The murine SNF5/INI1 chromatin remodeling factor is essential for embryonic development and tumor suppression

PubMed Central

Klochendler-Yeivin, Agnes; Fiette, Laurence; Barra, Jaqueline; Muchardt, Christian; Babinet, Charles; Yaniv, Moshe

2000-01-01

The assembly of eukaryotic DNA into nucleosomes and derived higher order structures constitutes a barrier for transcription, replication and repair. A number of chromatin remodeling complexes, as well as histone acetylation, were shown to facilitate gene activation. To investigate the function of two closely related mammalian SWI/SNF complexes in vivo, we inactivated the murine SNF5/INI1 gene, a common subunit of these two complexes. Mice lacking SNF5 protein stop developing at the peri-implantation stage, showing that the SWI/SNF complex is essential for early development and viability of early embryonic cells. Furthermore, heterozygous mice develop nervous system and soft tissue sarcomas. In these tumors the wild-type allele was lost, providing further evidence that SNF5 functions as a tumor suppressor gene in certain cell types. PMID:11263494

Testing a diagnosis-related group index for skilled nursing facilities

PubMed Central

Cotterill, Philip G.

1986-01-01

Interest in case-mix measures for use in nursing home payment systems has been stimulated by the Medicare prospective payment system (PPS) for short-term acute-care hospitals. Appropriately matching payment with care needs is important to equitably compensate providers and to encourage them to admit patients who are most in need of nursing home care. The skilled nursing facility (SNF) Medicare benefit covers skilled convalescent or rehabilitative care following a hospital stay. Therefore, it might appear that diagnosis-related groups (DRG's), the basis for patient classification in PPS, could also be used for the Medicare SNF program. In this study, a DRG-based case-mix index (CMI) was developed and tested to determine how well it explains cost differences among SNF's. The results suggest that a DRG-based SNF payment system would be highly problematic. Incentives of this system would appear to discourage placement of patients who require relatively expensive care. PMID:10311674

Testing a diagnosis-related group index for skilled nursing facilities.

PubMed

Cotterill, P G

1986-01-01

Interest in case-mix measures for use in nursing home payment systems has been stimulated by the Medicare prospective payment system (PPS) for short-term acute-care hospitals. Appropriately matching payment with care needs is important to equitably compensate providers and to encourage them to admit patients who are most in need of nursing home care. The skilled nursing facility (SNF) Medicare benefit covers skilled convalescent or rehabilitative care following a hospital stay. Therefore, it might appear that diagnosis-related groups (DRG's), the basis for patient classification in PPS, could also be used for the Medicare SNF program. In this study, a DRG-based case-mix index (CMI) was developed and tested to determine how well it explains cost differences among SNF's. The results suggest that a DRG-based SNF payment system would be highly problematic. Incentives of this system would appear to discourage placement of patients who require relatively expensive care.

U.S. Commercial Spent Nuclear Fuel Assembly Characteristics - 1968-2013

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

Hu, Jianwei; Peterson, Joshua L.; Gauld, Ian C.

2016-09-01

Activities related to management of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) are increasing in the US and many other countries. Over 240,000 SNF assemblies have been discharged from US commercial reactors since the late 1960s. The enrichment and burnup of SNF have changed significantly over the past 40 years, and fuel assembly designs have also evolved. Understanding the general characteristics of SNF helps regulators and other stakeholders form overall strategies towards the final disposal of US SNF. This report documents a survey of all US commercial SNF assemblies in the GC-859 database and provides reference SNF source terms (e.g., nuclide inventories, decaymore » heat, and neutron/photon emission) at various cooling times up to 200 years after fuel discharge. This study reviews the distribution and evolution of fuel parameters of all SNF assemblies discharged over the past 40 years. Assemblies were categorized into three groups based on discharge year, and the median burnups and enrichments of each group were used to establish representative cases. An extended burnup case was created for boiling water reactor (BWR) fuels, and another was created for the pressurized water reactor (PWR) fuels. Two additional cases were developed to represent the eight mixed oxide (MOX) fuel assemblies in the database. Burnup calculations were performed for each representative case. Realistic parameters for fuel design and operations were used to model the SNF and to provide reference fuel characteristics representative of the current inventory. Burnup calculations were performed using the ORIGEN code, which is part of the SCALE nuclear modeling and simulation code system. Results include total activity, decay heat, photon emission, neutron flux, gamma heat, and plutonium content, as well as concentrations for 115 significant nuclides. These quantities are important in the design, regulation, and operations of SNF storage, transportation, and disposal systems.« less

Reversible Bending Fatigue Test System for Investigating Vibration Integrity of Spent Nuclear Fuel during Transportation

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

Wang, Jy-An John; Wang, Hong; Bevard, Bruce Balkcom

Transportation packages for spent nuclear fuel (SNF) must meet safety requirements under normal and accident conditions as specified by federal regulations. During transportation, SNF experiences unique conditions and challenges to cladding integrity due to the vibrational and impact loading during road or rail shipment. Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has been developing testing capabilities that can be used to improve the understanding of the impacts on SNF integrity due to vibration loading, especially for high burn-up SNF in normal transportation operation conditions. This information can be used to meet the nuclear industry and U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission needs in themore » area of safety and security of spent nuclear fuel storage and transport operations. The ORNL developed test system can perform reversible-bending fatigue testing to evaluate both the static and dynamic mechanical response of SNF rods under simulated loads. The testing apparatus is also designed to meet the challenges of hot-cell operation, including remote installation and detachment of the SNF test specimen, in-situ test specimen deformation measurement, and implementation of a driving system suitable for use in a hot cell. The system contains a U-frame set-up equipped with uniquely designed grip rigs, to protect SNF rod and to ensure valid test results, and use of 3 specially designed LVDTs to obtain the in-situ curvature measurement. A variety of surrogate test rods have been used to develop and calibrate the test system as well as in performing a series of systematic cyclic fatigue tests. The surrogate rods include stainless steel (SS) cladding, SS cladding with cast epoxy, and SS cladding with alumina pellets inserts simulating fuel pellets. Testing to date has shown that the interface bonding between the SS cladding and the alumina pellets has a significant impact on the bending response of the test rods as well as their fatigue strength. The failure behaviors observed from tested surrogate rods provides a fundamental understanding of the underlying failure mechanisms of the SNF surrogate rod under vibration which has not been achieved previously. The newly developed device is scheduled to be installed in the hot-cell in summer 2013 to test high burnup SNF.« less

Co-evolution of SNF spliceosomal proteins with their RNA targets in trans-splicing nematodes.

PubMed

Strange, Rex Meade; Russelburg, L Peyton; Delaney, Kimberly J

2016-08-01

Although the mechanism of pre-mRNA splicing has been well characterized, the evolution of spliceosomal proteins is poorly understood. The U1A/U2B″/SNF family (hereafter referred to as the SNF family) of RNA binding spliceosomal proteins participates in both the U1 and U2 small interacting nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs). The highly constrained nature of this system has inhibited an analysis of co-evolutionary trends between the proteins and their RNA binding targets. Here we report accelerated sequence evolution in the SNF protein family in Phylum Nematoda, which has allowed an analysis of protein:RNA co-evolution. In a comparison of SNF genes from ecdysozoan species, we found a correlation between trans-splicing species (nematodes) and increased phylogenetic branch lengths of the SNF protein family, with respect to their sister clade Arthropoda. In particular, we found that nematodes (~70-80 % of pre-mRNAs are trans-spliced) have experienced higher rates of SNF sequence evolution than arthropods (predominantly cis-spliced) at both the nucleotide and amino acid levels. Interestingly, this increased evolutionary rate correlates with the reliance on trans-splicing by nematodes, which would alter the role of the SNF family of spliceosomal proteins. We mapped amino acid substitutions to functionally important regions of the SNF protein, specifically to sites that are predicted to disrupt protein:RNA and protein:protein interactions. Finally, we investigated SNF's RNA targets: the U1 and U2 snRNAs. Both are more divergent in nematodes than arthropods, suggesting the RNAs have co-evolved with SNF in order to maintain the necessarily high affinity interaction that has been characterized in other species.

Rhabdoid and Undifferentiated Phenotype in Renal Cell Carcinoma: Analysis of 32 Cases Indicating a Distinctive Common Pathway of Dedifferentiation Frequently Associated With SWI/SNF Complex Deficiency.

PubMed

Agaimy, Abbas; Cheng, Liang; Egevad, Lars; Feyerabend, Bernd; Hes, Ondřej; Keck, Bastian; Pizzolitto, Stefano; Sioletic, Stefano; Wullich, Bernd; Hartmann, Arndt

2017-02-01

Undifferentiated (anaplastic) and rhabdoid cell features are increasingly recognized as adverse prognostic findings in renal cell carcinoma (RCC), but their molecular pathogenesis has not been studied sufficiently. Recent studies identified alterations in the Switch Sucrose nonfermentable (SWI/SNF) chromatin remodeling complex as molecular mechanisms underlying dedifferentiation and rhabdoid features in carcinomas of different organs. We herein have analyzed 32 undifferentiated RCCs having in common an undifferentiated (anaplastic) phenotype, prominent rhabdoid features, or both, irrespective of the presence or absence of conventional RCC component. Cases were stained with 6 SWI/SNF pathway members (SMARCB1, SMARCA2, SMARCA4, ARID1A, SMARCC1, and SMARCC2) in addition to conventional RCC markers. Patients were 20 males and 12 females aged 32 to 85 years (mean, 59). A total of 22/27 patients with known stage presented with ≥pT3. A differentiated component varying from microscopic to major component was detected in 20/32 cases (16 clear cell and 2 cases each chromophobe and papillary RCC). The undifferentiated component varied from rhabdoid dyscohesive cells to large epithelioid to small monotonous anaplastic cells. Variable loss of at least 1 SWI/SNF complex subunit was noted in the undifferentiated/rhabdoid component of 21/32 cases (65%) compared with intact or reduced expression in the differentiated component. A total of 15/17 patients (88%) with follow-up died of metastatic disease (mostly within 1 y). Only 2 patients were disease free at last follow-up (1 and 6 y). No difference in survival, age distribution, or sex was observed between the SWI/SNF-deficient and the SWI/SNF-intact group. This is the first study exploring the role of SWI/SNF deficiency as a potential mechanism underlying undifferentiated and rhabdoid phenotype in RCC. Our results highlight the association between the aggressive rhabdoid phenotype and the SWI/SNF complex deficiency, consistent with studies on similar neoplasms in other organs. Thorough sampling of such tumors that are usually huge and locally advanced is necessary for recognizing the clone of origin and hence for proper subtyping and also for differentiating them from undifferentiated urothelial carcinoma.

78 FR 47935 - Medicare Program; Prospective Payment System and Consolidated Billing for Skilled Nursing...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-06

... corresponding terms in alphabetical order below: AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome ARD Assessment... resource-intensive than SNF residents, especially SNF post-acute care patients. These commenters stated...

The pathway by which the yeast protein kinase Snf1p controls acquisition of sodium tolerance is different from that mediating glucose regulation.

PubMed

Ye, Tian; Elbing, Karin; Hohmann, Stefan

2008-09-01

It recently became apparent that the highly conserved Snf1p protein kinase plays roles in controlling different cellular processes in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, in addition to its well-known function in glucose repression/derepression. We have previously reported that Snf1p together with Gis4p controls ion homeostasis by regulating expression of ENA1, which encodes the Ena1p Na(+) extrusion system. In this study we found that Snf1p is rapidly phosphorylated when cells are exposed to NaCl and this phosphorylation is required for the role of Snf1p in Na(+) tolerance. In contrast to activation by low glucose levels, the salt-induced phosphorylation of Snf1p promoted neither phosphorylation nor nuclear export of the Mig1p repressor. The mechanism that prevents Mig1p phosphorylation by active Snf1p under salt stress does not involve either hexokinase PII or the Gis4p regulator. Instead, Snf1p may mediate upregulation of ENA1 expression via the repressor Nrg1p. Activation of Snf1p in response to glucose depletion requires any of the three upstream protein kinases Sak1p, Tos3p and Elm1p, with Sak1p playing the most prominent role. The same upstream kinases were required for salt-induced Snf1p phosphorylation, and also under these conditions Sak1p played the most prominent role. Unexpectedly, however, it appears that Elm1p plays a dual role in acquisition of salt tolerance by activating Snf1p and in a presently unknown parallel pathway. Together, these results indicate that under salt stress Snf1p takes part in a different pathway from that during glucose depletion and this role is performed together as well as in parallel with its upstream kinase Elm1p. Snf1p appears to be part of a wider functional network than previously anticipated and the full complexity of this network remains to be elucidated.

Spent nuclear fuel system dynamic stability under normal conditions of transportation

DOE PAGES

Jiang, Hao; Wang, Jy-An John

2016-10-14

In a horizontal layout of a spent nuclear fuel (SNF) assembly under normal conditions of transportation (NCT), the fuel assembly’s skeleton formed by guide tubes and spacer grids is the primary load bearing structure for carrying and transferring the vibration loads within an SNF assembly. Therefore, the integrity of guide tubes and spacer grids will dictate the vibration amplitude/intensity of the fuel assembly during transport, and must be considered when designing multipurpose purpose canister (MPC) for safe SNF transport. This paper investigates the SNF assembly deformation dynamics during normal vibration mode, as well as the transient shock mode inside themore » cask during NCT. In conclusion, dynamic analyses were performed in the frequency domain to study frequency characteristic of the fuel assembly system and in the time domain to simulate the transient dynamic response of the fuel assembly.« less

Spent nuclear fuel system dynamic stability under normal conditions of transportation

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

Jiang, Hao; Wang, Jy-An John

In a horizontal layout of a spent nuclear fuel (SNF) assembly under normal conditions of transportation (NCT), the fuel assembly’s skeleton formed by guide tubes and spacer grids is the primary load bearing structure for carrying and transferring the vibration loads within an SNF assembly. Therefore, the integrity of guide tubes and spacer grids will dictate the vibration amplitude/intensity of the fuel assembly during transport, and must be considered when designing multipurpose purpose canister (MPC) for safe SNF transport. This paper investigates the SNF assembly deformation dynamics during normal vibration mode, as well as the transient shock mode inside themore » cask during NCT. In conclusion, dynamic analyses were performed in the frequency domain to study frequency characteristic of the fuel assembly system and in the time domain to simulate the transient dynamic response of the fuel assembly.« less

Evaluation of Neutron Poison Materials for DOE SNF Disposal Systems

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

Vinson, D.W.; Caskey, G.R. Jr.; Sindelar, R.L.

1998-09-01

Aluminum-based spent nuclear fuel (Al-SNF) from foreign and domestic research reactors is being consolidated at the Savannah River Site (SRS) for ultimate disposal in the Mined Geologic Disposal System (MGDS). Most of the aluminum-based fuel material contains highly enriched uranium (HEU) (more than 20 percent 235U), which challenges the preclusion of criticality events for disposal periods exceeding 10,000 years. Recent criticality analyses have shown that the addition of neutron absorbing materials (poisons) is needed in waste packages containing DOE SNF canisters fully loaded with Al-SNF under flooded and degraded configurations to demonstrate compliance with the requirement that Keff less thanmore » 0.95. Compatibility of poison matrix materials and the Al-SNF, including their relative degradation rate and solubility, are important to maintain criticality control. An assessment of the viability of poison and matrix materials has been conducted, and an experimental corrosion program has been initiated to provide data on degradation rates of poison and matrix materials and Al-SNF materials under repository relevant vapor and aqueous environments. Initial testing includes Al6061, Type 316L stainless steel, and A516Gr55 in synthesized J-13 water vapor at 50 degrees C, 100 degrees C, and 200 degrees C and in condensate water vapor at 100 degrees C. Preliminary results are presented herein.« less

Initial Assessment of the Risk Assessment and Prediction Tool in a Heterogeneous Neurosurgical Patient Population.

PubMed

Piazza, Matthew; Sharma, Nikhil; Osiemo, Benjamin; McClintock, Scott; Missimer, Emily; Gardiner, Diana; Maloney, Eileen; Callahan, Danielle; Smith, J Lachlan; Welch, William; Schuster, James; Grady, M Sean; Malhotra, Neil R

2018-05-21

Bundled care payments are increasingly being explored for neurosurgical interventions. In this setting, skilled nursing facility (SNF) is less desirable from a cost perspective than discharge to home, underscoring the need for better preoperative prediction of postoperative disposition. To assess the capability of the Risk Assessment and Prediction Tool (RAPT) and other preoperative variables to determine expected disposition prior to surgery in a heterogeneous neurosurgical cohort, through observational study. Patients aged 50 yr or more undergoing elective neurosurgery were enrolled from June 2016 to February 2017 (n = 623). Logistic regression was used to identify preoperative characteristics predictive of discharge disposition. Results from multivariate analysis were used to create novel grading scales for the prediction of discharge disposition that were subsequently compared to the RAPT Score using Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis. Higher RAPT Score significantly predicted home disposition (P < .001). Age 65 and greater, dichotomized RAPT walk score, and spinal surgery below L2 were independent predictors of SNF discharge in multivariate analysis. A grading scale utilizing these variables had superior discriminatory power between SNF and home/rehab discharge when compared with RAPT score alone (P = .004). Our analysis identified age, lower lumbar/lumbosacral surgery, and RAPT walk score as independent predictors of discharge to SNF, and demonstrated superior predictive power compared with the total RAPT Score when combined in a novel grading scale. These tools may identify patients who may benefit from expedited discharge to subacute care facilities and decrease inpatient hospital resource utilization following surgery.

Estimation of phenotypic variability in symbiotic nitrogen fixation ability of common bean under drought stress using 15N natural abundance in grain.

PubMed

Polania, Jose; Poschenrieder, Charlotte; Rao, Idupulapati; Beebe, Stephen

2016-09-01

Common bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is the most important food legume, cultivated by small farmers and is usually exposed to unfavorable conditions with minimum use of inputs. Drought and low soil fertility, especially phosphorus and nitrogen (N) deficiencies, are major limitations to bean yield in smallholder systems. Beans can derive part of their required N from the atmosphere through symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF). Drought stress severely limits SNF ability of plants. The main objectives of this study were to: (i) test and validate the use of 15 N natural abundance in grain to quantify phenotypic differences in SNF ability for its implementation in breeding programs of common bean with bush growth habit aiming to improve SNF, and (ii) quantify phenotypic differences in SNF under drought to identify superior genotypes that could serve as parents. Field studies were conducted at CIAT-Palmira, Colombia using a set of 36 bean genotypes belonging to the Middle American gene pool for evaluation in two seasons with two levels of water supply (irrigated and drought stress). We used 15 N natural abundance method to compare SNF ability estimated from shoot tissue sampled at mid-pod filling growth stage vs. grain tissue sampled at harvest. Our results showed positive and significant correlation between nitrogen derived from the atmosphere (%Ndfa) estimated using shoot tissue at mid-pod filling and %Ndfa estimated using grain tissue at harvest. Both methods showed phenotypic variability in SNF ability under both drought and irrigated conditions and a significant reduction in SNF ability was observed under drought stress. We suggest that the method of estimating Ndfa using grain tissue (Ndfa-G) could be applied in bean breeding programs to improve SNF ability. Using this method of Ndfa-G, we identified four bean lines (RCB 593, SEA 15, NCB 226 and BFS 29) that combine greater SNF ability with greater grain yield under drought stress and these could serve as potential parents to further improve SNF ability of common bean.

Mechanisms of regulation of SNF1/AMPK/SnRK1 protein kinases.

PubMed

Crozet, Pierre; Margalha, Leonor; Confraria, Ana; Rodrigues, Américo; Martinho, Cláudia; Adamo, Mattia; Elias, Carlos A; Baena-González, Elena

2014-01-01

The SNF1 (sucrose non-fermenting 1)-related protein kinases 1 (SnRKs1) are the plant orthologs of the budding yeast SNF1 and mammalian AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase). These evolutionarily conserved kinases are metabolic sensors that undergo activation in response to declining energy levels. Upon activation, SNF1/AMPK/SnRK1 kinases trigger a vast transcriptional and metabolic reprograming that restores energy homeostasis and promotes tolerance to adverse conditions, partly through an induction of catabolic processes and a general repression of anabolism. These kinases typically function as a heterotrimeric complex composed of two regulatory subunits, β and γ, and an α-catalytic subunit, which requires phosphorylation of a conserved activation loop residue for activity. Additionally, SNF1/AMPK/SnRK1 kinases are controlled by multiple mechanisms that have an impact on kinase activity, stability, and/or subcellular localization. Here we will review current knowledge on the regulation of SNF1/AMPK/SnRK1 by upstream components, post-translational modifications, various metabolites, hormones, and others, in an attempt to highlight both the commonalities of these essential eukaryotic kinases and the divergences that have evolved to cope with the particularities of each one of these systems.

Mechanisms of regulation of SNF1/AMPK/SnRK1 protein kinases

PubMed Central

Crozet, Pierre; Margalha, Leonor; Confraria, Ana; Rodrigues, Américo; Martinho, Cláudia; Adamo, Mattia; Elias, Carlos A.; Baena-González, Elena

2014-01-01

The SNF1 (sucrose non-fermenting 1)-related protein kinases 1 (SnRKs1) are the plant orthologs of the budding yeast SNF1 and mammalian AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase). These evolutionarily conserved kinases are metabolic sensors that undergo activation in response to declining energy levels. Upon activation, SNF1/AMPK/SnRK1 kinases trigger a vast transcriptional and metabolic reprograming that restores energy homeostasis and promotes tolerance to adverse conditions, partly through an induction of catabolic processes and a general repression of anabolism. These kinases typically function as a heterotrimeric complex composed of two regulatory subunits, β and γ, and an α-catalytic subunit, which requires phosphorylation of a conserved activation loop residue for activity. Additionally, SNF1/AMPK/SnRK1 kinases are controlled by multiple mechanisms that have an impact on kinase activity, stability, and/or subcellular localization. Here we will review current knowledge on the regulation of SNF1/AMPK/SnRK1 by upstream components, post-translational modifications, various metabolites, hormones, and others, in an attempt to highlight both the commonalities of these essential eukaryotic kinases and the divergences that have evolved to cope with the particularities of each one of these systems. PMID:24904600

Spent Nuclear Fuel Transportation: An Examination of Potential Lessons Learned From Prior Shipping Campaigns

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

Marsha Keister; Kathryn McBride

The Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 (NWPA), as amended, assigned the Department of Energy (DOE) responsibility for developing and managing a Federal system for the disposal of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) and high-level radioactive waste (HLW). The Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management (OCRWM) is responsible for accepting, transporting, and disposing of SNF and HLW at the Yucca Mountain repository in a manner that protects public health, safety, and the environment; enhances national and energy security; and merits public confidence. OCRWM faces a near-term challenge—to develop and demonstrate a transportation system that will sustain safe and efficient shipments ofmore » SNF and HLW to a repository. To better inform and improve its current planning, OCRWM has extensively reviewed plans and other documents related to past high-visibility shipping campaigns of SNF and other radioactive materials within the United States. This report summarizes the results of this review and, where appropriate, lessons learned.« less

Development of a novel ultrasonic temperature probe for long-term monitoring of dry cask storage systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bakhtiari, S.; Wang, K.; Elmer, T. W.; Koehl, E.; Raptis, A. C.

2013-01-01

With the recent cancellation of the Yucca Mountain repository and the limited availability of wet storage utilities for spent nuclear fuel (SNF), more attention has been directed toward dry cask storage systems (DCSSs) for long-term storage of SNF. Consequently, more stringent guidelines have been issued for the aging management of dry storage facilities that necessitate monitoring of the conditions of DCSSs. Continuous health monitoring of DCSSs based on temperature variations is one viable method for assessing the integrity of the system. In the present work, a novel ultrasonic temperature probe (UTP) is being tested for long-term online temperature monitoring of DCSSs. Its performance was evaluated and compared with type N thermocouple (NTC) and resistance temperature detector (RTD) using a small-scale dry storage canister mockup. Our preliminary results demonstrate that the UTP system developed at Argonne is able to achieve better than 0.8 °C accuracy, tested at temperatures of up to 400 °C. The temperature resolution is limited only by the sampling rate of the current system. The flexibility of the probe allows conforming to complex geometries thus making the sensor particularly suited to measurement scenarios where access is limited.

Biofilm Community Diversity after Exposure to 0.4% Stannous Fluoride Gels

PubMed Central

Reilly, Cavan; Rasmussen, Karin; Selberg, Tieg; Stevens, Justin; Jones, Robert S.

2015-01-01

Aims To test the effect of %0.4 stannous fluoride (SnF2) glycerin based gels on the bacterial ecology in both a clinical observational study and in vitro polymicobial biofilm model. Methods and Results The influence of stannous fluoride (0.4% SnF2) gels on bacteria was tested in both an observational study in children 6-12 years of age (n=20) and an in vitro biofilm model system. The plaque derived multi-species bacterial biofilm model was based on clinical bacterial strains derived directly from the clinical study. Potential changes in the plaque ecology were determined through the Human Oral Microbial Identification Microarray-HOMIM (n=10). The semiquantitative data resulting from this system were analyzed with cumulative logit models for each bacterial strain and Bonferroni adjustments were employed to correct for multiple hypothesis testing. Both hierarchical biclustering and principal components analysis were used to graphically assess reproducibility within subjects over time. Mixed effects models were used to examine changes in plaque scores and numbers of bacterial strains found in the various conditions. Conclusions Both the observational clinical study and the biofilm model showed that short-term use of 0.4% SnF2 gel has little effect on the bacterial plaque ecology. The amount of plaque accumulation on a subject's teeth, which was measured by plaque index scores failed to show statistical significant changes over the two baselines or after treatment (p=0.9928). The in vitro results were similar when examining the effect of 0.4% SnF2 gels on biofilm adherence through a crystal violet assay (p= 0.1157). Significance and Impact of the Study The bacteria within the dental biofilms showed resilience in maintaining the overall community diversity after exposure to 0.4% Stannous Fluoride Gels. The study supports that the immediate benefits of using these gels each night to manage caries in children may be strictly from fluoride ions inhibiting tooth demineralization. PMID:25263195

Association between Reported Elder Abuse and Rates of Admission to the Skilled Nursing Facilities: Findings from a Longitudinal Population-Based Cohort Study

PubMed Central

Dong, XinQi; Simon, Melissa A.

2013-01-01

Background Elder abuse is common and is a frank violation of an older adult’s fundamental rights to be safe and free of violence. Our prior study indicates elder abuse is independently associated with mortality. This study aims to quantify the relationship between overall elder abuse and specific subtypes of elder abuse and rate of admission to skilled nursing facilities (SNF). Methods A prospective population-based study is conducted in Chicago of community-dwelling older adults who participated in the Chicago Health and Aging Project (CHAP). Of the 6,674 participants in the CHAP study, 106 participants were reported to social services agency for elder abuse. The primary predictor was elder abuse reported to social services agency. The outcome of interest was the annual rate of admission to SNF obtained from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Poisson regression models were used to assess these longitudinal relationships. Results The average annual rate of SNF for those without elder abuse was 0.14(0.58) and for those with elder abuse was 0.66(1.63). After adjusting for sociodemographic, socioeconomic variables, medical commorbidities, cognitive and physical function, and psychosocial wellbeing, older adults who have been abused had higher rates of SNF admission (RR, 4.60 (2.85–7.42)). Psychological abuse (RR, 2.31(1.17–4.56)), physical abuse (RR, 2.36(1.19–4.66)), financial exploitation (RR, 2.81(1.53–5.17)) and caregiver neglect (RR, 4.73(3.03–7.40)) were associated with increased rates of admission to SNF, after considering the same confounders. Elder abuse is associated with higher rate of SNF stay of great than 30 days (RR, 6.27(3.68–10.69). Conclusion Elder abuse was associated with increased rates of admission to SNF in this community population. Specific subtypes of elder abuse had differential association with increased rate of admission to SNF. PMID:23816799

Characterization of SNF472 pharmacokinetics and efficacy in uremic and non-uremic rats models of cardiovascular calcification

PubMed Central

Ferrer, Miguel D.; Ketteler, Markus; Tur, Fernando; Tur, Eva; Isern, Bernat; Salcedo, Carolina; Joubert, Pieter H.; Behets, Geert J.; Neven, Ellen; D’Haese, Patrick C.

2018-01-01

End-stage renal disease is strongly associated with progressive cardiovascular calcification (CVC) and there is currently no therapy targeted to treat CVC. SNF472 is an experimental formulation under development for treatment of soft tissue calcification. We have investigated the pharmacokinetics of SNF472 administration in rats and its inhibitory effects on CVC. SNF472 was studied in three rat models: (1) prevention of vitamin D3-induced CVC with an intravenous SNF472 bolus of 1 mg/kg SNF472, (2) inhibition of progression of vitamin D3-induced CVC with a subcutaneous SNF472 bolus of 10 or 60 mg/kg SNF472, starting after calcification induction, (3) CVC in adenine-induced uremic rats treated with 50 mg/kg SNF472 via i.v. 4h -infusion. Uremic rats presented lower plasma levels of SNF472 than control animals after i.v. infusion. CVC in non-uremic rats was inhibited by 60–70% after treatment with SNF472 and progression of cardiac calcification completely blocked. Development of CVC in uremic rats was inhibited by up to 80% following i.v. infusion of SNF472. SNF472 inhibits the development and progression of CVC in uremic and non-uremic rats in the same range of SNF472 plasma levels but using in each case the required dose to obtain those levels. These results collectively support the development of SNF472 as a novel therapeutic option for treatment of CVC in humans. PMID:29742152

Standardization of Fat:SNF ratio of milk and addition of sprouted wheat fada (semolina) for the manufacture of halvasan.

PubMed

Chaudhary, Apurva H; Patel, H G; Prajapati, P S; Prajapati, J P

2015-04-01

Traditional Indian Dairy Products such as Halvasan are manufactured in India using an age old practice. For manufacture of such products industrially, a standard formulation is required. Halvasan is a region specific, very popular heat desiccated milk product but has not been studied scientifically. Fat and Solids-not-fat (SNF) plays an important role in physico-chemical, sensory, textural characteristics and also the shelf life of any milk sweet. Hence for process standardization of Halvasan manufacture, different levels of Fat:SNF ratios i.e. 0.44, 0.55, 0.66 and 0.77 of milk were studied so that an optimum level yielding best organoleptic characteristics in final product can be selected. The product was made from milk standardized to these ratios of Fat:SNF and the product was manufactured as per the method tentatively employed on the basis of characterization of market samples of the product in laboratory. Based on the sensory results obtained, a Fat:SNF ratio of 0.66 for the milk has been selected. In the similar way, for standardizing the rate of addition of fada (semolina); 30, 40, 50 and 60 g fada (semolina) per kg of milk were added and based on the sensory observations, the level of fada (semolina) addition @50 gm/kg of milk was adjudged the best for Halvasan manufacture and hence selected.

System Theoretic Frameworks for Mitigating Risk Complexity in the Nuclear Fuel Cycle

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

Williams, Adam David; Mohagheghi, Amir H.; Cohn, Brian

In response to the expansion of nuclear fuel cycle (NFC) activities -- and the associated suite of risks -- around the world, this project evaluated systems-based solutions for managing such risk complexity in multimodal and multi-jurisdictional international spent nuclear fuel (SNF) transportation. By better understanding systemic risks in SNF transportation, developing SNF transportation risk assessment frameworks, and evaluating these systems-based risk assessment frameworks, this research illustrated interdependency between safety, security, and safeguards risks is inherent in NFC activities and can go unidentified when each "S" is independently evaluated. Two novel system-theoretic analysis techniques -- dynamic probabilistic risk assessment (DPRA) andmore » system-theoretic process analysis (STPA) -- provide integrated "3S" analysis to address these interdependencies and the research results suggest a need -- and provide a way -- to reprioritize United States engagement efforts to reduce global nuclear risks. Lastly, this research identifies areas where Sandia National Laboratories can spearhead technical advances to reduce global nuclear dangers.« less

An internet-based communication network for information transfer during patient transitions from skilled nursing facility to the emergency department.

PubMed

Hustey, Fredric M; Palmer, Robert M

2010-06-01

To determine whether the implementation of an Internet-based communication system improves the amount of essential information conveyed between a skilled nursing facility (SNF) and the emergency department (ED) during patient care transitions. Interventional; before and after. ED of an urban teaching hospital with approximately 55,000 visits per year and a 55-bed subacute free-standing rehabilitation facility (the SNF). All patients transferred from the SNF to the ED over 16 months. An Internet-based communication network with SNF-ED transfer form for communication during patient care transitions. Nine elements of patient information assessed before and after intervention through chart review. changes in efficiency of information transfer and staff satisfaction. Two hundred thirty-four of 237 preintervention and all 276 postintervention care transitions were reviewed. The Internet communication network was used in 78 (26%) of all care transitions, peaking at 40% by the end of the study. There was more critical patient information (1.85 vs 4.29 of 9 elements; P<.001) contained within fewer pages of transfer documents (24.47 vs 5.15; P<.001) after the intervention. Staff satisfaction with communication was higher among ED physicians after the intervention. The use of an Internet-based system increased the amount of information communicated during SNF-ED care transitions and significantly reduced the number of pages in which this information was contained.

Submittal for 2003 Project of the Year K Basins Fuel Transfer System Project

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

GERBER, M.S.

2003-01-29

Fluor Hanford, Inc. is pleased to submit the K Basins Fuel Transfer System (FTS) for consideration by the Project Management Institute as Project of the Year for 2003. The FTS involved installing a unique, unproven system in an inhospitable and deteriorating radiological and hazardous environment, under very stringent requirements and within an extremely condensed schedule, just 19 months, from authorization to full operations. The FTS, therefore, is an excellent example of effective project management, and the dynamic involvement of an integrated team representing a broad spectrum of personnel, disciplines, and services. The FTS is an integral and critical part ofmore » a larger project at Hanford -the Spent Nuclear Fuel Project (SNF). The mission of the SNF Project is to relocate used, or spent, nuclear fuel to safe interim storage, permanently dispose of radioactive debris in the K-Basins, and deactivate all related facilities and prepare them for demolition. Today, the FTS is being used to remove highly radioactive nuclear fuel from an aging, and potentially unstable storage in underground pools of water--the K-Basins--and safely transport it to a processing area to be cleaned, dried and sent to safe storage. The role the FTS plays in successfully completing the mission of the SNF Project is concrete evidence of the intrinsic value of project management and a testimonial to the innovation, ingenuity, and teamwork of many--from workers to management and subcontractors, and regulators to stakeholders. It's a true success story and one that will have a happy ending, safely eliminating the risk of potentially contaminating one of Washington state's most valuable natural resources, the Columbia River. This nomination is dedicated to that Project Team.« less

Purification and characterization of the three Snf1-activating kinases of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

PubMed

Elbing, Karin; McCartney, Rhonda R; Schmidt, Martin C

2006-02-01

Members of the Snf1/AMPK family of protein kinases are activated by distinct upstream kinases that phosphorylate a conserved threonine residue in the Snf1/AMPK activation loop. Recently, the identities of the Snf1- and AMPK-activating kinases have been determined. Here we describe the purification and characterization of the three Snf1-activating kinases of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The identities of proteins associated with the Snf1-activating kinases were determined by peptide mass fingerprinting. These kinases, Sak1, Tos3 and Elm2 do not appear to require the presence of additional subunits for activity. Sak1 and Snf1 co-purify and co-elute in size exclusion chromatography, demonstrating that these two proteins form a stable complex. The Snf1-activating kinases phosphorylate the activation loop threonine of Snf1 in vitro with great specificity and are able to do so in the absence of beta and gamma subunits of the Snf1 heterotrimer. Finally, we showed that the Snf1 kinase domain isolated from bacteria as a GST fusion protein can be activated in vitro and shows substrate specificity in the absence of its beta and gamma subunits.

Purification and characterization of the three Snf1-activating kinases of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

PubMed Central

2005-01-01

Members of the Snf1/AMPK family of protein kinases are activated by distinct upstream kinases that phosphorylate a conserved threonine residue in the Snf1/AMPK activation loop. Recently, the identities of the Snf1- and AMPK-activating kinases have been determined. Here we describe the purification and characterization of the three Snf1-activating kinases of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The identities of proteins associated with the Snf1-activating kinases were determined by peptide mass fingerprinting. These kinases, Sak1, Tos3 and Elm2 do not appear to require the presence of additional subunits for activity. Sak1 and Snf1 co-purify and co-elute in size exclusion chromatography, demonstrating that these two proteins form a stable complex. The Snf1-activating kinases phosphorylate the activation loop threonine of Snf1 in vitro with great specificity and are able to do so in the absence of β and γ subunits of the Snf1 heterotrimer. Finally, we showed that the Snf1 kinase domain isolated from bacteria as a GST fusion protein can be activated in vitro and shows substrate specificity in the absence of its β and γ subunits. PMID:16201971

The impact of interface bonding efficiency on high-burnup spent nuclear fuel dynamic performance

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

Jiang, Hao; Wang, Jy-An John; Wang, Hong

Finite element analysis (FEA) was used to investigate the impact of interfacial bonding efficiency at pellet-pellet and pellet-clad interfaces of high-burnup (HBU) spent nuclear fuel (SNF) on system dynamic performance. Bending moments M were applied to FEA model to evaluate the system responses. From bending curvature, κ, flexural rigidity EI can be estimated as EI = M/κ. The FEA simulation results were benchmarked with experimental results from cyclic integrated reversal bending fatigue test (CIRFT) of HBR fuel rods. The consequence of interface debonding between fuel pellets and cladding is a redistribution of the loads carried by the fuel pellets tomore » the clad, which results in a reduction in composite rod system flexural rigidity. Furthermore, the interface bonding efficiency at the pellet-pellet and pellet-clad interfaces can significantly dictate the SNF system dynamic performance. With the consideration of interface bonding efficiency, the HBU SNF fuel property was estimated with CIRFT test data.« less

The impact of interface bonding efficiency on high-burnup spent nuclear fuel dynamic performance

DOE PAGES

Jiang, Hao; Wang, Jy-An John; Wang, Hong

2016-09-26

Finite element analysis (FEA) was used to investigate the impact of interfacial bonding efficiency at pellet-pellet and pellet-clad interfaces of high-burnup (HBU) spent nuclear fuel (SNF) on system dynamic performance. Bending moments M were applied to FEA model to evaluate the system responses. From bending curvature, κ, flexural rigidity EI can be estimated as EI = M/κ. The FEA simulation results were benchmarked with experimental results from cyclic integrated reversal bending fatigue test (CIRFT) of HBR fuel rods. The consequence of interface debonding between fuel pellets and cladding is a redistribution of the loads carried by the fuel pellets tomore » the clad, which results in a reduction in composite rod system flexural rigidity. Furthermore, the interface bonding efficiency at the pellet-pellet and pellet-clad interfaces can significantly dictate the SNF system dynamic performance. With the consideration of interface bonding efficiency, the HBU SNF fuel property was estimated with CIRFT test data.« less

Improvement of operational safety of dual-purpose transport packaging set for naval SNF in storage

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

Guskov, Vladimir; Korotkov, Gennady; Barnes, Ella

2007-07-01

Available in abstract form only. Full text of publication follows: In recent ten years a new technology of management of irradiated nuclear fuel (SNF) at the final stage of fuel cycle has been intensely developing on a basis of a new type of casks used for interim storage of SNF and subsequent transportation therein to the place of processing, further storage or final disposal. This technology stems from the concept of a protective cask which provides preservation of its content (SNF) and fulfillment of all other safety requirements for storage and transportation of SNF. Radiation protection against emissions and non-distributionmore » of activity outside the cask is ensured by physical barriers, i.e. all-metal or composite body, shells, inner cavities for irradiated fuel assemblies (SFA), lids with sealing systems. Residual heat release of SFA is discharged to the environment by natural way: through emission and convection of surrounding air. By now more than 100 dual purpose packaging sets TUK-108/1 are in operation in the mode of interim storage and transportation of SNF from decommissioned nuclear powered submarines (NPS). In accordance with certificate, spent fuel is stored in TUK-108/1 on the premises of plants involved in NPS dismantlement for 2 years, whereupon it is transported for processing to PO Mayak. At one Far Eastern plant Zvezda involved in NPS dismantlement there arose a complicated situation due to necessity to extend period of storage of SNF in TUK- 108/1. To ensure safety over a longer period of storage of SNF in TUK-108/1 it is essential to modify conditions of storage by removing of residual water and filling the inner cavity of the cask with an inert gas. Within implementation of the international 1.1- 2 project Development of drying technology for the cask TUK-108/1 intended for naval SNF under the Program, there has been developed the technology of preparation of the cask for long-term storage of SNF in TUK-108/1, the design of a mobile TUK-108/1 drying facility; a pilot facility has been manufactured. This report describes key issues of cask drying technology, justification of terms of dry storage of naval SNF in no-108/1, design features of the mobile drying facility, results of tests of the pilot facility at the Far Eastern plant Zvezda. (authors)« less

Glucose de-repression by yeast AMP-activated protein kinase SNF1 is controlled via at least two independent steps.

PubMed

García-Salcedo, Raúl; Lubitz, Timo; Beltran, Gemma; Elbing, Karin; Tian, Ye; Frey, Simone; Wolkenhauer, Olaf; Krantz, Marcus; Klipp, Edda; Hohmann, Stefan

2014-04-01

The AMP-activated protein kinase, AMPK, controls energy homeostasis in eukaryotic cells but little is known about the mechanisms governing the dynamics of its activation/deactivation. The yeast AMPK, SNF1, is activated in response to glucose depletion and mediates glucose de-repression by inactivating the transcriptional repressor Mig1. Here we show that overexpression of the Snf1-activating kinase Sak1 results, in the presence of glucose, in constitutive Snf1 activation without alleviating glucose repression. Co-overexpression of the regulatory subunit Reg1 of the Glc-Reg1 phosphatase complex partly restores glucose regulation of Snf1. We generated a set of 24 kinetic mathematical models based on dynamic data of Snf1 pathway activation and deactivation. The models that reproduced our experimental observations best featured (a) glucose regulation of both Snf1 phosphorylation and dephosphorylation, (b) determination of the Mig1 phosphorylation status in the absence of glucose by Snf1 activity only and (c) a regulatory step directing active Snf1 to Mig1 under glucose limitation. Hence it appears that glucose de-repression via Snf1-Mig1 is regulated by glucose via at least two independent steps: the control of activation of the Snf1 kinase and directing active Snf1 to inactivating its target Mig1. © 2014 FEBS.

SNF4Agamma, the Drosophila AMPK gamma subunit is required for regulation of developmental and stress-induced autophagy.

PubMed

Lippai, Mónika; Csikós, György; Maróy, Péter; Lukácsovich, Tamás; Juhász, Gábor; Sass, Miklós

2008-05-01

In holometabolous insects including Drosophila melanogaster a wave of autophagy triggered by 20-hydroxyecdysone is observed in the larval tissues during the third larval stage of metamorphosis. We used this model system to study the genetic regulation of autophagy. We performed a genetic screen to select P-element insertions that affect autophagy in the larval fat body. Light and electron microscopy of one of the isolated mutants (l(3)S005042) revealed the absence of autophagic vesicles in their fat body cells during the third larval stage. We show that formation of autophagic vesicles cannot be induced by 20-hydroxyecdysone in the tissues of mutant flies and represent evidence demonstrating that the failure to form autophagic vesicles is due to the insertion of a P-element into the gene coding SNF4Agamma, the Drosophila homologue of the AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) gamma subunit. The ability to form autophagic vesicles (wild-type phenotype) can be restored by remobilization of the P-element in the mutant. Silencing of SNF4Agamma by RNAi suppresses autophagic vesicle formation in wild-type flies. We raised an antibody against SNF4Agamma and showed that this gene product is constitutively present in the wild-type larval tissues during postembryonal development. SNF4Agamma is nearly absent from the cells of homozygous mutants. SNF4Agamma translocates into the nuclei of fat body cells at the onset of the wandering stage concurrently with the beginning of the autophagic process. Our results demonstrate that SNF4Agamma has an essential role in the regulation of autophagy in Drosophila larval fat body cells.

78 FR 26437 - Medicare Program; Prospective Payment System and Consolidated Billing for Skilled Nursing...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-05-06

...This proposed rule would update the payment rates used under the prospective payment system (PPS) for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) for fiscal year (FY) 2014, would revise and rebase the SNF market basket, and would make certain technical and conforming revisions in the regulations text. This proposed rule also includes a proposed policy for reporting the SNF market basket forecast error correction in certain limited circumstances and a proposed new item for the Minimum Data Set (MDS), Version 3.0.

TEST SYSTEM FOR EVALUATING SPENT NUCLEAR FUEL BENDING STIFFNESS AND VIBRATION INTEGRITY

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

Wang, Jy-An John; Wang, Hong; Bevard, Bruce Balkcom

2013-01-01

Transportation packages for spent nuclear fuel (SNF) must meet safety requirements specified by federal regulations. For normal conditions of transport, vibration loads incident to transport must be considered. This is particularly relevant for high-burnup fuel (>45 GWd/MTU). As the burnup of the fuel increases, a number of changes occur that may affect the performance of the fuel and cladding in storage and during transportation. The mechanical properties of high-burnup de-fueled cladding have been previously studied by subjecting defueled cladding tubes to longitudinal (axial) tensile tests, ring-stretch tests, ring-compression tests, and biaxial tube burst tests. The objective of this study ismore » to investigate the mechanical properties and behavior of both the cladding and the fuel in it under vibration/cyclic loads similar to the sustained vibration loads experienced during normal transport. The vibration loads to SNF rods during transportation can be characterized by dynamic, cyclic, bending loads. The transient vibration signals in a specified transport environment can be analyzed, and frequency, amplitude and phase components can be identified. The methodology being implemented is a novel approach to study the vibration integrity of actual SNF rod segments through testing and evaluating the fatigue performance of SNF rods at defined frequencies. Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has developed a bending fatigue system to evaluate the response of the SNF rods to vibration loads. A three-point deflection measurement technique using linear variable differential transformers is used to characterize the bending rod curvature, and electromagnetic force linear motors are used as the driving system for mechanical loading. ORNL plans to use the test system in a hot cell for SNF vibration testing on high burnup, irradiated fuel to evaluate the pellet-clad interaction and bonding on the effective lifetime of fuel-clad structure bending fatigue performance. Technical challenges include pure bending implementation, remote installation and detachment of the SNF test specimen, test specimen deformation measurement, and identification of a driving system suitable for use in a hot cell. Surrogate test specimens have been used to calibrate the test setup and conduct systematic cyclic tests. The calibration and systematic cyclic tests have been used to identify test protocol issues prior to implementation in the hot cell. In addition, cyclic hardening in unidirectional bending and softening in reverse bending were observed in the surrogate test specimens. The interface bonding between the surrogate clad and pellets was found to impact the bending response of the surrogate rods; confirming this behavior in the actual spent fuel segments will be an important aspect of the hot cell test implementation,« less

Subcellular localization of the Snf1 kinase is regulated by specific β subunits and a novel glucose signaling mechanism

PubMed Central

Vincent, Olivier; Townley, Robert; Kuchin, Sergei; Carlson, Marian

2001-01-01

The Snf1/AMP-activated protein kinase family has broad roles in transcriptional, metabolic, and developmental regulation in response to stress. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Snf1 is required for the response to glucose limitation. Snf1 kinase complexes contain the α (catalytic) subunit Snf1, one of the three related β subunits Gal83, Sip1, or Sip2, and the γ subunit Snf4. We present evidence that the β subunits regulate the subcellular localization of the Snf1 kinase. Green fluorescent protein fusions to Gal83, Sip1, and Sip2 show different patterns of localization to the nucleus, vacuole, and/or cytoplasm. We show that Gal83 directs Snf1 to the nucleus in a glucose-regulated manner. We further identify a novel signaling pathway that controls this nuclear localization in response to glucose phosphorylation. This pathway is distinct from the glucose signaling pathway that inhibits Snf1 kinase activity and responds not only to glucose but also to galactose and sucrose. Such independent regulation of the localization and the activity of the Snf1 kinase, combined with the distinct localization of kinases containing different β subunits, affords versatility in regulating physiological responses. PMID:11331606

First-dollar cost-sharing for skilled nursing facility care in medicare advantage plans.

PubMed

Keohane, Laura M; Grebla, Regina C; Rahman, Momotazur; Mukamel, Dana B; Lee, Yoojin; Mor, Vincent; Trivedi, Amal

2017-08-29

The initial days of a Medicare-covered skilled nursing facility (SNF) stay may have no cost-sharing or daily copayments depending on beneficiaries' enrollment in traditional Medicare or Medicare Advantage. Some policymakers have advocated imposing first-dollar cost-sharing to reduce post-acute expenditures. We examined the relationship between first-dollar cost-sharing for a SNF stay and use of inpatient and SNF services. We identified seven Medicare Advantage plans that introduced daily SNF copayments of $25-$150 in 2009 or 2010. Copays began on the first day of a SNF admission. We matched these plans to seven matched control plans that did not introduce first-dollar cost-sharing. In a difference-in-differences analysis, we compared changes in SNF and inpatient utilization for the 172,958 members of intervention and control plans. In intervention plans the mean annual number of SNF days per 100 continuously enrolled inpatients decreased from 768.3 to 750.6 days when cost-sharing changes took effect. Control plans experienced a concurrent increase: 721.7 to 808.1 SNF days per 100 inpatients (adjusted difference-in-differences: -87.0 days [95% CI (-112.1,-61.9)]). In intervention plans, we observed no significant changes in the probability of any SNF service use or the number of inpatient days per hospitalized member relative to concurrent trends among control plans. Among several strategies Medicare Advantage plans can employ to moderate SNF use, first-dollar SNF cost-sharing may be one influential factor. Not applicable.

Novel Nuclear Powered Photocatalytic Energy Conversion

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

White,John R.; Kinsmen,Douglas; Regan,Thomas M.

2005-08-29

The University of Massachusetts Lowell Radiation Laboratory (UMLRL) is involved in a comprehensive project to investigate a unique radiation sensing and energy conversion technology with applications for in-situ monitoring of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) during cask transport and storage. The technology makes use of the gamma photons emitted from the SNF as an inherent power source for driving a GPS-class transceiver that has the ability to verify the position and contents of the SNF cask. The power conversion process, which converts the gamma photon energy into electrical power, is based on a variation of the successful dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC)more » design developed by Konarka Technologies, Inc. (KTI). In particular, the focus of the current research is to make direct use of the high-energy gamma photons emitted from SNF, coupled with a scintillator material to convert some of the incident gamma photons into photons having wavelengths within the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The high-energy gammas from the SNF will generate some power directly via Compton scattering and the photoelectric effect, and the generated visible photons output from the scintillator material can also be converted to electrical power in a manner similar to that of a standard solar cell. Upon successful implementation of an energy conversion device based on this new gammavoltaic principle, this inherent power source could then be utilized within SNF storage casks to drive a tamper-proof, low-power, electronic detection/security monitoring system for the spent fuel. The current project has addressed several aspects associated with this new energy conversion concept, including the development of a base conceptual design for an inherent gamma-induced power conversion unit for SNF monitoring, the characterization of the radiation environment that can be expected within a typical SNF storage system, the initial evaluation of Konarka's base solar cell design, the design and fabrication of a range of new cell materials and geometries at Konarka's manufacturing facilities, and the irradiation testing and evaluation of these new cell designs within the UML Radiation Laboratory. The primary focus of all this work was to establish the proof of concept of the basic gammavoltaic principle using a new class of dye-sensitized photon converter (DSPC) materials based on KTI's original DSSC design. In achieving this goal, this report clearly establishes the viability of the basic gammavoltaic energy conversion concept, yet it also identifies a set of challenges that must be met for practical implementation of this new technology.« less

The chromatin remodeling complex Swi/Snf regulates splicing of meiotic transcripts in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

PubMed Central

Douglass, Stephen; Galivanche, Anoop R.

2017-01-01

Abstract Despite its relatively streamlined genome, there are important examples of regulated RNA splicing in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, such as splicing of meiotic transcripts. Like other eukaryotes, S. cerevisiae undergoes a dramatic reprogramming of gene expression during meiosis, including regulated splicing of a number of crucial meiosis-specific RNAs. Splicing of a subset of these is dependent upon the splicing activator Mer1. Here we show a crucial role for the chromatin remodeler Swi/Snf in regulation of splicing of meiotic genes and find that the complex affects meiotic splicing in two ways. First, we show that Swi/Snf regulates nutrient-dependent downregulation of ribosomal protein encoding RNAs, leading to the redistribution of spliceosomes from this abundant class of intron-containing RNAs (the ribosomal protein genes) to Mer1-regulated transcripts. We also demonstrate that Mer1 expression is dependent on Snf2, its acetylation state and histone H3 lysine 9 acetylation at the MER1 locus. Hence, Snf2 exerts systems level control of meiotic gene expression through two temporally distinct mechanisms, demonstrating that it is a key regulator of meiotic splicing in S. cerevisiae. We also reveal an evolutionarily conserved mechanism whereby the cell redirects its energy from maintaining its translational capacity to the process of meiosis. PMID:28637241

Subunits of the Snf1 kinase heterotrimer show interdependence for association and activity.

PubMed

Elbing, Karin; Rubenstein, Eric M; McCartney, Rhonda R; Schmidt, Martin C

2006-09-08

The Snf1 kinase and its mammalian orthologue, the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), function as heterotrimers composed of a catalytic alpha-subunit and two non-catalytic subunits, beta and gamma. The beta-subunit is thought to hold the complex together and control subcellular localization whereas the gamma-subunit plays a regulatory role by binding to and blocking the function of an auto-inhibitory domain (AID) present in the alpha-subunit. In addition, catalytic activity requires phosphorylation by a distinct upstream kinase. In yeast, any one of three Snf1-activating kinases, Sak1, Tos3, or Elm1, can fulfill this role. We have previously shown that Sak1 is the only Snf1-activating kinase that forms a stable complex with Snf1. Here we show that the formation of the Sak1.Snf1 complex requires the beta- and gamma-subunits in vivo. However, formation of the Sak1.Snf1 complex is not necessary for glucose-regulated phosphorylation of the Snf1 activation loop. Snf1 kinase purified from cells lacking the beta-subunits do not contain any gamma-subunit, indicating that the Snf1 kinase does not form a stable alphagamma dimer in vivo. In vitro kinase assays using purified full-length and truncated Snf1 proteins demonstrate that the kinase domain, which lacks the AID, is significantly more active than the full-length Snf1 protein. Addition of purified beta- and gamma-subunits could stimulate the kinase activity of the full-length alpha-subunit but only when all three subunits were present, suggesting an interdependence of all three subunits for assembly of a functional complex.

SWI/SNF Protein Expression Status in Fumarate Hydratase-deficient Renal Cell Carcinoma: Immunohistochemical Analysis of 32 Tumors from 28 Patients.

PubMed

Agaimy, Abbas; Amin, Mahul B; Gill, Anthony J; Popp, Bernt; Reis, André; Berney, Daniel M; Magi-Galluzzi, Cristina; Sibony, Mathilde; Smith, Steven C; Suster, Saul; Trpkov, Kiril; Hes, Ondřej; Hartmann, Arndt

2018-04-21

Fumarate hydratase-deficient renal cell carcinoma (FH-RCC) is a rare, aggressive RCC type, originally described in the setting of hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma (HLRCC) syndrome which is defined by germline FH gene inactivation. Inactivation of components of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodelling complex is involved in renal medullary carcinoma (SMARCB1/INI1 loss), clear cell RCC (PBRM1 loss) and in subsets of dedifferentiated RCC of clear cell, chromophobe and papillary types (loss of different SWI/SNF components). FH-RCC and SWI/SNF-deficient RCC share anaplastic nuclear features and highly aggressive course. We analysed 32 FH-RCCs from 28 patients using seven commercially available SWI/SNF antibodies (SMARCB1/INI1, SMARCA2, SMARCA4, SMARCC1, SMARCC2, PBRM1 and ARID1A). Variable loss of SMARCB1, ARID1A and SMARCC1 was observed in 1/31, 2/31 and 1/29 evaluable cases, respectively; three of these four SWI/SNF-deficient tumors had confirmed FH mutations. No correlation of SWI/SNF loss with solid or sarcomatoid features was observed. Two tumors with SMARCB1 and ARID1A deficiency had available SWI/SNF molecular data; both lacked SMARCB1 and ARID1A mutations. The remaining five SWI/SNF components were intact in all cases. Especially PBRM1 seems not to be involved in the pathogenesis or progression of FH-deficient RCC. Our data showed that, a subset of FH-RCC (12%) have a variable loss of SWI/SNF complex subunits, likely as secondary genetic events. This should not be confused with SWI/SNF-deficient RCC of other types. Evaluation of FH and SWI/SNF together with comprehensive molecular-genetic profiling is needed to explore possible prognostic implications of FH/SWI-SNF double deficiency and to better understand the somatic mutation landscape in high-grade RCC. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Molecular principles underlying dual RNA specificity in the Drosophila SNF protein.

PubMed

Weber, Gert; DeKoster, Gregory T; Holton, Nicole; Hall, Kathleen B; Wahl, Markus C

2018-06-07

The first RNA recognition motif of the Drosophila SNF protein is an example of an RNA binding protein with multi-specificity. It binds different RNA hairpin loops in spliceosomal U1 or U2 small nuclear RNAs, and only in the latter case requires the auxiliary U2A' protein. Here we investigate its functions by crystal structures of SNF alone and bound to U1 stem-loop II, U2A' or U2 stem-loop IV and U2A', SNF dynamics from NMR spectroscopy, and structure-guided mutagenesis in binding studies. We find that different loop-closing base pairs and a nucleotide exchange at the tips of the loops contribute to differential SNF affinity for the RNAs. U2A' immobilizes SNF and RNA residues to restore U2 stem-loop IV binding affinity, while U1 stem-loop II binding does not require such adjustments. Our findings show how U2A' can modulate RNA specificity of SNF without changing SNF conformation or relying on direct RNA contacts.

Mutants of Yeast Defective in Sucrose Utilization

PubMed Central

Carlson, Marian; Osmond, Barbara C.; Botstein, David

1981-01-01

Utilization of sucrose as a source of carbon and energy in yeast (Saccharomyces) is controlled by the classical SUC genes, which confer the ability to produce the sucrose-degrading enzyme invertase (Mortimer and Hawthorne 1969). Mutants of S. cerevisiae strain S288C (SUC2+) unable to grow anaerobically on sucrose, but still able to use glucose, were isolated. Two major complementation groups were identified: twenty-four recessive mutations at the SUC2 locus (suc2-); and five recessive mutations defining a new locus, SNF1 (for sucrose nonfermenting), essential for sucrose utilization. Two minor complementation groups, each comprising a single member with a leaky sucrose-nonfermenting phenotype, were also identified. The suc2 mutations isolated include four suppressible amber mutations and five mutations apparently exhibiting intragenic complementation; complementation analysis and mitotic mapping studies indicated that all of the suc2 mutations are alleles of a single gene. These results suggest that SUC2 encodes a protein, probably a dimer or multimer. No invertase activity was detected in suc2 mutants.—The SNF1 locus is not tightly linked to SUC2. The snf1 mutations were found to be pleiotropic, preventing sucrose utilization by SUC2+ and SUC7+ strains, and also preventing utilization of galactose, maltose and several nonfermentable carbon sources. Although snf1 mutants thus display a petite phenotype, classic petite mutations do not interfere with utilization of sucrose, galactose or maltose. A common feature of all the carbon utilization systems affected by SNF1 is that all are regulated by glucose repression. The snf1 mutants were found to produce the constitutive nonglycosylated form of invertase, but failed to produce the glucose-repressible, glycosylated, secreted invertase. This failure cannot be attributed to a general defect in production of glycosylated and secreted proteins because synthesis of acid phosphatase, a glycosylated secreted protein not subject to glucose repression, was not affected by snf1 mutations. These findings suggest that the SNF1 locus is involved in the regulation of gene expression by glucose repression. PMID:7040163

Differential Roles of the Glycogen-Binding Domains of β Subunits in Regulation of the Snf1 Kinase Complex▿

PubMed Central

Mangat, Simmanjeet; Chandrashekarappa, Dakshayini; McCartney, Rhonda R.; Elbing, Karin; Schmidt, Martin C.

2010-01-01

Members of the AMP-activated protein kinase family, including the Snf1 kinase of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, are activated under conditions of nutrient stress. AMP-activated protein kinases are heterotrimeric complexes composed of a catalytic α subunit and regulatory β and γ subunits. In this study, the role of the β subunits in the regulation of Snf1 activity was examined. Yeasts express three isoforms of the AMP-activated protein kinase consisting of Snf1 (α), Snf4 (γ), and one of three alternative β subunits, either Sip1, Sip2, or Gal83. The Gal83 isoform of the Snf1 complex is the most abundant and was analyzed in the greatest detail. All three β subunits contain a conserved domain referred to as the glycogen-binding domain. The deletion of this domain from Gal83 results in a deregulation of the Snf1 kinase, as judged by a constitutive activity independent of glucose availability. In contrast, the deletion of this homologous domain from the Sip1 and Sip2 subunits had little effect on Snf1 kinase regulation. Therefore, the different Snf1 kinase isoforms are regulated through distinct mechanisms, which may contribute to their specialized roles in different stress response pathways. In addition, the β subunits are subjected to phosphorylation. The responsible kinases were identified as being Snf1 and casein kinase II. The significance of the phosphorylation is unclear since the deletion of the region containing the phosphorylation sites in Gal83 had little effect on the regulation of Snf1 in response to glucose limitation. PMID:19897735

Differential roles of the glycogen-binding domains of beta subunits in regulation of the Snf1 kinase complex.

PubMed

Mangat, Simmanjeet; Chandrashekarappa, Dakshayini; McCartney, Rhonda R; Elbing, Karin; Schmidt, Martin C

2010-01-01

Members of the AMP-activated protein kinase family, including the Snf1 kinase of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, are activated under conditions of nutrient stress. AMP-activated protein kinases are heterotrimeric complexes composed of a catalytic alpha subunit and regulatory beta and gamma subunits. In this study, the role of the beta subunits in the regulation of Snf1 activity was examined. Yeasts express three isoforms of the AMP-activated protein kinase consisting of Snf1 (alpha), Snf4 (gamma), and one of three alternative beta subunits, either Sip1, Sip2, or Gal83. The Gal83 isoform of the Snf1 complex is the most abundant and was analyzed in the greatest detail. All three beta subunits contain a conserved domain referred to as the glycogen-binding domain. The deletion of this domain from Gal83 results in a deregulation of the Snf1 kinase, as judged by a constitutive activity independent of glucose availability. In contrast, the deletion of this homologous domain from the Sip1 and Sip2 subunits had little effect on Snf1 kinase regulation. Therefore, the different Snf1 kinase isoforms are regulated through distinct mechanisms, which may contribute to their specialized roles in different stress response pathways. In addition, the beta subunits are subjected to phosphorylation. The responsible kinases were identified as being Snf1 and casein kinase II. The significance of the phosphorylation is unclear since the deletion of the region containing the phosphorylation sites in Gal83 had little effect on the regulation of Snf1 in response to glucose limitation.

42 CFR 409.85 - Skilled nursing facility (SNF) care coinsurance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 42 Public Health 2 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Skilled nursing facility (SNF) care coinsurance. 409.85 Section 409.85 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND... Coinsurance § 409.85 Skilled nursing facility (SNF) care coinsurance. (a) General provisions. (1) SNF care...

42 CFR 409.85 - Skilled nursing facility (SNF) care coinsurance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 42 Public Health 2 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Skilled nursing facility (SNF) care coinsurance. 409.85 Section 409.85 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND... Coinsurance § 409.85 Skilled nursing facility (SNF) care coinsurance. (a) General provisions. (1) SNF care...

42 CFR 409.85 - Skilled nursing facility (SNF) care coinsurance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 42 Public Health 2 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Skilled nursing facility (SNF) care coinsurance. 409.85 Section 409.85 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND... Coinsurance § 409.85 Skilled nursing facility (SNF) care coinsurance. (a) General provisions. (1) SNF care...

42 CFR 409.85 - Skilled nursing facility (SNF) care coinsurance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 2 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Skilled nursing facility (SNF) care coinsurance. 409.85 Section 409.85 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND... Coinsurance § 409.85 Skilled nursing facility (SNF) care coinsurance. (a) General provisions. (1) SNF care...

42 CFR 409.85 - Skilled nursing facility (SNF) care coinsurance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 42 Public Health 2 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Skilled nursing facility (SNF) care coinsurance. 409.85 Section 409.85 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND... Coinsurance § 409.85 Skilled nursing facility (SNF) care coinsurance. (a) General provisions. (1) SNF care...

Aquatic fate of a double-stranded RNA in a sediment---water system following an over-water application.

PubMed

Fischer, Joshua R; Zapata, Fatima; Dubelman, Samuel; Mueller, Geoffrey M; Uffman, Joshua P; Jiang, Changjian; Jensen, Peter D; Levine, Steven L

2017-03-01

Determining the rate of biodegradation of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) in the environment is an essential element of a comprehensive risk assessment of an RNA-based agricultural product. This information is used during problem formulation to define relevant routes and durations of environmental exposure for in planta-expressed dsRNA. Although exposure to biotechnology-derived crops expressing dsRNA traits in the aquatic environment is predicted to be minimal, little is known regarding the fate of dsRNA in these environments. To assess exposure to aquatic environments, a study was conducted to measure the rate of biodegradation of DvSnf7 dsRNA in aerobic water-sediment systems. Aquatic systems containing natural water and sediments that varied in physical and chemical characteristics were treated with dsRNA by applying DvSnf7 dsRNA directly to the water column. In the present study, DvSnf7 dsRNA dissipated rapidly from the water phase and was undetectable within 7 d as measured by QuantiGene (Affymetrix) and a sensitive insect bioassay in these diverse systems. Degradation kinetics estimated a half-life (time to 50% dissipation [DT50]) of less than 3 d and a time to 90% dissipation of approximately 4 d. Further analysis indicated that DvSnf7 dsRNA had DT50 values of less than 6 d in both sediment-free systems containing natural water and systems with only sediment. Taken together, the results of the present study indicate that dsRNA-based agricultural products rapidly degrade and consequently are unlikely to persist in aquatic environments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:727-734. © 2016 SETAC. © 2016 SETAC.

Advantages of Production of New Fissionable Nuclides for the Nuclear Power Industry in Hybrid Fusion-Fission Reactors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsibulskiy, V. F.; Andrianova, E. A.; Davidenko, V. D.; Rodionova, E. V.; Tsibulskiy, S. V.

2017-12-01

A concept of a large-scale nuclear power engineering system equipped with fusion and fission reactors is presented. The reactors have a joint fuel cycle, which imposes the lowest risk of the radiation impact on the environment. The formation of such a system is considered within the framework of the evolution of the current nuclear power industry with the dominance of thermal reactors, gradual transition to the thorium fuel cycle, and integration into the system of the hybrid fusion-fission reactors for breeding nuclear fuel for fission reactors. Such evolution of the nuclear power engineering system will allow preservation of the existing structure with the dominance of thermal reactors, enable the reprocessing of the spent nuclear fuel (SNF) with low burnup, and prevent the dangerous accumulation of minor actinides. The proposed structure of the nuclear power engineering system minimizes the risk of radioactive contamination of the environment and the SNF reprocessing facilities, decreasing it by more than one order of magnitude in comparison with the proposed scheme of closing the uranium-plutonium fuel cycle based on the reprocessing of SNF with high burnup from fast reactors.

Management of spent nuclear fuel on the Oak Ridge Reservation, Oak Ridge, Tennessee: Environmental assessment

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

NONE

1996-02-01

On June 1, 1995, DOE issued a Record of Decision [60 Federal Register 28680] for the Department-wide management of spent nuclear fuel (SNF); regionalized storage of SNF by fuel type was selected as the preferred alternative. The proposed action evaluated in this environmental assessment is the management of SNF on the Oak Ridge Reservation (ORR) to implement this preferred alternative of regional storage. SNF would be retrieved from storage, transferred to a hot cell if segregation by fuel type and/or repackaging is required, loaded into casks, and shipped to off-site storage. The proposed action would also include construction and operationmore » of a dry cask SNF storage facility on ORR, in case of inadequate SNF storage. Action is needed to enable DOE to continue operation of the High Flux Isotope Reactor, which generates SNF. This report addresses environmental impacts.« less

Modelling of radiation field around spent fuel container.

PubMed

Kryuchkov, E F; Opalovsky, V A; Tikhomirov, G V

2005-01-01

Operation of nuclear reactors leads to the production of spent nuclear fuel (SNF). There are two basic strategies of SNF management: ultimate disposal of SNF in geological formations and recycle or repeated utilisation of reprocessed SNF. In both options, there is an urgent necessity to study radiation properties of SNF. Information about SNF radiation properties is required at all stages of SNF management. In order to reach more effective utilisation of nuclear materials, new fuel cycles are under development based on uranium-plutonium, uranium-thorium and some other types of nuclear fuel. These promising types of nuclear fuel are characterised by quite different radiation properties at all the stages of nuclear fuel cycle (NFC) listed above. So, comparative analysis is required for radiation properties of different nuclear fuel types at different NFC stages. The results presented here were obtained from the numerical analysis of the radiation field around transport containers of different SNF types and in SNF storage. The calculations are carried out with the application of the computer code packages SCALE-4.3 and MCNP-4C. Comparison of the dose parameters obtained for different models of the transport container with experimental data allowed us to make certain conclusions about the errors of numerical results caused by the approximate geometrical description of the transport container.

The protective effect of SnF2 containing toothpastes and solution on enamel surfaces subjected to erosion and abrasion in situ.

PubMed

Hove, L H; Stenhagen, K R; Holme, B; Tveit, A B

2014-08-01

Stannous fluoride solutions have shown promising protective effect against erosion/abrasion, but the effect of SnF2 toothpastes is uncertain. The aim of the study was to test the inhibiting effect of two SnF2 toothpastes and a SnF2 solution against erosive/abrasive wear in a single-blind, randomised in situ study, using a white light interferometer. Sixteen human molars were each divided into four specimens, mounted on mouth appliances and worn by 8 volunteers for 9 days. Specimens were brushed with toothpaste twice each day for 30 s either with fluoride-free toothpaste or toothpastes including SnF2. Toothpaste was left on the surface for 90 additional seconds. Group 1, fluoride-free toothpaste; Group 2, toothpaste A (0.4% SnF2, Solidox); Group 3, toothpaste B (0.454 % SnF2, Oral-B(®)); Group 4, brushed with fluoride-free toothpaste (30 s) and treated for 2 min with a 0.4 % SnF2 solution (1,000 ppm F). To mimic gastric reflux/vomit, specimens were etched for 2 min twice a day (0.01 M HCl). Procedures were performed extra-orally. The mean enamel wear (in μm) for the control specimens was: -29.2 ± SD 10.5; for group 2 -14.5 SD ± 9.3; for group 3 -33.3 SD ± 7.4, and for group 4 +0.4 SD ± 1.3. The specimens treated with SnF2 solution and toothpaste A showed significantly lower enamel wear than the control group. Toothpaste B gave no significant reduction in enamel wear. The SnF2 solution fully protected the enamel surface against erosive and abrasive challenges. The SnF2 toothpaste A (Solidox) showed less, but significant protection of the enamel, while no statistically significant protection was demonstrated by SnF2 toothpaste B (Oral-B(®) Pro-Expert).

The Effect of a Low Fluoride Delivery System on Bacterial Metabolism.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-09-01

Fluorides, an4 -Ique mechanisms, slow release delivery, temporary restora- tions, bacterial attachment, Streptococcus mutans , bacterial metabo’ilsm...concentrations of NaF, SnF 4 , Na2SnF6 , TiF 4 , and SnCI2 on altering plaque formation by Streptococcus mutans NCTC 10449. Specific tests were...preparation. Microorganisms, Growth Media, and Growth A streptomycin resistant mutant of Streptococcus mutans NCTC 10449 (Bratthall serotype c) has been

Springing into Action: Reg2 Negatively Regulates Snf1 Protein Kinase and Facilitates Recovery from Prolonged Glucose Starvation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

PubMed

Maziarz, Marcin; Shevade, Aishwarya; Barrett, LaKisha; Kuchin, Sergei

2016-07-01

Glucose is the preferred carbon source for the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae Glucose limitation activates Snf1 protein kinase, a key regulator of energy homeostasis that promotes utilization of alternative carbon sources and enforces energy conservation. Snf1 activation requires phosphorylation of its T-loop threonine (Thr210) by upstream kinases. When glucose is abundant, Snf1 is inhibited by Thr210 dephosphorylation. This involves the function of the type 1 protein phosphatase Glc7, which is targeted to Snf1 by a regulatory subunit, Reg1. The reg1 mutation causes increased Snf1 activity and mimics various aspects of glucose limitation, including slower growth. Reg2 is another Glc7 regulatory subunit encoded by a paralogous gene, REG2 Previous evidence indicated that the reg2 mutation exacerbates the Snf1-dependent slow-growth phenotype caused by reg1, suggesting a link between Reg2 and Snf1. Here, we explore this link in more detail and present evidence that Reg2 contributes to Snf1 Thr210 dephosphorylation. Consistent with this role, Reg2 interacts with wild-type Snf1 but not with nonphosphorylatable Snf1-T210A. Reg2 accumulation increases in a Snf1-dependent manner during prolonged glucose deprivation, and glucose-starved cells lacking Reg2 exhibit delayed Snf1 Thr210 dephosphorylation and slower growth recovery upon glucose replenishment. Accordingly, cells lacking Reg2 are outcompeted by wild-type cells in the course of several glucose starvation/replenishment cycles. Collectively, our results support a model in which Reg2-Glc7 contributes to the negative control of Snf1 in response to glucose refeeding after prolonged starvation. The competitive growth advantage provided by Reg2 underscores the evolutionary significance of this paralog for S. cerevisiae The ability of microorganisms to respond to stress is essential for their survival. However, rapid recovery from stress could be equally crucial in competitive environments. Therefore, a wise stress response program should prepare cells for quick recovery upon reexposure to favorable conditions. Glucose is the preferred carbon source for the yeast S. cerevisiae Glucose depletion activates the stress response protein kinase Snf1, which functions to limit energy-consuming processes, such as growth. We show that prolonged glucose deprivation also leads to Snf1-dependent accumulation of Reg2 and that this protein helps to inhibit Snf1 and to accelerate growth recovery upon glucose replenishment. Cells lacking Reg2 are readily outcompeted by wild-type cells during glucose depletion/replenishment cycles. Thus, while prolonged glucose deprivation might seem to put yeast cells "on their knees," concomitant accumulation of Reg2 helps configure the cells into a "sprinter's crouch start position" to spring into action once glucose becomes available. Copyright © 2016, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Springing into Action: Reg2 Negatively Regulates Snf1 Protein Kinase and Facilitates Recovery from Prolonged Glucose Starvation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

PubMed Central

Maziarz, Marcin; Shevade, Aishwarya; Barrett, LaKisha

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT Glucose is the preferred carbon source for the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Glucose limitation activates Snf1 protein kinase, a key regulator of energy homeostasis that promotes utilization of alternative carbon sources and enforces energy conservation. Snf1 activation requires phosphorylation of its T-loop threonine (Thr210) by upstream kinases. When glucose is abundant, Snf1 is inhibited by Thr210 dephosphorylation. This involves the function of the type 1 protein phosphatase Glc7, which is targeted to Snf1 by a regulatory subunit, Reg1. The reg1 mutation causes increased Snf1 activity and mimics various aspects of glucose limitation, including slower growth. Reg2 is another Glc7 regulatory subunit encoded by a paralogous gene, REG2. Previous evidence indicated that the reg2 mutation exacerbates the Snf1-dependent slow-growth phenotype caused by reg1, suggesting a link between Reg2 and Snf1. Here, we explore this link in more detail and present evidence that Reg2 contributes to Snf1 Thr210 dephosphorylation. Consistent with this role, Reg2 interacts with wild-type Snf1 but not with nonphosphorylatable Snf1-T210A. Reg2 accumulation increases in a Snf1-dependent manner during prolonged glucose deprivation, and glucose-starved cells lacking Reg2 exhibit delayed Snf1 Thr210 dephosphorylation and slower growth recovery upon glucose replenishment. Accordingly, cells lacking Reg2 are outcompeted by wild-type cells in the course of several glucose starvation/replenishment cycles. Collectively, our results support a model in which Reg2-Glc7 contributes to the negative control of Snf1 in response to glucose refeeding after prolonged starvation. The competitive growth advantage provided by Reg2 underscores the evolutionary significance of this paralog for S. cerevisiae. IMPORTANCE The ability of microorganisms to respond to stress is essential for their survival. However, rapid recovery from stress could be equally crucial in competitive environments. Therefore, a wise stress response program should prepare cells for quick recovery upon reexposure to favorable conditions. Glucose is the preferred carbon source for the yeast S. cerevisiae. Glucose depletion activates the stress response protein kinase Snf1, which functions to limit energy-consuming processes, such as growth. We show that prolonged glucose deprivation also leads to Snf1-dependent accumulation of Reg2 and that this protein helps to inhibit Snf1 and to accelerate growth recovery upon glucose replenishment. Cells lacking Reg2 are readily outcompeted by wild-type cells during glucose depletion/replenishment cycles. Thus, while prolonged glucose deprivation might seem to put yeast cells “on their knees,” concomitant accumulation of Reg2 helps configure the cells into a “sprinter's crouch start position” to spring into action once glucose becomes available. PMID:27107116

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' Nursing Home Case-Mix and Quality Demonstration: a descriptive overview.

PubMed

Reilly, Karen E; Mueller, Christine; Zimmerman, David R

2007-01-01

This paper presents the first comprehensive account of a major national demonstration designed to integrate skilled nursing facilities (SNF) prospective case-mix payment and quality of care. It describes the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' Nursing Home Case-Mix and Quality (NHCMQ) Demonstration-the template for Medicare's SNF Prospective Payment System (PPS) implemented July 1998. The NHCMQ Demonstration provided the basis for one of the most significant changes in SNF reimbursement and quality monitoring policies to date. Prospective reimbursement policies created positive incentive for providers to admit Medicare residents under more equitable payment rates. However, controversy regarding unanticipated perverse provider incentives remains. The quality management system designed under the NHCMQDemonstration is currently used in over 17,000 nursing homes. Furthermore, under the NHCMQ Demonstration, one standardized assessment tool-the MDS-was used to assess a resident's clinical condition, to monitor quality, and to calculate provider reimbursement. Experiences from the NHCMQ Demonstration and continued evaluation of the current national PPS, along with state systems, provide a rich information source regarding prospective, case-mix reimbursement, and provider incentives.

