms, ECG improvement and reduction of nitroglycerin use. CHD mortality or rate of CHD events was not reported in any trial. Meta-analysis showed that Salvia miltiorrhiza depside salts for infusion combined with conventional treatment was better than conventional treatment alone in improving angina symptoms (RR= 1.28, 95% CI 1.24 to 1.31, p < 0.00001), the frequency of angina attack (time/week)(WMD=-1.47, 95% CI -2.16 to -0.78), reducing clinical symptom scores (WMD=-0.55, 95% CI -0.57 to -0.53, p < 0.000011), increasing physical limitation scores (WMD= 7.68, 95% CI 1.48 to 13.88, p = 0.02), improving ECG (RR= 1.32,95% CI 1.27 to 1.38, p < 0.00001) and reducing dosage of nitroglycerin (RR= 1.50, 95% CI: 1.26 to 1.77, p < 0

Adverse Childhood Experiences and ADHD Diagnosis at Age 9 Years in a National Urban Sample.

PubMed

Jimenez, Manuel E; Wade, Roy; Schwartz-Soicher, Ofira; Lin, Yong; Reichman, Nancy E

To examine associations between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) at age 9 years using longitudinal data and assess the extent to which ACEs during middle childhood are independently associated with ADHD at age 9 years. We conducted a secondary analysis of data from the Fragile Families urban birth cohort 5- and 9-year interviews. The sample was limited to children for whom mothers were the primary caregiver and mother-reported information on 8 ACEs and ADHD were available at age 5 and 9 years. We examined associations between ACEs and parent-reported ADHD at age 9 years using logistic regression and controlling for potential confounders. We included 1572 children; 48% were African American, 11% had parent-reported ADHD at age 9 years, 41% and 42% experienced ≥1 ACE by age 5 years and between the ages of 5 and 9 years, respectively. ACEs before age 5 years were associated with ADHD at age 9 years. One, 2, and ≥3 ACEs between age 5 and 9 years were associated with ADHD at age 9 years even after controlling for ACEs before age 5 years and ADHD at age 5 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-3; AOR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.2-3.8; and AOR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.1-4.3). In this study of urban children, ACEs occurring before age 5 years as well as between the ages of 5 and 9 years were associated with ADHD at age 9 years. Even after controlling for early childhood ACEs and ADHD at age 5 years, the association between ADHD and ACEs in middle childhood remained significant, highlighting the importance of screening and intervention throughout childhood. Copyright © 2016 Academic Pediatric Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The role of journals in building up communities: the experience of Ciência em Tela

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martins, Isabel; de Souza Barros, Susana

2015-12-01

Ciência em Tela is an open access Brazilian science teacher education online journal that has been published twice a year since 2008 and which encourages the participation of professionals with different backgrounds and the submission of a variety of textual genres, besides research papers. Another feature is that the journal includes practicing schoolteachers not only as authors but also as reviewers, which not only provides those who submit contributions to the journal with an early feedback from their target audience but also helps empower schoolteachers by placing them in a discursive situation in which they are producers, as opposed to consumers, of discourses about science education. In this paper we describe the background to and main aspects of the journal's innovative editorial policy, which seeks to bridge gaps between communities and institutions linked to science education, as well as to discuss the challenges that arise from it, in particular, issues concerning internationalisation and funding, as well as the role of journals in times of colonisation and commodification of knowledge and of discourses.

Population-based pediatric reference intervals for general clinical chemistry analytes on the Abbott Architect ci8200 instrument.

PubMed

Ridefelt, Peter; Aldrimer, Mattias; Rödöö, Per-Olof; Niklasson, Frank; Jansson, Leif; Gustafsson, Jan; Hellberg, Dan

2012-02-29

Reference intervals are crucial decision-making tools aiding clinicians in differentiating between healthy and diseased populations. However, for children such values often are lacking or incomplete. Blood samples were obtained from 692 healthy children, aged 6 months to 18 years, recruited in daycare centers and schools. Twelve common general clinical chemistry analytes were measured on the Abbott Architect ci8200 platform; sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, albumin-adjusted calcium, phosphate, magnesium, creatinine (Jaffe and enzymatic), cystatin C, urea and uric acid. Age- and gender specific pediatric reference intervals were defined by calculating the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles. The data generated is primarily applicable to a Caucasian population when using the Abbott Architect platform, but could be used by any laboratory if validated for the local patient population.

8-channel prototype of SALT readout ASIC for Upstream Tracker in the upgraded LHCb experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abellan Beteta, C.; Bugiel, S.; Dasgupta, R.; Firlej, M.; Fiutowski, T.; Idzik, M.; Kane, C.; Moron, J.; Swientek, K.; Wang, J.

