Planned Variation in Preanalytical Conditions to Evaluate Biospecimen Stability in the National Children’s Study (NCS)

PubMed Central

Mechanic, Leah; Mendez, Armando; Merrill, Lori; Rogers, John; Layton, Marnie; Todd, Deborah; Varanasi, Arti; O’Brien, Barbara; Meyer, William A.; Zhang, Ming; Schleicher, Rosemary L.; Moye, Jack

2014-01-01

BACKGROUND Preanalytical conditions encountered during collection, processing, and storage of biospecimens may influence laboratory results. The National Children’s Study (NCS) is a planned prospective cohort study of 100,000 families to examine the influence of a wide variety of exposures on child health. In developing biospecimen collection, processing, and storage procedures for the NCS, we identified several analytes of different biochemical categories for which it was unclear to what extent deviations from NCS procedures could influence measurement results. METHODS A pilot study was performed to examine effects of preanalytic sample handling conditions (delays in centrifugation, freezing delays, delays in separation from cells, additive delay, and tube type) on concentrations of eight different analytes. 2,825 measurements were made to assess 15 unique combinations of analyte and handling conditions in blood collected from 151 women of childbearing age (≥20 individuals per handling condition). RESULTS The majority of analytes were stable under the conditions evaluated. However, levels of plasma interleukin-6 and serum insulin were decreased in response to sample centrifugation delays of up to 5.5 hours post collection (P<0.0001). In addition, delays in freezing centrifuged plasma samples (comparing 24, 48 and 72 hours to immediate freezing) resulted in increased levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (P=0.0014). CONCLUSIONS Determining stability of proposed analytes in response to preanalytical conditions and handling helps to ensure high-quality specimens for study now and in the future. The results inform development of procedures, plans for measurement of analytes, and interpretation of laboratory results. PMID:23924524

Chain of custody; recommendations for acceptance and analysis of evidentiary geochemical samples

USGS Publications Warehouse

Murphy, Christine M.; Briggs, Paul H.; Adrian, Betty M.; Wilson, Steve A.; Hageman, Phil L.; Theodorakos, Pete M.

1997-01-01

Personnel from the Analytical Chemistry Services Group (ACSG), Mineral Resource Survey Program, formed a team to determine the policies for acceptance and analysis of geochemical samples. This team contacted law enforcement agencies that handle litigious samples, laboratories that work with samples of special nature, and the Solicitor General, Department of the Interior. Using the knowledge from these agencies as well as the expertise of ACSG personnel, sample control routine procedures, sample control evidentiary procedures, personnel policy governing chain-of-custody samples, and the general polices governing physical security of chain-of custody samples have been enacted.

Robotic Sample Manipulator for Handling Astromaterials Inside the Geolab Microgravity Glovebox

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bell, Mary S.; Calaway, M. J.; Evans, C. A.; Li,Z.; Tong, S.; Zhong, Y.; Dahiwala, R.; Wang, L.; Porter, F.

2013-01-01

Future human and robotic sample return missions will require isolation containment systems with strict protocols and procedures for reducing inorganic and organic contamination. Robotic handling and manipulation of astromaterials may be required for preliminary examination inside such an isolation containment system. In addition, examination of astromaterials in microgravity will require constant contact to secure samples during manipulation. The National Space Grant Foundation exploration habitat (XHab) academic innovative challenge 2012 administered through the NASA advanced exploration systems (AES) deep space habitat (DSH) project awarded funding to the University of Bridgeport team to develop an engineering design for tools to facilitate holding and handling geological samples for analysis in a microgravity glovebox environment. The Bridgeport XHab team developed a robotic arm system with a three-finger gripper that could manipulate geologic samples within the existing GeoLab glovebox integrated into NASA's DSH called the GeoLab Robotic Sample Manipulator (see fig. 1 and 2). This hardware was deployed and tested during the 2012 DSH mission operations tests [1].

16 CFR 1630.4 - Test procedure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... a fire-retardant treatment, or is made of fibers which have had a fire-retardant treatment, the...) Gloves. Nonhygroscopic gloves (such as rubber polyethylene) for handling the sample after drying, and...

16 CFR 1630.4 - Test procedure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... a fire-retardant treatment, or is made of fibers which have had a fire-retardant treatment, the...) Gloves. Nonhygroscopic gloves (such as rubber polyethylene) for handling the sample after drying, and...

Minimizing Postsampling Degradation of Peptides by a Thermal Benchtop Tissue Stabilization Method

PubMed Central

Segerström, Lova; Gustavsson, Jenny

2016-01-01

Enzymatic degradation is a major concern in peptide analysis. Postmortem metabolism in biological samples entails considerable risk for measurements misrepresentative of true in vivo concentrations. It is therefore vital to find reliable, reproducible, and easy-to-use procedures to inhibit enzymatic activity in fresh tissues before subjecting them to qualitative and quantitative analyses. The aim of this study was to test a benchtop thermal stabilization method to optimize measurement of endogenous opioids in brain tissue. Endogenous opioid peptides are generated from precursor proteins through multiple enzymatic steps that include conversion of one bioactive peptide to another, often with a different function. Ex vivo metabolism may, therefore, lead to erroneous functional interpretations. The efficacy of heat stabilization was systematically evaluated in a number of postmortem handling procedures. Dynorphin B (DYNB), Leu-enkephalin-Arg6 (LARG), and Met-enkephalin-Arg6-Phe7 (MEAP) were measured by radioimmunoassay in rat hypothalamus, striatum (STR), and cingulate cortex (CCX). Also, simplified extraction protocols for stabilized tissue were tested. Stabilization affected all peptide levels to varying degrees compared to those prepared by standard dissection and tissue handling procedures. Stabilization increased DYNB in hypothalamus, but not STR or CCX, whereas LARG generally decreased. MEAP increased in hypothalamus after all stabilization procedures, whereas for STR and CCX, the effect was dependent on the time point for stabilization. The efficacy of stabilization allowed samples to be left for 2 hours in room temperature (20°C) without changes in peptide levels. This study shows that conductive heat transfer is an easy-to-use and efficient procedure for the preservation of the molecular composition in biological samples. Region- and peptide-specific critical steps were identified and stabilization enabled the optimization of tissue handling and opioid peptide analysis. The result is improved diagnostic and research value of the samples with great benefits for basic research and clinical work. PMID:27007059

Bacterial Contamination and Disinfection Status of Laryngoscopes Stored in Emergency Crash Carts

PubMed Central

Lee, Jung Won; Shin, Hee Bong; Lee, In Kyung

2017-01-01

Objectives To identify bacterial contamination rates of laryngoscope blades and handles stored in emergency crash carts by hospital and area according to the frequency of intubation attempts. Methods One hundred forty-eight handles and 71 blades deemed ready for patient use from two tertiary hospitals were sampled with sterile swabs using a standardized rolling technique. Samples were considered negative (not contaminated) if no colonies were present on the blood agar plate after an 18-hour incubation period. Samples were stratified by hospital and according to the frequency of intubation attempts (10 attempts per year) using the χ2-test and Fisher exact test. Results One or more species of bacteria were isolated from 4 (5.6%) handle tops, 20 (28.2%) handles with knurled surfaces, and 27 (18.2%) blades. No significant differences were found in microbial contamination levels on the handle tops and blades between the two hospitals and two areas according to the frequency of intubation attempts. However, significant differences were found between the two hospitals and two areas in the level of microbial contamination on the handles with knurled surfaces (p<0.05). Conclusions Protocols and policies must be reviewed to standardize procedures to clean and disinfect laryngoscope blades and handles; handles should be re-designed to eliminate points of contact with the blade; and single-use, one-piece laryngoscopes should be introduced. PMID:28605891

The Japanese Society of Pathology Guidelines on the handling of pathological tissue samples for genomic research: Standard operating procedures based on empirical analyses.

PubMed

Kanai, Yae; Nishihara, Hiroshi; Miyagi, Yohei; Tsuruyama, Tatsuhiro; Taguchi, Kenichi; Katoh, Hiroto; Takeuchi, Tomoyo; Gotoh, Masahiro; Kuramoto, Junko; Arai, Eri; Ojima, Hidenori; Shibuya, Ayako; Yoshida, Teruhiko; Akahane, Toshiaki; Kasajima, Rika; Morita, Kei-Ichi; Inazawa, Johji; Sasaki, Takeshi; Fukayama, Masashi; Oda, Yoshinao

2018-02-01

Genome research using appropriately collected pathological tissue samples is expected to yield breakthroughs in the development of biomarkers and identification of therapeutic targets for diseases such as cancers. In this connection, the Japanese Society of Pathology (JSP) has developed "The JSP Guidelines on the Handling of Pathological Tissue Samples for Genomic Research" based on an abundance of data from empirical analyses of tissue samples collected and stored under various conditions. Tissue samples should be collected from appropriate sites within surgically resected specimens, without disturbing the features on which pathological diagnosis is based, while avoiding bleeding or necrotic foci. They should be collected as soon as possible after resection: at the latest within about 3 h of storage at 4°C. Preferably, snap-frozen samples should be stored in liquid nitrogen (about -180°C) until use. When intending to use genomic DNA extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue, 10% neutral buffered formalin should be used. Insufficient fixation and overfixation must both be avoided. We hope that pathologists, clinicians, clinical laboratory technicians and biobank operators will come to master the handling of pathological tissue samples based on the standard operating procedures in these Guidelines to yield results that will assist in the realization of genomic medicine. © 2018 The Authors. Pathology International published by Japanese Society of Pathology and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

Effects of Sample Handling and Analytical Procedures on Thyroid Hormone Concentrations in Pregnant Women's Plasma.

PubMed

Villanger, Gro Dehli; Learner, Emily; Longnecker, Matthew P; Ask, Helga; Aase, Heidi; Zoeller, R Thomas; Knudsen, Gun P; Reichborn-Kjennerud, Ted; Zeiner, Pål; Engel, Stephanie M

2017-05-01

Maternal thyroid function is a critical mediator of fetal brain development. Pregnancy-related physiologic changes and handling conditions of blood samples may influence thyroid hormone biomarkers. We investigated the reliability of thyroid hormone biomarkers in plasma of pregnant women under various handling conditions. We enrolled 17 pregnant women; collected serum and plasma were immediately frozen. Additional plasma aliquots were subjected to different handling conditions before the analysis of thyroid biomarkers: storage at room temperature for 24 or 48 hours before freezing and an extra freeze-thaw cycle. We estimated free thyroid hormone indices in plasma based on T3 uptake. High correlations between plasma and serum (>0.94) and intraclass correlation coefficients for plasma handling conditions (0.96 to 1.00) indicated excellent reliability for all thyroid hormone biomarkers. Delayed freezing and freeze-thaw cycles did not affect reliability of biomarkers of thyroid function in plasma during pregnancy. See video abstract at, http://links.lww.com/EDE/B180.

Collecting, preparing, crossdating, and measuring tree increment cores

USGS Publications Warehouse

Phipps, R.L.

1985-01-01

Techniques for collecting and handling increment tree cores are described. Procedures include those for cleaning and caring for increment borers, extracting the sample from a tree, core surfacing, crossdating, and measuring. (USGS)

Successful Performance of Laboratory Investigations with Blood Glucose Meters Employing a Dynamic Electrochemistry-Based Correction Algorithm Is Dependent on Careful Sample Handling.

PubMed

Demircik, Filiz; Klonoff, David; Musholt, Petra B; Ramljak, Sanja; Pfützner, Andreas

2016-10-01

Devices employing electrochemistry-based correction algorithms (EBCAs) are optimized for patient use and require special handling procedures when tested in the laboratory. This study investigated the impact of sample handling on the results of an accuracy and hematocrit interference test performed with BG*Star, iBG*Star; OneTouch Verio Pro and Accu-Chek Aviva versus YSI Stat 2300. Venous heparinized whole blood was manipulated to contain three different blood glucose concentrations (64-74, 147-163, and 313-335 mg/dL) and three different hematocrit levels (30%, 45%, and 60%). Sample preparation was done by either a very EBCA-experienced laboratory testing team (A), a group experienced with other meters but not EBCAs (B), or a team inexperienced with meter testing (C). Team A ensured physiological pO 2 and specific sample handling requirements, whereas teams B and C did not consider pO 2 . Each sample was tested four times with each device. In a separate experiment, a different group similar to group B performed the experiment before (D1) and after (D2) appropriate sample handling training. Mean absolute deviation from YSI was calculated as a metrix for all groups and devices. Mean absolute relative difference was 4.3% with team A (B: 9.2%, C: 5.2%). Team B had much higher readings and team C produced 100% of "sample composition" errors with high hematocrit levels. In a separate experiment, group D showed a result similar to group B before the training and improved significantly when considering the sample handling requirements (D1: 9.4%, D2: 4.5%, P < 0.05). Laboratory performance testing of EBCA devices should only be performed by trained staff considering specific sample handling requirements. The results suggest that healthcare centers should evaluate EBCA-based devices with capillary blood from patients in accordance with the instructions for use to achieve reliable results.

Microbiological quality and safe handling of enteral diets in a hospital in Minas Gerais, Brazil.

PubMed

Pinto, Raquel Oliveira Medrado; Correia, Eliznara Fernades; Pereira, Keyla Carvalho; Costa Sobrinho, Paulo de Souza; da Silva, Daniele Ferreira

2015-06-01

Contamination of enteral diets represents a high risk of compromising the patient's medical condition. To assess the microbiological quality and aseptic conditions in the preparation and administration of handmade and industrialized enteral diets offered in a hospital in the Valley of Jequitinhonha, MG, Brazil, we performed a microbiological analysis of 50 samples of diets and 27 samples of surfaces, utensils, and water used in the preparation of the diets. In addition, we assessed the good handling practices of enteral diets according to the requirements specified by the Brazilian legislation. Both kinds of enteral diets showed contamination by coliforms and Pseudomonas spp. No sample was positive for Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella spp. On the other hand, Listeria spp. was detected in only one sample of handmade diets. Contamination was significantly higher in the handmade preparations (p < 0.05). Nonconformities were detected with respect to good handling practices, which may compromise the diet safety. The results indicate that the sanitary quality of the enteral diets is unsatisfactory, especially handmade diets. Contamination by Pseudomonas spp. is significant because it is often involved in infection episodes. With regard to aseptic practices, it was observed the need of implementing new procedures for handling enteral diets.

Neonatal handling reduces renal function in adult rats.

PubMed

Donadio, Márcio Vinícius Fagundes; Jacobs, Silvana; Corezola, Kizzy Ludnila; Melo, Denizar Alberto da Silva; Dias, Henrique Bregolin; Reichel, Carlos Luiz; Franci, Celso Rodrigues; Jeckel-Neto, Emilio Antonio; Lulhier, Francisco; Lucion, Aldo Bolten; de Oliveira, Jarbas Rodrigues; Sanvitto, Gilberto Luiz

2009-01-01

To evaluate the effects of neonatal handling on hydroelectrolytic balance in adult rats. The litters were divided into two groups: nonhandled and handled. The procedure consisted of handling the pups for 1 min/day in the first 10 days postnatally. When adults, animals had their body weight verified and were housed in individual metabolic cages. After a 24-hour period, urine samples were collected and the urinary and water intake volumes measured. Blood samples to determine osmolality, aldosterone, corticosterone, angiotensin II, creatinine, urea, sodium and potassium levels were collected. The kidneys were removed for histological assessment. Urinary osmolality, sodium, urea and creatinine were also measured and the creatinine clearance (CC) calculated. No difference between groups was found in the body weight. Handled animals showed a reduction in the total kidney wet weight, water intake, urinary volume, CC, plasma angiotensin II, corticosterone and aldosterone when compared to the nonhandled and an increase in the urinary osmolality and sodium excretion fraction. No differences in serum potassium and no evidence of structural changes were demonstrated by histological analysis. Neonatal handling induced long-lasting effects decreasing renal function without evidence of kidney structural changes. (c) 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Lessons Learned on Bioaugmentation of DNAPL Source Zone Areas

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-10-01

but rather have stringers, ganglia or blobs that can create an “effective pool length”. As the leading edge of these discontinuous DNAPL free-phases...terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP), denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), and fluorescent in situ hybridization ( FISH ...question of interest (e.g. PCR, FISH , DGGE); (ii) sampling location(s); (iii) an appropriate sampling procedure; and (iv) an appropriate sample handling

Pre-analytical effects of blood sampling and handling in quantitative immunoassays for rheumatoid arthritis.

PubMed

Zhao, Xiaoyan; Qureshi, Ferhan; Eastman, P Scott; Manning, William C; Alexander, Claire; Robinson, William H; Hesterberg, Lyndal K

2012-04-30

Variability in pre-analytical blood sampling and handling can significantly impact results obtained in quantitative immunoassays. Understanding the impact of these variables is critical for accurate quantification and validation of biomarker measurements. Particularly, in the design and execution of large clinical trials, even small differences in sample processing and handling can have dramatic effects in analytical reliability, results interpretation, trial management and outcome. The effects of two common blood sampling methods (serum vs. plasma) and two widely-used serum handling methods (on the clot with ambient temperature shipping, "traditional", vs. centrifuged with cold chain shipping, "protocol") on protein and autoantibody concentrations were examined. Matched serum and plasma samples were collected from 32 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients representing a wide range of disease activity status. Additionally, a set of matched serum samples with two sample handling methods was collected. One tube was processed per manufacturer's instructions and shipped overnight on cold packs (protocol). The matched tube, without prior centrifugation, was simultaneously shipped overnight at ambient temperatures (traditional). Upon delivery, the traditional tube was centrifuged. All samples were subsequently aliquoted and frozen prior to analysis of protein and autoantibody biomarkers. Median correlation between paired serum and plasma across all autoantibody assays was 0.99 (0.98-1.00) with a median % difference of -3.3 (-7.5 to 6.0). In contrast, observed protein biomarker concentrations were significantly affected by sample types, with median correlation of 0.99 (0.33-1.00) and a median % difference of -10 (-55 to 23). When the two serum collection/handling methods were compared, the median correlation between paired samples for autoantibodies was 0.99 (0.91-1.00) with a median difference of 4%. In contrast, significant increases were observed in protein biomarker concentrations among certain biomarkers in samples processed with the 'traditional' method. Autoantibody quantification appears robust to both sample type (plasma vs. serum) and pre-analytical sample collection/handling methods (protocol vs. traditional). In contrast, for non-antibody protein biomarker concentrations, sample type had a significant impact; plasma samples generally exhibit decreased protein biomarker concentrations relative to serum. Similarly, sample handling significantly impacted the variability of protein biomarker concentrations. When biomarker concentrations are combined algorithmically into a single test score such as a multi-biomarker disease activity test for rheumatoid arthritis (MBDA), changes in protein biomarker concentrations may result in a bias of the score. These results illustrate the importance of characterizing pre-analytical methodology, sample type, sample processing and handling procedures for clinical testing in order to ensure test accuracy. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Microbiological Sampling Procedures

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Detection and enumeration of microorganisms are an important part of providing to consumers, safe foods of high quality. Determining the presence and/or numbers of certain bacteria and fungi may be directly or indirectly related to facility sanitation, hygiene of handling and processing, quality an...

Automated saliva processing for LC-MS/MS: Improving laboratory efficiency in cortisol and cortisone testing.

PubMed

Antonelli, Giorgia; Padoan, Andrea; Artusi, Carlo; Marinova, Mariela; Zaninotto, Martina; Plebani, Mario

2016-04-01

The aim of this study was to implement in our routine practice an automated saliva preparation protocol for quantification of cortisol (F) and cortisone (E) by LC-MS/MS using a liquid handling platform, maintaining the previously defined reference intervals with the manual preparation. Addition of internal standard solution to saliva samples and calibrators and SPE on μ-elution 96-well plate were performed by liquid handling platform. After extraction, the eluates were submitted to LC-MS/MS analysis. The manual steps within the entire process were to transfer saliva samples in suitable tubes, to put the cap mat and transfer of the collection plate to the LC auto sampler. Transference of the reference intervals from the manual to the automated procedure was established by Passing Bablok regression on 120 saliva samples analyzed simultaneously with the two procedures. Calibration curves were linear throughout the selected ranges. The imprecision ranged from 2 to 10%, with recoveries from 95 to 116%. Passing Bablok regression demonstrated no significant bias. The liquid handling platform translates the manual steps into automated operations allowing for saving hands-on time, while maintaining assay reproducibility and ensuring reliability of results, making it implementable in our routine with the previous established reference intervals. Copyright © 2015 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Passive PE Sampling in Support of In Situ Remediation of Contaminated Sediments: Standard Operating Procedure for PE Analysis

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-12-01

4.5 Food-grade aluminum foil 4.6 Stainless steel forceps 4.7 Single-edge razor blades 4.8 Teflon (or similar non-contaminating material) cutting...handling PE to avoid cross-contaminating the PE. 6.3 Methylene chloride (pesticide grade) rinsed, stainless steel forceps and scissors are used...3.1 PE is susceptible to contamination from atmospheric and surfaces, and so it must be handled using clean techniques. 3.2 While the formation of

Impacts of Sampling and Handling Procedures on DNA- and RNA-based Microbial Characterization and Quantification of Groundwater and Saturated Soil

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-07-01

use of molecular biological techniques (MBTs) has allowed microbial ecologists and environmental engineers to determine microbial community...metabolic genes). The most common approaches used in bioremediation research are those based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of... bioremediation . Because of its sensitivity compared to direct hybridization/probing, PCR is increasingly used to analyze groundwater samples and soil samples

Organic Contamination Baseline Study in NASA Johnson Space Center Astromaterials Curation Laboratories

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Calaway, Michael J.; Allen, Carlton C.; Allton, Judith H.

2014-01-01

Future robotic and human spaceflight missions to the Moon, Mars, asteroids, and comets will require curating astromaterial samples with minimal inorganic and organic contamination to preserve the scientific integrity of each sample. 21st century sample return missions will focus on strict protocols for reducing organic contamination that have not been seen since the Apollo manned lunar landing program. To properly curate these materials, the Astromaterials Acquisition and Curation Office under the Astromaterial Research and Exploration Science Directorate at NASA Johnson Space Center houses and protects all extraterrestrial materials brought back to Earth that are controlled by the United States government. During fiscal year 2012, we conducted a year-long project to compile historical documentation and laboratory tests involving organic investigations at these facilities. In addition, we developed a plan to determine the current state of organic cleanliness in curation laboratories housing astromaterials. This was accomplished by focusing on current procedures and protocols for cleaning, sample handling, and storage. While the intention of this report is to give a comprehensive overview of the current state of organic cleanliness in JSC curation laboratories, it also provides a baseline for determining whether our cleaning procedures and sample handling protocols need to be adapted and/or augmented to meet the new requirements for future human spaceflight and robotic sample return missions.

Microbiological quality and safe handling of enteral diets in a hospital in Minas Gerais, Brazil

PubMed Central

Pinto, Raquel Oliveira Medrado; Correia, Eliznara Fernades; Pereira, Keyla Carvalho; Costa, Paulo de Souza; da Silva, Daniele Ferreira

2015-01-01

Contamination of enteral diets represents a high risk of compromising the patient's medical condition. To assess the microbiological quality and aseptic conditions in the preparation and administration of handmade and industrialized enteral diets offered in a hospital in the Valley of Jequitinhonha, MG, Brazil, we performed a microbiological analysis of 50 samples of diets and 27 samples of surfaces, utensils, and water used in the preparation of the diets. In addition, we assessed the good handling practices of enteral diets according to the requirements specified by the Brazilian legislation. Both kinds of enteral diets showed contamination by coliforms and Pseudomonas spp. No sample was positive for Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella spp. On the other hand, Listeria spp. was detected in only one sample of handmade diets. Contamination was significantly higher in the handmade preparations (p < 0.05). Nonconformities were detected with respect to good handling practices, which may compromise the diet safety. The results indicate that the sanitary quality of the enteral diets is unsatisfactory, especially handmade diets. Contamination by Pseudomonas spp. is significant because it is often involved in infection episodes. With regard to aseptic practices, it was observed the need of implementing new procedures for handling enteral diets. PMID:26273278

Microbiological sampling of spacecraft cabling, antennas, solar panels and thermal blankets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koukol, R. C.

1973-01-01

Sampling procedures and techniques described resulted from various flight project microbiological monitoring programs of unmanned planetary spacecraft. Concurrent with development of these procedures, compatibility evaluations were effected with the cognizant spacecraft subsystem engineers to assure that degradation factors would not be induced during the monitoring program. Of significance were those areas of the spacecraft configuration for which special handling precautions and/or nonstandard sample gathering techniques were evolved. These spacecraft component areas were: cabling, high gain antenna, solar panels, and thermal blankets. The compilation of these techniques provides a historical reference for both the qualification and quantification of sampling parameters as applied to the Mariner Spacecraft of the late 1960's and early 1970's.

Analysis of multiple activity manual materials handling tasks using A Guide to Manual Materials Handling.

PubMed

Mital, A

1999-01-01

Manual handling of materials continues to be a hazardous activity, leading to a very significant number of severe overexertion injuries. Designing jobs that are within the physical capabilities of workers is one approach ergonomists have adopted to redress this problem. As a result, several job design procedures have been developed over the years. However, these procedures are limited to designing or evaluating only pure lifting jobs or only the lifting aspect of a materials handling job. This paper describes a general procedure that may be used to design or analyse materials handling jobs that involve several different kinds of activities (e.g. lifting, lowering, carrying, pushing, etc). The job design/analysis procedure utilizes an elemental approach (breaking the job into elements) and relies on databases provided in A Guide to Manual Materials Handling to compute associated risk factors. The use of the procedure is demonstrated with the help of two case studies.

Microbiological Sampling Procedures for Eggs

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Detection and enumeration of microorganisms are an important part of providing to consumers, safe foods of high quality. Determining the presence and/or numbers of certain bacteria and fungi may be directly or indirectly related to facility sanitation, hygiene of handling and processing, quality an...

[Quality Management System in Pathological Laboratory].

PubMed

Koyatsu, Junichi; Ueda, Yoshihiko

2015-07-01

Even compared to other clinical laboratories, the pathological laboratory conducts troublesome work, and many of the work processes are also manual. Therefore, the introduction of the systematic management of administration is necessary. It will be a shortcut to use existing standards such as ISO 15189 for this purpose. There is no standard specialized for the pathological laboratory, but it is considered to be important to a pathological laboratory in particular. 1. Safety nianagement of the personnel and environmental conditions. Comply with laws and regulations concerning the handling of hazardous materials. 2. Pre-examination processes. The laboratory shall have documented procedures for the proper collection and handling of primary samples. Developed and documented criteria for acceptance or rejection of samples are applied. 3. Examination processes. Selection, verification, and validation of the examination procedures. Devise a system that can constantly monitor the traceability of the sample. 4. Post-examination processes. Storage, retention, and disposal of clinical samples. 5. Release of results. When examination results fall within established alert or critical intervals, immediately notify the physicians. The important point is to recognize the needs of the client and be aware that pathological diagnoses are always "the final diagnoses".

Preliminary Assessment/Site Inspection Work Plan for Granite Mountain Radio Relay System

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-09-01

represent field conditions, and (3) sampling results are repeatable. Final (04 WV---,,1-, ,W•, S 2, mbr . 19W4 13 RyCWed 1.5.2 Sample Handling Sample...procedures specified in Section 2.1.3. Samples collected from shallow depths will be obtained by submerging a stainless- steel, Teflon, or glass... submerged in a manner that minimizes agitation of sediment and the water sample. If a seep or spring has minimal discharge flow, gravel, boulders, and soil

Current projects in Pre-analytics: where to go?

PubMed

Sapino, Anna; Annaratone, Laura; Marchiò, Caterina

2015-01-01

The current clinical practice of tissue handling and sample preparation is multifaceted and lacks strict standardisation: this scenario leads to significant variability in the quality of clinical samples. Poor tissue preservation has a detrimental effect thus leading to morphological artefacts, hampering the reproducibility of immunocytochemical and molecular diagnostic results (protein expression, DNA gene mutations, RNA gene expression) and affecting the research outcomes with irreproducible gene expression and post-transcriptional data. Altogether, this limits the opportunity to share and pool national databases into European common databases. At the European level, standardization of pre-analytical steps is just at the beginning and issues regarding bio-specimen collection and management are still debated. A joint (public-private) project entitled on standardization of tissue handling in pre-analytical procedures has been recently funded in Italy with the aim of proposing novel approaches to the neglected issue of pre-analytical procedures. In this chapter, we will show how investing in pre-analytics may impact both public health problems and practical innovation in solid tumour processing.

Use of CTX-I and PINP as bone turnover markers: National Bone Health Alliance recommendations to standardize sample handling and patient preparation to reduce pre-analytical variability.

PubMed

Szulc, P; Naylor, K; Hoyle, N R; Eastell, R; Leary, E T

2017-09-01

The National Bone Health Alliance (NBHA) recommends standardized sample handling and patient preparation for C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-I) and N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP) measurements to reduce pre-analytical variability. Controllable and uncontrollable patient-related factors are reviewed to facilitate interpretation and minimize pre-analytical variability. The IOF and the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC) Bone Marker Standards Working Group have identified PINP and CTX-I in blood to be the reference markers of bone turnover for the fracture risk prediction and monitoring of osteoporosis treatment. Although used in clinical research for many years, bone turnover markers (BTM) have not been widely adopted in clinical practice primarily due to their poor within-subject and between-lab reproducibility. The NBHA Bone Turnover Marker Project team aim to reduce pre-analytical variability of CTX-I and PINP measurements through standardized sample handling and patient preparation. Recommendations for sample handling and patient preparations were made based on review of available publications and pragmatic considerations to reduce pre-analytical variability. Controllable and un-controllable patient-related factors were reviewed to facilitate interpretation and sample collection. Samples for CTX-I must be collected consistently in the morning hours in the fasted state. EDTA plasma is preferred for CTX-I for its greater sample stability. Sample collection conditions for PINP are less critical as PINP has minimal circadian variability and is not affected by food intake. Sample stability limits should be observed. The uncontrollable aspects (age, sex, pregnancy, immobility, recent fracture, co-morbidities, anti-osteoporotic drugs, other medications) should be considered in BTM interpretation. Adopting standardized sample handling and patient preparation procedures will significantly reduce controllable pre-analytical variability. The successful adoption of such recommendations necessitates the close collaboration of various stakeholders at the global stage, including the laboratories, the medical community, the reagent manufacturers and the regulatory agencies.

Cost Effective, Ultra Sensitive Groundwater Monitoring for Site Remediation and Management: Standard Operating Procedures with QA/QC

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-05-01

in consultation with the site management . 4.0 DATA TYPES AND QUALITY CONTROL A sampling plan must account for the collection, handling, and...GUIDANCE DOCUMENT Cost-Effective, Ultra-Sensitive Groundwater Monitoring for Site Remediation and Management : Standard Operating Procedures...Groundwater Monitoring for Site Remediation and Management 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) Halden, R.U., Roll, I.B. 5d

Water Quality & Pollutant Source Monitoring: Field and Laboratory Procedures. Training Manual.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Office of Water Program Operations (EPA), Cincinnati, OH. National Training and Operational Technology Center.

This training manual presents material on techniques and instrumentation used to develop data in field monitoring programs and related laboratory operations concerned with water quality and pollution monitoring. Topics include: collection and handling of samples; bacteriological, biological, and chemical field and laboratory methods; field…

(Study of the behavioral and biological effects of high intensity 60 Hz electric fields): Quarterly technical progress report No. 29

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

Orr, J.L.

1989-07-14

Activities this quarter involved all phases of the project plus a meeting of the Joint Committee in Tokyo. Detailed mapping of the exposure facility is scheduled to be completed during the week of August 14, 1989. Both electric and magnetic fields should be available for tests of the components of the tether and blood sampling system for the neuroendocrine pilot study in September 1989. The groups for the social behavior study are stabilizing appropriately. Details on the formation of the groups and their status has been provided. Dr. Coelho has included information related to aspects of the social experiment rangingmore » from age estimation in baboons through the cardiovascular consequences of psychosocial stress. In addition, a draft manuscript is included on the data from the previous experiments which describes the effects of 30 and 60 kV/m electric fields on the social behavior of baboons. Tests of the blood handling procedures and analysis methods have been completed. With the exception of the catecholamine analyses, the handling procedures and variability in replicate measurements are satisfactory. Logistic and practical considerations now weigh strongly against including the analysis of the blood samples for catecholamines. Preliminary tests indicate that a sampling procedure which will work for the other compounds is probably not satisfactory for the catecholamines.« less

Multi-Site Quality Assurance Project Plan for Wisconsin Public Service Corporation, Peoples Gas Light and Coke Company, and North Shore Gas

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This Multi-Site QAPP presents the organization, data quality objectives (DQOs), a set of anticipated activities, sample analysis, data handling and specific Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) procedures associated with Studies done in EPA Region 5

Effect of storage time and temperature of equine feces on the subsequent enumeration of lactobacilli and cellulolytic bacteria

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Cellulolytic bacteria and lactobacilli are beneficial microbes in the equine hindgut. There are several existing methodologies for the enumeration of these bacteria, which vary based on selective and differential media and sample handling procedures including storage time and temperature. The object...

NHEXAS PHASE I MARYLAND STUDY--STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR TRAINING OF PHLEBOTOMISTS (G10)

EPA Science Inventory

The purpose of this SOP is to outline the responsibilities of the phlebotomist before, during, and after sampling at residences; and the training system that teaches phlebotomists what they need to know to handle these responsibilities. The overall responsibilities are to collec...

AN EQUATORIAL PACIFIC RAIN EVENT: INFLUENCE ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF IRON AND HYDROGEN PEROXIDE IN SURFACE WATERS

EPA Science Inventory

Methods are described for measuring changes in atmospheric O2 concentration with emphasis on gas handling procedures. Cryogenically dried air samples are collected in 5 L glass flasks at ambient pressure and analyzed against reference gases derived from high-pressure aluminum tan...

40 CFR Appendix 1 to Subpart A of... - Static Sheen Test

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... drilling fluids, drill cuttings, produced sand, and well treatment, completion and workover fluids. “Free... drill cuttings or produced sand are introduced into ambient seawater in a container having an air-to... specified. 6. Quality Control Procedures None currently specified. 7. Sample Collection and Handling 7...

Method and apparatus for controlling gas evolution from chemical reactions

DOEpatents

Skorpik, James R.; Dodson, Michael G.

1999-01-01

The present invention is directed toward monitoring a thermally driven gas evolving chemical reaction with an acoustic apparatus. Signals from the acoustic apparatus are used to control a heater to prevent a run-away condition. A digestion module in combination with a robotic arm further automate physical handling of sample material reaction vessels. The invention is especially useful for carrying out sample procedures defined in EPA Methods SW-846.

Advance Warning and Risk Evaluator (AWARE): Background, Preliminary Findings, and Way Ahead

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-02-12

in press). Guilt, shame , and suicidal ideation in a military outpatient clinical sample. Depression and Anxiety. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of...Instruction 1308.3., DoD Physical Fitness and Body Fat Programs Procedures, November 5, 2002. DoD Instruction 1325.06., Handling Dissident and...press). Guilt, shame , and suicidal ideation in a military outpatient clinical sample. Depression and Anxiety. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Sample handling for mass spectrometric proteomic investigations of human sera.

PubMed

West-Nielsen, Mikkel; Høgdall, Estrid V; Marchiori, Elena; Høgdall, Claus K; Schou, Christian; Heegaard, Niels H H

2005-08-15

Proteomic investigations of sera are potentially of value for diagnosis, prognosis, choice of therapy, and disease activity assessment by virtue of discovering new biomarkers and biomarker patterns. Much debate focuses on the biological relevance and the need for identification of such biomarkers while less effort has been invested in devising standard procedures for sample preparation and storage in relation to model building based on complex sets of mass spectrometric (MS) data. Thus, development of standardized methods for collection and storage of patient samples together with standards for transportation and handling of samples are needed. This requires knowledge about how sample processing affects MS-based proteome analyses and thereby how nonbiological biased classification errors are avoided. In this study, we characterize the effects of sample handling, including clotting conditions, storage temperature, storage time, and freeze/thaw cycles, on MS-based proteomics of human serum by using principal components analysis, support vector machine learning, and clustering methods based on genetic algorithms as class modeling and prediction methods. Using spiking to artificially create differentiable sample groups, this integrated approach yields data that--even when working with sample groups that differ more than may be expected in biological studies--clearly demonstrate the need for comparable sampling conditions for samples used for modeling and for the samples that are going into the test set group. Also, the study emphasizes the difference between class prediction and class comparison studies as well as the advantages and disadvantages of different modeling methods.

Quality assurance in the pre-analytical phase of human urine samples by (1)H NMR spectroscopy.

PubMed

Budde, Kathrin; Gök, Ömer-Necmi; Pietzner, Maik; Meisinger, Christine; Leitzmann, Michael; Nauck, Matthias; Köttgen, Anna; Friedrich, Nele

2016-01-01

Metabolomic approaches investigate changes in metabolite profiles, which may reflect changes in metabolic pathways and provide information correlated with a specific biological process or pathophysiology. High-resolution (1)H NMR spectroscopy is used to identify metabolites in biofluids and tissue samples qualitatively and quantitatively. This pre-analytical study evaluated the effects of storage time and temperature on (1)H NMR spectra from human urine in two settings. Firstly, to evaluate short time effects probably due to acute delay in sample handling and secondly, the effect of prolonged storage up to one month to find markers of sample miss-handling. A number of statistical procedures were used to assess the differences between samples stored under different conditions, including Projection to Latent Structure Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA), non-parametric testing as well as mixed effect linear regression analysis. The results indicate that human urine samples can be stored at 10 °C for 24 h or at -80 °C for 1 month, as no relevant changes in (1)H NMR fingerprints were observed during these time periods and temperature conditions. However, some metabolites most likely of microbial origin showed alterations during prolonged storage but without facilitating classification. In conclusion, the presented protocol for urine sample handling and semi-automatic metabolite quantification is suitable for large-scale epidemiological studies. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Procedures for Handling and Chemical Analysis of Sediment and Water Samples,

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-05-01

silts. Particularly suitable for studies of the sediment/ water interface, for studies on depositonal sediment structures. Al pi ne- ravity Cores of 2 m...adverse water quality impacts would occur. Elemental partitioning or sedimentation fractionation studies are the most complex of the tests considered...8217 water %nd blend the core or dredge sample. Place a{js roximalel-i 00 cc of’ the blended sample in an oxygen-free, poly - ca rbor’~ [ ’-l centrifuge bottle

33 CFR 115.60 - Procedures for handling applications for bridge construction permits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... applications for bridge construction permits. 115.60 Section 115.60 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY BRIDGES BRIDGE LOCATIONS AND CLEARANCES; ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES § 115.60 Procedures for handling applications for bridge construction permits. The following procedures will be...

33 CFR 115.60 - Procedures for handling applications for bridge construction permits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... applications for bridge construction permits. 115.60 Section 115.60 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY BRIDGES BRIDGE LOCATIONS AND CLEARANCES; ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES § 115.60 Procedures for handling applications for bridge construction permits. The following procedures will be...

A Preliminary Assessment of 3-Nitro-1,2,4-Triazol-5-One (NTO) as an Insensitive High Explosive

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-07-01

consisted of balled agglomerates of microfine NTO needles (Fig. 2b). Handling properties5 were poor. A final larger scale recrystallisation (20 g NTO...specification for the ERDE T of I test. Samples of 200 mg in glass test tubes were heated at 5"C/min till ignition occurred. Ignition was defined by...duplicate samples. Vacuum Thermal Stability 1251 The test procedure consisted of placing duplicate 5 g samples in glass sample tubes , attaching to a mercury

NHEXAS PHASE I MARYLAND STUDY--STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR TRAINING OF FIELD COORDINATION CENTER STAFF (G11)

EPA Science Inventory

The purpose of this SOP is to outline (1) the responsibilities of the Field Coordination Center (FCC) staff before, during, and after sampling at residences, and (2) to outline the training program that teaches FCC staff what they need to know to handle these responsibilities. F...

High-throughput assay of oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) using a multichannel liquid handling system coupled with a microplate fluorescence reader in 96-well format.

PubMed

Huang, Dejian; Ou, Boxin; Hampsch-Woodill, Maureen; Flanagan, Judith A; Prior, Ronald L

2002-07-31

The oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay has been widely accepted as a standard tool to measure the antioxidant activity in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and food industries. However, the ORAC assay has been criticized for a lack of accessibility due to the unavailability of the COBAS FARA II analyzer, an instrument discontinued by the manufacturer. In addition, the manual sample preparation is time-consuming and labor-intensive. The objective of this study was to develop a high-throughput instrument platform that can fully automate the ORAC assay procedure. The new instrument platform consists of a robotic eight-channel liquid handling system and a microplate fluorescence reader. By using the high-throughput platform, the efficiency of the assay is improved with at least a 10-fold increase in sample throughput over the current procedure. The mean of intra- and interday CVs was

Method and apparatus for controlling gas evolution from chemical reactions

DOEpatents

Skorpik, J.R.; Dodson, M.G.

1999-05-25

The present invention is directed toward monitoring a thermally driven gas evolving chemical reaction with an acoustic apparatus. Signals from the acoustic apparatus are used to control a heater to prevent a run-away condition. A digestion module in combination with a robotic arm further automate physical handling of sample material reaction vessels. The invention is especially useful for carrying out sample procedures defined in EPA Methods SW-846. 8 figs.

Neural-Net Based Optical NDE Method for Structural Health Monitoring

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Decker, Arthur J.; Weiland, Kenneth E.

2003-01-01

This paper answers some performance and calibration questions about a non-destructive-evaluation (NDE) procedure that uses artificial neural networks to detect structural damage or other changes from sub-sampled characteristic patterns. The method shows increasing sensitivity as the number of sub-samples increases from 108 to 6912. The sensitivity of this robust NDE method is not affected by noisy excitations of the first vibration mode. A calibration procedure is proposed and demonstrated where the output of a trained net can be correlated with the outputs of the point sensors used for vibration testing. The calibration procedure is based on controlled changes of fastener torques. A heterodyne interferometer is used as a displacement sensor for a demonstration of the challenges to be handled in using standard point sensors for calibration.

Recommended Procedures for Handling Emergency Illnesses and Accidents at School.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

North Dakota State Dept. of Health, Bismarck.

Recommended procedures for handling emergency illnesses and accidents are provided in this guide for school personnel prepared by the North Dakota State Department of Health. Following five general recommendations for steps to take in emergency situations, advice and techniques are given for handling: nose bleeds; abdominal pain; toothaches and…

External quality-assurance programs managed by the U.S. Geological Survey in support of the National Atmospheric Deposition Program/National Trends Network

USGS Publications Warehouse

Latysh, Natalie E.; Wetherbee, Gregory A.

2005-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey, Branch of Quality Systems, operates the external quality-assurance programs for the National Atmospheric Deposition Program/National Trends Network (NADP/NTN). Beginning in 1978, six different programs have been implemented?the intersite-comparison program, the blind-audit program, the sample-handling evaluation program, the field-audit program, the interlaboratory-comparison program, and the collocated-sampler program. Each program was designed to measure error contributed by specific components in the data-collection process. The intersite-comparison program, which was discontinued in 2004, was designed to assess the accuracy and reliability of field pH and specific-conductance measurements made by site operators. The blind-audit and sample-handling evaluation programs, which also were discontinued in 2002 and 2004, respectively, assessed contamination that may result from sampling equipment and routine handling and processing of the wet-deposition samples. The field-audit program assesses the effects of sample handling, processing, and field exposure. The interlaboratory-comparison program evaluates bias and precision of analytical results produced by the contract laboratory for NADP, the Illinois State Water Survey, Central Analytical Laboratory, and compares its performance with the performance of international laboratories. The collocated-sampler program assesses the overall precision of wet-deposition data collected by NADP/NTN. This report documents historical operations and the operating procedures for each of these external quality-assurance programs. USGS quality-assurance information allows NADP/NTN data users to discern between actual environmental trends and inherent measurement variability.

Mars Sample Handling Protocol Workshop Series: Workshop 2a (Sterilization)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rummel, John D. (Editor); Brunch, Carl W. (Editor); Setlow, Richard B. (Editor); DeVincenzi, Donald L. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

The Space Studies Board of the National Research Council provided a series of recommendations to NASA on planetary protection requirements for future Mars sample return missions. One of the Board's key findings suggested, although current evidence of the martian surface suggests that life as we know it would not tolerate the planet's harsh environment, there remain 'plausible scenarios for extant microbial life on Mars.' Based on this conclusion, all samples returned from Mars should be considered potentially hazardous until it has been demonstrated that they are not. In response to the National Research Council's findings and recommendations, NASA has undertaken a series of workshops to address issues regarding NASA's proposed sample return missions. Work was previously undertaken at the Mars Sample Handling and Protocol Workshop 1 (March 2000) to formulate recommendations on effective methods for life detection and/or biohazard testing on returned samples. The NASA Planetary Protection Officer convened the Mars Sample Sterilization Workshop, the third in the Mars Sample Handling Protocol Workshop Series, on November 28-30, 2000 at the Holiday Inn Rosslyn Westpark, Arlington, Virginia. Because of the short timeframe between this Workshop and the second Workshop in the Series, which was convened in October 2000 in Bethesda, Maryland, they were developed in parallel, so the Sterilization Workshop and its report have therefore been designated as '2a'). The focus of Workshop 2a was to make recommendations for effective sterilization procedures for all phases of Mars sample return missions, and to answer the question of whether we can sterilize samples in such a way that the geological characteristics of the samples are not significantly altered.

AgRISTARS: Foreign commodity production forecasting. The 1980 US corn and soybeans exploratory experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Malin, J. T.; Carnes, J. G. (Principal Investigator)

1981-01-01

The U.S. corn and soybeans exploratory experiment is described which consisted of evaluations of two technology components of a production forecasting system: classification procedures (crop labeling and proportion estimation at the level of a sampling unit) and sampling and aggregation procedures. The results from the labeling evaluations indicate that the corn and soybeans labeling procedure works very well in the U.S. corn belt with full season (after tasseling) LANDSAT data. The procedure should be readily adaptable to corn and soybeans labeling required for subsequent exploratory experiments or pilot tests. The machine classification procedures evaluated in this experiment were not effective in improving the proportion estimates. The corn proportions produced by the machine procedures had a large bias when the bias correction was not performed. This bias was caused by the manner in which the machine procedures handled spectrally impure pixels. The simulation test indicated that the weighted aggregation procedure performed quite well. Although further work can be done to improve both the simulation tests and the aggregation procedure, the results of this test show that the procedure should serve as a useful baseline procedure in future exploratory experiments and pilot tests.

Influence of Freezing and Storage Procedure on Human Urine Samples in NMR-Based Metabolomics

PubMed Central

Rist, Manuela J.; Muhle-Goll, Claudia; Görling, Benjamin; Bub, Achim; Heissler, Stefan; Watzl, Bernhard; Luy, Burkhard

2013-01-01

It is consensus in the metabolomics community that standardized protocols should be followed for sample handling, storage and analysis, as it is of utmost importance to maintain constant measurement conditions to identify subtle biological differences. The aim of this work, therefore, was to systematically investigate the influence of freezing procedures and storage temperatures and their effect on NMR spectra as a potentially disturbing aspect for NMR-based metabolomics studies. Urine samples were collected from two healthy volunteers, centrifuged and divided into aliquots. Urine aliquots were frozen either at −20 °C, on dry ice, at −80 °C or in liquid nitrogen and then stored at −20 °C, −80 °C or in liquid nitrogen vapor phase for 1–5 weeks before NMR analysis. Results show spectral changes depending on the freezing procedure, with samples frozen on dry ice showing the largest deviations. The effect was found to be based on pH differences, which were caused by variations in CO2 concentrations introduced by the freezing procedure. Thus, we recommend that urine samples should be frozen at −20 °C and transferred to lower storage temperatures within one week and that freezing procedures should be part of the publication protocol. PMID:24957990

Influence of Freezing and Storage Procedure on Human Urine Samples in NMR-Based Metabolomics.

PubMed

Rist, Manuela J; Muhle-Goll, Claudia; Görling, Benjamin; Bub, Achim; Heissler, Stefan; Watzl, Bernhard; Luy, Burkhard

2013-04-09

It is consensus in the metabolomics community that standardized protocols should be followed for sample handling, storage and analysis, as it is of utmost importance to maintain constant measurement conditions to identify subtle biological differences. The aim of this work, therefore, was to systematically investigate the influence of freezing procedures and storage temperatures and their effect on NMR spectra as a potentially disturbing aspect for NMR-based metabolomics studies. Urine samples were collected from two healthy volunteers, centrifuged and divided into aliquots. Urine aliquots were frozen either at -20 °C, on dry ice, at -80 °C or in liquid nitrogen and then stored at -20 °C, -80 °C or in liquid nitrogen vapor phase for 1-5 weeks before NMR analysis. Results show spectral changes depending on the freezing procedure, with samples frozen on dry ice showing the largest deviations. The effect was found to be based on pH differences, which were caused by variations in CO2 concentrations introduced by the freezing procedure. Thus, we recommend that urine samples should be frozen at -20 °C and transferred to lower storage temperatures within one week and that freezing procedures should be part of the publication protocol.

75 FR 71355 - Collection of Information Requirement Related to Procedures for the Handling of Retaliation...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-23

... Handling of Retaliation Complaints Under Section 219 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008... Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) (75 FR 53533). In the August 31, 2010 notice, OSHA... Procedures for the Handling of Retaliation Complaints Under Section 219 of the Consumer Product Safety...

Preparation of hair for measurement of elements by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

PubMed

Puchyr, R F; Bass, D A; Gajewski, R; Calvin, M; Marquardt, W; Urek, K; Druyan, M E; Quig, D

1998-06-01

The preparation of hair for the determination of elements is a critical component of the analysis procedure. Open-beaker, closed-vessel microwave, and flowthrough microwave digestion are methods that have been used for sample preparation and are discussed. A new digestion method for use with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) has been developed. The method uses 0.2 g of hair and 3 mL of concentrated nitric acid in an atmospheric pressure-low-temperature microwave digestion (APLTMD) system. This preparation method is useful in handling a large numbers of samples per day and may be adapted to hair sample weights ranging from 0.08 to 0.3 g. After digestion, samples are analyzed by ICP-MS to determine the concentration of Li, Be, B, Na, Mg, Al, P, S, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ge, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Zr, Mo, Pd, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb, I, Cs, Ba, Pt, Au, Hg, Tl, Pb, Bi, Th, and U. Benefits of the APLTMD include reduced contamination and sample handling, and increased precision, reliability, and sample throughput.

Validating the Inactivation Effectiveness of Chemicals on Ebola Virus.

PubMed

Haddock, Elaine; Feldmann, Friederike

2017-01-01

While viruses such as Ebola virus must be handled in high-containment laboratories, there remains the need to process virus-infected samples for downstream research testing. This processing often includes removal to lower containment areas and therefore requires assurance of complete viral inactivation within the sample before removal from high-containment. Here we describe methods for the removal of chemical reagents used in inactivation procedures, allowing for validation of the effectiveness of various inactivation protocols.

Collection, handling and analysis of specimens for studies of mucosal immunity in animals of veterinary importance - Appendix III

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The validity of data in science depends on the reliability of the collection procedure and the methods used for data analysis. This becomes a major challenge in studies of mucosal immunology since samples for analysis come from various anatomical sources which differ remarkably in their content and ...

Sequential-Injection Analysis: Principles, Instrument Construction, and Demonstration by a Simple Experiment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Economou, A.; Tzanavaras, P. D.; Themelis, D. G.

2005-01-01

The sequential-injection analysis (SIA) is an approach to sample handling that enables the automation of manual wet-chemistry procedures in a rapid, precise and efficient manner. The experiments using SIA fits well in the course of Instrumental Chemical Analysis and especially in the section of Automatic Methods of analysis provided by chemistry…

Meta-analyzing dependent correlations: an SPSS macro and an R script.

PubMed

Cheung, Shu Fai; Chan, Darius K-S

2014-06-01

The presence of dependent correlation is a common problem in meta-analysis. Cheung and Chan (2004, 2008) have shown that samplewise-adjusted procedures perform better than the more commonly adopted simple within-sample mean procedures. However, samplewise-adjusted procedures have rarely been applied in meta-analytic reviews, probably due to the lack of suitable ready-to-use programs. In this article, we compare the samplewise-adjusted procedures with existing procedures to handle dependent effect sizes, and present the samplewise-adjusted procedures in a way that will make them more accessible to researchers conducting meta-analysis. We also introduce two tools, an SPSS macro and an R script, that researchers can apply to their meta-analyses; these tools are compatible with existing meta-analysis software packages.