Medicare program; prospective payment system and consolidated billing for skilled nursing facilities for FY 2015. Final rule.

PubMed

2014-08-05

This final rule updates the payment rates used under the prospective payment system (PPS) for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) for fiscal year (FY) 2015. In addition, it adopts the most recent Office of Management and Budget (OMB) statistical area delineations to identify a facility's urban or rural status for the purpose of determining which set of rate tables will apply to the facility, and to determine the SNF PPS wage index including a 1-year transition with a blended wage index for all providers for FY 2015. This final rule also contains a revision to policies related to the Change of Therapy (COT) Other Medicare Required Assessment (OMRA). This final rule includes a discussion of a provision related to the Affordable Care Act involving Civil Money Penalties. Finally, this final rule discusses the SNF therapy payment research currently underway within CMS, observed trends related to therapy utilization among SNF providers, and the agency's commitment to accelerating health information exchange in SNFs.

DCDS: A Real-time Data Capture and Personalized Decision Support System for Heart Failure Patients in Skilled Nursing Facilities.

PubMed

Zhu, Wei; Luo, Lingyun; Jain, Tarun; Boxer, Rebecca S; Cui, Licong; Zhang, Guo-Qiang

2016-01-01

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Heart failure disease management can improve health outcomes for elderly community dwelling patients with heart failure. This paper describes DCDS, a real-time data capture and personalized decision support system for a Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating the Effect of a Heart Failure Disease Management Program (HF-DMP) in Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF). SNF is a study funded by the NIH National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). The HF-DMP involves proactive weekly monitoring, evaluation, and management, following National HF Guidelines. DCDS collects a wide variety of data including 7 elements considered standard of care for patients with heart failure: documentation of left ventricular function, tracking of weight and symptoms, medication titration, discharge instructions, 7 day follow up appointment post SNF discharge and patient education. We present the design and implementation of DCDS and describe our preliminary testing results.

Transitions From Hospitals to Skilled Nursing Facilities for Persons With Dementia: A Challenging Convergence of Patient and System-Level Needs.

PubMed

Gilmore-Bykovskyi, Andrea L; Roberts, Tonya J; King, Barbara J; Kennelty, Korey A; Kind, Amy J H

2017-10-01

To describe skilled nursing facility (SNF) nurses' perspectives on the experiences and needs of persons with dementia (PwD) during hospital-to-SNF transitions and to identify factors related to the quality of these transitions. Grounded dimensional analysis study using individual and focus group interviews with nurses (N = 40) from 11 SNFs. Hospital-to-SNF transitions were largely described as distressing for PwD and their caregivers and dominated by dementia-related behavioral symptoms that were perceived as being purposely under-communicated by hospital personnel in discharge communications. SNF nurses described PwD as having unique transitional care needs, which primarily involved needing additional discharge preplanning to enable preparation of a tailored behavioral/social care plan and physical environment prior to transfer. SNF nurses identified inaccurate/limited hospital discharge communication regarding behavioral symptoms, short discharge timeframes, and limited nursing control over SNF admission decisions as factors that contributed to poorer-quality transitions producing increased risk for resident harm, rehospitalization, and negative resident/caregiver experiences. Engaged caregivers throughout the transition and the presence of high-quality discharge communication were identified as factors that improved the quality of transitions for PwD. Findings from this study provide important insight into factors that may influence transitional care quality during this highly vulnerable transition. Additional research is needed to explore the association between these factors and transitional care outcomes such as rehospitalization and caregiver stress. Future work should also explore strategies to improve inter-setting communication and care coordination for PwD exhibiting challenging behavioral symptoms. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Gerontological Society of America 2016.

Snf2 family gene distribution in higher plant genomes reveals DRD1 expansion and diversification in the tomato genome.

PubMed

Bargsten, Joachim W; Folta, Adam; Mlynárová, Ludmila; Nap, Jan-Peter

2013-01-01

As part of large protein complexes, Snf2 family ATPases are responsible for energy supply during chromatin remodeling, but the precise mechanism of action of many of these proteins is largely unknown. They influence many processes in plants, such as the response to environmental stress. This analysis is the first comprehensive study of Snf2 family ATPases in plants. We here present a comparative analysis of 1159 candidate plant Snf2 genes in 33 complete and annotated plant genomes, including two green algae. The number of Snf2 ATPases shows considerable variation across plant genomes (17-63 genes). The DRD1, Rad5/16 and Snf2 subfamily members occur most often. Detailed analysis of the plant-specific DRD1 subfamily in related plant genomes shows the occurrence of a complex series of evolutionary events. Notably tomato carries unexpected gene expansions of DRD1 gene members. Most of these genes are expressed in tomato, although at low levels and with distinct tissue or organ specificity. In contrast, the Snf2 subfamily genes tend to be expressed constitutively in tomato. The results underpin and extend the Snf2 subfamily classification, which could help to determine the various functional roles of Snf2 ATPases and to target environmental stress tolerance and yield in future breeding.

Snf1 Phosphorylates Adenylate Cyclase and Negatively Regulates Protein Kinase A-dependent Transcription in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

PubMed

Nicastro, Raffaele; Tripodi, Farida; Gaggini, Marco; Castoldi, Andrea; Reghellin, Veronica; Nonnis, Simona; Tedeschi, Gabriella; Coccetti, Paola

2015-10-09

In eukaryotes, nutrient availability and metabolism are coordinated by sensing mechanisms and signaling pathways, which influence a broad set of cellular functions such as transcription and metabolic pathways to match environmental conditions. In yeast, PKA is activated in the presence of high glucose concentrations, favoring fast nutrient utilization, shutting down stress responses, and boosting growth. On the contrary, Snf1/AMPK is activated in the presence of low glucose or alternative carbon sources, thus promoting an energy saving program through transcriptional activation and phosphorylation of metabolic enzymes. The PKA and Snf1/AMPK pathways share common downstream targets. Moreover, PKA has been reported to negatively influence the activation of Snf1/AMPK. We report a new cross-talk mechanism with a Snf1-dependent regulation of the PKA pathway. We show that Snf1 and adenylate cyclase (Cyr1) interact in a nutrient-independent manner. Moreover, we identify Cyr1 as a Snf1 substrate and show that Snf1 activation state influences Cyr1 phosphorylation pattern, cAMP intracellular levels, and PKA-dependent transcription. © 2015 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Cry3Bb1-Resistant Western Corn Rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (LeConte) Does Not Exhibit Cross-Resistance to DvSnf7 dsRNA.

PubMed

Moar, William; Khajuria, Chitvan; Pleau, Michael; Ilagan, Oliver; Chen, Mao; Jiang, Changjian; Price, Paula; McNulty, Brian; Clark, Thomas; Head, Graham

2017-01-01

There is a continuing need to express new insect control compounds in transgenic maize against western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (LeConte) (WCR). In this study three experiments were conducted to determine cross-resistance between the new insecticidal DvSnf7 dsRNA, and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cry3Bb1; used to control WCR since 2003, with field-evolved resistance being reported. Laboratory susceptible and Cry3Bb1-resistant WCR were evaluated against DvSnf7 dsRNA in larval diet-incorporation bioassays. Additionally, the susceptibility of seven field and one field-derived WCR populations to DvSnf7 (and Cry3Bb1) was assessed in larval diet-overlay bioassays. Finally, beetle emergence of laboratory susceptible and Cry3Bb1-resistant WCR was evaluated with maize plants in the greenhouse expressing Cry3Bb1, Cry34Ab1/Cry35Ab1, or DvSnf7 dsRNA singly, or in combination. The Cry3Bb1-resistant colony had slight but significantly (2.7-fold; P<0.05) decreased susceptibility to DvSnf7 compared to the susceptible colony, but when repeated using a field-derived WCR population selected for reduced Cry3Bb1 susceptibility, there was no significant difference (P<0.05) in DvSnf7 susceptibility compared to that same susceptible population. Additionally, this 2.7-fold difference in susceptibility falls within the range of DvSnf7 susceptibility among the seven field populations tested. Additionally, there was no correlation between susceptibility to DvSnf7 and Cry3Bb1 for all populations evaluated. In greenhouse studies, there were no significant differences (P<0.05) between beetle emergence of susceptible and Cry3Bb1-resistant colonies on DvSnf7 and Cry34Ab1/Cry35Ab1, and between DvSnf7 and MON 87411 (DvSnf7 + Cry3Bb1) for the Cry3Bb1-resistant colony. These results demonstrate no cross-resistance between DvSnf7 and Cry3Bb1 against WCR. Therefore, pyramiding DvSnf7 with Bt proteins such as Cry3Bb1 and Cry34Ab1/Cry35Ab1 will provide a valuable IRM tool against WCR that will increase the durability of these Bt proteins. These results also illustrate the importance of using appropriate bioassay methods when characterizing field-evolved resistant WCR populations.

Cry3Bb1-Resistant Western Corn Rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (LeConte) Does Not Exhibit Cross-Resistance to DvSnf7 dsRNA

PubMed Central

Khajuria, Chitvan; Pleau, Michael; Ilagan, Oliver; Chen, Mao; Jiang, Changjian; Price, Paula; McNulty, Brian; Clark, Thomas; Head, Graham

2017-01-01

Background and Methodology There is a continuing need to express new insect control compounds in transgenic maize against western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (LeConte) (WCR). In this study three experiments were conducted to determine cross-resistance between the new insecticidal DvSnf7 dsRNA, and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cry3Bb1; used to control WCR since 2003, with field-evolved resistance being reported. Laboratory susceptible and Cry3Bb1-resistant WCR were evaluated against DvSnf7 dsRNA in larval diet-incorporation bioassays. Additionally, the susceptibility of seven field and one field-derived WCR populations to DvSnf7 (and Cry3Bb1) was assessed in larval diet-overlay bioassays. Finally, beetle emergence of laboratory susceptible and Cry3Bb1-resistant WCR was evaluated with maize plants in the greenhouse expressing Cry3Bb1, Cry34Ab1/Cry35Ab1, or DvSnf7 dsRNA singly, or in combination. Principal Findings and Conclusions The Cry3Bb1-resistant colony had slight but significantly (2.7-fold; P<0.05) decreased susceptibility to DvSnf7 compared to the susceptible colony, but when repeated using a field-derived WCR population selected for reduced Cry3Bb1 susceptibility, there was no significant difference (P<0.05) in DvSnf7 susceptibility compared to that same susceptible population. Additionally, this 2.7-fold difference in susceptibility falls within the range of DvSnf7 susceptibility among the seven field populations tested. Additionally, there was no correlation between susceptibility to DvSnf7 and Cry3Bb1 for all populations evaluated. In greenhouse studies, there were no significant differences (P<0.05) between beetle emergence of susceptible and Cry3Bb1-resistant colonies on DvSnf7 and Cry34Ab1/Cry35Ab1, and between DvSnf7 and MON 87411 (DvSnf7 + Cry3Bb1) for the Cry3Bb1-resistant colony. These results demonstrate no cross-resistance between DvSnf7 and Cry3Bb1 against WCR. Therefore, pyramiding DvSnf7 with Bt proteins such as Cry3Bb1 and Cry34Ab1/Cry35Ab1 will provide a valuable IRM tool against WCR that will increase the durability of these Bt proteins. These results also illustrate the importance of using appropriate bioassay methods when characterizing field-evolved resistant WCR populations. PMID:28060922

Outcomes of Laparoscopic Colectomy in Younger and Older Patients: An Analysis of Nationwide Readmission Database.

PubMed

Mehta, Hemalkumar B; Hughes, Byron D; Sieloff, Eric; Sura, Sneha O; Shan, Yong; Adhikari, Deepak; Senagore, Anthony

2018-04-01

Prior studies report safety and effectiveness of laparoscopic colectomy in older patients. The study aimed to examine the impact of laparoscopic colectomy on 30-day readmissions, discharge destination, hospital length of stay, and cost in younger (19-65 years) and older adults (>65 years). We used the nationwide readmission database from 2013 to study adults undergoing elective colectomy. The outcomes were 30-day readmissions, discharge destination for the index hospitalization (routine, skilled nursing facility [SNF]/intermediate care facility [ICF], home healthcare), length of stay, and cost. Multivariable analyses were conducted to determine the association of laparoscopic colectomy on outcome; logistic regression for 30-day readmission, multinomial logistic regression for discharge destination, and linear regression for length of stay and cost. An interaction between age and colectomy approach was included, and all models controlled gender, income, insurance status, All Patients Refined Diagnosis Related Groups (APR-DRG), Elixhauser comorbidities, hospital bed size, ownership, and teaching status. Of 79,581 colectomies, 40.2% were laparoscopic. Laparoscopic colectomy was more frequent in younger patients (41.9% versus 38.5%, p < .0001). Regardless of age, patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy were 20% less likely to be readmitted within 30 days (odds ratio [OR] 0.80, confidence interval [95% CI] 0.75-0.85). For postdischarge destination, laparoscopic colectomy offered higher benefits to younger patients (SNF/ICF: OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.36-0.49; home health: OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.30-0.35) than older patients (SNF/ICF: OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.47-0.54; home health: OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.55-0.62). Regardless of age, laparoscopic colectomy resulted in 1.46 days (p < .0001) shorter hospital stays compared to open colectomy. Laparoscopic colectomy had significantly lower cost compared to open approach, particularly in younger ($1,466) versus older ($632) patients. Laparoscopic colectomy is superior to an open approach, with fewer 30-day readmissions, fewer discharges to SNF/ICF or home health, shorter hospital stays, and less overall cost; younger patients benefit more than older patients.

42 CFR 413.114 - Payment for posthospital SNF care furnished by a swing-bed hospital.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

...— Availability date means with respect to a posthospital SNF care patient in a swing-bed hospital, the later of— (i) Any date on which a bed is available for the patient in a Medicare-participating SNF located... inaccessible to its patients. In the event of a dispute as to whether an SNF is within a hospital's geographic...

Improving medication information transfer between hospitals, skilled-nursing facilities, and long-term-care pharmacies for hospital discharge transitions of care: A targeted needs assessment using the Intervention Mapping framework.

PubMed

Kerstenetzky, Luiza; Birschbach, Matthew J; Beach, Katherine F; Hager, David R; Kennelty, Korey A

2018-02-01

Patients transitioning from the hospital to a skilled nursing home (SNF) are susceptible to medication-related errors resulting from fragmented communication between facilities. Through continuous process improvement efforts at the hospital, a targeted needs assessment was performed to understand the extent of medication-related issues when patients transition from the hospital into a SNF, and the gaps between the hospital's discharge process, and the needs of the SNF and long-term care (LTC) pharmacy. We report on the development of a logic model that will be used to explore methods for minimizing patient care medication delays and errors while further improving handoff communication to SNF and LTC pharmacy staff. Applying the Intervention Mapping (IM) framework, a targeted needs assessment was performed using quantitative and qualitative methods. Using the hospital discharge medication list as reference, medication discrepancies in the SNF and LTC pharmacy lists were identified. SNF and LTC pharmacy staffs were also interviewed regarding the continuity of medication information post-discharge from the hospital. At least one medication discrepancy was discovered in 77.6% (n = 45/58) of SNF and 76.0% (n = 19/25) of LTC pharmacy medication lists. A total of 191 medication discrepancies were identified across all SNF and LTC pharmacy records. Of the 69 SNF staff interviewed, 20.3% (n = 14) reported patient care delays due to omitted documents during the hospital-to-SNF transition. During interviews, communication between the SNF/LTC pharmacy and the discharging hospital was described by facility staff as unidirectional with little opportunity for feedback on patient care concerns. The targeted needs assessment guided by the IM framework has lent to several planned process improvements initiatives to help reduce medication discrepancies during the hospital-to-SNF transition as well as improve communication between healthcare entities. Opening lines of communication along with aligning healthcare entity goals may help prevent medication-related errors. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The glucose sensor Snf1 and the transcription factors Msn2 and Msn4 regulate transcription of the vacuolar iron importer gene CCC1 and iron resistance in yeast.

PubMed

Li, Liangtao; Kaplan, Jerry; Ward, Diane M

2017-09-15

The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae stores iron in the vacuole, which is a major resistance mechanism against iron toxicity. One key protein involved in vacuolar iron storage is the iron importer Ccc1, which facilitates iron entry into the vacuole. Transcription of the CCC1 gene is largely regulated by the binding of iron-sulfur clusters to the activator domain of the transcriptional activator Yap5. Additional evidence, however, suggests that Yap5-independent transcriptional activation of CCC1 also contributes to iron resistance. Here, we demonstrate that components of the signaling pathway involving the low-glucose sensor Snf1 regulate CCC1 transcription and iron resistance. We found that SNF1 deletion acts synergistically with YAP5 deletion to regulate CCC1 transcription and iron resistance. A kinase-dead mutation of Snf1 lowered iron resistance as did deletion of SNF4 , which encodes a partner protein of Snf1. Deletion of all three alternative partners of Snf1 encoded by SIT1 , SIT2 , and GAL83 decreased both CCC1 transcription and iron resistance. The Snf1 complex is known to activate the general stress transcription factors Msn2 and Msn4. We show that Msn2 and Msn4 contribute to Snf1-mediated CCC1 transcription. Of note, SNF1 deletion in combination with MSN2 and MSN4 deletion resulted in additive effects on CCC1 transcription, suggesting that other activators contribute to the regulation of CCC1 transcription. In conclusion, we show that yeast have developed multiple transcriptional mechanisms to regulate Ccc1 expression and to protect against high cytosolic iron toxicity. © 2017 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Trehalose-6-phosphate synthesis controls yeast gluconeogenesis downstream and independent of SNF1.

PubMed

Deroover, Sofie; Ghillebert, Ruben; Broeckx, Tom; Winderickx, Joris; Rolland, Filip

2016-06-01

Trehalose-6-P (T6P), an intermediate of trehalose biosynthesis, was identified as an important regulator of yeast sugar metabolism and signaling. tps1Δ mutants, deficient in T6P synthesis (TPS), are unable to grow on rapidly fermentable medium with uncontrolled influx in glycolysis, depletion of ATP and accumulation of sugar phosphates. However, the exact molecular mechanisms involved are not fully understood. We show that SNF1 deletion restores the tps1Δ growth defect on glucose, suggesting that lack of TPS hampers inactivation of SNF1 or SNF1-regulated processes. In addition to alternative, non-fermentable carbon metabolism, SNF1 controls two major processes: respiration and gluconeogenesis. The tps1Δ defect appears to be specifically associated with deficient inhibition of gluconeogenesis, indicating more downstream effects. Consistently, Snf1 dephosphorylation and inactivation on glucose medium are not affected, as confirmed with an in vivo Snf1 activity reporter. Detailed analysis shows that gluconeogenic Pck1 and Fbp1 expression, protein levels and activity are not repressed upon glucose addition to tps1Δ cells, suggesting a link between the metabolic defect and persistent gluconeogenesis. While SNF1 is essential for induction of gluconeogenesis, T6P/TPS is required for inactivation of gluconeogenesis in the presence of glucose, downstream and independent of SNF1 activity and the Cat8 and Sip4 transcription factors. © FEMS 2016. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Accident analysis and control options in support of the sludge water system safety analysis

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

HEY, B.E.

A hazards analysis was initiated for the SWS in July 2001 (SNF-8626, K Basin Sludge and Water System Preliminary Hazard Analysis) and updated in December 2001 (SNF-10020 Rev. 0, Hazard Evaluation for KE Sludge and Water System - Project A16) based on conceptual design information for the Sludge Retrieval System (SRS) and 60% design information for the cask and container. SNF-10020 was again revised in September 2002 to incorporate new hazards identified from final design information and from a What-if/Checklist evaluation of operational steps. The process hazards, controls, and qualitative consequence and frequency estimates taken from these efforts have beenmore » incorporated into Revision 5 of HNF-3960, K Basins Hazards Analysis. The hazards identification process documented in the above referenced reports utilized standard industrial safety techniques (AIChE 1992, Guidelines for Hazard Evaluation Procedures) to systematically guide several interdisciplinary teams through the system using a pre-established set of process parameters (e.g., flow, temperature, pressure) and guide words (e.g., high, low, more, less). The teams generally included representation from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), K Basins Nuclear Safety, T Plant Nuclear Safety, K Basin Industrial Safety, fire protection, project engineering, operations, and facility engineering.« less

Is There Extra Cost of Institutional Care for MS Patients?

PubMed Central

Noyes, Katia; Bajorska, Alina; Weinstock-Guttman, Bianca

2013-01-01

Throughout life, patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) require increasing levels of support, rehabilitative services, and eventual skilled nursing facility (SNF) care. There are concerns that access to SNF care for MS patients is limited because of perceived higher costs of their care. This study compares costs of caring for an MS patient versus those of a typical SNF patient. We merged SNF cost report data with the 2001–2006 Nursing Home Minimum Data Set (MDS) to calculate percentage of MS residents-days and facility case-mix indices (CMIs). We estimated the average facility daily cost using hybrid cost functions, adjusted for facility ownership, average facility wages, CMI-adjusted number of SNF days, and percentage of MS residents-days. We describe specific characteristics of SNF with high and low MS volumes and examine any sources of variation in cost. MS patients were no longer more costly than typical SNF patients. A greater proportion of MS patients had no significant effect on facility daily costs (P = 0.26). MS patients were more likely to receive care in government-owned facilities (OR = 1.904) located in the Western (OR = 2.133) and Midwestern (OR = 1.3) parts of the USA (P < 0.05). Cost of SNF care is not a likely explanation for the perceived access barriers that MS patients face. PMID:24163769

Fibroblast growth factor receptors as novel therapeutic targets in SNF5-deleted malignant rhabdoid tumors.

PubMed

Wöhrle, Simon; Weiss, Andreas; Ito, Moriko; Kauffmann, Audrey; Murakami, Masato; Jagani, Zainab; Thuery, Anne; Bauer-Probst, Beatrice; Reimann, Flavia; Stamm, Christelle; Pornon, Astrid; Romanet, Vincent; Guagnano, Vito; Brümmendorf, Thomas; Sellers, William R; Hofmann, Francesco; Roberts, Charles W M; Graus Porta, Diana

2013-01-01

Malignant rhabdoid tumors (MRTs) are aggressive pediatric cancers arising in brain, kidney and soft tissues, which are characterized by loss of the tumor suppressor SNF5/SMARCB1. MRTs are poorly responsive to chemotherapy and thus a high unmet clinical need exists for novel therapies for MRT patients. SNF5 is a core subunit of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex which affects gene expression by nucleosome remodeling. Here, we report that loss of SNF5 function correlates with increased expression of fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) in MRT cell lines and primary tumors and that re-expression of SNF5 in MRT cells causes a marked repression of FGFR expression. Conversely, siRNA-mediated impairment of SWI/SNF function leads to elevated levels of FGFR2 in human fibroblasts. In vivo, treatment with NVP-BGJ398, a selective FGFR inhibitor, blocks progression of a murine MRT model. Hence, we identify FGFR signaling as an aberrantly activated oncogenic pathway in MRTs and propose pharmacological inhibition of FGFRs as a potential novel clinical therapy for MRTs.

Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptors as Novel Therapeutic Targets in SNF5-Deleted Malignant Rhabdoid Tumors

PubMed Central

Wöhrle, Simon; Jagani, Zainab; Thuery, Anne; Bauer-Probst, Beatrice; Reimann, Flavia; Stamm, Christelle; Pornon, Astrid; Romanet, Vincent; Guagnano, Vito; Brümmendorf, Thomas; Sellers, William R.; Hofmann, Francesco; Roberts, Charles W. M.; Graus Porta, Diana

2013-01-01

Malignant rhabdoid tumors (MRTs) are aggressive pediatric cancers arising in brain, kidney and soft tissues, which are characterized by loss of the tumor suppressor SNF5/SMARCB1. MRTs are poorly responsive to chemotherapy and thus a high unmet clinical need exists for novel therapies for MRT patients. SNF5 is a core subunit of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex which affects gene expression by nucleosome remodeling. Here, we report that loss of SNF5 function correlates with increased expression of fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) in MRT cell lines and primary tumors and that re-expression of SNF5 in MRT cells causes a marked repression of FGFR expression. Conversely, siRNA-mediated impairment of SWI/SNF function leads to elevated levels of FGFR2 in human fibroblasts. In vivo, treatment with NVP-BGJ398, a selective FGFR inhibitor, blocks progression of a murine MRT model. Hence, we identify FGFR signaling as an aberrantly activated oncogenic pathway in MRTs and propose pharmacological inhibition of FGFRs as a potential novel clinical therapy for MRTs. PMID:24204904

Multi Canister Overpack (MCO) Topical Report [SEC 1 THRU 3

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

LORENZ, B.D.

In February 1995, the US Department of Energy (DOE) approved the Spent Nuclear Fuel (SNF) Project's ''Path Forward'' recommendation for resolution of the safety and environmental concerns associated with the deteriorating SNF stored in the Hanford Site's K Basins (Hansen 1995). The recommendation included an aggressive series of projects to design, construct, and operate systems and facilitates to permit the safe retrieval, packaging, transport, conditions, and interim storage of the K Basins' SNF. The facilities are the Cold VAcuum Drying Facility (CVDF) in the 100 K Area of the Hanford Site and the Canister Storage building (CSB) in the 200more » East Area. The K Basins' SNF is to be cleaned, repackaged in multi-canister overpacks (MCOs), removed from the K Basins, and transported to the CVDF for initial drying. The MCOs would then be moved to the CSB and weld sealed (Loscoe 1996) for interim storage (about 40 years). One of the major tasks associated with the initial Path Forward activities is the development and maintenance of the safety documentation. In addition to meeting the construction needs for new structures, the safety documentation for each must be generated.« less

Do Hospital-Owned Skilled Nursing Facilities Provide Better Post-Acute Care Quality?

PubMed Central

Norton, Edward C.; Grabowski, David C.

2016-01-01

As hospitals are increasingly held accountable for patients' post-discharge outcomes under new payment models, hospitals may choose to acquire skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) to better manage these outcomes. This raises the question of whether patients discharged to hospital-based SNFs have better outcomes. In unadjusted comparisons, hospital-based SNF patients have much lower Medicare utilization in the 180 days following discharge relative to freestanding SNF patients. We solved the problem of differential selection into hospital-based and freestanding SNFs by using differential distance from home to the nearest hospital with a SNF relative to the distance from home to the nearest hospital without a SNF as an instrument. We found that hospital-based SNF patients spent roughly 5 more days in the community and 6 fewer days in the SNF in the 180 days following their original hospital discharge with no significant effect on mortality or hospital readmission. PMID:27661738

SWI/SNF Chromatin-remodeling Factors: Multiscale Analyses and Diverse Functions*

PubMed Central

Euskirchen, Ghia; Auerbach, Raymond K.; Snyder, Michael

2012-01-01

Chromatin-remodeling enzymes play essential roles in many biological processes, including gene expression, DNA replication and repair, and cell division. Although one such complex, SWI/SNF, has been extensively studied, new discoveries are still being made. Here, we review SWI/SNF biochemistry; highlight recent genomic and proteomic advances; and address the role of SWI/SNF in human diseases, including cancer and viral infections. These studies have greatly increased our understanding of complex nuclear processes. PMID:22952240

Spent Fuel Assay with an Ultra-High Rate HPGe Spectrometer

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

Fast, James; Fulsom, Bryan; Pitts, Karl

2015-07-01

Traditional verification of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) includes determination of initial enrichment, burnup and cool down time (IE, BU, CT). Along with neutron measurements, passive gamma assay provides important information for determining BU and CT. Other gamma-ray-based assay methods such as passive tomography and active delayed gamma offer the potential to measure the spatial distribution of fission products and the fissile isotopic concentration of the fuel, respectively. All fuel verification methods involving gamma-ray spectroscopy require that the spectrometers manage very high count rates while extracting the signatures of interest. PNNL has developed new digital filtering and analysis techniques to producemore » an ultra-high rate gamma-ray spectrometer from a standard coaxial high-purity germanium (HPGe) crystal. This 37% relative efficiency detector has been operated for SNF measurements at input count rates of 500-1300 kcps and throughput in excess of 150 kcps. Optimized filtering algorithms preserve the spectroscopic capability of the system even at these high rates. This paper will present the results of both passive and active SNF measurement performed with this system at PNNL. (authors)« less

Spent Nuclear Fuel Trasportation: An Examination of Potential Lessons Learned From Prior Shipping Campaigns

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

M. Keister; K, McBride

The Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 (NWPA), as amended, assigned the Department of Energy (DOE) responsibility for developing and managing a Federal system for the disposal of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) and high-level radioactive waste (HLW). The Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management (OCRWM) is responsible for accepting, transporting, and disposing of SNF and HLW at the Yucca Mountain repository (if licensed) in a manner that protects public health, safety, and the environment; enhances national and energy security; and merits public confidence. OCRWM faces a near-term challenge--to develop and demonstrate a transportation system that will sustain safe and efficientmore » shipments of SNF and HLW to a repository. To better inform and improve its current planning, OCRWM has extensively reviewed plans and other documents related to past high-visibility shipping campaigns of SNF and other radioactive materials within the United States. This report summarizes the results of this review and, where appropriate, lessons learned. The objective of this lessons learned study was to identify successful, best-in-class trends and commonalities from past shipping campaigns, which OCRWM could consider when planning for the development and operation of a repository transportation system. Note: this paper is for analytical and discussion purposes only, and is not an endorsement of, or commitment by, OCRWM to follow any of the comments or trends. If OCRWM elects to make such commitments at a future time, they will be appropriately documented in formal programmatic policy statements, plans and procedures. Reviewers examined an extensive study completed in 2003 by DOE's National Transportation Program (NTP), Office of Environmental Management (EM), as well as plans and documents related to SNF shipments since issuance of the NTP report. OCRWM examined specific planning, business, institutional and operating practices that have been identified by DOE, its transportation contractors, and stakeholders as important issues that arise repeatedly. In addition, the review identifies lessons learned or activities/actions which were found not to be productive to the planning and conduct of SNF shipments (i.e., negative impacts). This paper is a 'looking back' summary of lessons learned across multiple transportation campaigns. Not all lessons learned are captured here, and participants in some of the campaigns have divergent opinions and perspectives about which lessons are most critical. This analysis is part of a larger OCRWM benchmarking effort to identify best practices to consider in future transportation of radioactive materials ('looking forward'). Initial findings from this comprehensive benchmarking analysis are expected to be available in late fall 2006.« less

Predicting Risk Factors for 30-Day Readmissions Following Discharge From Post-Acute Care.

PubMed

Flanagan, Nina M; Rizzo, Victoria M; James, Gary D; Spegman, Adele; Barnawi, Najla A

The specific aims of this descriptive study were to (1) examine the relationships between individual-level determinants of health using standard care admission assessments of residents admitted to a skilled nursing facility (SNF) and those residents readmitted to the hospital within 30 days from discharge from the same SNF; (2) identify and describe the risk factors of the residents readmitted to the hospital within 30 days; and (3) use the findings to inform and refine current practice to target the mutable risk factors correlated with 30-day hospital readmission. A 180-bed skilled nursing center in Northeastern Pennsylvania. A retrospective paper medical record review of patients discharged from an SNF to community living was conducted to examine the relationship between individual determinants of health behaviors and 30-day hospital readmissions. The study sample (N = 221) included adults 65 years and older who were admitted to the SNF from January to December 2014 for subacute physical rehabilitation following an acute care hospital stay with a discharge plan to community living. The 30-day readmission rate was 11%. The results of the logistic regression including diagnosis at readmission showed that the odds of readmission before 30 days were nearly three times greater in patients who had congestive heart failure (p < .02). Patients who were at "very high risk" on the Braden Scale were 20 times more likely to be readmitted before 30 days compared with those at low risk. Age and gender were not predictors. None of the other standard screening assessments for delirium, depression, functional status, and fall risk were predictive of 30-day readmission. (1) Care coordination and communication with residents, caregivers, and home health can have an impact on 30-day readmissions post-SNF discharge. (2) Chronic respiratory diseases continue to be a challenge in prevention of hospital readmissions.

New mutations of Saccharomyces cerevisiae that partially relieve both glucose and galactose repression activate the protein kinase Snf1.

PubMed

Rodríguez, Cristina; Sanz, Pascual; Gancedo, Carlos

2003-03-01

We isolated from Saccharomyces cerevisiae two mutants, esc1-1 and ESC3-1, in which genes FBP1, ICL1 or GDH2 were partially derepressed during growth in glucose or galactose. The isolation was done starting with a triple mutant pyc1 pyc2 mth1 unable to grow in glucose-ammonium medium and selecting for mutants able to grow in the non-permissive medium. HXT1 and HXT2 which encode glucose transporters were expressed at high glucose concentrations in both esc1-1 and ESC3-1 mutants, while derepression of invertase at low glucose concentrations was impaired. REG1, cloned as a suppressor of ESC3-1, was not allelic to ESC3-1. Two-hybrid analysis showed an increased interaction of the protein kinase Snf1 with Snf4 in the ESC3-1 mutant; this was not due to mutations in SNF1 or SNF4. ESC3-1 did not bypass the requirement of Snf1 for derepression. We hypothesize that ESC3-1 either facilitates activation of Snf1 or interferes with its glucose-dependent inactivation.

Fission product ion exchange between zeolite and a molten salt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gougar, Mary Lou D.

The electrometallurgical treatment of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) has been developed at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) and has been demonstrated through processing the sodium-bonded SNF from the Experimental Breeder Reactor-II in Idaho. In this process, components of the SNF, including U and species more chemically active than U, are oxidized into a bath of lithium-potassium chloride (LiCl-KCl) eutectic molten salt. Uranium is removed from the salt solution by electrochemical reduction. The noble metals and inactive fission products from the SNF remain as solids and are melted into a metal waste form after removal from the molten salt bath. The remaining salt solution contains most of the fission products and transuranic elements from the SNF. One technique that has been identified for removing these fission products and extending the usable life of the molten salt is ion exchange with zeolite A. A model has been developed and tested for its ability to describe the ion exchange of fission product species between zeolite A and a molten salt bath used for pyroprocessing of spent nuclear fuel. The model assumes (1) a system at equilibrium, (2) immobilization of species from the process salt solution via both ion exchange and occlusion in the zeolite cage structure, and (3) chemical independence of the process salt species. The first assumption simplifies the description of this physical system by eliminating the complications of including time-dependent variables. An equilibrium state between species concentrations in the two exchange phases is a common basis for ion exchange models found in the literature. Assumption two is non-simplifying with respect to the mathematical expression of the model. Two Langmuir-like fractional terms (one for each mode of immobilization) compose each equation describing each salt species. The third assumption offers great simplification over more traditional ion exchange modeling, in which interaction of solvent species with each other is considered. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

The AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Homolog Snf1 Concerts Carbon Utilization, Conidia Production and the Biosynthesis of Secondary Metabolites in the Taxol-Producer Pestalotiopsis microspora.

PubMed

Wang, Dan; Li, Yingying; Wang, Haichuan; Wei, Dongsheng; Akhberdi, Oren; Liu, Yanjie; Xiang, Biyun; Hao, Xiaoran; Zhu, Xudong

2018-01-24

Highly conserved, the Snf1/AMPK is a central regulator of carbon metabolism and energy production in the eukaryotes. However, its function in filamentous fungi has not been well established. In this study, we reported functional characterization of Snf1/AMPK in the growth, development and secondary metabolism in the filamentous fungus Pestalotiopsis microspora . By deletion of the yeast SNF1 homolog, we found that it regulated the utilization of carbon sources, e.g., sucrose, demonstrating a conserved function of this kinase in filamentous fungus. Importantly, several novel functions of SNF1 were unraveled. For instance, the deletion strain displayed remarkable retardation in vegetative growth and pigmentation and produced a diminished number of conidia, even in the presence of the primary carbon source glucose. Deletion of the gene caused damages in the cell wall as shown by its hypersensitivities to Calcofluor white and Congo red, suggesting a critical role of Snf1 in maintaining cell wall integrity. Furthermore, the mutant strain Δ snf1 was hypersensitive to stress, e.g., osmotic pressure (1 M sorbitol), drug G418 and heat shock, though the mechanism remains to be illustrated. Significantly, disruption of the gene altered the production of secondary metabolites. By high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) profiling, we found that Δ snf1 barely produced secondary metabolites, e.g., the known product pestalotiollide B. This study suggests that Snf1 is a key regulator in filamentous fungus Pestalotiopsis microspora concerting carbon metabolism and the filamentous growth, conidiation, cell wall integrity, stress tolerance and the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites.

The AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Homolog Snf1 Concerts Carbon Utilization, Conidia Production and the Biosynthesis of Secondary Metabolites in the Taxol-Producer Pestalotiopsis microspora

PubMed Central

Wang, Dan; Li, Yingying; Wang, Haichuan; Wei, Dongsheng; Akhberdi, Oren; Liu, Yanjie; Xiang, Biyun; Hao, Xiaoran; Zhu, Xudong

2018-01-01

Highly conserved, the Snf1/AMPK is a central regulator of carbon metabolism and energy production in the eukaryotes. However, its function in filamentous fungi has not been well established. In this study, we reported functional characterization of Snf1/AMPK in the growth, development and secondary metabolism in the filamentous fungus Pestalotiopsis microspora. By deletion of the yeast SNF1 homolog, we found that it regulated the utilization of carbon sources, e.g., sucrose, demonstrating a conserved function of this kinase in filamentous fungus. Importantly, several novel functions of SNF1 were unraveled. For instance, the deletion strain displayed remarkable retardation in vegetative growth and pigmentation and produced a diminished number of conidia, even in the presence of the primary carbon source glucose. Deletion of the gene caused damages in the cell wall as shown by its hypersensitivities to Calcofluor white and Congo red, suggesting a critical role of Snf1 in maintaining cell wall integrity. Furthermore, the mutant strain Δsnf1 was hypersensitive to stress, e.g., osmotic pressure (1 M sorbitol), drug G418 and heat shock, though the mechanism remains to be illustrated. Significantly, disruption of the gene altered the production of secondary metabolites. By high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) profiling, we found that Δsnf1 barely produced secondary metabolites, e.g., the known product pestalotiollide B. This study suggests that Snf1 is a key regulator in filamentous fungus Pestalotiopsis microspora concerting carbon metabolism and the filamentous growth, conidiation, cell wall integrity, stress tolerance and the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. PMID:29364863

Unexplained Variation for Hospitals' Use of Inpatient Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Facilities After an Acute Ischemic Stroke.

PubMed

Xian, Ying; Thomas, Laine; Liang, Li; Federspiel, Jerome J; Webb, Laura E; Bushnell, Cheryl D; Duncan, Pamela W; Schwamm, Lee H; Stein, Joel; Fonarow, Gregg C; Hoenig, Helen; Montalvo, Cris; George, Mary G; Lutz, Barbara J; Peterson, Eric D; Bettger, Janet Prvu

2017-10-01

Rehabilitation is recommended after a stroke to enhance recovery and improve outcomes, but hospital's use of inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) or skilled nursing facility (SNF) and the factors associated with referral are unknown. We analyzed clinical registry and claims data for 31 775 Medicare beneficiaries presenting with acute ischemic stroke from 918 Get With The Guidelines-Stroke hospitals who were discharged to either IRF or SNF between 2006 and 2008. Using a multilevel logistic regression model, we evaluated patient and hospital characteristics, as well as geographic availability, in relation to discharge to either IRF or SNF. After accounting for observed factors, the median odds ratio was reported to quantify hospital-level variation in the use of IRF versus SNF. Of 31 775 patients, 17 662 (55.6%) were discharged to IRF and 14 113 (44.4%) were discharged to SNF. Compared with SNF patients, IRF patients were younger, more were men, had less health-service use 6 months prestroke, and had fewer comorbid conditions and in-hospital complications. Use of IRF or SNF varied significantly across hospitals (median IRF use, 55.8%; interquartile range, 34.8%-75.0%; unadjusted median odds ratio, 2.59; 95% confidence interval, 2.44-2.77). Hospital-level variation in discharge rates to IRF or SNF persisted after adjustment for patient, clinical, and geographic variables (adjusted median odds ratio, 2.87; 95% confidence interval, 2.68-3.11). There is marked unexplained variation among hospitals in their use of IRF versus SNF poststroke even after accounting for clinical characteristics and geographic availability. URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02284165. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

Pain and Satisfaction With Pain Management Among Older Patients During the Transition From Acute to Skilled Nursing Care.

PubMed

Simmons, Sandra F; Schnelle, John F; Saraf, Avantika A; Simon Coelho, Chris; Jacobsen, J Mary Lou; Kripalani, Sunil; Bell, Susan; Mixon, Amanda; Vasilevskis, Eduard E

2016-12-01

Approximately 20% of hospitalized Medicare beneficiaries are discharged from the hospital to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs); and up to 23% of SNF patients return to the hospital within 30 days of hospital discharge, with pain as one of the most common symptoms precipitating hospital readmission. We sought to examine the prevalence of moderate to severe pain at hospital discharge to SNF, the incidence of new moderate to severe pain (relative to prehospitalization), and satisfaction with pain management among older acute care patients discharged to SNF. Structured patient interviews were conducted with 188 Medicare beneficiaries discharged to 23 area SNFs from an academic medical center. Pain level (0-10) and satisfaction with pain management were assessed upon hospital admission, discharge, and within 1 week after transition to SNF. There was a high prevalence of moderate to severe pain at each time point including prehospital (51%), hospital discharge (38%), and following SNF admission (53%). Twenty-eight percent of participants reported new moderate to severe pain at hospital discharge, whereas 44% reported new moderate to severe pain following SNF admission. Most participants reported being "satisfied" with their pain treatment, even in the context of moderate to severe pain. Moderate to severe pain is a common problem among hospitalized older adults discharged to SNF and continues during their SNF stay. Pain assessment and management should involve a specific, planned process between hospital and SNF clinicians at the point of care transition, even if patients express "satisfaction" with current pain management. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Gerontological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Effect of NaF, SnF(2), and TiF(4) Toothpastes on Bovine Enamel and Dentin Erosion-Abrasion In Vitro.

PubMed

Comar, Lívia Picchi; Gomes, Marina Franciscon; Ito, Naiana; Salomão, Priscila Aranda; Grizzo, Larissa Tercília; Magalhães, Ana Carolina

2012-01-01

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of toothpastes containing TiF(4), NaF, and SnF(2) on tooth erosion-abrasion. Bovine enamel and dentin specimens were distributed into 10 groups (n = 12): experimental placebo toothpaste (no F); NaF (1450 ppm F); TiF(4) (1450 ppm F); SnF(2) (1450 ppm F); SnF(2) (1100 ppm F) + NaF (350 ppm F); TiF(4) (1100 ppm F) + NaF (350 ppm F); commercial toothpaste Pro-Health (SnF(2)-1100 ppm F + NaF-350 ppm F, Oral B); commercial toothpaste Crest (NaF-1.500 ppm F, Procter & Gamble); abrasion without toothpaste and only erosion. The erosion was performed 4 × 90 s/day (Sprite Zero). The toothpastes' slurries were applied and the specimens abraded using an electric toothbrush 2 × 15 s/day. Between the erosive and abrasive challenges, the specimens remained in artificial saliva. After 7 days, the tooth wear was evaluated using contact profilometry (μm). The experimental toothpastes with NaF, TiF(4), SnF(2), and Pro-Health showed a significant reduction in enamel wear (between 42% and 54%). Pro-Health also significantly reduced the dentin wear. The toothpastes with SnF(2)/NaF and TiF(4)/NaF showed the best results in the reduction of enamel wear (62-70%) as well as TiF(4), SnF(2), SnF(2)/NaF, and TiF(4)/NaF for dentin wear (64-79%) (P < 0.05). Therefore, the experimental toothpastes containing both conventional and metal fluoride seem to be promising in reducing tooth wear.

SWI/SNF Associates with Nascent Pre-mRNPs and Regulates Alternative Pre-mRNA Processing

PubMed Central

Tyagi, Anu; Ryme, Jessica; Brodin, David; Östlund Farrants, Ann Kristin; Visa, Neus

2009-01-01

The SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complexes regulate the transcription of many genes by remodeling nucleosomes at promoter regions. In Drosophila, SWI/SNF plays an important role in ecdysone-dependent transcription regulation. Studies in human cells suggest that Brahma (Brm), the ATPase subunit of SWI/SNF, regulates alternative pre-mRNA splicing by modulating transcription elongation rates. We describe, here, experiments that study the association of Brm with transcribed genes in Chironomus tentans and Drosophila melanogaster, the purpose of which was to further elucidate the mechanisms by which Brm regulates pre-mRNA processing. We show that Brm becomes incorporated into nascent Balbiani ring pre-mRNPs co-transcriptionally and that the human Brm and Brg1 proteins are associated with RNPs. We have analyzed the expression profiles of D. melanogaster S2 cells in which the levels of individual SWI/SNF subunits have been reduced by RNA interference, and we show that depletion of SWI/SNF core subunits changes the relative abundance of alternative transcripts from a subset of genes. This observation, and the fact that a fraction of Brm is not associated with chromatin but with nascent pre-mRNPs, suggest that SWI/SNF affects pre-mRNA processing by acting at the RNA level. Ontology enrichment tests indicate that the genes that are regulated post-transcriptionally by SWI/SNF are mostly enzymes and transcription factors that regulate postembryonic developmental processes. In summary, the data suggest that SWI/SNF becomes incorporated into nascent pre-mRNPs and acts post-transcriptionally to regulate not only the amount of mRNA synthesized from a given promoter but also the type of alternative transcript produced. PMID:19424417

The role of seasonal sediment storage in tidal channels on a mesotidal delta

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hale, R. P.; Wilson, C.; Bomer, J.; Goodbred, S. L., Jr.; Bain, R. L.

2017-12-01

The Sundarbans National Forest (SNF), located on the modern topset of the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna (GBM) Delta, is the world's largest mangrove stand ( 10,000 km2), and provides a wide range of cultural, environmental, and economic benefits to the nation of Bangladesh. At present, sediment accretion in the SNF occurs at a rate comparable to that of the locally accelerated sea-level rise ( 1.1 cm/yr), despite substantial modification of the regional hydrodynamics via the construction of channel embankments to prevent inundation of agricultural areas. Approximately 50% of the sediment deposited in the SNF each year is recently delivered (<6 mos) from the GBM. As such, reducing sediment supply by an estimated 60-80% as a result of sediment and water diversions associated with India's National River Linking Project raises serious concerns over the SNF's continued sustainability. Here, we examine: 1) the capacity for short-term sediment storage within tidal channels of varying dimensions, and 2) the hydrodynamic conditions responsible for resuspending this material and delivering it to the mangrove platform. We compare textural and radiochemical characteristics from short cores (<50 cm) collected along the intertidal channel banks, with those from the mangrove platform, to assess seasonal storage of GBM sediment within tidal channels, and the timeframe of its delivery to the SNF platform. We also present instrument data from multiple locations within a confined basin of the SNF, using an upward-looking acoustic Doppler current profiler, pressure sensors, and optical backscatter sensors, to document how transport conditions vary with distance away from the primary tidal inlet, and across the platform. This collection of physical and instrumental observations is then compared to an existing dataset of platform inundation hydroperiods and deposition rates, allowing us to address the threat of a reduced sediment supply to this region, as well as the capacity for this system to self-supply sediment to the platform.

Point-of-use membrane filtration and hyperchlorination to prevent patient exposure to rapidly growing mycobacteria in the potable water supply of a skilled nursing facility.

PubMed

Williams, Margaret M; Chen, Tai-Ho; Keane, Tim; Toney, Nadege; Toney, Sean; Armbruster, Catherine R; Butler, W Ray; Arduino, Matthew J

2011-09-01

Healthcare-associated outbreaks and pseudo-outbreaks of rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) are frequently associated with contaminated tap water. A pseudo-outbreak of Mycobacterium chelonae-M. abscessus in patients undergoing bronchoscopy was identified by 2 acute care hospitals. RGM was identified in bronchoscopy specimens of 28 patients, 25 of whom resided in the same skilled nursing facility (SNF). An investigation ruled out bronchoscopy procedures, specimen collection, and scope reprocessing at the hospitals as sources of transmission. To identify the reservoir for RGM within the SNF and evaluate 2 water system treatments, hyperchlorination and point-of-use (POU) membrane filters, to reduce RGM. A comparative in situ study of 2 water system treatments to prevent RGM transmission. An SNF specializing in care of patients requiring ventilator support. RGM and heterotrophic plate count (HPC) bacteria were examined in facility water before and after hyperchlorination and in a subsequent 24-week assessment of filtered water by colony enumeration on Middlebrook and R2A media. Mycobacterium chelonae was consistently isolated from the SNF water supply. Hyperchlorination reduced RGM by 1.5 log(10) initially, but the population returned to original levels within 90 days. Concentration of HPC bacteria also decreased temporarily. RGM were reduced below detection level in filtered water, a 3-log(10) reduction. HPC bacteria were not recovered from newly installed filters, although low quantities were found in water from 2-week-old filters. POU membrane filters may be a feasible prevention measure for healthcare facilities to limit exposure of sensitive individuals to RGM in potable water systems.

ADP Regulates SNF1, the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Homolog of AMP-Activated Protein Kinase

PubMed Central

Mayer, Faith V.; Heath, Richard; Underwood, Elizabeth; Sanders, Matthew J.; Carmena, David; McCartney, Rhonda R.; Leiper, Fiona C.; Xiao, Bing; Jing, Chun; Walker, Philip A.; Haire, Lesley F.; Ogrodowicz, Roksana; Martin, Stephen R.; Schmidt, Martin C.; Gamblin, Steven J.; Carling, David

2011-01-01

Summary The SNF1 protein kinase complex plays an essential role in regulating gene expression in response to the level of extracellular glucose in budding yeast. SNF1 shares structural and functional similarities with mammalian AMP-activated protein kinase. Both kinases are activated by phosphorylation on a threonine residue within the activation loop segment of the catalytic subunit. Here we show that ADP is the long-sought metabolite that activates SNF1 in response to glucose limitation by protecting the enzyme against dephosphorylation by Glc7, its physiologically relevant protein phosphatase. We also show that the regulatory subunit of SNF1 has two ADP binding sites. The tighter site binds AMP, ADP, and ATP competitively with NADH, whereas the weaker site does not bind NADH, but is responsible for mediating the protective effect of ADP on dephosphorylation. Mutagenesis experiments suggest that the general mechanism by which ADP protects against dephosphorylation is strongly conserved between SNF1 and AMPK. PMID:22019086

River discharge controlling a tidal delta: the interplay between monsoon input and tidal reworking in SW Bangladesh

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hale, R. P.; Goodbred, S. L., Jr.; Bain, R. L.; Wilson, C.; Best, J.; Reed, M. J.

2015-12-01

The Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna River system (GBM) is among the world's largest in terms of both annual water and sediment discharge. The subaerial delta (110,000 km2) is home to ~160 million people, in addition to the ecologically and economically critical Sundarbans National Forest (SNF). Recent sediment budgets suggest that ~15% of the 1 x 109 t yr-1 sediment load carried by the GBM is subsequently advected along shore and inland via tidal activity, to the otherwise-abandoned SW portion of the delta. A unit-scale estimate based on observed offshore suspended sediment concentrations (SSC) >1.0 g L-1 suggests that sufficient sediment is available in the system to maintain the elevation of the subaerial delta plain, even under current relative sea-level-rise rates. Recent work measuring sedimentation within SNF corroborates this finding, and understanding these sediment delivery dynamics will be critical for protecting the future of nearby regions that are heavily populated, but drastically altered by human activities. Cross-channel hydrodynamic surveys were conducted to estimate what fraction of the water (and sediment) is diverted from the major tidal channels toward the SNF interior. Measurements including profiles of velocity and SSC were collected on spring and neap tides during the dry and monsoon seasons, along transects bracketing major conduit channels into the SNF. During the dry season, we observe water flux at the southern end of the study area to be in approximate equilibrium regardless of tidal range, with SSC <0.3 g L-1 during neap tides, and <1.0 g L-1 during spring tides. North of the SNF conduit channels, we observe equilibrium water discharge and similarly low SSC during neap tides, but a modest ebb dominance and surface SSC >1.0 g L-1 during spring tides. This suggests the possibility of additional inputs of water and sediment from an adjacent tidal channel, as well as a potential source for the deposition observed on the Sundarbans platform during spring-tide flooding. Within channels in SNF, near-bed SSC increase by >5x from neap to spring tides, to a peak of ~1.0 g L-1. Sediment grab samples collected in a distributary channel show a moderate fining trend with distance from the major conduit, which has implications for the sedimentation rates observed on the tidal delta plain.

Status of Progress Made Toward Safety Analysis and Technical Site Evaluations for DOE Managed HLW and SNF.

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

Sevougian, S. David; Stein, Emily; Gross, Michael B

The Spent Fuel and Waste Science and Technology (SFWST) Campaign of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy (NE) is conducting research and development (R&D) on generic deep geologic disposal systems (i.e., repositories). This report describes specific activities in FY 2016 associated with the development of a Defense Waste Repository (DWR)a for the permanent disposal of a portion of the HLW and SNF derived from national defense and research and development (R&D) activities of the DOE.

Length of Stay in Skilled Nursing Facilities Following Total Joint Arthroplasty.

PubMed

Haghverdian, Brandon A; Wright, David J; Schwarzkopf, Ran

2017-02-01

The most commonly used postacute care facility after total joint arthroplasty is a skilled nursing facility (SNF). However, little is known regarding the role of physical therapy achievements and insurance status on the decision to discharge from an SNF. In this study, we aim to compare functional outcomes and length of stay (LOS) at an SNF among patients with Medicare vs private health coverage. We retrospectively collected physical therapy data for 114 patients who attended an SNF following acute hospitalization for total joint arthroplasty. Medicare beneficiaries were compared with patients covered by Managed Care (MC) policies (health maintenance organization [HMO] and preferred provider organization [PPO]) using several SNF discharge outcomes, including LOS, distance ambulated, and functional independence in gait, transfers, and bed mobility. LOS at the SNF was significantly longer for Medicare patients (Medicare: 24 ± 22 days, MC: 12 ± 7 days, P = .007). After adjusting for LOS and covariates, MC patients had significantly greater achievements in all functional outcomes measured. In a study subanalysis, Medicare patients were found to achieve similar functional outcomes by SNF day 14 as MC patients achieved by their day of discharge on approximately day 12. Yet, the Medicare group was not discharged until several days later. Medicare status is associated with poor functional outcomes, long LOS, and slow progress in the SNF. Our results suggest that insurance reimbursement may be a primary factor in the decision to discharge, rather than the achievement of functional milestones. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Structural basis for recognition and remodeling of the TBP:DNA:NC2 complex by Mot1

PubMed Central

Butryn, Agata; Schuller, Jan M; Stoehr, Gabriele; Runge-Wollmann, Petra; Förster, Friedrich; Auble, David T; Hopfner, Karl-Peter

2015-01-01

Swi2/Snf2 ATPases remodel substrates such as nucleosomes and transcription complexes to control a wide range of DNA-associated processes, but detailed structural information on the ATP-dependent remodeling reactions is largely absent. The single subunit remodeler Mot1 (modifier of transcription 1) dissociates TATA box-binding protein (TBP):DNA complexes, offering a useful system to address the structural mechanisms of Swi2/Snf2 ATPases. Here, we report the crystal structure of the N-terminal domain of Mot1 in complex with TBP, DNA, and the transcription regulator negative cofactor 2 (NC2). Our data show that Mot1 reduces DNA:NC2 interactions and unbends DNA as compared to the TBP:DNA:NC2 state, suggesting that Mot1 primes TBP:NC2 displacement in an ATP-independent manner. Electron microscopy and cross-linking data suggest that the Swi2/Snf2 domain of Mot1 associates with the upstream DNA and the histone fold of NC2, thereby revealing parallels to some nucleosome remodelers. This study provides a structural framework for how a Swi2/Snf2 ATPase interacts with its substrate DNA:protein complex. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.07432.001 PMID:26258880

RapA, SWI/SNF subunit of Escherichia coli RNA polymerase promotes the release of nascent RNA from transcription complexes

PubMed Central

Yawn, Brandon; Zhang, Lin; Mura, Cameron; Sukhodolets, Maxim V.

2009-01-01

RapA, a prokaryotic member of the SWI/SNF protein superfamily, is an integral part of the RNA polymerase transcription complex. RapA’s function and catalytic mechanism have been linked to nucleic acid remodeling. In this work we show that mutations in the interface between RapA’s SWI/SNF and double-stranded nucleic acid-binding domains significantly alter ATP hydrolysis in purified RapA. The effects of individual mutations on ATP hydrolysis loosely correlated with RapA’s nucleic acid-remodeling activity, indicating that the interaction between these domains may be important for the RapA-mediated remodeling of nonproductive transcription complexes. In this study we introduced a model system for in vitro transcription of a full-length E. coli gene (slyD). To study the function of RapA, we fractionated and identified in vitro transcription reaction intermediates in the presence or absence of RapA. These experiments demonstrated that RapA contributes to the formation of free RNA species during in vitro transcription. This work further refines our models for RapA function in vivo and establishes a new role in RNA management for a representative of the SWI/SNF protein superfamily. PMID:19580329

Effect of Fluoride-Containing Toothpastes on Enamel Demineralization and Streptococcus mutans Biofilm Architecture.

PubMed

Fernández, Constanza E; Fontana, Margherita; Samarian, Derek; Cury, Jaime A; Rickard, Alexander H; González-Cabezas, Carlos

This study aimed to explore the effect of fluoridated toothpastes on biofilm architecture and enamel demineralization in an in vitro biofilm model. Streptococcus mutans was grown on enamel and treated with slurries of commercial toothpastes, containing SnF2 or NaF. Water and chlorhexidine were used as negative and positive controls, respectively. The developed biofilms were imaged and enamel demineralization was measured. SnF2 and NaF toothpaste treatments significantly reduced enamel demineralization, but SnF2 toothpaste was more effective. Only SnF2 toothpaste and chlorhexidine treatments caused reductions on biofilm mass and thickness. In conclusion, this biofilm model was able to differentiate the effects of the SnF2 and NaF toothpastes on biofilm architecture and enamel demineralization. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.

The N-CoR complex enables chromatin remodeler SNF2H to enhance repression by thyroid hormone receptor

PubMed Central

Alenghat, Theresa; Yu, Jiujiu; Lazar, Mitchell A

2006-01-01

Unliganded thyroid hormone receptor (TR) actively represses transcription via the nuclear receptor corepressor (N-CoR)/histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) complex. Although transcriptional activation by liganded receptors involves chromatin remodeling, the role of ATP-dependent remodeling in receptor-mediated repression is unknown. Here we report that SNF2H, the mammalian ISWI chromatin remodeling ATPase, is critical for repression of a genomically integrated, TR-regulated reporter gene. N-CoR and HDAC3 are both required for recruitment of SNF2H to the repressed gene. SNF2H does not interact directly with the N-CoR/HDAC3 complex, but binds to unacetylated histone H4 tails, suggesting that deacetylase activity of the corepressor complex is critical to SNF2H function. Indeed, HDAC3 as well as SNF2H are required for nucleosomal organization on the TR target gene. Consistent with these findings, reduction of SNF2H induces expression of an endogenous TR-regulated gene, dio1, in liver cells. Thus, although not apparent from studies of transiently transfected reporter genes, gene repression by TR involves the targeting of chromatin remodeling factors to repressed genes by the HDAC activity of nuclear receptor corepressors. PMID:16917504

Medicaid Bed-Hold Policy and Medicare Skilled Nursing Facility Rehospitalizations

PubMed Central

Grabowski, David C; Feng, Zhanlian; Intrator, Orna; Mor, Vincent

2010-01-01

Objective To analyze the effect of states' Medicaid bed-hold policies on the 30-day rehospitalization of Medicare postacute skilled nursing facility (SNF) residents. Data Sources Minimum data set assessments were merged with Medicare claims and eligibility files for all first-time SNF admissions (N = 3,322,088) over the period 2000 through 2005; states' Medicaid bed-hold policies were obtained via survey. Study Design Regression specification incorporating facility fixed effects to examine changes in Medicaid bed-hold policies on the likelihood of a 30-day SNF rehospitalization. Principal Findings Using a continuous measure of bed-hold generosity, state Medicaid bed-hold was positively related to Medicare SNF rehospitalization. Specifically, the introduction of a bed-hold policy with average generosity increases Medicare rehospitalizations by 1.8 percent, representing roughly 12,000 SNF rehospitalizations at a cost to Medicare of approximately U.S.$100 million over our study period. Conclusions Although facilities do not receive a Medicaid bed-hold payment for Medicare SNF stays, we found that the adoption of more generous policies led to greater SNF rehospitalizations. This type of spillover is largely ignored in current discussions of Medicare payment reforms such as bundled payment. Neither Medicare nor Medicaid has an incentive to internalize the risks and benefits of its actions as they affect the other. PMID:20403059

Preparation for the Recovery of Spent Nuclear Fuel (SNF) at Andreeva Bay, North West Russia - 13309

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

Field, D.; McAtamney, N.

Andreeva Bay is located near Murmansk in the Russian Federation close to the Norwegian border. The ex-naval site was used to de-fuel nuclear-powered submarines and icebreakers during the Cold War. Approximately 22,000 fuel assemblies remain in three Dry Storage Units (DSUs) which means that Andreeva Bay has one of the largest stockpiles of highly enriched spent nuclear fuel (SNF) in the world. The high contamination and deteriorating condition of the SNF canisters has made improvements to the management of the SNF a high priority for the international community for safety, security and environmental reasons. International Donors have, since 2002, providedmore » support to projects at Andreeva concerned with improving the management of the SNF. This long-term programme of work has been coordinated between the International Donors and responsible bodies within the Russian Federation. Options for the safe and secure management of SNF at Andreeva Bay were considered in 2004 and developed by a number of Russian Institutes with international participation. This consisted of site investigations, surveys and studies to understand the technical challenges. A principal agreement was reached that the SNF would be removed from the site altogether and transported to Russia's reprocessing facility at Mayak in the Urals. The analytical studies provided the information necessary to develop the construction plan for the site. Following design and regulatory processes, stakeholders endorsed the technical solution in April 2007. This detailed the processes, facilities and equipment required to safely remove the SNF and identified other site services and support facilities required on the site. Implementation of this strategy is now well underway with the facilities in various states of construction. Physical works have been performed to address the most urgent tasks including weather protection over one of the DSUs, installation of shielding over the cells, provision of radiation protection infrastructure and general preparation of the site for construction of the facilities for the removal of the SNF. This paper describes the development and implementation of the strategy and work to improve the safe and secure management of SNF, preparing it for retrieval and removal from Andreeva Bay. (authors)« less

Development of a conditioning system for the dual-purpose transport and storage cask for spent nuclear fuel from decommissioned Russian submarines

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

Dyer, R.S.; Barnes, E.; Snipes, R.L.

2007-07-01

Russia, stores large quantities of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) from submarine and ice-breaker nuclear powered naval vessels. This high-level radioactive material presents a significant threat to the Arctic and marine environments. Much of the SNF from decommissioned Russian nuclear submarines is stored either onboard the submarines or in floating storage vessels in Northwest and Far East Russia. Some of the SNF is damaged, stored in an unstable condition, or of a type that cannot currently be reprocessed. In many cases, the existing Russian transport infrastructure and reprocessing facilities cannot meet the requirements for moving and reprocessing all of this fuelmore » from remote locations. Additional transport and storage options are required. Some of the existing storage facilities being used in Russia do not meet health and safety and physical security requirements. The U.S. has assisted Russia in the development of a new dual-purpose metal-concrete transport and storage cask (TUK-108/1) for their military SNF and assisted them in building several new facilities for off-loading submarine SNF and storing these TUK-108/1 casks. These efforts have reduced the technical, ecological, and security challenges for removal, handling, interim storage, and shipment of this submarine fuel. Currently, Russian licensing limits the storage period of the TUK-108/1 casks to no more than two years before the fuel must be shipped for reprocessing. In order to extend this licensed storage period, a system is required to condition the casks by removing residual water and creating an inert storage environment by backfilling the internal canisters with a noble gas such as argon. The U.S. has assisted Russia in the development of a mobile cask conditioning system for the TUK-108/1 cask. This new conditioning system allows the TUK 108/1 casks to be stored for up to five years after which the license may be considered for renewal for an additional five years or the fuel will be shipped to 'Mayak' for reprocessing. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in cooperation with the U.S. DOD Office of Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR), and the DOE's ORNL, along with the Norwegian Defense Research Establishment, worked closely with the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Atomic Energy of the Russian Federation (RF) to develop an improved integrated management system for interim storage of military SNF in Russia. The initial Project activities included: (1) development of a prototype dual-purpose, metal-concrete 40-ton cask for both the transport and interim storage of RF SNF, and (2) development of the first transshipment/interim storage facility for these casks in Murmansk. The U.S. has continued support to the project by assisting the RF with the development of the first mobile system that provides internal conditioning for the TUK-108/1 casks to allow them to be stored for longer than the current licensing period of two years. Development of the prototype TUK-108/1 cask was completed in December 2000 under the Arctic Military Environmental Cooperation (AMEC) Program. This was the first metal-concrete cask developed, licensed, and produced in the RF for both the transportation and storage of SNF from decommissioned submarines. These casks are currently being serially produced in NW Russia and 108 casks have been produced to date. Russia is using these casks for the transport and interim storage of military SNF from decommissioned nuclear submarines at naval installations in the Arctic and Far East in conformance with the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START II). The design, construction, and commissioning of the first transshipment/interim storage facility in the RF was completed and ready for full operation in September 2003. Because of the RF government reorganization and changing regulations for spent fuel storage facilities, the storage facility at Murmansk was not fully licensed for operation until December 2005. The RF has reported that the facility is now fully operational. The TUK-108/1 SNF transport and storage casks were designed to have a 50-year storage life. Current RF practice is not to condition the submarine SNF or cask during the cask loading. Current RF regulations allow up to 4 mm of residual water (up to 3.2 liters) to remain in the casks. It has been determined that allowing this amount of residual water to remain untreated for a period longer than two years can produce hydrogen gas through hydrolysis which will increase the risk of explosion and could cause some corrosion of internal components. A solution to this problem was to develop and utilize a cask conditioning system to remove the residual water and create an inert storage environment in the cask by back-filling the internal cask cavity with an inert gas, such as helium or argon. This system is compatible with the existing TUK-108/1 design and is mobile for use at multiple submarine dismantlement sites. The RF has required that this cask conditioning system be tested and commissioned at the 'Zvezda' Shipyard in the Far East near Vladivostok, one of the major RF submarine fuel off loading and storage facilities. Currently, the fuel cannot be transferred to 'Mayak' for reprocessing until the completion of the 20 km railroad connector between 'Zvezda' and the main rail line to 'Mayak'. The cask conditioning system will allow extension of the currently-stored casks for an additional three years, at which time the rail connector line should be completed. The current license to store these casks at 'Zvezda' was scheduled to expire on 31 Dec 2006. Without the cask-conditioning system, the license could not be extended, no more fuel could be off-loaded from the decommissioned submarines, and the START objectives could not be met at 'Zvezda'. Completion of this cask conditioning system has removed a significant bottleneck for the completion of the Russian submarine decommissioning program under the START II Agreement. (authors)« less

Frequent loss of claudin-4 expression in dedifferentiated and undifferentiated endometrial carcinomas.

PubMed

Tessier-Cloutier, Basile; Soslow, Robert A; Stewart, Colin J R; Köbel, Martin; Lee, Cheng-Han

2018-04-19

Dedifferentiated endometrial carcinomas (DDECs)/undifferentiated endometrial carcinomas (UECs) are aggressive endometrial cancers with frequent genomic inactivation of core components of switch/sucrose non-fermentable (SWI/SNF) complex proteins. Claudin-4, an epithelial intercellular tight junction protein, was recently found to be expressed in SWI/SNF-deficient undifferentiated carcinomas but not in SWI/SNF-deficient sarcomas. The aim of this study was to examine claudin-4 expression in UECs/DDECs and other high-grade uterine carcinomas. We examined claudin-4 expression by immunohistochemistry (clone 3E2C1) on tissue microarrays that contained 44 UECs/DDECs (24 SWI/SNF-deficient), 50 carcinosarcomas, 164 grade 3 endometrioid carcinomas, 57 serous carcinomas, and 20 clear cell carcinomas. Tumours with <5% claudin-4 expression were considered to be negative. Nearly all SWI/SNF-deficient, and most SWI/SNF-proficient, UECs/DDECs showed a complete absence of claudin-4 expression in the undifferentiated component, whereas the differentiated component in DDECs showed consistent and diffuse claudin-4 expression. Only one SWI/SNF-deficient DDEC showed focal expression of claudin-4 in the undifferentiated component, as compared with diffuse expression in the corresponding differentiated component. Claudin-4 expression was consistently absent in the sarcomatous component of carcinosarcoma, and it was absent in 24% of grade 3 endometrioid carcinomas and serous carcinomas. Claudin-4 expression can be absent or very focal in a subset of high-grade endometrial carcinomas, and is almost always absent in the undifferentiated components of SWI/SNF-deficient UECs/DDECs, despite the apparent epithelial origin in the case of DDECs. Therefore, claudin-4 expression cannot be used to infer mesenchymal or epithelial tumour origin in the endometrium. The consistent loss or down-regulation of claudin-4, a tight junction protein, in SWI/SNF-deficient UECs/DDECs further supports the undifferentiated nature of these tumours. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Summary of available data for estimating chloride-induced SCC crack growth rates for 304/316 stainless steel.

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

Bryan, Charles R.; Enos, David

The majority of existing dry storage systems used for spent nuclear fuel (SNF) consist of a welded 304 stainless steel container placed within a passively-ventilated concrete or steel overpack. More recently fielded systems are constructed with dual certified 304/304L and in some cases, 316 or 316L. In service, atmospheric salts, a portion of which will be chloride bearing, will be deposited on the surface of these containers. Initially, the stainless steel canister surface temperatures will be high (exceeding the boiling point of water in many cases) due to decay heat from the SNF. As the SNF cools over time, themore » container surface will also cool, and deposited salts will deliquesce to form potentially corrosive chloride-rich brines. Because austenitic stainless steels are prone to chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking (CISCC), the concern has been raised that SCC may significantly impact long-term canister performance. While the susceptibility of austenitic stainless steels to CISCC in the general sense is well known, the behavior of SCC cracks (i.e., initiation and propagation behavior) under the aforementioned atmospheric conditions is poorly understood.« less

Separation of mixtures of chemical elements in plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dolgolenko, D. A.; Muromkin, Yu A.

2017-10-01

This paper reviews proposals on the plasma processing of radioactive waste (RW) and spent nuclear fuel (SNF). The chemical processing of SNF based on the extraction of its components from water solutions is rather expensive and produces new waste. The paper considers experimental research on plasma separation of mixtures of chemical elements and isotopes, whose results can help evaluate the plasma methods of RW and SNF reprocessing. The analysis identifies the difference between ionization levels of RW and SNF components at their transition to the plasma phase as a reason why all plasma methods are difficult to apply.

Necessity is the mother of invention: an innovative hospitalist-resident initiative for improving quality and reducing readmissions from skilled nursing facilities.

PubMed

Petigara, Sunny; Krishnamurthy, Mahesh; Livert, David

2017-03-01

Background : Hospital readmissions have been a major challenge to the US health system. Medicare data shows that approximately 25% of Medicare skilled nursing facility (SNF) residents are readmitted back to the hospital within 30 days. Some of the major reasons for high readmission rates include fragmented information exchange during transitions of care and limited access to physicians round-the-clock in SNFs. These represent safety, quality, and health outcome concerns. Aim : The goal of the project was to reduce hospital readmission rates from SNFs by improving transition of care and increasing physician availability in SNFs (five to seven days a week physical presence with 24/7 accessibility by phone). Methods : We proposed a model whereby a hospitalist-led team, including the resident on the geriatrics rotation, followed patients discharged from the hospital to one SNF. Readmission rates pre- and post-implementation were compared. Study results : The period between January 2014 and June 2014 served as the baseline and showed readmission rate of 32.32% from the SNF back to the hospital. After we implemented the new hospitalist SNF model in June 2014, readmission rates decreased to 23.96% between July 2014 and December 2014. From January 2015 to June 2015, the overall readmission rate from the SNF reduced further to 16.06%. Statistical analysis revealed a post-intervention odds ratio of 0.403 (p < 0.001). Conclusion : The government is piloting several care models that incentivize value- based behavior. Our study strongly suggests that the hospitalist-resident continuity model of following patients to the SNFs can significantly decrease 30-days hospital readmission rates.

Purification and biochemical heterogeneity of the mammalian SWI-SNF complex.

PubMed Central

Wang, W; Côté, J; Xue, Y; Zhou, S; Khavari, P A; Biggar, S R; Muchardt, C; Kalpana, G V; Goff, S P; Yaniv, M; Workman, J L; Crabtree, G R

1996-01-01

We have purified distinct complexes of nine to 12 proteins [referred to as BRG1-associated factors (BAFs)] from several mammalian cell lines using an antibody to the SWI2-SNF2 homolog BRG1. Microsequencing revealed that the 47 kDa BAF is identical to INI1. Previously INI1 has been shown to interact with and activate human immunodeficiency virus integrase and to be homologous to the yeast SNF5 gene. A group of BAF47-associated proteins were affinity purified with antibodies against INI1/BAF47 and were found to be identical to those co-purified with BRG1, strongly indicating that this group of proteins associates tightly and is likely to be the mammalian equivalent of the yeast SWI-SNF complex. Complexes containing BRG1 can disrupt nucleosomes and facilitate the binding of GAL4-VP16 to a nucleosomal template similar to the yeast SWI-SNF complex. Purification of the complex from several cell lines demonstrates that it is heterogeneous with respect to subunit composition. The two SWI-SNF2 homologs, BRG1 and hbrm, were found in separate complexes. Certain cell lines completely lack BRG1 and hbrm, indicating that they are not essential for cell viability and that the mammalian SWI-SNF complex may be tailored to the needs of a differentiated cell type. Images PMID:8895581

Mechanical Fatigue Testing of High Burnup Fuel for Transportation Applications

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

Wang, Jy-An John; Wang, Hong

This report describes testing designed to determine the ability of high burnup (HBU) (>45 GWd/MTU) spent fuel to maintain its integrity under normal conditions of transportation. An innovative system, Cyclic Integrated Reversible-bending Fatigue Tester (CIRFT), has been developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to test and evaluate the mechanical behavior of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) under conditions relevant to storage and transportation. The CIRFT system is composed of a U-frame equipped with load cells for imposing the pure bending loads on the SNF rod test specimen and measuring the in-situ curvature of the fuel rod during bending using amore » set up with three linear variable differential transformers (LVDTs).« less

Mechanical Fatigue Testing of High-Burnup Fuel for Transportation Applications

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

Wang, Jy-An; Wang, Hong

This report describes testing designed to determine the ability of high burnup (HBU) (>45 GWd/MTU) spent fuel to maintain its integrity under normal conditions of transportation. An innovative system, Cyclic Integrated Reversible-bending Fatigue Tester (CIRFT), has been developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to test and evaluate the mechanical behavior of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) under conditions relevant to storage and transportation. The CIRFT system is composed of a U-frame equipped with load cells for imposing the pure bending loads on the SNF rod test specimen and measuring the in-situ curvature of the fuel rod during bending using amore » set up with three linear variable differential transformers (LVDTs).« less

Benchmarking transportation logistics practices for effective system planning

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

Thrower, A.W.; Dravo, A.N.; Keister, M.

2007-07-01

This paper presents preliminary findings of an Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management (OCRWM) benchmarking project to identify best practices for logistics enterprises. The results will help OCRWM's Office of Logistics Management (OLM) design and implement a system to move spent nuclear fuel (SNF) and high-level radioactive waste (HLW) to the Yucca Mountain repository for disposal when that facility is licensed and built. This report suggests topics for additional study. The project team looked at three Federal radioactive material logistics operations that are widely viewed to be successful: (1) the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) in Carlsbad, New Mexico; (2)more » the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program (NNPP); and (3) domestic and foreign research reactor (FRR) SNF acceptance programs. (authors)« less

Spent nuclear fuel project cold vacuum drying facility operations manual

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

IRWIN, J.J.

This document provides the Operations Manual for the Cold Vacuum Drying Facility (CVDF). The Manual was developed in conjunction with HNF-SD-SNF-SAR-002, Safety Analysis Report for the Cold Vacuum Drying Facility, Phase 2, Supporting Installation of Processing Systems (Garvin 1998) and, the HNF-SD-SNF-DRD-002, 1997, Cold Vacuum Drying Facility Design Requirements, Rev. 3a. The Operations Manual contains general descriptions of all the process, safety and facility systems in the CVDF, a general CVD operations sequence, and has been developed for the SNFP Operations Organization and shall be updated, expanded, and revised in accordance with future design, construction and startup phases of themore » CVDF until the CVDF final ORR is approved.« less

Process Evaluation of a Quality Improvement Project to Decrease Hospital Readmissions From Skilled Nursing Facilities.

PubMed

Meehan, Thomas P; Qazi, Daniel J; Van Hoof, Thomas J; Ho, Shih-Yieh; Eckenrode, Sheila; Spenard, Ann; Pandolfi, Michelle; Johnson, Florence; Quetti, Deborah

2015-08-01

To describe and evaluate the impact of quality improvement (QI) support provided to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) by a Quality Improvement Organization (QIO). Retrospective, mixed-method, process evaluation of a QI project intended to decrease preventable hospital readmissions from SNFs. Five SNFs in Connecticut. SNF Administrators, Directors of Nursing, Assistant Directors of Nursing, Admissions Coordinators, Registered Nurses, Certified Nursing Assistants, Receptionists, QIO Quality Improvement Consultant. QIO staff provided training and technical assistance to SNF administrative and clinical staff to establish or enhance QI infrastructure and implement an established set of QI tools [Interventions to Reduce Acute Care Transfers (INTERACT) tools]. Baseline SNF demographic, staffing, and hospital readmission data; baseline and follow-up SNF QI structure (QI Committee), processes (general and use of INTERACT tools), and outcome (30-day all-cause hospital readmission rates); details of QIO-provided training and technical assistance; QIO-perceived barriers to quality improvement; SNF leadership-perceived barriers, accomplishments, and suggestions for improvement of QIO support. Success occurred in establishing QI Committees and targeting preventable hospital readmissions, as well as implementing INTERACT tools in all SNFs; however, hospital readmission rates decreased in only 2 facilities. QIO staff and SNF leaders noted the ongoing challenge of engaging already busy SNF staff and leadership in QI activities. SNF leaders reported that they appreciated the training and technical assistance that their institutions received, although most noted that additional support was needed to bring about improvement in readmission rates. This process evaluation documented mixed clinical results but successfully identified opportunities to improve recruitment of and provision of technical support to participating SNFs. Recommendations are offered for others who wish to conduct similar projects. Copyright © 2015 AMDA – The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine. All rights reserved.