2017-02-01

SALT is a new 128-channel readout ASIC for silicon strip detectors in the upgraded Upstream Tracker of the LHCb experiment. It will extract and digitise analogue signals from the sensor, perform digital processing and transmit serial output data. SALT is designed in CMOS 130 nm process and uses a novel architecture comprising of an analogue front-end and an ultra-low power (<0.5 mW) fast (40 MSps) sampling 6-bit ADC in each channel. An 8-channel prototype (SALT8), comprising all important functionalities was designed, fabricated and tested. A full 128-channel version was also submitted. The design and test results of the SALT8 prototype are presented showing its full functionality.

Use of Cad Systems in Testing the Collision of Underground Transportation Means / Zastosowanie systemów Cad w badaniach kolizyjności środków transportu podziemnego

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dudek, Marek

2013-06-01

A concept of use of CAD systems in testing collision of underground transportation means is presented. Reasons for undertaking this problem are given with end users identified. The concept of the system for collision analyses of transported loads is described. Examples of collision analysis during transportation of powered roof support are given. Presented system is designed to aid planning, organizational and training activities undertaken in management of transportation safety in mines. It will be also possible to use software resources, developed within the system as the didactic material as regards safe transportation process, which include hazards to the employees working in the area of transportation operations. Developed prototype of a system for testing the collision of underground transportation means was positively assessed by employees of the Coal Company, JSC - industrial partner of KOMAG. This prototype is continuously improved and adapted for commercial implementation in the selected coal mines. W pracy przedstawiono koncepcję zastosowania systemów CAD w badaniach kolizyjności środków transportu podziemnego. Określono przyczyny podjęcia tematu oraz zidentyfikowano końcowych użytkowników. Zaprezentowano koncepcję systemu do analiz kolizyjności transportowanych ładunków. Pokazano przykłady analizy kolizyjności podczas transportu sekcji obudowy zmechanizowanej. Przedstawiony system przeznaczony jest do wspomagania działań planistycznych, organizacyjnych i szkoleniowych podejmowanych w zarządzaniu bezpieczeństwem transportu w zakładach górniczych. Opracowane w ramach systemu zasoby programowe będzie można również wykorzystać jako materiał dydaktyczny z zakresu bezpieczeństwa pracy w transporcie, uwzględniający zagrożenia dla pracowników pracujących w bezpośredniej strefie prac transportowych. Opracowany prototyp systemu do badania kolizyjności środków transportu podziemnego został pozytywnie oceniony przez pracownik

Preconception care: the perfect opportunity for health care providers to advise lifestyle changes for hypertensive women.

PubMed

Bombard, Jennifer M; Robbins, Cheryl L; Dietz, Patricia M; Valderrama, Amy L

2013-01-01

To provide estimates for prevalence of health care provider advice offered to reproductive-aged women and to assess their association with behavior change. Cross-sectional study using the 2009 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Setting. Nineteen states/areas. Women aged 18 to 44 years with a self-reported history of hypertension or current antihypertensive medication use (n = 2063). Self-reported hypertension; sociodemographic and health care access indicators; and provider advice and corresponding self-reported behavior change to improve diet, limit salt intake, exercise, and reduce alcohol use. We estimated prevalence and prevalence ratios for receipt of provider advice and action to change habits. We calculated 95% confidence interval (CI) and used χ(2) tests to assess associations. Overall, 9.8% of reproductive-aged women had self-reported hypertension; most reported receiving advice to change eating habits (72.9%), reduce salt intake (74.6%), and exercise (82.1%), and most reported making these changes. Only 44.7% reported receiving advice to reduce alcohol intake. Women who received provider advice were more likely to report corresponding behavior change compared to those who did not (prevalence ratios ranged from 1.3 [95% CI, 1.2-1.5, p < .05] for exercise to 1.6 [95% CI, 1.4-1.8, p < .05] for reducing alcohol use. Health care providers should routinely advise hypertensive reproductive-aged women about lifestyle changes to reduce blood pressure and improve pregnancy outcomes.