Development of a Pipeline for Exploratory Metabolic Profiling of Infant Urine

PubMed Central

Jackson, Frances; Georgakopoulou, Nancy; Kaluarachchi, Manuja; Kyriakides, Michael; Andreas, Nicholas; Przysiezna, Natalia; Hyde, Matthew J.; Modi, Neena; Nicholson, Jeremy K.; Wijeyesekera, Anisha; Holmes, Elaine

2017-01-01

Numerous metabolic profiling pipelines have been developed to characterize the composition of human biofluids and tissues, the vast majority of these being for studies in adults. To accommodate limited sample volume and to take into account the compositional differences between adult and infant biofluids, we developed and optimized sample handling and analytical procedures for studying urine from newborns. A robust pipeline for metabolic profiling using NMR spectroscopy was established, encompassing sample collection, preparation, spectroscopic measurement, and computational analysis. Longitudinal samples were collected from five infants from birth until 14 months of age. Methods of extraction and effects of freezing and sample dilution were assessed, and urinary contaminants from breakdown of polymers in a range of diapers and cotton wool balls were identified and compared, including propylene glycol, acrylic acid, and tert-butanol. Finally, assessment of urinary profiles obtained over the first few weeks of life revealed a dramatic change in composition, with concentrations of phenols, amino acids, and betaine altering systematically over the first few months of life. Therefore, neonatal samples require more stringent standardization of experimental design, sample handling, and analysis compared to that of adult samples to accommodate the variability and limited sample volume. PMID:27476583

Effects of handling procedures on pain responses of very low birth weight infants.

PubMed

Cameron, Emma Catherine; Raingangar, Veena; Khoori, Nawal

2007-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of handling on pain responses of infants with very low birth weight (VLBW) and the frequency, duration, and type of handling procedures used during a 24-hour period for infants with VLBW. Eighteen infants with VLBW were observed for two-hour periods. Infants' pain responses were recorded using the Neonatal Inventory Pain Scale before and after each handling episode. Twelve infants were observed once, six were observed twice. Variables relating to each handling episode observed were documented. Pain scores were significantly greater after handling. During a 24-hour period, infants were handled an average of 53 times for an average of 2.7 hours. Ten handling episodes included social touch. Handling infants with VLBW significantly alters their pain responses. In some infants with VLBW are handled frequently in the neonatal intensive care unit. The results have implications for the training of neonatal caregivers.

A Draft Protocol for Detecting Possible Biohazards in Martian Samples Returned to Earth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Viso, M.; DeVincenzi, D. L.; Race, M. S.; Schad, P. J.; Stabekis, P. D.; Acevedo, S. E.; Rummel, J. D.

2002-01-01

In preparation for missions to Mars that will involve the return of samples, it is necessary to prepare for the safe receiving, handling, testing, distributing, and archiving of martian materials here on Earth. Previous groups and committees have studied selected aspects of sample return activities, but a specific protocol for handling and testing of returned -=1 samples from Mars remained to be developed. To refine the requirements for Mars sample hazard testing and to develop criteria for the subsequent release of sample materials from precautionary containment, NASA Planetary Protection Officer, working in collaboration with CNES, convened a series of workshops to produce a Protocol by which returned martian sample materials could be assessed for biological hazards and examined for evidence of life (extant or extinct), while safeguarding the samples from possible terrestrial contamination. The Draft Protocol was then reviewed by an Oversight and Review Committee formed specifically for that purpose and composed of senior scientists. In order to preserve the scientific value of returned martian samples under safe conditions, while avoiding false indications of life within the samples, the Sample Receiving Facility (SRF) is required to allow handling and processing of the Mars samples to prevent their terrestrial contamination while maintaining strict biological containment. It is anticipated that samples will be able to be shipped among appropriate containment facilities wherever necessary, under procedures developed in cooperation with international appropriate institutions. The SRF will need to provide different types of laboratory environments for carrying out, beyond sample description and curation, the various aspects of the protocol: Physical/Chemical analysis, Life Detection testing, and Biohazard testing. The main principle of these tests will be described and the criteria for release will be discussed, as well as the requirements for the SRF and its personnel.

Effect of castration and dehorning singularly or combined on the behavior and physiology of Holstein calves.

PubMed

Sutherland, M A; Ballou, M A; Davis, B L; Brooks, T A

2013-02-01

The objectives of this study were to determine i) the effect of castration, dehorning, or both on the physiology and behavior of 3-mo-old Holstein calves, and ii) the effectiveness of pain relief to alleviate the pain caused by castration and/or dehorning. Holstein calves (n = 80) were assigned randomly to 1 of 8 treatments (10 calves/treatment): i) control handling (SHAM); ii) surgical castration (CAS); iii) dehorning (DH); iv) surgical castration and dehorning (CD); v) control handling plus pain relief (ANA); vi) surgical castration plus pain relief (CAS+A); vii) dehorning plus pain relief (DH+A); or viii) surgical castration and dehorning plus pain relief (CD+A). Pain relief consisted of administering local anesthetic and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) immediately before castration, dehorning, or both. Sequential blood samples were collected to measure leukocyte counts and cortisol concentrations. Behavior was recorded using 5-min scan samples during the first 3 h after application of the treatments. Calves were weighed before and 24 h after treatment application. Calves dehorned spent more time head shaking (p < 0.001) and ear flicking (p < 0.05), and CD calves spent more time ear flicking (p < 0.05) and foot stamping (p < 0.01) than SHAM handled calves. Calves castrated, dehorned, or both spent less (p < 0.01) time eating compared with sham handled calves. Giving calves pain relief before castration and/or dehorning increased (p < 0.05) the time spent eating compared with CAS, DH, and CD calves. At 6 h posttreatment, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio was greater (p < 0.01) in castrated and/or dehorned calves compared with SHAM-handled calves. Castration and/or dehorning also increased (p < 0.05) cortisol concentrations for at least 4 h after these procedures were performed; however, administering pain relief before castration and/or dehorning markedly reduced (p < 0.05) this response. Behavioral and physiological changes caused by castration, dehorning, or both are indicative of calves experiencing pain for at least 4 h after application of these procedures, and these responses were additive when performed together. Therefore, providing calves with pain relief, in the form of local anesthetic and an NSAID, can markedly reduce both the behavioral and physiological response to these procedures.

Sensitivity and Calibration of Non-Destructive Evaluation Method That Uses Neural-Net Processing of Characteristic Fringe Patterns

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Decker, Arthur J.; Weiland, Kenneth E.

2003-01-01

This paper answers some performance and calibration questions about a non-destructive-evaluation (NDE) procedure that uses artificial neural networks to detect structural damage or other changes from sub-sampled characteristic patterns. The method shows increasing sensitivity as the number of sub-samples increases from 108 to 6912. The sensitivity of this robust NDE method is not affected by noisy excitations of the first vibration mode. A calibration procedure is proposed and demonstrated where the output of a trained net can be correlated with the outputs of the point sensors used for vibration testing. The calibration procedure is based on controlled changes of fastener torques. A heterodyne interferometer is used as a displacement sensor for a demonstration of the challenges to be handled in using standard point sensors for calibration.

Automation practices in large molecule bioanalysis: recommendations from group L5 of the global bioanalytical consortium.

PubMed

Ahene, Ago; Calonder, Claudio; Davis, Scott; Kowalchick, Joseph; Nakamura, Takahiro; Nouri, Parya; Vostiar, Igor; Wang, Yang; Wang, Jin

2014-01-01

In recent years, the use of automated sample handling instrumentation has come to the forefront of bioanalytical analysis in order to ensure greater assay consistency and throughput. Since robotic systems are becoming part of everyday analytical procedures, the need for consistent guidance across the pharmaceutical industry has become increasingly important. Pre-existing regulations do not go into sufficient detail in regard to how to handle the use of robotic systems for use with analytical methods, especially large molecule bioanalysis. As a result, Global Bioanalytical Consortium (GBC) Group L5 has put forth specific recommendations for the validation, qualification, and use of robotic systems as part of large molecule bioanalytical analyses in the present white paper. The guidelines presented can be followed to ensure that there is a consistent, transparent methodology that will ensure that robotic systems can be effectively used and documented in a regulated bioanalytical laboratory setting. This will allow for consistent use of robotic sample handling instrumentation as part of large molecule bioanalysis across the globe.

Preservation of Biospecimens at Ambient Temperature: Special Focus on Nucleic Acids and Opportunities for the Biobanking Community.

PubMed

Muller, Rolf; Betsou, Fay; Barnes, Michael G; Harding, Keith; Bonnet, Jacques; Kofanova, Olga; Crowe, John H

2016-04-01

Several approaches to the preservation of biological materials at ambient temperature and the relative impact on sample stability and degradation are reviewed, with a focus on nucleic acids. This appraisal is undertaken within the framework of biobank risk, quality management systems, and accreditation, with a view to assessing how best to apply ambient temperature sample storage to ensure stability, reduce costs, improve handling logistics, and increase the efficiency of biobank procedures.

Improvement of a sample preparation procedure for multi-elemental determination in Brazil nuts by ICP-OES.

PubMed

Welna, Maja; Szymczycha-Madeja, Anna

2014-04-01

Various sample preparation procedures, such as common wet digestions and alternatives based on solubilisation in aqua regia or tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide, were compared for the determination of the total Ba, Ca, Cr, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, P, Pb, Se, Sr and Zn contents in Brazil nuts using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). For measurement of Se, a hydride generation technique was used. The performance of these procedures was measured in terms of precision, accuracy and limits of detection of the elements. It was found that solubilisation in aqua regia gave the best results, i.e. limits of detection from 0.60 to 41.9 ng ml(-1), precision of 1.0-3.9% and accuracy better than 5%. External calibration with simple standard solutions could be applied for the analysis. The proposed procedure is simple, reduces sample handling, and minimises the time and reagent consumption. Thus, this can be a vital alternative to traditional sample treatment approaches based on the total digestion with concentrated reagents. A phenomenon resulting from levels of Ba, Se and Sr in Brazil nuts was also discussed.

NURSES INFECTION PREVENTION PRACTICES IN HANDLING INJECTIONS: A CASE OF RIFT VALLEY PROVINCIAL HOSPITAL IN KENYA.

PubMed

Chemoiwa, R K; Mukthar, V K; Maranga, A K; Kulei, S J

2014-10-01

To analyse the infection prevention practices in handling of injections by nurses in Rift Valley Provincial Hospital in Kenya. A cross-sectional observational study. Rift Valley Provincial hospital which is a level five health facility situated in Nakuru County, Kenya. A sample of 386 injection procedures attributed to the nurses in Rift Valley Provincial Hospital was considered for this study. The study established that among all the injections administered in this study, 43.7% (386) adhered to aseptic techniques. Over seventy five percent (76.9%, n = 386) of the observed injections procedures did not involve the hand-washing, 53.4% (n = 206) did not involve swabbing of a vial rubber cap with alcohol swabs and 95.1%(n = 263) involved using of multidose drug in more than one designated patient. Over ninety five percent (95.6%, n = 364) of the observed procedures involved use of sterile the syringe bit of the devices only while the rest used either clean or contaminated syringes. Around forty percent (42.2%, n = 316) of the injections preparation was done elsewhere (not at the patient bedside) before administration. Slightly over thirty five percent (36.6%, n = 386) of the injections were administered immediately upon reconstitution(at the right time). The study also established the use of aseptic techniques to reconstitute and administer was significantly related to the number of nurses to patients ratio per shift (X2(1) = 3.5: p = 0.04). The findings of this study indicate that patient safety in public hospital is still relatively low. The adherence to basic infection prevention procedures/aseptic techniques in handling of injections by health workers is still a concern. The adherence to aseptic techniques in handling injections is significantly associated with the nurses to patients ratios. Therefore, it is imperative to improve nurse to patient ratio in public health facilities in Kenya.

GeoLab 2011: New Instruments and Operations Tested at Desert RATS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Evans, Cindy A.; Calaway, M. J.; Bell, M. S.

2012-01-01

GeoLab is a geological laboratory and testbed designed for supporting geoscience activities during NASA's analog demonstrations. Scientists at NASA's Johnson Space Center built GeoLab as part of a technology project to aid the development of science operational concepts for future planetary surface missions [1, 2, 3]. It is integrated into NASA's Habitat Demonstration Unit, a first generation exploration habitat test article. As a prototype workstation, GeoLab provides a high fidelity working space for analog mission crewmembers to perform in-situ characterization of geologic samples and communicate their findings with supporting scientists. GeoLab analog operations can provide valuable data for assessing the operational and scientific considerations of surface-based geologic analyses such as preliminary examination of samples collected by astronaut crews [4, 5]. Our analog tests also feed into sample handling and advanced curation operational concepts and procedures that will, ultimately, help ensure that the most critical samples are collected during future exploration on a planetary surface, and aid decisions about sample prioritization, sample handling and return. Data from GeoLab operations also supports science planning during a mission by providing additional detailed geologic information to supporting scientists, helping them make informed decisions about strategies for subsequent sample collection opportunities.

Pre-analytical issues in the haemostasis laboratory: guidance for the clinical laboratories.

PubMed

Magnette, A; Chatelain, M; Chatelain, B; Ten Cate, H; Mullier, F

2016-01-01

Ensuring quality has become a daily requirement in laboratories. In haemostasis, even more than in other disciplines of biology, quality is determined by a pre-analytical step that encompasses all procedures, starting with the formulation of the medical question, and includes patient preparation, sample collection, handling, transportation, processing, and storage until time of analysis. This step, based on a variety of manual activities, is the most vulnerable part of the total testing process and is a major component of the reliability and validity of results in haemostasis and constitutes the most important source of erroneous or un-interpretable results. Pre-analytical errors may occur throughout the testing process and arise from unsuitable, inappropriate or wrongly handled procedures. Problems may arise during the collection of blood specimens such as misidentification of the sample, use of inadequate devices or needles, incorrect order of draw, prolonged tourniquet placing, unsuccessful attempts to locate the vein, incorrect use of additive tubes, collection of unsuitable samples for quality or quantity, inappropriate mixing of a sample, etc. Some factors can alter the result of a sample constituent after collection during transportation, preparation and storage. Laboratory errors can often have serious adverse consequences. Lack of standardized procedures for sample collection accounts for most of the errors encountered within the total testing process. They can also have clinical consequences as well as a significant impact on patient care, especially those related to specialized tests as these are often considered as "diagnostic". Controlling pre-analytical variables is critical since this has a direct influence on the quality of results and on their clinical reliability. The accurate standardization of the pre-analytical phase is of pivotal importance for achieving reliable results of coagulation tests and should reduce the side effects of the influence factors. This review is a summary of the most important recommendations regarding the importance of pre-analytical factors for coagulation testing and should be a tool to increase awareness about the importance of pre-analytical factors for coagulation testing.

A design procedure and handling quality criteria for lateral directional flight control systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stein, G.; Henke, A. H.

1972-01-01

A practical design procedure for aircraft augmentation systems is described based on quadratic optimal control technology and handling-quality-oriented cost functionals. The procedure is applied to the design of a lateral-directional control system for the F4C aircraft. The design criteria, design procedure, and final control system are validated with a program of formal pilot evaluation experiments.

9 CFR 318.14 - Adulteration of product by polluted water; procedure for handling.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Adulteration of product by polluted water; procedure for handling. 318.14 Section 318.14 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND...; REINSPECTION AND PREPARATION OF PRODUCTS General § 318.14 Adulteration of product by polluted water; procedure...

Establishing powder-handling workflow practices and standard operating procedures: compounding pharmacy and safety.

PubMed

Prince, Bryan; Lundevall, Jeremy

2014-01-01

This is an ongoing discussion and analysis of powder-handling safety in the compounding pharmacy laboratory that started in the November/December 2013 issue of the International Journal of Pharmaceutical Compounding. In the previous technical article, we established that most chemical powders handled during compounding procedures have an established occupational exposure limits and that powders are micronized during manipulation. All micronized powders handled on an open bench create health hazards to the technicians and create a potential for cross-contamination to the lab environment. Proper identification of the chemical hazard and established standard operating procedures in direct correlation to Good Lab Practices when working inside a powder hood will positively improve the compounding pharmacy's work environment.

Documentation forms for monitoring occupational surveillance of healthcare workers who handle cytotoxic drugs.

PubMed

Parillo, V L

1994-01-01

To develop a procedure for medical surveillance of healthcare workers who handle cytotoxic drugs. Literature review and guidelines published by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. INFORMATION SELECTION: Studies of possible exposure screening tests, congenital defects in offspring, and case studies. Some degree of risk exists in handling cytotoxic drugs, but no reliable screening test for cytotoxic drug exposure has been developed. Reproductive hazards are possible when protective equipment is not used. Areas to be addressed when devising surveillance procedures include who to cover, what baseline data to gather, what periodic monitoring will be necessary (and at what interval it will be conducted), how to handle exposure incidents, and what documentation system will be used. A procedure using a baseline risk factor form and a yearly monitoring questionnaire was devised and implemented. Forms contain documentation of worker teaching. Most often, nurses are the healthcare workers who handle cytotoxic drugs. A consistent approach to monitoring healthcare workers is facilitated by using a defined procedure and standardized forms.

Quantifying capture stress in free ranging European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus).

PubMed

Huber, Nikolaus; Vetter, Sebastian G; Evans, Alina L; Kjellander, Petter; Küker, Susanne; Bergvall, Ulrika A; Arnemo, Jon M

2017-05-10

To understand and reduce the concomitant effects of trapping and handling procedures in wildlife species, it is essential to measure their physiological impact. Here, we examined individual variation in stress levels in non-anesthetized European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), which were captured in box traps and physically restrained for tagging, biometrics and bio-sampling. In winter 2013, we collected venous blood samples from 28 individuals during 28 capture events and evaluated standard measurements for stress (heart rate, body temperature, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, lactate and total cortisol). Additionally, we assessed stress using the immunological tool, Leukocyte Coping Capacity (LCC), a real-time proxy for stress measuring oxygen radical production by leukocytes. Finally, the behavioral response to handling was recorded using a scoring system. LCC and therefore stress levels were negatively influenced by the time animals spent in the box trap with human presence at the capture site prior to handling. In contrast, none of the classical stress measures, including total cortisol, nor the behavioral assessment, were correlated with the stressor tested (time of human presence prior to handling) and thus did not provide a clear depiction regarding the extent of the animals short-term stress response. Overall our study verifies the LCC as a strong method to quantify short-term stress reactions in wildlife. Moreover, our results clearly show that human presence at the trapping site prior to handling should be kept to an absolute minimum in order to reduce stress levels.

Experience with fluorine and its safe use as a propellant

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bond, D. L.; Guenther, M. E.; Stimpson, L. D.; Toth, L. R.; Young, D. L.

1979-01-01

The industrial and the propulsion experience with fluorine and its derivatives is surveyed. The hazardous qualities of fluorine and safe handling procedures for the substance are emphasized. Procedures which fulfill the safety requirements during ground operations for handling fluorinated propulsion systems are discussed. Procedures to be implemented for use onboard the Space Transportation System are included.

The multiple imputation method: a case study involving secondary data analysis.

PubMed

Walani, Salimah R; Cleland, Charles M

2015-05-01

To illustrate with the example of a secondary data analysis study the use of the multiple imputation method to replace missing data. Most large public datasets have missing data, which need to be handled by researchers conducting secondary data analysis studies. Multiple imputation is a technique widely used to replace missing values while preserving the sample size and sampling variability of the data. The 2004 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses. The authors created a model to impute missing values using the chained equation method. They used imputation diagnostics procedures and conducted regression analysis of imputed data to determine the differences between the log hourly wages of internationally educated and US-educated registered nurses. The authors used multiple imputation procedures to replace missing values in a large dataset with 29,059 observations. Five multiple imputed datasets were created. Imputation diagnostics using time series and density plots showed that imputation was successful. The authors also present an example of the use of multiple imputed datasets to conduct regression analysis to answer a substantive research question. Multiple imputation is a powerful technique for imputing missing values in large datasets while preserving the sample size and variance of the data. Even though the chained equation method involves complex statistical computations, recent innovations in software and computation have made it possible for researchers to conduct this technique on large datasets. The authors recommend nurse researchers use multiple imputation methods for handling missing data to improve the statistical power and external validity of their studies.

Llama medicine. Physical examination, restraint and handling.

PubMed

Fowler, M

1989-03-01

Llamas are generally docile, easily handled domestic animals. Special chutes have been designed for safe, efficient restraint for examination and diagnostic procedures, most of which are commonly performed on other species. Anatomic differences make some of these procedures unique to the llama.

Film handling procedures for Apollo 17 lunar sounder

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weinstein, M. S.

1972-01-01

Film handling procedures for the Apollo 17 Lunar Sounder are itemized, including purchase of flight film, establishment of processing standards, transportation of flight films, flight film certification, application of pre- and post-sensitometry, film loading and downloading, film processing, titling, and duplication.

47 CFR 1.61 - Procedures for handling applications requiring special aeronautical study.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... Procedures for handling applications requiring special aeronautical study. (a) Antenna Structure Registration is conducted by the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau as follows: (1) Each antenna structure owner... modified construction, register that antenna structure with the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau using...

Comparison of VFA titration procedures used for monitoring the biogas process.

PubMed

Lützhøft, Hans-Christian Holten; Boe, Kanokwan; Fang, Cheng; Angelidaki, Irini

2014-05-01

Titrimetric determination of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) contents is a common way to monitor a biogas process. However, digested manure from co-digestion biogas plants has a complex matrix with high concentrations of interfering components, resulting in varying results when using different titration procedures. Currently, no standardized procedure is used and it is therefore difficult to compare the performance among plants. The aim of this study was to evaluate four titration procedures (for determination of VFA-levels of digested manure samples) and compare results with gas chromatographic (GC) analysis. Two of the procedures are commonly used in biogas plants and two are discussed in literature. The results showed that the optimal titration results were obtained when 40 mL of four times diluted digested manure was gently stirred (200 rpm). Results from samples with different VFA concentrations (1-11 g/L) showed linear correlation between titration results and GC measurements. However, determination of VFA by titration generally overestimated the VFA contents compared with GC measurements when samples had low VFA concentrations, i.e. around 1 g/L. The accuracy of titration increased when samples had high VFA concentrations, i.e. around 5 g/L. It was further found that the studied ionisable interfering components had lowest effect on titration when the sample had high VFA concentration. In contrast, bicarbonate, phosphate and lactate had significant effect on titration accuracy at low VFA concentration. An extended 5-point titration procedure with pH correction was best to handle interferences from bicarbonate, phosphate and lactate at low VFA concentrations. Contrary, the simplest titration procedure with only two pH end-points showed the highest accuracy among all titration procedures at high VFA concentrations. All in all, if the composition of the digested manure sample is not known, the procedure with only two pH end-points should be the procedure of choice, due to its simplicity and accuracy. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

How to develop a Standard Operating Procedure for sorting unfixed cells

PubMed Central

Schmid, Ingrid

2012-01-01

Written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are an important tool to assure that recurring tasks in a laboratory are performed in a consistent manner. When the procedure covered in the SOP involves a high-risk activity such as sorting unfixed cells using a jet-in-air sorter, safety elements are critical components of the document. The details on sort sample handling, sorter set-up, validation, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance, personal protective equipment (PPE), and operator training, outlined in the SOP are to be based on careful risk assessment of the procedure. This review provides background information on the hazards associated with sorting of unfixed cells and the process used to arrive at the appropriate combination of facility design, instrument placement, safety equipment, and practices to be followed. PMID:22381383

Modeling procedures for handling qualities evaluation of flexible aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Govindaraj, K. S.; Eulrich, B. J.; Chalk, C. R.

1981-01-01

This paper presents simplified modeling procedures to evaluate the impact of flexible modes and the unsteady aerodynamic effects on the handling qualities of Supersonic Cruise Aircraft (SCR). The modeling procedures involve obtaining reduced order transfer function models of SCR vehicles, including the important flexible mode responses and unsteady aerodynamic effects, and conversion of the transfer function models to time domain equations for use in simulations. The use of the modeling procedures is illustrated by a simple example.

The focus on sample quality: Influence of colon tissue collection on reliability of qPCR data

PubMed Central

Korenkova, Vlasta; Slyskova, Jana; Novosadova, Vendula; Pizzamiglio, Sara; Langerova, Lucie; Bjorkman, Jens; Vycital, Ondrej; Liska, Vaclav; Levy, Miroslav; Veskrna, Karel; Vodicka, Pavel; Vodickova, Ludmila; Kubista, Mikael; Verderio, Paolo

2016-01-01

Successful molecular analyses of human solid tissues require intact biological material with well-preserved nucleic acids, proteins, and other cell structures. Pre-analytical handling, comprising of the collection of material at the operating theatre, is among the first critical steps that influence sample quality. The aim of this study was to compare the experimental outcomes obtained from samples collected and stored by the conventional means of snap freezing and by PAXgene Tissue System (Qiagen). These approaches were evaluated by measuring rRNA and mRNA integrity of the samples (RNA Quality Indicator and Differential Amplification Method) and by gene expression profiling. The collection procedures of the biological material were implemented in two hospitals during colon cancer surgery in order to identify the impact of the collection method on the experimental outcome. Our study shows that the pre-analytical sample handling has a significant effect on the quality of RNA and on the variability of qPCR data. PAXgene collection mode proved to be more easily implemented in the operating room and moreover the quality of RNA obtained from human colon tissues by this method is superior to the one obtained by snap freezing. PMID:27383461

U.S. Geological Survey Noble Gas Laboratory’s standard operating procedures for the measurement of dissolved gas in water samples

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hunt, Andrew G.

2015-08-12

This report addresses the standard operating procedures used by the U.S. Geological Survey’s Noble Gas Laboratory in Denver, Colorado, U.S.A., for the measurement of dissolved gases (methane, nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide) and noble gas isotopes (helium-3, helium-4, neon-20, neon-21, neon-22, argon-36, argon-38, argon-40, kryton-84, krypton-86, xenon-103, and xenon-132) dissolved in water. A synopsis of the instrumentation used, procedures followed, calibration practices, standards used, and a quality assurance and quality control program is presented. The report outlines the day-to-day operation of the Residual Gas Analyzer Model 200, Mass Analyzer Products Model 215–50, and ultralow vacuum extraction line along with the sample handling procedures, noble gas extraction and purification, instrument measurement procedures, instrumental data acquisition, and calculations for the conversion of raw data from the mass spectrometer into noble gas concentrations per unit mass of water analyzed. Techniques for the preparation of artificial dissolved gas standards are detailed and coupled to a quality assurance and quality control program to present the accuracy of the procedures used in the laboratory.

Blank and sample handling troubleshooting in ultratrace analysis of alkylphenols and bisphenol A by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Salgueiro-González, N; Concha-Graña, E; Turnes-Carou, I; Muniategui-Lorenzo, S; López-Mahía, P; Prada-Rodríguez, D

2012-11-15

Blank contamination is a notorious problem in the ultratrace analysis of alkylphenols and bisphenol A. The achievement of low detection limits is complicated due to the high background signals. Furthermore, overestimations and underestimations in the analytical results can occur when blank levels are not stable. Thus, a review of sources of blank contamination in this type of analysis was carried out. Several sources of contamination were identified and useful guidelines are proposed for the determination of these compounds in water samples by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The system contamination was maintained below 0.09 ng (reagent blank) for all compounds and below 0.003 μg L(-1) (procedure blank). The main improvement was obtained by using LC-MS grade solvent in the mobile phase and PTFE syringe filters for the filtration of the sample extracts. Sample handling aspects such as filtration and storage of the water samples were also considered. The filtration of the samples should be avoided because both contamination and adsorption problems were observed when different kinds of filters were assayed. The refrigerated storage of water samples should be limited to 5 days (without addition of methanol) or 8 days (with 5% methanol). Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

9 CFR 318.308 - Deviations in processing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

...) Deviations in processing (or process deviations) must be handled according to: (1)(i) A HACCP plan for canned...) of this section. (c) [Reserved] (d) Procedures for handling process deviations where the HACCP plan... accordance with the following procedures: (a) Emergency stops. (1) When retort jams or breakdowns occur...

9 CFR 381.308 - Deviations in processing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

...) must be handled according to: (1)(i) A HACCP plan for canned product that addresses hazards associated... (d) of this section. (c) [Reserved] (d) Procedures for handling process deviations where the HACCP... accordance with the following procedures: (a) Emergency stops. (1) When retort jams or breakdowns occur...

Spokane Community College Library Serials Operation Handbook.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Waesche, Betty; Cargill, Katie

Listed are general policies for handling periodicals and specific policies for their acquisition, renewal, and processing, as well as procedures for checking in and claiming periodicals and handling duplicate copies. Flowcharts accompany procedural statements for claiming and checking-in periodicals and for dealing with duplicates. Specific duties…

14 CFR 16.305 - Procedures for handling ex parte communications.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... of all such oral communications; and (c) All written responses, and memoranda stating the substance... communications. 16.305 Section 16.305 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF... Communications § 16.305 Procedures for handling ex parte communications. A decisional employee who receives or...

Prudent Practices for Handling Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Academy of Sciences-National Research Council, Washington, DC. Assembly of Mathematical and Physical Sciences.

This guide recommends procedures for safe handling and disposal of hazardous substances, along with broad recommendations for developing comprehensive laboratory safety programs. Although specific information is provided, general principles which can be adapted to activities in any laboratory are emphasized. Section 1 focuses on procedures for…

Application of Minicomputers and Microcomputers to Information Handling.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Griffiths, Jose-Marie

This study assesses the application of both minicomputers and microcomputers to information-handling procedures and makes recommendations for automating such procedures, particularly in developing nations. The report is based on a survey of existing uses of small computing equipment in libraries, archives, and information centers which was…

Intrinsic Remediation Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis for Car Care Center at Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, DC

DTIC Science & Technology

1997-01-01

supplemented using established literature values for similar aquifer materials . The groundwater sampling activities and analytical results from both...subsurface materials recovered. Observed soil classification types compared very favorably to the soil classifications determined by the CPT tests. 0 2.1.5...other similar substances were handled in a manner consistent with accepted safety procedures and standard operating practices. Well completion materials

Human Milk Handling and Storage Practices Among Peer Milk-Sharing Mothers.

PubMed

Reyes-Foster, Beatriz M; Carter, Shannon K; Hinojosa, Melanie Sberna

2017-02-01

Peer milk sharing, the noncommercial sharing of human milk from one parent or caretaker directly to another for the purposes of feeding a child, appears to be an increasing infant-feeding practice. Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning against the practice, little is known about how people who share human milk handle and store milk and whether these practices are consistent with clinical safety protocols. Research aim: This study aimed to learn about the milk-handling practices of expressed human milk by milk-sharing donors and recipient caretakers. In this article, we explore the degree to which donors and recipients adhere to the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine clinical recommendations for safe handling and storage. Online surveys were collected from 321 parents engaged in peer milk sharing. Univariate descriptive statistics were used to describe the safe handling and storage procedures for milk donors and recipients. A two-sample t-test was used to compare safety items common to each group. Multivariate ordinary least squares regression analysis was used to examine sociodemographic correlates of milk safety practices within the sample group. Findings indicate that respondents engaged in peer milk sharing report predominantly positive safety practices. Multivariate analysis did not reveal any relationship between safety practices and sociodemographic characteristics. The number of safe practices did not differ between donors and recipients. Parents and caretakers who participate in peer human milk sharing report engaging in practices that should reduce risk of bacterial contamination of expressed peer shared milk. More research on this particular population is recommended.

Curation of Frozen Samples

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fletcher, L. A.; Allen, C. C.; Bastien, R.

2008-01-01

NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) and the Astromaterials Curator are charged by NPD 7100.10D with the curation of all of NASA s extraterrestrial samples, including those from future missions. This responsibility includes the development of new sample handling and preparation techniques; therefore, the Astromaterials Curator must begin developing procedures to preserve, prepare and ship samples at sub-freezing temperatures in order to enable future sample return missions. Such missions might include the return of future frozen samples from permanently-shadowed lunar craters, the nuclei of comets, the surface of Mars, etc. We are demonstrating the ability to curate samples under cold conditions by designing, installing and testing a cold curation glovebox. This glovebox will allow us to store, document, manipulate and subdivide frozen samples while quantifying and minimizing contamination throughout the curation process.

The impact of milk handling procedures on Ostertagia ostertagi antibody ELISA test results.

PubMed

Vanderstichel, Raphaël; Dohoo, Ian; Stryhn, Henrik

2010-04-19

The impact of various milk handling stressors were analyzed using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test measuring Ostertagia ostertagi antibodies in milk from dairy cattle (Svanovir). An indirect ELISA has the ability to determine the amount of milk production losses related to intestinal parasitism. The ELISA test recommends fresh defatted milk, however, milk collected from Dairy Herd Improvement (DHI) programs in North America undergo many stressors, including, heating, freezing and are not defatted. Normalized optical density ratios (ODRs) were compared between fresh defatted milk and milk subjected to one or more stressors with a linear mixed model accounting for differences in variation between the fresh and the frozen samples. Concordance correlation coefficients were also analyzed for comparisons to other similar studies. After accounting for random cow and container effects, the treatment factors interacted with each other (p<0.001). Biologically interesting contrasts were created to explain the interaction. The estimated difference in ODR between the milk samples handled according to recommendations of the manufacturers of Svanovir and the whole milk samples that were subjected to the most extreme treatment (heated, frozen, thawed, and re-frozen for 4 weeks) was 0.062 (p<0.001). This difference represented less than 5% of the range, and was thus considered biologically negligible. Frozen whole milk processed by DHI programs, the most likely method of collecting on-farm samples in North America, will likely yield reliable results for the indirect ELISA tests, particularly, Svanovir.

7 CFR 58.443 - Whey handling.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 3 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Whey handling. 58.443 Section 58.443 Agriculture... Procedures § 58.443 Whey handling. (a) Adequate sanitary facilities shall be provided for the handling of whey. If outside, necessary precautions shall be taken to minimize flies, insects and development of...

Materials Handling. Module SH-01. Safety and Health.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Center for Occupational Research and Development, Inc., Waco, TX.

This student module on materials handling is one of 50 modules concerned with job safety and health. It presents the procedures for safe materials handling. Discussed are manual handling methods (lifting and carrying by hand) and mechanical lifting (lifting by powered trucks, cranes or conveyors). Following the introduction, 15 objectives (each…

78 FR 25489 - Privacy Act of 1974: New System of Records

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-05-01

... Procedures for Handling Complaints of Volunteer/Trainee Sexual Misconduct or the section of the Peace Corps... Misconduct Complaint Files. Security classification: Not applicable. System location: Office of the General... Procedures for Handling Complaints of Volunteer/Trainee Sexual Misconduct, or the section of the Peace Corps...

49 CFR 821.62 - Procedures for handling ex parte communications.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... proceeding: (a) All such written communications; (b) Memoranda stating the substance of all such oral communications; and (c) All written responses, and memoranda stating the substance of all oral responses, to the... 49 Transportation 7 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Procedures for handling ex parte communications...

76 FR 50740 - Draft Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff; Procedures for Handling...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-16

... DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration [Docket No. FDA-2011-D-0514] Draft Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff; Procedures for Handling Section 522 Postmarket Surveillance Studies; Availability AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS. ACTION: Notice...

Human Handling Promotes Compliant Behavior in Adult Laboratory Rabbits

PubMed Central

Swennes, Alton G; Alworth, Leanne C; Harvey, Stephen B; Jones, Carolyn A; King, Christopher S; Crowell-Davis, Sharon L

2011-01-01

Routine laboratory procedures can be stressful for laboratory animals. We wanted to determine whether human handling of adult rabbits could induce a degree of habituation, reducing stress and facilitating research-related manipulation. To this end, adult New Zealand white rabbits were handled either frequently or minimally. After being handled over 3 wk, these rabbits were evaluated by novel personnel and compared with minimally handled controls. Evaluators subjectively scored the rabbits for their relative compliance or resistance to being scruffed and removed from their cages, being transported to a treatment room, and their behavior at all stages of the exercise. Upon evaluation, handled rabbits scored significantly more compliant than nontreated controls. During evaluation, behaviors that the rabbits displayed when they were approached in their cages and while being handled outside their cages were recorded and compared between study groups. Handled rabbits displayed behavior consistent with a reduction in human-directed fear. This study illustrates the potential for handling to improve compliance in laboratory procedures and reduce fear-related behavior in laboratory rabbits. Such handling could be used to improve rabbit welfare through the reduction of stress and exposure to novel stimuli. PMID:21333162

Behavioural and physiological reactions of cattle in a commercial abattoir: relationships with organisational aspects of the abattoir and animal characteristics.

PubMed

Bourguet, Cécile; Deiss, Véronique; Tannugi, Carole Cohen; Terlouw, E M Claudia

2011-05-01

Behavioural, physiological and metabolic reactions of cattle to handling and slaughter procedures were evaluated in a commercial abattoir, from arrival until slaughter. Different genders or breeds were not subjected to the same procedures due to abattoir equipment or organisational aspects of the abattoir. Reactions to similar slaughter procedures varied according to animal characteristics and could have consequences for subsequent handling procedures. Factors that appeared to cause handling problems and vocalisation were excessive pressure during restraint, and distractions in the corridor such as noise, darkness, seeing people and activity. Post-mortem muscle metabolism depended on slaughter procedures. Following stunning or halal slaughter, some animals showed head rising movements despite the abolition of the corneal reflex, suggesting that head rising is not always indicative of consciousness. Overall, this study presents concrete data on how different types of cattle may react to slaughter procedures with a direct interest for the abattoir itself but also for scientific purposes. Copyright © 2010. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Standard operating procedures for pre-analytical handling of blood and urine for metabolomic studies and biobanks.

PubMed

Bernini, Patrizia; Bertini, Ivano; Luchinat, Claudio; Nincheri, Paola; Staderini, Samuele; Turano, Paola

2011-04-01

(1)H NMR metabolic profiling of urine, serum and plasma has been used to monitor the impact of the pre-analytical steps on the sample quality and stability in order to propose standard operating procedures (SOPs) for deposition in biobanks. We analyzed the quality of serum and plasma samples as a function of the elapsed time (t = 0-4 h) between blood collection and processing and of the time from processing to freezing (up to 24 h). The stability of the urine metabolic profile over time (up to 24 h) at various storage temperatures was monitored as a function of the different pre-analytical treatments like pre-storage centrifugation, filtration, and addition of the bacteriostatic preservative sodium azide. Appreciable changes in the profiles, reflecting changes in the concentration of a number of metabolites, were detected and discussed in terms of chemical and enzymatic reactions for both blood and urine samples. Appropriate procedures for blood derivatives collection and urine preservation/storage that allow maintaining as much as possible the original metabolic profile of the fresh samples emerge, and are proposed as SOPs for biobanking.

[Generalization of money-handling though training in equivalence relationships].

PubMed

Vives-Montero, Carmen; Valero-Aguayo, Luis; Ascanio, Lourdes

2011-02-01

This research used a matching-to-sample procedure and equivalence learning process with language and verbal tasks. In the study, an application of the equivalence relationship of money was used with several kinds of euro coins presented. The sample consisted of 16 children (8 in the experimental group and 8 in the control group) aged 5 years. The prerequisite behaviors, the identification of coins and the practical use of different euro coins, were assessed in the pre and post phases for both groups. The children in the experimental group performed an equivalence task using the matching-to-sample procedure. This consisted of a stimulus sample and four matching stimuli, using a series of euro coins with equivalent value in each set. The children in the control group did not undergo this training process. The results showed a large variability in the children's data of the equivalence tests. The experimental group showed the greatest pre and post changes in the statistically significant data. They also showed a greater generalization in the identification of money and in the use of euro coins than the control group. The implications for educational training and the characteristics of the procedure used here for coin equivalence are discussed.

Monitoring of platinum surface contamination in seven Dutch hospital pharmacies using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

PubMed Central

Huitema, A. D. R.; Bakker, E. N.; Douma, J. W.; Schimmel, K. J. M.; van Weringh, G.; de Wolf, P. J.; Schellens, J. H. M.; Beijnen, J. H.

2007-01-01

Objective: To develop, validate, and apply a method for the determination of platinum contamination, originating from cisplatinum, oxaliplatinum, and carboplatinum. Methods: Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to determine platinum in wipe samples. The sampling procedure and the analytical conditions were optimised and the assay was validated. The method was applied to measure surface contamination in seven Dutch hospital pharmacies. Results: The developed method allowed reproducible quantification of 0.50 ng l−1 platinum (5 pg/wipe sample). Recoveries for stainless steel and linoleum surfaces ranged between 50.4 and 81.4% for the different platinum compounds tested. Platinum contamination was reported in 88% of the wipe samples. Although a substantial variation in surface contamination of the pharmacies was noticed, in most pharmacies, the laminar-airflow (LAF) hoods, the floor in front of the LAF hoods, door handles, and handles of service hatches showed positive results. This demonstrates that contamination is spread throughout the preparation rooms. Conclusion: We developed and validated an ultra sensitive and reliable ICP-MS method for the determination of platinum in surface samples. Surface contamination with platinum was observed in all hospital pharmacies sampled. The interpretation of these results is, however, complicated. PMID:17377802

How to develop a standard operating procedure for sorting unfixed cells.

PubMed

Schmid, Ingrid

2012-07-01

Written standard operating procedures (SOPs) are an important tool to assure that recurring tasks in a laboratory are performed in a consistent manner. When the procedure covered in the SOP involves a high-risk activity such as sorting unfixed cells using a jet-in-air sorter, safety elements are critical components of the document. The details on sort sample handling, sorter set-up, validation, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance, personal protective equipment (PPE), and operator training, outlined in the SOP are to be based on careful risk assessment of the procedure. This review provides background information on the hazards associated with sorting of unfixed cells and the process used to arrive at the appropriate combination of facility design, instrument placement, safety equipment, and practices to be followed. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

21 CFR 58.107 - Test and control article handling.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 1 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Test and control article handling. 58.107 Section... GOOD LABORATORY PRACTICE FOR NONCLINICAL LABORATORY STUDIES Test and Control Articles § 58.107 Test and control article handling. Procedures shall be established for a system for the handling of the test and...

21 CFR 58.107 - Test and control article handling.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 1 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Test and control article handling. 58.107 Section... GOOD LABORATORY PRACTICE FOR NONCLINICAL LABORATORY STUDIES Test and Control Articles § 58.107 Test and control article handling. Procedures shall be established for a system for the handling of the test and...

21 CFR 58.107 - Test and control article handling.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 1 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Test and control article handling. 58.107 Section... GOOD LABORATORY PRACTICE FOR NONCLINICAL LABORATORY STUDIES Test and Control Articles § 58.107 Test and control article handling. Procedures shall be established for a system for the handling of the test and...

21 CFR 58.107 - Test and control article handling.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 1 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Test and control article handling. 58.107 Section... GOOD LABORATORY PRACTICE FOR NONCLINICAL LABORATORY STUDIES Test and Control Articles § 58.107 Test and control article handling. Procedures shall be established for a system for the handling of the test and...

40 CFR 63.9621 - What test methods and other procedures must I use to demonstrate initial compliance with the...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

...) National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Taconite Iron Ore Processing Initial Compliance... section. (b) For each ore crushing and handling affected source and each finished pellet handling affected... each ore crushing and handling affected source and each finished pellet handling affected source, you...

Paratransit Vehicle Test and Evaluation : Volume 3. Handling Tests.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1978-06-01

A series of tests and evaluations of two prototype vehicles for paratransit were conducted. This volume (Volume III) presents the test procedures and results of the handling test series. The test determined the steering and handling characteristics o...

9 CFR 381.151 - Adulteration of product by polluted water; procedure for handling.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

...; Processing Requirements § 381.151 Adulteration of product by polluted water; procedure for handling. (a) In the event there is polluted water (including but not limited to flood water) in an official... rendered adulterated by the water shall be condemned. (b) After the polluted water has receded from an...

9 CFR 381.151 - Adulteration of product by polluted water; procedure for handling.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Adulteration of product by polluted...; Processing Requirements § 381.151 Adulteration of product by polluted water; procedure for handling. (a) In.... (c) Hermetically sealed containers of poultry product which have been contaminated by polluted water...

Outcome of tactile conditioning of neonates, or "imprint training" on selected handling measures in foals.

PubMed

Spier, Sharon J; Berger Pusterla, Jeannine; Villarroel, Aurora; Pusterla, Nicola

2004-11-01

Behavioural reactions to selected handling procedures were compared between conditioned, or imprint-trained, and untrained foals raised on the same farm. Nineteen randomly chosen healthy foals were imprint trained at birth and 24 h later (Group A). Twenty-one similar foals that were not imprint-trained served as age-matched controls (Group B). Training began within 10 min of birth and consisted of touch desensitization by gentle rubbing. Each tactile stimulus was repeated 30-50 times over 45-60 min, until the foal no longer resisted the procedure and appeared relaxed. The procedure was then repeated at 24 h of age. At that time a physical examination and blood analysis were performed to assess the foals' health status. Group B animals were not handled except for a brief physical examination and blood analysis at 24 h of age. Thereafter all foals were kept on pastures with their dams with no further handling until they were three months of age. Any foals handled for other reasons before that time were excluded from the study. At three months, each of the 28 foals that completed the study experienced the following handling procedures: acceptance of restraint, haltering, complete physical examination, acceptance of a plastic rebreathing bag, touching the whole body, intramuscular vaccination in the neck, intranasal vaccination, and deworming with oral paste. Response to each procedure was scored (1=not resistant, 2=low resistance, 3=strong resistance, 4=not possible without major physical restraint). Conditioned foals (Group A) were significantly less resistant to touching the front and hind legs and picking up the hind feet (P < 0.05). The administration of vaccines and paste dewormer and the collection of blood were tolerated by the majority of the foals of both groups with no or low resistance. It appeared that neonatal imprint training resulted in a learned behaviour that resulted in decreased self-defence responses towards handling the limbs at three months of age.

The UK Biobank sample handling and storage validation studies.

PubMed

Peakman, Tim C; Elliott, Paul

2008-04-01

and aims UK Biobank is a large prospective study in the United Kingdom to investigate the role of genetic factors, environmental exposures and lifestyle in the causes of major diseases of late and middle age. It involves the collection of blood and urine from 500 000 individuals aged between 40 and 69 years. How the samples are collected, processed and stored will have a major impact on the future scientific usefulness of the UK Biobank resource. A series of validation studies was recommended to test the robustness of the draft sample handling and storage protocol. Samples of blood and urine were collected from 40 healthy volunteers and either processed immediately according to the protocol or maintained at specified temperatures (4 degrees C for all tubes with the exception of vacutainers containing acid citrate dextrose that were maintained at 18 degrees C) for 12, 24 or 36 h prior to processing. A further sample was maintained for 24 h at 4 degrees C, processed and the aliquots frozen at -80 degrees C for 20 days and then thawed under controlled conditions. The stability of the samples was compared for the different times in a wide variety of assays. The samples maintained at 4 degrees C were stable for at least 24 h after collection for a wide range of assays. Small but significant changes were observed in metabonomic studies in samples maintained at 4 degrees C for 36 h. There was no degradation of the samples for a range of biochemical assays after short-term freezing and thawing under controlled conditions. Whole blood maintained at 18 degrees C for 24 h in vacutainers containing acid citrate dextrose is suitable for viral immortalization techniques. The validation studies reported in this supplement provide justification for the sample handling and storage procedures adopted in the UK Biobank project.

Development and evaluation of online video teaching resources to enhance student knowledge of livestock handling.

PubMed

Klupiec, C; Pope, S; Taylor, R; Carroll, D; Ward, M H; Celi, P

2014-07-01

To evaluate the effectiveness of online audiovisual materials to support the acquisition of animal handling skills by students of veterinary and animal science. A series of video clips (Livestock Handling modules) demonstrating livestock handling procedures was created and delivered online to students enrolled in the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney. The effectiveness of these modules for supporting student learning was evaluated via an online survey. The survey also sought feedback on how students could be better prepared for handling livestock. The survey indicated that students found the videos a useful part of their learning experience, particularly by familiarising them with correct handling procedures and emphasising the importance of safety when handling livestock. Students also highlighted that online delivery supported flexible learning. Suggested improvements of the Livestock Handling modules centred around broadening the content of the videos and improving the user-friendliness of online access. Student feedback regarding how the Faculty could better prepare them for livestock handling was dominated by requests for more opportunities to practise animal handling using live animals. The Livestock Handling audiovisual tool is a valuable supplementary resource for developing students' proficiency in safe and effective handling of livestock. However, the results also clearly reveal a perception by students that more hands-on experience is required for acquisition of animal handling skills. These findings will inform future development of the Faculty's animal handling program. © 2014 Australian Veterinary Association.

Procedures and equipment for staining large numbers of plant root samples for endomycorrhizal assay.

PubMed

Kormanik, P P; Bryan, W C; Schultz, R C

1980-04-01

A simplified method of clearing and staining large numbers of plant roots for vesicular-arbuscular (VA) mycorrhizal assay is presented. Equipment needed for handling multiple samples is described, and two formulations for the different chemical solutions are presented. Because one formulation contains phenol, its use should be limited to basic studies for which adequate laboratory exhaust hoods are available and great clarity of fungal structures is required. The second staining formulation, utilizing lactic acid instead of phenol, is less toxic, requires less elaborate laboratory facilities, and has proven to be completely satisfactory for VA assays.

[The taking and transport of biological samples].

PubMed

Kerwat, Klaus; Kerwat, Martina; Eberhart, Leopold; Wulf, Hinnerk

2011-05-01

The results of microbiological tests are the foundation for a targetted therapy and the basis for monitoring infections. The quality of each and every laboratory finding depends not only on an error-free analytical process. The pre-analysis handling procedures are of particular importance. They encompass all factors and influences prior to the actual analysis. These include the correct timepoint for sample taking, the packaging and the rapid transport of the material to be investigated. Errors in the pre-analytical processing are the most frequent reasons for inappropriate findings. © Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York.

7 CFR 1924.259 - Handling dwelling construction complaints.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 12 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Handling dwelling construction complaints. 1924.259... OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAM REGULATIONS CONSTRUCTION AND REPAIR Complaints and Compensation for Construction Defects § 1924.259 Handling dwelling construction complaints. This section describes the procedure...

9 CFR 318.14 - Adulteration of product by polluted water; procedure for handling.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

...; REINSPECTION AND PREPARATION OF PRODUCTS General § 318.14 Adulteration of product by polluted water; procedure for handling. (a) In the event there is polluted water (including but not limited to flood water) in... that have been rendered adulterated by the water shall be condemned. (b) After the polluted water has...

75 FR 66391 - Regulations Containing Procedures for Handling of Retaliation Complaints; Extension of the Office...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-10-28

..., Procedures for Handling of Discrimination Complaints Under Section 806 of the Corporate and Criminal Fraud... Systems Security Act of 2007, Enacted as Section 1413 of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11... Complaints Under Section 806 of the Corporate and Criminal Fraud Accountability Act of 2002, Title VIII of...

Sample handling for mass spectrometric proteomic investigations of human urine.

PubMed

Petri, Anette Lykke; Høgdall, Claus; Christensen, Ib Jarle; Simonsen, Anja Hviid; T'jampens, Davy; Hellmann, Marja-Leena; Kjaer, Susanne Krüger; Fung, Eric T; Høgdall, Estrid

2008-09-01

Because of its non-invasive sample collection method, human urine is an attractive biological material both for discovering biomarkers and for use in future screening trials for different diseases. Before urine can be used for these applications, standardized protocols for sample handling that optimize protein stability are required. In this explorative study, we examine the influence of different urine collection methods, storage temperatures, storage times, and repetitive freeze-thaw procedures on the protein profiles obtained by surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF-MS). Prospectively collected urine samples from 11 women were collected as either morning or midday specimens. The effects of storage temperature, time to freezing, and freeze-thaw cycles were assessed by calculating the number, intensity, and reproducibility of peaks visualized by SELDI-TOF-MS. On the CM10 array, 122 peaks were detected and 28 peaks were found to be significantly different between urine types, storage temperature and time to freezing. On the IMAC-Cu array, 65 peaks were detected and 1 peak was found to be significantly different according to time to freezing. No significant differences were demonstrated for freeze-thaw cycles. Optimal handling and storage conditions are necessary in clinical urine proteomic investigations. Collection of urine with a single and consistently performed protocol is needed to reduce analytical bias. Collecting only one urine type, which is stored for a limited period at 4°C until freezing at -80°C prior to analysis will provide the most stable profiles. Copyright © 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Atmospheric Pressure Corrections in Geodesy and Oceanography: a Strategy for Handling Air Tides

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ponte, Rui M.; Ray, Richard D.

