Wakata haircut in the Service Module (SM)

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-04-04

ISS018-E-044607 (4 April 2009) --- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Koichi Wakata, Expedition 18/19 flight engineer, returns scissors and hair clippers to their storage bag after trimming his hair in the Zarya module of the International Space Station.

Kononenko uses laptop computer in the SM Transfer Compartment

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-03-21

ISS030-E-161167 (21 March 2012) --- Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko, Expedition 30 flight engineer, uses a computer in the transfer compartment of the International Space Station?s Zvezda Service Module. Russia's Zarya module is visible in the background.

View of damaged Apollo 13 Service Module from the Lunar/Command Modules

NASA Image and Video Library

1970-04-17

AS13-59-8562 (17 April 1970) --- This view of the Apollo 13 Lunar Module (LM) was photographed from the Command Module (CM) just after the LM had been jettisoned. The jettisoning occurred a few minutes before 11 a.m. (CST), April 17, 1970, just over an hour prior to splashdown of the CM in the south Pacific Ocean. The apparent explosion of oxygen tank number two in the Apollo 13 Service Module (SM) caused the Apollo 13 crew members to rely on the LM as a "lifeboat".

Lonchakov holds Space Science P/L Kristallizator Module-1 experiment hardware in the SM during Joint Operations

NASA Image and Video Library

2008-10-15

ISS017-E-018411 (15 Oct. 2008) --- Russian Federal Space Agency cosmonaut Yury Lonchakov, Expedition 18 flight engineer, looks over a procedures checklist while holding Space Science P/L Crystallizer Module-1 experiment hardware in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station.

Wakata haircut in the Service Module (SM)

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-04-04

ISS018-E-044602 (4 April 2009) --- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Koichi Wakata, Expedition 18/19 flight engineer, trims his hair in the Zarya module of the International Space Station, using scissors and a vacuum device to garner freshly cut hair.

Wakata haircut in the Service Module (SM)

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-04-04

ISS018-E-044596 (4 April 2009) --- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Koichi Wakata, Expedition 18/19 flight engineer, trims his hair in the Zarya module of the International Space Station, using hair clippers fashioned with a vacuum device to garner freshly cut hair.

Kotov works with Plasma Crystal-3 Experiment in the SM during Expedition 22

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-01-25

ISS022-E-035438 (25 Jan. 2010) --- Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kotov, Expedition 22 flight engineer, uses a computer while servicing the Plasma Crystal-3 experiment in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station.

Kotov works with Plasma Crystal-3+ Experiment in the SM during Expedition 22

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-01-28

ISS022-E-040615 (28 Jan. 2010) --- Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kotov, Expedition 22 flight engineer, uses a computer while servicing the Plasma Crystal-3 experiment in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station.

TESTS - APOLLO 13

NASA Image and Video Library

1970-06-10

S70-41984 (June 1970) --- Full-scale propagation test at the NASA Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC) of fire inside an Apollo Service Module (SM) oxygen tank. The photograph from a motion picture sequence taken from outside the vessel shows failure of tank conduit with abrupt loss of oxygen pressure. The test was part of the Apollo 13 post flight investigation of the Service Module explosion incident. Photo credit: NASA

Romanenko looks through a Rodnik Tank in the SM

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-12-31

ISS034-E-010446 (31 Dec. 2012) --- Russian cosmonaut Roman Romanenko, Expedition 34 flight engineer, looks through a Rodnik tank in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station. Romanenko performed a water transfer from a Rodnik tank in the Progress to a Rodnik tank in the Zvezda Service Module. Note the multiple refractions of the cosmonaut?s head and shoulders in the bubbles.

Spacecraft Escape Capsule

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Robertson, Edward A.; Charles, Dingell W.; Bufkin, Ann L.; Rodriggs, Liana M.; Peterson, Wayne; Cuthbert, Peter; Lee, David E.; Westhelle, Carlos

2006-01-01

A report discusses the Gumdrop capsule a conceptual spacecraft that would enable the crew to escape safely in the event of a major equipment failure at any time from launch through atmospheric re-entry. The scaleable Gumdrop capsule would comprise a command module (CM), a service module (SM), and a crew escape system (CES). The CM would contain a pressurized crew environment that would include avionic, life-support, thermal control, propulsive attitude control, and recovery systems. The SM would provide the primary propulsion and would also supply electrical power, life-support resources, and active thermal control to the CM. The CES would include a solid rocket motor, embedded within the SM, for pushing the CM away from the SM in the event of a critical thermal-protection-system failure or loss of control. The CM and SM would normally remain integrated with each other from launch through recovery, but could be separated using the CES, if necessary, to enable the safe recovery of the crew in the CM. The crew escape motor could be used, alternatively, as a redundant means of de-orbit propulsion for the CM in the event of a major system failure in the SM.

MATRYOSHKA-R (RBO-3-2) Radiation Suite in the Service Module (SM)

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-03-14

ISS018-E-040944 (18 March 2009) --- Cosmonaut Yury Lonchakov, Expedition 18 flight engineer, works with the European Matroshka-R Phantom experiment in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station while Space Shuttle Discovery (STS-119) remains docked with the station. Matroshka, the name for the traditional Russian set of nestling dolls, is an antroph-amorphous model of a human torso designed for radiation studies.

MATRYOSHKA-R (RBO-3-2) radiation suite in service module (SM)

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-03-18

ISS018-E-040992 (18 March 2009) --- Cosmonaut Yury Lonchakov, Expedition 18 flight engineer, works with the European Matroshka-R Phantom experiment in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station while Space Shuttle Discovery (STS-119) remains docked with the station. Matroshka, the name for the traditional Russian set of nestling dolls, is an antroph-amorphous model of a human torso designed for radiation studies.

Service Life Extension of the ISS Propulsion System Elements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kamath, Ulhas; Grant, Gregory; Kuznetsov, Sergei; Shaevich, Sergey; Spencer, Victor

2015-01-01

The International Space Station (ISS) is a result of international collaboration in building a sophisticated laboratory of an unprecedented scale in Low Earth Orbit. After a complex assembly sequence spanning over a decade, some of the early modules launched at the beginning of the program would reach the end of their certified lives, while the newer modules were just being commissioned into operation. To maximize the return on global investments in this one-of-a-kind orbiting platform that was initially conceived for a service life until 2016, it is essential for the cutting edge research on ISS to continue as long as the station can be sustained safely in orbit. ISS Program is assessing individual modules in detail to extend the service life of the ISS to 2024, and possibly to 2028. Without life extension, Functional Cargo Block (known by its Russian acronym as FGB) and the Service Module (SM), two of the early modules on the Russian Segment, would reach the end of their certified lives in 2013 and 2015 respectively. Both FGB and SM are critical for the propulsive function of the ISS. This paper describes the approach used for the service life extension of the FGB propulsion system. Also presented is an overview of the system description along with the process adopted for developing the life test plans based on considerations of system failure modes, fault tolerance and safety provisions. Tests and analyses performed, important findings and life estimates are summarized. Based on the life extension data, FGB propulsion system, in general, is considered ready for a service life until 2028.

MATRYOSHKA-R (RBO-3-2) Radiation Suite in the Service Module (SM)

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-03-14

ISS018-E-040939 (18 March 2009) --- Cosmonaut Yury Lonchakov, Expedition 18 flight engineer, prepares to work with the European Matroshka-R Phantom experiment in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station while Space Shuttle Discovery (STS-119) remains docked with the station. Matroshka, the name for the traditional Russian set of nestling dolls, is an antroph-amorphous model of a human torso designed for radiation studies.

Sensory modulation and trauma-informed-care knowledge transfer and translation in mental health services in Victoria: Evaluation of a statewide train-the-trainer intervention.

PubMed

McEvedy, Samantha; Maguire, Tessa; Furness, Trentham; McKenna, Brian

2017-07-01

Sensory modulation (SM) and trauma-informed-care (TIC) are therapeutic strategies which can help avoid incidents of aggression and thus reduce the use of restrictive interventions in mental health settings. In order to educate mental health nurses and allied health professionals in these strategies, a train-the-trainer intervention was developed and delivered to 19 area mental health services as a statewide, government funded program. This descriptive qualitative study evaluated the effectiveness of the intervention to: a) transfer knowledge; and, b) translate knowledge into practice. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with senior staff (n = 21); focus group discussions with trainees (n = 10); and, a paired in-depth interview with master trainers (n = 2). In total, 170 trainees attended two day train-the-trainer sessions. Many trainees were not in education roles. Most services facilitated further knowledge transfer to end-user clinicians, though training materials were often adapted. End-users' responses to SM/TIC training were generally positive to the training, but some were resistant to the change in practice. Limited anecdotal evidence of translation of SM/TIC into practice was provided. Ongoing support is required to maintain a focus on SM and TIC, sustain and encourage further knowledge transfer and translation, and assess the impact on consumer and staff health outcomes. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Apollo 17 Command/Service modules photographed from lunar module in orbit

NASA Image and Video Library

1972-12-14

AS17-145-22254 (14 Dec. 1972) --- An excellent view of the Apollo 17 Command and Service Modules (CSM) photographed from the Lunar Module (LM) "Challenger" during rendezvous and docking maneuvers in lunar orbit. The LM ascent stage, with astronauts Eugene A. Cernan and Harrison H. Schmitt aboard, had just returned from the Taurus-Littrow landing site on the lunar surface. Astronaut Ronald E. Evans remained with the CSM in lunar orbit. Note the exposed Scientific Instrument Module (SIM) Bay in Sector 1 of the Service Module (SM). Three experiments are carried in the SIM bay: S-209 lunar sounder, S-171 infrared scanning spectrometer, and the S-169 far-ultraviolet spectrometer. Also mounted in the SIM bay are the panoramic camera, mapping camera and laser altimeter used in service module photographic tasks. A portion of the LM is on the right.

Russian EVA 33

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-06-24

View of Russian cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin (bottom center), Expedition 36 flight engineer, participating in Russian extravehicular activity (EVA) 33. Also visible are the Progress spacecraft docked to the Pirs Docking Compartment (DC1) with the Service Module (SM) .

Kuipers near food containers in the SM

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-03-28

ISS030-E-178069 (28 March 2012) --- European Space Agency astronaut Andre Kuipers, Expedition 30 flight engineer, is pictured near food storage containers in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station.

Vinogradov uses computer in the SM during Expedition 13

NASA Image and Video Library

2006-05-01

ISS013-E-10269 (1 May 2006) --- Cosmonaut Pavel V. Vinogradov, Expedition 13 commander representing Russia's Federal Space Agency, uses a computer in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station.

Photos above SM Hatch

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-01-02

View of Yuri Alexievich Gagarin (first space traveler) photo and other photos,above Service Module (SM) hatch. The blue and white rosette on the left with the writing пора в космос is the symbol and name of the Russian television program for children that covers cosmonautic and International Space Station (ISS) topics. Photo was taken during Expedition 34.

Reiter working in SM during Expedition 13

NASA Image and Video Library

2006-08-19

ISS013-E-67495 (19 Aug. 2006) --- European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Thomas Reiter, Expedition 13 flight engineer, wears a communication system while using a computer in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station.

Ivanishin wearing a communication system headset in the SM

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-01-05

ISS030-E-021036 (5 Jan. 2012) --- Russian cosmonaut Anatoly Ivanishin, Expedition 30 flight engineer, wears a communication system headset while using a computer in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station.

Malenchenko uses communication equipment in the SM

NASA Image and Video Library

2008-01-09

ISS016-E-022130 (9 Jan. 2008) --- Cosmonaut Yuri I. Malenchenko, Expedition 16 flight engineer representing Russia's Federal Space Agency, uses a communication system while working in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station.

Malenchenko uses communication equipment in the SM

NASA Image and Video Library

2008-01-09

ISS016-E-022134 (9 Jan. 2008) --- Cosmonaut Yuri I. Malenchenko, Expedition 16 flight engineer representing Russia's Federal Space Agency, uses a communication system while working in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station.

Vinogradov reads manual in the SM during Expedition 13

NASA Image and Video Library

2006-06-26

ISS013-E-27377 (26 May 2006) --- Cosmonaut Pavel V. Vinogradov, Expedition 13 commander representing Russia's Federal Space Agency, looks over a procedures checklist in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station.

Chamitoff works on TVIS in the SM during Expedition 17

NASA Image and Video Library

2008-08-01

ISS017-E-012105 (1 Aug. 2008) --- NASA astronaut Greg Chamitoff, Expedition 17 flight engineer, works with the Treadmill Vibration Isolation System (TVIS) in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station.

Expedition 32 Crew Members work in the SM

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-07-22

ISS032-E-010076 (22 July 2012) --- Russian cosmonaut Sergei Revin (left) and NASA astronaut Joe Acaba, both Expedition 32 flight engineers, use a computer in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station.

Malenchenko wearing Penguin-3 suit in the SM

NASA Image and Video Library

2008-01-13

ISS016-E-022540 (13 Jan. 2008) --- Cosmonaut Yuri I. Malenchenko, Expedition 16 flight engineer representing Russia's Federal Space Agency, watches a computer monitor in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station.

Onufrienko holds a Grab Sample Container (GSC) in the SM during Expedition Four

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-05-23

ISS004-E-12368 (23 May 2002) --- Cosmonaut Yury I. Onufrienko, Expedition Four mission commander representing Rosaviakosmos, holds a Grab Sample Container (GSC) in the Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS). The GSC is used to take air samples in various modules as part of environmental quality control.

Vinogradov uses a communication system in the SM during Expedition 13

NASA Image and Video Library

2006-06-22

ISS013-E-40015 (22 June 2006) --- Cosmonaut Pavel V. Vinogradov, Expedition 13 commander representing Russia's Federal Space Agency, uses a communication system in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station.

Yurchikhin poses for a photo in the SM during Expedition 15

NASA Image and Video Library

2007-06-03

ISS015-E-10628 (3 June 2007) --- Cosmonaut Fyodor N. Yurchikhin, Expedition 15 commander representing Russia's Federal Space Agency, holds a garlic planter in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station.

Vinogradov enters data into laptop computer in the SM during Expedition 13

NASA Image and Video Library

2006-06-01

ISS013-E-29282 (1 June 2006) --- Cosmonaut Pavel V. Vinogradov, Expedition 13 commander representing Russia's Federal Space Agency, uses a computer in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station.

Kotov works with Plasma Crystal-3+ Experiment in the SM during Expedition 22

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-01-25

ISS022-E-035436 (25 Jan. 2010) --- Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kotov, Expedition 22 flight engineer, works with the Plasma Crystal-3 experiment in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station.

Kotov works with Plasma Crystal-3+ Experiment in the SM during Expedition 22

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-01-25

ISS022-E-035434 (25 Jan. 2010) --- Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kotov, Expedition 22 flight engineer, works with the Plasma Crystal-3 experiment in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station.

Thermal Analysis on Plume Heating of the Main Engine on the Crew Exploration Vehicle Service Module

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, Xiao-Yen J.; Yuko, James R.

2007-01-01

The crew exploration vehicle (CEV) service module (SM) main engine plume heating is analyzed using multiple numerical tools. The chemical equilibrium compositions and applications (CEA) code is used to compute the flow field inside the engine nozzle. The plume expansion into ambient atmosphere is simulated using an axisymmetric space-time conservation element and solution element (CE/SE) Euler code, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software. The thermal analysis including both convection and radiation heat transfers from the hot gas inside the engine nozzle and gas radiation from the plume is performed using Thermal Desktop. Three SM configurations, Lockheed Martin (LM) designed 604, 605, and 606 configurations, are considered. Design of multilayer insulation (MLI) for the stowed solar arrays, which is subject to plume heating from the main engine, among the passive thermal control system (PTCS), are proposed and validated.

Astronaut James Lovell at his position in the Lunar Module

NASA Image and Video Library

1970-04-14

AS13-59-8484 (April 1970) --- Astronaut James A. Lovell Jr., commander, is pictured at his position in the Lunar Module (LM). The Apollo 13 crew of astronauts Lovell; John L. Swigert Jr., command module pilot; and Fred W. Haise Jr., lunar module pilot, relied on the LM as a "lifeboat". The dependence on the LM was caused by an apparent explosion of oxygen tank number two in the Service Module (SM). The LM was jettisoned just prior to Earth re-entry by the Command Module (CM).

Vinogradov reconfigures communication in the SM during Expedition 13

NASA Image and Video Library

2006-04-26

ISS013-E-10238 (26 April 2006) --- Cosmonaut Pavel V. Vinogradov, Expedition 13 commander representing Russia's Federal Space Agency, uses a communication system while working with equipment in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station.

Expedition 16 FE Malenchenko works on the P-KINASE Experiment in the SM

NASA Image and Video Library

2007-10-13

ISS015-E-34291 (13 Oct. 2007) --- Cosmonaut Yuri I. Malenchenko, Expedition 16 flight engineer representing Russia's Federal Space Agency, works with an incubator in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station.

Expedition 16 FE Malenchenko works on the P-KINASE Experiment in the SM

NASA Image and Video Library

2007-10-13

ISS015-E-34289 (13 Oct. 2007) --- Cosmonaut Yuri I. Malenchenko, Expedition 16 flight engineer representing Russia's Federal Space Agency, works with an incubator in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station.

Vinogradov makes notation on pad in the SM during Expedition 13

NASA Image and Video Library

2006-04-19

ISS013-E-08185 (19 April 2006) --- Cosmonaut Pavel V. Vinogradov, Expedition 13 commander representing Russia's Federal Space Agency, takes notes while using a communication system in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station.

Kotov holds Retractable Equipment Tethers in the SM during Expedition 22

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-01-06

ISS022-E-019986 (6 Jan. 2010) --- Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kotov, Expedition 22 flight engineer, holds a stowage box containing extravehicular activity (EVA) retractable equipment tethers in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station.

Bursch poses next to the Elektron oxygen generator in the SM during Expedition Four

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-04-26

ISS004-E-11791 (26 April 2002) --- Astronaut Daniel W. Bursch, Expedition Four flight engineer, works on the Elektron Oxygen Generator in the Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS).

Walz poses next to the Elektron oxygen generator in the SM during Expedition Four

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-04-26

ISS004-E-11792 (26 April 2002) --- Astronaut Carl E. Walz, Expedition Four flight engineer, works on the Elektron Oxygen Generator in the Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS).

View of Kotov working at a Computer in the SM during Expedition 15

NASA Image and Video Library

2007-07-04

ISS015-E-17632 (4 July 2007) --- Cosmonaut Oleg V. Kotov, Expedition 15 flight engineer representing Russia's Federal Space Agency, uses a computer in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station.

Sonic Boom Assessment for the Crew Exploration Vehicle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Herron, Marissa

2007-01-01

The Constellation Environmental Impact Statement (Cx EIS) requires that an assessment be performed on the environmental impact of sonic booms during the reentry of the Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV). This included an analysis of current planned vehicle trajectories for the Crew Module (CM) and the Service Module (SM) debris and the determination of the potential impact to the overflown environment.

Lonchakov checks the Rasteniya-2 plant growth experiment in the SM during Expedition Five

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-11-08

ISS005-E-20309 (8 November 2002) --- Soyuz 5 Flight Engineer Yuri V. Lonchakov looks at a plant growth experiment in the Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS). Lonchakov represents Rosaviakosmos.

Korzun checks the Rasteniya-2 plant growth experiment in the SM during Expedition Five

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-11-08

ISS005-E-20302 (8 November 2002) --- Cosmonaut Valery G. Korzun, Expedition Five mission commander, checks a plant growth experiment in the Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS). Korzun represents Rosaviakosmos.

View of Yurchikhin in the SM during Expedition 15

NASA Image and Video Library

2007-05-27

ISS015-E-09627 (27 May 2007) --- Cosmonaut Fyodor N. Yurchikhin, Expedition 15 commander representing Russia's Federal Space Agency, adds water to garlic inside a gauze-filled metal container in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station.

FE Thirsk exercises on the TVIS in the SM

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-11-11

ISS021-E-024162 (11 Nov. 2009) --- Canadian Space Agency astronaut Robert Thirsk, Expedition 21 flight engineer, equipped with a bungee harness, exercises on the Treadmill Vibration Isolation System (TVIS) in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station.

Reiter works with Heart Rate and Blood Pressure measuring devices in the SM during Expedition 13

NASA Image and Video Library

2006-07-01

ISS013-E-54170 (July 2006) --- European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Thomas Reiter, Expedition 13 flight engineer, looks over a procedures checklist in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station.

Expedition 16 FE Malenchenko working on the Conjugation Experiment Hardware in the SM

NASA Image and Video Library

2007-10-13

ISS015-E-34287 (13 Oct. 2007) --- Cosmonaut Yuri I. Malenchenko, Expedition 16 flight engineer representing Russia's Federal Space Agency, places hybridizers in orange Rekomb-kit in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station.

Malenchenko checks Lada Greenhouse in SM

NASA Image and Video Library

2008-03-06

ISS016-E-031242 (6 March 2008) --- Cosmonaut Yuri I. Malenchenko, Expedition 16 flight engineer representing Russia's Federal Space Agency, checks the progress of pea plants growing in the Russian Lada greenhouse in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station.

Shkaplerov works with EVA Hardware in the SM

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-02-03

ISS030-E-061158 (3 Feb. 2012) --- Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko, Expedition 30 flight engineer, works with extravehicular activity (EVA) hardware in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station in preparation for an EVA scheduled for Feb. 16, 2012.

Shkaplerov works with EVA Hardware in the SM

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-02-03

ISS030-E-061157 (3 Feb. 2012) --- Russian cosmonaut Anton Shkaplerov, Expedition 30 flight engineer, works with extravehicular activity (EVA) hardware in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station in preparation for an EVA scheduled for Feb. 16, 2012.

Kotov works with Plasma Crystal-3+ Experiment in the SM during Expedition 22

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-01-28

ISS022-E-040614 (28 Jan. 2010) --- Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kotov, Expedition 22 flight engineer, is pictured while working with the Plasma Crystal-3 experiment in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station.

Kotov works with Plasma Crystal-3 Experiment in the SM during Expedition 22

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-01-25

ISS022-E-035439 (25 Jan. 2010) --- Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kotov, Expedition 22 flight engineer, is pictured while working with the Plasma Crystal-3 experiment in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station.

Kotov works with Plasma Crystal-3+ Experiment in the SM during Expedition 22

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-01-28

ISS022-E-040617 (28 Jan. 2010) --- Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kotov, Expedition 22 flight engineer, is pictured while working with the Plasma Crystal-3 experiment in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station.

Williams holds package of food in the SM during Expedition 13

NASA Image and Video Library

2006-06-01

ISS013-E-29344 (1 June 2006) --- Astronaut Jeffrey N. Williams, Expedition 13 NASA space station science officer and flight engineer, holds a package of food near the galley in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station.

Chiao watches a water bubble float in the SM taken during Expedition 10

NASA Image and Video Library

2005-01-15

ISS010-E-13562 (15 January 2005) --- Astronaut Leroy Chiao, Expedition 10 commander and NASA Space Station science officer, watches a water bubble float between himself and the camera in the Zvezda Service Module, showing his image refracted.

Flight Engineer Donald R. Pettit exercises on the TVIS in the SM during Expedition Six

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-03-20

ISS006-E-45265 (20 March 2003) --- Astronaut Donald R. Pettit, Expedition 6 NASA ISS science officer, exercises on the Treadmill Vibration Isolation System (TVIS) in the Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS).

Onufrienko makes repairs to the Elektron oxygen generator in the SM during Expedition Four

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-04-26

ISS004-E-11793 (26 April 2002) --- Cosmonaut Yury I. Onufrienko, Expedition Four mission commander, performs maintenance on the Elektron Oxygen Generator in the Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS). Onufrienko represents Rosaviakosmos.

Wakata and Barratt with cameras at SM window

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-04-19

ISS019-E-008935 (19 April 2009) --- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Koichi Wakata (left) and NASA astronaut Michael Barratt, both Expedition 19/20 flight engineers, use still cameras at a window in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station.

NiH2 Reliability Impact Upon Hubble Space Telescope Battery Replacement

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rao, Gopalakrishna M.; Hollandsworth, Roger; Armantrout, Jon; Day, John H. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

The NASA Hubble Space Telescope (HST) was designed to be deployed and later serviced for maintenance and upgrades, as required, by the space shuttle fleet, with a Goodyear mission life for the batteries. HST was deployed 380 miles above the Earth, from Space Shuttle Discovery, on April 25, 1990. Four servicing missions, (SM1, SM2, SM3A, AND SM3B) have been performed. Astronauts have replaced or modified optics, solar arrays, a power control unit, and various science packages. A fifth Servicing Mission, SM4 scheduled for early 2004, is planned to replace the batteries for the first time. The HST is powered by solar array wings and nickel hydrogen (NiH2) Duracell batteries, which are grouped into two parallel battery modules of three parallel batteries each. With a design life of 7 years at launch, these batteries have surpassed 12 years in orbit, which gives HST the highest number of charge/discharge cycles of any NiH2 battery currently in low earth orbit (LEO) application. Being in a LEO orbit, HST has a 45-minute umbra period, during which spacecraft power requirements normally force the batteries into discharge, and a 60-minute sun period, which is available for battery recharge. The intent of this paper is to address the issue of NiH2 battery reliability and how battery capacity degradation can impact scheduling of a Servicing Mission to bring replacement batteries to HST, and extend mission life till deployment of Next Generation Space Telescope (NGST), planned for 2008 at the earliest.

Expedition 30 crewmembers in the SM

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-03-24

ISS030-E-173969 (24 March 2012) --- Expedition 30 crew members are pictured in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station as they prepare to move to the appropriate Soyuz vehicles, due to the possibility that space debris could pass close to the station. Burbank, Shkaplerov and Ivanishin sheltered in the Soyuz TMA-22 spacecraft attached to the Poisk Mini-Research Module 2 (MRM2) while Kononenko, Kuipers and Pettit took to the Soyuz TMA-03M docked to the Rassvet Mini-Research Module 1 (MRM-1).

Flight Engineer Budarin uses a laptop computer in the SM during Expedition Six

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-03-21

ISS006-E-45279 (21 March 2003) --- Cosmonaut Nikolai M. Budarin, Expedition Six flight engineer, uses a computer as he talks on a communication system in the Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS). Budarin represents Rosaviakosmos.

Noguchi uses BMMD in SM

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-05-26

ISS023-E-052104 (26 May 2010) --- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Soichi Noguchi, Expedition 23 flight engineer, uses the IM mass measurement device to perform the PZEh-MO-8/Body Mass Measurement Russian biomedical routine assessments in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station.

Williams makes adjustment to strap in the SM during Expedition 13

NASA Image and Video Library

2006-04-18

ISS013-E-08023 (18 April 2006) --- Astronaut Jeffrey N. Williams, Expedition 13 NASA space station science officer and flight engineer, prepares to exercise on the Treadmill Vibration Isolation System (TVIS) in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station.

Flight Engineer Budarin is changing a part in the water recycling system in the SM

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-03-21

ISS006-E-45275 (21 March 2003) --- Cosmonaut Nikolai M. Budarin, Expedition Six flight engineer, holds a piece of hardware near a worktable in the Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS). Budarin represents Rosaviakosmos.

View of FE Stott using the BMMD in the SM

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-10-12

ISS021-E-014503 (12 Oct. 2009) --- NASA astronaut Nicole Stott, Expedition 21 flight engineer, uses the IM mass measurement device to perform the PZEh-MO-8/Body Mass Measurement Russian biomedical routine assessments in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station.

Tarelkin prepares for the Typologia Experiment in the SM

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-01-24

ISS034-E-033718 (24 Jan. 2013) --- Russian cosmonaut Evgeny Tarelkin, Expedition 34 flight engineer, prepares for the Typologia experiment in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station. This experiment studies the crew member's psychophysical state and ability to perform and communicate under stress.

Sharipov holds the probe-and-cone docking mechanism in the SM during Expedition 10

NASA Image and Video Library

2005-03-03

ISS010-E-19105 (3 March 2005) --- Cosmonaut Salizhan S. Sharipov, Expedition 10 flight engineer representing Russia's Federal Space Agency, holds the Progress supply vehicle probe-and-cone docking mechanism in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station (ISS).

Fincke holds the active docking assembly inside the SM during Expedition 9

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-08-14

ISS009-E-18539 (14 August 2004) --- Astronaut Edward M. (Mike) Fincke, Expedition 9 NASA ISS science officer and flight engineer, holds the Progress 15 supply vehicle probe-and-cone docking mechanism in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station (ISS).

Malenchenko uses a computer in the SM during Joint Operations

NASA Image and Video Library

2008-03-21

S123-E-008370 (21 March 2008) --- Cosmonaut Yuri I. Malenchenko, Expedition 16 flight engineer representing Russia's Federal Space Agency, uses a computer in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station while Space Shuttle Endeavour (STS-123) is docked with the station.

Implementation of the Orbital Maneuvering Systems Engine and Thrust Vector Control for the European Service Module

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Millard, Jon

2014-01-01

The European Space Agency (ESA) has entered into a partnership with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to develop and provide the Service Module (SM) for the Orion Multipurpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV) Program. The European Service Module (ESM) will provide main engine thrust by utilizing the Space Shuttle Program Orbital Maneuvering System Engine (OMS-E). Thrust Vector Control (TVC) of the OMS-E will be provided by the Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS) TVC, also used during the Space Shuttle Program. NASA will be providing the OMS-E and OMS TVC to ESA as Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) to integrate into the ESM. This presentation will describe the OMS-E and OMS TVC and discuss the implementation of the hardware for the ESM.

DeWinne posing at the Rasteniya-2 plant growth experiment in the SM during Expedition Five

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-11-08

ISS005-E-20310 (8 November 2002) --- Belgian Soyuz 5 Flight Engineer Frank DeWinne is pictured near a plant growth experiment in the Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS). DeWinne represents the European Space Agency (ESA).

Vinogradov uses a Sony HD Video Camcorder and laptop computer in the SM during Expedition 13

NASA Image and Video Library

2006-08-01

ISS013-E-66727 (August 2006) --- Cosmonaut Pavel V. Vinogradov, Expedition 13 commander representing Russia's Federal Space Agency, wears a communication system headset while using a video camcorder and computer in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station.

Vinogradov uses a Sony HD Video Camcorder and laptop computer in the SM during Expedition 13

NASA Image and Video Library

2006-08-01

ISS013-E-66726 (August 2006) --- Cosmonaut Pavel V. Vinogradov, Expedition 13 commander representing Russia's Federal Space Agency, wears a communication system headset while using a video camcorder and computer in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station.

FE Fyodor Yurchikhin works on the Uragan Experiment in the SM

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-07-08

ISS024-E-007525 (8 July 2010) --- In the International Space Station’s Zvezda Service Module, Russian cosmonaut Fyodor Yurchikhin, Expedition 24 flight engineer, conducts a session for Russia's Environmental Safety Agency (EKON), making observations and taking KPT-3 aerial photography of environmental conditions on Earth.

FE Fyodor Yurchikhin works on the Uragan Experiment in the SM

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-07-08

ISS024-E-007526 (8 July 2010) --- In the International Space Station’s Zvezda Service Module, Russian cosmonaut Fyodor Yurchikhin, Expedition 24 flight engineer, conducts a session for Russia's Environmental Safety Agency (EKON), making observations and taking KPT-3 aerial photography of environmental conditions on Earth.

FE Fyodor Yurchikhin works on the Uragan Experiment in the SM

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-07-08

ISS024-E-007527 (8 July 2010) --- In the International Space Station’s Zvezda Service Module, Russian cosmonaut Fyodor Yurchikhin, Expedition 24 flight engineer, conducts a session for Russia's Environmental Safety Agency (EKON), making observations and taking KPT-3 aerial photography of environmental conditions on Earth.

FE Fyodor Yurchikhin works on the Uragan Experiment in the SM

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-07-08

ISS024-E-007521 (8 July 2010) --- In the International Space Station’s Zvezda Service Module, Russian cosmonaut Fyodor Yurchikhin, Expedition 24 flight engineer, prepares to conduct a session for Russia's Environmental Safety Agency (EKON), making observations and taking KPT-3 aerial photography of environmental conditions on Earth.

Onufrienko with fresh fruit in the Zvezda SM, Expedition Four

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-01-16

ISS004-E-6334 (January 2002) --- Cosmonaut Yury I. Onufrienko, Expedition Four mission commander representing Rosaviakosmos, is photographed in the Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS). Apples and oranges are visible floating freely in front of Onufrienko. The image was taken with a digital still camera.

Kaleri works on the SKV-2 AC in the SM during Expedition 8

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-12-16

ISS008-E-08615 (16 December 2003) --- Cosmonaut Alexander Y. Kaleri, Expedition 8 flight engineer, works to remove and replace a Heat Exchanger on the SKV-2 Air Conditioner in the Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS). Kaleri represents Rosaviakosmos.

Swanson uses the BMMD in the SM

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-31

ISS039-E-008066 (30 March 2014) --- NASA astronaut Steve Swanson, Expedition 39 flight engineer, participates in body mass measurement/Russian biomedical routine assessments in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station. Looking on is Russian cosmonaut Alexander Skvortsov, flight engineer representing the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos).

Foale holds the top endcap for the TVIS Gyroscope in SM during Expedition 8

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-12-09

ISS008-E-07384 (9 Dec. 2003) --- Astronaut C. Michael Foale, Expedition 8 commander and NASA ISS science officer, holds the top end-cap for the Treadmill Vibration Isolation System (TVIS) gyroscope in the Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS).

Chiao performs in-flight maintenance on the TVIS in the SM during Expedition 10

NASA Image and Video Library

2005-02-15

ISS010-E-17815 (15 February 2005) --- Cosmonaut Salizhan S. Sharipov, Expedition 10 flight engineer representing Russia's Federal Space Agency, performs in-flight maintenance on the Treadmill Vibration Isolation System (TVIS) in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station (ISS).

Kaleri prepares for a data collection / exercise session on the TVIS in the SM during Expedition 8

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-11-23

ISS008-E-05964 (23 November 2003) --- Cosmonaut Alexander Y. Kaleri, Expedition 8 flight engineer, performs in-flight maintenance (IFM) on the Treadmill Vibration Isolation System (TVIS) in the Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS). Kaleri represents Rosaviakosmos.

Expedition 16 FE Malenchenko working on the Conjugation Experiment Hardware in the SM

NASA Image and Video Library

2007-10-13

ISS015-E-34286 (13 Oct. 2007) --- Cosmonaut Yuri I. Malenchenko, Expedition 16 flight engineer representing Russia's Federal Space Agency, works with a hybridizer from the Rekomb-K kit used in the Konyugatsia (Conjugation) experiment in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station.

Eyharts in the SM during Joint Operations

NASA Image and Video Library

2008-03-19

S123-E-007244 (19 March 2008) --- European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Leopold Eyharts, STS-123 mission specialist, smiles for a photo near the galley in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station while Space Shuttle Endeavour is docked with the station. Food and beverage packages float freely near Eyharts.

Sharipov holds a package of Russian food near the galley in the SM during Expedition 9/10 joint OPS

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-10-16

ISS009-E-29027 (17 October 2004) --- Cosmonaut Salizhan S. Sharipov, Expedition 10 flight engineer representing Russia's Federal Space Agency, holds a package of food near the galley in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station (ISS).

Apollo 13 Debrief - Postflight

NASA Image and Video Library

1970-04-21

S70-35747 (20 April 1970) --- The three crew men of the problem plagued Apollo 13 mission are photographed during the first day of their postflight debriefing activity at the Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC). Left to right, are astronauts James A. Lovell Jr., commander; John L. Swigert Jr., command module pilot; and Fred W. Haise Jr., lunar module pilot. The apparent rupture of oxygen tank number two in the Apollo 13 Service Module (SM) and the subsequent damage forced the three astronauts to use the Lunar Module (LM) as a "lifeboat" to return home safely after their moon landing was canceled.

Telephone Support During Overseas Deployment for Military Spouses

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-12-01

other provision of law, no person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a...negotiating roles and relationships; changes during deployment; strategies to support the spouse and the service member; and cues to alert spouses when to...14 o Table 4. Decision Making When Service Member (SM) Home and Deployed ............. 15 • Spouse Deployed Contents – Elearning modules

Russian Module Photography of the Service Module (SM) during Russian Extravehicular Activity (EVA) 21A

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-03-10

ISS018-E-039022 (10 March 2009) --- Astronaut Michael Fincke, Expedition 18 commander, participates in a session of extravehicular activity (EVA) to perform maintenance on the International Space Station. During the 4-hour, 49-minute spacewalk, Fincke and cosmonaut Yury Lonchakov (out of frame) reinstalled the Exposing Specimens of Organic and Biological Materials to Open Space (Expose-R) experiment on the universal science platform mounted to the exterior of the Zvezda Service Module. The spacewalkers also removed straps, or tape, from the area of the docking target on the Pirs airlock and docking compartment. The tape was removed to ensure it does not get in the way during the arrival of visiting Soyuz or Progress spacecraft.

Williams receives a haircut from Yurchikhin in the SM during Expedition 15

NASA Image and Video Library

2007-06-03

ISS015-E-10596 (3 June 2007) --- Cosmonaut Fyodor N. Yurchikhin, Expedition 15 commander representing Russia's Federal Space Agency, cuts astronaut Sunita L. Williams' hair in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station. Williams, flight engineer, holds a vacuum device fashioned to garner freshly cut hair.

Williams receives a haircut from Yurchikhin in the SM during Expedition 15

NASA Image and Video Library

2007-06-03

ISS015-E-10595 (3 June 2007) --- Cosmonaut Fyodor N. Yurchikhin, Expedition 15 commander representing Russia's Federal Space Agency, cuts astronaut Sunita L. Williams' hair in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station. Williams, flight engineer, holds a vacuum device fashioned to garner freshly cut hair.

Onufrienko and Bursch perform IFM on SM Potok air purification unit during Expedition Four

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-01-01

ISS004-E-5387 (January 2002) --- Cosmonaut Yuri I. Onufrienko (right), Expedition Four mission commander, and astronaut Daniel W. Bursch, flight engineer, perform maintenance on equipment in the Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS). Onufrienko represents Rosaviakosmos. The image was taken with a digital still camera.

Epigenetic modulations in early endothelial cells and DNA hypermethylation in human skin after sulfur mustard exposure.

PubMed

Steinritz, Dirk; Schmidt, Annette; Balszuweit, Frank; Thiermann, Horst; Simons, Thilo; Striepling, Enno; Bölck, Birgit; Bloch, Wilhelm

2016-02-26

Victims that were exposed to the chemical warfare agent sulfur mustard (SM) suffer from chronic dermal and ocular lesions, severe pulmonary problems and cancer development. It has been proposed that epigenetic perturbations might be involved in that process but this has not been investigated so far. In this study, we investigated epigenetic modulations in vitro using early endothelial cells (EEC) that were exposed to different SM concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 23.5 and 50μM). A comprehensive analysis of 78 genes related to epigenetic pathways (i.e., DNA-methylation and post-translational histone modifications) was performed. Moreover, we analyzed global DNA methylation in vitro in EEC after SM exposure as a maker for epigenetic modulations and in vivo using human skin samples that were obtained from a patient 1 year after an accidently exposure to pure SM. SM exposure resulted in a complex regulation pattern of epigenetic modulators which was accompanied by a global increase of DNA methylation in vitro. Examination of the SM exposed human skin samples also revealed a significant increase of global DNA methylation in vivo, underlining the biological relevance of our findings. Thus, we demonstrated for the first time that SM affects epigenetic pathways and causes epigenetic modulations both in vivo and in vitro. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

View of the Russian BIO-5 Rasteniya-2/Lada-2 (Plants-2) plant growth experiment in the SM

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-03-12

ISS006-E-44999 (12 March 2003) --- A view of the Russian BIO-5 Rasteniya-2/Lada-2 (Plants-2) plant growth experiment located in the Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS). A camera used for recording progress of the experiment is visible on the right.

Fincke inside the Progress Vehicle with open SM/Progress transfer hatch during Expedition 9

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-08-14

ISS009-E-18533 (14 August 2004) --- Astronaut Edward M. (Mike) Fincke, Expedition 9 NASA ISS science officer and flight engineer, appears behind the probe-and-cone mechanism on the hatch of the Progress 15 supply vehicle docked to the aft port on the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station (ISS).

Romanenko works with the Electronic Nose (Enose) Hardware in the SM

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-02-21

ISS034-E-051551 (21 Feb. 2013) --- Cosmonaut Roman Romanenko, Expedition 34 flight engineer, works with the Electronic Nose hardware in the Zvezda service module aboard the International Space Station in Earth orbit. This hardware is used to measure contamination in the environment should there be hard to detect chemical leaks or spills.

A Global Coexpression Network Approach for Connecting Genes to Specialized Metabolic Pathways in Plants

PubMed Central

Borowsky, Alexander T.

2017-01-01

Plants produce diverse specialized metabolites (SMs), but the genes responsible for their production and regulation remain largely unknown, hindering efforts to tap plant pharmacopeia. Given that genes comprising SM pathways exhibit environmentally dependent coregulation, we hypothesized that genes within a SM pathway would form tight associations (modules) with each other in coexpression networks, facilitating their identification. To evaluate this hypothesis, we used 10 global coexpression data sets, each a meta-analysis of hundreds to thousands of experiments, across eight plant species to identify hundreds of coexpressed gene modules per data set. In support of our hypothesis, 15.3 to 52.6% of modules contained two or more known SM biosynthetic genes, and module genes were enriched in SM functions. Moreover, modules recovered many experimentally validated SM pathways, including all six known to form biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs). In contrast, bioinformatically predicted BGCs (i.e., those lacking an associated metabolite) were no more coexpressed than the null distribution for neighboring genes. These results suggest that most predicted plant BGCs are not genuine SM pathways and argue that BGCs are not a hallmark of plant specialized metabolism. We submit that global gene coexpression is a rich, largely untapped resource for discovering the genetic basis and architecture of plant natural products. PMID:28408660

[Analysis of the importance of cosmonaut's location and orientation onboard the International space station to levels of visceral irradiation during traverse of the region of the South Atlantic Anomaly].

PubMed

Drobyshev, S G; Benghin, V V

2015-01-01

Parametric analysis of absorbed radiation dose to the cosmonaut working in the Service module (SM) of the International space station (ISS) was made with allowance for anisotropy of the radiation field of the South Atlantic Anomaly. Calculation data show that in weakly shielded SM compartments the radiation dose to poorly shielded viscera may depend essentially on cosmonaut's location and orientation relative to the ISS shell. Difference of the lens absorbed dose can be as high as 5 times depending on orientation of the cosmonaut and the ISS. The effect is less pronounced on the deep seated hematopoietic system; however, it may increase up to 2.5 times during the extravehicular activities. When the cosmonaut is outside on the ISS SM side presented eastward, the absorbed dose can be affected noticeably by remoteness from the SM. At a distance less than 1.5 meters away from the SM east side in the course of ascending circuits, the calculated lens dose is approximately half as compared with the situation when the cosmonaut is not shielded by the ISS material.

Student and Nonstudent National Guard Service Members/Veterans and Their Use of Services for Mental Health Symptoms.

PubMed

Bonar, Erin E; Bohnert, Kipling M; Walters, Heather M; Ganoczy, Dara; Valenstein, Marcia

2015-01-01

To compare mental health symptoms and service utilization among returning student and nonstudent service members/veterans (SM/Vs). SM/Vs (N = 1,439) were predominately white (83%) men (92%), half were over age 30 (48%), and 24% were students. SM/Vs completed surveys 6 months post deployment (October 2011-July 2013). Students and nonstudent SM/Vs did not differ in positive screens for depression, anxiety, hazardous drinking, or posttraumatic stress disorder. Students (n = 81) and nonstudents (n = 265) with mental health symptoms had low levels of mental health service use (eg, Department of Veterans Affairs [VA], civilian, or military facilities), at 47% and 57%. respectively. Fewer students used VA mental health services. Common barriers to treatment seeking included not wanting treatment on military records and embarrassment. Like other returning SM/Vs, student SM/Vs have unmet mental health needs. The discrepancy between potential need and treatment seeking suggests that colleges might be helpful in further facilitating mental health service use for student SM/Vs.

A Global Coexpression Network Approach for Connecting Genes to Specialized Metabolic Pathways in Plants.

PubMed

Wisecaver, Jennifer H; Borowsky, Alexander T; Tzin, Vered; Jander, Georg; Kliebenstein, Daniel J; Rokas, Antonis

2017-05-01

Plants produce diverse specialized metabolites (SMs), but the genes responsible for their production and regulation remain largely unknown, hindering efforts to tap plant pharmacopeia. Given that genes comprising SM pathways exhibit environmentally dependent coregulation, we hypothesized that genes within a SM pathway would form tight associations (modules) with each other in coexpression networks, facilitating their identification. To evaluate this hypothesis, we used 10 global coexpression data sets, each a meta-analysis of hundreds to thousands of experiments, across eight plant species to identify hundreds of coexpressed gene modules per data set. In support of our hypothesis, 15.3 to 52.6% of modules contained two or more known SM biosynthetic genes, and module genes were enriched in SM functions. Moreover, modules recovered many experimentally validated SM pathways, including all six known to form biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs). In contrast, bioinformatically predicted BGCs (i.e., those lacking an associated metabolite) were no more coexpressed than the null distribution for neighboring genes. These results suggest that most predicted plant BGCs are not genuine SM pathways and argue that BGCs are not a hallmark of plant specialized metabolism. We submit that global gene coexpression is a rich, largely untapped resource for discovering the genetic basis and architecture of plant natural products. © 2017 American Society of Plant Biologists. All rights reserved.

Padalka spins a box of chocolates as Kaleri looks on in the SM during EXP 9 / EXP 8

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-04-22

ISS008-E-22002 (22 April 2004) --- Cosmonaut Gennady I. Padalka, Expedition 9 commander, spins a box of chocolates as cosmonaut Alexander Y. Kaleri, Expedition 8 flight engineer, looks on in the Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS). Padalka and Kaleri represent Russia’s Federal Space Agency.

Whitson cuts Treschev's hair in the SM during Expedition Five on the ISS

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-07-20

ISS005-E-08151 (July 2002) --- Astronaut Peggy A. Whitson, Expedition Five flight engineer, cuts cosmonaut Sergei Y. Treschev’s hair in the Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS). Treschev, flight engineer representing Rosaviakosmos, holds a vacuum device the crew has fashioned to garner freshly cut hair, which is floating freely.

Expedition Six Flight Engineer Pettit uses a chemical/microbial analysis bag to collect water sample

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-12-18

ISS006-E-08628 (18 December 2002) --- Astronaut Donald R. Pettit, Expedition Six NASA ISS science officer, is pictured in the Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS) during the scheduled Week 3 potable water sampling and on-orbit chemical/microbial analysis of the SM environment control and life support system.

Expedition Six Flight Engineer Pettit uses a chemical/microbial analysis bag to collect water sample

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-12-18

ISS006-E-08616 (18 December 2002) --- Astronaut Donald R. Pettit, Expedition Six NASA ISS science officer, is pictured in the Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS) during the scheduled Week 3 potable water sampling and on-orbit chemical/microbial analysis of the SM environment control and life support system.

Foale performs potable water analysis OPS in the SM during Expedition 8

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-11-07

ISS008-E-05553 (7 November 2003) --- Astronaut C. Michael Foale, Expedition 8 mission commander and NASA ISS science officer, floats in front of the galley in the Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS) as he fills a Crew Healthcare System (CheCSS) Water Microbiology (WMK) in-flight analysis bag from the potable warter dispenser.

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

Li, Zhaoyi; Zhou, You; Qi, Hao

The electron-doping-induced phase transition of a prototypical perovskite SmNiO 3 induces a large and non-volatile optical refractive-index change and has great potential for active-photonic-device applications. Strong optical modulation from the visible to the mid-infrared is demonstrated using thin-film SmNiO 3. Finally, modulation of a narrow band of light is demonstrated in this paper using plasmonic metasurfaces integrated with SmNiO 3.

Toxicological Assessment of ISS Air Quality: June - September 2013 (Increment 36)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meyers, Valerie

2014-01-01

Fourteen mini grab sample containers (msGSCs) were collected on ISS between June and September 2013 and were returned on 34S; however, the ATV-4 first ingress mGSC did not contain sufficient sample to report results (initial sample pressure = 1.2 psia). Of the remaining 13 mGSCs, 12 were collected as routine monthly samples in the Russian Service Module (SM), US Laboratory (Lab), and either the Japanese Pressurized Module (JPM) or the Columbus module (Col), and 1 was collected during HTV-4 first ingress. A summary of the analytical results from the 13 valid mGSCs is shown.

Evolution of International Space Station GN&C System Across ISS Assembly Stages

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Roscoe; Frank, K. D. (Technical Monitor)

1999-01-01

The Guidance Navigation and Control (GN&C) system for the International Space Station is initially implemented by the Functional Cargo Block (FGB) which was built by the Khrunichev Space Center under direct contract to Boeing. This element (Stage 1A/R) was launched on 20 November 1998 and is currently operating on-orbit. The components and capabilities of the FGB Motion Control System (MCS) are described. The next ISS element, which has GN&C functionality will be the Service Module (SM) built by Rocket Space Corporation-Energia. This module is scheduled for launch (Stage 1R) in early 2000. Following activation of the SM GN&C system, the FGB MCS is deactivated and no longer used. The components and capabilities of the SM GN&C system are described. When a Progress vehicle is attached to the ISS it can be used for reboost operations, based on commands provided by the Mission Control Center-Moscow. When a data connection is implemented between the SM and the Progress, the SM can command the Progress thrusters for attitude control and reboosts. On Stage 5A, the U.S. GN&C system will become activated when the U.S. Laboratory is de loyed and installed (launch schedule is currently TBD). The U.S. GN&C system provides non-propulsive control capabilities to support micro-gravity operations and minimize the use of propellant for attitude control, and an independent capability for determining the ISS state vector, attitude, attitude rate. and time.. The components and capabilities of the U.S. GN&C system are described and the interactions between the U.S. and Russian Segment GN&C systems are also described.

Student and Nonstudent National Guard Service Members/Veterans and their Use of Services for Mental Health Symptoms

PubMed Central

Bonar, Erin E.; Bohnert, Kipling M.; Walters, Heather M.; Ganoczy, Dara; Valenstein, Marcia

2016-01-01

Objective To compare mental health symptoms and service utilization among returning student and nonstudent Service Members/Veterans (SM/Vs). Participants SM/Vs (N=1439) were predominately white (83%) men (92%); half were over age 30 (48%) and 24% were students. Methods SM/Vs completed surveys six months post-deployment (October 2011–July 2013). Results Students and nonstudent SM/Vs did not differ in positive screens for depression, anxiety, hazardous drinking, or Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Students (n=81) and nonstudents (n=265) with mental health symptoms had low levels of mental health service use (e.g., VA, civilian, or military facilities), at 47% and 57% respectively. Fewer students used VA mental health services. Common barriers to treatment-seeking included not wanting treatment on military records and embarrassment. Conclusions Like other returning SM/Vs, student SM/Vs have unmet mental health needs. The discrepancy between potential need and treatment-seeking suggests that colleges might be helpful in further facilitating mental health service use for student SM/Vs. PMID:25337770

Kuipers sets up the EHS/TEPC Spectrometer and Detector Assembly in the SM

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-03-12

ISS030-E-177101 (12 March 2012) --- European Space Agency astronaut Andre Kuipers, Expedition 30 flight engineer, sets up the Environmental Health System / Tissue Equivalent Proportional Counter (EHS/TEPC) spectrometer and detector assembly on panel 327 in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station. The TEPC detector assembly is the primary radiation measurement tool on the space station.

View of Crewmembers in the SM during STS-118/Expedition 15 Joint Operations

NASA Image and Video Library

2007-08-18

S118-E-09261 (18 Aug. 2007) --- Astronaut Barbara R. Morgan, STS-118 mission specialist, uses a video camera during a farewell ceremony in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station. Astronaut Tracy Caldwell, mission specialist, is visible at right. Hatches were closed between the station and Space Shuttle Endeavour at 4:10 p.m. on Aug. 18.

STS-110 crewmembers pose for photos in the Zvezda SM during Expedition Four

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-04-16

ISS004-E-10098 (16 April 2002) --- Astronaut Stephen N. Frick, STS-110 pilot, photographs crewmates in the Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS). From the left are astronauts Michael J. Bloomfield, STS-110 mission commander, Jerry L. Ross and Lee M. E. Morin, both mission specialists. Astronaut Steven L. Smith, STS-110 mission specialist, floats above.

Lonchakov on Service Module (SM) during Russian Extravehicular Activity (EVA) 21A

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-03-10

ISS018-E-039196 (10 March 2009) --- Cosmonaut Yury Lonchakov, Expedition 18 flight engineer, participates in a session of extravehicular activity (EVA) to perform maintenance on the International Space Station. During the 4-hour, 49-minute spacewalk, Lonchakov and astronaut Michael Fincke (out of frame), commander, reinstalled the Exposing Specimens of Organic and Biological Materials to Open Space (Expose-R) experiment on the universal science platform mounted to the exterior of the Zvezda Service Module. The spacewalkers also removed straps, or tape, from the area of the docking target on the Pirs airlock and docking compartment. The tape was removed to ensure it does not get in the way during the arrival of visiting Soyuz or Progress spacecraft.

Lonchakov on Service Module (SM) near 2AP-BKA during Russian Extravehicular Activity (EVA) 21A

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-03-10

ISS018-E-039147 (10 March 2009) --- Cosmonaut Yury Lonchakov, Expedition 18 flight engineer, participates in a session of extravehicular activity (EVA) to perform maintenance on the International Space Station. During the 4-hour, 49-minute spacewalk, Lonchakov and astronaut Michael Fincke (out of frame), commander, reinstalled the Exposing Specimens of Organic and Biological Materials to Open Space (Expose-R) experiment on the universal science platform mounted to the exterior of the Zvezda Service Module. The spacewalkers also removed straps, or tape, from the area of the docking target on the Pirs airlock and docking compartment. The tape was removed to ensure it does not get in the way during the arrival of visiting Soyuz or Progress spacecraft.

Lonchakov on Service Module (SM) near 2AP-BKA during Russian Extravehicular Activity (EVA) 21A

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-03-10

ISS018-E-039156 (10 March 2009) --- Cosmonaut Yury Lonchakov, Expedition 18 flight engineer, participates in a session of extravehicular activity (EVA) to perform maintenance on the International Space Station. During the 4-hour, 49-minute spacewalk, Lonchakov and astronaut Michael Fincke (out of frame), commander, reinstalled the Exposing Specimens of Organic and Biological Materials to Open Space (Expose-R) experiment on the universal science platform mounted to the exterior of the Zvezda Service Module. The spacewalkers also removed straps, or tape, from the area of the docking target on the Pirs airlock and docking compartment. The tape was removed to ensure it does not get in the way during the arrival of visiting Soyuz or Progress spacecraft.

Mission Operations and Information Management Area Spacecraft Monitoring and Control Working Group

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lokerson, Donald C. (Editor)

2005-01-01

Working group goals for this year are: Goal 1. Due to many review comments the green books will be updated and available for re-review by CCSDS. Submission of green books to CCSDS for approval. Goal 2.Initial set of 4 new drafts of the red books as following: SM&C protocol: update with received comments. SM&C common services: update with received comments and expand the service specification. SM&C core services: update with received comments and expand the service the information model. SM&C time services: (target objective): produce initial draft following template of core services.

31 CFR 585.314 - Goods and services originating in the FRY (S&M).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

..., grown, or processed within the FRY (S&M); (b) Goods which have entered into the commerce of the FRY (S&M... FRY (S&M). 585.314 Section 585.314 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and... HERZEGOVINA SANCTIONS REGULATIONS General Definitions § 585.314 Goods and services originating in the FRY (S&M...

Correlated Perovskites as a New Platform for Super-Broadband-Tunable Photonics

DOE PAGES

Li, Zhaoyi; Zhou, You; Qi, Hao; ...

2016-08-30

The electron-doping-induced phase transition of a prototypical perovskite SmNiO 3 induces a large and non-volatile optical refractive-index change and has great potential for active-photonic-device applications. Strong optical modulation from the visible to the mid-infrared is demonstrated using thin-film SmNiO 3. Finally, modulation of a narrow band of light is demonstrated in this paper using plasmonic metasurfaces integrated with SmNiO 3.

77 FR 34110 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-08

... Service Sector (OSX) is a price-weighted index composed of fifteen companies that provide oil drilling and... on the PHLX Oil Service Sector\\SM\\ (OSX\\SM\\), the PHLX Semiconductor Sector\\SM\\ (SOX\\SM\\), and the..., and HGX). [[Page 34111

Educating Mental Health Clinicians About Sensory Modulation to Enhance Clinical Practice in a Youth Acute Inpatient Mental Health Unit: A Feasibility Study.

PubMed

Blackburn, Julie; McKenna, Brian; Jackson, Brian; Hitch, Danielle; Benitez, Jessica; McLennan, Cathy; Furness, Trentham

2016-07-01

There is an emergence of literature describing effective sensory modulation (SM) interventions to de-escalate violence and aggression among mental health inpatients. However, the evidence is limited to adult settings, with the effect of SM in youth acute settings unknown. Yet, before SM may be used as a de-escalation intervention in youth acute settings, multidisciplinary staff need to be educated about and supported in the clinical application of SM. In the current study, an online SM education package was developed to assist mental health staff understand SM. This was blended with action learning sets (ALS), small group experiential opportunities consisting staff and consumers to learn about SM resources, and the support of SM trained nurses. The aims of the study were to evaluate the effectiveness of this SM education intervention in (a) transferring knowledge of SM to staff, and (b) translating this knowledge into practice in a youth acute inpatient mental health unit. A mixed methods research design with an 11-item pre- and post-education questionnaire was used along with three-month follow-up focus groups. The SM education improved understanding about SM (all 11-items p ≤ 0.004, r ≥ 0.47). Three-months after SM education, four themes evident in the focus group data emerged about the practice and process of SM; (1) translating of learning into practice, (2) SM in practice, (3) perceptions of SM benefits, and (4) limitations of SM. A blended SM education process enhanced clinical practice in the unit, yet participants were mindful of limitations of SM in situations of distress or escalating agitation.

Expedition 30 crewmembers look at crew procedures in the SM

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-03-24

ISS030-E-173973 (24 March 2012) --- NASA astronaut Dan Burbank (second left), Expedition 30 commander; along with Russian cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko (left) and Anton Shkaplerov and NASA astronaut Don Pettit, all flight engineers, are pictured in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station as they prepare to move to the appropriate Soyuz vehicles, due to the possibility that space debris could pass close to the station. Burbank, Shkaplerov and Ivanishin sheltered in the Soyuz TMA-22 spacecraft attached to the Poisk Mini-Research Module 2 (MRM2) while Kononenko, Kuipers and Pettit took to the Soyuz TMA-03M docked to the Rassvet Mini-Research Module 1 (MRM-1).

Apollo 9 Mission image - Earth limb over California with S.L.A. in distance

NASA Image and Video Library

1969-03-03

Oblique Earth Observation taken by the Apollo 9 crew. View is of California including: Sanata Barbara, Los Angeles, San Diego, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Cruz Islands, Santa Barbara Channel, Salton Sea and the Service Module (SM) Lunar Module (LM) adapter (S.L.A.) in the distance. Film magazine was A,film type was SO-368 Ektachrome with 0.460 - 0.710 micrometers film / filter transmittance response and haze filter, 80mm lens. Latitude was 32.55 N by Longitude 119.58 W, Altitude miles were 106 and cloud cover was 25%.