Extended-Release Mixed Amphetamine Salts vs Placebo for Comorbid Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Cocaine Use Disorder

PubMed Central

Levin, Frances R.; Mariani, John J.; Specker, Sheila; Mooney, Marc; Mahony, Amy; Brooks, Daniel J.; Babb, David; Bai, Yun; Eberly, Lynn E.; Nunes, Edward V.; Grabowski, John

2015-01-01

IMPORTANCE Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is prevalent but often unrecognized, in part because it tends to co-occur with other disorders such as substance use disorders. Cocaine use disorder is one such disorder with high co-occurrence of ADHD. OBJECTIVE To examine whether treatment of co-occurring ADHD and cocaine use disorder with extended-release mixed amphetamine salts is effective at both improving ADHD symptoms and reducing cocaine use. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Thirteen-week, randomized, double-blind, 3-arm, placebo-controlled trial of participants meeting DSM-IV-TR criteria for both ADHD and cocaine use disorder conducted between December 1, 2007, and April 15, 2013, at 2 academic health center substance abuse treatment research sites. One hundred twenty-six adults diagnosed as having comorbid ADHD and cocaine use disorder were randomized to extended-release mixed amphetamine salts or placebo. Analysis was by intent-to-treat population. INTERVENTIONS Participants received extended-release mixed amphetamine salts (60 or 80 mg) or placebo daily for 13 weeks and participated in weekly individual cognitive behavioral therapy. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES For ADHD, percentage of participants achieving at least a 30% reduction in ADHD symptom severity, measured by the Adult ADHD Investigator Symptom Rating Scale; for cocaine use, cocaine-negative weeks (by self-report of no cocaine use and weekly benzoylecgonine urine screens) during maintenance medication (weeks 2–13) and percentage of participants achieving abstinence for the last 3 weeks. RESULTS More patients achieved at least a 30% reduction in ADHD symptom severity in the medication groups (60 mg: 30 of 40 participants [75.0%]; odds ratio [OR] = 5.23; 95% CI, 1.98–13.85; P < .001; and 80 mg: 25 of 43 participants [58.1%]; OR = 2.27; 95% CI, 0.94–5.49; P = .07) compared with placebo (17 of 43 participants [39.5%]). The odds of a cocaine-negative week were higher in the 80

Case finding and screening clinical utility of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9 and PHQ-2) for depression in primary care: a diagnostic meta-analysis of 40 studies.

PubMed

Mitchell, Alex J; Yadegarfar, Motahare; Gill, John; Stubbs, Brendon

2016-03-01

The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) is the most commonly used measure to screen for depression in primary care but there is still lack of clarity about its accuracy and optimal scoring method. To determine via meta-analysis the diagnostic accuracy of the PHQ-9-linear, PHQ-9-algorithm and PHQ-2 questions to detect major depressive disorder (MDD) among adults. We systematically searched major electronic databases from inception until June 2015. Articles were included that reported the accuracy of PHQ-9 or PHQ-2 questions for diagnosing MDD in primary care defined according to standard classification systems. We carried out a meta-analysis, meta-regression, moderator and sensitivity analysis. Overall, 26 publications reporting on 40 individual studies were included representing 26 902 people (median 502, s.d.=693.7) including 14 760 unique adults of whom 14.3% had MDD. The methodological quality of the included articles was acceptable. The meta-analytic area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the PHQ-9-linear and the PHQ-2 was significantly higher than the PHQ-9-algorithm, a difference that was maintained in head-to-head meta-analysis of studies. Our best estimates of sensitivity and specificity were 81.3% (95% CI 71.6-89.3) and 85.3% (95% CI 81.0-89.1), 56.8% (95% CI 41.2-71.8) and 93.3% (95% CI 87.5-97.3) and 89.3% (95% CI 81.5-95.1) and 75.9% (95% CI 70.1-81.3) for the PHQ-9-linear, PHQ-9-algorithm and PHQ-2 respectively. For case finding (ruling in a diagnosis), none of the methods were suitable but for screening (ruling out non-cases), all methods were encouraging with good clinical utility, although the cut-off threshold must be carefully chosen. The PHQ can be used as an initial first step assessment in primary care and the PHQ-2 is adequate for this purpose with good acceptability. However, neither the PHQ-2 nor the PHQ-9 can be used to confirm a clinical diagnosis (case finding). None. © The Royal College of Psychiatrists 2016. This is

Results Of Initial Analyses Of The Salt (Macro) Batch 9 Tank 21H Qualification Samples

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

Peters, T.

2015-10-08

Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) analyzed samples from Tank 21H in support of qualification of Interim Salt Disposition Project (ISDP) Salt (Macro) Batch 9 for processing through the Actinide Removal Process (ARP) and the Modular Caustic-Side Solvent Extraction Unit (MCU). This document reports the initial results of the analyses of samples of Tank 21H. Analysis of the Tank 21H Salt (Macro) Batch 9 composite sample indicates that the material does not display any unusual characteristics. Further results on the chemistry and other tests will be issued in the future.

CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 genetic polymorphisms: frequencies in the south Indian population.

PubMed

Jose, Rosemary; Chandrasekaran, Adithan; Sam, Soya Sisy; Gerard, Nathalie; Chanolean, Shashindran; Abraham, Benny K; Satyanarayanamoorthy, K; Peter, Anitha; Rajagopal, Krishnamoorthy

2005-02-01

The aim of the study was to establish the frequencies of CYP2C9*1, *2, *3 and CYP2C19*1, *2 and *3 in the south Indian population and to compare them with the inter-racial distribution of the CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 genetic polymorphisms. Genotyping analyses of CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 were conducted in unrelated, healthy volunteers from the three south Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala, by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment-length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The allele frequencies of the populations of these three states were then pooled with our previous genotyping data of Tamilians (also in south India), to arrive at the distribution of CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 alleles in the south Indian population. Frequencies of CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 alleles and genotypes among various populations were compared using the two-tailed Fisher's exact test. The frequencies of CYP2C9*1, *2 and *3 in the south Indian population were 0.88 (95% CI 0.85-0.91), 0.04 (95% CI 0.02-0.06) and 0.08 (95% CI 0.06-0.11), respectively. The frequencies of CYP2C9 genotypes *1/*1, *1/*2, *1/*3, *2/*2, *2/*3 and *3/*3 were 0.78 (95% CI 0.74-0.82), 0.05 (95% CI 0.03-0.07), 0.15 (95% CI 0.12-0.18), 0.01 (95% CI 0.0-0.02), 0.01 (95% CI 0.0-0.02) and 0.0, respectively. CYP2C19*1, *2 and *3 frequencies were 0.64 (95% CI 0.60-0.68), 0.35 (95% CI 0.31-0.39) and 0.01 (95% CI 0.0-0.03), respectively. As a result of a significant heterogeneity, the data on CYP2C19 genotype frequencies were not pooled. The frequency of CYP2C9*2 mutant alleles in south Indians was higher than in Chinese and Caucasians, while CYP2C9*3 was similar to Caucasians. CYP2C19*2 was higher than in other major populations reported so far. The relatively high CYP2C19 poor-metabolizer genotype frequency of 12.6% indicates that over 28 million south Indians are poor metabolizers of CYP2C19 substrates.

The Cuatro Ciénegas Basin in Coahuila, Mexico: An Astrobiological Precambrian Park

PubMed Central

Siefert, Janet L.; Escalante, Ana E.; Elser, James J.; Eguiarte, Luis E.

2012-01-01

Abstract The Cuatro Ciénegas Basin (CCB) is a rare oasis in the Chihuahuan Desert in the state of Coahuila, Mexico. It has a biological endemism similar to that of the Galapagos Islands, and its spring-fed ecosystems have very low nutrient content (nitrogen or phosphorous) and are dominated by diverse microbialites. Thus, it has proven to be a distinctive opportunity for the field of astrobiology, as the CCB can be seen as a proxy for an earlier time in Earth's history, in particular the late Precambrian, the biological frontier when prokaryotic life yielded at least partial dominance to eukaryotes and multicellular life. It is a kind of ecological time machine that provides abundant opportunities for collaborative investigations by geochemists, geologists, ecologists, and population biologists in the study of the evolutionary processes that structured Earth-based life, especially in the microbial realm. The CCB is an object of investigation for the identification of biosignatures of past and present biota that can be used in our search for extraterrestrial life. In this review, we summarize CCB research efforts that began with microbial ecology and population biology projects and have since been expanded into broader efforts that involve biogeochemistry, comparative genomics, and assessments of biosignatures. We also propose that, in the future, the CCB is sanctioned as a “Precambrian Park” for astrobiology. Key Words: Microbial mats—Stromatolites—Early Earth—Extremophilic microorganisms—Microbial ecology. Astrobiology 12, 641–647. PMID:22920514

The Careful Puppet Master: Reducing risk and fortifying acceptance testing with Jenkins CI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, Jason A.; Richman, Gabriel; DeStefano, John; Pryor, James; Rao, Tejas; Strecker-Kellogg, William; Wong, Tony