2003-01-01

Global pressure data are often needed for processing or interpreting modern geodetic and oceanographic measurements. The most common source of these data is the analysis or reanalysis products of various meteorological centers. Tidal signals in these products can be problematic for several reasons, including potentially aliased sampling of the semidiurnal solar tide as well as the presence of various modeling or timing errors. Building on the work of Van den Dool and colleagues, we lay out a strategy for handling atmospheric tides in (re)analysis data. The procedure also offers a method to account for ocean loading corrections in satellite altimeter data that are consistent with standard ocean-tide corrections. The proposed strategy has immediate application to the on-going Jason-1 and GRACE satellite missions.

Comparison of food safety cognitions and self-reported food-handling behaviors with observed food safety behaviors of young adults.

PubMed

Abbot, J M; Byrd-Bredbenner, C; Schaffner, D; Bruhn, C M; Blalock, L

2009-04-01

Developing tailored and effective food safety education for young adults is critical given their future roles as caregivers likely to be preparing food for populations who may be at greater risk for foodborne disease (FBD). The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between food safety self-reported food-handling behaviors and cognitions of young adults to observed food-handling behaviors. Participants were 153 young adults (mean age 20.74+/-1.30 s.d.) attending a major American university. Each prepared a meal under observation in a controlled laboratory setting, permitted researchers to observe their home kitchen and completed an online survey assessing food safety knowledge, behavior and psychosocial measures. Descriptive statistics were generated for participants' self-reported food-handling behaviors, psychosocial characteristics, knowledge, food preparation observations and home kitchen observations. Determinants of compliance with safe food-handling procedures while preparing a meal and home food storage/rotation practices were identified using backward regression models. Participants engaged in less than half of the recommended safe food-handling practices evaluated and correctly answered only two-thirds of the food safety knowledge items. They reported positive food safety beliefs and high food safety self-efficacy. Self-reported compliance with cross-contamination prevention, disinfection procedures and knowledge of groups at greatest risk for FBD were the best measures for predicting compliance with established safe food-handling practices. Food safety education directed toward young adults should focus on increasing awareness of FBD and knowledge of proper cross-contamination prevention procedures to help promote better compliance with actual safe food handling.

The social buffering effect of playful handling on responses to repeated intraperitoneal injections in laboratory rats.

PubMed

Cloutier, Sylvie; Wahl, Kim; Baker, Chelsea; Newberry, Ruth C

2014-03-01

Handling small animals for veterinary and experimental procedures can negatively affect animal wellbeing. We hypothesized that playful handling (tickling) would decrease stress associated with repeated injections in adult laboratory rats, especially those with prior tickling experience. We compared responses of 4 groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats to intraperitoneal injection of saline daily for 10 d. Rats either tickled or not tickled as juveniles (2 min/d for 21 d) were exposed as adults to either a passive hand or tickling for 2 min immediately before and after injections. Rates of vocalization (22- and 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations (USV), indicative of negative and positive affective states, respectively, and audible calls indicative of pain and discomfort) were quantified before, during, and after injection. Tickling before and after injection, especially when combined with juvenile tickling experience (ending 40 to 50 d earlier), increased 50-kHz USV rates before and after injection, reduced audible call rate during injection, and decreased the duration of the injection procedure. The treatments did not affect indicators of physiologic stress (body weight change; fecal corticosteroid levels). We conclude that playful handling performed in association with a mildly aversive procedure serves as a useful refinement by inducing a positive affective state that mitigates the aversiveness of the procedure and makes rats easier to handle, especially when they have been accustomed to tickling as juveniles.

The Social Buffering Effect of Playful Handling on Responses to Repeated Intraperitoneal Injections in Laboratory Rats

PubMed Central

Cloutier, Sylvie; Wahl, Kim; Baker, Chelsea; Newberry, Ruth C

2014-01-01

Handling small animals for veterinary and experimental procedures can negatively affect animal wellbeing. We hypothesized that playful handling (tickling) would decrease stress associated with repeated injections in adult laboratory rats, especially those with prior tickling experience. We compared responses of 4 groups of male Sprague–Dawley rats to intraperitoneal injection of saline daily for 10 d. Rats either tickled or not tickled as juveniles (2 min/d for 21 d) were exposed as adults to either a passive hand or tickling for 2 min immediately before and after injections. Rates of vocalization (22- and 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations (USV), indicative of negative and positive affective states, respectively, and audible calls indicative of pain and discomfort) were quantified before, during, and after injection. Tickling before and after injection, especially when combined with juvenile tickling experience (ending 40 to 50 d earlier), increased 50-kHz USV rates before and after injection, reduced audible call rate during injection, and decreased the duration of the injection procedure. The treatments did not affect indicators of physiologic stress (body weight change; fecal corticosteroid levels). We conclude that playful handling performed in association with a mildly aversive procedure serves as a useful refinement by inducing a positive affective state that mitigates the aversiveness of the procedure and makes rats easier to handle, especially when they have been accustomed to tickling as juveniles. PMID:24602543

A mineral reconnaissance sampling manual for Costa Rica: Central American energy and resoure project. Manual para muestreo en el reconocimiento mineral de Costa Rica: Proyecto Centroamericano de energia y recursos naturales (in English and Spanish)

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

Bolivar, S.

This manual describes field procedures for the collection of stream-sediment and rock samples as part of the Mineral Resource Assessment of Costa Rica. It provides guidelines to be followed by personnel collecting, treating, or otherwise handling samples taken as part of this program. The objectives of the manual are to ensure that all samples are collected uniformly and consistent techniques are employed throughout the program. If this is done, the data from this study can be used to identify areas with potential for mineralization. This manual can also be used as a guideline for future geochemical sampling programs in Costamore » Rica.« less

Microbial ecology measurement system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1972-01-01

The sensitivity and potential rapidity of the PIA test that was demonstrated during the feasibility study warranted continuing the effort to examine the possibility of adapting this test to an automated procedure that could be used during manned missions. The effort during this program has optimized the test conditions for two important respiratory pathogens, influenza virus and Mycoplasma pneumoniae, developed a laboratory model automated detection system, and investigated a group antigen concept for virus detection. Preliminary tests on the handling of oropharygeal clinical samples for PIA testing were performed using the adenovirus system. The results obtained indicated that the PIA signal is reduced in positive samples and is increased in negative samples. Treatment with cysteine appeared to reduce nonspecific agglutination in negative samples but did not maintain the signal in positive samples.

EDTA improves stability of whole blood C-peptide and insulin to over 24 hours at room temperature.

PubMed

McDonald, Timothy J; Perry, Mandy H; Peake, Roy W A; Pullan, Nicola J; O'Connor, John; Shields, Beverley M; Knight, Beatrice A; Hattersley, Andrew T

2012-01-01

C-peptide and insulin measurements in blood provide useful information regarding endogenous insulin secretion. Conflicting evidence on sample stability and handling procedures continue to limit the widespread clinical use of these tests. We assessed the factors that altered the stability of insulin and C-peptide in blood. We investigated the impact of preservative type, time to centrifugation, storage conditions and duration of storage on the stability of C-peptide and insulin on three different analytical platforms. C-peptide was stable for at least 24 hours at room temperature in both centrifuged and whole blood collected in K(+)-EDTA and serum gel tubes, with the exception of whole blood serum gel, which decreased to 78% of baseline at 24 hours, (p = 0.008). Insulin was stable at room temperature for 24 hours in both centrifuged and whole blood collected in K(+)-EDTA tubes. In contrast insulin levels decreased in serum gel tubes both centrifuged and whole blood (66% of baseline, p = 0.01 and 76% of baseline p = 0.01, by 24 hours respectively). C-peptide and insulin remained stable after 6 freeze-thaw cycles. The stability of C-peptide and insulin in whole blood K(+)-EDTA tubes negates the need to conform to strict sample handling procedures for these assays, greatly increasing their clinical utility.

Advances in Small Particle Handling of Astromaterials in Preparation for OSIRIS-REx and Hayabusa2: Initial Developments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Snead, C. J.; McCubbin, F. M.; Nakamura-Messenger, K.; Righter, K.

2018-01-01

The Astromaterials Acquisition and Curation office at NASA Johnson Space Center has established an Advanced Curation program that is tasked with developing procedures, technologies, and data sets necessary for the curation of future astromaterials collections as envisioned by NASA exploration goals. One particular objective of the Advanced Curation program is the development of new methods for the collection, storage, handling and characterization of small (less than 100 micrometer) particles. Astromaterials Curation currently maintains four small particle collections: Cosmic Dust that has been collected in Earth's stratosphere by ER2 and WB-57 aircraft, Comet 81P/Wild 2 dust returned by NASA's Stardust spacecraft, interstellar dust that was returned by Stardust, and asteroid Itokawa particles that were returned by the JAXA's Hayabusa spacecraft. NASA Curation is currently preparing for the anticipated return of two new astromaterials collections - asteroid Ryugu regolith to be collected by Hayabusa2 spacecraft in 2021 (samples will be provided by JAXA as part of an international agreement), and asteroid Bennu regolith to be collected by the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft and returned in 2023. A substantial portion of these returned samples are expected to consist of small particle components, and mission requirements necessitate the development of new processing tools and methods in order to maximize the scientific yield from these valuable acquisitions. Here we describe initial progress towards the development of applicable sample handling methods for the successful curation of future small particle collections.

Complete automation of solid-phase extraction with subsequent liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for the quantification of benzoylecgonine, m-hydroxybenzoylecgonine, p-hydroxybenzoylecgonine, and norbenzoylecgonine in urine--application to a high-throughput urine analysis laboratory.

PubMed

Robandt, Paul P; Reda, Louis J; Klette, Kevin L

2008-10-01

A fully automated system utilizing a liquid handler and an online solid-phase extraction (SPE) device coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) was designed to process, detect, and quantify benzoylecgonine (BZE), meta-hydroxybenzoylecgonine (m-OH BZE), para-hydroxybenzoylecgonine (p-OH BZE), and norbenzoylecgonine (nor-BZE) metabolites in human urine. The method was linear for BZE, m-OH BZE, and p-OH BZE from 1.2 to 10,000 ng/mL with limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) of 1.2 ng/mL. Nor-BZE was linear from 5 to 10,000 ng/mL with an LOD and LOQ of 1.2 and 5 ng/mL, respectively. The intrarun precision measured as the coefficient of variation of 10 replicates of a 100 ng/mL control was less than 2.6%, and the interrun precision for 5 replicates of the same control across 8 batches was less than 4.8% for all analytes. No assay interference was noted from controls containing cocaine, cocaethylene, and ecgonine methyl ester. Excellent data concordance (R2 > 0.994) was found for direct comparison of the automated SPE-LC-MS-MS procedure and an existing gas chromatography-MS procedure using 94 human urine samples previously determined to be positive for BZE. The automated specimen handling and SPE procedure, when compared to the traditional extraction schema, eliminates the human factors of specimen handling, processing, extraction, and derivatization, thereby reducing labor costs and rework resulting from batch handling issues, and may reduce the number of fume hoods required in the laboratory.

A quality-assurance assessment for constituents reported by the national atmospheric deposition program and the national trends network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

See, Randolph B.; Schroder, LeRoy J.; Willoughby, Timothy C.

A continuing quality-assurance program has been operated by the U.S. Geological Survey to evaluate any bias introduced by routine handling, shipping, and laboratory analyses of wet-deposition samples collected in the National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP) and National Trends Network (NTN). Blind-audit samples having a variety of constituent concentrations and values were selected. Only blind-audit samples with constituent concentrations and values less than the 95th-percentile concentration for natural wet-deposition samples were included in the analysis. Of the major ions, there was a significant increase of Ca 2+, Mg 2+, Na 2+, K +, SO 42- and Cl -1 in samples handled according to standard protocols and shipped in NADP/NTN sample-collection buckets. For 1979-1987, graphs of smoothed data showing the estimated contamination in blind-audit samples indicate a decrease in the median concentration and ranges of Ca 2+, Mg 2+ and SO 42- contamination of blind-audit samples shipped in sample-collection buckets. Part of the contamination detected in blind-audit samples can be attributed to contact with the sample-collection bucket and lid; however, additional sources also seem to contaminate the blind-audit sample. Apparent decreases in the magnitude and range of sample contamination may be caused by differences in sample-collection bucket- and lid-washing procedures by the NADP/NTN Central Analytical Laboratory. Although the degree of bias is minimal for most constituents, summaries of the NADP/NTN data base may contain overestimates of Ca 2+, Mg 2+, Na -, K + and SO 42- and Cl - concentrations, and underestimates of H + concentrations.

A quality-assurance assessment for constituents reported by the National Atmospheric Deposition Program and the National Trends Network

USGS Publications Warehouse

See, R.B.; Schroder, L.J.; Willoughby, T.C.

1989-01-01

A continuing quality-assurance program has been operated by the U.S. Geographical Survey to evaluate any bias introduced by routine handling, shipping, and laboratory analyses of wet-deposition samples collected in the National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP) and National Trends Network (NTN). Blind-audit samples having a variety of constituent concentrations and values were selected. Only blind-audit samples with constituent concentrations and values less than the 95th-percentile concentration for natural wet-deposition samples were included in the analysis. Of the major ions, there was a significant increase of Ca2+, Mg2+, K+ SO42+ and Cl- in samples handled according to standard protocols and shipped in NADP/NTN sample-collection buckets. For 1979-1987, graphs of smoothed data showing the estimated contaminations in blind-audit samples indicate a decrease in the median concentration and ranges of Ca2+, Mg2+ and SO42- contamination of blind-audit samples shipped in sample-collection buckets. Part of the contamination detected in blind-audit samples can be attributed to contact with the sample-collection bucket and lid; however, additional sources also seem to contaminate the blind-audit sample. Apparent decreases in the magnitude and range of sample contamination may be caused by differences in sample-collection bucket- and lid-washing procedures by the NADP/NTN Central Analytical Laboratory. Although the degree of bias is minimal for most constituents, summaries of the NADP/NTN data base may contain overestimates of Ca2+, Mg2+, Na-, K+, SO42- and Cl- concentrations, and underestimates of H+ concentrations.

24 CFR 3282.405 - SAA responsibilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... URBAN DEVELOPMENT MANUFACTURED HOME PROCEDURAL AND ENFORCEMENT REGULATIONS Consumer Complaint Handling... responsible for overseeing the handling of consumer complaints by manufacturers within the state. As part of...

24 CFR 3282.405 - SAA responsibilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... URBAN DEVELOPMENT MANUFACTURED HOME PROCEDURAL AND ENFORCEMENT REGULATIONS Consumer Complaint Handling... responsible for overseeing the handling of consumer complaints by manufacturers within the state. As part of...

24 CFR 3282.405 - SAA responsibilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... URBAN DEVELOPMENT MANUFACTURED HOME PROCEDURAL AND ENFORCEMENT REGULATIONS Consumer Complaint Handling... responsible for overseeing the handling of consumer complaints by manufacturers within the state. As part of...

24 CFR 3282.405 - SAA responsibilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... URBAN DEVELOPMENT MANUFACTURED HOME PROCEDURAL AND ENFORCEMENT REGULATIONS Consumer Complaint Handling... responsible for overseeing the handling of consumer complaints by manufacturers within the state. As part of...

A review of blood sample handling and pre-processing for metabolomics studies.

PubMed

Hernandes, Vinicius Veri; Barbas, Coral; Dudzik, Danuta

2017-09-01

Metabolomics has been found to be applicable to a wide range of clinical studies, bringing a new era for improving clinical diagnostics, early disease detection, therapy prediction and treatment efficiency monitoring. A major challenge in metabolomics, particularly untargeted studies, is the extremely diverse and complex nature of biological specimens. Despite great advances in the field there still exist fundamental needs for considering pre-analytical variability that can introduce bias to the subsequent analytical process and decrease the reliability of the results and moreover confound final research outcomes. Many researchers are mainly focused on the instrumental aspects of the biomarker discovery process, and sample related variables sometimes seem to be overlooked. To bridge the gap, critical information and standardized protocols regarding experimental design and sample handling and pre-processing are highly desired. Characterization of a range variation among sample collection methods is necessary to prevent results misinterpretation and to ensure that observed differences are not due to an experimental bias caused by inconsistencies in sample processing. Herein, a systematic discussion of pre-analytical variables affecting metabolomics studies based on blood derived samples is performed. Furthermore, we provide a set of recommendations concerning experimental design, collection, pre-processing procedures and storage conditions as a practical review that can guide and serve for the standardization of protocols and reduction of undesirable variation. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Particle Size Distribution of Serratia marcescens Aerosols Created During Common Laboratory Procedures and Simulated Laboratory Accidents

PubMed Central

Kenny, Michael T.; Sabel, Fred L.

1968-01-01

Andersen air samplers were used to determine the particle size distribution of Serratia marcescens aerosols created during several common laboratory procedures and simulated laboratory accidents. Over 1,600 viable particles per cubic foot of air sampled were aerosolized during blending operations. More than 98% of these particles were less than 5 μ in size. In contrast, 80% of the viable particles aerosolized by handling lyophilized cultures were larger than 5 μ. Harvesting infected eggs, sonic treatment, centrifugation, mixing cultures, and dropping infectious material produced aerosols composed primarily of particles in the 1.0- to 7.5-μ size range. Images Fig. 1 PMID:4877498

Trimethylsulfonium hydroxide as derivatization reagent for the chemical investigation of drying oils in works of art by gas chromatography.

PubMed

Dron, Julien; Linke, Robert; Rosenberg, Erwin; Schreiner, Manfred

2004-08-20

A procedure for the determination of fatty acids (FA) and glycerol in oils has been developed. The method includes a derivatization step of the FAs into their methyl esters or a transesterification of the triacylglycerols with trimethylsulfonium hydroxide (TMSH), respectively. The analysis is carried out by gas chromatography with parallel flame ionization and mass spectrometric detection. The parameters involved in the transesterification reaction were optimized. Only the stoichiometric ratio of TMSH:total FA amount showed a significant influence on the reaction yield. Relative standard deviations for 10 replicates were below 3% for all FAs studied and their linearity range was 0.5-50 mmol/L, when using heptadecanoic acid as an internal standard. The final procedure was rapid and required little sample handling. It was then tested on fresh oil samples and presented satisfying results, in agreement with previous works.

Sequence analysis of the canine mitochondrial DNA control region from shed hair samples in criminal investigations.

PubMed

Berger, C; Berger, B; Parson, W

2012-01-01

In recent years, evidence from domestic dogs has increasingly been analyzed by forensic DNA testing. Especially, canine hairs have proved most suitable and practical due to the high rate of hair transfer occurring between dogs and humans. Starting with the description of a contamination-free sample handling procedure, we give a detailed workflow for sequencing hypervariable segments (HVS) of the mtDNA control region from canine evidence. After the hair material is lysed and the DNA extracted by Phenol/Chloroform, the amplification and sequencing strategy comprises the HVS I and II of the canine control region and is optimized for DNA of medium-to-low quality and quantity. The sequencing procedure is based on the Sanger Big-dye deoxy-terminator method and the separation of the sequencing reaction products is performed on a conventional multicolor fluorescence detection capillary electrophoresis platform. Finally, software-aided base calling and sequence interpretation are addressed exemplarily.

Conditional-sampling spectrograph detection system for fluorescence measurements of individual airborne biological particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nachman, Paul; Pinnick, R. G.; Hill, Steven C.; Chen, Gang; Chang, Richard K.; Mayo, Michael W.; Fernandez, Gilbert L.

1996-03-01

We report the design and operation of a prototype conditional-sampling spectrograph detection system that can record the fluorescence spectra of individual, micrometer-sized aerosols as they traverse an intense 488-nm intracavity laser beam. The instrument's image-intensified CCD detector is gated by elastic scattering or by undispersed fluorescence from particles that enter the spectrograph's field of view. It records spectra only from particles with preselected scattering-fluorescence levels (a fiber-optic-photomultiplier subsystem provides the gating signal). This conditional-sampling procedure reduces data-handling rates and increases the signal-to-noise ratio by restricting the system's exposures to brief periods when aerosols traverse the beam. We demonstrate these advantages by reliably capturing spectra from individual fluorescent microspheres dispersed in an airstream. The conditional-sampling procedure also permits some discrimination among different types of particles, so that spectra may be recorded from the few interesting particles present in a cloud of background aerosol. We demonstrate such discrimination by measuring spectra from selected fluorescent microspheres in a mixture of two types of microspheres, and from bacterial spores in a mixture of spores and nonfluorescent kaolin particles.

TECHNIQUES WITH POTENTIAL FOR HANDLING ENVIRONMENTAL SAMPLES IN CAPILLARY ELECTROPHORESIS

EPA Science Inventory

An assessment of the methods for handling environmental samples prior to capillary electrophoresis (CE) is presented for both aqueous and solid matrices. Sample handling in environmental analyses is the subject of ongoing research at the Environmental Protection Agency's National...

Temperature fluctuations during deep temperature cryopreservation reduce PBMC recovery, viability and T-cell function.

PubMed

Germann, Anja; Oh, Young-Joo; Schmidt, Tomm; Schön, Uwe; Zimmermann, Heiko; von Briesen, Hagen

2013-10-01

The ability to analyze cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) from biobanks for antigen-specific immunity is necessary to evaluate response to immune-based therapies. To ensure comparable assay results, collaborative research in multicenter trials needs reliable and reproducible cryopreservation that maintains cell viability and functionality. A standardized cryopreservation procedure is comprised of not only sample collection, preparation and freezing but also low temperature storage in liquid nitrogen without any temperature fluctuations, to avoid cell damage. Therefore, we have developed a storage approach to minimize suboptimal storage conditions in order to maximize cell viability, recovery and T-cell functionality. We compared the influence of repeated temperature fluctuations on cell health from sample storage, sample sorting and removal in comparison to sample storage without temperature rises. We found that cyclical temperature shifts during low temperature storage reduce cell viability, recovery and immune response against specific-antigens. We showed that samples handled under a protective hood system, to avoid or minimize such repeated temperature rises, have comparable cell viability and cell recovery rates to samples stored without any temperature fluctuations. Also T-cell functionality could be considerably increased with the use of the protective hood system compared to sample handling without such a protection system. This data suggests that the impact of temperature fluctuation on cell integrity should be carefully considered in future clinical vaccine trials and consideration should be given to optimal sample storage conditions. Copyright © 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A data base of geologic field spectra

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kahle, A. B.; Goetz, A. F. H.; Paley, H. N.; Alley, R. E.; Abbott, E. A.

1981-01-01

It is noted that field samples measured in the laboratory do not always present an accurate picture of the ground surface sensed by airborne or spaceborne instruments because of the heterogeneous nature of most surfaces and because samples are disturbed and surface characteristics changed by collection and handling. The development of new remote sensing instruments relies on the analysis of surface materials in their natural state. The existence of thousands of Portable Field Reflectance Spectrometer (PFRS) spectra has necessitated a single, all-inclusive data base that permits greatly simplified searching and sorting procedures and facilitates further statistical analyses. The data base developed at JPL for cataloging geologic field spectra is discussed.

7 CFR 27.20 - Drawing and handling of samples of cotton; inspection of bales.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Drawing and handling of samples of cotton; inspection... STANDARDS AND STANDARD CONTAINER REGULATIONS COTTON CLASSIFICATION UNDER COTTON FUTURES LEGISLATION Regulations Inspection and Samples § 27.20 Drawing and handling of samples of cotton; inspection of bales. One...

7 CFR 27.20 - Drawing and handling of samples of cotton; inspection of bales.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Drawing and handling of samples of cotton; inspection... STANDARDS AND STANDARD CONTAINER REGULATIONS COTTON CLASSIFICATION UNDER COTTON FUTURES LEGISLATION Regulations Inspection and Samples § 27.20 Drawing and handling of samples of cotton; inspection of bales. One...

7 CFR 27.20 - Drawing and handling of samples of cotton; inspection of bales.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Drawing and handling of samples of cotton; inspection... STANDARDS AND STANDARD CONTAINER REGULATIONS COTTON CLASSIFICATION UNDER COTTON FUTURES LEGISLATION Regulations Inspection and Samples § 27.20 Drawing and handling of samples of cotton; inspection of bales. One...

7 CFR 27.20 - Drawing and handling of samples of cotton; inspection of bales.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Drawing and handling of samples of cotton; inspection... STANDARDS AND STANDARD CONTAINER REGULATIONS COTTON CLASSIFICATION UNDER COTTON FUTURES LEGISLATION Regulations Inspection and Samples § 27.20 Drawing and handling of samples of cotton; inspection of bales. One...

7 CFR 27.20 - Drawing and handling of samples of cotton; inspection of bales.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Drawing and handling of samples of cotton; inspection... STANDARDS AND STANDARD CONTAINER REGULATIONS COTTON CLASSIFICATION UNDER COTTON FUTURES LEGISLATION Regulations Inspection and Samples § 27.20 Drawing and handling of samples of cotton; inspection of bales. One...

A study for hypergolic vapor sensor development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stetter, J. R.; Tellefsen, K.

1977-01-01

In summary, the following tasks were completed within the scope of this work: (1) a portable Monomethylhydrazine analyzer was developed, designed, fabricated and tested. (2) A portable NO2 analyzer was developed, designed, fabricated and tested. (3) Sampling probes and accessories were designed and fabricated for this instrumentation. (4) Improvements and modifications were made to the model 7630 Ecolyzer in preparation for field testing. (5) Instrument calibration procedures and hydrazine handling techniques necessary to the successful application of this hardware were developed.

Precautionary Practices of Healthcare Workers Who Disinfect Medical and Dental Devices Using High-Level Disinfectants

PubMed Central

Henn, Scott A.; Boiano, James M.; Steege, Andrea L.

2016-01-01

Background High-level disinfectants (HLDs) are used throughout the healthcare industry to chemically disinfect reusable, semicritical medical and dental devices to control and prevent healthcare-associated infections among patient populations. Workers who use HLDs are at risk of exposure to these chemicals, some of which are respiratory and skin irritants and sensitizers. Objective To evaluate exposure controls used and to better understand impediments to healthcare workers using personal protective equipment while handling HLDs. Design Web-based survey. Participants A targeted sample of members of professional practice organizations representing nurses, technologists/technicians, dental professionals, respiratory therapists, and others who reported handling HLDs in the previous 7 calendar days. Participating organizations invited either all or a random sample of members via email, which included a hyperlink to the survey. Methods Descriptive analyses were conducted including simple frequencies and prevalences. Results A total of 4,657 respondents completed the survey. The HLDs used most often were glutaraldehyde (59%), peracetic acid (16%), and ortho-phthalaldehyde (15%). Examples of work practices or events that could increase exposure risk included failure to wear water-resistant gowns (44%); absence of standard procedures for minimizing exposure (19%); lack of safe handling training (17%); failure to wear protective gloves (9%); and a spill/leak of HLD during handling (5%). Among all respondents, 12% reported skin contact with HLDs, and 33% of these respondents reported that they did not always wear gloves. Conclusion Findings indicated that precautionary practices were not always used, underscoring the importance of improved employer and worker training and education regarding HLD hazards. PMID:25633000

US Fish and Wildlife Service biomonitoring operations manual, Appendices A--K

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

Gianotto, D.F.; Rope, R.C.; Mondecar, M.

1993-04-01

Volume 2 contains Appendices and Summary Sheets for the following areas: A-Legislative Background and Key to Relevant Legislation, B- Biomonitoring Operations Workbook, C-Air Monitoring, D-Introduction to the Flora and Fauna for Biomonitoring, E-Decontamination Guidance Reference Field Methods, F-Documentation Guidance, Sample Handling, and Quality Assurance/Quality Control Standard Operating Procedures, G-Field Instrument Measurements Reference Field Methods, H-Ground Water Sampling Reference Field Methods, I-Sediment Sampling Reference Field Methods, J-Soil Sampling Reference Field Methods, K-Surface Water Reference Field Methods. Appendix B explains how to set up strategy to enter information on the ``disk workbook``. Appendix B is enhanced by DE97006389, an on-line workbook formore » users to be able to make revisions to their own biomonitoring data.« less

14CO2 analysis of soil gas: Evaluation of sample size limits and sampling devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wotte, Anja; Wischhöfer, Philipp; Wacker, Lukas; Rethemeyer, Janet

2017-12-01

Radiocarbon (14C) analysis of CO2 respired from soils or sediments is a valuable tool to identify different carbon sources. The collection and processing of the CO2, however, is challenging and prone to contamination. We thus continuously improve our handling procedures and present a refined method for the collection of even small amounts of CO2 in molecular sieve cartridges (MSCs) for accelerator mass spectrometry 14C analysis. Using a modified vacuum rig and an improved desorption procedure, we were able to increase the CO2 recovery from the MSC (95%) as well as the sample throughput compared to our previous study. By processing series of different sample size, we show that our MSCs can be used for CO2 samples of as small as 50 μg C. The contamination by exogenous carbon determined in these laboratory tests, was less than 2.0 μg C from fossil and less than 3.0 μg C from modern sources. Additionally, we tested two sampling devices for the collection of CO2 samples released from soils or sediments, including a respiration chamber and a depth sampler, which are connected to the MSC. We obtained a very promising, low process blank for the entire CO2 sampling and purification procedure of ∼0.004 F14C (equal to 44,000 yrs BP) and ∼0.003 F14C (equal to 47,000 yrs BP). In contrast to previous studies, we observed no isotopic fractionation towards lighter δ13C values during the passive sampling with the depth samplers.

FlexED8: the first member of a fast and flexible sample-changer family for macromolecular crystallography.

PubMed

Papp, Gergely; Felisaz, Franck; Sorez, Clement; Lopez-Marrero, Marcos; Janocha, Robert; Manjasetty, Babu; Gobbo, Alexandre; Belrhali, Hassan; Bowler, Matthew W; Cipriani, Florent

2017-10-01

Automated sample changers are now standard equipment for modern macromolecular crystallography synchrotron beamlines. Nevertheless, most are only compatible with a single type of sample holder and puck. Recent work aimed at reducing sample-handling efforts and crystal-alignment times at beamlines has resulted in a new generation of compact and precise sample holders for cryocrystallography: miniSPINE and NewPin [see the companion paper by Papp et al. (2017, Acta Cryst., D73, 829-840)]. With full data collection now possible within seconds at most advanced beamlines, and future fourth-generation synchrotron sources promising to extract data in a few tens of milliseconds, the time taken to mount and centre a sample is rate-limiting. In this context, a versatile and fast sample changer, FlexED8, has been developed that is compatible with the highly successful SPINE sample holder and with the miniSPINE and NewPin sample holders. Based on a six-axis industrial robot, FlexED8 is equipped with a tool changer and includes a novel open sample-storage dewar with a built-in ice-filtering system. With seven versatile puck slots, it can hold up to 112 SPINE sample holders in uni-pucks, or 252 miniSPINE or NewPin sample holders, with 36 samples per puck. Additionally, a double gripper, compatible with the SPINE sample holders and uni-pucks, allows a reduction in the sample-exchange time from 40 s, the typical time with a standard single gripper, to less than 5 s. Computer vision-based sample-transfer monitoring, sophisticated error handling and automatic error-recovery procedures ensure high reliability. The FlexED8 sample changer has been successfully tested under real conditions on a beamline.

Cytological preparations for molecular analysis: A review of technical procedures, advantages and limitations for referring samples for testing.

PubMed

da Cunha Santos, G; Saieg, M A; Troncone, G; Zeppa, P

2018-04-01

Minimally invasive procedures such as endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) must yield not only good quality and quantity of material for morphological assessment, but also an adequate sample for analysis of molecular markers to guide patients to appropriate targeted therapies. In this context, cytopathologists worldwide should be familiar with minimum requirements for refereeing cytological samples for testing. The present manuscript is a review with comprehensive description of the content of the workshop entitled Cytological preparations for molecular analysis: pre-analytical issues for EBUS TBNA, presented at the 40th European Congress of Cytopathology in Liverpool, UK. The present review emphasises the advantages and limitations of different types of cytology substrates used for molecular analysis such as archival smears, liquid-based preparations, archival cytospin preparations and FTA (Flinders Technology Associates) cards, as well as their technical requirements/features. These various types of cytological specimens can be successfully used for an extensive array of molecular studies, but the quality and quantity of extracted nucleic acids rely directly on adequate pre-analytical assessment of those samples. In this setting, cytopathologists must not only be familiar with the different types of specimens and associated technical procedures, but also correctly handle the material provided by minimally invasive procedures, ensuring that there is sufficient amount of material for a precise diagnosis and correct management of the patient through personalised care. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Development of liquid handling techniques in microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Antar, Basil N.

1995-01-01

A large number of experiments dealing with protein crystal growth and also with growth of crystals from solution require complicated fluid handling procedures including filling of empty containers with liquids, mixing of solutions, and stirring of liquids. Such procedures are accomplished in a straight forward manner when performed under terrestrial conditions in the laboratory. However, in the low gravity environment of space, such as on board the Space Shuttle or an Earth-orbiting space station, these procedures sometimes produced entirely undesirable results. Under terrestrial conditions, liquids usually completely separate from the gas due to the buoyancy effects of Earth's gravity. Consequently, any gas pockets that are entrained into the liquid during a fluid handling procedure will eventually migrate towards the top of the vessel where they can be removed. In a low gravity environment any folded gas bubble will remain within the liquid bulk indefinitely at a location that is not known a priori resulting in a mixture of liquid and vapor.

37 CFR 201.15 - Special handling of pending claims requiring expedited processing for purposes of litigation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 37 Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Special handling of pending..., Trademarks, and Copyrights COPYRIGHT OFFICE, LIBRARY OF CONGRESS COPYRIGHT OFFICE AND PROCEDURES GENERAL PROVISIONS § 201.15 Special handling of pending claims requiring expedited processing for purposes of...

40 CFR 86.1339-90 - Particulate filter handling and weighing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 19 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Particulate filter handling and... Exhaust Test Procedures § 86.1339-90 Particulate filter handling and weighing. (a) At least 1 hour before the test, place a filter pair in a closed (to eliminate dust contamination) but unsealed (to permit...

40 CFR 86.1339-90 - Particulate filter handling and weighing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 20 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Particulate filter handling and... Exhaust Test Procedures § 86.1339-90 Particulate filter handling and weighing. (a) At least 1 hour before the test, place a filter pair in a closed (to eliminate dust contamination) but unsealed (to permit...

40 CFR 86.139-90 - Particulate filter handling and weighing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 18 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Particulate filter handling and... New Otto-Cycle Complete Heavy-Duty Vehicles; Test Procedures § 86.139-90 Particulate filter handling and weighing. (a) At least 8 hours, but not more than 56 hours before the test, place each filter in...

40 CFR 86.139-90 - Particulate filter handling and weighing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 18 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Particulate filter handling and... New Otto-Cycle Complete Heavy-Duty Vehicles; Test Procedures § 86.139-90 Particulate filter handling and weighing. (a) At least 8 hours, but not more than 56 hours before the test, place each filter in...

40 CFR 86.139-90 - Particulate filter handling and weighing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 19 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Particulate filter handling and... New Otto-Cycle Complete Heavy-Duty Vehicles; Test Procedures § 86.139-90 Particulate filter handling and weighing. (a) At least 8 hours, but not more than 56 hours before the test, place each filter in...

40 CFR 86.139-90 - Particulate filter handling and weighing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 19 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Particulate filter handling and... New Otto-Cycle Complete Heavy-Duty Vehicles; Test Procedures § 86.139-90 Particulate filter handling and weighing. (a) At least 8 hours, but not more than 56 hours before the test, place each filter in...

40 CFR 86.1339-90 - Particulate filter handling and weighing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 20 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Particulate filter handling and... Exhaust Test Procedures § 86.1339-90 Particulate filter handling and weighing. (a) At least 1 hour before the test, place a filter pair in a closed (to eliminate dust contamination) but unsealed (to permit...

40 CFR 86.139-90 - Particulate filter handling and weighing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 19 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Particulate filter handling and... New Otto-Cycle Complete Heavy-Duty Vehicles; Test Procedures § 86.139-90 Particulate filter handling and weighing. (a) At least 8 hours, but not more than 56 hours before the test, place each filter in...

40 CFR 86.1339-90 - Particulate filter handling and weighing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 19 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Particulate filter handling and... Exhaust Test Procedures § 86.1339-90 Particulate filter handling and weighing. (a) At least 1 hour before the test, place a filter pair in a closed (to eliminate dust contamination) but unsealed (to permit...

The Sample Handling System for the Mars Icebreaker Life Mission: from Dirt to Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dave, Arwen; Thompson, Sarah J.; McKay, Christopher P.; Stoker, Carol R.; Zacny, Kris; Paulsen, Gale; Mellerowicz, Bolek; Glass, Brian J.; Wilson, David; Bonaccorsi, Rosalba;

A microplate assay for DNA damage determination (fast micromethod).

PubMed

Batel, R; Jaksić, Z; Bihari, N; Hamer, B; Fafandel, M; Chauvin, C; Schröder, H C; Müller, W E; Zahn, R K

1999-06-01

A rapid and convenient procedure for DNA damage determination in cell suspensions and solid tissues on single microplates was developed. The procedure is based on the ability of commercially available fluorochromes to interact preferentially with dsDNA in the presence of ssDNA, RNA, and proteins at high pH (>12.0), thus allowing direct measurements of DNA denaturation without sample handling or stepwise DNA separations. The method includes a simple and rapid 40-min sample lysis in the presence of EDTA, SDS, and high urea concentration at pH 10, followed by time-dependent DNA denaturation at pH 12.4 after NaOH addition. The time course and the extent of DNA denaturation is followed in a microplate fluorescence reader at room temperature for less than 1 h. The method requires only 30 ng DNA per single well and could conveniently be used whenever fast analysis of DNA integrity in small samples has to be done, e.g., in patients' lymphocytes after irradiation or chemotherapy (about 3000 cells per sample), in solid tissues or biopsies after homogenization (about 25 microg tissue per well), or in environmental samples for genotoxicity assessment. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

A Systematic Evaluation of Blood Serum and Plasma Pre-Analytics for Metabolomics Cohort Studies

PubMed Central

Jobard, Elodie; Trédan, Olivier; Postoly, Déborah; André, Fabrice; Martin, Anne-Laure; Elena-Herrmann, Bénédicte; Boyault, Sandrine

2016-01-01

The recent thriving development of biobanks and associated high-throughput phenotyping studies requires the elaboration of large-scale approaches for monitoring biological sample quality and compliance with standard protocols. We present a metabolomic investigation of human blood samples that delineates pitfalls and guidelines for the collection, storage and handling procedures for serum and plasma. A series of eight pre-processing technical parameters is systematically investigated along variable ranges commonly encountered across clinical studies. While metabolic fingerprints, as assessed by nuclear magnetic resonance, are not significantly affected by altered centrifugation parameters or delays between sample pre-processing (blood centrifugation) and storage, our metabolomic investigation highlights that both the delay and storage temperature between blood draw and centrifugation are the primary parameters impacting serum and plasma metabolic profiles. Storing the blood drawn at 4 °C is shown to be a reliable routine to confine variability associated with idle time prior to sample pre-processing. Based on their fine sensitivity to pre-analytical parameters and protocol variations, metabolic fingerprints could be exploited as valuable ways to determine compliance with standard procedures and quality assessment of blood samples within large multi-omic clinical and translational cohort studies. PMID:27929400

Quality-assurance results for routine water analyses in U.S. Geological Survey laboratories, water year 1998

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ludtke, Amy S.; Woodworth, Mark T.; Marsh, Philip S.

2000-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey operates a quality-assurance program based on the analyses of reference samples for two laboratories: the National Water Quality Laboratory and the Quality of Water Service Unit. Reference samples that contain selected inorganic, nutrient, and low-level constituents are prepared and submitted to the laboratory as disguised routine samples. The program goal is to estimate precision and bias for as many analytical methods offered by the participating laboratories as possible. Blind reference samples typically are submitted at a rate of 2 to 5 percent of the annual environmental-sample load for each constituent. The samples are distributed to the laboratories throughout the year. The reference samples are subject to the identical laboratory handling, processing, and analytical procedures as those applied to environmental samples and, therefore, have been used as an independent source to verify bias and precision of laboratory analytical methods and ambient water-quality measurements. The results are stored permanently in the National Water Information System and the Blind Sample Project's data base. During water year 1998, 95 analytical procedures were evaluated at the National Water Quality Laboratory and 63 analytical procedures were evaluated at the Quality of Water Service Unit. An overall evaluation of the inorganic and low-level constituent data for water year 1998 indicated 77 of 78 analytical procedures at the National Water Quality Laboratory met the criteria for precision. Silver (dissolved, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry) was determined to be imprecise. Five of 78 analytical procedures showed bias throughout the range of reference samples: chromium (dissolved, inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry), dissolved solids (dissolved, gravimetric), lithium (dissolved, inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry), silver (dissolved, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry), and zinc (dissolved, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry). At the National Water Quality Laboratory during water year 1998, lack of precision was indicated for 2 of 17 nutrient procedures: ammonia as nitrogen (dissolved, colorimetric) and orthophosphate as phosphorus (dissolved, colorimetric). Bias was indicated throughout the reference sample range for ammonia as nitrogen (dissolved, colorimetric, low level) and nitrate plus nitrite as nitrogen (dissolved, colorimetric, low level). All analytical procedures tested at the Quality of Water Service Unit during water year 1998 met the criteria for precision. One of the 63 analytical procedures indicated a bias throughout the range of reference samples: aluminum (whole-water recoverable, inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry, trace).

Adaptive handling of Rayleigh and Raman scatter of fluorescence data based on evaluation of the degree of spectral overlap

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Yingtian; Liu, Chao; Wang, Xiaoping; Zhao, Dongdong

2018-06-01

At present the general scatter handling methods are unsatisfactory when scatter and fluorescence seriously overlap in excitation emission matrix. In this study, an adaptive method for scatter handling of fluorescence data is proposed. Firstly, the Raman scatter was corrected by subtracting the baseline of deionized water which was collected in each experiment to adapt to the intensity fluctuations. Then, the degrees of spectral overlap between Rayleigh scatter and fluorescence were classified into three categories based on the distance between the spectral peaks. The corresponding algorithms, including setting to zero, fitting on single or both sides, were implemented after the evaluation of the degree of overlap for individual emission spectra. The proposed method minimized the number of fitting and interpolation processes, which reduced complexity, saved time, avoided overfitting, and most importantly assured the authenticity of data. Furthermore, the effectiveness of this procedure on the subsequent PARAFAC analysis was assessed and compared to Delaunay interpolation by conducting experiments with four typical organic chemicals and real water samples. Using this method, we conducted long-term monitoring of tap water and river water near a dyeing and printing plant. This method can be used for improving adaptability and accuracy in the scatter handling of fluorescence data.

Experimental robot gripper control for handling of soft objects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Friedrich, Werner E.; Ziegler, T. H.; Lim, P.

1996-10-01

The challenging task of automated handling of variable objects necessitates a combination of innovative engineering and advanced information technology. This paper describes the application of a recently developed control strategy applied to overcome some limitations of robot handling, particularly when dealing with variable objects. The paper focuses on a novel approach to accommodate the need for sensing and actuation in controlling the pickup procedure. An experimental robot-based system for the handling of soft parts, ranging from artificial components to natural objects such as fruit and meat pieces was developed. The configuration comprises a modular gripper subsystem, and an industrial robot as part of a distributed control system. The gripper subsystem features manually configurable fingers with integrated sensing capabilities. The control architecture is based on a concept of decentralized control differentiating between positioning and gripping procedures. In this way, the robot and gripper systems are treated as individual handling operations. THis concept allows very short set-up times for future changes involving one or more sub-systems.

49 CFR 176.65 - Alternative stowage procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... requirement specified in the § 172.101 table of this subchapter or a segregation, handling or stowage... stowage location or method of segregation, handling or stowage subject to such conditions as he finds will...

Mobile Genome Express (MGE): A comprehensive automatic genetic analyses pipeline with a mobile device.

PubMed

Yoon, Jun-Hee; Kim, Thomas W; Mendez, Pedro; Jablons, David M; Kim, Il-Jin

2017-01-01

The development of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology allows to sequence whole exomes or genome. However, data analysis is still the biggest bottleneck for its wide implementation. Most laboratories still depend on manual procedures for data handling and analyses, which translates into a delay and decreased efficiency in the delivery of NGS results to doctors and patients. Thus, there is high demand for developing an automatic and an easy-to-use NGS data analyses system. We developed comprehensive, automatic genetic analyses controller named Mobile Genome Express (MGE) that works in smartphones or other mobile devices. MGE can handle all the steps for genetic analyses, such as: sample information submission, sequencing run quality check from the sequencer, secured data transfer and results review. We sequenced an Actrometrix control DNA containing multiple proven human mutations using a targeted sequencing panel, and the whole analysis was managed by MGE, and its data reviewing program called ELECTRO. All steps were processed automatically except for the final sequencing review procedure with ELECTRO to confirm mutations. The data analysis process was completed within several hours. We confirmed the mutations that we have identified were consistent with our previous results obtained by using multi-step, manual pipelines.

Riding and handling qualities of light aircraft: A review and analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smetana, F. O.; Summery, D. C.; Johnson, W. D.

1972-01-01

Design procedures and supporting data necessary for configuring light aircraft to obtain desired responses to pilot commands and gusts are presented. The procedures employ specializations of modern military and jet transport practice where these provide an improvement over earlier practice. General criteria for riding and handling qualities are discussed in terms of the airframe dynamics. Methods available in the literature for calculating the coefficients required for a linearized analysis of the airframe dynamics are reviewed in detail. The review also treats the relation of spin and stall to airframe geometry. Root locus analysis is used to indicate the sensitivity of airframe dynamics to variations in individual stability derivatives and to variations in geometric parameters. Computer programs are given for finding the frequencies, damping ratios, and time constants of all rigid body modes and for generating time histories of aircraft motions in response to control inputs. Appendices are included presenting the derivation of the linearized equations of motion; the stability derivatives; the transfer functions; approximate solutions for the frequency, damping ratio, and time constants; an indication of methods to be used when linear analysis is inadequate; sample calculations; and an explanation of the use of root locus diagrams and Bode plots.

Development of a modified cortisol extraction procedure for intermediately sized fish not amenable to whole-body or plasma extraction methods.

PubMed

Guest, Taylor W; Blaylock, Reginald B; Evans, Andrew N

2016-02-01

The corticosteroid hormone cortisol is the central mediator of the teleost stress response. Therefore, the accurate quantification of cortisol in teleost fishes is a vital tool for addressing fundamental questions about an animal's physiological response to environmental stressors. Conventional steroid extraction methods using plasma or whole-body homogenates, however, are inefficient within an intermediate size range of fish that are too small for phlebotomy and too large for whole-body steroid extractions. To assess the potential effects of hatchery-induced stress on survival of fingerling hatchery-reared Spotted Seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus), we developed a novel extraction procedure for measuring cortisol in intermediately sized fish (50-100 mm in length) that are not amenable to standard cortisol extraction methods. By excising a standardized portion of the caudal peduncle, this tissue extraction procedure allows for a small portion of a larger fish to be sampled for cortisol, while minimizing the potential interference from lipids that may be extracted using whole-body homogenization procedures. Assay precision was comparable to published plasma and whole-body extraction procedures, and cortisol quantification over a wide range of sample dilutions displayed parallelism versus assay standards. Intra-assay %CV was 8.54%, and average recovery of spiked samples was 102%. Also, tissue cortisol levels quantified using this method increase 30 min after handling stress and are significantly correlated with blood values. We conclude that this modified cortisol extraction procedure provides an excellent alternative to plasma and whole-body extraction procedures for intermediately sized fish, and will facilitate the efficient assessment of cortisol in a variety of situations ranging from basic laboratory research to industrial and field-based environmental health applications.

Earth resources sensor data handling system: NASA JSC version

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1974-01-01

The design of the NASA JSC data handling system is presented. Data acquisition parameters and computer display formats and the flow of image data through the system, with recommendations for improving system efficiency are discussed along with modifications to existing data handling procedures which will allow utilization of data duplication techniques and the accurate identification of imagery.

77 FR 44121 - Procedures for the Handling of Retaliation Complaints Under the Employee Protection Provision of...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-27

...This document provides the final text of regulations governing employee protection (or ``whistleblower'') claims under the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 (STAA), as amended, implementing statutory changes to STAA enacted into law on August 3, 2007, as part of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007. On August 31, 2010, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published an interim final rule (IFR) for STAA whistleblower complaints in the Federal Register and requested public comment on the IFR. This final rule implements changes to the IFR in response to comments received, where appropriate. This final rule also finalizes changes to the procedures for handling whistleblower complaints under STAA that were designed to make them more consistent with OSHA's procedures for handling retaliation complaints under Section 211 of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, and other whistleblower provisions. It also sets forth interpretations of STAA.

EVALUATION OF LEAKAGE FROM FUME HOODS USING TRACER GAS, TRACER NANOPARTICLES AND NANOPOWDER HANDLING TEST METHODOLOGIES

PubMed Central

Dunn, Kevin H.; Tsai, Candace Su-Jung; Woskie, Susan R.; Bennett, James S.; Garcia, Alberto; Ellenbecker, Michael J.

2015-01-01

The most commonly reported control used to minimize workplace exposures to nanomaterials is the chemical fume hood. Studies have shown, however, that significant releases of nanoparticles can occur when materials are handled inside fume hoods. This study evaluated the performance of a new commercially available nano fume hood using three different test protocols. Tracer gas, tracer nanoparticle, and nanopowder handling protocols were used to evaluate the hood. A static test procedure using tracer gas (sulfur hexafluoride) and nanoparticles as well as an active test using an operator handling nanoalumina were conducted. A commercially available particle generator was used to produce sodium chloride tracer nanoparticles. Containment effectiveness was evaluated by sampling both in the breathing zone (BZ) of a mannequin and operator as well as across the hood opening. These containment tests were conducted across a range of hood face velocities (60, 80, and 100 feet/minute) and with the room ventilation system turned off and on. For the tracer gas and tracer nanoparticle tests, leakage was much more prominent on the left side of the hood (closest to the room supply air diffuser) although some leakage was noted on the right side and in the BZ sample locations. During the tracer gas and tracer nanoparticle tests, leakage was primarily noted when the room air conditioner was on for both the low and medium hood exhaust air flows. When the room air conditioner was turned off, the static tracer gas tests showed good containment across most test conditions. The tracer gas and nanoparticle test results were well correlated showing hood leakage under the same conditions and at the same sample locations. The impact of a room air conditioner was demonstrated with containment being adversely impacted during the use of room air ventilation. The tracer nanoparticle approach is a simple method requiring minimal setup and instrumentation. However, the method requires the reduction in background concentrations to allow for increased sensitivity. PMID:25175285

Evaluation of leakage from fume hoods using tracer gas, tracer nanoparticles and nanopowder handling test methodologies.

PubMed

Dunn, Kevin H; Tsai, Candace Su-Jung; Woskie, Susan R; Bennett, James S; Garcia, Alberto; Ellenbecker, Michael J

2014-01-01

The most commonly reported control used to minimize workplace exposures to nanomaterials is the chemical fume hood. Studies have shown, however, that significant releases of nanoparticles can occur when materials are handled inside fume hoods. This study evaluated the performance of a new commercially available nano fume hood using three different test protocols. Tracer gas, tracer nanoparticle, and nanopowder handling protocols were used to evaluate the hood. A static test procedure using tracer gas (sulfur hexafluoride) and nanoparticles as well as an active test using an operator handling nanoalumina were conducted. A commercially available particle generator was used to produce sodium chloride tracer nanoparticles. Containment effectiveness was evaluated by sampling both in the breathing zone (BZ) of a mannequin and operator as well as across the hood opening. These containment tests were conducted across a range of hood face velocities (60, 80, and 100 ft/min) and with the room ventilation system turned off and on. For the tracer gas and tracer nanoparticle tests, leakage was much more prominent on the left side of the hood (closest to the room supply air diffuser) although some leakage was noted on the right side and in the BZ sample locations. During the tracer gas and tracer nanoparticle tests, leakage was primarily noted when the room air conditioner was on for both the low and medium hood exhaust airflows. When the room air conditioner was turned off, the static tracer gas tests showed good containment across most test conditions. The tracer gas and nanoparticle test results were well correlated showing hood leakage under the same conditions and at the same sample locations. The impact of a room air conditioner was demonstrated with containment being adversely impacted during the use of room air ventilation. The tracer nanoparticle approach is a simple method requiring minimal setup and instrumentation. However, the method requires the reduction in background concentrations to allow for increased sensitivity.

Integrated Data Collection Analysis (IDCA) Program - RDX Type II Class 5 Standard, Data Set 1

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

Sandstrom, Mary M.; Brown, Geoffrey W.; Preston, Daniel N.