Vented Launch Vehicle Adaptor for a Manned Spacecraft with "Pusher" Launch Abort System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vandervort, Robert E. (Inventor)

2017-01-01

A system, method, and apparatus for a vented launch vehicle adaptor (LVA) for a manned spacecraft with a "pusher" launch abort system are disclosed. The disclosed LVA provides a structural interface between a commercial crew vehicle (CCV) crew module/service module (CM/SM) spacecraft and an expendable launch vehicle. The LVA provides structural attachment of the module to the launch vehicle. It also provides a means to control the exhaust plume from a pusher-type launch abort system that is integrated into the module. In case of an on-pad or ascent abort, which requires the module to jettison away from the launch vehicle, the launch abort system exhaust plume must be safely directed away from critical and dangerous portions of the launch vehicle in order to achieve a safe and successful jettison.

Student and Nonstudent National Guard Service Members/Veterans and Their Use of Services for Mental Health Symptoms

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bonar, Erin E.; Bohnert, Kipling M.; Walters, Heather M.; Ganoczy, Dara; Valenstein, Marcia

2015-01-01

Objective: To compare mental health symptoms and service utilization among returning student and nonstudent service members/veterans (SM/Vs). Participants: SM/Vs (N = 1,439) were predominately white (83%) men (92%), half were over age 30 (48%), and 24% were students. Methods: SM/Vs completed surveys 6 months post deployment (October 2011-July…

Development of an Aerodynamic Analysis Method and Database for the SLS Service Module Panel Jettison Event Utilizing Inviscid CFD and MATLAB

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Applebaum, Michael P.; Hall, Leslie, H.; Eppard, William M.; Purinton, David C.; Campbell, John R.; Blevins, John A.

2015-01-01

This paper describes the development, testing, and utilization of an aerodynamic force and moment database for the Space Launch System (SLS) Service Module (SM) panel jettison event. The database is a combination of inviscid Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) data and MATLAB code written to query the data at input values of vehicle/SM panel parameters and return the aerodynamic force and moment coefficients of the panels as they are jettisoned from the vehicle. The database encompasses over 5000 CFD simulations with the panels either in the initial stages of separation where they are hinged to the vehicle, in close proximity to the vehicle, or far enough from the vehicle that body interference effects are neglected. A series of viscous CFD check cases were performed to assess the accuracy of the Euler solutions for this class of problem and good agreement was obtained. The ultimate goal of the panel jettison database was to create a tool that could be coupled with any 6-Degree-Of-Freedom (DOF) dynamics model to rapidly predict SM panel separation from the SLS vehicle in a quasi-unsteady manner. Results are presented for panel jettison simulations that utilize the database at various SLS flight conditions. These results compare favorably to an approach that directly couples a 6-DOF model with the Cart3D Euler flow solver and obtains solutions for the panels at exact locations. This paper demonstrates a method of using inviscid CFD simulations coupled with a 6-DOF model that provides adequate fidelity to capture the physics of this complex multiple moving-body panel separation event.

Apollo 13 Debrief - Postflight

NASA Image and Video Library

1970-04-21

S70-35748 (20 April 1970) --- Dr. Donald K. Slayton (center foreground), MSC director of flight crew operations, talks with Dr. Wernher von Braun (right), famed rocket expert, at an Apollo 13 postflight debriefing session. The three crewmen of the problem-plagued Apollo 13 mission (left to right) in the background are astronauts James A Lovell Jr., commander; John L. Swigert Jr., command module pilot; and Fred W. Haise Jr., lunar module pilot. The apparent rupture of oxygen tank number two in the Apollo 13 Service Module (SM) and the subsequent damage forced the three astronauts to use the Lunar Module (LM) as a "lifeboat" to return home safely after their moon landing was canceled. Dr. von Braun is the deputy associate administrator for planning of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

31 CFR 585.517 - Exportation of certain legal services to the Government of, or persons in, the FRY (S&M).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... of the Government of the FRY (S&M) or of a person in the FRY (S&M) when named as a defendant in or... of U.S. sanctions against the FRY (S&M); and (5) Provision of legal services in any other context in... to the Government of, or persons in, the FRY (S&M). 585.517 Section 585.517 Money and Finance...

31 CFR 585.205 - Prohibited exportation and reexportation of goods, technology, or services to the FRY (S&M).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... reexportation of goods, technology, or services to the FRY (S&M). 585.205 Section 585.205 Money and Finance... exportation and reexportation of goods, technology, or services to the FRY (S&M). Except as otherwise authorized, no goods, technology (including technical data or other information controlled for export...

Range Roads: Final Programmatic Environmental Assessment

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-12-01

Natural Resources Conservation Service as Lakeland Series soils. Other surface soils found at Eglin include the Tifton and Troup Series (Albertson et...feet) USCS Class Clay (%) K-Factor Lakeland 0-40 SP-SM 1-8 0.17 40-80 SP, SP-SM 1-6 Tifton 0-16 SM 10-20 0.20 16-34 SM 13-22 34-60 SM...Revised Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 4, Atlanta, GA . April 1998. Jelks, H. L. and K. A. Shawn, 1998. Draft Okaloosa Darter

Assessment of the LC-2 Prelaunch Fatigue Spectra of the CM-to-SM Flange Weld

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dawicke, David S.; Newman, John A.

2008-01-01

The pad stay and rollout components of the Ares I-X life cycle can generate cyclic stress oscillations to the vehicle that could initiate and grow fatigue cracks from weld defects. The Ares I-X Project requested that a study be performed to determine if stabilization of the vehicle is required to reduce the stresses that could initiate and grow fatigue cracks at the flange-to-skin weld of the Command Module (CM) and Service Module (SM) interface. A fatigue crack growth analysis was conducted that used loads (LC-2) and stress analyses developed by the Ares I-X Project and utilized material data and analysis methods developed by a critical initial flaw size (CIFS) analysis conducted by NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) for the Upper Stage Simulator (USS) of the Ares I-X vehicle. A full CIFS analysis for the CM-to-SM flange-to-skin weld was not performed because the full flight spectrum was not provided and was not necessary to answer the question posed by the Ares I-X Project. Instead, an approach was developed to determine if the crack growth due to the pad stay and rollout components of the flight spectrum would adversely influence the CIFS. The approach taken used a number of conservative assumptions that eliminated the need for high-fidelity analyses and additional material testing, but still provided a bounding solution for the uncertainties of the problem. The results from this analysis indicate that the LC-2 pad stay and rollout spectrum components would not produce significant fatigue crack growth on the CM-to-SM flange-to-skin weld. Thus, from a fatigue crack growth standpoint, no stabilization is required to reduce the LC-2 pad stay and rollout cyclic stresses on the CM-to-SM flange-to-skin weld.

76 FR 14702 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; Notice of Filing of Proposed Rule Change by NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC To...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-17

... index composed of fifteen companies that provide oil drilling and production services, oil field... Number of Components in the PHLX Oil Service Sector\\SM\\ Known as OSX \\SM\\, on Which Options Are Listed... Commission a proposal to expand the number of components in the PHLX Oil Service Sector\\SM\\ (the ``Index'' or...

Interior view of "mail box" for purging carbon dioxide from Lunar Module

NASA Image and Video Library

1970-04-14

AS13-62-8929 (11-17 April 1970) --- Interior view of the Apollo 13 Lunar Module (LM) showing the "mail box," a jury-rigged arrangement which the Apollo 13 astronauts built to use the Command Module (CM) lithium hydroxide canisters to purge carbon dioxide from the LM. Lithium hydroxide is used to scrub CO2 from the spacecraft's atmosphere. Since there was a limited amount of lithium hydroxide in the LM, this arrangement was rigged up to utilize the canisters from the CM. The "mail box" was designed and tested on the ground at the Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC) before it was suggested to the problem-plagued Apollo 13 crew men. Because of the explosion of one of the oxygen tanks in the Service Module (SM), the three crew men had to use the LM as a "lifeboat".

View of Crewmembers in the SM during STS-118/Expedition 15 Farewell Ceremony

NASA Image and Video Library

2007-08-18

S118-E-09187 (18 Aug. 2007) --- The STS-118 and Expedition 15 crews gather for a farewell ceremony in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station. Pictured are astronauts Barbara R. Morgan (foreground), Tracy Caldwell (left) and Rick Mastracchio, all STS-118 mission specialists; along with Scott Kelly (right), STS-118 commander. Hatches were closed between the station and Space Shuttle Endeavour at 4:10 p.m. on Aug. 18.

Korzun and STS-112 crewmembers in the SM during Expedition Five on the ISS

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-10-09

ISS005-E-16542 (9 October 2002) --- Cosmonaut Valery G. Korzun, Expedition Five mission commander, and the STS-112 crewmembers were photographed in the Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS). Others pictured are astronauts Jeffrey S. Ashby, STS-112 mission commander; Pamela A. Melroy, pilot; Sandra H. Magnus, Piers J. Sellers, David A. Wolf, and cosmonaut Fyodor N. Yurchikhin, all mission specialists. Korzun and Yurchikhin represent Rosaviakosmos.

Features of a Self-Mixing Laser Diode Operating Near Relaxation Oscillation.

PubMed

Liu, Bin; Yu, Yanguang; Xi, Jiangtao; Fan, Yuanlong; Guo, Qinghua; Tong, Jun; Lewis, Roger A

2016-09-21

When a fraction of the light reflected by an external cavity re-enters the laser cavity, both the amplitude and the frequency of the lasing field can be modulated. This phenomenon is called the self-mixing effect (SME). A self-mixing laser diode (SM-LD) is a sensor using the SME. Usually, such LDs operate below the stability boundary where no relaxation oscillation happens. The boundary is determined by the operation condition including the injection current, optical feedback strength and external cavity length. This paper discovers the features of an SM-LD where the LD operates beyond the stability boundary, that is, near the relaxation oscillation (RO) status. We call the signals from such a SM-LD as RO-SM signals to differentiate them from the conventional SM signals reported in the literature. Firstly, simulations are made based on the well-known Lang and Kobayashi (L-K) equations. Then the experiments are conducted on different LDs to verify the simulation results. It shows that a RO-SM signal exhibits high frequency oscillation with its amplitude modulated by a slow time varying envelop which corresponds to the movement of the external target. The envelope has same fringe structure (half-wavelength displacement resolution) with the conventional SM signals. However, the amplitudes of the RO-SM signals are much higher compared to conventional SM signals. The results presented reveal that an SM-LD operating near the RO has potential for achieving sensing with improved sensitivity.

Features of a Self-Mixing Laser Diode Operating Near Relaxation Oscillation

PubMed Central

Liu, Bin; Yu, Yanguang; Xi, Jiangtao; Fan, Yuanlong; Guo, Qinghua; Tong, Jun; Lewis, Roger A.

2016-01-01

When a fraction of the light reflected by an external cavity re-enters the laser cavity, both the amplitude and the frequency of the lasing field can be modulated. This phenomenon is called the self-mixing effect (SME). A self-mixing laser diode (SM-LD) is a sensor using the SME. Usually, such LDs operate below the stability boundary where no relaxation oscillation happens. The boundary is determined by the operation condition including the injection current, optical feedback strength and external cavity length. This paper discovers the features of an SM-LD where the LD operates beyond the stability boundary, that is, near the relaxation oscillation (RO) status. We call the signals from such a SM-LD as RO-SM signals to differentiate them from the conventional SM signals reported in the literature. Firstly, simulations are made based on the well-known Lang and Kobayashi (L-K) equations. Then the experiments are conducted on different LDs to verify the simulation results. It shows that a RO-SM signal exhibits high frequency oscillation with its amplitude modulated by a slow time varying envelop which corresponds to the movement of the external target. The envelope has same fringe structure (half-wavelength displacement resolution) with the conventional SM signals. However, the amplitudes of the RO-SM signals are much higher compared to conventional SM signals. The results presented reveal that an SM-LD operating near the RO has potential for achieving sensing with improved sensitivity. PMID:27657077

Does contracting of health care in Afghanistan work? Public and service-users' perceptions and experience

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background In rebuilding devastated health services, the government of Afghanistan has provided access to basic services mainly by contracting with non-government organisations (NGOs), and more recently the Strengthening Mechanism (SM) of contracting with Provincial Health Offices. Community-based information about the public's views and experience of health services is scarce. Methods Field teams visited households in a stratified random sample of 30 communities in two districts in Kabul province, with health services mainly provided either by an NGO or through the SM and administered a questionnaire about household views, use, and experience of health services, including payments for services and corruption. They later discussed the findings with separate community focus groups of men and women. We calculated weighted frequencies of views and experience of services and multivariate analysis examined the related factors. Results The survey covered 3283 households including 2845 recent health service users. Some 42% of households in the SM district and 57% in the NGO district rated available health services as good. Some 63% of households in the SM district (adjacent to Kabul) and 93% in the NGO district ordinarily used government health facilities. Service users rated private facilities more positively than government facilities. Government service users were more satisfied in urban facilities, if the household head was not educated, if they had enough food in the last week, and if they waited less than 30 minutes. Many households were unwilling to comment on corruption in health services; 15% in the SM district and 26% in the NGO district reported having been asked for an unofficial payment. Despite a policy of free services, one in seven users paid for treatment in government facilities, and three in four paid for medicine outside the facilities. Focus groups confirmed people knew payments were unofficial; they were afraid to talk about corruption. Conclusions Households used government health services but preferred private services. The experience of service users was similar in the SM and NGO districts. People made unofficial payments in government facilities, whether SM or NGO run. Tackling corruption in health services is an important part of anti-corruption measures in Afghanistan. PMID:22376191

Does contracting of health care in Afghanistan work? Public and service-users' perceptions and experience.

PubMed

Cockcroft, Anne; Khan, Amir; Md Ansari, Noor; Omer, Khalid; Hamel, Candyce; Andersson, Neil

2011-12-21

In rebuilding devastated health services, the government of Afghanistan has provided access to basic services mainly by contracting with non-government organisations (NGOs), and more recently the Strengthening Mechanism (SM) of contracting with Provincial Health Offices. Community-based information about the public's views and experience of health services is scarce. Field teams visited households in a stratified random sample of 30 communities in two districts in Kabul province, with health services mainly provided either by an NGO or through the SM and administered a questionnaire about household views, use, and experience of health services, including payments for services and corruption. They later discussed the findings with separate community focus groups of men and women. We calculated weighted frequencies of views and experience of services and multivariate analysis examined the related factors. The survey covered 3283 households including 2845 recent health service users. Some 42% of households in the SM district and 57% in the NGO district rated available health services as good. Some 63% of households in the SM district (adjacent to Kabul) and 93% in the NGO district ordinarily used government health facilities. Service users rated private facilities more positively than government facilities. Government service users were more satisfied in urban facilities, if the household head was not educated, if they had enough food in the last week, and if they waited less than 30 minutes. Many households were unwilling to comment on corruption in health services; 15% in the SM district and 26% in the NGO district reported having been asked for an unofficial payment. Despite a policy of free services, one in seven users paid for treatment in government facilities, and three in four paid for medicine outside the facilities. Focus groups confirmed people knew payments were unofficial; they were afraid to talk about corruption. Households used government health services but preferred private services. The experience of service users was similar in the SM and NGO districts. People made unofficial payments in government facilities, whether SM or NGO run. Tackling corruption in health services is an important part of anti-corruption measures in Afghanistan.

31 CFR 586.515 - Payments for services rendered by the Government of the FRY (S&M) to aircraft authorized...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Government of the FRY (S&M) to aircraft authorized; aircraft and maritime safety. 586.515 Section 586.515... services rendered by the Government of the FRY (S&M) to aircraft authorized; aircraft and maritime safety... maritime traffic in international waters. ...

Space Environment Effects on Materials at Different Positions and Operational Periods of ISS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kimoto, Yugo; Ichikawa, Shoichi; Miyazaki, Eiji; Matsumoto, Koji; Ishizawa, Junichiro; Shimamura, Hiroyuki; Yamanaka, Riyo; Suzuki, Mineo

2009-01-01

A space materials exposure experiment was condcuted on the exterior of the Russian Service Module (SM) of the International Space Station (ISS) using the Micro-Particles Capturer and Space Environment Exposure Device (MPAC&SEED) of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Results reveal artificial environment effects such as sample contamination, attitude change effects on AO fluence, and shading effects of UV on ISS. The sample contamination was coming from ISS components. The particles attributed to micrometeoroids and/or debris captured by MPAC might originate from the ISS solar array. Another MPAC&SEED will be aboard the Exposure Facility of the Japanese Experiment Module, KIBO Exposure Facility (EF) on ISS. The JEM/MPAC&SEED is attached to the Space Environment Data Acquisition Equipment-Attached Payload (SEDA-AP) and is exposed to space. Actually, SEDA-AP is a payload on EF to be launched by Space Shuttle flight 2J/A. In fact, SEDA-AP has space environment monitors such as a high-energy particle monitor, atomic oxygen monitor, and plasma monitor to measure in-situ natural space environment data during JEM/MPAC&SEED exposure. Some exposure samples for JEM/MPAC&SEED are identical to SM/MPAC&SEED samples. Consequently, effects on identical materials at different positions and operation periods of ISS will be evaluated. This report summarizes results from space environment monitoring samples for atomic oxygen analysis on SM/MPAC&SEED, along with experimental plans for JEM/MPAC&SEED.

Kotov during Albedo Experiment in the SM

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-11-18

ISS038-E-005022 (20 Nov. 2013) --- At a window in the International Space Station?s Zvezda Service Module, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kotov, Expedition 38 commander, uses a digital camera photospectral system to perform a session for the Albedo Experiment. The experiment measures Earth?s albedo, or the amount of solar radiation reflected from the surface, in the hopes to develop methods to harness the reflected radiation to supplement the station?s power supply. The light reflection phenomenon is measured in units called albedo.

Kotov during Albedo Experiment in the SM

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-11-18

ISS038-E-005014 (20 Nov. 2013) --- At a window in the International Space Station’s Zvezda Service Module, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kotov, Expedition 38 commander, uses a digital camera photospectral system to perform a session for the Albedo Experiment. The experiment measures Earth’s albedo, or the amount of solar radiation reflected from the surface, in the hopes to develop methods to harness the reflected radiation to supplement the station’s power supply. The light reflection phenomenon is measured in units called albedo.

Kaleri sets up Russian MBI-12 Payload in the SM

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-12-09

ISS026-E-008718 (8 Dec. 2010) --- Russian cosmonaut Alexander Kaleri, Expedition 26 flight engineer, sets up the Russian MBI-12 payload for a Sonokard experiment session in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station. Kaleri used a sports shirt from the Sonokard kit with a special device in the pocket for testing a new method for acquiring physiological data without using direct contact on the skin. Measurements are recorded on a data card for return to Earth.

Kotov during Albedo Experiment in the SM

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-11-18

ISS038-E-005023 (20 Nov. 2013) --- At a window in the International Space Station?s Zvezda Service Module, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kotov, Expedition 38 commander, uses a digital camera photospectral system to perform a session for the Albedo Experiment. The experiment measures Earth?s albedo, or the amount of solar radiation reflected from the surface, in the hopes to develop methods to harness the reflected radiation to supplement the station?s power supply. The light reflection phenomenon is measured in units called albedo.

Kondratvez sets up Sonokard Experiment in the SM during Expedition 26

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-01-03

ISS026-E-014250 (3 Jan. 2011) --- Russian cosmonaut Dmitry Kondratyev, Expedition 26 flight engineer, sets up the Russian MBI-12 payload for a Sonokard experiment session in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station. Kondratyev used a sports shirt from the Sonokard kit with a special device in the pocket for testing a new method for acquiring physiological data without using direct contact on the skin. Measurements are recorded on a data card for return to Earth.

Kotov during Albedo Experiment in the SM

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-11-18

ISS038-E-005031 (20 Nov. 2013) --- At a window in the International Space Station?s Zvezda Service Module, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kotov, Expedition 38 commander, uses a digital camera photospectral system to perform a session for the Albedo Experiment. The experiment measures Earth?s albedo, or the amount of solar radiation reflected from the surface, in the hopes to develop methods to harness the reflected radiation to supplement the station?s power supply. The light reflection phenomenon is measured in units called albedo.

Kotov during Albedo Experiment in the SM

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-11-18

ISS038-E-005016 (20 Nov. 2013) --- At a window in the International Space Station?s Zvezda Service Module, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kotov, Expedition 38 commander, uses a digital camera photospectral system to perform a session for the Albedo Experiment. The experiment measures Earth?s albedo, or the amount of solar radiation reflected from the surface, in the hopes to develop methods to harness the reflected radiation to supplement the station?s power supply. The light reflection phenomenon is measured in units called albedo.

Kotov during Albedo Experiment in the SM

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-11-18

ISS038-E-005019 (20 Nov. 2013) --- At a window in the International Space Station?s Zvezda Service Module, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kotov, Expedition 38 commander, uses a digital camera photospectral system to perform a session for the Albedo Experiment. The experiment measures Earth?s albedo, or the amount of solar radiation reflected from the surface, in the hopes to develop methods to harness the reflected radiation to supplement the station?s power supply. The light reflection phenomenon is measured in units called albedo.

Chiao holds an Electronic Box Assembly from the TVIS in the SM during Expedition 10

NASA Image and Video Library

2005-02-17

ISS010-E-18164 (17 February 2005) --- Astronaut Leroy Chiao, Expedition 10 commander and NASA ISS science officer, holds an Electronic Box Assembly, and Violation Isolation and Stabilization (VIS) Controller Assembly, which is part of the Treadmill Vibration Isolation System (TVIS) in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station (ISS). Also in view is a VIS/TM data cable and VIS/TM power cable. This box receives power and distributes it between the treadmill and the VIS subassemblies.

Padalka collects medical data for the Cardiocog experiment onboard the SM during Expedition 9

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-07-05

ISS009-E-13739 (5 July 2004) --- Cosmonaut Gennady I. Padalka, Expedition 9 commander representing Russia’s Federal Space Agency, works with the Cardiocog experiment in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station (ISS). Originally part of Pedro Duque's VC5 "Cervantes" science program, Cardiocog studies changes in the human cardiovascular system in micro-G, expressed in the peripheral arteries, and the vegetative regulation of arterial blood pressure and heart rate.

Krikalev works with the TORU teleoperated control system in the SM during Expedition 11

NASA Image and Video Library

2005-06-19

ISS011-E-09184 (18 June 2005) --- Cosmonaut Sergei K. Krikalev, Expedition 11 commander representing Russia's Federal Space Agency, practices docking procedures with the TORU teleoperated control system in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station (ISS) in preparation for the docking of the Progress 18 spacecraft. Krikalev, using the Simvol-TS screen and hand controllers, could manually dock the Progress to the Station in the event of a failure of the Kurs automated docking system.

Tyurin works with the TORU teleoperated control system in the SM during Expedition 14

NASA Image and Video Library

2007-01-20

ISS014-E-12482 (19 Jan. 2007) --- Cosmonaut Mikhail Tyurin, Expedition 14 flight engineer representing Russia's Federal Space Agency, practices docking procedures with the TORU teleoperated control system in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station in preparation for the docking of the Progress 24 spacecraft. Tyurin, using the Simvol-TS screen and hand controllers, could manually dock the Progress to the station in the event of a failure of the Kurs automated docking system.

Vinogradov practices docking procedures of the Progress 21 in the SM during Expedition 13

NASA Image and Video Library

2006-04-26

ISS013-E-10225 (26 April 2006) --- Cosmonaut Pavel V. Vinogradov, Expedition 13 commander representing Russia's Federal Space Agency, practices docking procedures with the TORU teleoperated control system in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station in preparation for the docking of the Progress 21 spacecraft. Vinogradov, using the Simvol-TS screen and hand controllers, could manually dock the Progress to the station in the event of a failure of the Kurs automated docking system.

Airways in smooth muscle α-actin null mice experience a compensatory mechanism that modulates their contractile response.

PubMed

Shardonofsky, Felix R; Moore, Joan; Schwartz, Robert J; Boriek, Aladin M

2012-03-01

We hypothesized that ablation of smooth muscle α-actin (SM α-A), a contractile-cytoskeletal protein expressed in airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells, abolishes ASM shortening capacity and decreases lung stiffness. In both SM α-A knockout and wild-type (WT) mice, airway resistance (Raw) determined by the forced oscillation technique rose in response to intravenous methacholine (Mch). However, the slope of Raw (cmH(2)O·ml(-1)·s) vs. log(2) Mch dose (μg·kg(-1)·min(-1)) was lower (P = 0.007) in mutant (0.54 ± 0.14) than in WT mice (1.23 ± 0.19). RT-PCR analysis performed on lung tissues confirmed that mutant mice lacked SM α-A mRNA and showed that these mice had robust expressions of both SM γ-A mRNA and skeletal muscle (SKM) α-A mRNA, which were not expressed in WT mice, and an enhanced SM22 mRNA expression relative to that in WT mice. Compared with corresponding spontaneously breathing mice, mechanical ventilation-induced lung mechanical strain increased the expression of SM α-A mRNA in WT lungs; in mutant mice, it augmented the expressions of SM γ-A mRNA and SM22 mRNA and did not alter that of SKM α-A mRNA. In mutant mice, the expression of SM γ-A mRNA in the lung during spontaneous breathing and its enhanced expression following mechanical ventilation are consistent with the likely possibility that in the absence of SM α-A, SM γ-A underwent polymerization and interacted with smooth muscle myosin to produce ASM shortening during cholinergic stimulation. Thus our data are consistent with ASM in mutant mice experiencing compensatory mechanisms that modulated its contractile muscle capacity.

Applying sensory modulation to mental health inpatient care to reduce seclusion and restraint: a case control study.

PubMed

Andersen, Charlotte; Kolmos, Anne; Andersen, Kjeld; Sippel, Volkmar; Stenager, Elsebeth

2017-10-01

Clinical training in managing conflicts and preventing violence seldom contains sensory modulation (SM) as a method to de-escalate and prevent restraint and seclusion. Sensory-based interventions promote adaptive regulation of arousal and emotion. SM is a complementary approach that is associated with reduced rates of seclusion and restraint in mental healthcare, but there is need for more research in this area. Using SM to reduce restraint and seclusion in inpatient mental health care. The study included two similar psychiatric units where one unit implemented SM and one unit served as the control group. In the very beginning of the study, a staff-training program in the use of SM including assessment tools and intervention strategies was established. Data on restraint and forced medicine were sampled post the course of the year of implementation and compared with the control group. The use of belts decreased with 38% compared to the control group. The use of forced medication decreased with 46% compared to the control group. Altogether the use of physical restraint and forced medication decreased significantly with 42% (p < .05). Implementing a SM approach in mental healthcare facilities has a significant effect on the reduction of restraint and seclusion. As a part of the implementation, staff training and education in SM are crucial.

ESTRACK Support for CCSDS Space Communication Cross Support Service Management

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dreihahn, H.; Unal, M.; Hoffmann, A.

2011-08-01

The CCSDS Recommended Standard for Space Communication Cross Support Service Management (SCCS SM) published as Blue Book in August 2009 is intended to provide standardised interfaces to negotiate, schedule, and manage the support of space missions by ground station network operators. ESA as a member of CCSDS has actively supported the development of the SCCS SM standard and is obviously interested in adopting it. Support of SCCS SM conforming interfaces and procedures includes:• Provision of SCCS SM conforming interfaces to non ESA missions;• Use of SCCS SM interfaces provided by other ground station operators to manage cross support of ESA missions;• In longer terms potentially use of SCCS SM interfaces and procedures also internally for support of ESA missions by ESTRACK.In the recent years ESOC has automated management and scheduling of ESA Tracking Network (ESTRACK) services by the specification, development, and deployment of the ESTRACK Management System (EMS), more specifically its planning and scheduling components ESTRACK Planning System and ESTRACK Scheduling System. While full support of the SCCS SM standard will involve also other elements of the ground segment operated by ESOC such as the Flight Dynamic System, EMS is at the core of service management and it is therefore appropriate to initially focus on the question to what extent EMS can support SCCS SM. This paper presents results of the initial analysis phase. After briefly presenting the SCCS SM standard and the relevant components of the ESTRACK management system, we will discuss the initial deployment options, open issues and a tentative roadmap for the way to proceed. Obviously the adoption of a cross support standard requires and discussion and coordination of the involved parties and agencies, especially in the light of the fact that the SCCS SM standard has many optional parts.

An Overview of the Concept of Operations for Assembly, Integration, Testing and Ground Servicing Develoed for the MPCV-ESM Propulsion System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bielozer, M.; VanLear, Benjamin S.; Kindred, N.; Monien, G.; Schulte, U.

2014-01-01

A concept of operations for the Assembly, Integration and Testing (AIT) and the Ground Systems Development Operations (GSDO) of the European Service Module (ESM) propulsion system has been developed. The AIT concept of operations covers all fabrication, integration and testing activities in both Europe and in the United States. The GSDO Program develops the facilities, equipment, and procedures for the loading of hypergolic propellants, the filling of high-pressure gases, and contingency de-servicing operations for the ESM. NASA and ESA along with the Lockheed Martin and Airbus Space and Defense are currently working together for the EM-1 and EM-2 missions in which the ESM will be flown as part of the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV). The NASA/ESA SM propulsion team is collaborating with the AIT personnel from ESA/Airbus and NASA/Lockheed Martin to ensure successful integration of the European designed Service Module propulsion system, the Lockheed Martin designed Crew Module Adapter and the heritage Space Shuttle Orbital Maneuvering System Engines (OMS-E) being provided as Government Furnished Equipment (GFE). This paper will provide an overview of the current AIT and GSDO concept of operations for the ESM propulsion system.

An Overview of the Concept of Operations for Assembly, Integration, Testing and Ground Servicing Developed for the MPCV-ESM Propulsion System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bielozer, Matthew C.

2014-01-01

A concept of operations for the Assembly, Integration and Testing (AIT) and the Ground Systems Development Operations (GSDO) of the European Service Module (ESM) propulsion system has been developed. The AIT concept of operations covers all fabrication, integration and testing activities in both Europe and in the United States. The GSDO Program develops the facilities, equipment, and procedures for the loading of hypergolic propellants, the filling of high-pressure gases, and contingency de-servicing operations for the ESM. NASA and ESA along with the Lockheed Martin and Airbus Space and Defense are currently working together for the EM-1 and EM-2 missions in which the ESM will be flown as part of the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV). The NASA/ESA SM propulsion team is collaborating with the AIT personnel from ESA/Airbus and NASA/Lockheed Martin to ensure successful integration of the European designed Service Module propulsion system, the Lockheed Martin designed Crew Module Adapter and the heritage Space Shuttle Orbital Maneuvering System Engines (OMS-E) being provided as Government Furnished Equipment (GFE). This paper will provide an overview of the current AIT and GSDO concept of operations for the ESM propulsion system.

Structure of a pantothenate transporter and implications for ECF module sharing and energy coupling of group II ECF transporters

PubMed Central

Zhang, Minhua; Bao, Zhihao; Zhao, Qin; Guo, Hui; Xu, Ke; Wang, Chengcheng

2014-01-01

Energy-coupling factor (ECF) transporters are a unique group of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters responsible for micronutrient uptake from the environment. Each ECF transporter is composed of an S component (or EcfS protein) and T/A/A′ components (or EcfT/A/A′ proteins; ECF module). Among the group II ECF transporters, several EcfS proteins share one ECF module; however, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Here we report the structure of a group II ECF transporter–pantothenate transporter from Lactobacillus brevis (LbECF-PanT), which shares the ECF module with the folate and hydroxymethylpyrimidine transporters (LbECF-FolT and LbECF-HmpT). Structural and mutational analyses revealed the residues constituting the pantothenate-binding pocket. We found that although the three EcfS proteins PanT, FolT, and HmpT are dissimilar in sequence, they share a common surface area composed of the transmembrane helices 1/2/6 (SM1/2/6) to interact with the coupling helices 2/3 (CH2/3) of the same EcfT. CH2 interacts mainly with SM1 via hydrophobic interactions, which may modulate the sliding movement of EcfS. CH3 binds to a hydrophobic surface groove formed by SM1, SM2, and SM6, which may transmit the conformational changes from EcfA/A′ to EcfS. We also found that the residues at the intermolecular surfaces in LbECF-PanT are essential for transporter activity, and that these residues may mediate intermolecular conformational transmission and/or affect transporter complex stability. In addition, we found that the structure of EcfT is conformationally dynamic, which supports its function as a scaffold to mediate the interaction of the ECF module with various EcfS proteins to form different transporter complexes. PMID:25512487

Cubesat Application for Planetary Entry (CAPE) Missions: Micro-Return Capsule (MIRCA)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Esper, Jaime

2016-01-01

The Cubesat Application for Planetary Entry Missions (CAPE) concept describes a high-performing Cubesat system which includes a propulsion module and miniaturized technologies capable of surviving atmospheric entry heating, while reliably transmitting scientific and engineering data. The Micro Return Capsule (MIRCA) is CAPE's first planetary entry probe flight prototype. Within this context, this paper briefly describes CAPE's configuration and typical operational scenario, and summarizes ongoing work on the design and basic aerodynamic characteristics of the prototype MIRCA vehicle. CAPE not only opens the door to new planetary mission capabilities, it also offers relatively low-cost opportunities especially suitable to university participation. In broad terms, CAPE consists of two main functional components: the "service module" (SM), and "CAPE's entry probe" (CEP). The SM contains the subsystems necessary to support vehicle targeting (propulsion, ACS, computer, power) and the communications capability to relay data from the CEP probe to an orbiting "mother-ship". The CEP itself carries the scientific instrumentation capable of measuring atmospheric properties (such as density, temperature, composition), and embedded engineering sensors for Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL). The first flight of MIRCA was successfully completed on 10 October 2015 as a "piggy-back" payload onboard a NASA stratospheric balloon launched from Ft. Sumner, NM.

PDGF-DD, a novel mediator of smooth muscle cell phenotypic modulation, is upregulated in endothelial cells exposed to atherosclerosis-prone flow patterns.

PubMed

Thomas, James A; Deaton, Rebecca A; Hastings, Nicole E; Shang, Yueting; Moehle, Christopher W; Eriksson, Ulf; Topouzis, Stavros; Wamhoff, Brian R; Blackman, Brett R; Owens, Gary K

2009-02-01

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB is a well-known smooth muscle (SM) cell (SMC) phenotypic modulator that signals by binding to PDGF alphaalpha-, alphabeta-, and betabeta-membrane receptors. PDGF-DD is a recently identified PDGF family member, and its role in SMC phenotypic modulation is unknown. Here we demonstrate that PDGF-DD inhibited expression of multiple SMC genes, including SM alpha-actin and SM myosin heavy chain, and upregulated expression of the potent SMC differentiation repressor gene Kruppel-like factor-4 at the mRNA and protein levels. On the basis of the results of promoter-reporter assays, changes in SMC gene expression were mediated, at least in part, at the level of transcription. Attenuation of the SMC phenotypic modulatory activity of PDGF-DD by pharmacological inhibitors of ERK phosphorylation and by a small interfering RNA to Kruppel-like factor-4 highlight the role of these two pathways in this process. PDGF-DD failed to repress SM alpha-actin and SM myosin heavy chain in mouse SMCs lacking a functional PDGF beta-receptor. Importantly, PDGF-DD expression was increased in neointimal lesions in the aortic arch region of apolipoprotein C-deficient (ApoE(-/-)) mice. Furthermore, human endothelial cells exposed to an atherosclerosis-prone flow pattern, as in vascular regions susceptible to the development of atherosclerosis, exhibited a significant increase in PDGF-DD expression. These findings demonstrate a novel activity for PDGF-DD in SMC biology and highlight the potential contribution of this molecule to SMC phenotypic modulation in the setting of disturbed blood flow.

View of Scientific Instrument Module to be flown on Apollo 15

NASA Image and Video Library

1971-06-27

S71-2250X (June 1971) --- A close-up view of the Scientific Instrument Module (SIM) to be flown for the first time on the Apollo 15 lunar landing mission. Mounted in a previously vacant sector of the Apollo Service Module (SM), the SIM carries specialized cameras and instrumentation for gathering lunar orbit scientific data. SIM equipment includes a laser altimeter for accurate measurement of height above the lunar surface; a large-format panoramic camera for mapping, correlated with a metric camera and the laser altimeter for surface mapping; a gamma ray spectrometer on a 25-feet extendible boom; a mass spectrometer on a 21-feet extendible boom; X-ray and alpha particle spectrometers; and a subsatellite which will be injected into lunar orbit carrying a particle and magnetometer, and the S-Band transponder.

The Influence of Medical Evaluation Board Status on Symptom Reporting Among Service Members with Traumatic Brain Injury

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-04-21

determine whether a service member (SM) with medical condition(s) is fit or unfit to perform his or her assigned duties. The results of MEB exams are...SM might diminish the severity of their symptoms out of fear of being discharged. Alternatively, SM might be influenced to exaggerate his or her

New SmAPF Mesogens Designed for Analog Electrooptics Applications

PubMed Central

Guzman, Edward; Glaser, Matthew A.; Shao, Renfan; Garcia, Edgardo; Shen, Yongqiang; Clark, Noel A.

2017-01-01

We have previously reported the first realization of an orthogonal ferroelectric bent-core SmAPF phase by directed design in mesogens with a single tricarbosilane-terminated alkoxy tail. Given the potentially useful electrooptic properties of this phase, including analog phase-only electrooptic index modulation with optical latching, we have been exploring its “structure space”, searching for novel SmAPF mesogens. Here, we report two classes of these—the first designed to optimize the dynamic range of the index modulation in parallel-aligned cells by lowering the bend angle of the rigid core, and the second expanding the structure space of the phase by replacing the tricarbosilane-terminated alkyl tail with a polyfluorinated polyethylene glycol oligomer. PMID:29120371

Development of Modal Aerosol Module in CAM5 for Biogeochemical Cycles

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

Liu, Xiaohong

2017-11-18

This project aims at developing new capabilities for the Modal Aerosol Module in the DOE’s E3SM model with the applications to the global biogeochemical cycle. The impacts of the new developments on model simulations of clouds and climate will be examined. There are thee objectives for this project study: Implementing primary marine organic aerosols into the modal aerosol module (MAM) and investigate effects of primary marine organic aerosols on climate in E3SM; Implementing dust speciation in MAM and investigate the effect of dust species on mixed-phase clouds through indirect effects in E3SM; Writing papers documenting the new MAM developments (e.g.,more » MAM4 documentation paper, marine organic aerosol paper, dust speciation); These objectives will be accomplished in collaborations with Drs. Phil Rasch, Steve Ghan, and Susannah Burrows at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.« less

NASA and ESA Partnership on the Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle Service Module

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schubert, Kathleen E.; Grantier, Julie A.

2012-01-01

(1) ESA decided in its Council Meeting in March 2011 to partially offset the European ISS obligations after 2015 with different means than ATVs; (2) The envisioned approach is based on a barter element(s) that would generate cost avoidance on the NASA side; (3) NASA and ESA considered a number of Barter options, NASA concluded that the provision by ESA of the Service Module for the NASA Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV) was the barter with the most interest;. (4) A joint ESA - NASA working group was established in May 2011 to assess the feasibility of Europe developing this Module based on ATV heritage; (5)The working group was supported by European and US industry namely Astrium, TAS-I and Lockheed-Martin; and (6) The project is currently in phase B1 with the objective to prepare a technical and programmatic proposal for an ESA MPCV-SM development. This proposal will be one element of the package that ESA plans submit to go forward for approval by European Ministers in November 2012.

Comparison of size modulation and conventional standard automated perimetry with the 24-2 test protocol in glaucoma patients

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirasawa, Kazunori; Shoji, Nobuyuki; Kasahara, Masayuki; Matsumura, Kazuhiro; Shimizu, Kimiya

2016-05-01

This prospective randomized study compared test results of size modulation standard automated perimetry (SM-SAP) performed with the Octopus 600 and conventional SAP (C-SAP) performed with the Humphrey Field Analyzer (HFA) in glaucoma patients. Eighty-eight eyes of 88 glaucoma patients underwent SM-SAP and C-SAP tests with the Octopus 600 24-2 Dynamic and HFA 24-2 SITA-Standard, respectively. Fovea threshold, mean defect, and square loss variance of SM-SAP were significantly correlated with the corresponding C-SAP indices (P < 0.001). The false-positive rate was slightly lower, and false-negative rate slightly higher, with SM-SAP than C-SAP (P = 0.002). Point-wise threshold values obtained with SM-SAP were moderately to strongly correlated with those obtained with C-SAP (P < 0.001). The correlation coefficients of the central zone were significantly lower than those of the middle to peripheral zone (P = 0.031). The size and depth of the visual field (VF) defect were smaller (P = 0.039) and greater (P = 0.043), respectively, on SM-SAP than on C-SAP. Although small differences were observed in VF sensitivity in the central zone, the defect size and depth and the reliability indices between SM-SAP and C-SAP, global indices of the two testing modalities were well correlated.

77 FR 39302 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; EDGA Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-02

... Change Relating to New Market Access Risk Management Service, EdgeRisk Controls SM June 26, 2012... access risk management service, called EdgeRisk Controls\\SM\\ (the ``Service''). II. Self-Regulatory... and maintain a system of risk management controls and supervisory procedures that are reasonably...

Sharipov holds an Electronic Box Assembly from the TVIS in the SM during Expedition 10

NASA Image and Video Library

2005-02-17

ISS010-E-18167 (17 February 2005) --- Cosmonaut Salizhan S. Sharipov, Expedition 10 flight engineer representing Russia's Federal Space Agency, holds an Electronic Box Assembly, and Violation Isolation and Stabilization (VIS) Controller Assembly, which is part of the Treadmill Vibration Isolation System (TVIS) in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station (ISS). Also in view is a VIS/TM data cable and VIS/TM power cable. This box receives power and distributes it between the treadmill and the VIS subassemblies.

STS-123 and Expedition 16 crewmembers in the SM during Joint Operations

NASA Image and Video Library

2008-03-19

S123-E-007259 (19 March 2008) --- The STS-123 and Expedition 16 crewmembers share a meal near the galley in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station while Space Shuttle Endeavour is docked with the station. Pictured (from the left) are European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Leopold Eyharts, STS-123 mission specialist; NASA astronauts Dominic Gorie, STS-123 commander; Gregory H. Johnson (partially obscured), STS-123 pilot; Robert L. Behnken and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Takao Doi, both STS-123 mission specialists.

STS-123 and Expedition 16 crewmembers eating in the SM during Joint Operations

NASA Image and Video Library

2008-03-19

S123-E-007231 (19 March 2008) --- The STS-123 and Expedition 16 crewmembers share a meal near the galley in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station while Space Shuttle Endeavour is docked with the station. Pictured (from the left) are European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Leopold Eyharts, STS-123 mission specialist; NASA astronauts Dominic Gorie, STS-123 commander; Gregory H. Johnson, STS-123 pilot; Robert L. Behnken and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Takao Doi, both STS-123 mission specialists.

Kotov collects data for the Cardiocog-2 Experiment in the SM during Expedition 15

NASA Image and Video Library

2007-05-01

ISS015-E-08661 (May 2007) --- Cosmonaut Oleg V. Kotov, Expedition 15 flight engineer representing Russia's Federal Space Agency, collects medical data for the Cognitive Cardiovascular (Cardiocog-2) experiment in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station. Cardiocog-2 will determine the impact of weightlessness on the cardiovascular system and respiratory system and the cognitive reactions of crewmembers. The results of this study will be used to develop additional countermeasures that will continue to keep crewmembers healthy during long-duration space exploration.

Kotov collects data for the Cardiocog-2 Experiment in the SM during Expedition 15

NASA Image and Video Library

2007-05-01

ISS015-E-08660 (May 2007) --- Cosmonaut Oleg V. Kotov, Expedition 15 flight engineer representing Russia's Federal Space Agency, collects medical data for the Cognitive Cardiovascular (Cardiocog-2) experiment in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station. Cardiocog-2 will determine the impact of weightlessness on the cardiovascular system and respiratory system and the cognitive reactions of crewmembers. The results of this study will be used to develop additional countermeasures that will continue to keep crewmembers healthy during long-duration space exploration.

Kotov collects data for the Cardiocog-2 Experiment in the SM during Expedition 15

NASA Image and Video Library

2007-05-01

ISS015-E-08659 (May 2007) --- Cosmonaut Oleg V. Kotov, Expedition 15 flight engineer representing Russia's Federal Space Agency, checks procedures checklists while collecting medical data for the Cognitive Cardiovascular (Cardiocog-2) experiment in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station. Cardiocog-2 will determine the impact of weightlessness on the cardiovascular system and respiratory system and the cognitive reactions of crewmembers. The results of this study will be used to develop additional countermeasures that will continue to keep crewmembers healthy during long-duration space exploration.

Kaleri works with the TORU teleoperated control system in the SM during Expedition 8

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-01-30

ISS008-E-14073 (30 January 2004) --- Cosmonaut Alexander Y. Kaleri, Expedition 8 flight engineer, practices docking procedures with the manual TORU rendezvous system in the Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS) in preparation for the docking of the Progress 13 on January 31. With the manual TORU mode, Kaleri can perform necessary guidance functions from Zvezda via two hand controllers in the event of a failure of the “Kurs” automated rendezvous and docking (AR&D) of the Progress. Kaleri represents Rosaviakosmos.

Kotov in SM during Progress 37P Docking

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-05-01

ISS023-E-031743 (1 May 2010) --- Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kotov, Expedition 23 commander, is pictured at the manual TORU docking system controls in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station just before conducting a manual control docking of the Progress 37 due to a jet failure on the Progress that forced a shutdown of the Kurs automated rendezvous system. Progress 37 docked to the Pirs Docking Compartment at 2:30 p.m. (EDT) on May 1, 2010, after a three-day flight from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

Kaleri works with the TORU teleoperated control system in the SM during Expedition 8

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-01-30

ISS008-E-14076 (30 January 2004) --- Cosmonaut Alexander Y. Kaleri, Expedition 8 flight engineer, practices docking procedures with the manual TORU rendezvous system in the Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS) in preparation for the docking of the Progress 13 on January 31. With the manual TORU mode, Kaleri can perform necessary guidance functions from Zvezda via two hand controllers in the event of a failure of the “Kurs” automated rendezvous and docking (AR&D) of the Progress. Kaleri represents Rosaviakosmos.

Kaleri works with the TORU teleoperated control system in the SM during Expedition 8

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-01-30

ISS008-E-14067 (30 January 2004) --- Cosmonaut Alexander Y. Kaleri, Expedition 8 flight engineer, practices docking procedures with the manual TORU rendezvous system in the Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS) in preparation for the docking of the Progress 13 on January 31. With the manual TORU mode, Kaleri can perform necessary guidance functions from Zvezda via two hand controllers in the event of a failure of the “Kurs” automated rendezvous and docking (AR&D) of the Progress. Kaleri represents Rosaviakosmos.

Ursolic acid mediates photosensitization by initiating mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Yuan-Hao; Wang, Exing; Kumar, Neeru; Glickman, Randolph D.

2013-02-01

The signaling pathways PI3K/Akt and MAPK play key roles in transcription, translation and carcinogenesis, and may be activated by light exposure. These pathways may be modulated or inhibited by naturally-occurring compounds, such as the triterpenoid, ursolic acid (UA). Previously, the transcription factors p53 and NF-kB, which transactivate mitochondrial apoptosis-related genes, were shown to be differentially modulated by UA. Our current work indicates that UA causes these effects via the mTOR and insulin-mediated pathways. UA-modulated apoptosis, following exposure to UV radiation, is observed to correspond to differential levels of oxidative stress in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) and skin melanoma (SM) cells. Flow cytometry analysis, DHE (dihydroethidium) staining and membrane permeability assay showed that UA pretreatment potentiated cell cycle arrest and radiation-induced apoptosis selectively on SM cells while DNA photo-oxidative damage (i.e. strand breakage) was reduced, presumably by some antioxidant activity of UA in RPE cells. The UA-mediated NF-κB activation in SM cells was reduced by rapamycin pretreatment, which indicates that these agents exert inter-antagonistic effects in the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. In contrast, the antagonistic effect of UA on the PI3K/Akt pathway was reversed by insulin leading to greater NF-κB and p53 activation in RPE cells. MitoTracker, a mitochondrial functional assay, indicated that mitochondria in RPE cells experienced reduced oxidative stress while those in SM cells exhibited increased oxidative stress upon UA pretreatment. When rapamycin administration was followed by UA, mitochondrial oxidative stress was increased in RPE cells but decreased in SM cells. These results indicate that UA modulates p53 and NF-κB, initiating a mitogenic response to radiation that triggers mitochondria-dependent apoptosis.

Characterization and performance of 16 new inbred lines of lettuce

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture announces the release of sixteen breeding lines of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). Five (SM13-I1, SM13-I2, SM13-I3, SM13-I4, and SM13-I5) of the six iceberg breeding lines can be used for whole head or salad blend production; the sixth i...

Clock and trigger distribution for CBM-TOF quality evaluation of RPC super module detector assemblies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, C.; Huang, X.; Cao, P.; Wang, J.; An, Q.

2018-03-01

RPC Super module (SM) detector assemblies are used for charged hadron identification in the Time-of-Flight (TOF) spectrometer at the Compressed Baryonic Matter (CBM) experiment. Each SM contains several multi-gap Resistive Plate Chambers (MRPCs) and provides up to 320 electronic channels in total for high-precision time measurements. Time resolution of the Time-to-Digital Converter (TDC) is required to be better than 20 ps. During mass production, the quality of each SM needs to be evaluated. In order to meet the requirements, the system clock signal as well as the trigger signal should be distributed precisely and synchronously to all electronics modules within the evaluation readout system. In this paper, a hierarchical clock and trigger distribution method is proposed for the quality evaluation of CBM-TOF SM detectors. In a first stage, the master clock and trigger module (CTM) allocated in a 6U PXI chassis distributes the clock and trigger signals to the slave CTM in the same chassis. In a second stage, the slave CTM transmits the clock and trigger signals to the TDC readout module (TRM) through one optical link. In a third stage, the TRM distributes the clock and trigger signals synchronously to 10 individual TDC boards. Laboratory test results show that the clock jitter at the third stage is less than 4 ps (RMS) and the trigger transmission latency from the master CTM to the TDC is about 272 ns with 11 ps (RMS) jitter. The overall performance complies well with the required specifications.

77 FR 39300 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; EDGX Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-02

... Change Relating to New Market Access Risk Management Service, EdgeRisk Controls SM June 26, 2012... access risk management service, called EdgeRisk Controls SM (the ``Service''). II. Self-Regulatory..., document and maintain a system of risk management controls and supervisory procedures that are reasonably...

Notice of release of iceberg, romaine, and leaf lettuce breeding lines with improved disease resistance

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture announces the release of sixteen breeding lines of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). Five (SM13-Il, SM13-I2, SM13-I3, SM13-I4, and SM13-I5) of the six iceberg breeding lines can be used for whole head or salad blend production; the sixth i...

All-optical wavelength conversion for mode division multiplexed superchannels.

PubMed

Gong, Jiaxin; Xu, Jing; Luo, Ming; Li, Xiang; Qiu, Ying; Yang, Qi; Zhang, Xinliang; Yu, Shaohua

2016-04-18

We report in this work the first all-optical wavelength conversion (AOWC) of a mode division multiplexed (MDM) superchannel consisting of 2N modes by dividing the superchannel into N single-mode (SM) tributaries, wavelength converting N SM signals using well developed SM-AOWC techniques, and finally combining the N SM tributaries back to an MDM superchannel at the converted wavelength, inspired by the idea of using SM filtering techniques to filter multimode signals in astronomy. The conversions between multimode and SM are realized by 3D laser-writing photonic lanterns and SM-AOWCs are realized based on polarization insensitive four wave mixing (FWM) configuration in N semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs). As a proof of concept demonstration, the conversion of a 6-mode MDM superchannel with each mode modulated with orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK)/16 quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) signals is demonstrated in this work, indicating that the scheme is transparent to data format, polarization and compatible with multi-carrier signals. Data integrity of the converted superchannel has been verified by using coherent detection and digital signal processing (DSP). Bit error rates (BERs) below the forward error correction (FEC) hard limit (3.8 × 10^-3) have been obtained for QPSK modulation at a net bitrate of 104.2 Gbit/s and BERs below the soft decision FEC threshold (1.98 × 10^-2) have been achieved for 16-QAM format, giving a total aggregate bit rate of 185.8 Gbit/s when taking 20% coding overhead into account. Add and drop functionalities that usually come along with wavelength conversion in flexible network nodes have also been demonstrated. The working conditions of the SOAs, especially the pump and signal power levels, are critical for the quality of the converted signal and have been thoroughly discussed. The impact of imbalanced FWM conversion efficiency among different SM tributaries has also been analyzed. This work illustrates a promising way to perform all-optical signal processing for MDM superchannels.

In vivo study of transepithelial potential difference (TEPD) in proximal convoluted tubules of rat kidney by synchronization modulation electric field.

PubMed

Clausell, Mathis; Fang, Zhihui; Chen, Wei

2014-07-01

Synchronization modulation (SM) electric field has been shown to effectively activate function of Na(+)/K(+) pumps in various cells and tissues, including skeletal muscle cells, cardiomyocyte, monolayer of cultured cell line, and peripheral blood vessels. We are now reporting the in vivo studies in application of the SM electric field to kidney of living rats. The field-induced changes in the transepithelial potential difference (TEPD) or the lumen potential from the proximal convoluted tubules were monitored. The results showed that a short time (20 s) application of the SM electric field can significantly increase the magnitude of TEPD from 1-2 mV to about 20 mV. The TEPD is an active potential representing the transport current of the Na/K pumps in epithelial wall of renal tubules. This study showed that SM electric field can increase TEPD by activation of the pump molecules. Considering renal tubules, many active transporters are driven by the Na(+) concentration gradient built by the Na(+)/K(+) pumps, activation of the pump functions and increase in the magnitude of TEPD imply that the SM electric field may improve reabsorption functions of the renal tubules.

Photogrammetric Assessment of the Hubble Space Telescope Solar Arrays During the Second Servicing Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sapp, C. A.; Dragg, J. L.; Snyder, M. W.; Gaunce, M. T.; Decker, J. E.

1998-01-01

This report documents the photogrammetric assessment of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) solar arrays conducted by the NASA c Center Image Science and Analysis Group during Second Servicing Mission 2 (SM-2) on STS-82 in February 1997. Two type solar array analyses were conducted during the mission using Space Shuttle payload bay video: (1) measurement of solar array motion due to induced loads, and (2) measurement of the solar array static or geometric twist caused by the cumulative array loading. The report describes pre-mission planning and analysis technique development activities conducted to acquire and analyze solar array imagery data during SM-2. This includes analysis of array motion obtained during SM-1 as a proof-of-concept of the SM-2 measurement techniques. The report documents the results of real-time analysis conducted during the mission and subsequent analysis conducted post-flight. This report also provides a summary of lessons learned on solar array imagery analysis from SM-2 and recommendations for future on-orbit measurements applicable to HST SM-3 and to the International Space Station. This work was performed under the direction of the Goddard Space Flight Center HST Flight Systems and Servicing Project.

Large electron concentration modulation using capacitance enhancement in SrTiO{sub 3}/SmTiO{sub 3} Fin-field effect transistors

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

Verma, Amit, E-mail: averma@cornell.edu; Nomoto, Kazuki; School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853

2016-05-02

Solid-state modulation of 2-dimensional electron gases (2DEGs) with extreme (∼3.3 × 10{sup 14 }cm{sup −2}) densities corresponding to 1/2 electron per interface unit cell at complex oxide heterointerfaces (such as SrTiO{sub 3}/GdTiO{sub 3} or SrTiO{sub 3}/SmTiO{sub 3}) is challenging because it requires enormous gate capacitances. One way to achieve large gate capacitances is by geometrical capacitance enhancement in fin structures. In this work, we fabricate both Au-gated planar field effect transistors (FETs) and Fin-FETs with varying fin-widths on 60 nm SrTiO{sub 3}/5 nm SmTiO{sub 3} thin films grown by hybrid molecular beam epitaxy. We find that the FinFETs exhibit higher gate capacitance comparedmore » to planar FETs. By scaling down the SrTiO{sub 3}/SmTiO{sub 3} fin widths, we demonstrate further gate capacitance enhancement, almost twice compared to the planar FETs. In the FinFETs with narrowest fin-widths, we demonstrate a record 2DEG electron concentration modulation of ∼2.4 × 10{sup 14 }cm{sup −2}.« less

Product Use Scheduler: A Scheduling Module used in EPA’s Human Exposure Model

EPA Science Inventory

The scheduling model (SM) was developed for scheduling the use of consumer products in the U.S. EPA’s Human Exposure Model (HEM), an integrated modeling system to estimate human exposure to chemicals in household consumer products. The SM begins with year-long daily activit...

Artist's concept of oxygen tanks of the Apollo 14 spacecraft

NASA Image and Video Library

1971-01-12

S71-16745 (January 1971) --- An artist's concept illustrating a cutaway view of one of the three oxygen tanks of the Apollo 14 spacecraft. This is the new Apollo oxygen tank design, developed since the Apollo 13 oxygen tank explosion. Apollo 14 has three oxygen tanks redesigned to eliminate ignition sources, minimize the use of combustible materials, and simplify the fabrication process. The third tank has been added to the Apollo 14 Service Module, located in the SM's sector one, apart from the pair of oxygen tanks in sector four. Arrows point out various features of the oxygen tank.

Clinical Practice Informs Secure Messaging Benefits and Best Practices.

PubMed

Haun, Jolie N; Hathaway, Wendy; Chavez, Margeaux; Antinori, Nicole; Vetter, Brian; Miller, Brian K; Martin, Tracey L; Kendziora, Lisa; Nazi, Kim M; Melillo, Christine

2017-10-01

Background Clinical care team members in Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) facilities nationwide are working to integrate the use of Secure Messaging (SM) into care delivery and identify innovative uses. Identifying best practices for proactive use of SM is a key factor in its successful implementation and sustained use by VA clinical care team members and veterans. Objectives A collaborative project solicited input from VA clinical care teams about their local practices using SM to provide access to proactive patient-centered care for veterans and enhance workflow. Methods This project implemented a single-item cross-sectional qualitative electronic survey via internal e-mail to local coordinators in all 23 Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs). Content analysis was used to manage descriptive data responses. Descriptive statistics described sample characteristics. Results VA clinical care team members across 15 of 23 VISNs responded to the questionnaire. Content analysis of 171 responses produced two global domains: (1) benefits of SM and (2) SM best practices. Benefits of SM use emphasize enhanced and efficient communication and increased access to care. Care team members incorporate SM into their daily clinical practices, using it to provide services before, during, and after clinical encounters as a best practice. SM users suggest improvements in veteran care, clinical team workflow, and efficient use of health resources. Clinical team members invested in the successful implementation of SM integrate SM into their daily practices to provide meaningful and useful veteran-centered care and improve workflow. Conclusion VA clinical care team members can use SM proactively to create an integrated SM culture. With adequate knowledge and motivation to proactively use this technology, all clinical team members within the VA system can replicate best practices shared by other clinical care teams to generate meaningful and useful interactions with SM to enrich veterans' health care experience.

31 CFR 208.5 - Availability of the ETA SM.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance: Treasury 2 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Availability of the ETA SM. 208.5 Section 208.5 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and Finance (Continued) FISCAL SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SERVICE MANAGEMENT OF FEDERAL AGENCY...

Atypical properties of a conventional calcium channel beta subunit from the platyhelminth Schistosoma mansoni.