2015-12-01

Centralized configuration management, including the use of automation tools such as Puppet, can greatly increase provisioning speed and efficiency when configuring new systems or making changes to existing systems, reduce duplication of work, and improve automated processes. However, centralized management also brings with it a level of inherent risk: a single change in just one file can quickly be pushed out to thousands of computers and, if that change is not properly and thoroughly tested and contains an error, could result in catastrophic damage to many services, potentially bringing an entire computer facility offline. Change management procedures can—and should—be formalized in order to prevent such accidents. However, like the configuration management process itself, if such procedures are not automated, they can be difficult to enforce strictly. Therefore, to reduce the risk of merging potentially harmful changes into our production Puppet environment, we have created an automated testing system, which includes the Jenkins CI tool, to manage our Puppet testing process. This system includes the proposed changes and runs Puppet on a pool of dozens of RedHat Enterprise Virtualization (RHEV) virtual machines (VMs) that replicate most of our important production services for the purpose of testing. This paper describes our automated test system and how it hooks into our production approval process for automatic acceptance testing. All pending changes that have been pushed to production must pass this validation process before they can be approved and merged into production.

Intake of potassium- and magnesium-enriched salt improves functional outcome after stroke: a randomized, multicenter, double-blind controlled trial.

PubMed

Pan, Wen-Harn; Lai, Ying-Ho; Yeh, Wen-Ting; Chen, Jiunn-Rong; Jeng, Jiann-Shing; Bai, Chyi-Huey; Lin, Ruey-Tay; Lee, Tsong-Hai; Chang, Ku-Chou; Lin, Huey-Juan; Hsiao, Chin-Fu; Chern, Chang-Ming; Lien, Li-Ming; Liu, Chung-Hsiang; Chen, Wei-Hung; Chang, Anna

2017-11-01

Background: Stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality and neurologic deficits. Management measures to improve neurologic outcomes are in great need. Our previous intervention trial in elderly subjects successfully used salt as a carrier for potassium, demonstrating a 41% reduction in cardiovascular mortality by switching to potassium-enriched salt. Dietary magnesium has been associated with lowered diabetes and/or stroke risk in humans and with neuroprotection in animals. Objective: Because a large proportion of Taiwanese individuals are in marginal deficiency states for potassium and for magnesium and salt is a good carrier for minerals, it is justifiable to study whether further enriching salt with magnesium at an amount near the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) amount may provide additional benefit for stroke recovery. Design: This was a double-blind, randomized controlled trial comprising 291 discharged stroke patients with modified Rankin scale (mRS) ≤4. There were 3 arms: 1 ) regular salt (Na salt) ( n = 99), 2 ) potassium-enriched salt (K salt) ( n = 97), and 3 ) potassium- and magnesium-enriched salt (K/Mg salt) ( n = 95). The NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Barthel Index (BI), and mRS were evaluated at discharge, at 3 mo, and at 6 mo. A good neurologic performance was defined by NIHSS = 0, BI = 100, and mRS ≤1. Results: After the 6-mo intervention, the proportion of patients with good neurologic performance increased in a greater magnitude in the K/Mg salt group than in the K salt group and the Na salt group, in that order. The K/Mg salt group had a significantly increased OR (2.25; 95% CI: 1.09, 4.67) of achieving good neurologic performance compared with the Na salt group. But the effect of K salt alone (OR: 1.58; 95% CI: 0.77, 3.22) was not significant. Conclusions: This study suggests that providing the DRI amount of magnesium and potassium together long term is beneficial for stroke patient recovery from neurologic deficits. This trial was

Extraterrestrial amino acids in Orgueil and Ivuna: Tracing the parent body of CI type carbonaceous chondrites

PubMed Central

Ehrenfreund, Pascale; Glavin, Daniel P.; Botta, Oliver; Cooper, George; Bada, Jeffrey L.

2001-01-01

Amino acid analyses using HPLC of pristine interior pieces of the CI carbonaceous chondrites Orgueil and Ivuna have found that β-alanine, glycine, and γ-amino-n-butyric acid (ABA) are the most abundant amino acids in these two meteorites, with concentrations ranging from ≈600 to 2,000 parts per billion (ppb). Other α-amino acids such as alanine, α-ABA, α-aminoisobutyric acid (AIB), and isovaline are present only in trace amounts (<200 ppb). Carbon isotopic measurements of β-alanine and glycine and the presence of racemic (D/L ≈ 1) alanine and β-ABA in Orgueil suggest that these amino acids are extraterrestrial in origin. In comparison to the CM carbonaceous chondrites Murchison and Murray, the amino acid composition of the CIs is strikingly distinct, suggesting that these meteorites came from a different type of parent body, possibly an extinct comet, than did the CM carbonaceous chondrites. PMID:11226205

Association between salt and hypertension in rural and urban populations of low to middle income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis of population based studies.