This document describes the results of the first reference sample material—RDX Type II Class 5—examined in the proficiency study for small-scale safety and thermal (SSST) testing of explosive materials for the Integrated Data Collection Analysis (IDCA) Program. The IDCA program is conducting proficiency testing on homemade explosives (HMEs). The reference sample materials are being studied to establish the accuracy of traditional explosives safety testing for each performing laboratory. These results will be used for comparison to results from testing HMEs. This effort, funded by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), ultimately will put the issues of safe handling of thesemore » materials in perspective with standard military explosives. The results of the study will add SSST testing results for a broad suite of different HMEs to the literature, potentially suggest new guidelines and methods for HME testing, and possibly establish what are the needed accuracies in SSST testing to develop safe handling practices. Described here are the results for impact, friction, electrostatic discharge, and scanning calorimetry analysis of a reference sample of RDX Type II Class 5. The results from each participating testing laboratory are compared using identical test material and preparation methods wherever possible. Note, however, the test procedures differ among the laboratories. These results are then compared to historical data from various sources. The performers involved are Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Air Force Research Laboratory/ RXQL (AFRL), Indian Head Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center, (IHD-NSWC), and Sandia National Laboratories (SNL). These tests are conducted as a proficiency study in order to establish some consistency in test protocols, procedures, and experiments and to understand how to compare results when test protocols are not identical.« less

Novel Sample-handling Approach for XRD Analysis with Minimal Sample Preparation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sarrazin, P.; Chipera, S.; Bish, D.; Blake, D.; Feldman, S.; Vaniman, D.; Bryson, C.

2004-01-01

Sample preparation and sample handling are among the most critical operations associated with X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. These operations require attention in a laboratory environment, but they become a major constraint in the deployment of XRD instruments for robotic planetary exploration. We are developing a novel sample handling system that dramatically relaxes the constraints on sample preparation by allowing characterization of coarse-grained material that would normally be impossible to analyze with conventional powder-XRD techniques.

Standard operating procedures for serum and plasma collection: early detection research network consensus statement standard operating procedure integration working group.

PubMed

Tuck, Melissa K; Chan, Daniel W; Chia, David; Godwin, Andrew K; Grizzle, William E; Krueger, Karl E; Rom, William; Sanda, Martin; Sorbara, Lynn; Stass, Sanford; Wang, Wendy; Brenner, Dean E

2009-01-01

Specimen collection is an integral component of clinical research. Specimens from subjects with various stages of cancers or other conditions, as well as those without disease, are critical tools in the hunt for biomarkers, predictors, or tests that will detect serious diseases earlier or more readily than currently possible. Analytic methodologies evolve quickly. Access to high-quality specimens, collected and handled in standardized ways that minimize potential bias or confounding factors, is key to the "bench to bedside" aim of translational research. It is essential that standard operating procedures, "the how" of creating the repositories, be defined prospectively when designing clinical trials. Small differences in the processing or handling of a specimen can have dramatic effects in analytical reliability and reproducibility, especially when multiplex methods are used. A representative working group, Standard Operating Procedures Internal Working Group (SOPIWG), comprised of members from across Early Detection Research Network (EDRN) was formed to develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for various types of specimens collected and managed for our biomarker discovery and validation work. This report presents our consensus on SOPs for the collection, processing, handling, and storage of serum and plasma for biomarker discovery and validation.

Construction and field test of a programmable and self-cleaning auto-sampler controlled by a low-cost one-board computer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stadler, Philipp; Farnleitner, Andreas H.; Zessner, Matthias

2016-04-01

This presentation describes in-depth how a low cost micro-computer was used for substantial improvement of established measuring systems due to the construction and implementation of a purposeful complementary device for on-site sample pretreatment. A fully automated on-site device was developed and field-tested, that enables water sampling with simultaneous filtration as well as effective cleaning procedure of the devicés components. The described auto-sampler is controlled by a low-cost one-board computer and designed for sample pre-treatment, with minimal sample alteration, to meet requirements of on-site measurement devices that cannot handle coarse suspended solids within the measurement procedure or -cycle. The automated sample pretreatment was tested for over one year for rapid and on-site enzymatic activity (beta-D-glucuronidase, GLUC) determination in sediment laden stream water. The formerly used proprietary sampling set-up was assumed to lead to a significant damping of the measurement signal due to its susceptibility to clogging, debris- and bio film accumulation. Results show that the installation of the developed apparatus considerably enhanced error-free running time of connected measurement devices and increased the measurement accuracy to an up-to-now unmatched quality.

Effect of headspace mixing in static chambers and sampling protocol on calculated CH4 fluxes from soils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Juszczak, R.; Pihlatie, M.; Christiansen, J. R.; Giebels, M.; Schreiber, P.; Aaltonen, H.; Korhonen, J.; Rasilo, T.; Chojnicki, B. H.; Urbaniak, M.

2009-04-01

Closed static chambers are often used for greenhouse gas flux measurements from soils. The type of chamber, chamber handling and sampling protocol can influence the measurements. In most cases the calculated fluxes are suspected to be underestimated mainly because of reduction of gas diffusion from the soil to chamber headspace due to changed trace gas concentration gradient. Thus, fans are often applied to obtain better mixing of the air inside the chamber headspace and in turn reduce the negative effect of decreased concentration gradient. The open question is, however, to which extent the fluxes are changed by fans and whether they still remain underestimated or may even be overestimated? On the other hand, different sampling protocols are used assuming that they do not affect the flux measurements. To test different types of static chambers and different sampling procedures applied for measurement of greenhouse gas (CH4 and N2O) fluxes a chamber calibration campaign was organized at Hyytiälä Forestry Field Station in Southern Finland during August-October 2008. The main aim of the campaign was to quantitatively assess the uncertaintities and errors related to static chamber measurements. During this campaign static chambers were tested for 5 different CH4 and N2O flux levels with 3 different soil conditions (moisture and porosity) in a calibration tank described by Pumpanen et al. (2004). Among the different experiments, several special tests were carried out with the closed static chambers. Here, results of two special tests are presented to document whether 1) the air mixing inside the chamber headspace, 2) different sampling procedures influence the CH4 fluxes, and 3) how different calculation methods lead to varying results. Two static chambers of different volumes (65.5 and 195 liters) but with the same circular shape and surface area were connected to a LOS GATOS fats methane analyzer. The CH4 concentration inside the chamber headspace was monitored continuously with 1Hz frequency. Additionally, two different manual samplings procedures were tested and gas samples from chamber headspace were taken for gas chromatograph (GC) and analysed in two different laboratories. Gas concentrations in the calibration tank were monitored with a GC and an automatic gas analyzer (INNOVA). The preliminary results showed that air mixing inside the chamber headspace, the way of chamber handling and sampling procedures could have pronounced influence on the trace gas concentration detection inside a chamber, and as a consequence the calculated chamber fluxes. The moment of chamber enclosure can lead to a rapid increase in CH4 concentration due to a pressure effect in the chambers without a vent tube. Thus, it is essential to critically estimate the time of the first sampling so that it is early enough after chamber enclosure, but not disturbed by the initial chamber handling. It was also observed that manual sampling of gas can change the CH4 concentration in the chamber headspace. When mixing the chamber headspace air by a syringe, the subsequent gas sampling in the syringe may affect the diffusion of gas between the soil and the chamber headspace, and hence affect the calculated fluxes. It was observed that mixing the chamber headspace with a fan instead of syringes, reduced this effect during the chamber enclosure. Overall, fluxes measured with chamber equipped with a fan always gave higher fluxes (up to 40%) as compared to fluxes measured from chambers without a fan. Results of our experiment lead to the assumption that these differences were generally larger the higher the chamber was, the less porous the soil was, and the higher the fluxes were. We conclude from our experiment that static chambers used for greenhouse gas flux measurements should be equipped with at least one fan and a vent tube to increase mixing and reduce pressure propagation in the chamber-soil system, and that special attention should be paid to the handling of the chamber and to the timing of the gas sampling. References: Pumpanen, J., Kolari, P., Ilvesniemi, H., Minkkinen, K., Vesala, T., Niinistö, S., Lohila, A., Larmola, T., Morero, M., Pihlatie, M., Janssens, I., Curiel Yuste, J., Grünzweig, J. M., Reth, S., Subke, J.-A., Savage, K., Kutsch, W., Østreng, G., Ziegler, W., Anthoni, P., Lindroth, A. & Hari, P. 2004. Comparison of different chamber techniques for measuring soil CO2 efflux. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 123, 159-176.

Handling small arbovirus vectors safely during biosafety level 3 containment: Culicoides variipennis sonorensis (Diptera:Ceratopogonidae) and exotic bluetongue viruses.

PubMed

Hunt, G J; Tabachnick, W J

1996-05-01

Equipment and procedures are described for biosafety level 3 (BL-3) containment work with small, zoophilic arthropods. BL-3 classified pathogens always must be manipulated in biological safety cabinets. Procedures, including physical barriers and handling methods, that prevent the escape of potentially virus-infected insects are discussed, and the use of a monitoring system for insect security is explained. The inability to recover escaped minute, flying insects poses a major difference from similar work with larger insects, such as mosquitoes. Methods were developed for the safe and secure handling of Culicoides variipennis sonorensis Wirth & Jones infected with exotic bluetongue viruses during BL-3 containment.

Storage of cell samples for ToF-SIMS experiments-How to maintain sample integrity.

PubMed

Schaepe, Kaija; Kokesch-Himmelreich, Julia; Rohnke, Marcus; Wagner, Alena-Svenja; Schaaf, Thimo; Henss, Anja; Wenisch, Sabine; Janek, Jürgen

2016-06-25

In order to obtain comparable and reproducible results from time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) analysis of biological cells, the influence of sample preparation and storage has to be carefully considered. It has been previously shown that the impact of the chosen preparation routine is crucial. In continuation of this work, the impact of storage needs to be addressed, as besides the fact that degradation will unavoidably take place, the effects of different storage procedures in combination with specific sample preparations remain largely unknown. Therefore, this work examines different wet (buffer, water, and alcohol) and dry (air-dried, freeze-dried, and critical-point-dried) storage procedures on human mesenchymal stem cell cultures. All cell samples were analyzed by ToF-SIMS immediately after preparation and after a storage period of 4 weeks. The obtained spectra were compared by principal component analysis with lipid- and amino acid-related signals known from the literature. In all dry storage procedures, notable degradation effects were observed, especially for lipid-, but also for amino acid-signal intensities. This leads to the conclusion that dried samples are to some extent easier to handle, yet the procedure is not the optimal storage solution. Degradation proceeds faster, which is possibly caused by oxidation reactions and cleaving enzymes that might still be active. Just as well, wet stored samples in alcohol struggle with decreased signal intensities from lipids and amino acids after storage. Compared to that, the wet stored samples in a buffered or pure aqueous environment revealed no degradation effects after 4 weeks. However, this storage bears a higher risk of fungi/bacterial contamination, as sterile conditions are typically not maintained. Thus, regular solution change is recommended for optimized storage conditions. Not directly exposing the samples to air, wet storage seems to minimize oxidation effects, and hence, buffer or water storage with regular renewal of the solution is recommended for short storage periods.

Storage of cell samples for ToF-SIMS experiments—How to maintain sample integrity

PubMed Central

Schaepe, Kaija; Kokesch-Himmelreich, Julia; Rohnke, Marcus; Wagner, Alena-Svenja; Schaaf, Thimo; Henss, Anja; Wenisch, Sabine; Janek, Jürgen

2016-01-01

In order to obtain comparable and reproducible results from time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) analysis of biological cells, the influence of sample preparation and storage has to be carefully considered. It has been previously shown that the impact of the chosen preparation routine is crucial. In continuation of this work, the impact of storage needs to be addressed, as besides the fact that degradation will unavoidably take place, the effects of different storage procedures in combination with specific sample preparations remain largely unknown. Therefore, this work examines different wet (buffer, water, and alcohol) and dry (air-dried, freeze-dried, and critical-point-dried) storage procedures on human mesenchymal stem cell cultures. All cell samples were analyzed by ToF-SIMS immediately after preparation and after a storage period of 4 weeks. The obtained spectra were compared by principal component analysis with lipid- and amino acid-related signals known from the literature. In all dry storage procedures, notable degradation effects were observed, especially for lipid-, but also for amino acid-signal intensities. This leads to the conclusion that dried samples are to some extent easier to handle, yet the procedure is not the optimal storage solution. Degradation proceeds faster, which is possibly caused by oxidation reactions and cleaving enzymes that might still be active. Just as well, wet stored samples in alcohol struggle with decreased signal intensities from lipids and amino acids after storage. Compared to that, the wet stored samples in a buffered or pure aqueous environment revealed no degradation effects after 4 weeks. However, this storage bears a higher risk of fungi/bacterial contamination, as sterile conditions are typically not maintained. Thus, regular solution change is recommended for optimized storage conditions. Not directly exposing the samples to air, wet storage seems to minimize oxidation effects, and hence, buffer or water storage with regular renewal of the solution is recommended for short storage periods. PMID:26810048

Options in Extraterrestrial Sample Handling and Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Papanastassiou, Dimitri A.

2000-01-01

This presentation mentions important service functions such as: sample preservation, hazard assessment, and handling. It also discuss how preliminary examination of samples is necessary for sample hazard assessment and for sample allocations. Clean facilities and clean sample handling are required. Conflicts, cross contamination issues will be present and need to be resolved. Extensive experience is available for extraterrestrial samples and must be sought and applied. Extensive experience is available in studies of pathogenicity and must be sought and applied as necessary. Advisory and oversight structures must also be in place

[Handling of misconduct in Swedish research must be improved. More strict investigative procedures, tougher punishments and withdrawals are required].

PubMed

Linder, Stig

2015-12-15

Scientific misconduct constitutes a severe threat to research. Procedures to handle misconduct must therefore be both efficient and precise. In Sweden, suspected cases of misconduct are handled by the universities themselves. Investigations are generally performed by appointed scientists, leading to unnecessary discussions of the validity of the conclusions made. Sweden has a Central Ethical Review Board but this is infrequently used by the universities. It is an absolute requirement for a university to withdraw incorrect publications from the literature but regulations in this area are lacking in Sweden. The extraordinarily strong legal status of graduate students at Swedish universities leads to slow and costly investigations. Even when found to be guilty of misconduct, students are allowed to defend their PhD theses. In conclusion, there is a large potential for improvement of the regulations and routines for handling scientific misconduct in Sweden.

Some potentials and limits of the leucocrit test as a fish health assessment method

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wedemeyer, G.A.; Gould, R.W.; Yasutake, W.T.

1983-01-01

The sensitivity of the leucocrit as a stress tolerance and fish health assessment method was evaluated by subjecting juvenile coho salmon, Oncorhynchus kisutch, or steelhead trout, Salmo gairdneri, to standardized crowding, handling, temperature and disease challenges. The leucocrit was a sensitive indicator of the physiological stress resulting from crowding at population densities of 0·2–0·4 kg l−1, and to the stress of handling and to temperature changes. It was relatively insensitive to physiological sampling procedures which supports its continued development as a stress assessment method.In the case of fish diseases, subclinical or active Renibacterium salmoninarum and Yersinia ruckeriinfections had essentially no effect on leucocrit values. In contrast, active Aeromonas salmonicidainfections significantly depressed the leucocrit. However, no change was seen during the subclinical (incubation) phase prior to the development of an epizootic. Thus, the potential of the leucocrit as a fish health assessment method appears limited.

A manipulator arm for zero-g simulations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brodie, S. B.; Grant, C.; Lazar, J. J.

1975-01-01

A 12-ft counterbalanced Slave Manipulator Arm (SMA) was designed and fabricated to be used for resolving the questions of operational applications, capabilities, and limitations for such remote manned systems as the Payload Deployment and Retrieval Mechanism (PDRM) for the shuttle, the Free-Flying Teleoperator System, the Advanced Space Tug, and Planetary Rovers. As a developmental tool for the shuttle manipulator system (or PDRM), the SMA represents an approximate one-quarter scale working model for simulating and demonstrating payload handling, docking assistance, and satellite servicing. For the Free-Flying Teleoperator System and the Advanced Tug, the SMA provides a near full-scale developmental tool for satellite servicing, docking, and deployment/retrieval procedures, techniques, and support equipment requirements. For the Planetary Rovers, it provides an oversize developmental tool for sample handling and soil mechanics investigations. The design of the SMA was based on concepts developed for a 40-ft NASA technology arm to be used for zero-g shuttle manipulator simulations.

Laboratory Activity on Sample Handling and Maintaining a Laboratory Notebook through Simple pH Measurements

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Erdmann, Mitzy A.; March, Joe L.

2016-01-01

Sample handling and laboratory notebook maintenance are necessary skills but can seem abstract if not presented to students in context. An introductory exercise focusing on proper sample handling, data collection and laboratory notebook keeping for the general chemistry laboratory was developed to emphasize the importance of keeping an accurate…

33 CFR 154.1047 - Response plan development and evaluation criteria for facilities that handle, store, or transport...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... evaluation criteria for facilities that handle, store, or transport Group V petroleum oils. 154.1047 Section... Group V petroleum oils. (a) An owner or operator of a facility that handles, stores, or transports Group...) Procedures and strategies for responding to a worst case discharge of Group V petroleum oils to the maximum...

33 CFR 154.1047 - Response plan development and evaluation criteria for facilities that handle, store, or transport...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... evaluation criteria for facilities that handle, store, or transport Group V petroleum oils. 154.1047 Section... Group V petroleum oils. (a) An owner or operator of a facility that handles, stores, or transports Group...) Procedures and strategies for responding to a worst case discharge of Group V petroleum oils to the maximum...

33 CFR 154.1047 - Response plan development and evaluation criteria for facilities that handle, store, or transport...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... evaluation criteria for facilities that handle, store, or transport Group V petroleum oils. 154.1047 Section... Group V petroleum oils. (a) An owner or operator of a facility that handles, stores, or transports Group...) Procedures and strategies for responding to a worst case discharge of Group V petroleum oils to the maximum...

33 CFR 154.1047 - Response plan development and evaluation criteria for facilities that handle, store, or transport...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... evaluation criteria for facilities that handle, store, or transport Group V petroleum oils. 154.1047 Section... Group V petroleum oils. (a) An owner or operator of a facility that handles, stores, or transports Group...) Procedures and strategies for responding to a worst case discharge of Group V petroleum oils to the maximum...

33 CFR 154.1047 - Response plan development and evaluation criteria for facilities that handle, store, or transport...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... evaluation criteria for facilities that handle, store, or transport Group V petroleum oils. 154.1047 Section... Group V petroleum oils. (a) An owner or operator of a facility that handles, stores, or transports Group...) Procedures and strategies for responding to a worst case discharge of Group V petroleum oils to the maximum...

How Farm Animals React and Perceive Stressful Situations Such As Handling, Restraint, and Transport

PubMed Central

Grandin, Temple; Shivley, Chelsey

2015-01-01

Simple Summary A common animal welfare question is: how stressful is handling and restraining farm animals for veterinary procedures even when no surgical or invasive procedures are done? It depends on how a particular animal perceives it. For one animal, restraint for an injection may be a positive experience associated with food treats and a different animal may be highly fearful and actively resist being restrained. The animal’s response is highly dependent on both its previous experiences and inherited traits such as temperament. Abstract An animal that has been carefully acclimated to handling may willingly re-enter a restrainer. Another animal may have an intense agitated behavioral reaction or refuse to re-enter the handling facility. Physiological measures of stress such as cortisol may be very low in the animal that re-enters willingly and higher in animals that actively resist restraint. Carefully acclimating young animals to handling and restraint can help improve both productivity and welfare by reducing fear stress. Some of the topics covered in this review are: How an animal perceives handling and restraint, the detrimental effects of a sudden novel event, descriptions of temperament and aversion tests and the importance of good stockmanship. PMID:26633523

Habituating to handling: factors affecting preorbital gland opening in red deer calves.

PubMed

Ceacero, F; Landete-Castillejos, T; Bartošová, J; García, A J; Bartoš, L; Komárková, M; Gallego, L

2014-09-01

The preorbital gland plays not only an olfactory role in cervids but also a visual one. Opening this gland is an easy way for the calf to communicate with the mother, indicating hunger/satiety, stress, pain, fear, or excitement. This information can be also useful for farm operators to assess how fast the calves habituate to handling routines and to detect those calves that do not habituate and may suffer chronic stress in the future. Thirty-one calves were subjected to 2 consecutive experiments to clarify if observing preorbital gland opening is related to habituation to handling in red deer calves (Cervus elaphus). Calves were born in 3 different paddocks, handled as newborns (Exp. 1), and then subjected to the same routine handling but with different periodicity: every 1, 2, or 3 wk (Exp. 2). In Exp. 1, preorbital gland opening was recorded in newborns during an initial handling (including weighing, ear tagging, and sex determination). Preorbital gland opening occurred in 93% of calves during this procedure and was not affected by sex, time since birth, or birth weight. Experiment 2 consisted of measuring preorbital opening during the same routine handling (weighing, blood sampling, and rump touching to assess body condition) when calves were 1, 3, and 5 mo old. Binary logistic regression showed that gland opening was associated with habituation to handling, since at 1 and 3 mo the probability of opening the gland decreased with the number of handlings that a calf experienced before (P = 0.008 and P = 0.028, respectively). However, there were no further changes in preorbital gland opening rate in the 5-mo-old calves (P = 0.182). The significant influence of the number of previous handlings on the probability of opening the preorbital gland was confirmed through generalized linear model with repeated measures (P = 0.007). Preorbital gland opening decreased along the phases of the study. Nevertheless, we found a significant trend in individuals to keep similar opening patterns (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.807, P < 0.001), which suggests that the more stressed individuals can be detected with this method. Therefore, we conclude that preorbital gland opening during routine handlings is related to the number of previous handlings, and thus it can be used as an indicator of lack of habituation to handling in farmed cervids.

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

Holladay, S.K.; Anderson, H.M.; Benson, S.B.

Quality assurance (QA) objectives for Phase 2 were that (1) scientific data generated would withstand scientific and legal scrutiny; (2) data would be gathered using appropriate procedures for sample collection, sample handling and security, chain of custody, laboratory analyses, and data reporting; (3) data would be of known precision and accuracy; and (4) data would meet data quality objectives defined in the Phase 2 Sampling and Analysis Plan. A review of the QA systems and quality control (QC) data associated with the Phase 2 investigation is presented to evaluate whether the data were of sufficient quality to satisfy Phase 2more » objectives. The data quality indicators of precision, accuracy, representativeness, comparability, completeness, and sensitivity were evaluated to determine any limitations associated with the data. Data were flagged with qualifiers that were associated with appropriate reason codes and documentation relating the qualifiers to the reviewer of the data. These qualifiers were then consolidated into an overall final qualifier to represent the quality of the data to the end user. In summary, reproducible, precise, and accurate measurements consistent with CRRI objectives and the limitations of the sampling and analytical procedures used were obtained for the data collected in support of the Phase 2 Remedial Investigation.« less

Bubble formation in microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Antar, Basil N.

1996-01-01

An extensive experimental program was initiated for the purpose of understanding the mechanisms leading to bubble generation during fluid handling procedures in a microgravity environment. Several key fluid handling procedures typical for PCG experiments were identified for analysis in that program. Experiments were designed to specifically understand how such procedures can lead to bubble formation. The experiments were then conducted aboard the NASA KC-135 aircraft which is capable of simulating a low gravity environment by executing a parabolic flight attitude. However, such a flight attitude can only provide a low gravity environment of approximately 10-2go for a maximum period of 30 seconds. Thus all of the tests conducted for these experiments were designed to last no longer than 20 seconds. Several experiments were designed to simulate some of the more relevant fluid handling procedures during protein crystal growth experiments. These include submerged liquid jet cavitation, filling of a cubical vessel, submerged surface scratch, attached drop growth, liquid jet impingement, and geysering experiments. To date, four separate KC-135 flight campaigns were undertaken specifically for performing these experiments. However, different experiments were performed on different flights.

A method for the routine determination of aluminium in serum and water by flameless atomic absorption spectrometry.

PubMed

Parkinson, I S; Ward, M K; Kerr, D N

1982-10-27

A simple but reliable method for the routine determination of aluminium in serum and water by flameless atomic absorption spectrometry is described. No preparatory procedures are required for water samples, although serum is mixed with a wetting agent (Triton X-100) to allow complete combustion of the samples and to improve analytical precision. Precautions to prevent contamination during sample handling are discussed and instrumental parameters are defined. The method has a sensitivity of 35.5 pg and detection limits of 2.3 micrograms Al/l for serum and 1.3 micrograms Al/l for water. The method was used to determine the aluminium concentration in serum of 46 normal subjects. The mean aluminium content was 7.3 micrograms/l (range 2--15 micrograms/l.

Mooring and ground handling rigid airships

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Walker, H., Jr.

1975-01-01

The problems of mooring and ground handling rigid airships are discussed. A brief history of Mooring and Ground Handling Rigid Airships from July 2, 1900 through September 1, 1939 is included. Also a brief history of ground handling developments with large U. S. Navy nonrigid airships between September 1, 1939 and August 31, 1962 is included wherein developed equipment and techniques appear applicable to future large rigid airships. Finally recommendations are made pertaining to equipment and procedures which appear desirable and feasible for future rigid airship programs.

Differential Expression of Ethanol-Induced Hypothermia in Adolescent and Adult Rats Induced by Pretest Familiarization to the Handling/Injection Procedure

PubMed Central

Ristuccia, Robert C.; Hernandez, Michael; Wilmouth, Carrie E.; Spear, Linda P.

2007-01-01

Background Previous work examining ethanol’s autonomic effects has found contrasting patterns of age-related differences in ethanol-induced hypothermia between adolescent and adult rats. Most studies have found adolescents to be less sensitive than adults to this effect, although other work has indicated that adolescents may be more sensitive than adults under certain testing conditions. To test the hypothesis that adolescents show more ethanol hypothermia than adults when the amount of disruption induced by the test procedures is low, but less hypothermia when the experimental perturbation is greater, the present study examined the consequences of manipulating the amount of perturbation at the time of testing on ethanol-induced hypothermia in adolescent and adult rats. Methods The amount of test disruption was manipulated by administering ethanol through a chronically indwelling gastric cannula (low perturbation) versus via intragastric intubation (higher perturbation) in Experiment 1 or by either familiarizing animals to the handling and injection procedure for several days pretest or leaving them unmanipulated before testing in Experiment 2. Results The results showed that the handling manipulation, but not the use of gastric cannulae, altered the expression of ethanol-induced hypothermia differentially across age. When using a familiarization protocol sufficient to reduce the corticosterone response to the handling and injection procedure associated with testing, adolescents showed greater hypothermia than adults. In contrast, the opposite pattern of age differences in hypothermia was evident in animals that were not manipulated before the test day. Surprisingly, however, this difference across testing circumstances was driven by a marked reduction in hypothermia among adults who had been handled before testing, with handling having relatively little impact on ethanol hypothermia among adolescents. Conclusions Observed differences between adolescents and adults in the autonomic consequences of ethanol were dramatically influenced by whether animals were familiarized with the handling/injection process before testing. Under these circumstances, adolescents were less susceptible than adults to the impact of experimental perturbation on ethanol-induced hypothermia. These findings suggest that seemingly innocuous aspects of experimental design can influence conclusions reached on ontogenetic differences in sensitivity to ethanol, at least when indexed by ethanol-induced hypothermia. PMID:17374036

Differential expression of ethanol-induced hypothermia in adolescent and adult rats induced by pretest familiarization to the handling/injection procedure.

PubMed

Ristuccia, Robert C; Hernandez, Michael; Wilmouth, Carrie E; Spear, Linda P

2007-04-01

Previous work examining ethanol's autonomic effects has found contrasting patterns of age-related differences in ethanol-induced hypothermia between adolescent and adult rats. Most studies have found adolescents to be less sensitive than adults to this effect, although other work has indicated that adolescents may be more sensitive than adults under certain testing conditions. To test the hypothesis that adolescents show more ethanol hypothermia than adults when the amount of disruption induced by the test procedures is low, but less hypothermia when the experimental perturbation is greater, the present study examined the consequences of manipulating the amount of perturbation at the time of testing on ethanol-induced hypothermia in adolescent and adult rats. The amount of test disruption was manipulated by administering ethanol through a chronically indwelling gastric cannula (low perturbation) versus via intragastric intubation (higher perturbation) in Experiment 1 or by either familiarizing animals to the handling and injection procedure for several days pretest or leaving them unmanipulated before testing in Experiment 2. The results showed that the handling manipulation, but not the use of gastric cannulae, altered the expression of ethanol-induced hypothermia differentially across age. When using a familiarization protocol sufficient to reduce the corticosterone response to the handling and injection procedure associated with testing, adolescents showed greater hypothermia than adults. In contrast, the opposite pattern of age differences in hypothermia was evident in animals that were not manipulated before the test day. Surprisingly, however, this difference across testing circumstances was driven by a marked reduction in hypothermia among adults who had been handled before testing, with handling having relatively little impact on ethanol hypothermia among adolescents. Observed differences between adolescents and adults in the autonomic consequences of ethanol were dramatically influenced by whether animals were familiarized with the handling/injection process before testing. Under these circumstances, adolescents were less susceptible than adults to the impact of experimental perturbation on ethanol-induced hypothermia. These findings suggest that seemingly innocuous aspects of experimental design can influence conclusions reached on ontogenetic differences in sensitivity to ethanol, at least when indexed by ethanol-induced hypothermia.

Effects of routine handling and tagging procedures on physiological stress responses in juvenile chinook salmon

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sharpe, C.S.; Thompson, D.A.; Blankenship, H.L.; Schreck, C.B.

1998-01-01

Juvenile chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha were subjected to handling and tagging protocols typical of normal hatchery operations and monitored for their physiological response to stress. Treatments included coded-wire-tagging, counting, ventral fin clipping, adipose fin clipping, and a procedure simulating a pond split. Treatment fish were also subjected to a standardized stress challenge (1 h confinement) to evaluate their ability to deal with disturbances subsequent to a handling or tagging procedure. Circulating levels of cortisol and glucose were used as indicators of stress. Each of the treatments elicited very similar responses among treatment groups. Cortisol increased from resting levels of about 20 ng/mL to about 90 ng/mL by 1 h poststress and returned to near resting levels by 8 h poststress. Glucose levels increased from 50 mg/dL to about 80 mg/dL by 1 h poststress and remained elevated for much of the experiment. The cortisol and glucose responses to the confinement stress did not differ over time or among treatments. However, the confinement stress results do suggest a small but significant cumulative response, indicating small residual effects of the original handling protocols. No deaths were noted among treatment groups.

Influence of handling on the effectiveness of antistripping additives.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1980-01-01

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the influence of the procedures used in handling asphalt-additive blends on the effectiveness of antistripping additives in asphaltic concrete. The additives were blended with the asphalt cements bef...

The 1979 Southeastern Virginia Urban Plume Study (SEV-UPS): Surface and airborne studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

White, J. H.; Eaton, W. C.; Saeger, M. L.; Strong, R. B.; Tommerdahl, J. B.

1980-01-01

The operation of two surface monitoring stations (one in downtown Norfolk, Virginia, one south of the city near the Great Dismal Swamp) and the collection of 40 hours of airborne measurements is described. Surface site measurements of ozone, oxides of nitrogen, sulfur dioxide, temperature, dew point, b sub seat, and condensation nuclei were made. Instrument calibrations, quality assurance audits, and preliminary data analysis in support of the Urban Plume Study were also made. The air pollution problems that were addressed are discussed. Data handling procedures followed for the surface stations are presented. The operation of the aircraft sampling platform is described. Aircraft sampling procedures are discussed. A preliminary descriptive analysis of the aircraft data is given along with data or plots for surface sites, airborne studies, hydrocarbon species, and instrument performance audits. Several of the aircraft flights clearly show the presence of an urban ozone plume downwind of Norfolk in the direction of the mean wind flow.

[Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) - an Update 2017].

PubMed

Darwiche, K; Özkan, F; Wolters, C; Eisenmann, S

2017-11-01

Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) with the two modalities curved and radial EBUS significantly improved the diagnostics in several pulmonary diseases. The examination and staging of mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes in patients with known or suspected lung malignancy as well as the evaluation of unknown pulmonary or mediastinal lesions can be achieved with minimal invasive means when using EBUS. More invasive surgical procedures for diagnostic purposes can be omitted. The diagnostic yield also increases when EBUS is applied in sarcoidosis or mediastinal lymph node tuberculosis but only to some extend in case of lymphoma. Samples obtained by EBUS-TBNA should be handled efficiently to allow molecular analysis in lung cancer. EBUS is a safe procedure, and complication rate is extremely low. Further advances of the EBUS technology focus on improving analysis of the information provided by the ultrasound image and a better tissue sampling by developing of new EBUS bronchoscopes and TBNA-needles. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

22 CFR 911.3 - Procedure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 22 Foreign Relations 2 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Procedure. 911.3 Section 911.3 Foreign Relations FOREIGN SERVICE GRIEVANCE BOARD IMPLEMENTATION DISPUTES § 911.3 Procedure. Implementation disputes shall be handled by the Board in accordance with the procedures set forth in parts 901-910 of this...

Using differential reinforcement to improve equine welfare: shaping appropriate truck loading and feet handling.

PubMed

Slater, Charlotte; Dymond, Simon

2011-03-01

Inappropriate behavior during common handling procedures with horses is often subject to aversive treatment. The present study replicated and extended previous findings using differential reinforcement to shape appropriate equine handling behavior. In Study 1, a multiple baseline across subjects design was used with four horses to determine first the effects of shaping target-touch responses and then successive approximations of full truck loading under continuous and intermittent schedules of reinforcement. Full loading responses were shaped and maintained in all four horses and occurrences of inappropriate behaviors reduced to zero. Generalization of the loading response was also observed to both a novel trainer and trailer. In Study 2, a changing criterion design was used to increase the duration of feet handling with one horse. The horse's responding reached the terminal duration criterion of 1min and showed consistent generalization and one-week maintenance. Overall, the results of both studies support the use of applied equine training systems based on positive reinforcement for increasing appropriate behavior during common handling procedures. 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

21 CFR 58.81 - Standard operating procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... LABORATORY PRACTICE FOR NONCLINICAL LABORATORY STUDIES Testing Facilities Operation § 58.81 Standard operating procedures. (a) A testing facility shall have standard operating procedures in writing setting... following: (1) Animal room preparation. (2) Animal care. (3) Receipt, identification, storage, handling...

21 CFR 58.81 - Standard operating procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... LABORATORY PRACTICE FOR NONCLINICAL LABORATORY STUDIES Testing Facilities Operation § 58.81 Standard operating procedures. (a) A testing facility shall have standard operating procedures in writing setting... following: (1) Animal room preparation. (2) Animal care. (3) Receipt, identification, storage, handling...

21 CFR 58.81 - Standard operating procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... LABORATORY PRACTICE FOR NONCLINICAL LABORATORY STUDIES Testing Facilities Operation § 58.81 Standard operating procedures. (a) A testing facility shall have standard operating procedures in writing setting... following: (1) Animal room preparation. (2) Animal care. (3) Receipt, identification, storage, handling...

21 CFR 58.81 - Standard operating procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... LABORATORY PRACTICE FOR NONCLINICAL LABORATORY STUDIES Testing Facilities Operation § 58.81 Standard operating procedures. (a) A testing facility shall have standard operating procedures in writing setting... following: (1) Animal room preparation. (2) Animal care. (3) Receipt, identification, storage, handling...

Prevalence, assessment, and antimicrobial resistance patterns of Salmonella from raw chicken eggs in Haramaya, Ethiopia.

PubMed

Kemal, Jelalu; Sibhat, Berhanu; Menkir, Sissay; Beyene, Desta

2016-11-24

The presence of antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella in poultry and poultry products, including eggs, is a global public health concern. This study aimed to estimate the levels and patterns of antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella from chicken eggs and assess consumers' raw egg consumption and farmers' handling practices. A total of 300 egg samples were collected from Haramaya open market (n = 150) and Haramaya University poultry farm (n = 150) in Ethiopia. Questionnaires were administered to egg sellers and buyers. A sterile cotton swab was used to sample the surface of eggs. The shells were sterilized and the egg content sampled. Isolation was done using the conventional methods for the detection of Salmonella, following the standard guidelines from ISO 6579. Sensitivity to 12 selected antibiotics was tested following the procedure of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. A level of 5.3% was observed among eggs shells from the open market and 0% among egg shells from the poultry farm, for an overall level of 2.7%. There was a significant difference (p = 0.004) between the prevalence of Salmonella spp. in sample site and sample type. Of the antimicrobials tested, Salmonella isolates were all resistant to erythromycin and clindamycin. Isolates were sensitive to ciprofloxacin (100%) and chloramphenicol (87.5%). All isolates were resistant to multiple antibiotics. One-third of the consumers were found to have eaten raw eggs for perceived medicinal values. To minimize the potential contamination of eggs by pathogens, the eggs should be properly handled, transported, and stored.

Modal control theory and application to aircraft lateral handling qualities design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Srinathkumar, S.

1978-01-01

A multivariable synthesis procedure based on eigenvalue/eigenvector assignment is reviewed and is employed to develop a systematic design procedure to meet the lateral handling qualities design objectives of a fighter aircraft over a wide range of flight conditions. The closed loop modal characterization developed provides significant insight into the design process and plays a pivotal role in the synthesis of robust feedback systems. The simplicity of the synthesis algorithm yields an efficient computer aided interactive design tool for flight control system synthesis.

Toward Streamlined Identification of Dioxin-like Compounds in Environmental Samples through Integration of Suspension Bioassay.

PubMed

Xiao, Hongxia; Brinkmann, Markus; Thalmann, Beat; Schiwy, Andreas; Große Brinkhaus, Sigrid; Achten, Christine; Eichbaum, Kathrin; Gembé, Carolin; Seiler, Thomas-Benjamin; Hollert, Henner

2017-03-21

Effect-directed analysis (EDA) is a powerful strategy to identify biologically active compounds in environmental samples. However, in current EDA studies, fractionation and handling procedures are laborious, consist of multiple evaporation steps, and thus bear the risk of contamination and decreased recoveries of the target compounds. The low resulting throughput has been one of the major bottlenecks of EDA. Here, we propose a high-throughput EDA (HT-EDA) work-flow combining reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography fractionation of samples into 96-well microplates, followed by toxicity assessment in the micro-EROD bioassay with the wild-type rat hepatoma H4IIE cells, and chemical analysis of bioactive fractions. The approach was evaluated using single substances, binary mixtures, and extracts of sediment samples collected at the Three Gorges Reservoir, Yangtze River, China, as well as the rivers Rhine and Elbe, Germany. Selected bioactive fractions were analyzed by highly sensitive gas chromatography-atmospheric pressure laser ionization-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry. In addition, we optimized the work-flow by seeding previously adapted suspension-cultured H4IIE cells directly into the microplate used for fractionation, which makes any transfers of fractionated samples unnecessary. The proposed HT-EDA work-flow simplifies the procedure for wider application in ecotoxicology and environmental routine programs.

Automation of DNA and miRNA co-extraction for miRNA-based identification of human body fluids and tissues.

PubMed

Kulstein, Galina; Marienfeld, Ralf; Miltner, Erich; Wiegand, Peter

2016-10-01

In the last years, microRNA (miRNA) analysis came into focus in the field of forensic genetics. Yet, no standardized and recommendable protocols for co-isolation of miRNA and DNA from forensic relevant samples have been developed so far. Hence, this study evaluated the performance of an automated Maxwell® 16 System-based strategy (Promega) for co-extraction of DNA and miRNA from forensically relevant (blood and saliva) samples compared to (semi-)manual extraction methods. Three procedures were compared on the basis of recovered quantity of DNA and miRNA (as determined by real-time PCR and Bioanalyzer), miRNA profiling (shown by Cq values and extraction efficiency), STR profiles, duration, contamination risk and handling. All in all, the results highlight that the automated co-extraction procedure yielded the highest miRNA and DNA amounts from saliva and blood samples compared to both (semi-)manual protocols. Also, for aged and genuine samples of forensically relevant traces the miRNA and DNA yields were sufficient for subsequent downstream analysis. Furthermore, the strategy allows miRNA extraction only in cases where it is relevant to obtain additional information about the sample type. Besides, this system enables flexible sample throughput and labor-saving sample processing with reduced risk of cross-contamination. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

22 CFR 911.3 - Procedure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 22 Foreign Relations 2 2011-04-01 2009-04-01 true Procedure. 911.3 Section 911.3 Foreign Relations FOREIGN SERVICE GRIEVANCE BOARD IMPLEMENTATION DISPUTES § 911.3 Procedure. Implementation disputes shall be handled by the Board in accordance with the procedures set forth in parts 901-910 of this chapter. ...

22 CFR 911.3 - Procedure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 22 Foreign Relations 2 2013-04-01 2009-04-01 true Procedure. 911.3 Section 911.3 Foreign Relations FOREIGN SERVICE GRIEVANCE BOARD IMPLEMENTATION DISPUTES § 911.3 Procedure. Implementation disputes shall be handled by the Board in accordance with the procedures set forth in parts 901-910 of this chapter. ...

22 CFR 911.3 - Procedure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 22 Foreign Relations 2 2012-04-01 2009-04-01 true Procedure. 911.3 Section 911.3 Foreign Relations FOREIGN SERVICE GRIEVANCE BOARD IMPLEMENTATION DISPUTES § 911.3 Procedure. Implementation disputes shall be handled by the Board in accordance with the procedures set forth in parts 901-910 of this chapter. ...

22 CFR 911.3 - Procedure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 22 Foreign Relations 2 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 true Procedure. 911.3 Section 911.3 Foreign Relations FOREIGN SERVICE GRIEVANCE BOARD IMPLEMENTATION DISPUTES § 911.3 Procedure. Implementation disputes shall be handled by the Board in accordance with the procedures set forth in parts 901-910 of this chapter. ...

Effects of surgically implanted transmitters on reproduction and survival in mallards

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sheppard, Jennifer; Arnold, Todd W.; Amundson, Courtney L.; Klee, David

2017-01-01

Abdominally implanted radiotransmitters have been widely used in studies of waterbird ecology; however, the longer handling times and invasiveness of surgical implantation raise important concerns about animal welfare and potential effects on data quality. Although it is difficult to assess effects of handling and marking wild animals by comparing them with unmarked controls, insights can often be obtained by evaluating variation in handling or marking techniques. Here, we used data from 243 female mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) and mallard–grey duck hybrids (A. platyrhynchos × A. superciliosa) equipped with fully encapsulated abdominally implanted radiotransmitters from 2 study sites in New Zealand during 2014–2015 to assess potential marking effects. We evaluated survival, dispersal, and reproductive effort (e.g., breeding propensity, nest initiation date, clutch size) in response to 3 different attributes of handling duration and procedures: 1) processing time, including presurgery banding, measurements, and blood sampling of unanaesthetized birds; 2) surgery time from initiation to cessation of anesthetic; and 3) total holding time from first capture until release. We found no evidence that female survival, dispersal probability, or reproductive effort were negatively affected by holding, processing, or surgery time and concluded that we collected reliable data without compromising animal welfare. Our results support previous research that techniques using fully encapsulated abdominal-implant radiotransmitters are suitable to enable researchers to obtain reliable estimates of reproductive performance and survival. 

Coring Sample Acquisition Tool

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haddad, Nicolas E.; Murray, Saben D.; Walkemeyer, Phillip E.; Badescu, Mircea; Sherrit, Stewart; Bao, Xiaoqi; Kriechbaum, Kristopher L.; Richardson, Megan; Klein, Kerry J.

2012-01-01

A sample acquisition tool (SAT) has been developed that can be used autonomously to sample drill and capture rock cores. The tool is designed to accommodate core transfer using a sample tube to the IMSAH (integrated Mars sample acquisition and handling) SHEC (sample handling, encapsulation, and containerization) without ever touching the pristine core sample in the transfer process.

Test procedures and data input techniques for skid testing.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1974-01-01

The purpose of this report is to describe the system for obtaining and handling skid data, including skid testing procedures and data input procedures. While all testing devices used in Virginia are covered (other than the British portable tester), t...

Planetary sample rapid recovery and handling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1985-01-01

Methods for recovering and cost effectively handling planetary samples following return to the vicinity of Earth were designed for planetary mission planners. Three topics are addressed: (1) a rough cost estimate was produced for each of a series of options for the handling of planetary samples following their return to the vicinity of Earth; (2) the difficulty of quickly retrieving planetary samples from low circular and high elliptical Earth orbit is assessed; and (3) a conceptual design for a biological isolation and thermal control system for the returned sample and spacecraft is developed.

Robotic sampling system for an unmanned Mars mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chun, Wendell

1989-01-01

A major robotics opportunity for NASA will be the Mars Rover/Sample Return Mission which could be launched as early as the 1990s. The exploratory portion of this mission will include two autonomous subsystems: the rover vehicle and a sample handling system. The sample handling system is the key to the process of collecting Martian soils. This system could include a core drill, a general-purpose manipulator, tools, containers, a return canister, certification hardware and a labeling system. Integrated into a functional package, the sample handling system is analogous to a complex robotic workcell. Discussed here are the different components of the system, their interfaces, forseeable problem areas and many options based on the scientific goals of the mission. The various interfaces in the sample handling process (component to component and handling system to rover) will be a major engineering effort. Two critical evaluation criteria that will be imposed on the system are flexibility and reliability. It needs to be flexible enough to adapt to different scenarios and environments and acquire the most desirable specimens for return to Earth. Scientists may decide to change the distribution and ratio of core samples to rock samples in the canister. The long distance and duration of this planetary mission places a reliability burden on the hardware. The communication time delay between Earth and Mars minimizes operator interaction (teleoperation, supervisory modes) with the sample handler. An intelligent system will be required to plan the actions, make sample choices, interpret sensor inputs, and query unknown surroundings. A combination of autonomous functions and supervised movements will be integrated into the sample handling system.

Mars Sample Handling Functionality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meyer, M. A.; Mattingly, R. L.

2018-04-01

The final leg of a Mars Sample Return campaign would be an entity that we have referred to as Mars Returned Sample Handling (MRSH.) This talk will address our current view of the functional requirements on MRSH, focused on the Sample Receiving Facility (SRF).

Optimization of a Viability PCR Method for the Detection of Listeria monocytogenes in Food Samples.

PubMed

Agustí, Gemma; Fittipaldi, Mariana; Codony, Francesc

2018-06-01

Rapid detection of Listeria and other microbial pathogens in food is an essential part of quality control and it is critical for ensuring the safety of consumers. Culture-based methods for detecting foodborne pathogens are time-consuming, laborious and cannot detect viable but non-culturable microorganism, whereas viability PCR methodology provides quick results; it is able to detect viable but non-culturable cells, and allows for easier handling of large amount of samples. Although the most critical point to use viability PCR technique is achieving the complete exclusion of dead cell amplification signals, many improvements are being introduced to overcome this. In the present work, the yield of dead cell DNA neutralization was enhanced by incorporating two new sample treatment strategies: tube change combined with a double light treatment. This procedure was successfully tested using artificially contaminated food samples, showing improved neutralization of dead cell DNA.

Micromachined chemical jet dispenser

DOEpatents

Swierkowski, S.P.

1999-03-02

A dispenser is disclosed for chemical fluid samples that need to be precisely ejected in size, location, and time. The dispenser is a micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) device fabricated in a bonded silicon wafer and a substrate, such as glass or silicon, using integrated circuit-like fabrication technology which is amenable to mass production. The dispensing is actuated by ultrasonic transducers that efficiently produce a pressure wave in capillaries that contain the chemicals. The 10-200 {micro}m diameter capillaries can be arranged to focus in one spot or may be arranged in a larger dense linear array (ca. 200 capillaries). The dispenser is analogous to some ink jet print heads for computer printers but the fluid is not heated, thus not damaging certain samples. Major applications are in biological sample handling and in analytical chemical procedures such as environmental sample analysis, medical lab analysis, or molecular biology chemistry experiments. 4 figs.

Micromachined chemical jet dispenser

DOEpatents

Swierkowski, Steve P.

1999-03-02

A dispenser for chemical fluid samples that need to be precisely ejected in size, location, and time. The dispenser is a micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) device fabricated in a bonded silicon wafer and a substrate, such as glass or silicon, using integrated circuit-like fabrication technology which is amenable to mass production. The dispensing is actuated by ultrasonic transducers that efficiently produce a pressure wave in capillaries that contain the chemicals. The 10-200 .mu.m diameter capillaries can be arranged to focus in one spot or may be arranged in a larger dense linear array (.about.200 capillaries). The dispenser is analogous to some ink jet print heads for computer printers but the fluid is not heated, thus not damaging certain samples. Major applications are in biological sample handling and in analytical chemical procedures such as environmental sample analysis, medical lab analysis, or molecular biology chemistry experiments.

Practical Tips for the Safe Handling of Micro-organisms in Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Holt, G.

1974-01-01

Outlines safe laboratory procedures for the handling of micro-organisms including aseptic technique, manipulation of cultures, and treatment of contaminated equipment. Identifies the principal hazard as the microbial aerosol, explains its possible effects, and describes the appropriate precautions. (GS)

Safe procedure development to manage hazardous drugs in the workplace.

PubMed

Gaspar Carreño, Marisa; Achau Muñoz, Rubén; Torrico Martín, Fátima; Agún Gonzalez, Juan José; Sanchez Santos, Jose Cristobal; Cercos Lletí, Ana Cristina; Ramos Orozco, Pedro

2017-03-01

To develop a safety working procedure for the employees in the Intermutual Hospital de Levante (HIL) in those areas of activity that deal with the handling of hazardous drugs (MP). The procedure was developed in six phases: 1) hazard definition; 2) definition and identification of processes and development of general correct work practices about hazardous drugs' selection and special handling; 3) detection, selection and set of specific recommendations to handle with hazardous drugs during the processes of preparation and administration included in the hospital GFT; 4) categorization of risk during the preparation/administration and development of an identification system; 5) information and training of professionals; 6) implementation of the identification measures and prevention guidelines. Six processes were detected handling HD. During those processes, thirty HD were identified included in the hospital GFT and a safer alternative was found for 6 of them. The HD were classified into 4 risk categories based on those measures to be taken during the preparation and administration of each of them. The development and implementation of specific safety-work processes dealing with medication handling, allows hospital managers to accomplish effectively with their legal obligations about the area of prevention and provides healthcare professional staff with the adequate techniques and safety equipment to avoid possible dangers and risks of some drugs. Copyright AULA MEDICA EDICIONES 2014. Published by AULA MEDICA. All rights reserved.

A Survey of Current Literature on Sampling, Sample Handling, and Long Term Storage for Environmental Materials.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maienthal, E. J.; Becker, D. A.

This report presents the results of an extensive literature survey undertaken to establish optimum sampling, sample handling and long-term storage techniques for a wide variety of environmental samples to retain sample integrity. The components of interest are trace elements, organics, pesticides, radionuclides and microbiologicals. A bibliography…

40 CFR 60.2660 - What site-specific documentation is required?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... required? 60.2660 Section 60.2660 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR..., handling, and charging waste. (3) Incinerator startup, shutdown, and malfunction procedures. (4) Procedures for maintaining proper combustion air supply levels. (5) Procedures for operating the incinerator and...

Online-LASIL: Laser Ablation of Solid Samples in Liquid with online-coupled ICP-OES detection for direct determination of the stoichiometry of complex metal oxide thin layers.

PubMed

Bonta, Maximilian; Frank, Johannes; Taibl, Stefanie; Fleig, Jürgen; Limbeck, Andreas

2018-02-13

Advanced materials such as complex metal oxides are used in a wide range of applications and have further promising perspectives in the form of thin films. The exact chemical composition essentially influences the electronic properties of these materials which makes correct assessment of their composition necessary. However, due to high chemical resistance and in the case of thin films low absolute analyte amounts, this procedure is in most cases not straightforward and extremely time-demanding. Commonly applied techniques either lack in ease of use (i.e., solution-based analysis with preceding sample dissolution), or adequately accurate quantification (i.e., solid sampling techniques). An analysis approach which combines the beneficial aspects of solution-based analysis as well as direct solid sampling is Laser Ablation of a Sample in Liquid (LASIL). In this work, it is shown that the analysis of major as well as minor sample constituents is possible using a novel online-LASIL setup, allowing sample analysis without manual sample handling after placing it in an ablation chamber. Strontium titanate (STO) thin layers with different compositions were analyzed in the course of this study. Precision of the newly developed online-LASIL method is comparable to conventional wet chemical approaches. With only about 15-20 min required for the analysis per sample, time demand is significantly reduced compared to often necessary fusion procedures lasting multiple hours. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

40 CFR 82.36 - Approved refrigerant handling equipment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... Approved refrigerant handling equipment. (a)(1) Refrigerant recycling equipment must be certified by the...) Recovery/Recycling Equipment and Recovery/Recycling/Recharging for Mobile Air-Conditioning Systems. (5... Recycling Equipment Intended for Use with both CFC-12 and HFC-134a, Recommended Service Procedure for the...

