Nanotube mode locked, wavelength-tunable, conventional and dissipative solitons fiber laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yun, Ling; Zhao, Wei

2018-01-01

We report the generation of widely wavelength tunable conventional solitons (CSs) and dissipative solitons (DSs) in an erbium-doped fiber laser passively mode-locked by nanotube saturable absorber. The tuning ranges of CSs and DSs are ∼15 and ∼25 nm, respectively. In anomalous dispersion regime, the output CS exhibits symmetrical spectral sidebands with transform-limited pulse duration of ∼1.1 ps. In the contrastive case of normal dispersion regime, the DS has rectangular spectrum profile and large frequency chirp, which presents pulse duration of ∼13.5 ps, and can be compressed to ∼0.4 ps external to the cavity. This fiber laser can provide two distinct types of tunable soliton sources, which is attractive for practical applications in telecommunications.

SAS-2 observations of celestial diffuse gamma radiation above 30 MeV

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thompson, D. J.; Fichtel, C. E.; Kniffen, D. A.; Hartman, R. C.

1974-01-01

The small astronomy satellite, SAS-2, used a 32-deck magnetic core digitized spark chamber to study gamma rays with energies above 30 MeV. Data for four regions of the sky away from the galactic plane were analyzed. These regions show a finite, diffuse flux of gamma rays with a steep energy spectrum, and the flux is uniform over all the regions. Represented by a power law, the differential energy spectrum shows an index of 2.5 + or - 0.4. The steep SAS-2 spectrum and the lower energy data are reasonably consistent with a neutral pion gamma-ray spectrum which was red-shifted (such as that proposed by some cosmological theories). It is concluded that the diffuse celestial gamma ray spectrum observed presents the possibility of cosmological studies and possible evidence for a residual cosmic ray density, and supports the galactic superclusters of matter and antimatter remaining from baryon-symmetric big bang.

EGRET/COMPTEL Observations of an Unusual, Steep-Spectrum Gamma-Ray Source

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thompson, D. J.; Bertsch, D. L.; Hartman, R. C.; Collmar, W.; Johnson, W. N.

1999-01-01

During analysis of sources below the threshold of the third EGRET catalog, we have discovered a source, named GRO J1400-3956 based on the best position, with a remarkably steep spectrum. Archival analysis of COMPTEL data shows that the spectrum must have a strong turn-over in the energy range between COMPTEL and EGRET. The EGRET data show some evidence of time variability, suggesting an AGN, but the spectral change of slope is larger than that seen for most gamma-ray blazars. The sharp cutoff resembles the high-energy spectral breaks seen in some gamma-ray pulsars. There have as yet been no OSSE observations of this source.

A Case of Churg-Strauss Syndrome Associated with Antiphospholipid Antibodies

PubMed Central

Ferenczi, Katalin; Chang, Timothy; Camouse, Melissa; Han, Rujing; Stern, Robert; Willis, Joseph; Cooper, Kevin D.; Gilliam, Anita C.

2008-01-01

BACKGROUND Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a systemic vasculitis affecting small and medium-sized blood vessels, almost invariably affecting the lung and frequently associated with cutaneous involvement. Microvascular vaso-occlusion leading to digital gangrene is not a feature of CSS. OBSERVATIONS We report an unusual case of a patient with Churg Strauss Syndrome with antiphospholipid antibodies who developed severe digital gangrene in addition to cutaneous vasculitis. CONCLUSION The presence of antiphospholipid antibodies is not a feature usually seen in association with Churg-Strauss syndrome. While the full clinical spectrum of Churg Strauss Syndrome is still being defined, identification of additional features associated with this syndrome might help to better understand the pathogenesis of the disease and to have an impact on management and prognosis. PMID:17175066

The integrated radio continuum spectrum of M33 - Evidence for free-free absorption by cool ionized gas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Israel, F. P.; Mahoney, M. J.; Howarth, N.

1992-01-01

We present measurements of the integrated radio continuum flux density of M33 at frequencies between 22 and 610 MHz and discuss the radio continuum spectrum of M33 between 22 MHz and 10 GHz. This spectrum has a turnover between 500 and 900 MHz, depending on the steepness of the high frequency radio spectrum of M33. Below 500 MHz the spectrum is relatively flat. We discuss possible mechanisms to explain this spectral shape and consider efficient free-free absorption of nonthermal emission by a cool (not greater than 1000 K) ionized gas to be a very likely possibility. The surface filling factor of both the nonthermal and the thermal material appears to be small (of order 0.001), which could be explained by magnetic field/density fluctuations in the M 33 interstellar medium. We briefly speculate on the possible presence of a nuclear radio source with a steep spectrum.

VLA observations of unidentified Leiden-Berkeley Deep-Survey sources - Luminosity and redshift dependence of spectral properties

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kapahi, Vijay K.; Kulkarni, Vasant K.

1990-01-01

VLA observations of a complete subset of the Leiden-Berkeley Deep Survey sources that have S(1.4 GHz) greater than 10 mJy and are not optically identified down to F=22 mag are reported. By comparing the spectral and structural properties of the sources with samples from the literature, an attempt was made to disentangle the luminosity and redshift dependence of the spectral indices of extended emission in radio galaxies and of the incidence of compact steep-spectrum sources. It is found that the fraction of compact sources among those with a steep spectrum is related primarily to redshift, being much larger at high redshifts for sources of similar radio luminosity. Only a weak and marginally significant dependence of spectral indices of the extended sources on luminosity and redshift is found in samples selected at 1.4 and 2.7 GHz. It is pointed out that the much stronger correlation of spectral indices with luminosity may be arising partly from spectral curvature, and partly due to the preferential inclusion of very steep-spectrum sources from high redshift in low-frequency surveys.

Churg-Strauss syndrome with coexistence of eosinophilic vasculitis, granulomatous phlebitis and granulomatous dermatitis in bullous pemphigoid-like blisters.

PubMed

Ishibashi, Masafumi; Kudo, Saori; Yamamoto, Kyoko; Shimai, Nobuko; Chen, Ko-Ron

2011-03-01

The main histopathological features in the cutaneous lesions of Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) are dermal leukocytoclastic vasculitis with a variable eosinophilic infiltrate and non-vasculitic tissue eosinophilia with granuloma formation. This wide histopathological spectrum may account for the various skin manifestations of CSS. However, the unique histopathological combination of dermal eosinophilic vasculitis and subcutaneous granulomatous phlebitis accompanied by bulla formation has not been previously described. We report an unusual CSS case showing dermal necrotizing eosinophilic vasculitis and granulomatous phlebitis in purpuric lesions coupled with subepidermal blistering. The blisters showed dermal granulomatous dermatitis and eosinophilia without evidence of vasculitis. Dermal necrotizing eosinophilic vasculitis was characterized by fibrinoid alteration of the vessel wall, a prominent perivascular eosinophilic infiltrate, a few infiltrating histiocytes along the affected vessel wall, and the absence of neutrophilic infiltration. The underlying subcutaneous granulomatous phlebitis was characterized by an angiocentric histiocytic infiltrate surrounded by marked eosinophilic infiltrate. Deposition of cytotoxic proteins and radicals derived from eosinophils in the vessel walls and papillary dermis followed by a secondary granulomatous response may account for the unique clinical and histopathological features in this case. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

On the instability of wave-fields with JONSWAP spectra to inhomogeneous disturbances, and the consequent long-time evolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ribal, A.; Stiassnie, M.; Babanin, A.; Young, I.

2012-04-01

The instability of two-dimensional wave-fields and its subsequent evolution in time are studied by means of the Alber equation for narrow-banded random surface-waves in deep water subject to inhomogeneous disturbances. A linear partial differential equation (PDE) is obtained after applying an inhomogeneous disturbance to the Alber's equation and based on the solution of this PDE, the instability of the ocean wave surface is studied for a JONSWAP spectrum, which is a realistic ocean spectrum with variable directional spreading and steepness. The steepness of the JONSWAP spectrum depends on γ and α which are the peak-enhancement factor and energy scale of the spectrum respectively and it is found that instability depends on the directional spreading, α and γ. Specifically, if the instability stops due to the directional spreading, increase of the steepness by increasing α or γ can reactivate it. This result is in qualitative agreement with the recent large-scale experiment and new theoretical results. In the instability area of α-γ plane, a long-time evolution has been simulated by integrating Alber's equation numerically and recurrent evolution is obtained which is the stochastic counterpart of the Fermi-Pasta-Ulam recurrence obtained for the cubic Schrödinger equation.

VizieR Online Data Catalog: MRCR-SUMSS Ultra-steep-spectrum (USS) sample (Broderick+, 2007)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Broderick, J. W.; Bryant, J. J.; Hunstead, R. W.; Sadler, E. M.; Murphy, T.

2008-09-01

This paper introduces a new program to find high-redshift radio galaxies in the Southern hemisphere through ultra-steep spectrum (USS) selection. We define a sample of 234 USS radio sources with spectral indices {alpha}843408<=-1.0 (S{nu}{prop.to}{nu}alpha) and flux densities S408>=200mJy in a region of 0.35sr, chosen by cross-correlating the revised 408MHz Molonglo Reference Catalogue, the 843MHz Sydney University Molonglo Sky Survey and the 1400MHz NRAO VLA Sky Survey in the overlap region -40{deg}

H i Absorption in the Steep-Spectrum Superluminal Quasar 3C 216.

PubMed

Pihlström; Vermeulen; Taylor; Conway

1999-11-01

The search for H i absorption in strong compact steep-spectrum sources is a natural way to probe the neutral gas contents in young radio sources. In turn, this may provide information about the evolution of powerful radio sources. The recently improved capabilities of the Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope have made it possible to detect a 0.31% (19 mJy) deep neutral atomic hydrogen absorption line associated with the steep-spectrum superluminal quasar 3C 216. The redshift (z=0.67) of the source shifts the frequency of the 21 cm line down to the ultra-high-frequency (UHF) band (850 MHz). The exact location of the H i-absorbing gas remains to be determined by spectral line VLBI observations at 850 MHz. We cannot exclude that the gas might be extended on galactic scales, but we think it is more likely to be located in the central kiloparsec. Constraints from the lack of X-ray absorption probably rule out obscuration of the core region, and we argue that the most plausible site for the H i absorption is in the jet-cloud interaction observed in this source.

VLA observations of unidentified Leiden-Berkeley Deep-Survey sources - Luminosity and redshift dependence of spectral properties

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

Kapahi, V.K.; Kulkarni, V.K.

1990-05-01

VLA observations of a complete subset of the Leiden-Berkeley Deep Survey sources that have S(1.4 GHz) greater than 10 mJy and are not optically identified down to F=22 mag are reported. By comparing the spectral and structural properties of the sources with samples from the literature, an attempt was made to disentangle the luminosity and redshift dependence of the spectral indices of extended emission in radio galaxies and of the incidence of compact steep-spectrum sources. It is found that the fraction of compact sources among those with a steep spectrum is related primarily to redshift, being much larger at highmore » redshifts for sources of similar radio luminosity. Only a weak and marginally significant dependence of spectral indices of the extended sources on luminosity and redshift is found in samples selected at 1.4 and 2.7 GHz. It is pointed out that the much stronger correlation of spectral indices with luminosity may be arising partly from spectral curvature, and partly due to the preferential inclusion of very steep-spectrum sources from high redshift in low-frequency surveys. 54 refs.« less

X-RAYS FROM A RADIO-LOUD COMPACT BROAD ABSORPTION LINE QUASAR 1045+352 AND THE NATURE OF OUTFLOWS IN RADIO-LOUD BROAD ABSORPTION LINE QUASARS

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

Kunert-Bajraszewska, Magdalena; Katarzynski, Krzysztof; Siemiginowska, Aneta

2009-11-10

We present new results on X-ray properties of radio-loud broad absorption line (BAL) quasars and focus on broadband spectral properties of a high-ionization BAL (HiBAL) compact steep spectrum (CSS) radio-loud quasar 1045+352. This HiBAL quasar has a very complex radio morphology indicating either strong interactions between a radio jet and the surrounding interstellar medium or a possible re-start of the jet activity. We detected 1045+352 quasar in a short 5 ksec Chandra ACIS-S observation. We applied theoretical models to explain spectral energy distribution of 1045+352 and argue that non-thermal, inverse-Compton (IC) emission from the innermost parts of the radio jetmore » can account for a large fraction of the observed X-ray emission. In our analysis, we also consider a scenario in which the observed X-ray emission from radio-loud BAL quasars can be a sum of IC jet X-ray emission and optically thin corona X-ray emission. We compiled a sample of radio-loud BAL quasars that were observed in X-rays to date and report no correlation between their X-ray and radio luminosity. However, the radio-loud BAL quasars show a large range of X-ray luminosities and absorption columns. This is consistent with the results obtained earlier for radio-quiet BAL quasars and may indicate an orientation effect in BAL quasars or more complex dependence between X-ray emission, radio emission, and an orientation based on the radio morphology.« less

--No Title--

Science.gov Websites

, sortable.css, spinner.css, tabs.css, tooltip.css, theme.css * To view and modify this theme, visit http */ #container .ui-datepicker.ui-datepicker-multi { width: auto; } /* line 328, ../sass/main.scss */ #container .ui-datepicker-multi .ui-datepicker-group { float: left; } /* line 331, ../sass/main.scss

Performance Evaluation of Child Safety Seats in Far-Side Lateral Sled Tests at Varying Speeds

PubMed Central

Ghati, Yoganand; Menon, Rajiv A.; Milone, Mary; Lankarani, Hamid; Oliveres, Gerardo

2009-01-01

Protection of children in Child Safety Seats (CSS) in side impact crashes has been a topic of recent studies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of CSS in far-side impacts through a series of sled tests conducted at varying test speeds. Forty eight sled tests were conducted at three speeds (24 km/h, 29 km/h and 36 km/h), under two different CSS attachment conditions (LATCH and seat belt attached), using rear facing and forward facing CSS from four different manufacturers. Analyses were conducted to examine head retention within the CSS, velocity of the head as it passes an imaginary plane (cross over into other occupant space or door), lateral trajectory of the head and knee; head, chest and pelvis accelerations; neck and lumbar loads and moments. In addition to these parameters, the CSS were visually inspected for structural integrity after each test. Results from these sled tests highlighted the differential performance of CSS in far-side impacts. During the tests, all CSS experienced significant lateral movement irrespective of attachment type. In rear facing CSS tests, one of the designs failed as the seat disengaged from its base. In forward facing CSS tests, it was observed that the seat belt attached CSS experienced less rotational motion than the LATCH attached CSS. ATD head retention within the seat was not achieved with either CSS attachments at any speed. The findings from this study augment the current efforts to define regulatory sled setup procedure for far-side impact crashes involving children in CSS, which currently does not exist and will eventually further the protection of children in automobiles. PMID:20184846

Car child safety seats use among Iranian children in Mashad.

PubMed

Karbakhsh, Mojgan; Jarahi, Lida

2016-01-01

Despite the strong evidence of child safety seats (CSSs) effectiveness in reducing injuries, it is still rarely used in some societies. The purpose of this study was to determine prevalence and predictors of CSS use in Mashad, Iran. Five hundred ninety kindergarten children whose parents owned a car were enrolled in the study. Parents were asked about using CSS for their children, reasons for CSS use/non-use, demographics, history of road traffic injuries and receiving any advice on CSS. Of families, 25.5% expressed that they used CSS for their child at present or any time in the past, but only 6.3% of children travelled restrained in CSS at the time of study. Age-appropriate CSS use was reported in 14.5% of infants and 2.3% of 1-5-year-old children. A significant relationship was observed between lower child age, higher maternal education and high family income with CSS use. The main reasons for CSS none-use were reported as not feeling the need (42%), followed by its high price (22%). Use of CSS was uncommon. The financial concerns and information gap about the essential need for CSS should be considered as priorities for action especially among lower socio-economic groups of society.

Steep Decay Phase Shaped by the Curvature Effect. II. Spectral Evolution

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

Lin, Da-Bin; Mu, Hui-Jun; Lu, Rui-Jing

We derive a simple analytical formula to describe the evolution of spectral index β in the steep decay phase shaped by the curvature effect with the assumption that the spectral parameters and Lorentz factor of the jet shell are the same for different latitudes. Here, the value of β is estimated in the 0.3−10 keV energy band. For a spherical thin shell with a cutoff power-law (CPL) intrinsic radiation spectrum, the spectral evolution can be read as a linear function of observer time. For the situation with the Band function intrinsic radiation spectrum, the spectral evolution may be complex. Ifmore » the observed break energy of the radiation spectrum is larger than 10 keV, the spectral evolution is the same as that shaped by jet shells with a CPL spectrum. If the observed break energy is less than 0.3 keV, the value of β would be a constant. For others, the spectral evolution can be approximated as a logarithmal function of the observer time in general.« less

The growing clinical spectrum of cerebral amyloid angiopathy.

PubMed

Wermer, Marieke J H; Greenberg, Steven M

2018-02-01

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is diagnosed primarily as a cause of lobar intracerebral hemorrhages (ICH) in elderly patients. With improving MRI techniques, however, the role of CAA in causing other symptoms has become clear. Recognizing the full clinical spectrum of CAA is important for diagnosis and treatment. In this review we summarize recent insights in clinical CAA features, MRI biomarkers, and management. The rate of ICH recurrence in CAA is among the highest of all stroke subtypes. Cortical superficial siderosis (cSS) and cortical subarachnoid hemorrhage (cSAH) are important imaging predictors for recurrent ICH. CAA also causes cognitive problems in multiple domains. In patients with nondemented CAA, the risk of developing dementia is high especially after ICH. CAA pathology probably starts years before the first clinical manifestations. The first signs in hereditary CAA are white matter lesions, cortical microinfarcts, and impaired occipital cerebral vasoreactivity. Visible centrum semiovale perivascular spaces, lobar located lacunes, and cortical atrophy are new nonhemorrhagic MRI markers. CAA should be in the differential diagnosis of elderly patients with lobar ICH but also in those with cognitive decline and episodic transient neurological symptoms. Physicians should be aware of the cognitive effects of CAA. In patients with a previous ICH, cSS, or cSAH, anticoagulation should be considered risky. The increasing number of MRI markers may help to discriminate CAA from other small vessel diseases and dementia subtypes.

Discovery of large-scale diffuse radio emission in low-mass galaxy cluster Abell 1931

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brüggen, M.; Rafferty, D.; Bonafede, A.; van Weeren, R. J.; Shimwell, T.; Intema, H.; Röttgering, H.; Brunetti, G.; Di Gennaro, G.; Savini, F.; Wilber, A.; O'Sullivan, S.; Ensslin, T. A.; De Gasperin, F.; Hoeft, M.

2018-04-01

Extended, steep-spectrum radio synchrotron sources are pre-dominantly found in massive galaxy clusters as opposed to groups. LOFAR Two-Metre Sky Survey images have revealed a diffuse, ultra-steep spectrum radio source in the low-mass cluster Abell 1931. The source has a fairly irregular morphology with a largest linear size of about 550 kpc. The source is only seen in LOFAR observations at 143 MHz and GMRT observations at 325 MHz. The spectral index of the total source between 143 MHz and 325 MHz is α _{143}^{325} = -2.86 ± 0.36. The source remains invisible in Very Large Array (1-2 GHz) observations as expected given the spectral index. Chandra X-ray observations of the cluster revealed a bolometric luminosity of LX = (1.65 ± 0.39) × 1043 erg s-1 and a temperature of 2.92_{-0.87}^{+1.89} keV which implies a mass of around ˜1014M⊙. We conclude that the source is a remnant radio galaxy that has shut off around 200 Myr ago. The brightest cluster galaxy, a radio-loud elliptical galaxy, could be the source for this extinct source. Unlike remnant sources studied in the literature, our source has a steep spectrum at low radio frequencies. Studying such remnant radio galaxies at low radio frequencies is important for understanding the scarcity of such sources and their role in feedback processes.

NIAAA Spectrum

MedlinePlus

... evidence that a hormone produced in the stomach influences alcohol consumption in humans. Steep Increase in Rate ... visits. 5 Questions With... Lorenzo Leggio, M.D., Ph.D. Chief of the NIAAA/NIDA Section on ...

A mechanism to explain the spectrum of Hessdalen Lights phenomenon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paiva, G. S.; Taft, C. A.

2012-07-01

In this work, we present a model to explain the apparently contradictory spectrum observed in Hessdalen Lights (HL) phenomenon. According to our model, its nearly flat spectrum on the top with steep sides is due to the effect of optical thickness on the bremsstrahlung spectrum. At low frequencies self-absorption modifies the spectrum to follow the Rayleigh-Jeans part of the blackbody curve. This spectrum is typical of dense ionized gas. Additionally, spectrum produced in the thermal bremsstrahlung process is flat up to a cutoff frequency, ν cut, and falls off exponentially at higher frequencies. This sequence of events forms the typical spectrum of HL phenomenon when the atmosphere is clear, with no fog.

Cardiac involvement in ANCA (+) and ANCA (-) Churg-Strauss syndrome evaluated by cardiovascular magnetic resonance.

PubMed

Mavrogeni, Sophie; Karabela, Georgia; Gialafos, Elias; Stavropoulos, Efthymios; Spiliotis, George; Katsifis, Gikas; Kolovou, Genovefa

2013-10-01

The cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) pattern of Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) includes myopericarditis, diffuse subendocardial vasculitis or myocardial infarction with or without cardiac symptoms and is usually associated with lack of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA). To correlate the CMR pattern with ANCA in CSS, compare it with healthy controls and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and re-evaluate 2 yrs after the first CMR. 28 consecutive CSS, aged 42±7 yrs, were referred for CMR and 2 yrs re-evaluation. The CMR included left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), T2-weighted (T2-W), early (EGE) and late gadolinium enhanced (LGE) imaging. Their results were compared with 28 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) under remission and 28 controls with normal myocardial perfusion, assessed by scintigraphy. CMR revealed acute cardiac lesions in all ANCA (-) CSS with active disease and acute cardiac symptoms and only in one asymptomatic ANCA (+) CSS, with active disease. Diffuse subendocardial fibrosis (DSF) or past myocarditis was identified in both ANCA(+) and ANCA (-) CSS, but with higher incidence and fibrosis amount in ANCA (-) CSS (p<0.05). In comparison to SLE, both ANCA (+) and ANCA (-) CSS had higher incidence of DSF, lower incidence of myocarditis and no evidence of myocardial infarction, due to coronary artery disease (p<0.05). In 2 yrs CMR follow up, 1/3 of CSS with DSF presented LV function deterioration and one died, although immunosuppressive treatment was given early after CSS diagnosis. Cardiac involvement either as DSF or myocarditis, can be detected in both ANCA (+) and ANCA (-) CSS, although more clinically overt in ANCA (-). DSF carries an ominous prognosis for LV function. CMR, due to its capability to detect disease severity, before cardiac dysfunction takes place, is an excellent tool for CSS risk stratification and treatment individualization.

Cortical Superficial Siderosis in Different Types of Cerebral Small Vessel Disease.

PubMed

Wollenweber, Frank Arne; Baykara, Ebru; Zedde, Marialuisa; Gesierich, Benno; Achmüller, Melanie; Jouvent, Eric; Viswanathan, Anand; Ropele, Stefan; Chabriat, Hugues; Schmidt, Reinhold; Opherk, Christian; Dichgans, Martin; Linn, Jennifer; Duering, Marco

2017-05-01

Cortical superficial siderosis (cSS) has emerged as a clinically relevant imaging feature of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). However, it remains unknown whether cSS is also present in nonamyloid-associated small vessel disease and whether patients with cSS differ in terms of other small vessel disease imaging features. Three hundred sixty-four CADASIL (cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy) patients, 372 population-based controls, and 100 CAA patients with cSS (fulfilling the modified Boston criteria for possible/probable CAA) were included. cSS and cerebral microbleeds were visually rated on T2*-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. White matter hyperintensities were segmented on fluid-attenauted inversion recovery images, and their spatial distribution was compared between groups using colocalization analysis. Cerebral microbleeds location was determined in an observer-independent way using an atlas in standard space. cSS was absent in CADASIL and present in only 2 population-based controls (0.5%). Cerebral microbleeds were present in 64% of CAA patients with cSS, 34% of patients with CADASIL, and 12% of population-based controls. Among patients with cerebral microbleeds, lobar location was found in 95% of CAA patients with cSS, 48% of CADASIL patients, and 69% of population-based controls. The spatial distribution of white matter hyperintensities was comparable between CAA with cSS and CADASIL as indicated by high colocalization coefficients. cSS was absent in CADASIL, whereas other small vessel disease imaging features were similar to CAA patients with cSS. Our findings suggest that cSS in combination with other small vessel disease imaging markers is highly indicative of CAA. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

Subarachnoid and Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Patients with Churg-Strauss Syndrome: Two Case Reports

PubMed Central

Go, Myeong Hoon; Park, Jeong Un; Kang, Jae Gyu

2012-01-01

Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a systemic necrotizing vasculitis of the small and medium vessels, associated with extravascular eosinophilic granulomas, peripheral eosinophilia, and asthma. The exact etiology of CSS is unknown. This syndrome commonly affects the lungs, peripheral nerves, skin, heart, and gastrointestinal tract, but rarely the central nervous system. Subarachnoid and intracerebral hemorrhage in CSS patients is extremely rare; however, clinicians should consider that CSS may be a cause of intracranial hemorrhage and its high rate of mortality and morbidity. The authors report on two cases of subarachnoid and intracerebral hemorrhage with CSS and discuss a brief review of CSS. PMID:23210058

Evaluation of cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity of Acticoat Burn Dressing for management of microbial contamination in cultured skin substitutes grafted to athymic mice.

PubMed

Supp, Andrew P; Neely, Alice N; Supp, Dorothy M; Warden, Glenn D; Boyce, Steven T

2005-01-01

Cultured skin substitutes (CSS) have become a useful adjunctive treatment for closure of burn wounds, but CSS are avascular and remain susceptible to microbial destruction longer than split-thickness skin grafts. Irrigation of CSS grafted to burn wounds with a topical antimicrobial solution (TAS) has been shown to promote engraftment of CSS, but TAS usage has potential limitations. Acticoat Burn Dressing (Acticoat; Westaim Biomedical, Exeter, NH) is a silver-coated barrier dressing reported to exhibit antimicrobial activity and to reduce infection in partial-thickness and full-thickness wounds. This study evaluated the cytotoxicity of Acticoat with CSS and the efficacy of Acticoat for the management of microbial contamination in CSS grafted to full-thickness wounds in athymic mice. The cytotoxicity of Acticoat was assessed in preliminary studies after 1 week of exposure to CSS during in vitro maturation or healing on wounds in athymic mice. Histologies were analyzed and cellular viability in the CSS was determined by MTT conversion on days 0, 1, and 7 of Acticoat exposure. At 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after grafting, wounds were traced, and areas of healing CSS were calculated by image analysis. At 4 weeks, wound biopsies were evaluated and scored for engraftment of human cells. In a subsequent study, wounds were inoculated with strain SBI-N of Pseudomonas aeruginosa at 1 x 10(5) cfu/wound before the application of CSS or inoculated onto the surface of Acticoat. At 4 weeks, swab cultures were collected from the surface of CSS and scored for the presence of SBI-N. Statistical significance was accepted at the 95% confidence level (P <.05). The data show that exposure in vitro of CSS to Acticoat was cytotoxic within 1 day, but 1 week of exposure in vivo did not injure CSS or inhibit wound healing. Contaminated wounds treated with Acticoat healed similarly to control treatments, with comparable rates of engraftment, and detection of SBI-N on the surface of only one graft. No SBI-N was detected on CSS after inoculation onto the surface of Acticoat. These results suggest that Acticoat may be suitable as a protective dressing to reduce environmental contamination of CSS, if used in conjunction with additional antimicrobials to control organisms present in the wound.

The 3CR Chandra Snapshot Survey: Extragalactic Radio Sources with Redshifts between 1 and 1.5

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stuardi, C.; Missaglia, V.; Massaro, F.; Ricci, F.; Liuzzo, E.; Paggi, A.; Kraft, R. P.; Tremblay, G. R.; Baum, S. A.; O’Dea, C. P.; Wilkes, B. J.; Kuraszkiewicz, J.; Forman, W. R.; Harris, D. E.

2018-04-01

The aim of this paper is to present an analysis of newly acquired X-ray observations of 16 extragalactic radio sources listed in the Third Cambridge Revised (3CR) catalog and not previously observed by Chandra. Observations were performed during Chandra Cycle 17, extending X-ray coverage for the 3CR extragalactic catalog up to z = 1.5. Among the 16 targets, two lie at z < 0.5 (3CR 27 at z = 0.184 and 3CR 69 at z = 0.458) all of the remaining 14 have redshifts between 1.0 and 1.5. In the current sample, there are three compact steep spectrum (CSS) sources, three quasars, and an FR I radio galaxy, while the other nine are FR II radio galaxies. All radio sources have an X-ray counterpart. We measured nuclear X-ray fluxes as well as X-ray emission associated with radio jet knots, hotspots, or lobes in three energy bands: soft (0.5–1 keV), medium (1–2 keV), and hard (2–7 keV). We also performed standard X-ray spectral analysis for the four brightest nuclei. We discovered X-ray emission associated with the radio lobe of 3CR 124, a hotspot of the quasar 3CR 220.2, another hotspot of the radio galaxy 3CR 238, and the jet knot of 3CR 297. We also detected extended X-ray emission around the nuclear region of 3CR 124 and 3CR 297 on scales of several tens of kiloparsecs. Finally, we present an update on the X-ray observations performed with Chandra and XMM-Newton on the entire 3CR extragalactic catalog.

Functional Role of N- and C-Terminal Amino Acids in the Structural Subunits of Colonization Factor CS6 Expressed by Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli

PubMed Central

Debnath, Anusuya; Sabui, Subrata; Wajima, Takeaki; Hamabata, Takashi; Banerjee, Rajat

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT CS6 is a common colonization factor expressed by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. It is a two-subunit protein consisting of CssA and CssB in an equal stoichiometry, assembled via the chaperone-usher pathway into an afimbrial, oligomeric assembly on the bacterial cell surface. A recent structural study has predicted the involvement of the N- and C-terminal regions of the CS6 subunits in its assembly. Here, we identified the functionally important residues in the N- and C-terminal regions of the CssA and CssB subunits during CS6 assembly by alanine scanning mutagenesis. Bacteria expressing mutant proteins were tested for binding with Caco-2 cells, and the results were analyzed with respect to the surface expression of mutant CS6. In this assay, many mutant proteins were not expressed on the surface while some showed reduced expression. It appeared that some, but not all, of the residues in both the N and C termini of CssA and CssB played an important role in the intermolecular interactions between these two structural subunits, as well as chaperone protein CssC. Our results demonstrated that T20, K25, F27, S36, Y143, and V147 were important for the stability of CssA, probably through interaction of CssC. We also found that I22, V29, and I33 of CssA and G154, Y156, L160, V162, F164, and Y165 of CssB were responsible for CssA-CssB intermolecular interactions. In addition, some of the hydrophobic residues in the C terminus of CssA and the N terminus of CssB were involved in the stabilization of higher-order complex formation. Overall, the results presented here might help in understanding the pathway used to assemble CS6 and predict its structure. IMPORTANCE Unlike most other colonization factors, CS6 is nonfimbrial, and in a sense, its subunit composition and assembly are also unique. Here we report that both the N- and C-terminal amino acid residues of CssA and CssB play a critical role in the intermolecular interactions between them and assembly proteins. We found mainly that alternate hydrophobic residues present in these motifs are essential for the interaction between the structural subunits, as well as the chaperone and usher assembly proteins. Our results indicate the involvement of the side chains of identified amino acids in CS6 assembly. This study adds a step toward understanding the interactions between structural subunits of CS6 and assembly proteins during CS6 biogenesis. PMID:26929298

Improving color constancy by discounting the variation of camera spectral sensitivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Shao-Bing; Zhang, Ming; Li, Chao-Yi; Li, Yong-Jie

2017-08-01

It is an ill-posed problem to recover the true scene colors from a color biased image by discounting the effects of scene illuminant and camera spectral sensitivity (CSS) at the same time. Most color constancy (CC) models have been designed to first estimate the illuminant color, which is then removed from the color biased image to obtain an image taken under white light, without the explicit consideration of CSS effect on CC. This paper first studies the CSS effect on illuminant estimation arising in the inter-dataset-based CC (inter-CC), i.e., training a CC model on one dataset and then testing on another dataset captured by a distinct CSS. We show the clear degradation of existing CC models for inter-CC application. Then a simple way is proposed to overcome such degradation by first learning quickly a transform matrix between the two distinct CSSs (CSS-1 and CSS-2). The learned matrix is then used to convert the data (including the illuminant ground truth and the color biased images) rendered under CSS-1 into CSS-2, and then train and apply the CC model on the color biased images under CSS-2, without the need of burdensome acquiring of training set under CSS-2. Extensive experiments on synthetic and real images show that our method can clearly improve the inter-CC performance for traditional CC algorithms. We suggest that by taking the CSS effect into account, it is more likely to obtain the truly color constant images invariant to the changes of both illuminant and camera sensors.

The discovery and nature of the optical transient CSS100217:102913+404220

DOE PAGES

Drake, A. J.; Djorgovski, S. G.; Mahabal, A.; ...

2011-06-22

We report on the discovery and observations of the extremely luminous optical transient CSS100217:102913+404220 (CSS100217 hereafter). Spectroscopic observations showed that this transient was coincident with a galaxy at redshift z = 0.147 and reached an apparent magnitude of V ~ 16.3. After correcting for foreground Galactic extinction we determine the absolute magnitude to be M V = –22.7 approximately 45 days after maximum light. Over a period of 287 rest-frame days, this event had an integrated bolometric luminosity of 1.3 × 10 52 erg based on time-averaged bolometric corrections of ~15 from V- and R-band observations. Analysis of the pre-outburstmore » Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) spectrum of the source shows features consistent with a narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxy. High-resolution Hubble Space Telescope and Keck follow-up observations show that the event occurred within 150 pc of the nucleus of the galaxy, suggesting a possible link to the active nuclear region. However, the rapid outburst along with photometric and spectroscopic evolution are much more consistent with a luminous supernova. Line diagnostics suggest that the host galaxy is undergoing significant star formation. We use extensive follow-up of the event along with archival Catalina Sky Survey NEO search and SDSS data to investigate the three most likely sources of such an event: (1) an extremely luminous supernova, (2) the tidal disruption of a star by the massive nuclear black hole, and (3) variability of the central active galactic nucleus (AGN). We find that CSS100217 was likely an extremely luminous Type IIn supernova and occurred within the range of the narrow-line region of an AGN. Here, we discuss how similar events may have been missed in past supernova surveys because of confusion with AGN activity.« less

The Gamma-Ray Albedo of the Moon

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

Moskalenko, I.V.; /Stanford U., HEPL /KIPAC, Menlo Park; Porter, T.A.

2008-03-25

We use the GEANT4 Monte Carlo framework to calculate the {gamma}-ray albedo of the Moon due to interactions of cosmic ray (CR) nuclei with moon rock. Our calculation of the albedo spectrum agrees with the EGRET data. We show that the spectrum of {gamma}-rays from the Moon is very steep with an effective cutoff around 3-4 GeV (600 MeV for the inner part of the Moon disk) and exhibits a narrow pion-decay line at 67.5 MeV, perhaps unique in astrophysics. Apart from other astrophysical sources, the albedo spectrum of the Moon is well understood, including its absolute normalization; this makesmore » it a useful 'standard candle' for {gamma}-ray telescopes. The steep albedo spectrum also provides a unique opportunity for energy calibration of {gamma}-ray telescopes, such as the forthcoming Gamma Ray Large Area Space Telescope (GLAST). Since the albedo flux depends on the incident CR spectrum which changes over the solar cycle, it is possible to monitor the CR spectrum using the albedo {gamma}-ray flux. Simultaneous measurements of CR proton and helium spectra by the Payload for Antimatter-Matter Exploration and Light-nuclei Astrophysics (PAMELA), and observations of the albedo {gamma}-rays by the GLAST Large Area Telescope (LAT), can be used to test the model predictions and will enable the LAT to monitor the CR spectrum near the Earth beyond the lifetime of the PAMELA.« less

The Gamma-ray Albedo of the Moon

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

Moskalenko, Igor V.; /Stanford U., HEPL; Porter, Troy A.

2007-09-28

We use the GEANT4 Monte Carlo framework to calculate the {gamma}-ray albedo of the Moon due to interactions of cosmic ray (CR) nuclei with moon rock. Our calculation of the albedo spectrum agrees with the EGRET data. We show that the spectrum of {gamma}-rays from the Moon is very steep with an effective cutoff around 3-4 GeV (600 MeV for the inner part of the Moon disk) and exhibits a narrow pion-decay line at 67.5 MeV, perhaps unique in astrophysics. Apart from other astrophysical sources, the albedo spectrum of the Moon is well understood, including its absolute normalization; this makesmore » it a useful 'standard candle' for {gamma}-ray telescopes. The steep albedo spectrum also provides a unique opportunity for energy calibration of {gamma}-ray telescopes, such as the forthcoming Gamma Ray Large Area Space Telescope (GLAST). Since the albedo flux depends on the incident CR spectrum which changes over the solar cycle, it is possible to monitor the CR spectrum using the albedo {gamma}-ray flux. Simultaneous measurements of CR proton and helium spectra by the Payload for Antimatter-Matter Exploration and Light-nuclei Astrophysics (PAMELA), and observations of the albedo {gamma}-rays by the GLAST Large Area Telescope (LAT), can be used to test the model predictions and will enable the LAT to monitor the CR spectrum near the Earth beyond the lifetime of the PAMELA.« less

Consensus-Based Cooperative Spectrum Sensing with Improved Robustness Against SSDF Attacks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Quan; Gao, Jun; Guo, Yunwei; Liu, Siyang

2011-05-01

Based on the consensus algorithm, an attack-proof cooperative spectrum sensing (CSS) scheme is presented for decentralized cognitive radio networks (CRNs), where a common fusion center is not available and some malicious users may launch attacks with spectrum sensing data falsification (SSDF). Local energy detection is firstly performed by each secondary user (SU), and then, utilizing the consensus notions, each SU can make its own decision individually only by local information exchange with its neighbors rather than any centralized fusion used in most existing schemes. With the help of some anti-attack tricks, each authentic SU can generally identify and exclude those malicious reports during the interactions within the neighborhood. Compared with the existing solutions, the proposed scheme is proved to have much better robustness against three categories of SSDF attack, without requiring any a priori knowledge of the whole network.

Discovery of large-scale diffuse radio emission in low-mass galaxy cluster Abell 1931

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brüggen, M.; Rafferty, D.; Bonafede, A.; van Weeren, R. J.; Shimwell, T.; Intema, H.; Röttgering, H.; Brunetti, G.; Di Gennaro, G.; Savini, F.; Wilber, A.; O'Sullivan, S.; Ensslin, T. A.; De Gasperin, F.; Hoeft, M.

2018-07-01

Extended, steep-spectrum radio synchrotron sources are pre-dominantly found in massive galaxy clusters as opposed to groups. LOFAR Two-Metre Sky Survey images have revealed a diffuse, ultra-steep-spectrum radio source in the low-mass cluster Abell 1931. The source has a fairly irregular morphology with the largest linear size of about 550 kpc. The source is only seen in LOFAR observations at 143 MHz and Giant Metre Radio Telescope observations at 325 MHz. The spectral index of the total source between 143 and 325 MHz is α _{143}^{325} = -2.86 ± 0.36. The source remains invisible in Very Large Array (1-2 GHz) observations as expected given the spectral index. Chandra X-ray observations of the cluster revealed a bolometric luminosity of LX = (1.65 ± 0.39) × 1043 erg s-1 and a temperature of 2.92_{-0.87}^{+1.89} keV which implies a mass of around ˜1014 M⊙. We conclude that the source is a remnant radio galaxy that has shut off around 200 Myr ago. The brightest cluster galaxy, a radio-loud elliptical galaxy, could be the source for this extinct source. Unlike remnant sources studied in the literature, our source has a steep spectrum at low radio frequencies. Studying such remnant radio galaxies at low radio frequencies is important for understanding the scarcity of such sources and their role in feedback processes.

Secreted phospholipase A2 of Clonorchis sinensis activates hepatic stellate cells through a pathway involving JNK signalling.