PubMed

Subasinghe, Asvini K; Arabshahi, Simin; Busingye, Doreen; Evans, Roger G; Walker, Karen Z; Riddell, Michaela A; Thrift, Amanda G

2016-01-01

The prevalence of hypertension, the greatest contributor to mortality globally, is increasing in low-and-middle income countries (LMICs). In urban regions of LMICs, excessive salt intake is associated with increased risk of hypertension. We aimed to determine whether this is the case in rural regions as well. We performed a meta-analysis of studies in rural and urban areas of LMICs in which the association of salt and hypertension were assessed using multivariable models. We identified 18 studies with a total of 134,916 participants. The prevalence of high salt intake ranged from 21.3% to 89.5% in rural and urban populations. When salt was analysed as a continuous variable, a greater impact of salt on hypertension was found in urban (n=4) (pooled effect size (ES) 1.42, 95% CI 1.19, 1.69) than in rural populations (n=4) (pooled ES 1.07, 95% CI 1.04, 1.10, p for difference <0.001). In studies where salt was analysed continuously, a greater impact of salt on hypertension was observed in lean rural populations (BMI <23 kg/m2) than in non-lean rural populations (BMI >=23 kg/m2, p for difference <0.001). The prevalence of high salt intake is similar in rural and urban regions. Excessive salt intake has a greater impact on the prevalence of hypertension in urban than rural regions. BMI appears to modify the relationship between salt and hypertension in rural populations.

The dynamics of the emergency medical readmission - The underlying fundamentals.

PubMed

Byrne, Declan; O'Riordan, Deirdre; Conway, Richard; Cournane, Sean; Silke, Bernard

2017-11-01

Hospital readmissions are a perennial problem. We reviewed readmissions to one institution (2002-2015) and investigated their dynamics. 96,474 emergency admissions (in 50,701 patients) to an Irish hospital over a 15-year period were studied, and patterns surrounding early (<28days) and late (any other) readmissions determined. Univariate and logistic or truncated Poisson regression methods were employed. Early readmission rate averaged 9.6% (95% CI: 9.4, 9.8) with a low/high of 8.4% (95% CI: 7.8, 9.1) and 10.3% (95% CI: 9.6, 11.0) respectively with no overall time trend. Early readmissions represented 20.1% (95% CI: 19.8, 20.5) of emergency medical readmissions. Median time to first readmission was 55weeks (95% CI: 13, 159), time to second was 35weeks (95% CI: 9, 98); by the 7th/8th readmissions, intervals were 13weeks (95% CI: 4, 36) and 11weeks (95% CI: 4, 30). Readmissions were older 67.1years (95% CI: 48.3, 79.2) vs. single admissions 53.9years (34.3, 72.4) and stayed longer - 5.8days (2.7, 10.6) vs. 3.9days (1.5, 8.0). Readmissions had more Acute Illness Severity, Charlson Co-Morbidity and Chronic Disabling Disease. Between 2002 and 2015 the logistic adjusted model of 30-day in-hospital mortality reduced from 6.1% (95% CI: 5.7, 6.5) to 4.4% (95% CI: 4.1, 4.7) (RRR 30.4%). Early hospital readmission rate did not change over 15years despite improvements in hospital mortality outcomes. Readmissions have a consistent pattern related to patient illness and social characteristics; the fundamentals are driven by disease progression over time. Copyright © 2017 European Federation of Internal Medicine. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

40 CFR 60.4213 - What test methods and other procedures must I use if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... displacement of greater than or equal to 30 liters per cylinder? 60.4213 Section 60.4213 Protection of... displacement of greater than or equal to 30 liters per cylinder? Owners and operators of stationary CI ICE with a displacement of greater than or equal to 30 liters per cylinder must conduct performance tests...

40 CFR 60.4213 - What test methods and other procedures must I use if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... displacement of greater than or equal to 30 liters per cylinder? 60.4213 Section 60.4213 Protection of... displacement of greater than or equal to 30 liters per cylinder? Owners and operators of stationary CI ICE with a displacement of greater than or equal to 30 liters per cylinder must conduct performance tests...

40 CFR 60.4213 - What test methods and other procedures must I use if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... displacement of greater than or equal to 30 liters per cylinder? 60.4213 Section 60.4213 Protection of... displacement of greater than or equal to 30 liters per cylinder? Owners and operators of stationary CI ICE with a displacement of greater than or equal to 30 liters per cylinder must conduct performance tests...

40 CFR 60.4213 - What test methods and other procedures must I use if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... displacement of greater than or equal to 30 liters per cylinder? 60.4213 Section 60.4213 Protection of... displacement of greater than or equal to 30 liters per cylinder? Owners and operators of stationary CI ICE with a displacement of greater than or equal to 30 liters per cylinder must conduct performance tests...