40 CFR 82.36 - Approved refrigerant handling equipment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... Approved refrigerant handling equipment. (a)(1) Refrigerant recycling equipment must be certified by the...) Recovery/Recycling Equipment and Recovery/Recycling/Recharging for Mobile Air-Conditioning Systems. (5... Recycling Equipment Intended for Use with both CFC-12 and HFC-134a, Recommended Service Procedure for the...

40 CFR 82.36 - Approved refrigerant handling equipment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Approved refrigerant handling equipment. (a)(1) Refrigerant recycling equipment must be certified by the...) Recovery/Recycling Equipment and Recovery/Recycling/Recharging for Mobile Air-Conditioning Systems. (5... Recycling Equipment Intended for Use with both CFC-12 and HFC-134a, Recommended Service Procedure for the...

40 CFR 82.36 - Approved refrigerant handling equipment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... Approved refrigerant handling equipment. (a)(1) Refrigerant recycling equipment must be certified by the...) Recovery/Recycling Equipment and Recovery/Recycling/Recharging for Mobile Air-Conditioning Systems. (5... Recycling Equipment Intended for Use with both CFC-12 and HFC-134a, Recommended Service Procedure for the...

40 CFR 82.36 - Approved refrigerant handling equipment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... Approved refrigerant handling equipment. (a)(1) Refrigerant recycling equipment must be certified by the...) Recovery/Recycling Equipment and Recovery/Recycling/Recharging for Mobile Air-Conditioning Systems. (5... Recycling Equipment Intended for Use with both CFC-12 and HFC-134a, Recommended Service Procedure for the...

USGS Blind Sample Project: monitoring and evaluating laboratory analytical quality

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ludtke, Amy S.; Woodworth, Mark T.

1997-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) collects and disseminates information about the Nation's water resources. Surface- and ground-water samples are collected and sent to USGS laboratories for chemical analyses. The laboratories identify and quantify the constituents in the water samples. Random and systematic errors occur during sample handling, chemical analysis, and data processing. Although all errors cannot be eliminated from measurements, the magnitude of their uncertainty can be estimated and tracked over time. Since 1981, the USGS has operated an independent, external, quality-assurance project called the Blind Sample Project (BSP). The purpose of the BSP is to monitor and evaluate the quality of laboratory analytical results through the use of double-blind quality-control (QC) samples. The information provided by the BSP assists the laboratories in detecting and correcting problems in the analytical procedures. The information also can aid laboratory users in estimating the extent that laboratory errors contribute to the overall errors in their environmental data.

Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy of a medial meniscus bucket-handle tear using the posteromedial portal.

PubMed

Ahn, Jin Hwan; Oh, Irvin

2004-09-01

Arthroscopic resection of irreparable bucket-handle tears of the medial meniscus is a commonly performed procedure. Adequate visualization of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus can be a challenging task with the conventional use of the anterior portal. An attempt to resect the posterior horn in a blind fashion may result in iatrogenic damage of the articular cartilage in the posterior compartment, over-resection of a remnant meniscus, or an insufficient resection of the torn fragment. We describe the use of the posteromedial portal for an accurate visualization and resection of the posterior attachment of a bucket-handle tear for arthroscopic partial meniscectomy, as well as detection of other injuries that may be involved in the posteromedial compartment, while avoiding injury to other intra-articular structures during the arthroscopic procedure. We found that the use of the posteromedial portal is a safe and efficient method in removing a bucket-handle tear of the medial meniscus in one piece.

Sampling device with a capped body and detachable handle

DOEpatents

Jezek, Gerd-Rainer

2000-01-01

The apparatus is a sampling device having a pad for sample collection, a body which supports the pad, a detachable handle connected to the body and a cap which encloses and retains the pad and body to protect the integrity of the sample.

Optimization of analytical and pre-analytical conditions for MALDI-TOF-MS human urine protein profiles.

PubMed

Calvano, C D; Aresta, A; Iacovone, M; De Benedetto, G E; Zambonin, C G; Battaglia, M; Ditonno, P; Rutigliano, M; Bettocchi, C

2010-03-11

Protein analysis in biological fluids, such as urine, by means of mass spectrometry (MS) still suffers for insufficient standardization in protocols for sample collection, storage and preparation. In this work, the influence of these variables on healthy donors human urine protein profiling performed by matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) was studied. A screening of various urine sample pre-treatment procedures and different sample deposition approaches on the MALDI target was performed. The influence of urine samples storage time and temperature on spectral profiles was evaluated by means of principal component analysis (PCA). The whole optimized procedure was eventually applied to the MALDI-TOF-MS analysis of human urine samples taken from prostate cancer patients. The best results in terms of detected ions number and abundance in the MS spectra were obtained by using home-made microcolumns packed with hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) resin as sample pre-treatment method; this procedure was also less expensive and suitable for high throughput analyses. Afterwards, the spin coating approach for sample deposition on the MALDI target plate was optimized, obtaining homogenous and reproducible spots. Then, PCA indicated that low storage temperatures of acidified and centrifuged samples, together with short handling time, allowed to obtain reproducible profiles without artifacts contribution due to experimental conditions. Finally, interesting differences were found by comparing the MALDI-TOF-MS protein profiles of pooled urine samples of healthy donors and prostate cancer patients. The results showed that analytical and pre-analytical variables are crucial for the success of urine analysis, to obtain meaningful and reproducible data, even if the intra-patient variability is very difficult to avoid. It has been proven how pooled urine samples can be an interesting way to make easier the comparison between healthy and pathological samples and to individuate possible differences in the protein expression between the two sets of samples. Copyright 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Complaint handling in healthcare: expectation gaps between physicians and the public; results of a survey study.

PubMed

Friele, R D; Reitsma, P M; de Jong, J D

2015-10-01

Patients who submit complaints about the healthcare they have received are often dissatisfied with the response to their complaints. This is usually attributed to the failure of physicians to respond adequately to what complainants want, e.g. an apology or an explanation. However, expectations of complaint handling among the public may colour how they evaluate the way their own complaint is handled. This descriptive study assesses expectations of complaint handling in healthcare among the public and physicians. Negative public expectations and the gap between these expectations and those of physicians may explain patients' dissatisfaction with complaints procedures. We held two surveys; one among physicians, using a panel of 3366 physicians (response rate 57 %, containing all kinds of physicians like GP's, medical specialist and physicians working in a nursing home) and one among the public, using the Dutch Healthcare Consumer Panel (n = 1422, response rate 68 %). We asked both panels identical questions about their expectations of how complaints are handled in healthcare. Differences in expectation scores between the public and the physicians were tested using non-parametric tests. The public have negative expectations about how complaints are handled. Physician's expectations are far more positive, demonstrating large expectation gaps between physicians and the public. The large expectation gap between the public and physicians means that when they meet because of complaint, they are likely to start off with opposite expectations of the situation. This is no favourable condition for a positive outcome of a complaints procedure. The negative public preconceptions about the way their complaint will be handled will prove hard to change during the process of complaints handling. People tend to see what they thought would happen, almost inevitably leading to a negative judgement about how their complaint was handled.

7 CFR 983.152 - Failed lots/rework procedure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Agreements and Orders; Fruits, Vegetables, Nuts), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PISTACHIOS GROWN IN CALIFORNIA... mechanical, electronic, or manual procedures normally used in the handling of pistachios. After the rework... rework procedure for aflatoxin. If pistachio kernel rework is selected as a remedy to meet the aflatoxin...

28 CFR 541.63 - Hearing procedure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 28 Judicial Administration 2 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Hearing procedure. 541.63 Section 541.63 Judicial Administration BUREAU OF PRISONS, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE INSTITUTIONAL MANAGEMENT INMATE DISCIPLINE AND SPECIAL HOUSING UNITS Procedures for Handling of HIV Positive Inmates Who Pose Danger to Others...

28 CFR 541.63 - Hearing procedure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 28 Judicial Administration 2 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Hearing procedure. 541.63 Section 541.63 Judicial Administration BUREAU OF PRISONS, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE INSTITUTIONAL MANAGEMENT INMATE DISCIPLINE AND SPECIAL HOUSING UNITS Procedures for Handling of HIV Positive Inmates Who Pose Danger to Others...

28 CFR 541.63 - Hearing procedure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 28 Judicial Administration 2 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Hearing procedure. 541.63 Section 541.63 Judicial Administration BUREAU OF PRISONS, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE INSTITUTIONAL MANAGEMENT INMATE DISCIPLINE AND SPECIAL HOUSING UNITS Procedures for Handling of HIV Positive Inmates Who Pose Danger to Others...

28 CFR 541.63 - Hearing procedure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 28 Judicial Administration 2 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Hearing procedure. 541.63 Section 541.63 Judicial Administration BUREAU OF PRISONS, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE INSTITUTIONAL MANAGEMENT INMATE DISCIPLINE AND SPECIAL HOUSING UNITS Procedures for Handling of HIV Positive Inmates Who Pose Danger to Others...

7 CFR 906.28 - Procedure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... RIO GRANDE VALLEY IN TEXAS Order Regulating Handling Committee § 906.28 Procedure. Ten members of the committee shall be necessary to constitute a quorum, six of whom shall be producer members. Ten affirmative...

Development of analytical cell support for vitrification at the West Valley Demonstration Project. Topical report

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

Barber, F.H.; Borek, T.T.; Christopher, J.Z.

1997-12-01

Analytical and Process Chemistry (A&PC) support is essential to the high-level waste vitrification campaign at the West Valley Demonstration Project (WVDP). A&PC characterizes the waste, providing information necessary to formulate the recipe for the target radioactive glass product. High-level waste (HLW) samples are prepared and analyzed in the analytical cells (ACs) and Sample Storage Cell (SSC) on the third floor of the main plant. The high levels of radioactivity in the samples require handling them in the shielded cells with remote manipulators. The analytical hot cells and third floor laboratories were refurbished to ensure optimal uninterrupted operation during the vitrificationmore » campaign. New and modified instrumentation, tools, sample preparation and analysis techniques, and equipment and training were required for A&PC to support vitrification. Analytical Cell Mockup Units (ACMUs) were designed to facilitate method development, scientist and technician training, and planning for analytical process flow. The ACMUs were fabricated and installed to simulate the analytical cell environment and dimensions. New techniques, equipment, and tools could be evaluated m in the ACMUs without the consequences of generating or handling radioactive waste. Tools were fabricated, handling and disposal of wastes was addressed, and spatial arrangements for equipment were refined. As a result of the work at the ACMUs the remote preparation and analysis methods and the equipment and tools were ready for installation into the ACs and SSC m in July 1995. Before use m in the hot cells, all remote methods had been validated and four to eight technicians were trained on each. Fine tuning of the procedures has been ongoing at the ACs based on input from A&PC technicians. Working at the ACs presents greater challenges than had development at the ACMUs. The ACMU work and further refinements m in the ACs have resulted m in a reduction m in analysis turnaround time (TAT).« less

Mechanical Alteration And Contamination Issues In Automated Subsurface Sample Acquisition And Handling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Glass, B. J.; Cannon, H.; Bonaccorsi, R.; Zacny, K.

2006-12-01

The Drilling Automation for Mars Exploration (DAME) project's purpose is to develop and field-test drilling automation and robotics technologies for projected use in missions in the 2011-15 period. DAME includes control of the drilling hardware, and state estimation of both the hardware and the lithography being drilled and the state of the hole. A sister drill was constructed for the Mars Analog Río Tinto Experiment (MARTE) project and demonstrated automated core handling and string changeout in 2005 drilling tests at Rio Tinto, Spain. DAME focused instead on the problem of drill control while actively drilling while not getting stuck. Together, the DAME and MARTE projects demonstrate a fully automated robotic drilling capability, including hands-off drilling, adjustment to different strata and downhole conditions, recovery from drilling faults (binding, choking, etc.), drill string changeouts, core acquisition and removal, and sample handling and conveyance to in-situ instruments. The 2006 top-level goal of DAME drilling in-situ tests was to verify and demonstrate a capability for hands-off automated drilling, at an Arctic Mars-analog site. There were three sets of 2006 test goals, all of which were exceeded during the July 2006 field season. The first was to demonstrate the recognition, while drilling, of at least three of the six known major fault modes for the DAME planetary-prototype drill, and to employ the correct recovery or safing procedure in response. The second set of 2006 goals was to operate for three or more hours autonomously, hands-off. And the third 2006 goal was to exceed 3m depth into the frozen breccia and permafrost with the DAME drill (it had not gone further than 2.2m previously). Five of six faults were detected and corrected, there were 43 hours of hands-off drilling (including a 4 hour sequence with no human presence nearby), and 3.2m was the total depth. And ground truth drilling used small commercial drilling equipment in parallel in order to obtain cores and ice profiles at the drilling site. In the course of DAME drilling automation testing, the drilling-induced temperature gradients and their effects on encountered subsurface permafrost and ice layers were observed while drilling in frozen impact breccia at Haughton Crater. In repeated tests of robotic core removal processing and handling in the MARTE project, including field tests, cross-contamination issues arose between successive cores and samples, and procedures and metrics were developed for minimizing the cross-contamination. The MARTE core processing cross-contamination aspects were tested by analyzing a set of pristine samples (those stratigraphically known) vs. cuttings (loose clays) or artifacts from the robotic drilling (indurated clay layers). MARTE ground truth drilling, in parallel with the automated tests, provided control information on the discontinuity/continuity of the stratigraphic record (i.e., texture, color and structure of loose and consolidated materials).

An elutriation apparatus for assessing settleability of combined sewer overflows (CSOs).

PubMed

Marsalek, J; Krishnappan, B G; Exall, K; Rochfort, Q; Stephens, R P

2006-01-01

An elutriation apparatus was proposed for testing the settleability of combined sewer outflows (CSOs) and applied to 12 CSO samples. In this apparatus, solids settling is measured under dynamic conditions created by flow through a series of settling chambers of varying diameters and upward flow velocities. Such a procedure reproduces better turbulent settling in CSO tanks than the conventional settling columns, and facilitates testing coagulant additions under dynamic conditions. Among the limitations, one could name the relatively large size of the apparatus and samples (60 L), and inadequate handling of floatables. Settleability results obtained for the elutriation apparatus and a conventional settling column indicate large inter-event variation in CSO settleability. Under such circumstances, settling tanks need to be designed for "average" conditions and, within some limits, the differences in test results produced by various settleability testing apparatuses and procedures may be acceptable. Further development of the elutriation apparatus is under way, focusing on reducing flow velocities in the tubing connecting settling chambers and reducing the number of settling chambers employed. The first measure would reduce the risk of floc breakage in the connecting tubing and the second one would reduce the required sample size.

Advantages of automation in plasma sample preparation prior to HPLC/MS/MS quantification: application to the determination of cilazapril and cilazaprilat in a bioequivalence study.

PubMed

Kolocouri, Filomila; Dotsikas, Yannis; Apostolou, Constantinos; Kousoulos, Constantinos; Soumelas, Georgios-Stefanos; Loukas, Yannis L

2011-01-01

An HPLC/MS/MS method characterized by complete automation and high throughput was developed for the determination of cilazapril and its active metabolite cilazaprilat in human plasma. All sample preparation and analysis steps were performed by using 2.2 mL 96 deep-well plates, while robotic liquid handling workstations were utilized for all liquid transfer steps, including liquid-liquid extraction. The whole procedure was very fast compared to a manual procedure with vials and no automation. The method also had a very short chromatographic run time of 1.5 min. Sample analysis was performed by RP-HPLC/MS/MS with positive electrospray ionization using multiple reaction monitoring. The calibration curve was linear in the range of 0.500-300 and 0.250-150 ng/mL for cilazapril and cilazaprilat, respectively. The proposed method was fully validated and proved to be selective, accurate, precise, reproducible, and suitable for the determination of cilazapril and cilazaprilat in human plasma. Therefore, it was applied to a bioequivalence study after per os administration of 2.5 mg tablet formulations of cilazapril.

Glycerolized Reticular Dermis as a New Human Acellular Dermal Matrix: An Exploratory Study

PubMed Central

Ferrando, Pietro Maria; Balmativola, Davide; Cambieri, Irene; Scalzo, Maria Stella; Bergallo, Massimiliano; Annaratone, Laura; Casarin, Stefania; Fumagalli, Mara; Stella, Maurizio; Sapino, Anna; Castagnoli, Carlotta

2016-01-01

Human Acellular Dermal Matrices (HADM) are employed in various reconstructive surgery procedures as scaffolds for autologous tissue regeneration. The aim of this project was to develop a new type of HADM for clinical use, composed of glycerolized reticular dermis decellularized through incubation and tilting in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium (DMEM). This manufacturing method was compared with a decellularization procedure already described in the literature, based on the use of sodium hydroxide (NaOH), on samples from 28 donors. Cell viability was assessed using an MTT assay and microbiological monitoring was performed on all samples processed after each step. Two surgeons evaluated the biomechanical characteristics of grafts of increasing thickness. The effects of the different decellularization protocols were assessed by means of histological examination and immunohistochemistry, and residual DNA after decellularization was quantified using a real-time TaqMan MGB probe. Finally, we compared the results of DMEM based decellularization protocol on reticular dermis derived samples with the results of the same protocol applied on papillary dermis derived grafts. Our experimental results indicated that the use of glycerolized reticular dermis after 5 weeks of treatment with DMEM results in an HADM with good handling and biocompatibility properties. PMID:26918526

42 CFR 485.725 - Condition of participation: Infection control.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... procedures for effective aseptic techniques. The procedures are reviewed annually and revised if necessary to... handled, stored, processed, and transported in such a manner as to prevent the spread of infection. (e...

Handling of Diskus dry powder inhaler in Chinese chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.

PubMed

Li, Huaidong; Chen, Yuanyuan; Zhang, Zhaorui; Dong, Xiaoxuan; Zhang, Guogang; Zhang, Hui

2014-06-01

The incorrect handling of Diskus inhalers in Chinese patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not well documented. The present study was conducted to evaluate in detail the handling errors related to the Diskus device, and to elucidate the importance of educating COPD patients on the proper use of the device. A total of 384 COPD patients from a pulmonary clinic in China over a period of 5 years were included in the study. The compliance of COPD patients to the 13 discrete steps of Diskus usage were scored and analyzed by three measures: (1) On day 0, patients were given only a package insert on Diskus, and the handling error rate was assessed. Then the patients were given instruction on the 13-step Diskus procedure until they could demonstrate the proper technique. (2) On days 1, 2, and 3, the observation group was continuously educated on a 13-step procedure, and the percentage of patients who scored 100% for each step was recorded. The control group had no such training. (3) On days 10, 20, and 30, the percentage of all subjects correctly performing the Diskus 13-step inhalation procedure was assessed. Incorrect handling techniques on Diskus usage were widely distributed among Chinese COPD patients. Step 8 ("Inhale forcefully from the beginning, slowly, deeply, and uniformly during the inspiratory phase until the lungs are full") was the most commonly mishandled step (93.8%). The total score and individual step scores of the patients from the observation group were significantly improved during 3-day continuous education. There was also a significantly higher percentage of correctly performed steps in the observation group than in the control group upon assessment on day 10 (96.24% vs. 85.63%, respectively; p<0.01), day 20 (97.31% vs. 86.09%, respectively; p<0.01), and day 30 (98.19% vs. 87.39%, respectively; p<0.01). Handling errors of the Diskus 13-step inhalation procedure were commonly observed in Chinese COPD patients. Continuous educational interventions and regular supervision by health-care providers are therefore crucial for the optimum use of the Diskus inhaler.

Neonatal handling alters brain organization but does not influence recovery from perinatal cortical injury.

PubMed

Gibb, Robbin; Kolb, Bryan

2005-10-01

Handling rat pups by removing them from the nest during the preweaning period has been shown to influence brain and behavioral development. The authors hypothesized that handling rats with perinatal (Day 4) medial frontal cortex removals might attenuate behavioral deficits and reverse dendritic atrophy associated with such an injury. On the day after surgery, pups were removed from the nest for 15 min, 3 times per day until weaning. Animals were tested as adults in the Morris water task and on skilled reaching. Handled animals showed no improvement in behavioral performance. The handling procedure led to a decrease in dendritic length in parietal cortex, but spine density was unchanged. No therapeutic advantage was observed following the preweaning handling of brain-injured rats.

Principles of Pesticide Use, Handling, and Application: Instructional Modules for Vocational Agriculture Education. Student Manual.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ellis Associates, Inc., College Park, MD.

This training package is designed to present the basic principles of pesticide use, handling, and application. Included in this package is information on federal laws and regulations, personal safety, environmental implications, storage and disposal considerations, proper application procedures, and fundamentals of pest management. Successful…

Principles of Pesticide Use, Handling, and Application: Instructional Modules for Vocational Agriculture Education. Teacher Manual.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ellis Associates, Inc., College Park, MD.

The training package is designed to present the basic principles of pesticide use, handling, and application. Included in this package is information on Federal laws and regulations, personal safety, environmental implications, storage and disposal considerations, proper application procedures, and fundamentals of pest management. Successful…

Entrapment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hassenpflug, Ann

2004-01-01

Emily Johnson, a new high school assistant principal, ponders how to handle an unexpected dilemma over the faculty award nomination procedures. As chair of the faculty awards committee, she has to decide how to handle the arrival of late nominations. They were submitted by a committee member Jack Fitch, who had been a candidate for the assistant…

10 CFR 707.12 - Specimen collection, handling and laboratory analysis for drug testing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... drug testing. 707.12 Section 707.12 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY WORKPLACE SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROGRAMS AT DOE SITES Procedures § 707.12 Specimen collection, handling and laboratory analysis for drug testing... collection to final disposition of specimens, and testing laboratories shall use appropriate cutoff levels in...

10 CFR 707.12 - Specimen collection, handling and laboratory analysis for drug testing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... drug testing. 707.12 Section 707.12 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY WORKPLACE SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROGRAMS AT DOE SITES Procedures § 707.12 Specimen collection, handling and laboratory analysis for drug testing... collection to final disposition of specimens, and testing laboratories shall use appropriate cutoff levels in...

10 CFR 707.12 - Specimen collection, handling and laboratory analysis for drug testing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... drug testing. 707.12 Section 707.12 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY WORKPLACE SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROGRAMS AT DOE SITES Procedures § 707.12 Specimen collection, handling and laboratory analysis for drug testing... collection to final disposition of specimens, and testing laboratories shall use appropriate cutoff levels in...

10 CFR 707.12 - Specimen collection, handling and laboratory analysis for drug testing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... drug testing. 707.12 Section 707.12 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY WORKPLACE SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROGRAMS AT DOE SITES Procedures § 707.12 Specimen collection, handling and laboratory analysis for drug testing... collection to final disposition of specimens, and testing laboratories shall use appropriate cutoff levels in...

10 CFR 707.12 - Specimen collection, handling and laboratory analysis for drug testing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... drug testing. 707.12 Section 707.12 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY WORKPLACE SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROGRAMS AT DOE SITES Procedures § 707.12 Specimen collection, handling and laboratory analysis for drug testing... collection to final disposition of specimens, and testing laboratories shall use appropriate cutoff levels in...

Report: EPA’s Handling of a Proposed Alternative Method for Measuring Oil and Grease in Wastewater Met Requirements But Controls Need to Be Strengthened

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Report #13-P-0317, July 11, 2013. EPA’s handling of the proposed alternative method for measuring oil and grease in wastewater (ASTM D7575) adhered to applicable laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and guidance.

Microwave digestion preparation and ICP determination of boron in human plasma

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ferrando, A. A.; Green, N. R.; Barnes, K. W.; Woodward, B.

1993-01-01

A microwave digestion procedure, followed by Inductively Coupled Argon Plasma Spectroscopy, is described for the determination of boron (B) in human plasma. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) currently does not certify the concentration of B in any substance. The NIST citrus leaves 1572 (CL) Standard Reference Material (SRM) and wheat flour 1567a (WF) were chosen to determine the efficacy of digestion. CL and WF values compare favorably to those obtained from an open-vessel, wet digestion followed by ICP, and by neutron activation and mass spectrometric measurements. Plasma samples were oxidized by doubled-distilled ultrapure HNO3 in 120 mL PFA Teflon vessels. An MDS-81D microwave digestion procedure allows for rapid and relatively precise determination of B in human plasma, while limiting handling hazards and sources of contamination.

Ensuring Sample Quality for Biomarker Discovery Studies - Use of ICT Tools to Trace Biosample Life-cycle.

PubMed

Riondino, Silvia; Ferroni, Patrizia; Spila, Antonella; Alessandroni, Jhessica; D'Alessandro, Roberta; Formica, Vincenzo; Della-Morte, David; Palmirotta, Raffaele; Nanni, Umberto; Roselli, Mario; Guadagni, Fiorella

2015-01-01

The growing demand of personalized medicine marked the transition from an empirical medicine to a molecular one, aimed at predicting safer and more effective medical treatment for every patient, while minimizing adverse effects. This passage has emphasized the importance of biomarker discovery studies, and has led sample availability to assume a crucial role in biomedical research. Accordingly, a great interest in Biological Bank science has grown concomitantly. In biobanks, biological material and its accompanying data are collected, handled and stored in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and existing legislation. Sample quality is ensured by adherence to SOPs and sample whole life-cycle can be recorded by innovative tracking systems employing information technology (IT) tools for monitoring storage conditions and characterization of vast amount of data. All the above will ensure proper sample exchangeability among research facilities and will represent the starting point of all future personalized medicine-based clinical trials. Copyright© 2015, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinasios), All rights reserved.

A generic template for automated bioanalytical ligand-binding assays using modular robotic scripts in support of discovery biotherapeutic programs.

PubMed

Duo, Jia; Dong, Huijin; DeSilva, Binodh; Zhang, Yan J

2013-07-01

Sample dilution and reagent pipetting are time-consuming steps in ligand-binding assays (LBAs). Traditional automation-assisted LBAs use assay-specific scripts that require labor-intensive script writing and user training. Five major script modules were developed on Tecan Freedom EVO liquid handling software to facilitate the automated sample preparation and LBA procedure: sample dilution, sample minimum required dilution, standard/QC minimum required dilution, standard/QC/sample addition, and reagent addition. The modular design of automation scripts allowed the users to assemble an automated assay with minimal script modification. The application of the template was demonstrated in three LBAs to support discovery biotherapeutic programs. The results demonstrated that the modular scripts provided the flexibility in adapting to various LBA formats and the significant time saving in script writing and scientist training. Data generated by the automated process were comparable to those by manual process while the bioanalytical productivity was significantly improved using the modular robotic scripts.

Llama handling and training.

PubMed

McGee, M

1994-07-01

This article offers insights into the relationship of llama owners to their animals and the role of veterinarians as part of the animal care team. The effect of human behavior and handling techniques on llama behavior and marketability are discussed. Progressive ideas for nonforceful llama handling equipment, procedures, and training ideas are outlined in detail. Included are specific training plans for routine herd management chores such as injections and toenail trimming. This article is useful for both veterinarians and llama owners.

Should Advertising by Aesthetic Surgeons be Permitted?

PubMed Central

Nagpal, Neeraj

2017-01-01

Cosmetic, aesthetic and cutaneous surgical procedures require qualified specialists trained in the various procedures and competent to handle complications. However, it also requires huge investments in terms of infrastructure, trained staff and equipment. To be viable advertising is essential to any establishment which provides cosmetic and aesthetic procedures. Business men with deep pockets establish beauty chains which also provide these services and advertise heavily to sway public opinion in their favour. However, these saloons and spas lack basic medical facilities in terms of staff or equipment to handle any complication or medical emergency. To have a level playing field ethical advertising should be permitted to qualified aesthetic surgeons as is permitted in the US and UK by their respective organisations. PMID:28529421

Laboratory safety handbook

USGS Publications Warehouse

Skinner, E.L.; Watterson, C.A.; Chemerys, J.C.

1983-01-01

Safety, defined as 'freedom from danger, risk, or injury,' is difficult to achieve in a laboratory environment. Inherent dangers, associated with water analysis and research laboratories where hazardous samples, materials, and equipment are used, must be minimized to protect workers, buildings, and equipment. Managers, supervisors, analysts, and laboratory support personnel each have specific responsibilities to reduce hazards by maintaining a safe work environment. General rules of conduct and safety practices that involve personal protection, laboratory practices, chemical handling, compressed gases handling, use of equipment, and overall security must be practiced by everyone at all levels. Routine and extensive inspections of all laboratories must be made regularly by qualified people. Personnel should be trained thoroughly and repetitively. Special hazards that may involve exposure to carcinogens, cryogenics, or radiation must be given special attention, and specific rules and operational procedures must be established to deal with them. Safety data, reference materials, and texts must be kept available if prudent safety is to be practiced and accidents prevented or minimized.

Evolution of the Lunar Receiving Laboratory to the Astromaterial Sample Curation Facility: Technical Tensions Between Containment and Cleanliness, Between Particulate and Organic Cleanliness

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allton, J. H.; Zeigler, R. A.; Calaway, M. J.

2016-01-01

The Lunar Receiving Laboratory (LRL) was planned and constructed in the 1960s to support the Apollo program in the context of landing on the Moon and safely returning humans. The enduring science return from that effort is a result of careful curation of planetary materials. Technical decisions for the first facility included sample handling environment (vacuum vs inert gas), and instruments for making basic sample assessment, but the most difficult decision, and most visible, was stringent biosafety vs ultra-clean sample handling. Biosafety required handling of samples in negative pressure gloveboxes and rooms for containment and use of sterilizing protocols and animal/plant models for hazard assessment. Ultra-clean sample handling worked best in positive pressure nitrogen environment gloveboxes in positive pressure rooms, using cleanable tools of tightly controlled composition. The requirements for these two objectives were so different, that the solution was to design and build a new facility for specific purpose of preserving the scientific integrity of the samples. The resulting Lunar Curatorial Facility was designed and constructed, from 1972-1979, with advice and oversight by a very active committee comprised of lunar sample scientists. The high precision analyses required for planetary science are enabled by stringent contamination control of trace elements in the materials and protocols of construction (e.g., trace element screening for paint and flooring materials) and the equipment used in sample handling and storage. As other astromaterials, especially small particles and atoms, were added to the collections curated, the technical tension between particulate cleanliness and organic cleanliness was addressed in more detail. Techniques for minimizing particulate contamination in sample handling environments use high efficiency air filtering techniques typically requiring organic sealants which offgas. Protocols for reducing adventitious carbon on sample handling surfaces often generate particles. Further work is needed to achieve both minimal particulate and adventitious carbon contamination. This paper will discuss these facility topics and others in the historical context of nearly 50 years' curation experience for lunar rocks and regolith, meteorites, cosmic dust, comet particles, solar wind atoms, and asteroid particles at Johnson Space Center.

A Versatile High-Vacuum Cryo-transfer System for Cryo-microscopy and Analytics

PubMed Central

Tacke, Sebastian; Krzyzanek, Vladislav; Nüsse, Harald; Wepf, Roger Albert; Klingauf, Jürgen; Reichelt, Rudolf

2016-01-01

Cryogenic microscopy methods have gained increasing popularity, as they offer an unaltered view on the architecture of biological specimens. As a prerequisite, samples must be handled under cryogenic conditions below their recrystallization temperature, and contamination during sample transfer and handling must be prevented. We present a high-vacuum cryo-transfer system that streamlines the entire handling of frozen-hydrated samples from the vitrification process to low temperature imaging for scanning transmission electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. A template for cryo-electron microscopy and multimodal cryo-imaging approaches with numerous sample transfer steps is presented. PMID:26910419

Planning and processing multistage samples with a computer program—MUST.

Treesearch

John W. Hazard; Larry E. Stewart

1974-01-01

A computer program was written to handle multistage sampling designs in insect populations. It is, however, general enough to be used for any population where the number of stages does not exceed three. The program handles three types of sampling situations, all of which assume equal probability sampling. Option 1 takes estimates of sample variances, costs, and either...

An overview of radioactive waste disposal procedures of a nuclear medicine department

PubMed Central

Ravichandran, R.; Binukumar, J. P.; Sreeram, Rajan; Arunkumar, L. S.

2011-01-01

Radioactive wastes from hospitals form one of the various types of urban wastes, which are managed in developed countries in a safe and organized way. In countries where growth of nuclear medicine services are envisaged, implementations of existing regulatory policies and guidelines in hospitals in terms of handling of radioactive materials used in the treatment of patients need a good model. To address this issue, a brief description of the methods is presented. A designed prototype waste storage trolley is found to be of great help in decaying the I-131 solid wastes from wards before releasing to waste treatment plant of the city. Two delay tanks with collection time of about 2 months and delay time of 2 months alternately result in 6 releases of urine toilet effluents to the sewage treatment plant (STP) of the hospital annually. Samples of effluents collected at releasing time documented radioactive releases of I-131 much below recommended levels of bi-monthly release. External counting of samples showed good statistical correlation with calculated values. An overview of safe procedures for radioactive waste disposal is presented. PMID:21731225

An overview of radioactive waste disposal procedures of a nuclear medicine department.

PubMed

Ravichandran, R; Binukumar, J P; Sreeram, Rajan; Arunkumar, L S

2011-04-01

Radioactive wastes from hospitals form one of the various types of urban wastes, which are managed in developed countries in a safe and organized way. In countries where growth of nuclear medicine services are envisaged, implementations of existing regulatory policies and guidelines in hospitals in terms of handling of radioactive materials used in the treatment of patients need a good model. To address this issue, a brief description of the methods is presented. A designed prototype waste storage trolley is found to be of great help in decaying the I-131 solid wastes from wards before releasing to waste treatment plant of the city. Two delay tanks with collection time of about 2 months and delay time of 2 months alternately result in 6 releases of urine toilet effluents to the sewage treatment plant (STP) of the hospital annually. Samples of effluents collected at releasing time documented radioactive releases of I-131 much below recommended levels of bi-monthly release. External counting of samples showed good statistical correlation with calculated values. An overview of safe procedures for radioactive waste disposal is presented.

Stress corrosion in silica optical fibers: Review of fatigue testing procedures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Severin, Irina; Borda, Claudia; Dumitrache-Rujinski, Alexandru; Caramihai, Mihai; Abdi, Rochdi El

2018-02-01

The expected lifetime of optical fibers used either in telecommunication technologies or smart applications are closely related to the chemical reaction on the silica network. Due to the manufacturing processes or the handling procedures, the flaws spread on the fiber surface are inherently present. The aging mechanism is assumed to enlarge or to extend these flaws. Based on systematic experiments one may notice that water may induce a certain curing effect. Silica optical fibers have been aged in water; series of samples have been subjected to overlapped stretching or bending. Other series have been subjected to overlapped aging effect of microwaves and hot water. Finally, samples were submitted to dynamic tensile testing. The Weibull's diagram analysis shows mono or bimodal dispersions of flaws on the fiber surface, but the polymer coating appears vital for fiber lifetime. While humidity usually affects the fiber strength, the series of testing has revealed that in controlled conditions of chemical environment and controlled applied stress, fiber strength may be increased. A similar effect may be obtained by external factors such as microwaves or previous elongation, too.

Analytical control test plan and microbiological methods for the water recovery test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Traweek, M. S. (Editor); Tatara, J. D. (Editor)

1994-01-01

Qualitative and quantitative laboratory results are important to the decision-making process. In some cases, they may represent the only basis for deciding between two or more given options or processes. Therefore, it is essential that handling of laboratory samples and analytical operations employed are performed at a deliberate level of conscientious effort. Reporting erroneous results can lead to faulty interpretations and result in misinformed decisions. This document provides analytical control specifications which will govern future test procedures related to all Water Recovery Test (WRT) Phase 3 activities to be conducted at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration/Marshall Space Flight Center (NASA/MSFC). This document addresses the process which will be used to verify analytical data generated throughout the test period, and to identify responsibilities of key personnel and participating laboratories, the chains of communication to be followed, and ensure that approved methodology and procedures are used during WRT activities. This document does not outline specifics, but provides a minimum guideline by which sampling protocols, analysis methodologies, test site operations, and laboratory operations should be developed.

Effects of different moving devices at loading on stress response and meat quality in pigs.

PubMed

Correa, J A; Torrey, S; Devillers, N; Laforest, J P; Gonyou, H W; Faucitano, L

2010-12-01

Although there is increasing evidence regarding the negative welfare and meat quality implications of electric prod use for slaughter-weight pigs, this handling tool continues to be used. Therefore, the behavioral and physiological response and carcass and meat quality of 360 pigs being loaded onto a truck for transportation to slaughter according to 3 handling procedures were studied. The 3 handling procedures were 1) moving with an electric prod and board from the finishing pen to the truck (EP); 2) moving with a board and a paddle from the finishing pen to the truck (PAD); 3) moving with a board and a paddle from the finishing pen and using a compressed air prod in the ramp before going into the truck (CAP). A subpopulation of 144 pigs (48 pigs/treatment) was equipped with heart rate monitors. Blood samples were collected from the same animals at exsanguination for the analysis of creatine phosphokinase and lactate. Data were analyzed using an ANOVA for factorial design, with the animal as the experimental unit. Behavior was analyzed with MIXED model procedure with treatment as a fixed effect. During loading, EP pigs slipped and fell (P < 0.001) and overlapped (P = 0.03) more often, but stopped (P < 0.001) and attempted turns (P = 0.01) less often than CAP or PAD. With CAP, pigs made more 180° turns (P = 0.01) than with PAD or EP. Loading with EP led to more and longer vocalizations (P = 0.02 and P = 0.001, respectively) than loading with CAP or PAD. Loading took longest with CAP and was quickest with EP (P = 0.01). Pigs handled with EP had a greater heart rate than those moved with PAD and CAP at loading (P < 0.001), wait at loading (P < 0.001), at unloading (P = 0.05), and in lairage (P = 0.02). Pigs loaded with EP had greater (P = 0.05) lactate concentrations in blood at exsanguination compared with pigs handled with CAP, with pigs loaded with PAD being intermediate. Furthermore, ultimate pH values in the semimembranosus and adductor muscles of EP pigs were greater (P = 0.002 and P = 0.004, respectively) compared with those from PAD and CAP pigs. Greater (P = 0.04) incidence of blood-splashed hams was found in EP pigs compared with PAD and CAP pigs. Therefore, considering animal welfare, carcass bruising, and blood splashes standpoints, EP should be replaced with PAD or CAP. However, additional research is necessary to identify methods that improve the loading efficiencies of PAD and CAP without adversely affecting animal welfare parameters.

Sequential Designs Based on Bayesian Uncertainty Quantification in Sparse Representation Surrogate Modeling

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

Chen, Ray -Bing; Wang, Weichung; Jeff Wu, C. F.

A numerical method, called OBSM, was recently proposed which employs overcomplete basis functions to achieve sparse representations. While the method can handle non-stationary response without the need of inverting large covariance matrices, it lacks the capability to quantify uncertainty in predictions. We address this issue by proposing a Bayesian approach which first imposes a normal prior on the large space of linear coefficients, then applies the MCMC algorithm to generate posterior samples for predictions. From these samples, Bayesian credible intervals can then be obtained to assess prediction uncertainty. A key application for the proposed method is the efficient construction ofmore » sequential designs. Several sequential design procedures with different infill criteria are proposed based on the generated posterior samples. As a result, numerical studies show that the proposed schemes are capable of solving problems of positive point identification, optimization, and surrogate fitting.« less

Sequential Designs Based on Bayesian Uncertainty Quantification in Sparse Representation Surrogate Modeling

DOE PAGES

Chen, Ray -Bing; Wang, Weichung; Jeff Wu, C. F.

2017-04-12

A numerical method, called OBSM, was recently proposed which employs overcomplete basis functions to achieve sparse representations. While the method can handle non-stationary response without the need of inverting large covariance matrices, it lacks the capability to quantify uncertainty in predictions. We address this issue by proposing a Bayesian approach which first imposes a normal prior on the large space of linear coefficients, then applies the MCMC algorithm to generate posterior samples for predictions. From these samples, Bayesian credible intervals can then be obtained to assess prediction uncertainty. A key application for the proposed method is the efficient construction ofmore » sequential designs. Several sequential design procedures with different infill criteria are proposed based on the generated posterior samples. As a result, numerical studies show that the proposed schemes are capable of solving problems of positive point identification, optimization, and surrogate fitting.« less

Effects of soft X-ray radiation damage on paraffin-embedded rat tissues supported on ultralene: a chemical perspective.

PubMed

Bedolla, Diana E; Mantuano, Andrea; Pickler, Arissa; Mota, Carla Lemos; Braz, Delson; Salata, Camila; Almeida, Carlos Eduardo; Birarda, Giovanni; Vaccari, Lisa; Barroso, Regina Cély; Gianoncelli, Alessandra

2018-05-01

Radiation damage is an important aspect to be considered when analysing biological samples with X-ray techniques as it can induce chemical and structural changes in the specimens. This work aims to provide new insights into the soft X-ray induced radiation damage of the complete sample, including not only the biological tissue itself but also the substrate and embedding medium, and the tissue fixation procedure. Sample preparation and handling involves an unavoidable interaction with the sample matrix and could play an important role in the radiation-damage mechanism. To understand the influence of sample preparation and handling on radiation damage, the effects of soft X-ray exposure at different doses on ultralene, paraffin and on paraffin-embedded rat tissues were studied using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy and X-ray microscopy. Tissues were preserved with three different commonly used fixatives: formalin, glutaraldehyde and Karnovsky. FTIR results showed that ultralene and paraffin undergo a dose-dependent degradation of their vibrational profiles, consistent with radiation-induced oxidative damage. In addition, formalin fixative has been shown to improve the preservation of the secondary structure of proteins in tissues compared with both glutaraldehyde and Karnovsky fixation. However, conclusive considerations cannot be drawn on the optimal fixation protocol because of the interference introduced by both substrate and embedding medium in the spectral regions specific to tissue lipids, nucleic acids and carbohydrates. Notably, despite the detected alterations affecting the chemical architecture of the sample as a whole, composed of tissue, substrate and embedding medium, the structural morphology of the tissues at the micrometre scale is essentially preserved even at the highest exposure dose.

Exploiting automatic on-line renewable molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction in lab-on-valve format as front end to liquid chromatography: application to the determination of riboflavin in foodstuffs.

PubMed

Oliveira, Hugo M; Segundo, Marcela A; Lima, José L F C; Miró, Manuel; Cerdà, Victor

2010-05-01

In the present work, it is proposed, for the first time, an on-line automatic renewable molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction (MISPE) protocol for sample preparation prior to liquid chromatographic analysis. The automatic microscale procedure was based on the bead injection (BI) concept under the lab-on-valve (LOV) format, using a multisyringe burette as propulsion unit for handling solutions and suspensions. A high precision on handling the suspensions containing irregularly shaped molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) particles was attained, enabling the use of commercial MIP as renewable sorbent. The features of the proposed BI-LOV manifold also allowed a strict control of the different steps within the extraction protocol, which are essential for promoting selective interactions in the cavities of the MIP. By using this on-line method, it was possible to extract and quantify riboflavin from different foodstuff samples in the range between 0.450 and 5.00 mg L(-1) after processing 1,000 microL of sample (infant milk, pig liver extract, and energy drink) without any prior treatment. For milk samples, LOD and LOQ values were 0.05 and 0.17 mg L(-1), respectively. The method was successfully applied to the analysis of two certified reference materials (NIST 1846 and BCR 487) with high precision (RSD < 5.5%). Considering the downscale and simplification of the sample preparation protocol and the simultaneous performance of extraction and chromatographic assays, a cost-effective and enhanced throughput (six determinations per hour) methodology for determination of riboflavin in foodstuff samples is deployed here.

75 FR 71356 - Collection of Information Requirement Related to Procedures for the Handling of Retaliation...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-23

... Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. DATES... Subjects in 29 CFR Part 1978 Administrative practice and procedure, Employment, Highway safety...

Critical control points of complementary food preparation and handling in eastern Nigeria.

PubMed Central

Ehiri, J. E.; Azubuike, M. C.; Ubbaonu, C. N.; Anyanwu, E. C.; Ibe, K. M.; Ogbonna, M. O.

2001-01-01

OBJECTIVE: To investigate microbial contamination and critical control points (CCPs) in the preparation and handling of complementary foods in 120 households in Imo state, Nigeria. METHODS: The Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) approach was used to investigate processes and procedures that contributed to microbial contamination, growth and survival, and to identify points where controls could be applied to prevent or eliminate these microbiological hazards or reduce them to acceptable levels. Food samples were collected and tested microbiologically at different stages of preparation and handling. FINDINGS: During cooking, all foods attained temperatures capable of destroying vegetative forms of food-borne pathogens. However, the risk of contamination increased by storage of food at ambient temperature, by using insufficiently high temperatures to reheat the food, and by adding contaminated ingredients such as dried ground crayfish and soybean powder at stages where no further heat treatment was applied. The purchasing of contaminated raw foodstuffs and ingredients, particularly raw akamu, from vendors in open markets is also a CCP. CONCLUSION: Although an unsafe environment poses many hazards for children's food, the hygienic quality of prepared food can be assured if basic food safety principles are observed. When many factors contribute to food contamination, identification of CCPs becomes particularly important and can facilitate appropriate targeting of resources and prevention efforts. PMID:11417038

Evidence of authentic DNA from Danish Viking Age skeletons untouched by humans for 1,000 years.

PubMed

Melchior, Linea; Kivisild, Toomas; Lynnerup, Niels; Dissing, Jørgen

2008-05-28

Given the relative abundance of modern human DNA and the inherent impossibility for incontestable proof of authenticity, results obtained on ancient human DNA have often been questioned. The widely accepted rules regarding ancient DNA work mainly affect laboratory procedures, however, pre-laboratory contamination occurring during excavation and archaeological-/anthropological handling of human remains as well as rapid degradation of authentic DNA after excavation are major obstacles. We avoided some of these obstacles by analyzing DNA from ten Viking Age subjects that at the time of sampling were untouched by humans for 1,000 years. We removed teeth from the subjects prior to handling by archaeologists and anthropologists using protective equipment. An additional tooth was removed after standard archaeological and anthropological handling. All pre-PCR work was carried out in a "clean- laboratory" dedicated solely to ancient DNA work. Mitochondrial DNA was extracted and overlapping fragments spanning the HVR-1 region as well as diagnostic sites in the coding region were PCR amplified, cloned and sequenced. Consistent results were obtained with the "unhandled" teeth and there was no indication of contamination, while the latter was the case with half of the "handled" teeth. The results allowed the unequivocal assignment of a specific haplotype to each of the subjects, all haplotypes being compatible in their character states with a phylogenetic tree drawn from present day European populations. Several of the haplotypes are either infrequent or have not been observed in modern Scandinavians. The observation of haplogroup I in the present study (<2% in modern Scandinavians) supports our previous findings of a pronounced frequency of this haplogroup in Viking and Iron Age Danes. The present work provides further evidence that retrieval of ancient human DNA is a possible task provided adequate precautions are taken and well-considered sampling is applied.

25 CFR 31.7 - Handling of student funds in Federal school facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... procedures and provide for a system of accounting for the student funds commensurate with the age and grade level of the students yet adequate for financial control purposes and shall stipulate the maximum... personal and group funds and for the accounting or bookkeeping records. (c) Employees handling student...

Nautical Education for Offshore Extractive Industries. Support Operations & Seamanship.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hoffmann, G. L.

This training manual is intended for persons who will be employed on supply vessels or towboats which support ocean-based oil extraction operations. The text deals with the basic skills of marine towing procedures, boat handling, deck maintenance, cargo operations, and rope and wire handling. Additional sections treat the proper attitude of a…

15 CFR 2.4 - Procedure for filing claims.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Procedure for filing claims. 2.4 Section 2.4 Commerce and Foreign Trade Office of the Secretary of Commerce PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING AND... (28 CFR Part 14). (b) Claims shall be filed with the Assistant General Counsel for Finance and...

Budgeting and Resource Allocation at Princeton University, Vol. 2.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Herring, Carol P.; And Others

A supplement to a project begun to devise methods of handling budgeting in a more systematic way in the Princeton setting, this final report examines budgeting procedures that have been revised, discusses new procedures that have been implemented, and explains procedures now in use at Princeton. Chapter I provides an overview of the Priorities…

47 CFR 64.402 - Policies and procedures for the provision of priority access service by commercial mobile radio...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... priority access service by commercial mobile radio service providers. 64.402 Section 64.402... RULES RELATING TO COMMON CARRIERS Procedures for Handling Priority Services in Emergencies § 64.402 Policies and procedures for the provision of priority access service by commercial mobile radio service...

How the NWC handles software as product

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

Vinson, D.

1997-11-01

This tutorial provides a hands-on view of how the Nuclear Weapons Complex project should be handling (or planning to handle) software as a product in response to Engineering Procedure 401099. The SQAS has published the document SQAS96-002, Guidelines for NWC Processes for Handling Software Product, that will be the basis for the tutorial. The primary scope of the tutorial is on software products that result from weapons and weapons-related projects, although the information presented is applicable to many software projects. Processes that involve the exchange, review, or evaluation of software product between or among NWC sites, DOE, and external customersmore » will be described.« less

Experimental skin deposition of chromium on the hands following handling of samples of leather and metal.

PubMed

Bregnbak, David; Thyssen, Jacob P; Jellesen, Morten S; Zachariae, Claus; Johansen, Jeanne D

2016-08-01

Chromium is an important skin sensitizer. Exposure to it has been regulated in cement, and recently in leather. Studies on the deposition of chromium ions on the skin as a result of handling different chromium-containing materials are sparse, but could improve the risk assessment of contact sensitization and allergic contact dermatitis caused by chromium. To determine whether the handling of chromium-containing samples of leather and metal results in the deposition of chromium onto the skin. Five healthy volunteers participated. For 30 min, they handled samples of leather and metal known to contain and release chromium. Skin deposition of chromium was assessed with the acid wipe sampling technique. Acid wipe sampling of the participants' fingers showed chromium deposition on the skin in all participants who had been exposed to leather (range 0.01-0.20 µg/cm(2) ) and in 3 of 5 participants after they had manually handled metal discs (range 0.02-0.04 µg/cm(2) ). We found that samples of leather and metal had the ability to deposit chromium on the skin at significant levels, in spite of a short duration of exposure. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

EURO-CARES: European Roadmap for a Sample Return Curation Facility and Planetary Protection Implications.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brucato, John Robert

2016-07-01

A mature European planetary exploration program and evolving sample return mission plans gathers the interest of a wider scientific community. The interest is generated from studying extraterrestrial samples in the laborato-ry providing new opportunities to address fundamental issues on the origin and evolution of the Solar System, on the primordial cosmochemistry, and on the nature of the building blocks of terrestrial planets and on the origin of life. Major space agencies are currently planning for missions that will collect samples from a variety of Solar Sys-tem environments, from primitive (carbonaceous) small bodies, from the Moon, Mars and its moons and, final-ly, from icy moons of the outer planets. A dedicated sample return curation facility is seen as an essential re-quirement for the receiving, assessment, characterization and secure preservation of the collected extraterrestrial samples and potentially their safe distribution to the scientific community. EURO-CARES is a European Commission study funded under the Horizon-2020 program. The strategic objec-tive of EURO-CARES is to create a roadmap for the implementation of a European Extraterrestrial Sample Cu-ration Facility. The facility has to provide safe storage and handling of extraterrestrial samples and has to enable the preliminary characterization in order to achieve the required effectiveness and collaborative outcomes for the whole international scientific community. For example, samples returned from Mars could pose a threat on the Earth's biosphere if any living extraterrestrial organism are present in the samples. Thus planetary protection is an essential aspect of all Mars sample return missions that will affect the retrival and transport from the point of return, sample handling, infrastructure methodology and management of a future curation facility. Analysis of the state of the art of Planetary Protection technology shows there are considerable possibilities to define and develop technical and scientific features in a sample return mission and the infrastructural, procedur-al and legal issues that consequently rely on a curation facility. This specialist facility will be designed with con-sideration drawn from highcontainment laboratories and cleanroom facilities to protect the Earth from contami-nation with potential Martian organisms and the samples from Earth contaminations. This kind of integrated facility does not currently exist and this emphasises the need for an innovative design approach with an integrat-ed and multidisciplinary design to enable the ultimate science goals of such exploration. The issues of how the Planetary Protection considerations impact on the system technologies and scientific meaurements, with a final aim to prioritize outstanding technology needs is presented in the framework of sam-ple return study missions and the Horizon-2020 EURO-CARES project.