PubMed

Wu, Yinjuan; Li, Ye; Shang, Mei; Jian, Yu; Wang, Caiqin; Bardeesi, Adham Sameer A; Li, Zhaolei; Chen, Tingjin; Zhao, Lu; Zhou, Lina; He, Ai; Huang, Yan; Lv, Zhiyue; Yu, Xinbing; Li, Xuerong

2017-03-16

Secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) is a protein secreted by Clonorchis sinensis and is a component of excretory and secretory products (CsESPs). Phospholipase A2 is well known for its role in liver fibrosis and inhibition of tumour cells. The JNK signalling pathway is involved in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation. Blocking JNK activity with SP600125 inhibits HSCs activation. In a previous study, the protein CssPLA2 was expressed in insoluble inclusion bodies. Therefore, it's necessary to express CssPLA2 in water-soluble form and determine whether the enzymatic activity of CssPLA2 or cell signalling pathways is involved in liver fibrosis caused by clonorchiasis. Balb/C mice were given an abdominal injection of MBP-CssPLA2. Liver sections with HE and Masson staining were observed to detect accumulation of collagen. Western blot of mouse liver was done to detect the activation of JNK signalling pathway. In vitro, HSCs were incubated with MBP-CssPLA2 to detect the activation of HSCs as well as the activation of JNK signalling pathway. The mutant of MBP-CssPLA2 without enzymatic activity was constructed and was also incubated with HSCs to check whether activation of the HSCs was related to the enzymatic activity of MBP-CssPLA2. The recombinant protein MBP-CssPLA2 was expressed soluble and of good enzymatic activity. A mutant of CssPLA2, without enzymatic activity, was also constructed. In vivo liver sections of Balb/C mice that were given an abdominal injection of 50 μg/ml MBP-CssPLA2 showed an obvious accumulation of collagen and a clear band of P-JNK1 could be seen by western blot of the liver tissue. In vitro, MBP-CssPLA2, as well as the mutant, was incubated with HSCs and it was proved that activation of HSCs was related to activation of the JNK signalling pathway instead of the enzymatic activity of MBP-CssPLA2. Activation of HSCs by CssPLA2 is related to the activation of the JNK signalling pathway instead of the enzymatic activity of CssPLA2. This finding could provide a promising treatment strategy to interrupt the process of liver fibrosis caused by clonorchiasis.

Catechol-Functional Chitosan/Silver Nanoparticle Composite as a Highly Effective Antibacterial Agent with Species-Specific Mechanisms.

PubMed

Huang, Xiaofei; Bao, Xiaojiong; Liu, Yalan; Wang, Zhengke; Hu, Qiaoling

2017-05-12

In this study, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) coated with catechol-conjugated chitosan (CSS) were prepared using green methods. Interestingly, we uncovered that CSS-coated Ag NPs (CSS-Ag NPs) exhibited a higher toxicity against gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria than against gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria. The differences revealed that the CSS-Ag NPs killed gram bacteria with distinct, species-specific mechanisms. The aim of this study is to further investigate these underlying mechanisms through a series of analyses. The ultrastructure and morphology of the bacteria before and after treatment with CSS-Ag NPs were observed. The results demonstrated the CSS-Ag NPs killed gram-positive bacteria through a disorganization of the cell wall and leakage of cytoplasmic content. In contrast, the primary mechanism of action on gram-negative bacteria was a change in membrane permeability, induced by adsorption of CSS-Ag NPs. The species-specific mechanisms are caused by structural differences in the cell walls of gram bacteria. Gram-positive bacteria are protected from CSS-Ag NPs by a thicker cell wall, while gram-negatives are more easily killed due to an interaction between a special outer membrane and the nanoparticles. Our study offers an in-depth understanding of the antibacterial behaviors of CSS-Ag NPs and provides insights into ultimately optimizing the design of Ag NPs for treatment of bacterial infections.

DOA Estimation for Underwater Wideband Weak Targets Based on Coherent Signal Subspace and Compressed Sensing.

PubMed

Li, Jun; Lin, Qiu-Hua; Kang, Chun-Yu; Wang, Kai; Yang, Xiu-Ting

2018-03-18

Direction of arrival (DOA) estimation is the basis for underwater target localization and tracking using towed line array sonar devices. A method of DOA estimation for underwater wideband weak targets based on coherent signal subspace (CSS) processing and compressed sensing (CS) theory is proposed. Under the CSS processing framework, wideband frequency focusing is accompanied by a two-sided correlation transformation, allowing the DOA of underwater wideband targets to be estimated based on the spatial sparsity of the targets and the compressed sensing reconstruction algorithm. Through analysis and processing of simulation data and marine trial data, it is shown that this method can accomplish the DOA estimation of underwater wideband weak targets. Results also show that this method can considerably improve the spatial spectrum of weak target signals, enhancing the ability to detect them. It can solve the problems of low directional resolution and unreliable weak-target detection in traditional beamforming technology. Compared with the conventional minimum variance distortionless response beamformers (MVDR), this method has many advantages, such as higher directional resolution, wider detection range, fewer required snapshots and more accurate detection for weak targets.

A case report and literature review of Churg-Strauss syndrome presenting with myocarditis.

PubMed

Qiao, Lu; Gao, Dengfeng

2016-12-01

Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a multisystem disorder characterized by asthma, prominent peripheral blood eosinophilia, and vasculitis signs. Here we report a case of CSS presenting with acute myocarditis and heart failure and review the literature on CSS with cardiac involvement. A 59-year-old man with general fatigue, numbness of limbs, and a 2-year history of asthma was admitted to the department of orthopedics. Eosinophilia, history of asthma, lung infiltrates, peripheral neurological damage, and myocarditis suggested the diagnosis of CSS. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a dilated hypokinetic left ventricle (left ventricular ejection fraction ∼40%) with mild segmental abnormalities in the septal and apical segments. By reviewing the present case reports, we concluded that (1) the younger age of CSS, the greater occurrence rate of complicating myocarditis and the poorer prognosis; (2) female CSS patients are older than male patients; (3) patients with cardiac involvement usually have a history of severe asthma; (4) markedly increased eosinophil count suggests a potential diagnosis of CSS (when the count increases to 20% of white blood cell counts or 8.1 × 109/L, eosinophils start to infiltrate into myocardium); and (5) negative ANCA status is associated with heart disease in CSS.

Electrostatic Solitary Waves in the Solar Wind: Evidence for Instability at Solar Wind Current Sheets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Malaspina, David M.; Newman, David L.; Wilson, Lynn Bruce; Goetz, Keith; Kellogg, Paul J.; Kerstin, Kris

2013-01-01

A strong spatial association between bipolar electrostatic solitary waves (ESWs) and magnetic current sheets (CSs) in the solar wind is reported here for the first time. This association requires that the plasma instabilities (e.g., Buneman, electron two stream) which generate ESWs are preferentially localized to solar wind CSs. Distributions of CS properties (including shear angle, thickness, solar wind speed, and vector magnetic field change) are examined for differences between CSs associated with ESWs and randomly chosen CSs. Possible mechanisms for producing ESW-generating instabilities at solar wind CSs are considered, including magnetic reconnection.

Evaluation of the closest speaking space in different dental and skeletal occlusions.

PubMed

Sakar, Olcay; Bural, Canan; Sülün, Tonguç; Öztaş, Evren; Marşan, Gülnaz

2013-04-01

The closest speaking space (CSS) together with the vertical overlap of anterior teeth during the production of the /s/ sound have not been previously investigated with respect to differences in dental and skeletal orthodontic classifications. The purpose of this study was to investigate the CSS in dental and skeletal occlusions and to analyze the cause and effect relationship of the CSS and the amount of the vertical overlap of anterior teeth. Poly vinylsiloxane interocclusal registration material was placed bilaterally onto the occlusal surfaces of premolar and molar teeth of 155 native Turkish speaking adolescent and young adult dentate participants, who were then asked to pronounce the word seyis. The thinnest point between the maxillary and mandibular teeth was recorded in millimeters as the CSS. The occlusion of each participant was classified according to the Angle dental and Steiner skeletal classifications. The differences in CSS values within each classification were statistically analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis test, and the correlation between the CSS and the vertical overlap was statistically analyzed with the Spearman Rho Correlation tests (P<.05). The differences in the CSS were only significant between Angle Class II division 2 and Class III groups (P=.034), while the differences in the CSS between skeletal classes were not significant. The correlation between the amount of CSS and the amount of vertical overlap was not significant. The results showed that regardless of dental and skeletal occlusions, average CSS values could be used to determine the occlusal vertical dimension of prosthetic restorations. Copyright © 2013 The Editorial Council of the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

[Update Churg-Strauss syndrome].

PubMed

Moosig, F; Hellmich, B

2012-11-01

The Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is the rarest subtype of the so-called anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides (AAV) and has the lowest frequency of ANCA-positivity (around 30%). In addition to asthma and blood eosinophilia, CSS is characterized by end-organ damage, which can be caused by either vasculitis and/or tissue infiltration of eosinophilic granulocytes. The CSS shares many etiological and clinical features of other hypereosinophilic syndromes. Recently, a distinct genetic background could be demonstrated for both the ANCA-positive and ANCA-negative subtypes of CSS as compared to the other two forms of AAV. Among other cytokines, interleukin-5 (IL-5) could be identified as a key mediator of eosinophilia. Therefore, recent clinical trials in CSS aimed to target IL-5. Outside of clinical trials, treatment of CSS is adapted to disease stage and activity, as recommended for other types of AAV.

Chondroitin sulfate synthase-2 is necessary for chain extension of chondroitin sulfate but not critical for skeletal development.

PubMed

Ogawa, Hiroyasu; Hatano, Sonoko; Sugiura, Nobuo; Nagai, Naoko; Sato, Takashi; Shimizu, Katsuji; Kimata, Koji; Narimatsu, Hisashi; Watanabe, Hideto

2012-01-01

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is a linear polysaccharide consisting of repeating disaccharide units of N-acetyl-D-galactosamine and D-glucuronic acid residues, modified with sulfated residues at various positions. Based on its structural diversity in chain length and sulfation patterns, CS provides specific biological functions in cell adhesion, morphogenesis, neural network formation, and cell division. To date, six glycosyltransferases are known to be involved in the biosynthesis of chondroitin saccharide chains, and a hetero-oligomer complex of chondroitin sulfate synthase-1 (CSS1)/chondroitin synthase-1 and chondroitin sulfate synthase-2 (CSS2)/chondroitin polymerizing factor is known to have the strongest polymerizing activity. Here, we generated and analyzed CSS2(-/-) mice. Although they were viable and fertile, exhibiting no overt morphological abnormalities or osteoarthritis, their cartilage contained CS chains with a shorter length and at a similar number to wild type. Further analysis using CSS2(-/-) chondrocyte culture systems, together with siRNA of CSS1, revealed the presence of two CS chain species in length, suggesting two steps of CS chain polymerization; i.e., elongation from the linkage region up to Mr ∼10,000, and further extension. There, CSS2 mainly participated in the extension, whereas CSS1 participated in both the extension and the initiation. Our study demonstrates the distinct function of CSS1 and CSS2, providing a clue in the elucidation of the mechanism of CS biosynthesis.

Fatty acids rather than hormones restore in vitro angiogenesis in human male and female endothelial cells cultured in charcoal-stripped serum

PubMed Central

Vanetti, Claudia; Bifari, Francesco; Vicentini, Lucia M.

2017-01-01

Charcoal-stripped serum (CSS) is a well-accepted method to model effects of sex hormones in cell cultures. We have recently shown that human endothelial cells (ECs) fail to growth and to undergo in vitro angiogenesis when cultured in CSS. However, the mechanism(s) underlying the CSS-induced impairment of in vitro EC properties are still unknown. In addition, whether there is any sexual dimorphism in the CSS-induced EC phenotype remains to be determined. Here, by independently studying human male and female ECs, we found that CSS inhibited both male and female EC growth and in vitro angiogenesis, with a more pronounced effect on male EC sprouting. Reconstitution of CSS with 17-β estradiol, dihydrotestosterone, or the lipophilic thyroid hormone did not restore EC functions in both sexes. On the contrary, supplementation with palmitic acid or the acetyl-CoA precursor acetate significantly rescued the CSS-induced inhibition of growth and sprouting in both male and female ECs. We can conclude that the loss of metabolic precursors (e.g., fatty acids) rather than of hormones is involved in the impairment of in vitro proliferative and angiogenic properties of male and female ECs cultured with CSS. PMID:29232396

Confounding of the association between radiation exposure from CT scans and risk of leukemia and brain tumors by cancer susceptibility syndromes.

PubMed

Meulepas, Johanna M; Ronckers, Cécile M; Merks, Johannes; Weijerman, Michel E; Lubin, Jay H; Hauptmann, Michael

2016-12-01

Recent studies linking radiation exposure from pediatric computed tomography (CT) to increased risks of leukemia and brain tumors lacked data to control for cancer susceptibility syndromes (CSS). These syndromes might be confounders because they are associated with an increased cancer risk and may increase the likelihood of pediatric CT scans. We identify CSS predisposing to leukemia and brain tumors through a systematic literature search and summarize prevalence and risk. Since empirical evidence is lacking in published literature on patterns of CT use for most types of CSS, we estimate confounding bias of relative risks (RR) for categories of radiation exposure based on expert opinion about patterns of CT scans among CSS patients. We estimate that radiation-related RRs for leukemia are not meaningfully confounded by Down syndrome, Noonan syndrome and other CSS. Moreover, tuberous sclerosis complex, von Hippel-Lindau disease, neurofibromatosis type 1 and other CSS do not meaningfully confound RRs for brain tumors. Empirical data on the use of CT scans among CSS patients is urgently needed. Our assessment indicates that associations with radiation exposure from pediatric CT scans and leukemia or brain tumors reported in previous studies are unlikely to be substantially confounded by unmeasured CSS.

Novel synthesis of carbon spheres supported nanoscale zero-valent iron for removal of metronidazole

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xiangyu; Du, Yi; Ma, Jun

2016-12-01

For the first time, carbon spheres-supported nanoscale zero-valent iron (NZVI/CSs) were successfully synthesized as functionalized composite via liquid phase reduction method and adopted for removal of a typical antibiotic, metronidazole (MNZ), from wastewater. The resultant composite (NZVI/CSs) exhibit higher reactivity, excellent stability, enhanced dispersion, and improved longevity over the reaction course due to the presence of the charged carboxyl groups and hydroxyl groups on the surfaces of CSs. The results show that 94.18% of MNZ was removed using NZVI/CSs after 6 min, while only 36.45% and 8.78% of MNZ were removed using NZVI and CSs, respectively. The galvanic cell system between NZVI and CSs was essential for enhancing MNZ reduction in aqueous solution. Furthermore, the new findings include kinetics for MNZ removal by NZVI/CSs composite could be well expressed by a revised two-parameter pseudo-first-order model. Finally, the possible degradation mechanism was proposed, which was based on the analysis of degraded products by high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). Different important factors impacting on MNZ removal (including mass ratio of NZVI to CSs, initial concentration, pH value and solution temperature) were investigated as well. Overall, this study provides a promising alternative material and environmental pollution management option for antibiotic wastewater treatment.

A case report and literature review of Churg–Strauss syndrome presenting with myocarditis

PubMed Central

Qiao, Lu; Gao, Dengfeng

2016-01-01

Abstract Background: Churg–Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a multisystem disorder characterized by asthma, prominent peripheral blood eosinophilia, and vasculitis signs. Case summary: Here we report a case of CSS presenting with acute myocarditis and heart failure and review the literature on CSS with cardiac involvement. A 59-year-old man with general fatigue, numbness of limbs, and a 2-year history of asthma was admitted to the department of orthopedics. Eosinophilia, history of asthma, lung infiltrates, peripheral neurological damage, and myocarditis suggested the diagnosis of CSS. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a dilated hypokinetic left ventricle (left ventricular ejection fraction ∼40%) with mild segmental abnormalities in the septal and apical segments. Conclusion: By reviewing the present case reports, we concluded that (1) the younger age of CSS, the greater occurrence rate of complicating myocarditis and the poorer prognosis; (2) female CSS patients are older than male patients; (3) patients with cardiac involvement usually have a history of severe asthma; (4) markedly increased eosinophil count suggests a potential diagnosis of CSS (when the count increases to 20% of white blood cell counts or 8.1 × 109/L, eosinophils start to infiltrate into myocardium); and (5) negative ANCA status is associated with heart disease in CSS. PMID:28002315

Centaur Standard Shroud (CSS) Heated Altitude Jettison Tests

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1975-01-01

Altitude jettison tests, at a pressure of 20 torr (0.39 psia), were performed on the Centaur Standard Shroud (CSS) in a 100-foot diameter vacuum chamber. These jettison tests were part of a series of flight qualification tests which were performed on the new CSS system in preparation for the Helios and Viking missions. The first two tests subjected the CSS to a thermal cycle which simulated aerodynamic heating during ascent flight and the third test was performed at altitude pressure and in ambient temperature conditions. The purpose of the ambient temperature test was to provide base line data by which the separate machanical and thermal factors that influence jettison performance could be evaluated individually. The CSS was successfully jettisoned in each of the three tests. Also, thermal, stress, and structural deflection data were obtained which verified the analytical predictions of CSS response to flight environmental conditions and performance during jettison. In addition, much important information was obtained on critical CSS-to-payload clearance losses due to shell motions prior to and during jettison. The effectiveness of the separation system was successfully demonstrated at maximum flight temperatures.

A pseudoleukemic blood differentiation in a 13-year-old child: an extraordinary presentation of Churg-Strauss syndrome.

PubMed

Mutsaers, E R; Witteveen, R; van den Bosch-Ruis, W; Kuijpers, T W; van Houten, M A; van den Berg, J M

2013-03-01

Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a rare systemic vasculitis of the small- and medium-size vessels. It is mostly seen in elderly patients presenting as de novo asthma, eosinophilia, and vasculitic organ involvement. In childhood, CSS is extremely rare. The course of pediatric CSS is usually severe and often lethal. We present a case of a 13-year-old girl with a short history of asthma, marked eosinophilia, and multiorgan involvement. The extremely high level of blood eosinophilic granulocytes (51.6 × 10(9)/L) prompted a workup for eosinophilic leukemia before the diagnosis CSS could be made. Subsequently, the disease was successfully treated. This case report shows a classical case of childhood CSS, remarkable because of the presence of extreme hypereosinophilia. It underlines the importance of CSS as a life-threatening cause of hypereosinophilia in children.

Light controls phospholipase A2α and β gene expression in Citrus sinensis

PubMed Central

Liao, Hui-Ling; Burns, Jacqueline K.

2010-01-01

The low-molecular weight secretory phospholipase A2α (CssPLA2α) and β (CsPLA2β) cloned in this study exhibited diurnal rhythmicity in leaf tissue of Citrus sinensis. Only CssPLA2α displayed distinct diurnal patterns in fruit tissues. CssPLA2α and CsPLA2β diurnal expression exhibited periods of approximately 24 h; CssPLA2α amplitude averaged 990-fold in the leaf blades from field-grown trees, whereas CsPLA2β amplitude averaged 6.4-fold. Diurnal oscillation of CssPLA2α and CsPLA2β gene expression in the growth chamber experiments was markedly dampened 24 h after transfer to continuous light or dark conditions. CssPLA2α and CsPLA2β expressions were redundantly mediated by blue, green, red and red/far-red light, but blue light was a major factor affecting CssPLA2α and CsPLA2β expression. Total and low molecular weight CsPLA2 enzyme activity closely followed diurnal changes in CssPLA2α transcript expression in leaf blades of seedlings treated with low intensity blue light (24 μmol m−2 s−1). Compared with CssPLA2α basal expression, CsPLA2β expression was at least 10-fold higher. Diurnal fluctuation and light regulation of PLA2 gene expression and enzyme activity in citrus leaf and fruit tissues suggests that accompanying diurnal changes in lipophilic second messengers participate in the regulation of physiological processes associated with phospholipase A2 action. PMID:20388744

Newborn Parent Based Intervention to Increase Child Safety Seat Use.

PubMed

Liu, Xiangxiang; Yang, Jingzhen; Cheng, Fuyuan; Li, Liping

2016-08-02

This paper intends to assess the effect of a maternity department intervention on improvement of knowledge and use of child safety seats (CSS) among newborn parents. An intervention study included three groups (one education plus free CSS intervention group, one education only group, and one control group). The participants were parents of newborns in the maternity department of two hospitals. Both of the intervention groups received a folded pamphlet of child passenger safety, a height chart and standardized safety education during their hospital stay after giving birth. The education plus free CSS intervention group received an additional free CSS and professional installation training at hospital discharge. The control group received a pamphlet with educational information about nutrition and food safety. Three months after enrollment, a telephone follow-up was conducted among participants in the three groups. Data on child passenger safety knowledge, risky driving behaviors, and use of CSS were evaluated before and after the intervention. A total of 132 newborn parents were enrolled in the study; of those, 52 (39.4%) were assigned into the education plus free CSS intervention group, 44 (33.3%) were in the education intervention only group, and 36 (27.3%) were in the control group. No significant differences existed in demographics among the three groups. There was a significant difference in newborn parents' child passenger safety knowledge and behaviors in the three groups before and after the intervention. In addition, the CSS use increased significantly in the education plus free CSS group after the intervention compared to parents in the education only or control groups. Education on safety, combined with a free CSS and professional installation training, were effective at increasing newborn parents' knowledge and use of CSS. Future studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up are needed to determine a long-term effect of the intervention.

AKM in Open Source Communities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stamelos, Ioannis; Kakarontzas, George

Previous chapters in this book have dealt with Architecture Knowledge Management in traditional Closed Source Software (CSS) projects. This chapterwill attempt to examine the ways that knowledge is shared among participants in Free Libre Open Source Software (FLOSS 1) projects and how architectural knowledge is managed w.r.t. CSS. FLOSS projects are organized and developed in a fundamentally different way than CSS projects. FLOSS projects simply do not develop code as CSS projects do. As a consequence, their knowledge management mechanisms are also based on different concepts and tools.

A case report for fatal Churg-Strauss syndrome complications: first reported death due to rapid progression of prominently huge hepatic capsular hematoma and multi-system organ hemorrhage

PubMed Central

Qian, Jiejing; Tong, Hongyan; Chen, Feifei; Mai, Wenyuan; Lou, Yinjun; Jin, Jie

2014-01-01

Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a rare disease that has an extremely low incidence rate. CSS prognosis is good, in general; and there are no reports of multiple-organ hemorrhage in CSS. We report a unique case of CSS, wherein, an elderly man experienced multiple organ hemorrhage -- a particularly huge hematoma under the capsule of the liver and poor prognosis. PMID:25419420

Cortical superficial siderosis and first-ever cerebral hemorrhage in cerebral amyloid angiopathy

PubMed Central

Boulouis, Gregoire; Xiong, Li; Jessel, Michel J.; Roongpiboonsopit, Duangnapa; Ayres, Alison; Schwab, Kristin M.; Rosand, Jonathan; Gurol, M. Edip; Greenberg, Steven M.; Viswanathan, Anand

2017-01-01

Objective: To investigate whether cortical superficial siderosis (cSS) is associated with increased risk of future first-ever symptomatic lobar intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in patients with cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) presenting with neurologic symptoms and without ICH. Methods: Consecutive patients meeting modified Boston criteria for probable CAA in the absence of ICH from a single-center cohort were analyzed. cSS and other small vessel disease MRI markers were assessed according to recent consensus recommendations. Patients were followed prospectively for future incident symptomatic lobar ICH. Prespecified Cox proportional hazard models were used to investigate cSS and first-ever lobar ICH risk adjusting for potential confounders. Results: The cohort included 236 patients with probable CAA without lobar ICH at baseline. cSS prevalence was 34%. During a median follow-up of 3.26 years (interquartile range 1.42–5.50 years), 27 of 236 patients (11.4%) experienced a first-ever symptomatic lobar ICH. cSS was a predictor of time until first ICH (p = 0.0007, log-rank test). The risk of symptomatic ICH at 5 years of follow-up was 19% (95% confidence interval [CI] 11%–32%) for patients with cSS at baseline vs 6% (95% CI 3%–12%) for patients without cSS. In multivariable Cox regression models, cSS presence was the only independent predictor of increased symptomatic ICH risk during follow-up (HR 4.04; 95% CI 1.73–9.44, p = 0.001), after adjusting for age, lobar cerebral microbleeds burden, and white matter hyperintensities. Conclusions: cSS is consistently associated with an increased risk of future lobar ICH in CAA with potentially important clinical implications for patient care decisions such as antithrombotic use. PMID:28356458

Cultured Skin Substitutes Reduce Donor Skin Harvesting for Closure of Excised, Full-Thickness Burns

PubMed Central

Boyce, Steven T.; Kagan, Richard J.; Yakuboff, Kevin P.; Meyer, Nicholas A.; Rieman, Mary T.; Greenhalgh, David G.; Warden, Glenn D.

2002-01-01

Objective Comparison of cultured skin substitutes (CSS) and split-thickness skin autograft (AG) was performed to assess whether donor-site harvesting can be reduced quantitatively and whether functional and cosmetic outcome is similar qualitatively in the treatment of patients with massive cutaneous burns. Summary Background Data Cultured skin substitutes consisting of collagen-glycosaminoglycan substrates populated with autologous fibroblasts and keratinocytes have been shown to close full-thickness skin wounds in preclinical and clinical studies with acceptable functional and cosmetic results. Methods Qualitative outcome was compared between CSS and AG in 45 patients on an ordinal scale (0, worst; 10, best) with primary analyses at postoperative day 28 and after about 1 year for erythema, pigmentation, pliability, raised scar, epithelial blistering, and surface texture. In the latest 12 of the 45 patients, tracings were performed of donor skin biopsies and wounds treated with CSS at postoperative days 14 and 28 to calculate percentage engraftment, the ratio of closed wound:donor skin areas, and the percentage of total body surface area closed with CSS. Results Measures of qualitative outcome of CSS or AG were not different statistically at 1 year after grafting. Engraftment at postoperative day 14 exceeded 75% in the 12 patients evaluated. The ratio of closed wound:donor skin areas for CSS at postoperative day 28 was significantly greater than for conventional 4:1 meshed autografts. The percentage of total body surface area closed with CSS at postoperative day 28 was significantly less than with AG. Conclusions The requirement for harvesting of donor skin for CSS was less than for conventional skin autografts. These results suggest that acute-phase recovery of patients with extensive burns is facilitated and that complications are reduced by the use of CSS together with conventional skin grafting. PMID:11807368

Cultured skin substitutes reduce donor skin harvesting for closure of excised, full-thickness burns.

PubMed

Boyce, Steven T; Kagan, Richard J; Yakuboff, Kevin P; Meyer, Nicholas A; Rieman, Mary T; Greenhalgh, David G; Warden, Glenn D

2002-02-01

Comparison of cultured skin substitutes (CSS) and split-thickness skin autograft (AG) was performed to assess whether donor-site harvesting can be reduced quantitatively and whether functional and cosmetic outcome is similar qualitatively in the treatment of patients with massive cutaneous burns. Cultured skin substitutes consisting of collagen-glycosaminoglycan substrates populated with autologous fibroblasts and keratinocytes have been shown to close full-thickness skin wounds in preclinical and clinical studies with acceptable functional and cosmetic results. Qualitative outcome was compared between CSS and AG in 45 patients on an ordinal scale (0, worst; 10, best) with primary analyses at postoperative day 28 and after about 1 year for erythema, pigmentation, pliability, raised scar, epithelial blistering, and surface texture. In the latest 12 of the 45 patients, tracings were performed of donor skin biopsies and wounds treated with CSS at postoperative days 14 and 28 to calculate percentage engraftment, the ratio of closed wound:donor skin areas, and the percentage of total body surface area closed with CSS. Measures of qualitative outcome of CSS or AG were not different statistically at 1 year after grafting. Engraftment at postoperative day 14 exceeded 75% in the 12 patients evaluated. The ratio of closed wound:donor skin areas for CSS at postoperative day 28 was significantly greater than for conventional 4:1 meshed autografts. The percentage of total body surface area closed with CSS at postoperative day 28 was significantly less than with AG. The requirement for harvesting of donor skin for CSS was less than for conventional skin autografts. These results suggest that acute-phase recovery of patients with extensive burns is facilitated and that complications are reduced by the use of CSS together with conventional skin grafting.

Strategies to increase the use of child safety seats : an assessment of current knowledge

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1986-12-01

This analytic literature research reports on characteristics of child-safety-seat (CSS) users and nonusers, and on the efficacy of approaches to increasing CSS use. It concentrates on human factors issues in CSS use, excluding technical studies on de...

The Nature of Coping in Treatment for Marijuana Dependence: Latent Structure and Validation of the Coping Strategies Scale

PubMed Central

Litt, Mark D.; Kadden, Ronald M; Tennen, Howard

2012-01-01

The Coping Strategies Scale (CSS) was designed to assess adaptive changes in substance-use specific coping that result from treatment. The present study sought to examine the latent structure of the CSS in the hope that it might shed light on the coping processes of drug users, and guide the development of a brief version of the CSS. Respondents on the CSS were 751 men and women treated in three clinical trials for marijuana dependence. Posttreatment CSS data were analyzed to determine the nature of coping responses in patients who have been trained to use specific strategies to deal with substance use disorders. Exploratory factor analysis yielded two factors, categorized as problem-focused and emotion-focused coping, but confirmatory factor analysis did not support this structure. When infrequently endorsed items were removed, however, confirmatory factor analysis revealed a good fit to the data. Contrary to expectations, practical strategies that often form the basis for coping skills training, such as avoiding those who smoke, were not frequently endorsed. Problem focused items reflected cognitive commitments to change. Emotion-focused items included cognitive reinterpretations of emotions, to help manage emotional reactions. Brief versions of the CSS based on these factors showed good convergent and discriminant validity. The CSS, and the brief versions of the CSS, may prove useful in future treatment trials to evaluate effects of treatment on coping skills acquisition and utilization in substance dependent individuals. PMID:22082345

Chronic social stress leads to altered sleep homeostasis in mice.

PubMed

Olini, Nadja; Rothfuchs, Iru; Azzinnari, Damiano; Pryce, Christopher R; Kurth, Salome; Huber, Reto

2017-06-01

Disturbed sleep and altered sleep homeostasis are core features of many psychiatric disorders such as depression. Chronic uncontrollable stress is considered an important factor in the development of depression, but little is known on how chronic stress affects sleep regulation and sleep homeostasis. We therefore examined the effects of chronic social stress (CSS) on sleep regulation in mice. Adult male C57BL/6 mice were implanted for electrocortical recordings (ECoG) and underwent either a 10-day CSS protocol or control handling (CON). Subsequently, ECoG was assessed across a 24-h post-stress baseline, followed by a 4-h sleep deprivation, and then a 20-h recovery period. After sleep deprivation, CSS mice showed a blunted increase in sleep pressure compared to CON mice, as measured using slow wave activity (SWA, electroencephalographic power between 1-4Hz) during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. Vigilance states did not differ between CSS and CON mice during post-stress baseline, sleep deprivation or recovery, with the exception of CSS mice exhibiting increased REM sleep during recovery sleep. Behavior during sleep deprivation was not affected by CSS. Our data provide evidence that CSS alters the homeostatic regulation of sleep SWA in mice. In contrast to acute social stress, which results in a faster SWA build-up, CSS decelerates the homeostatic build up. These findings are discussed in relation to the causal contribution of stress-induced sleep disturbance to depression. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Statistics of peak overpressure and shock steepness for linear and nonlinear N-wave propagation in a kinematic turbulence.

PubMed

Yuldashev, Petr V; Ollivier, Sébastien; Karzova, Maria M; Khokhlova, Vera A; Blanc-Benon, Philippe

2017-12-01

Linear and nonlinear propagation of high amplitude acoustic pulses through a turbulent layer in air is investigated using a two-dimensional KZK-type (Khokhlov-Zabolotskaya-Kuznetsov) equation. Initial waves are symmetrical N-waves with shock fronts of finite width. A modified von Kármán spectrum model is used to generate random wind velocity fluctuations associated with the turbulence. Physical parameters in simulations correspond to previous laboratory scale experiments where N-waves with 1.4 cm wavelength propagated through a turbulence layer with the outer scale of about 16 cm. Mean value and standard deviation of peak overpressure and shock steepness, as well as cumulative probabilities to observe amplified peak overpressure and shock steepness, are analyzed. Nonlinear propagation effects are shown to enhance pressure level in random foci for moderate initial amplitudes of N-waves thus increasing the probability to observe highly peaked waveforms. Saturation of the pressure level is observed for stronger nonlinear effects. It is shown that in the linear propagation regime, the turbulence mainly leads to the smearing of shock fronts, thus decreasing the probability to observe high values of steepness, whereas nonlinear effects dramatically increase the probability to observe steep shocks.

DOA Estimation for Underwater Wideband Weak Targets Based on Coherent Signal Subspace and Compressed Sensing

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Direction of arrival (DOA) estimation is the basis for underwater target localization and tracking using towed line array sonar devices. A method of DOA estimation for underwater wideband weak targets based on coherent signal subspace (CSS) processing and compressed sensing (CS) theory is proposed. Under the CSS processing framework, wideband frequency focusing is accompanied by a two-sided correlation transformation, allowing the DOA of underwater wideband targets to be estimated based on the spatial sparsity of the targets and the compressed sensing reconstruction algorithm. Through analysis and processing of simulation data and marine trial data, it is shown that this method can accomplish the DOA estimation of underwater wideband weak targets. Results also show that this method can considerably improve the spatial spectrum of weak target signals, enhancing the ability to detect them. It can solve the problems of low directional resolution and unreliable weak-target detection in traditional beamforming technology. Compared with the conventional minimum variance distortionless response beamformers (MVDR), this method has many advantages, such as higher directional resolution, wider detection range, fewer required snapshots and more accurate detection for weak targets. PMID:29562642

The role of antimatter in big-bang cosmology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stecker, F. W.

1973-01-01

Big bang cosmology is discussed with reference to both its strong points and gaps. Characteristics of a spectral component of red shifted gamma-radiation from cosmological matter-antimatter annihilation show a flattening of the gamma-ray spectrum in the vicinity of 1 MeV, an increased gamma-ray flux between 1 and 100 MeV, and a very steep spectrum between 50 and 135 MeV. This data fits well with the theoretical predictions in energy and intensity.

Surprises from a Deep ASCA Spectrum of the Broad Absorption Line Quasar PHL 5200

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mathur, Smita; Matt, G.; Green, P. J.; Elvis, M.; Singh, K. P.

2002-01-01

We present a deep (approx. 85 ks) ASCA observation of the prototype broad absorption line quasar (BALQSO) PHL 5200. This is the best X-ray spectrum of a BALQSO yet. We find the following: (1) The source is not intrinsically X-ray weak. (2) The line-of-sight absorption is very strong, with N(sub H) = 5 x 10(exp 23)/sq cm. (3) The absorber does not cover the source completely; the covering fraction is approx. 90%. This is consistent with the large optical polarization observed in this source, implying multiple lines of sight. The most surprising result of this observation is that (4) the spectrum of this BALQSO is not exactly similar to other radio-quiet quasars. The hard X-ray spectrum of PHL 5200 is steep, with the power-law spectral index alpha approx. 1.5. This is similar to the steepest hard X-ray slopes observed so far. At low redshifts, such steep slopes are observed in narrow-line Seyfert 1 (NLS1) galaxies, believed to be accreting at a high Eddington rate. This observation strengthens the analogy between BALQSOs and NLS1 galaxies and supports the hypothesis that BALQSOs represent an early evolutionary state of quasars. It is well accepted that the orientation to the line of sight determines the appearance of a quasar: age seems to play a significant role as well.

32 CFR 299.7 - Exempt records.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... INFORMATION ACT PROGRAM NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY/CENTRAL SECURITY SERVICE (NSA/CSS) FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT... NSA/CSS to withhold information in whole or in part from public disclosure when there is a sound legal... source, including a source within NSA/CSS, state, local, or foreign agency or authority, or any private...

32 CFR 299.7 - Exempt records.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... INFORMATION ACT PROGRAM NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY/CENTRAL SECURITY SERVICE (NSA/CSS) FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT... NSA/CSS to withhold information in whole or in part from public disclosure when there is a sound legal... source, including a source within NSA/CSS, state, local, or foreign agency or authority, or any private...

32 CFR 299.7 - Exempt records.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... INFORMATION ACT PROGRAM NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY/CENTRAL SECURITY SERVICE (NSA/CSS) FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT... NSA/CSS to withhold information in whole or in part from public disclosure when there is a sound legal... source, including a source within NSA/CSS, state, local, or foreign agency or authority, or any private...

32 CFR 299.7 - Exempt records.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... INFORMATION ACT PROGRAM NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY/CENTRAL SECURITY SERVICE (NSA/CSS) FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT... NSA/CSS to withhold information in whole or in part from public disclosure when there is a sound legal... source, including a source within NSA/CSS, state, local, or foreign agency or authority, or any private...

32 CFR 299.5 - Procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... PROGRAM NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY/CENTRAL SECURITY SERVICE (NSA/CSS) FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT PROGRAM § 299.5 Procedures. (a) Requests for copies of records of the NSA/CSS shall be delivered to the Director... Director of Policy, if so designated, shall endeavor to respond to a direct request to NSA/CSS within 20...

32 CFR 299.5 - Procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... PROGRAM NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY/CENTRAL SECURITY SERVICE (NSA/CSS) FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT PROGRAM § 299.5 Procedures. (a) Requests for copies of records of the NSA/CSS shall be delivered to the Director... Director of Policy, if so designated, shall endeavor to respond to a direct request to NSA/CSS within 20...

32 CFR 299.7 - Exempt records.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... INFORMATION ACT PROGRAM NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY/CENTRAL SECURITY SERVICE (NSA/CSS) FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT... NSA/CSS to withhold information in whole or in part from public disclosure when there is a sound legal... source, including a source within NSA/CSS, state, local, or foreign agency or authority, or any private...

77 FR 38884 - Professional Transportation, Inc.-Asset Acquisition-CUSA ES, LLC and CUSA CSS, LLC

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-29

..., Inc.--CUSA ES, LLC (MC-463168) and CUSA CSS, LLC (MC-522544) (collectively, Coach America Subsidiaries... Transportation, Inc.--Asset Acquisition--CUSA ES, LLC and CUSA CSS, LLC AGENCY: Surface Transportation Board. ACTION: Notice of Finance Application. SUMMARY: Professional Transportation, Inc. (PTI or Applicant), an...

The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Toddler Module: Standardized Severity Scores

PubMed Central

Esler, Amy N.; Bal, Vanessa Hus; Guthrie, Whitney; Wetherby, Amy; Weismer, Susan Ellis; Lord, Catherine

2016-01-01

Standardized calibrated severity scores (CSS) have been created for Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd edition (ADOS-2) Modules 1–4 as a metric of the relative severity of autism-specific behaviors. Total and domain CSS were created for the Toddler Module to facilitate comparison to other modules. Analyses included 388 children with ASD age 12 to 30 months and were replicated on 435 repeated assessments from 127 children with ASD. Compared to raw scores, associations between total and domain CSS and participant characteristics were reduced in the original sample. Verbal IQ effects on Social Affect-CSS were not reduced in the replication sample. Toddler Module CSS increases comparability of ADOS-2 scores across modules and allows studies of symptom trajectories to extend to earlier ages. PMID:25832801

Acute painless monocular visual loss due to central retinal artery occlusion in a patient with Churg-Strauss vasculitis.

PubMed

Skrapari, Ioanna; Kagkelari, Eleftheria; Charitatos, Evangelos; Pantelidaki, Catherine; Gounaris, Theodoros; Sioula, Evagelia

2008-01-01

Ocular involvement in Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is infrequent. We describe a case of a 50-year-old woman, with blood eosinophilia, involvement of the respiratory tract, skin, and peripheral nervous system, fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology criteria for CSS, who presented with left foot drop followed by left acute painless visual loss. Central retinal artery occlusion was diagnosed by fundoscopic findings (retinal whitening with a cherry-red spot). CSS was confirmed by sural nerve biopsy. Despite treatment with high-dose corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, and anticoagulant therapy, visual acuity was not substantially improved. Acute blindness in CSS has been rarely described. Even more rarely, central retinal artery occlusion has been found to be the underlying cause of this infrequent clinical manifestation in CSS.

The result of adjuvant chemotherapy for localized pT3 upper urinary tract carcinoma in a multi-institutional study.