The SWI/SNF Subunit INI1 Contains an N-Terminal Winged Helix DNA Binding Domain that Is a Target for Mutations in Schwannomatosis

PubMed Central

Allen, Mark D.; Freund, Stefan M.V.; Zinzalla, Giovanna; Bycroft, Mark

2015-01-01

Summary SWI/SNF complexes use the energy of ATP hydrolysis to remodel chromatin. In mammals they play a central role in regulating gene expression during differentiation and proliferation. Mutations in SWI/SNF subunits are among the most frequent gene alterations in cancer. The INI1/hSNF5/SMARCB1 subunit is mutated in both malignant rhabdoid tumor, a highly aggressive childhood cancer, and schwannomatosis, a tumor-predisposing syndrome characterized by mostly benign tumors of the CNS. Here, we show that mutations in INI1 that cause schwannomatosis target a hitherto unidentified N-terminal winged helix DNA binding domain that is also present in the BAF45a/PHF10 subunit of the SWI/SNF complex. The domain is structurally related to the SKI/SNO/DAC domain, which is found in a number of metazoan chromatin-associated proteins. PMID:26073604

Genomic resources for identification of the minimal N2 -fixing symbiotic genome.

PubMed

diCenzo, George C; Zamani, Maryam; Milunovic, Branislava; Finan, Turlough M

2016-09-01

The lack of an appropriate genomic platform has precluded the use of gain-of-function approaches to study the rhizobium-legume symbiosis, preventing the establishment of the genes necessary and sufficient for symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) and potentially hindering synthetic biology approaches aimed at engineering this process. Here, we describe the development of an appropriate system by reverse engineering Sinorhizobium meliloti. Using a novel in vivo cloning procedure, the engA-tRNA-rmlC (ETR) region, essential for cell viability and symbiosis, was transferred from Sinorhizobium fredii to the ancestral location on the S. meliloti chromosome, rendering the ETR region on pSymB redundant. A derivative of this strain lacking both the large symbiotic replicons (pSymA and pSymB) was constructed. Transfer of pSymA and pSymB back into this strain restored symbiotic capabilities with alfalfa. To delineate the location of the single-copy genes essential for SNF on these replicons, we screened a S. meliloti deletion library, representing > 95% of the 2900 genes of the symbiotic replicons, for their phenotypes with alfalfa. Only four loci, accounting for < 12% of pSymA and pSymB, were essential for SNF. These regions will serve as our preliminary target of the minimal set of horizontally acquired genes necessary and sufficient for SNF. © 2016 Society for Applied Microbiology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

42 CFR § 512.610 - Waiver of SNF 3-day rule.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2017-10-01

... (CONTINUED) HEALTH CARE INFRASTRUCTURE AND MODEL PROGRAMS EPISODE PAYMENT MODEL Waivers § 512.610 Waiver of... is— (1) Waived for the AMI model; (2) Not waived for the CABG model; and (3) Not waived for the SHFFT model. (b) Waiver of the SNF 3-day rule. For episodes being tested in those EPMs where the SNF 3-day...

SWI/SNF interacts with cleavage and polyadenylation factors and facilitates pre-mRNA 3' end processing.

PubMed

Yu, Simei; Jordán-Pla, Antonio; Gañez-Zapater, Antoni; Jain, Shruti; Rolicka, Anna; Östlund Farrants, Ann-Kristin; Visa, Neus

2018-05-31

SWI/SNF complexes associate with genes and regulate transcription by altering the chromatin at the promoter. It has recently been shown that these complexes play a role in pre-mRNA processing by associating at alternative splice sites. Here, we show that SWI/SNF complexes are involved also in pre-mRNA 3' end maturation by facilitating 3' end cleavage of specific pre-mRNAs. Comparative proteomics show that SWI/SNF ATPases interact physically with subunits of the cleavage and polyadenylation complexes in fly and human cells. In Drosophila melanogaster, the SWI/SNF ATPase Brahma (dBRM) interacts with the CPSF6 subunit of cleavage factor I. We have investigated the function of dBRM in 3' end formation in S2 cells by RNA interference, single-gene analysis and RNA sequencing. Our data show that dBRM facilitates pre-mRNA cleavage in two different ways: by promoting the association of CPSF6 to the cleavage region and by stabilizing positioned nucleosomes downstream of the cleavage site. These findings show that SWI/SNF complexes play a role also in the cleavage of specific pre-mRNAs in animal cells.

Prevalence of sorbitol non-fermenting Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in Black Bengal goats on smallholdings.

PubMed

Das Gupta, M; Das, A; Islam, M Z; Biswas, P K

2016-09-01

A cross-sectional survey was carried out in Bangladesh with the sampling of 514 Black Bengal goats on smallholdings to determine the presence of sorbitol non-fermenting (SNF) Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). Swab samples collected from the recto-anal junction were plated onto cefixime and potassium tellurite added sorbitol MacConkey (CT-SMAC) agar, a selective medium for STEC O157 serogroup, where this serogroup and other SNF STEC produce colourless colonies. The SNF E. coli (SNF EC) isolates obtained from the survey were investigated by PCR for the presence of Shiga toxin-producing genes, stx1 and stx2, and two other virulence genes, eae and hlyA that code for adherence factor (intimin protein) and pore-forming cytolysin, respectively. The SNF EC isolates were also assessed for the presence of the rfbO157 gene to verify their identity to O157 serogroup. The results revealed that the proportions of goats carrying SNF EC isolates and stx1 and stx2 genes were 6·2% (32/514) [95% confidence interval (CI) 4·4-8·7)], 1·2% (95% CI 0·5-2·6) and 1·2% (95% CI 0·5-2·6), respectively. All the SNF STEC tested negative for rfbO157, hlyA and eae genes. The risk for transmission of STEC from Black Bengal goats to humans is low.

A global outer-rise/outer-trench-slope (OR/OTS) earthquake study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wartman, J. M.; Kita, S.; Kirby, S. H.; Choy, G. L.

2009-12-01

Using improved seismic, bathymetric, satellite gravity and other geophysical data, we investigated the seismicity patterns and focal mechanisms of earthquakes in oceanic lithosphere off the trenches of the world that are large enough to be well recorded at teleseismic distances. A number of prominent trends are apparent, some of which have been previously recognized based on more limited data [1], and some of which are largely new [2-5]: (1) The largest events and the highest seismicity rates tend to occur where Mesozoic incoming plates are subducting at high rates (e.g., those in the western Pacific and the Banda segment of Indonesia). The largest events are predominantly shallow normal faulting (SNF) earthquakes. Less common are reverse-faulting (RF) events that tend to be deeper and to be present along with SNF events where nearby seamounts, seamount chains and other volcanic features are subducting [Seno and Yamanaka, 1996]. Blooms of SNF OR/OTS events usually occur just after and seaward of great interplate thrust (IPT) earthquakes but are far less common after smaller IPT events. (2) Plates subducting at slow rates (<20 mm/a) often show sparse OR/OTS seismicity. It is unclear if such low activity is a long-term feature of these systems or is a consequence of the long return times of great IPT earthquakes (e.g., the sparse OR/OTS seismicity before the 26 December 2004 M9.2 Sumatra earthquake and many subsequent OR/OTS events). (3) OR/OTS shocks are generally sparse or absent where incoming plates are very young (<20 Ma) (e.g., Cascadia, southern Mexico, Nankai, and South Shetlands). (4) Subducting plates of intermediate age (20 to about 65 Ma) display a diversity of focal mechanisms and seismicity patterns. In the Philippines, NE Indonesia, and Melanesia, bands of reverse faulting events occur at or near the trench and SNF earthquakes are restricted to OR/OTS sites further from the trench. (5) Clustering of OR/OTS events of all types commonly occurs where seamount chains, volcanic ridges, or volcanic plateaus enter OR/OTS regions (e.g., the Louisville Ridge in Tonga, the Juan Fernandez Ridge in Chile, the Ninety East Ridge in Sumatra, and the D’Entrecastaux Ridge in Vanuatu).

An innovative way of thinking nuclear waste management - Neutron physics of a reactor directly operating on SNF.

PubMed

Merk, Bruno; Litskevich, Dzianis; Bankhead, Mark; Taylor, Richard J

2017-01-01

A solution for the nuclear waste problem is the key challenge for an extensive use of nuclear reactors as a major carbon free, sustainable, and applied highly reliable energy source. Partitioning and Transmutation (P&T) promises a solution for improved waste management. Current strategies rely on systems designed in the 60's for the massive production of plutonium. We propose an innovative strategic development plan based on invention and innovation described with the concept of developments in s-curves identifying the current boundary conditions, and the evolvable objectives. This leads to the ultimate, universal vision for energy production characterized by minimal use of resources and production of waste, while being economically affordable and safe, secure and reliable in operation. This vision is transformed into a mission for a disruptive development of the future nuclear energy system operated by burning of existing spent nuclear fuel (SNF) without prior reprocessing. This highly innovative approach fulfils the sustainability goals and creates new options for P&T. A proof on the feasibility from neutronic point of view is given demonstrating sufficient breeding of fissile material from the inserted SNF. The system does neither require new resources nor produce additional waste, thus it provides a highly sustainable option for a future nuclear system fulfilling the requests of P&T as side effect. In addition, this nuclear system provides enhanced resistance against misuse of Pu and a significantly reduced fuel cycle. However, the new system requires a demand driven rethinking of the separation process to be efficient.

An innovative way of thinking nuclear waste management – Neutron physics of a reactor directly operating on SNF

PubMed Central

Litskevich, Dzianis; Bankhead, Mark; Taylor, Richard J.

2017-01-01

A solution for the nuclear waste problem is the key challenge for an extensive use of nuclear reactors as a major carbon free, sustainable, and applied highly reliable energy source. Partitioning and Transmutation (P&T) promises a solution for improved waste management. Current strategies rely on systems designed in the 60’s for the massive production of plutonium. We propose an innovative strategic development plan based on invention and innovation described with the concept of developments in s-curves identifying the current boundary conditions, and the evolvable objectives. This leads to the ultimate, universal vision for energy production characterized by minimal use of resources and production of waste, while being economically affordable and safe, secure and reliable in operation. This vision is transformed into a mission for a disruptive development of the future nuclear energy system operated by burning of existing spent nuclear fuel (SNF) without prior reprocessing. This highly innovative approach fulfils the sustainability goals and creates new options for P&T. A proof on the feasibility from neutronic point of view is given demonstrating sufficient breeding of fissile material from the inserted SNF. The system does neither require new resources nor produce additional waste, thus it provides a highly sustainable option for a future nuclear system fulfilling the requests of P&T as side effect. In addition, this nuclear system provides enhanced resistance against misuse of Pu and a significantly reduced fuel cycle. However, the new system requires a demand driven rethinking of the separation process to be efficient. PMID:28749952

The AMPK-related kinase SNARK regulates muscle mass and myocyte survival

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The maintenance of skeletal muscle mass is critical for sustaining health; however, the mechanisms responsible for muscle loss with aging and chronic diseases, such as diabetes and obesity, are poorly understood. We found that expression of a member of the AMPK-related kinase family, the SNF1-AMPK-r...

Concrete Materials with Ultra-High Damage Resistance and Self- Sensing Capacity for Extended Nuclear Fuel Storage Systems

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

Li, Mo; Nakshatrala, Kalyana; William, Kasper

The objective of this project is to develop a new class of multifunctional concrete materials (MSCs) for extended spent nuclear fuel (SNF) storage systems, which combine ultra-high damage resistance through strain-hardening behavior with distributed multi-dimensional damage self-sensing capacity. The beauty of multifunctional concrete materials is two-fold: First, it serves as a major material component for the SNF pool, dry cask shielding and foundation pad with greatly improved resistance to cracking, reinforcement corrosion, and other common deterioration mechanisms under service conditions, and prevention from fracture failure under extreme events (e.g. impact, earthquake). This will be achieved by designing multiple levels ofmore » protection mechanisms into the material (i.e., ultrahigh ductility that provides thousands of times greater fracture energy than concrete and normal fiber reinforced concrete; intrinsic cracking control, electrochemical properties modification, reduced chemical and radionuclide transport properties, and crack-healing properties). Second, it offers capacity for distributed and direct sensing of cracking, strain, and corrosion wherever the material is located. This will be achieved by establishing the changes in electrical properties due to mechanical and electrochemical stimulus. The project will combine nano-, micro- and composite technologies, computational mechanics, durability characterization, and structural health monitoring methods, to realize new MSCs for very long-term (greater than 120 years) SNF storage systems.« less

SNF5 Mutation Leads to Intractable Pain in Schwannomatosis Patients

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-07-01

AD_________________ Award Number: W81XWH-11-1-0143 TITLE: SNF5 mutation leads to intractable pain in schwannomatosis patients...DATES COVERED 15-June-2011 to 14-June-2012 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE SNF5 mutation leads to intractable pain in schwannomatosis patients 5a. CONTRACT...6 Introduction. Schwannomatosis does not affect longevity but it has profound effects on the patient’s quality of

Utilization of acute care among patients with ESRD discharged home from skilled nursing facilities.

PubMed

Hall, Rasheeda K; Toles, Mark; Massing, Mark; Jackson, Eric; Peacock-Hinton, Sharon; O'Hare, Ann M; Colón-Emeric, Cathleen

2015-03-06

Older adults with ESRD often receive care in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) after an acute hospitalization; however, little is known about acute care use after SNF discharge to home. This study used Medicare claims for North and South Carolina to identify patients with ESRD who were discharged home from a SNF between January 1, 2010 and August 31, 2011. Nursing Home Compare data were used to ascertain SNF characteristics. The primary outcome was time from SNF discharge to first acute care use (hospitalization or emergency department visit) within 30 days. Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify patient and facility characteristics associated with the outcome. Among 1223 patients with ESRD discharged home from a SNF after an acute hospitalization, 531 (43%) had at least one rehospitalization or emergency department visit within 30 days. The median time to first acute care use was 37 days. Characteristics associated with a shorter time to acute care use were black race (hazard ratio [HR], 1.25; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.04 to 1.51), dual Medicare-Medicaid coverage (HR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.50), higher Charlson comorbidity score (HR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.12), number of hospitalizations during the 90 days before SNF admission (HR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.22), and index hospital discharge diagnoses of cellulitis, abscess, and/or skin ulcer (HR, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.36 to 4.45). Home health use after SNF discharge was associated with a lower rate of acute care use (HR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.59 to 0.87). There were no statistically significant associations between SNF characteristics and time to first acute care use. Almost one in every two older adults with ESRD discharged home after a post-acute SNF stay used acute care services within 30 days of discharge. Strategies to reduce acute care utilization in these patients are needed. Copyright © 2015 by the American Society of Nephrology.

75 FR 55801 - Medicare Program; Prospective Payment System and Consolidated Billing for Skilled Nursing...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-14

... 0938-AP87 Medicare Program; Prospective Payment System and Consolidated Billing for Skilled Nursing... Payment System and Consolidated Billing for Skilled Nursing Facilities for FY 2011.'' DATES: Effective... illustrate the skilled nursing facility (SNF) prospective payment system (PPS) payment rate computations for...

A Nucleotide-Driven Switch Regulates Flanking DNA Length Sensing by a Dimeric Chromatin Remodeler

PubMed Central

Leonard, John D.; Narlikar, Geeta J.

2015-01-01

SUMMARY The ATP-dependent chromatin assembly factor (ACF) is a dimeric motor that spaces nucleosomes to promote formation of silent chromatin. Two copies of its ATPase subunit SNF2h bind opposite sides of a nucleosome, but how these protomers avoid competition is unknown. SNF2h senses the length of DNA flanking a nucleosome via its HAND-SANT-SLIDE (HSS) domain, yet it is unclear how this interaction enhances remodeling. Using covalently connected SNF2h dimers we show that dimerization accelerates remodeling and that the HSS contributes to communication between protomers. We further identify a nucleotide-dependent conformational change in SNF2h. In one conformation the HSS binds flanking DNA, and in another conformation the HSS engages the nucleosome core. Based on these results, we propose a model in which DNA length sensing and translocation are performed by two distinct conformational states of SNF2h. Such separation of function suggests that these activities could be independently regulated to affect remodeling outcomes. PMID:25684208

Formation of a Snf1-Mec1-Atg1 Module on Mitochondria Governs Energy Deprivation-Induced Autophagy by Regulating Mitochondrial Respiration.

PubMed

Yi, Cong; Tong, Jingjing; Lu, Puzhong; Wang, Yizheng; Zhang, Jinxie; Sun, Chen; Yuan, Kangning; Xue, Renyu; Zou, Bing; Li, Nianzhong; Xiao, Shuhua; Dai, Chong; Huang, Yuwei; Xu, Liling; Li, Lin; Chen, She; Miao, Di; Deng, Haiteng; Li, Hongliang; Yu, Li

2017-04-10

Autophagy is essential for maintaining glucose homeostasis, but the mechanism by which energy deprivation activates autophagy is not fully understood. We show that Mec1/ATR, a member of the DNA damage response pathway, is essential for glucose starvation-induced autophagy. Mec1, Atg13, Atg1, and the energy-sensing kinase Snf1 are recruited to mitochondria shortly after glucose starvation. Mec1 is recruited through the adaptor protein Ggc1. Snf1 phosphorylates Mec1 on the mitochondrial surface, leading to recruitment of Atg1 to mitochondria. Furthermore, the Snf1-mediated Mec1 phosphorylation and mitochondrial recruitment of Atg1 are essential for maintaining mitochondrial respiration during glucose starvation, and active mitochondrial respiration is required for energy deprivation-activated autophagy. Thus, formation of a Snf1-Mec1-Atg1 module on mitochondria governs energy deprivation-induced autophagy by regulating mitochondrial respiration. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The SWI/SNF Subunit INI1 Contains an N-Terminal Winged Helix DNA Binding Domain that Is a Target for Mutations in Schwannomatosis.

PubMed

Allen, Mark D; Freund, Stefan M V; Zinzalla, Giovanna; Bycroft, Mark

2015-07-07

SWI/SNF complexes use the energy of ATP hydrolysis to remodel chromatin. In mammals they play a central role in regulating gene expression during differentiation and proliferation. Mutations in SWI/SNF subunits are among the most frequent gene alterations in cancer. The INI1/hSNF5/SMARCB1 subunit is mutated in both malignant rhabdoid tumor, a highly aggressive childhood cancer, and schwannomatosis, a tumor-predisposing syndrome characterized by mostly benign tumors of the CNS. Here, we show that mutations in INI1 that cause schwannomatosis target a hitherto unidentified N-terminal winged helix DNA binding domain that is also present in the BAF45a/PHF10 subunit of the SWI/SNF complex. The domain is structurally related to the SKI/SNO/DAC domain, which is found in a number of metazoan chromatin-associated proteins. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

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

Li, Mo; Nakshatrala, Kalyana; William, Kasper

The objective of this project is to develop a new class of multifunctional concrete materials (MSCs) for extended spent nuclear fuel (SNF) storage systems, which combine ultra-high damage resistance through strain-hardening behavior with distributed multi-dimensional damage self-sensing capacity. The beauty of multifunctional concrete materials is two-fold: First, it serves as a major material component for the SNF pool, dry cask shielding and foundation pad with greatly improved resistance to cracking, reinforcement corrosion, and other common deterioration mechanisms under service conditions, and prevention from fracture failure under extreme events (e.g. impact, earthquake). This will be achieved by designing multiple levels ofmore » protection mechanisms into the material (i.e., ultrahigh ductility that provides thousands of times greater fracture energy than concrete and normal fiber reinforced concrete; intrinsic cracking control, electrochemical properties modification, reduced chemical and radionuclide transport properties, and crack-healing properties). Second, it offers capacity for distributed and direct sensing of cracking, strain, and corrosion wherever the material is located. This will be achieved by establishing the changes in electrical properties due to mechanical and electrochemical stimulus. The project will combine nano-, micro- and composite technologies, computational mechanics, durability characterization, and structural health monitoring methods, to realize new MSCs for very long-term (greater than 120 years) SNF storage systems.« less

Incidental (malignancy) and coincidental (idiopathic polydactylous longitudinal erythronychia) conditions in patients with segmental neurofibromatosis.

PubMed

Cohen, Philip R

2013-04-01

Segmental neurofibromatosis (SNF) is an uncommon presentation of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1). Although patients with SNF are at a lower risk for developing NF-l-associated complications, the estimated occurrence of related malignancies may be approaching the frequency observed in patients with NF-1. Idiopathic polydactylous longitudinal erythronychia also may be associated with SNF, though the frequency of this association remains to be determined.

Transcriptome analysis of two recombinant inbred lines of common bean contrasting for symbiotic nitrogen fixation

PubMed Central

Kamfwa, Kelvin; Zhao, Dongyan; Kelly, James D.

2017-01-01

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) fixes atmospheric nitrogen (N2) through symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) at levels lower than other grain legume crops. An understanding of the genes and molecular mechanisms underlying SNF will enable more effective strategies for the genetic improvement of SNF traits in common bean. In this study, transcriptome profiling was used to identify genes and molecular mechanisms underlying SNF differences between two common bean recombinant inbred lines that differed in their N-fixing abilities. Differential gene expression and functional enrichment analyses were performed on leaves, nodules and roots of the two lines when grown under N-fixing and non-fixing conditions. Receptor kinases, transmembrane transporters, and transcription factors were among the differentially expressed genes identified under N-fixing conditions, but not under non-fixing conditions. Genes up-regulated in the stronger nitrogen fixer, SA36, included those involved in molecular functions such as purine nucleoside binding, oxidoreductase and transmembrane receptor activities in nodules, and transport activity in roots. Transcription factors identified in this study are candidates for future work aimed at understanding the functional role of these genes in SNF. Information generated in this study will support the development of gene-based markers to accelerate genetic improvement of SNF in common bean. PMID:28192540

Intensified rehabilitation therapy and transitions to skilled nursing facilities in community-living seniors with acute medical illnesses.

PubMed

Yoo, Ji Won; Kim, Sulgi; Choi, Jai Hyun; Ryu, Woo Sang

2013-07-01

To examine whether rehabilitation therapy type would be associated with transitions to skilled nursing facilities (SNF) in community-living seniors with acute medical illnesses. Using administrative and clinical data, multivariate regression analysis examined the relationship between the extent of rehabilitation therapy and transitions to SNF in all participants, as well as participants by physical function at admission. In all participants (n=929), the intensified rehabilitation therapy was associated with a lower probability of transitions to SNF (14% vs 21%; odds ratio [OR] 0.59; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.22-0.96; P=0.02). In participants with mild physical limitations (n=270), less frequent transitions to SNF occurred when patients received intensified rehabilitation therapy [16% vs 23%; OR 0.46; 95% CI 0.17-0.94; P=0.01]. In participants with moderate to severe physical limitations (n=265), the decreased frequency of transitions to SNF associated with rehabilitation therapy became more pronounced (18% vs 28%; OR 0.34; 95% CI 0.07-0.89; P=0.004). By contrast, in participants without physical limitation (n=394), the number of transitions to SNF did not change significantly when they received intensified rehabilitation therapy (P=0.53). We found a significant relationship between intensified rehabilitation therapy and the decrease of transitions to SNF in community-living seniors with acute medical illness. The magnitude of this relationship increased in participants with more physical limitations, but not in participants without physical limitations at admission. © 2012 Japan Geriatrics Society.

A novel signal transduction pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae defined by Snf3-regulated expression of HXT6.

PubMed Central

Liang, H; Gaber, R F

1996-01-01

We show that cells deleted for SNF3, HXT1, HXT2, HXT3, HXT4, HXT6, and HXT7 do not take up glucose and cannot grow on media containing glucose as a sole carbon source. The expression of Hxt1, Hxt2, Hxt3, Hxt6, or Gal2 in these cells resulted in glucose transport and allowed growth on glucose media. In contrast, the expression of Snf3 failed to confer glucose uptake or growth on glucose. HXT6 is highly expressed on raffinose, low glucose, or nonfermentable carbon sources but is repressed in the presence of high concentrations of glucose. The maintenance of HXT6 glucose repression is strictly dependent on Snf3 and not on intracellular glucose. In snf3 delta cells expression of HXT6 is constitutive even when the entire repertoire of HXT genes is present and glucose uptake is abundant. In addition, glucose repression of HXT6 does not require glucose uptake by HXT1, HXT2, HXT3 or HXT4. We show that a signal transduction pathway defined by the Snf3-dependent hexose regulation of HXT6 is distinct from but also overlaps with general glucose regulation pathways in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Finally, glucose repression of ADH2 and SUC2 is intact in snf3 delta hxt1 delta hxt2 delta hxt3 delta hxt4 delta hxt6 delta hxt7 delta gal2 cells, suggesting that the sensing and signaling mechanism for general glucose repression is independent from glucose uptake. Images PMID:8970157

PAS kinase is activated by direct SNF1-dependent phosphorylation and mediates inhibition of TORC1 through the phosphorylation and activation of Pbp1.

PubMed

DeMille, Desiree; Badal, Bryan D; Evans, J Brady; Mathis, Andrew D; Anderson, Joseph F; Grose, Julianne H

2015-02-01

We describe the interplay between three sensory protein kinases in yeast: AMP-regulated kinase (AMPK, or SNF1 in yeast), PAS kinase 1 (Psk1 in yeast), and the target of rapamycin complex 1 (TORC1). This signaling cascade occurs through the SNF1-dependent phosphorylation and activation of Psk1, which phosphorylates and activates poly(A)- binding protein binding protein 1 (Pbp1), which then inhibits TORC1 through sequestration at stress granules. The SNF1-dependent phosphorylation of Psk1 appears to be direct, in that Snf1 is necessary and sufficient for Psk1 activation by alternate carbon sources, is required for altered Psk1 protein mobility, is able to phosphorylate Psk1 in vitro, and binds Psk1 via its substrate-targeting subunit Gal83. Evidence for the direct phosphorylation and activation of Pbp1 by Psk1 is also provided by in vitro and in vivo kinase assays, including the reduction of Pbp1 localization at distinct cytoplasmic foci and subsequent rescue of TORC1 inhibition in PAS kinase-deficient yeast. In support of this signaling cascade, Snf1-deficient cells display increased TORC1 activity, whereas cells containing hyperactive Snf1 display a PAS kinase-dependent decrease in TORC1 activity. This interplay between yeast SNF1, Psk1, and TORC1 allows for proper glucose allocation during nutrient depletion, reducing cell growth and proliferation when energy is low. © 2015 DeMille et al. This article is distributed by The American Society for Cell Biology under license from the author(s). Two months after publication it is available to the public under an Attribution–Noncommercial–Share Alike 3.0 Unported Creative Commons License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0).

A Cluster of Group A Streptococcal Infections in a Skilled Nursing Facility-the Potential Role of Healthcare Worker Presenteeism.

PubMed

Kobayashi, Miwako; Lyman, Meghan M; Francois Watkins, Louise K; Toews, Karrie-Ann; Bullard, Leon; Radcliffe, Rachel A; Beall, Bernard; Langley, Gayle; Beneden, Chris Van; Stone, Nimalie D

2016-12-01

To determine the extent of a group A streptococcus (GAS) cluster (2 residents with invasive GAS (invasive case-patients), 2 carriers) caused by a single strain (T antigen type 2 and M protein gene subtype 2.0 (T2, emm 2.0)), evaluate factors contributing to transmission, and provide recommendations for disease control. Cross-sectional analysis and retrospective review. Skilled nursing facility (SNF). SNF residents and staff. The initial cluster was identified through laboratory notification and screening of SNF residents with wounds. Laboratory and SNF administrative records were subsequently reviewed to identify additional residents with GAS, oropharyngeal and wound (if present) swabs were collected from SNF staff and residents to examine GAS colonization, staff were surveyed to assess infection control practices and risk factors for GAS colonization, epidemiologic links between case-patients and persons colonized with GAS were determined, and facility infection control practices were assessed. No additional invasive case-patients were identified. Oropharyngeal swabs obtained from all 167 SNF residents were negative; one wound swab grew GAS that was the same as the outbreak strain (T2, emm 2.0). The outbreak strain was not identified in any of the 162 staff members. One of six staff members diagnosed with GAS pharyngitis worked while ill and had direct contact with invasive case-patients within a few weeks before their onset of symptoms. Additional minor breaches in infection control were noted. Sick healthcare workers may have introduced GAS into the SNF, with propagation by infection control lapses. "Presenteeism," or working while ill, may introduce and transmit GAS to vulnerable in SNF populations. Identification of an invasive GAS case-patient should trigger a prompt response by facilities to prevent further transmission and workplace culture, and policies should be in place to discourage presenteeism in healthcare settings. © 2016, Copyright the Authors Journal compilation © 2016, The American Geriatrics Society.

The effects of a Pilates-based exercise rehabilitation program on functional outcome and fall risk reduction in an aging adult status-post traumatic hip fracture due to a fall.

PubMed

Stivala, Adam; Hartley, Greg

2014-01-01

Currently, little information describing the relationship of Pilates-based strength and stability exercises with fall risk in the geriatric population exists. The purpose of this report was to examine the impact of a Pilates-based rehabilitation (PBR) program on reducing fall risk in an aging adult status postfall with resulting hip fracture and open reduction and internal fixation. The patient was an 84-year-old woman admitted to a skilled nursing facility (SNF) after a right hip fracture resulting from a fall at home. The patient's relevant medical history included frequent falls due to loss of balance, a previous left hip fracture with resultant arthroplasty, and a stroke roughly 20 years prior. The patient received physical therapy and occupational therapy 6 days per week for 26 days in an SNF. The physical therapy intervention consisted of gait and transfer training, neuromuscular reeducation, and an adjunct of specialized PBR exercises for the following impairments: decreased core strength and awareness and poor dynamic stabilization during functional activities. The patient demonstrated increases in lower extremity strength and active range of motion, ambulation distance and speed, and transfer ability. The patient was able to return home and live with her husband while requiring only incidental assistance with activities of daily living. She was able to independently ambulate around her home with her rolling walker. Her fall risk was also reduced from initial evaluation based on several fall risk assessments, including the Four Square Step Test, the Berg Balance Scale, and the Timed Up and Go. This case illustrates the benefit of integrating PBR exercises into a standard SNF rehabilitation program, which may contribute to decreased fall risk.

Wongabel rhabdovirus accessory protein U3 targets the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex.

PubMed

Joubert, D Albert; Rodriguez-Andres, Julio; Monaghan, Paul; Cummins, Michelle; McKinstry, William J; Paradkar, Prasad N; Moseley, Gregory W; Walker, Peter J

2015-01-15

Wongabel virus (WONV) is an arthropod-borne rhabdovirus that infects birds. It is one of the growing array of rhabdoviruses with complex genomes that encode multiple accessory proteins of unknown function. In addition to the five canonical rhabdovirus structural protein genes (N, P, M, G, and L), the 13.2-kb negative-sense single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) WONV genome contains five uncharacterized accessory genes, one overlapping the N gene (Nx or U4), three located between the P and M genes (U1 to U3), and a fifth one overlapping the G gene (Gx or U5). Here we show that WONV U3 is expressed during infection in insect and mammalian cells and is required for efficient viral replication. A yeast two-hybrid screen against a mosquito cell cDNA library identified that WONV U3 interacts with the 83-amino-acid (aa) C-terminal domain of SNF5, a component of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex. The interaction was confirmed by affinity chromatography, and nuclear colocalization was established by confocal microscopy. Gene expression studies showed that SNF5 transcripts are upregulated during infection of mosquito cells with WONV, as well as West Nile virus (Flaviviridae) and bovine ephemeral fever virus (Rhabdoviridae), and that SNF5 knockdown results in increased WONV replication. WONV U3 also inhibits SNF5-regulated expression of the cytokine gene CSF1. The data suggest that WONV U3 targets the SWI/SNF complex to block the host response to infection. The rhabdoviruses comprise a large family of RNA viruses infecting plants, vertebrates, and invertebrates. In addition to the major structural proteins (N, P, M, G, and L), many rhabdoviruses encode a diverse array of accessory proteins of largely unknown function. Understanding the role of these proteins may reveal much about host-pathogen interactions in infected cells. Here we examine accessory protein U3 of Wongabel virus, an arthropod-borne rhabdovirus that infects birds. We show that U3 enters the nucleus and interacts with SNF5, a component of the chromatin remodeling complex that is upregulated in response to infection and restricts viral replication. We also show that U3 inhibits SNF5-regulated expression of the cytokine colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF1), suggesting that it targets the chromatin remodeling complex to block the host response to infection. This study appears to provide the first evidence of a virus targeting SNF5 to inhibit host gene expression. Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Wongabel Rhabdovirus Accessory Protein U3 Targets the SWI/SNF Chromatin Remodeling Complex

PubMed Central

Joubert, D. Albert; Rodriguez-Andres, Julio; Monaghan, Paul; Cummins, Michelle; McKinstry, William J.; Paradkar, Prasad N.; Moseley, Gregory W.

2014-01-01

ABSTRACT Wongabel virus (WONV) is an arthropod-borne rhabdovirus that infects birds. It is one of the growing array of rhabdoviruses with complex genomes that encode multiple accessory proteins of unknown function. In addition to the five canonical rhabdovirus structural protein genes (N, P, M, G, and L), the 13.2-kb negative-sense single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) WONV genome contains five uncharacterized accessory genes, one overlapping the N gene (Nx or U4), three located between the P and M genes (U1 to U3), and a fifth one overlapping the G gene (Gx or U5). Here we show that WONV U3 is expressed during infection in insect and mammalian cells and is required for efficient viral replication. A yeast two-hybrid screen against a mosquito cell cDNA library identified that WONV U3 interacts with the 83-amino-acid (aa) C-terminal domain of SNF5, a component of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex. The interaction was confirmed by affinity chromatography, and nuclear colocalization was established by confocal microscopy. Gene expression studies showed that SNF5 transcripts are upregulated during infection of mosquito cells with WONV, as well as West Nile virus (Flaviviridae) and bovine ephemeral fever virus (Rhabdoviridae), and that SNF5 knockdown results in increased WONV replication. WONV U3 also inhibits SNF5-regulated expression of the cytokine gene CSF1. The data suggest that WONV U3 targets the SWI/SNF complex to block the host response to infection. IMPORTANCE The rhabdoviruses comprise a large family of RNA viruses infecting plants, vertebrates, and invertebrates. In addition to the major structural proteins (N, P, M, G, and L), many rhabdoviruses encode a diverse array of accessory proteins of largely unknown function. Understanding the role of these proteins may reveal much about host-pathogen interactions in infected cells. Here we examine accessory protein U3 of Wongabel virus, an arthropod-borne rhabdovirus that infects birds. We show that U3 enters the nucleus and interacts with SNF5, a component of the chromatin remodeling complex that is upregulated in response to infection and restricts viral replication. We also show that U3 inhibits SNF5-regulated expression of the cytokine colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF1), suggesting that it targets the chromatin remodeling complex to block the host response to infection. This study appears to provide the first evidence of a virus targeting SNF5 to inhibit host gene expression. PMID:25392228

Analysis of Transportation Options for Commercial Spent Fuel in the U.S.

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

Kalinina, Elena; Busch, Ingrid Karin

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is laying the groundwork for implementing interim storage The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is laying the groundwork for implementing interim storage The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is laying the groundwork for implementing interim storage The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is laying the groundwork for implementing interim storage The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is laying the groundwork for implementing interim storage The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is laying the groundwork for implementing interim storage The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is laying the groundwork for implementing interim storage The U.S.more » Department of Energy (DOE) is laying the groundwork for implementing interim storage The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is laying the groundwork for implementing interim storage The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is laying the groundwork for implementing interim storage The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is laying the groundwork for implementing interim storage The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is laying the groundwork for implementing interim storage The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is laying the groundwork for implementing interim storage The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is laying the groundwork for implementing interim storage The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is laying the groundwork for implementing interim storage The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is laying the groundwork for implementing interim storage The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is laying the groundwork for implementing interim storage The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is laying the groundwork for implementing interim storage The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is laying the groundwork for implementing interim storage The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is laying the groundwork for implementing interim storage The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is laying the groundwork for implementing interim storage The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is laying the groundwork for implementing interim storage The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is laying the groundwork for implementing interim storage The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is laying the groundwork for implementing interim storage The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is laying the groundwork for implementing interim storage The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is laying the groundwork for implementing interim storage The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is laying the groundwork for implementing interim storage The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is laying the groundwork for implementing interim storage The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is laying the groundwork for implementing interim storage The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is laying the groundwork for implementing interim storage The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is laying the groundwork for implementing interim storage The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is laying the groundwork for implementing interim storage The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is laying the groundwork for implementing interim storage The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is laying the groundwork for implementing interim storage The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is laying the groundwork for implementing interim storage The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is laying the groundwork for implementing interim storage The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is laying the groundwork for implementing interim storage The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is laying the groundwork for implementing interim storage The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is laying the groundwork for implementing interim storage The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is laying the groundwork for implementing interim storage The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is laying the groundwork for implementing interim storage and associated transportation of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) highand associated transportation of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) and high and associated transportation of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) highand associated transportation of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) and high and associated transportation of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) highand associated transportation of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) and highand associated transportation of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) and high and associated transportation of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) high and associated transportation of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) high and associated transportation of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) high and associated transportation of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) high and associated transportation of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) high and associated transportation of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) high and associated transportation of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) highand associated transportation of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) and high and associated transportation of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) high and associated transportation of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) highand associated transportation of spent nuclear fuel (SNF)...« less

Spent Nuclear Fuel Alternative Technology Decision Analysis

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

Shedrow, C.B.

1999-11-29

The Westinghouse Savannah River Company (WSRC) made a FY98 commitment to the Department of Energy (DOE) to recommend a technology for the disposal of aluminum-based spent nuclear fuel (SNF) at the Savannah River Site (SRS). The two technologies being considered, direct co-disposal and melt and dilute, had been previously selected from a group of eleven potential SNF management technologies by the Research Reactor Spent Nuclear Fuel Task Team chartered by the DOE''s Office of Spent Fuel Management. To meet this commitment, WSRC organized the SNF Alternative Technology Program to further develop the direct co-disposal and melt and dilute technologies andmore » ultimately provide a WSRC recommendation to DOE on a preferred SNF alternative management technology.« less

Waste Package Component Design Methodology Report

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

D.C. Mecham

2004-07-12

This Executive Summary provides an overview of the methodology being used by the Yucca Mountain Project (YMP) to design waste packages and ancillary components. This summary information is intended for readers with general interest, but also provides technical readers a general framework surrounding a variety of technical details provided in the main body of the report. The purpose of this report is to document and ensure appropriate design methods are used in the design of waste packages and ancillary components (the drip shields and emplacement pallets). The methodology includes identification of necessary design inputs, justification of design assumptions, and usemore » of appropriate analysis methods, and computational tools. This design work is subject to ''Quality Assurance Requirements and Description''. The document is primarily intended for internal use and technical guidance for a variety of design activities. It is recognized that a wide audience including project management, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and others are interested to various levels of detail in the design methods and therefore covers a wide range of topics at varying levels of detail. Due to the preliminary nature of the design, readers can expect to encounter varied levels of detail in the body of the report. It is expected that technical information used as input to design documents will be verified and taken from the latest versions of reference sources given herein. This revision of the methodology report has evolved with changes in the waste package, drip shield, and emplacement pallet designs over many years and may be further revised as the design is finalized. Different components and analyses are at different stages of development. Some parts of the report are detailed, while other less detailed parts are likely to undergo further refinement. The design methodology is intended to provide designs that satisfy the safety and operational requirements of the YMP. Four waste package configurations have been selected to illustrate the application of the methodology during the licensing process. These four configurations are the 21-pressurized water reactor absorber plate waste package (21-PWRAP), the 44-boiling water reactor waste package (44-BWR), the 5 defense high-level radioactive waste (HLW) DOE spent nuclear fuel (SNF) codisposal short waste package (5-DHLWDOE SNF Short), and the naval canistered SNF long waste package (Naval SNF Long). Design work for the other six waste packages will be completed at a later date using the same design methodology. These include the 24-boiling water reactor waste package (24-BWR), the 21-pressurized water reactor control rod waste package (21-PWRCR), the 12-pressurized water reactor waste package (12-PWR), the 5 defense HLW DOE SNF codisposal long waste package (5-DHLWDOE SNF Long), the 2 defense HLW DOE SNF codisposal waste package (2-MC012-DHLW), and the naval canistered SNF short waste package (Naval SNF Short). This report is only part of the complete design description. Other reports related to the design include the design reports, the waste package system description documents, manufacturing specifications, and numerous documents for the many detailed calculations. The relationships between this report and other design documents are shown in Figure 1.« less

Stannous Fluoride Effects on Gene Expression of Streptococcus mutans and Actinomyces viscosus.

PubMed

Shi, Y; Li, R; White, D J; Biesbrock, A R

2018-02-01

A genome-wide transcriptional analysis was performed to elucidate the bacterial cellular response of Streptococcus mutans and Actinomyces viscosus to NaF and SnF 2 . The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of SnF 2 were predetermined before microarray study. Gene expression profiling microarray experiments were carried out in the absence (control) and presence (experimental) of 10 ppm and 100 ppm Sn 2+ (in the form of SnF 2 ) and fluoride controls for 10-min exposures (4 biological replicates/treatment). These Sn 2+ levels and treatment time were chosen because they have been shown to slow bacterial growth of S. mutans (10 ppm) and A. viscosus (100 ppm) without affecting cell viability. All data generated by microarray experiments were analyzed with bioinformatics tools by applying the following criteria: 1) a q value should be ≤0.05, and 2) an absolute fold change in transcript level should be ≥1.5. Microarray results showed SnF 2 significantly inhibited several genes encoding enzymes of the galactose pathway upon a 10-min exposure versus a negative control: lacA and lacB (A and B subunits of the galactose-6-P isomerase), lacC (tagatose-6-P kinase), lacD (tagatose-1,6-bP adolase), galK (galactokinase), galT (galactose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase), and galE (UDP-glucose 4-epimerase). A gene fruK encoding fructose-1-phosphate kinase in the fructose pathway was also significantly inhibited. Several genes encoding fructose/mannose-specific enzyme IIABC components in the phosphotransferase system (PTS) were also downregulated, as was ldh encoding lactate dehydrogenase, a key enzyme involved in lactic acid synthesis. SnF 2 downregulated the transcription of most key enzyme genes involved in the galactose pathway and also suppressed several key genes involved in the PTS, which transports sugars into the cell in the first step of glycolysis.

Quantifying transient binding of ISWI chromatin remodelers in living cells by pixel-wise photobleaching profile evolution analysis.

PubMed

Erdel, Fabian; Rippe, Karsten

2012-11-20

Interactions between nuclear proteins and chromatin frequently occur on the time scale of seconds and below. These transient binding events are important for the fast identification of target sites as concluded from our previous analysis of the human chromatin remodelers Snf2H and Snf2L from the imitation switch (ISWI) family. Both ATP-driven molecular motor proteins are able to translocate nucleosomes along the DNA and appear to exert this activity only on a small number of nucleosomes to which they bind more tightly. For mechanistic studies, one needs to distinguish such translocation reactions or other long-lived interactions associated with conformational changes and/or ATP hydrolysis from nonproductive chromatin sampling during target search. These processes can be separated by measuring the duration of nucleosome binding with subsecond time resolution. To reach this goal, we have developed a fluorescence bleaching technique termed pixel-wise photobleaching profile evolution analysis (3PEA). It exploits the inherent time structure of confocal microscopy images and yields millisecond resolution. 3PEA represents a generally applicable approach to quantitate transient chromatin interactions in the 2- to 500-ms time regime within only ∼1 s needed for a measurement. The green autofluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged Snf2H and Snf2L and the inactive Snf2L+13 splice variant were studied by 3PEA in comparison to the isolated GFP or red autofluorescent protein and a GFP pentamer. Our results reveal that the residence time for transient chromatin binding of Snf2H and Snf2L is <2 ms, and strongly support the view that ISWI-type remodelers are only rarely active in unperturbed cells during G1 phase.

The β subunit of yeast AMP-activated protein kinase directs substrate specificity in response to alkaline stress.

PubMed

Chandrashekarappa, Dakshayini G; McCartney, Rhonda R; O'Donnell, Allyson F; Schmidt, Martin C

2016-12-01

Saccharomyces cerevisiae express three isoforms of Snf1 kinase that differ by which β subunit is present, Gal83, Sip1 or Sip2. Here we investigate the abundance, activation, localization and signaling specificity of the three Snf1 isoforms. The relative abundance of these isoforms was assessed by quantitative immunoblotting using two different protein extraction methods and by fluorescence microscopy. The Gal83 containing isoform is the most abundant in all assays while the abundance of the Sip1 and Sip2 isoforms is typically underestimated especially in glass-bead extractions. Earlier studies to assess Snf1 isoform function utilized gene deletions as a means to inactivate specific isoforms. Here we use point mutations in Gal83 and Sip2 and a 17 amino acid C-terminal truncation of Sip1 to inactivate specific isoforms without affecting their abundance or association with the other subunits. The effect of low glucose and alkaline stresses was examined for two Snf1 phosphorylation substrates, the Mig1 and Mig2 proteins. Any of the three isoforms was capable of phosphorylating Mig1 in response to glucose stress. In contrast, the Gal83 isoform of Snf1 was both necessary and sufficient for the phosphorylation of the Mig2 protein in response to alkaline stress. Alkaline stress led to the activation of all three isoforms yet only the Gal83 isoform translocates to the nucleus and phosphorylates Mig2. Deletion of the SAK1 gene blocked nuclear translocation of Gal83 and signaling to Mig2. These data strongly support the idea that Snf1 signaling specificity is mediated by localization of the different Snf1 isoforms. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The β subunit of yeast AMP-activated protein kinase directs substrate specificity in response to alkaline stress

PubMed Central

Chandrashekarappa, Dakshayini G.; McCartney, Rhonda R.; O’Donnell, Allyson F.; Schmidt, Martin C.

2016-01-01

Saccharomyces cerevisiae express three isoforms of Snf1 kinase that differ by which β subunit is present, Gal83, Sip1 or Sip2. Here we investigate the abundance, activation, localization and signaling specificity of the three Snf1 isoforms. The relative abundance of these isoforms was assessed by quantitative immunoblotting using two different protein extraction methods and by fluorescence microscopy. The Gal83 containing isoform is the most abundant in all assays while the abundance of the Sip1 and Sip2 isoforms is typically underestimated especially in glass-bead extractions. Earlier studies to assess Snf1 isoform function utilized gene deletions as a means to inactivate specific isoforms. Here we use point mutations in Gal83 and Sip2 and a 17 amino acid C-terminal truncation of Sip1 to inactivate specific isoforms without affecting their abundance or association with the other subunits. The effect of low glucose and alkaline stresses was examined for two Snf1 phosphorylation substrates, the Mig1 and Mig2 proteins. Any of the three isoforms was capable of phosphorylating Mig1 in response to glucose stress. In contrast, the Gal83 isoform of Snf 1 was both necessary and sufficient for the phosphorylation of the Mig2 protein in response to alkaline stress. Alkaline stress led to the activation of all three isoforms yet only the Gal83 isoform translocates to the nucleus and phosphorylates Mig2. Deletion of the SAK1 gene blocked nuclear translocation of Gal83 and signaling to Mig2. These data strongly support the idea that Snf1 signaling specificity is mediated by localization of the different Snf1 isoforms. PMID:27592031

SNF3 as High Affinity Glucose Sensor and Its Function in Supporting the Viability of Candida glabrata under Glucose-Limited Environment.

PubMed

Ng, Tzu Shan; Chew, Shu Yih; Rangasamy, Premmala; Mohd Desa, Mohd N; Sandai, Doblin; Chong, Pei Pei; Than, Leslie Thian Lung

2015-01-01

Candida glabrata is an emerging human fungal pathogen that has efficacious nutrient sensing and responsiveness ability. It can be seen through its ability to thrive in diverse range of nutrient limited-human anatomical sites. Therefore, nutrient sensing particularly glucose sensing is thought to be crucial in contributing to the development and fitness of the pathogen. This study aimed to elucidate the role of SNF3 (Sucrose Non Fermenting 3) as a glucose sensor and its possible role in contributing to the fitness and survivability of C. glabrata in glucose-limited environment. The SNF3 knockout strain was constructed and subjected to different glucose concentrations to evaluate its growth, biofilm formation, amphotericin B susceptibility, ex vivo survivability and effects on the transcriptional profiling of the sugar receptor repressor (SRR) pathway-related genes. The CgSNF3Δ strain showed a retarded growth in low glucose environments (0.01 and 0.1%) in both fermentation and respiration-preferred conditions but grew well in high glucose concentration environments (1 and 2%). It was also found to be more susceptible to amphotericin B in low glucose environment (0.1%) and macrophage engulfment but showed no difference in the biofilm formation capability. The deletion of SNF3 also resulted in the down-regulation of about half of hexose transporters genes (four out of nine). Overall, the deletion of SNF3 causes significant reduction in the ability of C. glabrata to sense limited surrounding glucose and consequently disrupts its competency to transport and perform the uptake of this critical nutrient. This study highlighted the role of SNF3 as a high affinity glucose sensor and its role in aiding the survivability of C. glabrata particularly in glucose limited environment.

Enhanced Proton Conductivity of Sulfonated Hybrid Poly(arylene ether ketone) Membranes by Incorporating an Amino-Sulfo Bifunctionalized Metal-Organic Framework for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells.

PubMed

Ru, Chunyu; Li, Zhenhua; Zhao, Chengji; Duan, Yuting; Zhuang, Zhuang; Bu, Fanzhe; Na, Hui

2018-03-07

Novel side-chain-type sulfonated poly(arylene ether ketone) (SNF-PAEK) containing naphthalene and fluorine moieties on the main chain was prepared in this work, and a new amino-sulfo-bifunctionalized metal-organic framework (MNS, short for MIL-101-NH 2 -SO 3 H) was synthesized via a hydrothermal technology and postmodification. Then, MNS was incorporated into a SNF-PAEK matrix as an inorganic nanofiller to prepare a series of organic-inorganic hybrid membranes (MNS@SNF-PAEK-XX). The mechanical property, methanol resistance, electrochemistry, and other properties of MNS@SNF-PAEK-XX hybrid membranes were characterized in detail. We found that the mechanical strength and methanol resistances of these hybrid membranes were improved by the formation of an ionic cross-linking structure between -NH 2 of MNS and -SO 3 H on the side chain of SNF-PAEK. Particularly, the proton conductivity of these hybrid membranes increased obviously after the addition of MNS. MNS@SNF-PAEK-3% exhibited the proton conductivity of 0.192 S·cm -1 , which was much higher than those of the pristine membrane (0.145 S·cm -1 ) and recast Nafion (0.134 S·cm -1 ) at 80 °C. This result indicated that bifunctionalized MNS rearranged the microstructure of hybrid membranes, which could accelerate the transfer of protons. The hybrid membrane (MNS@SNF-PAEK-3%) showed a better direct methanol fuel cell performance with a higher peak power density of 125.7 mW/cm 2 at 80 °C and a higher open-circuit voltage (0.839 V) than the pristine membrane.

Effects of Caps on Cost Sharing for Skilled Nursing Facility Services in Medicare Advantage Plans.

PubMed

Keohane, Laura M; Rahman, Momotazur; Thomas, Kali S; Trivedi, Amal N

2018-03-12

To evaluate a federal regulation effective in 2011 that limited how much that Medicare Advantage (MA) plans could charge for the first 20 days of care in a skilled nursing facility (SNF). Difference-in-differences retrospective analysis comparing SNF utilization trends from 2008-2012. Select MA plans. Members of 27 plans with mandatory cost sharing reductions (n=132,000) and members of 21 plans without such reductions (n=138,846). Mean monthly number of SNF admissions and days per 1,000 members; annual proportion of MA enrollees exiting the plan. In plans with mandated cost sharing reductions, cost sharing for the first 20 days of SNF care decreased from an average of $2,039 in 2010 to $992 in 2011. In adjusted analyses, plans with mandated cost-sharing reductions averaged 158.1 SNF days (95% confidence interval (CI)=153.2-163.1 days) per 1,000 members per month before the cost sharing cap. This measure increased by 14.3 days (95% CI=3.8-24.8 days, p=0.009) in the 2 years after cap implementation. However, increases in SNF utilization did not significantly differ between plans with and without mandated cost-sharing reductions (adjusted between-group difference: 7.1 days per 1,000 members, 95% CI=-6.5-20.8, p=.30). Disenrollment patterns did not change after the cap took effect. When a federal regulation designed to protect MA members from high out-of-pocket costs for postacute care took effect, the use of SNF services did not change. © 2018, Copyright the Authors Journal compilation © 2018, The American Geriatrics Society.

Undifferentiated Endometrial Carcinomas Show Frequent Loss of Core Switch/Sucrose Nonfermentable Complex Proteins.

PubMed

Köbel, Martin; Hoang, Lien N; Tessier-Cloutier, Basile; Meng, Bo; Soslow, Robert A; Stewart, Colin J R; Lee, Cheng-Han

2018-01-01

Undifferentiated endometrial carcinoma is an aggressive type of endometrial carcinoma that typically presents with advanced stage disease and rapid clinical progression. In contrast to dedifferentiated endometrial carcinoma, undifferentiated carcinoma lacks a concurrent differentiated (typically low-grade endometrioid) carcinoma component, though the undifferentiated component of dedifferentiated carcinoma is similar histologically and immunophenotypically to pure undifferentiated carcinoma. We recently identified 3 mutually exclusive mechanisms of switch/sucrose nonfermentable (SWI/SNF) complex inactivation (BRG1 inactivation, INI1 inactivation or ARID1A/ARID1B co-inactivation) that are associated with histologic dedifferentiation in the majority of dedifferentiated endometrial carcinoma. In the current study, we aimed to determine by immunohistochemistry whether these patterns of SWI/SNF inactivation also occur in undifferentiated endometrial carcinomas. Of the 34 undifferentiated carcinomas examined, 17 (50%) exhibited SWI/SNF complex inactivation, with 11 tumors showing complete loss of both ARID1A and ARID1B, 5 showing complete loss of BRG1 and 1 showing complete loss of INI1. Ten of the remaining 17 undifferentiated carcinomas showed the following alterations: 5 tumors (15%) showed loss of ARID1A only with intact ARID1B, BRG1, and INI1 expression, 4 tumors (12%) showed mutated patterns of p53 staining with intact SWI/SNF protein expression, and 1 tumor (3%) harbored a POLE exonuclease domain mutation (P286R). SWI/SNF complex-inactivated tumors presented more frequently with extrauterine disease spread than those with intact expression (88% vs. 41%, respectively). In addition, patients with SWI/SNF complex-inactivated tumors had a significantly worse disease-specific survival (P=0.02). The findings here demonstrate frequent SWI/SNF complex inactivation in undifferentiated endometrial carcinomas, which has future implications regarding therapies that target chromatin remodelling and epigenetic control.

Integrated analysis of transcriptome and lipid profiling reveals the co-influences of inositol-choline and Snf1 in controlling lipid biosynthesis in yeast.

PubMed

Chumnanpuen, Pramote; Zhang, Jie; Nookaew, Intawat; Nielsen, Jens

2012-07-01

In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae many genes involved in lipid biosynthesis are transcriptionally controlled by inositol-choline and the protein kinase Snf1. Here we undertook a global study on how inositol-choline and Snf1 interact in controlling lipid metabolism in yeast. Using both a reference strain (CEN.PK113-7D) and a snf1Δ strain cultured at different nutrient limitations (carbon and nitrogen), at a fixed specific growth rate of 0.1 h(-1), and at different inositol choline concentrations, we quantified the expression of genes involved in lipid biosynthesis and the fluxes towards the different lipid components. Through integrated analysis of the transcriptome, the lipid profiling and the fluxome, it was possible to obtain a high quality, large-scale dataset that could be used to identify correlations and associations between the different components. At the transcription level, Snf1 and inositol-choline interact either directly through the main phospholipid-involving transcription factors (i.e. Ino2, Ino4, and Opi1) or through other transcription factors e.g. Gis1, Mga2, and Hac1. However, there seems to be flux regulation at the enzyme levels of several lipid involving enzymes. The analysis showed the strength of using both transcriptome and lipid profiling analysis for mapping the co-influence of inositol-choline and Snf1 on phospholipid metabolism.

Defining skilled nursing facility residents' dining style preferences.

PubMed

Adams, Katy; Anderson, Janet B; Archuleta, Martha; Smith Kudin, Janette

2013-01-01

The desire of skilled nursing facilities to increase quality of service to meet changes in residents' expectations, improve marketability, and adhere to regulations warrant a new look at culture change and homelike dining as defined by residents in skilled nursing facilities (SNF). The objectives of this study were to determine residents' home dining practices, to define residents' desired dining style practices in the SNF, and to determine the relationship between home dining practices and dining preferences in SNF. One hundred and four residents in three SNF in the central Texas area who met the cognition criteria and consumed facility-provided food were engaged in a standardized interview using the Resident Dining Style Preferences Survey. Data were analyzed to determine the degree to which home practices determine SNF dining preferences. Our findings showed that the majority of the participants want hot, home cooked meals served in the dining room. They want to be seated at the table with friends and neighbors and served on every day plates in a quiet atmosphere, with food served restaurant or table service style. Length of stay and generational group were not significant predictors of dining style preferences. Study limitations included small sample size and lack of ethnic diversity. Our study results show that removing dining time restrictions may be the most valuable adaptation for a SNF looking to initiate culture change.

SWI/SNF regulates half of its targets without the need of ATP-driven nucleosome remodeling by Brahma.

PubMed

Jordán-Pla, Antonio; Yu, Simei; Waldholm, Johan; Källman, Thomas; Östlund Farrants, Ann-Kristin; Visa, Neus

2018-05-18

Brahma (BRM) is the only catalytic subunit of the SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling complex of Drosophila melanogaster. The function of SWI/SNF in transcription has long been attributed to its ability to remodel nucleosomes, which requires the ATPase activity of BRM. However, recent studies have provided evidence for a non-catalytic function of BRM in the transcriptional regulation of a few specific genes. Here we have used RNA-seq and ChIP-seq to identify the BRM target genes in S2 cells, and we have used a catalytically inactive BRM mutant (K804R) that is unable to hydrolyze ATP to investigate the magnitude of the non-catalytic function of BRM in transcription regulation. We show that 49% of the BRM target genes in S2 cells are regulated through mechanisms that do not require BRM to have an ATPase activity. We also show that the catalytic and non-catalytic mechanisms of SWI/SNF regulation operate on two subsets of genes that differ in promoter architecture and are linked to different biological processes. This study shows that the non-catalytic role of SWI/SNF in transcription regulation is far more prevalent than previously anticipated and that the genes that are regulated by SWI/SNF through ATPase-dependent and ATPase-independent mechanisms have specialized roles in different cellular and developmental processes.

Medicare program; prospective payment system and consolidated billing for skilled nursing facilities for FY 2014. Final rule.

PubMed

2013-08-06

This final rule updates the payment rates used under the prospective payment system for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) for fiscal year (FY) 2014. In addition, it revises and rebases the SNF market basket, revises and updates the labor related share, and makes certain technical and conforming revisions in the regulations text. This final rule also includes a policy for reporting the SNF market basket forecast error in certain limited circumstances and adds a new item to the Minimum Data Set (MDS), Version 3.0 for reporting the number of distinct therapy days. Finally, this final rule adopts a change to the diagnosis code used to determine which residents will receive the AIDS add-on payment, effective for services provided on or after the October 1, 2014 implementation date for conversion to ICD-10-CM.

The Impact of Operating Parameters and Correlated Parameters for Extended BWR Burnup Credit

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

Ade, Brian J.; Marshall, William B. J.; Ilas, Germina

Applicants for certificates of compliance for spent nuclear fuel (SNF) transportation and dry storage systems perform analyses to demonstrate that these systems are adequately subcritical per the requirements of Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) Parts 71 and 72. For pressurized water reactor (PWR) SNF, these analyses may credit the reduction in assembly reactivity caused by depletion of fissile nuclides and buildup of neutron-absorbing nuclides during power operation. This credit for reactivity reduction during depletion is commonly referred to as burnup credit (BUC). US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff review BUC analyses according to the guidancemore » in the Division of Spent Fuel Storage and Transportation Interim Staff Guidance (ISG) 8, Revision 3, Burnup Credit in the Criticality Safety Analyses of PWR Spent Fuel in Transportation and Storage Casks.« less

Why are hospital-based nursing homes so costly? Relative importance of acuity and treatment setting.

PubMed

Pizer, Steven D; White, Alan J; White, Chapin

2002-05-01

To determine the extent to which higher costs in hospital-based skilled nursing facilities (HBSNF) can be explained by observable resident characteristics and unobservable selection effects, implying a design shortcoming of the skilled nursing facility prospective payment system (SNF PPS) implemented for Medicare-covered stays by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA 1997). Data on resident characteristics from the Minimum Data Set (MDS) are combined with staff time costs from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS, formerly HCFA) 1995 and 1997 SNF Staff Time Measurement (STM) studies and nontherapy ancillary claim costs extracted from CMS SNF claim records. An endogenous switching model was estimated to measure the effect on costs of the relatively high acuity of HBSNF residents, net of differences purely attributable to the treatment setting. It was found that virtually the entire HBSNF differential is attributable to setting effects with resident characteristics and selection effects playing a negligible role. In addition, it was found that marginal costs associated with particular services and conditions are often lower in hospital-based than in freestanding facilities. HBSNFs incur high costs regardless of the characteristics of their residents. Their high fixed costs accompany relatively low marginal costs associated with admitting high-acuity residents. Consequently, a PPS casemix system that depends on resident characteristics and excludes consideration of facility characteristics (as mandated by BBA 1997) need not unfairly penalize HBSNFs, provided a powerful casemix system is used and HBSNFs specialize in the care of high-acuity residents.

A matched-cohort study of health services utilization and financial outcomes for a heart failure disease-management program in elderly patients.

PubMed

Berg, Gregory D; Wadhwa, Sandeep; Johnson, Alan E

2004-10-01

To investigate the utilization and financial outcomes of a telephonic nursing disease-management program for elderly patients with heart failure. A 1-year concurrent matched-cohort study employing propensity score matching. Medicare+Choice recipients residing in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. A total of 533 program participants aged 65 and older matched to nonparticipants. Disease-management heart failure program employing a structured, evidence-based, telephonic nursing intervention designed to provide patient education, counseling, and monitoring services. Medical service utilization, including hospitalizations, emergency department visits, medical doctor visits, skilled nursing facility (SNF) days, selected clinical indicators, and financial effect. The intervention group had considerably and significantly lower rates of acute service utilization than the control group, including 23% fewer hospitalizations, 26% fewer inpatient bed days, 22% fewer emergency department visits, 44% fewer heart failure hospitalizations, 70% fewer 30-day readmissions, and 45% fewer SNF bed days. Claims costs were 1,792 dollars per person lower in the intervention group than in the control group (inclusive of intervention costs), and the return on investment was calculated to be 2.31. The study demonstrates that a commercially delivered heart failure disease-management program significantly reduced hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and SNF days. The intervention group had 17% lower costs than the control group; when intervention costs were included, the intervention group had 10% lower costs.

Fanconi anemia protein, FANCA, associates with BRG1, a component of the human SWI/SNF complex.

PubMed

Otsuki, T; Furukawa, Y; Ikeda, K; Endo, H; Yamashita, T; Shinohara, A; Iwamatsu, A; Ozawa, K; Liu, J M

2001-11-01

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a genetic disorder that predisposes to hematopoietic failure, birth defects and cancer. We identified an interaction between the FA protein, FANCA and brm-related gene 1 (BRG1) product. BRG1 is a subunit of the SWI/SNF complex, which remodels chromatin structure through a DNA-dependent ATPase activity. FANCA was demonstrated to associate with the endogenous SWI/SNF complex. We also found a significant increase in the molecular chaperone, glucose-regulated protein 94 (GRP94) among BRG1-associated factors isolated from a FANCA-mutant cell line, which was not seen in either a normal control cell line or the mutant line complemented by wild-type FANCA. Despite this specific difference, FANCA did not appear to be absolutely required for in vitro chromatin remodeling. Finally, we demonstrated co-localization in the nucleus between transfected FANCA and BRG1. The physiological action of FANCA on the SWI/SNF complex remains to be clarified, but our work suggests that FANCA may recruit the SWI/SNF complex to target genes, thereby enabling coupled nuclear functions such as transcription and DNA repair.

Issues relating to spent nuclear fuel storage on the Oak Ridge Reservation

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

Klein, J.A.; Turner, D.W.

1994-12-31

Currently, about 2,800 metric tons of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) is stored in the US, 1,000 kg of SNF (or about 0.03% of the nation`s total) are stored at the US Department of Energy (DOE) complex in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. However small the total quantity of material stored at Oak Ridge, some of the material is quite singular in character and, thus, poses unique management concerns. The various types of SNF stored at Oak Ridge will be discussed including: (1) High-Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) and future Advanced Neutron Source (ANS) fuels; (2) Material Testing Reactor (MTR) fuels, including Bulk Shieldingmore » Reactor (BSR) and Oak Ridge Research Reactor (ORR) fuels; (3) Molten Salt Reactor Experiment (MSRE) fuel; (4) Homogeneous Reactor Experiment (HRE) fuel; (5) Miscellaneous SNF stored in Oak Ridge National Laboratory`s (ORNL`s) Solid Waste Storage Areas (SWSAs); (6) SNF stored in the Y-12 Plant 9720-5 Warehouse including Health. Physics Reactor (HPRR), Space Nuclear Auxiliary Power (SNAP-) 10A, and DOE Demonstration Reactor fuels.« less

Function and selectivity of bromodomains in anchoring chromatin-modifying complexes to promoter nucleosomes.

PubMed

Hassan, Ahmed H; Prochasson, Philippe; Neely, Kristen E; Galasinski, Scott C; Chandy, Mark; Carrozza, Michael J; Workman, Jerry L

2002-11-01

The functions of the SAGA and SWI/SNF complexes are interrelated and can form stable "epigenetic marks" on promoters in vivo. Here we show that stable promoter occupancy by SWI/SNF and SAGA in the absence of transcription activators requires the bromodomains of the Swi2/Snf2 and Gcn5 subunits, respectively, and nucleosome acetylation. This acetylation can be brought about by either the SAGA or NuA4 HAT complexes. The bromodomain in the Spt7 subunit of SAGA is dispensable for this activity but will anchor SAGA if it is swapped into Gcn5, indicating that specificity of bromodomain function is determined in part by the subunit it occupies. Thus, bromodomains within the catalytic subunits of SAGA and SWI/SNF anchor these complexes to acetylated promoter nucleosomes.

Environmental Radiation Monitoring at the Areas of the Former Military Technical Bases at the Russian Far East - 12445

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

Kiselev, Sergey M.; Shandala, Nataliya K.; Titov, Alexey V.

After termination of operation at the serviced facilities of the nuclear fleet of the former Soviet Union, the Military Technical Base in Sysoeva Bay has been reorganized to the site for SNF and RW temporary storage (STS). The main activities of STS are receipt, storage and transmission to radioactive waste reprocessing. Establishment of the RW management regional centre in the Far-Eastern region at the STS in Sysoeva Bay implies intensification of SNF and RW management in this region that can result in increasing ecological load to the adjacent areas and settlements. Regulatory supervision of the radiation safety at the areasmore » of the Former Military Technical Bases at the Russian Far East is one of the regulatory functions of the Federal Medical Biological Agency (FMBA of Russia). To regulate SNF an RW management and provide the effective response to changing radiation situation, the environmental radiation monitoring system is arranged. For this purpose, wide range of environmental media examinations at the Sysoeva Bay STS was performed by Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Centre - a technical support organization of FMBA of Russia in collaboration with the Federal State Geological Enterprise 'Hydrospecgeology' (Federal Agency for Entrails). Regulation during the RW and SNF management is continuous process, which the FMBA of Russia implements in close cooperation with other Russian responsible authorities - the State Atomic Energy Corporation 'Rosatom' and Federal Agency for Entrails. The Environmental radiation monitoring findings served as a basis for the associated databank arrangement. The radio ecological monitoring system was arranged at the facilities under inspection for the purpose of the dynamic control of the radiation situation. It presupposes regular radiometry inspections in-situ, their analysis and assessment of the radiation situation forecast in the course of the STS remediation main stages. Some new data on the radiation situation at the facilities will appear in future and the prognostic assessment will become more precise. The mentioned natural, practical and theoretical works is a base for the development of the set of regulatory documents to assure radiation protection and safety of workers, public and environment, as well as development of documents to regulate SNF and RW management at the STS facilities. (authors)« less

77 FR 4807 - Revised Fee Policy for Acceptance of Foreign Research Reactor Spent Nuclear Fuel From High-Income...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-31

...This notice announces a change in the fee policy by the Department of Energy (DOE) for receipt and management of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) from foreign research reactors (FRR) containing uranium enriched in the U.S. in countries with high-income economies, as identified in the World Bank Development Report. The fee will increase in three phases (See Table 1) for all future SNF shipments (including Training, Research, Isotopes, General Atomics (TRIGA) from high-income economy countries. The first phase will take effect immediately and the fee will increase from no higher than $3,750 per kg total mass (not heavy metal mass) to $5,625 per kg total mass for SNF containing low enriched uranium (LEU). The second phase will be implemented automatically on January 1, 2014, and the fees will increase from $5,625 per kg total mass to $7,500 per kg total mass for shipments of SNF containing LEU and from no higher than $4,500 per kg total mass to $6,750 per kg total mass for SNF containing highly enriched uranium (HEU). The third phase will be implemented automatically on January 1, 2016, and the fee will increase from $6,750 per kg total mass to $9,000 per kg total mass for shipments of SNF containing HEU. DOE is also implementing a new minimum fee of $200,000 per shipment of any type and amount of eligible SNF to reflect a minimum cost of providing acceptance services. This minimum fee will take effect immediately. In the case where a reactor operator already has a signed and executed contract with DOE, DOE intends to negotiate an equitable adjustment to the fee in accordance with this revised fee policy. Under this revised fee policy, the fee for return of TRIGA fuel will be the same as that of aluminum based fuel. All other aspects of the fee policy are unaffected by this Notice. This is the first fee increase since the fee policy was established in 1996, and will help DOE offset a portion of the increase in operation costs of managing SNF. DOE will continue to pay the costs for shipping, receipt and management of SNF from other than high-income economy countries. All other conditions and policies as previously established for acceptance of FRR SNF will continue to apply. DOE reserves the right to revise the fee policy at any time to respond to changed circumstances. DOE also reserves the right to adjust the fee set in an acceptance contract if there are unique and compelling circumstances that make it in DOE's best interest to do so.

Impact investigation of reactor fuel operating parameters on reactivity for use in burnup credit applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sloma, Tanya Noel

When representing the behavior of commercial spent nuclear fuel (SNF), credit is sought for the reduced reactivity associated with the net depletion of fissile isotopes and the creation of neutron-absorbing isotopes, a process that begins when a commercial nuclear reactor is first operated at power. Burnup credit accounts for the reduced reactivity potential of a fuel assembly and varies with the fuel burnup, cooling time, and the initial enrichment of fissile material in the fuel. With regard to long-term SNF disposal and transportation, tremendous benefits, such as increased capacity, flexibility of design and system operations, and reduced overall costs, provide an incentive to seek burnup credit for criticality safety evaluations. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued Interim Staff Guidance 8, Revision 2 in 2002, endorsing burnup credit of actinide composition changes only; credit due to actinides encompasses approximately 30% of exiting pressurized water reactor SNF inventory and could potentially be increased to 90% if fission product credit were accepted. However, one significant issue for utilizing full burnup credit, compensating for actinide and fission product composition changes, is establishing a set of depletion parameters that produce an adequately conservative representation of the fuel's isotopic inventory. Depletion parameters can have a significant effect on the isotopic inventory of the fuel, and thus the residual reactivity. This research seeks to quantify the reactivity impact on a system from dominant depletion parameters (i.e., fuel temperature, moderator density, burnable poison rod, burnable poison rod history, and soluble boron concentration). Bounding depletion parameters were developed by statistical evaluation of a database containing reactor operating histories. The database was generated from summary reports of commercial reactor criticality data. Through depletion calculations, utilizing the SCALE 6 code package, several light water reactor assembly designs and in-core locations are analyzed in establishing a combination of depletion parameters that conservatively represent the fuel's isotopic inventory as an initiative to take credit for fuel burnup in criticality safety evaluations for transportation and storage of SNF.

The yeast Hsp70 homolog Ssb: a chaperone for general de novo protein folding and a nanny for specific intrinsically disordered protein domains.

PubMed

Hübscher, Volker; Mudholkar, Kaivalya; Rospert, Sabine

2017-02-01

Activation of the heterotrimeric kinase SNF1 via phosphorylation of a specific residue within the α subunit is essential for the release from glucose repression in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. When glucose is available, SNF1 is maintained in the dephosphorylated, inactive state by the phosphatase Glc7-Reg1. Recent findings suggest that Bmh and Ssb combine their unique client-binding properties to interact with the regulatory region of the SNF1 α subunit and by that stabilize a conformation of SNF1, which is accessible for Glc7-Reg1-dependent dephosphorylation. Together, the 14-3-3 protein Bmh and the Hsp70 homolog Ssb comprise a novel chaperone module, which is required to maintain proper glucose repression in the yeast S. cerevisiae.

MYC interaction with the tumor suppressive SWI/SNF complex member INI1 regulates transcription and cellular transformation

PubMed Central

Stojanova, Angelina; Tu, William B.; Ponzielli, Romina; Kotlyar, Max; Chan, Pak-Kei; Boutros, Paul C.; Khosravi, Fereshteh; Jurisica, Igor; Raught, Brian; Penn, Linda Z.

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT MYC is a key driver of cellular transformation and is deregulated in most human cancers. Studies of MYC and its interactors have provided mechanistic insight into its role as a regulator of gene transcription. MYC has been previously linked to chromatin regulation through its interaction with INI1 (SMARCB1/hSNF5/BAF47), a core member of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex. INI1 is a potent tumor suppressor that is inactivated in several types of cancers, most prominently as the hallmark alteration in pediatric malignant rhabdoid tumors. However, the molecular and functional interaction of MYC and INI1 remains unclear. Here, we characterize the MYC-INI1 interaction in mammalian cells, mapping their minimal binding domains to functionally significant regions of MYC (leucine zipper) and INI1 (repeat motifs), and demonstrating that the interaction does not interfere with MYC-MAX interaction. Protein-protein interaction network analysis expands the MYC-INI1 interaction to the SWI/SNF complex and a larger network of chromatin regulatory complexes. Genome-wide analysis reveals that the DNA-binding regions and target genes of INI1 significantly overlap with those of MYC. In an INI1-deficient rhabdoid tumor system, we observe that with re-expression of INI1, MYC and INI1 bind to common target genes and have opposing effects on gene expression. Functionally, INI1 re-expression suppresses cell proliferation and MYC-potentiated transformation. Our findings thus establish the antagonistic roles of the INI1 and MYC transcriptional regulators in mediating cellular and oncogenic functions. PMID:27267444

SNF5 Is an Essential Executor of Epigenetic Regulation during Differentiation

PubMed Central

You, Jueng Soo; De Carvalho, Daniel D.; Dai, Chao; Liu, Minmin; Pandiyan, Kurinji; Zhou, Xianghong J.; Liang, Gangning; Jones, Peter A.

2013-01-01

Nucleosome occupancy controls the accessibility of the transcription machinery to DNA regulatory regions and serves an instructive role for gene expression. Chromatin remodelers, such as the BAF complexes, are responsible for establishing nucleosome occupancy patterns, which are key to epigenetic regulation along with DNA methylation and histone modifications. Some reports have assessed the roles of the BAF complex subunits and stemness in murine embryonic stem cells. However, the details of the relationships between remodelers and transcription factors in altering chromatin configuration, which ultimately affects gene expression during cell differentiation, remain unclear. Here for the first time we demonstrate that SNF5, a core subunit of the BAF complex, negatively regulates OCT4 levels in pluripotent cells and is essential for cell survival during differentiation. SNF5 is responsible for generating nucleosome-depleted regions (NDRs) at the regulatory sites of OCT4 repressed target genes such as PAX6 and NEUROG1, which are crucial for cell fate determination. Concurrently, SNF5 closes the NDRs at the regulatory regions of OCT4-activated target genes such as OCT4 itself and NANOG. Furthermore, using loss- and gain-of-function experiments followed by extensive genome-wide analyses including gene expression microarrays and ChIP-sequencing, we highlight that SNF5 plays dual roles during differentiation by antagonizing the expression of genes that were either activated or repressed by OCT4, respectively. Together, we demonstrate that SNF5 executes the switch between pluripotency and differentiation. PMID:23637628

SNF5 is an essential executor of epigenetic regulation during differentiation.

PubMed

You, Jueng Soo; De Carvalho, Daniel D; Dai, Chao; Liu, Minmin; Pandiyan, Kurinji; Zhou, Xianghong J; Liang, Gangning; Jones, Peter A

2013-04-01

Nucleosome occupancy controls the accessibility of the transcription machinery to DNA regulatory regions and serves an instructive role for gene expression. Chromatin remodelers, such as the BAF complexes, are responsible for establishing nucleosome occupancy patterns, which are key to epigenetic regulation along with DNA methylation and histone modifications. Some reports have assessed the roles of the BAF complex subunits and stemness in murine embryonic stem cells. However, the details of the relationships between remodelers and transcription factors in altering chromatin configuration, which ultimately affects gene expression during cell differentiation, remain unclear. Here for the first time we demonstrate that SNF5, a core subunit of the BAF complex, negatively regulates OCT4 levels in pluripotent cells and is essential for cell survival during differentiation. SNF5 is responsible for generating nucleosome-depleted regions (NDRs) at the regulatory sites of OCT4 repressed target genes such as PAX6 and NEUROG1, which are crucial for cell fate determination. Concurrently, SNF5 closes the NDRs at the regulatory regions of OCT4-activated target genes such as OCT4 itself and NANOG. Furthermore, using loss- and gain-of-function experiments followed by extensive genome-wide analyses including gene expression microarrays and ChIP-sequencing, we highlight that SNF5 plays dual roles during differentiation by antagonizing the expression of genes that were either activated or repressed by OCT4, respectively. Together, we demonstrate that SNF5 executes the switch between pluripotency and differentiation.