PubMed

Salvador-Recatalà, Vicenta; Schneider, Toni; Greenberg, Robert M

2008-03-26

The function of voltage-gated calcium (Cav) channels greatly depends on coupling to cytoplasmic accessory beta subunits, which not only promote surface expression, but also modulate gating and kinetic properties of the alpha1 subunit. Schistosomes, parasitic platyhelminths that cause schistosomiasis, express two beta subunit subtypes: a structurally conventional beta subunit and a variant beta subunit with unusual functional properties. We have previously characterized the functional properties of the variant Cavbeta subunit. Here, we focus on the modulatory phenotype of the conventional Cavbeta subunit (SmCavbeta) using the human Cav2.3 channel as the substrate for SmCavbeta and the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. The conventional Schistosoma mansoni Cavbeta subunit markedly increases Cav2.3 currents, slows macroscopic inactivation and shifts steady state inactivation in the hyperpolarizing direction. However, currents produced by Cav2.3 in the presence of SmCavbeta run-down to approximately 75% of their initial amplitudes within two minutes of establishing the whole-cell configuration. This suppressive effect was independent of Ca2+, but dependent on intracellular Mg2+-ATP. Additional experiments revealed that SmCavbeta lends the Cav2.3/SmCavbeta complex sensitivity to Na+ ions. A mutant version of the Cavbeta subunit lacking the first forty-six amino acids, including a string of twenty-two acidic residues, no longer conferred sensitivity to intracellular Mg2+-ATP and Na+ ions, while continuing to show wild type modulation of current amplitude and inactivation of Cav2.3. The data presented in this article provide insights into novel mechanisms employed by platyhelminth Cavbeta subunits to modulate voltage-gated Ca2+ currents that indicate interactions between the Ca2+ channel complex and chelated forms of ATP as well as Na+ ions. These results have potentially important implications for understanding previously unknown mechanisms by which platyhelminths and perhaps other organisms modulate Ca2+ currents in excitable cells.

The neurochemical basis of the contextual interference effect.

PubMed

Chalavi, Sima; Pauwels, Lisa; Heise, Kirstin-Friederike; Zivari Adab, Hamed; Maes, Celine; Puts, Nicolaas A J; Edden, Richard A E; Swinnen, Stephan P

2018-06-01

Efficient practice organization maximizes learning outcome. Although randomization of practice as compared to blocked practice damages training performance, it boosts retention performance, an effect called contextual interference. Motor learning modulates the GABAergic (gamma-aminobutyric acid) system within the sensorimotor cortex (SM); however, it is unclear whether different practice regimes differentially modulate this system and whether this is impacted by aging. Young and older participants were trained on 3 variations of a visuomotor task over 3 days, following either blocked or random practice schedule and retested 6 days later. Using magnetic resonance spectroscopy, SM and occipital cortex GABA+ levels were measured before and after training during the first and last training days. We found that (1) behavioral data confirmed the contextual interference effects, (2) within-day occipital cortex GABA+ levels decreased in random and increased in blocked group. This effect was more pronounced in older adults; and (3) baseline SM GABA+ levels predicted initial performance. These findings indicate a differential modulation of GABA levels across practice groups that is amplified by aging. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Instrumentation of a Microfluidic Analyzer Enabling the Characterization of the Specific Membrane Capacitance, Cytoplasm Conductivity, and Instantaneous Young's Modulus of Single Cells.

PubMed

Wang, Ke; Zhao, Yang; Chen, Deyong; Huang, Chengjun; Fan, Beiyuan; Long, Rong; Hsieh, Chia-Hsun; Wang, Junbo; Wu, Min-Hsien; Chen, Jian

2017-06-19

This paper presents the instrumentation of a microfluidic analyzer enabling the characterization of single-cell biophysical properties, which includes seven key components: a microfluidic module, a pressure module, an imaging module, an impedance module, two LabVIEW platforms for instrument operation and raw data processing, respectively, and a Python code for data translation. Under the control of the LabVIEW platform for instrument operation, the pressure module flushes single cells into the microfluidic module with raw biophysical parameters sampled by the imaging and impedance modules and processed by the LabVIEW platform for raw data processing, which were further translated into intrinsic cellular biophysical parameters using the code developed in Python. Based on this system, specific membrane capacitance, cytoplasm conductivity, and instantaneous Young's modulus of three cell types were quantified as 2.76 ± 0.57 μF/cm², 1.00 ± 0.14 S/m, and 3.79 ± 1.11 kPa for A549 cells ( n cell = 202); 1.88 ± 0.31 μF/cm², 1.05 ± 0.16 S/m, and 3.74 ± 0.75 kPa for 95D cells ( n cell = 257); 2.11 ± 0.38 μF/cm², 0.87 ± 0.11 S/m, and 5.39 ± 0.89 kPa for H460 cells ( n cell = 246). As a semi-automatic instrument with a throughput of roughly 1 cell per second, this prototype instrument can be potentially used for the characterization of cellular biophysical properties.

The Instrumentation of a Microfluidic Analyzer Enabling the Characterization of the Specific Membrane Capacitance, Cytoplasm Conductivity, and Instantaneous Young’s Modulus of Single Cells

PubMed Central

Wang, Ke; Zhao, Yang; Chen, Deyong; Huang, Chengjun; Fan, Beiyuan; Long, Rong; Hsieh, Chia-Hsun; Wang, Junbo; Wu, Min-Hsien; Chen, Jian

2017-01-01

This paper presents the instrumentation of a microfluidic analyzer enabling the characterization of single-cell biophysical properties, which includes seven key components: a microfluidic module, a pressure module, an imaging module, an impedance module, two LabVIEW platforms for instrument operation and raw data processing, respectively, and a Python code for data translation. Under the control of the LabVIEW platform for instrument operation, the pressure module flushes single cells into the microfluidic module with raw biophysical parameters sampled by the imaging and impedance modules and processed by the LabVIEW platform for raw data processing, which were further translated into intrinsic cellular biophysical parameters using the code developed in Python. Based on this system, specific membrane capacitance, cytoplasm conductivity, and instantaneous Young’s modulus of three cell types were quantified as 2.76 ± 0.57 μF/cm2, 1.00 ± 0.14 S/m, and 3.79 ± 1.11 kPa for A549 cells (ncell = 202); 1.88 ± 0.31 μF/cm2, 1.05 ± 0.16 S/m, and 3.74 ± 0.75 kPa for 95D cells (ncell = 257); 2.11 ± 0.38 μF/cm2, 0.87 ± 0.11 S/m, and 5.39 ± 0.89 kPa for H460 cells (ncell = 246). As a semi-automatic instrument with a throughput of roughly 1 cell per second, this prototype instrument can be potentially used for the characterization of cellular biophysical properties. PMID:28629175

An intelligent planning and scheduling system for the HST servicing missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, Jay; Bogovich, Lynn; Tuchman, Alan; Kispert, Andrew; Page, Brenda; Burkhardt, Christian; Littlefield, Ronald; Mclean, David; Potter, William; Ochs, William

1993-01-01

A new, intelligent planning and scheduling system has been delivered to NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) to provide support for the up-coming Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Servicing Missions. This new system is the Servicing Mission Planning and Replanning Tool (SM/PART). SM/PART is written in C and runs on a UNlX-based workstation (IBM RS/6000) under Motif. SM/PART effectively automates the complex task of building or rebuilding integrated timelines and command plans which are required by HST Servicing Mission personnel at their consoles during the missions. SM/PART is able to quickly build or rebuild timelines based on information stored in a Knowledge Base (KB) by using an Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool called the Planning And Resource Reasoning (PARR) shell. After a timeline has been built in the batch mode, it can be displayed and edited in an interactive mode with help from the PARR shell. Finally a detailed command plan is generated. The capability to quickly build or rebuild timelines and command plans provides an additional safety factor for the HST, Shuttle and Crew.

Motion Imagery and Robotics Application (MIRA)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Martinez, Lindolfo; Rich, Thomas

2011-01-01

Objectives include: I. Prototype a camera service leveraging the CCSDS Integrated protocol stack (MIRA/SM&C/AMS/DTN): a) CCSDS MIRA Service (New). b) Spacecraft Monitor and Control (SM&C). c) Asynchronous Messaging Service (AMS). d) Delay/Disruption Tolerant Networking (DTN). II. Additional MIRA Objectives: a) Demo of Camera Control through ISS using CCSDS protocol stack (Berlin, May 2011). b) Verify that the CCSDS standards stack can provide end-to-end space camera services across ground and space environments. c) Test interoperability of various CCSDS protocol standards. d) Identify overlaps in the design and implementations of the CCSDS protocol standards. e) Identify software incompatibilities in the CCSDS stack interfaces. f) Provide redlines to the SM&C, AMS, and DTN working groups. d) Enable the CCSDS MIRA service for potential use in ISS Kibo camera commanding. e) Assist in long-term evolution of this entire group of CCSDS standards to TRL 6 or greater.

Speckle-modulating optical coherence tomography in living mice and humans.

PubMed

Liba, Orly; Lew, Matthew D; SoRelle, Elliott D; Dutta, Rebecca; Sen, Debasish; Moshfeghi, Darius M; Chu, Steven; de la Zerda, Adam

2017-06-20

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a powerful biomedical imaging technology that relies on the coherent detection of backscattered light to image tissue morphology in vivo. As a consequence, OCT is susceptible to coherent noise (speckle noise), which imposes significant limitations on its diagnostic capabilities. Here we show speckle-modulating OCT (SM-OCT), a method based purely on light manipulation that virtually eliminates speckle noise originating from a sample. SM-OCT accomplishes this by creating and averaging an unlimited number of scans with uncorrelated speckle patterns without compromising spatial resolution. Using SM-OCT, we reveal small structures in the tissues of living animals, such as the inner stromal structure of a live mouse cornea, the fine structures inside the mouse pinna, and sweat ducts and Meissner's corpuscle in the human fingertip skin-features that are otherwise obscured by speckle noise when using conventional OCT or OCT with current state of the art speckle reduction methods.

Speckle-modulating optical coherence tomography in living mice and humans

PubMed Central

Liba, Orly; Lew, Matthew D.; SoRelle, Elliott D.; Dutta, Rebecca; Sen, Debasish; Moshfeghi, Darius M.; Chu, Steven; de la Zerda, Adam

2017-01-01

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a powerful biomedical imaging technology that relies on the coherent detection of backscattered light to image tissue morphology in vivo. As a consequence, OCT is susceptible to coherent noise (speckle noise), which imposes significant limitations on its diagnostic capabilities. Here we show speckle-modulating OCT (SM-OCT), a method based purely on light manipulation that virtually eliminates speckle noise originating from a sample. SM-OCT accomplishes this by creating and averaging an unlimited number of scans with uncorrelated speckle patterns without compromising spatial resolution. Using SM-OCT, we reveal small structures in the tissues of living animals, such as the inner stromal structure of a live mouse cornea, the fine structures inside the mouse pinna, and sweat ducts and Meissner’s corpuscle in the human fingertip skin—features that are otherwise obscured by speckle noise when using conventional OCT or OCT with current state of the art speckle reduction methods. PMID:28632205

Speckle-modulating optical coherence tomography in living mice and humans

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liba, Orly; Lew, Matthew D.; Sorelle, Elliott D.; Dutta, Rebecca; Sen, Debasish; Moshfeghi, Darius M.; Chu, Steven; de La Zerda, Adam

2017-06-01

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a powerful biomedical imaging technology that relies on the coherent detection of backscattered light to image tissue morphology in vivo. As a consequence, OCT is susceptible to coherent noise (speckle noise), which imposes significant limitations on its diagnostic capabilities. Here we show speckle-modulating OCT (SM-OCT), a method based purely on light manipulation that virtually eliminates speckle noise originating from a sample. SM-OCT accomplishes this by creating and averaging an unlimited number of scans with uncorrelated speckle patterns without compromising spatial resolution. Using SM-OCT, we reveal small structures in the tissues of living animals, such as the inner stromal structure of a live mouse cornea, the fine structures inside the mouse pinna, and sweat ducts and Meissner's corpuscle in the human fingertip skin--features that are otherwise obscured by speckle noise when using conventional OCT or OCT with current state of the art speckle reduction methods.

STS-103 Crew Training

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1999-01-01

The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) team is preparing for NASA's third scheduled service call to Hubble. This mission, STS-103, will launch from Kennedy Space Center aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery. The seven flight crew members are Commander Curtis L. Brown, Pilot Scott J. Kelly, European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Jean-Francois Clervoy who will join space walkers Steven L. Smith, C. Michael Foale, John M. Grunsfeld, and ESA astronaut Claude Nicollier. The objectives of the HST Third Servicing Mission (SM3A) are to replace the telescope's six gyroscopes, a Fine-Guidance Sensor, an S-Band Single Access Transmitter, a spare solid-state recorder and a high-voltage/temperature kit for protecting the batteries from overheating. In addition, the crew plans to install an advanced computer that is 20 times faster and has six times the memory of the current Hubble Space Telescope computer. To prepare for these extravehicular activities (EVAs), the SM3A astronauts participated in Crew Familiarization sessions with the actual SM3A flight hardware. During these sessions the crew spent long hours rehearsing their space walks in the Guidance Navigation Simulator and NBL (Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory). Using space gloves, flight Space Support Equipment (SSE), and Crew Aids and Tools (CATs), the astronauts trained with and verified flight orbital replacement unit (ORU) hardware. The crew worked with a number of trainers and simulators, such as the High Fidelity Mechanical Simulator, Guidance Navigation Simulator, System Engineering Simulator, the Aft Shroud Door Trainer, the Forward Shell/Light Shield Simulator, and the Support Systems Module Bay Doors Simulator. They also trained and verified the flight Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier (ORUC) and its ancillary hardware. Discovery's planned 10-day flight is scheduled to end with a night landing at Kennedy.

Prototype Interoperability Document between NASA-JSC and DLR-GSOC Describing the CCSDS SM and C Mission Operations Prototype

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lucord, Steve A.; Gully, Sylvain

2009-01-01

The purpose of the PROTOTYPE INTEROPERABILITY DOCUMENT is to document the design and interfaces for the service providers and consumers of a Mission Operations prototype between JSC-OTF and DLR-GSOC. The primary goal is to test the interoperability sections of the CCSDS Spacecraft Monitor & Control (SM&C) Mission Operations (MO) specifications between both control centers. An additional goal is to provide feedback to the Spacecraft Monitor and Control (SM&C) working group through the Review Item Disposition (RID) process. This Prototype is considered a proof of concept and should increase the knowledge base of the CCSDS SM&C Mission Operations standards. No operational capabilities will be provided. The CCSDS Mission Operations (MO) initiative was previously called Spacecraft Monitor and Control (SM&C). The specifications have been renamed to better reflect the scope and overall objectives. The working group retains the name Spacecraft Monitor and Control working group and is under the Mission Operations and Information Services Area (MOIMS) of CCSDS. This document will refer to the specifications as SM&C Mission Operations, Mission Operations or just MO.

Analysis of Possible Explosions at Kennedy Space Center Due to Spontaneous Ignition of Hypergolic Propellants

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, Stephen

2010-01-01

NASA's Constellation Program plan currently calls for the replacement of the Space Shuttle with the ARES I & V spacecraft and booster vehicles to send astronauts to the moon and beyond. Part of the ARES spacecraft is the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV), which includes the Crew Module (CM) and Service Module (SM). The Orion CM's main propulsion system and supplies are provided by the SM. The SM is to be processed off line and moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building (V AB) for stacking to the first stage booster motors prior to ARES move to the launch pad. The new Constellation Program philosophy to process in this manner has created a major task for the KSC infrastructure in that conventional QD calculations are no longer viable because of the location of surrounding facilities near the VAB and the Multi Purpose Processing Facility (MPPF), where the SM will be serviced with nearly 18,000 pounds of hypergolic propellants. The Multi-Payload Processing Facility (MPPF) complex, constructed by NASA in 1994, is located just off E Avenue south of the Operations and Checkout (O&C) building in the Kennedy Space Center industrial area. The MPPF includes a high bay and a low bay. The MPPF high bay is 40.2 m (132 ft) long x 18.9 m (60 ft) wide with a ceiling height of 18.9 m (62 ft). The low bay is a 10.4 m (34 ft) long x 10.4 m (34 ft) wide processing area and has a ceiling height of6.1 m (20 ft). The MPPF is currently used to process non-hazardous payloads. Engineering Analysis Inc. (EAI), under contract with ASRC Aerospace, Inc. in conjunction with the Explosive Safety Office, NASA, Kennedy Space Center (KSC), has carried out an analysis of the effects of explosions at KSC in or near various facilities produced by the spontaneous ignition ofhypergolic fuel stored in the CEV SM. The facilities considered included (1) Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) (2) Multi-Payload Processing Facility (MPPF) (3) Canister Rotation Facility (CRF) Subsequent discussion deals with the MPPF analysis. Figure 1 provides a view of the MPPF from the northwest. An interior view ofthe facility is shown in Figure 2. The study was concerned with both blast hazards and hazardous fragments which exceed existing safety standards, as described in Section 2.0. The analysis included both blast and fragmentation effects and was divided into three parts as follows: (1) blast (2) primary fragmentation (3) secondary fragmentation Blast effects are summarized in Section 3.0, primary fragmentation in Section 4.0, and secondary fragmentation (internal and external) in Section 5.0. Conclusions are provided in Section 6.0, while references cited are included in Section 7.0. A more detailed description of the entire study is available in a separate document.

International Space Station USOS Waste and Hygiene Compartment Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

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

2007-01-01

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

Thermal Analysis of ISS Service Module Active TCS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Altov, Vladimir V.; Zaletaev, Sergey V.; Belyavskiy, Evgeniy P.

2000-01-01

ISS Service Module mission must begin in July 2000. The verification of design thermal requirements is mostly due to thermal analysis. The thermal analysis is enough difficult problem because of large number of ISS configurations that had to be investigated and various orbital environments. Besides the ISS structure has articulating parts such as solar arrays and radiators. The presence of articulating parts greatly increases computation times and requires accurate approach to organization of calculations. The varying geometry needs us to calculate the view factors several times during the orbit, while in static geometry case we need do it only once. In this paper we consider the thermal mathematical model of SM that includes the TCS and construction thermal models and discuss the results of calculations for ISS configurations 1R and 9Al. The analysis is based on solving the nodal heat balance equations for ISS structure by Kutta-Merson method and analytical solutions of heat transfer equations for TCS units. The computations were performed using thermal software TERM [1,2] that will be briefly described.

Ursolic acid differentially modulates apoptosis in skin melanoma and retinal pigment epithelial cells exposed to UV-VIS broadband radiation.

PubMed

Lee, Yuan-Hao; Wang, Exing; Kumar, Neeru; Glickman, Randolph D

2014-05-01

The signaling pathways via mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) and AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) play key roles in transcription, translation and carcinogenesis, and may be activated by light exposure. These pathways can be modulated by naturally occurring compounds, such as the triterpenoid, ursolic acid (UA). Previously, the transcription factors p53 and NF-κB, which transactivate mitochondrial apoptosis-related genes, were shown to be differentially modulated by UA. UA-modulated apoptosis, following exposure to UV-VIS radiation (ultraviolet to visible light broadband radiation, hereafter abbreviated to UVR), is observed to correspond to differential levels of oxidative stress in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) and skin melanoma (SM) cells. The cellular response to this phytochemical was characterized using western blot, flow cytometry, microscopy with reactive oxidative species probes MitoTracker and dihydroethidium, and membrane permeability assay. UA pretreatment potentiated cell cycle arrest and UVR-induced apoptosis selectively in SM cells while reducing photo-oxidative stress in the DNA of RPE cells presumably by antioxidant activity of UA. Mechanistically, the nuclear transportation of p65 and p53 was reduced by UA administration prior to UVR exposure while the levels of p65 and p53 nuclear transportation in SM cells were sustained at a substantially higher level. Finally, the mitochondrial functional assay showed that UVR induced the collapse of the mitochondrial membrane potential, and this effect was exacerbated by rapamycin or UA pretreatment in SM preferentially. These results were consistent with reduced proliferation observed in the clonogenic assay, indicating that UA treatment enhanced the phototoxicity of UVR, by modulating the activation of p53 and NF-κB and initiating a mitogenic response to optical radiation that triggered mitochondria-dependent apoptosis, particularly in skin melanoma cells. The study indicates that this compound has multiple actions with the potential for protecting normal cells while sensitizing skin melanoma cells to UV irradiation.

Sharipov holds Nanosputnik in the SM during Expedition 10

NASA Image and Video Library

2005-03-21

ISS010-E-20722 (21 March 2005) --- Cosmonaut Salizhan S. Sharipov, Expedition 10 flight engineer representing Russia's Federal Space Agency, holds “Nanosputnik” (TEKh-42) in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station (ISS). This small (5 kilogram mass) satellite, powered by 10 lithium thionyl chloride batteries, will be activated by Sharipov after his egress from the Pirs Docking Compartment and later “launched” into its own orbit during the spacewalk scheduled for March 28. The purpose of Nanosputnik is to support development of satellite control techniques, monitoring of satellite operations, and research on new attitude system sensors and other components.

View of near full Moon photographed by Apollo 13 during transearth journey

NASA Image and Video Library

1970-04-14

AS13-60-8703 (11-17 April 1970) --- This outstanding view of a near full moon was photographed from the Apollo 13 spacecraft during its trans-Earth journey homeward. Though the explosion of the oxygen tank in the Service Module (SM) forced the cancellation of the scheduled lunar landing, Apollo 13 made a pass around the moon prior to returning to Earth. Some of the conspicuous lunar features include the Sea of Crisis, the Sea of Fertility, the Sea of Tranquility, the Sea of Serenity, the Sea of Nectar, the Sea of Vapors, the Border Sea, Smyth's Sea, the crater Langrenus, and the crater Tsiolkovsky.

Speckle-modulation for speckle reduction in optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liba, Orly; Lew, Matthew D.; SoRelle, Elliott D.; Dutta, Rebecca; Sen, Debasish; Moshfeghi, Darius M.; Chu, Steven; de la Zerda, Adam

2018-02-01

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a powerful biomedical imaging technology that relies on the coherent detection of backscattered light to image tissue morphology in vivo. As a consequence, OCT is susceptible to coherent noise, known as speckle noise, which imposes significant limitations on its diagnostic capabilities. Here we show Speckle- Modulating OCT (SM-OCT), a method based purely on light manipulation, which can remove speckle noise, including noise originating from sample multiple back-scattering. SM-OCT accomplishes this by creating and averaging an unlimited number of scans with uncorrelated speckle patterns, without compromising spatial resolution. The uncorrelated speckle patterns are created by scrambling the phase of the light with sub-resolution features using a moving ground-glass diffuser in the optical path of the sample arm. This method can be implemented in existing OCTs as a relatively low-cost add-on. SM-OCT speckle statistics follow the expected decrease in speckle contrast as the number of averaged scans increases. Within a scattering phantom, SM-OCT provides a 2.5-fold increase in effective resolution compared to conventional OCT. Using SM-OCT, we reveal small structures in the tissues of living animals, such as the inner stromal structure of a live mouse cornea, the fine structures inside the mouse pinna, and sweat ducts and Meissner's corpuscle in the human fingertip skin - features that are otherwise obscured by speckle noise when using conventional OCT or OCT with current state of the art speckle reduction methods. Our results indicate that SM-OCT has the potential to improve the current diagnostic and intra-operative capabilities of OCT.

Thin-film photovoltaic partnership -- Apollo{reg{underscore}sign} thin film process development: Phase 1 Technical Report, May 1998--April 1999

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

Cunningham, D.W.; Skinner, D.E.

1999-10-26

The objective of this Phase 1 subcontract was to establish an efficient production plating system capable of depositing thin-film CdTe and CdS on substrates up to 0.55 m{sup 2}. This baseline would then be used to build on and extend deposition areas to 0.94 m{sup 2} in the next two phases. The following achievements have been demonstrated: {sm{underscore}bullet} Chemical-bath deposition of CdS and electrochemical deposition of CdTe was demonstrated on 0.55 m{sup 2} substrates. The films were characterized using optical and electrical techniques, to increase the understanding of the materials and aid in loss analysis. {sm{underscore}bullet} A stand-alone, prototype CdTemore » reaction tank was built and commissioned, allowing the BP Solar team to perform full-scale trials as part of this subcontract. {sm{underscore}bullet} BP Solar installed two outdoor systems for reliability and performance testing. {sm{underscore}bullet} The 2-kW, ground-mounted, grid-connected system contains seventy-two 0.43-m{sup 2} Apollo{reg{underscore}sign} module interconnects. {sm{underscore}bullet} Two modules have been supplied to NREL for evaluation on their Performance and Energy Rating Test bed (PERT) for kWh evaluation. {sm{underscore}bullet} BP Solar further characterized the process waste stream with the aim to close-loop the system. Currently, various pieces of equipment are being investigated for suitability of particle and total organic compound removal.« less

Hubble Space Telescope: Servicing Mission 3A. Media Reference Guide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1999-01-01

Since its launch in April 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) has provided scientific data and images of unprecedented resolution from which many new and exciting discoveries have been made. The Telescope's purpose is to spend 20 years probing the farthest and faintest reaches of the cosmos. Crucial to fulfilling this objective is a series of on-orbit manned servicing missions. The First Servicing Mission (SM1) took place in December 1993 and the Second Servicing Mission (SM2) was flown in February 1997. During these missions, astronauts perform planned repairs and maintenance activities to restore and upgrade the observatory s capabilities. To facilitate this process, the Telescope s designers configured science instruments and several vital engineering subsystems as Orbital Replacement Units (ORU) -- modular packages with standardized fittings accessible to astronauts in pressurized suits. Hubble's Third Servicing Mission has been separated into two parts: Servicing Mission 3A (SM3A) will fly in Fall of 1999 and Servicing Mission 3B (SM3B) is planned for 2001. The principal objective of SM3A is to replace all six gyroscopes that compose the three Rate Sensor Units (RSU). In addition, space-walking astronauts will install a new Advanced Computer that will dramatically increase the computing power, speed, and storage capability of HST. They will change out one of the Fine Guidance Sensors (FGS) and replace a tape recorder with a new Solid State Recorder (SSR). The Extravehicular Activity (EVA) crew also will install a new S-band Single-Access Transmitter (SSAT), and Voltage/Temperature Improvement Kits (VIK) for the Telescope s nickel-hydrogen batteries. Finally, they will begin repair of the multilayer insulation on Hubble s outer surface. During SM3B astronauts will install a new science instrument, the Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS), and an Aft Shroud Cooling System (ASCS) for the other axial science instruments. They will attach a new cryogenic cooler to the Near-Infrared Camera and Multi-Object Spectrometer (NICMOS). They also will replace the HST flexible Solar Arrays with new high-performance rigid arrays.

The Epstein–Barr virus nuclear protein SM is both a post-transcriptional inhibitor and activator of gene expression

PubMed Central

Ruvolo, Vivian; Wang, Eryu; Boyle, Sarah; Swaminathan, Sankar

1998-01-01

The Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) nuclear protein BS-MLF1 (SM) is expressed early after entry of EBV into the lytic cycle. SM transactivates reporter gene constructs driven by a wide variety of promoters, but the mechanism of SM action is poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that the SM protein inhibits expression of intron-containing genes and activates expression of intron-less genes. We demonstrate that SM has the predicted inhibitory effect on expression of a spliced EBV gene but activates an unspliced early EBV gene. SM inhibited gene expression at the post-transcriptional level by preventing the accumulation of nuclear and cytoplasmic RNA transcripts. Conversely, SM led to increased accumulation of nuclear mRNA from intron-less genes without affecting the rate of transcription, indicating that SM enhances nuclear RNA stability. The ratio of cytoplasmic to nuclear polyadenylated mRNA was increased in the presence of SM, suggesting that SM also enhances nucleo-cytoplasmic mRNA transport. The degree of transactivation by SM was dependent on the sequence of the 3′-untranslated region of the target mRNA. Finally, we demonstrate that the amino-terminal portion of SM fused to glutathione-S-transferase binds radioactively labeled RNA in vitro, indicating that SM is a single-stranded RNA binding protein. Importantly, the latent and immediate-early genes of EBV contain introns whereas many early and late genes do not. Thus, SM may down-regulate synthesis of host cell proteins and latent EBV proteins while simultaneously enhancing expression of specific lytic EBV genes by binding to mRNA and modulating its stability and transport. PMID:9671768

The Epstein-Barr virus nuclear protein SM is both a post-transcriptional inhibitor and activator of gene expression.

PubMed

Ruvolo, V; Wang, E; Boyle, S; Swaminathan, S

1998-07-21

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) nuclear protein BS-MLF1 (SM) is expressed early after entry of EBV into the lytic cycle. SM transactivates reporter gene constructs driven by a wide variety of promoters, but the mechanism of SM action is poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that the SM protein inhibits expression of intron-containing genes and activates expression of intron-less genes. We demonstrate that SM has the predicted inhibitory effect on expression of a spliced EBV gene but activates an unspliced early EBV gene. SM inhibited gene expression at the post-transcriptional level by preventing the accumulation of nuclear and cytoplasmic RNA transcripts. Conversely, SM led to increased accumulation of nuclear mRNA from intron-less genes without affecting the rate of transcription, indicating that SM enhances nuclear RNA stability. The ratio of cytoplasmic to nuclear polyadenylated mRNA was increased in the presence of SM, suggesting that SM also enhances nucleo-cytoplasmic mRNA transport. The degree of transactivation by SM was dependent on the sequence of the 3'-untranslated region of the target mRNA. Finally, we demonstrate that the amino-terminal portion of SM fused to glutathione-S-transferase binds radioactively labeled RNA in vitro, indicating that SM is a single-stranded RNA binding protein. Importantly, the latent and immediate-early genes of EBV contain introns whereas many early and late genes do not. Thus, SM may down-regulate synthesis of host cell proteins and latent EBV proteins while simultaneously enhancing expression of specific lytic EBV genes by binding to mRNA and modulating its stability and transport.

Modulation of stimulus-induced 20-Hz activity for the tongue and hard palate during tongue movement in humans.

PubMed

Maezawa, Hitoshi; Onishi, Kaori; Yagyu, Kazuyori; Shiraishi, Hideaki; Hirai, Yoshiyuki; Funahashi, Makoto

2016-01-01

Modulation of 20-Hz activity in the primary sensorimotor cortex (SM1) may be important for oral functions. Here, we show that 20-Hz event-related desynchronization/synchronization (20-Hz ERD/ERS) is modulated by sensory input and motor output in the oral region. Magnetic 20-Hz activity was recorded following right-sided tongue stimulation during rest (Rest) and self-paced repetitive tongue movement (Move). To exclude proprioception effects, 20-Hz activity induced by right-sided hard palate stimulation was also recorded. The 20-Hz activity in the two conditions was compared via temporal spectral evolution analyses. 20-Hz ERD/ERS was detected over bilateral temporoparietal areas in the Rest condition for both regions. Moreover, 20-Hz ERS was significantly suppressed in the Move condition for both regions. Detection of 20-Hz ERD/ERS during the Rest condition for both regions suggests that the SM1 functional state may be modulated by oral stimulation, with or without proprioceptive effects. Moreover, the suppression of 20-Hz ERS for the hard palate during the Move condition suggests that the stimulation-induced functional state of SM1 may have been modulated by the movement, even though the movement and stimulation areas were different. Sensorimotor function of the general oral region may be finely coordinated through 20-Hz cortical oscillation. Copyright © 2015 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Characterization and Modulation of Proteins Involved in Sulfur Mustard Vesication

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-05-01

Unlimited 13. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES 14. ABSTRACT: See next page. 15. SUBJECT TERMS Mustard, Chemical Defense 16...points after SM exposure, cells were harvested for further analyses. Chemicals . SM (bis-(2-chloroethyl) sulfide; >98% purity) was obtained from the...US Army Edgewood Research, Development and Engineering Center. The CaM antagonist W-13 (N- (4-Aminobutyl)-5-chloro-2-naphthalenesulfonamide, HCl

Spliceosomal protein E regulates neoplastic cell growth by modulating expression of cyclin E/CDK2 and G2/M checkpoint proteins.

PubMed

Li, Z; Pützer, B M

2008-12-01

Small nuclear ribonucleoproteins are essential splicing factors. We previously identified the spliceosomal protein E (SmE) as a downstream effector of E2F1 in p53-deficient human carcinoma cells. Here, we investigated the biological relevance of SmE in determining the fate of cancer and non-tumourigenic cells. Adenovirus-mediated expression of SmE selectively reduces growth of cancerous cells due to decreased cell proliferation but not apoptosis. A similar growth inhibitory effect for SmD1 suggests that this is a general function of Sm-family members. Deletion of Sm-motifs reveals the importance of the Sm-1 domain for growth suppression. Consistently, SmE overexpression leads to inhibition of DNA synthesis and G2 arrest as shown by BrdU-incorporation and MPM2-staining. Real-time RT-PCR and immunoblotting showed that growth arrest by SmE directly correlates with the reduction of cyclin E, CDK2, CDC25C and CDC2 expression, and up-regulation of p27Kip. Importantly, SmE activity was not associated with enhanced expression of other spliceosome components such as U1 SnRNP70, suggesting that the growth inhibitory effect of SmE is distinct from its pre-mRNA splicing function. Furthermore, specific inactivation of SmE by shRNA significantly increased the percentage of cells in S phase, whereas the amount of G2/M arrested cells was reduced. Our data provide evidence that Sm proteins function as suppressors of tumour cell growth and may have major implications as cancer therapeutics.

Using AI/expert system technology to automate planning and replanning for the HST servicing missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bogovich, L.; Johnson, J; Tuchman, A.; Mclean, D.; Page, B.; Kispert, A.; Burkhardt, C.; Littlefield, R.; Potter, W.

1993-01-01

This paper describes a knowledge-based system that has been developed to automate planning and scheduling for the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Servicing Missions. This new system is the Servicing Mission Planning and Replanning Tool (SM/PART). SM/PART has been delivered to the HST Flight Operations Team (FOT) at Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) where it is being used to build integrated time lines and command plans to control the activities of the HST, Shuttle, Crew and ground systems for the next HST Servicing Mission. SM/PART reuses and extends AI/expert system technology from Interactive Experimenter Planning System (IEPS) systems to build or rebuild time lines and command plans more rapidly than was possible for previous missions where they were built manually. This capability provides an important safety factor for the HST, Shuttle and Crew in case unexpected events occur during the mission.

Effect of Inquiry-Based Computer Simulation Modeling on Pre-Service Teachers' Understanding of Homeostasis and Their Perceptions of Design Features

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chabalengula, Vivien; Fateen, Rasheta; Mumba, Frackson; Ochs, Laura Kathryn

2016-01-01

This study investigated the effect of an inquiry-based computer simulation modeling (ICoSM) instructional approach on pre-service science teachers' understanding of homeostasis and its related concepts, and their perceived design features of the ICoSM and simulation that enhanced their conceptual understanding of these concepts. Fifty pre-service…

CCSDS Spacecraft Monitor and Control Service Framework

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Merri, Mario; Schmidt, Michael; Ercolani, Alessandro; Dankiewicz, Ivan; Cooper, Sam; Thompson, Roger; Symonds, Martin; Oyake, Amalaye; Vaughs, Ashton; Shames, Peter

2004-01-01

This CCSDS paper presents a reference architecture and service framework for spacecraft monitoring and control. It has been prepared by the Spacecraft Monitoring and Control working group of the CCSDS Mission Operations and Information Management Systems (MOIMS) area. In this context, Spacecraft Monitoring and Control (SM&C) refers to end-to-end services between on- board or remote applications and ground-based functions responsible for mission operations. The scope of SM&C includes: 1) Operational Concept: definition of an operational concept that covers a set of standard operations activities related to the monitoring and control of both ground and space segments. 2) Core Set of Services: definition of an extensible set of services to support the operational concept together with its information model and behaviours. This includes (non exhaustively) ground systems such as Automatic Command and Control, Data Archiving and Retrieval, Flight Dynamics, Mission Planning and Performance Evaluation. 3) Application-layer information: definition of the standard information set to be exchanged for SM&C purposes.

A Security Architecture Based on Trust Management for Pervasive Computing Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-01-01

SmartSpace framework, we extended the C2 [16] ar- chitecture, which in turn is based on the Centaurus [10] model. In Centaurus a Client can access...the services provided by the nearest Centaurus Service Manager (SM) via some short-range communi- cation. The SM acts as an active proxy by executing...The In the Centaurus project [10], the main design goal is the development of a framework for building portals to services using various types of

Dietary Milk Sphingomyelin Prevents Disruption of Skin Barrier Function in Hairless Mice after UV-B Irradiation.

PubMed

Oba, Chisato; Morifuji, Masashi; Ichikawa, Satomi; Ito, Kyoko; Kawahata, Keiko; Yamaji, Taketo; Asami, Yukio; Itou, Hiroyuki; Sugawara, Tatsuya

2015-01-01

Exposure to ultraviolet-B (UV-B) irradiation causes skin barrier defects. Based on earlier findings that milk phospholipids containing high amounts of sphingomyelin (SM) improved the water content of the stratum corneum (SC) in normal mice, here we investigated the effects of dietary milk SM on skin barrier defects induced by a single dose of UV-B irradiation in hairless mice. Nine week old hairless mice were orally administrated SM (146 mg/kg BW/day) for a total of ten days. After seven days of SM administration, the dorsal skin was exposed to a single dose of UV-B (20 mJ/cm2). Administration of SM significantly suppressed an increase in transepidermal water loss and a decrease in SC water content induced by UV-B irradiation. SM supplementation significantly maintained covalently-bound ω-hydroxy ceramide levels and down-regulated mRNA levels of acute inflammation-associated genes, including thymic stromal lymphopoietin, interleukin-1 beta, and interleukin-6. Furthermore, significantly higher levels of loricrin and transglutaminase-3 mRNA were observed in the SM group. Our study shows for the first time that dietary SM modulates epidermal structures, and can help prevent disruption of skin barrier function after UV-B irradiation.

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

Lovelace, Erica S.; Wagoner, Jessica; MacDonald, James

Silymarin (SM), a natural product, is touted as a liver protectant and preventer of both chronic inflammation and diseases. To define how SM elicits these effects at a systems level, we performed transcriptional profiling, metabolomics, and signaling studies in human liver and T cell lines. Multiple pathways associated with cellular stress and metabolism were modulated by SM treatment within 0.5 to four hours: activation of Activating Transcription Factor 4 (ATF-4) and adenosine monophosphate protein kinase (AMPK) and inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, the latter being associated with induction of DNA-damage-inducible transcript 4 (DDIT4). Metabolomics analyses revealed suppressionmore » of glycolytic, TCA cycle, and amino acid metabolism by SM treatment. Antiinflammatory effects arose with prolonged (i.e. 24 hours) SM exposure, with suppression of multiple proinflammatory mRNAs and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and forkhead box O (FOXO) signaling. Studies with murine knock out cells revealed that SM inhibition of both mTOR and NF-κB was partially AMPK dependent, while SM inhibition of the mTOR pathway in part required DDIT4. Thus, SM activates stress and repair responses that culminate in an anti-inflammatory phenotype. Other natural products induced similar stress responses, which correlated with their ability to suppress inflammation. Therefore, natural products like SM may be useful as tools to define how metabolic, stress, and repair pathways regulate cellular inflammation.« less

Selective mutism and social anxiety disorder: all in the family?

PubMed

Chavira, Denise A; Shipon-Blum, Elisa; Hitchcock, Carla; Cohan, Sharon; Stein, Murray B

2007-11-01

To examine the history of lifetime psychiatric disorders in the parents of children with selective mutism (SM) compared to parents of children in a control group. Seventy parent dyads (n = 140) of children with lifetime SM and 31 parent dyads (n = 62) of children without SM were interviewed with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (IV and II) anxiety disorders, mood disorders, avoidant personality disorder, and schizoid personality disorder modules via telephone. Interviewers were blind to proband status. The NEO Personality Inventory was also administered. Lifetime generalized social phobia was present in 37.0% of SM parents compared to 14.1% of control parents (chi2 = 10.98; p < .001; odds ratio 3.6, 95% confidence interval 1.6-7.9). Avoidant personality disorder was present in 17.5% of the SM parents compared to 4.7% of control parents (chi2 = 6.18; p < .05; odds ratio 4.3, 95% confidence interval 1.3-14.9). The proportion of parents with other psychiatric disorders was not different between groups. SM parents had higher neuroticism and lower openness scores on the NEO Personality Inventory than control parents. These results support earlier uncontrolled findings of a familial relationship between generalized social phobia and SM.

Data Acquisition Unit for SATCOM Signal Analyzer

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-01-01

APSIM simulator program APDEBUG debugging program APTEST diagnostic and test program MATH Library IOP-16 16 bit I/O port 223 APPENDIX C Table...3. SYNTEST Corporation, Frequency Synthesizer Module, Data Sheet, The Syntest SM-101 Frequency Synthesizer Module, not dated . 4. DATEL Systems Inc

Design and Selection of Soy Breads Used for Evaluating Isoflavone Bioavailability in Clinical Trials

PubMed Central

Ahn-Jarvis, Jennifer H.; Riedl, Kenneth M.; Schwartz, Steven J.; Vodovotz, Yael

2013-01-01

To modulate isoflavone aglycone composition within a soy functional food, soy ingredients were processed and evaluated in a soy bread system intended for clinical trials. A soy flour/soy milk mixture (SM) was boiled, fermented, steamed, or roasted prior to dough preparation. The isoflavone compositions of five processed SM and their corresponding breads combined with and without β-glucosidase-rich almonds were examined using HPLC. Isoflavone malonyl-glucosides (>80%) were converted into acetyl and simple glucoside forms (substrates more favorable for β-glucosidase) in steamed and roasted SM. Their corresponding breads had isoflavones predominately as aglycones (∼75%) with soy–almond bread with steamed SM being more consumer acceptable than roasted. Isoflavone composition in soy bread was stable during frozen storage and toasting. A suitable glycoside-rich soy bread (31.6 ± 2.1 mg aglycone equiv/slice) using unprocessed SM and an aglycone-rich soy–almond bread (31.1 ± 1.9 mg aglycone equiv/slice) using steamed SM were developed to evaluate fundamental questions of isoflavone bioavailability in clinical trials. PMID:23451757

Biological effects of adipocytes in sulfur mustard induced toxicity.

PubMed

Xu, Hua; Gao, Zhongcai; Wang, Peng; Xu, Bin; Zhang, Yajiao; Long, Long; Zong, Cheng; Guo, Lei; Jiang, Weijian; Ye, Qinong; Wang, Lili; Xie, Jianwei

2018-01-15

Sulphur mustard (2,2'-dichloroethyl sulfide; SM) is a vesicant chemical warfare agent whose mechanism of acute or chronic action is not known with any certainty and to date there is no effective antidote. SM accumulation in adipose tissue (AT) has been originally verified in our previous study. To evaluate the biological effect caused by the presence of abundant SM in adipocyte and assess the biological role of AT in SM poisoning, in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed. High content analysis revealed multi-cytotoxicity in SM exposed cells in a time and dose dependent manner, and adipocytes showed a relative moderate damage compared with non-adipocytes. Cell co-culture model was established and revealed the adverse effect of SM-exposed adipocyte supernatant on the growth of co-cultured cells. The pathological changes in AT from 10mg/kg SM percutaneously exposed rats were checked and inflammation phenomena were observed. The mRNA and protein levels of inflammation-related adipokines secreted from AT in rats exposed to 1, 3 and 10mg/kg doses of SM were determined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The expressions of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory adipokines together promoted the inflammation development in the body. The positive correlations between AT and serum adipokine levels were explored, which demonstrated a substantial role of AT in systemic inflammation responding to SM exposure. Thus, AT is not only a target of SM but also a modulator in the SM toxicity. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of Heating on Teflon(Registered Trademark) FEP Thermal Control Material from the Hubble Space Telescope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

deGroh, Kim; Gaier, James R.; Hall, Rachelle L.; Norris, Mary Jo; Espe, Matthew P.; Cato, Daveen R.

1999-01-01

Metallized Teflon(Registered Trademark) FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene) thermal control material on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is degrading in the space environment. Teflon(Registered Trademark) FEP thermal control blankets (space-facing FEP) retrieved during the first servicing mission (SM1) were found to be embrittled on solar facing surfaces and contained microscopic cracks. During the second servicing mission (SM2) astronauts noticed that the FEP outer layer of the multi-layer insulation (MLI) covering the telescope was cracked in many locations around the telescope. Large cracks were observed on the light shield, forward shell and equipment bays. A tightly curled piece of cracked FEP from the light shield was retrieved during SM2 and was severely embrittled, as witnessed by ground testing. A Failure Review Board (FRB) was organized to determine the mechanism causing the MLI degradation. Density, x-ray crystallinity and solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses of FEP retrieved during SM1 were inconsistent with results of FEP retrieved during SM2. Because the retrieved SM2 material curled while in space, it experienced a higher temperature extreme during thermal cycling, estimated at 200 C, than the SM1 material, estimated at 50 C. An investigation on the effects of heating pristine and FEP exposed on HST was therefore conducted. Samples of pristine. SM1, and SM2 FEP were heated to 200 C and evaluated for changes in density and morphology. Elevated temperature exposure was found to have a major impact on the density of the retrieved materials. Characterization of polymer morphology of as-received and heated FEP samples by NMR provided results that were consistent with the density results. These findings have provided insight to the damage mechanisms of FEP in the space environment.

Sharipov holds Nanosputnik in the SM during Expedition 10

NASA Image and Video Library

2005-03-21

ISS010-E-20726 (21 March 2005) --- This close-up view of “Nanosputnik” (TEKh-42), held by cosmonaut Salizhan S. Sharipov (partially out of frame), Expedition 10 flight engineer representing Russia's Federal Space Agency, was photographed in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station (ISS). This small (5 kilogram mass) satellite, powered by 10 lithium thionyl chloride batteries, will be activated by Sharipov after his egress from the Pirs Docking Compartment and later “launched” into its own orbit during the spacewalk scheduled for March 28. The purpose of Nanosputnik is to support development of satellite control techniques, monitoring of satellite operations, and research on new attitude system sensors and other components.

Development Testing and Subsequent Failure Investigation of a Spring Strut Mechanism

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dervan, Jared; Robertson, Brandon; Staab, Lucas; Culberson, Michael

2014-01-01

Commodities are transferred between the Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV) crew module (CM) and service module (SM) via an external umbilical that is driven apart with spring-loaded struts after the structural connection is severed. The spring struts must operate correctly for the modules to separate safely. There was no vibration testing of strut development units scoped in the MPCV Program Plan; therefore, any design problems discovered as a result of vibration testing would not have been found until the component qualification. The NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) and Lockheed Martin (LM) performed random vibration testing on a single spring strut development unit to assess its ability to withstand qualification level random vibration environments. Failure of the strut while exposed to random vibration resulted in a follow-on failure investigation, design changes, and additional development tests. This paper focuses on the results of the failure investigations including identified lessons learned and best practices to aid in future design iterations of the spring strut and to help other mechanism developers avoid similar pitfalls.

Underwater wireless optical MIMO system with spatial modulation and adaptive power allocation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Aiping; Tao, Linwei; Niu, Yilong

2018-04-01

In this paper, we investigate the performance of underwater wireless optical multiple-input multiple-output communication system combining spatial modulation (SM-UOMIMO) with flag dual amplitude pulse position modulation (FDAPPM). Channel impulse response for coastal and harbor ocean water links are obtained by Monte Carlo (MC) simulation. Moreover, we obtain the closed-form and upper bound average bit error rate (BER) expressions for receiver diversity including optical combining, equal gain combining and selected combining. And a novel adaptive power allocation algorithm (PAA) is proposed to minimize the average BER of SM-UOMIMO system. Our numeric results indicate an excellent match between the analytical results and numerical simulations, which confirms the accuracy of our derived expressions. Furthermore, the results show that adaptive PAA outperforms conventional fixed factor PAA and equal PAA obviously. Multiple-input single-output system with adaptive PAA obtains even better BER performance than MIMO one, at the same time reducing receiver complexity effectively.

Orion Guidance and Control Ascent Abort Algorithm Design and Performance Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Proud, Ryan W.; Bendle, John R.; Tedesco, Mark B.; Hart, Jeremy J.

2009-01-01

During the ascent flight phase of NASA s Constellation Program, the Ares launch vehicle propels the Orion crew vehicle to an agreed to insertion target. If a failure occurs at any point in time during ascent then a system must be in place to abort the mission and return the crew to a safe landing with a high probability of success. To achieve continuous abort coverage one of two sets of effectors is used. Either the Launch Abort System (LAS), consisting of the Attitude Control Motor (ACM) and the Abort Motor (AM), or the Service Module (SM), consisting of SM Orion Main Engine (OME), Auxiliary (Aux) Jets, and Reaction Control System (RCS) jets, is used. The LAS effectors are used for aborts from liftoff through the first 30 seconds of second stage flight. The SM effectors are used from that point through Main Engine Cutoff (MECO). There are two distinct sets of Guidance and Control (G&C) algorithms that are designed to maximize the performance of these abort effectors. This paper will outline the necessary inputs to the G&C subsystem, the preliminary design of the G&C algorithms, the ability of the algorithms to predict what abort modes are achievable, and the resulting success of the abort system. Abort success will be measured against the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) abort performance metrics and overall performance will be reported. Finally, potential improvements to the G&C design will be discussed.

31 CFR Appendix B to Part 208 - Model Disclosure for Use After ETA SM Becomes Available

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

..., language, or literacy barrier, you may receive your payment by check. In addition, if receiving your... customer service number] if you would like more information on Direct Deposit, the ETA SM, or hardship...

A Miniaturized Screen of a Schistosoma mansoni Serotonergic G Protein-Coupled Receptor Identifies Novel Classes of Parasite-Selective Inhibitors

PubMed Central

Chan, John D.; McCorvy, John D.; Acharya, Sreemoyee; Day, Timothy A.; Roth, Bryan L.; Marchant, Jonathan S.

2016-01-01

Schistosomiasis is a tropical parasitic disease afflicting ~200 million people worldwide and current therapy depends on a single drug (praziquantel) which exhibits several non-optimal features. These shortcomings underpin the need for next generation anthelmintics, but the process of validating physiologically relevant targets (‘target selection’) and pharmacologically profiling them is challenging. Remarkably, even though over a quarter of current human therapeutics target rhodopsin-like G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), no library screen of a flatworm GPCR has yet been reported. Here, we have pharmacologically profiled a schistosome serotonergic GPCR (Sm.5HTR) implicated as a downstream modulator of PZQ efficacy, in a miniaturized screening assay compatible with high content screening. This approach employs a split luciferase based biosensor sensitive to cellular cAMP levels that resolves the proximal kinetics of GPCR modulation in intact cells. Data evidence a divergent pharmacological signature between the parasitic serotonergic receptor and the closest human GPCR homolog (Hs.5HTR7), supporting the feasibility of optimizing parasitic selective pharmacophores. New ligands, and chemical series, with potency and selectivity for Sm.5HTR over Hs.5HTR7 are identified in vitro and validated for in vivo efficacy against schistosomules and adult worms. Sm.5HTR also displayed a property resembling irreversible inactivation, a phenomenon discovered at Hs.5HTR7, which enhances the appeal of this abundantly expressed parasite GPCR as a target for anthelmintic ligand design. Overall, these data underscore the feasibility of profiling flatworm GPCRs in a high throughput screening format competent to resolve different classes of GPCR modulators. Further, these data underscore the promise of Sm.5HTR as a chemotherapeutically vulnerable node for development of next generation anthelmintics. PMID:27187180

Interior view of "mail box" for purging carbon dioxide from Lunar Module

NASA Image and Video Library

1970-04-14

AS13-62-9004 (April 1970) --- An interior view of the Apollo 13 Lunar Module (LM) during the trouble-plagued journey back to Earth. This photograph shows some of the temporary hose connections and apparatus which were necessary when the three Apollo astronauts moved from the Command Module (CM) to use the LM as a "lifeboat". Astronaut John L. Swigert Jr., command module pilot, is on the right. An unidentified astronaut on the left holds in his right hand the feed water bag from the Portable Life Support System (PLSS). It is connected to a hose (center) from the Lunar Topographic (Hycon) Camera. In the background is the "mail box," a jury-rigged arrangement which the crew men built to use the CM lithium hydroxide canisters to scrub CO2 from the spacecraft's atmosphere. Since there was a limited amount of lithium hydroxide in the LM, this arrangement was rigged up to utilize the canisters from the CM. The "mail box" was designed and tested on the ground at the Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC) before it was suggested to the Apollo 13 astronauts. An explosion of an oxygen tank in the Service Module (SM) caused the cancellation of the scheduled moon landing, and made the return home a hazardous journey for astronauts Swigert, James A. Lovell Jr., commander, and Fred W. Haise Jr., lunar module pilot.

A GIHS-based spectral preservation fusion method for remote sensing images using edge restored spectral modulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Xiran; Liu, Jun; Liu, Shuguang; Cao, Lei; Zhou, Qiming; Huang, Huawen

2014-02-01

High spatial resolution and spectral fidelity are basic standards for evaluating an image fusion algorithm. Numerous fusion methods for remote sensing images have been developed. Some of these methods are based on the intensity-hue-saturation (IHS) transform and the generalized IHS (GIHS), which may cause serious spectral distortion. Spectral distortion in the GIHS is proven to result from changes in saturation during fusion. Therefore, reducing such changes can achieve high spectral fidelity. A GIHS-based spectral preservation fusion method that can theoretically reduce spectral distortion is proposed in this study. The proposed algorithm consists of two steps. The first step is spectral modulation (SM), which uses the Gaussian function to extract spatial details and conduct SM of multispectral (MS) images. This method yields a desirable visual effect without requiring histogram matching between the panchromatic image and the intensity of the MS image. The second step uses the Gaussian convolution function to restore lost edge details during SM. The proposed method is proven effective and shown to provide better results compared with other GIHS-based methods.

Th17/Treg immunoregulation and implications in treatment of sulfur mustard gas-induced lung diseases.

PubMed

Iman, Maryam; Rezaei, Ramazan; Azimzadeh Jamalkandi, Sadegh; Shariati, Parvin; Kheradmand, Farrah; Salimian, Jafar

2017-12-01

Sulfur mustard (SM) is an extremely toxic gas used in chemical warfare to cause massive lung injury and death. Victims exposed to SM gas acutely present with inhalational lung injury, but among those who survive, some develop obstructive airway diseases referred to as SM-lung syndrome. Pathophysiologically, SM-lung shares many characteristics with smoking-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including airway remodeling, goblet cell metaplasia, and obstructive ventilation defect. Some of the hallmarks of COPD pathogenesis, which include dysregulated lung inflammation, neutrophilia, recruitment of interleukin 17A (IL -17A) expressing CD4 + T cells (Th17), and the paucity of lung regulatory T cells (Tregs), have also been described in SM-lung. Areas covered: A literature search was performed using the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases inclusive of all literature prior to and including May 2017. Expert commentary: Here we review some of the recent findings that suggest a role for Th17 cell-mediated inflammatory changes associated with pulmonary complications in SM-lung and suggest new therapeutic approaches that could potentially alter disease progression with immune modulating biologics that can restore the lung Th17/Treg balance.

Can clinical use of Social Media improve quality of care in mental Health? A Health Technology Assessment approach in an Italian mental health service.

PubMed

Di Napoli, Wilma Angela; Nollo, Giandomenico; Pace, Nicola; Torri, Emanuele

2015-09-01

Clinical use of modern Information and Communication Technologies such as Social Media (SM) can easily reach and empower groups of population at risk or affected by chronic diseases, and promote improvement of quality of care. In the paper we present an assessment of SM (i.e. e-mails, websites, on line social networks, apps) in the management of mental disorders, carried out in the Mental Health Service of Trento (Italy) according to Health Technology Assessment criteria. A systematic review of literature was performed to evaluate technical features, safety and effectiveness of SM. To understand usage rate and attitude towards new social technologies of patients and professionals, we performed a context analysis by a survey conducted over a group of 88 psychiatric patients and a group of 35 professionals. At last, we made recommendations for decision makers in order to promote SM for the management of mental disorders in a context of prioritization of investments in health care.

A CFD Analysis of Hydrogen Leakage During On-Pad Purge in the ORION/ARES I Shared Volume

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ajmani, Kumud; Edwards, Daryl A.

2011-01-01

A common open volume is created by the stacking of the Orion vehicle onto the Ares I Upper Stage. Called the Shared Volume, both vehicles contribute to its gas, fluid, and thermal environment. One of these environments is related to hazardous hydrogen gas. While both vehicles use inert purge gas to mitigate any hazardous gas buildup, there are concerns that hydrogen gas may still accumulate and that the Ares I Hazardous Gas Detection System will not be sufficient for monitoring the integrated volume. This Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis has been performed to examine these topics. Results of the analysis conclude that the Ares I Hazardous Gas Detection System will be able to sample the vent effluent containing the highest hydrogen concentrations. A second conclusion is that hydrogen does not accumulate under the Orion Service Module (SM) avionics ring as diffusion and purge flow mixing sufficiently dilute the hydrogen to safe concentrations. Finally the hydrogen concentrations within the Orion SM engine nozzle may slightly exceed the 1 percent volume fraction when the entire worse case maximum full leak is directed vertically into the engine nozzle.

Development of a co-culture of keratinocytes and immune cells for in vitro investigation of cutaneous sulfur mustard toxicity.

PubMed

Balszuweit, Frank; Menacher, Georg; Bloemeke, Brunhilde; Schmidt, Annette; Worek, Franz; Thiermann, Horst; Steinritz, Dirk

2014-11-05

Sulfur mustard (SM) is a chemical warfare agent causing skin blistering, ulceration and delayed wound healing. Inflammation and extrinsic apoptosis are known to have an important role in SM-induced cytotoxicity. As immune cells are involved in those processes, they may significantly modulate SM toxicity, but the extent of those effects is unknown. We adapted a co-culture model of immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT) and immune cells (THP-1) and exposed this model to SM. Changes in necrosis, apoptosis and inflammation, depending on SM challenge, absence or presence and number of THP-1 cells were investigated. THP-1 were co-cultured for 24h prior to SM exposure in order to model SM effects on immune cells continuously present in the skin. Our results indicate that the presence of THP-1 strongly increased necrosis, apoptosis and inflammation. This effect was already significant when the ratio of THP-1 and HaCaT cells was similar to the ratio of Langerhans immune cells and keratinocytes in vivo. Any further increases in the number of THP-1 had only slight additional effects on SM-induced cytotoxicity. In order to assess the effects of immune cells migrating into skin areas damaged by SM, we added non-exposed THP-1 to SM-exposed HaCaT. Those THP-1 had only slight effects on SM-induced cytotoxicity. Notably, in HaCaT exposed to 300μM SM, necrosis and inflammation were slightly reduced by adding intact THP-1. This effect was dependent on the number of immune cells, steadily increasing with the number of unexposed THP-1 added. In summary, we have demonstrated that (a) the presented co-culture is a robust model to assess SM toxicity and can be used to test the efficacy of potential antidotes in vitro; (b) immune cells, damaged by SM strongly amplified cytotoxicity, (c) in contrast, unexposed THP-1 (simulating migration of immune cells into affected areas after exposure in vivo) had no pronounced adverse, but exhibited some protective effects. Thus, protecting immune cells from SM toxicity may help to reduce overall injury. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Self-Assessment of Practice Performance: Development of the ABIM Practice Improvement Module (PIM[superscript SM])

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Duffy, F. Daniel; Lynn, Lorna A.; Didura, Halyna; Hess, Brian; Caverzagie, Kelly; Grosso, Louis; Lipner, Rebecca A.; Holmboe, Eric S.