PubMed

Kawashima, Atsunari; Nakai, Yasutomo; Nakayama, Masashi; Ujike, Takeshi; Tanigawa, Go; Ono, Yutaka; Kamoto, Akihito; Takada, Tsuyosi; Yamaguchi, Yuichiro; Takayama, Hitoshi; Nishimura, Kazuo; Nonomura, Norio; Tsujimura, Akira

2012-10-01

To determine through the analysis of our multi-institutional database whether postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy for upper urinary tract carcinoma with localized invasive upper urinary tract carcinoma (UUTC) is beneficial. A study population of 93 patients with pT3N0/xM0 UUTC was eligible for this study. Clinical features evaluated were sex, tumor location, adjuvant chemotherapy status, tumor pathology (histology, grade, infiltrating growth, lymphovascular invasion (LVI)), and cause of death. Cancer-specific survival (CSS) was estimated by Kaplan-Meier method. Prognostic factors related to CSS were analyzed by Cox proportional hazards regression model for multivariate analysis. In pT3 patients, overall 5-year CSS rate was 68.4% and median CSS time was 31 months (range 3-114 months). In the adjuvant chemotherapy group, 5-year CSS rate was 80.8%, whereas 5-year CSS rate was 64.4% in the non-adjuvant chemotherapy group. By multivariate analysis, adjuvant chemotherapy status was significantly associated with CSS (P = 0.008) were sex, tumor grade, tumor histology, and LVI presence. This study, although it was retrospective study, revealed that adjuvant chemotherapy after RNU may be beneficial in pT3N0/X patients by multivariate analysis. Prospective studies evaluating adjuvant therapy regimens for UTTC are required.

Identifying coagulopathies in the pathophysiology of cold stress syndrome in the Florida manatee Trichechus manatus latirostris.

PubMed

Barratclough, Ashley; Conner, Bobbi J; Brooks, Marjory B; Pontes Stablein, Alyssa; Gerlach, Trevor J; Reep, Roger L; Ball, Ray L; Floyd, Ruth Francis

2017-08-09

Cold stress syndrome (CSS) in the Florida manatee Trichechus manatus latirostris has been defined as morbidity and mortality resulting from prolonged exposure to water temperatures <20°C. The pathophysiology is described as multifactorial, involving nutritional, immunological and metabolic disturbances; however, the exact mechanisms are unknown. We hypothesized that thromboembolic complications contribute to the pathophysiology of CSS in addition to the previously described factors. During the winter of 2014-2015, 10 Florida manatees with clinical signs of CSS were presented to Lowry Park Zoo, Tampa, FL, USA. Thromboelastography (TEG) and coagulation panels were performed at admission. In addition, coagulation panel data from 23 retrospective CSS cases were included in the analyses. There were numerous differences between mean values of TEG and coagulation parameters for healthy manatees and those for CSS cases. Among TEG parameters, reaction time (R), clot formation time (K) and percentage of clot lysed after 30 min (LY30) values were significantly different (p < 0.05) between the 2 groups. CSS cases also had significantly higher mean D-dimer concentration and coagulation factor XI activity, prolonged mean activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and significantly decreased mean antithrombin activity. These combined abnormalities include clinicopathologic criteria of disseminated intravascular coagulation, indicating an increased risk of thromboembolic disease associated with manatee CSS.

Fast and local non-linear evolution of steep wave-groups on deep water: A comparison of approximate models to fully non-linear simulations

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

Adcock, T. A. A.; Taylor, P. H.

2016-01-15

The non-linear Schrödinger equation and its higher order extensions are routinely used for analysis of extreme ocean waves. This paper compares the evolution of individual wave-packets modelled using non-linear Schrödinger type equations with packets modelled using fully non-linear potential flow models. The modified non-linear Schrödinger Equation accurately models the relatively large scale non-linear changes to the shape of wave-groups, with a dramatic contraction of the group along the mean propagation direction and a corresponding extension of the width of the wave-crests. In addition, as extreme wave form, there is a local non-linear contraction of the wave-group around the crest whichmore » leads to a localised broadening of the wave spectrum which the bandwidth limited non-linear Schrödinger Equations struggle to capture. This limitation occurs for waves of moderate steepness and a narrow underlying spectrum.« less

An Unlikely Radio Halo in the Low X-Ray Luminosity Galaxy Cluster RXCJ1514.9-1523

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marketvitch, M.; ZuHone, J. A.; Lee, D.; Giacintucci, S.; Dallacasa, D.; Venturi, T.; Brunetti, G.; Cassano, R.; Markevitch, M.; Athreya, R. M.

2011-01-01

Aims: We report the discovery of a giant radio halo in the galaxy cluster RXCJ1514,9-1523 at z=0.22 with a relatively low X-ray luminosity, L(sub X) (0.1-2.4kev) approx. 7 x 10(exp 44) ergs/s. Methods: This faint, diffuse radio source is detected with the Giant Meterwave Radio Telescope at 327 MHz. The source is barely detected at 1.4 GHz in a NVSS pointing that we have reanalyzed. Results: The integrated radio spectrum of the halo is quite steep, with a slope alpha = 1.6 between 327 MHz and 1.4 GHz. While giant radio halos are common in more X-ray luminous cluster mergers, there is a less than 10% probability to detect a halo in systems with L(sub X) < 8 x 10(exp 44) ergs/s. The detection of a new giant halo in this borderline luminosity regime can be particularly useful for discriminating between the competing theories for the origin of ultrarelativistic electrons in clusters. Furthermore, if our steep radio spectral index is confirmed by future deeper radio observations, this cluster would provide another example of the very rare, new class of ultra-steep spectrum radio halos, predicted by the model in which the cluster cosmic ray electrons are produced by turbulent reacceleration.

Confounding of the Association between Radiation Exposure from CT Scans and Risk of Leukemia and Brain Tumors by Cancer Susceptibility Syndromes.

PubMed

Meulepas, Johanna M; Ronckers, Cécile M; Merks, Johannes; Weijerman, Michel E; Lubin, Jay H; Hauptmann, Michael

2016-01-01

Recent studies linking radiation exposure from pediatric computed tomography (CT) to increased risks of leukemia and brain tumors lacked data to control for cancer susceptibility syndromes (CSS). These syndromes might be confounders because they are associated with an increased cancer risk and may increase the likelihood of CT scans performed in children. We identify CSS predisposing to leukemia and brain tumors through a systematic literature search and summarize prevalence and risk estimates. Because there is virtually no empirical evidence in published literature on patterns of CT use for most types of CSS, we estimate confounding bias of relative risks (RR) for categories of radiation exposure based on expert opinion about the current and previous patterns of CT scans among CSS patients. We estimate that radiation-related RRs for leukemia are not meaningfully confounded by Down syndrome, Noonan syndrome, or other CSS. In contrast, RRs for brain tumors may be overestimated due to confounding by tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) while von Hippel-Lindau disease, neurofibromatosis type 1, or other CSS do not meaningfully confound. Empirical data on the use of CT scans among CSS patients are urgently needed. Our assessment indicates that associations with leukemia reported in previous studies are unlikely to be substantially confounded by unmeasured CSS, whereas brain tumor risks might have been overestimated due to confounding by TSC. Future studies should identify TSC patients in order to avoid overestimation of brain tumor risks due to radiation exposure from CT scans. ©2015 American Association for Cancer Research.

Recent Advances and Achievements at The Catalina Sky Survey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leonard, Gregory J.; Christensen, Eric J.; Fuls, Carson; Gibbs, Alex; Grauer, Al; Johnson, Jess A.; Kowalski, Richard; Larson, Stephen M.; Matheny, Rose; Seaman, Rob; Shelly, Frank

2017-10-01

The Catalina Sky Survey (CSS) is a NASA-funded project fully dedicated to discover and track near-Earth objects (NEOs). Since its founding nearly 20 years ago CSS remains at the forefront of NEO surveys, and recent improvements in both instrumentation and software have increased both survey productivity and data quality. In 2016 new large-format (10K x 10K) cameras were installed on both CSS survey telescopes, the 1.5-m reflector and the 0.7-m Schmidt, increasing the field of view, and hence nightly sky coverage by 4x and 2.4x respectively. The new cameras, coupled with improvements in the reduction and detection pipelines, and revised sky-coverage strategies have yielded a dramatic upward trend of NEO discovery rates. CSS has also developed a custom adaptive queue manager for scheduling NEO follow-up astrometry using a remotely operated and recently renovated 1-m Cassegrain reflector telescope, improvements that have increased the production of follow-up astrometry for newly discovered NEOs and arc extensions for previously discovered objects by CSS and other surveys. Additionally, reprocessing of archival CSS data (which includes some 46 million individual astrometric measurements) through the new reduction and detection pipeline will allow for improved orbit determinations and increased arc extensions for hundreds of thousands of asteroids. Reprocessed data will soon feed into a new public archive of CSS images and catalog data products made available through NASA’s Planetary Data System (PDS). For the future, CSS is working towards improved NEO follow-up capabilities through a combination of access to larger telescopes, instrument upgrades and follow-up scheduling tools.

Interleukin-25: a cytokine linking eosinophils and adaptive immunity in Churg-Strauss syndrome.

PubMed

Terrier, Benjamin; Bièche, Ivan; Maisonobe, Thierry; Laurendeau, Ingrid; Rosenzwajg, Michèlle; Kahn, Jean-Emmanuel; Diemert, Marie-Claude; Musset, Lucile; Vidaud, Michel; Sène, Damien; Costedoat-Chalumeau, Nathalie; Le Thi-Huong, Du; Amoura, Zahir; Klatzmann, David; Cacoub, Patrice; Saadoun, David

2010-11-25

Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is characterized by systemic vasculitis and blood and tissue eosinophilia. Blood eosinophilia correlates with disease activity, and activated T cells from CSS patients are predominantly T helper 2 (Th2). Interleukin (IL)-25 has been shown to link innate and adaptive immunity by enhancing Th2 cytokine production. We sought to determine the involvement of IL-25 and its receptor IL-17RB in the pathogenesis of CSS. We found increased levels of IL-25 in the serum of active CSS patients (952 ± 697 vs 75 ± 49 pg/mL in inactive patients and 47 ± 6 pg/mL in healthy donors). IL-25 was correlated with disease activity and eosinophil level. Eosinophils were the main source of IL-25, whereas activated CD4(+) memory T cells were the IL-17RB-expressing cells in CSS. IL-25 enhanced the production of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 by activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. IL-25 and IL-17RB were observed within the vasculitic lesions of patients with CSS, and IL-17RB colocalized with T cells. Increased expression of IL-17RB, tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6, and JunB in vasculitic lesions of CSS underscored the IL-25-mediated activation, whereas up-regulation of GATA3 and IL-10 supported Th2 differentiation. Our findings suggest that eosinophils, through the production of IL-25, exert a critical role in promoting Th2 responses in target tissues of CSS.

75 FR 21250 - Privacy Act of 1974; Systems of Records

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-23

... information of the current tenants of NSA/CSS facilities; to create and track the status of visit requests and... facility; to track inside the NSA/CSS facility authorized NSA/CSS employee and visitor badges as they are used to pass through automated turnstile system, access office suites and other work areas; to track...

Fibromyalgia and overlapping disorders: the unifying concept of central sensitivity syndromes.

PubMed

Yunus, Muhammad B

2007-06-01

To discuss fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and overlapping conditions, eg, irritable bowel syndrome, headaches, and chronic fatigue syndrome, within the concept of central sensitivity syndromes (CSS). A critical overview of the literature and incorporation of the author's own views. The concept of CSS seems viable. It is based on mutual associations among the CSS conditions as well as the evidence for central sensitization (CS) among several CSS members. However, such evidence is weak or not available in other members at this time, requiring further studies. The biology of CSS is based on neuroendocrine aberrations, including CS, that interact with psychosocial factors to cause a number of symptoms. CSS is an important new concept that embraces the biopsychosocial model of disease. Further critical studies are warranted to fully test this concept. However, it seems to have important significance for new directions for research and patient care involving physician and patient education. Each patient, irrespective of diagnosis, should be treated as an individual considering both the biological and psychosocial contributions to his or her symptoms and suffering.

Effects of sewage sludge addition to Norway spruce seedlings on nitrogen availability and soil fauna in clear-cut areas.

PubMed

Nieminen, Jouni K; Räisänen, Mikko

2013-07-01

Anaerobically digested and composted sewage sludge (CSS) has been suggested to be a slow-release fertilizer in forestry and an alternative to quick-release inorganic fertilizers. The effects of CSS with or without added carbohydrate on inorganic nitrogen availability and on soil animals were tested in two Norway spruce plantations. Half of the seedlings were individually fertilized with CSS, and the rest were left as controls. Solid sucrose was added to half of the fertilized and untreated seedlings. Soil samples were taken in the autumn in the first and the second year after the treatments. CSS increased soil NH4-N (2100%), the proportion of soil NO3-N, and the N concentration of spruce needles. CSS greatly reduced the abundances of enchytraeids, tardigrades and collembolans, but increased the proportion and abundance of bacterial-feeding nematodes irrespective of carbohydrate addition. A better stabilization method needs to be developed before CSS can be used as a forest fertilizer. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Combined Churg-Strauss syndrome and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis - case report and review of the literature.

PubMed

Ren, Shaohua

2013-01-01

A rare case of combined Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) was presented. A 41-year-old woman was diagnosed with CSS based upon asthma, eosinophilia (23%), chest radiographic findings, paranasal sinusitis, peripheral neuropathy and positive p- anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (pANCA). The diagnosis of ABPA was established on the pathological findings of allegic mucin impaction and fungal hyphae on lung biopsy. It was further proved by positive serum IgE and IgG antibodies specific to afumigatus. The clinical investigation features were reviewed in the patients with combined CSS and ABPA. All patients had the time sequence of the development of CSS after ABPA uniformly, suggesting immunopathogenesis involving the emergence of CSS. The role of lung biopsy in the diagnosis of the condition was emphasized. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Centaur Standard Shroud (CSS) cryogenic unlatch tests

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1973-01-01

Cryogenic tanking and partial jettison (unlatch) tests were performed on a full scale Centaur vehicle and Centaur Standard Shroud (CSS) to develop and qualify the CSS insulation system, the CSS and Centaur ground-hold purge systems, and the Centaur hydrogen tank flight vent system. Operation of the shroud/Centaur pyrotechnic systems, seals, and the shroud jettison springs, hinges, and other separation systems was demonstrated by a partial jettison of the shroud into catch nets. The Centaur tanks were filled with liquid hydrogen and liquid nitrogen. Prelaunch operations were performed, and data taken to establish system performances. Results from the initial tests showed a higher than expected heat transfer rate to the Centaur hydrogen tank. In addition, the release mechanism for the forward seal between the Centaur and the CSS did not function properly, and the seal was torn during jettison of the shroud.

Chronic social stress in pigs impairs intestinal barrier and nutrient transporter function, and alters neuro-immune mediator and receptor expression

PubMed Central

Li, Yihang; Song, Zehe; Kerr, Katelyn A.; Moeser, Adam J.

2017-01-01

Psychosocial stress is a major factor driving gastrointestinal (GI) pathophysiology and disease susceptibility in humans and animals. The mechanisms governing susceptibility to stress-induced GI disease remain poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the influence of chronic social stress (CSS) in pigs, induced by 7 d of chronic mixing/crowding stress, on intestinal barrier and nutrient transport function, corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) signaling and immunological responses. Results from this study showed that CSS resulted in a significant impairment of ileal and colonic barrier function indicated by reduced transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) in the ileum and increased FD4 flux in the ileum (by 0.8 fold) and colon (by 0.7 fold). Ileal sodium glucose linked transporter 1 (SGLT-1) function, measured as glucose-induced changes in short-circuit current (Isc), was diminished (by 52%) in CSS pigs, associated with reduced body weight gain and feed efficiency. Although reductions in SGLT-1 function were observed in CSS pigs, mRNA expression for SGLT-1, villus heights were increased in CSS pigs. Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) mRNA was upregulated (by 0.9 fold) in the ileum of CSS pigs but not in the colon. Urocortin 2 (Ucn2) mRNA was upregulated (by 1.5 fold) in the colon of CSS pigs, but not in the ileum. In CSS pigs, a downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines mRNA (IL1B, TNFA, IL8, and IL6) was observed in both ileum and colon, compared with controls. In contrast CSS induced a marked upregulation of mRNA for IL10 and mast cell chymase gene (CMA1) in the ileum and colon. Together, these data demonstrate that chronic stress in pigs results in significant alterations in intestinal barrier and nutrient transport function and neuro-immune mediator and receptor expression. PMID:28170426

Practice patterns of academic general thoracic and adult cardiac surgeons.

PubMed

Ingram, Michael T; Wisner, David H; Cooke, David T

2014-10-01

We hypothesized that academic adult cardiac surgeons (CSs) and general thoracic surgeons (GTSs) would have distinct practice patterns of, not just case-mix, but also time devoted to outpatient care, involvement in critical care, and work relative value unit (wRVU) generation for the procedures they perform. We queried the University Health System Consortium-Association of American Medical Colleges Faculty Practice Solution Center database for fiscal years 2007-2008, 2008-2009, and 2009-2010 for the frequency of inpatient and outpatient current procedural terminology coding and wRVU data of academic GTSs and CSs. The Faculty Practice Solution Center database is a compilation of productivity and payer data from 86 academic institutions. The greatest wRVU generating current procedural terminology codes for CSs were, in order, coronary artery bypass grafting, aortic valve replacement, and mitral valve replacement. In contrast, open lobectomy, video-assisted thoracic surgery wedge, and video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy were greatest for GTSs. The 10 greatest wRVU-generating procedures for CSs generated more wRVUs than those for GTSs (P<.001). Although CSs generated significantly more hospital inpatient evaluation and management (E & M) wRVUs than did GTSs (P<.001), only 2.5% of the total wRVUs generated by CSs were from E & M codes versus 18.8% for GTSs. Critical care codes were 1.5% of total evaluation and management billing for both CSs and GTSs. Academic CSs and GTSs have distinct practice patterns. CSs receive greater reimbursement for services because of the greater wRVUs of the procedures performed compared with GTSs, and evaluation and management coding is a more important wRVU generator for GTSs. The results of our study could guide academic CS and GTS practice structure and time prioritization. Copyright © 2014 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Absolute cross-sections for DNA strand breaks and crosslinks induced by low energy electrons

PubMed Central

Chen, Wenzhuang; Chen, Shiliang; Dong, Yanfang; Cloutier, Pierre; Sanche, Léon

2016-01-01

Absolute cross sections (CSs) for the interaction of low energy electrons with condensed macromolecules are essential parameters to accurately model ionizing radiation induced reactions. To determine CSs for various conformational DNA damage induced by 2–20 eV electrons, we investigated the influence of the attenuation length (AL) and penetration factor (f) using a mathematical model. Solid films of super-coiled plasmid DNA with thicknesses of 10, 15 and 20 nm were irradiated with 4.6, 5.6, 9.6 and 14.6 eV electrons. DNA conformational changes were quantified by gel electrophoresis, and the respective yields were extrapolated from exposure–response curves. The absolute CS, AL and f values were generated by applying the model developed by Rezaee et al. The values of AL were found to lie between 11 and 16 nm with the maximum at 14.6 eV. The absolute CSs for the loss of the supercoiled (LS) configuration and production of crosslinks (CL), single strand breaks (SSB) and double strand breaks (DSB) induced by 4.6, 5.6, 9.6 and 14.6 eV electrons are obtained. The CSs for SSB are smaller, but similar to those for LS, indicating that SSB are the main conformational damage. The CSs for DSB and CL are about one order of magnitude smaller than those of LS and SSB. The value of f is found to be independent of electron energy, which allows extending the absolute CSs for these types of damage within the range 2–20 eV, from previous measurements of effective CSs. When comparison is possible, the absolute CSs are found to be in good agreement with those obtained from previous similar studies with double-stranded DNA. The high values of the absolute CSs of 4.6 and 9.6 eV provide quantitative evidence for the high efficiency of low energy electrons to induce DNA damage via the formation of transient anions. PMID:27878170

Absolute cross-sections for DNA strand breaks and crosslinks induced by low energy electrons.

PubMed

Chen, Wenzhuang; Chen, Shiliang; Dong, Yanfang; Cloutier, Pierre; Zheng, Yi; Sanche, Léon

2016-12-07

Absolute cross sections (CSs) for the interaction of low energy electrons with condensed macromolecules are essential parameters to accurately model ionizing radiation induced reactions. To determine CSs for various conformational DNA damage induced by 2-20 eV electrons, we investigated the influence of the attenuation length (AL) and penetration factor (f) using a mathematical model. Solid films of supercoiled plasmid DNA with thicknesses of 10, 15 and 20 nm were irradiated with 4.6, 5.6, 9.6 and 14.6 eV electrons. DNA conformational changes were quantified by gel electrophoresis, and the respective yields were extrapolated from exposure-response curves. The absolute CS, AL and f values were generated by applying the model developed by Rezaee et al. The values of AL were found to lie between 11 and 16 nm with the maximum at 14.6 eV. The absolute CSs for the loss of the supercoiled (LS) configuration and production of crosslinks (CL), single strand breaks (SSB) and double strand breaks (DSB) induced by 4.6, 5.6, 9.6 and 14.6 eV electrons are obtained. The CSs for SSB are smaller, but similar to those for LS, indicating that SSB are the main conformational damage. The CSs for DSB and CL are about one order of magnitude smaller than those of LS and SSB. The value of f is found to be independent of electron energy, which allows extending the absolute CSs for these types of damage within the range 2-20 eV, from previous measurements of effective CSs. When comparison is possible, the absolute CSs are found to be in good agreement with those obtained from previous similar studies with double-stranded DNA. The high values of the absolute CSs of 4.6 and 9.6 eV provide quantitative evidence for the high efficiency of low energy electrons to induce DNA damage via the formation of transient anions.

Optimisation of saponin extraction conditions with Camellia sinensis var. assamica seed and its application for a natural detergent.

PubMed

Gong, Wanying; Huang, Yewei; Ji, Aibing; Peng, Wenshu; Liu, Cong; Zeng, Yin; Yang, Ruijuan; Yan, Liang; Wang, Xuanjun; Sheng, Jun

2018-04-01

Camellia sinensis var. assamica seed cake (a by-product of tea-seed oil) is an abundant resource with poor utilisation. C. sinensis var. assamica seed saponin (CSS) is one kind of non-ionic surfactant. In this study, the CSS extraction conditions were optimised by response surface methodology (RSM) and then the CSS detergent was developed. Additionally, the safety and decontamination ability of the developed detergent were evaluated. The optimised extraction conditions were including the extracting temperature of 40.04 °C, extraction time of 4.97 h, ethanol concentration of 64.11% and liquid-solid ratio of 14.57:1 mL g -1 . The formula of the CSS detergent was as follows: 20% crude CSS, 0.3% oxidised tea polyphenols (OTPs), 0.2% nisin, 0.3% sodium dehydroacetate, 0.7% sodium alginate and 0.5% sodium polyacrylate. The LD 50 of the CSS detergent exceeds 14 g kg -1 in mice, indicating the detergent was non-toxic. Both of the emulsifying and the pesticide residues removal abilities of the CSS detergent were significantly stronger than the commercial detergent. A natural tea seed saponin detergent with good safety and decontamination ability was successfully developed. This can make better use of the tea seed cake, thereby creating added value in the tea seed oil industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Having Older Siblings is Associated with Less Severe Social Communication Symptoms in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

PubMed

Ben-Itzchak, Esther; Zukerman, Gil; Zachor, Ditza A

2016-11-01

Among typically developing children, having sibling relationships promotes the development of social skills. This is a retrospective study of the effect of having sibling/s on the severity of the clinical presentation of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study included 112 children, 99 males and 15 females, mean age 29.6 ± 9.2 months, diagnosed with ASD. The study population was composed of a group of children with ASD who had older typically developing sibling/s (n = 56) pair-matched for age and cognitive level to a group of children with ASD without sibling/s. Each participant underwent a comprehensive assessment using standardized tests. The group with older sibling/s had less severe observed social deficits (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Social Affect calibrated severity scales [ADOS-SA-CSS]) and fewer reported non-verbal communication impairments (Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised [ADI-R]). Regression analyses revealed that, for the ADOS-SA-CSS, higher cognitive level and having older sibling/s were associated with less severe observed social affect deficits. This model explained 32.0 % of the variance. For the ADI-R communication scores, older age, higher cognitive level and having older sibling/s were associated with less severe reported non-verbal communication impairments. This model explained 33.0 % of the variance. The main finding in this study is that a familial factor, specifically having older sibling/s, was associated with better social communication abilities in children with ASD, in addition to age and cognitive ability. Having sibling/s may offer opportunities for the child with ASD to experience social interactions with children and to acquire communication skills.

32 CFR 299.2 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... INFORMATION ACT PROGRAM NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY/CENTRAL SECURITY SERVICE (NSA/CSS) FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT... request. (1) A written request for NSA/CSS records, that reasonably describes the records sought, made by... implicitly invokes 5 U.S.C. 552, as amended, 5 U.S.C. 552a, as amended, DoD 5400.7-R, or NSA/CSS Freedom of...

32 CFR 299.2 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... INFORMATION ACT PROGRAM NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY/CENTRAL SECURITY SERVICE (NSA/CSS) FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT... request. (1) A written request for NSA/CSS records, that reasonably describes the records sought, made by... implicitly invokes 5 U.S.C. 552, as amended, 5 U.S.C. 552a, as amended, DoD 5400.7-R, or NSA/CSS Freedom of...

32 CFR 299.2 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... INFORMATION ACT PROGRAM NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY/CENTRAL SECURITY SERVICE (NSA/CSS) FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT... request. (1) A written request for NSA/CSS records, that reasonably describes the records sought, made by... implicitly invokes 5 U.S.C. 552, as amended, 5 U.S.C. 552a, as amended, DoD 5400.7-R, or NSA/CSS Freedom of...

Development and Validation of an Instrument for Assessing Climate Change Knowledge and Perceptions: The Climate Stewardship Survey (CSS)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Walker, Scott L.; McNeal, Karen S.

2013-01-01

The Climate Stewardship Survey (CSS) was developed to measure knowledge and perceptions of global climate change, while also considering information sources that respondents 'trust.' The CSS was drafted using a three-stage approach: development of salient scales, writing individual items, and field testing and analyses. Construct validity and…

Concurrent Validity of the Classroom Strategies Scale for Elementary School--Observer Form

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reddy, Linda A.; Fabiano, Gregory A.; Dudek, Christopher M.

2013-01-01

The present study is an initial investigation of the concurrent validity of a new assessment, the Classroom Strategies Scale (CSS version 2.0) for Elementary School--Observer Form. The CSS assesses teachers' use of instructional and behavioral management strategies. In the present study, the CSS is compared to the Classroom Assessment Scoring…

Diagnosis and management of traumatic cervical central spinal cord injury: A review.

PubMed

Epstein, Nancy E; Hollingsworth, Renee

2015-01-01

The classical clinical presentation, neuroradiographic features, and conservative vs. surgical management of traumatic cervical central spinal cord (CSS) injury remain controversial. CSS injuries, occurring in approximately 9.2% of all cord injuries, are usually attributed to significant hyperextension trauma combined with congenital/acquired cervical stenosis/spondylosis. Patients typically present with greater motor deficits in the upper vs. lower extremities accompanied by patchy sensory loss. T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) scans usually show hyperintense T2 intramedullary signals reflecting acute edema along with ligamentous injury, while noncontrast computed tomography (CT) studies typically show no attendant bony pathology (e.g. no fracture, dislocation). CSS constitute only a small percentage of all traumatic spinal cord injuries. Aarabi et al. found CSS patients averaged 58.3 years of age, 83% were male and 52.4% involved accidents/falls in patients with narrowed spinal canals (average 5.6 mm); their average American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) motor score was 63.8, and most pathology was at the C3-C4 and C4-C5 levels (71%). Surgery was performed within 24 h (9 patients), 24-48 h (10 patients), or after 48 h (23 patients). In the Brodell et al. study of 16,134 patients with CSS, 39.7% had surgery. In the Gu et al. series, those with CSS and stenosis/ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) exhibited better outcomes following laminoplasty. Recognizing the unique features of CSS is critical, as the clinical, neuroradiological, and management strategies (e.g. conservative vs. surgical management: early vs. late) differ from those utilized for other spinal cord trauma. Increased T2-weighted MR images best document CSS, while CT studies confirm the absence of fracture/dislocation.

Driver characteristics associated with child safety seat usage in Malaysia: a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Kulanthayan, S; Razak, Ahmad; Schenk, Ellen

2010-03-01

The rapidly motorizing environment in Malaysia has made child occupant safety a current public health concern. The usage of child safety seats (CSS) is a widely regarded intervention to enhance child occupant safety, yet no study has been conducted on CSS in Malaysia. This study aims to determine the CSS usage rates in Malaysia and to assess driver characteristics that are associated with CSS usage. Nine variables - urban versus rural study location, age, gender, marital status, educational status, monthly family income, number of children present in the vehicle, distance traveled to the study location, and attitude - were examined through a cross-sectional study of interviewing drivers of 230 vehicles transporting at least one child <10 years of age at the time of the study. The vehicles were also observed for whether or not there was a CSS present. The interviews were conducted at six sampling locations - three urban and three rural - in the state of Melaka. 27.4% of the drivers were found to be using at least one CSS at the time of the survey. Among the nine variables studied, three of the driver characteristics showed statistical significance (p<0.05) with CSS usage: age (p=0.047), educational status (p=0.009), and attitude (p=0.009). This study begins to create knowledge on child occupant safety in Malaysia. The results indicate that interventional efforts should focus on educational programs geared toward drivers that are less educated or extended family members who inconsistently transport young children. Furthermore, any educational efforts could be strongly enhanced by legislation mandating the use of CSS. Every effort should be made to thoroughly assess the effectiveness of any educational or legislative activities that are implemented. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Generation of human secondary cardiospheres as a potent cell processing strategy for cell-based cardiac repair.

PubMed

Cho, Hyun-Jai; Lee, Ho-Jae; Chung, Yeon-Ju; Kim, Ju-Young; Cho, Hyun-Ju; Yang, Han-Mo; Kwon, Yoo-Wook; Lee, Hae-Young; Oh, Byung-Hee; Park, Young-Bae; Kim, Hyo-Soo

2013-01-01

Cell therapy is a promising approach for repairing damaged heart. However, there are large rooms to be improved in therapeutic efficacy. We cultured a small quantity (5-10 mg) of heart biopsy tissues from 16 patients who received heart transplantation. We produced primary and secondary cardiospheres (CSs) using repeated three-dimensional culture strategy and characterized the cells. Approximately 5000 secondary CSs were acquired after 45 days. Genetic analysis confirmed that the progenitor cells in the secondary CSs originated from the innate heart, but not from extra-cardiac organs. The expressions of Oct4 and Nanog were significantly induced in secondary CSs compared with adherent cells derived from primary CSs. Those expressions in secondary CSs were higher in a cytokine-deprived medium than in a cytokine-supplemented one, suggesting that formation of the three-dimensional structure was important to enhance stemness whereas supplementation with various cytokines was not essential. Signal blocking experiments showed that the ERK and VEGF pathways are indispensable for sphere formation. To optimize cell processing, we compared four different methods of generating spheres. Method based on the hanging-drop or AggreWell™ was superior to that based on the poly-d-lysine-coated dish or Petri dish with respect to homogeneity of the product, cellular potency and overall simplicity of the process. When transplanted into the ischemic myocardium of immunocompromised mice, human secondary CSs differentiated into cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells. These results demonstrate that generation of secondary CSs from a small quantity of adult human cardiac tissue is a feasible and effective cell processing strategy to improve the therapeutic efficacy of cell therapy. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Oligodendrocyte gene expression is reduced by and influences effects of chronic social stress in mice.

PubMed

Cathomas, F; Azzinnari, D; Bergamini, G; Sigrist, H; Buerge, M; Hoop, V; Wicki, B; Goetze, L; Soares, S; Kukelova, D; Seifritz, E; Goebbels, S; Nave, K-A; Ghandour, M S; Seoighe, C; Hildebrandt, T; Leparc, G; Klein, H; Stupka, E; Hengerer, B; Pryce, C R

2018-03-22

Oligodendrocyte gene expression is downregulated in stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression. In mice, chronic social stress (CSS) leads to depression-relevant changes in brain and emotional behavior, and the present study shows the involvement of oligodendrocytes in this model. In C57BL/6 (BL/6) mice, RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) was conducted with prefrontal cortex, amygdala and hippocampus from CSS and controls; a gene enrichment database for neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes was used to identify cell origin of deregulated genes, and cell deconvolution was applied. To assess the potential causal contribution of reduced oligodendrocyte gene expression to CSS effects, mice heterozygous for the oligodendrocyte gene cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (Cnp1) on a BL/6 background were studied; a 2 genotype (wildtype, Cnp1 +/- ) × 2 environment (control, CSS) design was used to investigate effects on emotional behavior and amygdala microglia. In BL/6 mice, in prefrontal cortex and amygdala tissue comprising gray and white matter, CSS downregulated expression of multiple oligodendroycte genes encoding myelin and myelin-axon-integrity proteins, and cell deconvolution identified a lower proportion of oligodendrocytes in amygdala. Quantification of oligodendrocyte proteins in amygdala gray matter did not yield evidence for reduced translation, suggesting that CSS impacts primarily on white matter oligodendrocytes or the myelin transcriptome. In Cnp1 mice, social interaction was reduced by CSS in Cnp1 +/- mice specifically; using ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (IBA1) expression, microglia activity was increased additively by Cnp1 +/- and CSS in amygdala gray and white matter. This study provides back-translational evidence that oligodendrocyte changes are relevant to the pathophysiology and potentially the treatment of stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd and International Behavioural and Neural Genetics Society.

OSCILLATION OF CURRENT SHEETS IN THE WAKE OF A FLUX ROPE ERUPTION OBSERVED BY THE SOLAR DYNAMICS OBSERVATORY

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

Li, L. P.; Zhang, J.; Su, J. T.

An erupting flux rope (FR) draws its overlying coronal loops upward, causing a coronal mass ejection. The legs of the overlying loops with opposite polarities are driven together. Current sheets (CSs) form, and magnetic reconnection, producing underneath flare arcades, occurs in the CSs. Employing Solar Dynamic Observatory /Atmospheric Imaging Assembly images, we study a FR eruption on 2015 April 23, and for the first time report the oscillation of CSs underneath the erupting FR. The FR is observed in all AIA extreme-ultraviolet passbands, indicating that it has both hot and warm components. Several bright CSs, connecting the erupting FR andmore » the underneath flare arcades, are observed only in hotter AIA channels, e.g., 131 and 94 Å. Using the differential emission measure (EM) analysis, we find that both the temperature and the EM of CSs temporally increase rapidly, reach the peaks, and then decrease slowly. A significant delay between the increases of the temperature and the EM is detected. The temperature, EM, and density spatially decrease along the CSs with increasing heights. For a well-developed CS, the temperature (EM) decreases from 9.6 MK (8 × 10{sup 28} cm{sup −5}) to 6.2 MK (5 × 10{sup 27} cm{sup −5}) in 52 Mm. Along the CSs, dark supra-arcade downflows (SADs) are observed, and one of them separates a CS into two. While flowing sunward, the speeds of the SADs decrease. The CSs oscillate with a period of 11 minutes, an amplitude of 1.5 Mm, and a phase speed of 200 ± 30 km s{sup −1}. One of the oscillations lasts for more than 2 hr. These oscillations represent fast-propagating magnetoacoustic kink waves.« less

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

Roach, Mack, E-mail: mroach@radonc.ucsf.edu; Ceron Lizarraga, Tania L.; Lazar, Ann A.

Purpose: The optimal treatment of clinically localized prostate cancer is controversial. Most studies focus on biochemical (PSA) failure when comparing radical prostatectomy (RP) with radiation therapy (RT), but this endpoint has not been validated as predictive of overall survival (OS) or cause-specific survival (CSS). We analyzed the available literature to determine whether reliable conclusions could be made concerning the effectiveness of RP compared with RT with or without androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), assuming current treatment standards. Methods: Articles published between February 29, 2004, and March 1, 2015, that compared OS and CSS after RP or RT with or without ADTmore » were included. Because the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) system emphasis is on randomized controlled clinical trials, a reliability score (RS) was explored to further understand the issues associated with the study quality of observational studies, including appropriateness of treatment, source of data, clinical characteristics, and comorbidity. Lower RS values indicated lower reliability. Results: Fourteen studies were identified, and 13 were completely evaluable. Thirteen of the 14 studies (93%) were observational studies with low-quality evidence. The median RS was 12 (range, 5-18); the median difference in 10-year OS and CSS favored RP over RT: 10% and 4%, respectively. In studies with a RS ≤12 (average RS 9) the 10-year OS and CSS median differences were 17% and 6%, respectively. For studies with a RS >12 (average RS 15.5), the 10-year OS and CSS median differences were 5.5% and 1%, respectively. Thus, we observed an association between low RS and a higher percentage difference in OS and CSS. Conclusions: Reliable evidence that RP provides a superior CSS to RT with ADT is lacking. The most reliable studies suggest that the differences in 10-year CSS between RP and RT are small, possibly <1%.« less

Observations and light curve solutions of a selection of shallow-contact W UMa binaries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kjurkchieva, Diana P.; Popov, Velimir A.; Vasileva, Doroteya L.; Petrov, Nikola I.

2018-07-01

Photometric observations in Sloan g‧ and i‧ bands of the W UMa binaries V0951 Per, CSS J062803.2+571604, CSS J222157.2+275308, CSS J075135.6+382028, V0338 Dra, NSVS 2256852, NSVS 4666412, V1355 Tau, NSVS 4808227, NSVS 4726498, CSS J075350.1+264830 and HL Lyn are presented. The light curve solutions revealed that these binaries have overcontact configurations with small fillout factors (within 0.1-0.2). Seven of them undergo total eclipses and their photometric mass ratios should be accepted with confidence. The temperature differences of the components of CSS J062803.2+571604 and NSVS 2256852 exceed 1100 K which is unusual for overcontact binaries. We suspect that NSVS 2256852 is a probable candidate for merger due to its small mass ratio of q = 0.16 and to the registered decreasing of the orbital period.

Tribological properties of graphene oxide and carbon spheres as lubricating additives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Haojie; Wang, Zhiqiang; Yang, Jin

2016-10-01

The purpose of this paper was to investigate the tribological properties of carbon materials with various morphologies [i.e., graphene oxide (GO) and carbon spheres (CSs)] utilized as lubricating additives on a ball-plate tribotester. The morphology and spectroscopy characterization of GO and CSs were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, and thermogravimetric analysis. Friction and wear properties of the sunflower seed oil filled with GO and CSs were investigated by using a MS-T3000 ball-on-disk apparatus. Results show that the sunflower seed oil containing 0.3 wt% GO nanosheets exhibited a substantial diminution in friction and wear compared with the 3.0 wt% CSs as sunflower seed oil additives. Formation of low-shear strength tribofilms containing GO and its self-lubricating behavior was the key factor in reduction of the friction and prevention from wear and deformation. In addition, friction mechanism of CSs was also discussed.

Child Passenger Safety Technician Consultation in the Pediatric Primary Care Setting.

PubMed

Burstein, Dina; Zonfrillo, Mark R; Baird, Janette; Mello, Michael J

2017-09-01

Correct use of a child safety seat (CSS) can reduce the risk of fatal motor vehicle crash-related injury by up to 71%; however, misuse rates for CSS are as high as 70%. We recruited 189 caregivers at 2 large suburban pediatric office practices; 94 in the intervention group and 95 in the control group. All participants completed a baseline survey and received a CSS safety brochure. Intervention participants had their CSS installation checked at enrollment by a certified child passenger safety (CPS) technician. Follow-up was conducted 4 months post enrollment. Intervention group participants had a 21.3% reduction in critical misuse at follow-up, whereas control participants critical misuse rate at follow-up was identical to the intervention group at baseline. A consult with a certified CPS technician, at the time of a routine visit to the pediatrician, resulted in a reduction in CSS misuse rates.

Chandra X-ray observations of the hyper-luminous infrared galaxy IRAS F15307+3252

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hlavacek-Larrondo, J.; Gandhi, P.; Hogan, M. T.; Gendron-Marsolais, M.-L.; Edge, A. C.; Fabian, A. C.; Russell, H. R.; Iwasawa, K.; Mezcua, M.