Global assessment of limitation to symbiotic nitrogen fixation by phosphorus availability in terrestrial ecosystems using a meta-analysis approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Augusto, Laurent; Delerue, Florian; Gallet-Budynek, Anne; Achat, David L.

2013-09-01

nitrogen fixation (SNF) is the main natural source of nitrogen (N) in terrestrial ecosystems worldwide. Previous studies have shown that fixation of N by plants can be limited by the availability of phosphorus (P) in soils. We used global meta-analysis to investigate how P availability controls SNF. In experiments in which plants were grown in an artificial medium, severe P deficiencies in the nutritive solution ([PO4] < 5-42 μM) depressed SNF flux through both a direct decrease in the plant fixation rate (i.e., decreased N fixed per unit of plant biomass) and an indirect effect (i.e., through plant biomass). In most experiments with plants grown in soils, SNF was proportional to plant biomass and was consequently only indirectly limited by P. Some cases using unfertilized and weathered soils (ultisols or oxisols), where plants were particularly P stressed, were an exception with both direct and indirect P limitations. Our global analysis of the P-SNF relationship indicated that P bioavailability commonly limited SNF flux. We conclude that the main driver of in situ P limitation is indirect via limitation of plant growth, except in certain cases where both indirect and direct constraints may play a role. These cases of severe P deficiency may be mainly found in weathered tropical soils of Africa and South America, probably in unfertilized croplands which are depleted in P due to repeated biomass harvests.

Corn rootworm-active RNA DvSnf7: Repeat dose oral toxicology assessment in support of human and mammalian safety.

PubMed

Petrick, Jay S; Frierdich, Gregory E; Carleton, Stephanie M; Kessenich, Colton R; Silvanovich, Andre; Zhang, Yuanji; Koch, Michael S

2016-11-01

Genetically modified (GM) crops have been developed and commercialized that utilize double stranded RNAs (dsRNA) to suppress a target gene(s), producing virus resistance, nutritional and quality traits. MON 87411 is a GM maize variety that leverages dsRNAs to selectively control corn rootworm through production of a 240 base pair (bp) dsRNA fragment targeting for suppression the western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera) Snf7 gene (DvSnf7). A bioinformatics assessment found that endogenous corn small RNAs matched ∼450 to 2300 unique RNA transcripts that likely code for proteins in rat, mouse, and human, demonstrating safe dsRNA consumption by mammals. Mice were administered DvSnf7 RNA (968 nucleotides, including the 240 bp DvSnf7 dsRNA) at 1, 10, or 100 mg/kg by oral gavage in a 28-day repeat dose toxicity study. No treatment-related effects were observed in body weights, food consumption, clinical observations, clinical chemistry, hematology, gross pathology, or histopathology endpoints. Therefore, the No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) for DvSnf7 RNA was 100 mg/kg, the highest dose tested. These results demonstrate that dsRNA for insect control does not produce adverse health effects in mammals at oral doses millions to billions of times higher than anticipated human exposures and therefore poses negligible risk to mammals. Copyright © 2016 Monsanto Company. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The impact of a skilled nursing facility on the cost of surgical treatment of major head and neck tumors.

PubMed

Seikaly, H; Calhoun, K H; Stonestreet, J S; Rassekh, C H; Driscoll, B P; Averyt, P

2001-09-01

The finite resources available for health care and the proliferation of managed care in the United States have forced the head and neck surgeon to critically evaluate the cost of tumor treatment. To determine whether the cost of treating patients with head and neck tumors would be reduced if the patients were to spend a portion of what would otherwise be acute care hospital days in a hospital-based skilled nursing facility (HB/SNF). Retrospective cost-benefit analysis. Tertiary referral center. Twenty-four consecutive hospital admissions for definitive surgical treatment of head and neck tumors were retrospectively reviewed. The postoperative day on which the patient theoretically could have been transferred to the HB/SNF was determined. The charges and cost of each patient's actual hospital stay were compared with the theoretical counterparts had the patient been transferred to the HB/SNF on the determined day. Cost savings. The total hospital stay for the 24 patients was 524 days. One hundred eighty-two of those days could have been spent in the HB/SNF. The total charge and cost savings with the use of an HB/SNF were $201,045 and $84,238, respectively (15% of the total charge and cost). This represents an average charge and cost savings of $8377 and $3510, respectively, per patient. The difference was statistically significant (P<.005). An HB/SNF could reduce the cost of head and neck tumor treatment without compromising patient care.

78 FR 58385 - Medicare Program; Prospective Payment System for Federally Qualified Health Centers; Changes to...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-09-23

... ResDAC Research Data Assistance Center RIA Regulatory Impact Analysis RHC Rural Health Clinic SNF... Community Health Applied Research Network. We believe that the proposals in this proposed rule benefited...

A chromatin remodelling complex that loads cohesin onto human chromosomes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hakimi, Mohamed-Ali; Bochar, Daniel A.; Schmiesing, John A.; Dong, Yuanshu; Barak, Orr G.; Speicher, David W.; Yokomori, Kyoko; Shiekhattar, Ramin

2002-08-01

Nucleosomal DNA is arranged in a higher-order structure that presents a barrier to most cellular processes involving protein DNA interactions. The cellular machinery involved in sister chromatid cohesion, the cohesin complex, also requires access to the nucleosomal DNA to perform its function in chromosome segregation. The machineries that provide this accessibility are termed chromatin remodelling factors. Here, we report the isolation of a human ISWI (SNF2h)-containing chromatin remodelling complex that encompasses components of the cohesin and NuRD complexes. We show that the hRAD21 subunit of the cohesin complex directly interacts with the ATPase subunit SNF2h. Mapping of hRAD21, SNF2h and Mi2 binding sites by chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments reveals the specific association of these three proteins with human DNA elements containing Alu sequences. We find a correlation between modification of histone tails and association of the SNF2h/cohesin complex with chromatin. Moreover, we show that the association of the cohesin complex with chromatin can be regulated by the state of DNA methylation. Finally, we present evidence pointing to a role for the ATPase activity of SNF2h in the loading of hRAD21 on chromatin.

Multi-Detector Analysis System for Spent Nuclear Fuel Characterization

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

Reber, Edward Lawrence; Aryaeinejad, Rahmat; Cole, Jerald Donald

1999-09-01

The Spent Nuclear Fuel (SNF) Non-Destructive Analysis (NDA) program at INEEL is developing a system to characterize SNF for fissile mass, radiation source term, and fissile isotopic content. The system is based on the integration of the Fission Assay Tomography System (FATS) and the Gamma-Neutron Analysis Technique (GNAT) developed under programs supported by the DOE Office of Non-proliferation and National Security. Both FATS and GNAT were developed as separate systems to provide information on the location of special nuclear material in weapons configuration (FATS role), and to measure isotopic ratios of fissile material to determine if the material was frommore » a weapon (GNAT role). FATS is capable of not only determining the presence and location of fissile material but also the quantity of fissile material present to within 50%. GNAT determines the ratios of the fissile and fissionable material by coincidence methods that allow the two prompt (immediately) produced fission fragments to be identified. Therefore, from the combination of FATS and GNAT, MDAS is able to measure the fissile material, radiation source term, and fissile isotopics content.« less

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

Peterson, Steven K

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has a significant programmatic interest in the safe and secure routing and transportation of Spent Nuclear Fuel (SNF) and High Level Waste (HLW) in the United States, including shipments entering the country from locations outside U.S borders. In any shipment of SNF/HLW, there are multiple chains; a jurisdictional chain as the material moves between jurisdictions (state, federal, tribal, administrative), a physical supply chain (which mode), as well as a custody chain (which stakeholder is in charge/possession) of the materials being transported. Given these interconnected networks, there lies vulnerabilities, whether in lack of communication betweenmore » interested stakeholders or physical vulnerabilities such as interdiction. By identifying key links and nodes as well as administrative weaknesses, decisions can be made to harden the physical network and improve communication between stakeholders. This paper examines the parallel chains of oversight and custody as well as the chain of stakeholder interests for the shipments of SNF/HLW and the potential impacts on systemic resiliency. Using the Crystal River shutdown location as well as a hypothetical international shipment brought into the United States, this paper illustrates the parallel chains and maps them out visually.« less

High Burnup Dry Storage Cask Research and Development Project, Final Test Plan

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

None

2014-02-27

EPRI is leading a project team to develop and implement the first five years of a Test Plan to collect data from a SNF dry storage system containing high burnup fuel.12 The Test Plan defined in this document outlines the data to be collected, and the storage system design, procedures, and licensing necessary to implement the Test Plan.13 The main goals of the proposed test are to provide confirmatory data14 for models, future SNF dry storage cask design, and to support license renewals and new licenses for ISFSIs. To provide data that is most relevant to high burnup fuel inmore » dry storage, the design of the test storage system must mimic real conditions that high burnup SNF experiences during all stages of dry storage: loading, cask drying, inert gas backfilling, and transfer to the ISFSI for multi-year storage.15 Along with other optional modeling, SETs, and SSTs, the data collected in this Test Plan can be used to evaluate the integrity of dry storage systems and the high burnup fuel contained therein over many decades. It should be noted that the Test Plan described in this document discusses essential activities that go beyond the first five years of Test Plan implementation.16 The first five years of the Test Plan include activities up through loading the cask, initiating the data collection, and beginning the long-term storage period at the ISFSI. The Test Plan encompasses the overall project that includes activities that may not be completed until 15 or more years from now, including continued data collection, shipment of the Research Project Cask to a Fuel Examination Facility, opening the cask at the Fuel Examination Facility, and examining the high burnup fuel after the initial storage period.« less

Similarity network fusion for aggregating data types on a genomic scale.

PubMed

Wang, Bo; Mezlini, Aziz M; Demir, Feyyaz; Fiume, Marc; Tu, Zhuowen; Brudno, Michael; Haibe-Kains, Benjamin; Goldenberg, Anna

2014-03-01

Recent technologies have made it cost-effective to collect diverse types of genome-wide data. Computational methods are needed to combine these data to create a comprehensive view of a given disease or a biological process. Similarity network fusion (SNF) solves this problem by constructing networks of samples (e.g., patients) for each available data type and then efficiently fusing these into one network that represents the full spectrum of underlying data. For example, to create a comprehensive view of a disease given a cohort of patients, SNF computes and fuses patient similarity networks obtained from each of their data types separately, taking advantage of the complementarity in the data. We used SNF to combine mRNA expression, DNA methylation and microRNA (miRNA) expression data for five cancer data sets. SNF substantially outperforms single data type analysis and established integrative approaches when identifying cancer subtypes and is effective for predicting survival.

JPRS Report, Arms Control

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-06-06

Withdrawing From Hungary [A. Kaverznev; KOMSOMOLSKAY A PRAVDA 26 Apr] 30 WEST EUROPE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY Complaints Heard on Soviet Maneuver...toward the Soviet Union. On the SNF issue, the Federal Germany , for its own national interests, opposes modernization of the NATO aging Lance...substantial reduction of the Warsaw Pact conventional forces. However, Federal Germany seems not to go along with such a vague approach and wants

Using antibiograms to improve antibiotic prescribing in skilled nursing facilities.

PubMed

Furuno, Jon P; Comer, Angela C; Johnson, J Kristie; Rosenberg, Joseph H; Moore, Susan L; MacKenzie, Thomas D; Hall, Kendall K; Hirshon, Jon Mark

2014-10-01

Antibiograms have effectively improved antibiotic prescribing in acute-care settings; however, their effectiveness in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) is currently unknown. To develop SNF-specific antibiograms and identify opportunities to improve antibiotic prescribing. Cross-sectional and pretest-posttest study among residents of 3 Maryland SNFs. Antibiograms were created using clinical culture data from a 6-month period in each SNF. We also used admission clinical culture data from the acute care facility primarily associated with each SNF for transferred residents. We manually collected all data from medical charts, and antibiograms were created using WHONET software. We then used a pretest-posttest study to evaluate the effectiveness of an antibiogram on changing antibiotic prescribing practices in a single SNF. Appropriate empirical antibiotic therapy was defined as an empirical antibiotic choice that sufficiently covered the infecting organism, considering antibiotic susceptibilities. We reviewed 839 patient charts from SNF and acute care facilities. During the initial assessment period, 85% of initial antibiotic use in the SNFs was empirical, and thus only 15% of initial antibiotics were based on culture results. Fluoroquinolones were the most frequently used empirical antibiotics, accounting for 54.5% of initial prescribing instances. Among patients with available culture data, only 35% of empirical antibiotic prescribing was determined to be appropriate. In the single SNF in which we evaluated antibiogram effectiveness, prevalence of appropriate antibiotic prescribing increased from 32% to 45% after antibiogram implementation; however, this was not statistically significant ([Formula: see text]). Implementation of antibiograms may be effective in improving empirical antibiotic prescribing in SNFs.

Predictors of Functional Change in a Skilled Nursing Facility Population.

PubMed

Gustavson, Allison M; Falvey, Jason R; Forster, Jeri E; Stevens-Lapsley, Jennifer E

2017-06-21

Inability to obtain sufficient gains in function during a skilled nursing facility (SNF) stay impacts patients' functional trajectories and susceptibility to adverse events. The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of functional change in patients temporarily residing in an SNF following hospitalization. One hundred forty patients admitted to a single SNF from the hospital who had both evaluation and discharge measures of physical function documented were included. Data from the Minimum Data Set 3.0 and electronic medical record were extracted to record clinical and demographic characteristics. The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) was administered by rehabilitation therapists at evaluation and discharge. The SPPB consists of balance tests, gait speed, and a timed 5-time sit-to-stand test. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) Screening Tool for Depression was the only significant predictor of change in gait speed over an SNF stay. Eighty-seven percent of patients achieved a clinically meaningful change in the SPPB of 1 point or greater from evaluation to discharge, with 78% demonstrating a clinically meaningful change of 0.1 m/s or greater on gait speed. However, 69% of patients demonstrated SPPB scores of 6 points or less and 57% ambulated less than 0.65 m/s at the time of discharge from the SNF, which indicates severe disability. Poor physical function following an SNF stay places older adult at significant risk for adverse events including rehospitalization, future disability, and institutionalization. Understanding the predictors of functional change from evaluation to discharge may direct efforts toward developing innovative and effective interventions to improve function trajectories for older adults following an acute hospitalization.

2-Deoxyglucose impairs Saccharomyces cerevisiae growth by stimulating Snf1-regulated and α-arrestin-mediated trafficking of hexose transporters 1 and 3.

PubMed

O'Donnell, Allyson F; McCartney, Rhonda R; Chandrashekarappa, Dakshayini G; Zhang, Bob B; Thorner, Jeremy; Schmidt, Martin C

2015-03-01

The glucose analog 2-deoxyglucose (2DG) inhibits the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and human tumor cells, but its modes of action have not been fully elucidated. Yeast cells lacking Snf1 (AMP-activated protein kinase) are hypersensitive to 2DG. Overexpression of either of two low-affinity, high-capacity glucose transporters, Hxt1 and Hxt3, suppresses the 2DG hypersensitivity of snf1Δ cells. The addition of 2DG or the loss of Snf1 reduces HXT1 and HXT3 expression levels and stimulates transporter endocytosis and degradation in the vacuole. 2DG-stimulated trafficking of Hxt1 and Hxt3 requires Rod1/Art4 and Rog3/Art7, two members of the α-arrestin trafficking adaptor family. Mutations in ROD1 and ROG3 that block binding to the ubiquitin ligase Rsp5 eliminate Rod1- and Rog3-mediated trafficking of Hxt1 and Hxt3. Genetic analysis suggests that Snf1 negatively regulates both Rod1 and Rog3, but via different mechanisms. Snf1 activated by 2DG phosphorylates Rod1 but fails to phosphorylate other known targets, such as the transcriptional repressor Mig1. We propose a novel mechanism for 2DG-induced toxicity whereby 2DG stimulates the modification of α-arrestins, which promote glucose transporter internalization and degradation, causing glucose starvation even when cells are in a glucose-rich environment. Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

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

Maheras, Steven J.; Best, Ralph E.; Ross, Steven B.

A preliminary evaluation of removing spent nuclear fuel (SNF) from 13 shutdown nuclear power reactor sites was conducted. At these shutdown sites the nuclear power reactors have been permanently shut down and the sites have been decommissioned or are undergoing decommissioning. The shutdown sites were Maine Yankee, Yankee Rowe, Connecticut Yankee, Humboldt Bay, Big Rock Point, Rancho Seco, Trojan, La Crosse, Zion, Crystal River, Kewaunee, San Onofre, and Vermont Yankee. The evaluation was divided into four components: (1) characterization of the SNF and greater-than-Class C low-level radioactive waste (GTCC waste) inventory, (2) a description of the on-site infrastructure and conditionsmore » relevant to transportation of SNF and GTCC waste, (3) an evaluation of the near-site transportation infrastructure and experience relevant to shipping transportation casks containing SNF and GTCC waste, including identification of gaps in information, and (4) an evaluation of the actions necessary to prepare for and remove SNF and GTCC waste. Every site was found to have at least one off-site transportation mode option for removing its SNF and GTCC waste; some have multiple options. Experience removing large components during reactor decommissioning provided an important source of information used to identify the transportation mode options for the sites. Especially important in conducting the evaluation were site visits, through which information was obtained that would not have been available otherwise. Extensive photographs taken during the site visits proved to be particularly useful in documenting the current conditions at or near the sites. It is expected that additional site visits will be conducted to add to the information presented in the evaluation.« less

Functional Outcomes of Persons Undergoing Dysvascular Lower Extremity Amputations

PubMed Central

Sauter, Carley N.; Pezzin, Liliana E.; Dillingham, Timothy R.

2012-01-01

Objective To examine the effect of post-acute rehabilitation setting on functional outcomes among patients undergoing major lower extremity dysvascular amputations. Design A population-based, prospective cohort study conducted in Maryland and Wisconsin. Data collected from medical records and patient interviews conducted during acute hospitalization following amputation and at six-month following the acute care discharge were analyzed using multivariate models and instrumental variable techniques. Results A total of 297 patients were analyzed based on post-acute care rehabilitation setting: acute inpatient rehabilitation (IRF), skilled nursing facility (SNF) or home. The majority (43.4%) received care in IRF, 32% in SNF, and 24.6% at home. On SF-36 subscales, significantly improved outcomes were observed for patients receiving post-acute care at an IRF relative to those cared for at a SNF in physical function (PF), role physical (RF) and physical component score (PCS). Patients receiving post-acute care in IRFs also experienced better RF and PCS outcomes compared to those discharged directly home. In addition, patients receiving post-acute care at an IRF were significantly more likely to score in the top quartile for general health in IRF compared to SNF or home, and less likely to score in the lowest quartile for PF, RF and PCS in IRF compared to SNF. Lower ADL impairment was observed in IRF compared to SNF. Conclusions Among this large and diverse cohort of patients undergoing major dysvascular lower limb amputations, receipt of interdisciplinary rehabilitation services at an IRF yielded improved functional outcomes six months after amputation relative to care received at SNFs or home. PMID:23291599

Review of Technical Studies in the United States in Support of Burnup Credit Regulatory Guidance

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

Wagner, John C; Parks, Cecil V; Mueller, Don

2010-01-01

Taking credit for the reduction in reactivity associated with fuel depletion can enable more cost-effective, higher-density storage, transport, disposal, and reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) while maintaining sufficient subcritical margin to establish an adequate safety basis. Consequently, there continues to be considerable interest in the United States (U.S.), as well as internationally, in the increased use of burnup credit in SNF operations, particularly related to storage, transport, and disposal of commercial SNF. This interest has motivated numerous technical studies related to the application of burnup credit, both domestically and internationally, as well as the design of SNF storage, transportmore » and disposal systems that rely on burnup credit for maintaining subcriticality. Responding to industry requests and needs, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) initiated a burnup credit research program in 1999, with support from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), to develop regulatory guidance and the supporting technical bases for allowing and expanding the use of burnup credit in pressurized-water reactor SNF storage and transport applications. Although this NRC research program has not been continuous since its inception, considerable progress has been achieved in many key areas in terms of increased understanding of relevant phenomena and issues, availability of relevant information and data, and subsequently updated regulatory guidance for expanded use of burnup credit. This paper reviews technical studies performed by ORNL for the U.S. NRC burnup credit research program. Examples of topics include reactivity effects associated with reactor operating characteristics, fuel assembly characteristics, burnable absorbers, control rods, spatial burnup distributions, cooling time, and assembly misloading; methods and data for validation of isotopic composition predictions; methods and data for validation of criticality calculations; and operational issues and data related to assembly burnup confirmation. The objective of this paper is to summarize the work and significant accomplishments, with references to the technical reports and publications for complete details, and provide a useful resource to others in the burnup credit community.« less

76 FR 48485 - Medicare Program; Prospective Payment System and Consolidated Billing for Skilled Nursing...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-08

... order below: ABN Advance Beneficiary Notice AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome ARD Assessment... Survey Certification and Reporting System PAC-PRD Post Acute Care Payment Reform Demonstration PECOS... which the hospital can use its beds to provide either acute or SNF care, as needed. For critical [[Page...

76 FR 26363 - Medicare Program; Prospective Payment System and Consolidated Billing for Skilled Nursing...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-06

... previous case-mix classification system. It also includes a discussion of a Non-Therapy Ancillary component... facilities. Finally, it proposes certain changes relating to the payment of group therapy services and... Payment for SNF Non-Therapy Ancillary Costs 1. Previous Research 2. Conceptual Analysis 3. Analytic Sample...

77 FR 46213 - Medicare Program; Prospective Payment System and Consolidated Billing for Skilled Nursing...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-08-02

.... Monitoring Impact of FY 2012 Policy Changes and Certain SNF Practices A. RUG Distributions B. Group Therapy... Common Procedure Coding System HR-III Hybrid Resource Utilization Groups, Version 3 IHS IGI (Information... OCN OMB Control Number OMB Office of Management and Budget OMRA Other Medicare-Required Assessment PPS...

Asymmetric Exhumation Patterns Revealed through Apatite-Zircon Thermochronology of the Santa Lucia Range, Central California

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mere, A.; Steely, A.; Hourigan, J. K.

2016-12-01

Previous thermochronological analyses of crystalline bedrock in the central Santa Lucia range have yielded surprisingly rapid rates of surface uplift and bedrock extrusion despite lack of modern seismicity along nearby faults. We use 8 new apatite and zircon (U-Th)/He dates in order to better constrain the history of bedrock extrusion in response to the transpressional North American-Pacific plate boundary. Granitic samples were collected along coastal fault blocks bounded by the Palo Colorado (PCF), Sur-Nacimiento (SNF), and San Gregorio Hosgri faults (SGHF); as well as one sample from Salinian Basement >25km NE of the SGHF. Helium was extracted and analyzed using a quadrupole equipped multi-sample laser microfurnace and U/Th content was measured using high precision isotope-dilution ICP mass spectrometry. Rapid late Cretaceous unroofing is captured in Salinian basement zircon and apatite by the respective 67Ma and 63Ma dates. Zircon along coastal silvers proximal to PCF and SNF record 28-31Ma dates while zircon in close proximity to SGHF record ages as young as 6.5Ma. Apatite ages proximal to PCF and SNF range between 6-9Ma and are as young as 1.5Ma directly NE of the SGHF. These data reflect increased exhumation beginning as recently as the Miocene and additionally indicate rates of modern (<2Ma) uplift exceeding 1.3 mm/yr. These results indicate that stresses caused by the active plate boundary are accommodated by the SGHF and associated faults as vertical deformation despite low rates of modern seismicity. We suggest that the SGHF and nearby faults are more active, or behave differently, that previously acknowledged. The pattern of focused exhumation within narrow fault blocks appears to be related to underplating of low strength schist that is thought to be synchronous with late Cretaceous unroofing of Salinian basement.

Relationship of patient volume and service concentration with outcome in geriatric rehabilitation.

PubMed

Holstege, Marije S; Zekveld, Ineke G; Caljouw, Monique A A; Peerenboom, Peter Bob; van Balen, Romke; Gussekloo, Jacobijn; Achterberg, Wilco P

2013-10-01

Although geriatric rehabilitation (GR) is beneficial for restoration of activities and participation after hospitalization of vulnerable older persons, little is known about the optimal organization of care of these postacute facilities. This study examines the relationship of patient volume and service concentration with successful GR (short length of stay and discharge home) in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). A national multicenter retrospective cohort study. All patients indicated for GR in a Dutch SNF. Nurses filled out digital registration forms from patient records. Patients were studied in 3 predefined diagnostic groups: total joint replacement, traumatic injuries, and stroke. Facility characteristics were obtained by structured telephone interviews with facility managers. Volume was based on the number of discharges in a 3-month period and categorized in low-, medium-, and high-volume facilities. Concentration was defined at the organizational level in which the population consists of 80% or more of 1 or 2 diagnostic groups, with the prerequisite of having a minimum of 10 rehabilitation beds. From 88 facilities, 2269 GR patients (mean age 78.2 years [SD 9.7]; 68.2% female) were included. The median length of stay in the SNF was 45 days (interquartile range 23-81), 57% of the patients were discharged home, and 9.8% died during GR. Of patients with total joint replacement (n = 501), concentration was related to successful rehabilitation (odds ratio 5.7; 95% confidence interval 1.3-24.3; P = .020, adjusted for age and gender); this relationship was not found for patients with traumatic injuries or stroke. Volume showed no relation with successful rehabilitation in any of the 3 diagnostic groups. This study may indicate that concentration in an SNF, as a proxy for specialization, favors successful GR in total joint replacement. This relationship was not found for the traumatic injuries or stroke groups, or for volume. The relation on functional outcome in GR needs further investigation. Copyright © 2013 American Medical Directors Association, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Mössbauer Studies of Stannous Fluoride Reactivity with Synthetic Tooth Enamel - A Model for the Tooth Cavity Protection Actions of Novel Dentifrices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dénès, Georges; Muntasar, Abdualhafeed; Kozak, Kathy M.; Baig, Arif A.; White, Donald J.

2002-06-01

SnF2 is an important toothpaste ingredient, added for the provision of clinical efficacy for hard and soft tissue diseases and in breath protection. Synthetic calcium hydroxyapatite powders were exposed to liquid supernates (25 w/w% toothpaste water slurries, centrifuged) of Crest Gum Care® (SnF2) dentifrice. One-minute treatments were followed by 3x water washing, centrifugation and lyophilization. Post treatment, powders were analyzed by Mössbauer spectroscopy with 0.5-1 gram of treated apatite powder. Results show that tooth mineral stannous fluoride interactions include: (1) formation of surface reaction products with both Sn(II) and Sn(IV) oxidation states; (2) Sn-F binding on mineral surfaces with no evidence of SnO. The surface binding is, however, not pure Sn-F but contains contributions of other ligands, probably oxygens from surface phosphates or hydroxyl groups. Results also suggest that surface reacted stannous tin is oxidized with time, even when bound as a layer on the tooth surface. This study demonstrates for the first time the presence of Sn-F on tooth enamel post treatment and the contribution of passivation to long term stannous chemistry on tooth surfaces. The study also illustrates the practical applications of the Mössbauer technique.

Tolerance or avoidance: drought frequency determines the response of an N2 -fixing tree.

PubMed

Minucci, Jeffrey M; Miniat, Chelcy Ford; Teskey, Robert O; Wurzburger, Nina

2017-07-01

Climate change is increasing drought frequency, which may affect symbiotic N 2 fixation (SNF), a process that facilitates ecosystem recovery from disturbance. Here, we assessed the effect of drought frequency on the ecophysiology and SNF rate of a common N 2 -fixing tree in eastern US forests. We grew Robinia pseudoacacia seedlings under the same mean soil moisture, but with different drought frequency caused by wet-dry cycles of varying periodicity. We found no effect of drought frequency on final biomass or mean SNF rate. However, seedlings responded differently to wet and dry phases depending on drought frequency. Under low-frequency droughts, plants fixed carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) at similar rates during wet and dry phases. Conversely, under high-frequency droughts, plants fixed C and N at low rates during dry phases and at high rates during wet phases. Our findings suggest that R. pseudoacacia growth is resistant to increased drought frequency because it employs two strategies - drought tolerance or drought avoidance, followed by compensation. SNF may play a role in both by supplying N to leaf tissues for acclimation and by facilitating compensatory growth following drought. Our findings point to SNF as a mechanism for plants and ecosystems to cope with drought. © 2017 The Authors. New Phytologist © 2017 New Phytologist Trust.

SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex is critical for the expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor in melanoma cells

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

Vachtenheim, Jiri, E-mail: jivach@upn.anet.cz; Ondrusova, Lubica; Borovansky, Jan

2010-02-12

The microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) is required for melanocyte development, maintenance of the melanocyte-specific transcription, and survival of melanoma cells. MITF positively regulates expression of more than 25 genes in pigment cells. Recently, it has been demonstrated that expression of several MITF downstream targets requires the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex, which contains one of the two catalytic subunits, Brm or Brg1. Here we show that the expression of MITF itself critically requires active SWI/SNF. In several Brm/Brg1-expressing melanoma cell lines, knockdown of Brg1 severely compromised MITF expression with a concomitant dowregulation of MITF targets and decreased cell proliferation. Although Brmmore » was able to substitute for Brg1 in maintaining MITF expression and melanoma cell proliferation, sequential knockdown of both Brm and Brg1 in 501mel cells abolished proliferation. In Brg1-null SK-MEL-5 melanoma cells, depletion of Brm alone was sufficient to abrogate MITF expression and cell proliferation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation confirmed the binding of Brg1 or Brm to the promoter of MITF. Together these results demonstrate the essential role of SWI/SNF for expression of MITF and suggest that SWI/SNF may be a promissing target in melanoma therapy.« less

Functional Silver-Silicone-Nanofilament-Composite Material for Water Disinfection.

PubMed

Meier, Margrith; Suppiger, Angela; Eberl, Leo; Seeger, Stefan

2017-01-01

The roughness of superhydrophobic silicone nanofilaments (SNFs) is exploited to enlarge the contact area of conventional filter material. As an efficient wetting of the filter material is crucial for water treatment, the wettability of SNFs is readily modified from superhydrophobic to hydrophilic during the functionalization process. SNFs are coated on glass beads and subsequently modified with biocidal silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The enlarged surface area of SNFs allows a 30 times higher loading of AgNPs in comparison to glass beads without SNF coating. Thus, in column experiments, the AgNP-SNF-nanocomposite-modified glass beads exert superior antibacterial activity towards suspensions of E. coli K12 compared to AgNP functionalized glass beads without SNFs. Additionally, reusing the AgNP-SNF-nanocomposite-coated glass beads with fresh bacteria contaminated medium increases their efficacy and reduces the colony forming units by ≈6 log units. Thereby, the silver loss during percolation is below 0.1 μg mL -1 . These results highlight, first, the potential of AgNP-SNF-nanocomposite-modified glass beads as an effective filter substrate for water disinfection, and second, the efficiency of SNF coating in increasing the contact area of conventional filter material. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Chromatin-remodeling SWI/SNF complex regulates coenzyme Q6 synthesis and a metabolic shift to respiration in yeast.

PubMed

Awad, Agape M; Venkataramanan, Srivats; Nag, Anish; Galivanche, Anoop Raj; Bradley, Michelle C; Neves, Lauren T; Douglass, Stephen; Clarke, Catherine F; Johnson, Tracy L

2017-09-08

Despite its relatively streamlined genome, there are many important examples of regulated RNA splicing in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Here, we report a role for the chromatin remodeler SWI/SNF in respiration, partially via the regulation of splicing. We find that a nutrient-dependent decrease in Snf2 leads to an increase in splicing of the PTC7 transcript. The spliced PTC7 transcript encodes a mitochondrial phosphatase regulator of biosynthesis of coenzyme Q 6 (ubiquinone or CoQ 6 ) and a mitochondrial redox-active lipid essential for electron and proton transport in respiration. Increased splicing of PTC7 increases CoQ 6 levels. The increase in PTC7 splicing occurs at least in part due to down-regulation of ribosomal protein gene expression, leading to the redistribution of spliceosomes from this abundant class of intron-containing RNAs to otherwise poorly spliced transcripts. In contrast, a protein encoded by the nonspliced isoform of PTC7 represses CoQ 6 biosynthesis. Taken together, these findings uncover a link between Snf2 expression and the splicing of PTC7 and establish a previously unknown role for the SWI/SNF complex in the transition of yeast cells from fermentative to respiratory modes of metabolism. © 2017 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Symbiotic N fixation is not down-regulated in mature versus secondary tropical forests in Bahia, Brazil.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Winbourne, J. B.; Daniel, P.; Porder, S.

2016-12-01

Carbon accumulation in secondary tropical forests is substantial, and thought to be limited at least in part by nitrogen (N) availability. Slash and burn agriculture and grazing remove N from the system, however, the abundance of symbiotic N fixing trees in young tropical forests suggests rapid N accumulation as forests regrow. Here we use statistically robust spatial sampling to quantify symbiotic (SNF) and asymbiotic N fixation across a chronosequence of re-growing tropical forests in the Mata Atlântica of Bahia, Brasil. The Mata Atlântica once stretched 1500 km along the east coast of Brasil, is currently 85% deforested, and is a target of national and international restoration efforts that rely heavily on the planting of legume species to facilitate forest regrowth. As expected, we found the highest rates of SNF early in forest succession, but these rates were low compared with prior estimates (16-year-old forests fixed 5.75 ± 2.2 kg N ha-1 yr-1), and did not significantly decline in older stands. Mature forests (>100 years old) fixed 4.3 kg N ha-1 yr-1. This rate is similar to measurements using the same method in intact forests in Costa Rica, and both estimates are 5 times lower than previous estimates of SNF inputs into mature tropical forests. In our study, SNF accounted for > 99% of the total N inputs via biological N fixation. Several intriguing possibilities emerge from these data: 1) contrary to expectations, abundant legumes early in succession do not dramatically increase N inputs in these regrowing tropical forests and 2) the hypothesis that N fixation is down regulated by facultative fixers once forests reach maturity is not consistent with our observations.

Implementation of a Person-Centered Medical Care Model in a Skilled Nursing Facility: A Pilot Evaluation.

PubMed

Abrahamson, Kathleen; Myers, Jaclyn; Nazir, Arif

2017-06-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and impact of implementing a person-centered medical care model for post-acute care residents within a skilled nursing facility (SNF). A mixed-method (qualitative and quantitative) pilot evaluation. An 89-bed SNF located within a large midwestern city. Forty SNF post-acute patients admitted to the facility during a 6-month period were enrolled in the pilot evaluation. The patients were 75% women, 57% African American, and had an average age of 73. To meet inclusion criteria, patients must have been admitted to the facility for rehabilitation with a plan for community discharge, and be cognitively able to consent as indicated by a cognitive screening tool or assent to participation with family member consent. The person-centered medical care model included (1) biweekly interdisciplinary care plan meetings, scheduled at a time of patients' preference and held in the patient's room; (2) patient selection of health-related goals that guide team discussions; (3) use of lay-language that facilitated patient understanding; (4) team accountability to the patient for patient care preferences; and (5) monthly care-team meetings to exchange feedback regarding the team's performance and the model. Evaluation data included admission and discharge Patient Activation Measure surveys; admission and discharge Care of Chronic Conditions surveys; admission and biweekly modified Castle Satisfaction Surveys; admission and discharge Patient and Caregiver Engagement surveys; and semistructured interviews with a sample of staff, family members, and patients. A significant (P < .01) improvement was noted between admission and discharge on both the Care for Chronic Conditions and the Patient Activation Measure surveys. Patient satisfaction surveys trended toward higher ratings over time on most questions, with significant improvement in 2 questions addressing satisfaction with their medical provider. Interviews revealed a perception that the model encouraged an environment of respect and honesty in patient communications, and an overall positive experience. The challenges of scheduling and time were noted by respondents. Implementation of person-centered medical care within an SNF was feasible, yet required changing care processes to better address individual goals and facilitate communication among patients, providers, and SNF staff. Overall pilot results indicated that patients and staff members viewed the person-centered care experience positively. Further research is needed to examine long-term effects of the model on resident outcomes. Copyright © 2017 AMDA – The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A retrospective comparison of clinical outcomes and Medicare expenditures in skilled nursing facility residents with chronic wounds.

PubMed

DaVanzo, Joan E; El-Gamil, Audrey M; Dobson, Allen; Sen, Namrata

2010-09-01

Medicare skilled nursing facility (SNF) residents with chronic wounds require more resources and have relatively high healthcare expenditures compared to Medicare patients without wounds. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using 2006 Medicare Chronic Condition Warehouse claims data for SNF, inpatient, outpatient hospital, and physician supplier settings along with 2006 Long-Term Care Minimum Data Set (MDS) information to compare Medicare expenditures between two groups of SNF residents with a diagnosis of pressure, venous, ischemic, or diabetic ulcers whose wounds healed during the 10-month study period. The study group (n = 372) was managed using a structured, comprehensive wound management protocol provided by an external wound management team. The matched comparison group consisted of 311 SNF residents who did not receive care from the wound management team. Regression analyses indicate that after controlling for resident comorbidities and wound severity, study group residents experienced lower rates of wound-related hospitalization per day (0.08% versus 0.21%, P < 0.01) and shorter wound episodes (94 days versus 115 days, P < 0.01) than comparison group patients. Total Medicare costs were $21,449.64 for the study group and $40,678.83 for the comparison group (P < 0.01) or $229.07 versus $354.26 (P < 0.01) per resident episode day. Additional studies including wounds that do not heal are warranted. Increasing the number of SNF residents receiving the care described in this study could lead to significant Medicare cost savings. Incorporating wound clinical outcomes into a pay-for-performance measures for SNFs could increase broader SNF adoption of comprehensive wound care programs to treat chronic wounds.

Interplay between chromatin modulators and histone acetylation regulates the formation of accessible chromatin in the upstream regulatory region of fission yeast fbp1.

PubMed

Adachi, Akira; Senmatsu, Satoshi; Asada, Ryuta; Abe, Takuya; Hoffman, Charles S; Ohta, Kunihiro; Hirota, Kouji

2018-05-03

Numerous noncoding RNA transcripts are detected in eukaryotic cells. Noncoding RNAs transcribed across gene promoters are involved in the regulation of mRNA transcription via chromatin modulation. This function of noncoding RNA transcription was first demonstrated for the fission yeast fbp1 gene, where a cascade of noncoding RNA transcription events induces chromatin remodeling to facilitate transcription factor binding. We recently demonstrated that the noncoding RNAs from the fbp1 upstream region facilitate binding of the transcription activator Atf1 and thereby promote histone acetylation. Histone acetylation by histone acetyl transferases (HATs) and ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers (ADCRs) are implicated in chromatin remodeling, but the interplay between HATs and ADCRs in this process has not been fully elucidated. Here, we examine the roles played by two distinct ADCRs, Snf22 and Hrp3, and by the HAT Gcn5 in the transcriptional activation of fbp1. Snf22 and Hrp3 redundantly promote disassembly of chromatin in the fbp1 upstream region. Gcn5 critically contributes to nucleosome eviction in the absence of either Snf22 or Hrp3, presumably by recruiting Hrp3 in snf22∆ cells and Snf22 in hrp3∆ cells. Conversely, Gcn5-dependent histone H3 acetylation is impaired in snf22∆/hrp3∆ cells, suggesting that both redundant ADCRs induce recruitment of Gcn5 to the chromatin array in the fbp1 upstream region. These results reveal a previously unappreciated interplay between ADCRs and histone acetylation in which histone acetylation facilitates recruitment of ADCRs, while ADCRs are required for histone acetylation.

Yeast Carbon Catabolite Repression†

PubMed Central

Gancedo, Juana M.

1998-01-01

Glucose and related sugars repress the transcription of genes encoding enzymes required for the utilization of alternative carbon sources; some of these genes are also repressed by other sugars such as galactose, and the process is known as catabolite repression. The different sugars produce signals which modify the conformation of certain proteins that, in turn, directly or through a regulatory cascade affect the expression of the genes subject to catabolite repression. These genes are not all controlled by a single set of regulatory proteins, but there are different circuits of repression for different groups of genes. However, the protein kinase Snf1/Cat1 is shared by the various circuits and is therefore a central element in the regulatory process. Snf1 is not operative in the presence of glucose, and preliminary evidence suggests that Snf1 is in a dephosphorylated state under these conditions. However, the enzymes that phosphorylate and dephosphorylate Snf1 have not been identified, and it is not known how the presence of glucose may affect their activity. What has been established is that Snf1 remains active in mutants lacking either the proteins Grr1/Cat80 or Hxk2 or the Glc7 complex, which functions as a protein phosphatase. One of the main roles of Snf1 is to relieve repression by the Mig1 complex, but it is also required for the operation of transcription factors such as Adr1 and possibly other factors that are still unidentified. Although our knowledge of catabolite repression is still very incomplete, it is possible in certain cases to propose a partial model of the way in which the different elements involved in catabolite repression may be integrated. PMID:9618445

Yeast carbon catabolite repression.

PubMed

Gancedo, J M

1998-06-01

Glucose and related sugars repress the transcription of genes encoding enzymes required for the utilization of alternative carbon sources; some of these genes are also repressed by other sugars such as galactose, and the process is known as catabolite repression. The different sugars produce signals which modify the conformation of certain proteins that, in turn, directly or through a regulatory cascade affect the expression of the genes subject to catabolite repression. These genes are not all controlled by a single set of regulatory proteins, but there are different circuits of repression for different groups of genes. However, the protein kinase Snf1/Cat1 is shared by the various circuits and is therefore a central element in the regulatory process. Snf1 is not operative in the presence of glucose, and preliminary evidence suggests that Snf1 is in a dephosphorylated state under these conditions. However, the enzymes that phosphorylate and dephosphorylate Snf1 have not been identified, and it is not known how the presence of glucose may affect their activity. What has been established is that Snf1 remains active in mutants lacking either the proteins Grr1/Cat80 or Hxk2 or the Glc7 complex, which functions as a protein phosphatase. One of the main roles of Snf1 is to relieve repression by the Mig1 complex, but it is also required for the operation of transcription factors such as Adr1 and possibly other factors that are still unidentified. Although our knowledge of catabolite repression is still very incomplete, it is possible in certain cases to propose a partial model of the way in which the different elements involved in catabolite repression may be integrated.

Skilled Nursing Facility Partnerships May Decrease 90-Day Costs in a Total Joint Arthroplasty Episode Under the Bundled Payments for Care Improvement Initiative.

PubMed

Behery, Omar A; Kouk, Shalen; Chen, Kevin K; Mullaly, Kathleen A; Bosco, Joseph A; Slover, James D; Iorio, Richard; Schwarzkopf, Ran

2018-03-01

The Bundled Payments for Care Improvement initiative was developed to reduce costs associated with total joint arthroplasty through a single payment for all patient care from index admission through a 90-day post-discharge period, including care at skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). The aim of this study is to investigate whether forming partnerships between hospitals and SNFs could lower the post-discharge costs. We hypothesize that institutionally aligned SNFs have lower post-discharge costs than non-aligned SNFs. A cohort of 615 elective, primary total hip and knee arthroplasty subjects discharged to an SNF under the Bundled Payments for Care Improvement from 2014 to 2016 were included in our analysis. Patients were grouped into one of the 3 categories of SNF alignment: group 1: non-partners; group 2: agreement-based partners; group 3: institution-owned partners. Demographics, comorbidities, length of stay (LOS) at SNF, and associated costs during the 90-day post-operative period were compared between the 3 groups. Mean index hospital LOS was statistically shortest in group 3 (mean 2.7 days vs 3.5 for groups 1 and 2, P = .001). SNF LOS was also shortest in group 3 (mean 11 days vs 19 and 21 days in groups 2 and 1 respectively, P < .001). Total SNF costs and total 90-day costs were both significantly lower in group 3 compared with groups 1 and 2 (P < .001 for all), even after controlling for medical comorbidities. Institution-owned partner SNFs demonstrated the shortest patient LOS, and the lowest SNF and total 90-day costs, without increased risk of readmissions, compared with other SNFs. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Candida albicans Swi/Snf and Mediator Complexes Differentially Regulate Mrr1-Induced MDR1 Expression and Fluconazole Resistance.

PubMed

Liu, Zhongle; Myers, Lawrence C

2017-11-01

Long-term azole treatment of patients with chronic Candida albicans infections can lead to drug resistance. Gain-of-function (GOF) mutations in the transcription factor Mrr1 and the consequent transcriptional activation of MDR1 , a drug efflux coding gene, is a common pathway by which this human fungal pathogen acquires fluconazole resistance. This work elucidates the previously unknown downstream transcription mechanisms utilized by hyperactive Mrr1. We identified the Swi/Snf chromatin remodeling complex as a key coactivator for Mrr1, which is required to maintain basal and induced open chromatin, and Mrr1 occupancy, at the MDR1 promoter. Deletion of snf2 , the catalytic subunit of Swi/Snf, largely abrogates the increases in MDR1 expression and fluconazole MIC observed in MRR1 GOF mutant strains. Mediator positively and negatively regulates key Mrr1 target promoters. Deletion of the Mediator tail module med3 subunit reduces, but does not eliminate, the increased MDR1 expression and fluconazole MIC conferred by MRR1 GOF mutations. Eliminating the kinase activity of the Mediator Ssn3 subunit suppresses the decreased MDR1 expression and fluconazole MIC of the snf2 null mutation in MRR1 GOF strains. Ssn3 deletion also suppresses MDR1 promoter histone displacement defects in snf2 null mutants. The combination of this work with studies on other hyperactive zinc cluster transcription factors that confer azole resistance in fungal pathogens reveals a complex picture where the induction of drug efflux pump expression requires the coordination of multiple coactivators. The observed variations in transcription factor and target promoter dependence of this process may make the search for azole sensitivity-restoring small molecules more complicated. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Microbiology.

Mechanisms involved in the p62-73 idiopeptide-modulated delay of lupus nephritis in SNF(1) mice.

PubMed

Nyland, J F; Stoll, M L; Jiang, F; Feng, F; Gavalchin, J

2012-12-01

The F(1) progeny of the (SWR × NZB) cross develop a lupus-like disease with high serum titers of autoantibodies, and increased frequency and severity of immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis in females. In previous work, we found that an idiotypic peptide corresponding to aa62-73 (p62-73) of the heavy chain variable region of autoantibody 540 (Id(LN)F(1)) induced the proliferation of p62-73 idiotype-reactive T cell clones. Further, monthly immunization of pre-nephritic SNF(1) female mice with p62-73 resulted in decreased nephritis and prolonged life spans. Here we show that this treatment modulated proliferative responses to Id(LN)F(1) antigen, including a reduction in the population of idiopeptide-presenting antigen-presenting cells (APCs), as early as two weeks after immunization (10 weeks of age). Th1-type cytokine production was increased at 12 weeks of age. The incidence and severity of nephritis was reduced by 14 weeks compared to controls. Clinical indicators of nephritis, specifically histological evidence of glomerulonephritis and urine protein levels, were reduced by 20 weeks. Together these data suggest that events involved in the mechanism(s) whereby p62-73 immunization delayed nephritis occurred early after immunization, and involved modulation of APCs, B and T cell populations.

A SWI/SNF Chromatin Remodelling Protein Controls Cytokinin Production through the Regulation of Chromatin Architecture

PubMed Central

Jégu, Teddy; Domenichini, Séverine; Blein, Thomas; Ariel, Federico; Christ, Aurélie; Kim, Soon-Kap; Crespi, Martin; Boutet-Mercey, Stéphanie; Mouille, Grégory; Bourge, Mickaël; Hirt, Heribert; Bergounioux, Catherine; Raynaud, Cécile; Benhamed, Moussa

2015-01-01

Chromatin architecture determines transcriptional accessibility to DNA and consequently gene expression levels in response to developmental and environmental stimuli. Recently, chromatin remodelers such as SWI/SNF complexes have been recognized as key regulators of chromatin architecture. To gain insight into the function of these complexes during root development, we have analyzed Arabidopsis knock-down lines for one sub-unit of SWI/SNF complexes: BAF60. Here, we show that BAF60 is a positive regulator of root development and cell cycle progression in the root meristem via its ability to down-regulate cytokinin production. By opposing both the deposition of active histone marks and the formation of a chromatin regulatory loop, BAF60 negatively regulates two crucial target genes for cytokinin biosynthesis (IPT3 and IPT7) and one cell cycle inhibitor (KRP7). Our results demonstrate that SWI/SNF complexes containing BAF60 are key factors governing the equilibrium between formation and dissociation of a chromatin loop controlling phytohormone production and cell cycle progression. PMID:26457678

The BAF60 Subunit of the SWI/SNF Chromatin-Remodeling Complex Directly Controls the Formation of a Gene Loop at FLOWERING LOCUS C in Arabidopsis[W

PubMed Central

Jégu, Teddy; Latrasse, David; Delarue, Marianne; Hirt, Heribert; Domenichini, Séverine; Ariel, Federico; Crespi, Martin; Bergounioux, Catherine; Raynaud, Cécile; Benhamed, Moussa

2014-01-01

SWI/SNF complexes mediate ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling to regulate gene expression. Many components of these complexes are evolutionarily conserved, and several subunits of Arabidopsis thaliana SWI/SNF complexes are involved in the control of flowering, a process that depends on the floral repressor FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC). BAF60 is a SWI/SNF subunit, and in this work, we show that BAF60, via a direct targeting of the floral repressor FLC, induces a change at the high-order chromatin level and represses the photoperiod flowering pathway in Arabidopsis. BAF60 accumulates in the nucleus and controls the formation of the FLC gene loop by modulation of histone density, composition, and posttranslational modification. Physiological analysis of BAF60 RNA interference mutant lines allowed us to propose that this chromatin-remodeling protein creates a repressive chromatin configuration at the FLC locus. PMID:24510722

FY 2016 Status Report: Documentation of All CIRFT Data including Hydride Reorientation Tests (Draft M2)

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

Wang, Jy-An John; Wang, Hong; Jiang, Hao

The first portion of this report provides a detailed description of fiscal year (FY) 2015 test result corrections and analysis updates based on FY 2016 updates to the Cyclic Integrated Reversible-Bending Fatigue Tester (CIRFT) program methodology, which is used to evaluate the vibration integrity of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) under normal conditions of transport (NCT). The CIRFT consists of a U-frame test setup and a real-time curvature measurement method. The three-component U-frame setup of the CIRFT has two rigid arms and linkages connecting to a universal testing machine. The curvature SNF rod bending is obtained through a three-point deflection measurementmore » method. Three linear variable differential transformers (LVDTs) are clamped to the side connecting plates of the U-frame and used to capture deformation of the rod. The second portion of this report provides the latest CIRFT data, including data for the hydride reorientation test. The variations in fatigue life are provided in terms of moment, equivalent stress, curvature, and equivalent strain for the tested SNFs. The equivalent stress plot collapsed the data points from all of the SNF samples into a single zone. A detailed examination revealed that, at the same stress level, fatigue lives display a descending order as follows: H. B. Robinson Nuclear Power Station (HBR), LMK, and mixed uranium-plutonium oxide (MOX). Just looking at the strain, LMK fuel has a slightly longer fatigue life than HBR fuel, but the difference is subtle. The third portion of this report provides finite element analysis (FEA) dynamic deformation simulation of SNF assemblies . In a horizontal layout under NCT, the fuel assembly’s skeleton, which is formed by guide tubes and spacer grids, is the primary load bearing apparatus carrying and transferring vibration loads within an SNF assembly. These vibration loads include interaction forces between the SNF assembly and the canister basket walls. Therefore, the integrity of the guide tubes and spacer grids critically affects the vibration intensity of the fuel assembly during transport and must be considered when developing the multipurpose purpose canister (MPC) design for safe SNF transport.« less

Error estimates of Lagrange interpolation and orthonormal expansions for Freud weights

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kwon, K. H.; Lee, D. W.

2001-08-01

Let Sn[f] be the nth partial sum of the orthonormal polynomials expansion with respect to a Freud weight. Then we obtain sufficient conditions for the boundedness of Sn[f] and discuss the speed of the convergence of Sn[f] in weighted Lp space. We also find sufficient conditions for the boundedness of the Lagrange interpolation polynomial Ln[f], whose nodal points are the zeros of orthonormal polynomials with respect to a Freud weight. In particular, if W(x)=e-(1/2)x2 is the Hermite weight function, then we obtain sufficient conditions for the inequalities to hold:andwhere and k=0,1,2...,r.

CIRFT Data Update and Data Analyses for Spent Nuclear Fuel Vibration Reliability Study

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

Wang, Jy-An John; Wang, Hong

The objective of this research is to collect experimental data on spent nuclear fuel (SNF) from pressurized water reactors (PWRs), including the H. B. Robinson Nuclear Power Station (HBR), Catawba Nuclear Station, North Anna Nuclear Power Station (NA), and the Limerick Nuclear Power Station (LMK) boiling water reactor (BWR). Data will be collected under simulated transportation environments using the cyclic integrated reversible-bending fatigue tester (CIRFT), an enabling hot-cell testing technology developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). These data will be used to support ongoing SNF modeling activities and to address regulatory issues associated with SNF transport.

Spent Nuclear Fuel (SNF) Project Execution Plan

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

LEROY, P.G.

2000-11-03

The Spent Nuclear Fuel (SNF) Project supports the Hanford Site Mission to cleanup the Site by providing safe, economic, environmentally sound management of Site spent nuclear fuel in a manner that reduces hazards by staging it to interim onsite storage and deactivates the 100 K Area facilities.

42 CFR 413.53 - Determination of cost of services to beneficiaries.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... DISEASE SERVICES; OPTIONAL PROSPECTIVELY DETERMINED PAYMENT RATES FOR SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES... paragraph (d) of this section.) Nursing facility (NF)-type services, formerly known as ICF and SNF-type...)(1) of the Act. Skilled nursing facility (SNF)-type services are routine services furnished by a...

Biofilm community diversity after exposure to 0·4% stannous fluoride gels.

PubMed

Reilly, C; Rasmussen, K; Selberg, T; Stevens, J; Jones, R S

2014-12-01

To test the effect of 0·4% stannous fluoride (SnF2 ) glycerine-based gels on specific portions of the bacterial community in both a clinical observational study and in vitro multispecies plaque-derived (MSPD) biofilm model. Potential changes to specific portions of the bacterial community were determined through the Human Oral Microbial Identification Microarray (HOMIM). Both the observational clinical study and the biofilm model showed that short-term use of 0·4% SnF2 gel has little effect on the bacterial community depicted by hierarchical cluster analysis. The amount of plaque accumulation on a subject's teeth, which was measured by plaque index scores, failed to show statistical significant changes over the two baselines or after treatment (P = 0·9928). The in vitro results were similar when examining the effect of 0·4% SnF2 gels on biofilm adherence through a crystal violet assay (P = 0·1157). The bacteria within the dental biofilms showed resilience in maintaining the overall community diversity after exposure to 0·4% SnF2 topical gels. The study supports that the immediate benefits of using 0·4% SnF2 gels in children may be strictly from fluoride ions inhibiting tooth demineralization rather than delivering substantial antimicrobial effects. © 2014 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Functional Differentiation of SWI/SNF Remodelers in Transcription and Cell Cycle Control▿ †

PubMed Central

Moshkin, Yuri M.; Mohrmann, Lisette; van Ijcken, Wilfred F. J.; Verrijzer, C. Peter

2007-01-01

Drosophila BAP and PBAP represent two evolutionarily conserved subclasses of SWI/SNF chromatin remodelers. The two complexes share the same core subunits, including the BRM ATPase, but differ in a few signature subunits: OSA defines BAP, whereas Polybromo (PB) and BAP170 specify PBAP. Here, we present a comprehensive structure-function analysis of BAP and PBAP. An RNA interference knockdown survey revealed that the core subunits BRM and MOR are critical for the structural integrity of both complexes. Whole-genome expression profiling suggested that the SWI/SNF core complex is largely dysfunctional in cells. Regulation of the majority of target genes required the signature subunit OSA, PB, or BAP170, suggesting that SWI/SNF remodelers function mostly as holoenzymes. BAP and PBAP execute similar, independent, or antagonistic functions in transcription control and appear to direct mostly distinct biological processes. BAP, but not PBAP, is required for cell cycle progression through mitosis. Because in yeast the PBAP-homologous complex, RSC, controls cell cycle progression, our finding reveals a functional switch during evolution. BAP mediates G2/M transition through direct regulation of string/cdc25. Its signature subunit, OSA, is required for directing BAP to the string/cdc25 promoter. Our results suggest that the core subunits play architectural and enzymatic roles but that the signature subunits determine most of the functional specificity of SWI/SNF holoenzymes in general gene control. PMID:17101803

DESIGN ANALYSIS FOR THE DEFENSE HIGH-LEVEL WASTE DISPOSAL CONTAINER

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

G. Radulesscu; J.S. Tang

The purpose of ''Design Analysis for the Defense High-Level Waste Disposal Container'' analysis is to technically define the defense high-level waste (DHLW) disposal container/waste package using the Waste Package Department's (WPD) design methods, as documented in ''Waste Package Design Methodology Report'' (CRWMS M&O [Civilian Radioactive Waste Management System Management and Operating Contractor] 2000a). The DHLW disposal container is intended for disposal of commercial high-level waste (HLW) and DHLW (including immobilized plutonium waste forms), placed within disposable canisters. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)-managed spent nuclear fuel (SNF) in disposable canisters may also be placed in a DHLW disposal container alongmore » with HLW forms. The objective of this analysis is to demonstrate that the DHLW disposal container/waste package satisfies the project requirements, as embodied in Defense High Level Waste Disposal Container System Description Document (SDD) (CRWMS M&O 1999a), and additional criteria, as identified in Waste Package Design Sensitivity Report (CRWMS M&Q 2000b, Table 4). The analysis briefly describes the analytical methods appropriate for the design of the DHLW disposal contained waste package, and summarizes the results of the calculations that illustrate the analytical methods. However, the analysis is limited to the calculations selected for the DHLW disposal container in support of the Site Recommendation (SR) (CRWMS M&O 2000b, Section 7). The scope of this analysis is restricted to the design of the codisposal waste package of the Savannah River Site (SRS) DHLW glass canisters and the Training, Research, Isotopes General Atomics (TRIGA) SNF loaded in a short 18-in.-outer diameter (OD) DOE standardized SNF canister. This waste package is representative of the waste packages that consist of the DHLW disposal container, the DHLW/HLW glass canisters, and the DOE-managed SNF in disposable canisters. The intended use of this analysis is to support Site Recommendation reports and to assist in the development of WPD drawings. Activities described in this analysis were conducted in accordance with the Development Plan ''Design Analysis for the Defense High-Level Waste Disposal Container'' (CRWMS M&O 2000c) with no deviations from the plan.« less

Effects of management practices on yield and quality of milk from smallholder dairy units in urban and peri-urban Morogoro, Tanzania.

PubMed

Gillah, Kejeri A; Kifaro, George C; Madsen, Jorgen

2014-10-01

A longitudinal study design was used to assess the management, chemical composition of cows' milk and quantify the microbial load of raw milk produced at farm level. Data were collected between December 2010 and September 2011 in Morogoro municipality. Milk samples were collected once every month and analysed for butter fat (BF), crude protein (CP), total solids (TS) and solids non-fat (SNF). Total bacterial count (TBC) and coliform counts (CC) were normalized by log transformation. The average milk yield was 7.0 l/day and was not influenced by feeding systems and breeds. Dairy cows owned by people who had no regular income produced more milk than government employees and retired officers. Means of BF, TS, SNF and CP were similar in different feeding systems. Wet season had significantly higher TBC (5.9 log10 cfu/ml) and CC (2.4 log10 cfu/ml) but feeding systems had no effect. Stocking density influenced TBC but not CC. It can be concluded that dairy cows produced low milk yield and its quality was poor.

Brain-Behavior Participant Similarity Networks Among Youth and Emerging Adults with Schizophrenia Spectrum, Autism Spectrum, or Bipolar Disorder and Matched Controls.

PubMed

Stefanik, Laura; Erdman, Lauren; Ameis, Stephanie H; Foussias, George; Mulsant, Benoit H; Behdinan, Tina; Goldenberg, Anna; O'Donnell, Lauren J; Voineskos, Aristotle N

2018-04-01

There is considerable heterogeneity in social cognitive and neurocognitive performance among people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD), autism spectrum disorders (ASD), bipolar disorder (BD), and healthy individuals. This study used Similarity Network Fusion (SNF), a novel data-driven approach, to identify participant similarity networks based on relationships among demographic, brain imaging, and behavioral data. T1-weighted and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance images were obtained for 174 adolescents and young adults (aged 16-35 years) with an SSD (n=51), an ASD without intellectual disability (n=38), euthymic BD (n=34), and healthy controls (n=51). A battery of social cognitive and neurocognitive tasks were administered. Data integration, cluster determination, and biological group formation were then obtained using SNF. We identified four new groups of individuals, each with distinct neural circuit-cognitive profiles. The most influential variables driving the formation of the new groups were robustly reliable across embedded resampling techniques. The data-driven groups showed considerably greater differentiation on key social and neurocognitive circuit nodes than groups generated by diagnostic analyses or dimensional social cognitive analyses. The data-driven groups were validated through functional outcome and brain network property measures not included in the SNF model. Cutting across diagnostic boundaries, our approach can effectively identify new groups of people based on a profile of neuroimaging and behavioral data. Our findings bring us closer to disease subtyping that can be leveraged toward the targeting of specific neural circuitry among participant subgroups to ameliorate social cognitive and neurocognitive deficits.

Use of Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment for Heart Failure Patients During Postacute Care in Skilled Nursing Facilities

PubMed Central

Lum, Hillary; Obafemi, Oluyomi; Dukes, Joanna; Nowels, Molly; Samon, Kristina; Boxer, Rebecca S.

2017-01-01

Background Individuals with heart failure (HF) who are hospitalized and admitted to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are at high risk for rehospitalization and death. The care preferences of this high-risk population have not been studied. Objectives To describe care preferences of patients with HF admitted to SNFs for rehabilitation based on Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment (MOST) documentation, and evaluate goal-concordant care based on MOST documentation, emergency department (ED) visits, and hospitalization. Design, setting, and participants Retrospective study of patients with HF in 35 SNFs enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of HF-disease management versus usual care between July 2014 and May 2016. Measurements Validity of MOST forms, care preference documentation, and ED visits/hospitalizations within 60 days of SNF admission. Results Of 370 patients (mean age 78.6 years, 58% women, 25% systolic HF), 278 (75%) had a MOST form in the SNF chart, of which 96 forms (35%) were invalid. The most common reason for an invalid MOST form was missing date accompanying patient or provider signature. Of 182 valid MOST forms, 47% of patients chose no cardiopulmonary resuscitation (“No CPR”), 58% selected “Full Treatment,” 17% chose “Selective Treatment,” and 23% chose “Comfort-Focused Treatment.” Patients who were older [odds ratio (OR) = 1.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.25, 1.81] and female (OR = 2.33, 95% CI = 1.18, 4.59) had higher odds of choosing “No CPR.” Sixty-six of 182 patients (36%) with valid MOST forms had an ED/hospital visit within 60 days of SNF admission; only 3 patients received medical care that was potentially discordant: all 3 chose “Comfort-Focused Treatment” and were hospitalized for more than symptom management. Conclusion Seventy-five percent of patients with HF admitted to SNFs had care preferences documented using the MOST form, and 95% received goal-concordant care based on care preferences documented during the SNF admission. Clinicaltrials.gov # NCT01822912. PMID:28688730

Preliminary Evaluation of Removing Used Nuclear Fuel from Shutdown Sites

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

Maheras, Steven J.; Best, Ralph E.; Ross, Steven B.

A preliminary evaluation of removing spent nuclear fuel (SNF) from 13 shutdown nuclear power plant sites was performed. At these shutdown sites the nuclear power reactors have been permanently shut down and the sites have been decommissioned or are undergoing decommissioning. The shutdown sites were Maine Yankee, Yankee Rowe, Connecticut Yankee, Humboldt Bay, Big Rock Point, Rancho Seco, Trojan, La Crosse, Zion, Crystal River, Kewaunee, San Onofre, and Vermont Yankee. The evaluation was divided into four components: Characterization of the SNF and greater-than-Class C low-level radioactive waste (GTCC waste) inventory A description of the on-site infrastructure at the shutdown sitesmore » An evaluation of the near-site transportation infrastructure and transportation experience at the shutdown sites An evaluation of the actions necessary to prepare for and remove SNF and GTCC waste. The primary sources for the inventory of SNF and GTCC waste were the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) spent nuclear fuel inventory database, industry publications such as StoreFUEL, and government sources such as the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The primary sources for information on the conditions of on-site infrastructure and near-site transportation infrastructure and experience included information collected during site visits, information provided by managers at the shutdown sites, Facility Interface Data Sheets compiled for DOE in 2005, Services Planning Documents prepared for DOE in 1993 and 1994, industry publications such as Radwaste Solutions, and Google Earth. State staff, State Regional Group representatives, a Tribal representative, and a Federal Railroad Administration representative have participated in nine of the shutdown site visits. Every shutdown site was found to have at least one off-site transportation mode option for removing its SNF and GTCC waste; some have multiple options. Experience removing large components during reactor decommissioning provided an important source of information used to identify the transportation mode options for the sites. Especially important in conducting the evaluation were site visits, through which information was obtained that would not have been available otherwise. Extensive photographs taken during the site visits proved to be particularly useful in documenting the current conditions at or near the sites. Additional conclusions from this evaluation include: The 13 shutdown sites use designs from 4 different suppliers involving 11 different (horizontal and vertical) dry storage systems that would require the use of 9 different transportation cask designs to remove the SNF and GTCC waste from the shutdown sites. Although some changes to transportation certificates of compliance will be required, the SNF at the initial 9 shutdown sites (Maine Yankee, Yankee Rowe, Connecticut Yankee, Humboldt Bay, Big Rock Point, Rancho Seco, Trojan, La Crosse, and Zion) is in dual purpose dry storage canisters that can be transported, including a small amount of high-burnup fuel. Most sites indicated that 2-3 years of advance time would be required for its preparations before shipments could begin. Some sites could be ready in less time. As additional sites such as Fort Calhoun, Clinton, Quad Cities, Pilgrim, Oyster Creek, and Diablo Canyon shut down, these sites will be included in updates to the evaluation.« less

42 CFR 409.24 - Medical social services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 42 Public Health 2 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Medical social services. 409.24 Section 409.24... PROGRAM HOSPITAL INSURANCE BENEFITS Posthospital SNF Care § 409.24 Medical social services. Medicare pays for medical social services as posthospital SNF care, including— (a) Assessment of the social and...

42 CFR 413.30 - Limitations on payable costs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... fluctuating populations. The SNF meets the following conditions: (i) Is located in an area (for example, a resort area) that has a population that varies significantly during the year. (ii) Is furnishing similar... and economy of the SNF's or the HHA's operations. If recommendations are made, any future exceptions...

42 CFR 409.24 - Medical social services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 42 Public Health 2 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Medical social services. 409.24 Section 409.24... PROGRAM HOSPITAL INSURANCE BENEFITS Posthospital SNF Care § 409.24 Medical social services. Medicare pays for medical social services as posthospital SNF care, including— (a) Assessment of the social and...

42 CFR 409.24 - Medical social services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 42 Public Health 2 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Medical social services. 409.24 Section 409.24... PROGRAM HOSPITAL INSURANCE BENEFITS Posthospital SNF Care § 409.24 Medical social services. Medicare pays for medical social services as posthospital SNF care, including— (a) Assessment of the social and...

42 CFR 409.24 - Medical social services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 42 Public Health 2 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Medical social services. 409.24 Section 409.24... PROGRAM HOSPITAL INSURANCE BENEFITS Posthospital SNF Care § 409.24 Medical social services. Medicare pays for medical social services as posthospital SNF care, including— (a) Assessment of the social and...

42 CFR 409.24 - Medical social services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 2 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Medical social services. 409.24 Section 409.24... PROGRAM HOSPITAL INSURANCE BENEFITS Posthospital SNF Care § 409.24 Medical social services. Medicare pays for medical social services as posthospital SNF care, including— (a) Assessment of the social and...

Transcriptome analysis of two recombinant inbred lines of common bean contrasting for symbiotic nitrogen fixation

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is able to fix atmospheric nitrogen (N2) through symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF). Effective utilization of existing variability for SNF in common bean for genetic improvement requires an understanding of underlying genes and molecular mechanisms. The utility of ...

Genome-wide association analysis of symbiotic nitrogen fixation in common bean

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted to explore the genetic basis of variation for symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) and related traits in the Andean diversity panel (ADP) comprised of 259 common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) genotypes. The ADP was evaluated for SNF and related traits in...

42 CFR 409.21 - Nursing care.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 2 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Nursing care. 409.21 Section 409.21 Public Health... HOSPITAL INSURANCE BENEFITS Posthospital SNF Care § 409.21 Nursing care. (a) Basic rule. Medicare pays for nursing care as posthospital SNF care when provided by or under the supervision of a registered...

42 CFR 409.21 - Nursing care.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 42 Public Health 2 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Nursing care. 409.21 Section 409.21 Public Health... HOSPITAL INSURANCE BENEFITS Posthospital SNF Care § 409.21 Nursing care. (a) Basic rule. Medicare pays for nursing care as posthospital SNF care when provided by or under the supervision of a registered...

42 CFR 409.21 - Nursing care.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 42 Public Health 2 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Nursing care. 409.21 Section 409.21 Public Health... HOSPITAL INSURANCE BENEFITS Posthospital SNF Care § 409.21 Nursing care. (a) Basic rule. Medicare pays for nursing care as posthospital SNF care when provided by or under the supervision of a registered...

42 CFR 409.21 - Nursing care.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 42 Public Health 2 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Nursing care. 409.21 Section 409.21 Public Health... HOSPITAL INSURANCE BENEFITS Posthospital SNF Care § 409.21 Nursing care. (a) Basic rule. Medicare pays for nursing care as posthospital SNF care when provided by or under the supervision of a registered...

42 CFR 409.21 - Nursing care.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 42 Public Health 2 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Nursing care. 409.21 Section 409.21 Public Health... HOSPITAL INSURANCE BENEFITS Posthospital SNF Care § 409.21 Nursing care. (a) Basic rule. Medicare pays for nursing care as posthospital SNF care when provided by or under the supervision of a registered...

Nuclear Resonance Fluorescence to Measure Plutonium Mass in Spent Nuclear Fuel

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

Ludewigt, Bernhard A; Quiter, Brian J.; Ambers, Scott D.

2011-01-14

The Next Generation Safeguard Initiative (NGSI) of the U.S Department of Energy is supporting a multi-lab/university collaboration to quantify the plutonium (Pu) mass in spent nuclear fuel (SNF) assemblies and to detect the diversion of pins with non-destructive assay (NDA) methods. The following 14 NDA techniques are being studied: Delayed Neutrons, Differential Die-Away, Differential Die-Away Self-Interrogation, Lead Slowing Down Spectrometer, Neutron Multiplicity, Passive Neutron Albedo Reactivity, Total Neutron (Gross Neutron), X-Ray Fluorescence, {sup 252}Cf Interrogation with Prompt Neutron Detection, Delayed Gamma, Nuclear Resonance Fluorescence, Passive Prompt Gamma, Self-integration Neutron Resonance Densitometry, and Neutron Resonance Transmission Analysis. Understanding and maturity ofmore » the techniques vary greatly, ranging from decades old, well-understood methods to new approaches. Nuclear Resonance Fluorescence (NRF) is a technique that had not previously been studied for SNF assay or similar applications. Since NRF generates isotope-specific signals, the promise and appeal of the technique lies in its potential to directly measure the amount of a specific isotope in an SNF assay target. The objectives of this study were to design and model suitable NRF measurement methods, to quantify capabilities and corresponding instrumentation requirements, and to evaluate prospects and the potential of NRF for SNF assay. The main challenge of the technique is to achieve the sensitivity and precision, i.e., to accumulate sufficient counting statistics, required for quantifying the mass of Pu isotopes in SNF assemblies. Systematic errors, considered a lesser problem for a direct measurement and only briefly discussed in this report, need to be evaluated for specific instrument designs in the future. Also, since the technical capability of using NRF to measure Pu in SNF has not been established, this report does not directly address issues such as cost, size, development time, nor concerns related to the use of Pu in measurement systems. This report discusses basic NRF measurement concepts, i.e., backscatter and transmission methods, and photon source and {gamma}-ray detector options in Section 2. An analytical model for calculating NRF signal strengths is presented in Section 3 together with enhancements to the MCNPX code and descriptions of modeling techniques that were drawn upon in the following sections. Making extensive use of the model and MCNPX simulations, the capabilities of the backscatter and transmission methods based on bremsstrahlung or quasi-monoenergetic photon sources were analyzed as described in Sections 4 and 5. A recent transmission experiment is reported on in Appendix A. While this experiment was not directly part of this project, its results provide an important reference point for our analytical estimates and MCNPX simulations. Used fuel radioactivity calculations, the enhancements to the MCNPX code, and details of the MCNPX simulations are documented in the other appendices.« less

Development of Technical Basis for Burnup Credit Regulatory Guidance in the United States

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

Parks, Cecil V; Wagner, John C; Mueller, Don

2011-01-01

In the United States (U.S.) there has been and continues to be considerable interest in the increased use of burnup credit as part of the safety basis for SNF systems and this interest has motivated numerous technical studies related to the application of burnup credit for maintaining subcriticality. Responding to industry requests and needs, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission initiated a burnup credit research program, with support from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, to develop regulatory guidance and the supporting technical basis for allowing and expanding the use of burnup credit in pressurized-water reactor SNF storage and transport applications. Themore » objective of this paper is to summarize the work and significant accomplishments, with references to the technical reports and publications for complete details.« less

Can Shale Safely Host U.S. Nuclear Waste?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neuzil, C. E.

2013-07-01

Even as cleanup efforts after Japan's Fukushima disaster offer a stark reminder of the spent nuclear fuel (SNF) stored at nuclear plants worldwide, the decision in 2009 to scrap Yucca Mountain as a permanent disposal site has dimmed hope for a repository for SNF and other high-level nuclear waste (HLW) in the United States anytime soon. About 70,000 metric tons of SNF are now in pool or dry cask storage at 75 sites across the United States [Government Accountability Office, 2012], and uncertainty about its fate is hobbling future development of nuclear power, increasing costs for utilities, and creating a liability for American taxpayers [Blue Ribbon Commission on America's Nuclear Future, 2012].

Analysis for Eccentric Multi Canister Overpack (MCO) Drops at the Canister Storage Building (CSB) (CSB-S-0073)

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

HOLLENBECK, R.G.

The Spent Nuclear Fuel (SNF) Canister Storage Building (CSB) is the interim storage facility for the K-Basin SNF at the US. Department of Energy (DOE) Hanford Site. The SNF is packaged in multi-canister overpacks (MCOs). The MCOs are placed inside transport casks, then delivered to the service station inside the CSB. At the service station, the MCO handling machine (MHM) moves the MCO from the cask to a storage tube or one of two sample/weld stations. There are 220 standard storage tubes and six overpack storage tubes in a below grade reinforced concrete vault. Each storage tube can hold twomore » MCOs.« less

Spent Nuclear Fuel Project Configuration Management Plan

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

Reilly, M.A.

This document is a rewrite of the draft ``C`` that was agreed to ``in principle`` by SNF Project level 2 managers on EDT 609835, dated March 1995 (not released). The implementation process philosphy was changed in keeping with the ongoing reengineering of the WHC Controlled Manuals to achieve configuration management within the SNF Project.

78 FR 16632 - Medicare Program; Part B Inpatient Billing in Hospitals

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-03-18

...-hospital Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) care, because section 1861(i) of the Act requires a prior 3-day... outpatients rather than inpatients or expanding the number of payable Part B inpatient services could impact... an inpatient in a hospital, SNF, hospice, or nursing home.'' Therefore, under our proposal these...

42 CFR 409.20 - Coverage of services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... with the furnishing of that nursing care. (3) Physical, occupational, or speech therapy. (4) Medical... are considered as posthospital SNF care. For example, a type of medical or surgical procedure that is...) Terminology. In § 409.21 through § 409.36—. (1) The terms SNF and swing-bed hospital are used when the context...

Vacancy defects and optoelectrical properties for fluorine tin oxide thin films with various SnF2 contents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Yawei; Xu, Wenwu; Li, Jingjing; Yin, Chongshan; Liu, Yong; Zhao, Bin; Chen, Zhiquan; He, Chunqing; Mao, Wenfeng; Ito, Kenji

2018-01-01

Fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) thin films were deposited on glass substrates by e-beam evaporation. Much higher carrier concentration, broader optical band gap, and average transmittance over 80% were obtained with SnF2 doped SnO2 thin films. Positron annihilation results showed that there are two kinds of vacancy clusters with different sizes existing in the annealed FTO thin films, and the concentration of the larger vacancy clusters of VSnO in the thin films increases with increasing SnF2 contents. Meanwhile, photoluminescence spectra results indicated that the better electrical and optical properties of the FTO thin films are attributed to FO substitutions and oxygen vacancies with higher concentration, which are supported by positron annihilation Doppler broadening results and confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results showed that widening of the optical band gap of the FTO thin films strongly depends on the carrier concentration, which is interpreted for the Burstein-Moss effect and is associated with the formation of FO and oxygen vacancies with increasing SnF2 content.

No impact of DvSnf7 RNA on honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) adults and larvae in dietary feeding tests.

PubMed

Tan, Jianguo; Levine, Steven L; Bachman, Pamela M; Jensen, Peter D; Mueller, Geoffrey M; Uffman, Joshua P; Meng, Chen; Song, Zihong; Richards, Kathy B; Beevers, Michael H

2016-02-01

The honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) is the most important managed pollinator species worldwide and plays a critical role in the pollination of a diverse range of economically important crops. This species is important to agriculture and historically has been used as a surrogate species for pollinators to evaluate the potential adverse effects for conventional, biological, and microbial pesticides, as well as for genetically engineered plants that produce pesticidal products. As part of the ecological risk assessment of MON 87411 maize, which expresses a double-stranded RNA targeting the Snf7 ortholog (DvSnf7) in western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera), dietary feeding studies with honey bee larvae and adults were conducted. Based on the mode of action of the DvSnf7 RNA in western corn rootworm, the present studies were designed to be of sufficient duration to evaluate the potential for adverse effects on larval survival and development through emergence and adult survival to a significant portion of the adult stage. Testing was conducted at concentrations of DvSnf7 RNA that greatly exceeded environmentally relevant exposure levels based on expression levels in maize pollen. No adverse effects were observed in either larval or adult honey bees at these high exposure levels, providing a large margin of safety between environmental exposure levels and no-observed-adverse-effect levels. © 2015 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.