2008-01-01

Background: Quality measurement and improvement in practice are requirements for Maintenance of Certification by the American Board of Medical Specialties boards and a component of many pay for performance programs. Objective: To describe the development of the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Practice Improvement Module (PIM[superscript…

Identification of a Lytic-Cycle Epstein-Barr Virus Gene Product That Can Regulate PKR Activation

PubMed Central

Poppers, Jeremy; Mulvey, Matthew; Perez, Cesar; Khoo, David; Mohr, Ian

2003-01-01

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) SM protein is a posttranscriptional regulator of viral gene expression. Like many transactivators encoded by herpesviruses, SM transports predominantly unspliced viral mRNA cargo from the nucleus to the cytosol, where it is subsequently translated. This activity likely involves a region of the protein that has homology to the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) ICP27 gene product, the first member of this class of regulators to be discovered. However, SM also contains a repetitive segment rich in arginine and proline residues that is dispensable for its effects on RNA transport and splicing. This portion of SM, comprised of RXP triplet repeats, shows homology to the carboxyl-terminal domain of Us11, a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) binding protein encoded by HSV-1 that inhibits activation of the cellular PKR kinase. To evaluate the intrinsic ability of SM to regulate PKR, we expressed and purified several SM protein derivatives and examined their activity in a variety of biochemical assays. The full-length SM protein bound dsRNA, associated physically with PKR, and prevented PKR activation. Removal of the 37-residue RXP domain significantly compromised all of these activities. Furthermore, the SM RXP domain was itself sufficient to inhibit PKR activation and interact with the kinase. Relative to its Us11 counterpart, the SM RXP segment bound dsRNA with reduced affinity and responded differently to single-stranded competitor polynucleotides. Thus, SM represents the first EBV gene product expressed during the lytic cycle that can prevent PKR activation. In addition, the RXP repeat segment appears to be a conserved herpesvirus motif capable of associating with dsRNA and modulating activation of the PKR kinase, a molecule important for the control of translation and the cellular antiviral response. PMID:12477828

Identification of a lytic-cycle Epstein-Barr virus gene product that can regulate PKR activation.

PubMed

Poppers, Jeremy; Mulvey, Matthew; Perez, Cesar; Khoo, David; Mohr, Ian

2003-01-01

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) SM protein is a posttranscriptional regulator of viral gene expression. Like many transactivators encoded by herpesviruses, SM transports predominantly unspliced viral mRNA cargo from the nucleus to the cytosol, where it is subsequently translated. This activity likely involves a region of the protein that has homology to the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) ICP27 gene product, the first member of this class of regulators to be discovered. However, SM also contains a repetitive segment rich in arginine and proline residues that is dispensable for its effects on RNA transport and splicing. This portion of SM, comprised of RXP triplet repeats, shows homology to the carboxyl-terminal domain of Us11, a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) binding protein encoded by HSV-1 that inhibits activation of the cellular PKR kinase. To evaluate the intrinsic ability of SM to regulate PKR, we expressed and purified several SM protein derivatives and examined their activity in a variety of biochemical assays. The full-length SM protein bound dsRNA, associated physically with PKR, and prevented PKR activation. Removal of the 37-residue RXP domain significantly compromised all of these activities. Furthermore, the SM RXP domain was itself sufficient to inhibit PKR activation and interact with the kinase. Relative to its Us11 counterpart, the SM RXP segment bound dsRNA with reduced affinity and responded differently to single-stranded competitor polynucleotides. Thus, SM represents the first EBV gene product expressed during the lytic cycle that can prevent PKR activation. In addition, the RXP repeat segment appears to be a conserved herpesvirus motif capable of associating with dsRNA and modulating activation of the PKR kinase, a molecule important for the control of translation and the cellular antiviral response.

Building Transatlantic Partnerships in Space Exploration The MPCV-SM Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilde Detlef; Schubert, Kathy; Grantier, Julie; Deloo, Philippe; Price, Larry; Fenoglio, Franco; Chavy, Siegfrid

2012-01-01

Following the approval of the ESA ISS Exploitation Declaration for the ISS lifetime at the ESA Council Meeting in March 2011, ESA decided to partially offset the European obligations deriving from the extension of the ISS Programme until end 2020 with different means than ATVs, following the ATV-5 mission foreseen in mid 2014. The envisioned approach is based on a barter element(s) that would generate cost avoidance on the NASA side. NASA and ESA considered a number of Barter options, and concluded that the provision by ESA of the Service Module for the NASA Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV) was the barter with the most interest. A joint ESA - NASA working group was established to assess the feasibility of Europe developing this Module based on ATV heritage. The working group was supported by European and US industry namely Astrium, TAS-I and Lockheed-Martin. This paper gives an overview of the results of the on-going study as well as its perspective utilisation for the global space exploration endeavour.

Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle Launch Abort System Guidance and Control Analysis Overview

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davidson, John B.; Kim, Sungwan; Raney, David L.; Aubuchon, Vanessa V.; Sparks, Dean W.; Busan, Ronald C.; Proud, Ryan W.; Merritt, Deborah S.

2008-01-01

Aborts during the critical ascent flight phase require the design and operation of Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) systems to escape from the Crew Launch Vehicle (CLV) and return the crew safely to the Earth. To accomplish this requirement of continuous abort coverage, CEV ascent abort modes are being designed and analyzed to accommodate the velocity, altitude, atmospheric, and vehicle configuration changes that occur during ascent. Aborts from the launch pad to early in the flight of the CLV second stage are performed using the Launch Abort System (LAS). During this type of abort, the LAS Abort Motor is used to pull the Crew Module (CM) safely away from the CLV and Service Module (SM). LAS abort guidance and control studies and design trades are being conducted so that more informed decisions can be made regarding the vehicle abort requirements, design, and operation. This paper presents an overview of the Orion CEV, an overview of the LAS ascent abort mode, and a summary of key LAS abort analysis methods and results.

The Regulatory Role of the Oral Commensal Streptococcus mitis on Human Monocytes.

PubMed

Engen, S A; Schreurs, O; Petersen, F; Blix, I J S; Baekkevold, E S; Schenck, K

2018-02-01

Streptococcus mitis colonizes all niches of the human oral cavity from early infancy and throughout life. Monocytes patrol blood vessels, lymphoid and non-lymphoid tissues and migrate into infected tissue where they participate in the inflammatory cascade and immune regulation. Here, we studied the effect of S. mitis on monocytes. Transcriptome analysis of monocytes exposed to S. mitis (SmMo) revealed increased transcription of chemotactic factors (CCL2, CCL3, CCL20, CXCL1, CXCL2) and cytokines (IL1A, IL1B, IL6, IL23, IL36G, TNF), indicating that S. mitis may trigger recruitment of leucocytes and initiate inflammation. Increased transcription in SmMo of IL1B, IL6 and IL23 indicated that S. mitis may participate in the induction of Th17 responses and agreed with our earlier findings of S. mitis-mediated memory Th17 reactivity. Furthermore, S. mitis inhibited tetanus toxoid-specific CD4 T cell proliferation. This can be due to the increased secretion of IL-10 and expression of PD-L1 that was observed in SmMo. PGE2 can modulate IL-10 and PD-L1 expression, concomitant with that of CCR7, IL-12 and IL-23 that also were changed. This, along with increased SmMo transcription of PTGS2 (COX2) and PTGER4 (EP4), pointed to a role of PGE2. Measurement of PGE2 secretion by SmMo showed indeed a marked increase, and chemical inhibition of PGE2 production lowered the PD-L1 expression on SmMo. In conclusion, our findings show that S. mitis may trigger immune modulation by recruiting immune cells to the site of infection, while at the same time dampening the severity of the response through expression of IL-10, PGE2 and PD-L1. © 2017 The Foundation for the Scandinavian Journal of Immunology.

EMI from Spacecraft Docking Systems Spacecraft Charging - Plasma Contact Potentials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Norgard, John D.; Scully, Robert; Musselman, Randall

2012-01-01

The plasma contact potential of a visiting vehicle (VV), such as the Orion Service Module (SM), is determined while docking at the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV). Due to spacecraft charging effects on-orbit, the potential difference between the CEV and the VV can be large at docking, and an electrostatic discharge (ESD) could occur at capture, which could degrade, disrupt, damage, or destroy sensitive electronic equipment on the CEV and/or VV. Analytical and numerical models of the CEV are simulated to predict the worst-case potential difference between the CEV and the VV when the CEV is unbiased (solar panels unlit: eclipsed in the dark and inactive) or biased (solar panels sunlit: in the light and active).

Comparative pharmacology of flatworm and roundworm glutamate-gated chloride channels: Implications for potential anthelmintics.

PubMed

Lynagh, Timothy; Cromer, Brett A; Dufour, Vanessa; Laube, Bodo

2014-12-01

Pharmacological targeting of glutamate-gated chloride channels (GluCls) is a potent anthelmintic strategy, evidenced by macrocyclic lactones that eliminate numerous roundworm infections by activating roundworm GluCls. Given the recent identification of flatworm GluCls and the urgent need for drugs against schistosomiasis, flatworm GluCls should be evaluated as potential anthelmintic targets. This study sought to identify agonists or modulators of one such GluCl, SmGluCl-2 from the parasitic flatworm Schistosoma mansoni. The effects of nine glutamate-like compounds and three monoterpenoid ion channel modulators were measured by electrophysiology at SmGluCl-2 recombinantly expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. For comparison with an established anthelmintic target, experiments were also performed on the AVR-14B GluCl from the parasitic roundworm Haemonchus contortus. l-Glutamate was the most potent agonist at both GluCls, but l-2-aminoadipate, d-glutamate and d-2-aminoadipate activated SmGluCl-2 (EC50 1.0 ± 0.1 mM, 2.4 ± 0.4 mM, 3.6 ± 0.7 mM, respectively) more potently than AVR-14B. Quisqualate activated only SmGluCl-2 whereas l-aspartate activated only AVR-14B GluCls. Regarding the monoterpenoids, both GluCls were inhibited by propofol, thymol and menthol, SmGluCl-2 most potently by thymol (IC50 484 ± 85 μM) and least potently by menthol (IC50 > 3 mM). Computational docking suggested that agonist and inhibitor potency is attributable to particular interactions with extracellular or membrane-spanning amino acid residues. These results reveal that flatworm GluCls are pharmacologically susceptible to numerous agonists and modulators and indicate that changes to the glutamate γ-carboxyl or to the propofol 6-isopropyl group can alter the differential pharmacology at flatworm and roundworm GluCls. This should inform the development of more potent compounds and in turn lead to novel anthelmintics.

Increased actin polymerization reduces the inhibition of serum response factor activity by Yin Yang 1.

PubMed Central

Ellis, Peter D; Martin, Karen M; Rickman, Colin; Metcalfe, James C; Kemp, Paul R

2002-01-01

Recent evidence has implicated CC(A/T(richG))GG (CArG) boxes, binding sites for serum response factor (SRF), in the regulation of expression of a number of genes in response to changes in the actin cytoskeleton. In many cases, the activity of SRF at CArG boxes is modulated by transcription factors binding to overlapping (e.g. Yin Yang 1, YY1) or adjacent (e.g. ets) binding sites. However, the mechanisms by which SRF activity is regulated by the cytoskeleton have not been determined. To investigate these mechanisms, we screened for cells that did or did not increase the activity of a fragment of the promoter for a smooth-muscle (SM)-specific gene SM22alpha, in response to changes in actin cytoskeletal polymerization induced by LIM kinase. These experiments showed that vascular SM cells (VSMCs) and C2C12 cells increased the activity of promoters containing at least one of the SM22alpha CArG boxes (CArG near) in response to LIM kinase, whereas P19 cells did not. Bandshift assays using a probe to CArG near showed that P19 cells lacked detectable YY1 DNA binding to the CArG box in contrast with the other two cell types. Expression of YY1 in P19 cells inhibited SM22alpha promoter activity and conferred responsiveness to LIM kinase. Mutation of the CArG box to inhibit YY1 or SRF binding indicated that both factors were required for the LIM kinase response in VSMCs and C2C12 cells. The data indicate that changes in the actin cytoskeletal organization modify SRF activity at CArG boxes by modulating YY1-dependent inhibition. PMID:12023898

Bremsstrahlung hard x-ray source driven by an electron beam from a self-modulated laser wakefield accelerator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lemos, N.; Albert, F.; Shaw, J. L.; Papp, D.; Polanek, R.; King, P.; Milder, A. L.; Marsh, K. A.; Pak, A.; Pollock, B. B.; Hegelich, B. M.; Moody, J. D.; Park, J.; Tommasini, R.; Williams, G. J.; Chen, Hui; Joshi, C.

2018-05-01

An x-ray source generated by an electron beam produced using a Self-Modulated Laser Wakefield Accelerator (SM-LWFA) is explored for use in high energy density science facilities. By colliding the electron beam, with a maximum energy of 380 MeV, total charge of >10 nC and a divergence of 64 × 100 mrad, from a SM-LWFA driven by a 1 ps 120 J laser, into a high-Z foil, an x/gamma-ray source was generated. A broadband bremsstrahlung energy spectrum with temperatures ranging from 0.8 to 2 MeV was measured with an almost 2 orders of magnitude flux increase when compared with other schemes using LWFA. GEANT4 simulations were done to calculate the source size and divergence.

Toward the development of a low-cost laser Doppler module for ophthalmic microscopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cattini, Stefano; Rovati, Luigi

2012-03-01

A laser Doppler module easily integrated into a commercial ophthalmic microscope is proposed. Such setup adds flow measurement capability to standard visual inspection of the fundus. The proposed instrument may provide important clinical information such as the detection of vessel occlusion provided by surgical treatments (i.e. photocoagulation). The measuring system is based on a self-mixing laser diode Doppler flowmeter (SM-DF). Reduced costs, easy implementation and small size represent the main features of SM-DF. Moreover, this technique offers the advantage to have the excitation and measurement beams spatially overlapped, thus both overcoming the alignment difficulty of traditional laser Doppler flowmeter and, well fitting with to limited optical aperture of the pupil. Thanks to an on-board DSP-microcontroller, the optoelectronic module directly estimates the blood flow; USB connection and an ad-hoc developed user-friendly software interface allow displaying the result on a personal computer. Preliminary test demonstrates the applicability of the proposed measuring system.

Software design specification. Part 2: Orbital Flight Test (OFT) detailed design specification. Volume 3: Applications. Book 2: System management

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1979-01-01

The functions performed by the systems management (SM) application software are described along with the design employed to accomplish these functions. The operational sequences (OPS) control segments and the cyclic processes they control are defined. The SM specialist function control (SPEC) segments and the display controlled 'on-demand' processes that are invoked by either an OPS or SPEC control segment as a direct result of an item entry to a display are included. Each processing element in the SM application is described including an input/output table and a structured control flow diagram. The flow through the module and other information pertinent to that process and its interfaces to other processes are included.

Exploiting social media for Army operations: Syrian crisis use case

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kase, Sue E.; Bowman, Elizabeth K.; Al Amin, Tanvir; Abdelzaher, Tarek

2014-05-01

Millions of people exchange user-generated information through online social media (SM) services. The prevalence of SM use globally and its growing significance to the evolution of events has attracted the attention of the Army and other agencies charged with protecting national security interests. The information exchanged in SM sites and the networks of people who interact with these online communities can provide value to Army intelligence efforts. SM could facilitate the Military Decision Making Process by providing ongoing assessment of military actions from a local citizen perspective. Despite potential value, there are significant technological barriers to leveraging SM. SM collection and analysis are difficult in the dynamic SM environment and deception is a real concern. This paper introduces a credibility analysis approach and prototype fact-finding technology called the "Apollo Fact-finder" that mitigates the problem of inaccurate or falsified SM data. Apollo groups data into sets (or claims), corroborating specific observations, then iteratively assesses both claim and source credibility resulting in a ranking of claims by likelihood of occurrence. These credibility analysis approaches are discussed in the context of a conflict event, the Syrian civil war, and applied to tweets collected in the aftermath of the Syrian chemical weapons crisis.

Social media use among young rheumatologists and basic scientists: results of an international survey by the Emerging EULAR Network (EMEUNET).

PubMed

Nikiphorou, Elena; Studenic, Paul; Ammitzbøll, Christian Gytz; Canavan, Mary; Jani, Meghna; Ospelt, Caroline; Berenbaum, Francis

2017-04-01

To explore perceptions, barriers and patterns of social media (SM) use among rheumatology fellows and basic scientists. An online survey was disseminated via Twitter, Facebook and by email to members of the Emerging European League Against Rheumatism Network. Questions focused on general demographics, frequency and types of SM use, reasons and barriers to SM use. Of 233 respondents (47 countries), 72% were aged 30-39 years, 66% female. 83% were active users of at least one SM platform and 71% were using SM professionally. The majority used SM for communicating with friends/colleagues (79%), news updates (76%), entertainment (69%), clinical (50%) and research (48%) updates. Facebook was the dominant platform used (91%). SM was reported to be used for information (81%); for expanding professional networks (76%); new resources (59%); learning new skills (47%) and establishing a professional online presence (46%). 30% of non-SM users justified not using SM due to lack of knowledge. There was a substantial use of SM by rheumatologists and basic scientists for social and professional reasons. The survey highlights a need for providing learning resources and increasing awareness of the use of SM. This could enhance communication, participation and collaborative work, enabling its more widespread use in a professional manner. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

Constellation Training Facility Support

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Flores, Jose M.

2008-01-01

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is developing the next set of vehicles that will take men back to the moon under the Constellation Program. The Constellation Training Facility (CxTF) is a project in development that will be used to train astronauts, instructors, and flight controllers on the operation of Constellation Program vehicles. It will also be used for procedure verification and validation of flight software and console tools. The CxTF will have simulations for the Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV), Crew Module (CM), CEV Service Module (SM), Launch Abort System (LAS), Spacecraft Adapter (SA), Crew Launch Vehicle (CLV), Pressurized Cargo Variant CM, Pressurized Cargo Variant SM, Cargo Launch Vehicle, Earth Departure Stage (EDS), and the Lunar Surface Access Module (LSAM). The Facility will consist of part-task and full-task trainers, each with a specific set of mission training capabilities. Part task trainers will be used for focused training on a single vehicle system or set of related systems. Full task trainers will be used for training on complete vehicles and all of its subsystems. Support was provided in both software development and project planning areas of the CxTF project. Simulation software was developed for the hydraulic system of the Thrust Vector Control (TVC) of the ARES I launch vehicle. The TVC system is in charge of the actuation of the nozzle gimbals for navigation control of the upper stage of the ARES I rocket. Also, software was developed using C standards to send and receive data to and from hand controllers to be used in CxTF cockpit simulations. The hand controllers provided movement in all six rotational and translational axes. Under Project Planning & Control, support was provided to the development and maintenance of integrated schedules for both the Constellation Training Facility and Missions Operations Facilities Division. These schedules maintain communication between projects in different levels. The CxTF support provided is one that requires continuous maintenance since the project is still on initial development phases.

HAL/SM system functional design specification. [systems analysis and design analysis of central processing units

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ross, C.; Williams, G. P. W., Jr.

1975-01-01

The functional design of a preprocessor, and subsystems is described. A structure chart and a data flow diagram are included for each subsystem. Also a group of intermodule interface definitions (one definition per module) is included immediately following the structure chart and data flow for a particular subsystem. Each of these intermodule interface definitions consists of the identification of the module, the function the module is to perform, the identification and definition of parameter interfaces to the module, and any design notes associated with the module. Also described are compilers and computer libraries.

Electron transport in nano-scaled piezoelectronic devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Zhengping; Kuroda, Marcelo A.; Tan, Yaohua; Newns, Dennis M.; Povolotskyi, Michael; Boykin, Timothy B.; Kubis, Tillmann; Klimeck, Gerhard; Martyna, Glenn J.

2013-05-01

The Piezoelectronic Transistor (PET) has been proposed as a post-CMOS device for fast, low-power switching. In this device, the piezoresistive channel is metalized via the expansion of a relaxor piezoelectric element to turn the device on. The mixed-valence compound SmSe is a good choice of PET channel material because of its isostructural pressure-induced continuous metal insulator transition, which is well characterized in bulk single crystals. Prediction and optimization of the performance of a realistic, nano-scaled PET based on SmSe requires the understanding of quantum confinement, tunneling, and the effect of metal interface. In this work, a computationally efficient empirical tight binding (ETB) model is developed for SmSe to study quantum transport in these systems and the scaling limit of PET channel lengths. Modulation of the SmSe band gap under pressure is successfully captured by ETB, and ballistic conductance shows orders of magnitude change under hydrostatic strain, supporting operability of the PET device at nanoscale.

Ecological validity of the screening module and the Daily Living tests of the Neuropsychological Assessment Battery using the Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory-4 in postacute brain injury rehabilitation.

PubMed

Zgaljardic, Dennis J; Yancy, Sybil; Temple, Richard O; Watford, Monica F; Miller, Rebekah

2011-11-01

The assessment of ecological validity of neuropsychological measures is an area of growing interest, particularly in the postacute brain injury rehabilitation (PABIR) setting, as there is an increasing demand for clinicians to address functional and real-world outcomes. In the current study, we assessed the predictive value of the Screening module and the Daily Living tests of the Neuropsychological Assessment Battery (NAB) using clinician ratings from the Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory-4 (MPAI-4) in patients with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury. Forty-seven individuals were each administered the NAB Screening module (NAB-SM) and the NAB Daily Living (NAB-DL) tests following admission to a residential PABIR program. MPAI-4 ratings were also obtained at admission. Linear regression analysis was used to examine the association between these functional and neuropsychological assessment measures. We replicated prior work (Temple at al., 2009) and expanded evidence for the ecological validity of the NAB-SM. Furthermore, our findings support the ecological validity of the NAB-DL Bill Payment, Judgment, and Map Reading tests with regards to functional skills and real-world activities. The current study supports prior work from our lab assessing the predictive value of the NAB-SM, as well as provides evidence for the ecological validity for select NAB-DL tests in patients with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury admitted to a residential PABIR program.

SSSFD manipulator engineering using statistical experiment design techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barnes, John

1991-01-01

The Satellite Servicer System Flight Demonstration (SSSFD) program is a series of Shuttle flights designed to verify major on-orbit satellite servicing capabilities, such as rendezvous and docking of free flyers, Orbital Replacement Unit (ORU) exchange, and fluid transfer. A major part of this system is the manipulator system that will perform the ORU exchange. The manipulator must possess adequate toolplate dexterity to maneuver a variety of EVA-type tools into position to interface with ORU fasteners, connectors, latches, and handles on the satellite, and to move workpieces and ORUs through 6 degree of freedom (dof) space from the Target Vehicle (TV) to the Support Module (SM) and back. Two cost efficient tools were combined to perform a study of robot manipulator design parameters. These tools are graphical computer simulations and Taguchi Design of Experiment methods. Using a graphics platform, an off-the-shelf robot simulation software package, and an experiment designed with Taguchi's approach, the sensitivities of various manipulator kinematic design parameters to performance characteristics are determined with minimal cost.

SMAP Soil Moisture Disaggregation using Land Surface Temperature and Vegetation Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, B.; Lakshmi, V.

2016-12-01

Soil moisture (SM) is a key parameter in agriculture, hydrology and ecology studies. The global SM retrievals have been providing by microwave remote sensing technology since late 1970s and many SM retrieval algorithms have been developed, calibrated and applied on satellite sensors such as AMSR-E (Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for the Earth Observing System), AMSR-2 (Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2) and SMOS (Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity). Particularly, SMAP (Soil Moisture Active/Passive) satellite, which was developed by NASA, was launched in January 2015. SMAP provides soil moisture products of 9 km and 36 km spatial resolutions which are not capable for research and applications of finer scale. Toward this issue, this study applied a SM disaggregation algorithm to disaggregate SMAP passive microwave soil moisture 36 km product. This algorithm was developed based on the thermal inertial relationship between daily surface temperature variation and daily average soil moisture which is modulated by vegetation condition, by using remote sensing retrievals from AVHRR (Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer, MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer), SPOT (Satellite Pour l'Observation de la Terre), as well as Land Surface Model (LSM) output from NLDAS (North American Land Data Assimilation System). The disaggregation model was built at 1/8o spatial resolution on monthly basis and was implemented to calculate and disaggregate SMAP 36 km SM retrievals to 1 km resolution in Oklahoma. The SM disaggregation results were also validated using MESONET (Mesoscale Network) and MICRONET (Microscale Network) ground SM measurements.

The use of social media in pharmacy practice and education.

PubMed

Benetoli, Arcelio; Chen, Timothy F; Aslani, Parisa

2015-01-01

Social media is becoming increasingly ubiquitous. It has significant potential as a health communication and educational tool, and may provide a medium for the delivery of health-related services. This systematic review aimed to investigate the use of social media in professional pharmacy practice and pharmacy education, and includes an evaluation of the research designs utilized. Medline, Embase, PubMed, IPA, and CINAHL databases were broadly searched for peer-reviewed research studies about pharmacy and social media (SM). The search was restricted to years 2000 to June 2013, with no other restrictions applied. Key words used were within three concept areas: "social media" and "pharmacist or student" and "pharmacy." Twenty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. SM was broadly addressed as a general concept in 3 of the 24 studies. The other 21 studies investigated/used specific SM tools. Fourteen of those addressed social networking sites (SNS), four wikis, two blogs, and one Twitter. The studies' foci were to describe SM use (n = 17 studies) by pharmacist, pharmacy educators, and pharmacy students and investigate usage related topics (such as e-professionalism and student-educator boundary issues); or the use of SM as an educational tool in pharmacy education (n = 7). Pharmacy students were the subject of 12 studies, pharmacists of six, and faculty members and administrators of four. Survey methods were used in 17 studies, alone or with an additional method; focus groups were used in two; interviews in one; and direct observation of social media activity in seven. Results showed that SM in general and SNS in particular were used mainly for personal reasons. Wikis, Facebook, and Twitter were used as educational tools in pharmacy education with positive feedback from students. Research investigating the use of SM in the practice of pharmacy is growing; however, it is predominantly descriptive in nature with no controlled studies identified. Although some studies have used SM to deliver and enhance pharmaceutical education, none have focused on the delivery of pharmacy services through SM. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

76 FR 36942 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC; Order Granting Approval of Proposed Rule...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-23

... on Nasdaq-100 Index[supreg] Tracking Stock (``QQQ SM '') \\5\\--to which, Phlx believes, SPY options...\\, Nasdaq-100[supreg], Nasdaq-100 Index[supreg], Nasdaq[supreg], and Nasdaq-100 Index Tracking Stock SM , are trademarks or service marks of The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. In particular, Phlx represents that...

Casting the Net: The Development of a Resource Collection for an Internet Database.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McKiernan, Gerry

CyberStacks(sm), a demonstration prototype World Wide Web information service, was established on the home page server at Iowa State University with the intent of facilitating identification and use of significant Internet resources in science and technology. CyberStacks(sm) was created in response to perceived deficiencies in early efforts to…

Ascent Heating Thermal Analysis on the Spacecraft Adaptor (SA) Fairings and the Interface with the Crew Launch Vehicle (CLV)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, Xiao-Yen; Yuko, James; Motil, Brian

2009-01-01

When the crew exploration vehicle (CEV) is launched, the spacecraft adaptor (SA) fairings that cover the CEV service module (SM) are exposed to aero heating. Thermal analysis is performed to compute the fairing temperatures and to investigate whether the temperatures are within the material limits for nominal ascent aero heating case. Heating rates from Thermal Environment (TE) 3 aero heating analysis computed by engineers at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) are used in the thermal analysis. Both MSC Patran 2007r1b/Pthermal and C&R Thermal Desktop 5.1/Sinda models are built to validate each other. The numerical results are also compared with those reported by Lockheed Martin (LM) and show a reasonably good agreement.

Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation With Sensory Modulation on Stroke Motor Rehabilitation: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Koh, Chia-Lin; Lin, Jau-Hong; Jeng, Jiann-Shing; Huang, Sheau-Ling; Hsieh, Ching-Lin

2017-12-01

To test whether a multistrategy intervention enhanced recovery immediately and longitudinally in patients with severe to moderate upper extremity (UE) paresis. Double-blind, randomized controlled trial with placebo control. Outpatient department of a local medical center. People (N=25) with chronic stroke were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: a transcranial direct current stimulation with sensory modulation (tDCS-SM) group (n=14; mean age ± SD, 55.3±11.4y) or a control group (n=11; mean age ± SD, 56.9±13.5y). Eight-week intervention. The tDCS-SM group received bilateral tDCS, bilateral cutaneous anesthesia, and high repetitions of passive movements on the paretic hand. The control group received the same passive movements but with sham tDCS and sham anesthesia. During the experiment, all participants continued their regular rehabilitation. Voluntary UE movement, spasticity, UE function, and basic activities of daily living. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, at postintervention, and at 3- and 6-month follow-ups. No significant differences were found between groups. However, there was a trend that the voluntary UE movement improved more in the tDCS-SM group than in the control group, with a moderate immediate effect (partial η 2 [η p 2 ]=.14, P=.07) and moderate long-term effects (3-mo follow-up: η p 2 =.17, P=.05; 6-mo follow-up: η p 2 =.12, P=.10). Compared with the control group, the tDCS-SM group had a trend of a small immediate effect (η p 2 =.02-.04) on reducing spasticity, but no long-term effect. A trend of small immediate and long-term effects in favor of tDCS-SM was found on UE function and daily function recovery (η p 2 =.02-.09). Accompanied with traditional rehabilitation, tDCS-SM had a nonsignificant trend of having immediate and longitudinal effects on voluntary UE movement recovery in patients with severe to moderate UE paresis after stroke, but its effects on spasticity reduction and functional recovery may be limited. Copyright © 2017 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

76 FR 24951 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC; Notice of Filing of Proposed Rule Change To...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-03

... traditional SPDRs[supreg] ETF (SPDRs[supreg] Trust Series 1) holds a stake in the 500 stocks represented by... Stock (``QQQ \\SM\\''),\\6\\ the third most actively traded options, traded a total of 8,730,718 contracts...], Nasdaq[supreg], Nasdaq-100 Index Tracking Stock \\SM\\, and are trademarks or service marks of The Nasdaq...

Understanding Consistency Maintenance in Service Discovery Architectures during Communication Failure

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-07-01

our general model include: (1) service user (SU), (2) service manager (SM), and (3) service cache manager ( SCM ), where the SCM is an optional...maintained by SMs that satisfy specific requirements. Where employed, the SCM operates as an intermediary, matching advertised SDs of SMs to...Directory Service Agent (optional) not applicableLookup ServiceService Cache Manager ( SCM ) Service URL Service Type Service Attributes Template URL

Incidence of Secondary Cancer Development After High-Dose Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy and Image-Guided Brachytherapy for the Treatment of Localized Prostate Cancer

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

Zelefsky, Michael J., E-mail: Zelefskm@mskcc.org; Housman, Douglas M.; Pei Xin

2012-07-01

Purpose: To report the incidence and excess risk of second malignancy (SM) development compared with the general population after external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and brachytherapy to treat prostate cancer. Methods and Materials: Between 1998 and 2001, 1,310 patients with localized prostate cancer were treated with EBRT (n = 897) or brachytherapy (n = 413). We compared the incidence of SMs in our patients with that of the general population extracted from the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results data set combined with the 2000 census data. Results: The 10-year likelihood of SM development was 25% after EBRT andmore » 15% after brachytherapy (p = .02). The corresponding 10-year likelihood for in-field SM development in these groups was 4.9% and 1.6% (p = .24). Multivariate analysis showed that EBRT vs. brachytherapy and older age were the only significant predictors for the development of all SMs (p = .037 and p = .030), with a trend for older patients to develop a SM. The increased incidence of SM for EBRT patients was explained by the greater incidence of skin cancer outside the radiation field compared with that after brachytherapy (10.6% and 3.3%, respectively, p = .004). For the EBRT group, the 5- and 10-year mortality rate was 1.96% and 5.1% from out-of field cancer, respectively; for in-field SM, the corresponding mortality rates were 0.1% and 0.7%. Among the brachytherapy group, the 5- and 10-year mortality rate related to out-of field SM was 0.8% and 2.7%, respectively. Our observed SM rates after prostate RT were not significantly different from the cancer incidence rates in the general population. Conclusions: Using modern sophisticated treatment techniques, we report low rates of in-field bladder and rectal SM risks after prostate cancer RT. Furthermore, the likelihood of mortality secondary to a SM was unusual. The greater rate of SM observed with EBRT vs. brachytherapy was related to a small, but significantly increased, number of skin cancers in the EBRT patients compared with that of the general population.« less

Job involvement of primary healthcare employees: does a service provision model play a role?

PubMed

Koponen, Anne M; Laamanen, Ritva; Simonsen-Rehn, Nina; Sundell, Jari; Brommels, Mats; Suominen, Sakari

2010-05-01

To investigate whether the development of job involvement of primary healthcare (PHC) employees in Southern Municipality (SM), where PHC services were outsourced to an independent non-profit organisation, differed from that in the three comparison municipalities (M1, M2, M3) with municipal service providers. Also, the associations of job involvement with factors describing the psychosocial work environment were investigated. A panel mail survey 2000-02 in Finland (n=369, response rates 73% and 60%). The data were analysed by descriptive statistics and multivariate linear regression analysis. Despite the favourable development in the psychosocial work environment, job involvement decreased most in SM, which faced the biggest organisational changes. Job involvement decreased also in M3, where the psychosocial work environment deteriorated most. Job involvement in 2002 was best predicted by high baseline level of interactional justice and work control, positive change in interactional justice, and higher age. Also other factors, such as organisational stability, seemed to play a role; after controlling for the effect of the psychosocial work characteristics, job involvement was higher in M3 than in SM. Outsourcing of PHC services may decrease job involvement at least during the first years. A particular service provision model is better than the others only if it is superior in providing a favourable and stable psychosocial work environment.

Provider perspectives on barriers and facilitators to adjuvant endocrine therapy-related symptom management.

PubMed

Samuel, Cleo A; Turner, Kea; Donovan, Heidi A S; Beckjord, Ellen; Cardy, Alexandra; Dew, Mary Amanda; van Londen, G J

2017-12-01

Adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) utilization is linked to improved clinical outcomes among breast cancer survivors (BCS); yet, AET adherence rates remain suboptimal. Little is known about provider perspectives regarding barriers and facilitators to AET-related symptom management (SM). In this study, we examined provider perspectives on the barriers and facilitators to AET-related SM among BCS and opportunities for improvement. We conducted three focus groups (FGs) with a multidisciplinary group of healthcare providers (n = 13) experienced in caring for BCS undergoing AET. We utilized semi-structured discussion guides to elicit provider perspectives on AET-related SM. FGs were audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed using qualitative software to identify key themes. Providers described patient-, provider-, and system-level barriers and facilitators to AET-related SM. At the patient-level, barriers included competing demands, limited time/resources, and possible misattribution of some symptoms to AET, while family/social relationships and insurance emerged as important facilitators. Discomfort with SM, limited time, and challenges distinguishing AET-related symptoms from other conditions were key provider-level barriers. Provider-level facilitators included routine symptom documentation and strong provider relationships. Care fragmentation and complexity of the cancer care delivery system were described as system-level barriers; however, survivor clinics were endorsed by providers. Provider perspectives on AET-related SM can shed light on SM barriers and facilitators spanning multiple levels of the cancer care delivery system. Strategies for improving AET-related SM in BCS include increasing patients' knowledge and engagement in SM, equipping providers with efficient SM strategies, and improving coordination of symptom-related services through survivorship programs.

SmD1 Modulates the miRNA Pathway Independently of Its Pre-mRNA Splicing Function.

PubMed

Xiong, Xiao-Peng; Vogler, Georg; Kurthkoti, Krishna; Samsonova, Anastasia; Zhou, Rui

2015-08-01

microRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of endogenous regulatory RNAs that play a key role in myriad biological processes. Upon transcription, primary miRNA transcripts are sequentially processed by Drosha and Dicer ribonucleases into ~22-24 nt miRNAs. Subsequently, miRNAs are incorporated into the RNA-induced silencing complexes (RISCs) that contain Argonaute (AGO) family proteins and guide RISC to target RNAs via complementary base pairing, leading to post-transcriptional gene silencing by a combination of translation inhibition and mRNA destabilization. Select pre-mRNA splicing factors have been implicated in small RNA-mediated gene silencing pathways in fission yeast, worms, flies and mammals, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are not well understood. Here, we show that SmD1, a core component of the Drosophila small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particle (snRNP) implicated in splicing, is required for miRNA biogenesis and function. SmD1 interacts with both the microprocessor component Pasha and pri-miRNAs, and is indispensable for optimal miRNA biogenesis. Depletion of SmD1 impairs the assembly and function of the miRISC without significantly affecting the expression of major canonical miRNA pathway components. Moreover, SmD1 physically and functionally associates with components of the miRISC, including AGO1 and GW182. Notably, miRNA defects resulting from SmD1 silencing can be uncoupled from defects in pre-mRNA splicing, and the miRNA and splicing machineries are physically and functionally distinct entities. Finally, photoactivatable-ribonucleoside-enhanced crosslinking and immunoprecipitation (PAR-CLIP) analysis identifies numerous SmD1-binding events across the transcriptome and reveals direct SmD1-miRNA interactions. Our study suggests that SmD1 plays a direct role in miRNA-mediated gene silencing independently of its pre-mRNA splicing activity and indicates that the dual roles of splicing factors in post-transcriptional gene regulation may be evolutionarily widespread.

A cost and technical efficiency analysis of two alternative models for implementing the basic package of health services in Afghanistan.

PubMed

Blaakman, Aaron Philip; Salehi, Ahmad Shah; Boitard, Romain

2014-01-01

Since 2003, the Afghan Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and international partners have directed a contracting-out model through which non-governmental organisations (NGOs) deliver the Basic Package of Health Services (BPHS) in 31 of the 34 Afghan provinces. The MoPH also managed health service delivery in three provinces under an alternative initiative entitled Strengthening Mechanisms (SM). In 2011, under the authority of the MoPH and Delegation of the European Union to Afghanistan, EPOS Health Management conducted a cost and technical efficiency study of the contracting-out and SM mechanisms in six provinces to examine economic trade-offs in the provision of the BPHS. The study provides analyses of all resource inputs and primary outputs of the BPHS in the six provinces during 2008 and 2009. The authors examined technical efficiency using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) at the BPHS facility level. Cost analysis results indicate that the weighted average cost per BPHS outpatient visit totalled $3.41 in the SM provinces and $5.39 in the NGO-led provinces in 2009. Furthermore, the data envelopment analyses (DEAs) indicate that facilities in the three NGO-led provinces scored 0.168 points higher on the DEA scale (0-1) than SM facilities. The authors conclude that an approximate 60% increase in costs yielded a 16.8% increase in technical efficiency in the delivery of the BPHS during 2009 in the six provinces.

Modulation of Candida albicans virulence by bacterial biofilms on titanium surfaces.

PubMed

Cavalcanti, Yuri Wanderley; Wilson, Melanie; Lewis, Michael; Del-Bel-Cury, Altair Antoninha; da Silva, Wander José; Williams, David W

2016-01-01

Whilst Candida albicans occurs in peri-implant biofilms, its role in peri-implantitis remains unclear. This study therefore examined the virulence of C. albicans in mixed-species biofilms on titanium surfaces. Biofilms of C. albicans (Ca), C. albicans with streptococci (Streptococcus sanguinis, S. mutans) (Ca-Ss-Sm) and those incorporating Porphyromonas gingivalis (Ca-Pg and Ca-Ss-Sm-Pg) were developed. Expression of C. albicans genes associated with adhesion (ALS1, ALS3, HWP1) and hydrolytic enzymes (SAP2, SAP4, SAP6, PLD1) was measured and hyphal production by C. albicans quantified. Compared with Ca biofilms, significant (p<0.05) up-regulation of ALS3, HWP1, SAP2 and SAP6, and hyphal production occurred in biofilms containing streptococci (Ca-Ss-Sm). In Ca-Pg biofilms, down-regulation of HWP1 and SAP4 expression, with reduced hyphal production occurred. Ca-Ss-Sm-Pg biofilms had increased hyphal proportions and up-regulation of ALS3, SAP2 and SAP6. In conclusion, C. albicans expressed virulence factors in biofilms that could contribute to peri-implantitis, but this was dependent on associated bacterial species.

Modes of Action of Herbal Medicines and Plant Secondary Metabolites

PubMed Central

Wink, Michael

2015-01-01

Plants produce a wide diversity of secondary metabolites (SM) which serve them as defense compounds against herbivores, and other plants and microbes, but also as signal compounds. In general, SM exhibit a wide array of biological and pharmacological properties. Because of this, some plants or products isolated from them have been and are still used to treat infections, health disorders or diseases. This review provides evidence that many SM have a broad spectrum of bioactivities. They often interact with the main targets in cells, such as proteins, biomembranes or nucleic acids. Whereas some SM appear to have been optimized on a few molecular targets, such as alkaloids on receptors of neurotransmitters, others (such as phenolics and terpenoids) are less specific and attack a multitude of proteins by building hydrogen, hydrophobic and ionic bonds, thus modulating their 3D structures and in consequence their bioactivities. The main modes of action are described for the major groups of common plant secondary metabolites. The multitarget activities of many SM can explain the medical application of complex extracts from medicinal plants for more health disorders which involve several targets. Herbal medicine is not a placebo medicine but a rational medicine, and for several of them clinical trials have shown efficacy. PMID:28930211

Impairment of hypoxia-induced HIF-1α signaling in keratinocytes and fibroblasts by sulfur mustard is counteracted by a selective PHD-2 inhibitor.

PubMed

Deppe, Janina; Popp, Tanja; Egea, Virginia; Steinritz, Dirk; Schmidt, Annette; Thiermann, Horst; Weber, Christian; Ries, Christian

2016-05-01

Skin exposure to sulfur mustard (SM) provokes long-term complications in wound healing. Similar to chronic wounds, SM-induced skin lesions are associated with low levels of oxygen in the wound tissue. Normally, skin cells respond to hypoxia by stabilization of the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α). HIF-1α modulates expression of genes including VEGFA, BNIP3, and MMP2 that control processes such as angiogenesis, growth, and extracellular proteolysis essential for proper wound healing. The results of our studies revealed that exposure of primary normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) and primary normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) to SM significantly impaired hypoxia-induced HIF-1α stabilization and target gene expression in these cells. Addition of a selective inhibitor of the oxygen-sensitive prolyl hydroxylase domain-containing protein 2 (PHD-2), IOX2, fully recovered HIF-1α stability, nuclear translocation, and target gene expression in NHEK and NHDF. Moreover, functional studies using a scratch wound assay demonstrated that the application of IOX2 efficiently counteracted SM-mediated deficiencies in monolayer regeneration under hypoxic conditions in NHEK and NHDF. Our findings describe a pathomechanism by which SM negatively affects hypoxia-stimulated HIF-1α signaling in keratinocytes and fibroblasts and thus possibly contributes to delayed wound healing in SM-injured patients that could be treated with PHD-2 inhibitors.

Analysis of fatigue characteristic of sm-substituted DyFeCo magneto-optical films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Zuoyi; Wang, Ke; Yang, Xiaofei; Li, Zhen; Lin, Gengqi

2003-04-01

The fatigue characteristic of the amorphous Sm-substituted DyFeCo magneto-optical alloy films fabricated by R.F. magnetron sputtering method were investigated by accelerated pulse training method under the condition of magnetic field modulation plus laser pulse irradiation. The evaluation of fatigue characteristic is determined from the static magneto-optical signal readout level after several writing/erasing repetitions compared with initial level. The experimental dependence of fatigue characteristics is in good agreement with the model based on the JMA equation. Furthermore, the Avrami factor can be derived from the model. Experimental results show that it is very effective in studying the writing/erasing ability of magneto-optical films employed the method of combined the accelerated pulse training with the JMA equation and Sm-substituted HRE-TM alloys can act as a practical medium for MO storage at short wavelength.

Understanding Consistency Maintenance in Service Discovery Architectures in Response to Message Loss

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-07-01

manager (SM), and (3) service cache manager ( SCM ). The SCM is an optional element not supported by all discovery protocols. These components participate...the SCM operates as an intermediary, matching advertised SDs of SMs to requirements provided by SUs. Table 1 shows how these general concepts map...Service DescriptionService ItemService Description (SD) Directory Service Agent (optional) not applicableLookup ServiceService Cache Manager ( SCM

Fiber bundle probes for interconnecting miniaturized medical imaging devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zamora, Vanessa; Hofmann, Jens; Marx, Sebastian; Herter, Jonas; Nguyen, Dennis; Arndt-Staufenbiel, Norbert; Schröder, Henning

2017-02-01

Miniaturization of medical imaging devices will significantly improve the workflow of physicians in hospitals. Photonic integrated circuit (PIC) technologies offer a high level of miniaturization. However, they need fiber optic interconnection solutions for their functional integration. As part of European funded project (InSPECT) we investigate fiber bundle probes (FBPs) to be used as multi-mode (MM) to single-mode (SM) interconnections for PIC modules. The FBP consists of a set of four or seven SM fibers hexagonally distributed and assembled into a holder that defines a multicore connection. Such a connection can be used to connect MM fibers, while each SM fiber is attached to the PIC module. The manufacturing of these probes is explored by using well-established fiber fusion, epoxy adhesive, innovative adhesive and polishing techniques in order to achieve reliable, low-cost and reproducible samples. An innovative hydrofluoric acid-free fiber etching technology has been recently investigated. The preliminary results show that the reduction of the fiber diameter shows a linear behavior as a function of etching time. Different etch rate values from 0.55 μm/min to 2.3 μm/min were found. Several FBPs with three different type of fibers have been optically interrogated at wavelengths of 630nm and 1550nm. Optical losses are found of approx. 35dB at 1550nm for FBPs composed by 80μm fibers. Although FBPs present moderate optical losses, they might be integrated using different optical fibers, covering a broad spectral range required for imaging applications. Finally, we show the use of FBPs as promising MM-to-SM interconnects for real-world interfacing to PIC's.

Amine-Functionalized Al-MOF#@ yxSm2O3-ZnO: A Visible Light-Driven Nanocomposite with Excellent Photocatalytic Activity for the Photo-Degradation of Amoxicillin.

PubMed

Abazari, Reza; Mahjoub, Ali Reza

2018-03-05

A visible light-driven amine-functionalized Al-based MOF # @ y x Sm 2 O 3 -ZnO nanocomposite (NH 2 -MOF # @ y x Sm 2 O 3 -ZnO NCP) was synthesized as an effective photocatalyst for AMX degradation in the presence of ultrasound, in which # is MOF synthesis conditions from MOF I to MOF XII and x and y stand for the weight percentages of Sm 2 O 3 -to-ZnO and Sm 2 O 3 -ZnO-to-MOF, respectively. The β-lactam antibiotic AMX, which is widely used for treating Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial infections in both animals and humans, was employed as a model pollutant. Using different detection techniques, the synthesized materials were characterized. Furthermore, effects of different synthesis methods, ultrasonic time, precursor concentration, sonication amplitude, and modulators on the MOFs photocatalytic behavior were taken into account. Also, catalytic dose and recycling, H 2 O 2 usage, and operating pH effects were investigated. Compared to the pure forms of NH 2 -MOF-53(Al) and Sm 2 O 3 -ZnO, the NCPs having the optimal Sm 2 O 3 -ZnO and NH 2 -MOF-53(Al) contents highly influenced the photocatalytic activity due to the synergetic impacts of the high charge mobility and the red shift in the NH 2 -MOF@Sm 2 O 3 -ZnO NCPs absorption edge compared to the Sm 2 O 3 -ZnO nanoflowers. We used a TOC analyzer, UV/vis spectroscopy, and HPLC chromatogram to estimate the rate of AMX elimination in water over NH 2 -MOF XII @ 30 7 Sm 2 O 3 -ZnO NCPs as our optimal sample. In addition, after the AMX pollutant degradation, the NH 2 -MOF@Sm 2 O 3 -ZnO NCPs were structurally stable and maintained the majority of their photocatalytic properties even after five runs of recycling process The NH 2 -MOF XII @ 30 7 Sm 2 O 3 -ZnO NCPs as the superior photocatalysts were more examined and a mechanism for the AMX degradation was suggested. As a suggestion, our obtained results can be used as a starting point for the preparation of the other heterogeneous MOF-based NCPs combined with the Sm 2 O 3 -ZnO for a variety of applications such as the environmental remediation.

Supporting the Use of CERT (registered trademark) Secure Coding Standards in DoD Acquisitions

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-07-01

Capability Maturity Model IntegrationSM (CMMI®) [Davis 2009]. SM Team Software Process, TSP, and Capability Maturity Model Integration are service...STP Software Test Plan TEP Test and Evaluation Plan TSP Team Software Process V & V verification and validation CMU/SEI-2012-TN-016 | 47...Supporting the Use of CERT® Secure Coding Standards in DoD Acquisitions Tim Morrow ( Software Engineering Institute) Robert Seacord ( Software

2010 Space Telescope Science Institute Calibration Workshop - Hubble after SM4. Preparing JWST

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deustua, Susana; Oliveira, Cristina

2010-07-01

After the successful servicing mission in May 2009 (SM4), the Hubble Space Telescope now has five working science instruments: COS, WFC3, STIS, ACS, FGS. NICMOS is currently on hold. Construction has started on the James Webb Space Telescope and its instruments. Conducting research projects at the vanguard often means pushing the instruments to their limits and requires understanding and calibrating complex instrument effects.

SMOS near-real-time soil moisture product: processor overview and first validation results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodríguez-Fernández, Nemesio J.; Muñoz Sabater, Joaquin; Richaume, Philippe; de Rosnay, Patricia; Kerr, Yann H.; Albergel, Clement; Drusch, Matthias; Mecklenburg, Susanne

2017-10-01

Measurements of the surface soil moisture (SM) content are important for a wide range of applications. Among them, operational hydrology and numerical weather prediction, for instance, need SM information in near-real-time (NRT), typically not later than 3 h after sensing. The European Space Agency (ESA) Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) satellite is the first mission specifically designed to measure SM from space. The ESA Level 2 SM retrieval algorithm is based on a detailed geophysical modelling and cannot provide SM in NRT. This paper presents the new ESA SMOS NRT SM product. It uses a neural network (NN) to provide SM in NRT. The NN inputs are SMOS brightness temperatures for horizontal and vertical polarizations and incidence angles from 30 to 45°. In addition, the NN uses surface soil temperature from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Integrated Forecast System (IFS). The NN was trained on SMOS Level 2 (L2) SM. The swath of the NRT SM retrieval is somewhat narrower (˜ 915 km) than that of the L2 SM dataset (˜ 1150 km), which implies a slightly lower revisit time. The new SMOS NRT SM product was compared to the SMOS Level 2 SM product. The NRT SM data show a standard deviation of the difference with respect to the L2 data of < 0.05 m3 m-3 in most of the Earth and a Pearson correlation coefficient higher than 0.7 in large regions of the globe. The NRT SM dataset does not show a global bias with respect to the L2 dataset but can show local biases of up to 0.05 m3 m-3 in absolute value. The two SMOS SM products were evaluated against in situ measurements of SM from more than 120 sites of the SCAN (Soil Climate Analysis Network) and the USCRN (US Climate Reference Network) networks in North America. The NRT dataset obtains similar but slightly better results than the L2 data. In summary, the NN SMOS NRT SM product exhibits performances similar to those of the Level 2 SM product but it has the advantage of being available in less than 3.5 h after sensing, complying with NRT requirements. The new product is processed at ECMWF and it is distributed by ESA and via the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) multicast service (EUMETCast).

SM22{alpha}-induced activation of p16{sup INK4a}/retinoblastoma pathway promotes cellular senescence caused by a subclinical dose of {gamma}-radiation and doxorubicin in HepG2 cells

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

Kim, Tae Rim; Lee, Hee Min; Lee, So Yong

Research highlights: {yields} SM22{alpha} overexpression in HepG2 cells leads cells to a growth arrest state, and the treatment of a subclinical dose of {gamma}-radiation or doxorubicin promotes cellular senescence. {yields} SM22{alpha} overexpression elevates p16{sup INK4a} followed by pRB activation, but there are no effects on p53/p21{sup WAF1/Cip1} pathway. {yields} SM22{alpha}-induced MT-1G activates p16{sup INK4a}/pRB pathway, which promotes cellular senescence by damaging agents. -- Abstract: Smooth muscle protein 22-alpha (SM22{alpha}) is known as a transformation- and shape change-sensitive actin cross-linking protein found in smooth muscle tissue and fibroblasts; however, its functional role remains uncertain. We reported previously that SM22{alpha} overexpression confersmore » resistance against anti-cancer drugs or radiation via induction of metallothionein (MT) isozymes in HepG2 cells. In this study, we demonstrate that SM22{alpha} overexpression leads cells to a growth arrest state and promotes cellular senescence caused by treatment with a subclinical dose of {gamma}-radiation (0.05 and 0.1 Gy) or doxorubicin (0.01 and 0.05 {mu}g/ml), compared to control cells. Senescence growth arrest is known to be controlled by p53 phosphorylation/p21{sup WAF1/Cip1} induction or p16{sup INK4a}/retinoblastoma protein (pRB) activation. SM22{alpha} overexpression in HepG2 cells elevated p16{sup INK4a} followed by pRB activation, but did not activate the p53/p21{sup WAF1/Cip1} pathway. Moreover, MT-1G, which is induced by SM22{alpha} overexpression, was involved in the activation of the p16{sup INK4a}/pRB pathway, which led to a growth arrest state and promoted cellular senescence caused by damaging agents. Our findings provide the first demonstration that SM22{alpha} modulates cellular senescence caused by damaging agents via regulation of the p16{sup INK4a}/pRB pathway in HepG2 cells and that these effects of SM22{alpha} are partially mediated by MT-1G.« less

Atorvastatin calcium inhibits phenotypic modulation of PDGF-BB-induced VSMCs via down-regulation the Akt signaling pathway.

PubMed

Chen, Shuang; Liu, Baoqin; Kong, Dehui; Li, Si; Li, Chao; Wang, Huaqin; Sun, Yingxian

2015-01-01

Plasticity of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) plays a central role in the onset and progression of proliferative vascular diseases. In adult tissue, VSMCs exist in a physiological contractile-quiescent phenotype, which is defined by lack of the ability of proliferation and migration, while high expression of contractile marker proteins. After injury to the vessel, VSMC shifts from a contractile phenotype to a pathological synthetic phenotype, associated with increased proliferation, migration and matrix secretion. It has been demonstrated that PDGF-BB is a critical mediator of VSMCs phenotypic switch. Atorvastatin calcium, a selective inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl l coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, exhibits various protective effects against VSMCs. In this study, we investigated the effects of atorvastatin calcium on phenotype modulation of PDGF-BB-induced VSMCs and the related intracellular signal transduction pathways. Treatment of VSMCs with atorvastatin calcium showed dose-dependent inhibition of PDGF-BB-induced proliferation. Atorvastatin calcium co-treatment inhibited the phenotype modulation and cytoskeleton rearrangements and improved the expression of contractile phenotype marker proteins such as α-SM actin, SM22α and calponin in comparison with PDGF-BB alone stimulated VSMCs. Although Akt phosphorylation was strongly elicited by PDGF-BB, Akt activation was attenuated when PDGF-BB was co-administrated with atorvastatin calcium. In conclusion, atorvastatin calcium inhibits phenotype modulation of PDGF-BB-induced VSMCs and activation of the Akt signaling pathway, indicating that Akt might play a vital role in the modulation of phenotype.

Interaction between total body gamma-irradiation and choline deficiency triggers immediate modulation of choline and choline-containing moieties.

PubMed

Batra, Vipen; Kislay, Binita; Devasagayam, Thomas Paul Asir

2011-12-01

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of 60Co-gamma (γ) radiation on acute phase modulation, if any, of choline and choline-containing moieties in choline-deficient subjects. Corresponding results could provide information that might be useful in the management of adverse effects of γ-radiation. Male Swiss mice maintained on a choline-sufficient diet (CSD) and choline-free diet (CFD) based on AIN-93M formula, were subjected to whole body γ-irradiation (2-6 Gy). Liver, serum and brain samples from each group were then tested for: (i) Alterations in choline and choline-containing moieties such as phosphatidylcholine (PC) and sphingomyeline (SM); and (ii) modulation of choline profile modulating enzymes such as phospholipase D (PLD) and total sphingomyelinase (t-SMase). Liver and brain samples were also subjected to histo-pathological examinations. No significant changes were observed in folate, choline, choline-containing moieties and choline-modulating enzymes in choline-sufficient mice. In contrast, interaction between cytotoxic effects of γ-radiation and choline deficiency modulated choline and choline-containing moieties. Feeding CFD reduced hepatic concentrations of choline, PC and SM whereas PLD and t-SMase activities were significantly raised. The decrease in liver choline and choline-containing moieties was accompanied by an increase in blood choline concentration. Despite choline deficiency, the level of choline and acetylcholine synthesizing enzyme choline acetyltransfease (ChAT) significantly increased in the brain. We propose that choline deprivation and γ-radiation interact to modulate choline reserves of hepatic tissue, which might release choline to blood. Our studies also clearly showed that interaction between choline deficiency and γ-radiation might substantially enhance liver adipogenesis.

Antenatal substance misuse and smoking and newborn hypoxic challenge response.

PubMed

Ali, Kamal; Rossor, Thomas; Bhat, Ravindra; Wolff, Kim; Hannam, Simon; Rafferty, Gerrard F; Peacock, Janet L; Greenough, Anne

2016-03-01

Infants of smoking (S) and substance misusing (SM) mothers have an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that infants of SM or S mothers compared with infants of non-SM, non-smoking mothers (controls) would have a poorer ventilatory response to hypoxia, which was particularly marked in the SM infants. Physiological study. Tertiary perinatal centre. 21 SM; 21 S and 19 control infants. Infants were assessed before maternity/neonatal unit discharge. Maternal and infant urine samples were tested for cotinine, cannabinoids, opiates, amphetamines, methadone, cocaine and benzodiazepines. During quiet sleep, the infants were switched from breathing room air to 15% oxygen and changes in minute volume were assessed. The SM infants had a greater mean increase (p=0.028, p=0.034, respectively) and a greater magnitude of decline (p<0.001, p=0.018, respectively) in minute volume than the S infants and the controls. The rate of decline in minute volume was greater in the SM infants (p=0.008) and the S infants (p=0.011) compared with the controls. Antenatal substance misuse and smoking affect the infant's ventilatory response to a hypoxic challenge. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

Propylthiouracil, independent of its antithyroid effect, promotes vascular smooth muscle cells differentiation via PTEN induction.

PubMed

Chen, Wei-Jan; Pang, Jong-Hwei S; Lin, Kwang-Huei; Lee, Dany-Young; Hsu, Lung-An; Kuo, Chi-Tai

2010-01-01

Propylthiouracil (PTU), independent of its antithyroid effect, is recently found to have an antiatherosclerotic effect. The aim of this study is to determine the impact of PTU on phenotypic modulation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), as phenotypic modulation may contribute to the growth of atherosclerotic lesions and neointimal formation after arterial injury. Propylthiouracil reduced neointimal formation in balloon-injured rat carotid arteries. In vitro, PTU may convert VSMCs from a serum-induced dedifferentiation state to a differentiated state, as indicated by a spindle-shaped morphology and an increase in the expression of SMC differentiation marker contractile proteins, including calponin and smooth muscle (SM)-myosin heavy chain (SM-MHC). Transient transfection studies in VSMCs demonstrated that PTU induced the activity of SMC marker genes (calponin and SM-MHC) promoters, indicating that PTU up-regulates these genes expression predominantly at the transcriptional level. Furthermore, PTU enhanced the expression of PTEN and inhibition of PTEN by siRNA knockdown blocked PTU-induced activation of contractile proteins expression and promoter activity. In the rat carotid injury model, PTU reversed the down-regulation of contractile proteins and up-regulated PTEN in the neointima induced by balloon injury. Propylthiouracil promotes VSMC differentiation, at lest in part, via induction of the PTEN-mediated pathway. These findings suggest a possible mechanism by which PTU may contribute to its beneficial effects on atherogenesis and neointimal formation after arterial injury.