75 FR 71356 - Collection of Information Requirement Related to Procedures for the Handling of Retaliation...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-23

... Management and Budget (OMB) for approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. DATES: Comments on the... Federal Register notice. List of Subjects in 29 CFR Part 1982 Administrative practice and procedure...

Alternative court procedures for DUI offenders.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1978-01-01

The purpose of this report is to evaluate the need for alternative court procedures in Virginia for handling cases involving persons charged with driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI), with particular focus on the referral of DUI offenders to ...

Organ retention and communication of research use following medico-legal autopsy: a pilot survey of university forensic medicine departments in Japan.

PubMed

Tsujimura-Ito, Takako; Inoue, Yusuke; Yoshida, Ken-ichi

2014-09-01

This study investigated the circumstances and problems that departments of forensic medicine encounter with bereaved families regarding samples obtained from medico-legal autopsies. A questionnaire was posted to all 76 departments of forensic medicine performing medico-legal autopsies in Japan, and responses were received from 48 (63.2%). Of the respondents, 12.8% had approached and communicated with bereaved families about collecting samples from the deceased person during an autopsy and the storage of the samples. In addition, 23.4% of these had informed families that samples might be used in research. Eighteen departments had received enquiries and requests from families about the samples, with most requests concerning their return. The response to such requests varied according to the department. Few departments interacted with the bereaved families regarding the procedure for obtaining autopsy samples, and their methods for handling family concerns differed depending on the person within the department authorised to contact the family. Moreover, the procedures for engaging in such communication have long been unclear, and no legal or ethical consensus or agreement with the general public has been established. It is important for researchers to further discuss the correct way for forensic medicine departments to communicate with bereaved families. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Organizational safety culture/climate and worker compliance with hazardous drug guidelines: lessons from the blood-borne pathogen experience.

PubMed

McDiarmid, Melissa A; Condon, Marian

2005-07-01

The health risks posed to health care workers (HCW) handling antineoplastic and other hazardous drugs (HDs) are well established. However, despite nearly 20 years of professional practice standards, compliance with safe handling procedures is poor. We present documentation of undercompliance with recommended safety procedures for HDs. Then, we examine a similar problem, HCW compliance with blood-borne pathogen universal precautions (UP) and its partial solution tied to the strength of a facility's safety culture. Lessons learned here may be applicable to the HD issue. It is proposed that analyzing a facility's safety culture may enlarge our understanding of the barriers contributing to HD under-compliance and suggest strategies to improve it. The Safety Culture paradigm offers many targets for intervention to enhance and promote worker compliance with safe HD handling practices thus mitigating internal exposure.

Validation of an automated solid-phase extraction method for the analysis of 23 opioids, cocaine, and metabolites in urine with ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Ramírez Fernández, María del Mar; Van Durme, Filip; Wille, Sarah M R; di Fazio, Vincent; Kummer, Natalie; Samyn, Nele

2014-06-01

The aim of this work was to automate a sample preparation procedure extracting morphine, hydromorphone, oxymorphone, norcodeine, codeine, dihydrocodeine, oxycodone, 6-monoacetyl-morphine, hydrocodone, ethylmorphine, benzoylecgonine, cocaine, cocaethylene, tramadol, meperidine, pentazocine, fentanyl, norfentanyl, buprenorphine, norbuprenorphine, propoxyphene, methadone and 2-ethylidene-1,5-dimethyl-3,3-diphenylpyrrolidine from urine samples. Samples were extracted by solid-phase extraction (SPE) with cation exchange cartridges using a TECAN Freedom Evo 100 base robotic system, including a hydrolysis step previous extraction when required. Block modules were carefully selected in order to use the same consumable material as in manual procedures to reduce cost and/or manual sample transfers. Moreover, the present configuration included pressure monitoring pipetting increasing pipetting accuracy and detecting sampling errors. The compounds were then separated in a chromatographic run of 9 min using a BEH Phenyl analytical column on a ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry system. Optimization of the SPE was performed with different wash conditions and elution solvents. Intra- and inter-day relative standard deviations (RSDs) were within ±15% and bias was within ±15% for most of the compounds. Recovery was >69% (RSD < 11%) and matrix effects ranged from 1 to 26% when compensated with the internal standard. The limits of quantification ranged from 3 to 25 ng/mL depending on the compound. No cross-contamination in the automated SPE system was observed. The extracted samples were stable for 72 h in the autosampler (4°C). This method was applied to authentic samples (from forensic and toxicology cases) and to proficiency testing schemes containing cocaine, heroin, buprenorphine and methadone, offering fast and reliable results. Automation resulted in improved precision and accuracy, and a minimum operator intervention, leading to safer sample handling and less time-consuming procedures.

Integrated preservation and sample clean up procedures for studying water ingestion by recreational swimmers via urinary biomarker determination.

PubMed

Cantú, Ricardo; Shoemaker, Jody A; Kelty, Catherine A; Wymer, Larry J; Behymer, Thomas D; Dufour, Alfred P; Magnuson, Matthew L

2017-08-22

The use of cyanuric acid as a biomarker for ingestion of swimming pool water may lead to quantitative knowledge of the volume of water ingested during swimming, contributing to a better understanding of disease resulting from ingestion of environmental contaminants. When swimming pool water containing chlorinated cyanurates is inadvertently ingested, cyanuric acid is excreted quantitatively within 24 h as a urinary biomarker of ingestion. Because the volume of water ingested can be quantitatively estimated by calculation from the concentration of cyanuric acid in 24 h urine samples, a procedure for preservation, cleanup, and analysis of cyanuric acid was developed to meet the logistical demands of large scale studies. From a practical stand point, urine collected from swimmers cannot be analyzed immediately, given requirements of sample collection, shipping, handling, etc. Thus, to maintain quality control to allow confidence in the results, it is necessary to preserve the samples in a manner that ensures as quantitative analysis as possible. The preservation and clean-up of cyanuric acid in urine is complicated because typical approaches often are incompatible with the keto-enol tautomerization of cyanuric acid, interfering with cyanuric acid sample preparation, chromatography, and detection. Therefore, this paper presents a novel integration of sample preservation, clean-up, chromatography, and detection to determine cyanuric acid in 24 h urine samples. Fortification of urine with cyanuric acid (0.3-3.0 mg/L) demonstrated accuracy (86-93% recovery) and high reproducibility (RSD < 7%). Holding time studies in unpreserved urine suggested sufficient cyanuric acid stability for sample collection procedures, while longer holding times suggested instability of the unpreserved urine. Preserved urine exhibited a loss of around 0.5% after 22 days at refrigerated storage conditions of 4 °C. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Patient complaints in healthcare services in Vietnam’s health system

PubMed Central

Thi Thu Ha, Bui; Mirzoev, Tolib; Morgan, Rosemary

2015-01-01

Background: There is growing recognition of patient rights in health sectors around the world. Patients’ right to complain in hospitals, often visible in legislative and regulatory protocols, can be an important information source for service quality improvement and achievement of better health outcomes. However, empirical evidence on complaint processes is scarce, particularly in the developing countries. To contribute in addressing this gap, we investigated patients’ complaint handling processes and the main influences on their implementation in public hospitals in Vietnam. Methods: The study was conducted in two provinces of Vietnam. We focused specifically on the implementation of the Law on Complaints and Denunciations and the Ministry of Health regulation on resolving complaints in the health sector. The data were collected using document review and in-depth interviews with key respondents. Framework approach was used for data analysis, guided by a conceptual framework and aided by qualitative data analysis software. Results: Five steps of complaint handling were implemented, which varied in practice between the provinces. Four groups of factors influenced the procedures: (1) insufficient investment in complaint handling procedures; (2) limited monitoring of complaint processes; (3) patients’ low awareness of, and perceived lack of power to change, complaint procedures and (4) autonomization pressures on local health facilities. While the existence of complaint handling processes is evident in the health system in Vietnam, their utilization was often limited. Different factors which constrained the implementation and use of complaint regulations included health system–related issues as well as social and cultural influences. Conclusion: The study aimed to contribute to improved understanding of complaint handling processes and the key factors influencing these processes in public hospitals in Vietnam. Specific policy implications for improving these processes were proposed, which include improving accountability of service providers and better utilization of information on complaints. PMID:26770804

Establishing an academic biobank in a resource-challenged environment.

PubMed

Soo, Cassandra Claire; Mukomana, Freedom; Hazelhurst, Scott; Ramsay, Michele

2017-05-24

Past practices of informal sample collections and spreadsheets for data and sample management fall short of best-practice models for biobanking, and are neither cost effective nor efficient to adequately serve the needs of large research studies. The biobank of the Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience serves as a bioresource for institutional, national and international research collaborations. It provides high-quality human biospecimens from African populations, secure data and sample curation and storage, as well as monitored sample handling and management processes, to promote both non-communicable and infectious-disease research. Best-practice guidelines have been adapted to align with a low-resource setting and have been instrumental in the development of a quality-management system, including standard operating procedures and a quality-control regimen. Here, we provide a summary of 10 important considerations for initiating and establishing an academic research biobank in a low-resource setting. These include addressing ethical, legal, technical, accreditation and/or certification concerns and financial sustainability.

Remedial investigation/feasibility study for the Clinch River/Poplar Creek operable unit. Volume 5. Appendixes G, H, I, J

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

NONE

1995-09-01

The Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Program for Phase 2 of the Clinch River Remedial Investigation (CRRI) was designed to comply with both Department of Energy (DOE) Order 5700.6C and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) QAMS-005/80 (EPA 1980a) guidelines. QA requirements and the general QA objectives for Phase 2 data were defined in the Phase 2 Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP)-Quality Assurance Project Plan, and scope changes noted in the Phase 2 Sampling and Analysis Plan Addendum. The QA objectives for Phase 2 data were the following: (1) Scientific data generated will withstand scientific and legal scrutiny. (2) Data will be gatheredmore » using appropriate procedures for sample collection, sample handling and security, chain of custody (COC), laboratory analyses, and data reporting. (3) Data will be of known precision and accuracy. (4) Data will meet data quality objectives (DQOs) defined in the Phase 2 SAP.« less

Parallel cascade selection molecular dynamics for efficient conformational sampling and free energy calculation of proteins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kitao, Akio; Harada, Ryuhei; Nishihara, Yasutaka; Tran, Duy Phuoc

2016-12-01

Parallel Cascade Selection Molecular Dynamics (PaCS-MD) was proposed as an efficient conformational sampling method to investigate conformational transition pathway of proteins. In PaCS-MD, cycles of (i) selection of initial structures for multiple independent MD simulations and (ii) conformational sampling by independent MD simulations are repeated until the convergence of the sampling. The selection is conducted so that protein conformation gradually approaches a target. The selection of snapshots is a key to enhance conformational changes by increasing the probability of rare event occurrence. Since the procedure of PaCS-MD is simple, no modification of MD programs is required; the selections of initial structures and the restart of the next cycle in the MD simulations can be handled with relatively simple scripts with straightforward implementation. Trajectories generated by PaCS-MD were further analyzed by the Markov state model (MSM), which enables calculation of free energy landscape. The combination of PaCS-MD and MSM is reported in this work.

Establishing an academic biobank in a resource-challenged environment

PubMed Central

Soo, C C; Mukomana, F; Hazelhurst, S; Ramsay, M

2018-01-01

Past practices of informal sample collections and spreadsheets for data and sample management fall short of best-practice models for biobanking, and are neither cost effective nor efficient to adequately serve the needs of large research studies. The biobank of the Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience serves as a bioresource for institutional, national and international research collaborations. It provides high-quality human biospecimens from African populations, secure data and sample curation and storage, as well as monitored sample handling and management processes, to promote both non-communicable and infectious-disease research. Best-practice guidelines have been adapted to align with a low-resource setting and have been instrumental in the development of a quality-management system, including standard operating procedures and a quality-control regimen. Here, we provide a summary of 10 important considerations for initiating and establishing an academic research biobank in a low-resource setting. These include addressing ethical, legal, technical, accreditation and/or certification concerns and financial sustainability. PMID:28604319

SAHARA: A package of PC computer programs for estimating both log-hyperbolic grain-size parameters and standard moments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Christiansen, Christian; Hartmann, Daniel

This paper documents a package of menu-driven POLYPASCAL87 computer programs for handling grouped observations data from both sieving (increment data) and settling tube procedures (cumulative data). The package is designed deliberately for use on IBM-compatible personal computers. Two of the programs solve the numerical problem of determining the estimates of the four (main) parameters of the log-hyperbolic distribution and their derivatives. The package also contains a program for determining the mean, sorting, skewness. and kurtosis according to the standard moments. Moreover, the package contains procedures for smoothing and grouping of settling tube data. A graphic part of the package plots the data in a log-log plot together with the estimated log-hyperbolic curve. Along with the plot follows all estimated parameters. Another graphic option is a plot of the log-hyperbolic shape triangle with the (χ,ζ) position of the sample.

Analysis of pharmaceutical preparations containing antihistamine drugs by micellar liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Martínez-Algaba, C; Bermúdez-Saldaña, J M; Villanueva-Camañas, R M; Sagrado, S; Medina-Hernández, M J

2006-02-13

Rapid chromatographic procedures for analytical quality control of pharmaceutical preparations containing antihistamine drugs, alone or together with other kind of compounds are proposed. The method uses C18 stationary phases and micellar mobile phases of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) with either 1-propanol or 1-butanol as organic modifier. The proposed procedures allow the determination of the antihistamines: brompheniramine, chlorcyclizine, chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, flunarizine, hydroxyzine, promethazine, terfenadine, tripelennamine and triprolidine, in addition to caffeine, dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, paracetamol and pyridoxine in different pharmaceutical presentations (tablets, capsules, suppositories, syrups and ointments). The methods require minimum handling sample and are rapid (between 3 and 12 min at 1 mLmin(-1) flow rate) and reproducible (R.S.D. values<5%). Limits of detection are lower than 1 microgmL(-1) and the recoveries of the analytes in the pharmaceutical preparations are in the range 100+/-10%.

19 CFR 151.29 - Expense of unlading and handling.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... Molasses § 151.29 Expense of unlading and handling. No expense incidental to the unlading, transporting, or handling of sugar, sirup, or molasses for convenient weighing, gaging, measuring, sampling, or marking...

19 CFR 151.29 - Expense of unlading and handling.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... Molasses § 151.29 Expense of unlading and handling. No expense incidental to the unlading, transporting, or handling of sugar, sirup, or molasses for convenient weighing, gaging, measuring, sampling, or marking...

Rescue and Preservation of Sample Data from the Apollo Missions to the Moon

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Todd, Nancy S.; Zeigler, Ryan A.; Evans, Cindy A.; Lehnert, Kerstin

2016-01-01

Six Apollo missions landed on the Moon from 1969-72, returning to Earth 382 kg of lunar rock, soil, and core samples. These samples are among the best documented and preserved samples on Earth that have supported a robust research program for 45 years. From mission planning through sample collection, preliminary examination, and subsequent research, strict protocols and procedures are followed for handling and allocating Apollo subsamples, resulting in the production of vast amounts of documentation. Even today, hundreds of samples are allocated for research each year, building on the science foundation laid down by the early Apollo sample studies and combining new data from today's instrumentation, lunar remote sensing missions and lunar meteorites. Much sample information is available to researchers at curator.jsc.nasa.gov. Decades of analyses on lunar samples are published in LPSC proceedings volumes and other peer-reviewed journals, and tabulated in lunar sample compendia entries. However, for much of the 1969-1995 period, the processing documentation, individual and consortia analyses, and unpublished results exist only in analog forms or primitive digital formats that are either inaccessible or at risk of being lost forever because critical data from early investigators remain unpublished.

Direct sample introduction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for the determination of haloanisole compounds in cork stoppers.

PubMed

Cacho, J I; Nicolás, J; Viñas, P; Campillo, N; Hernández-Córdoba, M

2016-12-02

A solventless analytical method is proposed for analyzing the compounds responsible for cork taint in cork stoppers. Direct sample introduction (DSI) is evaluated as a sample introduction system for the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) determination of four haloanisoles (HAs) in cork samples. Several parameters affecting the DSI step, including desorption temperature and time, gas flow rate and other focusing parameters, were optimized using univariate and multivariate approaches. The proposed method shows high sensitivity and minimises sample handling, with detection limits of 1.6-2.6ngg -1 , depending on the compound. The suitability of the optimized procedure as a screening method was evaluated by obtaining decision limits (CCα) and detection capabilities (CCβ) for each analyte, which were found to be in 6.9-11.8 and 8.7-14.8ngg -1 , respectively, depending on the compound. Twenty-four cork samples were analysed, and 2,4,6-trichloroanisole was found in four of them at levels between 12.6 and 53ngg -1 . Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Procedure to Respond and Handle Personally Identifiable Information Incidents at EPA

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This procedure seeks to assist Environmental Protection Agency Officials in conducting their duties in the event of a PII incident by providing practical guidance on responding to incidents effectively and efficiently via the use of a incident taxonomy.

Biodiesel Handling and Use Guide (Fifth Edition)

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

Alleman, Teresa L.; McCormick, Robert L.; Christensen, Earl D.

This document is a guide for those who blend, distribute, and use biodiesel and biodiesel blends. It provides basic information on the proper and safe use of biodiesel and biodiesel blends in engines and boilers, and is intended to help fleets, individual users, blenders, distributors, and those involved in related activities understand procedures for handling and using biodiesel fuels.

Biodiesel Handling and Use Guide (Fifth Edition)

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

Alleman, Teresa L.; McCormick, Robert L.; Christensen, Earl D.

2016-11-08

This document is a guide for those who blend, distribute, and use biodiesel and biodiesel blends. It provides basic information on the proper and safe use of biodiesel and biodiesel blends in engines and boilers, and is intended to help fleets, individual users, blenders, distributors, and those involved in related activities understand procedures for handling and using biodiesel fuels.

76 FR 45309 - Social Security Ruling 11-1p; Titles II and XVI: Procedures for Handling Requests To File...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-28

... SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION [Docket No. SSA-2011-0057] Social Security Ruling 11-1p; Titles II... AGENCY: Social Security Administration. ACTION: Notice of Social Security Ruling (SSR) SUMMARY: We are... administrative review process. This change will allow us to more efficiently use our limited resources to handle...

Elimination of ``memory`` from sample handling and inlet system of a mass spectrometer

DOEpatents

Chastgner, P.

1991-05-08

This paper describes a method for preparing the sample handling and inlet system of a mass spectrometer for analysis of a subsequent sample following analysis of a previous sample comprising the flushing of the system interior with supercritical CO{sub 2} and venting the interior. The method eliminates the effect of system ``memory`` on the subsequent analysis, especially following persistent samples such as xenon and krypton.

An in-flight simulator investigation of roll and yaw control power requirements for STOL approach and landing: Development of capability and preliminary results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ellis, D. R.; Raisinghani, S. C.

1979-01-01

A six-degree-of-freedom variable-response research aircraft was used to determine the minimum lateral-directional control power required for desirable and acceptable levels of handling qualities for the STOL landing approach task in a variety of simulated atmospheric disturbance conditions for a range of lateral-directional response characteristics. Topics covered include the in-flight simulator, crosswind simulation, turbulence simulation, test configurations, and evaluation procedures. Conclusions based on a limited sampling of simulated STOL transport configurations flown to touchdown out of 6 deg, 75 kt MLS approaches, usually with a sidestep maneuver are discussed.

Organic Contamination Baseline Study on NASA JSC Astromaterial Curation Gloveboxes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Calaway, Michael J.; Allton, J. H.; Allen, C. C.; Burkett, P. J.

2013-01-01

Future planned sample return missions to carbon-rich asteroids and Mars in the next two decades will require strict handling and curation protocols as well as new procedures for reducing organic contamination. After the Apollo program, astromaterial collections have mainly been concerned with inorganic contamination [1-4]. However, future isolation containment systems for astromaterials, possibly nitrogen enriched gloveboxes, must be able to reduce organic and inorganic cross-contamination. In 2012, a baseline study was orchestrated to establish the current state of organic cleanliness in gloveboxes used by NASA JSC astromaterials curation labs that could be used as a benchmark for future mission designs.

Statistical power analyses using G*Power 3.1: tests for correlation and regression analyses.

PubMed

Faul, Franz; Erdfelder, Edgar; Buchner, Axel; Lang, Albert-Georg

2009-11-01

G*Power is a free power analysis program for a variety of statistical tests. We present extensions and improvements of the version introduced by Faul, Erdfelder, Lang, and Buchner (2007) in the domain of correlation and regression analyses. In the new version, we have added procedures to analyze the power of tests based on (1) single-sample tetrachoric correlations, (2) comparisons of dependent correlations, (3) bivariate linear regression, (4) multiple linear regression based on the random predictor model, (5) logistic regression, and (6) Poisson regression. We describe these new features and provide a brief introduction to their scope and handling.

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

A. Alfonsi; C. Rabiti; D. Mandelli

The Reactor Analysis and Virtual control ENviroment (RAVEN) code is a software tool that acts as the control logic driver and post-processing engine for the newly developed Thermal-Hydraulic code RELAP-7. RAVEN is now a multi-purpose Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) software framework that allows dispatching different functionalities: Derive and actuate the control logic required to simulate the plant control system and operator actions (guided procedures), allowing on-line monitoring/controlling in the Phase Space Perform both Monte-Carlo sampling of random distributed events and Dynamic Event Tree based analysis Facilitate the input/output handling through a Graphical User Interface (GUI) and a post-processing data miningmore » module« less

Formation of Monolayers by the Coadsorption of Thiols on Gold: Variation in the Length of the Head Group, Tail Group, and Solvent

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-05-01

The lack of a stable gold oxide1 9 obviates the need for special handling procedures and simplifies analysis by ellipsometry (the optical constants... analysis of a series of samples of varying composition. The standard error in both the O(ls) intensity and O/Au ratio was 3%. The O(ls) and Au(4f7/2...involved in the analysis of the XPS data. -0.5 120 Water 0.0 -90 COSOa 0.5 60 ,30 1.0. , 0 0.6 H Bromide 50 e Nitrile 0.7 0 Alcohol 0 Carboxylic

Normalization of gene expression measurement of tissue samples obtained by transurethral resection of bladder tumors.

PubMed

Pop, Laura A; Pileczki, Valentina; Cojocneanu-Petric, Roxana M; Petrut, Bogdan; Braicu, Cornelia; Jurj, Ancuta M; Buiga, Rares; Achimas-Cadariu, Patriciu; Berindan-Neagoe, Ioana

2016-01-01

Sample processing is a crucial step for all types of genomic studies. A major challenge for researchers is to understand and predict how RNA quality affects the identification of transcriptional differences (by introducing either false-positive or false-negative errors). Nanotechnologies help improve the quality and quantity control for gene expression studies. The study was performed on 14 tumor and matched normal pairs of tissue from patients with bladder urothelial carcinomas. We assessed the RNA quantity by using the NanoDrop spectrophotometer and the quality by nano-microfluidic capillary electrophoresis technology provided by Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer. We evaluated the amplification status of three housekeeping genes and one small nuclear RNA gene using the ViiA 7 platform, with specific primers. Every step of the sample handling protocol, which begins with sample harvest and ends with the data analysis, is of utmost importance due to the fact that it is time consuming, labor intensive, and highly expensive. High temperature of the surgical procedure does not affect the small nucleic acid sequences in comparison with the mRNA. Gene expression is clearly affected by the RNA quality, but less affected in the case of small nuclear RNAs. We proved that the high-temperature, highly invasive transurethral resection of bladder tumor procedure damages the tissue and affects the integrity of the RNA from biological specimens.

Normalization of gene expression measurement of tissue samples obtained by transurethral resection of bladder tumors

PubMed Central

Pop, Laura A; Pileczki, Valentina; Cojocneanu-Petric, Roxana M; Petrut, Bogdan; Braicu, Cornelia; Jurj, Ancuta M; Buiga, Rares; Achimas-Cadariu, Patriciu; Berindan-Neagoe, Ioana

2016-01-01

Background Sample processing is a crucial step for all types of genomic studies. A major challenge for researchers is to understand and predict how RNA quality affects the identification of transcriptional differences (by introducing either false-positive or false-negative errors). Nanotechnologies help improve the quality and quantity control for gene expression studies. Patients and methods The study was performed on 14 tumor and matched normal pairs of tissue from patients with bladder urothelial carcinomas. We assessed the RNA quantity by using the NanoDrop spectrophotometer and the quality by nano-microfluidic capillary electrophoresis technology provided by Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer. We evaluated the amplification status of three housekeeping genes and one small nuclear RNA gene using the ViiA 7 platform, with specific primers. Results Every step of the sample handling protocol, which begins with sample harvest and ends with the data analysis, is of utmost importance due to the fact that it is time consuming, labor intensive, and highly expensive. High temperature of the surgical procedure does not affect the small nucleic acid sequences in comparison with the mRNA. Conclusion Gene expression is clearly affected by the RNA quality, but less affected in the case of small nuclear RNAs. We proved that the high-temperature, highly invasive transurethral resection of bladder tumor procedure damages the tissue and affects the integrity of the RNA from biological specimens. PMID:27330317

Physical examination of swine.

PubMed

Masters, B J; Hamilton, M; Masters, P G

1992-07-01

Swine may be examined to evaluate a disease state or a lowered economic performance or as a herd health consultation. As much of the examination as possible should be performed without handling the animal. A thorough history, evaluation of herd records, environmental examination, and herd examination should be performed prior to the evaluation of an individual animal. All necessary equipment should be available when starting the individual examination. The animals is then restrained and examined, and necessary samples are taken. Post-mortem examinations or slaughter house evaluations are a very frequent part of a health examination on swine. All samples taken should be in accordance with the standards of the laboratory that you use. You should work closely with the laboratory to obtain the best results. Physical examination of swine can be rewarding for the veterinarian as well as the producer. The most important aspect to remember is to have enough information and the proper equipment available to handle the animals for the minimal amount of time to gain the maximum benefits. Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs are similar to domestic swine in terms of their diseases and health but are dissimilar in management; pot-bellied pigs are frequently brought to the veterinarian for individual examinations. History is the most valuable part of the examination, followed by observation. Pot-bellied pigs prefer to be held securely with a hand under the chin and rump. The examination is conducted similarly to the examination of any companion animal. Chemical restraint often is necessary for sampling or minor surgical procedures. Owners should be consulted prior to the use of any restraint. This will help win their approval and confidence when working on their pets. While performing the physical examination, look at the pig's overall health as well as specific breed characteristics. Try to stay abreast of swine vaccination recommendations; you may be consulted in this regard. Most importantly, never forget even though they are pigs, pot-bellied pigs are companion animals and should be handled as such.

External Quality Assurance Programs Managed by the U.S. Geological Survey in Support of the National Atmospheric Deposition Program/Mercury Deposition Network

USGS Publications Warehouse

Latysh, Natalie E.; Wetherbee, Gregory A.

2007-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Branch of Quality Systems operates external quality assurance programs for the National Atmospheric Deposition Program/Mercury Deposition Network (NADP/MDN). Beginning in 2004, three programs have been implemented: the system blank program, the interlaboratory comparison program, and the blind audit program. Each program was designed to measure error contributed by specific components in the data-collection process. The system blank program assesses contamination that may result from sampling equipment, field exposure, and routine handling and processing of the wet-deposition samples. The interlaboratory comparison program evaluates bias and precision of analytical results produced by the Mercury Analytical Laboratory (HAL) for the NADP/MDN, operated by Frontier GeoSciences, Inc. The HAL's performance is compared with the performance of five other laboratories. The blind audit program assesses bias and variability of MDN data produced by the HAL using solutions disguised as environmental samples to ascertain true laboratory performance. This report documents the implementation of quality assurance procedures for the NADP/MDN and the operating procedures for each of the external quality assurance programs conducted by the USGS. The USGS quality assurance information provides a measure of confidence to NADP/MDN data users that measurement variability is distinguished from environmental signals.

Magnetic dispersive solid-phase extraction based on modified magnetic nanoparticles for the detection of cocaine and cocaine metabolites in human urine by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Yang, Feiyu; Zou, Yun; Ni, Chunfang; Wang, Rong; Wu, Min; Liang, Chen; Zhang, Jiabin; Yuan, Xiaoliang; Liu, Wenbin

2017-11-01

An easy-to-handle magnetic dispersive solid-phase extraction procedure was developed for preconcentration and extraction of cocaine and cocaine metabolites in human urine. Divinyl benzene and vinyl pyrrolidone functionalized silanized Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles were synthesized and used as adsorbents in this procedure. Scanning electron microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, and infrared spectroscopy were employed to characterize the modified adsorbents. A high-performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry method for determination of cocaine and its metabolites in human urine sample has been developed with pretreatment of the samples by magnetic dispersive solid-phase extraction. The obtained results demonstrated the higher extraction capacity of the prepared nanoparticles with recoveries between 75.1 to 105.7% and correlation coefficients higher than 0.9971. The limits of detection for the cocaine and cocaine metabolites were 0.09-1.10 ng/mL. The proposed magnetic dispersive solid-phase extraction method provided a rapid, environmentally friendly and magnetic stuff recyclable approach and it was confirmed that the prepared adsorbents material was a kind of highly effective extraction materials for the trace cocaine and cocaine metabolites analyses in human urine. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Constrained Self-adaptive Solutions Procedures for Structure Subject to High Temperature Elastic-plastic Creep Effects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Padovan, J.; Tovichakchaikul, S.

1983-01-01

This paper will develop a new solution strategy which can handle elastic-plastic-creep problems in an inherently stable manner. This is achieved by introducing a new constrained time stepping algorithm which will enable the solution of creep initiated pre/postbuckling behavior where indefinite tangent stiffnesses are encountered. Due to the generality of the scheme, both monotone and cyclic loading histories can be handled. The presentation will give a thorough overview of current solution schemes and their short comings, the development of constrained time stepping algorithms as well as illustrate the results of several numerical experiments which benchmark the new procedure.

A Framework for Dynamic Constraint Reasoning Using Procedural Constraints

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jonsson, Ari K.; Frank, Jeremy D.

1999-01-01

Many complex real-world decision and control problems contain an underlying constraint reasoning problem. This is particularly evident in a recently developed approach to planning, where almost all planning decisions are represented by constrained variables. This translates a significant part of the planning problem into a constraint network whose consistency determines the validity of the plan candidate. Since higher-level choices about control actions can add or remove variables and constraints, the underlying constraint network is invariably highly dynamic. Arbitrary domain-dependent constraints may be added to the constraint network and the constraint reasoning mechanism must be able to handle such constraints effectively. Additionally, real problems often require handling constraints over continuous variables. These requirements present a number of significant challenges for a constraint reasoning mechanism. In this paper, we introduce a general framework for handling dynamic constraint networks with real-valued variables, by using procedures to represent and effectively reason about general constraints. The framework is based on a sound theoretical foundation, and can be proven to be sound and complete under well-defined conditions. Furthermore, the framework provides hybrid reasoning capabilities, as alternative solution methods like mathematical programming can be incorporated into the framework, in the form of procedures.

An experimental investigation of 235 sub UF sub 6 fission produced plasmas. [gas handling system for use with nuclear pumped laser experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miley, G. H.

1981-01-01

A gas handling system capable of use with uranium fluoride was designed and constructed for use with nuclear pumped laser experiments using the TRIGA research reactor. By employing careful design and temperature controls, the UF6 can be first transported into the irradiation chamber, and then, at the conclusion of the experiment, returned to gas cylinders. The design of the system is described. Operating procedures for the UF6 and gas handling systems are included.

A microfluidics-based technique for automated and rapid labeling of cells for flow cytometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patibandla, Phani K.; Estrada, Rosendo; Kannan, Manasaa; Sethu, Palaniappan

2014-03-01

Flow cytometry is a powerful technique capable of simultaneous multi-parametric analysis of heterogeneous cell populations for research and clinical applications. In recent years, the flow cytometer has been miniaturized and made portable for application in clinical- and resource-limited settings. The sample preparation procedure, i.e. labeling of cells with antibodies conjugated to fluorescent labels, is a time consuming (˜45 min) and labor-intensive procedure. Microfluidics provides enabling technologies to accomplish rapid and automated sample preparation. Using an integrated microfluidic device consisting of a labeling and washing module, we demonstrate a new protocol that can eliminate sample handling and accomplish sample and reagent metering, high-efficiency mixing, labeling and washing in rapid automated fashion. The labeling module consists of a long microfluidic channel with an integrated chaotic mixer. Samples and reagents are precisely metered into this device to accomplish rapid and high-efficiency mixing. The mixed sample and reagents are collected in a holding syringe and held for up to 8 min following which the mixture is introduced into an inertial washing module to obtain ‘analysis-ready’ samples. The washing module consists of a high aspect ratio channel capable of focusing cells to equilibrium positions close to the channel walls. By introducing the cells and labeling reagents in a narrow stream at the center of the channel flanked on both sides by a wash buffer, the elution of cells into the wash buffer away from the free unbound antibodies is accomplished. After initial calibration experiments to determine appropriate ‘holding time’ to allow antibody binding, both modules were used in conjunction to label MOLT-3 cells (T lymphoblast cell line) with three different antibodies simultaneously. Results confirm no significant difference in mean fluorescence intensity values for all three antibodies labels (p < 0.01) between the conventional procedure (45 min) and our microfluidic approach (12 min).

Grievance Procedures.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eisenhower, R. Warren

Because grievances are unavoidable, it is essential for organizations, such as the schools, to utilize an efficient, effective procedure to handle friction between employers and employees. Through successive steps, representatives of labor and management attempt to resolve the grievance, first with meetings of lower level representatives (such as…

Airborne microorganisms associated with grain handling.

PubMed

Swan, J R; Crook, B

1998-01-01

There is substantial evidence that workers handling grain develop allergic respiratory symptoms. Microbiological contaminants are likely to be a significant contributing factor. Worker's exposure to microorganisms contaminating grain dust in the UK was therefore examined. Aerobiological studies were made when grain was being handled on farms and also during bulk handling of grain in dockside terminals. A quantitative and qualitative microbiological examination of the airborne grain dust was carried out. Samples of airborne grain dust were collected and viable bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes were grown, isolated and identified. It was found that workers handling grain or working close to grain at farms and docks were frequently exposed to more than 1 million bacteria and fungi per m3 air, and that airborne bacteria and fungi exceeded 10(4) per m3 air in all areas sampled. The qualitative examination of the samples showed that the predominant microorganisms present differed between freshly harvested grain and stored grain, but not between different types of grain.

SAMPLE COLLECTION AND HANDLING FOR MICROBIOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF BIOSOLIDS

EPA Science Inventory

The objective of this presentation is to discuss sample collection and handling methods currently in use for detection and enumeration of microorganisms in biosolids and municipal wastewater sludges. Untreated sludges and biosolids are rarely homogeneous and present a challenge ...

Installation Restoration General Environmental Technology Development. Task 6. Materials Handling of Explosive Contaminated Soil and Sediment.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-06-01

of chemical analysis and sensitivity testing on material samples . At this 4 time, these samples must be packaged and...preparation at a rate of three samples per hour. One analyst doing both sample preparation and the HPLC analysis can run 16 samples in an 8-hour day. II... study , sensitivity testing was reviewed to enable recommendations for complete analysis of contaminated soils. Materials handling techniques,

Effects of core retrieval, handling, and preservation on hydrate-bearing samples

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kneafsey, T. J.; Lu, H.; Winters, W. J.; Hunter, R. B.

2009-12-01

Recovery, preservation, storage, and transport of samples containing natural gas hydrate cause changes in the stress conditions, temperature, pressure, and hydrate saturation of samples. Sample handling at the ground surface and sample preservation, either by freezing in liquid nitrogen (LN) or repressurization using methane, provides additional time and driving forces for sample alteration. The extent to which these disturbances alter the properties of the hydrate bearing sediments (HBS) depend on specific sample handling techniques, as well as on the sample itself. HBS recovered during India’s National Gas Hydrate Program (NGHP) Expedition 01 and the 2007 BP Exploration Alaska - Department of Energy - U.S. Geological Survey (BP-DOE-USGS) Mount Elbert (ME) gas hydrate well on the Alaskan North Slope provide comparisons of sample alterations induced by multiple handling techniques. HBS samples from the NGHP and the ME projects were examined using x-ray computed tomography. Mount Elbert sand samples initially preserved in LN have non-uniform short “crack-like” low-density zones in the center that probably do not extend to the outside perimeter. Samples initially preserved by repressurization show fewer “crack-like” features and higher densities. Two samples were analyzed in detail by Lu and coworkers showing reduced hydrate saturations approaching the outer surface, while substantial hydrate remained in the central region. Non-pressure cored NGHP samples show relatively large altered regions approaching the core surface, while pressure-cored-liquid-nitrogen preserved samples have much less alteration.

Myrcia sylvatica essential oil mitigates molecular, biochemical and physiological alterations in Rhamdia quelen under different stress events associated to transport.

PubMed

Saccol, Etiane M H; Jerez-Cepa, Ismael; Ourique, Giovana M; Pês, Tanise S; Gressler, Luciane T; Mourão, Rosa H V; Martínez-Rodríguez, Gonzalo; Mancera, Juan M; Baldisserotto, Bernardo; Pavanato, Maria A; Martos-Sitcha, Juan A

2018-04-01

The effects of pre-transport handling and addition of essential oil of Myrcia sylvatica (EOMS) during transport on stress pathways activation in Rhamdia quelen were investigated. Fish (n=400, 25.2±2.9g) were captured in production ponds and transferred to 100-L tank (density 100g L -1 ). After 24h, 10 fish were sampled (before transport group). The remaining fish were placed in plastic bags (n=30 or 32 fish per bag, density 150g L -1 ) containing 5L of water (control), ethanol (315μLL -1 , vehicle) or EOMS (25 or 35μLL -1 ), in triplicate, transported for 6h and sampled (n=10 animals per group). Indicators of stress and metabolism, as well as mRNA expression of brain hormones were evaluated. Previously, full-length cDNAs, encoding specific corticotropin-releasing hormone (crh) and proopiomelanocortins (pomca and pomcb), were cloned from whole brain of R. quelen. Crh expression increased after 24h of capture and handling, whereas cortisol and glucose plasmatics enhanced their values in the control group. Transport with EOMS reduced plasma cortisol and lactate levels, while ethanol and EOMS groups increased Na + /K + -ATPase gill activity compared to control. Gene expression of crh, pomcb, prolactin and somatolactin mRNAs were lower after transport with EOMS compared to control. EOMS was able to mitigate the stress pathways activation caused by transport, maintaining a balance in body homeostasis. Thus, EOMS is recommended as sedative in procedures as transport and the pre-transport handling requires greater attention and use of tranquilizers. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Environmental and biological monitoring of platinum-containing drugs in two hospital pharmacies using positive air pressure isolators.

PubMed

Kopp, Bettina; Crauste-Manciet, Sylvie; Guibert, Agnès; Mourier, Wilhelmine; Guerrault-Moro, Marie-Noelle; Ferrari, Sylvie; Jomier, Jean-Yves; Brossard, Denis; Schierl, Rudolf

2013-04-01

Environmental and biological monitoring of platinum containing drugs was implemented in two French hospital pharmacies using positive air pressure isolators and having similar working procedures when preparing antineoplastic drugs. Wipe sampling of surfaces, gloves, and vials was performed in the preparation room and in storage areas. All employees involved in the preparation of antineoplastic drugs were tested for urinary platinum on Monday before work and Friday after shift. Only traces of platinum were detected on surfaces in the preparation room outside the isolators (less than 1.61 pg cm(-2)). However, in one center, significant contamination was found in the storage area of the drug vials, which can most likely be linked to the rupture of a platinum vial and due to inefficient cleaning procedures. Surfaces inside the isolators were found to be contaminated (maximum: 198.4 pg cm(-2)). A higher level of contamination was detected in one pharmacy and could be explained by the lack of overgloving with regular changes during the preparation process. Nitrile gloves used during drug handling outside the isolator showed the highest platinum concentration (maximum: 5.86 ng per pair). With regards to platinum urine concentration, no significant difference was found between exposed and unexposed pharmacy personnel. Isolator technology combined with individual protective measures seems to be efficient to protect workers from occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs, whereas specific individual protective procedures implemented were focussing on the risk of handling vials outside the isolator (e.g. high frequency of glove changing). Moreover, overgloving inside the isolator would contribute to substantially decrease inner surface contamination and should be recommended in order to limit the transfer of chemical contamination to the end products.

Basic technique for solid lesions: Cytology, core, or both?

PubMed Central

Hébert-Magee, Shantel

2014-01-01

This chapter highlights key fundamentals relevant to post-procurement tissue handling of materials obtains by aspiration and/or biopsy and details the subtle techniques that can significantly impact patient management and practice patterns. A basic knowledge of tissue handling and processing is imperative for endosonographers who attempt to achieve a greater than 95% diagnostic accuracy with their tissue-acquisition procedures. PMID:24949408

SOS! Help for Parents: A Practical Guide for Handling Common Everyday Behavior Problems [With Video Leader's Guide].

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clark, Lynn

This book provides parents with guidance for handling a variety of common behavior problems based on the behavioral approach to child rearing and discipline. This approach suggests that good and bad behavior are both learned and can be changed, and proposes specific methods, skills, procedures, and strategies for parents to use in getting improved…

40 CFR 160.90 - Animal and other test system care.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... PROGRAMS GOOD LABORATORY PRACTICE STANDARDS Testing Facilities Operation § 160.90 Animal and other test system care. (a) There shall be standard operating procedures for the housing, feeding, handling, and... terrestrial amphibians used in laboratory procedures that require manipulations and observations over an...

40 CFR 160.90 - Animal and other test system care.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... PROGRAMS GOOD LABORATORY PRACTICE STANDARDS Testing Facilities Operation § 160.90 Animal and other test system care. (a) There shall be standard operating procedures for the housing, feeding, handling, and... terrestrial amphibians used in laboratory procedures that require manipulations and observations over an...

40 CFR 160.90 - Animal and other test system care.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... PROGRAMS GOOD LABORATORY PRACTICE STANDARDS Testing Facilities Operation § 160.90 Animal and other test system care. (a) There shall be standard operating procedures for the housing, feeding, handling, and... terrestrial amphibians used in laboratory procedures that require manipulations and observations over an...

40 CFR 160.90 - Animal and other test system care.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... PROGRAMS GOOD LABORATORY PRACTICE STANDARDS Testing Facilities Operation § 160.90 Animal and other test system care. (a) There shall be standard operating procedures for the housing, feeding, handling, and... terrestrial amphibians used in laboratory procedures that require manipulations and observations over an...

40 CFR 160.90 - Animal and other test system care.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... PROGRAMS GOOD LABORATORY PRACTICE STANDARDS Testing Facilities Operation § 160.90 Animal and other test system care. (a) There shall be standard operating procedures for the housing, feeding, handling, and... terrestrial amphibians used in laboratory procedures that require manipulations and observations over an...

40 CFR 62.14620 - What site-specific documentation is required?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... POLLUTANTS Federal Plan Requirements for Commercial and Industrial Solid Waste Incineration Units That...) Procedures for receiving, handling, and charging waste. (3) Incinerator startup, shutdown, and malfunction... limits. (7) Reporting and recordkeeping procedures. (8) The waste management plan required under §§ 62...

21 CFR 58.81 - Standard operating procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... quality and integrity of the data generated in the course of a study. All deviations in a study from... data. Significant changes in established standard operating procedures shall be properly authorized in... following: (1) Animal room preparation. (2) Animal care. (3) Receipt, identification, storage, handling...

DEVELOPMENT OF A TAMPER RESISTANT/INDICATING AEROSOL COLLECTION SYSTEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SAMPLING AT BULK HANDLING FACILITIES

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

Sexton, L.

2012-06-06

Environmental sampling has become a key component of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards approaches since its approval for use in 1996. Environmental sampling supports the IAEA's mission of drawing conclusions concerning the absence of undeclared nuclear material or nuclear activities in a Nation State. Swipe sampling is the most commonly used method for the collection of environmental samples from bulk handling facilities. However, augmenting swipe samples with an air monitoring system, which could continuously draw samples from the environment of bulk handling facilities, could improve the possibility of the detection of undeclared activities. Continuous sampling offers the opportunity tomore » collect airborne materials before they settle onto surfaces which can be decontaminated, taken into existing duct work, filtered by plant ventilation, or escape via alternate pathways (i.e. drains, doors). Researchers at the Savannah River National Laboratory and Oak Ridge National Laboratory have been working to further develop an aerosol collection technology that could be installed at IAEA safeguarded bulk handling facilities. The addition of this technology may reduce the number of IAEA inspector visits required to effectively collect samples. The principal sample collection device is a patented Aerosol Contaminant Extractor (ACE) which utilizes electrostatic precipitation principles to deposit particulates onto selected substrates. Recent work has focused on comparing traditional swipe sampling to samples collected via an ACE system, and incorporating tamper resistant and tamper indicating (TRI) technologies into the ACE system. Development of a TRI-ACE system would allow collection of samples at uranium/plutonium bulk handling facilities in a manner that ensures sample integrity and could be an important addition to the international nuclear safeguards inspector's toolkit. This work was supported by the Next Generation Safeguards Initiative (NGSI), Office of Nonproliferation and International Security (NIS), National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).« less

Procedures for Handling Retaliation Complaints Under Section 31307 of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). Final rule.

PubMed

2016-12-14

On March 16, 2016, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of the U.S. Department of Labor (Department) issued an interim final rule (IFR) that provided procedures for the Department's processing of complaints under the employee protection (retaliation or whistleblower) provisions of Section 31307 of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). The IFR established procedures and time frames for the handling of retaliation complaints under MAP-21, including procedures and time frames for employee complaints to OSHA, investigations by OSHA, appeals of OSHA determinations to an administrative law judge (ALJ) for a hearing de novo, hearings by ALJs, review of ALJ decisions by the Administrative Review Board (ARB) (acting on behalf of the Secretary of Labor) and judicial review of the Secretary's final decision. It also set forth the Department's interpretations of the MAP-21 whistleblower provisions on certain matters. This final rule adopts, without change, the IFR.

Simulation of time-control procedures for terminal area flow management

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alcabin, M.; Erzberger, H.; Tobias, L.; Obrien, P. J.

1985-01-01

Simulations of a terminal area traffic-management system incorporating automated scheduling and time-control (four-dimensional) techniques conducted at NASA Ames Research Center jointly with the Federal Aviation Administration, have shown that efficient procedures can be developed for handling a mix of 4D-equipped and conventionally equipped aircraft. A crucial role in this system is played by an ATC host computer algorithm, referred to as a speed advisory, that allows controllers to maintain accurate time schedules of the conventionally equipped aircraft in the traffic mix. Results are of the most recent simulations in which two important special cases were investigated. First, the effects of a speed advisory on touchdown time scheduling are examined, when unequipped aircraft are constrained to follow fuel-optimized profiles in the near-terminal area, and rescheduling procedures are developed to handle missed approaches of 4D-equipped aircraft. Various performance measures, including controller opinion, are used to evaluate the effectiveness of the procedures.

Automated total and radioactive strontium separation and preconcentration in samples of environmental interest exploiting a lab-on-valve system.

PubMed

Rodríguez, Rogelio; Avivar, Jessica; Ferrer, Laura; Leal, Luz O; Cerdà, Victor

2012-07-15

A novel lab-on-valve system has been developed for strontium determination in environmental samples. Miniaturized lab-on-valve system potentially offers facilities to allow any kind of chemical and physical processes, including fluidic and microcarrier bead control, homogenous reaction and liquid-solid interaction. A rapid, inexpensive and fully automated method for the separation and preconcentration of total and radioactive strontium, using a solid phase extraction material (Sr-Resin), has been developed. Total strontium concentrations are determined by ICP-OES and (90)Sr activities by a low background proportional counter. The method has been successfully applied to different water samples of environmental interest. The proposed system offers minimization of sample handling, drastic reduction of reagent volume, improvement of the reproducibility and sample throughput and attains a significant decrease of both time and cost per analysis. The LLD of the total Sr reached is 1.8ng and the minimum detectable activity for (90)Sr is 0.008Bq. The repeatability of the separation procedure is 1.2% (n=10). Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Haematological effects of 2-phenoxyethanol and etomidate in carp (Cyprinus carpio L.).

PubMed

Witeska, Malgorzata; Dudyk, Joanna; Jarkiewicz, Natalia

2015-09-01

To evaluate the effects of handling alone versus handling under anaesthesia with 2-phenoxyethanol or etomidate on haematological parameters in carp. Prospective, randomized, laboratory experiment. Seventy-two juvenile carp (Cyprinus carpio) weighing 35.9 ± 10.4 g were divided into six groups of 12 fish. Either 2-phenoxyethanol or 2% etomidate were administered to induce deep anaesthesia (0.3 mL L(-1) and 0.6 mL L(-1) , respectively) or deep sedation (0.15 mL L(-1) and 0.3 mL L(-1) , respectively). Fish were handled with and without sedation. Blood was sampled at 1 hour and 1 week post-treatment. Phagocyte oxidative activity [nitrotetrazolium blue reduction test (NBT)] and differential erythrocyte [red blood cell (RBC)] and leukocyte (white blood cell) counts were evaluated. At 1 hour after the induction of anaesthesia, haematocrit (Ht) and haemoglobin (Hb) were increased in fish anaesthetized with 2-phenoxyethanol, and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) was increased in fish anaesthetized with etomidate. At 1 week, an increase in RBC, erythroblastosis, erythrocyte damage, lymphopenia, neutrophilia, monocytosis and thrombocytosis occurred in both groups. Red blood parameters did not change 1 hour after handling alone, but after 1 week Ht, Hb and mean cell volume decreased, whereas MCH concentration (MCHC) and abnormal erythrocytes increased. Lymphopenia, neutrophilia, monocytosis, thrombocytosis and a decrease in NBT occurred. Fish handled under sedation showed an increase in Hb and MCHC followed by a decrease at 1 week in Ht, Hb and MCH, erythroblastosis and increased abnormal erythrocytes. Lymphopenia and neutrophilia were less pronounced than in fish handled without sedation, but a decrease in NBT was noted at 1 week post-treatment. Deep anaesthesia with 2-phenoxyethanol or etomidate induced significant haematological alterations in juvenile carp. Deep sedation reduced the immediate immunosuppressive effects of handling but did not eliminate longterm effects. These anaesthetics should be avoided during experimental procedures involving haematological measurements. In contexts that require the short-term handling of carp, these drugs should be used with caution in view of their possible side effects. © 2014 Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists and the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia.

Promoting positive states: the effect of early human handling on play and exploratory behaviour in pigs.

PubMed

Zupan, M; Rehn, T; de Oliveira, D; Keeling, L J

2016-01-01

It is known that tactile stimulation (TS) during ontogeny modifies brain plasticity and enhances the motor and cognitive skills. Our hypothesis was that early handling including TS would increase play and exploratory behaviour in commercial pigs under standardized test conditions. Piglets from 13 litters were subjected to three handling treatments from 5 to 35 days of age: all the piglets were handled (H), none of the piglets were handled (NH) or half of the piglets in the litter were handled (50/50). At 42 days of age, the pigs' behaviour was observed in pairs in a novel pen with a 'toy' (tug rope). The main results were that more locomotor play was performed by pigs from litters where all or half of them had been handled, whereas social exploratory behaviour was more pronounced in pigs from litters where half of them had been handled. Although behaviour was affected by the interaction of treatment with sex or with weight category, we propose that the handling procedure does seem to have acted to increase locomotor skills and that handling half of the piglets in the litter may have triggered a series of socio-emotional interactions that were beneficial for the whole group.

Optical properties of hydroxyapatite obtained by mechanical alloying

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Silva, C. C.; Thomazini, D.; Pinheiro, A. G.; Lanciotti, F.; Sasaki, J. M.; Góes, J. C.; Sombra, A. S. B.

2002-09-01

Calcium phosphate based bioceramics, mainly in the form of hydroxyapatite (HA), have been in use in medicine and dentistry for the last 20 years. Applications include coatings of orthopaedic and dental implants, alveolar ridge augmentation, maxillofacial surgery, otolaryngology, and scaffolds for bone growth and as powders in total hip and knee surgery. These materials exhibit several problems of handling and fabrication, which can be overcome by mixing with a suitable binder. In this paper, mechanical alloying has been used successfully to produce nanocrystalline powders of HA using five different experimental procedures. The milled HA were studied by X-ray powder diffraction, infrared and Raman scattering spectroscopy. For four different procedures, HA was obtained after a couple of hours of milling (on an average, 20 h of milling depending on the reaction procedure). The XRD patterns indicate that the grain size is within the range of 29-103 nm. This milling process, used to produce HA, presents the advantage that melting is not necessary and the powder obtained is nanocrystalline with extraordinary mechanical properties. The material can be compacted and transformed in solid ceramic samples. The high efficiency of the process opens a way to produce commercial amount of nanocrystalline HA. Due to the nanocrystalline character of this powder, their mechanical properties have changed and for this reason a pressure of 1 GPa is enough to shape the sample into any geometry.