Mediator, TATA-binding Protein, and RNA Polymerase II Contribute to Low Histone Occupancy at Active Gene Promoters in Yeast*

PubMed Central

Ansari, Suraiya A.; Paul, Emily; Sommer, Sebastian; Lieleg, Corinna; He, Qiye; Daly, Alexandre Z.; Rode, Kara A.; Barber, Wesley T.; Ellis, Laura C.; LaPorta, Erika; Orzechowski, Amanda M.; Taylor, Emily; Reeb, Tanner; Wong, Jason; Korber, Philipp; Morse, Randall H.

2014-01-01

Transcription by RNA polymerase II (Pol II) in eukaryotes requires the Mediator complex, and often involves chromatin remodeling and histone eviction at active promoters. Here we address the role of Mediator in recruitment of the Swi/Snf chromatin remodeling complex and its role, along with components of the preinitiation complex (PIC), in histone eviction at inducible and constitutively active promoters in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We show that recruitment of the Swi/Snf chromatin remodeling complex to the induced CHA1 promoter, as well as its association with several constitutively active promoters, depends on the Mediator complex but is independent of Mediator at the induced MET2 and MET6 genes. Although transcriptional activation and histone eviction at CHA1 depends on Swi/Snf, Swi/Snf recruitment is not sufficient for histone eviction at the induced CHA1 promoter. Loss of Swi/Snf activity does not affect histone occupancy of several constitutively active promoters; in contrast, higher histone occupancy is seen at these promoters in Mediator and PIC component mutants. We propose that an initial activator-dependent, nucleosome remodeling step allows PIC components to outcompete histones for occupancy of promoter sequences. We also observe reduced promoter association of Mediator and TATA-binding protein in a Pol II (rpb1-1) mutant, indicating mutually cooperative binding of these components of the transcription machinery and indicating that it is the PIC as a whole whose binding results in stable histone eviction. PMID:24727477

The Chromatin Remodeling Factor SMARCB1 Forms a Complex with Human Cytomegalovirus Proteins UL114 and UL44

PubMed Central

Ranneberg-Nilsen, Toril; Rollag, Halvor; Slettebakk, Ragnhild; Backe, Paul Hoff; Olsen, Øyvind; Luna, Luisa; Bjørås, Magnar

2012-01-01

Background Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) uracil DNA glycosylase, UL114, is required for efficient viral DNA replication. Presumably, UL114 functions as a structural partner to other factors of the DNA-replication machinery and not as a DNA repair protein. UL114 binds UL44 (HCMV processivity factor) and UL54 (HCMV-DNA-polymerase). In the present study we have searched for cellular partners of UL114. Methodology/Principal Findings In a yeast two-hybrid screen SMARCB1, a factor of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex, was found to be an interacting partner of UL114. This interaction was confirmed in vitro by co-immunoprecipitation and pull-down. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that SMARCB1 along with BRG-1, BAF170 and BAF155, which are the core SWI/SNF components required for efficient chromatin remodeling, were present in virus replication foci 24–48 hours post infection (hpi). Furthermore a direct interaction was also demonstrated for SMARCB1 and UL44. Conclusions/Significance The core SWI/SNF factors required for efficient chromatin remodeling are present in the HCMV replication foci throughout infection. The proteins UL44 and UL114 interact with SMARCB1 and may participate in the recruitment of the SWI/SNF complex to the chromatinized virus DNA. Thus, the presence of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex in replication foci and its association with UL114 and with UL44 might imply its involvement in different DNA transactions. PMID:22479537

The Hsp70 homolog Ssb and the 14-3-3 protein Bmh1 jointly regulate transcription of glucose repressed genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

PubMed

Hübscher, Volker; Mudholkar, Kaivalya; Chiabudini, Marco; Fitzke, Edith; Wölfle, Tina; Pfeifer, Dietmar; Drepper, Friedel; Warscheid, Bettina; Rospert, Sabine

2016-07-08

Chaperones of the Hsp70 family interact with a multitude of newly synthesized polypeptides and prevent their aggregation. Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells lacking the Hsp70 homolog Ssb suffer from pleiotropic defects, among others a defect in glucose-repression. The highly conserved heterotrimeric kinase SNF1/AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) is required for the release from glucose-repression in yeast and is a key regulator of energy balance also in mammalian cells. When glucose is available the phosphatase Glc7 keeps SNF1 in its inactive, dephosphorylated state. Dephosphorylation depends on Reg1, which mediates targeting of Glc7 to its substrate SNF1. Here we show that the defect in glucose-repression in the absence of Ssb is due to the ability of the chaperone to bridge between the SNF1 and Glc7 complexes. Ssb performs this post-translational function in concert with the 14-3-3 protein Bmh, to which Ssb binds via its very C-terminus. Raising the intracellular concentration of Ssb or Bmh enabled Glc7 to dephosphorylate SNF1 even in the absence of Reg1. By that Ssb and Bmh efficiently suppressed transcriptional deregulation of Δreg1 cells. The findings reveal that Ssb and Bmh comprise a new chaperone module, which is involved in the fine tuning of a phosphorylation-dependent switch between respiration and fermentation. © The Author(s) 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Nucleic Acids Research.

The Hsp70 homolog Ssb and the 14-3-3 protein Bmh1 jointly regulate transcription of glucose repressed genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

PubMed Central

Hübscher, Volker; Mudholkar, Kaivalya; Chiabudini, Marco; Fitzke, Edith; Wölfle, Tina; Pfeifer, Dietmar; Drepper, Friedel; Warscheid, Bettina; Rospert, Sabine

2016-01-01

Chaperones of the Hsp70 family interact with a multitude of newly synthesized polypeptides and prevent their aggregation. Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells lacking the Hsp70 homolog Ssb suffer from pleiotropic defects, among others a defect in glucose-repression. The highly conserved heterotrimeric kinase SNF1/AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) is required for the release from glucose-repression in yeast and is a key regulator of energy balance also in mammalian cells. When glucose is available the phosphatase Glc7 keeps SNF1 in its inactive, dephosphorylated state. Dephosphorylation depends on Reg1, which mediates targeting of Glc7 to its substrate SNF1. Here we show that the defect in glucose-repression in the absence of Ssb is due to the ability of the chaperone to bridge between the SNF1 and Glc7 complexes. Ssb performs this post-translational function in concert with the 14-3-3 protein Bmh, to which Ssb binds via its very C-terminus. Raising the intracellular concentration of Ssb or Bmh enabled Glc7 to dephosphorylate SNF1 even in the absence of Reg1. By that Ssb and Bmh efficiently suppressed transcriptional deregulation of Δreg1 cells. The findings reveal that Ssb and Bmh comprise a new chaperone module, which is involved in the fine tuning of a phosphorylation-dependent switch between respiration and fermentation. PMID:27001512

FvSNF1, the sucrose non-fermenting protein kinase gene of Fusarium virguliforme, is required for cell-wall-degrading enzymes expression and sudden death syndrome development in soybean.

PubMed

Islam, Kazi T; Bond, Jason P; Fakhoury, Ahmad M

2017-08-01

Fusarium virguliforme is a soil-borne pathogenic fungus that causes sudden death syndrome (SDS) in soybean. Its pathogenicity is believed to require the activity of cell-wall-degrading enzymes (CWDEs). The sucrose non-fermenting protein kinase 1 gene (SNF1) is a key component of the glucose de-repression pathway in yeast, and a regulator of gene expression for CWDEs in some plant pathogenic fungi. To elucidate the functional role of the SNF1 homolog in F. virguliforme, FvSNF1 was disrupted using a split-marker strategy. Disruption of FvSNF1 in F. virguliforme abolishes galactose utilization and causes poor growth on xylose, arabinose and sucrose. However, the resulting Fvsnf1 mutant grew similar to wild-type and ectopic transformants on glucose, fructose, maltose, or pectin as the main source of carbon. The Fvsnf1 mutant displayed no expression of the gene-encoding galactose oxidase (GAO), a secretory enzyme that catalyzes oxidation of D-galactose. It also exhibited a significant reduction in the expression of several CWDE-coding genes in contrast to the wild-type strain. Greenhouse pathogenicity assays revealed that the Fvsnf1 mutant was severely impaired in its ability to cause SDS on challenged soybean plants. Microscopy and microtome studies on infected roots showed that the Fvsnf1 mutant was defective in colonizing vascular tissue of infected plants. Cross and longitudinal sections of infected roots stained with fluorescein-labeled wheat germ agglutinin and Congo red showed that the Fvsnf1 mutant failed to colonize the xylem vessels and phloem tissue at later stages of infection. Quantification of the fungal biomass in inoculated roots further confirmed a reduced colonization of roots by the Fvsnf1 mutant when compared to the wild type. These findings suggest that FvSNF1 regulates the expression of CWDEs in F. virguliforme, thus affecting the virulence of the fungus on soybean.

42 CFR 488.431 - Civil money penalties imposed by CMS and independent informal dispute resolution: for SNFS...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 42 Public Health 5 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Civil money penalties imposed by CMS and independent informal dispute resolution: for SNFS, dually-participating SNF/NFs, and NF-only facilities. 488... imposed by CMS and independent informal dispute resolution: for SNFS, dually-participating SNF/NFs, and NF...

42 CFR 488.431 - Civil money penalties imposed by CMS and independent informal dispute resolution: for SNFS...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 42 Public Health 5 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Civil money penalties imposed by CMS and independent informal dispute resolution: for SNFS, dually-participating SNF/NFs, and NF-only facilities. 488... imposed by CMS and independent informal dispute resolution: for SNFS, dually-participating SNF/NFs, and NF...

42 CFR 488.431 - Civil money penalties imposed by CMS and independent informal dispute resolution: for SNFS...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 42 Public Health 5 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Civil money penalties imposed by CMS and independent informal dispute resolution: for SNFS, dually-participating SNF/NFs, and NF-only facilities. 488... imposed by CMS and independent informal dispute resolution: for SNFS, dually-participating SNF/NFs, and NF...

42 CFR 488.431 - Civil money penalties imposed by CMS and independent informal dispute resolution: for SNFS...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 42 Public Health 5 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Civil money penalties imposed by CMS and independent informal dispute resolution: for SNFS, dually-participating SNF/NFs, and NF-only facilities. 488... imposed by CMS and independent informal dispute resolution: for SNFS, dually-participating SNF/NFs, and NF...

76 FR 23513 - Public and Closed Meeting To Discuss Comments on Draft Regulatory Basis for Rulemaking Revising...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-04-27

..., ``Security Performance (Adversary) Characteristics for Physical Security Programs for 10 CFR [Title 10 of the..., ``Physical Protection of Plants and Materials,'' that would apply during the storage of SNF at an ISFSI and... facilities licensed to store SNF through a combination of these existing security regulations and the...

Simulation and Experimental Study on Thermal Conductivity of [EMIM][DEP] + H_2 O + SWCNTs Nanofluids as a New Working Pairs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Chang; Zhao, Zongchang; Zhang, Xiaodong; Li, Tianyu

2018-03-01

In this paper, the single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were dispersed into ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium diethylphosphate ([EMIM][DEP]), and its aqueous solution [EMIM][DEP](1) + H2O(2) to enhance the thermal conductivity of base liquids, which will be the promising working pairs for absorption heat pumps and refrigerators. The enhancement effects on thermal conductivity were studied by experiment and molecular dynamic simulation (MD) methods. The thermal conductivities of [EMIM][DEP] + SWCNTs (INF) and [EMIM][DEP](1) + H2O(2) + SWCNT(SNF) both with SWCNT mass fraction of 0.5, 1, and 2 (wt%) were measured by transient hot-wire method. The results indicate that the enhancement ratio of thermal conductivity of INF, and SNF can approach 1.30 when SWCNT is 2 (wt%). Moreover, SWCNTs has a higher enhancement ratio than multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Density and thermal conductivity of [EMIM][DEP], [EMIM][DEP](1) + H2O(2), INF and SNF systems, together with self-diffusion coefficients of [EMIM]+, [DEP]-, [EMIM][DEP] and water in solution [EMIM][DEP](1) + H2O(2), were investigated by MD simulations. The results indicate that the maximum relative error between the simulated and experimental densities is about 2 %, and the simulated self-diffusion coefficient of [EMIM][DEP] is in the order of magnitude of 10^{-11} m2\\cdot s^{-1}. The average relative deviation for the simulated thermal conductivity of [EMIM][DEP](1) + H2O(2), INF and SNF from experimental ones are 23.57 %, 5 %, and 5 %, respectively. In addition, the contributions of kinetic energy, potential energy, and virial and partial enthalpy terms to thermal conductivity were also calculated. The results indicate that virial term's contribution to thermal conductivity is the maximum, which accounts for 75 % to 80 % of total thermal conductivity.

Identification of proteins interacting with Toxoplasma SRCAP by yeast two-hybrid screening.

PubMed

Nallani, Karuna C; Sullivan, William J

2005-03-01

Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic protozoan parasite that differentiates into latent cysts (bradyzoite) that can be reactivated during immunosuppression. TgSRCAP (Toxoplasma gondii Snf2-related CBP activator protein) is a SWI2/SNF2 family chromatin remodeler whose expression increases during cyst development. Identifying the proteins associating with TgSRCAP during the pre-cyst stage (tachyzoite) will increase our understanding of how parasite differentiation is initiated. We employed the yeast two-hybrid system to identify proteins that may interact directly with TgSRCAP. A stretch of 1,060 amino acids between ATPase subdomains IV and V of TgSRCAP was chosen as "bait" since the corresponding region in human SRCAP interacts with other proteins, including CREB binding protein. We have identified several novel parasite-specific transcription factors predicted to be in the T. gondii genome. Metabolic enzymes that may participate in cyst development were also identified as interacting with TgSRCAP.

Radioactive Air Emissions Notice of Construction for the 105-KW Basin integrated water treatment system filter vessel sparging vent

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

Kamberg, L.D.

1998-02-23

This document serves as a notice of construction (NOC), pursuant to the requirements of Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 246-247-060, and as a request for approval to construct, pursuant to 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 61.07, for the Integrated Water Treatment System (IWTS) Filter Vessel Sparging Vent at 105-KW Basin. Additionally, the following description, and references are provided as the notices of startup, pursuant to 40 CFR 61.09(a)(1) and (2) in accordance with Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 61, National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants. The 105-K West Reactor and its associated spent nuclear fuel (SNF) storagemore » basin were constructed in the early 1950s and are located on the Hanford Site in the 100-K Area about 1,400 feet from the Columbia River. The 105-KW Basin contains 964 Metric Tons of SNF stored under water in approximately 3,800 closed canisters. This SNF has been stored for varying periods of time ranging from 8 to 17 years. The 105-KW Basin is constructed of concrete with an epoxy coating and contains approximately 1.3 million gallons of water with an asphaltic membrane beneath the pool. The IWTS, which has been described in the Radioactive Air Emissions NOC for Fuel Removal for 105-KW Basin (DOE/RL-97-28 and page changes per US Department of Energy, Richland Operations Office letter 97-EAP-814) will be used to remove radionuclides from the basin water during fuel removal operations. The purpose of the modification described herein is to provide operational flexibility for the IWTS at the 105-KW basin. The proposed modification is scheduled to begin in calendar year 1998.« less

Stability of Geriatric Syndromes in Hospitalized Medicare Patients Discharged to Skilled Nursing Facilities

PubMed Central

Simmons, Sandra F.; Bell, Susan; Saraf, Avantika A.; Coelho, Chris Simon; Long, Emily A.; Jacobsen, J. Mary Lou; Schnelle, John F.; Vasilevskis, Eduard E.

2016-01-01

Objectives The purpose of this study was to assess multiple geriatric syndromes in a sample of older hospitalized patients discharged to skilled nursing facilities and, subsequently, to home to determine the prevalence and stability of each geriatric syndrome at the point of these care transitions. Design Descriptive, prospective study. Setting One large university-affiliated hospital and four area SNFs. Participants Fifty-eight hospitalized Medicare beneficiaries discharged to SNF. Measurements Research personnel conducted standardized assessments of the following geriatric syndromes at hospital discharge and two weeks following SNF discharge to home: cognitive impairment, depression, incontinence, unintentional weight loss, loss of appetite, pain, pressure ulcers, history of falls, mobility impairment and polypharmacy. Results The average number of geriatric syndromes per patient was 4.4 (± 1.2) at hospital discharge and 3.8 (±1.5) following SNF discharge. There was low to moderate stability for most syndromes. On average, participants had 2.9 syndromes that persisted across both care settings, 1.4 syndromes that resolved, and 0.7 new syndromes that developed between hospital and SNF discharge. Conclusion Geriatric syndromes were prevalent at the point of each care transition but also reflected significant within-individual variability. These findings suggest that multiple geriatric syndromes present during a hospital stay are not transient nor are most syndromes resolved prior to SNF discharge. These results underscore the importance of conducting standardized screening assessments at the point of each care transition and effectively communicating this information to the next provider to support the management of geriatric conditions. PMID:27590032

A Randomized Trial of Heart Failure Disease Management in Skilled Nursing Facilities: Design and Rationale

PubMed Central

Boxer, Rebecca S.; Dolansky, Mary A.; Bodnar, Christine A.; Singer, Mendel E.; Albert, Jeffery M.; Gravenstein, Stefan

2013-01-01

Background Heart failure disease management can improve health outcomes for older community dwelling patients with heart failure. Heart failure disease management has not been studied in skilled nursing facilities, a major site of transitional care for older adults. Methods and Anticipated Results The objective of this trial is to investigate if a heart failure disease management program (HF-DMP) in skilled nursing facilities (SNF) will decrease all-cause rehospitalizations for the first 60 days post SNF admission. The trial is a randomized cluster trial to be conducted in 12 for-profit SNF in the greater Cleveland area. The study population is inclusive of patients with heart failure regardless of ejection fraction but excludes those patients on dialysis and with a life expectancy of 6 months or less. The HF-DMP includes 7 elements considered standard of care for patients with heart failure: documentation of left ventricular function, tracking of weight and symptoms, medication titration, discharge instructions, 7 day follow up appointment post SNF discharge, patient education. The HF-DMP is conducted by a research nurse tasked with adhering to each element of the program and regularly audited to maintain fidelity of the program. Additional outcomes include health status, self-care management, and discharge destination. Conclusion The SNF-Connect Trial is the first trial of its kind to assess if a HF-DMP will improve outcomes for patients in SNFs. This trial will provide evidence on the effectiveness of HF-DMP to improve outcomes for older frail heart failure patients undergoing post-acute rehabilitation. PMID:23871475

Mediator, TATA-binding protein, and RNA polymerase II contribute to low histone occupancy at active gene promoters in yeast.

PubMed

Ansari, Suraiya A; Paul, Emily; Sommer, Sebastian; Lieleg, Corinna; He, Qiye; Daly, Alexandre Z; Rode, Kara A; Barber, Wesley T; Ellis, Laura C; LaPorta, Erika; Orzechowski, Amanda M; Taylor, Emily; Reeb, Tanner; Wong, Jason; Korber, Philipp; Morse, Randall H

2014-05-23

Transcription by RNA polymerase II (Pol II) in eukaryotes requires the Mediator complex, and often involves chromatin remodeling and histone eviction at active promoters. Here we address the role of Mediator in recruitment of the Swi/Snf chromatin remodeling complex and its role, along with components of the preinitiation complex (PIC), in histone eviction at inducible and constitutively active promoters in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We show that recruitment of the Swi/Snf chromatin remodeling complex to the induced CHA1 promoter, as well as its association with several constitutively active promoters, depends on the Mediator complex but is independent of Mediator at the induced MET2 and MET6 genes. Although transcriptional activation and histone eviction at CHA1 depends on Swi/Snf, Swi/Snf recruitment is not sufficient for histone eviction at the induced CHA1 promoter. Loss of Swi/Snf activity does not affect histone occupancy of several constitutively active promoters; in contrast, higher histone occupancy is seen at these promoters in Mediator and PIC component mutants. We propose that an initial activator-dependent, nucleosome remodeling step allows PIC components to outcompete histones for occupancy of promoter sequences. We also observe reduced promoter association of Mediator and TATA-binding protein in a Pol II (rpb1-1) mutant, indicating mutually cooperative binding of these components of the transcription machinery and indicating that it is the PIC as a whole whose binding results in stable histone eviction. © 2014 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

A randomized trial of heart failure disease management in skilled nursing facilities: design and rationale.

PubMed

Boxer, Rebecca S; Dolansky, Mary A; Bodnar, Christine A; Singer, Mendel E; Albert, Jeffery M; Gravenstein, Stefan

2013-09-01

Heart failure (HF) disease management can improve health outcomes for older community dwelling patients with heart failure. HF disease management has not been studied in skilled nursing facilities, a major site of transitional care for older adults. The objective of this trial is to investigate if a HF- disease management program (HF-DMP) in skilled nursing facilities (SNF)s will decrease all-cause rehospitalizations for the first 60 days post-SNF admission. The trial is a randomized cluster trial to be conducted in 12 for-profit SNF in the greater Cleveland area. The study population is inclusive of patients with HF regardless of ejection fraction but excludes those patients on dialysis and with a life expectancy of 6 months or less. The HF-DMP includes 7 elements considered standard of care for patients with HF documentation of left ventricular function, tracking of weight and symptoms, medication titration, discharge instructions, 7-day follow-up appointment post-SNF discharge, and patient education. The HF-DMP is conducted by a research nurse tasked with adhering to each element of the program and regularly audited to maintain fidelity of the program. Additional outcomes include health status, self-care management, and discharge destination. The SNF-Connect Trial is the first trial of its kind to assess if a HF-DMP will improve outcomes for patients in SNFs. This trial will provide evidence on the effectiveness of HF-DMP to improve outcomes for older frail HF patients undergoing postacute rehabilitation. Copyright © 2013 American Medical Directors Association, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Thrombolysis with Intravenous Tissue Plasminogen Activator (rt-PA) Predicts Favorable Discharge Disposition in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke

PubMed Central

Ifejika-Jones, Nneka L.; Harun, Nusrat; Mohammed-Rajput, Nareesa A.; Noser, Elizabeth A.; Grotta, James C.

2011-01-01

Background and Purpose Acute ischemic stroke patients receiving IV tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) within 3 hours of symptom onset are 30% more likely to have minimal disability at three months. During hospitalization, short-term disability is subjectively measured by discharge disposition, whether to home, Inpatient Rehabilitation (IR), Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) or Subacute Care (Sub). There are no studies assessing the role of rt-PA use as a predictor of post-stroke disposition. Methods Retrospective analysis of all ischemic stroke patients admitted to the University of Texas Houston Medical School (UTHMS) Stroke Service between Jan 2004 and Oct 2009. Baseline demographics and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score were collected. Cerebrovascular disease risk factors were used for risk stratification. Results Home vs. IR, SNF, Sub Of 2225 acute ischemic stroke patients, 1019 were discharged home, 1206 to another level of care. Patients who received rt-PA therapy were 1.9 times more likely to be discharged home (P = <0.0001; OR 1.945, 95% CI 1.538 to 2.459). IR vs. SNF, Sub / SNF vs. Sub Of 1206 acute ischemic stroke patients, 719 patients were discharged to acute IR, 371 were discharged to SNF, 116 to Sub. There were no differences in disposition between patients who received rt-PA therapy. Conclusions Stroke patients who receive IV rt-PA for acute ischemic stroke are more 1.9 times more likely to be discharged directly home after hospitalization. This study is limited by its retrospective nature and the undetermined role of psychosocial factors related to discharge. PMID:21293014

42 CFR 418.112 - Condition of participation: Hospices that provide hospice care to residents of a SNF/NF or ICF/MR.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

...; counseling (including spiritual, dietary and bereavement); social work; provision of medical supplies... hospice must: (1) Designate a member of each interdisciplinary group that is responsible for a patient who is a resident of a SNF/NF or ICF/MR. The designated interdisciplinary group member is responsible for...

Recreational use in the headwaters of the Chattooga River

Treesearch

Wade M. Vagias; Robert B. Powell; Lance T. Haynie

2007-01-01

For over 30 years, Sumter National Forest (SNF), principal managing agency for the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River, has prohibited whitewater boating on the uppermost 20 miles of the river. In an attempt to gain access, boater advocacy group American Whitewater filed an appeal against the most recent Land and Resource Management Plan. On the basis of this appeal, SNF...

Physical Protection of Spent Fuel Shipments: Resolution of Stakeholder Concerns Through Rulemaking - 12284

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

Ballard, James D.; Halstead, Robert J.; Dilger, Fred

2012-07-01

In 1999, the State of Nevada brought its concerns about physical protection of current spent nuclear fuel (SNF) shipments, and future SNF shipments to a federal repository, before the NRC in a 1999 petition for rulemaking (PRM-73-10). In October 2010, the NRC published a rulemaking decision which would significantly strengthen physical protection of SNF in transit. The newest articulation of the rule (10 CFR 73.37) incorporates regulatory clarifications and security enhancements requested in Nevada's 1999 petition for rulemaking, codifies the findings of the Nuclear NRC and DOE consequence analyses into policy guidance documents and brings forward into regulations the agencymore » and licensee experience gained since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Although at present DOE SNF shipments would continue to be exempt from these NRC regulations, Nevada considers the rule to constitute a largely satisfactory resolution to stakeholder concerns raised in the original petition and in subsequent comments submitted to the NRC. This paper reviews the process of regulatory changes, assesses the specific improvements contained in the new rules and briefly describes the significance of the new rule in the context of a future national nuclear waste management program. Nevada's petition for rulemaking led to a generally satisfactory resolution of the State's concerns. The decade plus timeframe from petition to rulemaking conclusion saw a sea change in many aspects of the relevant issues - perhaps most importantly the attacks on 9/11 led to the recognition by regulatory bodies that a new threat environment exists wherein shipments of SNF and HLW pose a viable target for human initiated events. The State of Nevada has always considered security a critical concern for the transport of these highly radioactive materials. This was one of the primary reasons for the original rulemaking petition and subsequent advocacy by Nevada on related issues. NRC decisions on the majority of the concerns expressed in the petition, additional developments by other regulatory bodies and the change in how the United States sees threats to the homeland - all of these produced a satisfactory resolution through the rulemaking process. While not all of the concerns expressed by Nevada were addressed in the proposed rule and significant challenges face any programmatic shipment campaign in the future, the lesson learned on this occasion is that stakeholder concerns can be resolved through rulemaking. If DOE would engage with stakeholders on its role in transport of SNF and HLW under the NWPA, these concerns would be better addressed. Specifically the attempts by DOE to resist transportation and security regulations now considered necessary by the NRC for the adequate protection of the shipments of highly radioactive materials, these DOE efforts seem ill advised. One clear lesson learned from this successful rulemaking petition process is that the system of stakeholder input can work to better the regulatory environment. (authors)« less

76 FR 59265 - Medicare Program; Prospective Payment System and Consolidated Billing for Skilled Nursing...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-26

... Skilled Nursing Facilities for FY 2012; Correction AGENCY: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS... Nursing Facilities for FY 2012'' that appeared in the August 8, 2011 Federal Register. DATES: Effective... October 1, 2011. II. Summary of Errors The Addendum to the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Prospective...

Present experience of NRI REZ with preparation of spent nuclear fuel shipment to Russian Federation

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

Svitak, F.; Broz, V.; Hrehor, M.

2008-07-15

The Nuclear Research Institute Rez plc (NRI) jointed the Russian Research Reactor Fuel Return (RRRFR) programme under the US-Russian Global Threat Reduction Initiative (GTRI) initiative and started the preparation of the spent nuclear fuel (SNF) shipment from the LVR-15 research reactor back to the Russian Federation (RF). The transport of 16 SKODA VPVR/M casks with EK-10, IRT-2M 80 %, and IRT-2M 36% fuel types is planned for the autumn of 2007. The paper describes the experience gained so far during the preparatory works for the SNF shipment (facility equipment modification, cask licenses) and the actual preparation of the SNF formore » transport, in particular its checking, repacking in a hot cell, loading into the VPVR/M casks, drying, manipulation, completion of the transport documentation, etc., including its transport to the SNF storage facility at the NRI before it is shipped to the RF. The paper also briefly describes a regulatory framework for these activities with a focus on legislative and methodological aspects of the return of vitrified waste back to the Czech Republic. (author)« less

ATR Spent Fuel Options Study

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

Connolly, Michael James; Bean, Thomas E.; Brower, Jeffrey O.

The Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) is a materials and fuels test nuclear reactor that performs irradiation services for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy (NE), Naval Reactors, the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), and other research programs. ATR achieved initial criticality in 1967 and is expected to operate in support of needed missions until the year 2050 or beyond. It is anticipated that ATR will generate approximately 105 spent nuclear fuel (SNF) elements per year through the year 2050. Idaho National Laboratory (INL) currently stores 2,008 ATR SNF elements in dry storage, 976 in wet storage,more » and expects to have 1,000 elements in wet storage before January 2017. A capability gap exists at INL for long-term (greater than the year 2050) management, in compliance with the Idaho Settlement Agreement (ISA), of ATR SNF until a monitored retrievable geological repository is open. INL has significant wet and dry storage capabilities that are owned by the DOE Office of Environmental Management (EM) and operated and managed by Fluor Idaho, which include the Idaho Nuclear Technology and Engineering Center’s (INTEC’s) CPP-666, CPP-749, and CPP-603. In addition, INL has other capabilities owned by DOE-NE and operated and managed by Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC (BEA), which are located at the Materials and Fuel Complex (MFC). Additional storage capabilities are located on the INL Site at the Naval Reactors Facility (NRF). Current INL SNF management planning, as defined in the Fluor Idaho contract, shows INTEC dry fuel storage, which is currently used for ATR SNF, will be nearly full after transfer of an additional 1,000 ATR SNF from wet storage. DOE-NE tasked BEA with identifying and analyzing options that have the potential to fulfill this capability gap. BEA assembled a team comprised of SNF management experts from Fluor Idaho, Savannah River Site (SRS), INL/BEA, and the MITRE Corp with an objective of developing and analyzing options for fulfilling the capability gap. This management options analysis is not an alternatives analysis as defined by DOE Order 413.3B; rather, it is an evaluation of near-term, mid term and long-term actions needed to fulfill the capability gap. The actions are described in sufficient detail to inform stakeholders and DOE decision makers regarding a potential path forward. The recommended path forward will inform Fiscal Year 2019 budget formulation, support potential National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analyses, and may or may not include capital asset projects.« less

Association of Nondisease-Specific Problems with Mortality, Long-Term Care, and Functional Impairment among Older Adults Who Require Skilled Nursing Care after Dialysis Initiation

PubMed Central

Plantinga, Laura; Hall, Rasheeda K.; Mirk, Anna; Zhang, Rebecca; Kutner, Nancy

2016-01-01

Background and objectives The majority of older adults who initiate dialysis do so during a hospitalization, and these patients may require post-acute skilled nursing facility (SNF) care. For these patients, a focus on nondisease-specific problems, including cognitive impairment, depressive symptoms, exhaustion, falls, impaired mobility, and polypharmacy, may be more relevant to outcomes than the traditional disease-oriented approach. However, the association of the burden of nondisease-specific problems with mortality, transition to long-term care (LTC), and functional impairment among older adults receiving SNF care after dialysis initiation has not been studied. Design, setting, participants, & measurements We identified 40,615 Medicare beneficiaries ≥65 years old who received SNF care after dialysis initiation between 2000 and 2006 by linking renal disease registry data with the Minimum Data Set. Nondisease-specific problems were ascertained from the Minimum Data Set. We defined LTC as ≥100 SNF days and functional impairment as dependence in all four essential activities of daily living at SNF discharge. Associations of the number of nondisease-specific problems (≤1, 2, 3, and 4–6) with 6-month mortality, LTC, and functional impairment were examined. Results Overall, 39.2% of patients who received SNF care after dialysis initiation died within 6 months. Compared with those with ≤1 nondisease-specific problems, multivariable adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) for mortality were 1.26 (1.19 to 1.32), 1.40 (1.33 to 1.48), and 1.66 (1.57 to 1.76) for 2, 3, and 4–6 nondisease-specific problems, respectively. Among those who survived, 37.1% required LTC; of those remaining who did not require LTC, 74.7% had functional impairment. A higher likelihood of transition to LTC (among those who survived 6 months) and functional impairment (among those who survived and did not require LTC) was seen with a higher number of problems. Conclusions Identifying nondisease-specific problems may help patients and families anticipate LTC needs and functional impairment after dialysis initiation. PMID:27733436

Association of Nondisease-Specific Problems with Mortality, Long-Term Care, and Functional Impairment among Older Adults Who Require Skilled Nursing Care after Dialysis Initiation.

PubMed

Bowling, C Barrett; Plantinga, Laura; Hall, Rasheeda K; Mirk, Anna; Zhang, Rebecca; Kutner, Nancy

2016-12-07

The majority of older adults who initiate dialysis do so during a hospitalization, and these patients may require post-acute skilled nursing facility (SNF) care. For these patients, a focus on nondisease-specific problems, including cognitive impairment, depressive symptoms, exhaustion, falls, impaired mobility, and polypharmacy, may be more relevant to outcomes than the traditional disease-oriented approach. However, the association of the burden of nondisease-specific problems with mortality, transition to long-term care (LTC), and functional impairment among older adults receiving SNF care after dialysis initiation has not been studied. We identified 40,615 Medicare beneficiaries ≥65 years old who received SNF care after dialysis initiation between 2000 and 2006 by linking renal disease registry data with the Minimum Data Set. Nondisease-specific problems were ascertained from the Minimum Data Set. We defined LTC as ≥100 SNF days and functional impairment as dependence in all four essential activities of daily living at SNF discharge. Associations of the number of nondisease-specific problems (≤1, 2, 3, and 4-6) with 6-month mortality, LTC, and functional impairment were examined. Overall, 39.2% of patients who received SNF care after dialysis initiation died within 6 months. Compared with those with ≤1 nondisease-specific problems, multivariable adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) for mortality were 1.26 (1.19 to 1.32), 1.40 (1.33 to 1.48), and 1.66 (1.57 to 1.76) for 2, 3, and 4-6 nondisease-specific problems, respectively. Among those who survived, 37.1% required LTC; of those remaining who did not require LTC, 74.7% had functional impairment. A higher likelihood of transition to LTC (among those who survived 6 months) and functional impairment (among those who survived and did not require LTC) was seen with a higher number of problems. Identifying nondisease-specific problems may help patients and families anticipate LTC needs and functional impairment after dialysis initiation. Copyright © 2016 by the American Society of Nephrology.

Composition, yield, and functionality of reduced-fat Oaxaca cheese: effects of using skim milk or a dry milk protein concentrate.

PubMed

Caro, I; Soto, S; Franco, M J; Meza-Nieto, M; Alfaro-Rodríguez, R H; Mateo, J

2011-02-01

The effect of adding either skim milk or a commercial dry milk protein concentrate (MPC) to whole milk on the composition, yield, and functional properties of Mexican Oaxaca cheese were investigated. Five batches of Oaxaca cheeses were produced. One batch (the control) was produced from whole milk containing 3.5% fat and 9% nonfat solids (SNF). Two batches were produced from milk standardized with skim milk to 2.7 and 1.8% fat, maintaining the SNF content at 9%. In the other 2 batches, an MPC (40% protein content) was used to standardize the milk to a SNF content of 10 and 11%, maintaining the milk fat content at 3.5%. The use of either skim milk or MPC caused a significant decrease in the fat percentage in cheese. The use of skim milk or MPC showed a nonsignificant tendency to lower total solids and fat recoveries in cheese. Actual, dry matter, and moisture-adjusted cheese yields significantly decreased with skim milk addition, but increased with MPC addition. However, normalized yields adjusted to milk fat and protein reference levels did not show significant differences between treatments. Considering skim milk-added and control cheeses, actual yield increased with cheese milk fat content at a rate of 1.34 kg/kg of fat (R=0.88). In addition, cheese milk fat and SNF:fat ratio proved to be strong individual predictors of cheese moisture-adjusted yield (r(2) ≈ 0.90). Taking into account the results obtained from control and MPC-added cheeses, a 2.0-kg cheese yield increase rate per kg of milk MPC protein was observed (R=0.89), with TS and SNF being the strongest predictors for moisture adjusted yield (r(2) ≈ 0.77). Reduced-fat Oaxaca cheese functionality differed from that of controls. In unmelted reduced-fat cheeses, hardness and springiness increased. In melted reduced-fat cheeses, meltability and free oil increased, but stretchability decreased. These changes were related to differences in cheese composition, mainly fat in dry matter and calcium in SNF. Copyright © 2011 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

EQ6 Calculation for Chemical Degradation of Shippingport LWBR (TH/U Oxide) Spent Nuclear Fuel Waste Packages

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

S. Arthur

The Monitored Geologic Repository (MGR) Waste Package Department of the Civilian Radioactive Waste Management System Management & Operating contractor (CRWMS M&O) performed calculations to provide input for disposal of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) from the Shippingport Light Water Breeder Reactor (LWBR) (Ref. 1). The Shippingport LWBR SNF has been considered for disposal at the potential Yucca Mountain site. Because of the high content of fissile material in the SNF, the waste package (WP) design requires special consideration of the amount and placement of neutron absorbers and the possible loss of absorbers and SNF materials over geologic time. For some WPs,more » the outer shell corrosion-resistant material (CRM) and the corrosion-allowance inner shell may breach (Refs. 2 and 3), allowing the influx of water. Water in the WP will moderate neutrons, increasing the likelihood of a criticality event within the WP; and the water may, in time, gradually leach the fissile components and neutron absorbers from the WP, further affecting the neutronics of the system. This study presents calculations of the long-term geochemical behavior of WPs containing a Shippingport LWBR SNF seed assembly, and high-level waste (HLW) glass canisters arranged according to the codisposal concept (Ref. 4). The specific study objectives were to determine: (1) The extent to which criticality control material, suggested for this WP design, will remain in the WP after corrosion/dissolution of the initial WP configuration (such that it can be effective in preventing criticality); (2) The extent to which fissile uranium and fertile thorium will be carried out of the degraded WP by infiltrating water (such that internal criticality is no longer possible, but the possibility of external criticality may be enhanced); and (3) The nominal chemical composition for the criticality evaluations of the WP design, and to suggest the range of parametric variations for additional evaluations. The scope of this calculation, the chemical compositions (and subsequent criticality evaluations), of the simulations are limited to time periods up to 3.17 x 10{sup 5} years. This longer time frame is closer to the one million year time horizon recently recommended by the National Academy of Sciences to the Environmental Protection Agency for performance assessment related to a nuclear repository (Ref. 5). However, it is important to note that after 100,000 years, most of the materials of interest (fissile and absorber materials) will have either been removed from the WP, reached a steady state, or been transmuted. The calculation included elements with high neutron-absorption cross sections, notably gadolinium (Gd), as well as the fissile materials. The results of this analysis will be used to ensure that the type and amount of criticality control material used in the WP design will prevent criticality.« less

Gal4-VP16 directs ATP-independent chromatin reorganization in a yeast chromatin assembly system.

PubMed

Robinson, Karen M; Schultz, Michael C

2005-03-22

Major insights into the regulation of chromatin organization have stemmed from biochemical studies using Gal4-VP16, a chimeric transcriptional activator in which the DNA binding domain of Gal4p is fused to the activation domain of viral protein VP16. Unexpectedly, given previous intensive efforts to understand how Gal4-VP16 functions in the context of chromatin, we have uncovered a new mode of chromatin reorganization that is dependent on Gal4-VP16. This reorganization is performed by an activity in a crude DEAE (CD) fraction from budding yeast which also supports ATP-dependent assembly of physiologically spaced nucleosome arrays. Biochemical analysis reveals that the activity tightly associates with chromatin and reorganizes nucleosome arrays by a mechanism which is insensitive to ATP depletion after nucleosome assembly. It generates a chromatin organization in which a nucleosome is stably positioned immediately adjacent to Gal4p binding sites in the template DNA. Individual deletion of genes previously implicated in chromatin assembly and remodeling, namely, the histone chaperones NAP1, ASF1, and CAC1 and the SNF2-like DEAD/H ATPases SNF2, ISW1, ISW2, CHD1, SWR1, YFR038w, and SPT20, does not significantly perturb reorganization. Therefore, Gal4-VP16-directed chromatin reorganization in yeast can occur by an ATP-independent mechanism that does not require SAGA, SWI/SNF, Isw1, or Isw2 chromatin remodeling complexes.

Biallelic germline and somatic mutations in malignant mesothelioma: multiple mutations in transcription regulators including mSWI/SNF genes.

PubMed

Yoshikawa, Yoshie; Sato, Ayuko; Tsujimura, Tohru; Otsuki, Taiichiro; Fukuoka, Kazuya; Hasegawa, Seiki; Nakano, Takashi; Hashimoto-Tamaoki, Tomoko

2015-02-01

We detected low levels of acetylation for histone H3 tail lysines in malignant mesothelioma (MM) cell lines resistant to histone deacetylase inhibitors. To identify the possible genetic causes related to the low histone acetylation levels, whole-exome sequencing was conducted with MM cell lines established from eight patients. A mono-allelic variant of BRD1 was common to two MM cell lines with very low acetylation levels. We identified 318 homozygous protein-damaging variants/mutations (18-78 variants/mutations per patient); annotation analysis showed enrichment of the molecules associated with mammalian SWI/SNF (mSWI/SNF) chromatin remodeling complexes and co-activators that facilitate initiation of transcription. In seven of the patients, we detected a combination of variants in histone modifiers or transcription factors/co-factors, in addition to variants in mSWI/SNF. Direct sequencing showed that homozygous mutations in SMARCA4, PBRM1 and ARID2 were somatic. In one patient, homozygous germline variants were observed for SMARCC1 and SETD2 in chr3p22.1-3p14.2. These exhibited extended germline homozygosity and were in regions containing somatic mutations, leading to a loss of BAP1 and PBRM1 expression in MM cell line. Most protein-damaging variants were heterozygous in normal tissues. Heterozygous germline variants were often converted into hemizygous variants by mono-allelic deletion, and were rarely homozygous because of acquired uniparental disomy. Our findings imply that MM might develop through the somatic inactivation of mSWI/SNF complex subunits and/or histone modifiers, including BAP1, in subjects that have rare germline variants of these transcription regulators and/or transcription factors/co-factors, and in regions prone to mono-allelic deletion during oncogenesis. © 2014 UICC.

Environmental data and analyses for the proposed management of spent nuclear fuel on the DOE Oak Ridge Reservation

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

Socolof, M.L.; Curtis, A.H.; Blasing, T.J.

1995-08-01

DOE needs to continue the safe and efficient management of SNF on ORR, based on the requirement for future SNF storage capacity and implementation of the ROD for the PEIS. DOE is proposing to implement the ROD through proper management of SNF on ORR, including the possible construction and operation of a dry cask storage facility. This report describes the potentially affected environment and analyzes impacts on various resources due to the proposed action. The information provided in this report is intended to support the Environmental Assessment being prepared for the proposed activities. Construction of the dry cask storage facilitymore » would result in minimal or no impacts on groundwater, surface water, and ecological resources. Contaminated soils excavated during construction would result in negligible risk to human health and to biota. Except for noise from trucks and equipment, operation of the dry cask storage facility would not be expected to have any impact on vegetation, wildlife, or rare plants or animals. Noise impacts would be minimal. Operation exposures to the average SNF storage facility worker would not exceed approximately 0.40 mSv/year (40 mrem/year). The off-site population dose within an 80-km (50-mile) radius of ORR from SNF operations would be less than 0.052 person-Sv/year (5.2 person-rem/year). Impacts from incident-free transportation on ORR would be less than 1.36 X 10{sup -4} occupational fatal cancers and 4.28 X 10{sup -6} public fatal cancers. Credible accident scenarios that would result in the greatest probable risks would cause less than one in a million cancer fatalities to workers and the public.« less

Loss of switch/sucrose non-fermenting complex protein expression is associated with dedifferentiation in endometrial carcinomas.

PubMed

Karnezis, Anthony N; Hoang, Lien N; Coatham, Mackenzie; Ravn, Sarah; Almadani, Noorah; Tessier-Cloutier, Basile; Irving, Julie; Meng, Bo; Li, Xiaodong; Chow, Christine; McAlpine, Jessica; Kuo, Kuan-Ting; Mao, Tsui-Lien; Djordjevic, Bojana; Soslow, Robert A; Huntsman, David G; Blake Gilks, C; Köbel, Martin; Lee, Cheng-Han

2016-03-01

Dedifferentiated endometrial carcinoma is an aggressive type of endometrial cancer that contains a mix of low-grade endometrioid and undifferentiated carcinoma components. We performed targeted sequencing of eight dedifferentiated carcinomas and identified somatic frameshift/nonsense mutations in SMARCA4, a core ATPase of the switch/sucrose non-fermenting (SWI/SNF) complex, in the undifferentiated components of four tumors. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the loss of SMARCA4 in the undifferentiated component of these four SMARCA4-mutated cases, whereas the corresponding low-grade endometrioid component showed retained SMARCA4 expression. An expanded survey of other members of the SWI/SNF complex showed SMARCB1 loss in the undifferentiated component of two SMARCA4-intact tumors, and all SMARCA4- or SMARCB1-deficient tumors showed concomitant loss of expression of SMARCA2. We subsequently examined the expression of SMARCA2, SMARCA4, and SMARCB1 in an additional set of 22 centrally reviewed dedifferentiated carcinomas and 31 grade 3 endometrioid carcinomas. Combining the results from the index and the expansion set, 15 of 30 (50%) of the dedifferentiated carcinomas examined showed either concurrent SMARCA4 and SMARCA2 loss (37%) or concurrent SMARCB1 and SMARCA2 loss (13%) in the undifferentiated component. The loss of SMARCA4 or SMARCB1 was mutually exclusive. All 31 grade 3 endometrioid carcinomas showed intact expression of these core SWI/SNF proteins. The majority (73%) of the SMARCA4/SMARCA2-deficient and half of SMARCB1/SMARCA2-deficient undifferentiated component developed in a mismatch repair-deficient molecular context. The observed spatial association between SWI/SNF protein loss and histologic dedifferentiation suggests that inactivation of these core SWI/SNF proteins may contribute to the development of dedifferentiated endometrial carcinoma.

Assessment of the Measurement Properties of the NHCAHPS Family Survey: A Rasch Scaling Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

O'Connor, Matthew S.

2013-01-01

The introduction of the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS), a family of survey instruments designed to capture and report people's experiences obtaining health care could soon add satisfaction as a consistent dimension of quality that skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are required to assess and report. The SNF setting…

Vertical integration and optimal reimbursement policy.

PubMed

Afendulis, Christopher C; Kessler, Daniel P

2011-09-01

Health care providers may vertically integrate not only to facilitate coordination of care, but also for strategic reasons that may not be in patients' best interests. Optimal Medicare reimbursement policy depends upon the extent to which each of these explanations is correct. To investigate, we compare the consequences of the 1997 adoption of prospective payment for skilled nursing facilities (SNF PPS) in geographic areas with high versus low levels of hospital/SNF integration. We find that SNF PPS decreased spending more in high integration areas, with no measurable consequences for patient health outcomes. Our findings suggest that integrated providers should face higher-powered reimbursement incentives, i.e., less cost-sharing. More generally, we conclude that purchasers of health services (and other services subject to agency problems) should consider the organizational form of their suppliers when choosing a reimbursement mechanism.

Vertical integration and optimal reimbursement policy

PubMed Central

Afendulis, Christopher C.

2011-01-01

Health care providers may vertically integrate not only to facilitate coordination of care, but also for strategic reasons that may not be in patients’ best interests. Optimal Medicare reimbursement policy depends upon the extent to which each of these explanations is correct. To investigate, we compare the consequences of the 1997 adoption of prospective payment for skilled nursing facilities (SNF PPS) in geographic areas with high versus low levels of hospital/SNF integration. We find that SNF PPS decreased spending more in high integration areas, with no measurable consequences for patient health outcomes. Our findings suggest that integrated providers should face higher-powered reimbursement incentives, i.e., less cost-sharing. More generally, we conclude that purchasers of health services (and other services subject to agency problems) should consider the organizational form of their suppliers when choosing a reimbursement mechanism. PMID:21850551

Possible criticality of marine reactors dumped in the Kara Sea

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

Warden, J.M.; Mount, M.; Lynn, N.M.

1997-05-01

The largest inventory of radioactive materials dumped in the Kara Sea by the former Soviet Union comes from the spent nuclear fuel (SNF) of seven marine reactors. Using corrosion models derived for the International Arctic Seas Assessment Project (IASAP), the possibility of some of the SNF achieving criticality through structural and material changes has been investigated. Although remote, the possibility cannot at this stage be ruled out.

Tolerance or avoidance: drought frequency determines the response of an N 2 -fixing tree

Treesearch

Jeffrey M. Minucci; Chelcy Ford Miniat; Robert O. Teskey; Nina Wurzburger

2017-01-01

• Climate change is increasing drought frequency, which may affect symbiotic N2 fixation (SNF), a process that facilitates ecosystem recovery from disturbance. Here, we assessed the effect of drought frequency on the ecophysiology and SNF rate of a common N2-fixing tree in eastern US forests.•We grew Robinia pseudoacacia seedlings under the same mean soil...

Uncertainties for Swiss LWR spent nuclear fuels due to nuclear data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rochman, Dimitri A.; Vasiliev, Alexander; Dokhane, Abdelhamid; Ferroukhi, Hakim

2018-05-01

This paper presents a study of the impact of the nuclear data (cross sections, neutron emission and spectra) on different quantities for spent nuclear fuels (SNF) from Swiss power plants: activities, decay heat, neutron and gamma sources and isotopic vectors. Realistic irradiation histories are considered using validated core follow-up models based on CASMO and SIMULATE. Two Pressurized and one Boiling Water Reactors (PWR and BWR) are considered over a large number of operated cycles. All the assemblies at the end of the cycles are studied, being reloaded or finally discharged, allowing spanning over a large range of exposure (from 4 to 60 MWd/kgU for ≃9200 assembly-cycles). Both UO2 and MOX fuels were used during the reactor cycles, with enrichments from 1.9 to 4.7% for the UO2 and 2.2 to 5.8% Pu for the MOX. The SNF characteristics presented in this paper are calculated with the SNF code. The calculated uncertainties, based on the ENDF/B-VII.1 library are obtained using a simple Monte Carlo sampling method. It is demonstrated that the impact of nuclear data is relatively important (e.g. up to 17% for the decay heat), showing the necessity to consider them for safety analysis of the SNF handling and disposal.

Effects of SNF1 on Maltose Metabolism and Leavening Ability of Baker's Yeast in Lean Dough.

PubMed

Zhang, Cui-Ying; Bai, Xiao-Wen; Lin, Xue; Liu, Xiao-Er; Xiao, Dong-Guang

2015-12-01

Maltose metabolism of baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) in lean dough is negatively influenced by glucose repression, thereby delaying the dough fermentation. To improve maltose metabolism and leavening ability, it is necessary to alleviate glucose repression. The Snf1 protein kinase is well known to be essential for the response to glucose repression and required for transcription of glucose-repressed genes including the maltose-utilization genes (MAL). In this study, the SNF1 overexpression and deletion industrial baker's yeast strains were constructed and characterized in terms of maltose utilization, growth and fermentation characteristics, mRNA levels of MAL genes (MAL62 encoding the maltase and MAL61 encoding the maltose permease) and maltase and maltose permease activities. Our results suggest that overexpression of SNF1 was effective to glucose derepression for enhancing MAL expression levels and enzymes (maltase and maltose permease) activities. These enhancements could result in an 18% increase in maltose metabolism of industrial baker's yeast in LSMLD medium (the low sugar model liquid dough fermentation medium) containing glucose and maltose and a 15% increase in leavening ability in lean dough. These findings provide a valuable insight of breeding industrial baker's yeast for rapid fermentation. © 2015 Institute of Food Technologists®

Integrated data base report--1996: US spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste inventories, projections, and characteristics

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

NONE

1997-12-01

The Integrated Data Base Program has compiled historic data on inventories and characteristics of both commercial and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) spent nuclear fuel (SNF) and commercial and U.S. government-owned radioactive wastes. Inventories of most of these materials are reported as of the end of fiscal year (FY) 1996, which is September 30, 1996. Commercial SNF and commercial uranium mill tailings inventories are reported on an end-of-calendar year (CY) basis. All SNF and radioactive waste data reported are based on the most reliable information available from government sources, the open literature, technical reports, and direct contacts. The information forecastedmore » is consistent with the latest DOE/Energy Information Administration (EIA) projections of U.S. commercial nuclear power growth and the expected DOE-related and private industrial and institutional activities. The radioactive materials considered, on a chapter-by-chapter basis, are SNF, high-level waste, transuranic waste, low-level waste, uranium mill tailings, DOE Environmental Restoration Program contaminated environmental media, naturally occurring and accelerator-produced radioactive material, and mixed (hazardous and radioactive) low-level waste. For most of these categories, current and projected inventories are given through FY 2030, and the radioactivity and thermal power are calculated based on reported or estimated isotopic compositions.« less

K basins sludge removal sludge pretreatment system

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

Chang, H.L.

1997-06-12

The Spent Nuclear Fuels Program is in the process of planning activities to remove spent nuclear fuel and other materials from the 100-K Basins as a remediation effort for clean closure. The 105 K- East and K-West Basins store spent fuel, sludge, and debris. Sludge has accumulated in the 1 00 K Basins as a result of fuel oxidation and a slight amount of general debris being deposited, by settling, in the basin water. The ultimate intent in removing the sludge and fuel is to eliminate the environmental risk posed by storing fuel at the K Basins. The task formore » this project is to disposition specific constituents of sludge (metallic fuel) to produce a product stream through a pretreatment process that will meet the requirements, including a final particle size acceptable to the Tank Waste Remediation System (TWRS). The purpose of this task is to develop a preconceptual design package for the K Basin sludge pretreatment system. The process equipment/system is at a preconceptual stage, as shown in sketch ES-SNF-01 , while a more refined process system and material/energy balances are ongoing (all sketches are shown in Appendix C). Thus, the overall process and 0535 associated equipment have been conservatively selected and sized, respectively, to establish the cost basis and equipment layout as shown in sketches ES- SNF-02 through 08.« less

Prioritizing partners across the continuum.

PubMed

Maly, Mary Beth; Lawrence, Susan; Jordan, M Kim; Davies, William J; Weiss, Michael J; Deitrick, Lynn; Salas-Lopez, Debbie

2012-11-01

With the advent of accountable care organizations, bundled payments, value-based purchasing, and penalties for preventable hospital readmission, tight connections and collaboration across the care continuum will become critical to achieve successful patient outcomes and to reduce the cost of care delivery. Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), the largest provider of health services in eastern Pennsylvania, set out on a journey to build collaborative relationships with skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) in their eastern Pennsylvania community. LVHN desired SNF partners with mutual interests in improving quality of care and lowering costs of delivery where possible. Recognizing that not all SNFs are alike, LVHN developed a Collaborative Partner Prioritization Tool to assess and prioritize skilled nursing facilities in an effort to determine those that would make the best collaborators. SNFs were reviewed based on their volume of mutual patients, quality of care delivery, and their perceived willingness to align with LVHN. Six variables were used to assess these facilities, including (1) patient discharge destination volume by SNF; (2) 30-day all-cause readmission rate to an LVHN hospital; (3) Medicare's Nursing Home Compare 5-Star Overall Rating; (4) the health network affiliation of the SNF's medical director; (5) the level of LVHN-employed or -affiliated physician presence at the SNF; and (6) the SNF's current participation in LVHN-sponsored programs and meetings. Through use of the Collaborative Partner Prioritization Tool, it was discovered that roughly 70% of LVHN patients who required skilled nursing care following their inpatient stay received care at 1 of 20 SNFs. Of these, 5 facilities performed well on the 6-variable assessment, deeming them the "Tier 1 Facilities" to initially focus collaborative efforts. LVHN has strategically deployed physician resources and has increased physician presence at these "Tier 1 SNFs." These facilities have also gained remote read-only access to LVHN's inpatient electronic medical record and have had opportunity to participate in LVHN-sponsored programs. Special projects have been co-developed with several SNFs, including a telemedicine-based Parkinson's disease program to increase patient access to a neurologist specially trained in movement disorders. The Collaborative Partner Prioritization Tool has become a powerful tool when used for prioritization of relationships and allocation of LVHN physicians and resources. Collaboration with strong SNF partners has offered a shared opportunity to improve quality of care, reduce costs, and prepare for the many policies affecting the health care industry. Future outcomes of this work will include quality metrics, such as readmissions, patient satisfaction with care, time for decision to admit, and overall costs of care. The data and metrics used to define the prioritization tool will continue to be adapted as the post-acute market and hospital-SNF relationships continue to evolve. Copyright © 2012 American Medical Directors Association, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Betaine acts on a ligand-gated ion channel in the nervous system of the nematode C. elegans

PubMed Central

Peden, Aude S.; Mac, Patrick; Fei, You-Jun; Castro, Cecilia; Jiang, Guoliang; Murfitt, Kenneth J.; Miska, Eric A.; Griffin, Julian L.; Ganapathy, Vadivel; Jorgensen, Erik M.

2014-01-01

Prior to the advent of synthetic nematocides, natural products such as seaweed were used to control nematode infestations. The nematocidal agent in seaweed is betaine, an amino acid that functions as an osmolyte and methyl donor. However, the molecular mechanisms of betaine toxicity are unknown. Here, we identify the betaine transporter SNF-3 and a betaine receptor ACR-23 in the nematode C. elegans. Mutating snf-3 in a sensitized background causes the animals to be hypercontracted and paralyzed, presumably because of excess extracellular betaine. These behavioral defects are suppressed by mutations in acr-23, which encodes a ligand-gated cation channel of the cys-loop family. ACR-23 is activated by betaine and functions in the mechanosensory neurons to maintain basal levels of locomotion. However, overactivation of the receptor by excess betaine or by the allosteric modulator monepantel causes hypercontraction and death of the nematode. Thus, monepantel targets a betaine signaling pathway in nematodes. PMID:24212673

The effects of sodium fluoride and stannous fluoride on the surface roughness of intraoral magnet systems.

PubMed

Obatake, R M; Collard, S M; Martin, J; Ladd, G D

1991-10-01

Four types of intraoral magnets used for retention of overdentures and maxillofacial prostheses were exposed in vitro to SnF2 and NaF to determine the effects of fluoride rinses on surface roughness. The surface roughness (Ra) was measured, after simulated 1, 2, and 5 years' clinical exposure to fluoride (31, 62, and 155 hours). The mean change in Ra was calculated for each period of simulated exposure to fluoride for each magnet type. Two-way ANOVA was used to compare mean change in Ra between magnets within fluorides, and between fluorides within magnets. Paired t tests were used to compare mean change in Ra within fluorides within magnets. The mean change in Ra increased for all magnets after simulated 1, 2, and 5 years of exposure to SnF2 and NaF (p less than 0.03). Using the change in Ra as an indicator for corrosion, PdCo encapsulated SmCo5 magnets and their keepers demonstrated the least corrosion with either fluoride.

The Effect of a Low Fluoride Delivery System on Bacterial Metabolism.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-08-25

of motile to non-motile bacteria in subgingival plaque samples is approximately 1:50; whereas in periodontally diseased sites, the ratio is approxi...parameters are indicated to assess the feasibility of this system as an adjunct in the control of caries and periodontal disease . 32 Antiplaque Determinants...of SnF2: pH and Ions INTRODUCTION The pathology of dental caries and periodontal disease is associated with the accumulation of bacterial plaque on

Integrating repositories with fuel cycles: The airport authority model

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

Forsberg, C.

2012-07-01

The organization of the fuel cycle is a legacy of World War II and the cold war. Fuel cycle facilities were developed and deployed without consideration of the waste management implications. This led to the fuel cycle model of a geological repository site with a single owner, a single function (disposal), and no other facilities on site. Recent studies indicate large economic, safety, repository performance, nonproliferation, and institutional incentives to collocate and integrate all back-end facilities. Site functions could include geological disposal of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) with the option for future retrievability, disposal of other wastes, reprocessing with fuelmore » fabrication, radioisotope production, other facilities that generate significant radioactive wastes, SNF inspection (navy and commercial), and related services such as SNF safeguards equipment testing and training. This implies a site with multiple facilities with different owners sharing some facilities and using common facilities - the repository and SNF receiving. This requires a different repository site institutional structure. We propose development of repository site authorities modeled after airport authorities. Airport authorities manage airports with government-owned runways, collocated or shared public and private airline terminals, commercial and federal military facilities, aircraft maintenance bases, and related operations - all enabled and benefiting the high-value runway asset and access to it via taxi ways. With a repository site authority the high value asset is the repository. The SNF and HLW receiving and storage facilities (equivalent to the airport terminal) serve the repository, any future reprocessing plants, and others with needs for access to SNF and other wastes. Non-public special-built roadways and on-site rail lines (equivalent to taxi ways) connect facilities. Airport authorities are typically chartered by state governments and managed by commissions with members appointed by the state governor, county governments, and city governments. This structure (1) enables state and local governments to work together to maximize job and tax benefits to local communities and the state, (2) provides a mechanism to address local concerns such as airport noise, and (3) creates an institutional structure with large incentives to maximize the value of the common asset, the runway. A repository site authority would have a similar structure and be the local interface to any national waste management authority. (authors)« less

Demography of the California spotted owl in the Sierra National Forest and Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks

Treesearch

George N. Steger; Thomas E. Munton; Kenneth D. Johnson; Gary P. Eberlein

2002-01-01

Nine years (1990–1998) of demographic data on California spotted owls (Strix occidentalis occidentalis) in two study areas on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada—one in the Sierra National Forest (SNF), the other in Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks (SNP)—are summarized. Numbers of territorial owls fluctuated from 85 to 50 in SNF and 80 to 58...

Ecological risk assessment for DvSnf7 RNA: A plant-incorporated protectant with targeted activity against western corn rootworm.

PubMed

Bachman, Pamela M; Huizinga, Kristin M; Jensen, Peter D; Mueller, Geoffrey; Tan, Jianguo; Uffman, Joshua P; Levine, Steven L

2016-11-01

MON 87411 maize, which expresses DvSnf7 RNA, was developed to provide an additional mode of action to confer protection against corn rootworm (Diabrotica spp.). A critical step in the registration of a genetically engineered crop with an insecticidal trait is performing an ecological risk assessment to evaluate the potential for adverse ecological effects. For MON 87411, an assessment plan was developed that met specific protection goals by characterizing the routes and levels of exposure, and testing representative functional taxa that would be directly or indirectly exposed in the environment. The potential for toxicity of DvSnf7 RNA was evaluated with a harmonized battery of non-target organisms (NTOs) that included invertebrate predators, parasitoids, pollinators, soil biota as well as aquatic and terrestrial vertebrate species. Laboratory tests evaluated ecologically relevant endpoints such as survival, growth, development, and reproduction and were of sufficient duration to assess the potential for adverse effects. No adverse effects were observed with any species tested at, or above, the maximum expected environmental concentration (MEEC). All margins of exposure for NTOs were >10-fold the MEEC. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that exposure to DvSnf7 RNA, both directly and indirectly, is safe for NTOs at the expected field exposure levels. Copyright © 2016 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

One small step for Mot1; one giant leap for other Swi2/Snf2 enzymes?

PubMed Central

Viswanathan, Ramya; Auble, David T.

2011-01-01

The TATA-binding protein (TBP) is a major target for transcriptional regulation. Mot1, a Swi2/Snf2-related ATPase, dissociates TBP from DNA in an ATP dependent process. The experimental advantages of this relatively simple reaction have been exploited to learn more about how Swi2/Snf2 ATPases function biochemically. However, many unanswered questions remain and fundamental aspects of the Mot1 mechanism are still under debate. Here, we review the available data and integrate the results with structural and biochemical studies of related enzymes to derive a model for Mot1’s catalytic action consistent with the broad literature on enzymes in this family. We propose that the Mot1 ATPase domain is tethered to TBP by a flexible, spring-like linker of alpha helical hairpins. The linker juxtaposes the ATPase domain such that it can engage duplex DNA on one side of the TBP-DNA complex. This allows the ATPase to employ short-range, nonprocessive ATP-driven DNA tracking to pull or push TBP off its DNA site. DNA translocation is a conserved property of ATPases in the broader enzyme family. As such, the model explains how a structurally and functionally conserved ATPase domain has been put to use in a very different context than other enzymes in the Swi2/Snf2 family. PMID:21658482

Leaching of radionuclides from furfural-based polymers used to solidify reactor compartments and components disposed of in the Arctic Kara Sea

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

HEISER,J.H.; SIVINTSEV,Y.; ALEXANDROV,V.P.

1999-09-01

Within the course of operating its nuclear navy, the former Soviet Union (FSU) disposed of reactor vessels and spent nuclear fuel (SNF) in three fjords on the east coast of Novaya Zemlya and in the open Kara Sea within the Novaya Zemlya Trough during the period 1965 to 1988. The dumping consisted of 16 reactors, six of which contained SNF and one special container that held ca. 60% of the damaged SNF and the screening assembly from the No. 2 reactor of the atomic icebreaker Lenin. At the time, the FSU considered dumping of decommissioned nuclear submarines with damaged coresmore » in the bays of and near by the Novaya Zemlya archipelago in the Arctic Kara Sea to be acceptable. To provide an additional level of safety, a group of Russian scientists embarked upon a course of research to develop a solidification agent that would provide an ecologically safe barrier. The barrier material would prevent direct contact of seawater with the SNF and the resultant leaching and release of radionuclides. The solidification agent was to be introduced by flooding the reactors vessels and inner cavities. Once introduced the agent would harden and form an impermeable barrier. This report describes the sample preparation of several ``Furfurol'' compositions and their leach testing using cesium 137 as tracer.« less

Functional Coupling between HIV-1 Integrase and the SWI/SNF Chromatin Remodeling Complex for Efficient in vitro Integration into Stable Nucleosomes

PubMed Central

Lesbats, Paul; Botbol, Yair; Chevereau, Guillaume; Vaillant, Cédric; Calmels, Christina; Arneodo, Alain; Andreola, Marie-Line; Lavigne, Marc; Parissi, Vincent

2011-01-01

Establishment of stable HIV-1 infection requires the efficient integration of the retroviral genome into the host DNA. The molecular mechanism underlying the control of this process by the chromatin structure has not yet been elucidated. We show here that stably associated nucleosomes strongly inhibit in vitro two viral-end integration by decreasing the accessibility of DNA to integrase. Remodeling of the chromatinized template by the SWI/SNF complex, whose INI1 major component interacts with IN, restores and redirects the full-site integration into the stable nucleosome region. These effects are not observed after remodeling by other human remodeling factors such as SNF2H or BRG1 lacking the integrase binding protein INI1. This suggests that the restoration process depends on the direct interaction between IN and the whole SWI/SNF complex, supporting a functional coupling between the remodeling and integration complexes. Furthermore, in silico comparison between more than 40,000 non-redundant cellular integration sites selected from literature and nucleosome occupancy predictions also supports that HIV-1 integration is promoted in the genomic region of weaker intrinsic nucleosome density in the infected cell. Our data indicate that some chromatin structures can be refractory for integration and that coupling between nucleosome remodeling and HIV-1 integration is required to overcome this natural barrier. PMID:21347347

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

Eric Larsen; Art Watkins; Timothy R. McJunkin

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) created the National Spent Nuclear Fuel Program (NSNFP) to manage DOE’s spent nuclear fuel (SNF). One of the NSNFP’s tasks is to prepare spent nuclear fuel for storage, transportation, and disposal at the national repository. As part of this effort, the NSNFP developed a standardized canister for interim storage and transportation of SNF. These canisters will be built and sealed to American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Section III, Division 3 requirements. Packaging SNF usually is a three-step process: canister loading, closure welding, and closure weld verification. After loading SNF into the canisters, themore » canisters must be seal welded and the welds verified using a combination of visual, surface eddy current, and ultrasonic inspection or examination techniques. If unacceptable defects in the weld are detected, the defective sections of weld must be removed, re-welded, and re-inspected. Due to the high contamination and/or radiation fields involved with this process, all of these functions must be performed remotely in a hot cell. The prototype apparatus to perform these functions is a floor-mounted carousel that encircles the loaded canister; three stations perform the functions of welding, inspecting, and repairing the seal welds. A welding operator monitors and controls these functions remotely via a workstation located outside the hot cell. The discussion describes the hardware and software that have been developed and the results of testing that has been done to date.« less

The Arabidopsis BRAHMA Chromatin-Remodeling ATPase Is Involved in Repression of Seed Maturation Genes in Leaves1[W][OA

PubMed Central

Tang, Xurong; Hou, Anfu; Babu, Mohan; Nguyen, Vi; Hurtado, Lidia; Lu, Qing; Reyes, Jose C.; Wang, Aiming; Keller, Wilfred A.; Harada, John J.; Tsang, Edward W.T.; Cui, Yuhai

2008-01-01

Synthesis and accumulation of seed storage proteins (SSPs) is an important aspect of the seed maturation program. Genes encoding SSPs are specifically and highly expressed in the seed during maturation. However, the mechanisms that repress the expression of these genes in leaf tissue are not well understood. To gain insight into the repression mechanisms, we performed a genetic screen for mutants that express SSPs in leaves. Here, we show that mutations affecting BRAHMA (BRM), a SNF2 chromatin-remodeling ATPase, cause ectopic expression of a subset of SSPs and other embryogenesis-related genes in leaf tissue. Consistent with the notion that such SNF2-like ATPases form protein complexes in vivo, we observed similar phenotypes for mutations of AtSWI3C, a BRM-interacting partner, and BSH, a SNF5 homolog and essential SWI/SNF subunit. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments show that BRM is recruited to the promoters of a number of embryogenesis genes in wild-type leaves, including the 2S genes, expressed in brm leaves. Consistent with its role in nucleosome remodeling, BRM appears to affect the chromatin structure of the At2S2 promoter. Thus, the BRM-containing chromatin-remodeling ATPase complex involved in many aspects of plant development mediates the repression of SSPs in leaf tissue. PMID:18508955

Spent nuclear fuel recycling with plasma reduction and etching

DOEpatents

Kim, Yong Ho

2012-06-05

A method of extracting uranium from spent nuclear fuel (SNF) particles is disclosed. Spent nuclear fuel (SNF) (containing oxides of uranium, oxides of fission products (FP) and oxides of transuranic (TRU) elements (including plutonium)) are subjected to a hydrogen plasma and a fluorine plasma. The hydrogen plasma reduces the uranium and plutonium oxides from their oxide state. The fluorine plasma etches the SNF metals to form UF₆ and PuF₄. During subjection of the SNF particles to the fluorine plasma, the temperature is maintained in the range of 1200-2000 deg K to: a) allow any PuF₆ (gas) that is formed to decompose back to PuF₄ (solid), and b) to maintain stability of the UF₆. Uranium (in the form of gaseous UF₆) is easily extracted and separated from the plutonium (in the form of solid PuF₄). The use of plasmas instead of high temperature reactors or flames mitigates the high temperature corrosive atmosphere and the production of PuF₆ (as a final product). Use of plasmas provide faster reaction rates, greater control over the individual electron and ion temperatures, and allow the use of CF₄ or NF₃ as the fluorine sources instead of F₂ or HF.

Behavior of uranium under conditions of interaction of rocks and ores with subsurface water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Omel'Yanenko, B. I.; Petrov, V. A.; Poluektov, V. V.

2007-10-01

The behavior of uranium during interaction of subsurface water with crystalline rocks and uranium ores is considered in connection with the problem of safe underground insulation of spent nuclear fuel (SNF). Since subsurface water interacts with crystalline rocks formed at a high temperature, the mineral composition of these rocks and uranium species therein are thermodynamically unstable. Therefore, reactions directed toward the establishment of equilibrium proceed in the water-rock system. At great depths that are characterized by hindered water exchange, where subsurface water acquires near-neutral and reducing properties, the interaction is extremely sluggish and is expressed in the formation of micro- and nanoparticles of secondary minerals. Under such conditions, the slow diffusion redistribution of uranium with enrichment in absorbed forms relative to all other uranium species is realized as well. The products of secondary alteration of Fe- and Ti-bearing minerals serve as the main sorbents of uranium. The rate of alteration of minerals and conversion of uranium species into absorbed forms is slow, and the results of these processes are insignificant, so that the rocks and uranium species therein may be regarded as unaltered. Under reducing conditions, subsurface water is always saturated with uranium. Whether water interacts with rock or uranium ore, the equilibrium uranium concentration in water is only ≤10-8 mol/l. Uraninite ore under such conditions always remains stable irrespective of its age. The stability conditions of uranium ore are quite suitable for safe insulation of SNF, which consists of 95% uraninite (UO2) and is a confinement matrix for all other radionuclides. The disposal of SNF in massifs of crystalline rocks at depths below 500 m, where reducing conditions are predominant, is a reliable guarantee of high SNF stability. Under oxidizing conditions of the upper hydrodynamic zone, the rate of interaction of rocks with subsurface water increases by orders of magnitude and subsurface water is commonly undersaturated with uranium. Uranium absorbed by secondary minerals, particularly by iron hydroxides and leucoxene, is its single stable species under oxidizing conditions. The impact of oxygen-bearing water leads to destruction of uranium ore. This process is realized simultaneously at different hypsometric levels even if the permeability of the medium is variable in both the lateral and vertical directions. As a result, intervals containing uranyl minerals and relics of primary uranium ore are combined in ore-bearing zones with intervals of completely dissolved uranium minerals. A wide halo of elevated uranium contents caused by sorption is always retained at the location of uranium ore entirely destroyed by weathering. Uranium ore commonly finds itself in the aeration zone due to technogenic subsidence of the groundwater table caused by open-pit mining or pumping out of water from underground mines. The capillary and film waters that interact with rocks and ores in this zone are supplemented by free water filtering along fractures when rain falls or snow is thawing. The interaction of uranium ore with capillary water results in oxidation of uraninite, accompanied by loosening of the mineral surface, formation of microfractures, and an increase in solubility with enrichment of capillary water in uranium up to 10-4 mol/l. Secondary U(VI) minerals, first of all, uranyl hydroxides and silicates, replace uraninite, and uranium undergoes local diffusion redistribution with its sorption by secondary minerals of host rocks. The influx of free water facilitates the complete dissolution of primary and secondary uranium minerals, the removal of uranium at the sites of groundwater discharge, and its redeposition under reducing conditions at a greater depth. It is evident that the conditions of the upper hydrodynamic zone and the aeration zone are unfit for long-term insulation of SNF and high-level wastes because, after the failure of containers, the leakage of radionuclides into the environment becomes inevitable.

High Integrity Can Design Interfaces

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

Shaber, E.L.

1998-08-01

The National Spent Nuclear Fuel Program is chartered with facilitating the disposition of DOE-owned spent nuclear fuel to allow disposal at a geologic repository. This is done through coordination with the repository program and by assisting DOE Site owners of SNF with needed information, standardized requirements, packaging approaches, etc. The High Integrity Can (HIC) will be manufactured to provide a substitute or barrier enhancement for normal fuel geometry and cladding. The can would be nested inside the DOE standardized canister which is designed to interface with the repository waste package. The HIC approach may provide the following benefits over typicalmore » canning approaches for DOE SNF. (a) It allows ready calculation and management of criticality issues for miscellaneous. (b) It segments and further isolates damaged or otherwise problem materials from normal SNF in the repository package. (c) It provides a very long term corrosion barrier. (d) It provides an extra internal pressure barrier for particulates, gaseous fission products, hydrogen, and water vapor. (e) It delays any potential release of fission products to the repository environment. (f) It maintains an additional level of fuel geometry control during design basis accidents, rock-fall, and seismic events. (g) When seal welded, it could provide the additional containment required for shipments involving plutonium content in excess of 20 Ci. (10 CFR 71.63.b) if integrated with an appropriate cask design. Long term corrosion protection is central to the HIC concept. The material selected for the HIC (Hastelloy C-22) has undergone extensive testing for repository service. The most severe theoretical interactions between iron, repository water containing chlorides and other repository construction materials have been tested. These expected chemical species have not been shown capable of corroding the selected HIC material. Therefore, the HIC should provide a significant barrier to DOE SNF dispersal long after most commercial SNF has degraded and begun moving into the repository environment.« less

A randomized clinical study comparing the plaque inhibition effect of a SnF2/SHMP dentifrice (blend-a-med EXPERT GUMS PROTECTION) and a chlorhexidine digluconate dentifrice (Lacalut Aktiv).

PubMed

Bellamy, P G; Khera, N; Day, T N; Mussett, A J; Barker, M L

2009-01-01

To compare the plaque inhibition benefits of a control 0.454% stannous fluoride/sodium hexametaphosphate/sodium fluoride dentifrice (SnF2/SHMP with 1450 ppm F) to a chlorhexidine digluconate (0.05%), aluminum lactate (0.8%), and aluminum fluoride (AlF3/Chx with 1400 ppm F) dentifrice. Twenty-nine subjects were randomized to a two-period, two-treatment, double-blind crossover sequence using blend-a-med EXPERT GUMS PROTECTION toothpaste (SnF2/SHMP) and Lacalut Aktiv toothpaste (AlF3/Chx). Each treatment was used along with a standard manual toothbrush (Oral-B P35 Indicator) for 17 days. Digital plaque image analysis (DPIA) was used at the end of each period for three consecutive days to evaluate plaque levels; a) overnight (A.M. pre-brush); b) following 40 seconds of brushing with the test product (A.M. post-brush); and c) mid-afternoon (P.M.). Images were analyzed using an objective computer algorithm to calculate the total area of visible plaque. A four-day washout period was instituted for the crossover phase. Twenty-seven subjects completed the study. The SnF2/SHMP dentifrice provided a statistically significant lower level of plaque area coverage compared to the AlF3/Chx dentifrice at all time points. For the SnF2/SHMP dentifrice, plaque coverage was 19.4% lower (p = 0.0043) at the A.M. pre-brush, 25.6% lower (p = 0.0014) at the A.M. post-brush, and 19.8% lower (p = 0.0057) at the P.M. measure relative to the AlF3/Chx dentifrice. The blend-a-med EXPERT GUMS PROTECTION toothpaste inhibits plaque regrowth, both overnight and during the day, to a significantly greater degree than Lacalut Aktiv. Additionally, immediately after brushing with blend-a-med EXPERT GUMS PROTECTION, subjects had significantly less plaque than after brushing with Lacalut Aktiv.