Development of a Multi-Agent m-Health Application Based on Various Protocols for Chronic Disease Self-Management.

PubMed

Park, Hyun Sang; Cho, Hune; Kim, Hwa Sun

2016-01-01

The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a mobile health application (Self-Management mobile Personal Health Record: "SmPHR") to ensure the interoperability of various personal health devices (PHDs) and electronic medical record systems (EMRs) for continuous self-management of chronic disease patients. The SmPHR was developed for Android 4.0.3, and implemented according to the optimized standard protocol for each interface of healthcare services adopted by the Continua Health Alliance (CHA). That is, the Personal Area Network (PAN) interface between the application and PHD implements ISO/IEEE 11073-20,601, 10,404, 10,407, 10,415, 10,417, and Bluetooth Health Device Profile (HDP), and EMRs with a wide area network (WAN) interface implement HL7 V2.6; the Health Record Network (HRN) interface implements Continuity of Care Document (CCD) and Continuity of Care Record (CCR). Also, for SmPHR, we evaluated the transmission error rate between the interface using four PHDs and personal health record systems (PHRs) from previous research, with 611 users and elderly people after receiving institutional review board (IRB) approval. In the evaluation, the PAN interface showed 15 (2.4 %) errors, and the WAN and HRN interface showed 13 (2.1 %) errors in a total of 611 transmission attempts. Also, we received opinions regarding SmPHR from 15 healthcare professionals who took part in the clinical trial. Thus, SmPHR can be provided as an interconnected PHR mobile health service to patients, allowing 'plug and play' of PHDs and EMRs through various standard protocols.

Ferguson places Mission Patch in SM

NASA Image and Video Library

2008-11-27

S126-E-012202 (27 Nov. 2008) --- Part of the final activities between the crews of the Space Shuttle Endeavour and Expedition 18 aboard the International Space Station included mounting a cloth insgnia of the STS-126 crew by astronaut Chris Ferguson, commander, in the Zvezda module.

Characterization and Modulation of Proteins Involved in SM Vesication

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-05-01

shown to be the major etiological factor leading to the precancerous stage of actinic keratosis (AK) and to induction and progression of skin cancers...representing a transient regression-prone precancerous stage equivalent to actinic keratosis . To further examine which caspases are apical and

Diagnosed Eating Disorders in the U.S. Military: A Nine Year Review

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-09-01

The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of three types of eating disorders (ED) -- anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN) and... eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS) -- diagnosed in the U.S. Military. Diagnosed cases of ED were obtained from the Defense Medical...Epidemiology Database for all Service Members (SM) from 1998-2006. The percentage per year of SM with an ED diagnosis was .30%. Eating disorders were

Enhanced colonic delivery of ciclosporin A self-emulsifying drug delivery system encapsulated in coated minispheres.

PubMed

Keohane, Kieran; Rosa, Mónica; Coulter, Ivan S; Griffin, Brendan T

2016-01-01

Investigate the potential of coated minispheres (SmPill®) to enhance localized Ciclosporin A (CsA) delivery to the colon. CsA self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) were encapsulated into SmPill® minispheres. Varying degrees of coating thickness (low, medium and high) were applied using ethylcellulose and pectin (E:P) polymers. In vitro CsA release was evaluated in simulated gastric and intestinal media. Bioavailability of CsA in vivo following oral administration to pigs of SmPill® minispheres was compared to Neoral® po and Sandimmun® iv in a pig model. CsA concentrations in blood and intestinal tissue were determined by HPLC-UV. In vitro CsA release from coated minispheres decreased with increasing coating thickness. A linear relationship was observed between in vitro CsA release and in vivo bioavailability (r(2) = 0.98). CsA concentrations in the proximal, transverse and distal colon were significantly higher following administration of SmPill®, compared to Neoral® po and Sandimmun® iv (p < 0.05). Analysis of transverse colon tissue subsections also revealed significantly higher CsA concentrations in the mucosa and submucosa using SmPill® minispheres (p < 0.05). Modulating E:P coating thickness controls release of CsA from SmPill® minispheres. Coated minispheres limited CsA release in the small intestine and enhanced delivery and uptake in the colon. These findings demonstrate clinical advantages of an oral coated minisphere-enabled CsA formulation in the treatment of inflammatory conditions of the large intestine.

77 FR 5177 - Schedule of Fees for Consular Services, Department of State and Overseas Embassies and Consulates

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-02

..., as determined by the CoSM: --Passport Book Application Services for Applicants Age 16 or Over (including renewals): from $55 to $70 --Additional Passport Visa Pages: from $0 to $82 --Passport Book... to $450* --Passport Card Application Services for Applicants Age 16 or Over (including renewals...

A novel antifungal peptide from leaves of the weed Stellaria media L.

PubMed

Rogozhin, Eugene A; Slezina, Marina P; Slavokhotova, Anna A; Istomina, Ekaterina A; Korostyleva, Tatyana V; Smirnov, Alexey N; Grishin, Eugene V; Egorov, Tsezi A; Odintsova, Tatyana I

2015-09-01

A novel peptide named SmAMP3 was isolated from leaves of common chickweed (Stellaria media L.) by a combination of acidic extraction and a single-step reversed-phase HPLC and sequenced. The peptide is basic and cysteine-rich, consists of 35 amino acids, and contains three disulphide bridges. Homology search revealed that SmAMP3 belongs to the family of hevein-like antimicrobial peptides carrying a conserved chitin-binding site. Efficient binding of chitin by SmAMP3 was proved by in vitro assays. Molecular modeling confirmed conservation of the chitin-binding module in SmAMP3 locating the variable amino acid residues to the solvent-exposed loops of the molecule. The peptide exhibits potent antifungal activity against important plant pathogens in the micromolar range, although it is devoid of antibacterial activity at concentrations below 10 μM. As judged by chromatographic behavior and mass spectrometric data, the peptide is constitutively expressed in above-ground organs and seeds of S. media plants, thus representing an important player in the preformed branch of the plant immune system. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. and Société Française de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire (SFBBM). All rights reserved.

Selective mutism: a consensus based care pathway of good practice.

PubMed

Keen, D V; Fonseca, S; Wintgens, A

2008-10-01

Selective mutism (SM) now acknowledged as an anxiety condition, tends to be a poorly understood, highly complex and vastly under-recognised clinical entity. Children with SM are a vulnerable group as the condition is not the remit of any one professional group. This inevitably leads to delay in formal diagnosis and management. There is a lack of systematic research on which to base guidelines for management. To develop, agree and validate key principles underlying the management of SM through a consensus process involving international experts, in order to create a local care pathway. A local multi-agency consultation process developed 11 statements, which were felt to be the key principles underpinning a potential care pathway for managing SM. Thirteen recognised experts from North America, Europe and Australia participated in a modified Delphi process involving two rounds using a Likert-scale and free commentary. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses were used in the validation or revision of the statements at each stage. Response rates were 100% for Round 1 and 84.6% for Round 2. Despite the differing professional backgrounds and service contexts, by successive revision and/or revalidation of statements, it was possible to arrive at a consensus about key principles relating to early recognition, assessment and intervention. The agreed key principles are presented together with the resulting local care pathway. Through a Delphi process, agreement was reached by a multidisciplinary group of professionals, on key principles that underpin the timely identification, assessment and management of children with SM. These include the potential for staff in school/preschool settings to identify SM and that intervention programmes should generally be based in these settings. Children with SM should receive assessment for possible coexisting disorders, whether developmental, emotional or behavioural and additional specific intervention given for these. Agreement was reached as to what constitutes clinical progress, intervals for monitoring progress, criteria for referral onwards for multidisciplinary specialist assessment and the role of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medication. A consensus methodology has been successfully used to compensate for the lack of evidence base and harness the expertise of a relatively small number of experienced professionals in order to provide a basis for the future development of services.

Outsourcing primary health care services--how politicians explain the grounds for their decisions.

PubMed

Laamanen, Ritva; Simonsen-Rehn, Nina; Suominen, Sakari; Øvretveit, John; Brommels, Mats

2008-12-01

To explore outsourcing of primary health care (PHC) services in four municipalities in Finland with varying amounts and types of outsourcing: a Southern municipality (SM) which contracted all PHC services to a not-for-profit voluntary organization, and Eastern (EM), South-Western (SWM) and Western (WM) municipalities which had contracted out only a few services to profit or public organizations. A mail survey to all municipality politicians (response rate 52%, N=101) in 2004. Data were analyzed using cross-tabulations, Spearman correlation and linear regression analyses. Politicians were willing to outsource PHC services only partially, and many problems relating to outsourcing were reported. Politicians in all municipalities were least likely to outsource preventive services. A multiple linear regression model showed that reported preference to outsource in EM and in SWM was lower than in SM, and also lower among politicians from "leftist" political parties than "rightist" political parties. Perceived difficulties in local health policy issues were related to reduced preference to outsource. The model explained 27% of the variance of the inclination to outsource PHC services. The findings highlight how important it is to take into account local health policy issues when assessing service-provision models.

The association between occurrence and severity of subclinical and clinical mastitis on pregnancies per artificial insemination at first service of Holstein cows.

PubMed

Fuenzalida, M J; Fricke, P M; Ruegg, P L

2015-06-01

The objective of this prospective study was to determine associations between occurrence and severity of clinical (CM) and subclinical mastitis (SM) during a defined breeding risk period (BRP, 3d before to 32d after artificial insemination) on pregnancies per artificial insemination at first service (P/AI1). Dairy cows (n=3,144) from 4 Wisconsin herds were categorized based on the occurrence of one or more CM or SM events during and before the BRP: (1) healthy, (2) mastitis before BRP, (3) SM during BRP, (4) chronic SM, (5) CM during BRP, or (6) chronic CM. Clinical mastitis cases were categorized based on etiology (gram-negative, gram-positive, and no growth) and severity (mild, moderate, or severe). Compared with healthy cows, the odds of pregnancy were 0.56, 0.67, and 0.75 for cows experiencing chronic CM, CM, or SM during the BRP, respectively. The occurrence of chronic SM was not associated with reduced probability of P/AI1. Compared with healthy cows, the odds of pregnancy were 0.71 and 0.54 for cows experiencing mild or moderate-severe cases of CM during the BRP, respectively. The odds of pregnancy for cows experiencing CM caused by gram-negative or gram-positive bacteria during the BRP were 0.47 and 0.59, respectively. The occurrence of CM that resulted in no growth of bacteria in cultured milk samples was not associated with reductions in P/AI1. Regardless of etiology, microbiologically positive cases of CM with moderate or severe symptoms were associated with substantial reductions in P/AI1. Etiology, severity, and timing of CM were associated with decreases in the probability of pregnancy at first artificial insemination. Severity of the case was more important than etiology; however, regardless of severity, microbiologically negative cases were not associated with reduced probability of pregnancy. Copyright © 2015 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Modulation of Molecular Markers by CLA.

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-10-01

sequence information obtained for each gene fragment, a gene-specific primer was synthesized (Integrated DNA Technology, Inc, Coralville , IA) as the down...G.W. and Cochran, W.G. (1967) Statistical Methods, Ed. 6 Iowa University Press. 81. JK Beckman, T Yoshioka, SM Knobel, HL Green. Biphasic changes in

Sparse-view proton computed tomography using modulated proton beams.

PubMed

Lee, Jiseoc; Kim, Changhwan; Min, Byungjun; Kwak, Jungwon; Park, Seyjoon; Lee, Se Byeong; Park, Sungyong; Cho, Seungryong

2015-02-01

Proton imaging that uses a modulated proton beam and an intensity detector allows a relatively fast image acquisition compared to the imaging approach based on a trajectory tracking detector. In addition, it requires a relatively simple implementation in a conventional proton therapy equipment. The model of geometric straight ray assumed in conventional computed tomography (CT) image reconstruction is however challenged by multiple-Coulomb scattering and energy straggling in the proton imaging. Radiation dose to the patient is another important issue that has to be taken care of for practical applications. In this work, the authors have investigated iterative image reconstructions after a deconvolution of the sparsely view-sampled data to address these issues in proton CT. Proton projection images were acquired using the modulated proton beams and the EBT2 film as an intensity detector. Four electron-density cylinders representing normal soft tissues and bone were used as imaged object and scanned at 40 views that are equally separated over 360°. Digitized film images were converted to water-equivalent thickness by use of an empirically derived conversion curve. For improving the image quality, a deconvolution-based image deblurring with an empirically acquired point spread function was employed. They have implemented iterative image reconstruction algorithms such as adaptive steepest descent-projection onto convex sets (ASD-POCS), superiorization method-projection onto convex sets (SM-POCS), superiorization method-expectation maximization (SM-EM), and expectation maximization-total variation minimization (EM-TV). Performance of the four image reconstruction algorithms was analyzed and compared quantitatively via contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and root-mean-square-error (RMSE). Objects of higher electron density have been reconstructed more accurately than those of lower density objects. The bone, for example, has been reconstructed within 1% error. EM-based algorithms produced an increased image noise and RMSE as the iteration reaches about 20, while the POCS-based algorithms showed a monotonic convergence with iterations. The ASD-POCS algorithm outperformed the others in terms of CNR, RMSE, and the accuracy of the reconstructed relative stopping power in the region of lung and soft tissues. The four iterative algorithms, i.e., ASD-POCS, SM-POCS, SM-EM, and EM-TV, have been developed and applied for proton CT image reconstruction. Although it still seems that the images need to be improved for practical applications to the treatment planning, proton CT imaging by use of the modulated beams in sparse-view sampling has demonstrated its feasibility.

Social Media Use among United Kingdom Vascular Surgeons: A Cross-Sectional Study.

PubMed

Cochrane, Andrew R; McDonald, James J; Brady, Richard R W

2016-05-01

Engagement with social media (SM) is increasing within the general population and medical professionals. Overall, SM engagement is divided between closed, private networks and open, public platforms, such as LinkedIn and Twitter. As engagement with SM is known to vary between specialties, this study was undertaken to evaluate the uptake of SM among vascular surgeons and to describe user demographics associated with SM engagement. Vascular surgeons were identified from the 2013 Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland Quality Improvement Project and cross-referenced with the General Medical Council registry. Identified individual surgeons were manually searched for on common SM platforms and via Google to identify both SM profiles and personal/partnership practice websites. In total, 472 surgeons (442 men, 93.6%) from 112 National Health Service Trusts were identified. Three hundred forty (63.7%) graduated from UK universities with a mean graduating year of 1987 (range 1969-2000). Cumulatively, they performed 36,300 procedures (mean 72/surgeon; range 3-257). Overall, SM engagement was 47.4%; 217 (46.0%) had LinkedIn accounts and 23 (4.8%) had Twitter profiles. LinkedIn users had a mean of 69 connections (range 0-500+) and had a mean graduating year of 1988 (range 1969-2000). Twitter users had a mean of 258 followers (range 2-2424) and had tweeted a mean of 450 times (range 0-2865); they graduated more recently than their non-Twitter engaged colleagues (mean graduation 1991 vs. 1987, P = 0.006). Overall, SM usage was associated with a more recent graduation (P = 0.038) and with working in the private sector (21.4% vs. 13.7%, P = 0.029). There were demographic differences between those who had LinkedIn and Twitter accounts. Twitter and LinkedIn engagement among vascular surgeons is higher than that of other surgical specialties. There is a significant link between the experience of the surgeon and with SM use. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Williams cuts his hair in the SM during Expedition 13

NASA Image and Video Library

2006-05-09

ISS013-E-17184 (9 May 2006) --- Astronaut Jeffrey N. Williams, Expedition 13 NASA space station science officer and flight engineer, trims his hair in the Zarya module of the International Space Station. Williams used hair clippers fashioned with a vacuum device to garner freshly cut hair.

Feasibility analysis on integration of luminous environment measuring and design based on exposure curve calibration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zou, Yuan; Shen, Tianxing

2013-03-01

Besides illumination calculating during architecture and luminous environment design, to provide more varieties of photometric data, the paper presents combining relation between luminous environment design and SM light environment measuring system, which contains a set of experiment devices including light information collecting and processing modules, and can offer us various types of photometric data. During the research process, we introduced a simulation method for calibration, which mainly includes rebuilding experiment scenes in 3ds Max Design, calibrating this computer aid design software in simulated environment under conditions of various typical light sources, and fitting the exposure curves of rendered images. As analytical research went on, the operation sequence and points for attention during the simulated calibration were concluded, connections between Mental Ray renderer and SM light environment measuring system were established as well. From the paper, valuable reference conception for coordination between luminous environment design and SM light environment measuring system was pointed out.

Antidepressant-like deliverables from the sea: evidence on the efficacy of three different brown seaweeds via involvement of monoaminergic system.

PubMed

Siddiqui, Pirzada Jamal Ahmed; Khan, Adnan; Uddin, Nizam; Khaliq, Saima; Rasheed, Munawwer; Nawaz, Shazia; Hanif, Muhammad; Dar, Ahsana

2017-07-01

Brown seaweeds exhibit several health benefits in treating and managing wide array of ailments. In this study, the antidepressant-like effect of methaolic extracts from Sargassum swartzii (SS), Stoechospermum marginatum (SM), and Nizamuddinia zanardinii (NZ) was examined in forced swimming test (FST), in rats. Oral administration of SS, SM, and NZ extract (30-60 mg/kg) exhibited antidepressant-like activity in FST by reducing immobility time as compared to control group, without inducing significant change in ambulatory behavior in open field test. In order to evaluate the involvement of monoaminergic system, rats were pretreated with the inhibitor of brain serotonin stores p-chlorophenylalanin (PCPA), dopamine (SCH23390 and sulpiride), and adrenoceptor (prazosin and propranolol) antagonists. Rats receiving treatment for 28 days were decapitated and brains were analyzed for monoamine levels. It may be concluded that the extracts of SS, SM, and NZ produces antidepressant-like activity via modulation of brain monoaminergic system in a rat model.

Atorvastatin Calcium Inhibits Phenotypic Modulation of PDGF-BB-Induced VSMCs via Down-Regulation the Akt Signaling Pathway

PubMed Central

Chen, Shuang; Liu, Baoqin; Kong, Dehui; Li, Si; Li, Chao; Wang, Huaqin; Sun, Yingxian

2015-01-01

Plasticity of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) plays a central role in the onset and progression of proliferative vascular diseases. In adult tissue, VSMCs exist in a physiological contractile-quiescent phenotype, which is defined by lack of the ability of proliferation and migration, while high expression of contractile marker proteins. After injury to the vessel, VSMC shifts from a contractile phenotype to a pathological synthetic phenotype, associated with increased proliferation, migration and matrix secretion. It has been demonstrated that PDGF-BB is a critical mediator of VSMCs phenotypic switch. Atorvastatin calcium, a selective inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl l coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, exhibits various protective effects against VSMCs. In this study, we investigated the effects of atorvastatin calcium on phenotype modulation of PDGF-BB-induced VSMCs and the related intracellular signal transduction pathways. Treatment of VSMCs with atorvastatin calcium showed dose-dependent inhibition of PDGF-BB-induced proliferation. Atorvastatin calcium co-treatment inhibited the phenotype modulation and cytoskeleton rearrangements and improved the expression of contractile phenotype marker proteins such as α-SM actin, SM22α and calponin in comparison with PDGF-BB alone stimulated VSMCs. Although Akt phosphorylation was strongly elicited by PDGF-BB, Akt activation was attenuated when PDGF-BB was co-administrated with atorvastatin calcium. In conclusion, atorvastatin calcium inhibits phenotype modulation of PDGF-BB-induced VSMCs and activation of the Akt signaling pathway, indicating that Akt might play a vital role in the modulation of phenotype. PMID:25874930

GIFTS SM EDU Radiometric and Spectral Calibrations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tian, J.; Reisse, R. a.; Johnson, D. G.; Gazarik, J. J.

2007-01-01

The Geosynchronous Imaging Fourier Transform Spectrometer (GIFTS) Sensor Module (SM) Engineering Demonstration Unit (EDU) is a high resolution spectral imager designed to measure infrared (IR) radiance using a Fourier transform spectrometer (FTS). The GIFTS instrument gathers measurements across the long-wave IR (LWIR), short/mid-wave IR (SMWIR), and visible spectral bands. The raw interferogram measurements are radiometrically and spectrally calibrated to produce radiance spectra, which are further processed to obtain atmospheric profiles via retrieval algorithms. This paper describes the processing algorithms involved in the calibration. The calibration procedures can be subdivided into three categories: the pre-calibration stage, the calibration stage, and finally, the post-calibration stage. Detailed derivations for each stage are presented in this paper.

Inservice Teacher Education in Nigeria: A Case Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Esu, Akon E. O.

1991-01-01

Examines the current status of in-service teacher education in Nigeria, indicating three approaches: the central office approach; the long vacation program; and the Associateship Certificate in Education distance learning approach. Recommendations for planning and implementing in-service teacher education programs in Nigeria are noted. (SM)

A new cooperative MIMO scheme based on SM for energy-efficiency improvement in wireless sensor network.

PubMed

Peng, Yuyang; Choi, Jaeho

2014-01-01

Improving the energy efficiency in wireless sensor networks (WSN) has attracted considerable attention nowadays. The multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technique has been proved as a good candidate for improving the energy efficiency, but it may not be feasible in WSN which is due to the size limitation of the sensor node. As a solution, the cooperative multiple-input multiple-output (CMIMO) technique overcomes this constraint and shows a dramatically good performance. In this paper, a new CMIMO scheme based on the spatial modulation (SM) technique named CMIMO-SM is proposed for energy-efficiency improvement. We first establish the system model of CMIMO-SM. Based on this model, the transmission approach is introduced graphically. In order to evaluate the performance of the proposed scheme, a detailed analysis in terms of energy consumption per bit of the proposed scheme compared with the conventional CMIMO is presented. Later, under the guide of this new scheme we extend our proposed CMIMO-SM to a multihop clustered WSN for further achieving energy efficiency by finding an optimal hop-length. Equidistant hop as the traditional scheme will be compared in this paper. Results from the simulations and numerical experiments indicate that by the use of the proposed scheme, significant savings in terms of total energy consumption can be achieved. Combining the proposed scheme with monitoring sensor node will provide a good performance in arbitrary deployed WSN such as forest fire detection system.

Enhanced magneto-caloric effect upon Co substitution in Ni-Mn-Sn thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Modak, Rajkumar; Raja, M. Manivel; Srinivasan, A.

2018-02-01

Mn rich Ni-Mn-Sn and Ni-Mn-Co-Sn alloy films were deposited on Si (1 0 0) substrate by dc magnetron sputtering from Ni50Mn37Sn13 alloy target at 1.8 Pa Ar pressure with 70 W dc power. Co was introduced by placing Co chips on the Ni-Mn-Sn target. As-deposited films were vacuum annealed at 823 K for 1 h. X-ray diffraction patterns of the films revealed modulated 14 M structure of the martensite phase at room temperature. Magnetic entropy change (ΔSm) across the Curie temperature of the ferromagnetic films was estimated from initial isothermal magnetization curves using Maxwell's equation. ΔSm and refrigeration capacity (RC) of Ni-Mn-Sn and Ni-Mn-Co-Sn films increased with increasing film thickness. Upon Co substitution in Mn/Sn site(s), ΔSm and RC increased more remarkably. The change is more prominent in the case of 360 nm films, wherein a 3.8-fold increase in ΔSM and 8.9-fold increase in RC was observed. Introduction of Co increased the magnetic moment and broadened the magnetic transition. These factors increased ΔSm and RC in Co substituted Ni-Mn-Sn alloy. Since TC shifted to higher temperatures with Co substitution, operating temperature of these magnetic refrigerants also shifted to higher temperature. This study indicates the possibility of developing high temperature cooling devices and waste energy harvesters using these films.

Obesity in social media: a mixed methods analysis.

PubMed

Chou, Wen-Ying Sylvia; Prestin, Abby; Kunath, Stephen

2014-09-01

The escalating obesity rate in the USA has made obesity prevention a top public health priority. Recent interventions have tapped into the social media (SM) landscape. To leverage SM in obesity prevention, we must understand user-generated discourse surrounding the topic. This study was conducted to describe SM interactions about weight through a mixed methods analysis. Data were collected across 60 days through SM monitoring services, yielding 2.2 million posts. Data were cleaned and coded through Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques, yielding popular themes and the most retweeted content. Qualitative analyses of selected posts add insight into the nature of the public dialogue and motivations for participation. Twitter represented the most common channel. Twitter and Facebook were dominated by derogatory and misogynist sentiment, pointing to weight stigmatization, whereas blogs and forums contained more nuanced comments. Other themes included humor, education, and positive sentiment countering weight-based stereotypes. This study documented weight-related attitudes and perceptions. This knowledge will inform public health/obesity prevention practice.

Operationalizing Surveillance of Chronic Disease Self-Management and Self-Management Support

PubMed Central

Sacks, Jeffrey J.; Terrillion, Albert J.; Colligan, Erin M.

2018-01-01

Sixty percent of US adults have at least one chronic condition, and more than 40% have multiple conditions. Self-management (SM) by the individual, along with self-management support (SMS) by others, are nonpharmacological interventions with few side effects that are critical to optimal chronic disease control. Ruiz and colleagues laid the conceptual groundwork for surveillance of SM/SMS at 5 socio-ecological levels (individual, health system, community, policy, and media). We extend that work by proposing operationalized indicators at each socio-ecologic level and suggest that the indicators be embedded in existing surveillance systems at national, state, and local levels. Without a robust measurement system at the population level, we will not know how far we have to go or how far we have come in making SM and SMS a reality. The data can also be used to facilitate planning and service delivery strategies, monitor temporal changes, and stimulate SM/SMS–related research. PMID:29625631

The Value of Advanced Smart Metering in the Management of Urban Water Supply Services

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guardiola, J.; Pulido-Velazquez, M.; Giuliani, M.; Castelletti, A.; Cominola, A.; Arregui de la Cruz, F.; Escriva-Bou, A.; Soriano, J.; Pérez, J. J.; Castillo, J.; Barba, J.; González, V.; Rizzoli, A. E.

2016-12-01

This work intends to outline the experience of the implementation and further exploitation of an extensive network of smart meters (SM) in the city of Valencia by Aguas de Valencia, the water utility that offers water supply and sanitation services to the city of Valencia and its metropolitan area. Valencia has become the first large city in Europe fully equipped with a point-to-point fixed network of SM (currently with more than 430,000 units, about 90% of the meters of the city). The shift towards a water supply management system based on SM is a complex process that entails changes and impacts on different management areas of the water supply organization. A new data management and processing platform has been developed and is already proving notable benefits in the operation of the system. For example, a tool allows to automatically issue and manage work orders when abnormalities such as internal leaks (constant consumption) or meter alarms are detected. Another tool has been developed to reduce levels of non-revenue water by continuously balancing supply and demand in district metered areas. Improving leak detection and adjusting pressure levels has significantly increased the efficiency of the water distribution network. Finally, a service of post-meter leak detection has been also implemented. But the SM also contribute to improve demand management. The customers now receive detailed information on their water consumption, valuable for improving household water management and assessing the value of water conservation strategies. SM are also key tools for improving the level of understanding of demand patterns. Users have been categorized into different clusters depending in their consumption patterns characteristics. Within the EU SmartH2O project, a high resolution and frequency monitoring of residential uses has been conducted in a selected sample of households for a precise disaggregation of residential end-uses. The disaggregation of end-uses allows for a better characterization and modelling of residential water demand, and, ultimately, designing efficient user-oriented water management strategies.

Effects of anti-inflammatory compounds on sulfur mustard injured cells: Recommendations and caveats suggested by in vitro cell culture models.

PubMed

Menacher, Georg; Steinritz, Dirk; Schmidt, Annette; Popp, Tanja; Worek, Franz; Gudermann, Thomas; Thiermann, Horst; Balszuweit, Frank

2018-09-01

Sulfur mustard (SM) is a vesicant agent who had its first military use 100 years ago, in Ypres. Since then it has been used in several conflicts like the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s. The use of SM in Syria 2015 indicated the still existing threat. Despite decades of research no causal antidote against SM intoxication is available, so far. A SM intoxication is accompanied by necrosis, apoptosis and inflammation. To counteract the SM-induced inflammation, glucocorticoids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compounds (NSAIDs) are recommended. Aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the anti-inflammatory compounds dexamethasone, ibuprofen and diclofenac in vitro. For that purpose, two different cell culture models were used. Firstly, a monoculture of keratinocytes (HaCaT) and secondly, an established co-culture of keratinocytes (HaCaT) and immunocompetent cells (THP-1) to identify the role of immune cells in the process and to mimic the dermal physiology more closely. Both models were challenged with different SM concentrations (100, 200 and 300μM) and treated with different anti-inflammatory compounds one hour after the SM exposure. Analytical analysis of necrosis (ToxiLight), apoptosis (CDDE) and inflammation (IL-6 and -8 ELISAs) followed 24h thereafter. Dexamethasone provided small but consistent protective effects in the monoculture. For the reduction of apoptosis, 3μM dexamethasone was sufficient. The most effective reduction regarding interleukin (IL) production was found with 6μM dexamethasone. Protective effects were less pronounced in co-culture, which implies, that the protective effects of dexamethasone are rather generic and not due to a modulation of the immune cells. Against our expectations, ibuprofen strongly amplified apoptosis and necrosis in SM exposed cells in the monoculture as well as the co-culture. Therefore, use of ibuprofen for treatment of SM intoxication should at least be considered most critically, if not even regarded as harmful. Diclofenac significantly reduced necrosis, apoptosis and inflammation in the co-culture in a dose-dependent manner. The greatest benefit regarding cell survival and reduction of the inflammation-marker IL-6 after a SM treatment was observed after diclofenac treatment. The protective effects of diclofenac were less pronounced in the monoculture which suggests, that diclofenac can modify the response of immune cells to SM. In conclusion, the results of our experiments, showing a benefit for diclofenac after SM exposure are in line with in vivo data of other researchers. Though, our in vitro results suggest the preferred use of diclofenac over ibuprofen. The benefit of dexamethasone is still equivocal, but low concentrations seem to have some positive effects. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Smooth muscle myosin light chain kinase efficiently phosphorylates serine 15 of cardiac myosin regulatory light chain

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

Josephson, Matthew P.; Sikkink, Laura A.; Penheiter, Alan R.

2011-12-16

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Cardiac myosin regulatory light chain (MYL2) is phosphorylated at S15. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Smooth muscle myosin light chain kinase (smMLCK) is a ubiquitous kinase. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer It is a widely believed that MYL2 is a poor substrate for smMLCK. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer In fact, smMLCK efficiently and rapidly phosphorylates S15 in MYL2. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Phosphorylation kinetics measured by novel fluorescence method without radioactivity. -- Abstract: Specific phosphorylation of the human ventricular cardiac myosin regulatory light chain (MYL2) modifies the protein at S15. This modification affects MYL2 secondary structure and modulates the Ca{sup 2+} sensitivity of contraction in cardiac tissue. Smooth muscle myosin light chainmore » kinase (smMLCK) is a ubiquitous kinase prevalent in uterus and present in other contracting tissues including cardiac muscle. The recombinant 130 kDa (short) smMLCK phosphorylated S15 in MYL2 in vitro. Specific modification of S15 was verified using the direct detection of the phospho group on S15 with mass spectrometry. SmMLCK also specifically phosphorylated myosin regulatory light chain S15 in porcine ventricular myosin and chicken gizzard smooth muscle myosin (S20 in smooth muscle) but failed to phosphorylate the myosin regulatory light chain in rabbit skeletal myosin. Phosphorylation kinetics, measured using a novel fluorescence method eliminating the use of radioactive isotopes, indicates similar Michaelis-Menten V{sub max} and K{sub M} for regulatory light chain S15 phosphorylation rates in MYL2, porcine ventricular myosin, and chicken gizzard myosin. These data demonstrate that smMLCK is a specific and efficient kinase for the in vitro phosphorylation of MYL2, cardiac, and smooth muscle myosin. Whether smMLCK plays a role in cardiac muscle regulation or response to a disease causing stimulus is unclear but it should be considered a potentially significant kinase in cardiac tissue on the basis of its specificity, kinetics, and tissue expression.« less

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

Bugaris, Daniel E.; Malliakas, Christos D.; Han, Fei

A new polymorph of the RE 2Ru 3Ge 5 (RE = Pr, Sm, Dy) compounds has been grown as single crystals via an indium flux. These compounds crystallize in tetragonal space group P4/mnc with the Sc 2Fe 3Si 5-type structure, having lattice parameters a = 11.020(2) Å and c = 5.853(1) Å for RE = Pr, a = 10.982(2) Å and c = 5.777(1) Å for RE = Sm, and a = 10.927(2) Å and c = 5.697(1) Å for RE = Dy. These materials exhibit a structural transition at low temperature, which is attributed to an apparent charge densitymore » wave (CDW). Both the high-temperature average crystal structure and the low-temperature incommensurately modulated crystal structure (for Sm 2Ru 3Ge 5 as a representative) have been solved. The charge density wave order is manifested by periodic distortions of the onedimensional zigzag Ge chains. From X-ray diffraction, charge transport (electrical resistivity, Hall effect, magnetoresistance), magnetic measurements, and heat capacity, the ordering temperatures (T CDW) observed in the Pr and Sm analogues are ~200 and ~175 K, respectively. The charge transport measurement results indicate an electronic state transition happening simultaneously with the CDW transition. X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) and electronic band structure results are also reported.« less

Gravitational force modulates G2/M phase exit in mechanically unloaded myoblasts

PubMed Central

Benavides Damm, Tatiana; Franco-Obregón, Alfredo; Egli, Marcel

2013-01-01

Prolonged spaceflight gives rise to muscle loss and reduced strength, a condition commonly referred to as space atrophy. During exposure to microgravity, skeletal muscle myoblasts are mechanically unloaded and respond with attenuated cell proliferation, slowed cell cycle progression, and modified protein expression. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which muscle mass declines in response to prolonged microgravity exposure, we grew C2C12 mouse muscle cells under conditions of simulated microgravity (SM) and analyzed their proliferative capacity, cell cycle progression, and cyclin B and D expression. We demonstrated that the retarded cell growth observed in SM was correlated with an approximate 16 h delay in G2/M phase progression, where cells accumulated specifically between the G2 checkpoint and the onset of anaphase, concomitantly with a positive expression for cyclin B. The effect was specific for gravitational mechanical unloading as cells grown under conditions of hypergravity (HG, 4 g) for similar durations of time exhibited normal proliferation and normal cell cycle progression. Our results show that SM and HG exert phenomenological distinct responses over cell cycle progression. The deficits of SM can be restored by terrestrial gravitational force, whereas the effects of HG are indistinguishable from the 1 g control. This suggests that the mechanotransduction apparatus of cells responds differently to mechanical unloading and loading. PMID:23974110

Modeled effects of soil acidification on long-term ecological and economic outcomes for managed forests in the Adirondack region (USA).

PubMed

Caputo, Jesse; Beier, Colin M; Sullivan, Timothy J; Lawrence, Gregory B

2016-09-15

Sugar maple (Acer saccharum) is among the most ecologically and economically important tree species in North America, and its growth and regeneration is often the focus of silvicultural practices in northern hardwood forests. A key stressor for sugar maple (SM) is acid rain, which depletes base cations from poorly-buffered forest soils and has been associated with much lower SM vigor, growth, and recruitment. However, the potential interactions between forest management and soil acidification - and their implications for the sustainability of SM and its economic and cultural benefits - have not been investigated. In this study, we simulated the development of 50 extant SM stands in the western Adirondack region of NY (USA) for 100years under different soil chemical conditions and silvicultural prescriptions. We found that interactions between management prescription and soil base saturation will strongly shape the ability to maintain SM in managed forests. Below 12% base saturation, SM did not regenerate sufficiently after harvest and was replaced mainly by red maple (Acer rubrum) and American beech (Fagus grandifolia). Loss of SM on acid-impaired sites was predicted regardless of whether the shelterwood or diameter-limit prescriptions were used. On soils with sufficient base saturation, models predicted that SM will regenerate after harvest and be sustained for future rotations. We then estimated how these different post-harvest outcomes, mediated by acid impairment of forest soils, would affect the potential monetary value of ecosystem services provided by SM forests. Model simulations indicated that a management strategy focused on syrup production - although not feasible across the vast areas where acid impairment has occurred - may generate the greatest economic return. Although pollution from acid rain is declining, its long-term legacy in forest soils will shape future options for sustainable forestry and ecosystem stewardship in the northern hardwood forests of North America. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Modeled effects of soil acidification on long-term ecological and economic outcomes for managed forests in the Adirondack region (USA)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Caputo, Jesse PhD.; Beier, Colin M.; Sullivan, Timothy J.; Lawrence, Gregory B.

2016-01-01

Sugar maple (Acer saccharum) is among the most ecologically and economically important tree species in North America, and its growth and regeneration is often the focus of silvicultural practices in northern hardwood forests. A key stressor for sugar maple (SM) is acid rain, which depletes base cations from poorly-buffered forest soils and has been associated with much lower SM vigor, growth, and recruitment. However, the potential interactions between forest management and soil acidification – and their implications for the sustainability of SM and its economic and cultural benefits – have not been investigated. In this study, we simulated the development of 50 extant SM stands in the western Adirondack region of NY (USA) for 100 years under different soil chemical conditions and silvicultural prescriptions. We found that interactions between management prescription and soil base saturation will strongly shape the ability to maintain SM in managed forests. Below 12% base saturation, SM did not regenerate sufficiently after harvest and was replaced mainly by red maple (Acer rubrum) and American beech (Fagus grandifolia). Loss of SM on acid-impaired sites was predicted regardless of whether the shelterwood or diameter-limit prescriptions were used. On soils with sufficient base saturation, models predicted that SM will regenerate after harvest and be sustained for future rotations. We then estimated how these different post-harvest outcomes, mediated by acid impairment of forest soils, would affect the potential monetary value of ecosystem services provided by SM forests. Model simulations indicated that a management strategy focused on syrup production – although not feasible across the vast areas where acid impairment has occurred – may generate the greatest economic return. Although pollution from acid rain is declining, its long-term legacy in forest soils will shape future options for sustainable forestry and ecosystem stewardship in the northern hardwood forests of North America.

Improvement of medication adherence in adolescents and young adults with SLE using web-based education with and without a social media intervention, a pilot study.

PubMed

Scalzi, Lisabeth V; Hollenbeak, Christopher S; Mascuilli, Emily; Olsen, Nancy

2018-03-14

Self-management skills, including medication management, are vital to the health of adolescents and young adults with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and preliminary effects of an online educational program in a cohort of adolescent and young adults with SLE with and without a social media (SM) experience. Adolescents and young adults with SLE participated weekly for 8 sessions on a web-based educational program about SLE created specifically for this project. Subjects were randomized to respond to questions at the end of each weekly module in a journal or on a SM forum with other SLE subjects. Patients were surveyed prior to initiating the study, (T0) and 6 weeks after completion of the sessions (T1). Medication adherence for hydroxychloroquine, utilizing the medication possession ratio (MPR), was compared for the 3 months preceding T0 and for the 3 months following T1. Twenty-seven of the 37 subjects (73%) enrolled completed the study, including the two required sets of surveys. Reasons for being lost to follow up included being too busy, forgetting, and/or not seeing email reminders. Medication adherence improved in all subjects (p < 0.001). The percentage of the SM intervention group that was adherent (MPR ≥ 80%) significantly improved from 50% to 92% (p = 0.03), while the control group did not. Secondary outcome measures that improved, only in the SM group, included self-efficacy, sense of agency (SOA), sense of community (SOC), and empowerment. There was a strong correlation between empowerment with SOA and SOC and in turn a strong correlation with SOA and SOC with MPR, providing a possible explanation for why social media participation helped to improve medication adherence. Subjective reporting of medication adherence was not reliably correlated to MPR. This pilot study has demonstrated feasibility for the use of an online educational SLE website, recruitment, and measurement of chosen outcome measures. This study provides evidence for a larger multi-site trial which has the potential to address an important service gap by delivering self-management education and peer interactions in a format that is accessible, and engaging to young people with SLE. Trial registration: NCT03218033 . Retrospectively registered 14 July 2017.

Use of social media in education among medical students in Saudi Arabia.

PubMed

Alsuraihi, Anas Khaleel; Almaqati, Ahmed Saeed; Abughanim, Sultan Adnan; Jastaniah, Nisreen Abdulrahman

2016-12-01

Social media (SM), a virtual place where people can share, exchange, and communicate their ideas and knowledge, has become the new trend in communication and learning. This study aims to explore Saudi Arabian medical students' usage of SM and to discover the most common resources used in medical education. Furthermore, it aims to illustrate students' belief about the influence of SM on their learning. This cross-sectional study administered validated questionnaires to medical students from different universities in Saudi Arabia, via emails, Twitter, Facebook, and short message service. A non-probability sampling technique was utilized and a sample size of 381 students was arrived at, using 95% confidence interval and 5% margin of error, since the total number of medical students in Saudi Arabia is approximately 36,000. The total respondents were 657 students from 23 different Saudi Arabian medical schools (females: 60.5%, n=397; males: 39.5%, n=260). The questionnaires of 21% of the students (n=139) were excluded from the analysis since they were incomplete. The most common website used by both genders was YouTube (42.3%, n=185); however, males preferred using Twitter and Wikis (p=0.001). With regard to utilizing SM for learning, 95.8% (n=419) of the students believed that it is beneficial. Females stated that SM helps them link basic and clinical science (p=0.003). Medical schools need to improve the utilization of SM by their faculty and students by developing activities and encouraging the usage of SM in education.

Chronic condition self-management surveillance: what is and what should be measured?

PubMed

Ruiz, Sarah; Brady, Teresa J; Glasgow, Russell E; Birkel, Richard; Spafford, Michelle

2014-06-19

The rapid growth in chronic disease prevalence, in particular the prevalence of multiple chronic conditions, poses a significant and increasing burden on the health of Americans. Maximizing the use of proven self-management (SM) strategies is a core goal of the US Department of Health and Human Services. Yet, there is no systematic way to assess how much SM or self-management support (SMS) is occurring in the United States. The purpose of this project was to identify appropriate concepts or measures to incorporate into national SM and SMS surveillance. A multistep process was used to identify candidate concepts, assess existing measures, and select high-priority concepts for further development. A stakeholder survey, an environmental scan, subject matter expert feedback, and a stakeholder priority-setting exercise were all used to select the high-priority concepts for development. The stakeholder survey gathered feedback on 32 candidate concepts; 9 concepts were endorsed by more than 66% of respondents. The environmental scan indicated few existing measures that adequately reflected the candidate concepts, and those that were identified were generally specific to a defined condition and not gathered on a population basis. On the basis of the priority setting exercises and environmental scan, we selected 1 concept from each of 5 levels of behavioral influence for immediate development as an SM or SMS indicator. The absence of any available measures to assess SM or SMS across the population highlights the need to develop chronic condition SM surveillance that uses national surveys and other data sources to measure national progress in SM and SMS.

Use of social media in education among medical students in Saudi Arabia

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

Purpose Social media (SM), a virtual place where people can share, exchange, and communicate their ideas and knowledge, has become the new trend in communication and learning. This study aims to explore Saudi Arabian medical students’ usage of SM and to discover the most common resources used in medical education. Furthermore, it aims to illustrate students’ belief about the influence of SM on their learning. Methods This cross-sectional study administered validated questionnaires to medical students from different universities in Saudi Arabia, via emails, Twitter, Facebook, and short message service. A non-probability sampling technique was utilized and a sample size of 381 students was arrived at, using 95% confidence interval and 5% margin of error, since the total number of medical students in Saudi Arabia is approximately 36,000. The total respondents were 657 students from 23 different Saudi Arabian medical schools (females: 60.5%, n=397; males: 39.5%, n=260). Results The questionnaires of 21% of the students (n=139) were excluded from the analysis since they were incomplete. The most common website used by both genders was YouTube (42.3%, n=185); however, males preferred using Twitter and Wikis (p=0.001). With regard to utilizing SM for learning, 95.8% (n=419) of the students believed that it is beneficial. Females stated that SM helps them link basic and clinical science (p=0.003). Conclusion Medical schools need to improve the utilization of SM by their faculty and students by developing activities and encouraging the usage of SM in education. PMID:27907981

[Socioeconomic conditions, food and nutrition of the urban population in a locality of the State of Minas Gerais (Brazil)].

PubMed

Lima, E da S; Euclydes, M P; Cruz, T A; Casali, A D

1989-10-01

This study aimed at identifying and characterizing the alimentary and nutritional situation of different socio-economic strata of the urban population of Ponte Nova, in Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The sample comprised 161 families stratified according to their earnings in terms of the official minimum wage (salário mínimo--SM), classified in 6 stratum. In addition to socio-economic data, the analysis also takes into consideration the nutritional and caloric adequacy of the ingredients of the basic diet as well as the nutritional state of children up to 6 years old, employing the criteria of Gomez and Seoane-Lathan. The results show that 40% of the sample population earn less than 2 SM, while 12% reach and income level above 10 SM. The population considered has only and indirect relation to production and is employed in the services sector. Access to sanitary services is greater for higher income strata, which also feature better living conditions and health resources. The analysis of the basic diet shows that nutritional adequacy increases with increasing income, reaching more adequate levels only in the highest stratum. The level of perception as to what is "sufficient" in terms of diet supports the results of diet adequacy for each stratum. In so far as the nutritional condition of children is concerned it was observed that the prevalence of malnutrition is consistent with socio-economic condition, decreasing within creased earnings and disappearing altogether above the 10 SM range.

Heterotetramerization of Plant PIP1 and PIP2 Aquaporins Is an Evolutionary Ancient Feature to Guide PIP1 Plasma Membrane Localization and Function

PubMed Central

Bienert, Manuela D.; Diehn, Till A.; Richet, Nicolas; Chaumont, François; Bienert, Gerd P.

2018-01-01

Aquaporins (AQPs) are tetrameric channel proteins regulating the transmembrane flux of small uncharged solutes and in particular water in living organisms. In plants, members of the plasma membrane intrinsic protein (PIP) AQP subfamily are important for the maintenance of the plant water status through the control of cell and tissue hydraulics. The PIP subfamily is subdivided into two groups: PIP1 and PIP2 that exhibit different water-channel activities when expressed in Xenopus oocytes or yeast cells. Most PIP1 and PIP2 isoforms physically interact and assemble in heterotetramers to modulate their subcellular localization and channel activity when they are co-expressed in oocytes, yeasts, and plants. Whether the interaction between different PIPs is stochastic or controlled by cell regulatory processes is still unknown. Here, we analyzed the water transport activity and the subcellular localization behavior of the complete PIP subfamily (SmPIP1;1, SmPIP2;1, and SmPIP2;2) of the lycophyte Selaginella moellendorffii upon (co-)expression in yeast and Xenopus oocytes. As observed for most of the PIP1 and PIP2 isoforms in other species, SmPIP1;1 was retained in the ER while SmPIP2;1 was found in the plasma membrane but, upon co-expression, both isoforms were found in the plasma membrane, leading to a synergistic effect on the water membrane permeability. SmPIP2;2 behaves as a PIP1, being retained in the endoplasmic reticulum when expressed alone in oocytes or in yeasts. Interestingly, in contrast to the oocyte system, in yeasts no synergistic effect on the membrane permeability was observed upon SmPIP1;1/SmPIP2;1 co-expression. We also demonstrated that SmPIP2;1 is permeable to water and the signaling molecule hydrogen peroxide. Moreover, growth- and complementation assays in the yeast system showed that heteromerization in all possible SmPIP combinations did not modify the substrate specificity of the channels. These results suggest that the characteristics known for angiosperm PIP1 and PIP2 isoforms in terms of their water transport activity, trafficking, and interaction emerged already as early as in non-seed vascular plants. The existence and conservation of these characteristics may argue for the fact that PIP2s are indeed involved in the delivery of PIP1s to the plasma membrane and that the formation of functional heterotetramers is of biological relevance. PMID:29632543

Heterotetramerization of Plant PIP1 and PIP2 Aquaporins Is an Evolutionary Ancient Feature to Guide PIP1 Plasma Membrane Localization and Function.

PubMed

Bienert, Manuela D; Diehn, Till A; Richet, Nicolas; Chaumont, François; Bienert, Gerd P

2018-01-01

Aquaporins (AQPs) are tetrameric channel proteins regulating the transmembrane flux of small uncharged solutes and in particular water in living organisms. In plants, members of the plasma membrane intrinsic protein (PIP) AQP subfamily are important for the maintenance of the plant water status through the control of cell and tissue hydraulics. The PIP subfamily is subdivided into two groups: PIP1 and PIP2 that exhibit different water-channel activities when expressed in Xenopus oocytes or yeast cells. Most PIP1 and PIP2 isoforms physically interact and assemble in heterotetramers to modulate their subcellular localization and channel activity when they are co-expressed in oocytes, yeasts, and plants. Whether the interaction between different PIPs is stochastic or controlled by cell regulatory processes is still unknown. Here, we analyzed the water transport activity and the subcellular localization behavior of the complete PIP subfamily (SmPIP1;1, SmPIP2;1, and SmPIP2;2) of the lycophyte Selaginella moellendorffii upon (co-)expression in yeast and Xenopus oocytes. As observed for most of the PIP1 and PIP2 isoforms in other species, SmPIP1;1 was retained in the ER while SmPIP2;1 was found in the plasma membrane but, upon co-expression, both isoforms were found in the plasma membrane, leading to a synergistic effect on the water membrane permeability. SmPIP2;2 behaves as a PIP1, being retained in the endoplasmic reticulum when expressed alone in oocytes or in yeasts. Interestingly, in contrast to the oocyte system, in yeasts no synergistic effect on the membrane permeability was observed upon SmPIP1;1/SmPIP2;1 co-expression. We also demonstrated that SmPIP2;1 is permeable to water and the signaling molecule hydrogen peroxide. Moreover, growth- and complementation assays in the yeast system showed that heteromerization in all possible SmPIP combinations did not modify the substrate specificity of the channels. These results suggest that the characteristics known for angiosperm PIP1 and PIP2 isoforms in terms of their water transport activity, trafficking, and interaction emerged already as early as in non-seed vascular plants. The existence and conservation of these characteristics may argue for the fact that PIP2s are indeed involved in the delivery of PIP1s to the plasma membrane and that the formation of functional heterotetramers is of biological relevance.

Advanced Camera for Surveys Instrument Handbook for Cycle 25 v. 16.0

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Avila, R. J.

2017-01-01

The Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS), a third-generation instrument, was installed in the Hubble Space Telescope during Servicing Mission 3B, on March 7, 2002. Its primary purpose was to increase HST imaging discovery efficiency by about a factor of 10, with a combination of detector area and quantum efficiency that surpasses previous instruments. ACS has three independent cameras that have provided wide-field, high resolution, and ultraviolet imaging capabilities respectively, using a broad assortment of filters designed to address a large range of scientific goals. In addition, coronagraphic, polarimetric, and grism capabilities have made the ACS a versatile and powerful instrument. The ACS Instrument Handbook, which is maintained by the ACS Team at STScI, descr ibes the instrument properties, performance, operations, and calibration. It is the basic technical reference manual for the instrument, and should be used with other documents (listed in Table 1.1) for writing Phase I proposals, detailed Phase II programs, and for data analysis. (See Figure 1.1). In May 2009, Servicing Mission 4 (SM4) successfully restored the ACS Wide Field Camera (WFC) to regular service after its failure in January 2007. Unfortunately, the ACS High Resolution Camera (HRC) was not restored to operation during SM4, so it cannot be proposed for new observations. Nevertheless, this handbook retains description of the HRC to support analysis of archived observations. The ACS Solar Blind Channel (SBC) was unaffected by the January 2007 failure of WFC and HRC. The SBC has remained in steady operation, and was not serviced during SM4. It remains available for new observations.

Shifting from Categories to Services: Comprehensive School-Based Mental Health for Children with Emotional Disturbance and Social Maladjustment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Heathfield, Lora Tuesday; Clark, Elaine

2004-01-01

To meet the present and future educational and mental health needs of our nation's youth, current models of mental health service delivery need to be reformed. Any more time spent arguing the differences between categories such as Emotional Disturbance (ED) and Social Maladjustment (SM) will only delay much needed services and deplete our already…

Molecular characterization of intestinal protozoa in two poor communities in the State of São Paulo, Brazil.

PubMed

David, Érica Boarato; Guimarães, Semíramis; de Oliveira, Ana Paula; Goulart de Oliveira-Sequeira, Teresa Cristina; Nogueira Bittencourt, Gabriela; Moraes Nardi, Ana Rita; Martins Ribolla, Paulo Eduardo; Bueno Franco, Regina Maura; Branco, Nilson; Tosini, Fabio; Bella, Antonino; Pozio, Edoardo; Cacciò, Simone M

2015-02-15

Several species of protozoa cause acute or chronic gastroenteritis in humans, worldwide. The burden of disease is particularly high among children living in developing areas of the world, where transmission is favored by lower hygienic standards and scarce availability of safe water. However, asymptomatic infection and polyparasitism are also commonly observed in poor settings. Here, we investigated the prevalence of intestinal protozoa in two small fishing villages, Porto Said (PS) and Santa Maria da Serra (SM), situated along the river Tietê in the State of São Paolo, Brazil. The villages lack basic public infrastructure and services, such as roads, public water supply, electricity and public health services. Multiple fecal samples were collected from 88 individuals in PS and from 38 individuals in SM, who were asymptomatic at the time of sampling and had no recent history of diarrheal disease. To gain insights into potential transmission routes, 49 dog fecal samples (38 from PS and 11 from SM) and 28 river water samples were also collected. All samples were tested by microscopy and PCR was used to genotype Giardia duodenalis, Blastocystis sp., Dientamoeba fragilis and Cryptosporidium spp. By molecular methods, the most common human parasite was Blastocystis sp. (prevalence, 45% in PS and 71% in SM), followed by D. fragilis (13.6% in PS, and 18.4% in SM) and G. duodenalis (18.2% in PS and 7.9% in SM); Cryptosporidium spp. were not detected. Sequence analysis revealed large genetic variation among Blastocystis samples, with subtypes (STs) 1 and 3 being predominant, and with the notable absence of ST4. Among G. duodenalis samples, assemblages A and B were detected in humans, whereas assemblages A, C and D were found in dogs. Finally, all D. fragilis samples from humans were genotype 1. A single dog was found infected with Cryptosporidium canis. River water samples were negative for the investigated parasites. This study showed a high carriage of intestinal parasites in asymptomatic individuals from two poor Brazilian villages, and highlighted a large genetic variability of Blastocystis spp. and G. duodenalis.

Health Care Priorities: Opinions of One State's Citizens and Legislators.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jankel, Charlotte A.; And Others

1994-01-01

Reports a study that examined the attitudes of Georgia citizens and legislators toward funding for specific health care services and national health insurance. Legislators were less in favor of national health insurance than were citizens. Both groups set a high priority on providing a wide range of health care services to everyone. (SM)

Manipulation of sensory input can improve stretching outcomes.

PubMed

Capobianco, Robyn A; Almuklass, Awad M; Enoka, Roger M

2018-02-01

The primary purpose of our study was to assess the influence of modulating sensory input with either transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) or self-massage with therapy balls on the maximal range of motion (ROM) about the ankle joint when stretching the calf muscles. We also investigated the influence of these two conditions on the force capacity and force control of plantar flexor muscles. Twenty healthy adults (25 ± 3 yr) performed three sessions of ankle plantar flexor stretching (three stretches of 30 s each): stretching alone (SS), stretching with concurrent TENS (TENS), and stretching after self-massage using therapy balls (SM). TENS was applied for 60 s prior to and during each stretch, and SM was performed for 60 s prior to each of the three stretches. Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) torque and force steadiness at 20% MVC were recorded before and at 15 min after the final stretch. Ankle dorsiflexion ROM was assessed before, after, and at 5, 10, and 15 min after the last stretch. The increase in ROM was greater after SM (24%) than after SS (13%) and TENS (9%; p < .001). Maximal discomfort level (0-10 VAS) during stretching was similar for all conditions. MVC torque increased after SM only (p < .001, Cohen's D = 1.5): SM, 16%; SS, -1%; TENS, -3%. Force steadiness did not change. The sensory fibres that contribute to stretch tolerance were engaged by self-massage but not by TENS, resulting in greater increases in flexibility and MVC torque after self-massage.

HST Replacement Battery Initial Performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krol, Stan; Waldo, Greg; Hollandsworth, Roger

2009-01-01

The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) original Nickel-Hydrogen (NiH2) batteries were replaced during the Servicing Mission 4 (SM4) after 19 years and one month on orbit.The purpose of this presentation is to highlight the findings from the assessment of the initial sm4 replacement battery performance. The batteries are described, the 0 C capacity is reviewed, descriptions, charts and tables reviewing the State Of Charge (SOC) Performance, the Battery Voltage Performance, the battery impedance, the minimum voltage performance, the thermal performance, the battery current, and the battery system recharge ratio,

The Development of Standard Operating Procedures for Social Mobilization and Community Engagement in Sierra Leone During the West Africa Ebola Outbreak of 2014-2015.

PubMed

Pedi, Danielle; Gillespie, Amaya; Bedson, Jamie; Jalloh, Mohamed F; Jalloh, Mohammad B; Kamara, Alusine; Bertram, Kathryn; Owen, Katharine; Jalloh, Mohamed A; Conte, Lansana

2017-01-01

This article describes the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for social mobilization and community engagement (SM/CE) in Sierra Leone during the Ebola outbreak of 2014-2015. It aims to (a) explain the rationale for a standardized approach, (b) describe the methodology used to develop the resulting SOPs, and (c) discuss the implications of the SOPs for future outbreak responses. Mixed methodologies were applied, including analysis of data on Ebola-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices; consultation through a national forum; and a series of workshops with more than 250 participants active in SM/CE in seven districts with recent confirmed cases. Specific challenges, best practices, and operational models were identified in relation to (a) the quality of SM/CE approaches; (b) coordination and operational structures; and (c) integration with Ebola services, including case management, burials, quarantine, and surveillance. This information was synthesized and codified into the SOPs, which include principles, roles, and actions for partners engaging in SM/CE as part of the Ebola response. This experience points to the need for a set of global principles and standards for meaningful SM/CE that can be rapidly adapted as a high-priority response component at the outset of future health and humanitarian crises.

Seeking the views of health professionals on translating chronic disease self-management models into practice.