2017-01-01

Hyper-luminous infrared galaxies (HyLIRGs) lie at the extreme luminosity end of the IR galaxy population with LIR > 1013 L⊙. They are thought to be closer counterparts of the more distant sub-millimeter galaxies, and should therefore be optimal targets to study the most massive systems in formation. We present deep Chandra observations of IRAS F15307+3252 (100 ks), a classical HyLIRG located at z = 0.93 and hosting a radio-loud AGN (L1.4 GHz ˜ 3.5 × 1025 W Hz-1). The Chandra images reveal the presence of extended (r = 160 kpc), asymmetric X-ray emission in the soft 0.3-2.0 keV band that has no radio counterpart. We therefore argue that the emission is of thermal origin originating from a hot intragroup or intracluster medium virializing in the potential. We find that the temperature (˜2 keV) and bolometric X-ray luminosity (˜3 × 1043 erg s-1) of the gas follow the expected LX-ray-T correlation for groups and clusters, and that the gas has a remarkably short cooling time of 1.2 Gyr. In addition, VLA radio observations reveal that the galaxy hosts an unresolved compact steep-spectrum (CSS) source, most likely indicating the presence of a young radio source similar to 3C186. We also confirm that the nucleus is dominated by a redshifted 6.4 keV Fe Kα line, strongly suggesting that the AGN is Compton-thick. Finally, Hubble images reveal an overdensity of galaxies and sub-structure in the galaxy that correlates with soft X-ray emission. This could be a snapshot view of on-going groupings expected in a growing cluster environment. IRAS F15307+3252 might therefore be a rare example of a group in the process of transforming into a cluster.

Deceptive Logistics at the Operational Level of War,

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-05-04

maintenance, transport , and other combat service support (CSS) activities with the distinct purpose of contributing to an operational headquarters’ overall...based on the exploitation of supply, maintenance, transport , and other combat service support (CSS) activities with the distinct purpose of contributing...exploitation of supply, maintenance, transport , and other CSS activities with the distinct purpose of contributing to an operational headquarters overall

Exploring the Oral Communication Strategies Used by Turkish EFL Learners: A Mixed Methods Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Demir, Yusuf; Mutlu, Gülçin; Sisman, Yavuz Selim

2018-01-01

This study set out with a threefold purpose: to examine (1) the oral communication strategies (CSs) employed by tertiary-level Turkish EFL learners, (2) the use of CSs based on exposure to English through audio-visual tools, university subject domain and gender differences, (3) the correlation between use of CSs and oral proficiency scores. To…

The Ethics of DeCSS Posting: Towards Assessing the Morality of the Internet Posting of DVD Copyright Circumvention Software

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eschenfelder, Kristin R.; Howard, Robert Glenn; Desai, Anuj C.

2006-01-01

Introduction: We investigate the conditions under which posting software known as "DeCSS" on the Internet is ethical. DeCSS circumvents the access and copy control protection measures on commercial DVDs. Through our investigation, we point to limitations in current frameworks used to assess ethical computer based civil disobedience.…

Subliminal influence on preferences? A test of evaluative conditioning for brief visual conditioned stimuli using auditory unconditioned stimuli

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

In the field of evaluative conditioning (EC), two opposing theories—propositional single-process theory versus dual-process theory—are currently being discussed in the literature. The present set of experiments test a crucial prediction to adjudicate between these two theories: Dual-process theory postulates that evaluative conditioning can occur without awareness of the contingency between conditioned stimulus (CS) and unconditioned stimulus (US); in contrast, single-process propositional theory postulates that EC requires CS-US contingency awareness. In a set of three studies, we experimentally manipulate contingency awareness by presenting the CSs very briefly, thereby rendering it unlikely to be processed consciously. We address potential issues with previous studies on EC with subliminal or near-threshold CSs that limited their interpretation. Across two experiments, we consistently found an EC effect for CSs presented for 1000 ms and consistently failed to find an EC effect for briefly presented CSs. In a third pre-registered experiment, we again found evidence for an EC effect with CSs presented for 1000 ms, and we found some indication for an EC effect for CSs presented for 20 ms. PMID:28989730

Subliminal influence on preferences? A test of evaluative conditioning for brief visual conditioned stimuli using auditory unconditioned stimuli.

PubMed

Heycke, Tobias; Aust, Frederik; Stahl, Christoph

2017-09-01

In the field of evaluative conditioning (EC), two opposing theories-propositional single-process theory versus dual-process theory-are currently being discussed in the literature. The present set of experiments test a crucial prediction to adjudicate between these two theories: Dual-process theory postulates that evaluative conditioning can occur without awareness of the contingency between conditioned stimulus (CS) and unconditioned stimulus (US); in contrast, single-process propositional theory postulates that EC requires CS-US contingency awareness. In a set of three studies, we experimentally manipulate contingency awareness by presenting the CSs very briefly, thereby rendering it unlikely to be processed consciously. We address potential issues with previous studies on EC with subliminal or near-threshold CSs that limited their interpretation. Across two experiments, we consistently found an EC effect for CSs presented for 1000 ms and consistently failed to find an EC effect for briefly presented CSs. In a third pre-registered experiment, we again found evidence for an EC effect with CSs presented for 1000 ms, and we found some indication for an EC effect for CSs presented for 20 ms.

Revisiting a dogma: similar survival of patients with small bowel and gastric GIST. A population-based propensity score SEER analysis.

PubMed

Guller, Ulrich; Tarantino, Ignazio; Cerny, Thomas; Ulrich, Alexis; Schmied, Bruno M; Warschkow, Rene

2017-01-01

The objective of the present analysis was to assess whether small bowel gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is associated with worse cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) compared with gastric GIST on a population-based level. Data on patients aged 18 years or older with histologically proven GIST was extracted from the SEER database from 1998 to 2011. OS and CSS for small bowel GIST were compared with OS and CSS for gastric GIST by application of adjusted and unadjusted Cox regression analyses and propensity score analyses. GIST were located in the stomach (n = 3011, 59 %), duodenum (n = 313, 6 %), jejunum/ileum (n = 1288, 25 %), colon (n = 139, 3 %), rectum (n = 172, 3 %), and extraviscerally (n = 173, 3 %). OS and CSS of patients with GIST in the duodenum [OS, HR 0.95, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.76-1.19; CSS, HR 0.99, 95 % CI 0.76-1.29] and in the jejunum/ileum (OS, HR 0.97, 95 % CI 0.85-1.10; CSS, HR = 0.95, 95 % CI 0.81-1.10) were similar to those of patients with gastric GIST in multivariate analyses. Conversely, OS and CSS of patients with GIST in the colon (OS, HR 1.40; 95 % CI 1.07-1.83; CSS, HR 1.89, 95 % CI 1.41-2.54) and in an extravisceral location (OS, HR 1.42, 95 % CI 1.14-1.77; CSS, HR = 1.43, 95 % CI 1.11-1.84) were significantly worse than those of patients with gastric GIST. Contrary to common belief, OS and CSS of patients with small bowel GIST are not statistically different from those of patients with gastric GIST when adjustment is made for confounding variables on a population-based level. The prognosis of patients with nongastric GIST is worse because of a colonic and extravisceral GIST location. These findings have implications regarding adjuvant treatment of GIST patients. Hence, the dogma that small bowel GIST patients have worse prognosis than gastric GIST patients and therefore should receive adjuvant treatment to a greater extent must be revisited.

Serum biomarkers are similar in Churg-Strauss syndrome and hypereosinophilic syndrome

PubMed Central

Khoury, Paneez; Zagallo, Patricia; Talar-Williams, Cheryl; Santos, Carlo S.; Dinerman, Ellen; Holland, Nicole C.; Klion, Amy D.

2012-01-01

Rationale Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) and hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) overlap considerably in clinical presentation. A reliable means of distinguishing between these groups of patients is needed, especially in the setting of glucocorticoid therapy. Methods A retrospective chart review of 276 adult subjects referred for evaluation of eosinophilia >1500/μl was performed, and subjects with a documented secondary cause of eosinophilia or a PDGFR-positive myeloproliferative neoplasm were excluded. The remaining subjects were assessed for the presence of American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria. Laboratory and clinical parameters were compared between subjects with biopsy-proven vasculitis (CSS; n=8), ≥4 ACR criteria (probable CSS; n=21), HES with asthma and/or sinusitis without other CSS-defining criteria (HESwAS; n=20), HES without asthma or sinusitis (HES; n=18), and normal controls (n=8). Serum biomarkers reported to be associated with CSS were measured using standard techniques. Results There were no differences between the subjects with definite or probable CSS or HES with respect to age, gender, or maintenance steroid dose. Serum CCL17, IL-8 and eotaxin levels were significantly increased in eosinophilic subjects as compared to normal controls, but were similar between the eosinophilic groups. Serum CCL17 correlated with eosinophil count (p<0.0001, r=0.73), but not with prednisone dose. Conclusions In patients with a history of asthma and sinusitis, distinguishing between ANCA-negative CSS and PDGFR-negative HES is difficult due to significant overlap in clinical presentation and biomarker profiles. PMID:22775568

Establishment and genetic characterization of ANGM-CSS, a novel, immortal cell line derived from a human glioblastoma multiforme.

PubMed

Notarangelo, Angelantonio; Trombetta, Domenico; D'Angelo, Vincenzo; Parrella, Paola; Palumbo, Orazio; Storlazzi, Clelia Tiziana; Impera, Luciana; Muscarella, Lucia Anna; La Torre, Antonella; Affuso, Andrea; Fazio, Vito Michele; Carella, Massimo; Zelante, Leopoldo

2014-03-01

Glioblastoma multiforme (World Health Organization, grade IV astrocytoma) is the most common and most aggressive malignant primary brain tumor. We report a novel cell line, designated as ANGM-CSS, which was established from a 56-year-old male patient with a surgically removed glioblastoma multiforme. The ANGM-CSS cell line was established in vitro and characterized using histological and immunohistochemical staining, classical and molecular cytogenetic analyses, molecular studies and functional assays using a xenograft model in immunodeficient animals. ANGM-CSS was positive for CD133, nestin and vimentin proteins, whereas GFAP showed staining only in a fraction of the cells. Cytogenetic and molecular cytogenetic analysis revealed a near-tetraploid karyotype, with a modal chromosome number from 88 to 91, and additional cytogenetic abnormalities, such as the t(6;14)(p12;q11.2), t(8;10)(q24.2;q21.1) and t(5;9)(q34;p21) unbalanced translocations. Moreover, ANGM-CSS showed amplification of the MET and EGFR genes whose overexpression was observed at the mRNA level. Interestingly, ANGM-CSS is tumorigenic when implanted in immunodeficient mice, and the cells obtained from the xenografts showed the same morphology and karyotype in vitro as the original cell line. ANGM-CSS represents a biologically relevant cell line to be used to investigate the molecular pathology of glioblastoma multiforme, also to evaluate the efficacy of novel therapeutic drugs in vitro.

Churg-Strauss syndrome masquerading as an acute coronary syndrome.

PubMed

Triantafyllis, Andreas S; Sakadakis, Eleftherios A; Papafilippaki, Argyro; Katsimbri, Pelagia; Panou, Fotios; Anastasiou-Nana, Maria; Lekakis, Ioannis

2015-02-01

Churg-Strauss Syndrome (CSS) is a rare vasculitis with multiorgan involvement. Cardiac manifestations are common causing serious complications. We report a case of CSS masquerading as a non-ST elevation myocardial infarction with heart failure. CSS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of an acute coronary syndrome(ACS)with normal coronary arteries when history of asthma, peripheral eosinophilia and multisystemic involvement is present.

Complex mixtures of anti-androgens at concentrations below individual chemical effect levels produces reproductive tract malformations in the male rat

EPA Science Inventory

This product is a powerpoint presentation for use in two invited talks (webinars) as part of the CSS RAP. There is no abstract to attach as this is not a conference presentation and an abstract was not required or prepared. The CSS NPD talk will be August 14 and the CSS AOPDD We...

Influence of High-Pressure Processing at Low Temperature and Nisin on Listeria innocua Survival and Sensory Preference of Dry-Cured Cold-Smoked Salmon.

PubMed

Lebow, Noelle K; DesRocher, Lisa D; Younce, Frank L; Zhu, Mei-Jun; Ross, Carolyn F; Smith, Denise M

2017-12-01

Cold-smoked salmon (CSS) production lacks a validated kill step for Listeria monocytogenes. Although Listeria spp. are reduced by nisin or high-pressure processing (HPP), CSS muscle discoloration is often observed after HPP. Effects of nisin and low-temperature HPP on L. innocua survival (nonpathogenic surrogate for L. monocytogenes), spoilage organism growth, color, and sensory preference and peelability of CSS were studied. Cold-smoked sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) fillets ± nisin (10 μg/g) were inoculated with a 3-strain L. innocua cocktail, vacuum-packaged, frozen at - 30 °C, and high-pressure processed in an ice slurry within an insulated sleeve. Initial experiments indicated that nisin and HPP for 120 s at 450 MPa (N450) and 600 MPa (N600) were most effective against L. innocua, and thus were selected for further storage studies. L. innocua in N450 and N600-treated CSS was reduced 2.63 ± 0.15 and 3.99 ± 0.34 Log CFU/g, respectively, immediately after HPP. L. innocua and spoilage growth were not observed in HPP-treated CSS during 36 d storage at 4 °C. Low-temperature HPP showed a smaller increase in lightness of CSS compared to ambient-temperature HPP performed in previous studies. Sensory evaluation indicated that overall liking of CSS treated with N450 and N600 were preferred over the control by 61% and 62% of panelists, respectively (P < 0.05). Peelability of sliced CSS was reduced by HPP (P < 0.05). Nisin in combination with low-temperature HPP was effective in controlling L. innocua in CSS while maintaining consumer acceptability. Cold-smoked salmon is a high-risk ready-to-eat product that may be contaminated with L. monocytogenes. Results showed that nisin combined with high-pressure processing at low temperature, reduced the population of Listeria and controlled the spoilage organisms during storage. As an added benefit, high-pressure processing at low temperature may reduce lightening of the salmon flesh, leading to enhanced consumer preference. © 2017 Institute of Food Technologists®.

Ecological Restoration of Coastal Sage Scrub and Its Potential Role in Habitat Conservation Plans.

PubMed

BOWLER

2000-07-01

Extensive acreage loss of coastal sage scrub (CSS), isolation of surviving stands, and the federal listing of several animal species with obligate relationships to this plant community, particularly the threatened California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica), have led to attempts to create CSS to mitigate habitat lost to urban development and other causes. Many of these creations lie within habitat conservation plan (HCP) sites, and they could play a more prominent role by being repositories for plants taken from a single site having site-specific genetics. Among others, one technique that increases initial resemblance to natural stands uses digitized, to-scale photography, which has been ground-truthed to verify vascular plant associations, which appear as mosaics on a landscape. A combination of placing patches of salvaged, mature canopy plants within larger matrices of imprinted or container plant plots appears to significantly enhance immediate use by CSS obligate bird species, accelerate "spread" or expansion of CSS, and can also introduce many epiphytic taxa that otherwise would be slow or unable to occupy developing CSS creations. Reptile, amphibian, butterfly, and rodent diversity in a salvaged canopy restoration case study at the University of California, Irvine, showed CSS species foraging and inhabiting transplanted canopy patches. Using restoration techniques to expand existing CSS stands has more promise than creating isolated patches, and the creation of canopies resembling CSS mid-fire cycle stands is now common. Gnatcatchers and other birds use restorations for foraging and occasional nesting, and in some cases created stands along "biological corridors" appear to be useful to bird movement. Patches of transplanted sage scrub shrubs along habitat edges appear to break up linear edge effects. There are no data on which long-term survival, succession, or postfire behavior can be predicted for CSS restoration sites, and postfire community changes are not part of either mitigation or restoration planning at present. Long-term planning including burning is needed so that a fire-adapted habitat will develop. Restoration is important in retaining genetic resources, for ameliorating edge effects, as habitat extenders in buffer zones around HCP sites, and by providing areas into which natural stands can expand.

Central sensitivity syndromes: a new paradigm and group nosology for fibromyalgia and overlapping conditions, and the related issue of disease versus illness.

PubMed

Yunus, Muhammad B

2008-06-01

To discuss the current terminologies used for fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and related overlapping conditions, to examine if central sensitivity syndromes (CSS) is the appropriate nosology for these disorders, and to explore the issue of disease versus illness. A literature search was performed through PubMed, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect using a number of keywords, eg, functional somatic syndromes, somatoform disorders, medically unexplained symptoms, organic and nonorganic, and diseases and illness. Relevant articles were then reviewed and representative ones cited. Terminologies currently used for CSS conditions predominantly represent a psychosocial construct and are inappropriate. On the other hand, CSS seems to be the logical nosology based on a biopsychosocial model. Such terms as "medically unexplained symptoms," "somatization," "somatization disorder," and "functional somatic syndromes" in the context of CSS should be abandoned. Given current scientific knowledge, the concept of disease-illness dualism has no rational basis and impedes proper patient-physician communication, resulting in poor patient care. The concept of CSS is likely to promote research, education, and proper patient management. CSS seems to be a useful paradigm and an appropriate terminology for FMS and related conditions. The disease-illness, as well as organic/non-organic dichotomy, should be rejected.

Sun-Direction Estimation Using a Partially Underdetermined Set of Coarse Sun Sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Keefe, Stephen A.; Schaub, Hanspeter

2015-09-01

A comparison of different methods to estimate the sun-direction vector using a partially underdetermined set of cosine-type coarse sun sensors (CSS), while simultaneously controlling the attitude towards a power-positive orientation, is presented. CSS are commonly used in performing power-positive sun-pointing and are attractive due to their relative inexpensiveness, small size, and reduced power consumption. For this study only CSS and rate gyro measurements are available, and the sensor configuration does not provide global triple coverage required for a unique sun-direction calculation. The methods investigated include a vector average method, a combination of least squares and minimum norm criteria, and an extended Kalman filter approach. All cases are formulated such that precise ground calibration of the CSS is not required. Despite significant biases in the state dynamics and measurement models, Monte Carlo simulations show that an extended Kalman filter approach, despite the underdetermined sensor coverage, can provide degree-level accuracy of the sun-direction vector both with and without a control algorithm running simultaneously. If no rate gyro measurements are available, and rates are partially estimated from CSS, the EKF performance degrades as expected, but is still able to achieve better than 10∘ accuracy using only CSS measurements.

FRONTIER FIELDS CLUSTERS: DEEP CHANDRA OBSERVATIONS OF THE COMPLEX MERGER MACS J1149.6+2223

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

Ogrean, G. A.; Weeren, R. J. van; Jones, C.

2016-03-10

The Hubble Space Telescope Frontier Fields cluster MACS J1149.6+2223 is one of the most complex merging clusters, believed to consist of four dark matter halos. We present results from deep (365 ks) Chandra observations of the cluster, which reveal the most distant cold front (z  =  0.544) discovered to date. In the cluster outskirts, we also detect hints of a surface brightness edge that could be the bow shock preceding the cold front. The substructure analysis of the cluster identified several components with large relative radial velocities, thus indicating that at least some collisions occur almost along the line of sight.more » The inclination of the mergers with respect to the plane of the sky poses significant observational challenges at X-ray wavelengths. MACS J1149.6+2223 possibly hosts a steep-spectrum radio halo. If the steepness of the radio halo is confirmed, then the radio spectrum, combined with the relatively regular ICM morphology, could indicate that MACS J1149.6+2223 is an old merging cluster.« less

Frontier Fields Clusters: Deep Chandra Observations of the Complex Merger MACS J1149.6+2223

DOE PAGES

Ogrean, G. A.; Weeren, R. J. van; Jones, C.; ...

2016-03-04

The Hubble Space Telescope Frontier Fields cluster MACS J1149.6+2223 is one of the most complex merging clusters, believed to consist of four dark matter halos. Here, we present results from deep (365 ks) Chandra observations of the cluster, which reveal the most distant cold front (z = 0.544) discovered to date. In the cluster outskirts, we also detect hints of a surface brightness edge that could be the bow shock preceding the cold front. The substructure analysis of the cluster identified several components with large relative radial velocities, thus indicating that at least some collisions occur almost along the linemore » of sight. The inclination of the mergers with respect to the plane of the sky poses significant observational challenges at X-ray wavelengths. MACS J1149.6+2223 possibly hosts a steep-spectrum radio halo. Lastly, if the steepness of the radio halo is confirmed, then the radio spectrum, combined with the relatively regular ICM morphology, could indicate that MACS J1149.6+2223 is an old merging cluster.« less

A new candidate for a powerful wind detected in a bright IR-galaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Braito, V.; Reeves, J.; Severgnini, P.; Della Ceca, R.; Matzeu, G.; Ballo, L.; Nardini, E.

2017-10-01

We report the discovery of a new candidate for a powerful disk wind, in a nearby and bright starburst-AGN system: MCG-03-58-007. The winds strongly resembles the case of PDS456. MCG-03-58-007 is a relatively X-ray bright Seyfert 2 galaxy for which a deep Suzaku observation unveiled a highly curved spectrum due to a high column density absorber and an extremely steep intrinsic photon index (Gamma = 3). A detailed analysis showed that the steep spectrum is mainly driven by the presence of a deep absorption trough at 7.5-9 keV. This could be accounted for by the presence of a high ionisation, fast (v up to 0.2c) outflowing wind launched from within a few 100Rg from the black hole, whose kinetic output matches the prescription for significant feedback. New deep simultaneous XMM-Newton and NuSTAR observations provided the first direct measurement of the AGN luminosity and more importantly confirms the presence of a powerful X-ray wind. The new observations show rapid spectral variability, whose main driver appears to be the wind itself.

Detection of the BL Lac object 1ES 1426+428 in the Very High Energy gamma-ray band by the CAT Telescope from 1998-2000

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Djannati-Ataï, A.; Khelifi, B.; Vorobiov, S.; Bazer-Bachi, R.; Chounet, L. M.; Debiais, G.; Degrange, B.; Espigat, P.; Fabre, B.; Fontaine, G.; Goret, P.; Gouiffes, C.; Masterson, C.; Piron, F.; Punch, M.; Rivoal, M.; Rob, L.; Tavernet, J.-P.

2002-08-01

The BL Lac Object 1ES 1426+428, at a red-shift of z=0.129, has been monitored by the CAT telescope from February 1998 to June 2000. The accumulation of 26 h of observations shows a gamma -ray signal of 321 events above 250 GeV at 5.2 standard deviations, determined using data analysis cuts adapted to a weak, steep-spectrum source. The source emission has an average flux of Phidiff(400 GeV)= 6.73+/-1.27stat+/-1.45syst*E-11 cm-2 s-1 TeV-1, and a very steep spectrum, with a differential spectral index of gamma =-3.60 +/- 0.57 which can be refined to gamma =-3.66 +/- 0.41 using a higher flux data subset. If, as expected from its broad-band properties, the Very High Energy emission is hard at the source, these observations support a strong absorption effect of gamma-rays by the Intergalactic Infrared field.

Worksite adjustments and work ability among employed cancer survivors.

PubMed

Torp, Steffen; Nielsen, Roy A; Gudbergsson, Sævar B; Dahl, Alv A

2012-09-01

This study was conducted to determine how many cancer survivors (CSs) make worksite adjustments and what kinds of adjustments they make. Changes in work ability among employed CSs were explored, and clinical, sociodemographic, and work-related factors associated with the current total work ability were studied. CSs of the ten most common invasive types of cancer for men and women in Norway completed a mailed questionnaire 15-39 months after being diagnosed with cancer. Included in the analyses were all participants who worked both at the time of diagnosis and at the time of the survey and who had not changed their labor force status since diagnosis (n = 563). The current total work ability was compared to the lifetime best (0-10 score). Twenty-six percent of the employed CSs had made adjustments at work, and the most common adjustment was changing the number of work hours per week. Despite the fact that 31% and 23% reported reduced physical and mental work abilities, respectively, more than 90% of the CSs reported that they coped well with their work demands. The mean total work ability score was high (8.6) among both men and women. Being self-employed and working part-time at the time of diagnosis showed significant negative correlations with total work ability, while a favorable psychosocial work environment showed a significant positive correlation. CSs with low work ability were more often in contact with the occupational health service and also made more worksite adjustments than others. The prospects of future work life seem optimistic for Norwegian employed CSs who return to work relatively soon after primary treatment.

User Interface Design in Medical Distributed Web Applications.

PubMed

Serban, Alexandru; Crisan-Vida, Mihaela; Mada, Leonard; Stoicu-Tivadar, Lacramioara

2016-01-01

User interfaces are important to facilitate easy learning and operating with an IT application especially in the medical world. An easy to use interface has to be simple and to customize the user needs and mode of operation. The technology in the background is an important tool to accomplish this. The present work aims to creating a web interface using specific technology (HTML table design combined with CSS3) to provide an optimized responsive interface for a complex web application. In the first phase, the current icMED web medical application layout is analyzed, and its structure is designed using specific tools, on source files. In the second phase, a new graphic adaptable interface to different mobile terminals is proposed, (using HTML table design (TD) and CSS3 method) that uses no source files, just lines of code for layout design, improving the interaction in terms of speed and simplicity. For a complex medical software application a new prototype layout was designed and developed using HTML tables. The method uses a CSS code with only CSS classes applied to one or multiple HTML table elements, instead of CSS styles that can be applied to just one DIV tag at once. The technique has the advantage of a simplified CSS code, and a better adaptability to different media resolutions compared to DIV-CSS style method. The presented work is a proof that adaptive web interfaces can be developed just using and combining different types of design methods and technologies, using HTML table design, resulting in a simpler to learn and use interface, suitable for healthcare services.

A study of work changes due to cancer in tumor-free primary-treated cancer patients. A NOCWO study.

PubMed

Gudbergsson, Saevar Berg; Fosså, Sophie D; Dahl, Alv A

2008-10-01

The goal of this study is to explore the characteristics of tumor-free cancer survivors (CSs) who after their primary treatment were still working but made work changes due to cancer and compare them to survivors who did not. The sample consisted of 431 CSs (219 females with breast cancer, 212 males with testicular (N = 150) or prostate cancer (N = 62)) diagnosed 2-6 years prior to the study. All CSs had good prognosis and had returned to work after primary treatment. All CSs filled in a mailed questionnaire covering demography, morbidity, life style, mental distress, fatigue, quality of life and job strain. Seventy-two CSs (17%) had made work changes due to cancer during the observation period, and 359 (83%) had not. Among CSs who made work changes, significantly more were females; they showed significantly poorer physical and mental work ability, worked fewer hours per week, reported more comorbidity, and had lower physical and mental quality of life and more neuroticism, compared to the nonchange group. Work changes were moderately correlated with current work ability. The majority of CSs did not report any work changes due to cancer during the 2-6-year observation period, which is an encouraging finding. A minority had done work changes, and this group consisted mainly of women and was also characterized by poorer physical and mental quality of life and poorer mental work ability due to cancer. The issue of work changes and work ability should be considered in the follow-up of cancer survivors.

Serum biomarkers are similar in Churg-Strauss syndrome and hypereosinophilic syndrome.

PubMed

Khoury, P; Zagallo, P; Talar-Williams, C; Santos, C S; Dinerman, E; Holland, N C; Klion, A D

2012-09-01

Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) and hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) overlap considerably in clinical presentation. A reliable means of distinguishing between these groups of patients is needed, especially in the setting of glucocorticoid therapy. A retrospective chart review of 276 adult subjects referred for evaluation of eosinophilia > 1500/μl was performed, and subjects with a documented secondary cause of eosinophilia or a PDGFR -positive myeloproliferative neoplasm were excluded. The remaining subjects were assessed for the presence of American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria. Laboratory and clinical parameters were compared between subjects with biopsy-proven vasculitis (CSS; n = 8), ≥4 ACR criteria (probable CSS; n = 21), HES with asthma and/or sinusitis without other CSS-defining criteria (HESwAS; n = 20), HES without asthma or sinusitis (HES; n = 18), and normal controls (n = 8). Serum biomarkers reported to be associated with CSS were measured using standard techniques. There were no differences between the subjects with definite or probable CSS or HES with respect to age, gender, or maintenance steroid dose. Serum CCL17, IL-8, and eotaxin levels were significantly increased in eosinophilic subjects as compared to normal controls, but were similar between the eosinophilic groups. Serum CCL17 correlated with eosinophil count (P < 0.0001, r = 0.73), but not with prednisone dose. In patients with a history of asthma and sinusitis, distinguishing between ANCA-negative CSS and PDGFR-negative HES is difficult because of significant overlap in clinical presentation and biomarker profiles. Published 2012. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Climbing fibers predict movement kinematics and performance errors.

PubMed

Streng, Martha L; Popa, Laurentiu S; Ebner, Timothy J

2017-09-01

Requisite for understanding cerebellar function is a complete characterization of the signals provided by complex spike (CS) discharge of Purkinje cells, the output neurons of the cerebellar cortex. Numerous studies have provided insights into CS function, with the most predominant view being that they are evoked by error events. However, several reports suggest that CSs encode other aspects of movements and do not always respond to errors or unexpected perturbations. Here, we evaluated CS firing during a pseudo-random manual tracking task in the monkey ( Macaca mulatta ). This task provides extensive coverage of the work space and relative independence of movement parameters, delivering a robust data set to assess the signals that activate climbing fibers. Using reverse correlation, we determined feedforward and feedback CSs firing probability maps with position, velocity, and acceleration, as well as position error, a measure of tracking performance. The direction and magnitude of the CS modulation were quantified using linear regression analysis. The major findings are that CSs significantly encode all three kinematic parameters and position error, with acceleration modulation particularly common. The modulation is not related to "events," either for position error or kinematics. Instead, CSs are spatially tuned and provide a linear representation of each parameter evaluated. The CS modulation is largely predictive. Similar analyses show that the simple spike firing is modulated by the same parameters as the CSs. Therefore, CSs carry a broader array of signals than previously described and argue for climbing fiber input having a prominent role in online motor control. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This article demonstrates that complex spike (CS) discharge of cerebellar Purkinje cells encodes multiple parameters of movement, including motor errors and kinematics. The CS firing is not driven by error or kinematic events; instead it provides a linear representation of each parameter. In contrast with the view that CSs carry feedback signals, the CSs are predominantly predictive of upcoming position errors and kinematics. Therefore, climbing fibers carry multiple and predictive signals for online motor control. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

Analysis of Rotary Aircraft Alternatives for NATO SOF Organic Air Wing

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-06-01

analysis with an assumed program start in 2013 and an end in 2019 to determine the impact of short program duration on platform selection. D...FY12 GO\\ LR,~itl\\ l Sli LABOR H13 (J()VI R\\\\iFI\\TSE I AROR FY14 GOVLR\\\\iLI\\ I Sl:. LABOR H15 SI:.PO CSS FY II SII’O CSS FY 12 SEI’() CSS fY 13

Group protocol to mitigate disaster stress and enhance social support in adolescents exposed to Hurricane Hugo.

PubMed

Stewart, J B; Hardin, S B; Weinrich, S; McGeorge, S; Lopez, J; Pesut, D

1992-01-01

Literature reports that cognitive understanding and social support can mitigate stress in both adults and adolescents. As a subcomponent of the Carolina Adolescent Health Project (CAHP), this research evaluated the efficacy of a Cognitive Social Support (CSS) group protocol designed to mitigate the disaster stress of adolescents who had been exposed seriously to Hurricane Hugo. A purposive sample of 259 students participated in and evaluated the CSS. This article reports the specific structure, content, process, rationale, and cost of the CSS. Evaluations indicated that 82% of the students evaluated the small-group component of the CSS as "very good" or "excellent," while 70% rated the large-group component as "very good" or "excellent."

New Insights into the Regulation of Cell-Surface Signaling Activity Acquired from a Mutagenesis Screen of the Pseudomonas putida IutY Sigma/Anti-Sigma Factor

PubMed Central

Bastiaansen, Karlijn C.; Civantos, Cristina; Bitter, Wilbert; Llamas, María A.

2017-01-01

Cell-surface signaling (CSS) is a signal transfer system that allows Gram-negative bacteria to detect environmental signals and generate a cytosolic response. These systems are composed of an outer membrane receptor that senses the inducing signal, an extracytoplasmic function sigma factor (σECF) that targets the cytosolic response by modifying gene expression and a cytoplasmic membrane anti-sigma factor that keeps the σECF in an inactive state in the absence of the signal and transduces its presence from the outer membrane to the cytosol. Although CSS systems regulate bacterial processes as crucial as stress response, iron scavenging and virulence, the exact mechanisms that drive CSS are still not completely understood. Binding of the signal to the CSS receptor is known to trigger a signaling cascade that results in the regulated proteolysis of the anti-sigma factor and the activation of the σECF in the cytosol. This study was carried out to generate new insights in the proteolytic activation of CSS σECF. We performed a random mutagenesis screen of the unique IutY protein of Pseudomonas putida, a protein that combines a cytosolic σECF domain and a periplasmic anti-sigma factor domain in a single polypeptide. In response to the presence of an iron carrier, the siderophore aerobactin, in the extracellular medium, IutY is processed by two different proteases, Prc and RseP, which results in the release and activation of the σIutY domain. Our experiments show that all IutY mutant proteins that contain periplasmic residues depend on RseP for activation. In contrast, Prc is only required for mutant variants with a periplasmic domain longer than 50 amino acids, which indicates that the periplasmic region of IutY is trimmed down to ~50 amino acids creating the RseP substrate. Moreover, we have identified several conserved residues in the CSS anti-sigma factor family of which mutation leads to constitutive activation of their cognate σECF. These findings advance our knowledge on how CSS activity is regulated by the consecutive action of two proteases. Elucidation of the exact mechanism behind CSS activation will enable the development of strategies to block CSS in pathogenic bacteria. PMID:28512454

THE UNUSUAL RADIO AFTERGLOW OF THE ULTRA-LONG GAMMA-RAY BURST GRB 130925A

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

Horesh, Assaf; Cenko, S. Bradley; Perley, Daniel A.

2015-10-10

GRB 130925A is one of the recent additions to the growing family of ultra-long gamma-ray bursts (GRBs; T90 ≳1000 s). While the X-ray emission of ultra-long GRBs have been studied extensively in the past, no comprehensive radio data set has been obtained so far. We report here the early discovery of an unusual radio afterglow associated with the ultra-long GRB 130925A. The radio emission peaks at low-frequencies (∼7 GHz) at early times, only 2.2 days after the burst occurred. More notably, the radio spectrum at frequencies above 10 GHz exhibits a rather steep cut-off, compared to other long GRB radiomore » afterglows. This cut-off can be explained if the emitting electrons are either mono-energetic or originate from a rather steep, dN/dE ∝ E{sup −4}, power-law energy distribution. An alternative electron acceleration mechanism may be required to produce such an electron energy distribution. Furthermore, the radio spectrum exhibits a secondary underlying and slowly varying component. This may hint that the radio emission we observed is comprised of emission from both a reverse and a forward shock. We discuss our results in comparison with previous works that studied the unusual X-ray spectrum of this event and discuss the implications of our findings on progenitor scenarios.« less

Faraday rotation from magnesium II absorbers toward polarized background radio sources

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

Farnes, J. S.; O'Sullivan, S. P.; Corrigan, M. E.

2014-11-01

Strong singly ionized magnesium (Mg II) absorption lines in quasar spectra typically serve as a proxy for intervening galaxies along the line of sight. Previous studies have found a correlation between the number of these Mg II absorbers and the Faraday rotation measure (RM) at ≈5 GHz. We cross-match a sample of 35,752 optically identified non-intrinsic Mg II absorption systems with 25,649 polarized background radio sources for which we have measurements of both the spectral index and RM at 1.4 GHz. We use the spectral index to split the resulting sample of 599 sources into flat-spectrum and steep-spectrum subsamples. Wemore » find that our flat-spectrum sample shows significant (∼3.5σ) evidence for a correlation between Mg II absorption and RM at 1.4 GHz, while our steep-spectrum sample shows no such correlation. We argue that such an effect cannot be explained by either luminosity or other observational effects, by evolution in another confounding variable, by wavelength-dependent polarization structure in an active galactic nucleus, by the Galactic foreground, by cosmological expansion, or by partial coverage models. We conclude that our data are most consistent with intervenors directly contributing to the Faraday rotation along the line of sight, and that the intervening systems must therefore have coherent magnetic fields of substantial strength ( B-bar =1.8±0.4 μG). Nevertheless, the weak nature of the correlation will require future high-resolution and broadband radio observations in order to place it on a much firmer statistical footing.« less

Reciprocal responsiveness of nucleus accumbens shell and core dopamine to food- and drug-conditioned stimuli.

PubMed

Bassareo, Valentina; Musio, Paolo; Di Chiara, Gaetano

2011-04-01

Drugs of abuse and palatable food share the ability to stimulate dopamine (DA) transmission in the nucleus accumbens shell. However, while the stimulation of shell DA by food undergoes habituation, that by drugs of abuse does not. This study aims to directly compare the changes of extracellular DA, by microdialysis, in shell and core and prefrontal cortex (PFCX) in response to food- and drug-conditioned stimuli (CSs). Rats were trace-conditioned by Fonzies box (FB) or vanilla box (VB; CS), followed by food: Fonzies, intraoral chocolate solution (food-unconditioned stimulus (US)) and morphine (1.0 mg/Kg sc; drug US). Control (unconditioned) rats received standard food instead of Fonzies, tap water instead of chocolate, saline instead of morphine. Food-CSs increased core but not shell DA, while drug-CSs did the opposite. Food and drug-CSs both increased PFCX DA. Exposure to food-CSs potentiated core and PFCX DA response to food while shell responsiveness was dependent upon the relative CS and US nature. If the CS was intrinsic to the food US (CS = FB/US = Fonzies) the response of shell DA to the US was abolished. If the CS was extrinsic to the food US (CS = FB/US = chocolate; CS = VB/US = Fonzies), shell DA increased in response to the US. Exposure to the drug-CS potentiated the DA response to the drug-US in the shell and in the PFCX, but not in the core. Drug-CSs differentially activate DA as compared to food-CSs in shell and core and differentially affect DA response to the US in these areas. These differences might be relevant for the role of DA in the mechanism of drug addiction.

Unsafe from the Start: Serious Misuse of Car Safety Seats at Newborn Discharge.

PubMed

Hoffman, Benjamin D; Gallardo, Adrienne R; Carlson, Kathleen F

2016-04-01

To estimate prevalence of car safety seat (CSS) misuse for newborns on hospital discharge; and to identify potential risk and protective factors for CSS misuse. We randomly sampled 291 mother-baby dyads from the newborn unit of an academic health center. Participants completed a survey and designated someone (themselves or another caregiver) to position their newborn in the CSS and install the CSS in their vehicle. Certified child passenger safety technicians assessed positioning and installation using nationally standardized criteria. To examine factors associated with CSS misuse, we used logistic regression to compute ORs and 95% CIs. A total of 291 families (81% of those eligible) participated. Nearly all (95%) CSSs were misused, with 1 or more errors in positioning (86%) and/or installation (77%). Serious CSS misuse occurred for 91% of all infants. Frequent misuses included harness and chest clip errors, incorrect recline angle, and seat belt/lower anchor use errors. Families with mothers of color (OR, 6.3; 95% CI, 1.8-21.6), non-English language (OR, 4.9; 95% CI, 1.1-21.2), Medicaid (OR, 10.3; 95% CI, 2.4-44.4), or lower educational level (OR, 4.5; 95% CI, 1.7-12.4) were more likely to misuse CSSs. However, families that worked with a child passenger safety technician before delivery were significantly less likely to misuse their CSSs (OR, 0.1; 95% CI, 0.0-0.4). Nearly all parents of newborn infants misused CSSs. Resources should be devoted to ensuring families with newborns leave the hospital correctly using their CSS. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Germline BRCA mutations are associated with higher risk of nodal involvement, distant metastasis, and poor survival outcomes in prostate cancer.