Performance Assessment of a Generic Repository in Bedded Salt for DOE-Managed Nuclear Waste

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stein, E. R.; Sevougian, S. D.; Hammond, G. E.; Frederick, J. M.; Mariner, P. E.

2016-12-01

A mined repository in salt is one of the concepts under consideration for disposal of DOE-managed defense-related spent nuclear fuel (SNF) and high level waste (HLW). Bedded salt is a favorable medium for disposal of nuclear waste due to its low permeability, high thermal conductivity, and ability to self-heal. Sandia's Generic Disposal System Analysis framework is used to assess the ability of a generic repository in bedded salt to isolate radionuclides from the biosphere. The performance assessment considers multiple waste types of varying thermal load and radionuclide inventory, the engineered barrier system comprising the waste packages, backfill, and emplacement drifts, and the natural barrier system formed by a bedded salt deposit and the overlying sedimentary sequence (including an aquifer). The model simulates disposal of nearly the entire inventory of DOE-managed, defense-related SNF (excluding Naval SNF) and HLW in a half-symmetry domain containing approximately 6 million grid cells. Grid refinement captures the detail of 25,200 individual waste packages in 180 disposal panels, associated access halls, and 4 shafts connecting the land surface to the repository. Equations describing coupled heat and fluid flow and reactive transport are solved numerically with PFLOTRAN, a massively parallel flow and transport code. Simulated processes include heat conduction and convection, waste package failure, waste form dissolution, radioactive decay and ingrowth, sorption, solubility limits, advection, dispersion, and diffusion. Simulations are run to 1 million years, and radionuclide concentrations are observed within an aquifer at a point approximately 4 kilometers downgradient of the repository. The software package DAKOTA is used to sample likely ranges of input parameters including waste form dissolution rates and properties of engineered and natural materials in order to quantify uncertainty in predicted concentrations and sensitivity to input parameters. Sandia National Laboratories is a multi-program laboratory managed and operated by Sandia Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation, for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-AC04-94AL85000.

Final design review summary report for the TN-WHC cask and transportation system

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

Kee, A.T.

1997-01-17

This document represents comments generated from a review of Transnuclear`s Final Design Package distributed on December 10, 1996 and a review of the Final Design Analysis Report meeting held on December 17 & 18, 1996. The Final design describes desicn features and presents final analyses @j performed to fabricate and operate the system while meeting the Cask/Transportation Functions and Requirements, WHC-SD-SNF-FRD-011, Rev. 0 and specification WHC-S-0396, Rev. 1.

Used fuel extended storage security and safeguards by design roadmap

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

Durbin, Samuel G.; Lindgren, Eric Richard; Jones, Robert

2016-05-01

In the United States, spent nuclear fuel (SNF) is safely and securely stored in spent fuel pools and dry storage casks. The available capacity in spent fuel pools across the nuclear fleet has nearly reached a steady state value. The excess SNF continues to be loaded in dry storage casks. Fuel is expected to remain in dry storage for periods beyond the initial dry cask certification period of 20 years. Recent licensing renewals have approved an additional 40 years. This report identifies the current requirements and evaluation techniques associated with the safeguards and security of SNF dry cask storage. Amore » set of knowledge gaps is identified in the current approaches. Finally, this roadmap identifies known knowledge gaps and provides a research path to deliver the tools and models needed to close the gaps and allow the optimization of the security and safeguards approaches for an interim spent fuel facility over the lifetime of the storage site.« less

The mammalian AMP-activated protein kinase complex mediates glucose regulation of gene expression in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

PubMed

Ye, Tian; Bendrioua, Loubna; Carmena, David; García-Salcedo, Raúl; Dahl, Peter; Carling, David; Hohmann, Stefan

2014-06-05

The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) controls energy homeostasis in eukaryotic cells. Here we expressed hetero-trimeric mammalian AMPK complexes in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutant lacking all five genes encoding yeast AMPK/SNF1 components. Certain mammalian complexes complemented the growth defect of the yeast mutant on non-fermentable carbon sources. Phosphorylation of the AMPK α1-subunit was glucose-regulated, albeit not by the Glc7-Reg1/2 phosphatase, which performs this function on yeast AMPK/SNF1. AMPK could take over SNF1 function in glucose derepression. While indirectly acting anti-diabetic drugs had no effect on AMPK in yeast, compound 991 stimulated α1-subunit phosphorylation. Our results demonstrate a remarkable functional conservation of AMPK and that glucose regulation of AMPK may not be mediated by regulatory features of a specific phosphatase. Copyright © 2014 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Bounding criticality safety analyses for shipments of unconfigured spent nuclear fuel

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

Lichtenwalter, J.J.; Parks, C.V.

1998-06-01

In November 1996, a request was made to the US Department of Energy for a waiver for three shipments of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) from Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to the Savannah River Site (SRS) in the US NRC certified BMI-1 cask (CoC 5957). Although the post-irradiation fissile mass (based on chemical assays) in each shipment was less than 800 g, a criticality safety analysis was needed because the pre-irradiation mass exceeded 800 g, the fissile material limit in the CoC. The analyses were performed on SNF consisting of aluminum-clad U{sub 3}O{sub 8}, UAl{sub x}, and U{sub 3}Si{sub 2}more » plates, fragments and pieces that had been irradiated at ORNL during the Reduced Enrichment Research and Test Reactor Program of the 1980s. The highlights of the approach used to analyze this unique SNF and the benefits of the waiver are presented in this paper.« less

Approach for validating actinide and fission product compositions for burnup credit criticality safety analyses

DOE PAGES

Radulescu, Georgeta; Gauld, Ian C.; Ilas, Germina; ...

2014-11-01

This paper describes a depletion code validation approach for criticality safety analysis using burnup credit for actinide and fission product nuclides in spent nuclear fuel (SNF) compositions. The technical basis for determining the uncertainties in the calculated nuclide concentrations is comparison of calculations to available measurements obtained from destructive radiochemical assay of SNF samples. Probability distributions developed for the uncertainties in the calculated nuclide concentrations were applied to the SNF compositions of a criticality safety analysis model by the use of a Monte Carlo uncertainty sampling method to determine bias and bias uncertainty in effective neutron multiplication factor. Application ofmore » the Monte Carlo uncertainty sampling approach is demonstrated for representative criticality safety analysis models of pressurized water reactor spent fuel pool storage racks and transportation packages using burnup-dependent nuclide concentrations calculated with SCALE 6.1 and the ENDF/B-VII nuclear data. Furthermore, the validation approach and results support a recent revision of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Interim Staff Guidance 8.« less

Resolving Past Liabilities for Future Reduction in Greenhouse Gases; Nuclear Energy and the Outstanding Federal Liability of Spent Nuclear Fuel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Donohue, Jay

This thesis will: (1) examine the current state of nuclear power in the U.S.; (2) provide a comparison of nuclear power to both existing alternative/renewable sources of energy as well as fossil fuels; (3) dissect Standard Contracts created pursuant to the National Waste Policy Act (NWPA), Congress' attempt to find a solution for Spent Nuclear Fuel (SNF), and the designation of Yucca Mountain as a repository; (4) the anticipated failure of Yucca Mountain; (5) explore WIPP as well as attempts to build a facility on Native American land in Utah; (6) examine reprocessing as a solution for SNF used by France and Japan; and, finally, (7) propose a solution to reduce GHG's by developing new nuclear energy plants with financial support from the U.S. government and a solution to build a storage facility for SNF through the sitting of a repository based on a "bottom-up" cooperative federalism approach.

Growth, biofilm formation, antifungal susceptibility and oxidative stress resistance of Candida glabrata are affected by different glucose concentrations.

PubMed

Ng, Tzu Shan; Desa, Mohd Nasir Mohd; Sandai, Doblin; Chong, Pei Pei; Than, Leslie Thian Lung

2016-06-01

Glucose is an important fuel source to support many living organisms. Its importance in the physiological fitness and pathogenicity of Candida glabrata, an emerging human fungal pathogen has not been extensively studied. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of glucose on the growth, biofilm formation, antifungal susceptibility and oxidative stress resistance of C. glabrata. In addition, its effect on the expression of a putative high affinity glucose sensor gene, SNF3 was also investigated. Glucose concentrations were found to exert effects on the physiological responses of C. glabrata. The growth rate of the species correlated positively to the amount of glucose. In addition, low glucose environments were found to induce C. glabrata to form biofilm and resist amphotericin B. Conversely, high glucose environments promoted oxidative stress resistance of C. glabrata. The expression of CgSNF3 was found to be significantly up-regulated in low glucose environments. The expression of SNF3 gene in clinical isolates was found to be higher compared to ATCC laboratory strains in low glucose concentrations, which may explain the better survivability of clinical isolates in the low glucose environment. These observations demonstrated the impact of glucose in directing the physiology and virulence fitness of C. glabrata through the possible modulation by SNF3 as a glucose sensor, which in turn aids the species to adapt, survive and thrive in hostile host environment. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Assessment of Activity of Daily Living among Older Adult Patients in Home Health Care and Skilled Nursing Facilities: An Integrative Review

PubMed Central

Osakwe, Zainab Toteh; Larson, Elaine; Agrawal, Mansi; Shang, Jinjing

2017-01-01

Older adult’s ability to self-manage illness is dependent on their ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL). Forty-five percent of those older than 65 years will have ongoing clinical needs after hospital discharge and require post-acute care (PAC) services in settings such as home health care (HHC) and skilled nursing facilities (SNF). The Improving Medicare Post-Acute Care Transformation Act (IMPACT) of 2014 requires PAC providers to begin collecting and reporting ADL data to build a coordinated approach to payment and standardize patient assessments and quality measurement. The aim of this integrative review was to compare the methods of assessing ADLs in HHC to SNF. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement was used to ensure results were reported systematically. A scientific literature search without date restriction within the PubMed and Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) databases was conducted. Two independent investigators assessed study quality using the quality appraisal instrument developed by Kmet and colleagues. Study quality ranged from 94.5% to 100%. Of the 18749 articles identified by the search, eight met inclusion criteria and four tools were identified that are used to assess ADLs in SNF and HHC. Although SNF and HHC collect similar ADL information, the range of content covered, item definitions, scoring, and psychometrics are not comparable across settings. PMID:28471793

Efficient rehabilitation care for joint replacement patients: skilled nursing facility or inpatient rehabilitation facility?

PubMed

Tian, Wenqiang; DeJong, Gerben; Horn, Susan D; Putman, Koen; Hsieh, Ching-Hui; DaVanzo, Joan E

2012-01-01

There has been lengthy debate as to which setting, skilled nursing facility (SNF) or inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF), is more efficient in treating joint replacement patients. This study aims to determine the efficiency of rehabilitation care provided by SNF and IRF to joint replacement patients with respect to both payment and length of stay (LOS). This study used a prospective multisite observational cohort design. Tobit models were used to examine the association between setting of care and efficiency. The study enrolled 948 knee replacement patients and 618 hip replacement patients from 11 IRFs and 7 SNFs between February 2006 and February 2007. Output was measured by motor functional independence measure (FIM) score at discharge. Efficiency was measured in 3 ways: payment efficiency, LOS efficiency, and stochastic frontier analysis efficiency. IRF patients incurred higher expenditures per case but also achieved larger motor FIM gains in shorter LOS than did SNF patients. Setting of care was not a strong predictor of overall efficiency of rehabilitation care. Great variation in characteristics existed within IRFs or SNFs and severity groups. Medium-volume facilities among both SNFs and IRFs were most efficient. Early rehabilitation was consistently predictive of efficient treatment. The advantage of either setting is not clear-cut. Definition of efficiency depends in part on preference between cost and time. SNFs are more payment efficient; IRFs are more LOS efficient. Variation within SNFs and IRFs blurred setting differences; a simple comparison between SNF and IRF may not be appropriate.

A Safety Case Approach for Deep Geologic Disposal of DOE HLW and DOE SNF in Bedded Salt - 13350

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

Sevougian, S. David; MacKinnon, Robert J.; Leigh, Christi D.

2013-07-01

The primary objective of this study is to investigate the feasibility and utility of developing a defensible safety case for disposal of United States Department of Energy (U.S. DOE) high-level waste (HLW) and DOE spent nuclear fuel (SNF) in a conceptual deep geologic repository that is assumed to be located in a bedded salt formation of the Delaware Basin [1]. A safety case is a formal compilation of evidence, analyses, and arguments that substantiate and demonstrate the safety of a proposed or conceptual repository. We conclude that a strong initial safety case for potential licensing can be readily compiled bymore » capitalizing on the extensive technical basis that exists from prior work on the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), other U.S. repository development programs, and the work published through international efforts in salt repository programs such as in Germany. The potential benefits of developing a safety case include leveraging previous investments in WIPP to reduce future new repository costs, enhancing the ability to effectively plan for a repository and its licensing, and possibly expediting a schedule for a repository. A safety case will provide the necessary structure for organizing and synthesizing existing salt repository science and identifying any issues and gaps pertaining to safe disposal of DOE HLW and DOE SNF in bedded salt. The safety case synthesis will help DOE to plan its future R and D activities for investigating salt disposal using a risk-informed approach that prioritizes test activities that include laboratory, field, and underground investigations. It should be emphasized that the DOE has not made any decisions regarding the disposition of DOE HLW and DOE SNF. Furthermore, the safety case discussed herein is not intended to either site a repository in the Delaware Basin or preclude siting in other media at other locations. Rather, this study simply presents an approach for accelerated development of a safety case for a potential DOE HLW and DOE SNF repository using the currently available technical basis for bedded salt. This approach includes a summary of the regulatory environment relevant to disposal of DOE HLW and DOE SNF in a deep geologic repository, the key elements of a safety case, the evolution of the safety case through the successive phases of repository development and licensing, and the existing technical basis that could be used to substantiate the safety of a geologic repository if it were to be sited in the Delaware Basin. We also discuss the potential role of an underground research laboratory (URL). (authors)« less

Changes in Post-acute Care in the Medicare Shared Savings Program

PubMed Central

McWilliams, J. Michael; Gilstrap, Lauren G.; Stevenson, David G.; Chernew, Michael E.; Huskamp, Haiden A.; Grabowski, David C.

2017-01-01

Importance Post-acute care is thought to be a major source of wasteful spending. The extent to which accountable care organizations (ACOs) can limit post-acute spending has implications for the importance and design of other payment models that include post-acute care. Objective To assess changes in post-acute spending and utilization associated with provider participation as ACOs in the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) and the pathways by which they occurred. Design and Setting Using fee-for-service Medicare claims from 2009–2014, we conducted difference-in-difference comparisons of beneficiaries served by ACOs with beneficiaries served by local non-ACO providers (control group) before vs. after entry into the MSSP. We estimated differential changes separately for cohorts of ACOs entering the MSSP in 2012, 2013, and 2014. Participants Random 20% sample of beneficiaries with 25,544,650 patient-years, 8,395,426 hospital admissions, and 1,595,352 SNF stays from 2009–2014. Exposure Patient attribution to an ACO in the MSSP. Main Outcomes and Measures Post-acute spending, discharge to a facility, length of SNF stays, readmissions, use of highly-rated SNFs, and mortality, adjusted for patient characteristics. Results For the 2012 cohort of ACOs, MSSP participation was associated with an overall reduction in post-acute spending (differential change in 2014 for ACOs vs. control group: −$106/beneficiary or −9.0%; P=0.003) that was driven by differential reductions in inpatient utilization, discharges to facilities rather than home (−0.6 percentage points or −2.7%; P=0.03), and length of SNF stays (−0.60 days/stay or −2.2%; P=0.002). Reductions in SNF use and length of stay were due largely to within-hospital or within-SNF changes in care specifically for ACO patients. MSSP participation was associated with smaller significant reductions in SNF spending in 2014 for the 2013 ACO cohort but not in the 2013 or 2014 cohort’s first year of participation. Estimates were similar for ACOs with and without financial ties to hospitals. MSSP participation was not associated with significant changes in 30-day readmissions, use of highly-rated SNFs, or mortality. Conclusion and Relevance Participation in the MSSP has been associated with significant reductions in post-acute spending without ostensible deterioration in quality. Spending reductions were more consistent with clinicians working within hospitals and SNFs to influence care for ACO patients than with hospital-wide initiatives by ACOs or use of preferred SNFs. PMID:28192556

In-Situ Characterization of Underwater Radioactive Sludge

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

Simpson, A.P.; Clapham, M.J.; Swinson, B.

2008-07-01

A fundamental requirement underpinning safe clean-up technologies for legacy spent nuclear fuel (SNF) ponds, pools and wet silos is the ability to characterize the radioactive waste form prior to retrieval. The corrosion products resulting from the long term underwater storage of spent nuclear fuel, reactor components and reprocessing debris present a major hazard to facility decontamination and decommissioning in terms of their radioactive content and physical / chemical reactivity. The ability to perform in-situ underwater non-destructive characterization of sludge and debris in a safe and cost-effective manner offers significant benefits over traditional destructive sampling methods. Several techniques are available formore » underwater measurements including (i) Gross gamma counting, (ii) Low-, Medium- and High- Resolution Gamma Spectroscopy, (iii) Passive neutron counting and (iv) Active Neutron Interrogation. The optimum technique depends on (i) the radioactive inventory (ii) mechanical access restrictions for deployment of the detection equipment, interrogation sources etc. (iii) the integrity of plant records and (iv) the extent to which Acceptable Knowledge which may be used for 'fingerprinting' the radioactive contents to a marker nuclide. Prior deployments of underwater SNF characterization equipment around the world have been reviewed with respect to recent developments in gamma and neutron detection technologies, digital electronics advancements, data transfer techniques, remote operation capabilities and improved field ruggedization. Modeling and experimental work has been performed to determine the capabilities, performance envelope and operational limitations of the future generation of non-destructive underwater sludge characterization techniques. Recommendations are given on the optimal design of systems and procedures to provide an acceptable level of confidence in the characterization of residual sludge content of legacy wet storage facilities such that retrieval and repackaging of SNF sludges may proceed safely and efficiently with support of the regulators and the public. (author)« less

Estimation of Inherent Safety Margins in Loaded Commercial Spent Nuclear Fuel Casks

DOE PAGES

Banerjee, Kaushik; Robb, Kevin R.; Radulescu, Georgeta; ...

2016-06-15

We completed a novel assessment to determine the unquantified and uncredited safety margins (i.e., the difference between the licensing basis and as-loaded calculations) available in as-loaded spent nuclear fuel (SNF) casks. This assessment was performed as part of a broader effort to assess issues and uncertainties related to the continued safety of casks during extended storage and transportability following extended storage periods. Detailed analyses crediting the actual as-loaded cask inventory were performed for each of the casks at three decommissioned pressurized water reactor (PWR) sites to determine their characteristics relative to regulatory safety criteria for criticality, thermal, and shielding performance.more » These detailed analyses were performed in an automated fashion by employing a comprehensive and integrated data and analysis tool—Used Nuclear Fuel-Storage, Transportation & Disposal Analysis Resource and Data System (UNF-ST&DARDS). Calculated uncredited criticality margins from 0.07 to almost 0.30 Δk eff were observed; calculated decay heat margins ranged from 4 to almost 22 kW (as of 2014); and significant uncredited transportation dose rate margins were also observed. The results demonstrate that, at least for the casks analyzed here, significant uncredited safety margins are available that could potentially be used to compensate for SNF assembly and canister structural performance related uncertainties associated with long-term storage and subsequent transportation. The results also suggest that these inherent margins associated with how casks are loaded could support future changes in cask licensing to directly or indirectly credit the margins. Work continues to quantify the uncredited safety margins in the SNF casks loaded at other nuclear reactor sites.« less

Medicare Episodes of Illness: A Study of Hospital, Skilled Nursing Facility, and Home Health Agency Care

PubMed Central

Young, Karen M.; Fisher, Charles R.

1980-01-01

This paper analyzes charges incurred under the Medicare program for inpatient hospital, skilled nursing facility (SNF), and home health agency (HHA) care for 1976. This research was made possible through the construction of a new data set which links a beneficiary's use of these three services. Summary highlights reveal that an overwhelming majority of the 7.5 million Medicare episodes of illness do not involve post-hospital SNF or HHA care. Those episodes of illness that use only hospital care are substantially (53%) cheaper than all other episodes. A large percentage of these charge differences reflect the greater number of hospital days of care associated with post-hospital care services. However, an analysis of the beneficiaries' demographic characteristics suggests that persons who use post-hospital care generally differ from those who receive only hospital care. We found that persons who use post-hospital SNF or HHA, or both types of care are likely to be female, to have cancer, diabetes, fractured bones or a central nervous or vascular system disease, and to be older than persons who do not use these types of care. The data also show that a beneficiary's area of residence greatly influences the amount and types of care received. Persons who reside in the New England, Middle Atlantic, and Pacific Divisions are more likely to receive post-hospital care services than persons who live elsewhere in the United States. These persons also incur among the highest per capita institutional charges in the United States. Part of this variation in institutional charges per capita is explained by the high input price index found in these areas, and in some cases by the high quantity of services index. PMID:10309327

Does More Therapy in Skilled Nursing Facilities Lead to Better Outcomes in Patients With Hip Fracture?

PubMed Central

Trivedi, Amal N.; Grabowski, David C.; Mor, Vincent

2016-01-01

Background Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) have increasingly been providing more therapy hours to beneficiaries of Medicare. It is not known whether these increases have improved patient outcomes. Objective The study objectives were: (1) to examine temporal trends in therapy hour volumes and (2) to evaluate whether more therapy hours are associated with improved patient outcomes. Design This was a retrospective cohort study. Methods Data sources included the Minimum Data Set, Medicare inpatient claims, and the Online Survey, Certification, and Reporting System. The study population consisted of 481,908 beneficiaries of Medicare fee-for-service who were admitted to 15,496 SNFs after hip fracture from 2000 to 2009. Linear regression models with facility and time fixed effects were used to estimate the association between the quantity of therapy provided in SNFs and the likelihood of discharge to home. Results The average number of therapy hours increased by 52% during the study period, with relatively little change in case mix at SNF admission. An additional hour of therapy per week was associated with a 3.1-percentage-point (95% confidence interval=3.0, 3.1) increase in the likelihood of discharge to home. The effect of additional therapy decreased as the Resource Utilization Group category increased, and additional therapy did not benefit patients in the highest Resource Utilization Group category. Limitations Minimum Data Set assessments did not cover details of therapeutic interventions throughout the entire SNF stay and captured only a 7-day retrospective period for measures of the quantity of therapy provided. Conclusions Increases in the quantity of therapy during the study period cannot be explained by changes in case mix at SNF admission. More therapy hours in SNFs appear to improve outcomes, except for patients with the greatest need. PMID:26586858

Does More Therapy in Skilled Nursing Facilities Lead to Better Outcomes in Patients With Hip Fracture?

PubMed

Jung, Hye-Young; Trivedi, Amal N; Grabowski, David C; Mor, Vincent

2016-01-01

Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) have increasingly been providing more therapy hours to beneficiaries of Medicare. It is not known whether these increases have improved patient outcomes. The study objectives were: (1) to examine temporal trends in therapy hour volumes and (2) to evaluate whether more therapy hours are associated with improved patient outcomes. This was a retrospective cohort study. Data sources included the Minimum Data Set, Medicare inpatient claims, and the Online Survey, Certification, and Reporting System. The study population consisted of 481,908 beneficiaries of Medicare fee-for-service who were admitted to 15,496 SNFs after hip fracture from 2000 to 2009. Linear regression models with facility and time fixed effects were used to estimate the association between the quantity of therapy provided in SNFs and the likelihood of discharge to home. The average number of therapy hours increased by 52% during the study period, with relatively little change in case mix at SNF admission. An additional hour of therapy per week was associated with a 3.1-percentage-point (95% confidence interval=3.0, 3.1) increase in the likelihood of discharge to home. The effect of additional therapy decreased as the Resource Utilization Group category increased, and additional therapy did not benefit patients in the highest Resource Utilization Group category. Minimum Data Set assessments did not cover details of therapeutic interventions throughout the entire SNF stay and captured only a 7-day retrospective period for measures of the quantity of therapy provided. Increases in the quantity of therapy during the study period cannot be explained by changes in case mix at SNF admission. More therapy hours in SNFs appear to improve outcomes, except for patients with the greatest need. © 2016 American Physical Therapy Association.

FY 2016 Status Report: CIRFT Testing Data Analyses and Updated Curvature Measurements

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

Wang, Jy-An John; Wang, Hong

This report provides a detailed description of FY15 test result corrections/analysis based on the FY16 Cyclic Integrated Reversible-Bending Fatigue Tester (CIRFT) test program methodology update used to evaluate the vibration integrity of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) under normal transportation conditions. The CIRFT consists of a U-frame testing setup and a real-time curvature measurement method. The three-component U-frame setup of the CIRFT has two rigid arms and linkages to a universal testing machine. The curvature of rod bending is obtained through a three-point deflection measurement method. Three linear variable differential transformers (LVDTs) are used and clamped to the side connecting platesmore » of the U-frame to capture the deformation of the rod. The contact-based measurement, or three-LVDT-based curvature measurement system, on SNF rods has been proven to be quite reliable in CIRFT testing. However, how the LVDT head contacts the SNF rod may have a significant effect on the curvature measurement, depending on the magnitude and direction of rod curvature. It has been demonstrated that the contact/curvature issues can be corrected by using a correction on the sensor spacing. The sensor spacing defines the separation of the three LVDT probes and is a critical quantity in calculating the rod curvature once the deflections are obtained. The sensor spacing correction can be determined by using chisel-type probes. The method has been critically examined this year and has been shown to be difficult to implement in a hot cell environment, and thus cannot be implemented effectively. A correction based on the proposed equivalent gauge-length has the required flexibility and accuracy and can be appropriately used as a correction factor. The correction method based on the equivalent gauge length has been successfully demonstrated in CIRFT data analysis for the dynamic tests conducted on Limerick (LMK) (17 tests), North Anna (NA) (6 tests), and Catawba mixed oxide (MOX) (10 tests) SNF samples. These CIRFT tests were completed in FY14 and FY15. Specifically, the data sets obtained from measurement and monitoring were processed and analyzed. The fatigue life of rods has been characterized in terms of moment, curvature, and equivalent stress and strain..« less

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

Scaglione, John M; Montgomery, Rose; Bevard, Bruce Balkcom

This test plan describes the experimental work to be implemented by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy (NE) to characterize high burnup (HBU) spent nuclear fuel (SNF) in conjunction with the High Burnup Dry Storage Cask Research and Development Project and serves to coordinate and integrate the multi-year experimental program to collect and develop data regarding the continued storage and eventual transport of HBU (i.e., >45 GWd/MTU) SNF. The work scope involves the development, performance, technical integration, and oversight of measurements and collection of relevant data, guided by analyses and demonstration of need.

Clinical Effects of Stabilized Stannous Fluoride Dentifrice in Reducing Plaque Microbial Virulence I: Microbiological and Receptor Cell Findings.

PubMed

Klukowska, Malgorzata; Haught, John Christian; Xie, Sancai; Circello, Ben; Tansky, Cheryl S; Khambe, Deepa; Huggins, Tom; White, Donald J

2017-06-01

Lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) and lipoteichoic acids (LTAs), or bacterial endotoxins, bind with Toll-like receptors (TLRs) that are expressed on host cells of the periodontium, thereby contributing to the periodontal pathogenicity of oral bacteria. Stannous fluoride (SnF2), an antibacterial fluoride that treats and controls gingivitis, has been shown to react with lipophilic domains/anionic charges in LPS and LTA. The effects of bacterial species and dental plaque on toll receptors can be studied using genetically engineered cell lines containing linked toll receptors on their surfaces. This randomized, examiner-blinded study examined the clinical effects of stabilized SnF2 dentifrice intervention on gingivitis and dental plaque virulence in populations exhibiting high and low levels of clinical gingivitis. Recruited populations were evaluated for gingival inflammation (MGI) and gingival bleeding (GBI) at baseline and assigned into two cohorts of 20 each, those with high (GBI > 20 sites) and low (GBI < 3 sites) levels of observed bleeding/gingivitis. Participants were sampled at baseline for both supra- and subgingival dental plaque at both healthy (no bleeding, PD = 2 mm), as well as clinically diseased sites (bleeding, PD = 3-4 mm), and then provided with an intervention hygiene product including a stabilized SnF2 dentifrice and a new soft bristle manual toothbrush. Following two and four weeks of assigned dentifrice use, participants returned for a re-evaluation of gingival inflammation and bleeding and repeat samplings of dental plaque. Plaque samples were analyzed by anaerobic culturing of gram negative anaerobes (GNA), as well as by incubation of subgingival sampled plaques with TLR4 transfected HEK293 cells, where gene expression was assessed by measurement of a SEAP alkaline phosphatase reporter as a marker of toll receptor activation. Clinical assessments showed statistically significant reductions in MGI (24-26%) and GBI (42-53%) gingivitis in both diseased and healthy cohorts following four weeks of dentifrice intervention. For all clinical examinations, MGI and bleeding sites were statistically significantly different (lower) in the low bleeding versus the higher bleeding cohort. Supragingival and subgingival GNAs were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in both high and low disease cohorts at bleeding and healthy sites following four weeks of stabilized SnF2 dentifrice use. TLR activation from subgingival sampled plaque was reduced following four weeks of stabilized SnF2 dentifrice use in both high and low disease cohorts and in both healthy, as well as diseased sites. Collectively, these results support the potential for stabilized SnF2 dentifrice to provide clinical gingivitis benefits via mechanisms beyond control of plaque mass, potentially directly decreasing the pathogenicity of plaque biofilms by blocking reactivity of LPS and LTA ligands with tissue receptors associated with inflammation. Importantly, benefits could be seen in both diseased sites, as well as sites not yet exhibiting symptoms of inflammation, supporting the activity of SnF2 not just in treating diseased sites, but in preventing disease development. These learnings may influence treatment planning for patients susceptible to gingivitis.

Novel marker for the onset of frontotemporal dementia: early increase in activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP) in the face of Tau mutation.

PubMed

Schirer, Yulie; Malishkevich, Anna; Ophir, Yotam; Lewis, Jada; Giladi, Eliezer; Gozes, Illana

2014-01-01

Tauopathy, a major pathology in Alzheimer's disease, is also found in ~50% of frontotemporal dementias (FTDs). Tau transcript, a product of a single gene, undergoes alternative splicing to yield 6 protein species, each with either 3 or 4 microtubule binding repeat domains (tau 3R or 4R, associated with dynamic and stable microtubules, respectively). While the healthy human brain shows a 1/1 ratio of tau 3R/4R, this ratio may be dramatically changed in the FTD brain. We have previously discovered that activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP) is essential for brain formation in the mouse, with ADNP+/- mice exhibiting tauopathy, age-driven neurodegeneration and behavioral deficits. Here, in transgenic mice overexpressing a mutated tau 4R species, in the cerebral cortex but not in the cerebellum, we showed significantly increased ADNP expression (~3-fold transcripts) in the cerebral cortex of young transgenic mice (~disease onset), but not in the cerebellum, as compared to control littermates. The transgene-age-related increased ADNP expression paralleled augmented dynamic tau 3R transcript level compared to control littermates. Blocking mutated tau 4R transgene expression resulted in normalization of ADNP and tau 3R expression. ADNP was previously shown to be a member of the SWItch/Sucrose NonFermentable (SWI/SNF) chromatin remodeling complex. Here, Brahma (Brm), a component of the SWI/SNF complex regulating alternative splicing, showed a similar developmental expression pattern to ADNP. Immunoprecipitations further suggested Brm-ADNP interaction coupled to ADNP - polypyrimidine tract-binding protein (PTB)-associated splicing factor (PSF)-binding, with PSF being a direct regulator of tau transcript splicing. It should be noted that although we have shown a correlation between levels of ADNP and tau isoform expression three months of age, we are not presenting evidence of a direct link between the two. Future research into ADNP/tau relations is warranted.

Mobile impurities in ferromagnetic liquids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kantian, Adrian; Schollwoeck, Ulrich; Giamarchi, Thierry

2011-03-01

Recent work has shown that mobile impurities in one dimensional interacting systems may exhibit behaviour that differs strongly from that predicted by standard Tomonaga-Luttinger liquid theory, with the appearance of power-law divergences in the spectral function signifying sublinear diffusion of the impurity. Using time-dependent matrix product states, we investigate a range of cases of mobile impurities in systems beyond the analytically accessible examples to assess the existence of a new universality class of low-energy physics in one-dimensional systems. Correspondence: Adrian.Kantian@unige.ch This work was supported in part by the Swiss SNF under MaNEP and division II.

Clinical comparison of plaque inhibition effects of a novel stabilized stannous fluoride dentifrice and a chlorhexidine digluconate dentifrice using digital plaque imaging.

PubMed

Bellamy, P G; Boulding, A; Farmer, S; Day, T N; Mussett, A J; Barker, M L

2011-01-01

To compare the plaque inhibition efficacy of a novel 0.454% stannous fluoride (SnF2) test dentifrice with sodium hexametaphosphate and stannous chloride to a chlorhexidine digluconate (0.05%), aluminium lactate (0.8%), and aluminium fluoride marketed control dentifrice (Lacalut Aktiv or AlF3/Chx). This was a randomized, two-treatment, two-period, double-blind crossover study that compared the SnF2 test dentifrice to the AlF3/Chx control dentifrice. Each of the two treatment periods lasted for 17 consecutive days of product use, during which subjects were required to brush twice per day with their assigned dentifrice using a standard manual toothbrush (Oral-B P35 Indicator). The two periods of the crossover were separated by a four-day washout period. Plaque levels on the facial anterior tooth surfaces were evaluated and averaged among three assessment days at the end of each treatment period using digital plaque imaging analysis (DPIA). The evening prior to assessments, subjects only brushed lingual surfaces. Assessment time points were carried out in the morning following no morning brushing (A.M. pre-brush), following 40 seconds of brushing with the assigned dentifrice (A.M. post-brush), and in the afternoon (P.M.). The DPIA captured images were used to calculate and analyze visible plaque coverage. Twenty-eight subjects were randomized and completed the study. At each assessment time point, the SnF2 test dentifrice demonstrated a statistically significant lower plaque level compared to the AlF3/Chx dentifrice: A.M. mean pre-brush 15.9% lower, p < 0.05; A.M. mean post-brush 22.2% lower, p < 0.05; P.M. mean 24.3% lower, p < 0.005. Compared to the AlF3/Chx control dentifrice, the novel SnF2 test dentifrice significantly inhibited plaque regrowth overnight and during the day. Immediately after brushing there was also significantly less plaque coverage with the SnF2 test dentifrice.

Current state of nuclear fuel cycles in nuclear engineering and trends in their development according to the environmental safety requirements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vislov, I. S.; Pischulin, V. P.; Kladiev, S. N.; Slobodyan, S. M.

2016-08-01

The state and trends in the development of nuclear fuel cycles in nuclear engineering, taking into account the ecological aspects of using nuclear power plants, are considered. An analysis of advantages and disadvantages of nuclear engineering, compared with thermal engineering based on organic fuel types, was carried out. Spent nuclear fuel (SNF) reprocessing is an important task in the nuclear industry, since fuel unloaded from modern reactors of any type contains a large amount of radioactive elements that are harmful to the environment. On the other hand, the newly generated isotopes of uranium and plutonium should be reused to fabricate new nuclear fuel. The spent nuclear fuel also includes other types of fission products. Conditions for SNF handling are determined by ecological and economic factors. When choosing a certain handling method, one should assess these factors at all stages of its implementation. There are two main methods of SNF handling: open nuclear fuel cycle, with spent nuclear fuel assemblies (NFAs) that are held in storage facilities with their consequent disposal, and closed nuclear fuel cycle, with separation of uranium and plutonium, their purification from fission products, and use for producing new fuel batches. The development of effective closed fuel cycles using mixed uranium-plutonium fuel can provide a successful development of the nuclear industry only under the conditions of implementation of novel effective technological treatment processes that meet strict requirements of environmental safety and reliability of process equipment being applied. The diversity of technological processes is determined by different types of NFA devices and construction materials being used, as well as by the composition that depends on nuclear fuel components and operational conditions for assemblies in the nuclear power reactor. This work provides an overview of technological processes of SNF treatment and methods of handling of nuclear fuel assemblies. Based on analysis of modern engineering solutions on SNF regeneration, it has been concluded that new reprocessing technologies should meet the ecological safety requirements, provide a more extensive use of the resource base of nuclear engineering, allow the production of valuable and trace elements on an industrial scale, and decrease radioactive waste release.

Why Hospitals and Payers are Recommending Home Care Upon Discharge Instead of SNF or Traditional Home Health Services--Alternative Payment Model Hospital Incentives Aligning with Patient Choice.

PubMed

Luke, Josh

2016-01-01

Seniors and other hospital patients in the United States have traditionally had the option of being discharged to a skilled nursing facility (convalescent home) for post-acute services, or home with nursing and therapy services provided in the home setting. Traditionally, these home based services have been referred to as "home health." As more Americans have retired, home health services have expanded and are readily accessible. This growth put tremendous stress on the Medicare fund which pays for senior care services. However, "Home Care," which traditionally has been viewed as non-medical home based services, has also become a booming industry for the cost conscious in recent years as more Americans reach retirement age. With the passing of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, providers and payers are now finding themselves responsible for post-acute care and continuous patient health, so cost efficient solutions for post-acute care are thriving. For the first time in history, American hospitals and Insurers are recognizing Home Care as an effective model that achieves the Triple Aim of Health Care reform. Home Care, which is no longer completely non-medical services, has proven to be an integral part of the care continuum for seniors in recent years and is now becoming a viable solution for keeping patients well, while still honoring their desire to age and heal at home. This paper analyzes the benefits and risks of home care and provides a clear understanding as to why American hospitals are emphasizing SNF Avoidance and skipping home health, opting instead to refer patients directly to home care as the preferred discharge solution in a value based model.

Contemporary Trends and Predictors of Postacute Service Use and Routine Discharge Home After Stroke

PubMed Central

Prvu Bettger, Janet; McCoy, Lisa; Smith, Eric E.; Fonarow, Gregg C.; Schwamm, Lee H.; Peterson, Eric D.

2015-01-01

Background Returning home after the hospital is a primary aim for healthcare; however, additional postacute care (PAC) services are sometimes necessary for returning stroke patients to their pre‐event status. Recent trends in hospital discharge disposition specifying PAC use have not been examined across age groups or health insurance types. Methods and Results We examined trends in discharge to inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs), skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), home with home health (HH), and home without services for 849 780 patients ≥18 years of age with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke at 1687 hospitals participating in Get With The Guidelines—Stroke. Multivariable analysis was used to identify factors associated with discharge to any PAC (IRF, SNF, or HH) versus discharge home without services. From 2003 to 2011, there was a 2.1% increase (unadjusted P=0.001) in PAC use after a stroke hospitalization. Change was greatest in SNF use, an 8.3% decrease over the period. IRF and HH increased 6.9% and 3.6%, respectively. The 2 strongest clinical predictors of PAC use after acute care were patients not ambulating on the second day of their hospital stay (ambulation odds ratio [OR], 3.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.86 to 3.23) and those who failed a dysphagia screen or had an order restricting oral intake (OR, 2.48; 95% CI, 2.37 to 2.59). Conclusions Four in 10 stroke patients are discharged home without services. Although little has changed overall in PAC use since 2003, further research is needed to explain the shift in service use by type and its effect on outcomes. PMID:25713291

Contemporary trends and predictors of postacute service use and routine discharge home after stroke.

PubMed

Prvu Bettger, Janet; McCoy, Lisa; Smith, Eric E; Fonarow, Gregg C; Schwamm, Lee H; Peterson, Eric D

2015-02-23

Returning home after the hospital is a primary aim for healthcare; however, additional postacute care (PAC) services are sometimes necessary for returning stroke patients to their pre-event status. Recent trends in hospital discharge disposition specifying PAC use have not been examined across age groups or health insurance types. We examined trends in discharge to inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs), skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), home with home health (HH), and home without services for 849 780 patients ≥18 years of age with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke at 1687 hospitals participating in Get With The Guidelines-Stroke. Multivariable analysis was used to identify factors associated with discharge to any PAC (IRF, SNF, or HH) versus discharge home without services. From 2003 to 2011, there was a 2.1% increase (unadjusted P=0.001) in PAC use after a stroke hospitalization. Change was greatest in SNF use, an 8.3% decrease over the period. IRF and HH increased 6.9% and 3.6%, respectively. The 2 strongest clinical predictors of PAC use after acute care were patients not ambulating on the second day of their hospital stay (ambulation odds ratio [OR], 3.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.86 to 3.23) and those who failed a dysphagia screen or had an order restricting oral intake (OR, 2.48; 95% CI, 2.37 to 2.59). Four in 10 stroke patients are discharged home without services. Although little has changed overall in PAC use since 2003, further research is needed to explain the shift in service use by type and its effect on outcomes. © 2015 The Authors. Published on behalf of the American Heart Association, Inc., by Wiley Blackwell.

Reduction of erosive wear in situ by stannous fluoride-containing toothpaste.

PubMed

Huysmans, M C D N J M; Jager, D H J; Ruben, J L; Unk, D E M F; Klijn, C P A H; Vieira, A M

2011-01-01

Stannous fluoride (SnF) has been suggested as a dental erosion-preventive agent. The aim of this single-centre, randomized, double-blind, in situ study was to evaluate the effect of toothpastes with SnF in the prevention of erosive enamel wear. A combined split-mouth (extra-oral water or toothpaste brushing) and crossover (type of toothpaste) set-up was used. Twelve volunteers wore palatal appliances containing human enamel samples. Three toothpastes were used, in three consecutive runs, in randomized order: two toothpastes containing SnF (coded M and PE) and one toothpaste containing only sodium fluoride (coded C). On day 1 of each run the appliances were worn for pellicle formation. On days 2-5 the samples were also brushed twice with a toothpaste-water slurry or only water (control). Erosion took place on days 2-5 extra-orally 3 times a day (5 min) in a citric acid solution (pH 2.3). Enamel wear depth was quantified by optical profilometry. The effect of toothpastes was tested using General Linear Modeling. Average erosive wear depth of control samples was 23 μm. Both SnF toothpastes significantly reduced erosive wear: M by 34% (SD 39%) and PE by 26% (SD 25%). The control toothpaste reduced erosive wear non-significantly by 7% (SD 20%). Both SnF-containing toothpastes significantly reduced erosive wear compared to the sodium fluoride toothpaste. We conclude that SnF-containing toothpastes are able to reduce erosive tooth wear in situ. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Stability of Geriatric Syndromes in Hospitalized Medicare Beneficiaries Discharged to Skilled Nursing Facilities.

PubMed

Simmons, Sandra F; Bell, Susan; Saraf, Avantika A; Coelho, Chris S; Long, Emily A; Jacobsen, J M L; Schnelle, John F; Vasilevskis, Eduard E

2016-10-01

To assess multiple geriatric syndromes in a sample of older hospitalized adults discharged to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and subsequently to home to determine the prevalence and stability of each geriatric syndrome at the point of these care transitions. Descriptive, prospective study. One large university-affiliated hospital and four area SNFs. Fifty-eight hospitalized Medicare beneficiaries discharged to SNFs (N = 58). Research personnel conducted standardized assessments of the following geriatric syndromes at hospital discharge and 2 weeks after SNF discharge to home: cognitive impairment, depression, incontinence, unintentional weight loss, loss of appetite, pain, pressure ulcers, history of falls, mobility impairment, and polypharmacy. The average number of geriatric syndromes per participant was 4.4 ± 1.2 at hospital discharge and 3.8 ± 1.5 after SNF discharge. There was low to moderate stability for most syndromes. On average, participants had 2.9 syndromes that persisted across both care settings, 1.4 syndromes that resolved, and 0.7 new syndromes that developed between hospital and SNF discharge. Geriatric syndromes were prevalent at the point of each care transition but also reflected significant within-individual variability. These findings suggest that multiple geriatric syndromes present during a hospital stay are not transient and that most syndromes are not resolved before SNF discharge. These results underscore the importance of conducting standardized screening assessments at the point of each care transition and effectively communicating this information to the next provider to support the management of geriatric conditions. © 2016, Copyright the Authors Journal compilation © 2016, The American Geriatrics Society.

Processing and microstructural characterisation of a UO2-based ceramic for disposal studies on spent AGR fuel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hiezl, Z.; Hambley, D. I.; Padovani, C.; Lee, W. E.

2015-01-01

Preparation and characterisation of a Simulated Spent Nuclear Fuel (SIMFuel), which replicates the chemical state and microstructure of Spent Nuclear Fuel (SNF) discharged from a UK Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor (AGR) after a cooling time of 100 years is described. Given the relatively small differences in radionuclide inventory expected over longer time periods, the SIMFuel studied in this work is expected to be also representative of spent fuel after significantly longer periods (e.g. 1000 years). Thirteen stable elements were added to depleted UO2 and sintered to simulate the composition of fuel pellets after burn-ups of 25 and 43 GWd/tU and, as a reference, pure UO2 pellets were also investigated. The fission product distribution was calculated using the FISPIN code provided by the UK National Nuclear Laboratory. SIMFuel pellets were up to 92% dense and during the sintering process in H2 atmosphere Mo-Ru-Rh-Pd metallic precipitates and grey-phase ((Ba, Sr)(Zr, RE) O3 oxide precipitates) formed within the UO2 matrix. These secondary phases are present in real PWR and AGR SNF. Metallic precipitates are generally spherical and have submicron particle size (0.8 ± 0.7 μm). Spherical oxide precipitates in SIMFuel measured up to 30 μm in diameter, but no data were available in the public domain to compare this to AGR SNF. The grain size of actual AGR SNF (∼ 3-30 μm) is larger than that measured in AGR SIMFuel (∼ 2-5 μm).

Coupling fuel cycles with repositories: how repository institutional choices may impact fuel cycle design

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

Forsberg, C.; Miller, W.F.

2013-07-01

The historical repository siting strategy in the United States has been a top-down approach driven by federal government decision making but it has been a failure. This policy has led to dispatching fuel cycle facilities in different states. The U.S. government is now considering an alternative repository siting strategy based on voluntary agreements with state governments. If that occurs, state governments become key decision makers. They have different priorities. Those priorities may change the characteristics of the repository and the fuel cycle. State government priorities, when considering hosting a repository, are safety, financial incentives and jobs. It follows that statesmore » will demand that a repository be the center of the back end of the fuel cycle as a condition of hosting it. For example, states will push for collocation of transportation services, safeguards training, and navy/private SNF (Spent Nuclear Fuel) inspection at the repository site. Such activities would more than double local employment relative to what was planned for the Yucca Mountain-type repository. States may demand (1) the right to take future title of the SNF so if recycle became economic the reprocessing plant would be built at the repository site and (2) the right of a certain fraction of the repository capacity for foreign SNF. That would open the future option of leasing of fuel to foreign utilities with disposal of the SNF in the repository but with the state-government condition that the front-end fuel-cycle enrichment and fuel fabrication facilities be located in that state.« less

Effects of skilled nursing facility structure and process factors on medication errors during nursing home admission.

PubMed

Lane, Sandi J; Troyer, Jennifer L; Dienemann, Jacqueline A; Laditka, Sarah B; Blanchette, Christopher M

2014-01-01

Older adults are at greatest risk of medication errors during the transition period of the first 7 days after admission and readmission to a skilled nursing facility (SNF). The aim of this study was to evaluate structure- and process-related factors that contribute to medication errors and harm during transition periods at a SNF. Data for medication errors and potential medication errors during the 7-day transition period for residents entering North Carolina SNFs were from the Medication Error Quality Initiative-Individual Error database from October 2006 to September 2007. The impact of SNF structure and process measures on the number of reported medication errors and harm from errors were examined using bivariate and multivariate model methods. A total of 138 SNFs reported 581 transition period medication errors; 73 (12.6%) caused harm. Chain affiliation was associated with a reduction in the volume of errors during the transition period. One third of all reported transition errors occurred during the medication administration phase of the medication use process, where dose omissions were the most common type of error; however, dose omissions caused harm less often than wrong-dose errors did. Prescribing errors were much less common than administration errors but were much more likely to cause harm. Both structure and process measures of quality were related to the volume of medication errors.However, process quality measures may play a more important role in predicting harm from errors during the transition of a resident into an SNF. Medication errors during transition could be reduced by improving both prescribing processes and transcription and documentation of orders.

BAC-recombineering for studying plant gene regulation: developmental control and cellular localization of SnRK1 kinase subunits.

PubMed

Bitrián, Marta; Roodbarkelari, Farshad; Horváth, Mihály; Koncz, Csaba

2011-03-01

Recombineering, permitting precise modification of genes within bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) through homologous recombination mediated by lambda phage-encoded Red proteins, is a widely used powerful tool in mouse, Caenorhabditis and Drosophila genetics. As Agrobacterium-mediated transfer of large DNA inserts from binary BACs and TACs into plants occurs at low frequency, recombineering is so far seldom exploited in the analysis of plant gene functions. We have constructed binary plant transformation vectors, which are suitable for gap-repair cloning of genes from BACs using recombineering methods previously developed for other organisms. Here we show that recombineering facilitates PCR-based generation of precise translational fusions between coding sequences of fluorescent reporter and plant proteins using galK-based exchange recombination. The modified target genes alone or as part of a larger gene cluster can be transferred by high-frequency gap-repair into plant transformation vectors, stably maintained in Agrobacterium and transformed without alteration into plants. Versatile application of plant BAC-recombineering is illustrated by the analysis of developmental regulation and cellular localization of interacting AKIN10 catalytic and SNF4 activating subunits of Arabidopsis Snf1-related (SnRK1) protein kinase using in vivo imaging. To validate full functionality and in vivo interaction of tagged SnRK1 subunits, it is demonstrated that immunoprecipitated SNF4-YFP is bound to a kinase that phosphorylates SnRK1 candidate substrates, and that the GFP- and YFP-tagged kinase subunits co-immunoprecipitate with endogenous wild type AKIN10 and SNF4. © 2011 The Authors. The Plant Journal © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Structural Basis for Endosomal Targeting by the Bro1 Domain

PubMed Central

Kim, Jaewon; Sitaraman, Sujatha; Hierro, Aitor; Beach, Bridgette M.; Odorizzi, Greg; Hurley, James H.

2010-01-01

Summary Proteins delivered to the lysosome or the yeast vacuole via late endosomes are sorted by the ESCRT complexes and by associated proteins, including Alix and its yeast homolog Bro1. Alix, Bro1, and several other late endosomal proteins share a conserved 160 residue Bro1 domain whose boundaries, structure, and function have not been characterized. The crystal structure of the Bro1 domain of Bro1 reveals a folded core of 367 residues. The extended Bro1 domain is necessary and sufficient for binding to the ESCRT-III subunit Snf7 and for the recruitment of Bro1 to late endosomes. The structure resembles a boomerang with its concave face filled in and contains a triple tetratricopeptide repeat domain as a substructure. Snf7 binds to a conserved hydrophobic patch on Bro1 that is required for protein complex formation and for the protein-sorting function of Bro1. These results define a conserved mechanism whereby Bro1 domain-containing proteins are targeted to endosomes by Snf7 and its orthologs. PMID:15935782

The nucleosomal acidic patch relieves auto-inhibition by the ISWI remodeler SNF2h

PubMed Central

Gamarra, Nathan; Johnson, Stephanie L; Trnka, Michael J; Burlingame, Alma L

2018-01-01

ISWI family chromatin remodeling motors use sophisticated autoinhibition mechanisms to control nucleosome sliding. Yet how the different autoinhibitory domains are regulated is not well understood. Here we show that an acidic patch formed by histones H2A and H2B of the nucleosome relieves the autoinhibition imposed by the AutoN and the NegC regions of the human ISWI remodeler SNF2h. Further, by single molecule FRET we show that the acidic patch helps control the distance travelled per translocation event. We propose a model in which the acidic patch activates SNF2h by providing a landing pad for the NegC and AutoN auto-inhibitory domains. Interestingly, the INO80 complex is also strongly dependent on the acidic patch for nucleosome sliding, indicating that this substrate feature can regulate remodeling enzymes with substantially different mechanisms. We therefore hypothesize that regulating access to the acidic patch of the nucleosome plays a key role in coordinating the activities of different remodelers in the cell. PMID:29664398

Photochemical degradation of an anionic surfactant by TiO2 nanoparticle doped with C, N in aqueous solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zamiri, M.; Giahi, M.

2016-12-01

Novel C,N-doped TiO2 nanoparticles were prepared by a solid phase reaction. The catalyst was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The results showed that crystallite size of synthesized C,N-doped TiO2 particles were in nanoscale. UV light photocatalytic studies were carried out using sodium naphthalenesulfonate formaldehyde condensate (SNF) as a model pollutant. The effects of initial concentration of surfactant, catalyst amount, pH, addition of oxidant on the reaction rate were ascertained and optimum conditions for maximum degradation was determined. The results indicated that for a solution of 20 mg/L of SNF, almost 98.7% of the substance were removed at pH 4.0 and 0.44 g/L photocatalyst load, with addition of 1 mM K2S2O8 and irradiation time of 90 min. The kinetics of the process was studied, and the photodegradation rate of SNF was found to obey pseudo-first-order kinetics equation represented by the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model.

Ultra-High Rate Measurements of Spent Fuel Gamma-Ray Emissions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodriguez, Douglas; Vandevender, Brent; Wood, Lynn; Glasgow, Brian; Taubman, Matthew; Wright, Michael; Dion, Michael; Pitts, Karl; Runkle, Robert; Campbell, Luke; Fast, James

2014-03-01

Presently there are over 200,000 irradiated spent nuclear fuel (SNF) assemblies in the world, each containing a concerning amount of weapons-usable material. Both facility operators and safeguards inspectors want to improve composition determination. Current measurements are expensive and difficult so new methods are developed through models. Passive measurements are limited since a few specific decay products and the associated down-scatter overwhelm the gamma rays of interest. Active interrogation methods produce gamma rays beyond 3 MeV, minimizing the impact of the passive emissions that drop off sharply above this energy. New devices like the Ultra-High Rate Germanium (UHRGe) detector are being developed to advance these novel measurement methods. Designed for reasonable resolution at 106 s-1 output rates (compared to ~ 1 - 10 e 3 s-1 standards), SNF samples were directly measured using UHRGe and compared to models. Model verification further enables using Los Alamos National Laboratory SNF assembly models, developed under the Next Generation Safeguards Initiative, to determine emission and signal expectations. Measurement results and future application requirements for UHRGe will be discussed.

Feasibility Study on a Process for Electroless Metal Deposition in Pits and Fissures of Teeth for Use in Preventive Dentistry.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-08-01

been used in topical fluoride solutions applied to prevent caries . The use of SnF 2 . and similar chemical compounds, in the plating process appears to...Methods Tin fluoride solutions are prepared by dissolving SnF 2 in demineralized water at concentrations of 1, 5, 5.7, and 10%. The pH ranges from...saturated FeSO4 with or without 1 gpl thiourea a. .4 34 REFERENCES 1. P. Gron, "Chemistry of Topical Fluorides ", Caries Res. 11 (Suppl. 1): 172-204

The myth of the ``proliferation-resistant'' closed nuclear fuel cycle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lyman, Edwin S.

2000-07-01

National nuclear energy programs that engage in reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) and the development of "closed" nuclear fuel cycles based on the utilization of plutonium process and store large quantities of weapons-usable nuclear materials in forms vulnerable to diversion or theft by national or subnational groups. Proliferation resistance, an idea dating back at least as far as the International Fuel Cycle Evaluation (INFCE) of the late 1970s, is a loosely defined term referring to processes for chemical separation of SNF that do not extract weapons-usable materials in a purified form.

SNF5 Mutation Leads to Intractable Pain in Schwannomatosis Patients

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-07-01

in schwannomatosis patients PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Steven G. Matsumoto...AND SUBTITLE 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER SNF5 mutation leads to intractable pain in schwannomatosis patients 5b. GRANT NUMBER W81XWH-11-1-0143 5c...Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………… 6 References……………………………………………………………………………. 7 Introduction. Schwannomatosis is a

Storage and treatment of SNF of Alfa class nuclear submarines: current status and problems

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

Ignatiev, Sviatoslav; Zabudko, Alexey; Pankratov, Dmitry

Available in abstract form only. Full text of publication follows: The current status and main problems associated with storage, defueling and following treatment of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) of Nuclear Submarines (NS) with heavy liquid metal cooled reactors are considered. In the final analysis these solutions could be realized in the form of separate projects to be funded through national and bi- and multilateral funding in the framework of the international collaboration of the Russian Federation on complex utilization of NS and rehabilitation of contaminated objects allocated in the North-West region of Russia. (authors)

Are consumers ready to take part in the Pharmacovigilance System?--a Portuguese preliminary study concerning ADR reporting.

PubMed

Matos, Cristiano; van Hunsel, Florence; Joaquim, João

2015-07-01

New pharmacovigilance legislation allows consumers to report adverse drug reactions (ADRs) directly to competent authorities in all European Union countries. Consumer reporting is available in Portugal since July 2012. In 2013, the National Pharmacovigilance System (SNF) had received 3461 spontaneous ADR reports, of which only 1.4% (n = 50) were from consumers. Consumer reporting could be one opportunity to reduce underreporting. The aim of this study was to describe the attitudes and knowledge of the general public regarding spontaneous reporting and the reasons and opinions that can influence consumers' ADR underreporting. A descriptive-correlational study was performed looking for consumers' attitudes and knowledge regarding spontaneous reporting. A 6-month survey was conducted from June to November 2013 in general adult consumers from a community pharmacy in Coimbra, Portugal, who used prescribed medicines or over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Attitudes and opinions were surveyed by personal interview in a closed-answer questionnaire using a Likert scale. Questionnaires from healthcare professionals or incomplete ones were not considered. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square (χ(2)) tests, and Spearman's correlation coefficients. One thousand eighty-four questionnaires were collected (response rate of 81.1%) and 948 completed were selected for analysis. Of the respondents, 44.1% never heard about SNF. Younger people and those with a higher education were significantly more likely to be aware of SNF. Only one consumer had previously reported directly an ADR. Reporting ADRs indirectly through a healthcare professional (HCP) was preferred by 62.4%. The main reasons for consumers reporting spontaneous ADR would be the severity of reactions (81.1% agreed or strongly agreed) and worries about their situation (73.4% agreed or strongly agreed). Only weak and moderate correlations were found between studied statements.. Consumers are more likely to do spontaneous report about severe reactions or if they are worried about the symptoms. Tailored and proactive information on ADR reporting and educational interventions on consumers could increase the number of reports from consumers in Portugal.

Postacute rehabilitation care for hip fracture: who gets the most care?

PubMed

Freburger, Janet K; Holmes, George M; Ku, Li-Jung E

2012-10-01

To determine the extent to which demographic and geographic disparities exist in postacute rehabilitation care (PARC) use after hip fracture. Cross-sectional analysis of 2 years (2005-06) of population-based hospital discharge data. All short-term acute care hospitals in four demographically and geographically diverse states (AZ, FL, NJ, WI). Individuals aged 65 and older (mean 82.9) admitted to the hospital with a hip fracture who survived their inpatient stay (N = 64,065). The sample was 75.1% female and 91.5% white, 5.8% Hispanic, and 2.7% black. Whether the participant received institutional PARC; for participants who did not receive institutional care, whether they received home health (HH) care; and for participants who received institutional care, whether they received skilled nursing facility (SNF) or inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) care. Multilevel logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify demographic and geographic disparities in PARC use. Considering PARC on a continuum from more to fewer hours of care per day (IRF→SNF→HH→no HH), minorities and individuals of lower socioeconomic status (SES) generally received a lower volume of care. Individuals on Medicaid or who were uninsured were less likely to receive institutional care (odds ratio (OR) = 0.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.18-0.30) and to receive HH (OR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.30-0.70) and more likely to receive SNF than IRF care (OR = 2.03, 95% CI = 1.36-3.05). Hispanics were less likely to receive institutional care (OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.62-0.79), and Hispanics (OR = 1.31) and blacks (OR = 1.49) were more likely to receive SNF than IRF care. There were also geographic differences in PARC. Several demographic and geographic disparities in PARC use were identified. Future research should confirm these findings and further elucidate factors that contribute to the observed disparities. © 2012, Copyright the Authors Journal compilation © 2012, The American Geriatrics Society.

Preliminary Evaluation of an Algorithm for Analysis of Stationary Random Data from a Multiple-Input Linear System.

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-07-01

nel for low-frequency filters with Lg92/Lgl = 4.4 for S/N1 = 1. 71. CASE 1, S/NF= 1, S/I1 1 M=5 M1=10 M1=20 C! a ip a a a a 00 2 3Ma a0 0 M𔃺 M 3...Gantmacher, The Theory of Matrices, VoZ . 1, Chelsea Publishing Co., New York, NJ.Y., 1959. 163

Computational modeling of Repeat1 region of INI1/hSNF5: An evolutionary link with ubiquitin

PubMed Central

Bhutoria, Savita

2016-01-01

Abstract The structure of a protein can be very informative of its function. However, determining protein structures experimentally can often be very challenging. Computational methods have been used successfully in modeling structures with sufficient accuracy. Here we have used computational tools to predict the structure of an evolutionarily conserved and functionally significant domain of Integrase interactor (INI)1/hSNF5 protein. INI1 is a component of the chromatin remodeling SWI/SNF complex, a tumor suppressor and is involved in many protein‐protein interactions. It belongs to SNF5 family of proteins that contain two conserved repeat (Rpt) domains. Rpt1 domain of INI1 binds to HIV‐1 Integrase, and acts as a dominant negative mutant to inhibit viral replication. Rpt1 domain also interacts with oncogene c‐MYC and modulates its transcriptional activity. We carried out an ab initio modeling of a segment of INI1 protein containing the Rpt1 domain. The structural model suggested the presence of a compact and well defined ββαα topology as core structure in the Rpt1 domain of INI1. This topology in Rpt1 was similar to PFU domain of Phospholipase A2 Activating Protein, PLAA. Interestingly, PFU domain shares similarity with Ubiquitin and has ubiquitin binding activity. Because of the structural similarity between Rpt1 domain of INI1 and PFU domain of PLAA, we propose that Rpt1 domain of INI1 may participate in ubiquitin recognition or binding with ubiquitin or ubiquitin related proteins. This modeling study may shed light on the mode of interactions of Rpt1 domain of INI1 and is likely to facilitate future functional studies of INI1. PMID:27261671

Temperature-package power correlations for open-mode geologic disposal concepts.

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

Hardin, Ernest.

2013-02-01

Logistical simulation of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) management in the U.S. combines storage, transportation and disposal elements to evaluate schedule, cost and other resources needed for all major operations leading to final geologic disposal. Geologic repository reference options are associated with limits on waste package thermal power output at emplacement, in order to meet limits on peak temperature for certain key engineered and natural barriers. These package power limits are used in logistical simulation software such as CALVIN, as threshold requirements that must be met by means of decay storage or SNF blending in waste packages, before emplacement in amore » repository. Geologic repository reference options include enclosed modes developed for crystalline rock, clay or shale, and salt. In addition, a further need has been addressed for open modes in which SNF can be emplaced in a repository, then ventilated for decades or longer to remove heat, prior to permanent repository closure. For each open mode disposal concept there are specified durations for surface decay storage (prior to emplacement), repository ventilation, and repository closure operations. This study simulates those steps for several timing cases, and for SNF with three fuel-burnup characteristics, to develop package power limits at which waste packages can be emplaced without exceeding specified temperature limits many years later after permanent closure. The results are presented in the form of correlations that span a range of package power and peak postclosure temperature, for each open-mode disposal concept, and for each timing case. Given a particular temperature limit value, the corresponding package power limit for each case can be selected for use in CALVIN and similar tools.« less

A Chemogenomic Screen Reveals Novel Snf1p/AMPK Independent Regulators of Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase.

PubMed

Bozaquel-Morais, Bruno L; Madeira, Juliana B; Venâncio, Thiago M; Pacheco-Rosa, Thiago; Masuda, Claudio A; Montero-Lomeli, Monica

2017-01-01

Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (Acc1p) is a key enzyme in fatty acid biosynthesis and is essential for cell viability. To discover new regulators of its activity, we screened a Saccharomyces cerevisiae deletion library for increased sensitivity to soraphen A, a potent Acc1p inhibitor. The hits identified in the screen (118 hits) were filtered using a chemical-phenotype map to exclude those associated with pleiotropic drug resistance. This enabled the identification of 82 ORFs that are genetic interactors of Acc1p. The main functional clusters represented by these hits were "transcriptional regulation", "protein post-translational modifications" and "lipid metabolism". Further investigation of the "transcriptional regulation" cluster revealed that soraphen A sensitivity is poorly correlated with ACC1 transcript levels. We also studied the three top unknown ORFs that affected soraphen A sensitivity: SOR1 (YDL129W), SOR2 (YIL092W) and SOR3 (YJR039W). Since the C18/C16 ratio of lipid acyl lengths reflects Acc1p activity levels, we evaluated this ratio in the three mutants. Deletion of SOR2 and SOR3 led to reduced acyl lengths, suggesting that Acc1p is indeed down-regulated in these strains. Also, these mutants showed no differences in Snf1p/AMPK activation status and deletion of SNF1 in these backgrounds did not revert soraphen A sensitivity completely. Furthermore, plasmid maintenance was reduced in sor2Δ strain and this trait was shared with 18 other soraphen A sensitive hits. In summary, our screen uncovered novel Acc1p Snf1p/AMPK-independent regulators.

Impact of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) on 90-Day Episode Costs and Post-Acute Care Utilization in Total Knee Replacement Patients with Disuse Atrophy.

PubMed

Pal, Sarmistha; Chughtai, Morad; Sultan, Assem A; Khlopas, Anton; Sodhi, Nipun; George, Nicole E; Etcheson, Jennifer I; Gwam, Chukwuweike U; Newman, Jared M; Samuel, Linsen T; Bhave, Anil; DaVanzo, Joan E; Mont, Michael A

2017-12-22

This study evaluated differences in: 1) total episode payments, 2) probability of hospital readmission, 3) probability of inpatient rehab facility (IRF) and utilization, and 4) probability of skilled nursing care facility (SNF) utilization in patients who had disuse atrophy and underwent a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and either did, or did not, receive preoperative home-based neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) therapy. We used the Medicare limited dataset for a 5% sample of beneficiaries from 2014 and 2015 to construct episodes-of-care for TKA (DRG-470) patients with disuse atrophy who underwent a TKA during the 30 days prior to hospital admission and 90 days post-discharge. Patients were stratified into those who either did or did not receive pre- and postoperative NMES therapy. An ordinary least square (OLS) model was used to estimate the impact of NMES on total episode. Linear probability models were used to estimate the impact of NMES on SNF or IRF utilization and readmission. A $3,274 reduction in episode payments for patients who used preoperative NMES versus those who did not (p<0.001) was demonstrated. The probability of readmission was 12.7% lower for those who used preoperative NMES therapy versus those who did not (p=0.609). The probability of utilizing IRF and SNF was 56.7% (p=0.061) and 46.4% (p=<0.001) lower for those who used pre- and postoperative NMES versus those who did not, respectively. Significant reduction in total episode payments and SNF utilization for TKA patients with disuse atrophy who had NMES therapy was demonstrated.

The FOX transcription factor Hcm1 regulates oxidative metabolism in response to early nutrient limitation in yeast. Role of Snf1 and Tor1/Sch9 kinases.

PubMed

Rodríguez-Colman, María José; Sorolla, M Alba; Vall-Llaura, Núria; Tamarit, Jordi; Ros, Joaquim; Cabiscol, Elisa

2013-08-01

Within Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Hcm1is a member of the forkhead transcription factor family with a role in chromosome organization. Our group recently described its involvement in mitochondrial biogenesis and stress resistance, and reports here that Hcm1 played a role in adaptation to respiratory metabolism when glucose or nitrogen was decreased. Regulation of Hcm1 activity occurs in at least three ways: i) protein quantity, ii) subcellular localization, and iii) transcriptional activity. Transcriptional activity was measured using a reporter gene fused to a promoter that contains a binding site for Hcm1. We also analyzed the levels of several genes whose expression is known to be regulated by Hcm1 levels and the role of the main kinases known to respond to nutrients. Lack of sucrose-nonfermenting (Snf1) kinase increases cytoplasmic localization of Hcm1, whereas Δtor1 cells showed a mild increase in nuclear Hcm1. In vitro experiments showed that Snf1 clearly phosphorylates Hcm1 while Sch9 exerts a milder phosphorylation. Although in vitroTor1 does not directly phosphorylate Hcm1, in vivo rapamycin treatment increases nuclear Hcm1. We conclude that Hcm1 participates in the adaptation of cells from fermentation to respiratory metabolism during nutrient scarcity. According to our hypothesis, when nutrient levels decrease, Snf1 phosphorylates Hcm1. This results in a shift from the cytoplasm to the nucleus and increased transcriptional activity of genes involved in respiration, use of alternative energy sources, NAD synthesis and oxidative stress resistance. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Transcriptional responses to glucose at different glycolytic rates in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

PubMed

Elbing, Karin; Ståhlberg, Anders; Hohmann, Stefan; Gustafsson, Lena

2004-12-01

The addition of glucose to Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells causes reprogramming of gene expression. Glucose is sensed by membrane receptors as well as (so far elusive) intracellular sensing mechanisms. The availability of four yeast strains that display different hexose uptake capacities allowed us to study glucose-induced effects at different glycolytic rates. Rapid glucose responses were observed in all strains able to take up glucose, consistent with intracellular sensing. The degree of long-term responses, however, clearly correlated with the glycolytic rate: glucose-stimulated expression of genes encoding enzymes of the lower part of glycolysis showed an almost linear correlation with the glycolytic rate, while expression levels of genes encoding gluconeogenic enzymes and invertase (SUC2) showed an inverse correlation. Glucose control of SUC2 expression is mediated by the Snf1-Mig1 pathway. Mig1 dephosphorylation upon glucose addition is known to lead to repression of target genes. Mig1 was initially dephosphorylated upon glucose addition in all strains able to take up glucose, but remained dephosphorylated only at high glycolytic rates. Remarkably, transient Mig1-dephosphorylation was accompanied by the repression of SUC2 expression at high glycolytic rates, but stimulated SUC2 expression at low glycolytic rates. This suggests that Mig1-mediated repression can be overruled by factors mediating induction via a low glucose signal. At low and moderate glycolytic rates, Mig1 was partly dephosphorylated both in the presence of phosphorylated, active Snf1, and unphosphorylated, inactive Snf1, indicating that Mig1 was actively phosphorylated and dephosphorylated simultaneously, suggesting independent control of both processes. Taken together, it appears that glucose addition affects the expression of SUC2 as well as Mig1 activity by both Snf1-dependent and -independent mechanisms that can now be dissected and resolved as early and late/sustained responses.

Challenges for Nurses Caring for Patients With Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters in Skilled Nursing Facilities

PubMed Central

Harrod, Molly; Montoya, Ana; Mody, Lona; McGuirk, Helen; Winter, Suzanne; Chopra, Vineet

2016-01-01

Objectives To understand frontline nurses’ (registered nurses and licensed practical nurses), unit nurse managers’ and skilled nursing facility (SNF) administrators’ perceived preparedness in providing care for patients with peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in SNFs. Design An exploratory, qualitative pilot study. Setting Two community based SNFs. Participants Patients, frontline nurses (registered nurses and licensed practical nurses), unit nurse managers and SNF administrators. Methods Over 36-weeks, we observed and conducted informal interviews with 56 patients with PICCs and their nurses focusing on PICC care practices and documentation. In addition, we collected baseline PICC data including placement indication (e.g., antimicrobial administration), placement setting (hospital vs. SNF), and dwell time. We then conducted focus groups with frontline nurses and unit nurse managers and semi-structured interviews with SNF administrators to evaluate perceived preparedness for PICC care. Data were analyzed using a descriptive analysis approach. Results During weekly informal interviews and observations variations in documentation were observed. Differences between patient-reported PICC concerns (quality-of-life) and those described by frontline nurses were noted. Deficiencies in communication between hospitals and SNFs with respect to device care, date of last dressing change and PICC removal time were also noted. During focus group sessions, perceived inadequacy of information at the time of care transitions, limited availability of resources to care for PICCs and gaps in training and education were highlighted as barriers in improving practice and safety. Conclusion Our study suggests that practices for PICC care in SNFs can be improved. Multimodal strategies that enhance staff education, improve information exchange during care transitions and increase resource availability in SNFs appear necessary to enhance PICC care and patient safety. PMID:27603747

Challenges for Nurses Caring for Individuals with Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters in Skilled Nursing Facilities.

PubMed

Harrod, Molly; Montoya, Ana; Mody, Lona; McGuirk, Helen; Winter, Suzanne; Chopra, Vineet

2016-10-01

To understand the perceived preparedness of frontline nurses (registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs)), unit nurse managers, and skilled nursing facility (SNF) administrators in providing care for residents with peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in SNFs. Exploratory, qualitative pilot study. Two community based SNFs. Residents with PICCs, frontline nurses (RNs, LPNs), unit nurse managers, and SNF administrators. Over 36 weeks, 56 residents with PICCs and their nurses were observed and informally interviewed, focusing on PICC care practices and documentation. In addition, baseline PICC data were collected on placement indication (e.g., antimicrobial administration), placement setting (hospital vs SNF), and dwell time. Focus groups were then conducted with frontline nurses and unit nurse managers, and semistructured interviews were conducted with SNF administrators to evaluate perceived preparedness for PICC care. Data were analyzed using a descriptive analysis approach. Variations in documentation were observed during weekly informal interviews and observations. Differences were noted between resident self-reported PICC concerns (quality of life) and those described by frontline nurses. Deficiencies in communication between hospitals and SNFs with respect to device care, date of last dressing change, and PICC removal time were also noted. During focus group sessions, perceived inadequacy of information at the time of care transitions, limited availability of resources to care for PICCs, and gaps in training and education were highlighted as barriers to improving practice and safety. Practices for PICC care in SNFs can be improved. Multimodal strategies that enhance staff education, improve information exchange during care transitions, and increase resource availability in SNFs appear necessary to enhance PICC care and safety. © 2016, Copyright the Authors Journal compilation © 2016, The American Geriatrics Society.

Experimental Study on Surrogate Nuclear Fuel Rods under Reversed Cyclic Bending

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

Wang, Hong; Wang, Jy-An John

The mechanical behavior of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) rods under reversed cyclic bending or bending fatigue must be understood to evaluate their vibration integrity in a transportation environment. This is especially important for high-burnup fuels (>45 GWd/MTU), which have the potential for increased structural damage. It has been demonstrated that the bending fatigue of SNF rods can be effectively studied using surrogate rods. In this investigation, surrogate rods made of stainless steel (SS) 304 cladding and aluminum oxide pellets were tested under load or moment control at a variety of amplitude levels at 5 Hz using the Cyclic Integrated Reversible-Bendingmore » Fatigue Tester developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The behavior of the rods was further characterized using flexural rigidity and hysteresis data, and fractography was performed on the failed rods. The proposed surrogate rods captured many of the characteristics of deformation and failure mode observed in SNF, including the linear-to-nonlinear deformation transition and large residual curvature in static tests, PPI and PCMI failure mechanisms, and large variation in the initial structural condition. Rod degradation was measured and characterized by measuring the flexural rigidity; the degradation of the rigidity depended on both the moment amplitude applied and the initial structural condition of the rods. It was also shown that a cracking initiation site can be located on the internal surface or the external surface of cladding. Finally, fatigue damage to the bending rods can be described in terms of flexural rigidity, and the fatigue life of rods can be predicted once damage model parameters are properly evaluated. The developed experimental approach, test protocol, and analysis method can be used to study the vibration integrity of SNF rods in the future.« less

Computational modeling of Repeat1 region of INI1/hSNF5: An evolutionary link with ubiquitin.

PubMed

Bhutoria, Savita; Kalpana, Ganjam V; Acharya, Seetharama A

2016-09-01

The structure of a protein can be very informative of its function. However, determining protein structures experimentally can often be very challenging. Computational methods have been used successfully in modeling structures with sufficient accuracy. Here we have used computational tools to predict the structure of an evolutionarily conserved and functionally significant domain of Integrase interactor (INI)1/hSNF5 protein. INI1 is a component of the chromatin remodeling SWI/SNF complex, a tumor suppressor and is involved in many protein-protein interactions. It belongs to SNF5 family of proteins that contain two conserved repeat (Rpt) domains. Rpt1 domain of INI1 binds to HIV-1 Integrase, and acts as a dominant negative mutant to inhibit viral replication. Rpt1 domain also interacts with oncogene c-MYC and modulates its transcriptional activity. We carried out an ab initio modeling of a segment of INI1 protein containing the Rpt1 domain. The structural model suggested the presence of a compact and well defined ββαα topology as core structure in the Rpt1 domain of INI1. This topology in Rpt1 was similar to PFU domain of Phospholipase A2 Activating Protein, PLAA. Interestingly, PFU domain shares similarity with Ubiquitin and has ubiquitin binding activity. Because of the structural similarity between Rpt1 domain of INI1 and PFU domain of PLAA, we propose that Rpt1 domain of INI1 may participate in ubiquitin recognition or binding with ubiquitin or ubiquitin related proteins. This modeling study may shed light on the mode of interactions of Rpt1 domain of INI1 and is likely to facilitate future functional studies of INI1. © 2016 The Protein Society.