PubMed

Lake, Amelia J; Staiger, Petra K

2010-04-01

Few studies have investigated the views of health professionals with respect to their use of chronic disease self-management (CDSM) in the workplace. This qualitative study, conducted in an Australian health care setting, examined health professional's formal self-management (SM) training and their views and experiences on the use of SM techniques when working with people living with a chronic illness. Purposive sample of 31 health care professionals from a range of service types participated in semi-structured interviews. The majority of participants (65%) had received no formal training in SM techniques. Participants reported a preference for an eclectic approach to SM, relying primarily on five elements: collaborative care, self-responsibility, client's individual situation, structured support and linking with community agencies. Problems with CDSM centred on medication management, complex measuring devices and limited efficacy with some patient groups. This study provides valuable information with respect to the use of CDSM within the workplace from the unique perspective of a range of healthcare providers within an Australian health care setting. Training implications, with respect to CDSM and patient care, are discussed, together with how these findings contribute to the debate concerning how SM principles are translated into healthcare settings. 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

CaLRS: A Critical-Aware Shared LLC Request Scheduling Algorithm on GPGPU

PubMed Central

Ma, Jianliang; Meng, Jinglei; Chen, Tianzhou; Wu, Minghui

2015-01-01

Ultra high thread-level parallelism in modern GPUs usually introduces numerous memory requests simultaneously. So there are always plenty of memory requests waiting at each bank of the shared LLC (L2 in this paper) and global memory. For global memory, various schedulers have already been developed to adjust the request sequence. But we find few work has ever focused on the service sequence on the shared LLC. We measured that a big number of GPU applications always queue at LLC bank for services, which provide opportunity to optimize the service order on LLC. Through adjusting the GPU memory request service order, we can improve the schedulability of SM. So we proposed a critical-aware shared LLC request scheduling algorithm (CaLRS) in this paper. The priority representative of memory request is critical for CaLRS. We use the number of memory requests that originate from the same warp but have not been serviced when they arrive at the shared LLC bank to represent the criticality of each warp. Experiments show that the proposed scheme can boost the SM schedulability effectively by promoting the scheduling priority of the memory requests with high criticality and improves the performance of GPU indirectly. PMID:25729772

Theory-driven group-based complex intervention to support self-management of osteoarthritis and low back pain in primary care physiotherapy: protocol for a cluster randomised controlled feasibility trial (SOLAS).

PubMed

Hurley, Deirdre A; Hall, Amanda M; Currie-Murphy, Laura; Pincus, Tamar; Kamper, Steve; Maher, Chris; McDonough, Suzanne M; Lonsdale, Chris; Walsh, Nicola E; Guerin, Suzanne; Segurado, Ricardo; Matthews, James

2016-01-21

International clinical guidelines consistently endorse the promotion of self-management (SM), including physical activity for patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and osteoarthritis (OA). Patients frequently receive individual treatment and advice to self-manage from physiotherapists in primary care, but the successful implementation of a clinical and cost-effective group SM programme is a key priority for health service managers in Ireland to maximise long-term outcomes and efficient use of limited and costly resources. This protocol describes an assessor-blinded cluster randomised controlled feasibility trial of a group-based education and exercise intervention underpinned by self-determination theory designed to support an increase in SM behaviour in patients with CLBP and OA in primary care physiotherapy. The primary care clinic will be the unit of randomisation (cluster), with each clinic randomised to 1 of 2 groups providing the Self-management of Osteoarthritis and Low back pain through Activity and Skills (SOLAS) intervention or usual individual physiotherapy. Patients are followed up at 6 weeks, 2 and 6 months. The primary outcomes are the (1) acceptability and demand of the intervention to patients and physiotherapists, (2) feasibility and optimal study design/procedures and sample size for a definitive trial. Secondary outcomes include exploratory analyses of: point estimates, 95% CIs, change scores and effect sizes in physical function, pain and disability outcomes; process of change in target SM behaviours and selected mediators; and the cost of the intervention to inform a definitive trial. This feasibility trial protocol was approved by the UCD Human Research Ethics-Sciences Committee (LS-13-54 Currie-Hurley) and research access has been granted by the Health Services Executive Primary Care Research Committee in January 2014. The study findings will be disseminated to the research, clinical and health service communities through publication in peer-reviewed journals, presentation at national and international academic and clinical conferences. ISRCTN 49875385; Pre-results. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

Evaluation Data of a High Temperature COTS Flash Memory Module (TI SM28VLT32) for Use in Geothermal Electronics Packages

DOE Data Explorer

Cashion, Avery

2014-08-29

The accompanying raw data is composslection. Each file is 3 columns and tab-delimited with the first column being the data address, the second column being the first byte of the data, and the third column being the second byte of the data.

Incommensurate structure of a lillianite-type samarium chromium sulfide Sm{sub 2/3}Cr{sub 2}S{sub 4}

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

Lafond, A.; Cario, L.; Meerschaut, A.

1996-12-01

The structure of Sm{sub 2/3}Cr{sub 2}S{sub 4} has been solved from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. This compound presents a 3 X a superstructure along a and an incommensurate superstructure along b close to 3 x b. The basic structure is described in the space group Pmnb with a = 3.5030(3) {Angstrom}, b = 10.9199(8) {Angstrom}, c = 12.7987(8) {Angstrom}, Z = 4, R = 0.046 for 916 observed reflections. The modulated structure refinement, taking into account the two superstructures, was carried out in a (3 + 2)D superspace group and leads to R = 0.063 for 1706 reflections. This structuremore » consists of staggered double columns of [CrS{sub 6}] octahedra connected by samarium atoms in a trigonal prismatic bicapped environment. This structure is reminiscent of that found in the lillianite mineral family. The statistical occupancy of samarium atoms (1/3), in agreement with the charge equilibrium (Sm{sup 3+}, Cr{sup 3+}, S{sup 2-}), is related to the superstructure.« less

Double hollow MoS2 nano-spheres: Synthesis, tribological properties, and functional conversion from lubrication to photocatalysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yueru; Hu, Kunhong; Hu, Enzhu; Guo, Jianhua; Han, Chengliang; Hu, Xianguo

2017-01-01

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has extensive applications in industries as solid lubricants and catalysts. To improve the lubricating performance of MoS2, novel double-hollow-sphere MoS2 (DHSM) nanoparticles with an average diameter of approximately 90 nm were synthesized on sericite mica (SM). When the DHSM/SM composite was used as an additive in polyalphaolefin oil, friction and wear decreased by 22.4% and 63.5% respectively. The low friction and wear were attributed to the easy exfoliation of DHSM. The DHSM/SM composite was then rubbed under 40 MPa for 1 h to investigate the exfoliation and functional conversion behaviors of DHSM. Results showed that DHSM (lubricating structure) on SM could be completely exfoliated into nanosheets (catalytic structure) by rubbing. The nanosheets exfoliated from DHSM presented good photocatalytic activity for the removal of organic compounds from waste water. This work provided both a novel solid lubricant for industrial applications and a possible approach to designing a novel green lubricant for use as a photocatalyst in organic-waste treatment after lubricating service life.

Structural and dielectric characteristics of Ba3Ln3Ti5Nb5O30 (Ln = La, Nd, Sm) filled tungsten bronze ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Wang; Gao, Ting Ting; Zhu, Xiao Li; Chen, Xiang Ming

2018-03-01

In the present work, the structural, dielectric and relaxor ferroelectric properties were investigated for Ba3Ln3Ti5Nb5O30 (Ln = La, Nd, Sm) ceramics. The filled tungsten bronze phase with space group P4/mbm was confirmed for all compositions, while a small amount of secondary phase was detected in Ba3Nd3Ti5Nb5O30 and Ba3Sm3Ti5Nb5O30. The typical relaxor ferroelectric behaviors were observed: a broad peak of dielectric constant shifting to higher temperatures and decreasing its magnitude with increasing frequency and the frequency dispersion obeying the Vogel-Fulcher relationship. The P-E (polarization-electric field) hysteresis loops were obtained for Ba3Ln3Ti5Nb5O30 (Ln = La, Nd, Sm) ceramics at low temperatures. The nanoscale ferroelectric 180° domains with strip-like shape were observed in the paraelectric matrix at room temperature, where the commensurate structural modulations were determined in the domains and incommensurate ones were determined in the matrix. The significant differences were determined between the present ceramics and Ba4Ln2Ti4Nb6O30 and Ba5LnTi3Nb7O30 because of the different distribution patterns of A1 and A2 cations.

How to Be Bullish on Marketing Child Care in a Challenging Economy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wassom, Julie

1992-01-01

Discusses factors to consider when developing marketing strategies for building enrollment in child care programs. Factors are (1) focus on a market; (2) the impression of the service that is created in customers' minds; (3) the urgency of the advertising message; (4) perceived value of the service; and (5) cost effectiveness. (SM)

SUPERMODEL ANALYSIS OF GALAXY CLUSTERS

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

Fusco-Femiano, R.; Cavaliere, A.; Lapi, A.

2009-11-01

We present the analysis of the X-ray brightness and temperature profiles for six clusters belonging to both the Cool Core (CC) and Non Cool Core (NCC) classes, in terms of the Supermodel (SM) developed by Cavaliere et al. Based on the gravitational wells set by the dark matter (DM) halos, the SM straightforwardly expresses the equilibrium of the intracluster plasma (ICP) modulated by the entropy deposited at the boundary by standing shocks from gravitational accretion, and injected at the center by outgoing blast waves from mergers or from outbursts of active galactic nuclei. The cluster set analyzed here highlights notmore » only how simply the SM represents the main dichotomy CC versus NCC clusters in terms of a few ICP parameters governing the radial entropy run, but also how accurately it fits even complex brightness and temperature profiles. For CC clusters like A2199 and A2597, the SM with a low level of central entropy straightforwardly yields the characteristic peaked profile of the temperature marked by a decline toward the center, without requiring currently strong radiative cooling and high mass deposition rates. NCC clusters like A1656 require instead a central entropy floor of a substantial level, and some like A2256 and even more A644 feature structured temperature profiles that also call for a definite floor extension; in such conditions the SM accurately fits the observations, and suggests that in these clusters the ICP has been just remolded by a merger event, in the way of a remnant cool core. The SM also predicts that DM halos with high concentration should correlate with flatter entropy profiles and steeper brightness in the outskirts; this is indeed the case with A1689, for which from X-rays we find concentration values c approx 10, the hallmark of an early halo formation. Thus, we show the SM to constitute a fast tool not only to provide wide libraries of accurate fits to X-ray temperature and density profiles, but also to retrieve from the ICP archives specific information concerning the physical histories of DM and baryons in the inner and the outer cluster regions.« less

The effect of streptomycin on stretch-induced electrophysiological changes of isolated acute myocardial infarcted hearts in rats.

PubMed

Fu, Lu; Cao, Jun-xian; Xie, Rong-sheng; Li, Jia; Han, Ying; Zhu, Li-qun; Dai, Ying-nan

2007-08-01

To explore whether the stretch of ischaemic myocardium could modulate the electrophysiological characteristics, especially repolarization via mechanoelectric feedback (MEF), as well as the effect of streptomycin (SM) on these changes. Methods Thirty-six wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: control group (n = 9), SM group (n = 9), myocardial infarction (MI) group (n = 9), and MI + SM group (n = 9). After perfused on Langendorff, the isolated hearts were stretched for 5s by a ballon inflation of 0.2mL. After being stretched, the effect of the stretch was observed for 30s, including the 20, 20-70, 70, and 90% monophasic action potential duration (MAPD), i.e. MAPD(20), MAPD(20-70), MAPD(70), and MAPD(90), respectively, premature ventricular beats (PVB), and ventricular tachycardia (VT). Results The stretch caused a decrease in MAPD(20-70) (both P <0.01) and an increase in MAPD(90) (both P <0.01) in both control and MI groups. Moreover, the MAPD(90) in the MI group had increased more significantly than that in the control group (P <0.05). A concentration of 200 micromol/L of SM had no influence on both MAPD(20-70) and MAPD(90) of basic state (P > 0.05, except MAPD(20-70) between the control and SM groups, P < 0.01), whereas it had reduced the length of MAPD(90) (P < 0.05) and inhibited the decrease in MAPD(20-70) induced by the inflation. There was a decrease in the tendency of MAPD(70) after the stretch (P = NS) and SM had reversed the tendency, whereas MAPD(20) had no obvious changes after inflation. The incidence rate of PVB and VT in the MI group was higher than that in the control group after inflation (P < 0.01). The 200 micromol/L SM reduced the incidence rate of PVB, and obviously inhibited the occurrence of VT (P < 0.01). Stretch could alter the electrophysiological activities of myocardium via MEF, which could enhance in acute myocardial infarction and facilitate the generation and maintenance of malignant arrhythmias. SM could significantly inhibit the occurrence of arrhythmias, which may correlate with the effect on blocking stretch-activated ion channels.

Apollo 13 Guidance, Navigation, and Control Challenges

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goodman, John L.

2009-01-01

Combustion and rupture of a liquid oxygen tank during the Apollo 13 mission provides lessons and insights for future spacecraft designers and operations personnel who may never, during their careers, have participated in saving a vehicle and crew during a spacecraft emergency. Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) challenges were the reestablishment of attitude control after the oxygen tank incident, re-establishment of a free return trajectory, resolution of a ground tracking conflict between the LM and the Saturn V S-IVB stage, Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) alignments, maneuvering to burn attitudes, attitude control during burns, and performing manual GNC tasks with most vehicle systems powered down. Debris illuminated by the Sun and gaseous venting from the Service Module (SM) complicated crew attempts to identify stars and prevented execution of nominal IMU alignment procedures. Sightings on the Sun, Moon, and Earth were used instead. Near continuous communications with Mission Control enabled the crew to quickly perform time critical procedures. Overcoming these challenges required the modification of existing contingency procedures.

Serotonin Signaling in Schistosoma mansoni: A Serotonin–Activated G Protein-Coupled Receptor Controls Parasite Movement

PubMed Central

Rashid, Mohammed; Ribeiro, Paula

2014-01-01

Serotonin is an important neuroactive substance in all the parasitic helminths. In Schistosoma mansoni, serotonin is strongly myoexcitatory; it potentiates contraction of the body wall muscles and stimulates motor activity. This is considered to be a critical mechanism of motor control in the parasite, but the mode of action of serotonin is poorly understood. Here we provide the first molecular evidence of a functional serotonin receptor (Sm5HTR) in S. mansoni. The schistosome receptor belongs to the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily and is distantly related to serotonergic type 7 (5HT7) receptors from other species. Functional expression studies in transfected HEK 293 cells showed that Sm5HTR is a specific serotonin receptor and it signals through an increase in intracellular cAMP, consistent with a 5HT7 signaling mechanism. Immunolocalization studies with a specific anti-Sm5HTR antibody revealed that the receptor is abundantly distributed in the worm's nervous system, including the cerebral ganglia and main nerve cords of the central nervous system and the peripheral innervation of the body wall muscles and tegument. RNA interference (RNAi) was performed both in schistosomulae and adult worms to test whether the receptor is required for parasite motility. The RNAi-suppressed adults and larvae were markedly hypoactive compared to the corresponding controls and they were also resistant to exogenous serotonin treatment. These results show that Sm5HTR is at least one of the receptors responsible for the motor effects of serotonin in S. mansoni. The fact that Sm5HTR is expressed in nerve tissue further suggests that serotonin stimulates movement via this receptor by modulating neuronal output to the musculature. Together, the evidence identifies Sm5HTR as an important neuronal protein and a key component of the motor control apparatus in S. mansoni. PMID:24453972

Leisure Today/Our Environment in Crisis--We Can Change the Future.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DeGraaf, Donald G.; And Others

1994-01-01

Six articles discuss how leisure services professionals might respond to the on-going environmental crisis. The articles focus on recycling, ecotourism, environmental education, outdoor experience, and an urban outdoor learning center. (SM)

Algorithm for Determination of Orion Ascent Abort Mode Achievability

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tedesco, Mark B.

2011-01-01

For human spaceflight missions, a launch vehicle failure poses the challenge of returning the crew safely to earth through environments that are often much more stressful than the nominal mission. Manned spaceflight vehicles require continuous abort capability throughout the ascent trajectory to protect the crew in the event of a failure of the launch vehicle. To provide continuous abort coverage during the ascent trajectory, different types of Orion abort modes have been developed. If a launch vehicle failure occurs, the crew must be able to quickly and accurately determine the appropriate abort mode to execute. Early in the ascent, while the Launch Abort System (LAS) is attached, abort mode selection is trivial, and any failures will result in a LAS abort. For failures after LAS jettison, the Service Module (SM) effectors are employed to perform abort maneuvers. Several different SM abort mode options are available depending on the current vehicle location and energy state. During this region of flight the selection of the abort mode that maximizes the survivability of the crew becomes non-trivial. To provide the most accurate and timely information to the crew and the onboard abort decision logic, on-board algorithms have been developed to propagate the abort trajectories based on the current launch vehicle performance and to predict the current abort capability of the Orion vehicle. This paper will provide an overview of the algorithm architecture for determining abort achievability as well as the scalar integration scheme that makes the onboard computation possible. Extension of the algorithm to assessing abort coverage impacts from Orion design modifications and launch vehicle trajectory modifications is also presented.

Field alignment of bent-core smectic liquid crystals for analog optical phase modulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Y.; Goodhew, L.; Shao, R.; Moran, M.; Korblova, E.; Walba, D. M.; Clark, N. A.; Maclennan, J. E.; Rudquist, P.

2015-05-01

A general method for aligning bent-core smectic liquid crystal materials is described. Alternating electric fields between interdigitated electrodes patterned on one cell surface create torques on the liquid crystal that result in uniform "bookshelf" orientation of the smectic layers. The aligned cell can then be driven in the conventional way by applying an electric field between all of the stripe electrodes connected together and a monolithic electrode on the other cell surface. Fast, analog, optical phase-only modulation is demonstrated in a device containing a polar, bent-core SmAPF material aligned using this technique.

Production and partial characterization of serine and metallo peptidases secreted by Aspergillus fumigatus Fresenius in submerged and solid state fermentation.

PubMed

da Silva, Ronivaldo Rodrigues; de Freitas Cabral, Tatiana Pereira; Rodrigues, André; Cabral, Hamilton

2013-01-01

Enzyme production varies in different fermentation systems. Enzyme expression in different fermentation systems yields important information for improving our understanding of enzymatic production induction. Comparative studies between solid-state fermentation (SSF) using agro-industrial waste wheat bran and submerged fermentation (SmF) using synthetic media were carried out to determinate the best parameters for peptidase production by the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus Fresen. Variables tested include: the concentration of carbon and protein nitrogen sources, the size of the inoculum, the pH of the media, temperature, and the length of the fermentation process. The best peptidase production during SSF was obtained after 96 hours using wheat bran at 30 °C with an inoculum of 1 × 10(6) spores and yielded 1500 active units (U/mL). The best peptidase production using SmF was obtained after periods of 72 and 96 hours of fermentation in media containing 0.5% and 0.25% of casein, respectively, at a pH of 6.0 and at 30 °C and yielded 40 U/mL. We also found examples of catabolite repression of peptidase production under SmF conditions. Biochemical characterization of the peptidases produced by both fermentative processes showed optimum activity at pH 8.0 and 50 °C, and also showed that their proteolytic activity is modulated by surfactants. The enzymatic inhibition profile using phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) in SmF and SSF indicated that both fermentative processes produced a serine peptidase. Additionally, the inhibitory effect of the ethylene-diaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) chelating agent on the peptidase produced by SmF indicated that this fermentative process also produced a metallopeptidase.

Monitoring and Characterizing Seasonal Drought, Water Supply Pattern and Their Impact on Vegetation Growth Using Satellite Soil Moisture Data, GRACE Water Storage and In-situ Observations.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

A, G.; Velicogna, I.; Kimball, J. S.; Kim, Y.; Colliander, A.; Njoku, E. G.

2015-12-01

We combine soil moisture (SM) data from AMSR-E, AMSR-2 and SMAP, terrestrial water storage (TWS) changes from GRACE, in-situ groundwater measurements and atmospheric moisture data to delineate and characterize the evolution of drought and its impact on vegetation growth. GRACE TWS provides spatially continuous observations of total terrestrial water storage changes and regional drought extent, persistence and severity, while satellite derived soil moisture estimates provide enhanced delineation of plant-available soil moisture. Together these data provide complementary metrics quantifying available plant water supply. We use these data to investigate the supply changes from water components at different depth in relation to satellite based vegetation metrics, including vegetation greenness (NDVI) measures from MODIS and related higher order productivity (GPP) before, during and following the major drought events observed in the continental US for the past 14 years. We observe consistent trends and significant correlations between monthly time series of TWS, SM, NDVI and GPP. We study how changes in atmosphere moisture stress and coupling of water storage components at different depth impact on the spatial and temporal correlation between TWS, SM and vegetation metrics. In Texas, we find that surface SM and GRACE TWS agree with each other in general, and both capture the underlying water supply constraints to vegetation growth. Triggered by a transit increase in precipitation following the 2011 hydrological drought, vegetation productivity in Texas shows more sensitivity to surface SM than TWS. In the Great Plains, the correspondence between TWS and vegetation productivity is modulated by temperature-induced atmosphere moisture stress and by the coupling between surface soil moisture and groundwater through irrigation.

CCSDS Spacecraft Monitor and Control Mission Operations Interoperability Prototype

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lucord, Steve; Martinez, Lindolfo

2009-01-01

We are entering a new era in space exploration. Reduced operating budgets require innovative solutions to leverage existing systems to implement the capabilities of future missions. Custom solutions to fulfill mission objectives are no longer viable. Can NASA adopt international standards to reduce costs and increase interoperability with other space agencies? Can legacy systems be leveraged in a service oriented architecture (SOA) to further reduce operations costs? The Operations Technology Facility (OTF) at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) is collaborating with Deutsches Zentrum fur Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR) to answer these very questions. The Mission Operations and Information Management Services Area (MOIMS) Spacecraft Monitor and Control (SM&C) Working Group within the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS) is developing the Mission Operations standards to address this problem space. The set of proposed standards presents a service oriented architecture to increase the level of interoperability among space agencies. The OTF and DLR are developing independent implementations of the standards as part of an interoperability prototype. This prototype will address three key components: validation of the SM&C Mission Operations protocol, exploration of the Object Management Group (OMG) Data Distribution Service (DDS), and the incorporation of legacy systems in a SOA. The OTF will implement the service providers described in the SM&C Mission Operation standards to create a portal for interaction with a spacecraft simulator. DLR will implement the service consumers to perform the monitor and control of the spacecraft. The specifications insulate the applications from the underlying transport layer. We will gain experience with a DDS transport layer as we delegate responsibility to the middleware and explore transport bridges to connect disparate middleware products. A SOA facilitates the reuse of software components. The prototype will leverage the capabilities of existing legacy systems. Various custom applications and middleware solutions will be combined into one system providing the illusion of a set of homogenous services. This paper will document our journey as we implement the interoperability prototype. The team consists of software engineers with experience on the current command, telemetry and messaging systems that support the International Space Station (ISS) and Space Shuttle programs. Emphasis will be on the objectives, results and potential cost saving benefits.

Impact of an alcohol misuse intervention for health care workers --2: Employee assistance programme utilization, on-the-job injuries, job loss and health services utilization.

PubMed

Lapham, Sandra C; McMillan, Garnett; Gregory, Cindy

2003-01-01

We evaluated the effects of an enhanced substance misuse (SM) prevention/early intervention programme on referrals to an employee assistance programme, health care utilization rates, on-the-job injury rates and job termination rates among health care professionals employed in a managed care organization. The intervention was implemented at one site, with the remaining sites serving as the comparison group. Existing data from hospital databases were used to compare events occurring in the periods before and after initiation of the intervention. To account for baseline differences in age, gender and job class, logistic regression models produced adjusted means for events per employee month-at-risk. We found that employee assistance referrals and non-SM-related in-patient hospitalizations increased significantly post-intervention, while rates of total out-patient SM-related visits decreased at both the intervention and comparison sites post-intervention. There was a small, statistically significant decrease in the monthly rate (OR = 0.92) of non-SM out-patient utilization at the intervention site, once the intervention was in place. No differences potentially attributable to the intervention were detected in job turnover or injury rates. We conclude that, while the intervention did not appear to affect health care utilization for SM-related problems, it was associated with increased referrals for employee assistance.

31 CFR 585.414 - Services performed in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) or by the...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) or by the Government of the FRY (S&M). 585.414 Section 585... FOREIGN ASSETS CONTROL, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF YUGOSLAVIA (SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO... Interpretations § 585.414 Services performed in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) or by...

Mechanical Properties Degradation of Teflon(Trademark) FEP Returned from the Hubble Space Telescope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dever, Joyce A.; deGroh, Kim K.; Townsend, Jacqueline A.; Wang, L. Len

1998-01-01

After 6.8 years on orbit, degradation has been observed in the mechanical properties of second-surface metalized Teflon(Reg) FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene) used on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) on the outer surface of the multi-layer insulation (MLI) blankets and on radiator surfaces. Cracking of FEP surfaces on HST was first observed upon close examination of samples with high solar exposure retrieved during the first servicing mission (SM1) conducted 3.6 years after HST was put into orbit. Astronaut observations and photographs from the second servicing mission (SM2), conducted after 6.8 years on orbit, revealed severe cracks in the FEP surfaces of the MLI on many locations around the telescope. This paper describes results of mechanical properties testing of FEP surfaces exposed for 3.6 years and 6.8 years to the space environment on HST. These tests include tensile testing, surface micro-hardness testing, and bend testing.

Dosimetric Comparison of Intensity-Modulated Stereotactic Radiotherapy With Other Stereotactic Techniques for Locally Recurrent Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

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

Kung, Shiris Wai Sum; Wu, Vincent Wing Cheung; Kam, Michael Koon Ming, E-mail: kamkm@yahoo.co

2011-01-01

Purpose: Locally recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients can be salvaged by reirradiation with a substantial degree of radiation-related complications. Stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) is widely used in this regard because of its rapid dose falloff and high geometric precision. The aim of this study was to examine whether the newly developed intensity-modulated stereotactic radiotherapy (IMSRT) has any dosimetric advantages over three other stereotactic techniques, including circular arc (CARC), static conformal beam (SmMLC), and dynamic conformal arc (mARC), in treating locally recurrent NPC. Methods and Materials: Computed tomography images of 32 patients with locally recurrent NPC, previously treated with SRT, were retrievedmore » from the stereotactic planning system for contouring and computing treatment plans. Treatment planning of each patient was performed for the four treatment techniques: CARC, SmMLC, mARC, and IMSRT. The conformity index (CI) and homogeneity index (HI) of the planning target volume (PTV) and doses to the organs at risk (OARs) and normal tissue were compared. Results: All four techniques delivered adequate doses to the PTV. IMSRT, SmMLC, and mARC delivered reasonably conformal and homogenous dose to the PTV (CI <1.47, HI <0.53), but not for CARC (p < 0.05). IMSRT presented with the smallest CI (1.37) and HI (0.40). Among the four techniques, IMSRT spared the greatest number of OARs, namely brainstem, temporal lobes, optic chiasm, and optic nerve, and had the smallest normal tissue volume in the low-dose region. Conclusion: Based on the dosimetric comparison, IMSRT was optimal for locally recurrent NPC by delivering a conformal and homogenous dose to the PTV while sparing OARs.« less

LRP1 protects the vasculature by regulating levels of connective tissue growth factor and HtrA1.

PubMed

Muratoglu, Selen C; Belgrave, Shani; Hampton, Brian; Migliorini, Mary; Coksaygan, Turhan; Chen, Ling; Mikhailenko, Irina; Strickland, Dudley K

2013-09-01

Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) is a large endocytic and signaling receptor that is abundant in vascular smooth muscle cells. Mice in which the lrp1 gene is deleted in smooth muscle cells (smLRP1(-/-)) on a low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient background display excessive platelet derived growth factor-signaling, smooth muscle cell proliferation, aneurysm formation, and increased susceptibility to atherosclerosis. The objectives of the current study were to examine the potential of LRP1 to modulate vascular physiology under nonatherogenic conditions. We found smLRP1(-/-) mice to have extensive in vivo aortic dilatation accompanied by disorganized and degraded elastic lamina along with medial thickening of the arterial vessels resulting from excess matrix deposition. Surprisingly, this was not attributable to excessive platelet derived growth factor-signaling. Rather, quantitative differential proteomic analysis revealed that smLRP1(-/-) vessels contain a 4-fold increase in protein levels of high-temperature requirement factor A1 (HtrA1), which is a secreted serine protease that is known to degrade matrix components and to impair elastogenesis, resulting in fragmentation of elastic fibers. Importantly, our study discovered that HtrA1 is a novel LRP1 ligand. Proteomics analysis also identified excessive accumulation of connective tissue growth factor, an LRP1 ligand and a key mediator of fibrosis. Our findings suggest a critical role for LRP1 in maintaining the integrity of vessels by regulating protease activity as well as matrix deposition by modulating HtrA1 and connective tissue growth factor protein levels. This study highlights 2 new molecules, connective tissue growth factor and HtrA1, which contribute to detrimental changes in the vasculature and, therefore, represent new target molecules for potential therapeutic intervention to maintain vessel wall homeostasis.

The burden of microstructural damage modulates cortical activation in elderly subjects with MCI and leuko-araiosis. A DTI and fMRI study.

PubMed

Mascalchi, Mario; Ginestroni, Andrea; Toschi, Nicola; Poggesi, Anna; Cecchi, Paolo; Salvadori, Emilia; Tessa, Carlo; Cosottini, Mirco; De Stefano, Nicola; Pracucci, Giovanni; Pantoni, Leonardo; Inzitari, Domenico; Diciotti, Stefano

2014-03-01

The term leuko-araiosis (LA) describes a common chronic affection of the cerebral white matter (WM) in the elderly due to small vessel disease with variable clinical correlates. To explore whether severity of LA entails some adaptive reorganization in the cerebral cortex we evaluated with functional MRI (fMRI) the cortical activation pattern during a simple motor task in 60 subjects with mild cognitive impairment and moderate or severe (moderate-to-severe LA group, n = 46) and mild (mild LA group, n = 14) LA extension on visual rating. The microstructural damage associated with LA was measured on diffusion tensor data by computation of the mean diffusivity (MD) of the cerebral WM and by applying tract based spatial statistics (TBSS). Subjects were examined with fMRI during continuous tapping of the right dominant hand with task performance measurement. Moderate-to-severe LA group showed hyperactivation of left primary sensorimotor cortex (SM1) and right cerebellum. Regression analyses using the individual median of WM MD as explanatory variable revealed a posterior shift of activation within the left SM1 and hyperactivation of the left SMA and paracentral lobule and of the bilateral cerebellar crus. These data indicate that brain activation is modulated by increasing severity of LA with a local remapping within the SM1 and increased activity in ipsilateral nonprimary sensorimotor cortex and bilateral cerebellum. These potentially adaptive changes as well lack of contralateral cerebral hemisphere hyperactivation are in line with sparing of the U fibers and brainstem and cerebellar WM tracts and the emerging microstructual damage of the corpus callosum revealed by TBSS with increasing severity of LA. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Aging reduces experience-induced sensorimotor plasticity. A magnetoencephalographic study.

PubMed

Mary, Alison; Bourguignon, Mathieu; Wens, Vincent; Op de Beeck, Marc; Leproult, Rachel; De Tiège, Xavier; Peigneux, Philippe

2015-01-01

Modulation of the mu-alpha and mu-beta spontaneous rhythms reflects plastic neural changes within the primary sensorimotor cortex (SM1). Using magnetoencephalography (MEG), we investigated how aging modifies experience-induced plasticity after learning a motor sequence, looking at post- vs. pre-learning changes in the modulation of mu rhythms during the execution of simple hand movements. Fifteen young (18-30 years) and fourteen older (65-75 years) right-handed healthy participants performed auditory-cued key presses using all four left fingers simultaneously (Simple Movement task - SMT) during two separate sessions. Following both SMT sessions, they repeatedly practiced a 5-elements sequential finger-tapping task (FTT). Mu power calculated during SMT was averaged across 18 gradiometers covering the right sensorimotor region and compared before vs. after sequence learning in the alpha (9/10/11Hz) and the beta (18/20/22Hz) bands separately. Source power maps in the mu-alpha and mu-beta bands were localized using Dynamic Statistical Parametric Mapping (dSPM). The FTT sequence was performed faster at retest than at the end of the learning session, indicating an offline boost in performance. Analyses conducted on SMT sessions revealed enhanced rebound after learning in the right SM1, 3000-3500ms after the initiation of movement, in young as compared to older participants. Source reconstruction indicated that mu-beta is located in the precentral gyrus (motor processes) and mu-alpha is located in the postcentral gyrus (somatosensory processes) in both groups. The enhanced post-movement rebound in young subjects potentially reflects post-training plastic changes in SM1. Age-related decreases in post-training modulatory effects suggest reduced experience-dependent plasticity in the aging brain. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Parasite and vertebrate host genetic heterogeneity determine the outcome of infection by Schistosoma mansoni.

PubMed

Nino Incani, R; Morales, G; Cesari, I M

2001-02-01

Intraspecific variation in Schistosoma mansoni infection and modulation of its expression by vertebrate host genetics was studied by evaluation of some biological parameters of the infection in BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice infected with one Brazilian (BH) and two Venezuelan (YT and SM) laboratory strains of the parasite. Mice infected with 60 cercariae of each parasite strain were euthanized at 5, 6, 8, and 12 weeks. Parameters recorded included the number of adult worms recovered by portal perfusion (infectivity); the number of eggs in the feces, the intestine, and the liver; and the ability of the eggs to cross the intestine, expressed as a quotient of the number of eggs in the intestine versus the feces. Results showed that the parasite appeared to determine the infectivity, the sex ratio, the onset and timing of oviposition, the number of eggs produced, initial egg laying toward the liver, and the ability to cross the intestinal wall. In this sense the BH strain appeared to be the most efficient and the SM strain, the most delayed; the YT strain was intermediate, although closer to the SM strain. On the other hand, the host appeared to influence the susceptibility to infection, the fecundity, and the percentage of eggs distributed in the liver and in the intestine during the chronic stage. In this sense, although they have been shown to be less susceptible to infection than BALB/c mice, C57BL/6 mice permit more eggs to be produced and exhibit similar numbers of eggs in the intestine and the liver at certain time points. It appears from these results that parasite genetics is essential for the outcome of infection with S. mansoni, but some characteristics may be quantitatively modulated by host genetics.

Effects of acidic deposition and soil acidification on sugar maple trees in the Adirondack Mountains, New York

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sullivan, Timothy J.; Lawrence, Gregory B.; Bailey, Scott W.; McDonnell, Todd C.; McPherson, G.T.

2013-01-01

This study documents the effects of acidic deposition and soil acid-base chemistry on the growth, regeneration, and canopy condition of sugar maple (SM) trees in the Adirondack Mountains of New York. Sugar maple is the dominant canopy species throughout much of the northern hardwood forest in the State. A field study was conducted in 2009 in which 50 study plots within 20 small Adirondack watersheds were sampled and evaluated for soil acid-base chemistry and SM growth, canopy condition, and regeneration. Atmospheric sulfur (S) and nitrogen (N) deposition were estimated for each plot. Trees growing on soils with poor acid-base chemistry (low exchangeable calcium and % base saturation) that receive relatively high levels of atmospheric S and N deposition exhibited little to no SM seedling regeneration, decreased canopy condition, and short-to long-term growth declines compared with study plots having better soil condition and lower levels of atmospheric deposition. These results suggest that the ecosystem services provided by SM in the western and central Adirondack Mountain region, including aesthetic, cultural, and monetary values, are at risk from ongoing soil acidification caused in large part by acidic deposition.

NASA CEV Reference Entry GN&C System and Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Munday, S.; Madsen, C.; Broome, J.; Gay, R.; Tigges, M.; Strahan, A.

2007-01-01

As part of its overall objectives, the Orion spacecraft will be required to perform entry and Earth landing functions for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Lunar missions. Both of these entry scenarios will begin with separation of the Service Module (SM), making them unique from other Orion mission phases in that only the Command Module (CM) portion of the Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) will be involved, requiring a CM specific Guidance, Navigation and Control (GN&C) system. Also common to these mission scenarios will be the need for GN&C to safely return crew (or cargo) to earth within the dynamic thermal and structural constraints of entry and within acceptable accelerations on the crew, utilizing the limited aerodynamic performance of the CM capsule. The lunar return mission could additionally require an initial atmospheric entry designed to support a precision skip and second entry, all to maximize downrange performance and ensure landing in the United States. This paper describes the Entry GN&C reference design, developed by the NASA-led team, that supports these entry scenarios and that was used to validate the Orion System requirements. Description of the reference design will include an overview of the GN&C functions, avionics, and effectors and will relate these to the specific design drivers of the entry scenarios, as well as the desire for commonality in vehicle systems to support the different missions. The discussion will also include the requirement for an Emergency Entry capability beyond that of the nominal performance of the multi-string GNC system, intended to return the crew to the earth in a survivable but unguided manner. Finally, various analyses will be discussed, including those completed to support validation efforts of the current CEV requirements, along with those on-going and planned with the intention to further refine the requirements and to support design development work in conjunction with the prime contractor. Some of these ongoing analyses will include work to size effectors (jets) and fuel budgets, to refine skip entry concepts, to characterize navigation performance and uncertainties, to provide for SM disposal offshore and to identify requirements to support target site selection.

Modular organization of α-toxins from scorpion venom mirrors domain structure of their targets, sodium channels.

PubMed

Chugunov, Anton O; Koromyslova, Anna D; Berkut, Antonina A; Peigneur, Steve; Tytgat, Jan; Polyansky, Anton A; Pentkovsky, Vladimir M; Vassilevski, Alexander A; Grishin, Eugene V; Efremov, Roman G

2013-06-28

To gain success in the evolutionary "arms race," venomous animals such as scorpions produce diverse neurotoxins selected to hit targets in the nervous system of prey. Scorpion α-toxins affect insect and/or mammalian voltage-gated sodium channels (Na(v)s) and thereby modify the excitability of muscle and nerve cells. Although more than 100 α-toxins are known and a number of them have been studied into detail, the molecular mechanism of their interaction with Na(v)s is still poorly understood. Here, we employ extensive molecular dynamics simulations and spatial mapping of hydrophobic/hydrophilic properties distributed over the molecular surface of α-toxins. It is revealed that despite the small size and relatively rigid structure, these toxins possess modular organization from structural, functional, and evolutionary perspectives. The more conserved and rigid "core module" is supplemented with the "specificity module" (SM) that is comparatively flexible and variable and determines the taxon (mammal versus insect) specificity of α-toxin activity. We further show that SMs in mammal toxins are more flexible and hydrophilic than in insect toxins. Concomitant sequence-based analysis of the extracellular loops of Na(v)s suggests that α-toxins recognize the channels using both modules. We propose that the core module binds to the voltage-sensing domain IV, whereas the more versatile SM interacts with the pore domain in repeat I of Na(v)s. These findings corroborate and expand the hypothesis on different functional epitopes of toxins that has been reported previously. In effect, we propose that the modular structure in toxins evolved to match the domain architecture of Na(v)s.

Computational studies of the binding profile of phosphoinositide PtdIns (3,4,5) P3 with the pleckstrin homology domain of an oomycete cellulose synthase

PubMed Central

Kuang, Guanglin; Bulone, Vincent; Tu, Yaoquan

2016-01-01

Saprolegnia monoica is a model organism to investigate Saprolegnia parasitica, an important oomycete which causes considerable loss in aquaculture every year. S. monoica contains cellulose synthases vital for oomycete growth. However, the molecular mechanism of the cellulose biosynthesis process in the oomycete growth is still poorly understood. Some cellulose synthases of S. monoica, such as SmCesA2, are found to contain a plecsktrin homology (PH) domain, which is a protein module widely found in nature and known to bind to phosphoinositides, a class of signaling compounds involved in many biological processes. Understanding the molecular interactions between the PH domain and phosphoinositides would help to unravel the cellulose biosynthesis process of oomycetes. In this work, the binding profile of PtdIns (3,4,5) P3, a typical phosphoinositide, with SmCesA2-PH was studied by molecular docking, molecular dynamics and metadynamics simulations. PtdIns (3,4,5) P3 is found to bind at a specific site located at β1, β2 and β1-β2 loop of SmCesA2-PH. The high affinity of PtdIns (3,4,5) P3 to SmCesA2-PH is contributed by the free phosphate groups, which have electrostatic and hydrogen-bond interactions with Lys88, Lys100 and Arg102 in the binding site. PMID:26857031

Settings for Suicide Prevention

MedlinePlus

... Urban Areas Workplaces About Suicide Effective Prevention Resources & Programs Training News & Highlights Organizations The Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) is supported by a grant (1 U79 SM062297) from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department ...

What's New in Aquatics Training.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ensign, Jim

1992-01-01

There are many options for aquatic professionals requiring retraining to stay current and certified. The article describes six aquatics training programs, noting their strong points, common concerns, basic features, standard fees, course lengths, and how other professionals view their services. (SM)

Equity and Urban Service Distribution, Package XVIII. Module 1; Module 2: Handbook for Analyzing the Distribution of Solid Waste Collection Services; Module 3: Handbook for Analyzing the Distribution of Library Services; Module 4: Handbook for Analyzing the Distribution of Park Services; Module 5: Handbook for Analyzing the Distribution of Police Services.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lucy, William H.; Mladenka, Kenneth R.

This package contains the student materials for five modules which comprise a portion of the National Training and Development Service Urban Management Curriculum Development Project. These modules focus on the distribution of services in urban areas. Module One presents chapters on service distribution and equity, effectiveness, decision making,…

Subcarrier intensity modulation for MIMO visible light communications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Celik, Yasin; Akan, Aydin

2018-04-01

In this paper, subcarrier intensity modulation (SIM) is investigated for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) visible light communication (VLC) systems. A new modulation scheme called DC-aid SIM (DCA-SIM) is proposed for the spatial modulation (SM) transmission plan. Then, DCA-SIM is extended for multiple subcarrier case which is called DC-aid Multiple Subcarrier Modulation (DCA-MSM). Bit error rate (BER) performances of the considered system are analyzed for different MIMO schemes. The power efficiencies of DCA-SIM and DCA-MSM are shown in correlated MIMO VLC channels. The upper bound BER performances of the proposed models are obtained analytically for PSK and QAM modulation types in order to validate the simulation results. Additionally, the effect of power imbalance method on the performance of SIM is studied and remarkable power gains are obtained compared to the non-power imbalanced cases. In this work, Pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) and MSM-Index are used as benchmarks for single carrier and multiple carrier cases, respectively. And the results show that the proposed schemes outperform PAM and MSM-Index for considered single carrier and multiple carrier communication scenarios.

Unable to Speak: Selective Mutism in Youth.

PubMed

Smith-Schrandt, Heather L; Ellington, Erin

2018-02-01

It is important for psychiatric nurses to be familiar with the clinical presentation and recommended treatment for selective mutism (SM), as it is a childhood anxiety disorder that is not commonly studied. This article provides a brief overview of its diagnostic criteria, prevalence, assessment, and history. Special attention is given to misconceptions regarding the disorder and differentiation of trauma and oppositional disorders. Two vignettes illustrate varied presentations of SM, with and without comorbid social phobia. Empirically supported behavioral and psychopharmacological treatment is outlined, and considerations for nursing are provided. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 56(2), 14-18.]. Copyright 2018, SLACK Incorporated.

Notice of release of 'Bannock II' thickspike wheatgrass

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The USDA-Agricultural Research Service (ARS) announces the cultivar release of 'Bannock II' thickspike wheatgrass [Elymus lanceolatus (Scribn. & J.G. Sm.) Gould]. 'Bannock II', a five clone synthetic, is the result of hybridization among selected genotypes from thickspike wheatgrass cultivars 'Bann...

Comparison of mega-voltage cone-beam computed tomography prostate localization with online ultrasound and fiducial markers methods

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

Gayou, Olivier; Miften, Moyed

2008-02-15

The online image-guided localization data from 696 ultrasound (United States), 598 mega-voltage cone-beam computed tomography (MV-CBCT), and 393 seed markers (SMs) couch alignments for patients undergoing intensity modulation radiotherapy of the prostate were analyzed. Daily US, MV-CBCT and SM images were acquired for 19, 17 and 12 patients, respectively, after each patient was immobilized in a vacuum cradle and setup to skin markers as the center of mass. The couch shifts applied in the lateral (left-right/LR), vertical (anterior-posterior/AP), and longitudinal (superior-inferior/SI) directions, along with the magnitude of the three-dimensional (3D) shift vector, were analyzed and compared for all three methods.more » The percentage of shifts larger than 5 mm in all directions was also compared. Clinical target volume-planning target volume (CTV-to-PTV) expansion margins were estimated based on the localization data with US, CB, and SM image guidance. Results show the US data have greater variability. Systematic and random shifts were -1.2{+-}6.8 mm (LR), -2.8{+-}5.1 mm (SI) and -1.0{+-}5.9 mm (AP) for US, 1.0{+-}3.9 mm (LR), -1.3{+-}2.5 mm (SI) and -0.3{+-}3.9 mm (AP) for CB, and -1.0{+-}3.4 mm (LR), 0.0{+-}3.4 mm (SI) and 0.5{+-}4.1 mm (AP) for SM. The mean 3D shift distance was larger using US (8.8{+-}6.2 mm) compared to CB and SM (5.3{+-}3.4 mm and 5.2{+-}3.7 mm, respectively). The percentage of US shifts larger than 5 mm were 34%, 31%, and 38% in the LR, SI, and AP directions, respectively, compared to 18%, 6%, and 16% for CB and 14%, 10%, and 20% for SM. MV-CBCT and SM localization data suggest a different distribution of prostate center-of-mass shifts with smaller variability, compared to US. The online MV-CBCT and SM image-guidance data show that for treatments that do not include daily prostate localization, one can use a CTV-to-PTV margin that is 4 mm smaller than the one suggested by US data, hence allowing more rectum and bladder sparing and potentially improving the therapeutic ratio.« less

The Effect of Heating on the Degradation of Ground Laboratory and Space Irradiated Teflon(r) FEP

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

deGroh, Kim K.; Martin, Morgana

2002-01-01

The outer most layer of the multilayer insulation (MLI) blankets on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is back surface aluminized Teflon(R) FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene). As seen by data collected after each of the three servicing missions and as observed during the second servicing mission (SM2), the FEP has become embrittled in the space environment, leading to degradation of the mechanical properties and severe on-orbit cracking of the FEP. During SM2, a sample of aluminized-FEP was retrieved from HST that had cracked and curled, exposing its aluminum backside to space. Because of the difference in optical properties between FEP and aluminum, this insulation piece reached 200 C on-orbit, which is significantly higher than the nominal MLI temperature extreme of 50 C. This piece was more brittle than other retrieved material from the first and third servicing missions (SM1 and SM3A, respectively). Due to this observation and the fact that Teflon thermal shields on the solar array bi-stems were heated on-orbit to 130 C, experiments have been conducted to determine the effect of heating on the degradation of FEP that has been irradiated in a ground laboratory facility or in space on HST. Teflon FEP samples were X-ray irradiated in a high vacuum facility in order to simulate the damage caused by radiation in the space environment. Samples of pristine FEP, X-ray irradiated FEP and FEP retrieved from the HST during SM3A were heat treated from 50 to 200 C at 25 intervals in a high vacuum facility and then tensile tested. In addition, samples were tested in a density gradient column to determine the effect of the radiation and heating on the density of FEP. Results indicate that although heating does not degrade the tensile properties of non-irradiated Teflon, there is a significant dependence of the percent elongation at failure of irradiated Teflon as a function of heating temperature. Irradiated Teflon was found to undergo increasing degradation in the elongation at failure as temperature was increased from room temperature to 200 C. Rate of degradation changes, which were consistent with the glass I transition temperatures for FEP, appeared to be present in both tensile and density data. The results indicate the significance of the on-orbit temperature of Teflon FEP with respect to its degradation in the low Earth orbital space environment.

Theory-driven group-based complex intervention to support self-management of osteoarthritis and low back pain in primary care physiotherapy: protocol for a cluster randomised controlled feasibility trial (SOLAS)

PubMed Central

Hurley, Deirdre A; Hall, Amanda M; Currie-Murphy, Laura; Pincus, Tamar; Kamper, Steve; Maher, Chris; McDonough, Suzanne M; Lonsdale, Chris; Walsh, Nicola E; Guerin, Suzanne; Segurado, Ricardo; Matthews, James

2016-01-01

Introduction International clinical guidelines consistently endorse the promotion of self-management (SM), including physical activity for patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and osteoarthritis (OA). Patients frequently receive individual treatment and advice to self-manage from physiotherapists in primary care, but the successful implementation of a clinical and cost-effective group SM programme is a key priority for health service managers in Ireland to maximise long-term outcomes and efficient use of limited and costly resources. Methods/analysis This protocol describes an assessor-blinded cluster randomised controlled feasibility trial of a group-based education and exercise intervention underpinned by self-determination theory designed to support an increase in SM behaviour in patients with CLBP and OA in primary care physiotherapy. The primary care clinic will be the unit of randomisation (cluster), with each clinic randomised to 1 of 2 groups providing the Self-management of Osteoarthritis and Low back pain through Activity and Skills (SOLAS) intervention or usual individual physiotherapy. Patients are followed up at 6 weeks, 2 and 6 months. The primary outcomes are the (1) acceptability and demand of the intervention to patients and physiotherapists, (2) feasibility and optimal study design/procedures and sample size for a definitive trial. Secondary outcomes include exploratory analyses of: point estimates, 95% CIs, change scores and effect sizes in physical function, pain and disability outcomes; process of change in target SM behaviours and selected mediators; and the cost of the intervention to inform a definitive trial. Ethics/dissemination This feasibility trial protocol was approved by the UCD Human Research Ethics—Sciences Committee (LS-13-54 Currie-Hurley) and research access has been granted by the Health Services Executive Primary Care Research Committee in January 2014. The study findings will be disseminated to the research, clinical and health service communities through publication in peer-reviewed journals, presentation at national and international academic and clinical conferences. Trial registration number ISRCTN 49875385; Pre-results. PMID:26801470

Field-Induced Alignment of Polar Bent-Ccore Smectic A Liquid Crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Yongqiang; Goodhew, Lisa; Shao, Renfan; Maclennan, Joseph; Clark, Noel; Rudquist, Per

2014-03-01

The SmAPF phase is a promising phase modulator mode. To use the SmAPF materials for applications, we need to obtain uniform, large-area alignment of the samples. However, bent-core liquid crystals are notoriously difficult to align with conventional surface treatment methods because most of them have no nematic phase. We have developed a powerful, new method using in-plane applied electric fields that allows us to create a perfect bookshelf alignment of orthogonal bent-core smectics. By using an interdigitated, finger-like electrode arrangement on one of the cell surfaces, we can align the materials by applying in-plane electric fields. This stripe geometry, which produces curved field lines, allows for only one smectic layer orientation, normal both to the cell walls and to the finger electrodes. After alignment, the cell can be operated in the conventional way by connecting the finger electrodes together to make one effective electrode, opposing continuous, common electrode on the opposite side of the cell. This alignment method opens up the use of these materials in perfectly aligned cells for both amplitude and phase-only modulation applications. This work was supported by NSF MRSEC Grant No. DMR-0820579, by NSF Grant No. DMR-1008300, and by Swedish Research Council (VR) Grant No. 621-2009-3621.

Nanomechanics of multidomain neuronal cell adhesion protein contactin revealed by single molecule AFM and SMD.

PubMed

Mikulska-Ruminska, Karolina; Kulik, Andrej J; Benadiba, Carine; Bahar, Ivet; Dietler, Giovanni; Nowak, Wieslaw

2017-08-18

Contactin-4 (CNTN4) is a complex cell adhesion molecule (CAM) localized at neuronal membranes, playing a key role in maintaining the mechanical integrity and signaling properties of the synapse. CNTN4 consists of six immunoglobulin C2 type (IgC2) domains and four fibronectin type III (FnIII) domains that are shared with many other CAMs. Mutations in CNTN4 gene have been linked to various psychiatric disorders. Toward elucidating the response of this modular protein to mechanical stress, we studied its force-induced unfolding using single molecule atomic force microscopy (smAFM) and steered molecular dynamics (SMD) simulations. Extensive smAFM and SMD data both indicate the distinctive mechanical behavior of the two types of modules distinguished by unique force-extension signatures. The data also reveal the heterogeneity of the response of the individual FNIII and IgC2 modules, which presumably plays a role in the adaptability of CNTN4 to maintaining cell-cell communication and adhesion properties under different conditions. Results show that extensive sampling of force spectra, facilitated by robot-enhanced AFM, can help reveal the existence of weak stabilizing interactions between the domains of multidomain proteins, and provide insights into the nanomechanics of such multidomain or heteromeric proteins.

Using bioinformatics and systems genetics to dissect HDL-cholesterol genetics in an MRL/MpJ x SM/J intercross.

PubMed

Leduc, Magalie S; Blair, Rachael Hageman; Verdugo, Ricardo A; Tsaih, Shirng-Wern; Walsh, Kenneth; Churchill, Gary A; Paigen, Beverly

2012-06-01

A higher incidence of coronary artery disease is associated with a lower level of HDL-cholesterol. We searched for genetic loci influencing HDL-cholesterol in F2 mice from a cross between MRL/MpJ and SM/J mice. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping revealed one significant HDL QTL (Apoa2 locus), four suggestive QTL on chromosomes 10, 11, 13, and 18 and four additional QTL on chromosomes 1 proximal, 3, 4, and 7 after adjusting HDL for the strong Apoa2 locus. A novel nonsynonymous polymorphism supports Lipg as the QTL gene for the chromosome 18 QTL, and a difference in Abca1 expression in liver tissue supports it as the QTL gene for the chromosome 4 QTL. Using weighted gene co-expression network analysis, we identified a module that after adjustment for Apoa2, correlated with HDL, was genetically determined by a QTL on chromosome 11, and overlapped with the HDL QTL. A combination of bioinformatics tools and systems genetics helped identify several candidate genes for both the chromosome 11 HDL and module QTL based on differential expression between the parental strains, cis regulation of expression, and causality modeling. We conclude that integrating systems genetics to a more-traditional genetics approach improves the power of complex trait gene identification.

--No Title--

Science.gov Websites

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Polarimetric Analysis of the Long Duration Gamma-Ray Burst GRB 160530A With the Balloon Borne Compton Spectrometer and Imager

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lowell, A. W.; Boggs, S. E.; Chiu, C. L.; Kierans, C. A.; Sleator, C.; Tomsick, J. A.; Zoglauer, A. C.; Chang, H.-K.; Tseng, C.-H.; Yang, C.-Y.; Jean, P.; von Ballmoos, P.; Lin, C.-H.; Amman, M.

2017-10-01

A long duration gamma-ray burst, GRB 160530A, was detected by the Compton Spectrometer and Imager (COSI) during the 2016 COSI Super Pressure Balloon campaign. As a Compton telescope, COSI is inherently sensitive to the polarization of gamma-ray sources in the energy range 0.2-5.0 MeV. We measured the polarization of GRB 160530A using (1) a standard method (SM) based on fitting the distribution of azimuthal scattering angles with a modulation curve and (2) an unbinned, maximum likelihood method (MLM). In both cases, the measured polarization level was below the 99% confidence minimum detectable polarization levels of 72.3% ± 0.8% (SM) and 57.5% ± 0.8% (MLM). Therefore, COSI did not detect polarized gamma-ray emission from this burst. Our most constraining 90% confidence upper limit on the polarization level was 46% (MLM).

Fungal Gene Expression on Demand: an Inducible, Tunable, and Metabolism-Independent Expression System for Aspergillus niger▿†

PubMed Central

Meyer, Vera; Wanka, Franziska; van Gent, Janneke; Arentshorst, Mark; van den Hondel, Cees A. M. J. J.; Ram, Arthur F. J.

2011-01-01

Filamentous fungi are the cause of serious human and plant diseases but are also exploited in biotechnology as production platforms. Comparative genomics has documented their genetic diversity, and functional genomics and systems biology approaches are under way to understand the functions and interaction of fungal genes and proteins. In these approaches, gene functions are usually inferred from deletion or overexpression mutants. However, studies at these extreme points give only limited information. Moreover, many overexpression studies use metabolism-dependent promoters, often causing pleiotropic effects and thus limitations in their significance. We therefore established and systematically evaluated a tunable expression system for Aspergillus niger that is independent of carbon and nitrogen metabolism and silent under noninduced conditions. The system consists of two expression modules jointly targeted to a defined genomic locus. One module ensures constitutive expression of the tetracycline-dependent transactivator rtTA2S-M2, and one module harbors the rtTA2S-M2-dependent promoter that controls expression of the gene of interest (the Tet-on system). We show here that the system is tight, responds within minutes after inducer addition, and allows fine-tuning based on the inducer concentration or gene copy number up to expression levels higher than the expression levels of the gpdA promoter. We also validate the Tet-on system for the generation of conditional overexpression mutants and demonstrate its power when combined with a gene deletion approach. Finally, we show that the system is especially suitable when the functions of essential genes must be examined. PMID:21378046

Human Chitotriosidase Is an Endo-Processive Enzyme

PubMed Central

Sørlie, Morten; Väljamäe, Priit

2017-01-01

Human chitotriosidase (HCHT) is involved in immune response to chitin-containing pathogens in humans. The enzyme is able to degrade chitooligosaccharides as well as crystalline chitin. The catalytic domain of HCHT is connected to the carbohydrate binding module (CBM) through a flexible hinge region. In humans, two active isoforms of HCHT are found–the full length enzyme and its truncated version lacking CBM and the hinge region. The active site architecture of HCHT is reminiscent to that of the reducing-end exo-acting processive chitinase ChiA from bacterium Serratia marcescens (SmChiA). However, the presence of flexible hinge region and occurrence of two active isoforms are reminiscent to that of non-processive endo-chitinase from S. marcescens, SmChiC. Although the studies on soluble chitin derivatives suggest the endo-character of HCHT, the mode of action of the enzyme on crystalline chitin is not known. Here, we made a thorough characterization of HCHT in terms of the mode of action, processivity, binding, and rate constants for the catalysis and dissociation using α-chitin as substrate. HCHT efficiently released the end-label from reducing-end labelled chitin and had also high probability (95%) of endo-mode initiation of processive run. These results qualify HCHT as an endo-processive enzyme. Processivity and the rate constant of dissociation of HCHT were found to be in-between those, characteristic to processive exo-enzymes, like SmChiA and randomly acting non-processive endo-enzymes, like SmChiC. Apart from increasing the affinity for chitin, CBM had no major effect on kinetic properties of HCHT. PMID:28129403

Smart Homes for All: Collaborating Services in a for-All Architecture for Domotics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Catarci, Tiziana; Cincotti, Febo; de Leoni, Massimiliano; Mecella, Massimo; Santucci, Giuseppe

Nowadays, control equipments such as automobiles, home appliances, communication, control and office machines, offer their functionalities in the form of services. Such service pervasivity is particularly evident in immersive realities, i.e., scenarios in which invisible embedded systems need to continuously interact with human users, in order to provide continuous sensed information and to react to service requests from the users themselves. The sm4all project, which will be presented in this paper, is investigating an innovative middleware platform for collaborating smart embedded services in immersive and person-centric environments, through the use of composability and semantic techniques.

Atypical pharmacology of schistosome TRPA1-like ion channels.