PubMed

Castro, Elena; Goh, Chee; Olmos, David; Saunders, Ed; Leongamornlert, Daniel; Tymrakiewicz, Malgorzata; Mahmud, Nadiya; Dadaev, Tokhir; Govindasami, Koveela; Guy, Michelle; Sawyer, Emma; Wilkinson, Rosemary; Ardern-Jones, Audrey; Ellis, Steve; Frost, Debra; Peock, Susan; Evans, D Gareth; Tischkowitz, Marc; Cole, Trevor; Davidson, Rosemarie; Eccles, Diana; Brewer, Carole; Douglas, Fiona; Porteous, Mary E; Donaldson, Alan; Dorkins, Huw; Izatt, Louise; Cook, Jackie; Hodgson, Shirley; Kennedy, M John; Side, Lucy E; Eason, Jacqueline; Murray, Alex; Antoniou, Antonis C; Easton, Douglas F; Kote-Jarai, Zsofia; Eeles, Rosalind

2013-05-10

To analyze the baseline clinicopathologic characteristics of prostate tumors with germline BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) mutations and the prognostic value of those mutations on prostate cancer (PCa) outcomes. This study analyzed the tumor features and outcomes of 2,019 patients with PCa (18 BRCA1 carriers, 61 BRCA2 carriers, and 1,940 noncarriers). The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis were used to evaluate the associations between BRCA1/2 status and other PCa prognostic factors with overall survival (OS), cause-specific OS (CSS), CSS in localized PCa (CSS_M0), metastasis-free survival (MFS), and CSS from metastasis (CSS_M1). PCa with germline BRCA1/2 mutations were more frequently associated with Gleason ≥ 8 (P = .00003), T3/T4 stage (P = .003), nodal involvement (P = .00005), and metastases at diagnosis (P = .005) than PCa in noncarriers. CSS was significantly longer in noncarriers than in carriers (15.7 v 8.6 years, multivariable analyses [MVA] P = .015; hazard ratio [HR] = 1.8). For localized PCa, 5-year CSS and MFS were significantly higher in noncarriers (96% v 82%; MVA P = .01; HR = 2.6%; and 93% v 77%; MVA P = .009; HR = 2.7, respectively). Subgroup analyses confirmed the poor outcomes in BRCA2 patients, whereas the role of BRCA1 was not well defined due to the limited size and follow-up in this subgroup. Our results confirm that BRCA1/2 mutations confer a more aggressive PCa phenotype with a higher probability of nodal involvement and distant metastasis. BRCA mutations are associated with poor survival outcomes and this should be considered for tailoring clinical management of these patients.

Coal slurry solids/coal fluidized bed combustion by-product mixtures as plant growth media

USGS Publications Warehouse

Darmody, R.G.; Green, W.P.; Dreher, G.B.

1998-01-01

Fine-textured, pyritic waste produced by coal cleaning is stored in slurry settling ponds that eventually require reclamation. Conventionally, reclamation involves covering the dewatered coal slurry solids (CSS) with 1.3 m of soil to allow plant growth and prevent acid generation by pyrite oxidation. This study was conducted to determine the feasiblity of a less costly reclamation approach that would eliminate the soil cover and allow direct seeding of plants into amended CSS materials. Potential acidity of the CSS would be neutralized by additions of fluidized-bed combustion by-product (FBCB), an alkaline by-product of coal combustion. The experiment involved two sources of CSS and FBCB materials from Illinois. Birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), and sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis (L.) Lam.) were seeded in the greenhouse into pots containing mixtures of the materials. CSS-1 had a high CaCO3:FeS2 ratio and needed no FBCB added to compensate for its potential acidity. CSS-2 was mixed with the FBCB materials to neutralize potential acidity (labeled Mix A and B). Initial pH was 5.6, 8.8, and 9.2 for the CSS-1, Mix A, and Mix B materials, respectively. At the end of the 70-day experiment, pH was 5.9 for all mixtures. Tall fescue and sweet clover grew well in all the treatments, but birdsfoot trefoil had poor emergence and survival. Elevated tissue levels of B, Cd, and Se were found in some plants. Salinity, low moisture holding capacity, and potentially phytotoxic B may limit the efficacy of this reclamation method.

A nomogram to predict prognostic values of various inflammatory biomarkers in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

PubMed Central

Liu, Jin-Shi; Huang, Ying; Yang, Xun; Feng, Ji-Feng

2015-01-01

Background: Inflammation plays an important role in cancer progression and prognosis. However, the prognostic values of inflammatory biomarkers in esophageal cancer (EC) were not established. In the present study, therefore, we initially used a nomogram to predict prognostic values of various inflammatory biomarkers in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods: A total of 326 ESCC patients were included in this retrospective study. Glasgow prognostic score (GPS), neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and lymphocyte monocyte ratio (LMR) were analyzed in the current study. Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the cancer-specific survival (CSS). Cox regression analysis was also performed to evaluate the prognostic factors. A nomogram was established to predict the prognosis for CSS. Results: Patients were divided into 3 groups according to GPS (GPS 0, 1 and 2) and 2 groups according to NLR (≤3.45 and >3.45), PLR (≤166.5 and >166.5) and LMR (≤2.30 and >2.30). The 5-year CSS in patients with GPS 0, 1 and 2 were 49.2%, 26.8% and 11.9%, respectively (P<0.001). In addition, patients with NLR (>3.45), PLR (>166.5) and LMR (≤2.30) were significantly associated with decreased CSS, respectively (P<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that GPS (P<0.001), PLR (P=0.002) and LMR (P=0.002) were independent prognostic factors in patients with ESCC. In addition, a nomogram was established according to all significantly independent factors for CSS. The Harrell’s c-index for CSS prediction was 0.72. Conclusion: GPS, PLR and LMR were potential prognostic biomarkers in patients with ESCC. The nomogram based on CSS could be used as an accurately prognostic prediction for patients with ESCC. PMID:26328248

Germline BRCA Mutations Are Associated With Higher Risk of Nodal Involvement, Distant Metastasis, and Poor Survival Outcomes in Prostate Cancer

PubMed Central

Castro, Elena; Goh, Chee; Olmos, David; Saunders, Ed; Leongamornlert, Daniel; Tymrakiewicz, Malgorzata; Mahmud, Nadiya; Dadaev, Tokhir; Govindasami, Koveela; Guy, Michelle; Sawyer, Emma; Wilkinson, Rosemary; Ardern-Jones, Audrey; Ellis, Steve; Frost, Debra; Peock, Susan; Evans, D. Gareth; Tischkowitz, Marc; Cole, Trevor; Davidson, Rosemarie; Eccles, Diana; Brewer, Carole; Douglas, Fiona; Porteous, Mary E.; Donaldson, Alan; Dorkins, Huw; Izatt, Louise; Cook, Jackie; Hodgson, Shirley; Kennedy, M. John; Side, Lucy E.; Eason, Jacqueline; Murray, Alex; Antoniou, Antonis C.; Easton, Douglas F.; Kote-Jarai, Zsofia; Eeles, Rosalind

2013-01-01

Purpose To analyze the baseline clinicopathologic characteristics of prostate tumors with germline BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) mutations and the prognostic value of those mutations on prostate cancer (PCa) outcomes. Patients and Methods This study analyzed the tumor features and outcomes of 2,019 patients with PCa (18 BRCA1 carriers, 61 BRCA2 carriers, and 1,940 noncarriers). The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis were used to evaluate the associations between BRCA1/2 status and other PCa prognostic factors with overall survival (OS), cause-specific OS (CSS), CSS in localized PCa (CSS_M0), metastasis-free survival (MFS), and CSS from metastasis (CSS_M1). Results PCa with germline BRCA1/2 mutations were more frequently associated with Gleason ≥ 8 (P = .00003), T3/T4 stage (P = .003), nodal involvement (P = .00005), and metastases at diagnosis (P = .005) than PCa in noncarriers. CSS was significantly longer in noncarriers than in carriers (15.7 v 8.6 years, multivariable analyses [MVA] P = .015; hazard ratio [HR] = 1.8). For localized PCa, 5-year CSS and MFS were significantly higher in noncarriers (96% v 82%; MVA P = .01; HR = 2.6%; and 93% v 77%; MVA P = .009; HR = 2.7, respectively). Subgroup analyses confirmed the poor outcomes in BRCA2 patients, whereas the role of BRCA1 was not well defined due to the limited size and follow-up in this subgroup. Conclusion Our results confirm that BRCA1/2 mutations confer a more aggressive PCa phenotype with a higher probability of nodal involvement and distant metastasis. BRCA mutations are associated with poor survival outcomes and this should be considered for tailoring clinical management of these patients. PMID:23569316

Adult smokers' responses to "corrective statements" regarding tobacco industry deception.

PubMed

Kollath-Cattano, Christy L; Abad-Vivero, Erika N; Thrasher, James F; Bansal-Travers, Maansi; O'Connor, Richard J; Krugman, Dean M; Berg, Carla J; Hardin, James W

2014-07-01

To inform consumers, U.S. Federal Courts have ordered the tobacco industry to disseminate "corrective statements" (CSs) about their deception regarding five topics: smoker health effects, nonsmoker health effects, cigarette addictiveness, design of cigarettes to increase addiction, and relative safety of light cigarettes. To determine how smokers from diverse backgrounds respond to the final, court-mandated wording of these CSs. Data were analyzed from an online consumer panel of 1,404 adult smokers who evaluated one of five CS topics (n=280-281) by reporting novelty, relevance, anger at the industry, and motivation to quit because of the CS. Logistic and linear regression models assessed main and interactive effects of race/ethnicity, gender, education, and CS topic on these responses. Data were collected in January 2013 and analyzed in March 2013. Thirty percent to 54% of participants reported that each CS provided novel information, and novelty was associated with greater relevance, anger at the industry, and motivation to quit because of the message. African Americans and Latinos were more likely than non-Hispanic whites to report that CSs were novel, and they had stronger responses to CSs across all indicators. Compared to men, women reported that CSs were more relevant and motivated them to quit. This study suggests that smokers would value and respond to CSs, particularly smokers from groups that suffer from tobacco-related health disparities. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Environmental odor intolerance in pregnant women.

PubMed

Nordin, Steven; Broman, Daniel A; Wulff, Marianne

2005-02-15

Previous findings indicating that pregnant women experience a shift in odor sensitivity and hedonics raise the question of whether these changes evoke adverse reactions to odorous and pungent environmental substances in daily activities, to a larger extent in pregnant than in nonpregnant women. Forty-four women in pregnancy weeks 21-23 and 44 nonpregnant women were therefore compared with respect to affective reactions to and behavioral disruptions by odorous/pungent daily environments by means of the questionnaire-based, 21-item Chemical Sensitivity Scale (CSS). This scale refers to neurasthenic and sensory/somatic symptoms and includes the 11 items of the Chemical Sensitivity Scale for Sensory Hyperreactivity (CSS-SHR). This latter scale refers predominantly to sensory/somatic symptoms. To investigate whether there is a general environmental hypersensitivity during pregnancy, the Noise Sensitivity Scale (NSS) was used that is analogous to the CSS (including 11 NSS items corresponding to those of the CSS-SHR; "NSS-SHR"). Results show that the two groups were similar with respect to scores on both the CSS and NSS, whereas the pregnant women had higher scores than the nonpregnant women on the CSS-SHR, but not on the "NSS-SHR". These results suggest that pregnant women to a larger extent than nonpregnant women manifest an odor intolerance that affects their daily activities, with predominantly sensory/somatic symptoms, which appears not to be due to a general environmental hypersensitivity. This behavior may have embryo- and maternal-protective functions.

Adult Smokers' Responses to “Corrective Statements” Regarding Tobacco Industry Deception

PubMed Central

Kollath-Cattano, Christy L.; Abad-Vivero, Erika N.; Thrasher, James F.; Bansal-Travers, Maansi; O'Connor, Richard J.; Krugman, Dean M.; Berg, Carla J.; Hardin, James W.

2014-01-01

Background To inform consumers, U.S. Federal Courts have ordered the tobacco industry to disseminate “corrective statements” (CSs) about their deception regarding five topics: smoker health effects, nonsmoker health effects, cigarette addictiveness, design of cigarettes to increase addiction, and relative safety of light cigarettes. Purpose To determine how smokers from diverse backgrounds respond to the final, court-mandated wording of these CSs. Methods Data were analyzed from an online consumer panel of 1,404 adult smokers who evaluated one of five CS topics (n=280–281) by reporting novelty, relevance, anger at the industry, and motivation to quit because of the CS. Logistic and linear regression models assessed main and interactive effects of race/ethnicity, gender, education, and CS topic on these responses. Data were collected in January 2013 and analyzed in March 2013. Results Thirty percent to 54% of participants reported that each CS provided novel information, and novelty was associated with greater relevance, anger at the industry, and motivation to quit because of the message. African Americans and Latinos were more likely than non-Hispanic whites to report that CSs were novel, and they had stronger responses to CSs across all indicators. Compared to men, women reported that CSs were more relevant and motivated them to quit. Conclusions This study suggests that smokers would value and respond to CSs, particularly smokers from groups that suffer from tobacco–related health disparities. PMID:24746372

Clinical features and prognostic factors of Churg-Strauss syndrome.

PubMed

Kim, Mi-Yeong; Sohn, Kyoung-Hee; Song, Woo-Jung; Park, Heung-Woo; Cho, Sang-Heon; Min, Kyung-Up; Kang, Hye-Ryun

2014-01-01

Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a rare systemic necrotizing small-vessel vasculitis, with accompanying bronchial asthma, eosinophilia, and eosinophilic infiltration of various tissues. The purposes of our study were to characterize the clinical features of CSS and to identify factors associated with CSS prognosis in Koreans. Medical records were reviewed retrospectively for all physician-diagnosed CSS patients in the Seoul National University Hospital between January 1990 and March 2011. Data from 52 CSS patients were analyzed. The respiratory tract was the most commonly involved organ (90.4%). Renal involvement was less frequent in antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)(-) patients than in ANCA(+) patients (p = 0.048). Clinical remission occurred in 95.3% of patients, but 16.3% of them relapsed. Patients who maintained remission for more than 6 months were relatively older (median, 51 years) at diagnosis (p = 0.004), had been diagnosed in earlier stages (p = 0.027), showed more frequent respiratory involvement (p = 0.024) and generalized symptoms (p = 0.039), and showed less frequent cutaneous involvement (p = 0.030) than those who did not achieve persistent (> 6 months) remission. Patients who achieved persistent remission also showed higher C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (p = 0.031) than those who did not. ANCA(-) CSS patients showed less frequent renal involvement. Characteristics of good responders were older age, diagnosis at earlier stages, less cutaneous involvement, more respiratory involvement, high CRP values, and more generalized symptoms.

The Catalina Sky Survey for Near-Earth Objects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Christensen, E.

The Catalina Sky Survey (CSS) specializes in the detection of the closest transients in our transient universe: near-Earth objects (NEOs). CSS is the leading NEO survey program since 2005, with a discovery rate of 500-600 NEOs per year. This rate is set to substantially increase starting in 2014 with the deployment of wider FOV cameras at both survey telescopes, while a proposed 3-telescope system in Chile would provide a new and significant capability in the Southern Hemisphere beginning as early as 2015. Elements contributing to the success of CSS may be applied to other surveys, and include 1) Real-time processing, identification, and reporting of interesting transients; 2) Human-assisted validation to ensure a clean transient stream that is efficient to the limits of the system (˜ 1σ); 3) an integrated follow-up capability to ensure threshold or high-priority transients are properly confirmed and followed up. Additionally, the open-source nature of the CSS data enables considerable secondary science (i.e. CRTS), and CSS continues to pursue collaborations to maximize the utility of the data.

Summation of reinforcement rates when conditioned stimuli are presented in compound.

PubMed

Andrew, Benjamin J; Harris, Justin A

2011-10-01

Three experiments used delay conditioning of magazine approach in rats to examine the summation of responding when two conditioned stimuli (CSs) are presented together as a compound. The duration of each CS varied randomly from trial-to-trial around a mean that differed between the CSs. This meant that the rats' response rate to each CS was systematically related to the reinforcement rate of that CS, but remained steady as time elapsed during the CS (Harris & Carpenter, 2011; Harris, Gharaei, & Pincham, 2011). When the rats were presented with a compound of two CSs that had been conditioned separately, they responded more during the compound than during either of the CSs individually. More significantly, however, in all three experiments, the rats responded to the compound at the same rate as they responded to a third CS that had been reinforced at a rate equal to the sum of the reinforcement rates of the two CSs in compound. We discuss the implications of this finding for associative models (e.g., Rescorla & Wagner, 1972) and rate-based models (Gallistel & Gibbon, 2000) of conditioning.

32 CFR 299.6 - Fees.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... PROGRAM NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY/CENTRAL SECURITY SERVICE (NSA/CSS) FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT PROGRAM... requested. There are no fees associated with a Privacy Act request, except as stated in NSA/CSS Regulation...

32 CFR 299.6 - Fees.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... PROGRAM NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY/CENTRAL SECURITY SERVICE (NSA/CSS) FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT PROGRAM... requested. There are no fees associated with a Privacy Act request, except as stated in NSA/CSS Regulation...

32 CFR 299.6 - Fees.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... PROGRAM NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY/CENTRAL SECURITY SERVICE (NSA/CSS) FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT PROGRAM... requested. There are no fees associated with a Privacy Act request, except as stated in NSA/CSS Regulation...

Familial Churg-Strauss Syndrome in a Sister and Brother.

PubMed

Alyasin, Soheyla; Khoshkhui, Maryam; Amin, Reza

2015-06-01

Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a granulomatous small vessel vasculitis. It is characterized by asthma, allergic granulomatosis and vasculitis. This syndrome is rare in children. A 5 years old boy was admitted with cough, fever and dyspnea for 2 weeks. On the basis of laboratory data (peripheral eosinophilia), associated with skin biopsy, and history of CSS in his sister, this disease was eventually diagnosed. The patient had good response to corticosteroid. In every asthmatic patient with prolonged fever, eosinophilia and multisystemic involvment, CSS should be considered.

32 CFR 299.1 - Purpose.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... PROGRAM NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY/CENTRAL SECURITY SERVICE (NSA/CSS) FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT PROGRAM... 22161. 2 See footnote 1 to this section. (b) This part applies to all NSA/CSS elements, field activities...

32 CFR 299.1 - Purpose.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... PROGRAM NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY/CENTRAL SECURITY SERVICE (NSA/CSS) FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT PROGRAM... 22161. 2 See footnote 1 to this section. (b) This part applies to all NSA/CSS elements, field activities...

32 CFR 299.1 - Purpose.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... PROGRAM NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY/CENTRAL SECURITY SERVICE (NSA/CSS) FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT PROGRAM... 22161. 2 See footnote 1 to this section. (b) This part applies to all NSA/CSS elements, field activities...

32 CFR 299.1 - Purpose.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... PROGRAM NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY/CENTRAL SECURITY SERVICE (NSA/CSS) FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT PROGRAM... 22161. 2 See footnote 1 to this section. (b) This part applies to all NSA/CSS elements, field activities...

Mouse repeated electroconvulsive seizure (ECS) does not reverse social stress effects but does induce behavioral and hippocampal changes relevant to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) side-effects in the treatment of depression

PubMed Central

Sigrist, Hannes; Seifritz, Erich; Fikse, Lianne; Bosker, Fokko J.; Schoevers, Robert A.; Klein, Hans C.

2017-01-01

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment for depression, but can have negative side effects including amnesia. The mechanisms of action underlying both the antidepressant and side effects of ECT are not well understood. An equivalent manipulation that is conducted in experimental animals is electroconvulsive seizure (ECS). Rodent studies have provided valuable insights into potential mechanisms underlying the antidepressant and side effects of ECT. However, relatively few studies have investigated the effects of ECS in animal models with a depression-relevant manipulation such as chronic stress. In the present study, mice were first exposed to chronic social stress (CSS) or a control procedure for 15 days followed by ECS or a sham procedure for 10 days. Behavioral effects were investigated using an auditory fear conditioning (learning) and expression (memory) test and a treadmill-running fatigue test. Thereafter, immunohistochemistry was conducted on brain material using the microglial marker Iba-1 and the cholinergic fibre marker ChAT. CSS did not increase fear learning and memory in the present experimental design; in both the control and CSS mice ECS reduced fear learning and fear memory expression. CSS induced the expected fatigue-like effect in the treadmill-running test; ECS induced increased fatigue in CSS and control mice. In CSS and control mice ECS induced inflammation in hippocampus in terms of increased expression of Iba-1 in radiatum of CA1 and CA3. CSS and ECS both reduced acetylcholine function in hippocampus as indicated by decreased expression of ChAT in several hippocampal sub-regions. Therefore, CSS increased fatigue and reduced hippocampal ChAT activity and, rather than reversing these effects, a repeated ECS regimen resulted in impaired fear learning-memory, increased fatigue, increased hippocampal Iba-1 expression, and decreased hippocampal ChAT expression. As such, the current model does not provide insights into the mechanism of ECT antidepressant function but does provide evidence for pathophysiological mechanisms that might contribute to important ECT side-effects. PMID:28910337

Mouse repeated electroconvulsive seizure (ECS) does not reverse social stress effects but does induce behavioral and hippocampal changes relevant to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) side-effects in the treatment of depression.

PubMed

van Buel, Erin M; Sigrist, Hannes; Seifritz, Erich; Fikse, Lianne; Bosker, Fokko J; Schoevers, Robert A; Klein, Hans C; Pryce, Christopher R; Eisel, Ulrich Lm

2017-01-01

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment for depression, but can have negative side effects including amnesia. The mechanisms of action underlying both the antidepressant and side effects of ECT are not well understood. An equivalent manipulation that is conducted in experimental animals is electroconvulsive seizure (ECS). Rodent studies have provided valuable insights into potential mechanisms underlying the antidepressant and side effects of ECT. However, relatively few studies have investigated the effects of ECS in animal models with a depression-relevant manipulation such as chronic stress. In the present study, mice were first exposed to chronic social stress (CSS) or a control procedure for 15 days followed by ECS or a sham procedure for 10 days. Behavioral effects were investigated using an auditory fear conditioning (learning) and expression (memory) test and a treadmill-running fatigue test. Thereafter, immunohistochemistry was conducted on brain material using the microglial marker Iba-1 and the cholinergic fibre marker ChAT. CSS did not increase fear learning and memory in the present experimental design; in both the control and CSS mice ECS reduced fear learning and fear memory expression. CSS induced the expected fatigue-like effect in the treadmill-running test; ECS induced increased fatigue in CSS and control mice. In CSS and control mice ECS induced inflammation in hippocampus in terms of increased expression of Iba-1 in radiatum of CA1 and CA3. CSS and ECS both reduced acetylcholine function in hippocampus as indicated by decreased expression of ChAT in several hippocampal sub-regions. Therefore, CSS increased fatigue and reduced hippocampal ChAT activity and, rather than reversing these effects, a repeated ECS regimen resulted in impaired fear learning-memory, increased fatigue, increased hippocampal Iba-1 expression, and decreased hippocampal ChAT expression. As such, the current model does not provide insights into the mechanism of ECT antidepressant function but does provide evidence for pathophysiological mechanisms that might contribute to important ECT side-effects.

Brachytherapy Is Associated With Improved Survival in Inoperable Stage I Endometrial Adenocarcinoma: A Population-Based Analysis

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

Acharya, Sahaja; Perkins, Stephanie M.; DeWees, Todd

2015-11-01

Purpose: To assess the use of brachytherapy (BT) with or without external beam radiation (EBRT) in inoperable stage I endometrial adenocarcinoma in the United States and to determine the effect of BT on overall survival (OS) and cause-specific survival (CSS). Methods and Materials: Data between 1998 and 2011 from the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database were analyzed. Coarsened exact matching was used to adjust for differences in age and grade between patients who received BT and those who did not. Prognostic factors affecting OS and CSS were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier product-limit method and a Coxmore » proportional hazards regression model. Results: A total of 460 patients with inoperable stage I endometrial adenocarcinoma treated with radiation therapy were identified. Radiation consisted of either EBRT (n=260) or BT with or without EBRT (n=200). The only factor associated with BT use was younger patient age (median age, 72 vs 76 years, P=.001). Patients who received BT had a higher 3-year OS (60% vs 47%, P<.001) and CSS (82% vs 74%, P=.032) compared with those who did not. On multivariate analysis, BT use was independently associated with an improved OS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.52-0.87) and CSS (HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.39-0.93). When patients were matched on age, BT use remained significant on multivariate analysis for OS (HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.48-0.87) and CSS (HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.31-0.84). When matched on age and grade, BT remained independently associated with improved OS and CSS (OS HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.46-0.83; CSS HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.34-0.92). Conclusion: Brachytherapy is independently associated with improved OS and CSS. It should be considered as part of the treatment regimen for stage I inoperable endometrial cancer patients undergoing radiation.« less

G29.7-0.3: another supernova remnant with an identity crisis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Becker, R. H.; Helfand, D. J.; Szymkowiak, A. E.

1983-01-01

New radio and X-ray observations of the galactic supernova remnant G29.7-0.3 show that it is composed of two spectrally distinct components: a steep-spectrum, incomplete shell 3 arcmin in extent enclosing a flat-spectrum, X-ray emitting region 30 arcsec across. Thus, G29.7-0.3 joins the ranks of supernova remnants which exhibit a combination of Crab-like and shell remnant attributes. The Crab-like core has the highest ratio of X-ray radio luminosity of all the Crab-like remnants observed to date, suggesting that it is an extremely young object.

Context sensitive solutions (CSS) online training course development.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-04-01

A key to the successful implementation of Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS) for Illinois transportation projects is the : active and informed participation of Illinois Department of Transportations (IDOT) stakeholders. Essential to this : particip...

Systems development of a stall/spin research facility using remotely controlled/augmented aircraft models. Volume 1: Systems overview

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Montoya, R. J.; Jai, A. R.; Parker, C. D.

1979-01-01

A ground based, general purpose, real time, digital control system simulator (CSS) is specified, developed, and integrated with the existing instrumentation van of the testing facility. This CSS is built around a PDP-11/55, and its operational software was developed to meet the dual goal of providing the immediate capability to represent the F-18 drop model control laws and the flexibility for expansion to represent more complex control laws typical of control configured vehicles. Overviews of the two CSS's developed are reviewed as well as the overall system after their integration with the existing facility. Also the latest version of the F-18 drop model control laws (REV D) is described and the changes needed for its incorporation in the digital and analog CSS's are discussed.

Fractionation, Bioaccessibility, and Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in the Soil of an Urban Recreational Area Amended with Composted Sewage Sludge

PubMed Central

Zhang, Tao; Shao, Yanqiu; Tian, Chao; Cattle, Stephen R.; Zhu, Ying; Song, Jinjuan

2018-01-01

A composted sewage sludge (CSS) was added to the soil of an urban garden at 5%, 10%, and 25% (w/w soil) and stabilised for 180 days. Samples were then collected and analysed for total heavy metal concentrations, chemical fractions, and bioaccessibility, together with some physicochemical properties. The results showed that the total chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) concentrations were increased with CSS addition rate. The CSS addition decreased the residual fractions of these four elements. The exchangeable Cr, Cu, and Pb fractions were very small or not detected, while Zn exhibited an increasing trend in its exchangeable fraction with CSS addition rate. The bioaccessibility of these four elements was increased with the CSS addition rate. Moreover, the Cr, Cu, and Zn bioaccessibility correlated positively with the total concentration, while the bioaccessibility of these four elements exhibited a negative correlation with the residual fraction. The fractionation and bioaccessibility of heavy metals may have also been influenced by pH, cation exchange capacity, and organic matter. The risk assessment code reflected the amended soil showed no or low environmental risks for Cr, Cu, and Pb and a medium risk for Zn. The hazardous index values and cancer risk levels indicated that the heavy metals in the soil amended with 25% CSS posed negligible potential noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks to children and adults via incidental ingestion. PMID:29597244

Measuring teacher self-report on classroom practices: Construct validity and reliability of the Classroom Strategies Scale-Teacher Form.

PubMed

Reddy, Linda A; Dudek, Christopher M; Fabiano, Gregory A; Peters, Stephanie

2015-12-01

This article presents information about the construct validity and reliability of a new teacher self-report measure of classroom instructional and behavioral practices (the Classroom Strategies Scales-Teacher Form; CSS-T). The theoretical underpinnings and empirical basis for the instructional and behavioral management scales are presented. Information is provided about the construct validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and freedom from item-bias of the scales. Given previous investigations with the CSS Observer Form, it was hypothesized that internal consistency would be adequate and that confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) of CSS-T data from 293 classrooms would offer empirical support for the CSS-T's Total, Composite and subscales, and yield a similar factor structure to that of the CSS Observer Form. Goodness-of-fit indices of χ2/df, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation, Goodness of Fit Index, and Adjusted Goodness of Fit Index suggested satisfactory fit of proposed CFA models whereas the Comparative Fit Index did not. Internal consistency estimates of .93 and .94 were obtained for the Instructional Strategies and Behavioral Strategies Total scales respectively. Adequate test-retest reliability was found for instructional and behavioral total scales (r = .79, r = .84, percent agreement 93% and 93%). The CSS-T evidences freedom from item bias on important teacher demographics (age, educational degree, and years of teaching experience). Implications of results are discussed. (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved).

Preoperative Lateralization Modalities for Cushing Disease: Is Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Imaging or Cavernous Sinus Sampling More Predictive of Intraoperative Findings?

PubMed

Sun, Hai; Yedinak, Chris; Ozpinar, Alp; Anderson, Jim; Dogan, Aclan; Delashaw, Johnny; Fleseriu, Maria

2015-06-01

Objective To analyze whether cavernous sinus sampling (CSS) and dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) are consistent with intraoperative findings in Cushing disease (CD) patients. Design Retrospective outcomes study. Setting Oregon Health & Science University; 2006 and 2013. Participants A total of 37 CD patients with preoperative dMRI and CSS to confirm central adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) hypersecretion. Patients were 78% female; mean age was 41 years (at diagnosis), and all had a minimum of 6 months of follow-up. Main Outcome Measures Correlations among patient characteristics, dMRI measurements, CSS results, and intraoperative findings. Results All CSS indicated presence of CD. Eight of 37 patients had no identifiable tumor on dMRI. Three of 37 patients had no tumor at surgery. dMRI tumor size was inversely correlated with age (rs = - 0.4; p = 0.01) and directly correlated to intraoperative lateralization (rs = 0.3; p < 0.05). Preoperative dMRI was directly correlated to intraoperative lateralization (rs = 0.5; p < 0.002). CSS lateralization showed no correlation with intraoperative findings (rs = 0.145; p = 0.40) or lateralization observed on preoperative dMRI (rs = 0.17; p = 0.29). Postoperative remission rate was 68%. Conclusion dMRI localization was most consistent with intraoperative findings; CSS results were less reliable. Results suggest that small ACTH-secreting tumors continue to pose a challenge to reliable preoperative localization.

Clinical features and prognostic factors of Churg-Strauss syndrome

PubMed Central

Kim, Mi-Yeong; Sohn, Kyoung-Hee; Song, Woo-Jung; Park, Heung-Woo; Cho, Sang-Heon; Min, Kyung-Up

2014-01-01

Background/Aims Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a rare systemic necrotizing small-vessel vasculitis, with accompanying bronchial asthma, eosinophilia, and eosinophilic infiltration of various tissues. The purposes of our study were to characterize the clinical features of CSS and to identify factors associated with CSS prognosis in Koreans. Methods Medical records were reviewed retrospectively for all physician-diagnosed CSS patients in the Seoul National University Hospital between January 1990 and March 2011. Results Data from 52 CSS patients were analyzed. The respiratory tract was the most commonly involved organ (90.4%). Renal involvement was less frequent in antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)(-) patients than in ANCA(+) patients (p = 0.048). Clinical remission occurred in 95.3% of patients, but 16.3% of them relapsed. Patients who maintained remission for more than 6 months were relatively older (median, 51 years) at diagnosis (p = 0.004), had been diagnosed in earlier stages (p = 0.027), showed more frequent respiratory involvement (p = 0.024) and generalized symptoms (p = 0.039), and showed less frequent cutaneous involvement (p = 0.030) than those who did not achieve persistent (> 6 months) remission. Patients who achieved persistent remission also showed higher C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (p = 0.031) than those who did not. Conclusions ANCA(-) CSS patients showed less frequent renal involvement. Characteristics of good responders were older age, diagnosis at earlier stages, less cutaneous involvement, more respiratory involvement, high CRP values, and more generalized symptoms. PMID:24574837

Marital status and survival in patients with renal cell carcinoma.

PubMed

Li, Yan; Zhu, Ming-Xi; Qi, Si-Hua

2018-04-01

Previous studies have shown that marital status is an independent prognostic factor for survival in several types of cancer. In this study, we investigated the effects of marital status on survival outcomes among renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients.We identified patients diagnosed with RCC between 1973 and 2013 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression were used to identify the effects of marital status on overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS).We enrolled 97,662 eligible RCC patients, including 64,884 married patients, and 32,778 unmarried (9831 divorced/separated, 9692 widowed, and 13,255 single) patients at diagnosis. The 5-year OS and CSS rates of the married, separated/divorced, widowed, and single patients were 73.7%, 69.5%, 58.3%, and 73.2% (OS), and 82.2%, 80.7%, 75.7%, and 83.3% (CSS), respectively. Multivariate Cox regression showed that, compared with married patients, widowed individuals showed poorer OS (hazard ratio, 1.419; 95% confidence interval, 1.370-1.469) and CSS (hazard ratio, 1.210; 95% confidence interval, 1.144-1.279). Stratified analyses and multivariate Cox regression showed that, in the insured and uninsured groups, married patients had better survival outcomes while widowed patients suffered worse OS outcomes; however, this trend was not significant for CSS.In RCC patients, married patients had better survival outcomes while widowed patients tended to suffer worse survival outcomes in terms of both OS and CSS.

Marital status and survival in patients with renal cell carcinoma

PubMed Central

Li, Yan; Zhu, Ming-xi; Qi, Si-hua

2018-01-01

Abstract Previous studies have shown that marital status is an independent prognostic factor for survival in several types of cancer. In this study, we investigated the effects of marital status on survival outcomes among renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients. We identified patients diagnosed with RCC between 1973 and 2013 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox regression were used to identify the effects of marital status on overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). We enrolled 97,662 eligible RCC patients, including 64,884 married patients, and 32,778 unmarried (9831 divorced/separated, 9692 widowed, and 13,255 single) patients at diagnosis. The 5-year OS and CSS rates of the married, separated/divorced, widowed, and single patients were 73.7%, 69.5%, 58.3%, and 73.2% (OS), and 82.2%, 80.7%, 75.7%, and 83.3% (CSS), respectively. Multivariate Cox regression showed that, compared with married patients, widowed individuals showed poorer OS (hazard ratio, 1.419; 95% confidence interval, 1.370–1.469) and CSS (hazard ratio, 1.210; 95% confidence interval, 1.144–1.279). Stratified analyses and multivariate Cox regression showed that, in the insured and uninsured groups, married patients had better survival outcomes while widowed patients suffered worse OS outcomes; however, this trend was not significant for CSS. In RCC patients, married patients had better survival outcomes while widowed patients tended to suffer worse survival outcomes in terms of both OS and CSS. PMID:29668592

Impact of a diagnosis-related group payment system on cesarean section in Korea.

PubMed

Kim, Seung Ju; Han, Kyu-Tae; Kim, Sun Jung; Park, Eun-Cheol; Park, Hye Ki

2016-06-01

Cesarean sections (CSs) are the most expensive method of delivery, which may affect the physician's choice of treatment when providing health services to patients. We investigated the effects of the diagnosis-related group (DRG)-based payment system on CSs in Korea. We used National Health Insurance claim data from 2011 to 2014, which included 1,289,989 delivery cases at 674 hospitals. We used a generalized estimating equation model to evaluate the association between the likelihood of cesarean delivery and the length of the DRG adoption period. A total of 477,309 (37.0%) delivery cases were performed by CSs. We found that a longer DRG adoption period was associated with a lower odds ratio of CSs (odds ratio [OR]: 0.997, 95% CI: 0.996-0.998). In addition, a longer DRG adoption period was associated with a lower odds ratio for CSs in hospitals that had voluntarily adopted the DRG system. Similar results were also observed for urban hospitals, primiparas, and those under 28 years old and over 33 years old. Our results suggest that the change in the reimbursement system was associated with a low likelihood of CSs. The impact of DRG adoption on cesarean delivery can also be expected to increase with time, as our finding provides evidence that the reimbursement system is associated with the health provider's decision to provide health services for patients. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Multiple Thromboembolic Cerebral Infarctions from the Aorta in a Patient with Churg-Strauss Syndrome.

PubMed

Okada, Hideo

2017-02-01

Ischemic stroke is a rare complication of Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) and its pathogenesis has not been well clarified yet. We report a case of cerebral infarction in a patient with CSS due to embolism from a thrombus on the wall of the aorta. A 39-year-old man had multiple cerebral infarctions with symptoms of mild left hemiparesis and reduced vision. He was clinically diagnosed to have CSS based on remarkable eosinophilia, history of asthma, sinusitis, pulmonary infiltrates, and histologically proven extravascular eosinophilic infiltrates in the specimen of gastric mucosa. Cerebral angiography did not show any stenotic lesions in cerebral arteries. A thrombus was detected on the wall of the aorta by transesophageal echocardiography, which was considered as the source of embolism. The thrombus resolved on follow-up examination 3 months after the onset of the stroke. This is the first case report on cerebral infarction caused by aortogenic thromboembolism in a CSS patient. Other than cerebral vasculitis, embolism from cardiovascular system, including the wall of the aorta, is a possible cause of cerebral infarctions in a CSS patient. Copyright © 2017 National Stroke Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chinese English Learners' Strategic Competence.

PubMed

Wang, Dianjian; Lai, Hongling; Leslie, Michael

2015-12-01

The present study aims to investigate Chinese English learners' ability to use communication strategies (CSs). The subjects are put in a relatively real English referential communication setting and the analyses of the research data show that Chinese English learners, when encountering problems in foreign language (FL) communication, are characterized by the frequent use of substitution, approximation, circumlocution, literal translation, exemplification, word-coinage, repetition, and the infrequent use of cultural-knowledge and paralinguistic CSs. The rare use of paralinguistic strategies is found to be typical of Chinese English learners. The high frequency of literal translation, one first language (L1)-based strategy in our study sample, suggests that FL learners' use of L1-based CSs may depend more upon the developmental stage of their target language than the typology distance between L1 and the target language. The frequency of repetition reveals one fact that the Chinese English learners lack variety and flexibility in their use of CSs. Based on these findings, it was indicated that learners' use of CSs is influenced by a variety of factors, among which the development stage of their interlanguage and their cultural background are identified as two important factors. Some implications are finally suggested for the English foreign language teaching practice in China.

Estimating the safety benefits of context sensitive solutions.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-11-01

Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS), also commonly known by the original name Context Sensitive Design : (CSD), is an alternative approach to the conventional transportation-oriented decision-making and design : processes. The CSS approach can be used ...

Study on Cyber Security and Threat Evaluation in SCADA Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-01

la sécurité de l’infrastructure essentielle du Canada. DRDC CSS CR 2012-06 vii • Les cadres de gestion des cybermenaces et des ...Reine (en droit du Canada), telle que représentée par le ministre de la Défense nationale, 2012 DRDC CSS CR 2012-06 i Abstract …….. This...ii DRDC CSS CR 2012-06 Résumé …..... Le présent rapport fait la synthèse des résultats du projet PTSP 02-0347eSec

Electronic book format EPUB and Japanese typography : Mainstream people in Japan are unlikely to win international standardization battles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murata, Makoto

EPUB3 is an electronic book format based on Web technologies such as HTML and CSS. EPUB3 is internationalized; in particular, it supports Japanese typography. Features such as vertical writing were introduced by first creating CSS Writing Modes and CSS Text at W3C and then creating EPUB3 at IDPF on top of them. On the basis of this standardization experience, common pitfalls for Japanese in international standardization are pointed out and a promising approach is suggested.

Polarization-selective transmission in stacked two-dimensional complementary plasmonic crystal slabs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iwanaga, Masanobu

2010-02-01

It has been experimentally and numerically shown that transmission at near infrared wavelengths is selectively controlled by polarizations in two-dimensional complementary plasmonic crystal slabs (2D c-PlCSs) of stacked unit cell. This feature is naturally derived by taking account of Babinet's principle. Moreover, the slight structural modification of the unit cell has been found to result in a drastic change in linear optical responses of stacked 2D c-PlCSs. These results substantiate the feasibility of 2D c-PlCSs for producing efficient polarizers with subwavelength thickness.