Endocytosis and Vacuolar Degradation of the Yeast Cell Surface Glucose Sensors Rgt2 and Snf3*

PubMed Central

Roy, Adhiraj; Kim, Jeong-Ho

2014-01-01

Sensing and signaling the presence of extracellular glucose is crucial for the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae because of its fermentative metabolism, characterized by high glucose flux through glycolysis. The yeast senses glucose through the cell surface glucose sensors Rgt2 and Snf3, which serve as glucose receptors that generate the signal for induction of genes involved in glucose uptake and metabolism. Rgt2 and Snf3 detect high and low glucose concentrations, respectively, perhaps because of their different affinities for glucose. Here, we provide evidence that cell surface levels of glucose sensors are regulated by ubiquitination and degradation. The glucose sensors are removed from the plasma membrane through endocytosis and targeted to the vacuole for degradation upon glucose depletion. The turnover of the glucose sensors is inhibited in endocytosis defective mutants, and the sensor proteins with a mutation at their putative ubiquitin-acceptor lysine residues are resistant to degradation. Of note, the low affinity glucose sensor Rgt2 remains stable only in high glucose grown cells, and the high affinity glucose sensor Snf3 is stable only in cells grown in low glucose. In addition, constitutively active, signaling forms of glucose sensors do not undergo endocytosis, whereas signaling defective sensors are constitutively targeted for degradation, suggesting that the stability of the glucose sensors may be associated with their ability to sense glucose. Therefore, our findings demonstrate that the amount of glucose available dictates the cell surface levels of the glucose sensors and that the regulation of glucose sensors by glucose concentration may enable yeast cells to maintain glucose sensing activity at the cell surface over a wide range of glucose concentrations. PMID:24451370

Spent Nuclear Fuel (SNF) project Integrated Safety Management System phase I and II Verification Review Plan

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

CARTER, R.P.

1999-11-19

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) commits to accomplishing its mission safely. To ensure this objective is met, DOE issued DOE P 450.4, Safety Management System Policy, and incorporated safety management into the DOE Acquisition Regulations ([DEAR] 48 CFR 970.5204-2 and 90.5204-78). Integrated Safety Management (ISM) requires contractors to integrate safety into management and work practices at all levels so that missions are achieved while protecting the public, the worker, and the environment. The contractor is required to describe the Integrated Safety Management System (ISMS) to be used to implement the safety performance objective.

Chromatin remodeling enzyme Brg1 is required for mouse lens fiber cell terminal differentiation and its denucleation

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background Brahma-related gene 1 (Brg1, also known as Smarca4 and Snf2β) encodes an adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP)-dependent catalytical subunit of the (switch/sucrose nonfermentable) (SWI/SNF) chromatin remodeling complexes. SWI/SNF complexes are recruited to chromatin through multiple mechanisms, including specific DNA-binding factors (for example, heat shock transcription factor 4 (Hsf4) and paired box gene 6 (Pax6)), chromatin structural proteins (for example, high-mobility group A1 (HMGA1)) and/or acetylated core histones. Previous studies have shown that a single amino acid substitution (K798R) in the Brg1 ATPase domain acts via a dominant-negative (dn) mechanism. Genetic studies have demonstrated that Brg1 is an essential gene for early (that is, prior implantation) mouse embryonic development. Brg1 also controls neural stem cell maintenance, terminal differentiation of multiple cell lineages and organs including the T-cells, glial cells and limbs. Results To examine the roles of Brg1 in mouse lens development, a dnBrg1 transgenic construct was expressed using the lens-specific αA-crystallin promoter in postmitotic lens fiber cells. Morphological studies revealed abnormal lens fiber cell differentiation in transgenic lenses resulting in cataract. Electron microscopic studies showed abnormal lens suture formation and incomplete karyolysis (that is, denucleation) of lens fiber cells. To identify genes regulated by Brg1, RNA expression profiling was performed in embryonic day 15.5 (E15.5) wild-type and dnBrg1 transgenic lenses. In addition, comparisons between differentially expressed genes in dnBrg1 transgenic, Pax6 heterozygous and Hsf4 homozygous lenses identified multiple genes coregulated by Brg1, Hsf4 and Pax6. DNase IIβ, a key enzyme required for lens fiber cell denucleation, was found to be downregulated in each of the Pax6, Brg1 and Hsf4 model systems. Lens-specific deletion of Brg1 using conditional gene targeting demonstrated that Brg1 was required for lens fiber cell differentiation, for expression of DNase IIβ, for lens fiber cell denucleation and indirectly for retinal development. Conclusions These studies demonstrate a cell-autonomous role for Brg1 in lens fiber cell terminal differentiation and identified DNase IIβ as a potential direct target of SWI/SNF complexes. Brg1 is directly or indirectly involved in processes that degrade lens fiber cell chromatin. The presence of nuclei and other organelles generates scattered light incompatible with the optical requirements for the lens. PMID:21118511

Calculation of the Naval Long and Short Waste Package Three-Dimensional Thermal Interface Temperatures

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

H. Marr

2006-10-25

The purpose of this calculation is to evaluate the thermal performance of the Naval Long and Naval Short spent nuclear fuel (SNF) waste packages (WP) in the repository emplacement drift. The scope of this calculation is limited to the determination of the temperature profiles upon the surfaces of the Naval Long and Short SNF waste package for up to 10,000 years of emplacement. The temperatures on the top of the outside surface of the naval canister are the thermal interfaces for the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program (NNPP). The results of this calculation are intended to support Licensing Application design activities.

A Brg1 mutation that uncouples ATPase activity from chromatin remodeling reveals an essential role for SWI/SNF-related complexes in β-globin expression and erythroid development

PubMed Central

Bultman, Scott J.; Gebuhr, Thomas C.; Magnuson, Terry

2005-01-01

The Brg1 catalytic subunit of SWI/SNF-related complexes has been implicated in many developmental and physiological processes, but null homozygotes die as blastocysts prior to implantation. To circumvent this early embryonic lethality, we performed an ENU mutagenesis screen and generated a Brg1 hypomorph mutation in the ATPase domain. The mutant Brg1 protein is stable, assembles into SWI/SNF-related complexes, and exhibits normal ATPase activity but is unable to establish DNase I hypersensitivity sites characteristic of open chromatin. Mutant embryos develop normally until midgestation but then exhibit a distinct block in the development of the erythroid lineage, leading to anemia and death. The mutant Brg1 protein is recruited to the β-globin locus, but chromatin remodeling and transcription are perturbed. Histone acetylation and DNA methylation are also affected. To our knowledge, Brg1 is the first chromatin-modifying factor shown to be required for β-globin regulation and erythropoiesis in vivo. Not only does this mutation establish a role for Brg1 during organogenesis, it also demonstrates that ATPase activity can be uncoupled from chromatin remodeling. PMID:16287714

MtSWEET11, a Nodule-Specific Sucrose Transporter of Medicago truncatula

DOE PAGES

Kryvoruchko, Igor S.; Sinharoy, Senjuti; Torres-Jerez, Ivone; ...

2016-03-28

Optimization of nitrogen fixation by rhizobia in legumes is a key area of research for sustainable agriculture. Symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) occurs in specialized organs called nodules and depends on a steady supply of carbon to both plant and bacterial cells. Here we report the functional characterization of a nodule-specific Suc transporter, MtSWEET11 from Medicago truncatula. MtSWEET11 belongs to a clade of plant SWEET proteins that are capable of transporting Suc and play critical roles in pathogen susceptibility. When expressed in mammalian cells, MtSWEET11 transported sucrose (Suc) but not glucose (Glc). The MtSWEET11 gene was found to be expressed inmore » infected root hair cells, and in the meristem, invasion zone, and vasculature of nodules. Expression of an MtSWEET11-GFP fusion protein in nodules resulted in green fluorescence associated with the plasma membrane of uninfected cells and infection thread and symbiosome membranes of infected cells. Two independent Tnt1-insertion sweet11 mutants were uncompromised in SNF. Furthermore, although MtSWEET11 appears to be involved in Suc distribution within nodules, it is not crucial for SNF, probably because other Suc transporters can fulfill its role(s).« less

SWI/SNF Subunits SMARCA4, SMARCD2 and DPF2 Collaborate in MLL-Rearranged Leukaemia Maintenance.

PubMed

Cruickshank, V Adam; Sroczynska, Patrycja; Sankar, Aditya; Miyagi, Satoru; Rundsten, Carsten Friis; Johansen, Jens Vilstrup; Helin, Kristian

2015-01-01

Alterations in chromatin structure caused by deregulated epigenetic mechanisms collaborate with underlying genetic lesions to promote cancer. SMARCA4/BRG1, a core component of the SWI/SNF ATP-dependent chromatin-remodelling complex, has been implicated by its mutational spectrum as exerting a tumour-suppressor function in many solid tumours; recently however, it has been reported to sustain leukaemogenic transformation in MLL-rearranged leukaemia in mice. Here we further explore the role of SMARCA4 and the two SWI/SNF subunits SMARCD2/BAF60B and DPF2/BAF45D in leukaemia. We observed the selective requirement for these proteins for leukaemic cell expansion and self-renewal in-vitro as well as in leukaemia. Gene expression profiling in human cells of each of these three factors suggests that they have overlapping functions in leukaemia. The gene expression changes induced by loss of the three proteins demonstrate that they are required for the expression of haematopoietic stem cell associated genes but in contrast to previous results obtained in mouse cells, the three proteins are not required for the expression of c-MYC regulated genes.

Dissolution of Material and Test reactor Fuel in an H-Canyon Dissolver

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

Daniel, W. E.; Rudisill, T. S.; O'Rourke, P. E.

2017-01-26

In an amended record of decision for the management of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) at the Savannah River Site, the US Department of Energy has authorized the dissolution and recovery of U from 1000 bundles of Al-clad SNF. The SNF is fuel from domestic and foreign research reactors and is typically referred to as Material Test Reactor (MTR) fuel. Bundles of MTR fuel containing assemblies fabricated from U-Al alloys (or other U compounds) are currently dissolved using a Hg-catalyzed HNO3 flowsheet. Since the development of the existing flowsheet, improved experimental methods have been developed to more accurately characterize the offgasmore » composition and generation rate during laboratory dissolutions. Recently, these new techniques were successfully used to develop a flowsheet for the dissolution of High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) fuel. Using the data from the HFIR dissolution flowsheet development and necessary laboratory experiments, the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) was requested to define flowsheet conditions for the dissolution of MTR fuels. With improved offgas characterization techniques, SRNL will be able define the number of bundles of fuel which can be charged to an H-Canyon dissolver with much less conservatism.« less

The study of the plasma jets of lead and silver simulating spent nuclear fuel components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Antonov, N. N.; Gavrikov, A. V.; Smirnov, V. P.; Liziakin, G. D.; Usmanov, R. A.; Vorona, N. A.; Timirkhanov, R. A.

2018-01-01

One of the tasks that must be solved to develop a spent nuclear fuel (SNF) plasma separation method is a creation of plasma source of substances simulating SNF components. Plasma of the diffuse arc discharge in a magnetic field with an incandescent cathode was considered in this paper, as such source. The discharge was initiated in a model substances vapor (lead and silver). Evaporation was carried out by crucible induction heating. Current- voltage characteristics of the discharge were obtained. Spectral analysis of the plasma jets radiation and double probe characteristics measurements in the area behind the anode were carried out. The minimum potential difference between the anode and cathode reached a value of about 7 V at current of about 1 A. When the potential difference in the discharge gap was close to 30 V (4.5 A) and 10 V (5.2 A) electron temperature in the plasma jet was 5-7 eV and 1-3 eV, respectively. Plasma density in jets took the value from 1011 cm-3 to 1012 cm-3. The obtained results indicate the possibility of using this type of discharge for the SNF plasma separation method approbation.

Functions & Requirements for Debris Removal System Project A-2

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

PRECECHTEL, D.R.

1999-12-29

This revision of the Functions and Requirements Document updates the approved Functions and Requirements for Debris Removal Subproject WHC-SD-SNF-FRD-009, Rev. 0. It has been revised in its entirety to reflect the current scope of work for Debris Removal as canisters and lids under the K Basin Projects work breakdown structure (WBS). In this revision the canisters and lids will be consider debris and a new set of Functions and Requirements have been developed to remove the canisters and lids from the basin.

Conditions inside Water Pooled in a Failed Nuclear Waste Container and its Effect on Radionuclide Release

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamdan, L. K.; Walton, J. C.; Woocay, A.

2009-12-01

Nuclear power use is expected to expand in the future, as part of the global clean energy initiative, to meet the world’s surging energy demand, and attenuate greenhouse gas emissions, which are mainly caused by fossil fuels. As a result, it is estimated that hundreds of thousands of metric tons of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) will accumulate. SNF disposal has major environmental (radiation exposure) and security (nuclear proliferation) concerns. Storage in unsaturated zone geological repositories is a reasonable solution for dealing with SNF. One of the key factors that determine the performance of the geological repository is the release of radionuclides from the engineered barrier system. Over time, the nuclear waste containers are expected to fail gradually due to general and localized corrosions and eventually infiltrating water will have access to the nuclear waste. Once radionuclides are released, they will be transported by water, and make their way to the accessible environment. Physical and chemical disturbances in the environment over the container will lead to different corrosion rates, causing different times and locations of penetration. One possible scenario for waste packages failure is the bathtub model, where penetrations occur on the top of the waste package and water pools inside it. In this paper the bathtub-type failed waste container is considered. We shed some light on chemical and physical processes that take place in the pooled water inside a partially failed waste container (bathtub category), and the effects of these processes on radionuclide release. Our study considers two possibilities: temperature stratification of the pooled water versus mixing process. Our calculations show that temperature stratification of the pooled water is expected when the waste package is half (or less) filled with water. On the other hand, when the waste package is fully filled (or above half) there will be mixing in the upper part of water. The effect of these cases on oxygen availability and consequently spent fuel alteration and radionuclide release will be considered.

Advances in Geologic Disposal System Modeling and Shale Reference Cases

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

Mariner, Paul E.; Stein, Emily R.; Frederick, Jennifer M.

The Spent Fuel and Waste Science and Technology (SFWST) Campaign of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy (NE), Office of Fuel Cycle Technology (OFCT) is conducting research and development (R&D) on geologic disposal of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) and high level nuclear waste (HLW). Two high priorities for SFWST disposal R&D are design concept development and disposal system modeling (DOE 2011, Table 6). These priorities are directly addressed in the SFWST Generic Disposal Systems Analysis (GDSA) work package, which is charged with developing a disposal system modeling and analysis capability for evaluating disposal system performance formore » nuclear waste in geologic media (e.g., salt, granite, shale, and deep borehole disposal).« less

Análisis Costo Efectividad del Stent Farmacológico V/S Stent no Farmacológico en Cardiopatía Isquémica en Chile.

PubMed

De la Puente, Catherine; Vallejos, Carlos; Velásquez, Mónica; Soto, David; Orellana, Juan

2012-12-01

To evaluate and compare the costs and effectiveness of two alternative stent, drug eluting stent (SF) and bare metal stent (SNF). Cost-utility analysis based on a Markov model using data from a cohort study of Hospital Las Higueras of Talcahuano, Chile. The effectiveness measure was the rate of restenosis and the time of restenosis. The effectiveness outcomes are expressed in quality-adjusted life years (QALY) gained. Costs are expressed in national currency 2011. The evaluation perspective was from the public heath budget. We model a cohort from age 63 to 80 years, life expectancy in Chile. Apply discount rate of 0, 3% and 6% for results and costs. Sensitivity analysis is performed according to the ranges of variability in costs, the utility values of the variables and transition between states. No differences in restenosis rates between the two stents, although there were differences in the time of restenosis. The incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) no discount rate was CH$ 235.749 per QALY gained when using drug-eluting stent, the value below the equivalent of 1 Gross Domestic Product (PIB) per capita for 2011 in Chile. The drug-eluting stent (SF) is cost effective compared to bare metal stent (SNF). The ICER is not affected by the sensitivity analysis (variability of cost, utility ranges used, probability of restenosis). Copyright © 2012 International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Glucose repression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

PubMed

Kayikci, Ömur; Nielsen, Jens

2015-09-01

Glucose is the primary source of energy for the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Although yeast cells can utilize a wide range of carbon sources, presence of glucose suppresses molecular activities involved in the use of alternate carbon sources as well as it represses respiration and gluconeogenesis. This dominant effect of glucose on yeast carbon metabolism is coordinated by several signaling and metabolic interactions that mainly regulate transcriptional activity but are also effective at post-transcriptional and post-translational levels. This review describes effects of glucose repression on yeast carbon metabolism with a focus on roles of the Snf3/Rgt2 glucose-sensing pathway and Snf1 signal transduction in establishment and relief of glucose repression. © FEMS 2015.

Nursing home case mix in Wisconsin. Findings and policy implications.

PubMed

Arling, G; Zimmerman, D; Updike, L

1989-02-01

Along with many other states, Wisconsin is considering a case mix approach to Medicaid nursing home reimbursement. To support this effort, a nursing home case mix model was developed from a representative sample of 410 Medicaid nursing home residents from 56 facilities in Wisconsin. The model classified residents into mutually exclusive groups that were homogeneous in their use of direct care resources, i.e., minutes of direct care time (weighted for nurse skill level) over a 7-day period. Groups were defined initially by intense, Special, or Routine nursing requirements. Within these nursing requirement categories, subgroups were formed by the presence/absence of behavioral problems and dependency in activities of daily living (ADL). Wisconsin's current Skilled/Intermediate Care (SNF/ICF) classification system was analyzed in light of the case mix model and found to be less effective in distinguishing residents by resource use. The case mix model accounted for 48% of the variance in resource use, whereas the SNF/ICF classification system explained 22%. Comparisons were drawn with nursing home case mix models in New York State (RUG-II) and Minnesota. Despite progress in the study of nursing home case mix and its application to reimbursement reform, methodologic and policy issues remain. These include the differing operational definitions for nursing requirements and ADL dependency, the inconsistency in findings concerning psychobehavioral problems, and the problem of promoting positive health and functional outcomes based on models that may be insensitive to change in resident conditions over time.

Human ISWI complexes are targeted by SMARCA5 ATPase and SLIDE domains to help resolve lesion-stalled transcription

PubMed Central

Aydin, Özge Z.; Marteijn, Jurgen A.; Ribeiro-Silva, Cristina; Rodríguez López, Aida; Wijgers, Nils; Smeenk, Godelieve; van Attikum, Haico; Poot, Raymond A.; Vermeulen, Wim; Lans, Hannes

2014-01-01

Chromatin compaction of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) presents a major challenge to the detection and removal of DNA damage. Helix-distorting DNA lesions that block transcription are specifically repaired by transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair, which is initiated by binding of the CSB protein to lesion-stalled RNA polymerase II. Using live cell imaging, we identify a novel function for two distinct mammalian ISWI adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes in resolving lesion-stalled transcription. Human ISWI isoform SMARCA5/SNF2H and its binding partners ACF1 and WSTF are rapidly recruited to UV-C induced DNA damage to specifically facilitate CSB binding and to promote transcription recovery. SMARCA5 targeting to UV-C damage depends on transcription and histone modifications and requires functional SWI2/SNF2-ATPase and SLIDE domains. After initial recruitment to UV damage, SMARCA5 re-localizes away from the center of DNA damage, requiring its HAND domain. Our studies support a model in which SMARCA5 targeting to DNA damage-stalled transcription sites is controlled by an ATP-hydrolysis-dependent scanning and proofreading mechanism, highlighting how SWI2/SNF2 chromatin remodelers identify and bind nucleosomes containing damaged DNA. PMID:24990377

Reducing Hospital Readmissions Through Preferred Networks Of Skilled Nursing Facilities.

PubMed

McHugh, John P; Foster, Andrew; Mor, Vincent; Shield, Renée R; Trivedi, Amal N; Wetle, Terrie; Zinn, Jacqueline S; Tyler, Denise A

2017-09-01

Establishing preferred provider networks of skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) is one approach hospital administrators are using to reduce excess thirty-day readmissions and avoid Medicare penalties or to reduce beneficiaries' costs as part of value-based payment models. However, hospitals are also required to provide patients at discharge with a list of Medicare-eligible providers and cannot explicitly restrict patient choice. This requirement complicates the development of a SNF network. Furthermore, there is little evidence about the effectiveness of network development in reducing readmission rates. We used a concurrent mixed-methods approach, combining Medicare claims data for the period 2009-13 with qualitative data gathered from interviews during site visits to hospitals in eight US markets in March-October 2015, to examine changes in rehospitalization rates and differences in practices between hospitals that did and did not develop formal SNF networks. Four hospitals had developed formal SNF networks as part of their care management efforts. These hospitals saw a relative reduction from 2009 to 2013 in readmission rates for patients discharged to SNFs that was 4.5 percentage points greater than the reduction for hospitals without formal networks. Interviews revealed that those with networks expanded existing relationships with SNFs, effectively managed patient data, and exercised a looser interpretation of patient choice. Project HOPE—The People-to-People Health Foundation, Inc.

Reducing Hospital Readmissions Through Preferred Networks Of Skilled Nursing Facilities

PubMed Central

Foster, Andrew; Mor, Vincent; Shield, Renée R.; Trivedi, Amal N.; Wetle, Terrie; Zinn, Jacqueline S.; Tyler, Denise A.

2017-01-01

Establishing preferred provider networks of skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) is one approach hospital administrators are using to reduce excess thirty-day readmissions and avoid Medicare penalties or to reduce beneficiaries’ costs as part of value-based payment models. However, hospitals are also required to provide patients at discharge with a list of Medicare-eligible providers and cannot explicitly restrict patient choice. This requirement complicates the development of a SNF network. Furthermore, there is little evidence about the effectiveness of network development in reducing readmission rates. We used a concurrent mixed-methods approach, combining Medicare claims data for the period 2009–13 with qualitative data gathered from interviews during site visits to hospitals in eight US markets in March–October 2015, to examine changes in rehospitalization rates and differences in practices between hospitals that did and did not develop formal SNF networks. Four hospitals had developed formal SNF networks as part of their care management efforts. These hospitals saw a relative reduction from 2009 to 2013 in readmission rates for patients discharged to SNFs that was 4.5 percentage points greater than the reduction for hospitals without formal networks. Interviews revealed that those with networks expanded existing relationships with SNFs, effectively managed patient data, and exercised a looser interpretation of patient choice. PMID:28874486

Analysis of Ignition Testing on K-West Basin Fuel

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

J. Abrefah; F.H. Huang; W.M. Gerry

Approximately 2100 metric tons of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) discharged from the N-Reactor have been stored underwater at the K-Basins in the 100 Area of the Hanford Site. The spent fuel has been stored in the K-East Basin since 1975 and in the K-West Basin since 1981. Some of the SNF elements in these basins have corroded because of various breaches in the Zircaloy cladding that occurred during fuel discharge operations and/or subsequent handling and storage in the basins. Consequently, radioactive material in the fuel has been released into the basin water, and water has leaked from the K-East Basinmore » into the soil below. To protect the Columbia River, which is only 380 m from the basins, the SNF is scheduled to be removed and transported for interim dry storage in the 200 East Area, in the central portion of the Site. However, before being shipped, the corroded fuel elements will be loaded into Multi-Canister OverPacks and conditioned. The conditioning process will be selected based on the Integrated Process Strategy (IPS) (WHC 1995), which was prepared on the basis of the dry storage concept developed by the Independent Technical Assessment (ITA) team (ITA 1994).« less

A masked NES in INI1/hSNF5 mediates hCRM1-dependent nuclear export: implications for tumorigenesis

PubMed Central

Craig, Errol; Zhang, Zhi-Kai; Davies, Kelvin P.; Kalpana, Ganjam V.

2002-01-01

INI1 (integrase interactor 1)/hSNF5 is a component of the mammalian SWI/SNF complex and a tumor suppressor mutated in malignant rhabdoid tumors (MRT). We have identified a nuclear export signal (NES) in the highly conserved repeat 2 domain of INI1 that is unmasked upon deletion of a downstream sequence. Mutation of conserved hydrophobic residues within the NES, as well as leptomycin B treatment abrogated the nuclear export. Full-length INI1 specifically associated with hCRM1/exportin1 in vivo and in vitro. A mutant INI1 [INI1(1–319) delG950] found in MRT lacking the 66 C-terminal amino acids mislocalized to the cytoplasm. Full-length INI1 but not the INI1(1–319 delG950) mutant caused flat cell formation and cell cycle arrest in cell lines derived from MRT. Disruption of the NES in the delG950 mutant caused nuclear localization of the protein and restored its ability to cause cell cycle arrest. These observations demonstrate that INI1 has a masked NES that mediates regulated hCRM1/exportin1-dependent nuclear export and we propose that mutations that cause deregulated nuclear export of the protein could lead to tumorigenesis. PMID:11782423

Chromatin regulators as a guide for cancer treatment choice

PubMed Central

Gurard-Levin, Zachary A.; Wilson, Laurence O.W.; Pancaldi, Vera; Postel-Vinay, Sophie; Sousa, Fabricio G.; Reyes, Cecile; Marangoni, Elisabetta; Gentien, David; Valencia, Alfonso; Pommier, Yves; Cottu, Paul; Almouzni, Geneviève

2016-01-01

The limited capacity to predict a patient’s response to distinct chemotherapeutic agents is a major hurdle in cancer management. The efficiency of a large fraction of current cancer therapeutics (radio- and chemotherapies) is influenced by chromatin structure. Reciprocally, alterations in chromatin organization may impact resistance mechanisms. Here, we explore how the mis-expression of chromatin regulators—factors involved in the establishment and maintenance of functional chromatin domains—can inform about the extent of docetaxel response. We exploit gene Affymetrix and NanoString gene expression data for a set of chromatin regulators generated from breast cancer patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models and patient samples treated with docetaxel. Random Forest classification reveals specific panels of chromatin regulators, including key components of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeler, which readily distinguish docetaxel high-responders and poor-responders. Further exploration of SWI/SNF components in the comprehensive NCI-60 dataset reveals that the expression inversely correlates with docetaxel sensitivity. Finally, we show that loss of the SWI/SNF subunit BRG1 (SMARCA4) in a model cell line leads to enhanced docetaxel sensitivity. Altogether, our findings point towards chromatin regulators as biomarkers for drug response as well as therapeutic targets to sensitize patients towards docetaxel and combat drug resistance. PMID:27196757

Phase transition of a cobalt-free perovskite as a high-performance cathode for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells.

PubMed

Jiang, Shanshan; Zhou, Wei; Niu, Yingjie; Zhu, Zhonghua; Shao, Zongping

2012-10-01

It is generally recognized that the phase transition of a perovskite may be detrimental to the connection between cathode and electrolyte. Moreover, certain phase transitions may induce the formation of poor electronic and ionic conducting phase(s), thereby lowering the electrochemical performance of the cathode. Here, we present a study on the phase transition of a cobalt-free perovskite (SrNb(0.1)Fe(0.9)O(3-δ), SNF) and evaluate its effect on the electrochemical performance of the fuel cell. SNF exists as a primitive perovskite structure with space group P4mm (99) at room temperature. As evidenced by in situ high-temperature X-ray diffraction measurements over the temperature range of 600 to 1000 °C, SNF undergoes a transformation to a tetragonal structure with a space group I4/m (87). This phase transition is accompanied by a moderate change in the volume, allowing a good cathode/electrolyte interface on thermal cycling. According to the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy evaluation, the I4/m phase exhibits positive effects on the cathode's performance, showing the highest oxygen reduction reaction activity of cobalt-free cathodes reported so far. This activity improvement is attributed to enhanced oxygen surface processes. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Gene Expression Profile Analysis is Directly Affected by the Selected Reference Gene: The Case of Leaf-Cutting Atta Sexdens

PubMed Central

Máximo, Wesley P. F.; Zanetti, Ronald; Paiva, Luciano V.

2018-01-01

Although several ant species are important targets for the development of molecular control strategies, only a few studies focus on identifying and validating reference genes for quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) data normalization. We provide here an extensive study to identify and validate suitable reference genes for gene expression analysis in the ant Atta sexdens, a threatening agricultural pest in South America. The optimal number of reference genes varies according to each sample and the result generated by RefFinder differed about which is the most suitable reference gene. Results suggest that the RPS16, NADH and SDHB genes were the best reference genes in the sample pool according to stability values. The SNF7 gene expression pattern was stable in all evaluated sample set. In contrast, when using less stable reference genes for normalization a large variability in SNF7 gene expression was recorded. There is no universal reference gene suitable for all conditions under analysis, since these genes can also participate in different cellular functions, thus requiring a systematic validation of possible reference genes for each specific condition. The choice of reference genes on SNF7 gene normalization confirmed that unstable reference genes might drastically change the expression profile analysis of target candidate genes. PMID:29419794

Developing a predictive model for the energy content of goat milk as the basis for a functional unit formulation to be used in the life cycle assessment of dairy goat production systems.

PubMed

Danieli, P P; Ronchi, B

2018-02-01

Recent reports on livestock environmental impact based on life cycle assessment (LCA) did not fully consider the case of the dairy goat. Assignment of an environmental impact (e.g. global warming potential) to a specific product needs to be related to the appropriate 'unitary amount' or functional unit (FU). For milk, the energy content may provide a common basis for a definition of the FU. To date, no ad hoc formulations for the FU of goat milk have been proposed. For these reasons, this study aimed to develop and test one or more predictive models (DPMs) for the gross energy (GE) content of goat milk, based on published compositional data, such as fat (F), protein, total solids (TS), solid non-fat matter (SNF), lactose (Lac) and ash. The DPMs were developed, selected and tested using a linear regression approach, as a meta-analysis (i.e. meta-regression) was not applicable. However, in the final stage, a control procedure for spurious findings was carried out using a Monte Carlo permutation test. Because several published predictive models (PPMs) for GE in cow milk and goat milk were found in the literature, they were tested on the same data set with which the DPMs were developed. The best-performing DPMs and PPMs were compared directly with a subset of the individual data retrieved from the literature. Overall, the paucity of direct measurements of the GE in goat milk was a limiting factor in collecting data from the literature; thus, only a small data set (n=26) was established, even though it was considered sufficiently representative of milks from different goat breeds. The three best PPMs based on F alone gave more biased estimates of the GE content of the goat milk than the three new DPMs based on F, F and SNF and F and TS, respectively. Accordingly, three different formulations of FU are proposed, depending on the availability of data including both F and TS (or F and SNF) or F alone. Even though several metrics can be used in defining the FU for milk to be used in LCAs of goat farming systems, the proposed FU formulations should be adopted in place of the similar energy-based ones developed for other dairy species.

Preparation of the Second Shipment of Spent Nuclear Fuel from the Ustav Jaderneho Vyzkumu Rez (UJV Rez), a.s., Czech Republic to the Russian Federation for Reprocessing - 13478

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

Trtilek, Radek; Podlaha, Josef

After more than 50 years of operation of the LVR-15 research reactor operated by the UJV Rez, a. s. (formerly Nuclear Research Institute - NRI), a large amount of the spent nuclear fuel (SNF) of Russian origin has been accumulated. In 2005 UJV Rez, a. s. jointed the Russian Research Reactor Fuel Return (RRRFR) program under the United States (US) - Russian Global Threat Reduction Initiative (GTRI) and started the process of SNF shipment from the LVR-15 research reactor back to the Russian Federation (RF). In 2007 the first shipment of SNF was realized. In 2011, preparation of the secondmore » shipment of spent fuel from the Czech Republic started. The experience obtained from the first shipment will be widely used, but some differences must be taken into the account. The second shipment will be realized in 2013 and will conclude the return transport of all, both fresh and spent, high-enriched nuclear fuel from the Czech Republic to the Russian Federation. After the shipment is completed, there will be only low-enriched nuclear fuel on the territory of the Czech Republic, containing maximum of 20% of U-235, which is the conventionally recognized limit between the low- and high-enriched nuclear materials. The experience (technical, organizational, administrative, logistic) obtained from the each SNF shipment as from the Czech Republic as from other countries using the Russian type research reactors are evaluated and projected onto preparation of next shipment of high enriched nuclear fuel back to the Russian Federation. The results shown all shipments provided by the UJV Rez, a. s. in the frame of the GTRI Program have been performed successfully and safely. It is expected the experience and results will be applied to preparation and completing of the Chinese Miniature Neutron Source Reactors (MNSR) Spent Nuclear Fuel Repatriation in the near future. (authors)« less

Nitrogen and phosphorus limitation over long-term ecosystem development in terrestrial ecosystems.

PubMed

Menge, Duncan N L; Hedin, Lars O; Pacala, Stephen W

2012-01-01

Nutrient limitation to net primary production (NPP) displays a diversity of patterns as ecosystems develop over a range of timescales. For example, some ecosystems transition from N limitation on young soils to P limitation on geologically old soils, whereas others appear to remain N limited. Under what conditions should N limitation and P limitation prevail? When do transitions between N and P limitation occur? We analyzed transient dynamics of multiple timescales in an ecosystem model to investigate these questions. Post-disturbance dynamics in our model are controlled by a cascade of rates, from plant uptake (very fast) to litter turnover (fast) to plant mortality (intermediate) to plant-unavailable nutrient loss (slow) to weathering (very slow). Young ecosystems are N limited when symbiotic N fixation (SNF) is constrained and P weathering inputs are high relative to atmospheric N deposition and plant N:P demand, but P limited under opposite conditions. In the absence of SNF, N limitation is likely to worsen through succession (decades to centuries) because P is mineralized faster than N. Over long timescales (centuries and longer) this preferential P mineralization increases the N:P ratio of soil organic matter, leading to greater losses of plant-unavailable N versus P relative to plant N:P demand. These loss dynamics favor N limitation on older soils despite the rising organic matter N:P ratio. However, weathering depletion favors P limitation on older soils when continual P inputs (e.g., dust deposition) are low, so nutrient limitation at the terminal equilibrium depends on the balance of these input and loss effects. If NPP switches from N to P limitation over long time periods, the transition time depends most strongly on the P weathering rate. At all timescales SNF has the capacity to overcome N limitation, so nutrient limitation depends critically on limits to SNF.

Repressive LTR Nucleosome Positioning by the BAF Complex Is Required for HIV Latency

PubMed Central

Hakre, Shweta; Moshkin, Yuri; Verdin, Eric; Mahmoudi, Tokameh

2011-01-01

Persistence of a reservoir of latently infected memory T cells provides a barrier to HIV eradication in treated patients. Several reports have implicated the involvement of SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complexes in restricting early steps in HIV infection, in coupling the processes of integration and remodeling, and in promoter/LTR transcription activation and repression. However, the mechanism behind the seemingly contradictory involvement of SWI/SNF in the HIV life cycle remains unclear. Here we addressed the role of SWI/SNF in regulation of the latent HIV LTR before and after transcriptional activation. We determined the predicted nucleosome affinity of the LTR sequence and found a striking reverse correlation when compared to the strictly positioned in vivo LTR nucleosomal structure; sequences encompassing the DNase hypersensitive regions displayed the highest nucleosome affinity, while the strictly positioned nucleosomes displayed lower affinity for nucleosome formation. To examine the mechanism behind this reverse correlation, we used a combinatorial approach to determine DNA accessibility, histone occupancy, and the unique recruitment and requirement of BAF and PBAF, two functionally distinct subclasses of SWI/SNF at the LTR of HIV-infected cells before and after activation. We find that establishment and maintenance of HIV latency requires BAF, which removes a preferred nucleosome from DHS1 to position the repressive nucleosome-1 over energetically sub-optimal sequences. Depletion of BAF resulted in de-repression of HIV latency concomitant with a dramatic alteration in the LTR nucleosome profile as determined by high resolution MNase nucleosomal mapping. Upon activation, BAF was lost from the HIV promoter, while PBAF was selectively recruited by acetylated Tat to facilitate LTR transcription. Thus BAF and PBAF, recruited during different stages of the HIV life cycle, display opposing function on the HIV promoter. Our data point to the ATP-dependent BRG1 component of BAF as a putative therapeutic target to deplete the latent reservoir in patients. PMID:22140357

Prolonged acute mechanical ventilation and hospital bed utilization in 2020 in the United States: implications for budgets, plant and personnel planning

PubMed Central

Zilberberg, Marya D; Shorr, Andrew F

2008-01-01

Background Adult patients on prolonged acute mechanical ventilation (PAMV) comprise 1/3 of all adult MV patients, consume 2/3 of hospital resources allocated to MV population, and are nearly twice as likely to require a discharge to a skilled nursing facility (SNF). Their numbers are projected to double by year 2020. To aid in planning for this growth, we projected their annualized days and costs of hospital use and SNF discharges in year 2020 in the US. Methods We constructed a model estimating the relevant components of hospital utilization. We computed the total days and costs for each component; we also applied the risk for SNF discharge to the total 2020 PAMV population. The underlying assumption was that process of care does not change over the time horizon. We performed Monte Carlo simulations to establish 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the point estimates. Results Given 2020 projected PAMV volume of 605,898 cases, they will require 3.6 (95% CI 2.7–4.8) million MV, 5.5 (95% CI 4.3–7.0) million ICU and 10.3 (95% CI 8.1–13.0) million hospital days, representing an absolute increase of 2.1 million MV, 3.2 million ICU and 6.5 million hospital days over year 2000, at a total inflation-adjusted cost of over $64 billion. Expected discharges to SNF are 218,123 (95% CI 177,268–266,739), compared to 90,928 in 2000. Conclusion Our model suggest that the projected growth in the US in PAMV population by 2020 will result in annualized increases of more than 2, 3, and 6 million MV, ICU and hospital days, respectively, over year 2000. Such growth requires careful planning efforts and attention to efficiency of healthcare delivery. PMID:19032766

Time and tide: examining the potential for sediment delivery to a heavily modified tidal delta plain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hale, R. P.; Goodbred, S. L., Jr.; Bain, R. L.; Wilson, C.

2016-02-01

In SW Bangladesh, man-made barriers ("polders") built since the 1960s to protect agricultural resources from seasonal flooding have drastically altered delta-plain dynamics. With the link between tidal channels and the delta plain destroyed and no pathway for the delivery of new sediment, compaction, tectonic subsidence, and global sea-level rise have resulted in a scenario where much of the land surface behind the barriers sits 1.5 m below mean sea level. In the adjacent the Sundarbans National Forest (SNF), the lack of polders has allowed for sediment deposition during spring high tides, and sedimentation rates on the delta plain have kept pace with local sea level rise. Recent research has demonstrated the potential for rapid sedimentation in the inhabited areas following polder damage or destruction (Auerbach et al., 2015). These authors observed 40 cm/yr accumulation rates inside the poldered area following bank failures associated with a typhoon, and no obvious seasonality associated with the deposits. Preliminary research from within SNF, however, suggests that the accumulation rates are slightly faster during then monsoon (1.0-2.0 cm/yr) than the dry season (0.2-1.4 cm/yr). In this study, we address seasonal differences through a comparison of tidal elevations and suspended sediment concentrations (SSC) across tidal ranges and seasons, in both the SNF, and the tidal channels adjacent to the poldered region (PR). Water velocity appears to be the primary control on SSC, and there is no obvious seasonal variability in maximum observed SSC (PR: 0.1-0.8 g/l; SNF: 0.01-0.35 g/l). Peak tidal elevations remain unchanged across seasons, however the time of delta plain inundation time increases during the monsoon, which might control seasonal accumulation rates. Understanding more about this seasonal variability will be critical for future engineering and policy decisions surrounding how to best mitigate and manage land loss in the PR going forward.

Allosteric Activation of Bacterial Swi2/Snf2 (Switch/Sucrose Non-fermentable) Protein RapA by RNA Polymerase

PubMed Central

Kakar, Smita; Fang, Xianyang; Lubkowska, Lucyna; Zhou, Yan Ning; Shaw, Gary X.; Wang, Yun-Xing; Jin, Ding Jun; Kashlev, Mikhail; Ji, Xinhua

2015-01-01

Members of the Swi2/Snf2 (switch/sucrose non-fermentable) family depend on their ATPase activity to mobilize nucleic acid-protein complexes for gene expression. In bacteria, RapA is an RNA polymerase (RNAP)-associated Swi2/Snf2 protein that mediates RNAP recycling during transcription. It is known that the ATPase activity of RapA is stimulated by its interaction with RNAP. It is not known, however, how the RapA-RNAP interaction activates the enzyme. Previously, we determined the crystal structure of RapA. The structure revealed the dynamic nature of its N-terminal domain (Ntd), which prompted us to elucidate the solution structure and activity of both the full-length protein and its Ntd-truncated mutant (RapAΔN). Here, we report the ATPase activity of RapA and RapAΔN in the absence or presence of RNAP and the solution structures of RapA and RapAΔN either ligand-free or in complex with RNAP. Determined by small-angle x-ray scattering, the solution structures reveal a new conformation of RapA, define the binding mode and binding site of RapA on RNAP, and show that the binding sites of RapA and σ70 on the surface of RNAP largely overlap. We conclude that the ATPase activity of RapA is inhibited by its Ntd but stimulated by RNAP in an allosteric fashion and that the conformational changes of RapA and its interaction with RNAP are essential for RNAP recycling. These and previous findings outline the functional cycle of RapA, which increases our understanding of the mechanism and regulation of Swi2/Snf2 proteins in general and of RapA in particular. The new structural information also leads to a hypothetical model of RapA in complex with RNAP immobilized during transcription. PMID:26272746

Evaluating the Quality of Patient Decision-Making Regarding Post-Acute Care.

PubMed

Burke, Robert E; Jones, Jacqueline; Lawrence, Emily; Ladebue, Amy; Ayele, Roman; Leonard, Chelsea; Lippmann, Brandi; Matlock, Daniel D; Allyn, Rebecca; Cumbler, Ethan

2018-05-01

Despite a national focus on post-acute care brought about by recent payment reforms, relatively little is known about how hospitalized older adults and their caregivers decide whether to go to a skilled nursing facility (SNF) after hospitalization. We sought to understand to what extent hospitalized older adults and their caregivers are empowered to make a high-quality decision about utilizing an SNF for post-acute care and what contextual or process elements led to satisfaction with the outcome of their decision once in SNF. Qualitative inquiry using the Ottawa Decision Support Framework (ODSF), a conceptual framework that describes key components of high-quality decision-making. Thirty-two previously community-dwelling older adults (≥ 65 years old) and 22 caregivers interviewed at three different hospitals and three skilled nursing facilities. We used key components of the ODSF to identify elements of context and process that affected decision-making and to what extent the outcome was characteristic of a high-quality decision: informed, values based, and not associated with regret or blame. The most important contextual themes were the presence of active medical conditions in the hospital that made decision-making difficult, prior experiences with hospital readmission or SNF, relative level of caregiver support, and pressure to make a decision quickly for which participants felt unprepared. Patients described playing a passive role in the decision-making process and largely relying on recommendations from the medical team. Patients commonly expressed resignation and a perceived lack of choice or autonomy, leading to dissatisfaction with the outcome. Understanding and intervening to improve the quality of decision-making regarding post-acute care supports is essential for improving outcomes of hospitalized older adults. Our results suggest that simply providing information is not sufficient; rather, incorporating key contextual factors and improving the decision-making process for both patients and clinicians are also essential.

Repressive LTR nucleosome positioning by the BAF complex is required for HIV latency.

PubMed

Rafati, Haleh; Parra, Maribel; Hakre, Shweta; Moshkin, Yuri; Verdin, Eric; Mahmoudi, Tokameh

2011-11-01

Persistence of a reservoir of latently infected memory T cells provides a barrier to HIV eradication in treated patients. Several reports have implicated the involvement of SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complexes in restricting early steps in HIV infection, in coupling the processes of integration and remodeling, and in promoter/LTR transcription activation and repression. However, the mechanism behind the seemingly contradictory involvement of SWI/SNF in the HIV life cycle remains unclear. Here we addressed the role of SWI/SNF in regulation of the latent HIV LTR before and after transcriptional activation. We determined the predicted nucleosome affinity of the LTR sequence and found a striking reverse correlation when compared to the strictly positioned in vivo LTR nucleosomal structure; sequences encompassing the DNase hypersensitive regions displayed the highest nucleosome affinity, while the strictly positioned nucleosomes displayed lower affinity for nucleosome formation. To examine the mechanism behind this reverse correlation, we used a combinatorial approach to determine DNA accessibility, histone occupancy, and the unique recruitment and requirement of BAF and PBAF, two functionally distinct subclasses of SWI/SNF at the LTR of HIV-infected cells before and after activation. We find that establishment and maintenance of HIV latency requires BAF, which removes a preferred nucleosome from DHS1 to position the repressive nucleosome-1 over energetically sub-optimal sequences. Depletion of BAF resulted in de-repression of HIV latency concomitant with a dramatic alteration in the LTR nucleosome profile as determined by high resolution MNase nucleosomal mapping. Upon activation, BAF was lost from the HIV promoter, while PBAF was selectively recruited by acetylated Tat to facilitate LTR transcription. Thus BAF and PBAF, recruited during different stages of the HIV life cycle, display opposing function on the HIV promoter. Our data point to the ATP-dependent BRG1 component of BAF as a putative therapeutic target to deplete the latent reservoir in patients.

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Surgical Risk Calculator Has a Role in Predicting Discharge to Post-Acute Care in Total Joint Arthroplasty.

PubMed

Goltz, Daniel E; Baumgartner, Billy T; Politzer, Cary S; DiLallo, Marcus; Bolognesi, Michael P; Seyler, Thorsten M

2018-01-01

Patient demand and increasing cost awareness have led to the creation of surgical risk calculators that attempt to predict the likelihood of adverse events and to facilitate risk mitigation. The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Surgical Risk Calculator is an online tool available for a wide variety of surgical procedures, and has not yet been fully evaluated in total joint arthroplasty. A single-center, retrospective review was performed on 909 patients receiving a unilateral primary total knee (496) or hip (413) arthroplasty between January 2012 and December 2014. Patient characteristics were entered into the risk calculator, and predicted outcomes were compared with observed results. Discrimination was evaluated using the receiver-operator area under the curve (AUC) for 90-day readmission, return to operating room (OR), discharge to skilled nursing facility (SNF)/rehab, deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). The risk calculator demonstrated adequate performance in predicting discharge to SNF/rehab (AUC 0.72). Discrimination was relatively limited for DVT (AUC 0.70, P = .2), 90-day readmission (AUC 0.63), PJI (AUC 0.67), and return to OR (AUC 0.59). Risk score differences between those who did and did not experience discharge to SNF/rehab, 90-day readmission, and PJI reached significance (P < .01). Predicted length of stay performed adequately, only overestimating by 0.2 days on average (rho = 0.25, P < .001). The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Surgical Risk Calculator has fair utility in predicting discharge to SNF/rehab, but limited usefulness for 90-day readmission, return to OR, DVT, and PJI. Although length of stay predictions are similar to actual outcomes, statistical correlation remains relatively weak. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Economic and clinical comparison of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate/polymer mesh tape with skin staples in total knee replacement.

PubMed

Sutton, Nadia; Schmitz, Niels-Derrek; Johnston, Stephen S

2018-04-01

To compare economic and clinical outcomes between skin staples and 2-octyl cyanoacrylate plus polymer mesh tape, Dermabond Prineo skin closure system, (SCS) among patients undergoing total knee replacement (TKR). Retrospective, observational study using the Premier Healthcare Database, which comprises hospital administrative and billing data for over 700 hospitals in the US. Patients selected for study had an elective hospital admission, with discharge occurring between January 2012 and September 2015, carrying primary ICD-9-CM procedure and diagnosis codes for TKR and osteoarthritis. Patients were classified into two mutually-exclusive groups based on billing records during the index admission: those with billing record(s) for the skin closure system (SCS group); and those with billing record(s) for skin staples (staple group). Primary outcomes were index admission's length of stay (LOS), total hospital costs, and discharge status (skilled nursing facility (SNF)/other versus home/home health-care); exploratory outcomes included operating room time (ORT) during index admission and 30, 60, and 90-day readmissions. The SCS and staple groups were propensity score matched (1:1/nearest neighbour/caliper=0.10) on patient, hospital, and provider characteristics. Multivariable regressions accounting for hospital-level clustering after matching were used to compare outcomes between study groups. Each group comprised 971 patients (1942 total patients; mean age: 65.3 years; female: 63.5%). The groups were generally well-balanced on matching covariates: mean standardised difference calculated across 49 covariates=0.049. Compared with the staple group, the SCS group had statistically significant shorter LOS (2.8 days versus 3.2 days, p=0.002), lower rate of discharge to SNF/other versus home/home health-care (26.4% versus 38.5%, p=0.011), and lower rate of 30, 60, and 90-day readmissions (30-day, 1.8% versus 4.4%, p=0.006; 60-day, 3.0% versus 5.4%, p<0.001; 90-day, 5.4% versus 7.4%, p=0.016). Differences between the groups for other outcomes were not statistically significant. Among patients undergoing TKR, use of the SCS was associated with shorter LOS, less resource intensive discharge status, and lower rates of all-cause readmission as compared with skin staples.

[RADIATION HYGIENIC MONITORING AT THE AREA OF THE LOCATION OF THE FAR EASTERN CENTER FOR RADIOACTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT (FEC "DALRAO"--BRANCH OF FSUE "ROSRAO")].

PubMed

Kiselev, S M; Shandala, N K; Akhromeev, S V; Gimadova, T I; Seregin, V A; Titov, A V; Biryukova, N G

2015-01-01

Intensification ofactivities in the field of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) and radioactive waste (RW) management in the Far East region of Russia assumes an increase of the environmental load on the territories adjacent to the enterprise and settlements. To ensure radiation safety during works on SNF and radioactive waste management in the standard mode of operation and during the rehabilitation works in the contaminated territories, there is need for the optimization of the existing system of radiation-hygienic monitoring, aimed at the implementation of complex dynamic observation of parameters of radiation-hygienic situation and radiation amount of the population living in the vicinity of the Far Eastern Center for Radioactive Waste Management (FEC "DALRAO"). To solve this problem there is required a significant amount of total and enough structured information on the character of the formation of the radiation situation, the potential ways of the spread of man-made pollution to the surrounding area, determining the radiation load on the population living in the vicinity of the object. In this paper there are presented the results of field studies of the radiation situation at the plant FEC "DALRAO", which were obtained during the course of expedition trips in 2009-2012.

The Development of a Primary Neural Crest Assay for Neuroblastoma Oncogenesis

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-09-01

NBL )  forms  from  immature  cells  of  the   sympathetic  nervous...system  (SNS).    A  prominent  category  of  high-­‐risk   NBL  is  MYCN   amplification  with  loss  of  heterozygosity...of   NBL  and  can   include  ARID1A,  a  component  of  the  SWI/SNF  chromatin-­‐remodeling  complex.    In  

Alpha Thalassemia/Mental Retardation Syndrome X-linked Gene Product ATRX Is Required for Proper Replication Restart and Cellular Resistance to Replication Stress*

PubMed Central

Leung, Justin Wai-Chung; Ghosal, Gargi; Wang, Wenqi; Shen, Xi; Wang, Jiadong; Li, Lei; Chen, Junjie

2013-01-01

Alpha thalassemia/mental retardation syndrome X-linked (ATRX) is a member of the SWI/SNF protein family of DNA-dependent ATPases. It functions as a chromatin remodeler and is classified as an SNF2-like helicase. Here, we showed somatic knock-out of ATRX displayed perturbed S-phase progression as well as hypersensitivity to replication stress. ATRX is recruited to sites of DNA damage, required for efficient checkpoint activation and faithful replication restart. In addition, we identified ATRX as a binding partner of MRE11-RAD50-NBS1 (MRN) complex. Together, these results suggest a non-canonical function of ATRX in guarding genomic stability. PMID:23329831

Intertumoral Heterogeneity within Medulloblastoma Subgroups.

PubMed

Cavalli, Florence M G; Remke, Marc; Rampasek, Ladislav; Peacock, John; Shih, David J H; Luu, Betty; Garzia, Livia; Torchia, Jonathon; Nor, Carolina; Morrissy, A Sorana; Agnihotri, Sameer; Thompson, Yuan Yao; Kuzan-Fischer, Claudia M; Farooq, Hamza; Isaev, Keren; Daniels, Craig; Cho, Byung-Kyu; Kim, Seung-Ki; Wang, Kyu-Chang; Lee, Ji Yeoun; Grajkowska, Wieslawa A; Perek-Polnik, Marta; Vasiljevic, Alexandre; Faure-Conter, Cecile; Jouvet, Anne; Giannini, Caterina; Nageswara Rao, Amulya A; Li, Kay Ka Wai; Ng, Ho-Keung; Eberhart, Charles G; Pollack, Ian F; Hamilton, Ronald L; Gillespie, G Yancey; Olson, James M; Leary, Sarah; Weiss, William A; Lach, Boleslaw; Chambless, Lola B; Thompson, Reid C; Cooper, Michael K; Vibhakar, Rajeev; Hauser, Peter; van Veelen, Marie-Lise C; Kros, Johan M; French, Pim J; Ra, Young Shin; Kumabe, Toshihiro; López-Aguilar, Enrique; Zitterbart, Karel; Sterba, Jaroslav; Finocchiaro, Gaetano; Massimino, Maura; Van Meir, Erwin G; Osuka, Satoru; Shofuda, Tomoko; Klekner, Almos; Zollo, Massimo; Leonard, Jeffrey R; Rubin, Joshua B; Jabado, Nada; Albrecht, Steffen; Mora, Jaume; Van Meter, Timothy E; Jung, Shin; Moore, Andrew S; Hallahan, Andrew R; Chan, Jennifer A; Tirapelli, Daniela P C; Carlotti, Carlos G; Fouladi, Maryam; Pimentel, José; Faria, Claudia C; Saad, Ali G; Massimi, Luca; Liau, Linda M; Wheeler, Helen; Nakamura, Hideo; Elbabaa, Samer K; Perezpeña-Diazconti, Mario; Chico Ponce de León, Fernando; Robinson, Shenandoah; Zapotocky, Michal; Lassaletta, Alvaro; Huang, Annie; Hawkins, Cynthia E; Tabori, Uri; Bouffet, Eric; Bartels, Ute; Dirks, Peter B; Rutka, James T; Bader, Gary D; Reimand, Jüri; Goldenberg, Anna; Ramaswamy, Vijay; Taylor, Michael D

2017-06-12

While molecular subgrouping has revolutionized medulloblastoma classification, the extent of heterogeneity within subgroups is unknown. Similarity network fusion (SNF) applied to genome-wide DNA methylation and gene expression data across 763 primary samples identifies very homogeneous clusters of patients, supporting the presence of medulloblastoma subtypes. After integration of somatic copy-number alterations, and clinical features specific to each cluster, we identify 12 different subtypes of medulloblastoma. Integrative analysis using SNF further delineates group 3 from group 4 medulloblastoma, which is not as readily apparent through analyses of individual data types. Two clear subtypes of infants with Sonic Hedgehog medulloblastoma with disparate outcomes and biology are identified. Medulloblastoma subtypes identified through integrative clustering have important implications for stratification of future clinical trials. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Mitigation of enamel erosion using commercial toothpastes evaluated with optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cassimiro-Silva, Patricia Fernandes; Maia, Ana Marly Araújo; Monteiro, Gabriela Queiroz de Melo; Gomes, Anderson S. L.

2016-03-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of commercial toothpastes containing sodium fluoride (NaF), stannous fluoride (SnF2), or casein phosphopeptides (CPP)-amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP)/NaF regarding their potential to inhibit enamel erosion. Twenty-eight 4×4 mm enamel specimens were randomly allocated into 4 groups (n=7): negative control; Pronamel (NaF); Pro Health (SnF2/NaF); Mi Paste Plus (CPP-ACP/NaF). Erosive cycles with 0.5% citric acid, 5 times, 3 minutes/day for 7 days were performed. After the first and last cycle of each day, toothpaste slurries were applied for 2 min. The quantitative analysis was accomplished using Contact Profilometry and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), complemented by roughness and qualitative scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. OCT and Profilometry analysis showed similar effectiveness in measuring the reduction of mineral loss. A significant increase in the mean roughness values was observed on eroded surface and also on treated surface as revealed by scanning electron microscopy. The use of SnF2/NaF toothpaste was the most effective method for reducing mineral loss. As quantitative methods, OCT and Contact Profilometry showed no statistical differences. OCT, which was used for this purpose for the first time, has the advantage of being noninvasive, and therefore have the potential for clinical application.

Update and evaluation of decay data for spent nuclear fuel analyses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simeonov, Teodosi; Wemple, Charles

2017-09-01

Studsvik's approach to spent nuclear fuel analyses combines isotopic concentrations and multi-group cross-sections, calculated by the CASMO5 or HELIOS2 lattice transport codes, with core irradiation history data from the SIMULATE5 reactor core simulator and tabulated isotopic decay data. These data sources are used and processed by the code SNF to predict spent nuclear fuel characteristics. Recent advances in the generation procedure for the SNF decay data are presented. The SNF decay data includes basic data, such as decay constants, atomic masses and nuclide transmutation chains; radiation emission spectra for photons from radioactive decay, alpha-n reactions, bremsstrahlung, and spontaneous fission, electrons and alpha particles from radioactive decay, and neutrons from radioactive decay, spontaneous fission, and alpha-n reactions; decay heat production; and electro-atomic interaction data for bremsstrahlung production. These data are compiled from fundamental (ENDF, ENSDF, TENDL) and processed (ESTAR) sources for nearly 3700 nuclides. A rigorous evaluation procedure of internal consistency checks and comparisons to measurements and benchmarks, and code-to-code verifications is performed at the individual isotope level and using integral characteristics on a fuel assembly level (e.g., decay heat, radioactivity, neutron and gamma sources). Significant challenges are presented by the scope and complexity of the data processing, a dearth of relevant detailed measurements, and reliance on theoretical models for some data.

Dissolution experiments of commercial PWR (52 MWd/kgU) and BWR (53 MWd/kgU) spent nuclear fuel cladded segments in bicarbonate water under oxidizing conditions. Experimental determination of matrix and instant release fraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

González-Robles, E.; Serrano-Purroy, D.; Sureda, R.; Casas, I.; de Pablo, J.

2015-10-01

The denominated instant release fraction (IRF) is considered in performance assessment (PA) exercises to govern the dose that could arise from the repository. A conservative definition of IRF comprises the total inventory of radionuclides located in the gap, fractures, and the grain boundaries and, if present, in the high burn-up structure (HBS). The values calculated from this theoretical approach correspond to an upper limit that likely does not correspond to what it will be expected to be instantaneously released in the real system. Trying to ascertain this IRF from an experimental point of view, static leaching experiments have been carried out with two commercial UO2 spent nuclear fuels (SNF): one from a pressurized water reactor (PWR), labelled PWR, with an average burn-up (BU) of 52 MWd/kgU and fission gas release (FGR) of 23.1%, and one from a boiling water reactor (BWR), labelled BWR, with an average BU of and 53 MWd/kgU and FGR of 3.9%. One sample of each SNF, consisting of fuel and cladding, has been leached in bicarbonate water during one year under oxidizing conditions at room temperature (25 ± 5)°C. The behaviour of the concentration measured in solution can be divided in two according to the release rate. All radionuclides presented an initial release rate that after some days levels down to a slower second one, which remains constant until the end of the experiment. Cumulative fraction of inventory in aqueous phase (FIAPc) values has been calculated. Results show faster release in the case of the PWR SNF. In both cases Np, Pu, Am, Cm, Y, Tc, La and Nd dissolve congruently with U, while dissolution of Zr, Ru and Rh is slower. Rb, Sr, Cs and Mo, dissolve faster than U. The IRF of Cs at 10 and 200 days has been calculated, being (3.10 ± 0.62) and (3.66 ± 0.73) for PWR fuel, and (0.35 ± 0.07) and (0.51 ± 0.10) for BWR fuel.

Chromatin Remodeling and Plant Immunity.

PubMed

Chen, W; Zhu, Q; Liu, Y; Zhang, Q

Chromatin remodeling, an important facet of the regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes, is performed by two major types of multisubunit complexes, covalent histone- or DNA-modifying complexes, and ATP-dependent chromosome remodeling complexes. Snf2 family DNA-dependent ATPases constitute the catalytic subunits of ATP-dependent chromosome remodeling complexes, which accounts for energy supply during chromatin remodeling. Increasing evidence indicates a critical role of chromatin remodeling in the establishment of long-lasting, even transgenerational immune memory in plants, which is supported by the findings that DNA methylation, histone deacetylation, and histone methylation can prime the promoters of immune-related genes required for disease defense. So what are the links between Snf2-mediated ATP-dependent chromosome remodeling and plant immunity, and what mechanisms might support its involvement in disease resistance? © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

SNF Interim Storage Canister Corrosion and Surface Environment Investigations

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

Bryan, Charles R.; Enos, David G.

2015-09-01

This progress report describes work being done at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) to assess the localized corrosion performance of container/cask materials used in the interim storage of spent nuclear fuel (SNF). Of particular concern is stress corrosion cracking (SCC), by which a through-wall crack could potentially form in a canister outer wall over time intervals that are shorter than possible dry storage times. In order for SCC to occur, three criteria must be met. A corrosive environment must be present on the canister surface, the metal must susceptible to SCC, and sufficient tensile stress to support SCC must be presentmore » through the entire thickness of the canister wall. SNL is currently evaluating the potential for each of these criteria to be met.« less

Spent fuel measurements. passive neutron albedo reactivity (PNAR) and photon signatures

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

Eigenbrodt, Julia; Menlove, Howard Olsen

2016-03-29

The International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) safeguards technical objective is the timely detection of a diversion of a significant quantity of nuclear material from peaceful activities to the manufacture of nuclear weapons or of other nuclear explosive devices or for purposes unknown, and deterrence of such diversion by the risk of early detection. An important IAEA task towards meeting this objective is the ability to accurately and reliably measure spent nuclear fuel (SNF) to verify reactor operating parameters and verify that the fuel has not been removed from reactors or SNF storage facilities. This dissertation analyzes a method to improvemore » the state-of-the-art of nuclear material safeguards measurements using two combined measurement techniques: passive neutron albedo reactivity (PNAR) and passive spectral photon measurements.« less

Comparison of the incipient lesion enamel fluoride uptake from various prescription and OTC fluoride toothpastes and gels.

PubMed

Schemehorn, B R; DiMarino, J C; Movahed, N

2014-01-01

The objective of this in vitro study was to compare the fluoride uptake into incipient enamel lesions of a novel 970 ppm F- ion SnF2 over-the-counter (OTC) gel (Enamelon Preventive Treatment Gel) and a novel 1150 ppm F- ion OTC toothpaste (Enamelon), each delivering amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP), to the uptake from two different prescription strength, 5000 ppm F- ion dentifrices containing tri-calcium phosphate (TCP) and a prescription 900 ppm F- ion paste containing casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP). The test procedure followed method #40 in the US-FDA Anticaries Drug Products for OTC Human Use, Final Monograph testing procedures. Eight sets of twelve incisor enamel cores were mounted in Plexiglas rods and the exposed surfaces were polished. The indigenous fluoride levels of each specimen were determined prior to treatment. The treatments were performed using slurries of a negative control (water) and the following products applied to a set of sound enamel cores: 5000 ppm F- ion, sodium fluoride (NaF) prescription (Rx) dentifrice "A" containing TCP; 5000 ppm F- ion, NaF Rx dentifrice "B" containing TCP; 900 ppm F- ion, NaF Rx paste with CPP-ACP; 1150 ppm F- ion, NaF OTC toothpaste; 1150 ppm F- ion, stannous fluoride (SnF2) OTC toothpaste delivering ACP (Enamelon); 1100 ppm F- ion, SnF2 OTC toothpaste; and 970 ppm F- ion, SnF2 OTC gel delivering ACP (Enamelon Preventive Treatment Gel). The twelve specimens of each group were immersed into 25 ml of their assigned slurry with constant stirring (350 rpm) for 30 minutes. Following treatment, one layer of enamel was removed from each specimen and analyzed for fluoride and calcium. The pre-treatment fluoride (indigenous) level of each specimen was subtracted from the post-treatment value to determine the change in enamel fluoride due to the test treatment. The increase in the average fluoride uptake for treated enamel cores was: 10,263 ± 295 ppm for the 970 ppm F- ion, Enamelon Preventive Treatment Gel; 7,016 ± 353 ppm for the 1150 ppm F- ion Enamelon Toothpaste; 4,138 ± 120 ppm for the 5000 ppm F- ion, NaF prescription dentifrice "A" with TCP; 3801 ± 121 ppm for the 5000 ppm F- ion, NaF prescription dentifrice "B" with TCP; 2,647 ± 57 ppm for the 1100 ppm F- ion, SnF2 OTC toothpaste; 1470 ± 40 ppm for the 1150 ppm F- ion, NaF OTC toothpaste; and 316 ± 9 ppm for the 900 ppm F- ion, NaF paste with CPP-ACP. The differences among all the products tested were statistically significant (p < 0.05), except for the two 5000 ppm F- ion products with TCP that were not statistically different from one another, and the 900 ppm F ion, NaF paste with CPP-ACP that was not statistically different from the negative water control. The Enamelon products (970 ppm and 150 ppm F ion, SnF2OTC dentifrices) delivering ACP provide statistically significantly more fluoride to incipient enamel lesions than two prescription strength 5000 ppm F- ion toothpastes containing TCP, the 900 ppm F- ion prescription paste containing CPP-ACP, and the other OTC toothpastes compared in this study.

Improving cancer patient emergency room utilization: A New Jersey state assessment.

PubMed

Scholer, Anthony J; Mahmoud, Omar M; Ghosh, Debopyria; Schwartzman, Jacob; Farooq, Mohammed; Cabrera, Javier; Wieder, Robert; Adam, Nabil R; Chokshi, Ravi J

2017-12-01

Due to its increasing incidence and its major contribution to healthcare costs, cancer is a major public health problem in the United States. The impact across different services is not well documented and utilization of emergency departments (ED) by cancer patients is not well characterized. The aim of our study was to identify factors that can be addressed to improve the appropriate delivery of quality cancer care thereby reducing ED utilization, decreasing hospitalizations and reducing the related healthcare costs. The New Jersey State Inpatient and Emergency Department Databases were used to identify the primary outcome variables; patient disposition and readmission rates. The independent variables were demographics, payer and clinical characteristics. Multivariable unconditional logistic regression models using clinical and demographic data were used to predict hospital admission or emergency department return. A total of 37,080 emergency department visits were cancer related with the most common diagnosis attributed to lung cancer (30.0%) and the most common presentation was pain. The disposition of patients who visit the ED due to cancer related issues is significantly affected by the factors of race (African American OR=0.6, p value=0.02 and Hispanic OR=0.5, p value=0.02, respectively), age aged 65 to 75years (SNF/ICF OR 2.35, p value=0.00 and Home Healthcare Service OR 5.15, p value=0.01, respectively), number of diagnoses (OR 1.26, p value=0.00), insurance payer (SNF/ICF OR 2.2, p value=0.02 and Home Healthcare Services OR 2.85, p value=0.07, respectively) and type of cancer (breast OR 0.54, p value=0.01, prostate OR 0.56, p value=0.01, uterine OR 0.37, p value=0.02, and other OR 0.62, p value=0.05, respectively). In addition, comorbidities increased the likelihood of death, being transferred to SNF/ICF, or utilization of home healthcare services (OR 1.6, p value=0.00, OR 1.18, p value=0.00, and OR 1.16, p value=0.04, respectively). Readmission is significantly affected by race (American Americans OR 0.41, standard error 0.08, p value=0.001 and Hispanics OR 0.29, standard error 0.11, p value=0.01, respectively), income (Quartile 2 OR 0.98, standard error 0.14, p value 0.01, Quartile 3 OR 1.07, standard error 0.13, p value 0.01, and Quartile 4 OR 0.88, standard error 0.12, p value 0.01, respectively), and type of cancer (prostate OR 0.25, standard error 0.09, p value=0.001). Web based symptom questionnaires, patient navigators, end of life nursing and clinical cancer pathways can identify, guide and prompt early initiation of treat before progression of symptoms in cancer patients most likely to visit the ED. Thus, improving cancer patient satisfaction, outcomes and reduce health care costs. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

ASSEMBLY TRANSFER SYSTEM DESCRIPTION DOCUMENT

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

B. Gorpani

2000-06-26

The Assembly Transfer System (ATS) receives, cools, and opens rail and truck transportation casks from the Carrier/Cask Handling System (CCHS). The system unloads transportation casks consisting of bare Spent Nuclear Fuel (SNF) assemblies, single element canisters, and Dual Purpose Canisters (DPCs). For casks containing DPCs, the system opens the DPCs and unloads the SNF. The system stages the assemblies, transfer assemblies to and from fuel-blending inventory pools, loads them into Disposal Containers (DCs), temporarily seals and inerts the DC, decontaminates the DC and transfers it to the Disposal Container Handling System. The system also prepares empty casks and DPCs formore » off-site shipment. Two identical Assembly Transfer System lines are provided in the Waste Handling Building (WHB). Each line operates independently to handle the waste transfer throughput and to support maintenance operations. Each system line primarily consists of wet and dry handling areas. The wet handling area includes a cask transport system, cask and DPC preparation system, and a wet assembly handling system. The basket transport system forms the transition between the wet and dry handling areas. The dry handling area includes the dry assembly handling system, assembly drying system, DC preparation system, and DC transport system. Both the wet and dry handling areas are controlled by the control and tracking system. The system operating sequence begins with moving transportation casks to the cask preparation area. The cask preparation operations consist of cask cavity gas sampling, cask venting, cask cool-down, outer lid removal, and inner shield plug lifting fixture attachment. Casks containing bare SNF (no DPC) are filled with water and placed in the cask unloading pool. The inner shield plugs are removed underwater. For casks containing a DPC, the cask lid(s) is removed, and the DPC is penetrated, sampled, vented, and cooled. A DPC lifting fixture is attached and the cask is placed into the cask unloading pool. In the cask unloading pool the DPC is removed from the cask and placed in an overpack and the DPC lid is severed and removed. Assemblies are removed from either an open cask or DPC and loaded into assembly baskets positioned in the basket staging rack in the assembly unloading pool. A method called ''blending'' is utilized to load DCs with a heat output of less than 11.8 kW. This involves combining hotter and cooler assemblies from different baskets. Blending requires storing some of the hotter fuel assemblies in fuel-blending inventory pools until cooler assemblies are available. The assembly baskets are then transferred from the basket staging rack to the assembly handling cell and loaded into the assembly drying vessels. After drying, the assemblies are removed from the assembly drying vessels and loaded into a DC positioned below the DC load port. After installation of a DC inner lid and temporary sealing device, the DC is transferred to the DC decontamination cell where the top area of the DC, the DC lifting collar, and the DC inner lid and temporary sealing device are decontaminated, and the DC is evacuated and backfilled with inert gas to prevent prolonged clad exposure to air. The DC is then transferred to the Disposal Container Handling System for lid welding. In another cask preparation and decontamination area, lids are replaced on the empty transportation casks and DPC overpacks, the casks and DPC overpacks are decontaminated, inspected, and transferred to the Carrier/Cask Handling System for shipment off-site. All system equipment is designed to facilitate manual or remote operation, decontamination, and maintenance. The system interfaces with the Carrier/Cask Handling System for incoming and outgoing transportation casks and DPCs. The system also interfaces with the Disposal Container Handling System, which prepares the DC for loading and subsequently seals the loaded DC. The system support interfaces are the Waste Handling Building System and other internal WHB support systems.« less

Organizational context associated with time spent evaluating language and cognitive-communicative impairments in skilled nursing facilities: Survey results within an implementation science framework.

PubMed

Douglas, Natalie F

2016-01-01

The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) was developed to merge research and practice in healthcare by accounting for the many elements that influence evidence-based treatment implementation. These include characteristics of the individuals involved, features of the treatment itself, and aspects of the organizational culture where the treatment is being provided. The purpose of this study was to apply the CFIR to a measurement of current practice patterns of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) working in the skilled nursing facility (SNF) environment. In an effort to inform future evidence-based practice implementation interventions, research questions addressed current practice patterns, clinician treatment use and preferences, and perceptions of the organizational context including leadership, resources, and other staff. Surveys were mailed to each SLP working in a SNF in the state of Michigan. Participants (N=77, 19% response rate) completed a survey mapping on to CFIR components impacting evidence-based practice implementation. Quantitative descriptive and nonparametric correlational analyses were completed. Use of evidence-based treatments by SLPs in SNFs was highly variable. Negative correlations between treating speech and voice disorders and treating swallowing disorders (rs=-.35, p<.01), evaluating language and cognitive-communicative disorders and treating swallowing disorders (rs=-.30, p<.01), treating language and cognitive-communicative disorders and treating swallowing disorders (rs=-.67, p<.01), and evaluating swallowing disorders and treating language and cognitive-communicative disorders (rs=-.37, p<.01) were noted. A positive correlation between the SLPs' perception of organizational context and time spent evaluating language and other cognitive-communicative disorders (rs=.27, p<.05) was also present. Associative data suggest that the more an SLP in the SNF evaluates and treats swallowing disorders, the less he or she will evaluate speech, voice, language or other cognitive-communicative disorders. Further, SLPs in this sample spent more time evaluating language and cognitive-communicative impairments if they perceived their organizational context in a more positive way. The CFIR may guide treatment and implementation research to increase the uptake of evidence-based practices for SLPs working in the SNF setting. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Differential wolf-pack-size persistence and the role of risk when hunting dangerous prey

USGS Publications Warehouse

Barber-Meyer, Shannon M.; Mech, L. David; Newton, Wesley E.; Borg, Bridget

2016-01-01

Risk to predators hunting dangerous prey is an emerging area of research and could account for possible persistent differences in gray wolf (Canis lupus) pack sizes. We documented significant differences in long-term wolf-pack-size averages and variation in the Superior National Forest (SNF), Denali National Park and Preserve, Yellowstone National Park, and Yukon, Canada (p<0.01). The SNF differences could be related to the wolves’ risk when hunting primary prey, for those packs (N=3) hunting moose (Alces americanus) were significantly larger than those (N=10) hunting white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) (F1,8=16.50, p=0.004). Our data support the hypothesis that differential pack-size persistence may be perpetuated by differences in primary prey riskiness to wolves, and we highlight two important extensions of this idea: (1) the potential for wolves to provision and defend injured packmates from other wolves and (2) the importance of less-risky, buffer prey to pack-size persistence and year-to-year variation. Risk to predators hunting dangerous prey is an emerging area of research and could account for possible persistent differences in gray wolf (Canis lupus) pack sizes. We documented significant differences in long-term wolf-pack-size averages and variation in the Superior National Forest (SNF), Denali National Park and Preserve, Yellowstone National Park, and Yukon, Canada (p<0.01). The SNF differences could be related to the wolves’ risk when hunting primary prey, for those packs (N=3) hunting moose (Alces americanus) were significantly larger than those (N=10) hunting white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) (F1,8=16.50, p=0.004). Our data support the hypothesis that differential pack-size persistence may be perpetuated by differences in primary prey riskiness to wolves, and we highlight two important extensions of this idea: (1) the potential for wolves to provision and defend injured packmates from other wolves and (2) the importance of less-risky, buffer prey to pack-size persistence and year-to-year variation.

Low RNA Polymerase III activity results in up regulation of HXT2 glucose transporter independently of glucose signaling and despite changing environment

PubMed Central

Szatkowska, Roza

2017-01-01

Background Saccharomyces cerevisiae responds to glucose availability in the environment, inducing the expression of the low-affinity transporters and high-affinity transporters in a concentration dependent manner. This cellular decision making is controlled through finely tuned communication between multiple glucose sensing pathways including the Snf1-Mig1, Snf3/Rgt2-Rgt1 (SRR) and cAMP-PKA pathways. Results We demonstrate the first evidence that RNA Polymerase III (RNAP III) activity affects the expression of the glucose transporter HXT2 (RNA Polymerase II dependent—RNAP II) at the level of transcription. Down-regulation of RNAP III activity in an rpc128-1007 mutant results in a significant increase in HXT2 mRNA, which is considered to respond only to low extracellular glucose concentrations. HXT2 expression is induced in the mutant regardless of the growth conditions either at high glucose concentration or in the presence of a non-fermentable carbon source such as glycerol. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), we found an increased association of Rgt1 and Tup1 transcription factors with the highly activated HXT2 promoter in the rpc128-1007 strain. Furthermore, by measuring cellular abundance of Mth1 corepressor, we found that in rpc128-1007, HXT2 gene expression was independent from Snf3/Rgt2-Rgt1 (SRR) signaling. The Snf1 protein kinase complex, which needs to be active for the release from glucose repression, also did not appear perturbed in the mutated strain. Conclusions/Significance These findings suggest that the general activity of RNAP III can indirectly affect the RNAP II transcriptional machinery on the HXT2 promoter when cellular perception transduced via the major signaling pathways, broadly recognized as on/off switch essential to either positive or negative HXT gene regulation, remain entirely intact. Further, Rgt1/Ssn6-Tup1 complex, which has a dual function in gene transcription as a repressor-activator complex, contributes to HXT2 transcriptional activation. PMID:28961268

Accelerator-Driven Subcritical System for Disposing of the U.S. Spent Nuclear Fuel Inventory

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

Gohar, Yousry; Cao, Yan; Kraus, Adam R.

The current United States inventory of the spent nuclear fuel (SNF) is ~80,000 metric tons of heavy metal (MTHM), including ~131 tons of minor actinides (MAs) and ~669 tons of plutonium. This study describes a conceptual design of an accelerator-driven subcritical (ADS) system for disposing of this SNF inventory by utilizing the 131 tons of MAs inventory and a fraction of the plutonium inventory for energy production, and transmuting some long-lived fission products. An ADS system with a homogeneous subcritical fission blanket was first examined. A spallation neutron source is used to drive the blanket and it is produced frommore » the interaction of a 1-GeV proton beam with a lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) target. The blanket has a liquid mobile fuel using LBE as the fuel carrier. The fuel materials are dissolved, mixed, or suspended in the liquid fuel carrier. Monte Carlo analyses were performed to determine the overall parameters of the concept. Steady-state Monte Carlo simulations were performed for three similar fission blankets. Except for, the loaded amount of actinide materials in the LBE is either 5, 7, or 10% of the total volume of the blanket, respectively. The neutron multiplication factors of the three blankets are ~0.98 and the initial MAs blanket inventories are ~10 tons. In addition, Monte Carlo burnup simulations using the MCB5 code were performed to analyze the performance of the three conceptual ADS systems. During operation, fresh fuel was fed into the fission blanket to adjust its reactivity and to control the system power. The burnup analysis shows that the three ADS concepts consume about 1.2 tons of actinides per full power year and produce 3 GW thermal power, with a proton beam power of 25 MW. For the blankets with 5, 7, or 10% actinide fuel particles loaded in the LBE, assuming that the ADS systems can be operated for 35 full-power years, the total MA materials consumed in the three ADS systems are about 30.6, 35.3, and 37.2 tons, respectively. Thus, the corresponding numbers of ADS systems to utilize the 131 tons of MA materials of the SNF inventory are 4.3, 3.7, or 3.5, respectively. ADS concepts with tube bundles inserted in the fission blanket were analyzed to overcome the disadvantages of the homogeneous blanket concept. The liquid lead is used as the target material, the mobile fuel carrier, and the primary coolant to avoid the polonium production from bismuth. Reactor physics and thermal-hydraulic analyses were coupled to determine the parameters of the heterogeneous fission blanket. The engineering requirements for a satisfactory operation performance of the HT-9 ferritic steel structure material have been realized. Two heterogeneous concepts of the subcritical fission blanket with the liquid lead mobile fuel inside or outside the tube bundles were considered. The heterogeneous configuration with the mobile fuel inside the tubes showed better performance than the configuration with mobile fuel outside the bundle tubes. The Monte Carlo burnup codes, MCB5 and SERPENT were both used to simulate the fuel burnup in the ADS concepts with the mobile fuels inside the tubes. The burnup analyses were carried out for 35 full power years. The results show that 5 ADS systems can dispose of the total United States inventory of the spent nuclear fuel.« less

42 CFR 424.20 - Requirements for posthospital SNF care.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... process whereby a physician extender works with a doctor of medicine or osteopathy to deliver health care... indicates whether utilization review is used as an alternative to the second and subsequent recertifications...