40 CFR 60.4213 - What test methods and other procedures must I use if I am an owner or operator of a stationary CI...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... displacement of greater than or equal to 30 liters per cylinder? 60.4213 Section 60.4213 Protection of... displacement of greater than or equal to 30 liters per cylinder? Owners and operators of stationary CI ICE with a displacement of greater than or equal to 30 liters per cylinder must conduct performance tests...

Involvement of S100A8/A9-TLR4-NLRP3 Inflammasome Pathway in Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury.

PubMed

Tan, Xuexian; Zheng, Xiaohe; Huang, Zena; Lin, Jiaqiong; Xie, Chuli; Lin, Yan

2017-01-01

Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CIAKI) is a common cause of hospital-acquired acute kidney injury (AKI). S100A8/A9-TLR4-NLRP3 inflammasome pathway triggers inflammation, apoptosis and tissue injury in several AKI models. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanism of S100A8/A9-TLR4-NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in CIKAI is not clear. We aimed to investigate the possible role of S100A8/A9-TLR4-NLRP3 inflammasome in the pathophysiology of CIAKI. We treated male rats and NRK-52E cells by iopromide to establish in vivo and in vitro models of CIAKI. We collected serum and urine samples to detect renal function. We obtained kidney tissue for histological analysis and detection of protein concentration. We used inhibitor of TLR4 and NLRP3-siRNA to further testify their role in CIAKI in NRK-52E cells. Iopromide caused elevation of SCr, BUN and NGAL level, decrease of endogenous creatinine clearance, morphological injury and tubular apoptosis, enhanced IL-1β and IL-18 expression, and increased expression of S100A8/A9, TLR4 and NLRP3 inflammsome. In NRK-52E cells, iopromide caused enhanced apoptotic rates and ROS generation, which could be ameliorated by inhibitor of TLR4 and NLRP3-siRNA. Moreover, inhibition of TLR4 dampened NLRP3 expression. S100A8/A9-TLR4-NLRP3 inflammasome pathway represented a key mechanism of CI-AKI, which provided a potential therapeutic target. © 2017 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.

A phase II study of radioimmunotherapy with intraventricular 131 I-3F8 for medulloblastoma.

PubMed

Kramer, Kim; Pandit-Taskar, Neeta; Humm, John L; Zanzonico, Pat B; Haque, Sofia; Dunkel, Ira J; Wolden, Suzanne L; Donzelli, Maria; Goldman, Debra A; Lewis, Jason S; Lyashchenko, Serge K; Khakoo, Yasmin; Carrasquillo, Jorge A; Souweidane, Mark M; Greenfield, Jeffrey P; Lyden, David; De Braganca, Kevin D; Gilheeney, Stephen W; Larson, Steven M; Cheung, Nai-Kong V

2018-01-01

High-risk and recurrent medulloblastoma (MB) is associated with significant mortality. The murine monoclonal antibody 3F8 targets the cell-surface disialoganglioside GD2 on MB. We tested the efficacy, toxicity, and dosimetry of compartmental radioimmunotherapy (cRIT) with intraventricular 131 I-labeled 3F8 in patients with MB on a phase II clinical trial. Patients with histopathologically confirmed high-risk or recurrent MB were eligible for cRIT. After determining adequate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow, patients received 2 mCi (where Ci is Curie) 124 I-3F8 or 131 I-3F8 with nuclear imaging for dosimetry, followed by up to four therapeutic (10 mCi/dose) 131 I-3F8 injections. Dosimetry estimates were based on serial CSF and blood samplings over 48 hr plus region-of-interest analyses on serial imaging scans. Disease evaluation included pre- and posttherapy brain/spine magnetic resonance imaging approximately every 3 months for the first year after treatment, and every 6-12 months thereafter. Forty-three patients received a total of 167 injections; 42 patients were evaluable for outcome. No treatment-related deaths occurred. Toxicities related to drug administration included acute bradycardia with somnolence, headache, fatigue, and CSF pleocytosis consistent with chemical meningitis and dystonic reaction. Total CSF absorbed dose was 1,453 cGy (where Gy is Gray; 350.0-2,784). Median overall survival from first dose of cRIT was 24.9 months (95% confidence interval [CI]:16.3-55.8). Patients treated in radiographic and cytologic remission were at a lower risk of death compared to patients with radiographically measurable disease (hazard ratio: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.18-0.88, P = 0.024). cRIT with 131 I-3F8 is safe, has favorable dosimetry to CSF, and when added to salvage therapy using conventional modalities, may have clinical utility in maintaining remission in high-risk or recurrent MB. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Combining the Complete Active Space Self-Consistent Field Method and the Full Configuration Interaction Quantum Monte Carlo within a Super-CI Framework, with Application to Challenging Metal-Porphyrins.