Pearson-Readhead Survey Sources. II. The Long-Term Centimeter-Band Total Flux and Linear Polarization Properties of a Complete Radio Sample

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aller, M. F.; Aller, H. D.; Hughes, P. A.

2003-03-01

Using UMRAO centimeter-band total flux density and linear polarization monitoring observations of the complete Pearson-Readhead extragalactic source sample obtained between 1984 August and 2001 March, we identify the range of variability in extragalactic objects as functions of optical and radio morphological classification and relate total flux density variations to structural changes in published coeval VLBI maps in selected objects. As expected, variability is common in flat- or inverted-spectrum (α<=0.5) core-dominated QSOs and BL Lac objects. Unexpectedly, we find flux variations in several steep-spectrum sample members, including the commonly adopted flux standard 3C 147. Such variations are characteristically several-year rises or declines or infrequent outbursts, requiring long-term observations for detection: we attribute them to the brightening of weak core components, a change that is suppressed by contributions from extended structure in all but the strongest events, and identify a wavelength dependence for the amplitude of this variability consistent with the presence of opacity in some portions of the jet flow. One morphological class of steep-spectrum objects, the compact symmetric objects (CSOs), characteristically shows only low-level variability. We examine the statistical relation between fractional polarization and radio class based on the data at 14.5 and 4.8 GHz. The blazars typically exhibit flat-to-inverted polarization spectra, a behavior attributed to opacity effects. Among the steep-spectrum objects, the lobe-dominated FR I galaxies have steep fractional polarization spectra, while the FR II galaxies exhibit fractional polarization spectra ranging from inverted to steep, with no identifiable common property that accounts for the range in behavior. For the CSO/gigahertz-peaked spectrum sources, we verify that the fractional polarizations at 4.8 GHz are only of the order of a few tenths of a percent, but at 14.5 GHz we find significantly higher polarizations, ranging from 1% to 3%; this frequency dependence supports a scenario invoking Faraday depolarization by a circumnuclear torus. We have identified preferred orientations of the electric vector of the polarized emission (EVPA) at 14.5 and 4.8 GHz in roughly half of the objects and compared these with orientations of the flow direction indicated by VLBI morphology. When comparing the distributions of the orientation offsets for the BL Lac objects and the QSOs, we find differences in both range and mean value, in support of intrinsic class differences. In the shock-in-jet scenario, we attribute this to the allowed range of obliquities of shocks developing in the flow relative to the flow direction: in the BL Lac objects the shocks are nearly transverse to the flow direction, while in the QSOs they include a broader range of obliquities and can be at large angles to it. The fact that we find long-term stability in EVPA over many events implies that a dominant magnetic field orientation persists; in the core-dominated objects, with small contribution from the underlying quiescent jet, this plausibly suggests that the magnetic field has a long-term memory, with subsequent shock events exhibiting similar EVPA orientation, or, alternatively, the presence of a standing shock in the core. We have looked for systematic, monotonic changes in EVPA, which might be expected in the emission from a precessing jet, a model currently invoked for some AGNs; none were identified. Further, we carried out a Scargle periodogram analysis of the total flux density observations, but found no strong evidence for periodicity in any of the sample sources. The only well-established case in support of both jet precession and periodic variability remains the non-sample member OJ 287.

Effective and absolute cross sections for low-energy (1-30 eV) electron interactions with condensed biomolecules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Yi; Sanche, Léon

2018-06-01

Ionizing radiation is intensively used for therapeutic [e.g., radiotherapy, brachytherapy, and targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT)], as well as for diagnostic medical imaging purposes. In these applications, the radiation dose given to the patient should be known and controlled. In conventional cancer treatments, absorbed dose calculations rely essentially on scattering cross sections (CSs) of the primary high-energy radiation. In more sophisticated treatments, such as combined radio- and chemo-therapy, a description of the details of energy deposits at the micro- and nano-scopic level is preferred to relate dose to radiobiological effectiveness or to evaluate doses at the biomolecular level, when radiopharmaceuticals emitting short-range radiation are delivered to critical molecular components of cancer cells (e.g., TRT). These highly radiotoxic compounds emit large densities of low-energy electrons (LEEs). More generally, LEE (0-30 eV) are emitted in large numbers by any type of high-energy radiation; i.e., about 30 000 per MeV of deposited primary energy. Thus, to optimize the effectiveness of several types of radiation treatments, the energy deposited by LEEs must be known at the level of the cell, nucleus, chromosome, or DNA. Such local doses can be evaluated by Monte Carlo (MC) calculations, which account event-by-event, for the slowing down of all generations of particles. In particular, these codes require as input parameters absolute LEE CSs for elastic scattering, energy losses, and direct damage to vital cellular molecules, particularly DNA, the main target of radiation therapy. In the last decade, such CSs have emerged in the literature. Furthermore, a method was developed to transform relative yields of damages into absolute CSs by measuring specific parameters in the experiments. In this review article, we first present a general description of dose calculations in biological media via MC simulation and give an overview of the CSs available from theoretical calculations and gas-phase experiments. The properties of LEE scattering in the gas-phase are then compared to those in the condensed phase. The remaining portion of the article is devoted to condensed-phase CSs. We provide absolute LEE scattering CSs for electronic, vibrational, and phonon excitation of biomolecules as well as for dissociative electron attachment, electron intra- and inter-molecular stabilization, and bond dissociation, including strand breaks and degradation product formation. The biomolecules are O2, CO2, H2O, DNA bases, sugar and phosphate unit analogs, oligonucleotides, plasmid DNA, and the amino acid tryptophan. CSs for strand breaks in radiosensitizing and chemotherapeutic molecules bond or not to a short DNA strand are also listed. The principle of each experimental technique and mathematical methods utilized to generate all condensed-phase CSs are briefly explained. The mechanisms responsible for the magnitudes of the CSs are discussed.

Identification and Construction of Combinatory Cancer Hallmark-Based Gene Signature Sets to Predict Recurrence and Chemotherapy Benefit in Stage II Colorectal Cancer.

PubMed

Gao, Shanwu; Tibiche, Chabane; Zou, Jinfeng; Zaman, Naif; Trifiro, Mark; O'Connor-McCourt, Maureen; Wang, Edwin

2016-01-01

Decisions regarding adjuvant therapy in patients with stage II colorectal cancer (CRC) have been among the most challenging and controversial in oncology over the past 20 years. To develop robust combinatory cancer hallmark-based gene signature sets (CSS sets) that more accurately predict prognosis and identify a subset of patients with stage II CRC who could gain survival benefits from adjuvant chemotherapy. Thirteen retrospective studies of patients with stage II CRC who had clinical follow-up and adjuvant chemotherapy were analyzed. Respective totals of 162 and 843 patients from 2 and 11 independent cohorts were used as the discovery and validation cohorts, respectively. A total of 1005 patients with stage II CRC were included in the 13 cohorts. Among them, 84 of 416 patients in 3 independent cohorts received fluorouracil-based adjuvant chemotherapy. Identification of CSS sets to predict relapse-free survival and identify a subset of patients with stage II CRC who could gain substantial survival benefits from fluorouracil-based adjuvant chemotherapy. Eight cancer hallmark-based gene signatures (30 genes each) were identified and used to construct CSS sets for determining prognosis. The CSS sets were validated in 11 independent cohorts of 767 patients with stage II CRC who did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy. The CSS sets accurately stratified patients into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups. Five-year relapse-free survival rates were 94%, 78%, and 45%, respectively, representing 60%, 28%, and 12% of patients with stage II disease. The 416 patients with CSS set-defined high-risk stage II CRC who received fluorouracil-based adjuvant chemotherapy showed a substantial gain in survival benefits from the treatment (ie, recurrence reduced by 30%-40% in 5 years). The CSS sets substantially outperformed other prognostic predictors of stage 2 CRC. They are more accurate and robust for prognostic predictions and facilitate the identification of patients with stage II disease who could gain survival benefit from fluorouracil-based adjuvant chemotherapy.

Association of perioperative blood pressure with long-term survival in rectal cancer patients.

PubMed

Yu, Hui-Chuan; Luo, Yan-Xin; Peng, Hui; Wang, Xiao-Lin; Yang, Zi-Huan; Huang, Mei-Jin; Kang, Liang; Wang, Lei; Wang, Jian-Ping

2016-04-11

Several studies suggested that hypertension is positively related to cancer incidence and mortality. In this study, we investigated the association between perioperative blood pressure (BP) and long-term survival outcomes in patients with rectal cancer. This study included a cohort of 358 patients with stages I-III rectal cancer who underwent a curative resection between June 2007 and June 2011. Both pre- and postoperative BPs were measured, by which patients were grouped (low BP: <120/80 mmHg; high BP: ≥120/80 mmHg). The survival outcomes were compared between these two groups. The primary endpoints were disease-free survival (DFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). Univariate analysis showed that patients with high preoperative systolic BP had lower 3-year DFS (67.2% vs. 82.1%, P = 0.041) and CSS rates (81.9% vs. 94.8%, P = 0.003) than patients with low preoperative systolic BP, and the associations remained significant in the Cox multivariate analysis, with the adjusted hazard ratios equal to 1.97 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.08-3.60, P = 0.028] and 2.85 (95% CI = 1.00-8.25, P = 0.050), respectively. Similarly, in postoperative evaluation, patients with high systolic BP had significantly lower 3-year CSS rates than those with low systolic BP (78.3% vs. 88.9%, P = 0.032) in univariate analysis. Moreover, high pre- and/or postoperative systolic BP presented as risk factors for CSS in the subgroups of patients who did not have a history of hypertension, with and/or without perioperative administration of antihypertensive drugs. High preoperative systolic BP was an independent risk factor for both CSS and DFS rates, and high postoperative systolic BP was significantly associated with a low CSS rate in rectal cancer patients. Additionally, our results suggest that rectal cancer patients may get survival benefit from BP control in perioperative care. However, further studies should be conducted to determine the association between BP and CSS and targets of BP control.

Chemical Safety for Sustainability Research Action Plan 2012-2016

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

EPA’s Chemical Safety for Sustainability (CSS) research program presents the purpose, design and themes of the Agency’s CSS research efforts to ensure safety in the design, manufacture and use of existing and future chemicals

Multiple cerebral and cerebellar infarcts as the first clinical manifestation in a patient with Churg-Strauss syndrome: case report and literature review.

PubMed

Cheng, Meng-Ju; Huang, Pai-Hao; Liao, Pin-Wen; Chen, Jen-Tse; Chiang, Tsuey-Ru

2012-12-01

Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a rare autoimmune disease with small-vessel vasculitis. Neurological manifestation of CSS is common. Central nervous system is less frequently involved than that of peripheral nervous system. We report a case of 60-year-old man who presented with acute onset of right hemiparesis and impaired cognition. The presence of hypereosinophilia, asthma, sinusitis and extravascular eosinophil accumulation led to the diagnosis of Churg-Strauss syndrome. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed multiple infarcts in bilateral cerebral and cerebellar hemispheres. The neurophysiology study did not reveal peripheral neuropathy. The patient was effectively treated with methylprednisolone, cyclophosphamide and warfarin. Symptoms and signs of central nervous system can be the initial neurological manifestation of CSS patients. CSS should be considered while patients have stroke and hypereosinophilia. In our patient, there is a good response to timely steroid, immunosuppressant and anticoagulant therapies.

Initial neuro-ophthalmological manifestations in Churg–Strauss syndrome

PubMed Central

Vallet, Anne-Evelyne; Didelot, Adrien; Guebre-Egziabher, Fitsum; Bernard, Martine; Mauguière, François

2010-01-01

Churg–Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a systemic vasculitis with frequent respiratory tract involvement. It can also affect the nervous system, notably the optic tract. The present work reports the case of a 65-year-old man diagnosed as having CSS in the context of several acute onset neurological symptoms including muscle weakness and signs of temporal arteritis, including bilateral anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (ON). Electroretinograms (ERGs) and visual evoked potentials (VEPs) were performed. Flash ERGs were normal whereas VEPs were highly abnormal, showing a dramatic voltage reduction, thus confirming the ON. The vision outcome was poor. Ophthalmological presentations of CSS have rarely been reported, but no previous case of sudden blindness documented by combined ERG and VEP investigations were found in the literature. The present case strongly suggests that the occurrence of visual loss in the context of systemic inflammation with hypereosinophilia should lead to considering the diagnosis of CSS. PMID:22789694

Juvenile Churg-Strauss Syndrome as an Etiology of Myocarditis and Ischemic Stroke in Adolescents; a Case Report

PubMed Central

Moradinejad, Mohammad-Hassan; Rezaei, Amir; Ziaee, Vahid

2011-01-01

Background Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS), a systemic vasculitis accompanied by asthma and eosinophilia, almost invariably affects the lung and is frequently associated with cutaneous involvement. It rarely has cardiac involvement. We report an unusual case of CSS with myocardial involvement and stroke. Case Presentation A 16-year old female suffered of allergic asthma for 4 years. She was under treatment with oral prednisolone and seretide inhalation. After CSS diagnosis, she developed paroxysmal atrial tachycardia. Serum levels of Troponin I and Troponin T were increased indicating massive myocardial damage probably due to myocarditis. After 5 months she developed acute hemiparesis without any evidence of ischemic or hemorrhagic event. She was treated with IVIg, intravenous pulses of methylprednisone and cyclophosphamide for each complication. Conclusion Myocarditis and stroke may also complicate CSS which should be taken in consideration for better management. PMID:23056844

Playing with data at EPA—ToxCast, ExpoCast, HTTK, and the ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This is a lecture for the Emory Exposome Summer Course in Atlanta, Georgia. The focus will be on how CSS research and tools inform research on exposomics, particularly with identifying relevant chemicals and chemicals pathways from non-targeted monitoring data. This is an opportunity to reach a broad audience of researchers. There will be a live demo of the CSS Chemistry dashboard and CPcat at the end of the presentation. This is a lecture for the Emory Exposome Summer Course in Atlanta, Georgia. The focus will be on how CSS research and tools inform research on exposomics, particularly with identifying relevant chemicals and chemicals pathways from non-targeted monitoring data. This is an opportunity to reach a broad audience of researchers. There will be a live demo of the CSS Chemistry dashboard and CPcat at the end of the presentation.

The development and initial validation of the cyberchondria severity scale (CSS).

PubMed

McElroy, Eoin; Shevlin, Mark

2014-03-01

Cyberchondria is a form of anxiety characterised by excessive online health research. It may lead to increased levels of psychological distress, worry, and unnecessary medical expenses. The aim of the present study was to develop a psychometrically sound measure of this dimension. A sample of undergraduate students (N = 208; 64% female) completed a pilot version of the cyberchondria severity scale (CSS) along with the short form version of the depression, anxiety and stress scale (DASS-21). Exploratory factor analysis identified a correlated five factor structure that were labelled 'Compulsion', 'Distress', 'Excessiveness', 'Reassurance Seeking' and 'Mistrust of Medical Professional'. The CSS demonstrated good psychometric properties; the subscales had high internal consistency, along with good concurrent and convergent validity. The CSS may prove useful in a wide variety of future research activities. It may also facilitate the development and validation of interventions for cyberchondria. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Generalization Effects in Evaluative Conditioning: Evidence for Attitude Transfer Effects from Single Exemplars to Social Categories.

PubMed

Glaser, Tina; Kuchenbrandt, Dieta

2017-01-01

The present research investigated whether evaluatively conditioned attitudes toward members of a social category (CSs) generalize to other stimuli belonging to the same category as the CSs (generalization at the stimulus level) and to the category itself (generalization at the category level). In four experiments, USs were paired with schematic or naturalistic CSs belonging to certain fictitious groups. Afterward, attitudes toward the CSs, toward non-presented exemplars of the CS category, and toward the CS category were assessed. Results revealed evidence for generalization effects in EC on both the stimulus and the category level. Transfer effects were greater when participants' awareness of the CS-US contingency (CA) was high. Moreover, we found differences in generalization between the stimulus and category level, indicating that different processes might contribute to the effects. Theoretical and practical implications such as using EC as a tool for changing attitudes toward social groups will be discussed.

The slow and fast pyrolysis of cherry seed.

PubMed

Duman, Gozde; Okutucu, Cagdas; Ucar, Suat; Stahl, Ralph; Yanik, Jale

2011-01-01

The slow and fast pyrolysis of cherry seeds (CWS) and cherry seeds shells (CSS) was studied in fixed-bed and fluidized bed reactors at different pyrolysis temperatures. The effects of reactor type and temperature on the yields and composition of products were investigated. In the case of fast pyrolysis, the maximum bio-oil yield was found to be about 44 wt% at pyrolysis temperature of 500 °C for both CWS and CSS, whereas the bio yields were of 21 and 15 wt% obtained at 500 °C from slow pyrolysis of CWS and CSS, respectively. Both temperature and reactor type affected the composition of bio-oils. The results showed that bio-oils obtained from slow pyrolysis of CWS and CSS can be used as a fuel for combustion systems in industry and the bio-oil produced from fast pyrolysis can be evaluated as a chemical feedstock. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Corticosteroids and Other Anti-Inflammatory Strategies in Pediatric Heart Surgery: A National Survey of Practice.

PubMed

Fudulu, Daniel P; Schadenberg, Alvin; Gibbison, Ben; Jenkins, Ian; Lightman, Stafford; Angelini, Gianni D; Stoica, Serban

2018-05-01

The role of steroids to mitigate the deleterious effects of pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) remains a matter of debate; therefore, we aimed to assess preferences in administering corticosteroids (CSs) and the use of other anti-inflammatory strategies in pediatric cardiac surgery. A 19-question survey was distributed to consultants in pediatric cardiac anesthesia from 12 centers across the United Kingdom and Ireland. Of the 37 respondents (37/60, 62%), 24 (65%) use CSs, while 13 (35%) do not use steroids at all. We found variability within 5 (41%) of the 12 centers. Seven consultants (7/24, 29%) administer CSs in every case, while 17 administer CSs in selected cases only (17/24, 71%). There was variability in the dose of steroid administration. Almost all consultants (23/24, 96%) administer a single dose at induction, and one administers a two-dose regimen (1/24, 4%). There was variability in CS indications. Most consultants (24/37, 66%) use modified ultrafiltration at the conclusion of CPB. Fifteen consultants (15/32, 47%) report the use of aprotinin, while only 3 use heparin-coated circuits (3/24, 9%). We found wide variability in practice in the administration of CSs for pediatric cardiac surgery, both within and between units. While most anesthetists administer CSs in at least some cases, there is no consensus on the type of steroid, the dose, and at which patient groups this should be directed. Modified ultrafiltration is still used by most of the centers. Almost half of consultants use aprotinin, while heparin-coated circuits are infrequently used.

Expression of p53, p21 and cyclin D1 in penile cancer: p53 predicts poor prognosis.

PubMed

Gunia, Sven; Kakies, Christoph; Erbersdobler, Andreas; Hakenberg, Oliver W; Koch, Stefan; May, Matthias

2012-03-01

To evaluate the role of p53, p21 and cyclin D1 expression in patients with penile cancer (PC). Paraffin-embedded tissues from PC specimens from six pathology departments were subjected to a central histopathological review performed by one pathologist. The tissue microarray technique was used for immunostaining which was evaluated by two independent pathologists and correlated with cancer-specific survival (CSS). κ-statistics were used to assess interobserver variability. Uni- and multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis was applied to assess the independent effects of several prognostic factors on CSS over a median of 32 months (IQR 6-66 months). Specimens and clinical data from 110 men treated surgically for primary PC were collected. p53 staining was positive in 30 and negative in 62 specimens. κ-statistics showed substantial interobserver reproducibility of p53 staining evaluation (κ=0.73; p<0.001). The 5-year CSS rate for the entire study cohort was 74%. Five-year CSS was 84% in p53-negative and 51% in p53-positive PC patients (p=0.003). Multivariable analysis showed p53 (HR=3.20; p=0.041) and pT-stage (HR=4.29; p<0.001) as independent significant prognostic factors for CSS. Cyclin D1 and p21 expression were not correlated with survival. However, incorporating p21 into a multivariable Cox model did contribute to improved model quality for predicting CSS. In patients with PC, the expression of p53 in the primary tumour specimen can be reproducibly assessed and is negatively associated with cancer specific survival.

The appropriate number of ELNs for lymph node negative breast cancer patients underwent MRM: a population-based study.

PubMed

Chi, Huiying; Zhang, Chenyue; Wang, Haiyong; Wang, Zhehai

2017-09-12

Whether number of examed lymph nodes (ELNs) would bring survival benefit for patients with negative lymph nodes after modified radical mastectomy (MRM) is uncertain. In our study, using the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database between 2004 and 2009, we screened the appropriate patients with negative lymph nodes underwent MRM. The Cox proportional hazard analysis was used to determine the effect of number of ELNs on cancer specific survival (CSS). The results showed that the number of ELNs was not an independent prognostic factor on CSS ( P = 0.940). Then the X-tile mode was used to determine the appropriate threshold for ELNs count. The results showed that 9 was the appropriate cut-off point. Next, the log-rank χ 2 test was used to analyze the CSS based on different subgroup variables. The results showed that some subgroup variables including age < 50/ ≥ 50, grade I/III, AJCC T1/T2, ER positive/negative and PR positive/negative ,demonstrated significant CSS benefits among the patients with the number of ELNs ≤ 9 (all, P < 0.05). However, three subgroup variables including grade II, AJCC T3 and AJCC T4, the patients with the number of ELNs ≤ 9 did not bring significant CSS benefits (all, P > 0.1). In conclusion, our study demonstrated that the number of ELNs was not an independent prognostic factor on CSS, and 9 can be selected as the appropriate cut-off point of ELNs for patients with negative lymph nodes who underwent MRM.

Hospital-Based Program to Increase Child Safety Restraint Use among Birthing Mothers in China

PubMed Central

Chen, Xiaojun; Yang, Jingzhen; Peek-Asa, Corinne; Chen, Kangwen; Liu, Xiangxiang; Li, Liping

2014-01-01

Objective To evaluate a hospital-based educational program to increase child safety restraint knowledge and use among birthing mothers. Methods A prospective experimental and control study was performed in the Obstetrics department of hospitals. A total of 216 new birthing mothers from two hospitals (114 from intervention hospital and 102 from comparison hospital) were recruited and enrolled in the study. Intervention mothers received a height chart, an 8-minute video and a folded pamphlet regarding child safety restraint use during their hospital stay after giving birth. Evaluation data on the child safety seat (CSS) awareness, attitudes, and use were collected among both groups before and after the intervention. An additional phone interview was conducted among the intervention mothers two months after discharge. Results No significant differences existed between groups when comparing demographics. Over 90% of the intervention mothers found the educational intervention to be helpful to some extent. A significantly higher percentage of mothers in the intervention than the comparison group reported that CSS are necessary and are the safest seating practice. Nearly 20% of the intervention mothers actually purchased CSS for their babies after the intervention. While in both the intervention and comparison group, over 80% of mothers identified the ages of two through five as needing CSS, fewer than 50% of both groups identified infants as needing CSS, even after the intervention. Conclusion The results indicated that child safety restraint education implemented in hospitals helps increase birthing mothers' overall knowledge and use of CSS. Further efforts are needed to address specific age-related needs to promote car seats use among infants. PMID:25133502

Churg-Strauss syndrome: a new endotype of severe asthma? Results of 14 Turkish patients.

PubMed

Yılmaz, İnsu; Çelik, Gülfem; Aydın, Ömür; Özdemir, Seçil Kepil; Soyyiğit, Şadan; Sözener, Zeynep; Özgüçlü, Selcan; Atasoy, Çetin; Düzgün, Nurşen; Mungan, Dilşad; Sin, Betül; Demirel, Yavuz Selim; Mısırlıgil, Zeynep

2015-07-01

Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a rare multisystem vasculitis. Considering the variation of autoimmune diseases in different races, it is of interest to determine whether any outstanding features exist for Turkish patients with CSS. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and serological features of the disease, the treatment, and long-term follow-up details, and to investigate possible etiological factors of Turkish CSS patients. The study included 14 patients who were diagnosed with CSS, and followed by our department between 2004 and 2012. Possible etiological factors, initial symptoms, clinical presentations, treatment, as well as outcomes were documented. The study was approved by the local ethics. All patients fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology criteria. Initial symptoms were worsening asthma (n = 14; 100%) and skin lesions (n = 6; 43%). All patients had a diagnosis of asthma and nasal polyps, whereas 57.1% had aspirin hypersensitivity at the time of diagnosis. The lungs (100%) and skin (43%) were most commonly involved. Peripheral eosinophilia dominated on initial presentations of all patients. Initial treatments included oral methyl prednisolone in all cases, whereas cyclophosphamide and azathioprine were used in three cases. Relapses were detected in five cases. None of the cases were able to stop the oral corticosteroid treatment. No fatalities were observed. We herein describe a new severe asthma endotype in connection with CSS. We suggest that physicians who deal with uncontrolled severe asthma cases should consider CSS in the presence of nasal polyps, aspirin hypersensitivity, and especially peripheral blood eosinophilia over 10%. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Lateral-torsional response of base-isolated buildings with curved surface sliding system subjected to near-fault earthquakes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mazza, Fabio

2017-08-01

The curved surface sliding (CSS) system is one of the most in-demand techniques for the seismic isolation of buildings; yet there are still important aspects of its behaviour that need further attention. The CSS system presents variation of friction coefficient, depending on the sliding velocity of the CSS bearings, while friction force and lateral stiffness during the sliding phase are proportional to the axial load. Lateral-torsional response needs to be better understood for base-isolated structures located in near-fault areas, where fling-step and forward-directivity effects can produce long-period (horizontal) velocity pulses. To analyse these aspects, a six-storey reinforced concrete (r.c.) office framed building, with an L-shaped plan and setbacks in elevation, is designed assuming three values of the radius of curvature for the CSS system. Seven in-plan distributions of dynamic-fast friction coefficient for the CSS bearings, ranging from a constant value for all isolators to a different value for each, are considered in the case of low- and medium-type friction properties. The seismic analysis of the test structures is carried out considering an elastic-linear behaviour of the superstructure, while a nonlinear force-displacement law of the CSS bearings is considered in the horizontal direction, depending on sliding velocity and axial load. Given the lack of knowledge of the horizontal direction at which near-fault ground motions occur, the maximum torsional effects and residual displacements are evaluated with reference to different incidence angles, while the orientation of the strongest observed pulses is considered to obtain average values.

Performance analysis of different rice-based cropping systems in tropical region of Nepal.

PubMed

Pokhrel, Anil; Soni, Peeyush

2017-07-15

Energy inputs, environmental impacts and economic outputs are the main concerns in today's agricultural production systems. The current study investigated the energy, environmental and financial performances of different rice-based cropping systems (CSs). The CSs studied were: Rice-Wheat-Fallow (R-W-F), Rice-Wheat-Maize (R-W-M), Rice-Wheat-Mungbean (R-W-Mu), Rice-Lentil-Maize (R-L-M), Rice-Lentil-Mungbean (R-L-Mu), Rice-Garlic (R-G) and Rice-Onion (R-O). Primary data were collected from 210 randomly selected farms by using structured questionnaire. In this study, Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) was used to analyze the technical efficiencies of the farms in order to estimate their energy inputs saving potential, under different CSs. Among the studied systems, R-W-M, R-L-M and R-W-Mu were found energy efficient, R-L-Mu, R-W-F and R-W-Mu were efficient considering their greenhouse gas emissions, and R-G, R-O and R-L-M were more profitable systems. Based on the combined energy, environmental and economic criteria, we conclude that R-L-M, R-L-Mu and R-W-M are the most energy, environmentally and economically efficient CSs as compared to other systems in the study. The mean technical efficiency scores of farms indicated a considerable potential of reducing energy inputs (18-34%), without compromising the economic return of the majority farms under different CSs. The results of this study support eco-efficient CSs with modern production technologies. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Adjuvant radiation therapy and survival for adenoid cystic carcinoma of the breast.

PubMed

Sun, Jia-Yuan; Wu, San-Gang; Chen, Shan-Yu; Li, Feng-Yan; Lin, Huan-Xin; Chen, Yong-Xiong; He, Zhen-Yu

2017-02-01

The assess the clinical value of different types of surgical procedures and further analyze the effect of adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) for adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the breast. Patients with ACC of the breast were identified using a population-based national registration database (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results, SEER). The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression models were performed to determine the impact of the surgical procedures and adjuvant RT associated with cause-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS). A total of 478 patients with ACC of the breast were identified. The median follow-up was 59 months. The 10-year CSS and OS were 87.5% and 75.3%, respectively. For the Kaplan-Meier analysis, the 5-year CSS were 96.1%, 91.8%, 90.2%, and 94.1% in patients that received lumpectomy + adjuvant RT, lumpectomy alone, mastectomy alone, and mastectomy + adjuvant RT, respectively (p = 0.026). In the multivariate Cox analyses, lumpectomy + adjuvant RT was an independent prognostic factor for CSS and OS. Patients that received lumpectomy + adjuvant RT had better survival rates than patients that underwent lumpectomy only (CSS, p = 0.018; OS, p = 0.031) and mastectomy only (CSS, p = 0.010; OS, p = 0.004). ACC of the breast has an excellent prognosis. Breast-conserving surgery is a reasonable alternative for patients with ACC of the breast, and adjuvant RT after lumpectomy improved survival rates. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Development of a clinical spasticity scale for evaluation of dogs with chronic thoracolumbar spinal cord injury.

PubMed

Lewis, Melissa J; Olby, Natasha J

2017-07-01

OBJECTIVE To develop a spasticity scale for dogs with chronic deficits following severe spinal cord injury (SCI) for use in clinical assessment and outcome measurement in clinical trials. ANIMALS 20 chronically paralyzed dogs with a persistent lack of hind limb pain perception caused by an acute SCI at least 3 months previously. PROCEDURES Spasticity was assessed in both hind limbs via tests of muscle tone, clonus, and flexor and extensor spasms adapted from human scales. Measurement of patellar clonus duration and flexor spasm duration and degree was feasible. These components were used to create a canine spasticity scale (CSS; overall score range, 0 to 18). Temporal variation for individual dogs and interrater reliability were evaluated. Gait was quantified with published gait scales, and CSS scores were compared with gait scores and clinical variables. Owners were questioned regarding spasticity observed at home. RESULTS 20 dogs were enrolled: 18 with no apparent hind limb pain perception and 2 with blunted responses; 5 were ambulatory. Testing was well tolerated, and scores were repeatable between raters. Median overall CSS score was 7 (range, 3 to 11), and flexor spasms were the most prominent finding. Overall CSS score was not associated with age, SCI duration, lesion location, or owner-reported spasticity. Overall CSS score and flexor spasm duration were associated with gait scores. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The CSS could be used to quantify hind limb spasticity in dogs with chronic thoracolumbar SCI and might be a useful outcome measure. Flexor spasms may represent an integral part of stepping in dogs with severe SCI.

Observation versus adjuvant radiation or chemotherapy in the management of stage I seminoma: clinical outcomes and prognostic factors for relapse in a large US cohort.

PubMed

Soper, Margaret S; Hastings, Joseph R; Cosmatos, Harry A; Slezak, Jeffrey M; Wang, Ricardo; Lodin, Kenneth

2014-08-01

The management of stage I seminoma has evolved over the past 20 years. Contemporary management options after orchiectomy include adjuvant radiation, adjuvant chemotherapy, and observation. This analysis defines the experience at Kaiser Permanente Southern California from 1990 to 2010. We examined outcomes for stage I seminoma patients and reviewed prognostic factors for recurrence in those managed with observation. This is a retrospective study of 502 stage I seminoma patients who underwent orchiectomy from 1990 to 2010. Outcomes examined were relapse-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS), and cause-specific survival (CSS). Risk factors for recurrence evaluated were age, preoperative hCG elevation, preoperative LDH elevation, tumor size, lymphovascular invasion, rete testis invasion, epididymis invasion, and invasion through the tunica albuginea. Among radiation patients, 5-year RFS was 97.2%, OS was 98.0%, and CSS was 99.3%. Among chemotherapy patients, 2-year RFS was 98.3% and OS and CSS were 100%. Among observation patients, 5-year RFS was 89.2%, OS was 98.8%, and CSS was 100%. There was no difference in OS or CSS among the groups. RFS was significantly lower for observation patients. Among observation patients, univariate analysis identified tumor size, lymphovascular invasion, and rete testis invasion as risk factors for relapse. No factors were significant on multivariate analysis. Our data show that adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy yield similar outcomes in the management of stage I seminoma. Observation results in a lower RFS, but patients who relapse can be salvaged; OS and CSS are not affected.

Classifier Subset Selection for the Stacked Generalization Method Applied to Emotion Recognition in Speech

PubMed Central

Álvarez, Aitor; Sierra, Basilio; Arruti, Andoni; López-Gil, Juan-Miguel; Garay-Vitoria, Nestor

2015-01-01

In this paper, a new supervised classification paradigm, called classifier subset selection for stacked generalization (CSS stacking), is presented to deal with speech emotion recognition. The new approach consists of an improvement of a bi-level multi-classifier system known as stacking generalization by means of an integration of an estimation of distribution algorithm (EDA) in the first layer to select the optimal subset from the standard base classifiers. The good performance of the proposed new paradigm was demonstrated over different configurations and datasets. First, several CSS stacking classifiers were constructed on the RekEmozio dataset, using some specific standard base classifiers and a total of 123 spectral, quality and prosodic features computed using in-house feature extraction algorithms. These initial CSS stacking classifiers were compared to other multi-classifier systems and the employed standard classifiers built on the same set of speech features. Then, new CSS stacking classifiers were built on RekEmozio using a different set of both acoustic parameters (extended version of the Geneva Minimalistic Acoustic Parameter Set (eGeMAPS)) and standard classifiers and employing the best meta-classifier of the initial experiments. The performance of these two CSS stacking classifiers was evaluated and compared. Finally, the new paradigm was tested on the well-known Berlin Emotional Speech database. We compared the performance of single, standard stacking and CSS stacking systems using the same parametrization of the second phase. All of the classifications were performed at the categorical level, including the six primary emotions plus the neutral one. PMID:26712757

A prospective, multisite, international validation of the Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Severity Score.

PubMed

Harden, R Norman; Maihofner, Christian; Abousaad, Elias; Vatine, Jean-Jacques; Kirsling, Amy; Perez, Roberto S G M; Kuroda, Maxine; Brunner, Florian; Stanton-Hicks, Michael; Marinus, Johan; van Hilten, Jacobus J; Mackey, Sean; Birklein, Frank; Schlereth, Tanja; Mailis-Gagnon, Angela; Graciosa, Joe; Connoly, Sara B; Dayanim, David; Massey, Michael; Frank, Hadas; Livshitz, Anatoly; Bruehl, Stephen

2017-08-01

Clinical diagnosis of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a dichotomous (yes/no) categorization, a format necessary for clinical decision making. Such dichotomous diagnostic categories do not convey an individual's subtle gradations in the severity of the condition over time and have poor statistical power when used as an outcome measure in research. This prospective, international, multicenter study slightly modified and further evaluated the validity of the CRPS Severity Score (CSS), a continuous index of CRPS severity. Using a prospective design, medical evaluations were conducted in 156 patients with CRPS to compare changes over time in CSS scores between patients initiating a new treatment program and patients on stable treatment regimens. New vs stable categorizations were supported by greater changes in pain and function in the former. Results indicated that CSS values in the stable CRPS treatment group exhibited much less change over time relative to the new treatment group, with intraclass correlations nearly twice as large in the former. A calculated smallest real difference value revealed that a change in the CSS of ≥4.9 scale points would indicate real differences in CRPS symptomatology (with 95% confidence). Across groups, larger changes in CRPS features on the CSS over time were associated in the expected direction with greater changes in pain intensity, fatigue, social functioning, ability to engage in physical roles, and general well-being. The overall pattern of findings further supports the validity of the CSS as a measure of CRPS severity and suggests it may prove useful in clinical monitoring and outcomes research.

Patterns of misuse of child safety seats

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1996-01-01

This project addressed the patterns of child safety seat (CSS) misuse in the nation and reported on the most appropriate techniques to accurately and efficiently collect these data. CSS use and misuse observations were collected for about 5,900 targe...

Army Strategic Logistics Plan: Enabling Strategic Responsiveness Through a Revolution in Military Logistics

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-01-01

D-5 AAN CSS Franchise Report...D-6 CSS Franchise Issues Summary for TDAPII...Appendix D. The ASLP groups the initiatives in the six investment categories of automation and communications, business process change, organizational

Impact of postmastectomy radiotherapy in T3N0 invasive carcinoma of the breast: a Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database analysis.

PubMed

McCammon, Robert; Finlayson, Christina; Schwer, Amanda; Rabinovitch, Rachel

2008-08-15

Randomized trials provide evidence for improved outcomes with postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) in high-risk patients. It has been suggested that patients with T3N0 breast cancer represent a favorable subgroup for which PMRT renders little benefit. In the current study, the authors used a United States population database to evaluate PMRT in this subgroup. The cause-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) of women with T3N0M0 breast cancer in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database after mastectomy and axillary staging from 1988 to 2002 were analyzed. Univariate analysis was performed to relate CSS with PMRT (yes vs no), tumor size (< or =7 cm vs >7 cm), grade (1 vs 2 or 3), patient age (< or =50 years vs >50 years), the number of lymph nodes dissected (< or =13 vs >13), and the era treated (1988-1997 vs 1998-2002). Multivariate analyses for CSS and OS were also performed. In total, 1865 women met the analysis criteria for OS; CSS data were available for 98.8% of those women. Of the women who were diagnosed during the era from 1988 to 1997, 22% received PMRT, and that rate increased to 41% during the era from 1998 to 2002. The actuarial 10-year CSS for those who received PMRT versus those who did not receive PMRT was 81.6% versus 79.8%, respectively (P = .38). PMRT was not associated with a CSS benefit in any subgroup, a finding that persisted in multivariate analyses. Women who received PMRT had an increased 10-year OS rate (70.7% vs 58.4%; P < .001) that was confined to women aged >50 years in a subgroup analysis. This retrospective, population-based analysis demonstrated no increase in CSS with PMRT for women with T3N0 breast cancer, lending further support to the hypothesis that T3N0 disease postmastectomy represents a favorable subset of locally advanced breast cancer. The increased OS associated with PMRT in the absence of improved CSS likely reflects patient selection in this nonrandomized dataset. Prospective evaluation of PMRT in this population subset is warranted. 2008 American Cancer Society

Infrared imaging of WENSS radio sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Villani, D.; di Serego Alighieri, S.

1999-03-01

We have performed deep imaging in the IR J- and K- bands for three sub-samples of radio sources extracted from the Westerbork Northern Sky Survey, a large low-frequency radio survey containing Ultra Steep Spectrum (USS), Gigahertz Peaked Spectrum (GPS) and Flat Spectrum (FS) sources. We present the results of these IR observations, carried out with the ARcetri Near Infrared CAmera (ARNICA) at the Nordic Optical Telescope (NOT), providing photometric and morphologic information on high redshift radio galaxies and quasars. We find that the radio galaxies contained in our sample do not show the pronounced radio/IR alignment claimed for 3CR sources. IR photometric measurements of the gravitational lens system 1600+434 are also presented. % This paper is based on data obtained at the Nordic Optical Telescope on La Palma (Canary Islands).

Refined liquid smoke: a potential antilisterial additive to cold-smoked sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka).

PubMed

Montazeri, Naim; Himelbloom, Brian H; Oliveira, Alexandra C M; Leigh, Mary Beth; Crapo, Charles A

2013-05-01

Cold-smoked salmon (CSS) is a potentially hazardous ready-to-eat food product due to the high risk of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes and lack of a listericidal step. We investigated the antilisterial property of liquid smokes (LS) against Listeria innocua ATCC 33090 (surrogate to L. monocytogenes) as a potential supplement to vacuum-packaged CSS. A full-strength LS (Code 10-Poly), and three commercially refined fractions (AM-3, AM-10, and 1291) having less color and flavor (lower content of phenols and carbonyl-containing compounds) were tested. In vitro assays showed strong inhibition for all LS except for 1291. The CSS strips were surface coated with AM-3 and AM-10 at 1% LS (vol/wt) with an L-shaped glass rod and then inoculated with L. innocua at 3.5 log CFU/g, vacuum packaged, and stored at 4°C. The LS did not completely eliminate L. innocua but provided a 2-log reduction by day 14, with no growth up to 35 days of refrigerated storage. A simple difference sensory test by 180 untrained panelists showed the application of AM-3 did not significantly influence the overall sensorial quality of CSS. In essence, the application of the refined LS as an antilisterial additive to CSS is recommended.