PubMed

Bais, Swarna; Berry, Corbett T; Liu, Xiaohong; Ruthel, Gordon; Freedman, Bruce D; Greenberg, Robert M

2018-05-01

Parasitic flatworms of the genus Schistosoma cause schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease estimated to affect over 200 million people worldwide. Praziquantel is the only antischistosomal currently available for treatment, and there is an urgent need for new therapeutics. Ion channels play key roles in physiology and are targets for many anthelmintics, yet only a few representatives have been characterized in any detail in schistosomes and other parasitic helminths. The transient receptor potential (TRP) channel superfamily comprises a diverse family of non-selective cation channels that play key roles in sensory transduction and a wide range of other functions. TRP channels fall into several subfamilies. Members of both the TRPA and TRPV subfamilies transduce nociceptive and inflammatory signals in mammals, and often also respond to chemical and thermal signals. We previously showed that although schistosomes contain no genes predicted to encode TRPV channels, TRPV1-selective activators such as capsaicin and resiniferatoxin elicit dramatic hyperactivity in adult worms and schistosomula. Surprisingly, this response requires expression of a S. mansoni TRPA1-like orthologue (SmTRPA). Here, we show that capsaicin induces a rise in intracellular Ca2+ in mammalian cells expressing either SmTRPA or a S. haematobium TRPA1 orthologue (ShTRPA). We also test SmTRPA and ShTRPA responses to various TRPV1 and TRPA1 modulators. Interestingly, in contrast to SmTRPA, ShTRPA is not activated by the TRPA1 activator AITC (allyl isothiocyanate), nor do S. haematobium adult worms respond to this compound, a potentially intriguing species difference. Notably, 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), a host-derived, inflammatory product that directly activates mammalian TRPA1, also activates both SmTRPA and ShTRPA. Our results point to parasite TRPA1-like channels which exhibit atypical, mixed TRPA1/TRPV1-like pharmacology, and which may also function to transduce endogenous host signals.

Structure–function analysis and genetic interactions of the SmG, SmE, and SmF subunits of the yeast Sm protein ring

PubMed Central

Schwer, Beate; Kruchten, Joshua; Shuman, Stewart

2016-01-01

A seven-subunit Sm protein ring forms a core scaffold of the U1, U2, U4, and U5 snRNPs that direct pre-mRNA splicing. Using human snRNP structures to guide mutagenesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we gained new insights into structure–function relationships of the SmG, SmE, and SmF subunits. An alanine scan of 19 conserved amino acids of these three proteins, comprising the Sm RNA binding sites or inter-subunit interfaces, revealed that, with the exception of Arg74 in SmF, none are essential for yeast growth. Yet, for SmG, SmE, and SmF, as for many components of the yeast spliceosome, the effects of perturbing protein–RNA and protein–protein interactions are masked by built-in functional redundancies of the splicing machine. For example, tests for genetic interactions with non-Sm splicing factors showed that many benign mutations of SmG, SmE, and SmF (and of SmB and SmD3) were synthetically lethal with null alleles of U2 snRNP subunits Lea1 and Msl1. Tests of pairwise combinations of SmG, SmE, SmF, SmB, and SmD3 alleles highlighted the inherent redundancies within the Sm ring, whereby simultaneous mutations of the RNA binding sites of any two of the Sm subunits are lethal. Our results suggest that six intact RNA binding sites in the Sm ring suffice for function but five sites may not. PMID:27417296

Hubble Space Telescope Servicing Mission 3A Rendezvous Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, S.; Anandakrishnan, S.; Connor, C.; Moy, E.; Smith, D.; Myslinski, M.; Markley, L.; Vernacchio, A.

2001-01-01

The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) hardware complement includes six gas bearing, pulse rebalanced rate integrating gyros, any three of which are sufficient to conduct the science mission. After the loss of three gyros between April 1997 and April 1999 due to a known corrosion mechanism, NASA decided to split the third HST servicing mission into SM3A, accelerated to October 1999, and SM3B, scheduled for November 2001. SM3A was developed as a quick turnaround 'Launch on Need' mission to replace all six gyros. Loss of a fourth gyro in November 1999 caused HST to enter Zero Gyro Sunpoint (ZGSP) safemode, which uses sun sensors and magnetometers for attitude determination and momentum bias to maintain attitude stability during orbit night. Several instances of large attitude excursions during orbit night were observed, but ZGSP performance was adequate to provide power-positive sun pointing and to support low gain antenna communications. Body rates in ZGSP were estimated to exceed the nominal 0.1 deg/sec rendezvous limit, so rendezvous operations were restructured to utilize coarse, limited life, Retrieval Mode Gyros (RMGs) under Hardware Sunpoint (HWSP) safemode. Contingency procedures were developed to conduct the rendezvous in ZGSP in the event of RMGA or HWSP computer failure. Space Shuttle Mission STS-103 launched on December 19, 1999 after a series of weather and Shuttle-related delays. After successful rendezvous and grapple under HWSP/RMGA, the crew changed out all six gyros. Following deploy and systems checkout, HST returned to full science operations.

Structure-function analysis and genetic interactions of the SmG, SmE, and SmF subunits of the yeast Sm protein ring.

PubMed

Schwer, Beate; Kruchten, Joshua; Shuman, Stewart

2016-09-01

A seven-subunit Sm protein ring forms a core scaffold of the U1, U2, U4, and U5 snRNPs that direct pre-mRNA splicing. Using human snRNP structures to guide mutagenesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we gained new insights into structure-function relationships of the SmG, SmE, and SmF subunits. An alanine scan of 19 conserved amino acids of these three proteins, comprising the Sm RNA binding sites or inter-subunit interfaces, revealed that, with the exception of Arg74 in SmF, none are essential for yeast growth. Yet, for SmG, SmE, and SmF, as for many components of the yeast spliceosome, the effects of perturbing protein-RNA and protein-protein interactions are masked by built-in functional redundancies of the splicing machine. For example, tests for genetic interactions with non-Sm splicing factors showed that many benign mutations of SmG, SmE, and SmF (and of SmB and SmD3) were synthetically lethal with null alleles of U2 snRNP subunits Lea1 and Msl1. Tests of pairwise combinations of SmG, SmE, SmF, SmB, and SmD3 alleles highlighted the inherent redundancies within the Sm ring, whereby simultaneous mutations of the RNA binding sites of any two of the Sm subunits are lethal. Our results suggest that six intact RNA binding sites in the Sm ring suffice for function but five sites may not. © 2016 Schwer et al.; Published by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press for the RNA Society.

Economic impact of remote monitoring after implantable defibrillators implantation in heart failure patients: an analysis from the EFFECT study.

PubMed

Capucci, Alessandro; De Simone, Antonio; Luzi, Mario; Calvi, Valeria; Stabile, Giuseppe; D'Onofrio, Antonio; Maffei, Simone; Leoni, Loira; Morani, Giovanni; Sangiuolo, Raffaele; Amellone, Claudia; Checchinato, Catia; Ammendola, Ernesto; Buja, Gianfranco

2017-09-01

Heart failure (HF) patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) require admissions for disease management and out-patient visits for disease management and assessment of device performance. These admissions place a significant burden on the National Health Service. Remote monitoring (RM) is an effective alternative to frequent hospital visits. The EFFECT study was a multicentre observational investigation aiming to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of RM compared with in-office visits standard management (SM). The present analysis is an economic evaluation of the results of the EFFECT trial. The present analysis considered the direct consumption of healthcare resources over 12-month follow-up. Standard tariffs were applied to hospitalizations, in-office visits and remote device interrogations. Economic comparisons were also carried out by means of propensity score (PS) analysis to take into account the lack of randomization in the study design. The analysis involved 858 patients with ICD or CRT-D. Of these, 401 (47%) were followed up via an SM approach, while 457 (53%) were assigned to RM. The rate of hospitalizations was 0.27/year in the SM group and 0.16/year in the RM group (risk reduction =0.59; P = 0.0004). In the non-adjusted analysis, the annual cost for each patient was €817 in the SM group and €604 in the RM group (P = 0.014). Propensity score analysis, in which 292 RM patients were matched with 292 SM patients, confirmed the results of the non-adjusted analysis (€872 in the SM group vs. €757 in the RM group; P < 0.0001). There is a reduction in direct healthcare costs of RM for HF patients with ICDs, particularly CRT-D, compared with standard monitoring. http://clinicaltrials.gov/Identifier, NCT01723865. Published on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved. © The Author 2017. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Saturn Apollo Program

NASA Image and Video Library

1970-04-01

Apollo 13 onboard photo: This view of the severely damaged Apollo 13 Service Module was photographed from the Lunar Module/Command Module following the jettison of the Service Module. As seen here, an entire panel of the Service Module was blown away by the apparent explosion of oxygen tank number two located in Sector 4 of the Service Module. Two of the three fuel cells are visible just forward (above) the heavily damaged area. Three fuel cells, two oxygen tanks, and two hydrogen tanks, are located in Sector 4. The damaged area is located above the S-band high gain anterna. Nearest the camera is the Service Propulsion System (SPS) engine and nozzle. The damage to the Service Module caused the Apollo 13 crewmen to use the Lunar Module as a lifeboat. The Lunar Module was jettisoned by the Command Module just prior to Earth re-entry.

An Environmental Ethic for Parks and Recreation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McAvoy, Leo

1990-01-01

Suggests an environmental ethic for parks and recreation professionals who are often on the wrong side of the environmental controversy because they lack a professional ethic. This article provides a guide for implementing an environmental ethic, noting that philosophy of service must be grounded in ecological principles, not merchant values. (SM)

Performance of Service-Discovery Architectures in Response to Node Failures

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-06-01

cache manager ( SCM ). Multiple SCMs can be used to mitigate the effect of SCM failure. In both architectures, service discovery occurs passively, via...employed, the SCM operates as an intermediary, matching advertised SDs of SMs to SD requirements provided by SUs. In this study, each SM manages one SP...architecture in our experimental topology: with 12 SMs, one SU, and up to three SCMs . To animate our three-party model, we chose discovery behaviors from the

Computer Systems Acquisition Metrics Handbook. Volume II. Quality Factor Modules.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-05-01

are unable to evil .mte) IPAW BrY: APFD If: i Ef-24 EFFICICYe: EfPDF.l L C1E PHASE: Sota S): PRELINARY DESIGN EfP. 1 EfDC. 2 = StSM NAM:. I. CUM...unable to evaluate) Iv. D6PB=’S C3#rm: PWAPM BY:______ APFD N _______ Po-30 MACHM NDE WM4 MEASE SO= Go&e:. PoII4LS LIM P E PHAiSE: SJRMCs): IMPLEME

Lonchakov ingresses the Earth-facing port of the SM after arrival of the Soyuz TMA-13 Spacecraft

NASA Image and Video Library

2008-10-14

ISS017-E-019022 (14 Oct. 2008) --- Russian Federal Space Agency cosmonaut Yury Lonchakov, Expedition 18 flight engineer, ingresses the Earth-facing port of the International Space Station's Zarya module after arriving onboard the Soyuz TMA-13 spacecraft with NASA astronaut Michael Fincke, commander, and American spaceflight participant Richard Garriott (both out of frame). Hatches between the two spacecraft were opened at 4:55 a.m. (CDT).

DRF3 as a Cholesterol Dependent Regulator of Src in Prostate Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-01

reported to induce non-apoptotic blebbing ( Eisenmann et al., 2007), suggesting the possibility that DRF3 may oppose blebbing. DRF3 knockdown by RNA...protein DIP, was recently shown to promote plasma membrane blebbing by acting as a Dia in- hibitor ( Eisenmann et al., 2007). Non-apoptotic membrane...43-51. Eisenmann KM, Harris ES, Kitchen SM, Holman HA, Higgs HN, Alberts AS. Dia-interacting protein modulates formin-mediated actin assembly at the

Emergence of periodic order in electric-field-driven planar nematic liquid crystals: An exclusive ac effect absent in static fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krishnamurthy, K. S.; Kumar, Pramoda

2007-11-01

We report, for a nematic liquid crystal with a low conductivity anisotropy, an ac field generated transition from a uniformly planar to a periodically modulated director configuration with the wave vector parallel to the initial director. Significantly, with unblocked electrodes, this instability is not excited by dc fields. Additionally, in very low frequency square wave fields, it occurs transiently after each polarity reversal, vanishing completely during field constancy. The time of occurrence of maximum distortion after polarity reversal decreases exponentially with voltage. The time dependence of optical phase change during transient distortion is nearly Gaussian. The pattern threshold Vc is linear in f , f denoting the frequency; the critical wave number qc of the modulation scales nearly linearly as f to a peak at ˜50Hz before falling slightly thereafter. The observed Vc(f) and qc(f) characteristics differ from the predictions of the standard model (SM). The instability may be interpreted as a special case of the Carr-Helfrich distortion suppressed in static fields due to weak charge focusing and strong charge injection. Its transient nature in the low frequency regime is suggestive of the possible role of gradient flexoelectric effect in its occurrence. The study includes measurement of certain elastic and viscosity parameters relevant to the application of the SM.

Using bioinformatics and systems genetics to dissect HDL-cholesterol genetics in an MRL/MpJ × SM/J intercross[S

PubMed Central

Leduc, Magalie S.; Blair, Rachael Hageman; Verdugo, Ricardo A.; Tsaih, Shirng-Wern; Walsh, Kenneth; Churchill, Gary A.; Paigen, Beverly

2012-01-01

A higher incidence of coronary artery disease is associated with a lower level of HDL-cholesterol. We searched for genetic loci influencing HDL-cholesterol in F2 mice from a cross between MRL/MpJ and SM/J mice. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping revealed one significant HDL QTL (Apoa2 locus), four suggestive QTL on chromosomes 10, 11, 13, and 18 and four additional QTL on chromosomes 1 proximal, 3, 4, and 7 after adjusting HDL for the strong Apoa2 locus. A novel nonsynonymous polymorphism supports Lipg as the QTL gene for the chromosome 18 QTL, and a difference in Abca1 expression in liver tissue supports it as the QTL gene for the chromosome 4 QTL. Using weighted gene co-expression network analysis, we identified a module that after adjustment for Apoa2, correlated with HDL, was genetically determined by a QTL on chromosome 11, and overlapped with the HDL QTL. A combination of bioinformatics tools and systems genetics helped identify several candidate genes for both the chromosome 11 HDL and module QTL based on differential expression between the parental strains, cis regulation of expression, and causality modeling. We conclude that integrating systems genetics to a more-traditional genetics approach improves the power of complex trait gene identification. PMID:22498810

Cone-Beam CT Assessment of Interfraction and Intrafraction Setup Error of Two Head-and-Neck Cancer Thermoplastic Masks

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

Velec, Michael; Waldron, John N.; O'Sullivan, Brian

2010-03-01

Purpose: To prospectively compare setup error in standard thermoplastic masks and skin-sparing masks (SSMs) modified with low neck cutouts for head-and-neck intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) patients. Methods and Materials: Twenty head-and-neck IMRT patients were randomized to be treated in a standard mask (SM) or SSM. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans, acquired daily after both initial setup and any repositioning, were used for initial and residual interfraction evaluation, respectively. Weekly, post-IMRT CBCT scans were acquired for intrafraction setup evaluation. The population random (sigma) and systematic (SIGMA) errors were compared for SMs and SSMs. Skin toxicity was recorded weekly by use ofmore » Radiation Therapy Oncology Group criteria. Results: We evaluated 762 CBCT scans in 11 patients randomized to the SM and 9 to the SSM. Initial interfraction sigma was 1.6 mm or less or 1.1 deg. or less for SM and 2.0 mm or less and 0.8 deg. for SSM. Initial interfraction SIGMA was 1.0 mm or less or 1.4 deg. or less for SM and 1.1 mm or less or 0.9 deg. or less for SSM. These errors were reduced before IMRT with CBCT image guidance with no significant differences in residual interfraction or intrafraction uncertainties between SMs and SSMs. Intrafraction sigma and SIGMA were less than 1 mm and less than 1 deg. for both masks. Less severe skin reactions were observed in the cutout regions of the SSM compared with non-cutout regions. Conclusions: Interfraction and intrafraction setup error is not significantly different for SSMs and conventional masks in head-and-neck radiation therapy. Mask cutouts should be considered for these patients in an effort to reduce skin toxicity.« less

A new strategy based on SmRho protein loaded chitosan nanoparticles as a candidate oral vaccine against schistosomiasis.

PubMed

Oliveira, Carolina R; Rezende, Cíntia M F; Silva, Marina R; Pêgo, Ana Paula; Borges, Olga; Goes, Alfredo M

2012-01-01

Schistosomiasis is one of the most important neglected tropical diseases and an effective control is unlikely in the absence of improved sanitation and vaccination. A new approach of oral vaccination with alginate coated chitosan nanoparticles appears interesting because their great stability and the ease of target accessibility, besides of chitosan and alginate immunostimulatory properties. Here we propose a candidate vaccine based on the combination of chitosan-based nanoparticles containing the antigen SmRho and coated with sodium alginate. Our results showed an efficient performance of protein loading of nanoparticles before and after coating with alginate. Characterization of the resulting nanoparticles reported a size around 430 nm and a negative zeta potential. In vitro release studies of protein showed great stability of coated nanoparticles in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF). Further in vivo studies was performed with different formulations of chitosan nanoparticles and it showed that oral immunization was not able to induce high levels of antibodies, otherwise intramuscular immunization induced high levels of both subtypes IgG1 and IgG2a SmRho specific antibodies. Mice immunized with nanoparticles associated to CpG showed significant modulation of granuloma reaction. Mice from all groups immunized orally with nanoparticles presented significant levels of protection against infection challenge with S. mansoni worms, suggesting an important role of chitosan in inducing a protective immune response. Finally, mice immunized with nanoparticles associated with the antigen SmRho plus CpG had 38% of the granuloma area reduced and also presented 48% of protection against of S. mansoni infection. Taken together, this results support this new strategy as an efficient delivery system and a potential vaccine against schistosomiasis.

Origin of the positive spin- 1 2 photoluminescence-detected magnetic resonance in π-conjugated materials and devices

DOE PAGES

Chen, Ying; Cai, Min; Hellerich, Emily; ...

2015-09-02

The spin-1/2 single-modulation (SM) and double-modulation (DM) photoluminescence (PL) detected magnetic resonance (PLDMR) in poly(2-methoxy-5-(2'-ethyl)–hexoxy-1,4- phenylene vinylene) (MEH-PPV) films and poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) films is described, analyzed, and discussed. In particular, the models based on spin-dependent recombination of charge pairs (SDR) and triplet-polaron quenching (TPQ) are evaluated. By analyzing the dependence of the resonance amplitude on the microwave chopping (modulation) frequency using rate equations, it is demonstrated that the TPQ model can well explain the observed resonance behavior, while SDR model cannot reproduce the results of the observed DM-PLDMR. As a result, the observed spin-1/2 PLDMR is assigned to TPQ rathermore » than SDR, even though the latter may also be present.« less

Public views of different sources of health advice: pharmacists, social media and mobile health applications.

PubMed

Crilly, Philip; Jair, Sophia; Mahmood, Zahra; Moin Khan, Armineh; Munir, Aneesah; Osei-Bediako, Irene; Samir, Mustafa; Kayyali, Reem

2018-05-06

Investigating public perceptions of community pharmacists (CP) in public health and their use of social media (SM) and mobile health applications (MH apps) in that regard. Two surveys were created. One sought public perceptions of SM and the other of MH apps for health advice. Both included a section on perceptions of the role of CPs in public health. A convenience sampling strategy, based on proximity, was used.The study population was the public (n = 8 500 000) living in Greater London. The general public were recruited face-to-face in public spaces. A minimum sample (95% confidence interval/5% margin of error) of 385 was needed. Ethical approval was obtained from the university ethics committee. Responses were analysed in SPSS. About 820/1800 (45.6%) completed one/both surveys. Respondents seek health advice primarily from GPs, followed by digital mediums and then CPs. Under 35s use digital mediums more frequently (P = 0.039). Those who had used SM (41.7%) or MH apps (61.8%) for health information did not confirm its accuracy with a healthcare professional (HCP). Of those that did (MH apps = 39.2%; SM = 58.3%), the HCP disagreed with the information on MH apps and SM on 19.6% and 36.7% of occasions, respectively. Nevertheless, 64.5% stated that if a SM page was maintained by an HCP they would use it. The public are using digital mediums for health advice instead of speaking to an HCP. If CPs want to have an impact on public health they must start imbedding digital mediums into their services. © 2018 Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

Nocturnal serum melatonin levels in sulfur mustard exposed patients with sleep disorders.

PubMed

Mousavi, Seyyedeh Soghra; Vahedi, E; Shohrati, M; Panahi, Y; Parvin, S

2017-12-01

Sulfur mustard (SM) exposure causes respiratory disorders, progressive deterioration in lung function and mortality in injured victims and poor sleep quality is one of the most common problems among SM-exposed patients. Since melatonin has a critical role in regulation of sleep and awareness, this study aimed to evaluate the serum melatonin levels in SM-injured subjects. A total of 30 SM-exposed male patients and 10 controls was evaluated. Sleep quality was evaluated by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI); daytime sleepiness was measured by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and the risk of obstructive sleep apnoea was determined by the STOP-Bang questionnaire. Polysomnography (PSG) and pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were also available. Nocturnal serum melatonin levels were measured using an ELISA kit. The mean of PSQI, ESS and STOP-Bang scores in patients (11.76±3.56, 12.6±3.03 and 5.03±1.09, respectively) were significantly (p<0.01) higher than those in the controls (2.78±0.83, 4.69±1.15 and 1.18±0.82, respectively). PFTs also showed declined respiratory quality in SM-patients. There was a significant difference regarding the PSG results between patients and controls (p<0.01). The mean of nocturnal serum melatonin levels in patients (29.78±19.31 pg/mL) was significantly (p=0.005) lower than that in the controls (78.53±34.41 pg/mL). Reduced nocturnal serum melatonin and respiratory disorders can be the reasons for poor sleep quality among these patients. IRCT2015092924267N1, Pre-results. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

Apollo 9 Command/Service Modules photographed from Lunar Module

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1969-01-01

The Apollo 9 Command/Service Modules photographed from the Lunar Module, 'Spider', on the fifth day of the Apollo 9 earth-orbital mission. Docking mechanism is visible in nose of the Command Module, 'Gumdrop'. Object jutting out from the Service Module aft bulkhead is the high-gain S-Band antenna.

The Protein Kinase SmSnRK2.6 Positively Regulates Phenolic Acid Biosynthesis in Salvia miltiorrhiza by Interacting with SmAREB1

PubMed Central

Jia, Yanyan; Bai, Zhenqing; Pei, Tianlin; Ding, Kai; Liang, Zongsuo; Gong, Yuehua

2017-01-01

Subclass III members of the sucrose non-fermenting-1-related protein kinase 2 (SnRK2) play essential roles in both the abscisic acid signaling and abiotic stress responses of plants by phosphorylating the downstream ABA-responsive element (ABRE)-binding proteins (AREB/ABFs). This comprehensive study investigated the function of new candidate genes, namely SmSnRK2.3, SmSnRK2.6, and SmAREB1, with a view to breeding novel varieties of Salvia miltiorrhiza with improved stress tolerance stresses and more content of bioactive ingredients. Exogenous ABA strongly induced the expression of these genes. PlantCARE predicted several hormones and stress response cis-elements in their promoters. SmSnRK2.6 and SmAREB1 showed the highest expression levels in the leaves of S. miltiorrhiza seedlings, while SmSnRK2.3 exhibited a steady expression in their roots, stems, and leaves. A subcellular localization assay revealed that both SmSnRK2.3 and SmSnRK2.6 were located in the cell membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus, whereas SmAREB1 was exclusive to the nucleus. Overexpressing SmSnRK2.3 did not significantly promote the accumulation of rosmarinic acid (RA) and salvianolic acid B (Sal B) in the transgenic S. miltiorrhiza hairy roots. However, overexpressing SmSnRK2.6 and SmAREB1 increased the contents of RA and Sal B, and regulated the expression levels of structural genes participating in the phenolic acid-branched and side-branched pathways, including SmPAL1, SmC4H, Sm4CL1, SmTAT, SmHPPR, SmRAS, SmCHS, SmCCR, SmCOMT, and SmHPPD. Furthermore, SmSnRK2.3 and SmSnRK2.6 interacted physically with SmAREB1. In summary, our results indicate that SmSnRK2.6 is involved in stress responses and can regulate structural gene transcripts to promote greater metabolic flux to the phenolic acid-branched pathway, via its interaction with SmAREB1, a transcription factor. In this way, SmSnRK2.6 contributes to the positive regulation of phenolic acids in S. miltiorrhiza hairy roots. PMID:28848585

The Protein Kinase SmSnRK2.6 Positively Regulates Phenolic Acid Biosynthesis in Salvia miltiorrhiza by Interacting with SmAREB1.

PubMed

Jia, Yanyan; Bai, Zhenqing; Pei, Tianlin; Ding, Kai; Liang, Zongsuo; Gong, Yuehua

2017-01-01

Subclass III members of the sucrose non-fermenting-1-related protein kinase 2 (SnRK2) play essential roles in both the abscisic acid signaling and abiotic stress responses of plants by phosphorylating the downstream ABA-responsive element (ABRE)-binding proteins (AREB/ABFs). This comprehensive study investigated the function of new candidate genes, namely SmSnRK2.3 , SmSnRK2.6 , and SmAREB1 , with a view to breeding novel varieties of Salvia miltiorrhiza with improved stress tolerance stresses and more content of bioactive ingredients. Exogenous ABA strongly induced the expression of these genes. PlantCARE predicted several hormones and stress response cis -elements in their promoters. SmSnRK2.6 and SmAREB1 showed the highest expression levels in the leaves of S. miltiorrhiza seedlings, while SmSnRK2.3 exhibited a steady expression in their roots, stems, and leaves. A subcellular localization assay revealed that both SmSnRK2.3 and SmSnRK2.6 were located in the cell membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus, whereas SmAREB1 was exclusive to the nucleus. Overexpressing SmSnRK2.3 did not significantly promote the accumulation of rosmarinic acid (RA) and salvianolic acid B (Sal B) in the transgenic S. miltiorrhiza hairy roots. However, overexpressing SmSnRK2.6 and SmAREB1 increased the contents of RA and Sal B, and regulated the expression levels of structural genes participating in the phenolic acid-branched and side-branched pathways, including SmPAL1 , SmC4H , Sm4CL1 , SmTAT , SmHPPR , SmRAS , SmCHS , SmCCR , SmCOMT , and SmHPPD . Furthermore, SmSnRK2.3 and SmSnRK2.6 interacted physically with SmAREB1. In summary, our results indicate that SmSnRK2.6 is involved in stress responses and can regulate structural gene transcripts to promote greater metabolic flux to the phenolic acid-branched pathway, via its interaction with SmAREB1 , a transcription factor. In this way, SmSnRK2.6 contributes to the positive regulation of phenolic acids in S. miltiorrhiza hairy roots.

Application of a Health Service Growth Model to Determine the Management Requirements of Health Service Providers.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-09-01

ANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS OF HEALTH SERVICE PROVIDERS by 1 Patrick Allen/Shannon "/ Sep t80"_ r Thesis Advisor: J. K . Arima Cx. Approved for public release...ASORES 12 . REPORT CATS Naval Postgraduate School September 1980 Monterey, California 93940 Is .019 fPAE 14 MONITORING AGENCY NAME 6 AOO.Ismne ..itt.en...Page 1) S/Ni 0 10 3-a14- AdoI SECUOITY CLASSIVICATION OP THIS PAGE ffte Sm. 00,011) k 4 * I:.uIRv Cl*, LlGGgVC&aONegu 0, TO#$ 04@gO 110#40 f_ tfef

Steric modulation of coordination number and reactivity in the synthesis of lanthanoid(III) formamidinates.

PubMed

Cole, Marcus L; Deacon, Glen B; Forsyth, Craig M; Junk, Peter C; Konstas, Kristina; Wang, Jun

2007-01-01

Reactions of a range of the readily prepared and sterically tunable N,N'-bis(aryl)formamidines with lanthanoid metals and bis(pentafluorophenyl)mercury (Hg(C6F5)2) in THF have given an extensive series of tris(formamidinato)lanthanoid(III) complexes, [Ln(Form)3(thf)n], namely [La(o-TolForm)3(thf)2], [Er(o-TolForm)3(thf)], [La(XylForm)3(thf)], [Sm(XylForm)3], [Ln(MesForm)3] (Ln=La, Nd, Sm and Yb), [Ln(EtForm)3] (Ln=La, Nd, Sm, Ho and Yb), and [Ln(o-PhPhForm)3] (Ln=La, Nd, Sm and Er). [For an explanation of the N,N'-bis(aryl)formamidinate abbreviations used see Scheme 1.] Analogous attempts to prepare [Yb(o-TolForm)3] by this method invariably yielded [{Yb(o-TolForm)2(mu-OH)(thf)}2], but [Yb(o-TolForm)3] was isolated from a metathesis synthesis. X-ray crystal structures show exclusively N,N'-chelation of the Form ligands and a gradation in coordination number with Ln3+ size and with Form ligand bulk. The largest ligands, MesForm, EtForm and o-PhPhForm give solely homoleptic complexes, the first two being six-coordinate, the last having an eta1-pi-Ar--Ln interaction. Reaction of lanthanoid elements and Hg(C6F5)2 with the still bulkier DippFormH in THF resulted in C--F activation and formation of [Ln(DippForm)2F(thf)] (Ln=La, Ce, Nd, Sm and Tm) complexes, and o-HC6F4O(CH2)4DippForm in which the formamidine is functionalised by a ring-opened THF that has trapped tetrafluorobenzyne. Analogous reactions between Ln metals, Hg(o-HC6F4)2 and DippFormH yielded [Ln(DippForm)2F(thf)] (Ln=La, Sm and Nd) and 3,4,5-F3C6H2O(CH2)4DippForm. X-ray crystal structures of the heteroleptic fluorides show six-coordinate monomers with two chelating DippForm ligands and cisoid fluoride and THF ligands in a trigonal prismatic array. The organometallic species [Ln(DippForm)2(C[triple chemical bond]CPh)(thf)] (Ln=Nd or Sm) are obtained from reaction of Nd metal, bis(phenylethynyl)mercury (Hg(C[triple chemical bond]CPh)2) and DippFormH, and the oxidation of [Sm(DippForm)2(thf)2] with Hg(C[triple chemical bond]CPh)2, respectively. The monomeric, six-coordinate, cisoid [Ln(DippForm)2(C[triple chemical bond]CPh)(thf)] complexes have trigonal prismatic geometries and rare (for Ln) terminal C[triple chemical bond]CPh groups with contrasting Ln--C[triple chemical bond]C angles (Ln=Nd, 170.9(4) degrees; Ln=Sm, 142.9(7) degrees). Their formation lends support to the view that [Ln(DippForm)2F(thf)] complexes arise from oxidative formation and C--F activation of [Ln(DippForm)2(C6F5)] intermediates.

Fifteen Years of Service Mode Operations: Closing the Loop with the Community

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Primas, F.; Tacconi-Garman, L.; Marteau, S.; Mainieri, V.; Rejkuba, M.; Mysore, S.; Dumas, C.; Kaufer, A.; Patat, F.; Sterzik, M.

2014-12-01

The first Service Mode (SM) observations with the VLT were made by ISAAC in April 1999. Since then new instruments have become operational and first generation ones replaced, filling the 12 VLT foci and feeding the VLT Interferometer and its four Auxiliary Telescopes. Efficiently operating such a broad range of instruments, installed and available every night of each year, on four 8-metre telescopes offers many challenges. Although it may appear that little has changed since 1999, the underlying VLT operational model has evolved in order to accommodate different requirements from the user community and features of new instruments. As ESO and its Member States approach routine operations with ALMA, and at the same time prepare for the next challenge, the construction of the E-ELT, it seems timely to take a closer look at what SM has brought to the scientific arena, both in terms of science data and support. Did it fulfil its original goal, if so, how well, and what are the lessons learned? A careful analysis of statistics and trends in Phase 1 and Phase 2 are now being conducted in the DOME (Dashboard for Operational Metrics at ESO) project. We summarise the main findings, concentrating on the handling of Service Mode.

Navy DDG-1000 and DDG-51 Destroyer Programs: Background, Oversight Issues, and Options for Congress

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-10-22

House Armed Services Committee, Navy officials announced a major change in the service’s position on what kind of destroyers it wants to procure over the...software program for the Aegis combat system and the arming of the ship with the SM-3, a version of the Navy’s Standard Missile that is designed for BMD...Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Ship Programs), before the Subcommittee on Seapower and Expeditionary Forces of the House Armed Services Committee, on

Navy DDG-1000 and DDG-51 Destroyer Programs: Background, Oversight Issues, and Options for Congress

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-09-11

July 31, 2008, hearing before the Seapower and Expeditionary Forces subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee, Navy officials announced a major...Aegis combat system and the arming of the ship with the SM-3, a version of the Navy’s Standard Missile that is designed for BMD operations.7 The Navy has...the Navy (Ship Programs), before the Subcommittee on Seapower and Expeditionary Forces of the House Armed Services Committee, on Surface Combatant

Navy DDG-1000 and DDG-51 Destroyer Programs: Background, Oversight Issues, and Options for Congress

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-10-09

of the House Armed Services Committee, Navy officials announced a major change in the service’s position on what kind of destroyers it wants to...among other things, the addition of a new software program for the Aegis combat system and the arming of the ship with the SM-3, a version of the...Expeditionary Forces of the House Armed Services Committee, on Surface Combatant Requirements and Acquisition Strategies, July 31, 2008, 11 pp., and the spoken

Social Maladjustment and Special Education: State Regulations and Continued Controversy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cloth, Allison H.; Evans, Steven W.; Becker, Stephen P.; Paternite, Carl E.

2014-01-01

The federal definition of emotional disturbance (ED) includes a social maladjustment (SM) exclusion clause that stipulates that students are not eligible for special education services if they are determined to be "socially maladjusted" and not also meeting criteria for ED. This clause has long been criticized for being ambiguous and…

Functions of School Nurses and Health Assistants in U.S. School Health Programs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fryer, George E., Jr.; Igoe, Judith B.

1996-01-01

Data from a nationwide survey of school districts were used to contrast roles of nurses and health assistants in school health programs. Results indicated that nurses were underused in school health education. Health assistants tended to administer medication and basic first aid, and nurses provided technically involved clinical services. (SM)

Healthy Meals, Healthier Kids. Cutting the Fat from School Menus.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

FioRito, Kathy

1994-01-01

Recent research revealed that most school lunches exceed the dietary guidelines for fat content. After explaining the resulting Healthy Kids School Meals Initiative which will overhaul the National School Lunch Program meal pattern, the article makes suggestions of how parents can help their school food service sell more nutritious food. (SM)

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the H.A.N.D.S.SM Program: A School Nurse Diabetes Management Education Program.

PubMed

Breneman, Charity B; Heidari, Khosrow; Butler, Sarah; Porter, Ryan R; Wang, Xuewen

2015-12-01

The purpose of this project was to determine the effectiveness of the Helping Administer to the Needs of the Student with Diabetes in Schools (H.A.N.D.S.(sm)) continuing education program in improving the level of experience and competence in performing services associated with diabetes care. This program is a live course for school nurses providing clinical information about diabetes management and their professional role in the care of students with diabetes. Pre- and post-surveys were administered via e-mail to assess their level of experience and competence in diabetes care. A total of 105 nurses completed both surveys and were included in the analysis. The changes between pre- and post-survey questions were assessed. The H.A.N.D.S. participants' levels of experience and competence for each of the four categories of diabetes care improved significantly, and a greater number of nurses reported being able to perform the services independently and having the ability to teach others. © The Author(s) 2015.

USSR Report, Cybernetics, Computers and Automation Technology

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-08-28

alphanumerical dis- plays SM 7206 and SM 7401, graphics displays SM 7300 and SM 7301, modems SM 8105, SM 8107 and SM 8108, and so on. Today it is...3 are written in assembler and PL-1. They require 56k to 200 k memory for operation. S0RT-7/SM sorting subsystem was developed in conjunction with

A-7E Software Module Guide.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-12-08

o 14 A& B:2.1 Function Driver Module.. ..... .... 14’ ’: B:2.2 Shared Services Module . . . o o . 0 -15 M’ 5:3 Software Decision Module...2.1.13 Weapon Release Functions... ........24 C:2.l.14 Ground Test Functions .. ........... 24 C:2.2 Shared Services Module Decomposition. ........24 C...Driver (FD) Module supported by a Shared Services (SS) Module. B:2.1 FUNCTION DRIVER MODULE The Function Driver Module consists of a set of individual

Energy-efficient constellations design and fast decoding for space-collaborative MIMO visible light communications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Yi-Jun; Liang, Wang-Feng; Wang, Chao; Wang, Wen-Ya

2017-01-01

In this paper, space-collaborative constellations (SCCs) for indoor multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) visible light communication (VLC) systems are considered. Compared with traditional VLC MIMO techniques, such as repetition coding (RC), spatial modulation (SM) and spatial multiplexing (SMP), SCC achieves the minimum average optical power for a fixed minimum Euclidean distance. We have presented a unified SCC structure for 2×2 MIMO VLC systems and extended it to larger MIMO VLC systems with more transceivers. Specifically for 2×2 MIMO VLC, a fast decoding algorithm is developed with decoding complexity almost linear in terms of the square root of the cardinality of SCC, and the expressions of symbol error rate of SCC are presented. In addition, bit mappings similar to Gray mapping are proposed for SCC. Computer simulations are performed to verify the fast decoding algorithm and the performance of SCC, and the results demonstrate that the performance of SCC is better than those of RC, SM and SMP for indoor channels in general.

Polarimetric Analysis of the Long Duration Gamma-Ray Burst GRB 160530A With the Balloon Borne Compton Spectrometer and Imager

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

Lowell, A. W.; Boggs, S. E; Chiu, C. L.

2017-10-20

A long duration gamma-ray burst, GRB 160530A, was detected by the Compton Spectrometer and Imager (COSI) during the 2016 COSI Super Pressure Balloon campaign. As a Compton telescope, COSI is inherently sensitive to the polarization of gamma-ray sources in the energy range 0.2–5.0 MeV. We measured the polarization of GRB 160530A using (1) a standard method (SM) based on fitting the distribution of azimuthal scattering angles with a modulation curve and (2) an unbinned, maximum likelihood method (MLM). In both cases, the measured polarization level was below the 99% confidence minimum detectable polarization levels of 72.3% ± 0.8% (SM) andmore » 57.5% ± 0.8% (MLM). Therefore, COSI did not detect polarized gamma-ray emission from this burst. Our most constraining 90% confidence upper limit on the polarization level was 46% (MLM).« less

A 3D coupled hydro-mechanical granular model for the prediction of hot tearing formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sistaninia, M.; Phillion, A. B.; Drezet, J.-M.; Rappaz, M.

2012-07-01

A new 3D coupled hydro-mechanical granular model that simulates hot tearing formation in metallic alloys is presented. The hydro-mechanical model consists of four separate 3D modules. (I) The Solidification Module (SM) is used for generating the initial solid-liquid geometry. Based on a Voronoi tessellation of randomly distributed nucleation centers, this module computes solidification within each polyhedron using a finite element based solute diffusion calculation for each element within the tessellation. (II) The Fluid Flow Module (FFM) calculates the solidification shrinkage and deformation-induced pressure drop within the intergranular liquid. (III) The Semi-solid Deformation Module (SDM) is used to simulate deformation of the granular structure via a combined finite element / discrete element method. In this module, deformation of the solid grains is modeled using an elasto-viscoplastic constitutive law. (IV) The Failure Module (FM) is used to simulate crack initiation and propagation with the fracture criterion estimated from the overpressure required to overcome the capillary forces at the liquid-gas interface. The FFM, SDM, and FM are coupled processes since solid deformation, intergranular flow, and crack initiation are deeply linked together. The granular model predictions have been validated against bulk data measured experimentally and calculated with averaging techniques.

Giant magnetic coercivity in YNi4B-type SmNi3TB (T=Mn-Cu) solid solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Jinlei; Yan, Chang; Yapaskurt, V. O.; Morozkin, A. V.

2016-12-01

The effects of transition metal substitution for Ni on the magnetic properties of the YNi4B-type SmNi4B via SmNi3TB (T=Mn, Fe, Co, Cu) solid solutions have been investigated. SmNi4B, SmNi3MnB, SmNi3FeB, SmNi3CoB and SmNi3CuB show ferromagnetic ordering at 40 K, 210 K, 322 K, 90 K and 57 K and field sensitive metamagnetic-like transitions at 15 K, 100 K, 185 K, 55 K and 15 K in a magnetic field of 10 kOe, respectively. The magnetocaloric effects of SmNi3TB (T=Mn-Cu) were calculated in terms of isothermal magnetic entropy change (ΔSm). The magnetic entropy ΔSm reaches value of -0.94 J/kg K at 40 K for SmNi4B, -1.5 J/kg K at 205 K for SmNi3MnB, -0.54 J/kg K at 320 K for SmNi3FeB, -0.49 J/kg K at 90 K for SmNi3CoB and -0.54 J/kg K at 60 K for SmNi3CuB in field change of 0-50 kOe around the Curie temperature. They show positive ΔSm of +0.71 J/kg K at ~10 K for SmNi4B, +1.69 J/kg K at 30 K for SmNi3MnB, +0.89 J/kg K at 110 K for SmNi3FeB, +1.08 J/kg K at 25 K for SmNi3CoB and +1.12 J/kg K at 10 K for SmNi3CuB in field change of 0-50 kOe around the low temperature metamagnetic-like transition. Below the field induced transition temperature (change of magnetic structure), SmNi3TB (T=Mn-Cu) exhibits giant magnetic coercivity of 74 kOe at 5 K for SmNi4B, 69 kOe at 20 K (90 kOe at 10 K) for SmNi3MnB, 77 kOe at 60 K for SmNi3FeB, 88 kOe at 20 K for SmNi3CoB and 52 kOe at 5 K for SmNi3CuB.

HST Multi Layer Insulation Failure Review Board Findings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Townsend, Jacqueline; Hansen, Patricia

1998-01-01

The mechanical and optical properties of the thermal control materials on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) have degraded over the nearly seven years the telescope has been in orbit. Astronaut observations and photographs from the Second Servicing Mission (SM2) revealed large cracks in the metallized Teflon fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), the outer layer of the multi-layer insulation (MLI), in many locations around the telescope. Also, the absorptance of the bonded metallized Teflon FEP radiator surfaces of the telescope has increased over time. A Failure Review Board was established to determine the damage mechanism and to identify a replacement material. Samples of the top layer of the MLI and radiator material were retrieved during SM2, and a thorough investigation into the degradation followed in order to determine the primary cause of the damage. Mapping of the cracks on HST and the ground testing showed that thermal cycling with deep-layer damage from electron and proton radiation are necessary to cause the observed embrittlement. Further, strong evidence was found indicating that chain scission (reduced molecular weight) is the dominant form of damage to the metallized Teflon FEP. Given the damage to the outer layer of the multi-layer insulation (MLI) that was apparent during the second servicing mission (SM2), the decision was made to replace the outer layer during subsequent servicing missions. The replacement material had to meet the stringent thermal requirements of the spacecraft and maintain structural integrity for at least ten years. Ten candidate materials were exposed to simulated orbital environments and a replacement material was selected. This presentation will summarize the FRB results, in particular, the analysis of the retrieved specimens, the results of the simulated environmental exposures, and the selection of the replacement material. The NASA Space Environments and Effects community needs to hear these results because they reveal that Teflon (FEP) films should not be used in LEO as routinely as they are today.

Expedition One crew in Russian with Service Module

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-07-14

Photographic documentation of Expedition One crew in Russia with Service Module. Views include: The three crew members for ISS Expedition One train with computers on the trainer / mockup for the Zvezda Service Module. From the left are cosmonauts Yuri Gidzenko, Soyuz commander; and Sergei Krikalev, flight engineer; and astronaut William Shepherd, mission commander. The session took place at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Russia (18628). View looking toward the hatch inside the Zvezda Service Module trainer / mockup at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Russia (18629). A wide shot of the Zvezda Service Module trainer / mockup, with the transfer compartment in the foreground (18630). Side view of the Zvezda Service Module (18631). An interior shot of the Zarya / Functional Cargo Bay (FGB) trainer / mockup (18632). Astronaut Scott Kelly, director of operations - Russia, walks through a full scale trainer / mockup for the Zvezda Service Module at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Russia (18633). Astronaut William Shepherd (right) mission commander for ISS Expedition One, and Sergei Krikalev, flight engineer, participate in a training session in a trainer / mockup of the Zvezda Service Module (18634).

Not all Rare Earths are the Same to Microbes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fujita, Y.; Reed, D. W.; St Jeor, J.; Das, G.; Anderko, A.

2017-12-01

Rare earth elements (REE) are important for modern technologies including smart phones and energy efficient lighting, electric and hybrid vehicles, and advanced wind turbines. Greater demand and usage of REE leads to increased potential for ecosystem impacts, as human activities generate higher concentrations of these metals through mining, industrial processing and waste generation than are normally present in natural environments. Biological modules in wastewater treatment plants are among the ecosystems likely to be impacted by higher REE loads because these poorly soluble metals often accumulate in sludges. We have been examining the effects of adding REE to laboratory cultures of Sporacetigenium mesophilum, a fermenting bacterium originally isolated from an anaerobic sludge digester. We observed that the addition of 60 µM ( 9 ppm) europium stimulated growth and hydrogen production by S. mesophilum. The addition of the equivalent amount of samarium, separately, appeared to be even more beneficial to S. mesophilum. However, when we measured soluble metal concentrations in the cultures, we found strikingly different results. After 24 hours, essentially all of the added Eu remained in the aqueous phase, but 60-65% of the added Sm was no longer soluble. To better understand the relationship between the solubility of REE and their impact on microbiological processes, a thermodynamic model was established for Eu and Sm species in simulated aqueous environments. The model was calibrated to reproduce the solubility of both crystalline and amorphous rare earth hydroxides, which control the availability of rare earths in solution. The primary factors influencing solubility are the solution pH, crystallinity of the hydroxide mineral and redox conditions. In the case of Eu, transition between trivalent and divalent cations occurs at moderate potentials and, therefore, it is possible that divalent cations contribute to the solubilization of Eu. In the case of Sm, divalent cations are not likely to occur under typical anaerobic conditions, thus stabilizing the hydroxide of trivalent Sm. The difference in the observed partitioning of Eu and Sm suggests that multiple modes of REE interaction with S. mesophilum may be operative.

Effectiveness of breeding guidelines for reducing the prevalence of syringomyelia.

PubMed

Knowler, S P; McFadyen, A K; Rusbridge, C

Several toy breed dogs are predisposed to syringomyelia (SM), a spinal cord disorder, characterised by fluid-filled cavitation. SM is a complex trait with a moderately high heritability. Selective breeding against SM is confounded by its complex inheritance, its late onset nature and high prevalence in some breeds. This study investigated the early outcome of existing SM breeding guidelines. Six hundred and forty-three dogs, 550 Cavalier King Charles spaniels (CKCS) and 93 Griffon Bruxellois (GB), were identified as having either one (454 dogs) or both parents (189 dogs) with MRI-determined SM status. Offspring without SM were more common when the parents were both clear of SM (SM-free; CKCS 70 per cent, GB 73 per cent). Conversely, offspring with SM were more likely when both parents had SM (SM-affected; CKCS 92 per cent, GB 100 per cent). A mating of one SM-free parent with an SM-affected parent was risky for SM affectedness with 77 per cent of CKCS and 46 per cent of GB offspring being SM-affected. It is recommended that all breeding dogs from breeds susceptible to SM be MRI screened; that the SM status at five years old is established; and all results submitted to a central database that can be used by dog breeders to better enable mate selection based on estimated breeding values.

Human IgG1 Responses to Surface Localised Schistosoma mansoni Ly6 Family Members Drop following Praziquantel Treatment.

PubMed

Chalmers, Iain W; Fitzsimmons, Colin M; Brown, Martha; Pierrot, Christine; Jones, Frances M; Wawrzyniak, Jakub M; Fernandez-Fuentes, Narcis; Tukahebwa, Edridah M; Dunne, David W; Khalife, Jamal; Hoffmann, Karl F

2015-01-01

The heptalaminate-covered, syncytial tegument is an important anatomical adaptation that enables schistosome parasites to maintain long-term, intravascular residence in definitive hosts. Investigation of the proteins present in this surface layer and the immune responses elicited by them during infection is crucial to our understanding of host/parasite interactions. Recent studies have revealed a number of novel tegumental surface proteins including three (SmCD59a, SmCD59b and Sm29) containing uPAR/Ly6 domains (renamed SmLy6A SmLy6B and SmLy6D in this study). While vaccination with SmLy6A (SmCD59a) and SmLy6D (Sm29) induces protective immunity in experimental models, human immunoglobulin responses to representative SmLy6 family members have yet to be thoroughly explored. Using a PSI-BLAST-based search, we present a comprehensive reanalysis of the Schistosoma mansoni Ly6 family (SmLy6A-K). Our examination extends the number of members to eleven (including three novel proteins) and provides strong evidence that the previously identified vaccine candidate Sm29 (renamed SmLy6D) is a unique double uPAR/Ly6 domain-containing representative. Presence of canonical cysteine residues, signal peptides and GPI-anchor sites strongly suggest that all SmLy6 proteins are cell surface-bound. To provide evidence that SmLy6 members are immunogenic in human populations, we report IgG1 (as well as IgG4 and IgE) responses against two surface-bound representatives (SmLy6A and SmLy6B) within a cohort of S. mansoni-infected Ugandan males before and after praziquantel treatment. While pre-treatment IgG1 prevalence for SmLy6A and SmLy6B differs amongst the studied population (7.4% and 25.3% of the cohort, respectively), these values are both higher than IgG1 prevalence (2.7%) for a sub-surface tegumental antigen, SmTAL1. Further, post-treatment IgG1 levels against surface-associated SmLy6A and SmLy6B significantly drop (p = 0.020 and p < 0.001, respectively) when compared to rising IgG1 levels against sub-surface SmTAL1. Collectively, these results expand the number of SmLy6 proteins found within S. mansoni and specifically demonstrate that surface-associated SmLy6A and SmLy6B elicit immunological responses during infection in endemic communities.

Remedial Investigation Report Area of Contamination (AOC) 43J. Volume 2 of 2: Appendices A through N

DTIC Science & Technology

1996-02-01

olive gray (2.5Y 5/6) (SP) (Till) 8 0.5 9 S-3 9-11 ------ 487.2 SAND - Similar to S-2, wet, fuel odor 28-19-17-17 1.5 (SM-SP) 10 2.0 11 S- 4 11-13...1-2PPM 1.5 2- 4 -5-13 8 2.0 - 9 S-5 9-11 ------ 350- SANDY SILT (till) poorly graded, 5-12% fines, 10 gravel, very 13-19-15-22 1.8 500PPM fine...10% gravel, moist - wet, 16 50 for 0 drill in rock 15 S- 8 15-17 0.5 olive brown 2.5Y 4 /2 (till) (SM-SP) ABB Environmental Services, Inc. S O 1 L B OR

Re-visiting the Amplifier Gains of the HST/ACS Wide Field Channel CCDs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Desjardins, Tyler D.; Grogin, Norman A.; ACS Team

2018-06-01

For the first time since HST Servicing Mission 4 (SM4) in May 2009, we present an analysis of the amplifier gains of the Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) Wide Field Channel (WFC) CCDs. Using a series of in-flight flat-field exposures taken in November 2017 with a tungsten calibration lamp, we utilize the photon transfer method to estimate the gains of the WFC1 and WFC2 CCD amplifiers. We find evidence that the gains of the four readout amplifiers have changed by a small, but statistically significant, 1–2% since SM4. We further present a study of historical ACS/WFC observations of the globular cluster NGC 104 (47 Tuc) in an attempt to estimate the time dependence of the gains.

Hubble Space Telescope Battery Capacity Update

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hollandsworth, Roger; Armantrout, Jon; Rao, Gopalakrishna M.

2007-01-01

Orbital battery performance for the Hubble Space Telescope is discussed and battery life is predicted which supports decision to replace orbital batteries by 2009-2010 timeframe. Ground characterization testing of cells from the replacement battery build is discussed, with comparison of data from battery capacity characterization with cell studies of Cycle Life and 60% Stress Test at the Naval Weapons Surface Center (NWSC)-Crane, and cell Cycle Life testing at the Marshal Space Flight Center (MSFC). The contents of this presentation includes an update to the performance of the on-orbit batteries, as well as a discussion of the HST Service Mission 4 (SM4) batteries manufactured in 1996 and activated in 2000, and a second set of SM4 backup replacement batteries which began manufacture Jan 11, 2007, with delivery scheduled for July 2008.

The extracellular release of Schistosoma mansoni HMGB1 nuclear protein is mediated by acetylation

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

Coutinho Carneiro, Vitor; Moraes Maciel, Renata de; Caetano de Abreu da Silva, Isabel

2009-12-25

Schistosoma mansoni HMGB1 (SmHMGB1) was revealed to be a substrate for the parasite histone acetyltransferases SmGCN5 and SmCBP1. We found that full-length SmHMGB1, as well as its HMG-box B (but not HMG-box A) were acetylated in vitro by SmGCN5 and SmCBP1. However, SmCBP1 was able to acetylate both substrates more efficiently than SmGCN5. Interestingly, the removal of the C-terminal acidic tail of SmHMGB1 (SmHMGB1{Delta}C) resulted in increased acetylation of the protein. We showed by mammalian cell transfection assays that SmHMGB1 and SmHMGB1{Delta}C were transported from the nucleus to the cytoplasm after sodium butyrate (NaB) treatment. Importantly, after NaB treatment, SmHMGB1more » was also present outside the cell. Together, our data suggest that acetylation of SmHMGB1 plays a role in cellular trafficking, culminating with its secretion to the extracellular milieu. The possible role of SmHMGB1 acetylation in the pathogenesis of schistosomiasis is discussed.« less

Palliative care research centre's move into social media: constructing a framework for ethical research, a consensus paper.

PubMed

Hopewell-Kelly, Noreen; Baillie, Jessica; Sivell, Stephanie; Harrop, Emily; Bowyer, Anna; Taylor, Sophia; Thomas, Kristen; Newman, Alisha; Prout, Hayley; Byrne, Anthony; Taubert, Mark; Nelson, Annmarie

2016-01-28

Social media (SM) have altered the way we live and, for many, the way we die. The information available on even the rarest conditions is vast. Free from restrictions of mobility, time and distance, SM provides a space for people to share experiences of illness, death and dying, and potentially benefit from the emotional and practical support of others n similar positions. The communications that take place in these spaces also create large amounts of 'data' which, for any research centre, cannot be ignored. However, for a palliative care research centre the use of this 'data' comes with specific ethical dilemmas. This paper details the process that we, as a research, went through in constructing a set of ethical guidelines by which to work. This involved conducting two consensus days; one with researchers from within the centre, and one with the inclusion of external researchers with a specific interest in SM. The primary themes that emerged from the consensus meetings includes; SM as a public or private space; the status of open and closed groups; the use of historical data; recruiting participants and obtaining informed consent and problems of anonymity associated with dissemination. These are the themes that this paper will focus on prior to setting out the guidelines that we subsequently constructed. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

Food Service Worker. Instructional Modules for Food Management, Production and Services. Modules 1-17. Competency Based Curriculum.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tennessee Univ., Knoxville. Dept. of Vocational-Technical Education.

These 17 teacher modules are part of a curriculum dealing with food management, production, and services that was developed for use in secondary and postsecondary vocational programs in Tennessee. Covered in the individual modules are food service careers, math skills, reading and converting recipes, work simplification, self-development,…

Introduction to Industry Services. Self-Paced Instructional Module. Module Number I-A.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brooks, Kent

One of 33 self-paced instructional modules categorized under 13 major headings, which have been prepared for training industry services leaders to provide guidance in the performance of industry service tasks, this module is an introduction for those who need basic information about the concepts and activities of industry services programs.…

Effect of smectic A temperature width on the soft mode in ferroelectric liquid crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choudhary, A.; Kaur, S.; Prakash, J.; Sreenivas, K.; Bawa, S. S.; Biradar, A. M.

2008-08-01

The behavior of soft mode range with respect to the temperature width of smectic A (Sm A) phase has been studied in four different ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) materials in the frequency range 10Hz-10MHz. The studies have been carried out in a planarly well aligned cells at different temperatures and different bias fields in Sm C* and Sm A phases. Dielectric studies of these FLCs near Sm C*-Sm A phase transition show that the temperature range of soft mode relaxation frequency phenomenon varies with the temperature width of Sm A phase. The dependence of tilt angle on temperature shows the nature of the order of transition at Sm C*-Sm A phase. The coupling between order parameters of Sm C* and Sm A phase influences the soft mode and phase transition in Sm C* and Sm A phases.

Effect of long-term dietary sphingomyelin supplementation on atherosclerosis in mice

PubMed Central

Chung, Rosanna W. S.; Wang, Zeneng; Bursill, Christina A.; Wu, Ben J.; Barter, Philip J.

2017-01-01

Sphingomyelin (SM) levels in the circulation correlate positively with atherosclerosis burden. SM is a ubiquitous component of human diets, but it is unclear if dietary SM increases circulating SM levels. Dietary choline increases atherosclerosis by raising circulating trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) levels in mice and humans. As SM has a choline head group, we ask in this study if dietary SM accelerates atherosclerotic lesion development by increasing circulating SM and TMAO levels. Three studies were performed: (Study 1) C57BL/6 mice were maintained on a high fat diet with or without SM supplementation for 4 weeks prior to quantification of serum TMAO and SM levels; (Study 2) atherosclerosis was studied in apoE-/- mice after 16 weeks of a high fat diet without or with SM supplementation and (Study 3) apoE-/- mice were maintained on a chow diet for 19 weeks without or with SM supplementation and antibiotic treatment prior to quantification of atherosclerotic lesions and serum TMAO and SM levels. SM consumption did not increase circulating SM levels or atherosclerosis in high fat-fed apoE-/- mice. Serum TMAO levels in C57BL/6 mice were low and had no effect atherosclerosis lesion development. Dietary SM supplementation significantly reduced atherosclerotic lesion area in the aortic arch of chow-fed apoE-/- mice. This study establishes that dietary SM does not affect circulating SM levels or increase atherosclerosis in high fat-fed apoE-/- mice, but it is anti-atherogenic in chow-fed apoE-/- mice. PMID:29240800

Trajectory Design Analysis over the Lunar Nodal Cycle for the Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV) Exploration Mission 2 (EM-2)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gutkowski, Jeffrey P.; Dawn, Timothy F.; Jedrey, Richard M.

2014-01-01

The first crewed mission, Exploration Mission 2 (EM-2), for the MPCV Orion spacecraft is scheduled for August 2021, and its current mission is to orbit the Moon in a highly elliptical lunar orbit for 3 days. A 21-year scan was performed to identify feasible missions that satisfy the propulsive capabilities of the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS) and MPCV Service Module (SM). The mission is divided into 4 phases: (1) a lunar free return trajectory, (2) a hybrid maneuver, during the translunar coast, to lower the approach perilune altitude to 100 km, (3) lunar orbit insertion into a 100 x 10,000 km orbit, and (4) lunar orbit loiter and Earth return to a splashdown off the coast of Southern California. Trajectory data was collected for all feasible missions and converted to information that influence different subsystems including propulsion, power, thermal, communications, and mission operations. The complete 21-year scan data shows seasonal effects that are due to the Earth-Moon geometry and the initial Earth parking orbit. The data and information is also useful to identify mission opportunities around the current planned launch date for EM-2.