PubMed

Li Manni, Giovanni; Smart, Simon D; Alavi, Ali

2016-03-08

A novel stochastic Complete Active Space Self-Consistent Field (CASSCF) method has been developed and implemented in the Molcas software package. A two-step procedure is used, in which the CAS configuration interaction secular equations are solved stochastically with the Full Configuration Interaction Quantum Monte Carlo (FCIQMC) approach, while orbital rotations are performed using an approximated form of the Super-CI method. This new method does not suffer from the strong combinatorial limitations of standard MCSCF implementations using direct schemes and can handle active spaces well in excess of those accessible to traditional CASSCF approaches. The density matrix formulation of the Super-CI method makes this step independent of the size of the CI expansion, depending exclusively on one- and two-body density matrices with indices restricted to the relatively small number of active orbitals. No sigma vectors need to be stored in memory for the FCIQMC eigensolver--a substantial gain in comparison to implementations using the Davidson method, which require three or more vectors of the size of the CI expansion. Further, no orbital Hessian is computed, circumventing limitations on basis set expansions. Like the parent FCIQMC method, the present technique is scalable on massively parallel architectures. We present in this report the method and its application to the free-base porphyrin, Mg(II) porphyrin, and Fe(II) porphyrin. In the present study, active spaces up to 32 electrons and 29 orbitals in orbital expansions containing up to 916 contracted functions are treated with modest computational resources. Results are quite promising even without accounting for the correlation outside the active space. The systems here presented clearly demonstrate that large CASSCF calculations are possible via FCIQMC-CASSCF without limitations on basis set size.

Abundance, zoonotic potential and risk factors of intestinal parasitism amongst dog and cat populations: The scenario of Crete, Greece.

PubMed

Kostopoulou, Despoina; Claerebout, Edwin; Arvanitis, Dimitrios; Ligda, Panagiota; Voutzourakis, Nikolaos; Casaert, Stijn; Sotiraki, Smaragda

2017-01-25

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the prevalence and infection intensity of intestinal parasites in different dog and cat populations in Crete, Greece, estimate the zoonotic risk and identify risk factors. Faecal samples from shelter, household and shepherd dogs and shelter and household cats were analyzed using sedimentation/flotation techniques. Giardia and Cryptosporidium were detected by a quantitative direct immunofluorescence assay (IFA). PCR and sequencing was performed to evaluate the zoonotic potential of Giardia and Cryptosporidium positive samples. Totals of 879 dog and 264 cat faecal samples were examined. In dogs, the overall prevalence was 25.2% (CI: 22.4-28.1) for Giardia spp.; 9.2% (CI: 7.3-11.1) for Ancylostoma/Uncinaria spp.; 7.6% (CI: 5.9-9.4) for Toxocara spp.; 5.9% (CI: 4.4-7.5) for Cryptosporidium spp.; 4.6% (CI: 3.2-5.9) for Cystoisospora spp.; 2.7% (CI: 1.7-3.8) for Toxascaris leonina; 1.7% (CI: 0.9-2.6) for Capillaria spp.; 0.8% (CI: 0.2-1.4) for taeniid eggs; 0.2% (CI: 0-0.5) for Dipylidium caninum; and 0.1% (CI: 0-0.3) for Strongyloides stercoralis. In cats, the prevalence was 20.5% (CI: 15.6-25.3) for Giardia spp.; 9.5% (CI: 5.9-13.0) for Cystoisospora spp.; 8.3% (CI: 5.0-11.7) for Toxocara spp.; 7.6% (CI: 4.4-10.8) for Ancylostoma/Uncinaria spp.; 6.8% (CI: 3.8-9.9) for Cryptosporidium spp.; 4.2% (CI: 1.8-6.6) for Capillaria spp.; 0.8% (CI: 0-1.8) for taeniid eggs; and 0.4% (CI: 0-1.1) for Hammondia/Toxoplasma. Concerning the risk factors evaluated, there was a negative association between age and Giardia infection and between age and T. leonina infection intensity for dogs. Sequencing results revealed the presence of mainly animal-specific G. duodenalis assemblages C and D in dogs and assemblages F, C and BIV-like in cats, with only a limited number of (co-)infections with assemblage A. As for Cryptosporidium, the dog-specific C. canis and the pig-specific C. scrofarum were detected in dogs and the cat-specific C. felis was