The impact of arbitrarily applicable relational responding on evaluative learning about hypothetical money and shock outcomes.

PubMed

Dymond, Simon; Molet, Mikael; Davies, Lynette

2017-08-01

Evaluative learning comprises changes in preferences after co-occurrences between conditioned stimuli (CSs) and an unconditioned stimulus (US) of affective value. Co-occurrences may involve relational responding. Two experiments examined the impact of arbitrary relational responding on evaluative preferences for hypothetical money and shock outcomes. In Experiment 1, participants were trained to make arbitrary relational responses by placing CSs of the same size but different colours into boxes and were then instructed that these CSs represented different intensities of hypothetical USs (money or shock). Liking ratings of the CSs were altered in accordance with the underlying bigger/smaller than relations. A reversal of preference was also observed: the CS associated with the smallest hypothetical shock was rated more positively than the CS associated with the smallest amount of hypothetical money. In Experiment 2, procedures from Relational Frame Theory (RFT) established a relational network of more than/less than relations consisting of five CSs (A-B-C-D-E). Overall, evaluative preferences were altered, but not reversed, depending on (a) how stimuli had been related to one another during the learning phase and (b) whether those stimuli referred to money or shocks. The contribution of RFT to evaluative learning research is discussed.

The advantage of an alternative substrate over Al/NiP disks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiaa, Chi L.; Eltoukhy, Atef

1994-02-01

Compact-size disk drives with high storage densities are in high demand due to the popularity of portable computers and workstations. The contact-start-stop (CSS) endurance performance must improve in order to accomodate the higher number of on/off cycles. In this paper, we looked at 65 mm thin-film canasite substrate disks and evaluated their mechanical performance. We compared them with conventional aluminum NiP-plated disks in surface topography, take-off time with changes of skew angles and radius, CSS, drag test and glide height performance, and clamping effect. In addition, a new post-sputter process aimed at the improvement of take-off and glide as well as CSS performances was investigated and demonstrated for the canasite disks. From the test results, it is indicated that canasite achieved a lower take-off velocity, higher clamping resistance, and better glide height and CSS endurance performance. This study concludes that a new generation disk drive equipped with canasite substrate disks will consume less power from the motor due to faster take-off and lighter weight, achieve higher recording density since the head flies lower, can better withstand damage from sliding friction during the CSS operations, and will be less prone to disk distortion from clamping due to its superior mechanical properties.

Churg-Strauss syndrome and persistent heart failure: active disease or damage?

PubMed

Lin, Yih Chang; Oliveira, Guilherme H M; Villa-Forte, Alexandra

2013-10-01

Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a rare small-vessel vasculitis typically associated with adult-onset asthma, peripheral and tissue hypereosinophilia, migratory pulmonary infiltrates, upper respiratory tract symptoms, and clinical evidence of systemic vasculitis. Cardiac involvement is a well-recognized complication with an estimated prevalence of 60%. Heart disease is associated with poor prognosis, accounting for almost 50% mortality in CSS. We present a case of a 48-year-old woman with CSS complicated by congestive heart failure with left ventricular ejection fraction of 25%, who was initially treated with long course of high-dose steroids without any clinical or echocardiographic improvement. She was referred to our hospital 1 year later and was initiated with cyclophosphamide 2 mg/kg per day and prednisone 60 mg/d followed by slow taper. Subsequently, the patient had remarkable improvement. Patient was then transitioned to azathioprine for 1.5 years with sustained disease remission. It may be difficult to determine myocardial disease activity status versus tissue damage in CSS with prolonged duration of heart failure symptoms. This is the first case report demonstrating that CSS cardiac disease may remain active despite 1 year of corticosteroid therapy, and significant improvement or remission can still be achieved by administering more aggressive cytotoxic immunosuppressive therapy.

Churg-Strauss Syndrome: The Clinical Features and Long-term Follow-up of 17 Patients

PubMed Central

Oh, Mi-Jung; Lee, Jin-Young; Kwon, Nam-Hee

2006-01-01

Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a rare multi-system vasculitis; some cases have been reported in Korea. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical features, treatment outcome, and long-term follow-up of CSS from a single Korean medical center. Between 1995 and 2004, seventeen patients were diagnosed with CSS at the Department of Medicine of the Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine. The diagnosis of CSS is based on the classification criteria of the American Collage of Rheumatology. All patients had asthma. As in other case series, the lung, peripheral nervous system, and skin were the most commonly involved organs. During the active stage of the disease, most of the patients exhibited peripheral blood eosinophilia and an elevated serum eosinophil cationic protein level. Ten patients were treated with pulses of methylprednisolone followed by tapering and cyclophosphamide, and the others were treated with corticosteroids alone. The outcomes after long-term follow-up were generally good. One patient who was refractory to initial treatment died of heart failure during the follow-up period. CSS was highly variable in its presentation and course. The manifestations may range from mild symptoms to life-threatening conditions. The outcome after long-term follow-up was as good as that of previous studies. PMID:16614512

[Anesthetic management for surgery of giant coronary aneurysms complicated with Churg-Strauss syndrome].

PubMed

Kido, Koji; Tokuda, Rui; Suzuki, Tomofumi; Hanashiro, Ako; Kobashigawa, Teruyo; Mayama, Takashi; Kamikawa, Michie

2014-04-01

Few cases of Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) complicated by giant coronary aneurysms (CAs)have been reported thus far. We report a case of CSS in a 60-year-old man who underwent surgery for giant CAs, and was managed with anesthetics. The patient developed acute myocardial infarction, and was diagnosed with giant CAs in the right coronary artery (RCA, 11 cm) and circumflex artery (3 cm). The CA in RCA was communicating with the right ventricle. He had a history of pericardiectomy for pericarditis caused by the CSS and developed thrombocytopenia due to consumptive coagulopathy within the CAs. An operation, including ligation and excision of the CAs, and coronary artery bypass grafting was performed under general anesthesia and cardiopulmonary bypass. There was massive hemorrhage followed by hemodynamic instability while detaching the tight pericardial adhesion and fragile surface of the CAs. Massive transfusion was required along with inotropes administration and intraaortic balloon support. In this case, determination of the appropriate surgical timing was difficult because symptoms of the CSS became worse followed by rapid enlargement of the CAs, myocardial infarction, and thrombocytopenia. Steroids were administered for treating CSS, and the blood transfusion was sufficient. However, it was difficult to control the hemorrhage and maintain hemodynamic stability.

US EPA CSO CAPSTONE REPORT: THE CSO PROBLEM

EPA Science Inventory

The history of combined sewer systems (CSS) and combined sewer overflows (CSOs) in the US provides unique insights into the complex challenge faced in reducing and eliminating their adverse environmental effects. The evolution of the "modern" CSS shows how early urban drainag sys...

CLINICAL FINDINGS OF IRRITATION AMONG CHROMIUM CHEMICAL PRODUCTION WORKERS

EPA Science Inventory

Background
Several reports of workers in chromate production and chromeplating have indicated that exposure to hexavalent chromium is assoc...

Deep 20-GHz survey of the Chandra Deep Field South and SDSS Stripe 82: source catalogue and spectral properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Franzen, Thomas M. O.; Sadler, Elaine M.; Chhetri, Rajan; Ekers, Ronald D.; Mahony, Elizabeth K.; Murphy, Tara; Norris, Ray P.; Waldram, Elizabeth M.; Whittam, Imogen H.

2014-04-01

We present a source catalogue and first results from a deep, blind radio survey carried out at 20 GHz with the Australia Telescope Compact Array, with follow-up observations at 5.5, 9 and 18 GHz. The Australia Telescope 20 GHz (AT20G) deep pilot survey covers a total area of 5 deg2 in the Chandra Deep Field South and in Stripe 82 of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. We estimate the survey to be 90 per cent complete above 2.5 mJy. Of the 85 sources detected, 55 per cent have steep spectra (α _{1.4}^{20} < -0.5) and 45 per cent have flat or inverted spectra (α _{1.4}^{20} ≥ -0.5). The steep-spectrum sources tend to have single power-law spectra between 1.4 and 18 GHz, while the spectral indices of the flat- or inverted-spectrum sources tend to steepen with frequency. Among the 18 inverted-spectrum (α _{1.4}^{20} ≥ 0.0) sources, 10 have clearly defined peaks in their spectra with α _{1.4}^{5.5} > 0.15 and α 9^{18} < -0.15. On a 3-yr time-scale, at least 10 sources varied by more than 15 per cent at 20 GHz, showing that variability is still common at the low flux densities probed by the AT20G-deep pilot survey. We find a strong and puzzling shift in the typical spectral index of the 15-20-GHz source population when combining data from the AT20G, Ninth Cambridge and Tenth Cambridge surveys: there is a shift towards a steeper-spectrum population when going from ˜1 Jy to ˜5 mJy, which is followed by a shift back towards a flatter-spectrum population below ˜5 mJy. The 5-GHz source-count model by Jackson & Wall, which only includes contributions from FRI and FRII sources, and star-forming galaxies, does not reproduce the observed flattening of the flat-spectrum counts below ˜5 mJy. It is therefore possible that another population of sources is contributing to this effect.

Matching shapes with self-intersections: application to leaf classification.

PubMed

Mokhtarian, Farzin; Abbasi, Sadegh

2004-05-01

We address the problem of two-dimensional (2-D) shape representation and matching in presence of self-intersection for large image databases. This may occur when part of an object is hidden behind another part and results in a darker section in the gray level image of the object. The boundary contour of the object must include the boundary of this part which is entirely inside the outline of the object. The Curvature Scale Space (CSS) image of a shape is a multiscale organization of its inflection points as it is smoothed. The CSS-based shape representation method has been selected for MPEG-7 standardization. We study the effects of contour self-intersection on the Curvature Scale Space image. When there is no self-intersection, the CSS image contains several arch shape contours, each related to a concavity or a convexity of the shape. Self intersections create contours with minima as well as maxima in the CSS image. An efficient shape representation method has been introduced in this paper which describes a shape using the maxima as well as the minima of its CSS contours. This is a natural generalization of the conventional method which only includes the maxima of the CSS image contours. The conventional matching algorithm has also been modified to accommodate the new information about the minima. The method has been successfully used in a real world application to find, for an unknown leaf, similar classes from a database of classified leaf images representing different varieties of chrysanthemum. For many classes of leaves, self-intersection is inevitable during the scanning of the image. Therefore the original contributions of this paper is the generalization of the Curvature Scale Space representation to the class of 2-D contours with self-intersection, and its application to the classification of Chrysanthemum leaves.

Oncologic outcomes following robot-assisted radical cystectomy with minimum 5-year follow-up: the Roswell Park cancer institute experience.

PubMed

Raza, Syed Johar; Al-Daghmin, Ali; Zhuo, Sharon; Mehboob, Zayn; Wang, Katy; Wilding, Gregory; Kauffman, Eric; Guru, Khurshid A

2014-11-01

Long-term oncologic outcomes following robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) remain scarce. To report long-term oncologic outcomes following RARC at a single institution. Retrospective review of 99 patients who underwent RARC for urothelial carcinoma of bladder between 2005 and 2009. RARC was performed. Primary outcomes included recurrence-free survival (RFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS), measured by the Kaplan-Meier method. The association between primary outcomes and perioperative and pathologic factors was assessed using a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model. Fifty-one (52%) patients had stage pT3 or higher disease. Eight (8%) patients had positive margins and 30 (30%) had positive lymph nodes (LNs), with a median of 21 LNs removed. Median follow-up for patients alive was 74 mo. The 5-yr RFS, CSS, and OS rates were 52.5%, 67.8%, and 42.4%, respectively. Tumor stage, LN stage, and margin status were each significantly associated with RFS, CSS, and OS. On multivariable analysis, tumor and LN stage were independent predictors of RFS, CSS, and OS, while positive margin status and Charlson comorbidity index predicted worse OS and CSS. Adjuvant chemotherapy predicted RFS only. Retrospective design and lack of open comparison are main limitations of this study. Long-term oncologic outcomes following RARC demonstrate RFS and CSS estimates similar to those reported in literature for open radical cystectomy. Randomized controlled trials can better define outcomes of any alternative technique. Survival data 5 yr after RARC for bladder cancer demonstrate that survival outcomes are dependent on the same oncologic parameters as previously reported for open surgery. Copyright © 2014 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The consciousness state space (CSS)—a unifying model for consciousness and self

PubMed Central

Berkovich-Ohana, Aviva; Glicksohn, Joseph

2014-01-01

Every experience, those we are aware of and those we are not, is embedded in a subjective timeline, is tinged with emotion, and inevitably evokes a certain sense of self. Here, we present a phenomenological model for consciousness and selfhood which relates time, awareness, and emotion within one framework. The consciousness state space (CSS) model is a theoretical one. It relies on a broad range of literature, hence has high explanatory and integrative strength, and helps in visualizing the relationship between different aspects of experience. Briefly, it is suggested that all phenomenological states fall into two categories of consciousness, core and extended (CC and EC, respectively). CC supports minimal selfhood that is short of temporal extension, its scope being the here and now. EC supports narrative selfhood, which involves personal identity and continuity across time, as well as memory, imagination and conceptual thought. The CSS is a phenomenological space, created by three dimensions: time, awareness and emotion. Each of the three dimensions is shown to have a dual phenomenological composition, falling within CC and EC. The neural spaces supporting each of these dimensions, as well as CC and EC, are laid out based on the neuroscientific literature. The CSS dynamics include two simultaneous trajectories, one in CC and one in EC, typically antagonistic in normal experiences. However, this characteristic behavior is altered in states in which a person experiences an altered sense of self. Two examples are laid out, flow and meditation. The CSS model creates a broad theoretical framework with explanatory and unificatory power. It constructs a detailed map of the consciousness and selfhood phenomenology, which offers constraints for the science of consciousness. We conclude by outlining several testable predictions raised by the CSS model. PMID:24808870

Assessing the utility of cancer-registry-processed cause of death in calculating cancer-specific survival.

PubMed

Hu, Chung-Yuan; Xing, Yan; Cormier, Janice N; Chang, George J

2013-05-15

Cancer registries use algorithms to process cause of death (COD) data from death certificates, but uncertainties remain regarding the accuracy and utility of those data in calculating cancer-specific survival (CSS). Because it is impractical to reconfirm the COD through meticulous review of the primary medical records, the observed cancer deaths could be compared with the number of attributed deaths, as estimated by using a relative survival (RS) approach, to determine utility in CSS estimation. Six major cancer types were evaluated using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data (1988-1999 cohort). The COD utility was quantified by using the observed-to-expected ratio (O/E ratio) approach, which was calculated as the SEER-documented observed number of cancer-specific deaths divided by the number of expected deaths attributed to the malignancies as estimated using a RS approach. Favorable utility would have an O/E ratio close to 1. In total, 338,445 patients were identified; and their O/E ratios were 0.97, 0.98, 0.90, 1.07, 1.02, and 0.92 for breast, colorectal, lung, melanoma, prostate, and pancreas cancer, respectively. O/E ratios varied slightly with patients' age, race, and tumor stage, but not by sex. CSS for patients with lung cancer appeared to be overestimated considerably. Patients with multiple cancer diagnoses had poor O/E ratios compared with those who had only 1 cancer. The utility of COD in calculating CSS depended variously on the risk of cancer-related mortality and nontumor factors. However, the impact of this variation on CSS generally was small. The current results indicated that the COD assigned by cancer registries has acceptable validity, and CSS is considered an acceptable surrogate for RS in most circumstances. Copyright © 2013 American Cancer Society.

Fucosylated chondroitin sulfate oligosaccharides exert anticoagulant activity by targeting at intrinsic tenase complex with low FXII activation: Importance of sulfation pattern and molecular size.

PubMed

Li, Junhui; Li, Shan; Yan, Lufeng; Ding, Tian; Linhardt, Robert J; Yu, Yanlei; Liu, Xinyue; Liu, Donghong; Ye, Xingqian; Chen, Shiguo

2017-10-20

Fucosylated chondroitin sulfates (fCSs) are structurally unusual glycosaminoglycans isolated from sea cucumbers that exhibit potent anticoagulant activity. These fCSs were isolated from sea cucumber, Isostichopus badionotus and Pearsonothuria graeffei. Fenton reaction followed by gel filtration chromatography afforded fCS oligosaccharides, with different sulfation patterns identified by mass and NMR spectroscopy, and these were used to clarify the relationship between the structures and the anticoagulant activities of fCSs. In vitro activities were measured by activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT), thrombin and factor Xa inhibition, and activation of FXII. The results showed that free radicals preferentially acted on GlcA residues affording oligosaccharides that were purified from both fCSs. The inhibition of thrombin and factor X activities, mediated through antithrombin III and heparin cofactor II of fCSs oligosaccharides were affected by their molecular weight and fucose branches. Oligosaccharides with different sulfation patterns of the fucose branching had a similar ability to inhibit the FXa by the intrinsic factor Xase (factor IXa-VIIIa complex). Oligosaccharides with 2,4-O-sulfo fucose branches from fCS-Ib showed higher activities than ones with 3,4-O-disulfo branches obtained from fCS-Pg. Furthermore, a heptasaccharide is the minimum size oligosaccharide required for anticoagulation and FXII activation. This activity was absent for fCS oligosaccharides smaller than nonasaccharides. Molecular size and fucose branch sulfation are important for anticoagulant activity and reduction of size can reverse the activation of FXII caused by native fCSs. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Effect of delayed diagnosis on disease course and management of Churg-Strauss syndrome: a retrospective study.

PubMed

Sokołowska, Barbara; Szczeklik, Wojciech; Mastalerz, Lucyna; Kuczia, Paweł; Wodkowski, Michał; Stodółkiewicz, Edyta; Macioł, Karolina; Musiał, Jacek

2013-03-01

Delayed diagnosis in patients with Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is largely attributed to the variable and nonspecific presentation of the disease's initial symptoms. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of delayed diagnosis on the course of CSS. We conducted a retrospective study of 30 CSS patients followed up in our department. In each patient, we assessed the delay in CSS diagnosis (the time when patients already fulfilled four out of six of the American College of Rheumatology criteria and the diagnosis was not yet established), the disease activity at the time of diagnosis, and organ involvement during CSS course. A median value of 2 weeks was chosen as the cutoff point after which the diagnosis was considered as delayed. Sixteen patients were diagnosed before (group 1) and 14 patients after this cutoff point (group 2). In group 2, we found a higher Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score at the moment of diagnosis (20.4 vs 25.1, p < 0.05) and a more severe disease course, resulting in more frequent hospitalization rates (0.64 vs 2.26/year, p < 0.00001), higher corticosteroids dose requirements (5.87 vs 11.57 mg/day converted to methylprednisolone, p < 0.0001), and additional immunosuppressive therapy administration (56.2 vs 92.8 %, p < 0.05) to maintain disease remission. All six perinuclear pattern of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibobodies (pANCA)-positive patients (20 %) were found in group 1. Concluding, the delay in diagnosis of CSS of more than 2 weeks was found to be associated with a disease course that was more severe. The presence of the pANCA antibodies may occasionally facilitate establishment of the diagnosis.

Comprehensive analysis and validation of contemporary survival prognosticators in Korean patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with targeted therapy: prognostic impact of pretreatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio.

PubMed

Koo, Kyo Chul; Lee, Kwang Suk; Cho, Kang Su; Rha, Koon Ho; Hong, Sung Joon; Chung, Byung Ha

2016-06-01

In line with the era of targeted therapy (TT), an increasing number of prognosticators are becoming available for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Here, potential prognosticators of cancer-specific survival (CSS) were identified based on the contemporary literature and were comprehensively validated in an independent cohort of patients treated for mRCC. Data were collected from 478 patients treated with TT for mRCC between January 1999 and July 2013 at a single institution. The analysis included 25 clinicopathological covariates that included both traditional and contemporary prognosticators. Multivariate Cox regression models were used to quantify the effect of covariates on CSS. Median survival from the initial diagnosis of metastasis was 24.5 (IQR, 11.5-55.7) months. There were 303 (63.4 %) cancer-specific deaths, yielding a 2-year CSS rate of 62.5 %. Low Karnofsky performance status (KPS), hypercalcemia, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), the number of metastatic sites (≥2), and the presence of brain metastases were independent adverse prognosticators of CSS. The C-index of the model was 0.78. Patients with at least one adverse prognosticator demonstrated lower 2-year CSS rates compared to those with no prognosticators (53.9 vs. 70.6 %; log rank p < 0.001). Together with traditional prognosticators such as KPS, hypercalcemia, and the number and location of metastases, the NLR was an independent predictor of CSS in patients with mRCC treated with TT. Our findings could be useful for guiding clinical decision making including stratification of patients for TT and inclusion in clinical trials.

Comparison of patients with multivessel disease treated at centers with and without on-site cardiac surgery.

PubMed

Ram, Eilon; Goldenberg, Ilan; Kassif, Yigal; Segev, Amit; Lavee, Jakob; Shlomo, Nir; Raanani, Ehud

2018-03-01

The regional needs and consolidation of cardiac surgery services (CSS) result in an increased number of stand-alone interventional cardiology units. We aimed to explore the impact of a heart team on the decision making and outcomes of patients with multivessel coronary artery disease referred for coronary revascularization in stand-alone interventional cardiology units. This prospective study included 1063 consecutive patients with multivessel disease enrolled between January and April 2013 from all 22 hospitals in Israel that perform coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), with or without on-site CSS. Of the 1063 patients, 487 (46%) underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and 576 (54%) underwent PCI. A higher proportion of patients underwent PCI in hospitals without on-site CSS compared with those with on-site CSS (65% vs 46%; P < .001). Furthermore, patients referred to CABG from hospitals without on-site CSS had a significantly higher mean SYNTAX score compared with those who underwent CABG in centers with on-site CSS (29 vs 26; P = .018). Multivariate logistic regression analysis consistently showed that the absence of on-site cardiac surgery and a heart team was independently associated with a 2.5-fold increased likelihood for predicting the referral of PCI rather than CABG (odds ratio, 2.54; 95% confidence interval, 1.8-3.6). Patients with multivessel coronary artery disease treated in centers without on-site cardiac surgery services receive a lower rate of appropriate guideline-based intervention with CABG. These findings suggest that a heart team approach should be mandatory even in centers with stand-alone interventional cardiology units. Copyright © 2017 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

UNC-16 (JIP3) Acts Through Synapse-Assembly Proteins to Inhibit the Active Transport of Cell Soma Organelles to Caenorhabditis elegans Motor Neuron Axons

PubMed Central

Edwards, Stacey L.; Morrison, Logan M.; Yorks, Rosalina M.; Hoover, Christopher M.; Boominathan, Soorajnath; Miller, Kenneth G.

2015-01-01

The conserved protein UNC-16 (JIP3) inhibits the active transport of some cell soma organelles, such as lysosomes, early endosomes, and Golgi, to the synaptic region of axons. However, little is known about UNC-16’s organelle transport regulatory function, which is distinct from its Kinesin-1 adaptor function. We used an unc-16 suppressor screen in Caenorhabditis elegans to discover that UNC-16 acts through CDK-5 (Cdk5) and two conserved synapse assembly proteins: SAD-1 (SAD-A Kinase), and SYD-2 (Liprin-α). Genetic analysis of all combinations of double and triple mutants in unc-16(+) and unc-16(−) backgrounds showed that the three proteins (CDK-5, SAD-1, and SYD-2) are all part of the same organelle transport regulatory system, which we named the CSS system based on its founder proteins. Further genetic analysis revealed roles for SYD-1 (another synapse assembly protein) and STRADα (a SAD-1-interacting protein) in the CSS system. In an unc-16(−) background, loss of the CSS system improved the sluggish locomotion of unc-16 mutants, inhibited axonal lysosome accumulation, and led to the dynein-dependent accumulation of lysosomes in dendrites. Time-lapse imaging of lysosomes in CSS system mutants in unc-16(+) and unc-16(−) backgrounds revealed active transport defects consistent with the steady-state distributions of lysosomes. UNC-16 also uses the CSS system to regulate the distribution of early endosomes in neurons and, to a lesser extent, Golgi. The data reveal a new and unprecedented role for synapse assembly proteins, acting as part of the newly defined CSS system, in mediating UNC-16’s organelle transport regulatory function. PMID:26354976

76 FR 70427 - Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records; Correction

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-11-14

... of Records: NSA/CSS Employee Assistance Service Case Records. Subsequent to the publication of that... with ``NSA/CSS civilian employees, military assignees, and family members who voluntarily request counseling assistance. Non- NSA federal employees and third-party employees (foreign nationals) who are...

Spectroscopic observation of ASASSN-17nb and CSS170922:172546+342249 by NUTS (NOT Un-biased Transient Survey)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harmanen, J.; Mattila, S.; Kuncarayakti, H.; Reynolds, T.; Somero, A.; Kangas, T.; Lundqvist, P.; Taddia, F.; Ergon, M.; Dong, S.; Pastorello, A.; Pursimo, T.; NUTS Collaboration

2017-10-01

The Nordic Optical Telescope (NOT) Unbiased Transient Survey (NUTS; ATel #8992) reports the spectroscopic classification of ASASSN-17nb in MCG+06-17-007 and CSS170922:172546+342249 in an unknown host galaxy.

Changing US Attributes After CS-US Pairings Changes CS-Attribute-Assessments: Evidence for CS-US Associations in Attribute Conditioning.

PubMed

Förderer, Sabine; Unkelbach, Christian

2016-03-01

Attribute Conditioning (AC) refers to people's changed assessments of stimuli's (CSs) attributes due to repeated pairing with stimuli (USs) possessing these attributes; for example, when an athletic person (US) is paired with a neutral person (CS), the neutral person is judged to be more athletic after the pairing. We hypothesize that this AC effect is due to CSs' associations with USs rather than direct associations with attributes. Three experiments test this hypothesis by changing US attributes after CS-US pairings. Experiments 1 and 2 conditioned athleticism by pairing neutral men (CSs) with athletic and non-athletic USs. Post-conditioning, USs' athleticism was reversed, which systematically influenced participants' assessment of CS athleticism. Experiment 3 conditioned athleticism and changed USs' musicality after CS-US pairings. This post-conditioning change affected musicality assessments of CSs but did not influence athleticism-assessments. The results indicate that AC effects are based on an associative CS-US-attribute structure. © 2016 by the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, Inc.

Generalization Effects in Evaluative Conditioning: Evidence for Attitude Transfer Effects from Single Exemplars to Social Categories

PubMed Central

Glaser, Tina; Kuchenbrandt, Dieta

2017-01-01

The present research investigated whether evaluatively conditioned attitudes toward members of a social category (CSs) generalize to other stimuli belonging to the same category as the CSs (generalization at the stimulus level) and to the category itself (generalization at the category level). In four experiments, USs were paired with schematic or naturalistic CSs belonging to certain fictitious groups. Afterward, attitudes toward the CSs, toward non-presented exemplars of the CS category, and toward the CS category were assessed. Results revealed evidence for generalization effects in EC on both the stimulus and the category level. Transfer effects were greater when participants’ awareness of the CS–US contingency (CA) was high. Moreover, we found differences in generalization between the stimulus and category level, indicating that different processes might contribute to the effects. Theoretical and practical implications such as using EC as a tool for changing attitudes toward social groups will be discussed. PMID:28197118

Reporting and Guidelines in Propensity Score Analysis: A Systematic Review of Cancer and Cancer Surgical Studies.

PubMed

Yao, Xiaoxin I; Wang, Xiaofei; Speicher, Paul J; Hwang, E Shelley; Cheng, Perry; Harpole, David H; Berry, Mark F; Schrag, Deborah; Pang, Herbert H

2017-08-01

: Propensity score (PS) analysis is increasingly being used in observational studies, especially in some cancer studies where random assignment is not feasible. This systematic review evaluates the use and reporting quality of PS analysis in oncology studies. : We searched PubMed to identify the use of PS methods in cancer studies (CS) and cancer surgical studies (CSS) in major medical, cancer, and surgical journals over time and critically evaluated 33 CS published in top medical and cancer journals in 2014 and 2015 and 306 CSS published up to November 26, 2015, without earlier date limits. The quality of reporting in PS analysis was evaluated. It was also compared over time and among journals with differing impact factors. All statistical tests were two-sided. More than 50% of the publications with PS analysis from the past decade occurred within the past two years. Of the studies critically evaluated, a considerable proportion did not clearly provide the variables used to estimate PS (CS 12.1%, CSS 8.8%), incorrectly included non baseline variables (CS 3.4%, CSS 9.3%), neglected the comparison of baseline characteristics (CS 21.9%, CSS 15.6%), or did not report the matching algorithm utilized (CS 19.0%, CSS 36.1%). In CSS, the reporting of the matching algorithm improved in 2014 and 2015 ( P  = .04), and the reporting of variables used to estimate PS was better in top surgery journals ( P  = .008). However, there were no statistically significant differences for the inclusion of non baseline variables and reporting of comparability of baseline characteristics. The use of PS in cancer studies has dramatically increased recently, but there is substantial room for improvement in the quality of reporting even in top journals. Herein we have proposed reporting guidelines for PS analyses that are broadly applicable to different areas of medical research that will allow better evaluation and comparison across studies applying this approach. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Determinants of survival after liver resection for metastatic colorectal carcinoma.

PubMed

Parau, Angela; Todor, Nicolae; Vlad, Liviu

2015-01-01

Prognostic factors for survival after liver resection for metastatic colorectal cancer identified up to date are quite inconsistent with a great inter-study variability. In this study we aimed to identify predictors of outcome in our patient population. A series of 70 consecutive patients from the oncological hepatobiliary database, who had undergone curative hepatic surgical resection for hepatic metastases of colorectal origin, operated between 2006 and 2011, were identified. At 44.6 months (range 13.7-73), 30 of 70 patients (42.85%) were alive. Patient demographics, primary tumor and liver tumor factors, operative factors, pathologic findings, recurrence patterns, disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were analyzed. Clinicopathologic variables were tested using univariate and multivariate analyses. The 3-year CSS after first hepatic resection was 54%. Median CSS survival after first hepatic resection was 40.2 months. Median CSS after second hepatic resection was 24.2 months. The 3-year DFS after first hepatic resection was 14%. Median disease free survival after first hepatic resection was 18 months. The 3-year DFS after second hepatic resection was 27% and median DFS after second hepatic resection 12 months. The 30-day mortality and morbidity rate after first hepatic resection was 5.71% and 12.78%, respectively. In univariate analysis CSS was significantly reduced for the following factors: age >53 years, advanced T stage of primary tumor, moderately- poorly differentiated tumor, positive and narrow resection margin, preoperative CEA level >30 ng/ml, DFS <18 months. Perioperative chemotherapy related to metastasectomy showed a trend in improving CSS (p=0.07). Perioperative chemotherapy improved DFS in a statistically significant way (p=0.03). Perioperative chemotherapy and achievement of resection margins beyond 1 mm were the major determinants of both CSS and DFS after first liver resection in multivariate analysis. In our series predictors of outcome in multivariate analysis were resection margins beyond 1mm and perioperative chemotherapy. Studies on larger population and analyses of additional clinicopathologic factors like genetic markers could contribute to development of clinical scoring models to assess the risk of relapse and survival.

32 CFR 117.54 - Policy.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... Agency Central Security Service (NSA/CSS) Policy Manual 3-16, “Control of Communications Security Material” (available to authorized users of SIPRNET at www.iad.nsa.smil.mil/resources/library/nsa_office_of_policy_section/pdf/NSA_CSS_MAN-3-16_080505.pdf). (b) Adversely affecting the performance of classified...

32 CFR 299.5 - Procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... PROGRAM NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY/CENTRAL SECURITY SERVICE (NSA/CSS) FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT PROGRAM.../CSS by other government agencies shall be placed in the processing queue according to the date the... placed in the queue according to the date of the requester's letter. (d) The FOIA office shall maintain...

Ultrasound guided platelet-rich plasma injection for the treatment of rotator cuff tendinopathy.

PubMed

Tahririan, Mohammad Ali; Moezi, Mehdi; Motififard, Mahdi; Nemati, Mahdi; Nemati, Amin

2016-01-01

Degenerative changes and inflammation in the rotator cuff (RC) are the most important causes of shoulder pain. The aim of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in patients with chronic RC tendinopathy. This study was an open-label study performed at Kashani Hospital between April 2012 and June 2014. Patients with a <1 cm partial tearing of the bursal side of RC with no or little response to conservative management were included. PRP injection was done using ultrasonography guide via posterior subacromial approach. Demographic data were obtained in all patient before the study, and shoulder function was evaluated using Constant shoulder score (CSS) before and 3 months after PRP injection. A total number of 17 patients were enrolled. The mean of CSS before and after intervention was 37.05 ± 11.03 and 61.76 ± 14.75, respectively ( P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant correlation between the pain score before the study and the improvement in CSS ( P = 0.45, r = 0.03). Significant relation was observed between the individuals' age and improvement of CSS ( P = 0.02, r = -0.49). There was no significant difference in CSS improvement between genders ( P = 0.23). Single injection of PRP is effective to reduce pain and improve range of motion in patients with bursal side partial tearing of RC who failed to respond to conservative treatments.

Safety assessment of non-animal chondroitin sulfate sodium: Subchronic study in rats, genotoxicity tests and human bioavailability.

PubMed

Miraglia, Niccolò; Bianchi, Davide; Trentin, Antonella; Volpi, Nicola; Soni, Madhu G

2016-07-01

Chondroitin sulfate, an amino sugar polymer made of glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-galactosamine, is used in dietary supplements to promote joint health. Commonly used chondroitin sulfate is of animal origin and can pose potential safety problems including bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). The objective of the present study was to investigate potential adverse effects, if any, of microbial derived chondroitin sulfate sodium (CSS) in subchronic toxicity, genotoxicity and bioavailability studies. In the toxicity study, Sprague Dawley rats (10/sex/group) were gavaged with CSS at dose levels of 0, 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight (bw)/day for 90-days. No mortality or significant changes in clinical signs, body weights, body weight gain or feed consumption were noted. Similarly, no toxicologically relevant treatment-related changes in hematological, clinical chemistry, urinalysis and organ weights were noted. Macroscopic and microscopic examinations did not reveal treatment-related abnormalities. In vitro mutagenic and clastogenic potentials as evaluated by Ames assay, chromosomal aberration test and micronucleus assay did not reveal genotoxicity of CSS. In pharmacokinetic study in human, CSS showed higher absorption as compared to chondroitin sulfate of animal origin. The results of subchronic toxicity study supports the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for CSS as 1000 mg/kg bw/day, the highest dose tested. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Preparation of chondroitin sulfate libraries containing disulfated disaccharide units and inhibition of thrombin by these chondroitin sulfates.

PubMed

Numakura, Mario; Kusakabe, Noriko; Ishige, Kazuya; Ohtake-Niimi, Shiori; Habuchi, Hiroko; Habuchi, Osami

2010-07-01

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) containing GlcA-GalNAc(4,6-SO(4)) (E unit) and CS containing GlcA(2SO(4))-GalNAc(6SO(4)) (D unit) have been implicated in various physiological functions. However, it has been poorly understood how the structure and contents of disulfated disaccharide units in CS contribute to these functions. We prepared CS libraries containing E unit or D unit in various proportions by in vitro enzymatic reactions using recombinant GalNAc 4-sulfate 6-O-sulfotransferase and uronosyl 2-O-sulfotransferase, and examined their inhibitory activity toward thrombin. The in vitro sulfated CSs containing disulfated disaccharide units showed concentration-dependent direct inhibition of thrombin when the proportion of E unit or D unit in the CSs was above 15-17%. The CSs containing both E unit and D unit exhibited higher inhibitory activity toward thrombin than the CSs containing either E unit or D unit alone, if the proportion of the total disulfated disaccharide units of these CSs was comparable. The thrombin-catalyzed degradation of fibrinogen, a physiological substrate for thrombin, was also inhibited by the CS containing both E unit and D unit. These observations indicate that the enzymatically prepared CS libraries containing various amounts of disulfated disaccharide units appear to be useful for elucidating the physiological function of disulfated disaccharide units in CS.

Towers of generalized divisible quantum codes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haah, Jeongwan

2018-04-01

A divisible binary classical code is one in which every code word has weight divisible by a fixed integer. If the divisor is 2ν for a positive integer ν , then one can construct a Calderbank-Shor-Steane (CSS) code, where X -stabilizer space is the divisible classical code, that admits a transversal gate in the ν th level of Clifford hierarchy. We consider a generalization of the divisibility by allowing a coefficient vector of odd integers with which every code word has zero dot product modulo the divisor. In this generalized sense, we construct a CSS code with divisor 2ν +1 and code distance d from any CSS code of code distance d and divisor 2ν where the transversal X is a nontrivial logical operator. The encoding rate of the new code is approximately d times smaller than that of the old code. In particular, for large d and ν ≥2 , our construction yields a CSS code of parameters [[O (dν -1) ,Ω (d ) ,d ] ] admitting a transversal gate at the ν th level of Clifford hierarchy. For our construction we introduce a conversion from magic state distillation protocols based on Clifford measurements to those based on codes with transversal T gates. Our tower contains, as a subclass, generalized triply even CSS codes that have appeared in so-called gauge fixing or code switching methods.

Relational Responding Modulates and Reverses Affective Ratings in Evaluative Conditioning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Molet, Mikael; Macquet, Benjamin; Charley, Gregory

2013-01-01

Three experiments explored relational responding in evaluative conditioning. In Experiment 1, the participants were trained with a computer task to make relational responses by putting CSs of different sizes in boxes in order of size. Subsequently they were instructed that these different sized CSs represented different intensities of hypothetical…

Changing CS Features Alters Evaluative Responses in Evaluative Conditioning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Unkelbach, Christian; Stahl, Christoph; Forderer, Sabine

2012-01-01

Evaluative conditioning (EC) refers to changes in people's evaluative responses toward initially neutral stimuli (CSs) by mere spatial and temporal contiguity with other positive or negative stimuli (USs). We investigate whether changing CS features from conditioning to evaluation also changes people's evaluative response toward these CSs. We used…

Concurrent Validity of the Classroom Strategies Scale-Teacher Form: A Preliminary Investigation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reddy, Linda A.; Dudek, Christopher M.; Rualo, Angelique J.; Fabiano, Gregory A.

2016-01-01

The present study investigated the concurrent validity of the Classroom Strategies Scale-Teacher Form (CSS-T), a multidimensional teacher formative assessment of instructional and behavioral management practices. The CSS-T is compared with the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS), a well-known teacher assessment of overall classroom…

77 FR 42831 - Professional Transportation, Inc.-Asset Acquisition-CUSA ES, LLC and CUSA CSS, LLC

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-20

... DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Surface Transportation Board [Docket No. MCF 21046] Professional Transportation, Inc.--Asset Acquisition--CUSA ES, LLC and CUSA CSS, LLC AGENCY: Surface Transportation Board, Department of Transportation. ACTION: Correction to Notice of Finance Application. On June 29, 2012, notice...

Observations and Light Curve Solutions of the Eclipsing Binaries KR Lyn, CSS J110212+244412, NSVS 4917488 and NSVS 7336024

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kjurkchieva, D.; Popov, V. A.; Eneva, J.; Petrov, N.

2018-05-01

We present photometric observations in Sloan filters g', i' of the short-period eclipsing stars KR Lyn, CSS J110212+244412, NSVS 4917488 and NSVS 7336024. The light curve solutions revealed that all targets are overcontact binaries whose components are G and K stars. Their temperature differences do not exceed 300 K but they differ considerably in size and mass. NSVS 4917488 and NSVS 7336024 reveal total eclipses and their parameters can be considered as well-determined. We found that KR Lyn, NSVS 4917488 and NSVS 7336024 are of W-subtype while CSS J110212+244412 is A-subtype W UMa-type star.

Churg-Strauss syndrome presenting with eosinophilic myocarditis: a diagnostic challenge.

PubMed

Correia, Ana Sofia; Gonçalves, Alexandra; Araújo, Vítor; Almeida e Silva, João; Pereira, José Manuel; Rodrigues Pereira, Pedro; Pizarro, Manuel; Silva, João Carlos; Maciel, Maria Júlia

2013-09-01

Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is an unusual disease that presents as systemic vasculitis and peripheral eosinophilia in patients with an atopic constitution. Cardiac involvement is unusual and often not prominent on initial presentation, but is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with CSS. We report the case of a young woman with severe acute myocarditis. Coronary arteriography demonstrated extensive focal vasculopathy, consistent with coronary vasculitis, and myocardial biopsy showed eosinophilic myocarditis. This presentation led to an initial diagnosis of CSS in this patient and appropriate therapy resulted in a spectacular remission of disease activity. Copyright © 2012 Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia. Published by Elsevier España. All rights reserved.