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

Goudeau, Danielle; Nath, Nandita; Ciobanu, Doina

Our approach to prokaryotic single-cell Whole Genome Amplification at the JGI continues to evolve. To increase both the quality and number of single-cell genomes produced, we explore all aspects of the process from cell sorting to sequencing. For example, we now utilize specialized reagents, acoustic liquid handling, and reduced reaction volumes eliminate non-target DNA contamination in WGA reactions. More specifically, we use a cleaner commercial WGA kit from Qiagen that employs a UV decontamination procedure initially developed at the JGI, and we use the Labcyte Echo for tip-less liquid transfer to set up 2uL reactions. Acoustic liquid handling also dramaticallymore » reduces reagent costs. In addition, we are exploring new cell lysis methods including treatment with Proteinase K, lysozyme, and other detergents, in order to complement standard alkaline lysis and allow for more efficient disruption of a wider range of cells. Incomplete lysis represents a major hurdle for WGA on some environmental samples, especially rhizosphere, peatland, and other soils. Finding effective lysis strategies that are also compatible with WGA is challenging, and we are currently assessing the impact of various strategies on genome recovery.« less

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Proficiency Testing on Small-Scale Safety and Thermal Testing of Improvised Explosives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reynolds, John; Sandstrom, Mary; Brown, Geoffrey; Warner, Kirstin; Phillips, Jason; Shelley, Timothy; Reyes, Jose; Hsu, Peter

2013-06-01

One of the first steps in establishing safe handling procedures for explosives is small-scale safety and thermal (SSST) testing. To better understand the response of improvised materials or HMEs to SSST testing, 18 HME materials were compared to 3 standard military explosives in a proficiency-type round robin study among five laboratories--2 DoD and 3 DOE--sponsored by DHS. The testing matrix has been designed to address problems encountered with improvised materials--powder mixtures, liquid suspensions, partially wetted solids, immiscible liquids, and reactive materials. Over 30 issues have been identified that indicate standard test methods may require modification when applied to HMEs to derive accurate sensitivity assessments needed for development safe handling and storage practices. This presentation will discuss experimental difficulties encountered when testing these problematic samples, show inter-laboratory testing results, show some statistical interpretation of the results, and highlight some of the testing issues. Some of the work was performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344. LLNL-ABS-617519 (721812).

40 CFR 792.81 - Standard operating procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... data generated in the course of a study. All deviations in a study from standard operating procedures shall be authorized by the study director and shall be documented in the raw data. Significant changes...) Test system room preparation. (2) Test system care. (3) Receipt, identification, storage, handling...

40 CFR 792.81 - Standard operating procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... data generated in the course of a study. All deviations in a study from standard operating procedures shall be authorized by the study director and shall be documented in the raw data. Significant changes...) Test system room preparation. (2) Test system care. (3) Receipt, identification, storage, handling...

A sampling device with a capped body and detachable handle

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

Jezek, Gerd-Rainer

1997-12-01

The present invention relates to a device for sampling radioactive waste and more particularly to a device for sampling radioactive waste which prevents contamination of a sampled material and the environment surrounding the sampled material. During vitrification of nuclear wastes, it is necessary to remove contamination from the surfaces of canisters filled with radioactive glass. After removal of contamination, a sampling device is used to test the surface of the canister. The one piece sampling device currently in use creates a potential for spreading contamination during vitrification operations. During operations, the one piece sampling device is transferred into and outmore » of the vitrification cell through a transfer drawer. Inside the cell, a remote control device handles the sampling device to wipe the surface of the canister. A one piece sampling device can be contaminated by the remote control device prior to use. Further, the sample device can also contaminate the transfer drawer producing false readings for radioactive material. The present invention overcomes this problem by enclosing the sampling pad in a cap. The removable handle is reused which reduces the amount of waste material.« less

The laboratory of the 1990s—Planning for total automation

PubMed Central

Brunner, Linda A.

1992-01-01

The analytical laboratory of the 1990s must be able to meet and accommodate the rapid evolution of modern-day technology. One such area is laboratory automation. Total automation may be seen as the coupling of computerized sample tracking, electronic documentation and data reduction with automated sample handling, preparation and analysis, resulting in a complete analytical procedure with minimal human involvement. Requirements may vary from one laboratory or facility to another, so the automation has to be flexible enough to cover a wide range of applications, and yet fit into specific niches depending on individual needs. Total automation must be planned for, well in advance, if the endeavour is to be a success. Space, laboratory layout, proper equipment, and the availability and access to necessary utilities must be taken into account. Adequate training and experience of the personnel working with the technology must also be ensured. In addition, responsibilities of installation, programming maintenance and operation have to be addressed. Proper time management and the efficient implementation and use of total automation are also crucial to successful operations. This paper provides insights into laboratory organization and requirements, as well as discussing the management issues that must be faced when automating laboratory procedures. PMID:18924925

Processing ultrasonic inspection data from multiple scan patterns for turbine rotor weld build-up evaluations

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

Guan, Xuefei; Zhou, S. Kevin; Rasselkorde, El Mahjoub

The study presents a data processing methodology for weld build-up using multiple scan patterns. To achieve an overall high probability of detection for flaws with different orientations, an inspection procedure with three different scan patterns is proposed. The three scan patterns are radial-tangential longitude wave pattern, axial-radial longitude wave pattern, and tangential shear wave pattern. Scientific fusion of the inspection data is implemented using volume reconstruction techniques. The idea is to perform spatial domain forward data mapping for all sampling points. A conservative scheme is employed to handle the case that multiple sampling points are mapped to one grid location.more » The scheme assigns the maximum value for the grid location to retain the largest equivalent reflector size for the location. The methodology is demonstrated and validated using a realistic ring of weld build-up. Tungsten balls and bars are embedded to the weld build-up during manufacturing process to represent natural flaws. Flat bottomed holes and side drilled holes are installed as artificial flaws. Automatic flaw identification and extraction are demonstrated. Results indicate the inspection procedure with multiple scan patterns can identify all the artificial and natural flaws.« less

Processing ultrasonic inspection data from multiple scan patterns for turbine rotor weld build-up evaluations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guan, Xuefei; Rasselkorde, El Mahjoub; Abbasi, Waheed; Zhou, S. Kevin

2015-03-01

The study presents a data processing methodology for weld build-up using multiple scan patterns. To achieve an overall high probability of detection for flaws with different orientations, an inspection procedure with three different scan patterns is proposed. The three scan patterns are radial-tangential longitude wave pattern, axial-radial longitude wave pattern, and tangential shear wave pattern. Scientific fusion of the inspection data is implemented using volume reconstruction techniques. The idea is to perform spatial domain forward data mapping for all sampling points. A conservative scheme is employed to handle the case that multiple sampling points are mapped to one grid location. The scheme assigns the maximum value for the grid location to retain the largest equivalent reflector size for the location. The methodology is demonstrated and validated using a realistic ring of weld build-up. Tungsten balls and bars are embedded to the weld build-up during manufacturing process to represent natural flaws. Flat bottomed holes and side drilled holes are installed as artificial flaws. Automatic flaw identification and extraction are demonstrated. Results indicate the inspection procedure with multiple scan patterns can identify all the artificial and natural flaws.

Effects of dietary supplementation with L-carnitine and fat on blood acid-base responses to handling in slaughter weight pigs.

PubMed

Bertol, T M; Ellis, M; Hamilton, D N; Johnson, E W; Ritter, M J

2005-01-01

Blood acid-base responses to handling were evaluated in slaughter weight pigs fed diets supplemented with l-carnitine and fat. The study was carried out as a randomized block design with a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments: 1) dietary L-carnitine supplementation (0 vs. 150 ppm, as-fed basis); and 2) dietary fat supplementation (0 vs. 5%, as-fed basis). Sixty pigs (91.1 +/- 5.14 kg BW) were housed in mixed-gender groups of five and had ad libitum access to test diets (0.68% true ileal digestible lysine, 3,340 kcal of ME/kg, as-fed basis) for 3 wk. At the end of the feeding period (110.3 +/- 7.52 kg BW), pigs were subjected to a standard handling procedure, which consisted of moving individual animals through a facility (12.2 m long x 0.91 m wide) for eight laps (up and down the facility), using electric prods (two times per lap). There was no interaction between dietary L-carnitine and fat supplementation for any measurement. Pigs fed 150 ppm of supplemental L-carnitine had lower baseline blood glucose (P < 0.05) and higher baseline blood lactate (P < 0.05) concentrations than the nonsupplemented pigs. After handling, pigs fed L-carnitine-supplemented diets had a higher (P < 0.05) blood pH and showed a smaller (P < 0.05) decrease in blood pH and base excess than those fed the nonsupplemental diets. Baseline plasma FFA concentrations were higher (P < 0.01) in pigs fed the 5% fat diet. After the handling procedure, blood glucose, lactate, and plasma FFA were higher (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the 5 vs. 0% fat diets, but blood pH, bicarbonate, and base excess were not affected by dietary fat. The handling procedure decreased (P < 0.01) blood pH, bicarbonate, base excess, and total carbon dioxide and increased (P < 0.01) blood lactate, partial pressure of oxygen, and glucose, and also increased (P < 0.01) rectal temperature. Free fatty acid concentrations were increased by handling in pigs fed both 0 and 5% fat and 150 ppm L-carnitine. In conclusion, dietary L-carnitine supplementation at the level and for the feeding period evaluated in the current study had a relatively small but positive effect on decreasing blood pH changes in finishing pigs submitted to handling stress; however, dietary fat supplementation had little effect on blood acid-base balance.

A content validated questionnaire for assessment of self reported venous blood sampling practices

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Venous blood sampling is a common procedure in health care. It is strictly regulated by national and international guidelines. Deviations from guidelines due to human mistakes can cause patient harm. Validated questionnaires for health care personnel can be used to assess preventable "near misses"--i.e. potential errors and nonconformities during venous blood sampling practices that could transform into adverse events. However, no validated questionnaire that assesses nonconformities in venous blood sampling has previously been presented. The aim was to test a recently developed questionnaire in self reported venous blood sampling practices for validity and reliability. Findings We developed a questionnaire to assess deviations from best practices during venous blood sampling. The questionnaire contained questions about patient identification, test request management, test tube labeling, test tube handling, information search procedures and frequencies of error reporting. For content validity, the questionnaire was confirmed by experts on questionnaires and venous blood sampling. For reliability, test-retest statistics were used on the questionnaire answered twice. The final venous blood sampling questionnaire included 19 questions out of which 9 had in total 34 underlying items. It was found to have content validity. The test-retest analysis demonstrated that the items were generally stable. In total, 82% of the items fulfilled the reliability acceptance criteria. Conclusions The questionnaire could be used for assessment of "near miss" practices that could jeopardize patient safety and gives several benefits instead of assessing rare adverse events only. The higher frequencies of "near miss" practices allows for quantitative analysis of the effect of corrective interventions and to benchmark preanalytical quality not only at the laboratory/hospital level but also at the health care unit/hospital ward. PMID:22260505

A content validated questionnaire for assessment of self reported venous blood sampling practices.

PubMed

Bölenius, Karin; Brulin, Christine; Grankvist, Kjell; Lindkvist, Marie; Söderberg, Johan

2012-01-19

Venous blood sampling is a common procedure in health care. It is strictly regulated by national and international guidelines. Deviations from guidelines due to human mistakes can cause patient harm. Validated questionnaires for health care personnel can be used to assess preventable "near misses"--i.e. potential errors and nonconformities during venous blood sampling practices that could transform into adverse events. However, no validated questionnaire that assesses nonconformities in venous blood sampling has previously been presented. The aim was to test a recently developed questionnaire in self reported venous blood sampling practices for validity and reliability. We developed a questionnaire to assess deviations from best practices during venous blood sampling. The questionnaire contained questions about patient identification, test request management, test tube labeling, test tube handling, information search procedures and frequencies of error reporting. For content validity, the questionnaire was confirmed by experts on questionnaires and venous blood sampling. For reliability, test-retest statistics were used on the questionnaire answered twice. The final venous blood sampling questionnaire included 19 questions out of which 9 had in total 34 underlying items. It was found to have content validity. The test-retest analysis demonstrated that the items were generally stable. In total, 82% of the items fulfilled the reliability acceptance criteria. The questionnaire could be used for assessment of "near miss" practices that could jeopardize patient safety and gives several benefits instead of assessing rare adverse events only. The higher frequencies of "near miss" practices allows for quantitative analysis of the effect of corrective interventions and to benchmark preanalytical quality not only at the laboratory/hospital level but also at the health care unit/hospital ward.

Thermodynamic evaluation of transonic compressor rotors using the finite volume approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, John; Nicholson, Stephen; Moore, Joan G.

1986-01-01

The development of a computational capability to handle viscous flow with an explicit time-marching method based on the finite volume approach is summarized. Emphasis is placed on the extensions to the computational procedure which allow the handling of shock induced separation and large regions of strong backflow. Appendices contain abstracts of papers and whole reports generated during the contract period.

Responsive Approaches to Consumer Complaints and Remedies. Report of the Sub-Council on Complaints and Remedies of the National Business Council for Consumer Affairs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Business Council for Consumer Affairs, Washington, DC.

The report urges that every seller review, and where necessary modernize, his internal complaint-handling procedures and his methods for resolving disputes in the light of the following recommendations: (1) The handling of consumer complaints should be swift, personalized, courteous, and as effectively managed as any other function of prime…

Dover Port Mortuary Independent Review Subcommittee Final Report

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-02-01

improper handling and transport of remains with possible contagious disease (suspected tuberculosis based on nodules observed on lungs at the time of...Universal precautions regarding infectious disease control and exposure control procedures have been developed and applied with regard to the handling of...transport of remains with possible contagious disease (suspected tuberculosis based on nodules observed on lungs at the time of autopsy); improper

Dover Port Mortuary Independent Review Subcommittee Final Report

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-02-27

improper handling and transport of remains with possible contagious disease (suspected tuberculosis based on nodules observed on lungs at the time of...Universal precautions regarding infectious disease control and exposure control procedures have been developed and applied with regard to the handling of...transport of remains with possible contagious disease (suspected tuberculosis based on nodules observed on lungs at the time of autopsy); improper

Occupational health and safety aspects of animal handling in dairy production.

PubMed

Lindahl, Cecilia; Lundqvist, Peter; Hagevoort, G Robert; Lunner Kolstrup, Christina; Douphrate, David I; Pinzke, Stefan; Grandin, Temple

2013-01-01

Livestock handling in dairy production is associated with a number of health and safety issues. A large number of fatal and nonfatal injuries still occur when handling livestock. The many animal handling tasks on a dairy farm include moving cattle between different locations, vaccination, administration of medication, hoof care, artificial insemination, ear tagging, milking, and loading onto trucks. There are particular problems with bulls, which continue to cause considerable numbers of injuries and fatalities in dairy production. In order to reduce the number of injuries during animal handling on dairy farms, it is important to understand the key factors in human-animal interactions. These include handler attitudes and behavior, animal behavior, and fear in cows. Care when in close proximity to the animal is the key for safe handling, including knowledge of the flight zone, and use of the right types of tools and suitable restraint equipment. Thus, in order to create safe working conditions during livestock handling, it is important to provide handlers with adequate training and to establish sound safety management procedures on the farm.

Study of airborne science experiment management concepts for application to space shuttle. Volume 1: Executive summary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mulholland, D. R.; Reller, J. O., Jr.; Neel, C. B.; Haughney, L. C.

1973-01-01

The management concepts and operating procedures are documented as they apply to the planning of shuttle spacelab operations. Areas discussed include: airborne missions; formulation of missions; management procedures; experimenter involvement; experiment development and performance; data handling; safety procedures; and applications to shuttle spacelab planning. Characteristics of the airborne science experience are listed, and references and figures are included.

49 CFR 232.609 - Handling of defective equipment with ECP brake systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... and appropriate operating and inspection personnel; and (3) An electronic or written record of the... operating freight cars equipped with ECP brake systems shall adopt and comply with specific procedures... this subpart. These procedures shall be made available to FRA upon request. (2) Each railroad operating...

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

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dixon, Joe W.; Saudargas, Richard A.

1980-01-01

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

40 CFR 60.1175 - What information must I include in the plant-specific operating manual?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... waste combustion unit. (e) Procedures for maintaining a proper level of combustion air supply. (f... Standards of Performance for Small Municipal Waste Combustion Units for Which Construction is Commenced... municipal waste combustion units. (c) Procedures for receiving, handling, and feeding municipal solid waste...

29 CFR 1987.100 - Purpose and scope.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... (CONTINUED) PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING RETALIATION COMPLAINTS UNDER SECTION 402 OF THE FDA FOOD SAFETY...) This part sets forth the procedures for, and interpretations of, section 402 of the FDA Food Safety.... Section 402 of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act amended the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD...

48 CFR 4.805 - Storage, handling, and disposal of contract files.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... the requirements of Part 4, law, and other regulations are satisfied. The process used to create and... acquisitions conducted prior to July 3, 1995, that used small purchase procedures. The retention periods for..., 1995, that used other than small purchase procedures. Document Retention period (1) Records pertaining...

Structure determination of an integral membrane protein at room temperature from crystals in situ

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

Axford, Danny; Foadi, James; Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ

2015-05-14

The X-ray structure determination of an integral membrane protein using synchrotron diffraction data measured in situ at room temperature is demonstrated. The structure determination of an integral membrane protein using synchrotron X-ray diffraction data collected at room temperature directly in vapour-diffusion crystallization plates (in situ) is demonstrated. Exposing the crystals in situ eliminates manual sample handling and, since it is performed at room temperature, removes the complication of cryoprotection and potential structural anomalies induced by sample cryocooling. Essential to the method is the ability to limit radiation damage by recording a small amount of data per sample from many samplesmore » and subsequently assembling the resulting data sets using specialized software. The validity of this procedure is established by the structure determination of Haemophilus influenza TehA at 2.3 Å resolution. The method presented offers an effective protocol for the fast and efficient determination of membrane-protein structures at room temperature using third-generation synchrotron beamlines.« less

21 CFR 203.32 - Drug sample storage and handling requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 4 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Drug sample storage and handling requirements. 203.32 Section 203.32 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN... contamination, deterioration, and adulteration. (b) Compliance with compendial and labeling requirements...

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

Srivastava, Nimisha; Singh, Anup K

Microfluidic devices and methods for flow cytometry are described. In described examples, various sample handling and preparation steps may be carried out within a same microfluidic device as flow cytometry steps. A combination of imaging and flow cytometry is described. In some examples, spiral microchannels serve as incubation chambers. Examples of automated sample handling and flow cytometry are described.

40 CFR 86.317-79 - Hydrocarbon analyzer specifications.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... flame ionization detector (HFID) analyzer. (b) Option. A non-heated flame ionization detector (FID) that... temperature oven housing the detector and sample-handling components. It shall maintain temperature with 2 °C of the set point. The detector, oven, and sample-handling components within the oven shall be...

40 CFR 86.317-79 - Hydrocarbon analyzer specifications.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... flame ionization detector (HFID) analyzer. (b) Option. A non-heated flame ionization detector (FID) that... temperature oven housing the detector and sample-handling components. It shall maintain temperature with 2 °C of the set point. The detector, oven, and sample-handling components within the oven shall be...

40 CFR 86.317-79 - Hydrocarbon analyzer specifications.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... flame ionization detector (HFID) analyzer. (b) Option. A non-heated flame ionization detector (FID) that... temperature oven housing the detector and sample-handling components. It shall maintain temperature with 2 °C of the set point. The detector, oven, and sample-handling components within the oven shall be...

40 CFR 86.317-79 - Hydrocarbon analyzer specifications.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... flame ionization detector (HFID) analyzer. (b) Option. A non-heated flame ionization detector (FID) that... temperature oven housing the detector and sample-handling components. It shall maintain temperature with 2 °C of the set point. The detector, oven, and sample-handling components within the oven shall be...

Manual for LDEF tensile tests

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Witte, W. G., Jr.

1985-01-01

One of the experiments aboard the NASA Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) consists of a tray of approximately one hundred tensile specimens of several candidate space structure composite materials. During the LDEF flight the materials will be subjected to the space environment and to possible contamination during launch and recovery. Tensile tests of representative samples were made before the LDEF flight to obtain baseline data. Similar tests will be made on control specimens stored on earth for the length of the LDEF flight and on recovered flight specimens. This manual codifies the details of testing, data acquisition, and handling used in obtaining the baseline data so that the same procedures and equipment will be used on the subsequent tests.

A design procedure for the handling qualities optimization of the X-29A aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bosworth, John T.; Cox, Timothy H.

1989-01-01

A design technique for handling qualities improvement was developed for the X-29A aircraft. As with any new aircraft, the X-29A control law designers were presented with a relatively high degree of uncertainty in their mathematical models. The presence of uncertainties, and the high level of static instability of the X-29A caused the control law designers to stress stability and robustness over handling qualities. During flight test, the mathematical models of the vehicle were validated or corrected to match the vehicle dynamic behavior. The updated models were then used to fine tune the control system to provide fighter-like handling characteristics. A design methodology was developed which works within the existing control system architecture to provide improved handling qualities and acceptable stability with a minimum of cost in both implementation as well as software verification and validation.

Redefining NHS complaint handling--the real challenge.

PubMed

Seelos, L; Adamson, C

1994-01-01

More and more organizations find that a constructive and open dialogue with their customers can be an effective strategy for building long-term customer relations. In this context, it has been recognized that effective complaint-contact handling can make a significant contribution to organizations' attempts to maximize customer satisfaction and loyalty. Within the NHS, an intellectual awareness exists that effective complaint/contact handling can contribute to making services more efficient and cost-effective by developing customer-oriented improvement initiatives. Recent efforts have focused on redefining NHS complaint-handling procedures to make them more user-friendly and effective for both NHS employees and customers. Discusses the challenges associated with opening up the NHS to customer feedback. Highlights potential weaknesses in the current approach and argues that the real challenge is for NHS managers to facilitate a culture change that moves the NHS away from a long-established defensive complaint handling practice.

Airborne bacteria and fungi associated with waste-handling work.

PubMed

Park, Donguk; Ryu, Seunghun; Kim, Shinbum; Byun, Hyaejeong; Yoon, Chungsik; Lee, Kyeongmin

2013-01-01

Municipal workers handling household waste are potentially exposed to a variety of toxic and pathogenic substances, in particular airborne bacteria, gram-negative bacteria (GNB), and fungi. However, relatively little is known about the conditions under which exposure is facilitated. This study assessed levels of airborne bacteria, GNB, and fungi, and examined these in relation to the type of waste-handling activity (collection, transfer, transport, and sorting at the waste preprocessing plant), as well as a variety of other environmental and occupational factors. Airborne microorganisms were sampled using an Andersen single-stage sampler equipped with agar plates containing the appropriate nutritional medium and then cultured to determine airborne levels. Samples were taken during collection, transfer, transport, and sorting of household waste. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify environmental and occupational factors that significantly affect airborne microorganism levels during waste-handling activities. The "type of waste-handling activity" was the only factor that significantly affected airborne levels of bacteria and GNB, accounting for 38% (P = 0.029) and 50% (P = 0.0002) of the variation observed in bacteria and GNB levels, respectively. In terms of fungi, the type of waste-handling activity (R2 = 0.76) and whether collection had also occurred on the day prior to sampling (P < 0.0001, R2 = 0.78) explained most of the observed variation. Given that the type of waste-handling activity was significantly correlated with levels of bacteria, GNB, and fungi, we suggest that various engineering, administrative, and regulatory measures should be considered to reduce the occupational exposure to airborne microorganisms in the waste-handling industry.

Effects of pretransport handling stress on physiological and behavioral response of ostriches.

PubMed

Bejaei, M; Cheng, K M

2014-05-01

Ostrich (Struthio camelus) production is a relatively young industry and there has been little research on ostrich welfare during pretransport handling and the transportation process. A heavy body with a high center of gravity makes ostriches' handling and transportation problems different from other livestock. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the pretransport holding time duration on ostrich behavior and physiological responses. A second objective was to identify and validate behavioral indicator(s) that could be used to identify stressed birds during pretransport handling. Prior to shipping, twenty-four 2.5-yr-old ostriches were moved into a holding pen. Birds were then individually restrained, hooded, and walked from the holding pen (approximately 12 min/bird) to a sampling pen (visually isolated from the holding pen) where they were weighed and a 10-mL blood sample obtained. A second blood sample was taken from each bird after a 1,100-km transportation. Blood samples were analyzed for concentrations of blood metabolites, enzymes, corticosterone, and white blood cell and differential counts. Behavioral responses and physical damages of ostriches were also recorded before and after transport. Results indicated that birds that spent longer time in the pretransport holding pen had higher pretransport plasma concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, sodium, and packed cell volume. Immobile sitting behavior, observed in 5 out of the last 11 birds handled, was positively correlated with higher pretransport handling stress, higher posttransport aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, creatine phosphokinase, and glucose concentrations, and transport losses. Knowledge of pretransport handling impacts on ostrich stress and availability of behavioral indicators (e.g., immobile sitting response) could be used to improve handing processes, thereby decreasing potential weight loss, injury, and mortality.

A modified procedure for measuring oxygen-18 content of nitrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmed, M. A.; Aly, A. I. M.; Abdel Monem, N.; Hanafy, M.; Gomaa, H. E.

2012-11-01

SummaryMass spectrometric analysis of O-isotopic composition of nitrate has many potential applications in studies of environmental processes. Through this work, rapid, reliable, precise, broadly applicable, catalyst-free, low-priced and less labor intensive procedure for measuring δ18O of nitrate using Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer has been developed and implemented. The conditions necessary to effect complete nitrate recovery and complete removal of other oxygen containing anions and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) without scarifying the isotopic signature of nitrate were investigated. The developed procedure consists of two main parts: (1) wet chemistry train for extraction and purification of nitrate from the liquid matrix; (2) off-line pyrolysis of extracted nitrate salt with activated graphite at 550 °C for 30 min. The conditions necessary to effect complete nitrate recovery and complete removal of other oxygen containing compounds were investigated. Dramatic reduction in processing times needed for analysis of δ18O of nitrate at natural abundance level was achieved. Preservation experiments revealed that chloroform (99.8%) is an effective preservative. Isotopic contents of some selected nitrate salts were measured using the modified procedure and some other well established methods at two laboratories in Egypt and Germany. Performance assessment of the whole developed analytical train was made using internationally distributed nitrate isotopes reference materials and real world sample of initial zero-nitrate content. The uncertainty budget was evaluated using the graphical nested hierarchal approach. The obtained results proved the suitability for handling samples of complicated matrices. Reduction of consumables cost by about 80% was achieved.

Use of Health Belief Model Variables To Examine Self-Reported Food Handling Behaviors in a Sample of U.S. Adults Attending a Tailgate Event.

PubMed

Hanson, Jennifer A; Hughes, Susan M; Liu, Pei

2015-12-01

Unsafe food handling behaviors are common among consumers, and, given the venue, individuals attending a tailgating event may be at risk for foodborne illness. The objective of this study was to measure the association between Health Belief Model variables and self-reported usual food handling behaviors in a convenience sample of men and women at a tailgate event. Participants (n = 128) completed validated subscales for self-reported food handling behaviors (i.e., cross-contamination, sanitation), perceived threat of foodborne illness (i.e., perceived severity, perceived susceptibility), and safe food handling cues to action (i.e., media cues, educational cues). Perceived severity of foodborne illness was associated with safer behaviors related to sanitation (r = 0.40; P < 0.001) and cross-contamination (r = 0.33; P = 0.001). Perceived severity of foodborne illness was also associated with exposure to safe food handling media cues (r = 0.20; P = 0.027) but not with safe food handling educational cues. A large proportion of participants reported that they never or seldom (i) read newspaper or magazine articles about foodborne illness (65.6%); (ii) read brochures about safe ways to handle food (61.7%); (iii) see store displays that explain ways to handle food (51.6%); or (iv) read the "safe handling instructions" on packages of raw meat and poultry (46.9%). Perceived severity of foodborne illness was positively related to both dimensions of safe food handling as well as with safe food handling media cues. Except for the weak correlation between media cues and perceived severity, the relationships between safe food handling cues and perceived threat, as well as between safe food handling cues and behaviors, were nonsignificant. This finding may be due, in part, to the participants' overall low exposure to safe food handling cues. The overall results of this study reinforce the postulate that perceived severity of foodborne illness may influence food handling behaviors.

Effects of organizational safety practices and perceived safety climate on PPE usage, engineering controls, and adverse events involving liquid antineoplastic drugs among nurses.

PubMed

DeJoy, David M; Smith, Todd D; Woldu, Henok; Dyal, Mari-Amanda; Steege, Andrea L; Boiano, James M

2017-07-01

Antineoplastic drugs pose risks to the healthcare workers who handle them. This fact notwithstanding, adherence to safe handling guidelines remains inconsistent and often poor. This study examined the effects of pertinent organizational safety practices and perceived safety climate on the use of personal protective equipment, engineering controls, and adverse events (spill/leak or skin contact) involving liquid antineoplastic drugs. Data for this study came from the 2011 National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Health and Safety Practices Survey of Healthcare Workers which included a sample of approximately 1,800 nurses who had administered liquid antineoplastic drugs during the past seven days. Regression modeling was used to examine predictors of personal protective equipment use, engineering controls, and adverse events involving antineoplastic drugs. Approximately 14% of nurses reported experiencing an adverse event while administering antineoplastic drugs during the previous week. Usage of recommended engineering controls and personal protective equipment was quite variable. Usage of both was better in non-profit and government settings, when workers were more familiar with safe handling guidelines, and when perceived management commitment to safety was higher. Usage was poorer in the absence of specific safety handling procedures. The odds of adverse events increased with number of antineoplastic drugs treatments and when antineoplastic drugs were administered more days of the week. The odds of such events were significantly lower when the use of engineering controls and personal protective equipment was greater and when more precautionary measures were in place. Greater levels of management commitment to safety and perceived risk were also related to lower odds of adverse events. These results point to the value of implementing a comprehensive health and safety program that utilizes available hazard controls and effectively communicates and demonstrates the importance of safe handling practices. Such actions also contribute to creating a positive safety climate.

Evaluation and study of advanced optical contamination, deposition, measurement, and removal techniques. [including computer programs and ultraviolet reflection analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Linford, R. M. F.; Allen, T. H.; Dillow, C. F.

1975-01-01

A program is described to design, fabricate and install an experimental work chamber assembly (WCA) to provide a wide range of experimental capability. The WCA incorporates several techniques for studying the kinetics of contaminant films and their effect on optical surfaces. It incorporates the capability for depositing both optical and contaminant films on temperature-controlled samples, and for in-situ measurements of the vacuum ultraviolet reflectance. Ellipsometer optics are mounted on the chamber for film thickness determinations, and other features include access ports for radiation sources and instrumentation. Several supporting studies were conducted to define specific chamber requirements, to determine the sensitivity of the measurement techniques to be incorporated in the chamber, and to establish procedures for handling samples prior to their installation in the chamber. A bibliography and literature survey of contamination-related articles is included.

Hybrid real-code ant colony optimisation for constrained mechanical design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pholdee, Nantiwat; Bureerat, Sujin

2016-01-01

This paper proposes a hybrid meta-heuristic based on integrating a local search simplex downhill (SDH) method into the search procedure of real-code ant colony optimisation (ACOR). This hybridisation leads to five hybrid algorithms where a Monte Carlo technique, a Latin hypercube sampling technique (LHS) and a translational propagation Latin hypercube design (TPLHD) algorithm are used to generate an initial population. Also, two numerical schemes for selecting an initial simplex are investigated. The original ACOR and its hybrid versions along with a variety of established meta-heuristics are implemented to solve 17 constrained test problems where a fuzzy set theory penalty function technique is used to handle design constraints. The comparative results show that the hybrid algorithms are the top performers. Using the TPLHD technique gives better results than the other sampling techniques. The hybrid optimisers are a powerful design tool for constrained mechanical design problems.

Teratology studies in the rat.

PubMed

Leroy, Mariline; Allais, Linda

2013-01-01

The rat is the rodent species of choice for the regulatory safety testing of xenobiotics, such as medicinal products, food additives, and other chemicals. Many decades of experience and extensive data have accumulated for both general and developmental toxicology investigations in this species. The high fertility and large litter size of the rat are advantages for teratogenicity testing. The study designs are well defined in the regulatory guidelines and are relatively standardized between testing laboratories across the world. Teratology studies address maternal- and embryo-toxicity following exposure during the period of organogenesis. This chapter describes the design and conduct of a teratology study in the rat in compliance with the regulatory guidelines. The procedures for the handling and housing of the pregnant animals, the caesarean examinations and the sampling of fetuses for morphological examinations are described. The utility and design of preliminary studies and the inclusion of satellite animals in the main study for toxicokinetic sampling are discussed.

Neonatal handling and the maternal odor preference in rat pups: involvement of monoamines and cyclic AMP response element-binding protein pathway in the olfactory bulb.

PubMed

Raineki, C; De Souza, M A; Szawka, R E; Lutz, M L; De Vasconcellos, L F T; Sanvitto, G L; Izquierdo, I; Bevilaqua, L R; Cammarota, M; Lucion, A B

2009-03-03

Early-life environmental events, such as the handling procedure, can induce long-lasting alterations upon several behavioral and neuroendocrine systems. However, the changes within the pups that could be causally related to the effects in adulthood are still poorly understood. In the present study, we analyzed the effects of neonatal handling on behavioral (maternal odor preference) and biochemical (cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation, noradrenaline (NA), and serotonin (5-HT) levels in the olfactory bulb (OB)) parameters in 7-day-old male and female rat pups. Repeated handling (RH) abolished preference for the maternal odor in female pups compared with nonhandled (NH) and the single-handled (SH) ones, while in RH males the preference was not different than NH and SH groups. In both male and female pups, RH decreased NA activity in the OB, but 5-HT activity increased only in males. Since preference for the maternal odor involves the synergic action of NA and 5-HT in the OB, the maintenance of the behavior in RH males could be related to the increased 5-HT activity, in spite of reduction in the NA activity in the OB. RH did not alter CREB phosphorylation in the OB of both male and females compared with NH pups. The repeated handling procedure can affect the behavior of rat pups in response to the maternal odor and biochemical parameters related to the olfactory learning mechanism. Sex differences were already detected in 7-day-old pups. Although the responsiveness of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis to stressors is reduced in the neonatal period, environmental interventions may impact behavioral and biochemical mechanisms relevant to the animal at that early age.

Characteristic values of the lumbar load of manual patient handling for the application in workers' compensation procedures.

PubMed

Jordan, Claus; Luttmann, Alwin; Theilmeier, Andreas; Kuhn, Stefan; Wortmann, Norbert; Jäger, Matthias

2011-05-26

The human spine is often exposed to mechanical load in vocational activities especially in combination with lifting, carrying and positioning of heavy objects. This also applies in particular to nursing activities with manual patient handling. In the present study a detailed investigation on the load of the lumbar spine during manual patient handling was performed. For a total of 13 presumably endangering activities with transferring a patient, the body movements performed by healthcare workers were recorded and the exerted action forces were determined with regard to magnitude, direction and lateral distribution in the time course with a "measuring bed", a "measuring chair" and a "measuring floor". By the application of biomechanical model calculations the load on the lowest intervertebral disc of the lumbar spine (L5-S1) was determined considering the posture and action force data for every manual patient handling. The results of the investigations reveal the occurrence of high lumbar load during manual patient handling activities, especially in those cases, where awkward postures of the healthcare worker are combined with high action forces caused by the patient's mass. These findings were compared to suitable issues of corresponding investigations provided in the literature. Furthermore measurement-based characteristic values of lumbar load were derived for the use in statement procedures concerning the disease no. 2108 of the German list of occupational diseases. To protect healthcare workers from mechanical overload and the risk of developing a disc-related disease, prevention measures should be compiled. Such measures could include the application of "back-fairer" nursing techniques and the use of "technical" and" small aids" to reduce the lumbar load during manual patient handling. Further studies, concerning these aspects, are necessary.

A mass spectrometric line for tritium analysis of water and noble gas measurements from different water amounts in the range of microlitres and millilitres.

PubMed

Papp, Laszlo; Palcsu, Laszlo; Major, Zoltan; Rinyu, Laszlo; Tóth, Istvan

2012-01-01

This paper describes the procedure followed for noble gas measurements for litres, millilitres and microlitres of water samples in our laboratory, including sample preparation, mass spectrometric measurement procedure, and the complete calibrations. The preparation line extracts dissolved gases from water samples of volumes of 0.2 μ l to 3 l and it separates them as noble and other chemically active gases. Our compact system handles the following measurements: (i) determination of tritium concentration of environmental water samples by the (3)He ingrowth method; (ii) noble gas measurements from surface water and groundwater; and (iii) noble gas measurements from fluid inclusions of solid geological archives (e.g. speleothems). As a result, the tritium measurements have a detection limit of 0.012 TU, and the expectation value (between 1 and 20 TU) is within 0.2 % of the real concentrations with a standard deviation of 2.4 %. The reproducibility of noble gas measurements for water samples of 20-40 ml allows us to determine solubility temperatures by an uncertainty better than 0.5 °C. Moreover, noble gas measurements for tiny water amounts (in the microlitre range) show that the results of the performed calibration measurements for most noble gas isotopes occur with a deviation of less than 2 %. Theoretically, these precisions for noble gas concentrations obtained from measurements of waters samples of a few microlitres allow us to determine noble gas temperatures by an uncertainty of less than 1 °C. Here, we present the first noble gas measurements of tiny amounts of artificial water samples prepared under laboratory conditions.

Trap-effectiveness and response to tiletamine-zolazepam and medetomidine anaesthesia in Eurasian wild boar captured with cage and corral traps

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Capture, handling and chemical restraint are basic techniques often needed for research or management purposes. The aim of this study was testing a combination of tiletamine-zolazepam (TZ) (3 mg/kg) and medetomidine (M) (0.05 mg/kg) on Eurasian wild boar (Sus scrofa). A total of 77 free-ranging wild boar were captured by means of portable cages and corral traps and then anaesthetized with intramuscular darts using a blowpipe. The individual response to chemical immobilization was characterized using anaesthetic, clinical, and serum biochemical variables. After the procedure, 14 of these wild boar were monitored for 20 days using GPS-GSM collars. Results Pre-release mortality during capture and handling (6.5%) was associated with severe trauma in corral traps. Capture specificity for wild boar was 96.3% and trapping effort was 16.5 days per captured wild boar. Mean induction period was 4.5 ± 2.2 min, hypnosis period enabling effective handling was 61.6 ± 25.4 min, and recovery period was 12.8 ± 12.1 min. No heart or respiratory failure due to added stress occurred and post-release monitoring by GPS-devices revealed no mortality due to anaesthesia. According to the best statistical model obtained, the main factor driving anaesthetic efficacy and stress indicators is trap type. Conclusions Both cage and corral traps are efficient methods to capture wild boar. Cage traps are safer, as demonstrated by mortality rates as well as anaesthetic, physiological, and serum biochemical responses. This anaesthetic protocol is useful for prolonged handling of wild boar and allows sampling and collecting data for ecological and epidemiological studies. PMID:23702232

System Certification Procedures and Criteria Manual for Deep Submergence Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

1973-07-01

Certification Milestone Events. The applicant and SCA interplay and negotiations between milestones is stressed . Effective and frequent communication...a series of events beginning with a single failure, often relatively minor, which may place the DSq Personnel or equipments under additional stresses ...for the particular DSS. p. Support ship handling system components such as cranes , brakes, and cables when the DSS is handled with personnel aboard. q

Early handling effect on female rat spatial and non-spatial learning and memory.

PubMed

Plescia, Fulvio; Marino, Rosa A M; Navarra, Michele; Gambino, Giuditta; Brancato, Anna; Sardo, Pierangelo; Cannizzaro, Carla

2014-03-01

This study aims at providing an insight into early handling procedures on learning and memory performance in adult female rats. Early handling procedures were started on post-natal day 2 until 21, and consisted in 15 min, daily separations of the dams from their litters. Assessment of declarative memory was carried out in the novel-object recognition task; spatial learning, reference- and working memory were evaluated in the Morris water maze (MWM). Our results indicate that early handling induced an enhancement in: (1) declarative memory, in the object recognition task, both at 1h and 24h intervals; (2) reference memory in the probe test and working memory and behavioral flexibility in the "single-trial and four-trial place learning paradigm" of the MWM. Short-term separation by increasing maternal care causes a dampening in HPA axis response in the pups. A modulated activation of the stress response may help to protect brain structures, involved in cognitive function. In conclusion, this study shows the long-term effects of a brief maternal separation in enhancing object recognition-, spatial reference- and working memory in female rats, remarking the impact of early environmental experiences and the consequent maternal care on the behavioral adaptive mechanisms in adulthood. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automatic liquid handling for life science: a critical review of the current state of the art.

PubMed

Kong, Fanwei; Yuan, Liang; Zheng, Yuan F; Chen, Weidong

2012-06-01

Liquid handling plays a pivotal role in life science laboratories. In experiments such as gene sequencing, protein crystallization, antibody testing, and drug screening, liquid biosamples frequently must be transferred between containers of varying sizes and/or dispensed onto substrates of varying types. The sample volumes are usually small, at the micro- or nanoliter level, and the number of transferred samples can be huge when investigating large-scope combinatorial conditions. Under these conditions, liquid handling by hand is tedious, time-consuming, and impractical. Consequently, there is a strong demand for automated liquid-handling methods such as sensor-integrated robotic systems. In this article, we survey the current state of the art in automatic liquid handling, including technologies developed by both industry and research institutions. We focus on methods for dealing with small volumes at high throughput and point out challenges for future advancements.

Flexible ureterorenoscopy: Tips and tricks.

PubMed

Somani, Bhaskar Kumar; Aboumarzouk, Omar; Srivastava, Aneesh; Traxer, Olivier

2013-01-01

With advancement in technology, improvement in endoscope and ancillary equipment, more complex procedures can be performed using flexible ureterorenoscopy. In this review article we provide a summary of flexible ureterorenoscopic procedures with "tips and tricks" for success for each type of procedure. It looks at the disposables used with flexible ureterorenoscopic procedures, set up and patient positioning for gaining access, insertion and handling of scope and the use of urethral access sheath. We also provide techniques for various flexible ureterorenoscopic procedures including management of renal stones, calyceal diverticula and upper tract urothelial tumours.

Flexible ureterorenoscopy: Tips and tricks

PubMed Central

Somani, Bhaskar Kumar; Aboumarzouk, Omar; Srivastava, Aneesh; Traxer, Olivier

2013-01-01

With advancement in technology, improvement in endoscope and ancillary equipment, more complex procedures can be performed using flexible ureterorenoscopy. In this review article we provide a summary of flexible ureterorenoscopic procedures with “tips and tricks” for success for each type of procedure. It looks at the disposables used with flexible ureterorenoscopic procedures, set up and patient positioning for gaining access, insertion and handling of scope and the use of urethral access sheath. We also provide techniques for various flexible ureterorenoscopic procedures including management of renal stones, calyceal diverticula and upper tract urothelial tumours. PMID:23662000

Surface-sampling and analysis of TATP by swabbing and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Romolo, Francesco Saverio; Cassioli, Luigi; Grossi, Silvana; Cinelli, Giuseppe; Russo, Mario Vincenzo

2013-01-10

The method of sample recovery for trace detection and identification of explosives plays a critical role in several criminal investigations. After bombing, there can be difficulties in sending big objects to a laboratory for analysis. Traces can also be searched for on large surfaces, on hands of suspects or on surfaces where the explosive was placed during preparatory phases (e.g. places where an IED was assembled, vehicles used for transportation, etc.). In this work, triacetone triperoxide (TATP) was synthesized from commercial precursors following reported methods. Several portions of about 6mg of TATP were then spread on different surfaces (e.g. floors, tables, etc.) or used in handling tests. Three different swabbing systems were used: a commercial swab, pre-wetted with propan-2-ol (isopropanol) and water (7:3), dry paper swabs, and cotton swabs wetted with propan-2-ol. Paper and commercial swabs were also used to sample a metal plate, where a small charge of about 4g of TATP was detonated. Swabs were sealed in small glass jars with screw caps and Parafilm(®) M and sent to the laboratory for analysis. Swabs were extracted and analysed several weeks later by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. All the three systems gave positive results, but wetted swabs collected higher amounts of TATP. The developed procedure showed its suitability for use in real cases, allowing TATP detection in several simulations, including a situation in which people wash their hands after handling the explosive. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Pseudohyperglycemia: Effects of Unwashed Hand after Fruit Peeling or Handling on Fingertips Blood Glucose Monitoring Results.

PubMed

Olamoyegun, M A; Oloyede, T; Adewoye, O G; Abdulkarim, S O; Adeleke, A A

2016-01-01

Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is an important component of management for diabetes mellitus (DM), especially in T1DM and T2DM patients who are on insulin therapy. Adequate blood glucose monitoring and prompt intervention are necessary to prevent blood glucose (BG) fluctuation and delay long-term diabetes complications. People with DM are advised to clean their hands before SMBG to remove any dirt or food residue that might affect the reading. The study tested the hypothesis that falsely elevated BG levels from fingertip occur after peeling or handling fruits in an unwashed hand. Fifty apparently healthy nondiabetes volunteers were enrolled. Capillary BG samples were collected from the fingertips after peeling or handling apple, orange, banana, watermelon, and pawpaw, followed by no hand washing for 1 h, cleaning the fingertip with alcohol swab once, five times, and washing hand thoroughly with tap water and drying. These samples were then analyzed with two different glucose meters. The mean BG values, measured from fingertip blood samples after peeling, and handling any of the fruits followed by no hand washing were significantly high, even after cleaning fingertip with a swab of alcohol once. However, there were no significant difference in BG levels measured after peeling and handling fruits followed by hand washing and the level of BG before peeling and handling fruits. Handling of peeled fruits with no hand washing with tap water is associated with overestimation of capillary BG (Pseudohyperglycemia) monitored with glucose meters.

21 CFR 1305.07 - Special procedure for filling certain orders.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 9 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Special procedure for filling certain orders. 1305.07 Section 1305.07 Food and Drugs DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ORDERS FOR... management programs, or research, and is authorized by the Administrator to handle these substances, may fill...

The Back Pay Remedy in Title VII Class Actions: Problems of Procedure

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Edwards, Charles A.

1974-01-01

The class action for back pay has developed as a significant factor in employment discrimination litigation under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Problems of demonstrating each class member's entitlement are examined and a bifurcated trial procedure is proposed as a method for handling such cases. (JT)

47 CFR 22.921 - 911 call processing procedures; 911-only calling mode.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... programming in the mobile unit that determines the handling of a non-911 call and permit the call to be... CARRIER SERVICES PUBLIC MOBILE SERVICES Cellular Radiotelephone Service § 22.921 911 call processing procedures; 911-only calling mode. Mobile telephones manufactured after February 13, 2000 that are capable of...

Student manual, Book 2: Orientation to occupational safety compliance in DOE

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

Colley, D.L.

1993-10-01

This is a student hand-book an Occupational Safety Compliance in DOE. Topics include the following: Electrical; materials handling & storage; inspection responsibilities & procedures; general environmental controls; confined space entry; lockout/tagout; office safety, ergonomics & human factors; medical & first aid, access to records; construction safety; injury/illness reporting system; and accident investigation procedures.

78 FR 42809 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; Fixed Income Clearing Corporation; Order Approving Proposed Rule...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-17

... remain subject to all of the GSD's normal risk management procedures, which include marking member portfolios to the market on an intraday basis and charging variation margins accordingly.\\19\\ These risk management procedures should help ensure the safety of the securities and funds handled by the GSD in...

Grievance and Arbitration Practices and Decisions in Schools: Outcomes of Rational Decision Making?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Osborne-Lampkin, La'Tara

2010-01-01

Some researchers suggest that grievance procedures and the arbitration process are effective tools that encourage careful decision making by school districts and administrative staff in the handling of personnel decisions (Shipley, 1974). Others contend that grievance procedures, which typically include arbitration as the final stage of the…

The Law of Federal Labor-Management Relations

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-12-04

a Congressional enactment unconnected to the Statute. The EEOC regulation in IRS Fresno established a procedure for handling such charges...impasse procedures). BATF and NTEU, 18 FLRA 466 (1985); EEOC and National Council of EEOC Locals #216, 48 FLRA 306 (1993). 6-48 6-8. Regulations ...4-19 (2) Government-Wide Regulations .................................................... 4-20 (3) Agency

Bubble formation in microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Antar, Basil N.

1994-01-01

Two KC-135 flight campaigns have been conducted to date which are specifically dedicated to study bubble formation in microgravity. The first flight was conducted during March 14-18, 1994, and the other during June 20-24, 1994. The results from the June 1994 flight have not been analyzed yet, while the results from the March flight have been partially analyzed. In the first flight three different experiments were performed, one with the specific aim at determining whether or not cavitation can take place during any of the fluid handling procedures adopted in the shuttle bioprocessing experiments. The other experiments were concerned with duplicating some of the procedures that resulted in bubble formation, namely the NCS filling procedure and the needle scratch of a solid surface. The results from this set of experiments suggest that cavitation did not take place during any of the fluid handling procedures. The results clearly indicate that almost all were generated as a result of the breakup of the gas/liquid interface. This was convincingly demonstrated in the scratch tests as well as in the liquid fill tests.

British Society for Medical Mycology proposed standards of care for patients with invasive fungal infections.

PubMed

Denning, David W; Kibbler, Christopher C; Barnes, Rosemary A

2003-04-01

Outcomes for invasive fungal infections have greatly improved in the past decade, and several new antifungal drugs have been or will be licensed in the next few years. Early accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment have major impact on survival. In a 1995 survey of laboratory practice in the UK for mycology, major disparities were seen, with many laboratories not undertaking even simple diagnostic procedures. Delays in processing and inadequate procedures for handling samples, incomplete or delayed reporting of results, or a combination of these, compromise the care of patients. In randomised trials of antifungal chemotherapy, optimum treatments and good alternatives for others have been defined for some infections. High-quality care requires a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and management. In this review, we propose microbiology, histopathology, radiology, and clinical auditing standards, with the evidence base for each reviewed. The standards are absolutes, and, therefore, provide a straightforward basis for improving services to patients if they are all implemented.

On the effects of signal processing on sample entropy for postural control.

PubMed

Lubetzky, Anat V; Harel, Daphna; Lubetzky, Eyal

2018-01-01

Sample entropy, a measure of time series regularity, has become increasingly popular in postural control research. We are developing a virtual reality assessment of sensory integration for postural control in people with vestibular dysfunction and wished to apply sample entropy as an outcome measure. However, despite the common use of sample entropy to quantify postural sway, we found lack of consistency in the literature regarding center-of-pressure signal manipulations prior to the computation of sample entropy. We therefore wished to investigate the effect of parameters choice and signal processing on participants' sample entropy outcome. For that purpose, we compared center-of-pressure sample entropy data between patients with vestibular dysfunction and age-matched controls. Within our assessment, participants observed virtual reality scenes, while standing on floor or a compliant surface. We then analyzed the effect of: modification of the radius of similarity (r) and the embedding dimension (m); down-sampling or filtering and differencing or detrending. When analyzing the raw center-of-pressure data, we found a significant main effect of surface in medio-lateral and anterior-posterior directions across r's and m's. We also found a significant interaction group × surface in the medio-lateral direction when r was 0.05 or 0.1 with a monotonic increase in p value with increasing r in both m's. These effects were maintained with down-sampling by 2, 3, and 4 and with detrending but not with filtering and differencing. Based on these findings, we suggest that for sample entropy to be compared across postural control studies, there needs to be increased consistency, particularly of signal handling prior to the calculation of sample entropy. Procedures such as filtering, differencing or detrending affect sample entropy values and could artificially alter the time series pattern. Therefore, if such procedures are performed they should be well justified.

A unified framework for developing effective hygiene procedures for hands, environmental surfaces and laundry in healthcare, domestic, food handling and other settings

PubMed Central

Bloomfield, Sally F.; Carling, Philip C.; Exner, Martin

2017-01-01

Hygiene procedures for hands, surfaces and fabrics are central to preventing spread of infection in settings including healthcare, food production, catering, agriculture, public settings, and home and everyday life. They are used in situations including hand hygiene, clinical procedures, decontamination of environmental surfaces, respiratory hygiene, food handling, laundry hygiene, toilet hygiene and so on. Although the principles are common to all, approaches currently used in different settings are inconsistent. A concern is the use of inconsistent terminology which is misleading, especially to people we need to communicate with such as the public or cleaning professionals. This paper reviews the data on current approaches, alongside new insights to developing hygiene procedures. Using this data, we propose a more scientifically-grounded framework for developing procedures that maximize protection against infection, based on consistent principles and terminology, and applicable across all settings. A key feature is use of test models which assess the state of surfaces after treatment rather than product performance alone. This allows procedures that rely on removal of microbes to be compared with those employing chemical or thermal inactivation. This makes it possible to ensure that a consistent “safety target level” is achieved regardless of the type of procedure used, and allows us deliver maximum health benefit whilst ensuring prudent usage of antimicrobial agents, detergents, water and energy. PMID:28670508

Mortuary operations in the aftermath of the 2009 Victorian bushfires.