Improvement in Capsule Abort Performance Using Supersonic Aerodynamic Interaction by Fences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koyama, Hiroto; Wang, Yunpeng; Ozawa, Hiroshi; Doi, Katsunori; Nakamura, Yoshiaki

The space transportation system will need advanced abort systems to secure crew against serious accidents. Here this study deals with the capsule-type space transportation systems with a Launch Abort System (LAS). This system is composed of a conic capsule as a Launch Abort Vehicle (LAV) and a cylindrical rocket as a Service Module (SM), and the capsule is moved away from the rocket by supersonic aerodynamic interactions in an emergency. We propose a method to improve the performance of the LAV by installing fences at the edges of surfaces on the rocket and capsule sides. Their effects were investigated by experimental measurements and numerical simulations. Experimental results show that the fences on the rocket and capsule surfaces increase the aerodynamic thrust force on the capsule by 70% in a certain clearance between the capsule and rocket. Computational results show the detailed flow fields where the centripetal flow near the surface on the rocket side is induced by the fence on the rocket side and the centrifugal flow near the surface on the capsule side is blocked by the fence on the capsule side. These results can confirm favorable effects of the fences on the performance of the LAS.

Interface Specifications for the A-7E Shared Services Module.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-09-08

To illustrate the principles, the onboard software for the Navy’s A-7E aircraft will be redesigned and rewritten. The Shared Services module provides...purpose of the Shared Services module is to allow the remainder of the software to remain unchanged when the requirements-based rules for these values and...services change. This report describes the modular structure of the Shared Services module, and contains the abstract interface specifications for all

The Effect of Contextual Variety on the Practice, Retention, and Transfer of an Applied Motor Skill.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wrisberg, Craig A.; Liu, Zhan

1991-01-01

Researchers examined the effect of contextual variety on practice, retention, and transfer of the long and short badminton service in a college physical education class. Results indicated a practice schedule requiring students to change the plan of action from trial to trial facilitated retention and transfer of motor skills. (SM)

The Education Election: Guess Who's Coming to School.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Weisman, Jonathan

2000-01-01

Describes Vice President Al Gore's 2000 presidential campaign efforts at one Michigan high school, from the arrival of advance Secret Service agents to scope out the school, to determination of what the Vice President would do during his 7-hour visit, to who would host the Vice President, to how students and staff responded to the visit. (SM)

78 FR 39386 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; EDGX Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-01

... data (``Logical Ports''). Each Logical Port is assigned an access gateway that performs order... Change to Offer and Establish Fees for a New Exchange Service, EdgeRisk Gateways June 25, 2013. Pursuant... Exchange has designated the proposed rule change as it pertains to the fees for EdgeRisk Gateway SM (the...

78 FR 39395 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; EDGA Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-01

... data (``Logical Ports''). Each Logical Port is assigned an access gateway that performs order... Change to Offer and Establish Fees for a New Exchange Service, EdgeRisk Gateways June 25, 2013. Pursuant... Exchange has designated the proposed rule change as it pertains to the fees for EdgeRisk Gateway\\SM\\ (the...

Effect of different sulfadimidine addition methods on its degradation behaviour in swine manure.

PubMed

Ren, Tian-Tian; Li, Xiao-Yang; Wang, Yan; Zou, Yong-De; Liao, Xin-Di; Liang, Juan-Boo; Wu, Yin-Bao

2017-03-01

Sulfadimidine (SM2) is commonly used in the swine industry and enters the environment via faeces. In recent years, advances in the ecotoxicology of SM2 have become a popular research interest with two common research methods including swine manure collection from swine fed with a diet containing SM2 and directly adding SM2. The purpose of this experiment was to compare SM2 degradation behaviour in pig manure with two different SM2 addition methods. The results showed that the degradation half-lives of SM2 in manure from SM2-fed swine treatment were 33.2 and 32.0 days at the initial addition level of SM2 at 32.1 and 64.3 mg/kg, respectively. This was significantly longer than that in manure directly adding SM2 treatment with the half-lives of 21.4 and 14.8 days. The metabolite of SM2 N 4 -acetyl-sulfamethazine occurred in manure from SM2-fed swine treatment but was not detected in directly adding SM2 treatment. The pH in manure from SM2-fed swine treatment was significantly lower than that in directly adding SM2 treatment, but the values of organic carbon, total nitrogen, and electrical conductivity in manure from SM2-fed swine treatment were significantly higher than those in manure directly adding SM2 treatment. Meanwhile, although the copy number of bacteria had no significant difference between two treatments, there was a significant difference in bacteria diversity. Results of the present study demonstrated that the presence of the metabolites, chemical property, and microbial diversity might be the reason for different SM2 degradation behaviours on different addition methods. Thus, the method using manure with SM2 collected from swine could obtain more accurate results for the ecotoxicological study of SM2.

SmShb, the SH2-Containing Adaptor Protein B of Schistosoma mansoni Regulates Venus Kinase Receptor Signaling Pathways

PubMed Central

Morel, Marion; Vanderstraete, Mathieu; Cailliau, Katia; Hahnel, Steffen; Grevelding, Christoph G.; Dissous, Colette

2016-01-01

Venus kinase receptors (VKRs) are invertebrate receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) formed by an extracellular Venus Fly Trap (VFT) ligand binding domain associated via a transmembrane domain with an intracellular tyrosine kinase (TK) domain. Schistosoma mansoni VKRs, SmVKR1 and SmVKR2, are both implicated in reproductive activities of the parasite. In this work, we show that the SH2 domain-containing protein SmShb is a partner of the phosphorylated form of SmVKR1. Expression of these proteins in Xenopus oocytes allowed us to demonstrate that the SH2 domain of SmShb interacts with the phosphotyrosine residue (pY979) located in the juxtamembrane region of SmVKR1. This interaction leads to phosphorylation of SmShb on tyrosines and promotes SmVKR1 signaling towards the JNK pathway. SmShb transcripts are expressed in all parasite stages and they were found in ovary and testes of adult worms, suggesting a possible colocalization of SmShb and SmVKR1 proteins. Silencing of SmShb in adult S. mansoni resulted in an accumulation of mature sperm in testes, indicating a possible role of SmShb in gametogenesis. PMID:27636711

SmShb, the SH2-Containing Adaptor Protein B of Schistosoma mansoni Regulates Venus Kinase Receptor Signaling Pathways.

PubMed

Morel, Marion; Vanderstraete, Mathieu; Cailliau, Katia; Hahnel, Steffen; Grevelding, Christoph G; Dissous, Colette

2016-01-01

Venus kinase receptors (VKRs) are invertebrate receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) formed by an extracellular Venus Fly Trap (VFT) ligand binding domain associated via a transmembrane domain with an intracellular tyrosine kinase (TK) domain. Schistosoma mansoni VKRs, SmVKR1 and SmVKR2, are both implicated in reproductive activities of the parasite. In this work, we show that the SH2 domain-containing protein SmShb is a partner of the phosphorylated form of SmVKR1. Expression of these proteins in Xenopus oocytes allowed us to demonstrate that the SH2 domain of SmShb interacts with the phosphotyrosine residue (pY979) located in the juxtamembrane region of SmVKR1. This interaction leads to phosphorylation of SmShb on tyrosines and promotes SmVKR1 signaling towards the JNK pathway. SmShb transcripts are expressed in all parasite stages and they were found in ovary and testes of adult worms, suggesting a possible colocalization of SmShb and SmVKR1 proteins. Silencing of SmShb in adult S. mansoni resulted in an accumulation of mature sperm in testes, indicating a possible role of SmShb in gametogenesis.

GIS technology transfer for use in private sector consulting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gibas, Dawn R.; Davis, Roger J.

1996-03-01

Summit Envirosolutions, Inc. (Summit) is an EOCAP '93 company working in partnership with NASA's Commercial Remote Sensing Program to integrate the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) technology into our environmental consulting business. The EOCAP program has allowed us to obtain the hardware and software necessary for this technology that would have been difficult for a small company, such as Summit, to purchase outright. We are integrating GIS/RS into our consulting business in several areas including wellhead protection and environmental assessments. The major emphasis in the EOCAP project is to develop a system, termed RealFlowSM. The goals of RealFlowSM are to reduce client costs associated with environmental compliance (in particular preparation of EPA-mandated Wellhead Protection Plans), more accurately characterize aquifer parameters, provide a scientifically sound basis for delineating Wellhead Protection Areas, and readily assess changes in well field operations and potential impacts of environmental stresses. RealFlowSM utilizes real-time telemetric data, digital imagery, GIS, Global Positioning System (GPS), and field data to characterize a study area at a lower cost. In addition, we are applying this technology in other service areas and showing a reduction in the overall costs for large projects.

Ties of silence--Family lived experience of selective mutism in identical twins.

PubMed

Albrigtsen, Vårin; Eskeland, Benedicte; Mæhle, Magne

2016-04-01

This article is based on an in-depth interview with a pair of twins diagnosed with selective mutism and their parents 2 years after recovery. Selective mutism (SM) is a rare disorder, and identical twins sharing the condition are extremely rare. The twins developed SM simultaneously during their first year of school. The treatment and follow-up they received for several years are briefly described in this article. The interview explored the children's and their parents' narratives about the origin of the condition, the challenges it entailed in their daily lives, and what they found helpful in the treatment they were offered. In the interview, the children conveyed experiences that even the parents were unaware of and revealed examples of daily life-traumas for which they were unable to obtain support and help. The whole family was trapped in the silence. The twins and their parents emphasized different aspects in terms of what they believed were helpful. The implications of these findings for our understanding and treatment of children with SM are discussed, as well as the potential of service user involvement in child and adolescent mental health research. © The Author(s) 2015.

Specifying Software Behavior for Requirements and Design

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-01-01

e.g., Behavior Hiding is comprised of the Function Driver and Shared Services modules. Blacked-out modules, which are concerned with mechanisms for...and Shared Services modules. “The Func- tion Driver Module consists of a set of modules called Func- tion Drivers; each Function Driver is the sole...system environment. Functions that capture the rules determining these output values specify that behavior. The Shared Services module concerns aspects of

Broadband Internet Based Service to Passengers and Crew On-board Aircraft

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azzarelli, Tony

2003-07-01

The Connexion by BoeingSM (CbB) global network will provide broadband information services to aircraft passengers and crews. Through this Ku-band (14 GHz (uplink) and 11/12 GHz (downlink)) satellite-based system, aircraft passengers and crew will no longer be limited to pre-packaged services, but instead will be able to access the full range of broadband services from their seats using their laptop, PDA or the on-board IFE console.The kind of services offered to passengers are based on the internet/intranet access via their own laptops and PDA (using Ethernet wired cable, or wireless 802.11b access), while those offered to the crew can range between various crew application (such as weather updates and travel information) and aircraft health monitoring.The CbB system is divided into four basic layers of infrastructure:(1) an airborne segment, i.e. the Aircraft Earth Station (AES) consisting of proprietary high gain antenna, transceivers and other on-board subsystems providing a nominal return link data rate of 1 Mbps and a forward link data rates up to 20 Mbps;(2) a space segment consisting of leased satellite transponders on existing in-orbit Geostationary satellites;(3) a ground segment consisting of one or more leased satellite land earth stations (LESs) and redundant interconnection facilities; and;(4) a network operations centre (NOC) segment.During 2003, trials with Lufthansa (DLH) and British Airways (BA) have proved very successful. This has resulted in the recent signing of an agreement with Lufthansa which calls for the Connexion by BoeingSM service to be installed on Lufthansa's fleet of approximately 80 long-haul aircraft, including Boeing 747-400 and Airbus A330 and A340 aircraft, beginning in early 2004. BA is expected to follow soon. In addition to the successful recent service demonstrations, both Japan Airlines (JAL) and Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) have announced their intent to install the revolutionary service on their long-range aircraft.

A Multi-Center Space Data System Prototype Based on CCSDS Standards

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rich, Thomas M.

2016-01-01

Deep space missions beyond earth orbit will require new methods of data communications in order to compensate for increasing Radio Frequency (RF) propagation delay. The Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS) standard protocols Spacecraft Monitor & Control (SM&C), Asynchronous Message Service (AMS), and Delay/Disruption Tolerant Networking (DTN) provide such a method. However, the maturity level of this protocol stack is insufficient for mission inclusion at this time. This Space Data System prototype is intended to provide experience which will raise the Technical Readiness Level (TRL) of this protocol set. In order to reduce costs, future missions can take advantage of these standard protocols, which will result in increased interoperability between control centers. This prototype demonstrates these capabilities by implementing a realistic space data system in which telemetry is published to control center applications at the Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL), the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), and the Johnson Space Center (JSC). Reverse publishing paths for commanding from each control center are also implemented. The target vehicle consists of realistic flight computer hardware running Core Flight Software (CFS) in the integrated Power, Avionics, and Power (iPAS) Pathfinder Lab at JSC. This prototype demonstrates a potential upgrade path for future Deep Space Network (DSN) modification, in which the automatic error recovery and communication gap compensation capabilities of DTN would be exploited. In addition, SM&C provides architectural flexibility by allowing new service providers and consumers to be added efficiently anywhere in the network using the common interface provided by SM&C's Message Abstraction Layer (MAL). In FY 2015, this space data system was enhanced by adding telerobotic operations capability provided by the Robot API Delegate (RAPID) family of protocols developed at NASA. RAPID is one of several candidates for consideration and inclusion in a new international standard being developed by the CCSDS Telerobotic Operations Working Group. Software gateways for the purpose of interfacing RAPID messages with the existing SM&C based infrastructure were developed. Telerobotic monitor, control, and bridge applications were written in the RAPID framework, which were then tailored to the NAO telerobotic test article hardware, a product of Aldebaran Robotics.

Sixteen Years of the Hubble Space Telescope's Advanced Camera for Surveys: Calibration Update

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grogin, Norman A.; ACS Instrument Team

2018-06-01

The Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) has been a workhorse HST imager for over sixteen years, subsequent to its Servicing Mission 3B installation in 2002. The once defunct ACS Wide Field Channel (WFC) has now been operating nearly twice as long (>9yrs) since its Servicing Mission 4 (SM4) repair than it had originally operated prior to its 2007 failure. Despite the accumulating radiation damage to the WFC CCDs during their long stay in low Earth orbit, ACS continues to be heavily exploited by the HST community as both a prime and a parallel detector.During past year, there have been two new releases of the CALACS image reduction pipeline that have incorporated several recent advancements in ACS calibration capabilities. We review these updates, along with the enhanced calibration reference files (superbiases, superdarks, etc.) associated with these CALACS releases. We also present results from long-term monitoring of WFC dark current and readout noise, and from new studies of detector performance from both WFC and the ACS Solar Blind Channel (SBC). Highlights include: 1) improved characterization of WFC post-flash LED illumination, including a low-level annual modulation of LED intensity; 2) comprehensive assessment of SBC dark current as a function of detector operating temperature, and of SBC operating temperature versus duration of use; and 3) an update to the WFC bad-pixel table resulting from a minor particulate-contamination event in May 2017.

Species-Specific Serological Detection for Schistosomiasis by Serine Protease Inhibitor (SERPIN) in Multiplex Assay.

PubMed

Tanigawa, Chihiro; Fujii, Yoshito; Miura, Masashi; Nzou, Samson Muuo; Mwangi, Anne Wanjiru; Nagi, Sachiyo; Hamano, Shinjiro; Njenga, Sammy M; Mbanefo, Evaristus Chibunna; Hirayama, Kenji; Mwau, Matilu; Kaneko, Satoshi

2015-01-01

Both Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium cause schistosomiasis in sub-Saharan Africa. We assessed the diagnostic value of selected Schistosoma antigens for the development of a multiplex serological immunoassay for sero-epidemiological surveillance. Diagnostic ability of recombinant antigens from S. mansoni and S. haematobium was assessed by Luminex multiplex immunoassay using plasma from school children in two areas of Kenya, endemic for different species of schistosomiasis. S. mansoni serine protease inhibitor (SERPIN) and Sm-RP26 showed significantly higher reactivity to patient plasma as compared to the control group. Sm-Filamin, Sm-GAPDH, Sm-GST, Sm-LAP1, Sm-LAP2, Sm-Sm31, Sm-Sm32 and Sm-Tropomyosin did not show difference in reactivity between S. mansoni infected and uninfected pupils. Sm-RP26 was cross-reactive to plasma from S. haematobium patients, whereas Sm-SERPIN was species-specific. Sh-SEPRIN was partially cross-reactive to S. mansoni infected patients. ROC analysis for Sm-RP26, Sm-SERPIN and Sh-SERPIN showed AUC values of 0.833, 0.888 and 0.947, respectively. Using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient analysis, we also found significant positive correlation between the number of excreted eggs and median fluorescence intensity (MFI) from the multiplex immunoassays for Sm-SERPIN (ρ = 0.430, p-value = 0.003) and Sh-SERPIN (ρ = 0.433, p-value = 0.006). Sm-SERPIN is a promising species-specific diagnostic antigen. Sh-SEPRIN was partially cross-reactive to S. mansoni infected patients. SERPINs showed correlation with the number of excreted eggs. These indicate prospects for inclusion of SERPINs in the multiplex serological immunoassay system.

Role of SM22 in the differential regulation of phasic vs. tonic smooth muscle

PubMed Central

Ali, Mehboob

2015-01-01

Preliminary proteomics studies between tonic vs. phasic smooth muscles identified three distinct protein spots identified to be those of transgelin (SM22). The latter was found to be distinctly downregulated in the internal anal sphincter (IAS) vs. rectal smooth muscle (RSM) SMC. The major focus of the present studies was to examine the differential molecular control mechanisms by SM22 in the functionality of truly tonic smooth muscle of the IAS vs. the adjoining phasic smooth muscle of the RSM. We monitored SMC lengths before and after incubation with pFLAG-SM22 (for SM22 overexpression), and SM22 small-interfering RNA. pFLAG-SM22 caused concentration-dependent and significantly greater relaxation in the IAS vs. the RSM SMCs. Conversely, temporary silencing of SM22 caused contraction in both types of the SMCs. Further studies revealed a significant reverse relationship between the levels of SM22 phosphorylation and the amount of SM22-actin binding in the IAS and RSM SMC. Data showed higher phospho-SM22 levels and decreased SM22-actin binding in the IAS, and reverse to be the case in the RSM SMCs. Experiments determining the mechanism for SM22 phosphorylation in these smooth muscles revealed that Y-27632 (Rho kinase inhibitor) but not Gö-6850 (protein kinase C inhibitor) caused concentration-dependent decreased phosphorylation of SM22. We speculate that SM22 plays an important role in the regulation of basal tone via Rho kinase-induced phosphorylation of SM22. PMID:25617350

Investigation of magnetic order in SmTr2Zn20 (Tr=Fe ,Co,Ru) and SmTr2Cd20 (Tr=Ni ,Pd)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yazici, D.; White, B. D.; Ho, P.-C.; Kanchanavatee, N.; Huang, K.; Friedman, A. J.; Wong, A. S.; Burnett, V. W.; Dilley, N. R.; Maple, M. B.

2014-10-01

Single crystals of the "cage compounds" SmTr2Zn20 (Tr=Fe, Co, Ru) and SmTr2Cd20 (Tr=Ni, Pd) have been investigated by means of electrical resistivity, magnetization, and specific-heat measurements. The compounds SmFe2Zn20,SmRu2Zn20, and SmNi2Cd20 exhibit ferromagnetic order with Curie temperatures of TC=47.4, 7.6, and 7.5 K, respectively, whereas SmPd2Cd20 is an antiferromagnet with a Néel temperature of TN=3.4 K. No evidence for magnetic order is observed in SmCo2Zn20 down to 110 mK. The Sommerfeld coefficients γ are found to be 57 mJ /molK2 for SmFe2Zn20,79.5 mJ /molK2 for SmCo2Zn20,258 mJ /molK2 for SmRu2Zn20,165 mJ /molK2 for SmNi2Cd20, and 208 mJ /molK2 for SmPd2Cd20. Enhanced values of γ and a quadratic temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity at low temperature for SmRu2Zn20 and SmPd2Cd20 suggest an enhancement of the quasiparticle masses due to hybridization between localized 4f and conduction electron states.

Sm5(Fe,Ti)17 melt-spun ribbons with high coercivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saito, Tetsuji; Horita, Toru

2018-05-01

It has previously been reported that annealing of amorphous Sm5Fe17 melt-spun ribbon resulted in the formation of the Sm5Fe17 phase and the resultant Sm5Fe17 melt-spun ribbon exhibited a high coercivity. However, the annealing condition of the amorphous Sm5Fe17 melt-spun ribbon was somewhat critical and it was not easy to obtain Sm5Fe17 grains with high coercivity. In the present study, it was found that the small substitution of Ti for Fe in the Sm5Fe17 melt-spun ribbon stabilized the Sm5Fe17 phase. Annealed Sm5Fe16.7Ti0.3 melt-spun ribbon consisted of small and homogeneous Sm5(Fe,Ti)17 grains and exhibited a higher coercivity than the annealed Sm5Fe17 melt-spun ribbon.

Selective Mutism: The Fraternal Twin of Childhood Social Phobia.

PubMed

Gensthaler, Angelika; Maichrowitz, Verena; Kaess, Michael; Ligges, Marc; Freitag, Christine M; Schwenck, Christina

Selective mutism (SM) is an anxiety disorder with a close link to childhood social phobia (SP). Our studies compare behavioral problem profiles in children and adolescents with SM and SP and control groups and assess the comorbidity patterns of SM and SP. Participants aged 3-18 years with SM (n = 95), SP (n = 74) and internalizing disorders (INT, n = 46) and a typically developing control group (CG, n = 119) were assessed with the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL); adolescents were additionally assessed with the Youth Self-Report (YSR). Comorbidity was assessed in SM and SP participants with a diagnostic interview. SP was detected in 94% of children with SM. SM participants showed different behavioral and psychiatric symptoms than SP: they were more frequently affected by lifetime separation anxiety disorder (SM: 45%, SP: 26%) and oppositional defiant disorder (SM: 22%, SP: 5%), and less by generalized anxiety disorder (SM: 6%, SP: 20%) and major depression (SM: 12%, SP: 26%). Adolescents with SM showed high rates of agoraphobia (SM 27%; SP 10%) and more social problems (YSR), and were more withdrawn (CBCL, YSR) than those with SP alone. Specific behavioral problems of SM and SP compared to INT and CG were observed. SM and SP represent separate but closely related disorders, distinct from other INT and CG, with specific patterns of lifetime comorbidities. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.

31 CFR 585.413 - Imports of goods originating in the FRY (S&M), and purchases of goods from the FRY (S&M).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... FRY (S&M), and purchases of goods from the FRY (S&M). 585.413 Section 585.413 Money and Finance... of goods originating in the FRY (S&M), and purchases of goods from the FRY (S&M). Goods originating in the FRY (S&M) imported into the United States pursuant to an authorization or license are not...

Web service module for access to g-Lite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goranova, R.; Goranov, G.

2012-10-01

G-Lite is a lightweight grid middleware for grid computing installed on all clusters of the European Grid Infrastructure (EGI). The middleware is partially service-oriented and does not provide well-defined Web services for job management. The existing Web services in the environment cannot be directly used by grid users for building service compositions in the EGI. In this article we present a module of well-defined Web services for job management in the EGI. We describe the architecture of the module and the design of the developed Web services. The presented Web services are composable and can participate in service compositions (workflows). An example of usage of the module with tools for service compositions in g-Lite is shown.

The Beliefs and Usage of Social Media Among General Practitioner Trainers from Eleven Provinces of China: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

PubMed

Liu, Ying; Ren, Wen; Qiu, Yan; Ren, Jingjing

2018-05-07

It has become a new lifestyle of using social media (SM) to acquire all kinds of information. The objectives of this study were to determine general practitioner (GP) trainers' current use of SM and their beliefs and attitudes regarding use of SM. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was taken during a 1-week GP trainers' training program. Data probing GP trainers' use of SM and attitudes toward SM use in clinical work and education were collected and analyzed. Four hundred seven respondents participated in the survey, and the response rate was 61.4%. All the respondents reported that they have at least an SM account. A total of 99.3% of respondents replied that they would add a colleague as a friend via SM; however, only 68.6% of them would add a patient. More than half of the respondents have been contacted by a patient more than five times per year, whereas 67.2% of them attempted to contact a patient by SM less than three times per year. One hundred forty of 407 (34.4%) respondents used SM daily to explore medical information, whereas 42 of 407 (10.3%) contributed new information via SM on a daily basis. Nearly 50% of respondents believed that SM was useful and beneficial. SM is widely used among GP trainers from 11 provinces of China. Most of the participants believed that SM is useful and beneficial to their work. However, there are still some problems for them to use SM in healthcare and medical education, including separating personal and professional use of SM, SM policy, and the quality of information from SM.

Effects of pressure applied during standardized spinal mobilizations on peripheral skin blood flow: A randomised cross-over study.

PubMed

Zegarra-Parodi, Rafael; Pazdernik, Vanessa K; Roustit, Matthieu; Park, Peter Yong Soo; Degenhardt, Brian F

2016-02-01

Peripheral skin blood flow (SBF) changes during and after spinal mobilization (SM), evaluated with laser Doppler flowmetry, may document physiological responses associated with SM. To document variations in SBF during and after application of an SM and evaluate influence of pressure on SBF by applying the same standardized SM with 3 different nonnoxious pressures. Cross-over design with 4 interventions on 4 different days: control (no touch) and 3 SMs applied rhythmically at 5%, 40%, or 80% of pain pressure threshold (sham SM, low-pressure SM, or high-pressure SM, respectively). Thirty-two individuals participated. The inspiratory gasp (IG) test was our positive control of vasoconstriction through excitation of the skin sympathetic nervous activity (SSNA). Each session comprised 5 phases: (1) baseline at the end of a 20-min acclimatization, (2) IG test, (3) post-IG phase, (4) SM phase or no manual contact for control, and (5) post-SM phase. A Biopac MP36 system collected SBF data, and a Novel Pliance-X system recorded pressure data. Equal and significant bilateral vasodilation occurred during application of unilateral sham SM, low-pressure SM, and high-pressure SM. Post-SM significant vasodilation persisted after high-pressure SM. The current study is the first to describe bilateral peripheral SBF changes occurring during and 5 min after application of standardized SMs. Our post-SM vasodilation suggests involvement of mechanisms other than the putative SSNA-excitatory mechanism proposed with skin conductance measurements. Persistence of post-SM vasodilation following only high-pressure SM suggests possible pressure-dependent mechanisms. However, further research is warranted to clarify our findings. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Dependence of samarium-soil interaction on samarium concentration: Implications for environmental risk assessment.

PubMed

Ramírez-Guinart, Oriol; Salaberria, Aitor; Vidal, Miquel; Rigol, Anna

2018-03-01

The sorption and desorption behaviour of samarium (Sm), an emerging contaminant, was examined in soil samples at varying Sm concentrations. The obtained sorption and desorption parameters revealed that soil possessed a high Sm retention capacity (sorption was higher than 99% and desorption lower than 2%) at low Sm concentrations, whereas at high Sm concentrations, the sorption-desorption behaviour varied among the soil samples tested. The fractionation of the Sm sorbed in soils, obtained by sequential extractions, allowed to suggest the soil properties (pH and organic matter solubility) and phases (organic matter, carbonates and clay minerals) governing the Sm-soil interaction. The sorption models constructed in the present work along with the sorption behaviour of Sm explained in terms of soil main characteristics will allow properly assessing the Sm-soil interaction depending on the contamination scenario under study. Moreover, the sorption and desorption K d values of radiosamarium in soils were strongly correlated with those of stable Sm at low concentrations (r = 0.98); indicating that the mobility of Sm radioisotopes and, thus, the risk of radioactive Sm contamination can be predicted using data from low concentrations of stable Sm. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Coercivity Recovery Effect of Sm-Fe-Cu-Al Alloy on Sm2Fe17N3 Magnet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Otogawa, Kohei; Asahi, Toru; Jinno, Miho; Yamaguchi, Wataru; Takagi, Kenta; Kwon, Hansang

2018-03-01

The potential of a Sm-Fe-Cu-Al binder for improvement of the magnetic properties of Sm2Fe17N3 was examined. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) observation of a Sm-Fe-Cu-Al alloy-bonded Sm2Fe17N3 magnet which showed high coercivity revealed that the Sm-Fe-Cu-Al alloy had an effect of removing the surface oxide layer of the Sm2 Fe17N3 grains. However, the Sm-Fe-Cu-Al binder was contaminated by carbon and nitrogen, which originated from the organic solvent used as the milling medium during pulverization. To prevent carbon and nitrogen contamination, the Sm-Fe- Cu-Al alloy was added directly on the surface of the Sm2Fe17N3 grains by sputtering. Comparing the recovered coercivity per unit amount of the added binder the uncontaminated binder-coated sample had a higher coercivity recovery effect than the milled binder-added sample. These results suggested that sufficient addition of the contamination-free Sm-Fe-Cu-Al binder has the possibility to reduce the amount of binder necessary to produce a high coercive Sm2Fe17N3 magnet.

Function Specifications for the A-7E Function Driver Module.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-11-27

Computer interface specifications (HEN181). The services and values provided by the Shared Services module are accurately described in the Shared Services Module...None$) FD.7.l.3.1 FD.7.1.7.1 5517a FD.App3 -5 Appendix 3 Event List (Alphabetical) Events Signalled by other Shared Services submodules @F( ABSCI+ip az...the Shared Services and Device Interface modules. Al; Answer this question for each table that appears in the function driver specification being

Giant magnetic coercivity in CaCu{sub 5}-type SmNi{sub 3}TSi (T=Mn–Cu) solid solutions

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

Yao, Jinlei; Yan, Xu; Morozkin, A.V., E-mail: morozkin@tech.chem.msu.ru

The effects of transition metal substitution for Ni on the magnetic properties of the CaCu{sub 5}-type SmNi{sub 3}TSi (T=Mn, Fe, Co, Cu) solid solutions have been investigated. SmNi{sub 3}MnSi, SmNi{sub 3}FeSi, SmNi{sub 3}CoSi and SmNi{sub 3}CuSi show ferromagnetic ordering at 125 K, 190 K, 46 K and 12 K and field induced transitions at 65 K, 110 K, 30 K and 6 K, respectively. The magnetocaloric effects of SmNi{sub 3}TSi (T=Mn, Fe, Co, Cu) were calculated in terms of isothermal magnetic entropy change (ΔS{sub m}). The magnetic entropy ΔS{sub m} reaches value of −1.1 J/kg K at 130 K formore » SmNi{sub 3}MnSi, −0.4 J/kg K at 180 K for SmNi{sub 3}FeSi, −0.37 J/kg K at 45 K for SmNi{sub 3}CoSi and −0.5 J/kg K at 12 K for SmNi{sub 3}CuSi in field change of 0–50 kOe around the ferromagnetic ordering temperature. They show positive ΔS{sub m} of +2.4 J/kg K at 30 K for SmNi{sub 3}MnSi, −2.6 J/kg K at 65 K for SmNi{sub 3}FeSi, +0.73 J/kg K at 15 K for SmNi{sub 3}CoSi and −0.5 J/kg K at 6 K for SmNi{sub 3}CuSi in field change of 0–50 kOe around the metamagnetic-like transition temperature. Below the field induced transition temperature, SmNi{sub 3}TSi (T=Mn, Fe, Co, Cu) exhibits giant magnetic coercivity of 80 kOe at 20 K for SmNi{sub 3}MnSi, 87 kOe at 40 K for SmNi{sub 3}FeSi, 27 kOe at 20 K for SmNi{sub 3}CoSi and 54 kOe at 5 K for SmNi{sub 3}CuSi. - Graphical abstract: CaCu{sub 5}-type SmNi{sub 3}MnSi, SmNi{sub 3}FeSi, SmNi{sub 3}CoSi and SmNi{sub 3}CuSi show ferromagnetic ordering at 125 K, 190 K, 46 K and 12 K and field induced transitions at 65 K, 110 K, 30 K and 6 K, respectively. The magnetic entropy ΔS{sub m} reaches value of −1.1 J/kg K at 130 K for SmNi{sub 3}MnSi, −0.4 J/kg K at 180 K for SmNi{sub 3}FeSi, −0.37 J/kg K at 45 K for SmNi{sub 3}CoSi and −0.5 J/kg K at 12 K for SmNi{sub 3}CuSi in field change of 0–50 kOe around the ferromagnetic ordering temperature. They show positive ΔS{sub m} of +2.4 J/kg K at 30 K for SmNi{sub 3}MnSi, −2.6 J/kg K at 65 K for SmNi{sub 3}FeSi, +0.73 J/kg K at 15 K for SmNi{sub 3}CoSi and −0.5 J/kg K at 6 K for SmNi{sub 3}CuSi in field change of 0–50 kOe around the metamagnetic-like transition temperature. Below the field induced transition temperature, SmNi{sub 3}TSi (T=Mn, Fe, Co, Cu) exhibits giant magnetic coercivity of 80 kOe at 20 K for SmNi{sub 3}MnSi, 87 kOe at 40 K for SmNi{sub 3}FeSi, 27 kOe at 20 K for SmNi{sub 3}CoSi and 54 kOe at 5 K for SmNi{sub 3}CuSi. - Highlights: • CaCu{sub 5}-type SmNi{sub 3}{Mn, Fe, Co, Cu}Si exhibit the Curie points at 12–190 K. • SmNi{sub 3}{Mn, Fe, Co, Cu}Si show field induced transition at 6–110 K. • SmNi{sub 3}MnSi shows huge magnetic hysteresis with coercive field of 80 kOe at 20 K. • SmNi{sub 3}FeSi shows huge magnetic hysteresis with coercive field of 87 kOe at 40 K. • SmNi{sub 3}CuSi shows giant coercive field of 54 kOe at 5 K.« less

Known Allergen Structures Predict Schistosoma mansoni IgE-Binding Antigens in Human Infection

PubMed Central

Farnell, Edward J.; Tyagi, Nidhi; Ryan, Stephanie; Chalmers, Iain W.; Pinot de Moira, Angela; Jones, Frances M.; Wawrzyniak, Jakub; Fitzsimmons, Colin M.; Tukahebwa, Edridah M.; Furnham, Nicholas; Maizels, Rick M.; Dunne, David W.

2015-01-01

The IgE response has been associated with both allergic reactions and immunity to metazoan parasites. Recently, we hypothesized that all environmental allergens bear structural homology to IgE-binding antigens from metazoan parasites and that this homology defines the relatively small number of protein families containing allergenic targets. In this study, known allergen structures (Pfam domains) from major environmental allergen families were used to predict allergen-like (SmProfilin, SmVAL-6, SmLipocalin, SmHSP20, Sm triosephosphate isomerase, SmThioredoxin, Sm superoxide dismutase, SmCyclophilin, and Sm phosphoglycerate kinase) and non-allergen-like [Sm dynein light chain (SmDLC), SmAldolase SmAK, SmUbiquitin, and Sm14-3-3] proteins in Schistosoma mansoni. Recombinant antigens were produced in Escherichia coli and IgG1, IgG4, and IgE responses against them measured in a cohort of people (n = 222) infected with S. mansoni. All allergen-like antigens were targeted by IgE responses in infected subjects, whilst IgE responses to the non-allergen-like antigens, SmAK, SmUbiquitin, and Sm14-3-3 were essentially absent being of both low prevalence and magnitude. Two new IgE-binding Pfam domain families, not previously described in allergen family databases, were also found, with prevalent IgE responses against SmDLC (PF01221) and SmAldolase (PF00274). Finally, it was demonstrated that immunoregulatory serological processes typically associated with allergens also occurred in responses to allergen-like proteins in S. mansoni infections, including the production of IgG4 in people responding with IgE and the down-regulation of IgE in response to increased antigen exposure from S. mansoni eggs. This study establishes that structures of known allergens can be used to predict IgE responses against homologous parasite allergen-like molecules (parallergens) and that serological responses with IgE/IgG4 to parallergens mirror those seen against allergens, supporting our hypothesis that allergenicity is rooted in expression of certain protein domain families in metazoan parasites. PMID:25691884

Antenna Measurements: Test & Analysis of the Radiated Emissions from the NASA/Orion Spacecraft - Parachute System Simulator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Norgard, John D.

2012-01-01

For future NASA Manned Space Exploration of the Moon and Mars, a blunt body capsule, called the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV), composed of a Crew Module (CM) and a Service Module (SM), with a parachute decent assembly is planned for reentry back to Earth. A Capsule Parachute Assembly System (CPAS) is being developed for preliminary parachute drop tests at the Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) to simulate high-speed reentry to Earth from beyond Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) and to provide measurements of landing parameters and parachute loads. The avionics systems on CPAS also provide mission critical firing events to deploy, reef, and release the parachutes in three stages (extraction, drogues, mains) using mortars and pressure cartridge assemblies. In addition, a Mid-Air Delivery System (MDS) is used to separate the capsule from the sled that is used to eject the capsule from the back of the drop plane. Also, high-speed and high-definition cameras in a Video Camera System (VCS) are used to film the drop plane extraction and parachute landing events. To verify Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) of the CPAS system from unintentional radiation, Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) measurements are being made inside a semi-anechoic chamber at NASA/JSC at 1m from the electronic components of the CPAS system. In addition, EMI measurements of the integrated CPAS system are being made inside a hanger at YPG. These near-field B-Dot probe measurements on the surface of a parachute simulator (DART) are being extrapolated outward to the 1m standard distance for comparison to the MIL-STD radiated emissions limit.

New tetragonal derivatives of cubic NaZn{sub 13}-type structure: RNi{sub 6}Si{sub 6} compounds, crystal structure and magnetic ordering (R=Y, La, Ce, Sm, Gd–Yb)

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

Pani, M.; Manfrinetti, P.; Provino, A.

2014-02-15

Novel RNi{sub 6}Si{sub 6} compounds adopt the new CeNi{sub 6}Si{sub 6}-type structure for R=La–Ce (tP52, space group P4/nbm N 125-1) and new YNi{sub 6}Si{sub 6}-type structure for R=Y, Sm, Gd–Yb (tP52, space group P4{sup ¯}b2N 117) that are tetragonal derivative of NaZn{sub 13}-type structure, like LaCo{sub 9}Si{sub 4}-type. The CeNi{sub 6}Si{sub 6}, GdNi{sub 6}Si{sub 6}, TbNi{sub 6}Si{sub 6}, DyNi{sub 6}Si{sub 6} and HoNi{sub 6}Si{sub 6} compounds are Curie–Weiss paramagnets down to ∼30 K, and do not order magnetically down to 5 K. However, the inverse paramagnetic susceptibility of LaNi{sub 6}Si{sub 6} does not follow Curie–Weiss law. The DyNi{sub 6}Si{sub 6}more » shows ferromagnetic-like saturation behaviour at 5 K in applied fields of 50 kOe, giving rise to a magnetic moment value of 6.5 μ{sub B}/f.u. in 50 kOe. The powder neutron diffraction study in zero applied filed indicates square modulated the c-collinear antiferromagnetic ordering of TbNi{sub 6}Si{sub 6} with K=[±1/4, ±1/4, 0] wave vector below ∼10 K. - Graphical abstract: Novel (La, Ce)Ni{sub 6}Si{sub 6} compounds adopt the new CeNi{sub 6}Si{sub 6}-type structure and (Y, Sm, Gd–Yb) adopt the new YNi{sub 6}Si{sub 6}-type structure that are tetragonal derivative of NaZn{sub 13}-type structure, like LaCo{sub 9}Si{sub 4}-type. The CeNi{sub 6}Si{sub 6}, GdNi{sub 6}Si{sub 6}, TbNi{sub 6}Si{sub 6}, DyNi{sub 6}Si{sub 6} and HoNi{sub 6}Si{sub 6} compounds are Curie–Weiss paramagnets down to ∼30 K, and do not order magnetically down to 4.2 K. The powder neutron diffraction study in zero applied filed indicates square modulated the c-collinear antiferromagnetic ordering of TbNi{sub 6}Si{sub 6} with K=[±1/4, ±1/4, 0] wave vector below ∼10 K. Display Omitted - Highlights: • The new (La, Ce)Ni{sub 6}Si{sub 6} compounds adopt the new CeNi{sub 6}Si{sub 6}-type structure. • The new (Y, Sm, Gd–Yb)Ni{sub 6}Si{sub 6} compounds adopt the new YNi{sub 6}Si{sub 6}-type structure. • TbNi{sub 6}Si{sub 6} has square modulated c-collinear antiferromagnetic ordering below ∼10 K.« less

How Can Social Media Lead to Co-Production (Co-Delivery) of New Services for the Elderly Population? A Qualitative Study.

PubMed

Daneshvar, Hadi; Anderson, Stuart; Williams, Robin; Mozaffar, Hajar

2018-02-12

The future of health care services in the European Union faces the triple challenges of aging, fiscal restriction, and inclusion. Co-production offers ways to manage informal care resources to help them cater for the growing needs of elderly people. Social media (SM) is seen as a critical enabler for co-production. The objective of this study was to investigate how SM-private Facebook groups, forums, Twitter, and blogging-acts as an enabler of co-production in health and care by facilitating its four underlying principles: equality, diversity, accessibility, and reciprocity. We used normalization process theory as our theoretical framework to design this study. We conducted a qualitative study and collected data through 20 semistructured interviews and observation of the activities of 10 online groups and individuals. We then used thematic analysis and drew on principles of co-production (equality, diversity, accessibility, and reciprocity) as a deductive coding framework to analyze our findings. Our findings point to distinct patterns of feature use by different people involved in care of elderly people. This diversity makes possible the principles of co-production by offering equality among users, enabling diversity of use, making experiences accessible, and encouraging reciprocity in the sharing of knowledge and mutual support. We also identified that explication of common resources may lead to new forms of competition and conflicts. These conflicts require better management to enhance the coordination of the common pool of resources. SM uses afford new forms of organizing and collective engagement between patients, carers, and professionals, which leads to change in health and care communication and coordination. ©Hadi Daneshvar, Stuart Anderson, Robin Williams, Hajar Mozaffar. Originally published in JMIR Human Factors (http://humanfactors.jmir.org), 12.02.2018.

Evaluation of SmCo and SmCoN magnetron sputtering coatings for SOFC interconnect applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Junwei; Li, Chengming; Johnson, Christopher; Liu, Xingbo

Cobalt or cobalt containing coatings are promising for SOFC interconnect applications because of their high conductivity. We have investigated SmCo and SmCoN coatings deposited by magnetron sputtering from a SmCo (5% Sm) target on to Crofer 22 APU substrates. The composition, structure, surface morphology, and electrical conductivity of the coated substrates were characterized by SEM/EDX, XRD and ASR measurements. Addition of Sm enhances the oxidation resistance and the Cr retention capability of the coatings. The use of nitride as a precursor stabilizes Sm during oxidation of the films, thus inhibiting diffusion of Fe, resulting in a more compact coating and lowering ASR. The combined advantages of Sm addition to cobalt and the use of a nitride as a precursor, makes SmCoN coatings a promising new interconnect coating material.

Snapshot polarization-sensitive plug-in optical module for a Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marques, Manuel J.; Rivet, Sylvain; Bradu, Adrian; Podoleanu, Adrian

2018-02-01

In this communication, we present a proof-of-concept polarization-sensitive Optical Coherence Tomography (PS-OCT) which can be used to characterize the retardance and the axis orientation of a linear birefringent sample. This module configuration is an improvement from our previous work1, 2 since it encodes the two polarization channels on the optical path difference, effectively carrying out the polarization measurements simultaneously (snapshot measurement), whilst retaining all the advantages (namely the insensitivity to environmental parameters when using SM fibers) of these two previous configurations. Further progress consists in employing Master Slave OCT technology,3 which is used to automatically compensate for the dispersion mismatch introduced by the elements in the module. This is essential given the encoding of the polarization states on two different optical path lengths, each of them having dissimilar dispersive properties. By utilizing this method instead of the commonly used re-linearization and numerical dispersion compensation methods an improvement in terms of the calculation time required can be achieved.

Hyperthyroidism evokes myocardial ceramide accumulation.

PubMed

Mikłosz, Agnieszka; Łukaszuk, Bartłomiej; Chabowski, Adrian; Rogowski, Filip; Kurek, Krzysztof; Żendzian-Piotrowska, Małgorzata

2015-01-01

Thyroid hormones (THs) are key regulators of cardiac physiology as well as modulators of different cellular signals including the sphingomyelin/ceramide pathway. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of hyperthyroidism on the metabolism of sphingolipids in the muscle heart. Male Wistar rats were treated for 10 days with triiodothyronine (T3) at a dose of 50µg/100g of body weight. Animals were then anaesthetized and samples of the left ventricle were excised. We have demonstrated that prolonged, in vivo, T3 treatment increased the content of sphinganine (SFA), sphingosine (SFO), ceramide (CER) and sphingomyelin (SM), but decreased the level of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) in cardiac muscle. Accordingly, the changes in sphingolipids content were accompanied by a lesser activity of neutral sphingomyelinase and without significant changes in ceramidases activity. Hyperthyroidism also induced activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) with subsequently increased expression of mitochondrial proteins: cytochrome c oxidase IV (COX IV), β-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (β-HAD), carnityne palmitoyltransferase I (CPT I) and nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC1α). We conclude that prolonged T3 treatment increases sphingolipids metabolism which is reflected by higher concentration of SFA and CER in heart muscle. Furthermore, hyperthyroidism-induced increase in heart sphingomyelin (SM) concentration might be one of the mechanisms underlying maintenance of CER at relatively low level by its conversion to SM together with decreased S1P content. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Technical Consultation of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) System Health Assessment: Analysis of HST Health

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gentz, Steven J.; Heard, Brent N.; Hodson, Robert F.; Pettit, Duane H.; Pandolf, John E.; Azzolini, John D.; Dennehy, Cornelius J.; Farley, Rodger E.; Kirchman, Frank J.; Spidaliere, Peter D.

2005-01-01

The NESC conducted an abridged independent examination of available information and personnel interviews to evaluate the current and anticipated state of the spacecraft subsystems and the parameters that describe the HST's health. These examinations included the projected timeliness of a robotic SM and whether the GSFC baseline concept is likely to provide the capability to extend the useful scientific life of the HST by an additional 5 years. The NESC team collected a broad spectrum of pertinent HST Program analyses, reports, briefings, and the results of the IPAO and the Aerospace Corporation AOA assessments as they relate to the degradation of the HST s health. This review included the state of the HST subsystems having the potential to impact the viability of the HST, but will not be serviced under the baseline robotic SM.

Clinicopathologic Features of Submucosal Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

PubMed

Emi, Manabu; Hihara, Jun; Hamai, Yoichi; Furukawa, Takaoki; Ibuki, Yuta; Okada, Morihito

2017-12-01

The prognoses of submucosal esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients vary. Patients with favorable prognoses may receive less invasive or nonsurgical interventions, whereas patients with poor prognoses or advanced esophageal cancer may require aggressive treatments. We sought to identify prognostic factors for patients with submucosal esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, focusing on lymph node metastasis and recurrence. We included 137 submucosal esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients who had undergone transthoracic esophagectomy with systematic extended lymph node dissection. Submucosal tumors were classified as SM1, SM2, and SM3 according to the depth of invasion. Prognostic factors were determined by univariable and multivariable analyses. Lymph node metastasis was observed in 18.8%, 30.5%, and 50.0% of SM1, SM2, and SM3 cases, respectively. The overall 5-year recurrence rate was 21.9%; the rates for SM1, SM2, and SM3 tumors were 9.4%, 18.6%, and 34.8%, respectively. The SM1 tumors all recurred locoregionally; distant metastasis occurred in SM2 and SM3 cases. The 5-year overall survival rates were 83%, 77%, and 59% for SM1, SM2, and SM3 cases, respectively. On univariable analysis, lymph node metastasis, depth of submucosal invasion (SM3 versus SM1/2), and tumor location (upper thoracic versus mid/lower thoracic) were poor prognostic factors for overall survival. Multivariable Cox regression analyses identified depth of submucosal invasion (hazard ratio 2.51, 95% confidence interval: 1.37 to 4.61) and tumor location (hazard ratio 2.43, 95% confidence interval: 1.18 to 4.63) as preoperative prognostic factors. Tumor location (upper thoracic) and infiltration (SM3) are the worse prognostic factors of submucosal esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, but lymph node metastasis is not a predictor of poorer prognosis. Copyright © 2017 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Archaeal and eukaryotic homologs of Hfq

PubMed Central

Mura, Cameron; Randolph, Peter S.; Patterson, Jennifer; Cozen, Aaron E.

2013-01-01

Hfq and other Sm proteins are central in RNA metabolism, forming an evolutionarily conserved family that plays key roles in RNA processing in organisms ranging from archaea to bacteria to human. Sm-based cellular pathways vary in scope from eukaryotic mRNA splicing to bacterial quorum sensing, with at least one step in each of these pathways being mediated by an RNA-associated molecular assembly built upon Sm proteins. Though the first structures of Sm assemblies were from archaeal systems, the functions of Sm-like archaeal proteins (SmAPs) remain murky. Our ignorance about SmAP biology, particularly vis-à-vis the eukaryotic and bacterial Sm homologs, can be partly reduced by leveraging the homology between these lineages to make phylogenetic inferences about Sm functions in archaea. Nevertheless, whether SmAPs are more eukaryotic (RNP scaffold) or bacterial (RNA chaperone) in character remains unclear. Thus, the archaeal domain of life is a missing link, and an opportunity, in Sm-based RNA biology. PMID:23579284

Dielectric spectroscopy of the SmQ* phase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perkowski, P.; Bubnov, A.; Piecek, W.; Ogrodnik, K.; Hamplová, V.; Kašpar, M.

2011-11-01

Liquid crystal possessing two biphenyl moieties in the molecular core and lateral chlorine substitution far from the chiral chain has been studied by dielectric spectroscopy. On cooling from the isotropic phase, the material possesses the frustrated smectic Q* (SmQ*) and SmCA* phases. It has been confirmed by dielectric spectroscopy that the SmQ* phase can be related to the SmCA* anti-ferroelectric phase. However, only one relaxation process has been observed in the SmQ* phase, while in the SmCA*, two relaxations are clearly detectable. It seems that the mode found in the SmQ* can be connected with high-frequency anti-phase mode observed in the SmCA* phase. Its relaxation frequency is similar to PH relaxation frequency, but is weaker. The same relaxation has been observed even a few degrees above the SmQ*-Iso phase transition. Another explanation for the mode detected in SmQ* and isotropic phases can be molecular motions around short molecular axis.

Single-mode 850-nm vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers with Zn-diffusion and oxide-relief apertures for > 50 Gbit/sec OOK and 4-PAM transmission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Jin-Wei; Wei, Chia-Chien; Chen, Jyehong; Ledentsov, N. N.; Yang, Ying-Jay

2017-02-01

Vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) has become the most important light source in the booming market of short-reach (< 300 meters) optical interconnect (OI). The next generation OI has been targeted at 56 Gbit/sec data rate per channel (CEI-56G) with the total data rate up to 400 Gbit/sec. However, the serious modal dispersion of multi-mode fiber (MMF), limited speed of VCSEL, and its high resistance (> 150 Ω) seriously limits the >50 Gbit/sec linking distance (< 10 m) by using only on-off keying (OOK) modulation scheme without any signal processing techniques. In contrast to OOK, 4-PAM modulation format is attractive for >50 Gbit/sec transmission due to that it can save one-half of the required bandwidth. Nevertheless, a 4.7 dB optical power penalty and the linearity of transmitter would become issues in the 4-PAM linking performance. Besides, in the modern OI system, the optics transreceiver module must be packaged as close as possible with the integrated circuits (ICs). The heat generated from ICs will become an issue in speed of VSCEL. Here, we review our recent work about 850 nm VCSEL, which has unique Zn-diffusion/oxide-relief apertures and special p- doping active layer with strong wavelength detuning to further enhance its modulation speed and high-temperature (85°C) performances. Single-mode (SM) devices with high-speed ( 26 GHz), reasonable resistance ( 70 Ω) and moderate output power ( 1.5 mW) can be achieved. Error-free 54 Gbit/sec OOK transmission through 1km MMF has been realized by using such SM device with signal processing techniques. Besides, the volterra nonlinear equalizer has been applied in our 4-PAM 64 Gbit/sec transmission through 2-km OM4 MMF, which significantly enhance the linearity of device and outperforms fed forward equalization (FFE) technique. Record high bit-rate distance product of 128.km is confirmed for optical-interconnect applications.

Simulated Solar Flare X-Ray and Thermal Cycling Durability Evaluation of Hubble Space Telescope Thermal Control Candidate Replacement Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

deGroh, Kim K.; Banks, Bruce A.; Sechkar, Edward A.; Scheiman, David A.

1998-01-01

During the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) second servicing mission (SM2), astronauts noticed that the multilayer insulation (MLI) covering the telescope was damaged. Large pieces of the outer layer of MLI (aluminized Teflon fluorinated ethylene propylene (Al-FEP)) were torn in several locations around the telescope. A piece of curled up Al-FEP was retrieved by the astronauts and was found to be severely embrittled, as witnessed by ground testing. Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) organized a HST MLI Failure Review Board (FRB) to determine the damage mechanism of FEP in the HST environment, and to recommend replacement insulation material to be installed on HST during the third servicing mission (SM3) in 1999. Candidate thermal control replacement materials were chosen by the FRB and tested for environmental durability under various exposures and durations. This paper describes durability testing of candidate materials which were exposed to charged particle radiation, simulated solar flare x-ray radiation and thermal cycling under load. Samples were evaluated for changes in solar absorptance and tear resistance. Descriptions of environmental exposures and durability evaluations of these materials are presented.

Investigation of magnetic order in SmTr2Zn20 (Tr = Fe, Co, Ru) and SmTr2Cd20 (Tr = Ni, Pd)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yazici, Duygu; White, B. D.; Ho, P.-C.; Kanchanavatee, N.; Huang, K.; Dilley, N. R.; Maple, M. B.

2015-03-01

Single crystals of the cage compounds Sm Tr 2Zn20 (Tr = Fe, Co, Ru) and Sm Tr 2Cd20 (Tr = Ni, Pd) have been investigated by means of electrical resistivity, magnetization, and specific heat measurements. The compounds SmFe2Zn20, SmRu2Zn20,andSmNi2Cd20 exhibit ferromagnetic order with Curie temperatures of TC = 47.4 K, 7.6 K, and 7.5 K, respectively, whereas SmPd2Cd20 is an antiferromagnet with a Néel temperature of TN = 3.4 K. No evidence for magnetic order is observed in SmCo2Zn20 down to 110 mK. The Sommerfeld coefficients γ are found to be 57 mJ/mol-K2 for SmFe2Zn20, 79.5 mJ/mol-K2 for SmCo2Zn20, 258 mJ/mol-K2 for SmRu2Zn20, 165 mJ/mol-K2 for SmNi2Cd20, and 208 mJ/mol-K2 for SmPd2Cd20. Enhanced values of Sommerfeld coefficients γ and a quadratic temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity at low temperature for SmRu2Zn20andSmPd2Cd20 suggest an enhancement of the quasiparticle masses due to hybridization between localized 4 f and conduction electron states. Research at UCSD was supported by the U.S. DOE under Grant No. DE-FG02-04-ER46105 and the U.S. NSF under Award Grant No. DMR 1206553. Research at California State University, Fresno was supported by the U.S. NSF under Grant No. DMR 1104544.

Temperature-induced structural evolution of Sm nanoparticles on Al2O3 thin film: An in-situ investigation using SRPES, XPS and STM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Qian; Hu, Shanwei; Wang, Weijia; Wang, Yan; Ju, Huanxin; Zhu, Junfa

2018-02-01

The structural evolution of Sm nanoclusters on ultrathin film of Al2O3 epitaxially grown on Ni3Al(111) substrate at elevated temperatures was investigated in-situ using synchrotron radiation photoemission spectroscopy (SRPES), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). The vapor-deposited metallic Sm onto the Al2O3 thin film at 300 K is partially oxidized, leading to the appearance of both Sm2+ and Sm3+ states at low coverages, due to the charge transfer from Sm to oxide film. The complete oxidation of the Sm, i.e., all Sm2+ converted to Sm3+, occurs when the sample is annealed to 500 K. Further annealing results in the diffusion of Sm into the Al2O3 lattice. At ∼900 K, the formation of a SmAlO3 complex is observed. However, this complex starts to decompose and desorb from the surface at temperature higher than 1200 K. Interestingly, it is found that Sm can promote the oxidation of Ni3Al substrate and thicken the alumina film when Sm is deposited at room temperature onto the Al2O3/Ni3Al(111) substrate followed by annealing in oxygen environment at ∼800 K.

Electrochemical Formation of Mg-Li-Sm Alloys by Codeposition from LiCl-KCl-MgCl2-SmCl3 Molten Salts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Wei; Wang, Fengli; Tian, Yang; Zhang, Milin; Yan, Yongde

2011-12-01

In this article, the electrochemical method of preparing Mg-Li-Sm alloys by codeposition in LiCl-KCl-MgCl2-SmCl3 melts was investigated. Transient electrochemical techniques, such as cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry, and chronoamperometry were used to explore the electrochemical formation of Mg-Li-Sm alloys. Chronopotentiograms demonstrated that the codepositon of Mg, Li, and Sm occurred when current densities were more negative than -0.31 A cm-2. Chronoamperograms indicated that the onset potential for the codeposition of Mg, Li, and Sm was -2.40 V, and the codeposition of Mg, Li, and Sm was formed when the applied potentials were more negative than -2.40 V. The different phases of Mg-Li-Sm alloys were prepared by galvanostatic electrolysis and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical microscope (OM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). An inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis showed that the lithium and samarium contents in Mg-Li-Sm alloys could be controlled by the concentrations of MgCl2 and SmCl3. The results demonstrated that Sm could refine the grains dramatically. When the Sm content was 0.8 wt pct, the grain size was the finest.

RIP-seq analysis of eukaryotic Sm proteins identifies three major categories of Sm-containing ribonucleoproteins

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Sm proteins are multimeric RNA-binding factors, found in all three domains of life. Eukaryotic Sm proteins, together with their associated RNAs, form small ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes important in multiple aspects of gene regulation. Comprehensive knowledge of the RNA components of Sm RNPs is critical for understanding their functions. Results We developed a multi-targeting RNA-immunoprecipitation sequencing (RIP-seq) strategy to reliably identify Sm-associated RNAs from Drosophila ovaries and cultured human cells. Using this method, we discovered three major categories of Sm-associated transcripts: small nuclear (sn)RNAs, small Cajal body (sca)RNAs and mRNAs. Additional RIP-PCR analysis showed both ubiquitous and tissue-specific interactions. We provide evidence that the mRNA-Sm interactions are mediated by snRNPs, and that one of the mechanisms of interaction is via base pairing. Moreover, the Sm-associated mRNAs are mature, indicating a splicing-independent function for Sm RNPs. Conclusions This study represents the first comprehensive analysis of eukaryotic Sm-containing RNPs, and provides a basis for additional functional analyses of Sm proteins and their associated snRNPs outside of the context of pre-mRNA splicing. Our findings expand the repertoire of eukaryotic Sm-containing RNPs and suggest new functions for snRNPs in mRNA metabolism. PMID:24393626

Pathogenesis and Treatment of Skin Lesions Caused by Sulfur Mustard: Inflammatory Mediators and Modulators Released from Organ-Cultured Inflammatory Lesions Produced in Vivo in Rabbit Skin by Sulfur Mustard

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-02-20

fibroblast growth factors . Soon, we shall be able to use such products to stimulate specific cell types. Knowledge of the mediators produced by each cell type...source of some of these enzymes. 7. Finally, we have begun an extensive investigation on chemotactic fac- tors present in SM lesions. Factors ...gamma-interferon, Interleukin 1, and epi- dermal and fibroblast growth factors . Soon we shall be able to use such products to stimulate specific