42 CFR 424.20 - Requirements for posthospital SNF care.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... process whereby a physician extender works with a doctor of medicine or osteopathy to deliver health care... indicates whether utilization review is used as an alternative to the second and subsequent recertifications...

42 CFR 424.20 - Requirements for posthospital SNF care.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... process whereby a physician extender works with a doctor of medicine or osteopathy to deliver health care... indicates whether utilization review is used as an alternative to the second and subsequent recertifications...

42 CFR 424.20 - Requirements for posthospital SNF care.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... process whereby a physician extender works with a doctor of medicine or osteopathy to deliver health care... indicates whether utilization review is used as an alternative to the second and subsequent recertifications...

An investigation of quality improvement initiatives in decreasing the rate of avoidable 30-day, skilled nursing facility-to-hospital readmissions: a systematic review.

PubMed

Mileski, Michael; Topinka, Joseph Baar; Lee, Kimberly; Brooks, Matthew; McNeil, Christopher; Jackson, Jenna

2017-01-01

The main objective was to investigate the applicability and effectiveness of quality improvement initiatives in decreasing the rate of avoidable 30-day, skilled nursing facility (SNF)-to-hospital readmissions. The rate of rehospitalizations from SNF within 30 days of original discharge has increased within the last decade. The research team participants conducted a literature review via Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature and PubMed to collect data about quality improvement implemented in SNFs. The most common facilitator was the incorporation of specialized staff. The most cited barriers were quality improvement tracking and implementation. These strategy examples can be useful to acute care hospitals attempting to lower bounce back from subacute care providers and long-term care facilities seeking quality improvement initiatives to reduce hospital readmissions.

The localization of nuclear exporters of the importin-beta family is regulated by Snf1 kinase, nutrient supply and stress.

PubMed

Quan, XinXin; Yu, Jennifer; Bussey, Howard; Stochaj, Ursula

2007-07-01

In the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, four members of the importin-beta family of nuclear carriers, Xpo1p/Crm1p, Cse1p, Msn5p and Los1p, function as exporters of protein and tRNA. Under normal growth conditions GFP-tagged exporters are predominantly associated with nuclei. The presence of Snf1 kinase, a key regulator of cell growth and a metabolic sensor, controls the localization of GFP-exporters. Additional glucose-dependent, but Snf1-independent, mechanisms regulate carrier distribution and a switch from fermentable to non-fermentable carbon sources relocates all of the carriers, suggesting a link to the nutritional status of the cell. Moreover, stress controls the proper localization of GFP-exporters, which mislocalize upon exposure to heat, ethanol and starvation. Stress may activate the MAPK cell integrity cascade, and we tested the role of this pathway in exporter localization. Under non-stress conditions, the proper distribution of GFP-Cse1p and Xpo1p/Crm1p-GFP requires kinases of the cell integrity cascade. By contrast, Msn5p-GFP and Los1p-GFP rely on the MAPK module to relocate to the cytoplasm when cells are stressed with ethanol. Our results indicate that the association of nuclear exporters with nuclei is controlled by multiple mechanisms that are organized in a hierarchical fashion and linked to the physiological state of the cell.

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

W. L. Poe, Jr.; P.F. Wise

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is preparing a proposal to construct, operate 2nd monitor, and eventually close a repository at Yucca Mountain in Nye County, Nevada, for the geologic disposal of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) and high-level radioactive waste (HLW). As part of this effort, DOE has prepared a viability assessment and an assessment of potential consequences that may exist if the repository is not constructed. The assessment of potential consequences if the repository is not constructed assumes that all SNF and HLW would be left at the generator sites. These include 72 commercial generator sites (three commercial facilitymore » pairs--Salem and Hope Creek, Fitzpatrick and Nine Mile Point, and Dresden and Morris--would share common storage due to their close proximity to each other) and five DOE sites across the country. DOE analyzed the environmental consequences of the effects of the continued storage of these materials at these sites in a report titled Continued Storage Analysis Report (CSAR; Reference 1 ) . The CSAR analysis includes a discussion of the degradation of these materials when exposed to the environment. This document describes the environmental parameters that influence the degradation analyzed in the CSAR. These include temperature, relative humidity, precipitation chemistry (pH and chemical composition), annual precipitation rates, annual number of rain-days, and annual freeze/thaw cycles. The document also tabulates weather conditions for each storage site, evaluates the degradation of concrete storage modules and vaults in different regions of the country, and provides a thermal analysis of commercial SNF in storage.« less

Generic Degraded Congiguration Probability Analysis for DOE Codisposal Waste Package

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

S.F.A. Deng; M. Saglam; L.J. Gratton

2001-05-23

In accordance with the technical work plan, ''Technical Work Plan For: Department of Energy Spent Nuclear Fuel Work Packages'' (CRWMS M&O 2000c), this Analysis/Model Report (AMR) is developed for the purpose of screening out degraded configurations for U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) spent nuclear fuel (SNF) types. It performs the degraded configuration parameter and probability evaluations of the overall methodology specified in the ''Disposal Criticality Analysis Methodology Topical Report'' (YMP 2000, Section 3) to qualifying configurations. Degradation analyses are performed to assess realizable parameter ranges and physical regimes for configurations. Probability calculations are then performed for configurations characterized by k{submore » eff} in excess of the Critical Limit (CL). The scope of this document is to develop a generic set of screening criteria or models to screen out degraded configurations having potential for exceeding a criticality limit. The developed screening criteria include arguments based on physical/chemical processes and probability calculations and apply to DOE SNF types when codisposed with the high-level waste (HLW) glass inside a waste package. The degradation takes place inside the waste package and is long after repository licensing has expired. The emphasis of this AMR is on degraded configuration screening and the probability analysis is one of the approaches used for screening. The intended use of the model is to apply the developed screening criteria to each DOE SNF type following the completion of the degraded mode criticality analysis internal to the waste package.« less

Analysis of the SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling complex during early heart development and BAF250a repression cardiac gene transcription during P19 cell differentiation

PubMed Central

Singh, Ajeet Pratap; Archer, Trevor K.

2014-01-01

The regulatory networks of differentiation programs and the molecular mechanisms of lineage-specific gene regulation in mammalian embryos remain only partially defined. We document differential expression and temporal switching of BRG1-associated factor (BAF) subunits, core pluripotency factors and cardiac-specific genes during post-implantation development and subsequent early organogenesis. Using affinity purification of BRG1 ATPase coupled to mass spectrometry, we characterized the cardiac-enriched remodeling complexes present in E8.5 mouse embryos. The relative abundance and combinatorial assembly of the BAF subunits provides functional specificity to Switch/Sucrose NonFermentable (SWI/SNF) complexes resulting in a unique gene expression profile in the developing heart. Remarkably, the specific depletion of the BAF250a subunit demonstrated differential effects on cardiac-specific gene expression and resulted in arrhythmic contracting cardiomyocytes in vitro. Indeed, the BAF250a physically interacts and functionally cooperates with Nucleosome Remodeling and Histone Deacetylase (NURD) complex subunits to repressively regulate chromatin structure of the cardiac genes by switching open and poised chromatin marks associated with active and repressed gene expression. Finally, BAF250a expression modulates BRG1 occupancy at the loci of cardiac genes regulatory regions in P19 cell differentiation. These findings reveal specialized and novel cardiac-enriched SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling complexes, which are required for heart formation and critical for cardiac gene expression regulation at the early stages of heart development. PMID:24335282

Multilocus analysis using putative fungal effectors to describe a population of Fusarium oxysporum from sugar beet.

PubMed

Covey, Paul A; Kuwitzky, Brett; Hanson, Mia; Webb, Kimberly M

2014-08-01

Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) Fusarium yellows is caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. betae and can lead to significant reductions in root yield, sucrose percentage, juice purity, and storability. F. oxysporum f. sp. betae can be highly variable and many F. oxysporum strains isolated from symptomatic sugar beet are nonpathogenic. Identifying pathogenicity factors and their diversity in the F. oxysporum f. sp. betae population could further understanding of how this pathogen causes disease and potentially provide molecular markers to rapidly identify pathogenic isolates. This study used several previously described fungal effector genes (Fmk1, Fow1, Pda1, PelA, PelD, Pep1, Prt1, Rho1, Sge1, Six1, Six6, Snf1, and Ste12) as genetic markers, in a population of 26 pathogenic and nonpathogenic isolates of F. oxysporum originally isolated from symptomatic sugar beet. Of the genes investigated, six were present in all F. oxysporum isolates from sugar beet (Fmk1, Fow1, PelA, Rho1, Snf1, and Ste12), and seven were found to be dispersed within the population (Pda1, PelD, Pep1, Prt1, Sge1, Six1, and Six6). Of these, Fmk1, Fow1, PelA, Rho1, Sge1, Snf1, and Ste12 were significant in relating clade designations and PelD, and Prt1 were significant for correlating with pathogenicity in F. oxysporum f. sp. betae.

The impact of inpatient palliative care on end of life care among older trauma patients who die after hospital discharge.

PubMed

Lilley, Elizabeth J; Lee, Katherine C; Scott, John W; Krumrei, Nicole J; Haider, Adil H; Salim, Ali; Gupta, Rajan; Cooper, Zara

2018-05-30

Palliative care is associated with lower intensity treatment and better outcomes at the end of life. Trauma surgeons play a critical role in end-of-life (EOL) care, however the impact of PC on healthcare utilization at the end of life has yet to be characterized in older trauma patients. This retrospective cohort study using 2006-2011 national Medicare claims included trauma patients ≥65 years who died within 180 days after discharge. The exposure of interest was inpatient palliative care during the trauma admission. A non-PC control group was developed by exact-matching for age, comorbidity, admission year, injury severity, length of stay, and post-discharge survival. We employed logistic regression to evaluate six EOL care outcomes: discharge to hospice, rehospitalization, skilled nursing facility (SNF) or long-term acute care hospital (LTACH) admission, death in an institutional setting, and intensive care unit (ICU) admission or receipt of life-sustaining treatments (LST) during a subsequent hospitalization. Of 294,665 patients who died within 180 days after discharge, 2.1% received inpatient PC. Among 5,693 matched pairs, inpatient PC was associated with increased odds of discharge to hospice (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 3.80 [3.54-4.09]) and reduced odds of rehospitalization (0.17[0.15-0.20]), SNF/LTACH admission (0.43[0.39-0.47]), death in an institutional setting (0.34[0.30-0.39]), subsequent ICU admission (0.51[0.36-0.72]), or receiving LST (0.56[0.39-0.80]). Inpatient palliative care is associated with lower intensity and less burdensome EOL care in the geriatric trauma population. Nonetheless, it remains underutilized among those who die within 6 months after discharge. Level III STUDY TYPE: Prognostic.

Effects of materials and design on the criticality and shielding assessment of canister concepts for the disposal of spent nuclear fuel.

PubMed

Gutiérrez, Miguel Morales; Caruso, Stefano; Diomidis, Nikitas

2018-05-19

According to the Swiss disposal concept, the safety of a deep geological repository for spent nuclear fuel (SNF) is based on a multi-barrier system. The disposal canister is an important component of the engineered barrier system, aiming to provide containment of the SNF for thousands of years. This study evaluates the criticality safety and shielding of candidate disposal canister concepts, focusing on the fulfilment of the sub-criticality criterion and on limiting radiolysis processes at the outer surface of the canister which can enhance corrosion mechanisms. The effective neutron multiplication factor (k-eff) and the surface dose rates are calculated for three different canister designs and material combinations for boiling water reactor (BWR) canisters, containing 12 spent fuel assemblies (SFA), and pressurized water reactor (PWR) canisters, with 4 SFAs. For each configuration, individual criticality and shielding calculations were carried out. The results show that k-eff falls below the defined upper safety limit (USL) of 0.95 for all BWR configurations, while staying above USL for the PWR ones. Therefore, the application of a burnup credit methodology for the PWR case is required, being currently under development. Relevant is also the influence of canister material and internal geometry on criticality, enabling the identification of safer fuel arrangements. For a final burnup of 55MWd/kgHM and 30y cooling time, the combined photon-neutron surface dose rate is well below the threshold of 1 Gy/h defined to limit radiation-induced corrosion of the canister in all cases. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

75 FR 59329 - Reasonable Charges for Inpatient MS-DRGs and SNF Medical Services; 2011 Fiscal Year Update

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-27

... and other professional charges, including professional charges for anesthesia services and dental... charges for anesthesia services and dental services; pathology and laboratory charges; observation care...

A Pilot Health Information Technology-Based Effort to Increase the Quality of Transitions From Skilled Nursing Facility to Home: Compelling Evidence of High Rate of Adverse Outcomes.

PubMed

Donovan, Jennifer L; Kanaan, Abir O; Gurwitz, Jerry H; Tjia, Jennifer; Cutrona, Sarah L; Garber, Lawrence; Preusse, Peggy; Field, Terry S

2016-04-01

Older adults are often transferred from hospitals to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) for post-acute care. Patients may be at risk for adverse outcomes after SNF discharges, but little research has focused on this period. Assessment of the feasibility of a transitional care intervention based on a combination of manual information transmission and health information technology to provide automated alert messages to primary care physicians and staff; pre-post analysis to assess potential impact. A multispecialty group practice. Adults aged 65 and older, discharged from SNFs to home; comparison group drawn from SNF discharges during the previous 1.5 years, matched on facility, patient age, and sex. For the pre-post analysis, we tracked rehospitalization within 30 days after discharge and adverse drug events within 45 days. The intervention was developed and implemented with manual transmission of information between 8 SNFs and the group practice followed by entry into the electronic health record. The process required a 5-day delay during which a large portion of the adverse events occurred. Over a 1-year period, automated alert messages were delivered to physicians and staff for the 313 eligible patients discharged from the 8 SNFs to home. We compared outcomes to those of individually matched discharges from the previous 1.5 years and found similar percentages with 30-day rehospitalizations (31% vs 30%, adjusted HR 1.06, 95% CI 0.80-1.4). Within the adverse drug event (ADE) study, 30% of the discharges during the intervention period and 30% of matched discharges had ADEs within 45 days. Older adults discharged from SNFs are at high risk of adverse outcomes immediately following discharge. Simply providing alerts to outpatient physicians, especially if delivered multiple days after discharge, is unlikely to have any impact on reducing these rates. Copyright © 2016 AMDA – The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Interaction of DOE SNF and Packaging Materials

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

P. A. Anderson

1998-09-01

A sensitivity analysis was conducted to identify and evaluate potential destructive interactions between the materials in US Department of Energy (USDOE) spent nuclear fuels (SNFs) and their storage/disposal canisters. The technical assessment was based on the thermodynamic properties as well as the chemical and physical characteristics of the materials expected inside the canisters. No chemical reactions were disclosed that could feasibly corrode stainless steel canisters to the point of failure. However, the possibility of embrittlement (loss of ductility) of the stainless steel through contact with liquid metal fission products or hydrogen inside the canisters cannot be dismissed. Higher-than-currently-permitted internal gasmore » pressures must also be considered. These results, based on the assessment of two representative 90-year-cooled fuels that are stored at 200°C in stainless steel canisters with internal blankets of helium, may be applied to most of the fuels in the USDOE's SNF inventory.« less

Molecular cloning and characterization of an SRCAP chromatin remodeling homologue in Toxoplasma gondii.

PubMed

Sullivan, William J; Monroy, M Alexandra; Bohne, Wolfgang; Nallani, Karuna C; Chrivia, John; Yaciuk, Peter; Smith, Charles K; Queener, Sherry F

2003-05-01

We have identified and mapped a gene in Toxoplasma gondii that encodes a homologue of SRCAP (Snf2-related CBP activator protein), a member of the SNF/SWI family of chromatin remodeling factors. The genomic locus (TgSRCAP) is present as a single copy and contains 16 introns. The predicted cDNA contains an open reading frame of 8,775 bp and encodes a protein of 2,924 amino acids. We have identified additional SRCAP-like sequences in Apicomplexa for comparison by screening genomic databases. An analysis of SRCAP homologues between species reveals signature features that may be indicative of SRCAP members. Expression of mRNA encoding TgSRCAP is upregulated when tachyzoite (invasive form) parasites are induced to differentiate into bradyzoites (encysted form) in vitro. Recombinant TgSRCAP protein is functionally equivalent to the human homologue, being capable of increasing transcription mediated by CREB.

The influence of financial incentives and racial status on the use of post-hospital care.

PubMed

Robertson, Madeline J; Broyles, Robert W; Khaliq, Amir

2004-01-01

This study examines the influence of financial incentives and the racial status of the patient on the use of extended care following an episode of hospitalization. Post-hospital care (PHC) is defined as the services provided by a skilled nursing facility (SNF) or intermediate care facility (ICF) following discharge. The focus of the analysis is on the use or nonuse of PHC, the presence or absence of a delay in transfer to an ICF or SNF and, limited to those who experienced a postponement, the length of the delayed discharge. After controlling for multiple factors, the results indicate that Medicare beneficiaries were more likely to use PHC, less likely to experience a delay in discharge, and used fewer days of prolonged care. Medicaid recipients and uninsured patients experienced reduced access to PHC. The results also indicated that the access of Native Americans and Americans to PHC was impeded.

Glycolysis Controls Plasma Membrane Glucose Sensors To Promote Glucose Signaling in Yeasts

PubMed Central

Cairey-Remonnay, Amélie; Deffaud, Julien; Wésolowski-Louvel, Micheline; Lemaire, Marc

2014-01-01

Sensing of extracellular glucose is necessary for cells to adapt to glucose variation in their environment. In the respiratory yeast Kluyveromyces lactis, extracellular glucose controls the expression of major glucose permease gene RAG1 through a cascade similar to the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Snf3/Rgt2/Rgt1 glucose signaling pathway. This regulation depends also on intracellular glucose metabolism since we previously showed that glucose induction of the RAG1 gene is abolished in glycolytic mutants. Here we show that glycolysis regulates RAG1 expression through the K. lactis Rgt1 (KlRgt1) glucose signaling pathway by targeting the localization and probably the stability of Rag4, the single Snf3/Rgt2-type glucose sensor of K. lactis. Additionally, the control exerted by glycolysis on glucose signaling seems to be conserved in S. cerevisiae. This retrocontrol might prevent yeasts from unnecessary glucose transport and intracellular glucose accumulation. PMID:25512610

The study of ionization by electron impact of a substance simulating spent nuclear fuel components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Antonov, N. N.; Bochkarev, E. I.; Gavrikov, A. V.; Samokhin, A. A.; Smirnov, V. P.

2015-11-01

Plasma sources of model substances are necessary to solve problems associated with development of the spent nuclear fuel (SNF) plasma separation method. Lead was chosen to simulate kinetic and dynamic properties of the heavy SNF components. In this paper we present the results of a study of a lead vapor discharge with a lead concentration of 1012-1013 cm-3. Ionization was carried out by an electron beam (with energy of up to 500 eV per electron) inside a centimeter gap between planar electrodes. The discharge was numerically modeled using the hydrodynamic and single-particle approximation. Current-voltage characteristics and single ionization efficiency were obtained as functions of the vapors concentration and thermoelectric current. An ion current of hundreds of microamperes at the ionization efficiency near tenths of a percent was experimentally obtained. These results are in good agreement with our model.

Perceived Benefits, Barriers, and Drivers of Telemedicine From the Perspective of Skilled Nursing Facility Administrative Staff Stakeholders.

PubMed

Driessen, Julia; Castle, Nicholas G; Handler, Steven M

2018-01-01

Potentially avoidable hospitalizations (PAHs) of skilled nursing facility (SNF) patients are common and costly. Telemedicine represents a unique approach to manage and potentially reduce PAHs in SNFs, having been used in a variety of settings to improve coordination of care and enhance access to providers. Nonetheless, broad implementation and use of telemedicine lags in SNFs relative to other health care settings. To understand why, we surveyed SNF administrative staff attending a 1-day telemedicine summit. Participants saw the highest value of telemedicine in improving the quality of care and reducing readmissions. They identified hospital and managed care telemedicine requirements as primary drivers of adoption. The most significant barrier to adoption was the initial investment required. A joint research-policy effort to improve the evidence base around telemedicine in SNFs and introduce incentives may improve adoption and continued use of telemedicine in this setting.

A targeted genetic modifier screen links the SWI2/SNF2 protein domino to growth and autophagy genes in Drosophila melanogaster.

PubMed

Kwon, Matt Hyoung; Callaway, Heather; Zhong, Jim; Yedvobnick, Barry

2013-05-20

Targeted genetic studies can facilitate phenotypic analyses and provide important insights into development and other complex processes. The SWI2/SNF2 DNA-dependent ATPase Domino (Dom) of Drosophila melanogaster, a component of the Tip60 acetyltransferase complex, has been associated with a wide spectrum of cellular processes at multiple developmental stages. These include hematopoiesis, cell proliferation, homeotic gene regulation, histone exchange during DNA repair, and Notch signaling. To explore the wider gene network associated with Dom action, we used RNAi directed against domino (dom) to mediate loss-of-function at the wing margin, a tissue that is readily scored for phenotypic changes. Dom RNAi driven through GAL4-UAS elicited dominant wing nicking that responded phenotypically to the dose of dom and other loci known to function with dom. We screened for phenotypic modifiers of this wing phenotype among 2500 transpositions of the EP P element and found both enhancers and suppressors. Several classes of modifier were obtained, including those encoding transcription factors, RNA regulatory proteins, and factors that regulate cell growth, proliferation and autophagy, a lysosomal degradation pathway that affects cell growth under conditions of starvation and stress. Our analysis is consistent with prior studies, suggesting that Dom acts pleiotropically as a positive effector of Notch signaling and a repressor of proliferation. This genetic system should facilitate screens for additional loci associated with Dom function, and complement biochemical approaches to their regulatory activity.

Tuning topological phases in the XMnSb2 system via chemical substitution from first principles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Griffin, Sinead M.; Neaton, Jeffrey B.

New Dirac materials are sought for their interesting fundamental physics and for their potential technological applications. Protected symmetries offer a route to potential zero mass Dirac and Weyl fermions, and can lead unique transport properties and spectroscopic signatures. In this work, we use first-principles calculations to study the XMnSb2 family of materials and show how varying X changes the nature of bulk protected topological features in their electronic structure. We further discuss new design rules for predicting new topological materials suggested by our calculations. SG is supported by the Early Postdoc Mobility Fellowship of the SNF.

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

Sobes, Vladimir; Scaglione, John M; Wagner, John C

Spent nuclear fuel (SNF) management practices in the United States rely on dry storage systems that include both canister- and cask-based systems. The United States Department of Energy Used Fuel Disposition Campaign is examining the feasibility of direct disposal of dual-purpose (storage and transportation) canisters (DPCs) in a geological repository. One of the major technical challenges for direct disposal is the ability to demonstrate the subcriticality of the DPCs loaded with SNF for the repository performance period (e.g., 10,000 years or more) as the DPCs may undergo degradation over time. Specifically, groundwater ingress into the DPC (i.e., flooding) could allowmore » the system to achieve criticality in scenarios where the neutron absorber plates in the DPC basket have degraded. However, as was shown by Banerjee et al., some aqueous species in the groundwater provide noticeable reactivity reduction for these systems. For certain amounts of particular aqueous species (e.g., chlorine, lithium) in the groundwater, subcriticality can be demonstrated even for DPCs with complete degradation of the neutron absorber plates or a degraded fuel basket configuration. It has been demonstrated that chlorine is the leading impurity, as indicated by significant neutron absorption in the water that is available in reasonable quantities for the deep geological repository media under consideration. This paper presents the results of an investigation of the available integral experiments worldwide that could be used to validate DPC disposal criticality evaluations, including credit for chlorine. Due to the small number of applicable critical configurations, validation through traditional trending analysis was not possible. The bias in the eigenvalue of the application systems due only to the chlorine was calculated using TSURFER analysis and found to be on the order of 100 percent mille (1 pcm = 10 -5 k eff). This study investigated the design of a series of critical configurations with varying amounts of chlorine to address validation gaps. Such integral experiments would support the crediting of the chlorine neutron-absorption properties in groundwater and the demonstration of subcriticality for DPCs in deep geologic repositories with sufficient chlorine availability.« less

Validation Study for Crediting Chlorine in Criticality Analyses for US Spent Nuclear Fuel Disposition

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

Sobes, Vladimir; Scaglione, John M.; Wagner, John C.

2015-01-01

Spent nuclear fuel (SNF) management practices in the United States rely on dry storage systems that include both canister- and cask-based systems. The United States Department of Energy Used Fuel Disposition Campaign is examining the feasibility of direct disposal of dual-purpose (storage and transportation) canisters (DPCs) in a geological repository. One of the major technical challenges for direct disposal is the ability to demonstrate the subcriticality of the DPCs loaded with SNF for the repository performance period (e.g., 10,000 years or more) as the DPCs may undergo degradation over time. Specifically, groundwater ingress into the DPC (i.e., flooding) could allowmore » the system to achieve criticality in scenarios where the neutron absorber plates in the DPC basket have degraded. However, as was shown by Banerjee et al., some aqueous species in the groundwater provide noticeable reactivity reduction for these systems. For certain amounts of particular aqueous species (e.g., chlorine, lithium) in the groundwater, subcriticality can be demonstrated even for DPCs with complete degradation of the neutron absorber plates or a degraded fuel basket configuration. It has been demonstrated that chlorine is the leading impurity, as indicated by significant neutron absorption in the water that is available in reasonable quantities for the deep geological repository media under consideration. This paper presents the results of an investigation of the available integral experiments worldwide that could be used to validate DPC disposal criticality evaluations, including credit for chlorine. Due to the small number of applicable critical configurations, validation through traditional trending analysis was not possible. The bias in the eigenvalue of the application systems due only to the chlorine was calculated using TSURFER analysis and found to be on the order of 100 percent mille (1 pcm = 10 -5 k eff). This study investigated the design of a series of critical configurations with varying amounts of chlorine to address validation gaps. Such integral experiments would support the crediting of the chlorine neutron-absorption properties in groundwater and the demonstration of subcriticality for DPCs in deep geologic repositories with sufficient chlorine availability.« less

Quality improvement through implementation of discharge order reconciliation.

PubMed

Lu, Yun; Clifford, Pamela; Bjorneby, Andreas; Thompson, Bruce; VanNorman, Samuel; Won, Katie; Larsen, Kevin

2013-05-01

A coordinated multidisciplinary process to reduce medication errors related to patient discharges to skilled-nursing facilities (SNFs) is described. After determining that medication errors were a frequent cause of readmission among patients discharged to SNFs, a medical center launched a two-phase quality-improvement project focused on cardiac and medical patients. Phase one of the project entailed a three-month failure modes and effects analysis of existing procedures discharge, followed by the development and pilot testing of a multidisciplinary, closed-loop workflow process involving staff and resident physicians, clinical nurse coordinators, and clinical pharmacists. During pilot testing of the new workflow process, the rate of discharge medication errors involving SNF patients was tracked, and data on medication-related readmissions in a designated intervention group (n = 87) and a control group of patients (n = 1893) discharged to SNFs via standard procedures during a nine-month period were collected, with the data stratified using severity of illness (SOI) classification. Analysis of the collected data indicated a cumulative 30-day medication-related readmission rate for study group patients in the minor, moderate, and major SOI categories of 5.4% (4 of 74 patients), compared with a rate of 9.5% (169 of 1780 patients) in the control group. In phase 2 of the project, the revised SNF discharge medication reconciliation procedure was implemented throughout the hospital; since hospitalwide implementation of the new workflow, the readmission rate for SNF patients has been maintained at about 6.7%. Implementing a standardized discharge order reconciliation process that includes pharmacists led to decreased readmission rates and improved care for patients discharged to SNFs.

Design and fabrication of highly open nickel cobalt sulfide nanosheets on Ni foam for asymmetric supercapacitors with high energy density and long cycle-life

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zha, Daosong; Fu, Yongsheng; Zhang, Lili; Zhu, Junwu; Wang, Xin

2018-02-01

Nickel cobalt sulfides (NiCo-S) are promising electrode materials for high-performance supercapacitors but normally show poor rate capability and unsatisfactory long-term endurance. To overcome these disadvantages, a properly constructed electrode architecture with abundant electron transport channels, excellent electronic conductivity and robust structural stability is required. Herein, considering that in situ transformation can mostly retain the specific structural advantages of the precursors, a two-step strategy is purposefully developed to construct a binder-free electrode composed of interconnected NiCo-S nanosheets on Ni foam (NiCo-S/NF), in which NiCo-S/NF is synthesized via the in situ sulfuration of networked acetate anion-intercalated nickel cobalt layered double hydroxide nanosheets loaded on Ni foam (A-NiCo-LDH/NF). Noticeably, the optimized Ni1Co1-S/NF exhibits an ultrahigh specific capacitance of 2553.9 F g-1 at 0.5 A g-1, excellent rate capability (1898.1 F g-1 at 50 A g-1) and superior cycling stability (nearly 90% capacitance retention after 10,000 cycles). Furthermore, the assembled asymmetric supercapacitor based on Ni1Co1-S/NF demonstrates a high energy density of 58.1 Wh kg-1 at a power density of 796 W kg-1 and impressive long-term durability even after a repeated charge/discharge process as long as 70,000 cycles (∼92% capacitance retention). The attractive properties endow the Ni1Co1-S/NF electrode with significant potential for high-performance energy storage devices.

Spinal Neurofibromatosis without Café-au-Lait Macules in Two Families with Null Mutations of the NF1 Gene

PubMed Central

Kaufmann, Dieter; Müller, Ralf; Bartelt, Britta; Wolf, Michael; Kunzi-Rapp, Karin; Hanemann, Clemens Oliver; Fahsold, Raimund; Hein, Christian; Vogel, Walther; Assum, Günter

2001-01-01

Spinal neurofibromatosis (SNF) is considered to be an alternative form of neurofibromatosis, showing multiple spinal tumors and café-au-lait macules. Involvement of the neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) locus has been demonstrated, by linkage analysis, for three families with SNF. In one of them, a cosegregating frameshift mutation in exon 46 of the NF1 gene was identified. In the present study, we report four individuals from two families who carry NF1 null mutations that would be expected to cause NF1. Three patients have multiple spinal tumors and no café-au-lait macules, and the fourth has no clinical signs of NF1. In the first family, a missense mutation (Leu2067Pro) in NF1 exon 33 was found, and, in the second, a splice-site mutation (IVS31-5A→G) enlarging exon 32 by 4 bp at the 5′ end was found. The latter mutation has also been observed in an unrelated patient with classical NF1. Both NF1 mutations cause a reduction in neurofibromin of ∼50%, with no truncated protein present in the cells. This demonstrates that typical NF1 null mutations can result in a phenotype that is distinct from classical NF1, showing only a small spectrum of the NF1 symptoms, such as multiple spinal tumors, but not completely fitting the current clinical criteria for SNF. We speculate that this phenotype is caused by an unknown modifying gene that compensates for some, but not all, of the effects caused by neurofibromin deficiency. PMID:11704931

Radiolytic and Thermal Process Relevant to Dry Storage of Spent Nuclear Fuels

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

Marschman, Steven C.; Haustein, Peter E.; Madey, Theodore E.

1999-06-01

This project involves basic research in chemistry and physics aimed at providing information pertinent to the safe long-term dry storage of spent nuclear fuel (SNF), thousands of tons of which remain in water storage across the DOE complex. The Hanford Site K-Basins alone hold 2300 tons of spent fuel, much of it severely corroded, and similar situations exist at Savannah River and Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory. DOE plans to remove this fuel and seal it in overpack canisters for ''dry'' interim storage for up to 75 years while awaiting permanent disposition. Chemically bound water will remain in thismore » fuel even after the proposed drying steps, leading to possible long-term corrosion of the containers and/or fuel rods themselves, generation of H2 and O2 gas via radiolysis (which could lead to deflagration or detonation), and reactions of pyrophoric uranium hydrides. No thoroughly tested model is now available to predict fuel behavior during preprocessing, processing, or storage. In a collaborative effort among Rutgers University, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and Brookhaven National Laboratory, we are studying the radiolytic reaction, drying processes, and corrosion behavior of actual SNF materials and of pure and mixed-phase samples. We propose to determine what is omitted from current models: radiolysis of water adsorbed on or in hydrates or hydroxides, thermodynamics of interfacial phases, and kinetics of drying. A model will be developed and tested against actual fuel rod behavior to ensure validity and applicability to the problems associated with developing dry storage strategies for DOE-owned SNF.« less

A conserved truncated isoform of the ATR-X syndrome protein lacking the SWI/SNF-homology domain.

PubMed

Garrick, David; Samara, Vassiliki; McDowell, Tarra L; Smith, Andrew J H; Dobbie, Lorraine; Higgs, Douglas R; Gibbons, Richard J

2004-02-04

Mutations in the ATRX gene cause a severe X-linked mental retardation syndrome that is frequently associated with alpha thalassemia (ATR-X syndrome). The previously characterized ATRX protein (approximately 280 kDa) contains both a Plant homeodomain (PHD)-like zinc finger motif as well as an ATPase domain of the SNF2 family. These motifs suggest that ATRX may function as a regulator of gene expression, probably by exerting an effect on chromatin structure, although the exact cellular role of ATRX has not yet been fully elucidated. Here we characterize a truncated (approximately 200 kDa) isoform of ATRX (called here ATRXt) that has been highly conserved between mouse and human. In both species, ATRXt arises due to the failure to splice intron 11 from the primary transcript, and the use of a proximal intronic poly(A) signal. We show that the relative expression of the full length and ATRXt isoforms is subject to tissue-specific regulation. The ATRXt isoform contains the PHD-like domain but not the SWI/SNF-like motifs and is therefore unlikely to be functionally equivalent to the full length protein. We used indirect immunofluorescence to demonstrate that the full length and ATRXt isoforms are colocalized at blocks of pericentromeric heterochromatin but unlike full length ATRX, the truncated isoform does not associate with promyelocytic leukemia (PML) nuclear bodies. The high degree of conservation of ATRXt and the tight regulation of its expression relative to the full length protein suggest that this truncated isoform fulfills an important biological function.

Evaluation of diode laser and stannous fluoride in the treatment of root sensitivity after access flap surgery: Randomized controlled clinical trial.

PubMed

Raut, Chetan Purushottam; Sethi, Kunal Sunder; Kohale, Bhagyashree; Mamajiwala, Alefiya; Warang, Ayushya

2018-01-01

Postsurgical root sensitivity has always been an enigma to the periodontists. There is a plethora of evidence suggesting the presence of root sensitivity following periodontal flap surgical procedures. Thus, the aim of the present study was to compare and evaluate the effect of low-power diode lasers with and without topical application of stannous fluoride (SnF 2 ) gel in the treatment of root sensitivity and also evaluate whether laser creates any placebo effect in the control group or not. Thirty patients participated in this study and 99 teeth were included. Root sensitivity was assessed for all groups with a Verbal Rating Scale (VRS). For each patient, the teeth were randomized into three groups. In the test Group I, sensitive teeth were treated with SnF 2 and diode laser. In the test Group II, sensitive teeth were irradiated with laser only. In the control group, no treatment was performed. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) score for VRS and Visual Analog Scale at baseline was not statistically significant ( P > 0.05) between the three groups. After 15 min, statistical significant difference was seen in test Group I and test Group II, although no difference was found in the control group. At 15 th day and 30 th day, the mean ± SD scores were statistically significant ( P < 0.05). Within the limitations of the study, it can be concluded that diode lasers alone and in combination with 0.4% SnF 2 was effective in the treatment of root sensitivity after access flap surgery.

The effect of chemically modified electrospun silica nanofiber on the mRNA and miRNA expression profile of neural stem cell differentiation.

PubMed

Mercado, Augustus T; Yeh, Jui-Ming; Chin, Ting Yu; Chen, Wen Shuo; Chen-Yang, Yui Whei; Chen, Chung-Yung

2016-11-01

A detailed genomic and epigenomic analyses of neural stem cells (NSCs) differentiation in synthetic microenvironments is essential for the advancement of regenerative medicine and therapeutic treatment of diseases. This study identified the changes in mRNA and miRNA expression profile during NSC differentiation on an artificial matrix. NSCs were grown on a surface-modified, electrospun tetraethyl-orthosilicate nanofiber (designated as SNF-AP) by providing a 3D-environment for cell growth and differentiation. Differentially expressed mRNAs and miRNAs of NSC differentiated in this microenvironment were identified through microarray analysis. The genes and miRNA targets responsible for the differentiation fate of NSCs and neuron development process were determined using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). SNF-AP enhanced the expression of genes that activates the proliferation, development, and outgrowth of neurons, differentiation and generation of cells, neuritogenesis, outgrowth of neurites, microtubule dynamics, formation of cellular protrusions, and long-term potentiation during NSC differentiation. On the other hand, PDL inhibited neuritogenesis, microtubule dynamics, and proliferation and differentiation of cells and activated the apoptosis function. Moreover, the nanomaterial promoted the expression of more let-7 miRNAs, which have vital roles in NSC differentiation. Overall, SNF-AP is biocompatible and applicable scaffold for NSC differentiation in the development of neural tissue engineering. These findings are useful in enhancing in vitro NSC differentiation potential for preclinical studies and future clinical applications. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 2730-2743, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Intrasteric control of AMPK via the gamma1 subunit AMP allosteric regulatory site.

PubMed

Adams, Julian; Chen, Zhi-Ping; Van Denderen, Bryce J W; Morton, Craig J; Parker, Michael W; Witters, Lee A; Stapleton, David; Kemp, Bruce E

2004-01-01

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a alphabetagamma heterotrimer that is activated in response to both hormones and intracellular metabolic stress signals. AMPK is regulated by phosphorylation on the alpha subunit and by AMP allosteric control previously thought to be mediated by both alpha and gamma subunits. Here we present evidence that adjacent gamma subunit pairs of CBS repeat sequences (after Cystathionine Beta Synthase) form an AMP binding site related to, but distinct from the classical AMP binding site in phosphorylase, that can also bind ATP. The AMP binding site of the gamma(1) CBS1/CBS2 pair, modeled on the structures of the CBS sequences present in the inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase crystal structure, contains three arginine residues 70, 152, and 171 and His151. The yeast gamma homolog, snf4 contains a His151Gly substitution, and when this is introduced into gamma(1), AMP allosteric control is substantially lost and explains why the yeast snf1p/snf4p complex is insensitive to AMP. Arg70 in gamma(1) corresponds to the site of mutation in human gamma(2) and pig gamma(3) genes previously identified to cause an unusual cardiac phenotype and glycogen storage disease, respectively. Mutation of any of AMP binding site Arg residues to Gln substantially abolishes AMP allosteric control in expressed AMPK holoenzyme. The Arg/Gln mutations also suppress the previously described inhibitory properties of ATP and render the enzyme constitutively active. We propose that ATP acts as an intrasteric inhibitor by bridging the alpha and gamma subunits and that AMP functions to derepress AMPK activity.

Can shale safely host US nuclear waste?

USGS Publications Warehouse

Neuzil, C.E.

2013-01-01

"Even as cleanup efforts after Japan’s Fukushima disaster offer a stark reminder of the spent nuclear fuel (SNF) stored at nuclear plants worldwide, the decision in 2009 to scrap Yucca Mountain as a permanent disposal site has dimmed hope for a repository for SNF and other high-level nuclear waste (HLW) in the United States anytime soon. About 70,000 metric tons of SNF are now in pool or dry cask storage at 75 sites across the United States [Government Accountability Office, 2012], and uncertainty about its fate is hobbling future development of nuclear power, increasing costs for utilities, and creating a liability for American taxpayers [Blue Ribbon Commission on America’s Nuclear Future, 2012].However, abandoning Yucca Mountain could also result in broadening geologic options for hosting America’s nuclear waste. Shales and other argillaceous formations (mudrocks, clays, and similar clay-rich media) have been absent from the U.S. repository program. In contrast, France, Switzerland, and Belgium are now planning repositories in argillaceous formations after extensive research in underground laboratories on the safety and feasibility of such an approach [Blue Ribbon Commission on America’s Nuclear Future, 2012; Nationale Genossenschaft für die Lagerung radioaktiver Abfälle (NAGRA), 2010; Organisme national des déchets radioactifs et des matières fissiles enrichies, 2011]. Other nations, notably Japan, Canada, and the United Kingdom, are studying argillaceous formations or may consider them in their siting programs [Japan Atomic Energy Agency, 2012; Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO), (2011a); Powell et al., 2010]."

42 CFR 418.112 - Condition of participation: Hospices that provide hospice care to residents of a SNF/NF or ICF/IID.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

...; counseling (including spiritual, dietary and bereavement); social work; provision of medical supplies... involving mistreatment, neglect, or verbal, mental, sexual, and physical abuse, including injuries of...

42 CFR 418.112 - Condition of participation: Hospices that provide hospice care to residents of a SNF/NF or ICF/IID.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

...; counseling (including spiritual, dietary and bereavement); social work; provision of medical supplies... involving mistreatment, neglect, or verbal, mental, sexual, and physical abuse, including injuries of...

42 CFR 418.112 - Condition of participation: Hospices that provide hospice care to residents of a SNF/NF or ICF/MR.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

...; counseling (including spiritual, dietary and bereavement); social work; provision of medical supplies... involving mistreatment, neglect, or verbal, mental, sexual, and physical abuse, including injuries of...

42 CFR 418.112 - Condition of participation: Hospices that provide hospice care to residents of a SNF/NF or ICF/IID.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

...; counseling (including spiritual, dietary and bereavement); social work; provision of medical supplies... involving mistreatment, neglect, or verbal, mental, sexual, and physical abuse, including injuries of...

42 CFR 409.47 - Place of service requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

...'s home is any place in which a beneficiary resides that is not a hospital, SNF, or nursing facility as defined in sections 1861(e)(1), 1819(a)(1), of 1919(a)(1) of the Act, respectively. (b) Outpatient...

42 CFR 409.47 - Place of service requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

...'s home is any place in which a beneficiary resides that is not a hospital, SNF, or nursing facility as defined in sections 1861(e)(1), 1819(a)(1), of 1919(a)(1) of the Act, respectively. (b) Outpatient...

42 CFR 409.47 - Place of service requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

...'s home is any place in which a beneficiary resides that is not a hospital, SNF, or nursing facility as defined in sections 1861(e)(1), 1819(a)(1), of 1919(a)(1) of the Act, respectively. (b) Outpatient...

42 CFR 409.47 - Place of service requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

...'s home is any place in which a beneficiary resides that is not a hospital, SNF, or nursing facility as defined in sections 1861(e)(1), 1819(a)(1), of 1919(a)(1) of the Act, respectively. (b) Outpatient...

78 FR 59427 - Reasonable Charges for Inpatient MS-DRGs and SNF Medical Services; V3.13, Fiscal Year 2014 Update

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-09-26

...; physician and other professional charges, including professional charges for anesthesia services and dental... professional charges for anesthesia services and dental services; pathology and laboratory charges; observation...

76 FR 60136 - Reasonable Charges for Inpatient MS-DRGs and SNF Medical Services; V3.8, 2012 Fiscal Year Update

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-28

...; physician and other professional charges, including professional charges for anesthesia services and dental... professional charges for anesthesia services and dental services; pathology and laboratory charges; observation...

77 FR 55269 - Reasonable Charges for Inpatient MS-DRGs and SNF Medical Services; V3.11, 2013; Fiscal Year Update

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-09-07

...; physician and other professional charges, including professional charges for anesthesia services and dental... professional charges for anesthesia services and dental services; pathology and laboratory charges; observation...

Materials Data on Tl2SnF6 (SG:164) by Materials Project

DOE Data Explorer

Kristin Persson

2014-11-02

Computed materials data using density functional theory calculations. These calculations determine the electronic structure of bulk materials by solving approximations to the Schrodinger equation. For more information, see https://materialsproject.org/docs/calculations

Role of Flightless-I (Drosophila) homolog in the transcription activation of type I collagen gene mediated by transforming growth factor beta

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

Lim, Mi-Sun; Jeong, Kwang Won, E-mail: kwjeong@gachon.ac.kr

Highlights: • FLII activates TGFβ-mediated expression of COL1A2 gene. • TGFβ induces the association of FLII with SMAD3 and BRG1 in A549 cells. • FLII is required for the recruitment of SWI/SNF complex and chromatin accessibility to COL1A2 promoter. - Abstract: Flightless-I (Drosophila) homolog (FLII) is a nuclear receptor coactivator that is known to interact with other transcriptional regulators such as the SWI/SNF complex, an ATP-dependent chromatin-remodeling complex, at the promoter or enhancer region of estrogen receptor (ER)-α target genes. However, little is known about the role of FLII during transcription initiation in the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ)/SMAD-dependent signalingmore » pathway. Here, we demonstrate that FLII functions as a coactivator in the expression of type I collagen gene induced by TGFβ in A549 cells. FLII activates the reporter gene driven by COL1A2 promoter in a dose-dependent manner. Co-expression of GRIP1, CARM1, or p300 did not show any synergistic activation of transcription. Furthermore, the level of COL1A2 expression correlated with the endogenous level of FLII mRNA level. Depletion of FLII resulted in a reduction of TGFβ-induced expression of COL1A2 gene. In contrast, over-expression of FLII caused an increase in the endogenous expression of COL1A2. We also showed that FLII is associated with Brahma-related gene 1 (BRG1) as well as SMAD in A549 cells. Notably, the recruitment of BRG1 to the COL1A2 promoter region was decreased in FLII-depleted A549 cells, suggesting that FLII is required for TGFβ-induced chromatin remodeling, which is carried out by the SWI/SNF complex. Furthermore, formaldehyde-assisted isolation of regulatory elements (FAIRE)-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) experiments revealed that depletion of FLII caused a reduction in chromatin accessibility at the COL1A2 promoter. These results suggest that FLII plays a critical role in TGFβ/SMAD-mediated transcription of the COL1A2 gene through its role in recruiting the SWI/SNF complex to facilitate chromatin accessibility.« less

Parametric Study of the Effect of Burnable Poison Rods for PWR Burnup Credit

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

Wagner, J.C.

2001-09-28

The Interim Staff Guidance on burnup credit (ISG-8) issued by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (U.S. NRC) Spent Fuel Project Office recommends restricting the use of burnup credit to assemblies that have not used burnable absorbers. This recommended restriction eliminates a large portion of the currently discharged spent fuel assemblies from cask loading, and thus severely limits the practical usefulness of burnup credit. In the absence of readily available information on burnable poison rod (BPR) design specifications and usage in U.S. pressurized-water-reactors (PWRs), and the subsequent reactivity effect of BPR exposure on discharged spent nuclear fuel (SNF), NRC staffmore » has indicated a need for additional information in these areas. In response, this report presents a parametric study of the effect of BPR exposure on the reactivity of SNF for various BPR designs, fuel enrichments, and exposure conditions, and documents BPR design specifications. Trends in the reactivity effects of BPRs are established with infinite pin-cell and assembly array calculations with the SCALE and HELIOS code packages, respectively. Subsequently, the reactivity effects of BPRs for typical initial enrichment and burnup combinations are quantified based on three-dimensional (3-D) KENO V.a Monte Carlo calculations with a realistic rail-type cask designed for burnup credit. The calculations demonstrate that the positive reactivity effect due to BPR exposure increases nearly linearly with burnup and is dependent on the number, poison loading, and design of the BPRs and the initial fuel enrichment. Expected typical reactivity increases, based on one-cycle BPR exposure, were found to be less than 1% {Delta}k. Based on the presented analysis, guidance is offered on an appropriate approach for calculating bounding SNF isotopic data for assemblies exposed to BPRs. Although the analyses do not address the issue of validation of depletion methods for assembly designs with BPRs, they do demonstrate that the effect of BPRs is generally well behaved and that independent codes and cross-section libraries predict similar results. The report concludes with a discussion of the issues for consideration and recommendations for inclusion of SNF assemblies exposed to BPRs in criticality safety analyses using burnup credit for dry cask storage and transport.« less

Role of Snf5 Mutations in Schwannomatosis Pain

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-10-01

CONTRACTING ORGANIZATION: Oregon Health & Science University Portland, OR 97239 REPORT DATE: October 2017 TYPE OF REPORT: Annual PREPARED FOR...ES) Oregon Health & Science University AND ADDRESS(ES) 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER ONPRC 505 NW 185th Avenue Beaverton, OR 97006

Medicare: Comparison of Catastropic Health Insurance Proposals--an Update.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-10-01

Accounting Office ICF intermediate care facility SNF skilled nursing facility VA Veterans Administration d4 ....... ’. - --- MEDICARE: COMPARISON OF...optional woe services, such as home and community-based services; services in an intermediate care facility (ICF); and prescribed drugs, dentures

Medicare: Comparison of Catastrophic Health Insurance Proposals.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-06-01

GAO General Accounting Office ICF intermediate care facility SNF skilled nursing facility VA Veterans Administration -4 MEDICARE: COMPARISON OF...community-based services; services in an intermediate care facility (ICF); and prescribed drugs, dentures, and eyeglasses. In recent years, the number of

RISKIND : an enhanced computer code for National Environmental Policy Act transportation consequence analysis

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1996-01-01

The RISKIND computer program was developed for the analysis of radiological consequences and health risks to individuals and the collective population from exposures associated with the transportation of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) or other radioactive ...

A bioinformatics analysis of Lamin-A regulatory network: a perspective on epigenetic involvement in Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome.

PubMed

Arancio, Walter

2012-04-01

Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is a rare human genetic disease that leads to premature aging. HGPS is caused by mutation in the Lamin-A (LMNA) gene that leads, in affected young individuals, to the accumulation of the progerin protein, usually present only in aging differentiated cells. Bioinformatics analyses of the network of interactions of the LMNA gene and transcripts are presented. The LMNA gene network has been analyzed using the BioGRID database (http://thebiogrid.org/) and related analysis tools such as Osprey (http://biodata.mshri.on.ca/osprey/servlet/Index) and GeneMANIA ( http://genemania.org/). The network of interaction of LMNA transcripts has been further analyzed following the competing endogenous (ceRNA) hypotheses (RNA cross-talk via microRNAs [miRNAs]) and using the miRWalk database and tools (www.ma.uni-heidelberg.de/apps/zmf/mirwalk/). These analyses suggest particular relevance of epigenetic modifiers (via acetylase complexes and specifically HTATIP histone acetylase) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent chromatin remodelers (via pBAF, BAF, and SWI/SNF complexes).

Medicare program; prospective payment system and consolidated billing for skilled nursing facilities for FY 2012. Final rule.

PubMed

2011-08-08

This final rule updates the payment rates used under the prospective payment system for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) for fiscal year 2012. In addition, it recalibrates the case-mix indexes so that they more accurately reflect parity in expenditures between RUG-IV and the previous case-mix classification system. It also includes a discussion of a Non-Therapy Ancillary component currently under development within CMS. In addition, this final rule discusses the impact of certain provisions of the Affordable Care Act, and reduces the SNF market basket percentage by the multi-factor productivity adjustment. This rule also implements certain changes relating to the payment of group therapy services and implements new resident assessment policies. Finally, this rule announces that the proposed provisions regarding the ownership disclosure requirements set forth in section 6101 of the Affordable Care Act will be finalized at a later date.

42 CFR 417.576 - Final settlement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED... capita costs incurred in furnishing covered services to its Medicare enrollees, determined in accordance... January 1, 1996, the costs of hospital and SNF services paid by Medicare's intermediaries under the option...

324 Building spent fuel segments pieces and fragments removal summary report

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

SMITH, C L

2003-01-09

As part of the 324 Building Deactivation Project, all Spent Nuclear Fuel (SNF) and Special Nuclear Material were removed. The removal entailed packaging the material into a GNS-12 cask and shipping it to the Central Waste Complex (CWC).

Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 Confers BRG1 Dependency on the CIITA Locus.

PubMed

Abou El Hassan, Mohamed; Yu, Tao; Song, Lan; Bremner, Rod

2015-05-15

CIITA (or MHC2TA) coordinates constitutive and IFN-γ-induced expression of MHC class II genes. IFN-γ responsiveness of CIITA requires BRG1 (SMARCA4), the ATPase engine of the chromatin remodeling SWI/SNF complex (also called BAF). SWI/SNF is defective in many human cancers, providing a mechanism to explain IFN-γ resistance. BRG1 dependency is mediated through remote elements. Short CIITA reporters lacking these elements respond to IFN-γ, even in BRG1-deficient cells, suggesting that BRG1 counters a remote repressive influence. The nature of this distal repressor is unknown, but it would represent a valuable therapeutic target to reactivate IFN-γ responsiveness in cancer. In this article, we show that the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) components EZH2 and SUZ12, as well as the associated histone mark H3K27me3, are codetected at interenhancer regions across the CIITA locus. IFN-γ caused a BRG1-dependent reduction in H3K27me3, associated with nucleosome displacement. SUZ12 knockdown restored IFN-γ responsiveness in BRG1-null cells, and it mimicked the ability of BRG1 to induce active histone modifications (H3K27ac, H3K4me) at the -50-kb enhancer. Thus, PRC2 confers BRG1 dependency on the CIITA locus. Our data suggest that, in addition to its known roles in promoting stemness and proliferation, PRC2 may inhibit immune surveillance, and it could be targeted to reactivate CIITA expression in SWI/SNF deficient cancers. Copyright © 2015 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.

Radiolytic and thermal process relevant to dry storage of spent nuclear fuels. 1998 annual progress report

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

Marschman, S.C.; Cowin, J.P.; Orlando, T.M.

1998-06-01

'This project involves basic research in chemistry and physics aimed at providing information pertinent to the safe long-term dry storage of spent nuclear fuel (SNF), thousands of tons of which remain in water storage across the DOE complex. The Hanford Site K-Basins alone hold 2,300 tons of spent fuel, much of it severely corroded, and similar situations exist at Savannah River and Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory. The DOE plans to remove this fuel and seal it in overpack canisters for dry interim storage for up to 75 years while awaiting permanent disposition. Chemically-bound water will remain in thismore » fuel even following proposed drying steps, leading to possible long-term corrosion of the containers and/or fuel rods themselves, generation of H{sub 2} and O{sub 2} gas via radiolysis (which could lead to deflagration or detonation), and reactions of pyrophoric uranium hydrides. No thoroughly tested model is currently available to predict fuel behavior during pre-processing, processing, or storage. In a collaboration between Rutgers University, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and Brookhaven National Laboratory, the authors are studying the radiolytic reaction, drying processes, and corrosion behavior of actual SNF materials, and of pure and mixed-phase samples. The authors propose to determine what is omitted from current models: radiolysis of water adsorbed on or in hydrates or hydroxides, thermodynamics of interfacial phases, and kinetics of drying. A model will be developed and tested against actual fuel rod behavior to insure validity and applicability to the problems associated with developing dry storage strategies for DOE-owned SNF. This report summarizes work after eight months of a three-year project.'« less

Transcript levels of several epigenome regulatory genes in bovine somatic donor cells are not correlated with their cloning efficiency.

PubMed

Zhou, Wenli; Sadeghieh, Sanaz; Abruzzese, Ronald; Uppada, Subhadra; Meredith, Justin; Ohlrichs, Charletta; Broek, Diane; Polejaeva, Irina

2009-09-01

Among many factors that potentially affect somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryo development is the donor cell itself. Cloning potentials of somatic donor cells vary greatly, possibly because the cells have different capacities to be reprogrammed by ooplasma. It is therefore intriguing to identify factors that regulate the reprogrammability of somatic donor cells. Gene expression analysis is a widely used tool to investigate underlying mechanisms of various phenotypes. In this study, we conducted a retrospective analysis investigating whether donor cell lines with distinct cloning efficiencies express different levels of genes involved in epigenetic reprogramming including histone deacetylase-1 (HDAC1), -2 (HDAC2); DNA methyltransferase-1 (DNMT1), -3a (DNMT3a),-3b (DNMT3b), and the bovine homolog of yeast sucrose nonfermenting-2 (SNF2L), a SWI/SNF family of ATPases. Cell samples from 12 bovine donor cell lines were collected at the time of nuclear transfer experiments and expression levels of the genes were measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Our results show that there are no significant differences in expression levels of these genes between donor cell lines of high and low cloning efficiency defined as live calving rates, although inverse correlations are observed between in vitro embryo developmental rates and expression levels of HDAC2 and SNF2L. We also show that selection of stable reference genes is important for relative quantification, and different batches of cells can have different gene expression patterns. In summary, we demonstrate that expression levels of these epigenome regulatory genes in bovine donor cells are not correlated with cloning potential. The experimental design and data analysis method reported here can be applied to study any genes expressed in donor cells.

Finite-part integration of the generalized Stieltjes transform and its dominant asymptotic behavior for small values of the parameter. I. Integer orders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tica, Christian D.; Galapon, Eric A.

2018-02-01

The paper addresses the exact evaluation of the generalized Stieltjes transform Sn[f ] =∫0∞f (x ) (ω+x ) -nd x of integral order n = 1, 2, 3, … about ω = 0 from which the asymptotic behavior of Sn[f] for small parameters ω is directly extracted. An attempt to evaluate the integral by expanding the integrand (ω + x)-n about ω = 0 and then naively integrating the resulting infinite series term by term leads to an infinite series whose terms are divergent integrals. Assigning values to the divergent integrals, say, by analytic continuation or by Hadamard's finite part is known to reproduce only some of the correct terms of the expansion but completely misses out a group of terms. Here we evaluate explicitly the generalized Stieltjes transform by means of finite-part integration recently introduced in Galapon [Proc. R. Soc. A 473, 20160567 (2017)]. It is shown that, when f(x) does not vanish or has zero of order m at the origin such that (n - m) ≥ 1, the dominant terms of Sn[f] as ω → 0 come from contributions arising from the poles and branch points of the complex valued function f(z)(ω + z)-n. These dominant terms are precisely the terms missed out by naive term by term integration. Furthermore, it is demonstrated how finite-part integration leads to new series representations of special functions by exploiting their known Stieltjes integral representations. Finally, the application of finite part integration in obtaining asymptotic expansions of the effective diffusivity in the limit of high Peclet number, the Green-Kubo formula for the self-diffusion coefficient, and the antisymmetric part of the diffusion tensor in the weak noise limit is discussed.

Methionine sulfoximine-treatment and carbon starvation elicit Snf1-independent phosphorylation of the transcription activator Gln3 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

PubMed Central

Tate, Jennifer J.; Rai, Rajendra; Cooper, Terrance G.

2008-01-01

SUMMARY Tor proteins are global regulators situated at the top of a signal transduction pathway conserved from yeast to humans. Specific inhibition of the two S. cerevisiae Tor proteins by rapamycin alters many cellular processes and the expression of hundreds of genes. Among the regulated genes are those whose expression is activated by the GATA-family transcription activator, Gln3. The extent of Gln3 phosphorylation has been thought to determine its intracellular localization, with phosphorylated and dephosphorylated forms accumulating in the cytoplasm and nucleus, respectively. Data presented here demonstrate that rapamycin and the glutamine synthetase inhibitor, methionine sulfoximine (MSX), although eliciting the same outcomes with respect to Gln3-Myc13 nuclear accumulation and NCR-sensitive transcription, generate diametrically opposite effects on Gln3-Myc13 phosphorylation. MSX increases Gln3-Myc13 phosphorylation while rapamycin decreases it. Gln3-Myc13 phosphorylation levels are regulated by at least three mechanisms: (i) one, observed during carbon starvation, depends on Snf1 kinase, (ii) another, observed during both carbon-starvation and MSX-treatment, is Snf1-independent, and (iii) the last is rapamycin-induced dephosphorylation. MSX and rapamycin act additively on Gln3-Myc13 phosphorylation, but MSX clearly predominates. These results suggest that MSX- and rapamycin-inhibited proteins are more likely to function in separate regulatory pathways than they are to function tandemly in a single pathway as previously thought. Further, Gln3 phosphorylation/dephosphorylation, that we and others have detected thus far, is not a demonstrably required step in achieving Gln3 nuclear localization and NCR-sensitive transcription in response to MSX- or rapamycin-treatment. PMID:15911613

Loss of switch/sucrose non-fermenting complex protein expression is associated with dedifferentiation in endometrial carcinomas

PubMed Central

Karnezis, Anthony N.; Hoang, Lien N.; Coatham, Mackenzie; Ravn, Sarah; Almadani, Noorah; Cloutier, Basile; Irving, Julie; Meng, Bo; Li, Xiaodong; Chow, Christine; McAlpine, Jessica; Kuo, Kuan-Ting; Mao, Tsui-Lien; Djordjevic, Bojana; Soslow, Robert A.; Huntsman, David G.; Gilks, C. Blake; Köbel, Martin; Lee, Cheng-Han

2016-01-01

Dedifferentiated endometrial carcinoma is an aggressive type of endometrial cancer that contains a mix of low grade endometrioid and undifferentiated carcinoma components. We performed targeted sequencing of 8 dedifferentiated endometrial carcinomas and identified somatic frameshift/nonsense mutations in SMARCA4, a core member of the switch/sucrose non-fermenting (SWI/SNF) complex, in the undifferentiated components of 4 tumors. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the loss of SMARCA4 in the undifferentiated component of these 4 SMARCA4-mutated cases while the corresponding low grade endometrioid component showed retained SMARCA4 expression. An expanded survey of another member of the SWI/SNF complex showed SMARCB1 loss in the undifferentiated component of 2 SMARCA4-intact tumors. Subsequent immunohistochemical analysis of SMARCA4 and SMARCB1 was done in an additional set of 22 centrally reviewed dedifferentiated endometrial carcinomas and 31 grade 3 endometrioid carcinomas. Combining the results from the index and the expansion set, 15 of 30 (50%) of the dedifferentiated endometrial carcinomas examined showed either SMARCA4 loss (37%) or SMARCB1 loss (13%). The loss of SMARCA4 or SMARCB1 was mutually exclusive and occurred only in the undifferentiated component. All 31 grade 3 endometrioid carcinomas showed intact SMARCA4/SMARCB1 expression. The majority (73%) of the SMARCA4-deficient and half of SMARCB1-deficient undifferentiated component developed in a mismatch repair protein (MMR)-deficient molecular context. The observed spatial association between SMARCA4/SMARCB1 loss and histologic dedifferentiation suggests that loss of these SWI/SNF complex proteins may contribute to the development of dedifferentiated endometrial carcinoma. PMID:26743474

Factors associated with discharge to home versus discharge to institutional care after inpatient stroke rehabilitation.

PubMed

Nguyen, Vu Q C; PrvuBettger, Janet; Guerrier, Tami; Hirsch, Mark A; Thomas, J George; Pugh, Terrence M; Rhoads, Charles F

2015-07-01

To examine sociodemographic and clinical characteristics independently associated with discharge home compared with discharge to a skilled nursing facility (SNF) after acute inpatient rehabilitation. Retrospective cohort study. Three tertiary accredited acute care rehabilitation facilities. Adult patients with stroke (N=2085). Not applicable. Not applicable. Of 2085 patients with stroke treated at 3 centers over a 4-year period, 78.2% (n=1631) were discharged home and 21.8% (n=454) discharged to an SNF. Findings from a multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that patients were less likely to be discharged home if they were older (odds ratio [OR], .98; 95% confidence interval [CI], .96-.99), separated or divorced (compared with married; OR, .61; 95% CI, .48-.79), or with Medicare health insurance (compared with private insurance; OR, .69; 95% CI, .55-.88), or had dysphagia (OR, .83; 95% CI, .71-.98) or cognitive deficits (OR, .79; 95% CI, .77-.81). The odds of being discharged home were higher for those admitted with a higher motor FIM score (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.09-1.11). The following were not associated with discharge disposition: sex, race, prestroke vocational status, availability of secondary health insurance, number of days from stroke onset to rehabilitation facility admission, stroke type, impairment group, cognitive FIM on admission, other stroke deficits (aphasia, ataxia, neglect, or speech disturbance), stroke complications of hyponatremia or urinary tract infection, or comorbid conditions. One in 5 patients with stroke were discharged to an SNF after inpatient rehabilitation. On admission, several sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were identified that could be considered as important factors in early discussions for discharge planning. Copyright © 2015 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling in T cells.

PubMed

Wurster, Andrea L; Pazin, Michael J

2012-02-01

One of the best studied systems for mammalian chromatin remodeling is transcriptional regulation during T cell development. The variety of these studies have led to important findings in T cell gene regulation and cell fate determination. Importantly, these findings have also advanced our knowledge of the function of remodeling enzymes in mammalian gene regulation. First we briefly present biochemical and cell-free analysis of 3 types of ATP dependent remodeling enzymes (SWI/SNF, Mi2, and ISWI) to construct an intellectual framework to understand how these enzymes might be working. Second, we compare and contrast the function of these enzymes during early (thymic) and late (peripheral) T cell development. Finally, we examine some of the gaps in our present understanding.

Medicaid: Methods for Setting Nursing Home Rates Should be Improved.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-05-01

care facility SNF skilled nursing facility Page 7 GAO/HRJD.W626 Medicaid Nursing Home Rate Setting A,, I-?A -WI...consumer price index GNP Gross National Product HCFA Health Care Financing Administration HHS Department of Health and Human Services ICF intermediate

SEGMENTAL NEUROFIBROMATOSIS: A REPORT OF 3 CASES

PubMed Central

Gabhane, Sushma Kashinath; Kotwal, Mrunmayi Nishikant; Bobhate, Sudhakar K

2010-01-01

Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder of neural crest-derived cells that primarily affect growth of neural tissues. It is broadly divided into three categories: (a) von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis or NF-1, (b) bilateral acoustic neuroma (NF-2), and (c) all other neurofibromatoses, including alternate or atypical forms of the disease. The patients with generalized form of NF1 are characterized by multiple café-au-lait spots and neurofibromas and diagnosed easily. But when an individual has small number of lesions in a limited region of the body it could be neglected by the patient or not be recognized by the clinicians as a segmental form of neurofibromatosis. We describe three cases of segmental neurofibromatosis (SNF). These cases have been classified as segmental NF according to Riccardi's definition of SNF and classification of neurofibromatosis. Segmental form of NF may evolve into a complete form over time. Also, this disorder may be transmitted to the offspring's of these individuals. Hence genetic counseling of these individuals must include these facts. PMID:20418991

Snf1-related kinase improves cardiac mitochondrial efficiency and decreases mitochondrial uncoupling

PubMed Central

Rines, Amy K.; Chang, Hsiang-Chun; Wu, Rongxue; Sato, Tatsuya; Khechaduri, Arineh; Kouzu, Hidemichi; Shapiro, Jason; Shang, Meng; Burke, Michael A.; Abdelwahid, Eltyeb; Jiang, Xinghang; Chen, Chunlei; Rawlings, Tenley A.; Lopaschuk, Gary D.; Schumacker, Paul T.; Abel, E. Dale; Ardehali, Hossein

2017-01-01

Ischaemic heart disease limits oxygen and metabolic substrate availability to the heart, resulting in tissue death. Here, we demonstrate that the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-related protein Snf1-related kinase (SNRK) decreases cardiac metabolic substrate usage and mitochondrial uncoupling, and protects against ischaemia/reperfusion. Hearts from transgenic mice overexpressing SNRK have decreased glucose and palmitate metabolism and oxygen consumption, but maintained power and function. They also exhibit decreased uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3) and mitochondrial uncoupling. Conversely, Snrk knockout mouse hearts have increased glucose and palmitate oxidation and UCP3. SNRK knockdown in cardiac cells decreases mitochondrial efficiency, which is abolished with UCP3 knockdown. We show that Tribbles homologue 3 (Trib3) binds to SNRK, and downregulates UCP3 through PPARα. Finally, SNRK is increased in cardiomyopathy patients, and SNRK reduces infarct size after ischaemia/reperfusion. SNRK also decreases cardiac cell death in a UCP3-dependent manner. Our results suggest that SNRK improves cardiac mitochondrial efficiency and ischaemic protection. PMID:28117339

Early malnutrition screening and low cost protein supplementation in elderly patients admitted to a skilled nursing facility.

PubMed

Harding, Krystal M; Dyo, Melissa; Goebel, Joy R; Gorman, Nik; Levine, Julia

2016-08-01

Malnutrition among skilled nursing facility (SNF) patients can lead to hospital readmissions and multiple complications. To evaluate the effect of an existing malnutrition screening and management program on prealbumin levels of patients in skilled nursing facilities. A retrospective design was used to evaluate baseline admission data including a prealbumin level. Patients with malnutrition received an oral protein supplement according to protocol. A comparison prealbumin level was obtained at 30days. Nearly half of the patients were severely malnourished on admission. Patients receiving the prescribed protocol had significantly increased prealbumin levels at 30days than those patients that did not receive the protocol as prescribed. A prealbumin level upon admission at a SNF could represent a reliable tool to evaluate malnutrition. Initiation of an early malnutrition screening and protein supplement program in this setting is essential to identifying and treating at-risk patients before complications occur. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Medicare and Medicaid programs; rural hospitals: provision of long-term care services (swing-bed provision); flexibility in application of standards--Health Care Financing Administration. Interim final rule with comment period.

PubMed

1982-07-20

These regulations implement sections 904 and 949 of Pub. L. 96-499, the Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1980. Under section 904 (the swing-bed provision), certain small, rural hospitals may use their inpatient facilities to furnish skilled nursing facility (SNF) services to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, and intermediate care facility (ICF) services to Medicaid beneficiaries. These hospitals will be reimbursed at rates appropriate for those services, which are generally lower than hospital rates. This statutory provision is intended to encourage the most efficient and effective use of inpatient hospital beds for delivery of either hospital or SNF and ICF services. Under section 949, rural hospitals of 50 or fewer beds may be exempted from certain personnel standards in the conditions of participation for hospitals. This exemption applies only to the extent that it does not jeopardize or adversely affect the health and safety of patients.

AIR SHIPMENT OF SPENT NUCLEAR FUEL FROM THE BUDAPEST RESEARCH REACTOR

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

Dewes, J.

2014-02-24

The shipment of spent nuclear fuel is usually done by a combination of rail, road or sea, as the high activity of the SNF needs heavy shielding. Air shipment has advantages, e.g. it is much faster than any other shipment and therefore minimizes the transit time as well as attention of the public. Up to now only very few and very special SNF shipments were done by air, as the available container (TUK6) had a very limited capacity. Recently Sosny developed a Type C overpack, the TUK-145/C, compliant with IAEA Standard TS-R-1 for the VPVR/M type Skoda container. The TUK-145/Cmore » was first used in Vietnam in July 2013 for a single cask. In October and November 2013 a total of six casks were successfully shipped from Hungary in three air shipments using the TUK-145/C. The present paper describes the details of these shipments and formulates the lessons learned.« less

FY17 Status Report: Research on Stress Corrosion Cracking of SNF Interim Storage Canisters.

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

Schindelholz, Eric John; Bryan, Charles R.; Alexander, Christopher L.

This progress report describes work done in FY17 at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) to assess the localized corrosion performance of container/cask materials used in the interim storage of spent nuclear fuel (SNF). Of particular concern is stress corrosion cracking (SCC), by which a through-wall crack could potentially form in a canister outer wall over time intervals that are shorter than possible dry storage times. Work in FY17 refined our understanding of the chemical and physical environment on canister surfaces, and evaluated the relationship between chemical and physical environment and the form and extent of corrosion that occurs. The SNL corrosionmore » work focused predominantly on pitting corrosion, a necessary precursor for SCC, and process of pit-to-crack transition; it has been carried out in collaboration with university partners. SNL is collaborating with several university partners to investigate SCC crack growth experimentally, providing guidance for design and interpretation of experiments.« less

Uncertainty quantification methodologies development for stress corrosion cracking of canister welds

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

Dingreville, Remi Philippe Michel; Bryan, Charles R.

2016-09-30

This letter report presents a probabilistic performance assessment model to evaluate the probability of canister failure (through-wall penetration) by SCC. The model first assesses whether environmental conditions for SCC – the presence of an aqueous film – are present at canister weld locations (where tensile stresses are likely to occur) on the canister surface. Geometry-specific storage system thermal models and weather data sets representative of U.S. spent nuclear fuel (SNF) storage sites are implemented to evaluate location-specific canister surface temperature and relative humidity (RH). As the canister cools and aqueous conditions become possible, the occurrence of corrosion is evaluated. Corrosionmore » is modeled as a two-step process: first, pitting is initiated, and the extent and depth of pitting is a function of the chloride surface load and the environmental conditions (temperature and RH). Second, as corrosion penetration increases, the pit eventually transitions to a SCC crack, with crack initiation becoming more likely with increasing pit depth. Once pits convert to cracks, a crack growth model is implemented. The SCC growth model includes rate dependencies on both temperature and crack tip stress intensity factor, and crack growth only occurs in time steps when aqueous conditions are predicted. The model suggests that SCC is likely to occur over potential SNF interim storage intervals; however, this result is based on many modeling assumptions. Sensitivity analyses provide information on the model assumptions and parameter values that have the greatest impact on predicted storage canister performance, and provide guidance for further research to reduce uncertainties.« less

The AMPK-related kinase SNARK regulates muscle mass and myocyte survival

PubMed Central

Lessard, Sarah J.; Rivas, Donato A.; So, Kawai; Koh, Ho-Jin; Queiroz, André Lima; Hirshman, Michael F.; Fielding, Roger A.; Goodyear, Laurie J.

2015-01-01

The maintenance of skeletal muscle mass is critical for sustaining health; however, the mechanisms responsible for muscle loss with aging and chronic diseases, such as diabetes and obesity, are poorly understood. We found that expression of a member of the AMPK-related kinase family, the SNF1-AMPK-related kinase (SNARK, also known as NUAK2), increased with muscle cell differentiation. SNARK expression increased in skeletal muscles from young mice exposed to metabolic stress and in muscles from healthy older human subjects. The regulation of SNARK expression in muscle with differentiation and physiological stress suggests that SNARK may function in the maintenance of muscle mass. Consistent with this hypothesis, decreased endogenous SNARK expression (using siRNA) in cultured muscle cells resulted in increased apoptosis and decreased cell survival under conditions of metabolic stress. Likewise, muscle-specific transgenic animals expressing a SNARK dominant-negative inactive mutant (SDN) had increased myonuclear apoptosis and activation of apoptotic mediators in muscle. Moreover, animals expressing SDN had severe, age-accelerated muscle atrophy and increased adiposity, consistent with sarcopenic obesity. Reduced SNARK activity, in vivo and in vitro, caused downregulation of the Rho kinase signaling pathway, a key mediator of cell survival. These findings reveal a critical role for SNARK in myocyte survival and the maintenance of muscle mass with age. PMID:26690705

42 CFR 409.25 - Drugs, biologicals, supplies, appliances, and equipment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 42 Public Health 2 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Drugs, biologicals, supplies, appliances, and... Drugs, biologicals, supplies, appliances, and equipment. (a) Drugs and biologicals. Except as specified in paragraph (b) of this section, Medicare pays for drugs and biologicals as posthospital SNF care...

42 CFR 409.25 - Drugs, biologicals, supplies, appliances, and equipment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 2 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Drugs, biologicals, supplies, appliances, and... Drugs, biologicals, supplies, appliances, and equipment. (a) Drugs and biologicals. Except as specified in paragraph (b) of this section, Medicare pays for drugs and biologicals as posthospital SNF care...

42 CFR 488.301 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... requirements under § 483.13, Resident behavior and facility practices, § 483.15, Quality of life, or § 483.25... participation requirements subsequent to finding substandard quality of care during a standard survey. Facility... substandard quality of care during an abbreviated standard survey. Skilled nursing facility (SNF) means a...

42 CFR 488.301 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... requirements under § 483.13, Resident behavior and facility practices, § 483.15, Quality of life, or § 483.25... participation requirements subsequent to finding substandard quality of care during a standard survey. Facility... substandard quality of care during an abbreviated standard survey. Skilled nursing facility (SNF) means a...

42 CFR 488.301 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... requirements under § 483.13, Resident behavior and facility practices, § 483.15, Quality of life, or § 483.25... participation requirements subsequent to finding substandard quality of care during a standard survey. Facility... substandard quality of care during an abbreviated standard survey. Skilled nursing facility (SNF) means a...

42 CFR 488.301 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... requirements under § 483.13, Resident behavior and facility practices, § 483.15, Quality of life, or § 483.25... participation requirements subsequent to finding substandard quality of care during a standard survey. Facility... substandard quality of care during an abbreviated standard survey. Skilled nursing facility (SNF) means a...

42 CFR 488.301 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... requirements under § 483.13, Resident behavior and facility practices, § 483.15, Quality of life, or § 483.25... participation requirements subsequent to finding substandard quality of care during a standard survey. Facility... substandard quality of care during an abbreviated standard survey. Skilled nursing facility (SNF) means a...

42 CFR § 512.450 - Beneficiary choice and beneficiary notification.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2017-10-01

... HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) HEALTH CARE INFRASTRUCTURE AND MODEL PROGRAMS EPISODE PAYMENT MODEL... providers or suppliers, nor may the EPM participant accept such payments. (b) Required beneficiary... beneficiary will be responsible for payment for the services furnished by the SNF during that stay, except...

75 FR 29786 - Notice of Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-05-27

... plans for managing spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste. Pursuant to its authority under... of Energy (DOE) plans for managing spent nuclear fuel (SNF) and high-level radioactive waste (HLW... the packaging and movement of the waste, how the recent decision to terminate the Yucca Mountain...

42 CFR 409.23 - Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

...-language pathology services. 409.23 Section 409.23 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES... § 409.23 Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology services. Medicare pays for physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech-language pathology services as posthospital SNF...