PubMed

Leditschke, Jodie; Collett, Sarsha; Ellen, Rebecca

2011-02-25

On the day of the 2009 Victorian bushfires the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine activated its emergency plan. Within 48 h a temporary body storage facility was constructed adjacent to the existing mortuary. This temporary facility had the capacity to store up to 300 deceased persons. Pathologists, anthropologists, odontologists, police and mortuary assistants responded from all around Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia. The existing forensic mortuary and staff were divided into two areas: DVI (disaster victim identification) and "routine operations". A high priority for the mortuary was to ensure the casework of the "routine" deceased persons (those cases which were not related to the bushfires) was handled concurrently and in a timely manner. On admission each set of victim remains was given both a Coroner's case number in addition to the DVI number allocated at the scene. The case was CT scanned, examined by a pathologist, an anthropologist, and odontologist and in some instances a fingerprint expert. Where possible a DNA sample was taken. All processes, samples, labels and paperwork underwent a quality assurance check prior to the case completion. Regular audits were conducted. All of post mortem examinations were completed within 20 days of admission. Occupational health and safety issues of the staff were a high priority; this included correct manual handling, infection control and psychological debriefings. During the operation it was found that some remains were contaminated with asbestos. Procedures were set in place to manage these cases individually and each was isolated to reduce the risk of exposure by staff to asbestos. This overall mortuary operation identified a number of significant challenges, in particular the management of multiple parts of human remains for one individual. A new procedure was developed to ensure that all human remains, where possible, were reconciled with identified deceased persons prior to the release to the funeral director. It also highlighted the need to have well documented plans in place including plans for temporary mortuary facilities. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Overview of NORM and activities by a NORM licensed permanent decontamination and waste processing facility

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

Mirro, G.A.

1997-02-01

This paper presents an overview of issues related to handling NORM materials, and provides a description of a facility designed for the processing of NORM contaminated equipment. With regard to handling NORM materials the author discusses sources of NORM, problems, regulations and disposal options, potential hazards, safety equipment, and issues related to personnel protection. For the facility, the author discusses: description of the permanent facility; the operations of the facility; the license it has for handling specific radioactive material; operating and safety procedures; decontamination facilities on site; NORM waste processing capabilities; and offsite NORM services which are available.

Molecular epidemiology biomarkers-Sample collection and processing considerations

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

Holland, Nina T.; Pfleger, Laura; Berger, Eileen

2005-08-07

Biomarker studies require processing and storage of numerous biological samples with the goals of obtaining a large amount of information and minimizing future research costs. An efficient study design includes provisions for processing of the original samples, such as cryopreservation, DNA isolation, and preparation of specimens for exposure assessment. Use of standard, two-dimensional and nanobarcodes and customized electronic databases assure efficient management of large sample collections and tracking results of data analyses. Standard operating procedures and quality control plans help to protect sample quality and to assure validity of the biomarker data. Specific state, federal and international regulations are inmore » place regarding research with human samples, governing areas including custody, safety of handling, and transport of human samples. Appropriate informed consent must be obtained from the study subjects prior to sample collection and confidentiality of results maintained. Finally, examples of three biorepositories of different scale (European Cancer Study, National Cancer Institute and School of Public Health Biorepository, University of California, Berkeley) are used to illustrate challenges faced by investigators and the ways to overcome them. New software and biorepository technologies are being developed by many companies that will help to bring biological banking to a new level required by molecular epidemiology of the 21st century.« less

Green Propellant Landing Demonstration at U.S. Range

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mulkey, Henry W.; Miller, Joseph T.; Bacha, Caitlin E.

2016-01-01

The Green Propellant Loading Demonstration (GPLD) was conducted December 2015 at Wallops Flight Facility (WFF), leveraging work performed over recent years to bring lower toxicity hydrazine replacement green propellants to flight missions. The objective of this collaboration between NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), WFF, the Swedish National Space Board (SNSB), and Ecological Advanced Propulsion Systems (ECAPS) was to successfully accept LMP-103S propellant at a U.S. Range, store the propellant, and perform a simulated flight vehicle propellant loading. NASA GSFC Propulsion (Code 597) managed all aspects of the operation, handling logistics, preparing the procedures, and implementing the demonstration. In addition to the partnership described above, Moog Inc. developed an LMP-103S propellant-compatible titanium rolling diaphragm flight development tank and loaned it to GSFC to act as the GPLD flight vessel. The flight development tank offered the GPLD an additional level of flight-like propellant handling process and procedures. Moog Inc. also provided a compatible latching isolation valve for remote propellant expulsion. The GPLD operation, in concert with Moog Inc. executed a flight development tank expulsion efficiency performance test using LMP-103S propellant. As part of the demonstration work, GSFC and WFF documented Range safety analyses and practices including all elements of shipping, storage, handling, operations, decontamination, and disposal. LMP-103S has not been previously handled at a U.S. Launch Range. Requisite for this activity was an LMP-103S Risk Analysis Report and Ground Safety Plan. GSFC and WFF safety offices jointly developed safety documentation for application into the GPLD operation. The GPLD along with the GSFC Propulsion historical hydrazine loading experiences offer direct comparison between handling green propellant versus safety intensive, highly toxic hydrazine propellant. These described motives initiated the GPLD operation in order to investigate the handling and process safety variances in project resources between LMP-103S and typical in-space propellants. The GPLD risk reduction operation proved successful for many reasons including handling the green propellant at a U.S. Range, loading and pressurizing a flight-like tank, expelling the propellant, measuring the tank expulsion efficiency, and most significantly, GSFC propulsion personnel's new insight into the LMP-103S propellant handling details.

Green Propellant Loading Demonstration at U.S. Range

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mulkey, Henry W.; Miller, Joseph T.; Bacha, Caitlin E.

2016-01-01

The Green Propellant Loading Demonstration (GPLD) was conducted December 2015 at Wallops Flight Facility (WFF), leveraging work performed over recent years to bring lower toxicity hydrazine replacement green propellants to flight missions. The objective of this collaboration between NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), WFF, the Swedish National Space Board (SNSB), and Ecological Advanced Propulsion Systems (ECAPS) was to successfully accept LMP-103S propellant at a U.S. Range, store the propellant, and perform a simulated flight vehicle propellant loading. NASA GSFC Propulsion (Code 597) managed all aspects of the operation, handling logistics, preparing the procedures, and implementing the demonstration. In addition to the partnership described above, Moog Inc. developed an LMP-103S propellant-compatible titanium rolling diaphragm flight development tank and loaned it to GSFC to act as the GPLD flight vessel. The flight development tank offered the GPLD an additional level of flight-like propellant handling process and procedures. Moog Inc. also provided a compatible latching isolation valve for remote propellant expulsion. The GPLD operation, in concert with Moog Inc. executed a flight development tank expulsion efficiency performance test using LMP-103S propellant. As part of the demonstration work, GSFC and WFF documented Range safety analyses and practices including all elements of shipping, storage, handling, operations, decontamination, and disposal. LMP-103S has not been previously handled at a U.S. Launch Range. Requisite for this activity was an LMP-103S Risk Analysis Report and Ground Safety Plan. GSFC and WFF safety offices jointly developed safety documentation for application into the GPLD operation. The GPLD along with the GSFC Propulsion historical hydrazine loading experiences offer direct comparison between handling green propellant versus safety intensive, highly toxic hydrazine propellant. These described motives initiated the GPLD operation in order to investigate the handling and process safety variances in project resources between LMP-103S and typical in-space propellants. The GPLD risk reduction operation proved successful for many reasons including handling the green propellant at a U.S. Range, loading and pressurizing a flight-like tank, expelling the propellant, measuring the tank expulsion efficiency, and most significantly, GSFC propulsion personnel's new insight into the LMP-103S propellant handling details.

Effects of Handling and Vehicle Injections on Adrenocorticotropic and Corticosterone Concentrations in Sprague–Dawley Compared with Lewis Rats

PubMed Central

Deutsch-Feldman, Molly; Picetti, Roberto; Seip-Cammack, Katharine; Zhou, Yan; Kreek, Mary Jeanne

2015-01-01

The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis is a key factor in the trajectory of the addiction-like cycle (a pattern of behavior characterized by escalating drug use, withdrawal, and relapse) in preclinical and clinical studies. Concentrations of HPA hormones change in laboratory animals in response to standard experimental procedures, including handling and vehicle injections. We compared HPA activity in adult male Lewis (inbred) and Sprague–Dawley (outbred) rats, 2 common strains in rodent models of addiction, after different schedules of handling and saline injections, to explore the extent to which HPA responses differ by strain and whether interindividual differences underlie addiction vulnerability. The 4 treatment conditions were no, short, or long handling and saline injections. In handled groups, rats were handled for 1 to 2 min for 3 times daily and were euthanized after 7 d (short handling) or 14 d (long handling). The injection schedule in the saline injection group mimicked that in a model of binge-like cocaine exposure. Across all treatment groups, concentrations of adrenocorticotropic hormone were higher in Sprague–Dawley than in Lewis rats. In Sprague–Dawley rats, corticosterone concentrations decreased after continued handling but remained constant in Lewis rats. Interindividual variability in hormone levels was greater in Sprague–Dawley than Lewis rats, although corticosterone variability decreased after continued handling. Prolactin did not differ between groups of either Sprague–Dawley and Lewis rats before or after handling. This study underscores the importance of prolonged handling before experimenter-provided drug-administration paradigms and of strain-associated differences that may affect study outcomes. PMID:25651089

SOS! Ayuda para Padres: Una Guia Practica para Manejar Problemas de Conducta Comunes y Corrientes. (SOS! Help for Parents: A Practical Guide for Handling Common Everyday Behavior Problems.) Leader's Guide.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clark, Lynn

This Spanish-language version of "SOS" provides parents with guidance for handling a variety of common behavior problems based on the behavior approach to child rearing and discipline. This approach suggests that good and bad behavior are both learned and can be changed, and proposes specific methods, skills, procedures, and strategies…

Hypertext: Improved Capability for Shipboard Naval Messages

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-09-01

message handling system; a complete working model of the system has not been developed . 3 D. ORGANIZATION OF STUDY 1. The "Paperless" Ship Initiative...work in tandem to improve afloat message handling procedures. The objective of the PCMT project is to develop a system that could be installed on...working group has identified a list of requirements to guide the DoD’s progress towards improving its message communication system. These

V/STOL tilt rotor aircraft study. Volume 9: Piloted simulator evaluation of the Boeing Vertol model 222 tilt rotor aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rosenstein, H.; Mcveigh, M. A.; Mollenkof, P. A.

1973-01-01

The results of a real time piloted simulation to investigate the handling qualities and performance of a tilting rotor aircraft design are presented. The aerodynamic configuration of the aircraft is described. The procedures for conducting the simulator evaluation are reported. Pilot comments of the aircraft handling qualities under various simulated flight conditions are included. The time histories of selected pilot maneuvers are shown.

Tickling, a Technique for Inducing Positive Affect When Handling Rats.

PubMed

Cloutier, Sylvie; LaFollette, Megan R; Gaskill, Brianna N; Panksepp, Jaak; Newberry, Ruth C

2018-05-08

Handling small animals such as rats can lead to several adverse effects. These include the fear of humans, resistance to handling, increased injury risk for both the animals and the hands of their handlers, decreased animal welfare, and less valid research data. To minimize negative effects on experimental results and human-animal relationships, research animals are often habituated to being handled. However, the methods of habituation are highly variable and often of limited effectiveness. More potently, it is possible for humans to mimic aspects of the animals' playful rough-and-tumble behavior during handling. When applied to laboratory rats in a systematic manner, this playful handling, referred to as tickling, consistently gives rise to positive behavioral responses. This article provides a detailed description of a standardized rat tickling technique. This method can contribute to future investigations into positive affective states in animals, make it easier to handle rats for common husbandry activities such as cage changing or medical/research procedures such as injection, and be implemented as a source of social enrichment. It is concluded that this method can be used to efficiently and practicably reduce rats' fearfulness of humans and improve their welfare, as well as reliably model positive affective states.

Influence of Conflict Resolution Training on Conflict Handling Styles of College Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Waithaka, Abel Gitimu; Moore-Austin, Shante'; Gitimu, Priscilla N.

2015-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of conflict resolution skills training on conflict handling styles, and conflict orientation of college students. Conflict handling styles was measured by the Thomas-Kilmann MODE instrument, while Conflict orientation was measured by conflict orientation survey instrument. A sample of 135…

Refrigeration is not necessary for measurement of uric acid in patients treated with rasburicase.

PubMed

Lindeman, Neal I; Melanson, Stacy E F; McDonnell, Anne; DeAngelo, Daniel J; Jarolim, Petr

2013-05-01

Rasburicase, used for hyperuricemia of tumor lysis syndrome, retains activity at room temperature (RT) in in vitro studies. Cold-temperature handling is recommended for uric acid measurements in patients receiving rasburicase: collection in prechilled tubes, transportation on ice, and 4°C centrifugation. We performed a prospective study of these requirements. A total of 65 pairs of blood samples were collected from 34 patients, 12-24 h after receiving rasburicase. The effect of temperature on uric acid concentration was tested on paired samples handled either at RT or when cold: centrifugation (18 sample pairs), collection tube (14 pairs), transportation (24 pairs), and nine pairs were retested after 1 h at RT. No significant temperature effect was seen on the uric acid measurements for any of the cold-handling steps: proportional, absolute biases were -1.4%, -0.06 mg/dL (centrifugation), -1.5%, +0.02 mg/dL (tube temperature), and -2.2%, -0.01 mg/dL (transportation). A 20% negative bias was seen in samples retested after 1 h at RT. Cold handling (prechilled tubes, iced transportation, 4°C centrifugation) was equivalent to RT for immediate measurement. An additional 1 h delay at RT led to a 20% decrease in uric acid. The cold handling measures required by the manufacturer are not necessary for uric acid testing of patients receiving rasburicase treatment, if testing is performed without delay.

Handling alters cocaine-induced activity in adolescent but not adult male rats

PubMed Central

Maldonado, Antoniette M.; Kirstein, Cheryl L.

2017-01-01

The developmental period of adolescence is one that is characterized by increased levels of stress and vulnerability to drugs. Pre-test handling is an experimental manipulation that is used to acclimate animals prior to behavioral testing and exposure to a novel environment. Therefore, the present study was conducted in order to address the issue of pre-test handling of adolescent and adult male rats on subsequent cocaine-induced locomotor activity upon presentation to a novel environment. On days one through four, postnatal day (PND) 41–44 or PND 56–59, respectively, animals were handled b.i.d. for three minutes. On the fifth day, PND 45 or PND 60, animals were administered 30 mg/kg/ip cocaine or saline and immediately placed in a novel environment where locomotor activity was measured for 30 minutes. Cocaine increased locomotor activity similarly in all non-handled animals, regardless of age. Interestingly, adolescent animals expressed a differential effect when handled prior to an acute cocaine administration. Specifically, handling increased cocaine-induced locomotor activity in adolescent but not adult animals. These findings indicate that adolescent males that have been acclimated to the handling procedure experience significantly more behavioral reactivity than do adults to a high dose of cocaine upon exposure to a novel environment. PMID:15708784

The social environment influences the behavioural responses of beef cattle to handling.

PubMed

Grignard; Boissy; Boivin; Garel; Le Neindre P

2000-05-05

In cattle, a gregarious species, the social group influences individual stress responses to fear-eliciting situations. As handling can be stressful for farm animals, it can be hypothesised that social partners modify individual responses to handling. The present experiment investigated the effect of the presence or absence of social partners on behavioural reactions of beef calves in a handling test. At the age of 10 months, 38 calves from two breeds (Salers and Limousine) were individually subjected to the docility test, once while in visual contact with four familiar peers, and once in the absence of peers, following a crossover design. The docility test procedure included physical separation from peers (30 s; period 1), exposition to a stationary human (30 s; period 2), and handling by human (30 s-2.5 min, according to the success in handling; period 3). In absence of human (period 1), calves in visual contact with their peers spent more time motionless than when peers were totally absent (P<0.001). The social environment also influenced the duration of handling (period 3); the human required more time to successfully handle calves when peers were present (P<0.05). In conclusion, the presence of peers affects individual calves' reactions to the docility test.

Facility Concepts for Mars Returned Sample Handling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cohen, Marc M.; Briggs, Geoff (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

Samples returned from Mars must be held in quarantine until their biological safety has been determined. A significant challenge, unique to NASA's needs, is how to contain the samples (to protect the blaspheme) while simultaneously protecting their pristine nature. This paper presents a comparative analysis of several quarantine facility concepts for handling and analyzing these samples. The considerations in this design analysis include: modes of manipulation; capability for destructive as well as non-destructive testing; avoidance of cross-contamination; linear versus recursive processing; and sample storage and retrieval within a closed system. The ability to rigorously contain biologically hazardous materials has been amply demonstrated by facilities that meet the specifications of the Center for Disease Control Biosafety Level 4. The newly defined Planetary Protection Level Alpha must provide comparable containment while assuring that the samples remain pristine; the latter requirement is based on the need to avoid compromising science analyses by instrumentation of the highest possible sensitivity (among other things this will assure that there is no false positive detection of organisms or organic molecules - a situation that would delay or prevent the release of the samples from quarantine). Protection of the samples against contamination by terrestrial organisms and organic molecules makes a considerable impact upon the sample handling facility. The use of glove boxes appears to be impractical because of their tendency to leak and to surges. As a result, a returned sample quarantine facility must consider the use of automation and remote manipulation to carry out the various functions of sample handling and transfer within the system. The problem of maintaining sensitive and bulky instrumentation under the constraints of simultaneous sample containment and contamination protection also places demands on the architectural configuration of the facility that houses it.

Sample Acquisition and Handling System from a Remote Platform

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Badescu, Mircea; Sherrit, Stewart; Jones, Jack A.

2011-01-01

A system has been developed to acquire and handle samples from a suspended remote platform. The system includes a penetrator, a penetrator deployment mechanism, and a sample handler. A gravity-driven harpoon sampler was used for the system, but other solutions can be used to supply the penetration energy, such as pyrotechnic, pressurized gas, or springs. The deployment mechanism includes a line that is attached to the penetrator, a spool for reeling in the line, and a line engagement control mechanism. The penetrator has removable tips that can collect liquid, ice, or solid samples. The handling mechanism consists of a carousel that can store a series of identical or different tips, assist in penetrator reconfiguration for multiple sample acquisition, and deliver the sample to a series of instruments for analysis. The carousel sample handling system was combined with a brassboard reeling mechanism and a penetrator with removable tips. It can attach the removable tip to the penetrator, release and retrieve the penetrator, remove the tip, and present it to multiple instrument stations. The penetrator can be remotely deployed from an aerobot, penetrate and collect the sample, and be retrieved with the sample to the aerobot. The penetrator with removable tips includes sample interrogation windows and a sample retainment spring for unconsolidated samples. The line engagement motor can be used to control the penetrator release and reeling engagement, and to evenly distribute the line on the spool by rocking between left and right ends of the spool. When the arm with the guiding ring is aligned with the spool axis, the line is free to unwind from the spool without rotating the spool. When the arm is perpendicular to the spool axis, the line can move only if the spool rotates.

Video movie making using remote procedure calls and 4BSD Unix sockets on Unix, UNICOS, and MS-DOS systems

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

Robertson, D.W.; Johnston, W.E.; Hall, D.E.

1990-03-01

We describe the use of the Sun Remote Procedure Call and Unix socket interprocess communication mechanisms to provide the network transport for a distributed, client-server based, image handling system. Clients run under Unix or UNICOS and servers run under Unix or MS-DOS. The use of remote procedure calls across local or wide-area networks to make video movies is addressed.

42 CFR 493.1495 - Standard; Testing personnel responsibilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... experience, and technical abilities. (b) Each individual performing high complexity testing must— (1) Follow the laboratory's procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analyses, reporting and...

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

Gilbert, Richard O.

The application of statistics to environmental pollution monitoring studies requires a knowledge of statistical analysis methods particularly well suited to pollution data. This book fills that need by providing sampling plans, statistical tests, parameter estimation procedure techniques, and references to pertinent publications. Most of the statistical techniques are relatively simple, and examples, exercises, and case studies are provided to illustrate procedures. The book is logically divided into three parts. Chapters 1, 2, and 3 are introductory chapters. Chapters 4 through 10 discuss field sampling designs and Chapters 11 through 18 deal with a broad range of statistical analysis procedures. Somemore » statistical techniques given here are not commonly seen in statistics book. For example, see methods for handling correlated data (Sections 4.5 and 11.12), for detecting hot spots (Chapter 10), and for estimating a confidence interval for the mean of a lognormal distribution (Section 13.2). Also, Appendix B lists a computer code that estimates and tests for trends over time at one or more monitoring stations using nonparametric methods (Chapters 16 and 17). Unfortunately, some important topics could not be included because of their complexity and the need to limit the length of the book. For example, only brief mention could be made of time series analysis using Box-Jenkins methods and of kriging techniques for estimating spatial and spatial-time patterns of pollution, although multiple references on these topics are provided. Also, no discussion of methods for assessing risks from environmental pollution could be included.« less

Combined extraction-cleanup column chromatographic procedure for determination of dicofol in avian eggs

USGS Publications Warehouse

Krynitsky, A.J.; Stafford, C.J.; Wiemeyer, Stanley N.

1988-01-01

Dicofol in avian eggs was completely oxidized to dichlorobenzophenone (DCBP) when a hexane Soxhlet extraction procedure was used. This degradation did not occur with other avian tissues (muscle and liver). For this reason, a combined extraction-cleanup column chromatographic procedure, without added heat, was developed for the determination of dicofol in avian eggs. Homogenized subsamples of eggs were mixed with sodium sulfate, and the mixture was added as the top layer on a column prepacked with Florisil. The dicofol and other compounds of interest were then eluted with ethyl ether-hexane. The extracts, relatively free from lipids, were quantitated on a gas chromatograph equipped with a 63Ni electron-capture detector and a methyl silicone capillary column. Recoveries from chicken eggs, fortified with dicofol and other DDT-related compounds, averaged 96%. Analysis of eggs of eastern screech-owls, fed a meat diet containing 10 ppm technical Kelthane, showed that both dicofol and DCBP were present. Results were confirmed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. This method is rapid and reliable, involves a minimum of sample handling, and is well suited for high volume determination of dicofol in eggs and other avian tissues.

[Assessment criteria in the choice of aids for the lifting of patients].

PubMed

Panciera, D; Menoni, O; Ricci, M G; Occhipinti, E

1999-01-01

A fundamental part of the prevention strategies aimed at reducing risk due to manual handling of patients is the use of appropriate aids. This paper defines the basic types of aids for hospital wards: patient lifting devices, aids for hygiene and minor aids; and also proposes a procedure for choice of the type of aid: the procedure uses a specific protocol and also analyzes work organization and the environmental features of the ward. The proposed criteria for choice concern in the first place the fundamental requirements of the equipment: safety for operator and patient, simplicity of use and comfort for the patient. Secondly the basic determinants for choice of the type of aid are the type of disabled patient usually present in the ward and the analysis of the movements made in handling patients. On this basis, for each type of aid, the specific features are defined which direct the choice of supply for the various wards that will be adequate and effective both in reducing risk due to manual handling of patients and in improving the comfort of the patients.

Mitigating the risk of food handling in the home-delivered meal program.

PubMed

Namkung, Young; Ismail, Joseph A; Almanza, Barbara A; Nelson, Douglas C

2007-02-01

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine the length of time between packing and delivery of home-delivered meals, and the extent of foodborne illness risk to the elderly. Procedures to mitigate that risk were also evaluated. Researchers surveyed 95 drivers from home-delivered meal preparation sites in six states across the United States to determine the average length of time that passed during packing, loading, leaving, and delivery. The efficiency of various risk mitigation methods were evaluated and used to adjust the actual delivery time. Total average delivery time from packing to last delivery was 1.92 hours. This study suggests that the risk associated with the actual 1.92 hours of total delivery time could be mitigated to represent approximately 1.55 hours of effective time with proper packing and holding conditions. This methodology proposes a single measure for evaluating the effectiveness of various handling procedures associated with distributing home-delivered meals, which can be utilized to evaluate overall risk when combined with in-house preparation and client-handling behaviors.

Creation of 0.10-cm-1 resolution quantitative infrared spectral libraries for gas samples

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharpe, Steven W.; Sams, Robert L.; Johnson, Timothy J.; Chu, Pamela M.; Rhoderick, George C.; Guenther, Franklin R.

2002-02-01

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) are independently creating quantitative, approximately 0.10 cm-1 resolution, infrared spectral libraries of vapor phase compounds. The NIST library will consist of approximately 100 vapor phase spectra of volatile hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) and suspected greenhouse gases. The PNNL library will consist of approximately 400 vapor phase spectra associated with DOE's remediation mission. A critical part of creating and validating any quantitative work involves independent verification based on inter-laboratory comparisons. The two laboratories use significantly different sample preparation and handling techniques. NIST uses gravimetric dilution and a continuous flowing sample while PNNL uses partial pressure dilution and a static sample. Agreement is generally found to be within the statistical uncertainties of the Beer's law fit and less than 3 percent of the total integrated band areas for the 4 chemicals used in this comparison. There does appear to be a small systematic difference between the PNNL and NIST data, however. Possible sources of the systematic difference will be discussed as well as technical details concerning the sample preparation and the procedures for overcoming instrumental artifacts.

Sample handling in surface sensitive chemical and biological sensing: a practical review of basic fluidics and analyte transport.

PubMed

Orgovan, Norbert; Patko, Daniel; Hos, Csaba; Kurunczi, Sándor; Szabó, Bálint; Ramsden, Jeremy J; Horvath, Robert

2014-09-01

This paper gives an overview of the advantages and associated caveats of the most common sample handling methods in surface-sensitive chemical and biological sensing. We summarize the basic theoretical and practical considerations one faces when designing and assembling the fluidic part of the sensor devices. The influence of analyte size, the use of closed and flow-through cuvettes, the importance of flow rate, tubing length and diameter, bubble traps, pressure-driven pumping, cuvette dead volumes, and sample injection systems are all discussed. Typical application areas of particular arrangements are also highlighted, such as the monitoring of cellular adhesion, biomolecule adsorption-desorption and ligand-receptor affinity binding. Our work is a practical review in the sense that for every sample handling arrangement considered we present our own experimental data and critically review our experience with the given arrangement. In the experimental part we focus on sample handling in optical waveguide lightmode spectroscopy (OWLS) measurements, but the present study is equally applicable for other biosensing technologies in which an analyte in solution is captured at a surface and its presence is monitored. Explicit attention is given to features that are expected to play an increasingly decisive role in determining the reliability of (bio)chemical sensing measurements, such as analyte transport to the sensor surface; the distorting influence of dead volumes in the fluidic system; and the appropriate sample handling of cell suspensions (e.g. their quasi-simultaneous deposition). At the appropriate places, biological aspects closely related to fluidics (e.g. cellular mechanotransduction, competitive adsorption, blood flow in veins) are also discussed, particularly with regard to their models used in biosensing. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Standard interface files and procedures for reactor physics codes, version III

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

Carmichael, B.M.

Standards and procedures for promoting the exchange of reactor physics codes are updated to Version-III status. Standards covering program structure, interface files, file handling subroutines, and card input format are included. The implementation status of the standards in codes and the extension of the standards to new code areas are summarized. (15 references) (auth)

76 FR 2808 - Procedures for the Handling of Retaliation Complaints Under the Employee Protection Provisions of...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-01-18

... has broad authority to limit discovery. The preamble noted, for example, that an ALJ may limit the... also noted that an ALJ may exercise discretion to limit discovery unless the complainant agrees to...; and that if a complainant seeks excessive or burdensome discovery under the ALJ's rules and procedures...

Library and Archival Security: Policies and Procedures To Protect Holdings from Theft and Damage.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Trinkaus-Randall, Gregor

1998-01-01

Firm policies and procedures that address the environment, patron/staff behavior, general attitude, and care and handling of materials need to be at the core of the library/archival security program. Discussion includes evaluating a repository's security needs, collections security, security in non-public areas, security in the reading room,…

Safe Hazmat Storage Tips.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Neville, Angela

1996-01-01

Provides a list of recommendations for safely managing hazardous waste containers. Encourages training of employees on the hazards of the wastes they handle and the correct procedures for managing containers. (DDR)

A switchable positive and negative air pressure device for efficient and gentle handling of nanofiber scaffolds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hotaling, Nathan A.; Khristov, Vladimir; Maminishkis, Arvydas; Bharti, Kapil; Simon, Carl G.

2017-10-01

A scaffold handling device (SHD) has been designed that can switch from gentle suction to positive pressure to lift and place nanofiber scaffolds. In tissue engineering laboratories, delicate fibrous scaffolds, such as electrospun nanofiber scaffolds, are often used as substrates for cell culture. Typical scaffold handling procedures include lifting the scaffolds, moving them from one container to another, sterilization, and loading scaffolds into cell culture plates. Using tweezers to handle the scaffolds can be slow, can damage the scaffolds, and can cause them to wrinkle or fold. Scaffolds may also acquire a static charge which makes them difficult to put down as they cling to tweezers. An SHD has been designed that enables more efficient, gentle lifting, and placement of delicate scaffolds. Most of the parts to make the SHD can be purchased, except for the tip which can be 3D-printed. The SHD enables more reliable handling of nanofiber scaffolds that may improve the consistency of biomanufacturing processes.

The subsea deployment and installation of flexible pipe catenaries for the Enserch Garden Banks 388 Freestanding Production Riser

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

Herman, R.J.

1997-07-01

This narrative addresses the development of the subsea flexible pipe catenary handling tools and procedures as used in the Gulf of Mexico on the Enserch Garden Banks 388 Freestanding Production Riser. The philosophy that was invoked for the development of the tools and procedures was targeted on long term utilization and field maintenance capability with minimum vessel relocation requirements and minimum production interruptions. The initial emphasis for the required tools and procedures was to develop worker safe, environmentally friendly and cost effective equipment. These tools are for the deployment and installation of 3-inch Production and Annulus flexible pipe catenaries frommore » the Enserch Garden Banks 388 Floating Production Vessel to the system`s Freestanding Production Riser. The Pull In Jib system is common to the handling of all the catenaries. The Pull In Jib system has been designed to support the greater loads of the 8-inch and 12-inch export line catenaries.« less

The role of criminal law within the healthcare sector.

PubMed

Alhafaji, Yasmin

2012-12-01

Health is for most of us the most precious thing one can have. However, in practice situations occur where the patient is harmed within the healthcare institution. Traditionally, there are several ways to protect individuals in society: with civil, criminal and administrative procedures. Over the years in the Netherlands complaints procedures were established in which the complaints about healthcare providers' performance can be handled. Recently, there are some developments within the criminal law that concern the healthcare sector. Examples are: the establishment of the Public Prosecution Service's Expertise Center on Medical Matters, appointments of medical prosecutors. In addition, in legal literature suggestions are made that criminal law is nowadays applied in order to provide redress to the patients (relatives) and as a 'safety tool' that is to ensure security and to counter the risks within the healthcare sector. The article discusses the role of criminal law within the healthcare sector, and in particular, whether criminal procedure is suitable for handling complaints about healthcare.

Experience of Implementing ISO 15189 Accreditation at a University Laboratory

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

The present article summarizes the authors’ experience with the implementation of a quality management system based on ISO 17025 and ISO 15189 standards at university laboratories. The accreditation of the analytical procedures at the Universidad Mariano Gálvez represented a challenge due to the unique nature of an educational institution and the difference in nature to the standards implemented. Sample handling and care of the patient were combined to achieve an integrated management system. We explain the development of the management system, the obstacles and benefits of the system and concluding that it is possible to design a management system based on ISO 15189 for the university lab that allowed delivering results assuring technical competence to patient care and welfare. PMID:27683499

Development of simulation techniques suitable for the analysis of air traffic control situations and instrumentation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1972-01-01

A terminal area simulation is described which permits analysis and synthesis of current and advanced air traffic management system configurations including ground and airborne instrumentation and new and modified aircraft characteristics. Ground elements in the simulation include navigation aids, surveillance radars, communication links, air-route structuring, ATC procedures, airport geometries and runway handling constraints. Airborne elements include traffic samples with individual aircraft performance and operating characteristics and aircraft navigation equipment. The simulation also contains algorithms for conflict detection, conflict resolution, sequencing and pilot-controller data links. The simulation model is used to determine the sensitivities of terminal area traffic flow, safety and congestion to aircraft performance characteristics, avionics systems, and other ATC elements.

Property measurements and solidification studies by electrostatic levitation.

PubMed

Paradis, Paul-François; Yu, Jianding; Ishikawa, Takehiko; Yoda, Shinichi

2004-11-01

The National Space Development Agency of Japan has recently developed several electrostatic levitation furnaces and implemented new techniques and procedures for property measurement, solidification studies, and atomic structure research. In addition to the contamination-free environment for undercooled and liquid metals and semiconductors, the newly developed facilities possess the unique capabilities of handling ceramics and high vapor pressure materials, reducing processing time, and imaging high luminosity samples. These are exemplified in this paper with the successful processing of BaTiO(3). This allowed measurement of the density of high temperature solid, liquid, and undercooled phases. Furthermore, the material resulting from containerless solidification consisted of micrometer-size particles and a glass-like phase exhibiting a giant dielectric constant exceeding 100,000.

Effect of genetic algorithm as a variable selection method on different chemometric models applied for the analysis of binary mixture of amoxicillin and flucloxacillin: A comparative study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Attia, Khalid A. M.; Nassar, Mohammed W. I.; El-Zeiny, Mohamed B.; Serag, Ahmed

2016-03-01

Different chemometric models were applied for the quantitative analysis of amoxicillin (AMX), and flucloxacillin (FLX) in their binary mixtures, namely, partial least squares (PLS), spectral residual augmented classical least squares (SRACLS), concentration residual augmented classical least squares (CRACLS) and artificial neural networks (ANNs). All methods were applied with and without variable selection procedure (genetic algorithm GA). The methods were used for the quantitative analysis of the drugs in laboratory prepared mixtures and real market sample via handling the UV spectral data. Robust and simpler models were obtained by applying GA. The proposed methods were found to be rapid, simple and required no preliminary separation steps.

Evaluation of hygiene practices and microbiological status of ready-to-eat vegetable salads in Spanish school canteens.

PubMed

Rodríguez-Caturla, Magdevis Y; Valero, Antonio; Carrasco, Elena; Posada, Guiomar D; García-Gimeno, Rosa M; Zurera, Gonzalo

2012-08-30

This study was conducted in eight Spanish school canteens during the period 2008-2009. Food handlers' practices, kitchen equipment, hygiene/sanitation conditions and handling practices were evaluated using checklists. In parallel, the microbiological quality and safety of ready-to-eat (RTE) vegetable salads were assessed. In addition, food contact surfaces and environmental air quality of different areas were analysed. The study determined the relationship between the microbiological quality of RTE foods and food handling practices, together with the degree of contamination of working surfaces and environmental contamination of processing and distribution areas. Some deficiencies were found regarding the use and change of gloves, hand-washing and cleanliness of working surfaces. The microbial levels detected in the foods examined indicated the absence of pathogens in the samples analysed. Surface counts were higher on cutting boards and faucets, showing insufficient cleanliness procedures. This study constitutes a descriptive analysis of the hygiene/sanitation conditions implemented in food service systems in eight Spanish school canteens. The results should help risk managers to better define control measures to be adopted in order to prevent foodborne infections. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry.

Influence of Manual Screwdriver Design in Combination With and Without Predrilling on Insertion Torque of Orthodontic Mini-Implants.

PubMed

Katalinic, Andrej; Trinajstic Zrinski, Magda; Roksandic Vrancic, Zlatka; Spalj, Stjepan

2017-02-01

The study focused on the influence of screwdriver design in combination with and without predrilling a pilot hole of inner implant diameter on insertion torque of orthodontic mini-implants, controlling for cortical thickness and vertical insertion force as cofactors. One hundred twenty mini-implants (Forestadent) of 1.7 mm in diameter and 6 and 8 mm in length were manually inserted into 120 swine rib bone samples. Maximal insertion torque as a measure of primary stability and vertical force were measured. The study included procedures with and without pilot hole and different screwdriver handles and shaft length and 2 implant lengths. Design of manual screwdriver does not modify insertion torque to a significant extent. In multiple linear regression model, significant predictors of insertion torque are thicker cortical bone (explaining 16.6% of variability), higher vertical force at maximal torque (13.5%), 6-mm implant length (2.5%), and the presence of pilot hole (2.3%). Handle type and shaft length of manual screwdriver do not significantly influence insertion torque, whereas predrilling a pilot hole has low impact on torque values of manually inserted self-drilling orthodontic mini-implants.

24 CFR 3282.410 - Contents of notice.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... URBAN DEVELOPMENT MANUFACTURED HOME PROCEDURAL AND ENFORCEMENT REGULATIONS Consumer Complaint Handling... owner may submit a complaint to the Secretary if the owner believes that: (1) The notification or the...

24 CFR 3282.410 - Contents of notice.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... URBAN DEVELOPMENT MANUFACTURED HOME PROCEDURAL AND ENFORCEMENT REGULATIONS Consumer Complaint Handling... owner may submit a complaint to the Secretary if the owner believes that: (1) The notification or the...

24 CFR 3282.410 - Contents of notice.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... URBAN DEVELOPMENT MANUFACTURED HOME PROCEDURAL AND ENFORCEMENT REGULATIONS Consumer Complaint Handling... owner may submit a complaint to the Secretary if the owner believes that: (1) The notification or the...

Safe handling of antineoplastic drugs.

PubMed

Harrison, B R

1994-07-01

Managers should be aware of the hazardous properties of antineoplastic drugs and of the procedures and equipment commonly recommended to provide a safe working environment for employees, patients, and visitors. Compliance with the many published guidelines should help ensure passage of the inevitable Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or Joint Commission inspection. Acute and chronic toxicities of the antineoplastic drugs, the potential for exposure in the workplace, and the basic guidelines for safe handling of these agents are reviewed.

Parallelism in integrated fluidic circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bousse, Luc J.; Kopf-Sill, Anne R.; Parce, J. W.

1998-04-01

Many research groups around the world are working on integrated microfluidics. The goal of these projects is to automate and integrate the handling of liquid samples and reagents for measurement and assay procedures in chemistry and biology. Ultimately, it is hoped that this will lead to a revolution in chemical and biological procedures similar to that caused in electronics by the invention of the integrated circuit. The optimal size scale of channels for liquid flow is determined by basic constraints to be somewhere between 10 and 100 micrometers . In larger channels, mixing by diffusion takes too long; in smaller channels, the number of molecules present is so low it makes detection difficult. At Caliper, we are making fluidic systems in glass chips with channels in this size range, based on electroosmotic flow, and fluorescence detection. One application of this technology is rapid assays for drug screening, such as enzyme assays and binding assays. A further challenge in this area is to perform multiple functions on a chip in parallel, without a large increase in the number of inputs and outputs. A first step in this direction is a fluidic serial-to-parallel converter. Fluidic circuits will be shown with the ability to distribute an incoming serial sample stream to multiple parallel channels.

Processing techniques for software based SAR processors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leung, K.; Wu, C.

1983-01-01

Software SAR processing techniques defined to treat Shuttle Imaging Radar-B (SIR-B) data are reviewed. The algorithms are devised for the data processing procedure selection, SAR correlation function implementation, multiple array processors utilization, cornerturning, variable reference length azimuth processing, and range migration handling. The Interim Digital Processor (IDP) originally implemented for handling Seasat SAR data has been adapted for the SIR-B, and offers a resolution of 100 km using a processing procedure based on the Fast Fourier Transformation fast correlation approach. Peculiarities of the Seasat SAR data processing requirements are reviewed, along with modifications introduced for the SIR-B. An Advanced Digital SAR Processor (ADSP) is under development for use with the SIR-B in the 1986 time frame as an upgrade for the IDP, which will be in service in 1984-5.

Experience and Grouping Effects when Handling Non-Normal Situations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Trujillo, Anna C.

2004-01-01

Currently, most of the displays in control rooms can be categorized as status, alerts/procedures, or control screens. With the advent and use of CRTs and the associated computing power available to compute and display information, it is now possible to combine these different elements of information and control onto a single display. An experiment was conducted to determine which, if any, of these functions should be collocated in order to better handle simple anticipated non-normal system events. The results indicated that there are performance benefits and subject preferences to combining all the information onto one screen or combining the status and alert/procedure information onto one screen and placing the controls in another area. The results indicated that operators quickly modify their display preferences to the display configuration most recently used.

Semi-analytical model for a static sheath including a weakly collisional presheath

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shirafuji, Tatsuru; Denpoh, Kazuki

2018-06-01

A semi-analytical static sheath (SASS) model can provide a spatial potential profile on a biased surface with microstructures, which can be used for predicting ion trajectories on the surface. However, two- or three-dimensional SASS models require a search procedure for a sheath edge equipotential profile, at which ions have the Bohm velocity, as the starting positions for calculating ion trajectories. This procedure can be troublesome when surface microstructures have complex structures. This difficulty is due to the fact that the SASS model cannot handle a presheath region. In this work, we propose a modified SASS model that can handle a presheath region. By using the modified SASS model, ion trajectories can be calculated from edges with arbitrary geometry without searching for the equipotential profile corresponding to sheath edges.

Extended Importance Sampling for Reliability Analysis under Evidence Theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, X. K.; Chen, B.; Zhang, B. Q.

2018-05-01

In early engineering practice, the lack of data and information makes uncertainty difficult to deal with. However, evidence theory has been proposed to handle uncertainty with limited information as an alternative way to traditional probability theory. In this contribution, a simulation-based approach, called ‘Extended importance sampling’, is proposed based on evidence theory to handle problems with epistemic uncertainty. The proposed approach stems from the traditional importance sampling for reliability analysis under probability theory, and is developed to handle the problem with epistemic uncertainty. It first introduces a nominal instrumental probability density function (PDF) for every epistemic uncertainty variable, and thus an ‘equivalent’ reliability problem under probability theory is obtained. Then the samples of these variables are generated in a way of importance sampling. Based on these samples, the plausibility and belief (upper and lower bounds of probability) can be estimated. It is more efficient than direct Monte Carlo simulation. Numerical and engineering examples are given to illustrate the efficiency and feasible of the proposed approach.

Analysis of aircraft longitudinal handling qualities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hess, R. A.

1981-01-01

The optimal control model (OCM) of the human pilot is applied to the study of aircraft handling qualities. Attention is focused primarily on longitudinal tasks. The modeling technique differs from previous applications of the OCM in that considerable effort is expended in simplifying the pilot/vehicle analysis. After briefly reviewing the OCM, a technique for modeling the pilot controlling higher order systems is introduced. Following this, a simple criterion for determining the susceptibility of an aircraft to pilot induced oscillations (PIO) is formulated. Finally, a model-based metric for pilot rating prediction is discussed. The resulting modeling procedure provides a relatively simple, yet unified approach to the study of a variety of handling qualities problems.

Prediction of aircraft handling qualities using analytical models of the human pilot

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hess, R. A.

1982-01-01

The optimal control model (OCM) of the human pilot is applied to the study of aircraft handling qualities. Attention is focused primarily on longitudinal tasks. The modeling technique differs from previous applications of the OCM in that considerable effort is expended in simplifying the pilot/vehicle analysis. After briefly reviewing the OCM, a technique for modeling the pilot controlling higher order systems is introduced. Following this, a simple criterion for determining the susceptibility of an aircraft to pilot-induced oscillations (PIO) is formulated. Finally, a model-based metric for pilot rating prediction is discussed. The resulting modeling procedure provides a relatively simple, yet unified approach to the study of a variety of handling qualities problems.

Prediction of aircraft handling qualities using analytical models of the human pilot

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hess, R. A.

1982-01-01

The optimal control model (OCM) of the human pilot is applied to the study of aircraft handling qualities. Attention is focused primarily on longitudinal tasks. The modeling technique differs from previous applications of the OCM in that considerable effort is expended in simplifying the pilot/vehicle analysis. After briefly reviewing the OCM, a technique for modeling the pilot controlling higher order systems is introduced. Following this, a simple criterion for determining the susceptibility of an aircraft to pilot induced oscillations is formulated. Finally, a model based metric for pilot rating prediction is discussed. The resulting modeling procedure provides a relatively simple, yet unified approach to the study of a variety of handling qualities problems.

Dried blood spot on-card derivatization: an alternative form of sample handling to overcome the instability of thiorphan in biological matrix.

PubMed

Mess, Jean-Nicholas; Taillon, Marie-Pierre; Côté, Cynthia; Garofolo, Fabio

2012-12-01

Thiorphan, the active metabolite of racecadotril, can undergo oxidation in biological matrices such as blood and plasma. In bioanalysis, a general approach for the stabilization of such a molecule is to derivatize the thiol group to a more stable thioether, often requiring complex handling procedures at the clinical site. In this research, the concept of dried blood spot (DBS) on-card derivatization was evaluated to stabilize thiorphan. DBS cards were in-house pre-treated with 2-bromo-3'-methoxyacetophenone and left to dry prior to blood spotting. Thiorphan was shown to be effectively derivatized to thiorphan-methoxyacetophenone once applied on the in-house pre-treated cards. Thiorphan-methoxyacetophenone was extracted by soaking a 6 mm DBS punch in methanol containing the internal standard (thiorphan-methoxyacetophenone-D₅). Chromatographic separation was achieved on a Waters XBridge C₁₈ column with a gradient elution of 5 mM NH₄HCO₃ and methanol in 2.5 min and detection by ESI(+)/MS/MS. A linear (weighted 1/x²) relationship was obtained over a concentration range of 5.00-600.00 ng/mL. The assay met regulatory guidelines acceptance criteria for sensitivity, selectivity, precision and accuracy, matrix effect, recovery, dilution integrity and multiple stability evaluations. The DBS on-card derivatization has shown to be an easy and reliable alternative form of sample collection for the quantification of thiorphan. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Handling and storage of human body fluids for analysis of extracellular vesicles

PubMed Central

Yuana, Yuana; Böing, Anita N.; Grootemaat, Anita E.; van der Pol, Edwin; Hau, Chi M.; Cizmar, Petr; Buhr, Egbert; Sturk, Auguste; Nieuwland, Rienk

2015-01-01

Because procedures of handling and storage of body fluids affect numbers and composition of extracellular vesicles (EVs), standardization is important to ensure reliable and comparable measurements of EVs in a clinical environment. We aimed to develop standard protocols for handling and storage of human body fluids for EV analysis. Conditions such as centrifugation, single freeze–thaw cycle, effect of time delay between blood collection and plasma preparation and storage were investigated. Plasma is the most commonly studied body fluid in EV research. We mainly focused on EVs originating from platelets and erythrocytes and investigated the behaviour of these 2 types of EVs independently as well as in plasma samples of healthy subjects. EVs in urine and saliva were also studied for comparison. All samples were analysed simultaneously before and after freeze–thawing by resistive pulse sensing, nanoparticle tracking analysis, conventional flow cytometry (FCM) and transmission (scanning) electron microscopy. Our main finding is that the effect of centrifugation markedly depends on the cellular origin of EVs. Whereas erythrocyte EVs remain present as single EVs after centrifugation, platelet EVs form aggregates, which affect their measured concentration in plasma. Single erythrocyte and platelet EVs are present mainly in the range of 100–200 nm, far below the lower limit of what can be measured by conventional FCM. Furthermore, the effects of single freeze–thaw cycle, time delay between blood collection and plasma preparation up to 1 hour and storage up to 1 year are insignificant (p>0.05) on the measured concentration and diameter of EVs from erythrocyte and platelet concentrates and EVs in plasma, urine and saliva. In conclusion, in standard protocols for EV studies, centrifugation to isolate EVs from collected body fluids should be avoided. Freezing and storage of collected body fluids, albeit their insignificant effects, should be performed identically for comparative EV studies and to create reliable biorepositories. PMID:26563735

Handling and storage of human body fluids for analysis of extracellular vesicles.

PubMed

Yuana, Yuana; Böing, Anita N; Grootemaat, Anita E; van der Pol, Edwin; Hau, Chi M; Cizmar, Petr; Buhr, Egbert; Sturk, Auguste; Nieuwland, Rienk

2015-01-01

Because procedures of handling and storage of body fluids affect numbers and composition of extracellular vesicles (EVs), standardization is important to ensure reliable and comparable measurements of EVs in a clinical environment. We aimed to develop standard protocols for handling and storage of human body fluids for EV analysis. Conditions such as centrifugation, single freeze-thaw cycle, effect of time delay between blood collection and plasma preparation and storage were investigated. Plasma is the most commonly studied body fluid in EV research. We mainly focused on EVs originating from platelets and erythrocytes and investigated the behaviour of these 2 types of EVs independently as well as in plasma samples of healthy subjects. EVs in urine and saliva were also studied for comparison. All samples were analysed simultaneously before and after freeze-thawing by resistive pulse sensing, nanoparticle tracking analysis, conventional flow cytometry (FCM) and transmission (scanning) electron microscopy. Our main finding is that the effect of centrifugation markedly depends on the cellular origin of EVs. Whereas erythrocyte EVs remain present as single EVs after centrifugation, platelet EVs form aggregates, which affect their measured concentration in plasma. Single erythrocyte and platelet EVs are present mainly in the range of 100-200 nm, far below the lower limit of what can be measured by conventional FCM. Furthermore, the effects of single freeze-thaw cycle, time delay between blood collection and plasma preparation up to 1 hour and storage up to 1 year are insignificant (p>0.05) on the measured concentration and diameter of EVs from erythrocyte and platelet concentrates and EVs in plasma, urine and saliva. In conclusion, in standard protocols for EV studies, centrifugation to isolate EVs from collected body fluids should be avoided. Freezing and storage of collected body fluids, albeit their insignificant effects, should be performed identically for comparative EV studies and to create reliable biorepositories.

Evidence of Authentic DNA from Danish Viking Age Skeletons Untouched by Humans for 1,000 Years

PubMed Central

Melchior, Linea; Kivisild, Toomas; Lynnerup, Niels; Dissing, Jørgen

2008-01-01

Background Given the relative abundance of modern human DNA and the inherent impossibility for incontestable proof of authenticity, results obtained on ancient human DNA have often been questioned. The widely accepted rules regarding ancient DNA work mainly affect laboratory procedures, however, pre-laboratory contamination occurring during excavation and archaeological-/anthropological handling of human remains as well as rapid degradation of authentic DNA after excavation are major obstacles. Methodology/Principal Findings We avoided some of these obstacles by analyzing DNA from ten Viking Age subjects that at the time of sampling were untouched by humans for 1,000 years. We removed teeth from the subjects prior to handling by archaeologists and anthropologists using protective equipment. An additional tooth was removed after standard archaeological and anthropological handling. All pre-PCR work was carried out in a “clean- laboratory” dedicated solely to ancient DNA work. Mitochondrial DNA was extracted and overlapping fragments spanning the HVR-1 region as well as diagnostic sites in the coding region were PCR amplified, cloned and sequenced. Consistent results were obtained with the “unhandled” teeth and there was no indication of contamination, while the latter was the case with half of the “handled” teeth. The results allowed the unequivocal assignment of a specific haplotype to each of the subjects, all haplotypes being compatible in their character states with a phylogenetic tree drawn from present day European populations. Several of the haplotypes are either infrequent or have not been observed in modern Scandinavians. The observation of haplogroup I in the present study (<2% in modern Scandinavians) supports our previous findings of a pronounced frequency of this haplogroup in Viking and Iron Age Danes. Conclusion The present work provides further evidence that retrieval of ancient human DNA is a possible task provided adequate precautions are taken and well-considered sampling is applied. PMID:18509537

42 CFR 491.9 - Provision of services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... center. (iii) Rules for the storage, handling, and administration of drugs and biologicals. (4) These... has available the drugs and biologicals commonly used in life saving procedures, such as analgesics...

42 CFR 491.9 - Provision of services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... center. (iii) Rules for the storage, handling, and administration of drugs and biologicals. (4) These... has available the drugs and biologicals commonly used in life saving procedures, such as analgesics...