Absolute vibrational excitation cross sections for 1-18 eV electron scattering from condensed dimethyl phosphate (DMP)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lemelin, V.; Bass, A. D.; Wagner, J. R.; Sanche, L.

2017-12-01

Absolute cross sections (CSs) for vibrational excitation by 1-18 eV electrons incident on condensed dimethyl phosphate (DMP) were measured with a high-resolution electron energy loss (EEL) spectrometer. Absolute CSs were extracted from EEL spectra of DMP condensed on multilayer film of Ar held at about 20 K under ultra-high vacuum (˜1 × 10-11 Torr). Structures observed in the energy dependence of the CSs around 2, 4, 7, and 12 eV were compared with previous results of gas- and solid-phase experiments and with theoretical studies on dimethyl phosphate and related molecules. These structures were attributed to the formation of shape resonances.

A case of Churg-Strauss syndrome and central retinal artery occlusion with good visual recovery.

PubMed

Kamata, Yuki; Hashizume, Kouhei; Kaneko, Muneyoshi; Kurosaka, Daijiro

2013-04-01

Here we report a case of Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) and central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO), with good visual recovery. A 58-year-old Japanese man with CSS experienced acute painless loss of vision in his right eye. CRAO was diagnosed by fundoscopic findings (retinal whitening with a cherry-red spot). Steroid pulse therapy (methylprednisolone at 1 g daily for 3 days) followed by combined treatment with prednisolone (30 mg/day) and cyclophosphamide (150 mg/day) was administered; his visual acuity recovered to 20/30 in 1 month, and no recurrence has occurred for 1 year. Steroid pulse therapy may be effective for CRAO in CSS patients.

Dual Language Instruction. Center for School Success Best Practices Series

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Imbimbo, Josephine; Knopf, Naomi; Brady, Vivian Lee; Shimabukuro, Leanne

2009-01-01

The Center for School Success (CSS) at New Visions for Public Schools was founded in 1999 to document and disseminate innovative educational practices demonstrated by New Visions' schools that hold promise for increasing student achievement throughout New York City. Over the first year, CSS concentrated its initial documentation efforts on…

Chemical Safety for Sustainability (CSS): Human in vivobiomonitoring data for complementing results from in vitro toxicology -A Commentary

EPA Science Inventory

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has instituted the Chemical Safety for Sustainability (CSS) research program for assessing the health and environmental impact of manufactured chemicals. This is a broad program wherein one of the tasks is to develop high throughput...

Overexpectation: Response Loss during Sustained Stimulus Compounding in the Rabbit Nictitating Membrane Preparation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kehoe, E. James; White, Natasha E.

2004-01-01

Rabbits were given reinforced training of the nictitating membrane (NM) response using separate conditioned stimuli (CSs), which were a tone, light, and/or tactile vibration. Then, two CSs were compounded and given further pairings with the unconditioned stimulus (US). Evidence of both overexpectation and summation effects appeared. That is,…

A Critical Look at Communication Strategies: Possibilities for Future Research

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Doqaruni, Vahid Rahmani

2015-01-01

Like general theories of human communication, previous research into second language (L2) communication strategies (CSs) has also been characterized on either interactional conceived account or cognitively conceived one. However, this paper is a critical attempt to show that CSs' full significance can only be understood if the domain of CSs…

Cognitive Ability and Everyday Functioning in Women with Turner Syndrome.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Downey, Jennifer; And Others

1991-01-01

Comparison of 23 Turner syndrome (TUS) women with 23 women with constitutional short stature (CSS) found significant group differences for Performance and Full Scale IQ, largely due to TUS women's deficits in spatial and mathematical ability. TUS individuals had significantly lower educational and occupational attainment than CSS controls but did…

76 FR 5503 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 777-200 Series Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-02-01

... software, as applicable; and making a change to the cabin services system (CSS) configuration database and... software, as applicable; and make a change to the cabin services system (CSS) configuration database and... 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this...

Developing terrestrial, multi-taxon indices of biological integrity: An example from coastal sage scrub

USGS Publications Warehouse

Diffendorfer, J.E.; Fleming, G.M.; Duggan, J.M.; Chapman, R.E.; Rahn, M.E.; Mitrovich, M.J.; Fisher, R.N.

2007-01-01

We screened 351 species or genera for their response to disturbance in coastal sage scrub (CSS) to develop a 15-metric, 5-taxon Index of Biological Integrity (IBI). We collected data on ants, birds, herpetofauna, small mammals, and plants for two years on 46 sites established across a gradient of disturbance in three reserves. The gradient spanned relatively intact CSS with thick stands of shrubs, to former CSS stands type-converted to exotic grasses. ANOVAs and clustering analyses indicated the IBI could distinguish four levels of disturbance in CSS. General measures of community structure, such as richness, did not show changes across the gradient for most taxa, and responses of taxa across the gradient were varied and rarely correlated. However, turnover in species or genera across the gradient was common across all taxa as shrub-obligate life forms were replaced by those favoring grassy or disturbed habitats. Our data indicate index-based approaches based on data collected across disturbance gradients may outperform more traditional community level metrics when responses to anthropogenic influences are complex and vary across species. ?? 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Factors influencing work functioning after cancer diagnosis: a focus group study with cancer survivors and occupational health professionals.

PubMed

Dorland, H F; Abma, F I; Roelen, C A M; Smink, J G; Ranchor, A V; Bültmann, U

2016-01-01

Cancer survivors (CSs) frequently return to work, but little is known about work functioning after return to work (RTW). We aimed to identify barriers and facilitators of work functioning among CSs. Three focus groups were conducted with CSs (n = 6, n = 8 and n = 8) and one focus group with occupational health professionals (n = 7). Concepts were identified by thematic analysis, using the Cancer and Work model as theoretical framework to structure the results. Long-lasting symptoms (e.g. fatigue), poor adaptation, high work ethics, negative attitude to work, ambiguous communication, lack of support and changes in the work environment were mentioned as barriers of work functioning. In contrast, staying at work during treatment, open dialogue, high social support, appropriate work accommodations and high work autonomy facilitated work functioning. Not only cancer-related symptoms affect work functioning of CSs after RTW but also psychosocial and work-related factors. The barriers and facilitators of work functioning should be further investigated in studies with a longitudinal design to examine work functioning over time.

Coronary involvement in Churg-Strauss syndrome.

PubMed

Dendramis, Gregory; Paleologo, Claudia; Piraino, Davide; Arrotti, Salvatore; Assennato, Pasquale

2015-01-01

Systemic autoimmune diseases are themselves a relevant and independent risk factor for atherosclerosis and coronary ectasia. We describe a case of a 58-year-old Caucasian man who was admitted to our department for unstable angina. History of asthma, paranasal sinus abnormality, and peripheral eosinophilia given a high suspicion of Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS). Diagnosis was performed with 5 of the 6 American College of Rheumatology criteria. The knowledge that CSS is often associated with significant coronary artery involvement and the persistence of chest pain led us to performing immediately a coronary angiography. Coronary angiography showed diffuse ectasic lesions, chronic occlusion of left anterior descending artery with homocoronary collateral circulation from left circumflex artery and subocclusive stenosis in the proximal tract of posterior descending artery. The early recognition of CSS, an aggressive invasive diagnostic approach, and an early appropriate therapy are important to prevent the progressive and permanent cardiac damage in these patients. In the setting of a multidisciplinary approach, careful cardiac assessment is an essential step in CSS, even in mildly symptomatic patients. Copyright © 2015 Cardiological Society of India. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ultra-thin Low-Frequency Broadband Microwave Absorber Based on Magnetic Medium and Metamaterial

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Yongzhi; He, Bo; Zhao, Jingcheng; Gong, Rongzhou

2017-02-01

An ultra-thin low-frequency broadband microwave absorber (MWA) based on a magnetic rubber plate (MRP) and cross-shaped structure (CSS) metamaterial (MM) was presented numerically and experimentally. The designed composite MWA is consisted of the MRP, CSS resonator, dielectric substrate and metallic background plane. The low-frequency absorption can be easily adjusted by tuning the geometric parameter of the CSS MM and the thickness of MPR. A bandwidth (i.e. the reflectance is below -10 dB) from 2.5 GHz to 5 GHz can be achieved with the total thickness of about 2 mm in experiments. The broadband absorption is attributed to the overlap of two resonant absorption peaks originated from MRP and CSS MM, respectively. More importantly, the thickness of the composite WMA is much thinner ( λ/40; λ is the operation center frequency), which could operate well at wide incidence angles for both transverse electric and transverse magnetic waves. Thus, it can be expected that our design will be applicable in the area of eliminating microwave energy and electromagnetic stealth.

Multi-Component Current Sheets in the Martian Magnetotail. MAVEN Observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grigorenko, E.; Zelenyi, L. M.; Vaisberg, O. L.; Ermakov, V.; Dubinin, E.; Malova, H. V.

2016-12-01

Current sheets (CSs) are the wide-spread objects in space and laboratory plasmas. The capability of CSs to maintain their stability, efficiently store and convert energy is a challenge to space physicists for many decades. Extensive studies of the CSs showed that the presence of multi-component plasma distribution can significantly affect the CS structure and dynamics. Such features like CS thinning, embedding and bifurcation are often related to the anisotropy of particle velocity distribution functions and multi-component ion composition, and they can be a source for generation of plasma instabilities and current disruption/reconnection. The MAVEN mission equipped with comprehensive instrument suite allows the observations of plasma and magnetic field characteristics with a high time resolution and provides an opportunity to study different processes in the Martian plasma environment. In this work we present the analysis of the CSs observed by MAVEN in the Martian magnetotail and discuss the peculiarities of their structure in relation to the thermal/energy characteristics of different plasma components. The relation to the existing CS models is also discussed. This work is supported by Russian Science Foundation (grant Nr.16-42-01103)

On the origin of the broad, relativistic iron line of MCG-6-30-15 observed by XMM-Newton

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martocchia, A.; Matt, G.; Karas, V.

2002-03-01

The relativistic iron line profile recently observed by XMM-Newton in the spectrum of the Seyfert 1 galaxy MCG-6-30-15 (Wilms et al. \\cite{Wilms01}) is discussed in the framework of the lamp-post model. It is shown that the steep disc emissivity, the large line equivalent width and the amount of Compton reflection can be self-consistently reproduced in this scenario.

Radio astronomy aspects of the NASA SETI Sky Survey

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Klein, Michael J.

1986-01-01

The application of SETI data to radio astronomy is studied. The number of continuum radio sources in the 1-10 GHz region to be counted and cataloged is predicted. The radio luminosity functions for steep and flat spectrum sources at 2, 8, and 22 GHz are derived using the model of Peacock and Gull (1981). The relation between source number and flux density is analyzed and the sensitivity of the system is evaluated.

Corticosteroid signaling in frog metamorphosis.

PubMed

Kulkarni, Saurabh S; Buchholz, Daniel R

2014-07-01

Stress in fetal and larval life can impact later health and fitness in humans and wildlife. Long-term effects of early life stress are mediated by altered stress physiology induced during the process of relaying environmental effects on development. Amphibian metamorphosis has been an important model system to study the role of hormones in development in an environmental context. Thyroid hormone (TH) is necessary and sufficient to initiate the dramatic morphological and physiological changes of metamorphosis, but TH alone is insufficient to complete metamorphosis. Other hormones, importantly corticosteroid hormones (CSs), influence the timing and nature of post-embryonic development. Stressors or treatments with CSs delay or accelerate metamorphic change, depending on the developmental stage of treatment. Also, TH and CSs have synergistic, antagonistic, and independent effects on gene regulation. Importantly, the identity of the endogenous corticosteroid hormone or receptor underlying any gene induction or remodeling event has not been determined. Levels of both CSs, corticosterone and aldosterone, peak at metamorphic climax, and the corticosteroid receptors, glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors, have wide expression distribution among tadpole tissues. Conclusive experiments to identify the endogenous players have been elusive due to difficulties in experimental control of corticosteroid production and signaling. Current data are consistent with the hypothesis that the two CSs and their receptors serve largely overlapping functions in regulating metamorphosis and synergy with TH. Knowledge of the endogenous players is critical to understanding the basic mechanisms and significance of corticosteroid action in regulating post-embryonic development in environmental contexts. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cigarette Smoke Delays Regeneration of the Olfactory Epithelium in Mice.

PubMed

Ueha, Rumi; Ueha, Satoshi; Sakamoto, Takashi; Kanaya, Kaori; Suzukawa, Keigo; Nishijima, Hironobu; Kikuta, Shu; Kondo, Kenji; Matsushima, Kouji; Yamasoba, Tatsuya

2016-08-01

The olfactory system is a unique part of the mammalian nervous system due to its capacity for neurogenesis and the replacement of degenerating receptor neurons. Cigarette smoking is a major cause of olfactory dysfunction. However, the mechanisms by which cigarette smoke impairs the regenerative olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) remain unclear. Here, we investigated the influence of cigarette smoke on ORN regeneration following methimazole-induced ORN injury. Administration of methimazole caused detachment of the olfactory epithelium from the basement membrane and induced olfactory dysfunction, thus enabling us to analyze the process of ORN regeneration. We found that intranasal administration of cigarette smoke solution (CSS) suppressed the recovery of ORNs and olfaction following ORN injury. Defective ORN recovery in CSS-treated mice was not associated with any change in the number of SOX2(+) ORN progenitor cells in the basal layer of the OE, but was associated with impaired recovery of GAP43(+) immature ORNs. In the nasal mucosa, mRNA expression levels of neurotrophic factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor, neurotrophin-3, neurotrophin-5, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) were increased following OE injury, whereas CSS administration decreased the ORN injury-induced IGF-1 expression. Administration of recombinant human IGF-1 prevented the CSS-induced suppression of ORN recovery following injury. These results suggest that CSS impairs regeneration of ORNs by suppressing the development of immature ORNs from ORN progenitors, at least partly by reducing IGF-1 in the nasal mucosa.

N, S co-doped carbon spheres with highly dispersed CoO as non-precious metal catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Linlin; Guo, Xingpeng; Zhang, Guoan

2017-08-01

It is still a great challenge in preparing non-precious metal catalysts with high activity and long-term stability to substitute for precious metal catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in fuel cells. Herein, we report a novel and facile catalyst-N, S co-doped carbon spheres with highly dispersed CoO (CoO@NS-CSs), where biomass glucose spheres act as carbon precursor and H2S, NH3 derived from the decomposition of thiourea not only provide N, S sources but also can etch carbon spheres to produce nanoporous structure. CoO@NS-CSs catalyst exhibits excellent ORR activity with a high onset potential of 0.946 V vs. RHE (reversible hydrogen electrode) and a half-wave potential of 0.821 V vs. RHE through a four-electron pathway in alkaline solution, which is comparable to commercial Pt/C catalyst (onset potential: 0.926 V vs. RHE, half-wave potential: 0.827 V vs. RHE). Furthermore, both the long-term stability and methanol-tolerance of CoO@NS-CSs catalyst are superior to those of commercial Pt/C catalyst. The excellent ORR performance of CoO@NS-CSs catalyst can be attributed to its micro-mesopore structure, high specific surface area (667 m2 g-1), and highly dispersed CoO. This work manifests that the obtained CoO@NS-CSs catalyst is promising to be applied to fuel cells.

Utility of plain radiographs and MRI in cervical spine clearance in symptomatic non-obtunded pediatric patients without high-impact trauma.

PubMed

Moore, Justin M; Hall, Jonathan; Ditchfield, Michael; Xenos, Christopher; Danks, Andrew

2017-02-01

The optimal imaging modality for evaluating cervical spine trauma and optimizing management in the pediatric population is controversial. In pediatric populations, there are no well-established guidelines for cervical spine trauma evaluation and treatment. Currently, there is virtually no literature regarding imaging and management of symptomatic pediatric patients who present with cervical spine trauma without high-impact mechanism. This study aims to establish an optimal imaging strategy for this subgroup of trauma patients. We performed a retrospective review of pediatric patients (aged below 18 years) who were admitted to Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Australia between July 2011 and June 2015, who did not suffer a high-impact trauma but were symptomatic for cervical spine injury following cervical trauma. Imaging and management strategies were reviewed and results compared. Forty-seven pediatric patients were identified who met the inclusion criteria. Of these patients, 46 underwent cervical spine series (CSS) plain radiograph imaging. Thirty-four cases underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 9 patients underwent CT. MRI was able to detect 4 cases of ligamentous injury, which were not seen in CSS imaging and was able to facilitate cervical spine clearance in a further two patients whose CSS radiographs were abnormal. In this study, MRI has a greater sensitivity and specificity when compared to CSS radiography in a symptomatic pediatric low-impact trauma population. Our data call in to question the routine use of CSS radiographs in children.

Sulfation pattern of fucose branches affects the anti-hyperlipidemic activities of fucosylated chondroitin sulfate.

PubMed

Wu, Nian; Zhang, Yu; Ye, Xingqian; Hu, Yaqin; Ding, Tian; Chen, Shiguo

2016-08-20

Fucosylated chondroitin sulfates (fCSs) are glycosaminoglycans extracted from sea cucumbers, consisting of chondroitin sulfate E (CSE) backbones and sulfated fucose branches. The biological properties of fCSs could be affected by the sulfation pattern of their fucose branches. In the present study, two fCSs were isolated from sea cucumbers Isostichopus badionotus (fCS-Ib) and Pearsonothuria graeffei (fCS-Pg). Their monosaccharide compositions of glucuronic acid (GlcA), N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc), fucose (Fuc) and sulfate were at similar molar ratio with 1.0/0.7/0.9/3.1 for fCS-Ib and 1.0/0.8/1.5/2.6 for fCS-Pg. The two fCSs have different sulfation patterns on their fucose branches, fCS-Pg with 3,4-O-disulfation while fCS-Ib with 2,4-O-disulfation. Their antihyperlipidemic effects were compared using a high-fat high-fructose diet (HFFD)-fed C57BL/6J mice model. Both fCS-Ib and fCS-Pg had significant effects on lipid profile improvement, liver protection, blood glucose diminution and hepatic glycogen synthesis. Specifically, fCS-Pg with 3,4-O-disulfation fucose branches was more effective in reduction of blood cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and atherogenic index (AI). Our results indicate that both fCSs, especially fCS-Pg, could be used as a potential anti-hyperlipidemic drug. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Feeling Good in Your Own Skin: The Influence of Complimentary Sexual Stereotypes on Risky Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors in a Community Sample of African American Women

PubMed Central

Oser, Carrie B.; Mooney, Jenny; Staton-Tindall, Michele; Havens, Jennifer R.; Leukefeld, Carl G.

2013-01-01

Although negative racial stereotypes may affect the mental and physical health of African Americans, little research has examined the influence of positive or complimentary racial stereotypes on such outcomes. More specifically, this study explored the relationship between African American women’s endorsement of complimentary stereotypes about their sexuality (CSS) and attitudes/behaviors that have been associated with sexual risk. Data were gathered from 206 African American women as part of the Black Women in the Study of Epidemics project (B-WISE). Multivariate regression models were used to examine associations between women’s endorsement of CSS and selected sex-related attitudes and behaviors. Participants’ endorsement of CSS was significantly positively associated with beliefs that having sex without protection would strengthen their relationship (B = .28, SE = .10, p < .01) and that they could use drugs and always make healthy choices about using protection (B = .31, SE = .09, p < .01). Significant positive associations were also found between CSS and the number of casual sexual partners women reported in the past year (B = .29, SE = .15, p = .05) and their willingness to have sex in exchange for money or drugs during that time (B = .78, OR = 2.18, p < .05). These findings suggest that endorsement of CSS by African American women can lead to increased risk behavior, particularly relating to possible infection with HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STI). PMID:23421336

Chemical and biological studies of β-carotene after exposure to Cannabis sativa smoke.

PubMed

do Monte, Dulciana S; Bezerra Tenório, Jonh A; Bastos, Isla V G A; de S Mendonça, Fábio; Neto, Joaquim E; da Silva, Teresinha G; Ramos, Clécio S

2016-01-01

Considering the increase in consumption of Cannabis sativa and the use of the compound β- carotene (BC) as supplement, we investigated potential changes in the chemical and biological proprieties of BC after exposure to C. sativa smoke (CSS). Our results showed that the BC exposed to CSS underwent 98.8% degradation and suffered loss of its antiradical activity. The major degradation products identified were 3-hydroxy-2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)2-methylpropanoate and (2-ethyl-3-hydroxyhexyl)2-methylpropanoate compounds. These are found in higher levels in the exhalations of colorectal cancer patients and are similar to the toxic products associated with lipid peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids. In toxicological assays using micro-crustacean Artemia salina the BC was non-toxic, while the BC degraded by CSS had a toxicity of LC 50  = 397.35 μg/mL. In Wistar rats, females treated with BC degraded by CSS (BCCSS) showed whitish liver spots, alterations in liver weight and in bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels, and decrease in the number of leukocytes associated with atypical lymphocytosis. In male rats, there was an increase in the number of leukocytes when compared to the control group. In the histopathological analysis, the cortical region of the kidneys showed the presence of discrete amorphous eosinophilic material (cylinders) in the lumen of the proximate and distal convoluted tubules. In general, the BC in contact with CSS undergoes chemical changes and exhibits toxicity to rats and Artemia salina .

A large QTL for fear and anxiety mapped using an F2 cross can be dissected into multiple smaller QTLs.

PubMed

Parker, C C; Sokoloff, G; Leung, E; Kirkpatrick, S L; Palmer, A A

2013-10-01

Using chromosome substitution strains (CSS), we previously identified a large quantitative trait locus (QTL) for conditioned fear (CF) on mouse chromosome 10. Here, we used an F2 cross between CSS-10 and C57BL/6J (B6) to localize that QTL to distal chromosome 10. That QTL accounted for all the difference between CSS-10 and B6. We then produced congenic strains to fine-map that interval. We identified two congenic strains that captured some or all the QTL. The larger congenic strain (Line 1: 122.387121-129.068 Mb; build 37) appeared to account for all the difference between CSS-10 and B6. The smaller congenic strain (Line 2: 127.277-129.068 Mb) was intermediate between CSS-10 and B6. We used haplotype mapping followed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction to identify one gene that was differentially expressed in both lines relative to B6 (Rnf41) and one that was differentially expressed between only Line 1 and B6 (Shmt2). These cis-eQTLs may cause the behavioral QTLs; however, further studies are required to validate these candidate genes. More generally, our observation that a large QTL mapped using CSS and F2 crosses can be dissected into multiple smaller QTLs shows a weaknesses of two-stage approaches that seek to use coarse mapping to identify large regions followed by fine-mapping. Indeed, additional dissection of these congenic strains might result in further subdivision of these QTL regions. Despite these limitations, we have successfully fine-mapped two QTLs to small regions and identified putative candidate genes, showing that the congenic approach can be effective for fine-mapping QTLs. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd and International Behavioural and Neural Genetics Society.

The cultural validation of two scales to assess social stigma in leprosy.

PubMed

Peters, Ruth M H; Dadun; Van Brakel, Wim H; Zweekhorst, Marjolein B M; Damayanti, Rita; Bunders, Joske F G; Irwanto

2014-01-01

Stigma plays in an important role in the lives of persons affected by neglected tropical diseases, and assessment of stigma is important to document this. The aim of this study is to test the cross-cultural validity of the Community Stigma Scale (EMIC-CSS) and the Social Distance Scale (SDS) in the field of leprosy in Cirebon District, Indonesia. Cultural equivalence was tested by assessing the conceptual, item, semantic, operational and measurement equivalence of these instruments. A qualitative exploratory study was conducted to increase our understanding of the concept of stigma in Cirebon District. A process of translation, discussions, trainings and a pilot study followed. A sample of 259 community members was selected through convenience sampling and 67 repeated measures were obtained to assess the psychometric measurement properties. The aspects and items in the SDS and EMIC-CSS seem equally relevant and important in the target culture. The response scales were adapted to ensure that meaning is transferred accurately and no changes to the scale format (e.g. lay out, statements or questions) of both scales were made. A positive correlation was found between the EMIC-CSS and the SDS total scores (r=0.41). Cronbach's alphas of 0.83 and 0.87 were found for the EMIC-CSS and SDS. The exploratory factor analysis indicated for both scales an adequate fit as unidimensional scale. A standard error of measurement of 2.38 was found in the EMIC-CSS and of 1.78 in the SDS. The test-retest reliability coefficient was respectively, 0.84 and 0.75. No floor or ceiling effects were found. According to current international standards, our findings indicate that the EMIC-CSS and the SDS have adequate cultural validity to assess social stigma in leprosy in the Bahasa Indonesia-speaking population of Cirebon District. We believe the scales can be further improved, for instance, by adding, changing and rephrasing certain items. Finally, we provide suggestions for use with other neglected tropical diseases.

Modulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in Churg-Strauss syndrome respiratory mucosa: potential monitoring parameters.

PubMed

Leone, A; Uzzo, M L; Gerbino, A; Tortorici, S; Tralongo, P; Cappello, F; Incandela, S; Spatola, G F; Jurjus, A R

2014-01-01

Churg-Strauss (CSS) syndrome is rare and of unknown etiology. It is associated with vasculitis, blood eosinophilia and granulomatosis, and affects multiple organs and systems at various stages of the disease. Specific diagnostic and monitoring tests are not yet available. This study aims to assess the changes in MMP-2 and MMP-9 along with the histopathological alterations in two cases of CSS, as possible potential diagnostic and monitoring criteria. Two adult male patients were diagnosed with CSS in the otorhinolaryngology clinic in the University of Palermo, based on multiple clinical and histopathologic criteria. Biopsies of respiratory mucosa were taken after the consent of the patients, processed for routine histopathology and immunohistochemistry as well as quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Similar biopsies were also taken from a non- CSS patient. The Assessment of MMP-2 and MMP-9 was performed using both immunohistochemistry and qPCR techniques. Histopathological alterations in the respiratory mucosa were consistent with vasculitis and granulomatous tissue formation, in addition to inflammatory cell infiltration with abundance of eosinophils. Immunohistochemistry assay performed on the samples derived from the two CSS patients showed a relative and remarkable increase of both MMP-2 and MMP-9 compared to controls. Such an increase was consistent with the qPCR results which depicted a significant increase between 20 and 30% for both MMP-2 and MMP-9, respectively. Since the secretion of MMPs is an essential step in angiogenesis, could these enzymatic factors be used as parameters to diagnose or monitor the evolution of CSS? The small number of samples analyzed in this study does not allow us to suggest a general statement correlating the increase in expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 to the appearance or evolution of vasculitis; it is only speculative.

Mapping the Interaction Site for a β-Scorpion Toxin in the Pore Module of Domain III of Voltage-gated Na+ Channels*

PubMed Central

Zhang, Joel Z.; Yarov-Yarovoy, Vladimir; Scheuer, Todd; Karbat, Izhar; Cohen, Lior; Gordon, Dalia; Gurevitz, Michael; Catterall, William A.

2012-01-01

Activation of voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels initiates and propagates action potentials in electrically excitable cells. β-Scorpion toxins, including toxin IV from Centruroides suffusus suffusus (CssIV), enhance activation of NaV channels. CssIV stabilizes the voltage sensor in domain II in its activated state via a voltage-sensor trapping mechanism. Amino acid residues required for the action of CssIV have been identified in the S1-S2 and S3-S4 extracellular loops of domain II. The extracellular loops of domain III are also involved in toxin action, but individual amino acid residues have not been identified. We used site-directed mutagenesis and voltage clamp recording to investigate amino acid residues of domain III that are involved in CssIV action. In the IIISS2-S6 loop, five substitutions at four positions altered voltage-sensor trapping by CssIVE15A. Three substitutions (E1438A, D1445A, and D1445Y) markedly decreased voltage-sensor trapping, whereas the other two substitutions (N1436G and L1439A) increased voltage-sensor trapping. These bidirectional effects suggest that residues in IIISS2-S6 make both positive and negative interactions with CssIV. N1436G enhanced voltage-sensor trapping via increased binding affinity to the resting state, whereas L1439A increased voltage-sensor trapping efficacy. Based on these results, a three-dimensional model of the toxin-channel interaction was developed using the Rosetta modeling method. These data provide additional molecular insight into the voltage-sensor trapping mechanism of toxin action and define a three-point interaction site for β-scorpion toxins on NaV channels. Binding of α- and β-scorpion toxins to two distinct, pseudo-symmetrically organized receptor sites on NaV channels acts synergistically to modify channel gating and paralyze prey. PMID:22761417

Composite selection signals can localize the trait specific genomic regions in multi-breed populations of cattle and sheep

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Discerning the traits evolving under neutral conditions from those traits evolving rapidly because of various selection pressures is a great challenge. We propose a new method, composite selection signals (CSS), which unifies the multiple pieces of selection evidence from the rank distribution of its diverse constituent tests. The extreme CSS scores capture highly differentiated loci and underlying common variants hauling excess haplotype homozygosity in the samples of a target population. Results The data on high-density genotypes were analyzed for evidence of an association with either polledness or double muscling in various cohorts of cattle and sheep. In cattle, extreme CSS scores were found in the candidate regions on autosome BTA-1 and BTA-2, flanking the POLL locus and MSTN gene, for polledness and double muscling, respectively. In sheep, the regions with extreme scores were localized on autosome OAR-2 harbouring the MSTN gene for double muscling and on OAR-10 harbouring the RXFP2 gene for polledness. In comparison to the constituent tests, there was a partial agreement between the signals at the four candidate loci; however, they consistently identified additional genomic regions harbouring no known genes. Persuasively, our list of all the additional significant CSS regions contains genes that have been successfully implicated to secondary phenotypic diversity among several subpopulations in our data. For example, the method identified a strong selection signature for stature in cattle capturing selective sweeps harbouring UQCC-GDF5 and PLAG1-CHCHD7 gene regions on BTA-13 and BTA-14, respectively. Both gene pairs have been previously associated with height in humans, while PLAG1-CHCHD7 has also been reported for stature in cattle. In the additional analysis, CSS identified significant regions harbouring multiple genes for various traits under selection in European cattle including polledness, adaptation, metabolism, growth rate, stature, immunity, reproduction traits and some other candidate genes for dairy and beef production. Conclusions CSS successfully localized the candidate regions in validation datasets as well as identified previously known and novel regions for various traits experiencing selection pressure. Together, the results demonstrate the utility of CSS by its improved power, reduced false positives and high-resolution of selection signals as compared to individual constituent tests. PMID:24636660

Consomic mouse strain selection based on effect size measurement, statistical significance testing and integrated behavioral z-scoring: focus on anxiety-related behavior and locomotion.

PubMed

Labots, M; Laarakker, M C; Ohl, F; van Lith, H A

2016-06-29

Selecting chromosome substitution strains (CSSs, also called consomic strains/lines) used in the search for quantitative trait loci (QTLs) consistently requires the identification of the respective phenotypic trait of interest and is simply based on a significant difference between a consomic and host strain. However, statistical significance as represented by P values does not necessarily predicate practical importance. We therefore propose a method that pays attention to both the statistical significance and the actual size of the observed effect. The present paper extends on this approach and describes in more detail the use of effect size measures (Cohen's d, partial eta squared - η p (2) ) together with the P value as statistical selection parameters for the chromosomal assignment of QTLs influencing anxiety-related behavior and locomotion in laboratory mice. The effect size measures were based on integrated behavioral z-scoring and were calculated in three experiments: (A) a complete consomic male mouse panel with A/J as the donor strain and C57BL/6J as the host strain. This panel, including host and donor strains, was analyzed in the modified Hole Board (mHB). The consomic line with chromosome 19 from A/J (CSS-19A) was selected since it showed increased anxiety-related behavior, but similar locomotion compared to its host. (B) Following experiment A, female CSS-19A mice were compared with their C57BL/6J counterparts; however no significant differences and effect sizes close to zero were found. (C) A different consomic mouse strain (CSS-19PWD), with chromosome 19 from PWD/PhJ transferred on the genetic background of C57BL/6J, was compared with its host strain. Here, in contrast with CSS-19A, there was a decreased overall anxiety in CSS-19PWD compared to C57BL/6J males, but not locomotion. This new method shows an improved way to identify CSSs for QTL analysis for anxiety-related behavior using a combination of statistical significance testing and effect sizes. In addition, an intercross between CSS-19A and CSS-19PWD may be of interest for future studies on the genetic background of anxiety-related behavior.

Seismic Monitoring of Bedload Transport in a Steep Mountain Catchment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roth, D. L.; Finnegan, N. J.; Brodsky, E. E.; Turowski, J. M.; Wyss, C. R.; Badoux, A.

2014-12-01

Predicting river channel evolution relies on an understanding of when and at what rate coarse sediment moves in a channel. Unfortunately, our predictive abilities are limited by the logistical challenges and potential dangers inherent in current techniques for monitoring sediment transport during flood events, especially in steep, highly active landscapes. However, the use of seismic signals near rivers shows promise as a safe, low-cost method for studying sediment transport in these settings. Seismic signals near rivers are partially generated by both water turbulence and bedload sediment particles impacting the river bed during transport. Here, we attempt to isolate the seismic signatures of discharge and bedload transport in a steep mountain channel by examining high-frequency broadband seismic data from the well-studied Erlenbach stream (local slope of ~10%) in the Swiss Prealps. The extensive monitoring infrastructure and long history of sediment transport data at this field site allow us to independently constrain discharge, precipitation, and bedload transport during flood events over a two month field campaign. We perform a general linear least squares inversion of the seismic data, exploiting times with isolated rain or discharge events, to identify the spectral signals of water turbulence, rain, and bedload sediment transport. We find that the signal generated by rain exhibits a roughly broadband spectrum, while discharge and sediment transport exhibit power primarily in lower frequency bands. Our preliminary results indicate that with only precipitation and discharge data, it is possible to isolate the seismic signal of bedload transport in steep fluvial environments. Seismic studies may therefore have the potential to revolutionize our ability to monitor and understand these environments.

8 CFR 245a.14 - Application for class membership in the CSS, LULAC, or Zambrano lawsuit.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... alien must provide with the application for LIFE Legalization evidence establishing that, before October... 8 Aliens and Nationality 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Application for class membership in the CSS, LULAC, or Zambrano lawsuit. 245a.14 Section 245a.14 Aliens and Nationality DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND...

8 CFR 245a.14 - Application for class membership in the CSS, LULAC, or Zambrano lawsuit.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... alien must provide with the application for LIFE Legalization evidence establishing that, before October... 8 Aliens and Nationality 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Application for class membership in the CSS, LULAC, or Zambrano lawsuit. 245a.14 Section 245a.14 Aliens and Nationality DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND...

8 CFR 245a.14 - Application for class membership in the CSS, LULAC, or Zambrano lawsuit.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... alien must provide with the application for LIFE Legalization evidence establishing that, before October... 8 Aliens and Nationality 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Application for class membership in the CSS, LULAC, or Zambrano lawsuit. 245a.14 Section 245a.14 Aliens and Nationality DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND...

8 CFR 245a.14 - Application for class membership in the CSS, LULAC, or Zambrano lawsuit.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... alien must provide with the application for LIFE Legalization evidence establishing that, before October... 8 Aliens and Nationality 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Application for class membership in the CSS, LULAC, or Zambrano lawsuit. 245a.14 Section 245a.14 Aliens and Nationality DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND...

8 CFR 245a.14 - Application for class membership in the CSS, LULAC, or Zambrano lawsuit.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... alien must provide with the application for LIFE Legalization evidence establishing that, before October... 8 Aliens and Nationality 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Application for class membership in the CSS, LULAC, or Zambrano lawsuit. 245a.14 Section 245a.14 Aliens and Nationality DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND...

Whole Farm Nutrient Management: Capstone Course on Environmental Management of Dairy Farms

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Albrecht, Gregory L.; Ketterings, Quirine M.; Czymmek, Karl J.; van Amburgh, Michael E.; Fox, Danny G.

2006-01-01

Whole Farm Nutrient Management is an upper-level, undergraduate course offered through the Department of Animal Science (AS) and Department of Crop and Soil Sciences (CSS) at Cornell University. The course (AS/CSS 412) is designed for students interested in agricultural careers and aims to help them develop a working knowledge of agricultural…

The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Toddler Module: Standardized Severity Scores

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Esler, Amy N.; Bal, Vanessa Hus; Guthrie, Whitney; Wetherby, Amy; Weismer, Susan Ellis; Lord, Catherine

2015-01-01

Standardized calibrated severity scores (CSS) have been created for Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd edition (ADOS-2) Modules 1-4 as a metric of the relative severity of autism-specific behaviors. Total and domain CSS were created for the Toddler Module to facilitate comparison to other modules. Analyses included 388 children with ASD…

Timing and Cue Competition in Conditioning of the Nictitating Membrane Response of the Rabbit ("Oryctolagus Cuniculus")

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kehoe, E. James; Ludvig, Elliot A.; Sutton, Richard S.

2013-01-01

Rabbits were classically conditioned using compounds of tone and light conditioned stimuli (CSs) presented with either simultaneous onsets (Experiment 1) or serial onsets (Experiment 2) in a delay conditioning paradigm. Training with the simultaneous compound reduced the likelihood of a conditioned response (CR) to the individual CSs ("mutual…

Non-competitive liking for brands. No blocking in evaluative conditioning.

PubMed

Laane, Kristjan; Aru, Juhan; Dickinson, Anthony

2010-02-01

In the first experiment, we demonstrated evaluative conditioning using a novel across-modality procedure in which pictorial abstract brand logos acted as conditioned stimulus (CSs) and self-selected foods of different hedonic valence functioned as unconditioned stimuli (USs). We then investigated whether this form of learning of likes discriminates against redundant CSs using a blocking paradigm in the second experiment. The strength of evaluative conditioning accruing to the target CSs during compound training was unaffected by whether the other element of the compound was pretrained with a hedonic US. The observation that contingency learning about the target CS was blocked by the pretraining suggests that learning of likes and predictive learning are mediated by different processes. 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Studies of heat treated CSS CdS films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marinskiy, D.; Marinskaya, S.; Viswanathan, V.; Morel, D. L.; Ferekides, C. S.

1999-03-01

Cadmium sulfide continues to be the most successful and widely used n-type heterojunction partner in thin film CdTe solar cells. In most cases solar cell performance is enhanced if the CdS films are heat treated prior to the deposition of the CdTe. This paper discusses the effect of H2 annealing on the resistivity of CSS-CdS films and the use of a mobility activation model to explain the observed changes in resistivity. Photoluminescence measurements of CSS CdS films heat-treated in He and in CdCl2 vapor have also been carried out. In all cases the heat treatments lead to an increase in the intensity of a photoluminescence band believed to be associated with sulfur vacancies.

Promoting correct car seat use in parents of young children: challenges, recommendations, and implications for health communication.

PubMed

Weaver, Nancy L; Brixey, Suzanne N; Williams, Janice; Nansel, Tonja R

2013-03-01

Injuries involving motor vehicles continue to be the biggest threat to the safety of children. Although child safety seats (CSS) have been established as a central countermeasure in decreasing injury risk, the majority of parents do not use the correct car seat correctly. There are many challenges in promoting correct car seat use, which itself is a complex behavior. To advance this critical protective behavior, the public health community would benefit from clarifying CSS messaging, communicating clearly, and addressing the conflicting recommendations of product use. In this article, we present current challenges in promoting CSS use and draw on health communication and other fields to offer recommendations for future work in this area.

The prevalence of fibromyalgia in other chronic pain conditions.

PubMed

Yunus, Muhammad B

2012-01-01

Central sensitivity syndromes (CSS) include fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), irritable bowel syndrome, temporomandibular disorder, restless legs syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, and other similar chronic painful conditions that are based on central sensitization (CS). CSS are mutually associated. In this paper, prevalence of FMS among other members of CSS has been described. An important recent recognition is an increased prevalence of FMS in other chronic pain conditions with structural pathology, for example, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis, diabetes mellitus, and inflammatory bowel disease. Diagnosis and proper management of FMS among these diseases are of crucial importance so that unwarranted use of such medications as corticosteroids can be avoided, since FMS often occurs when RA or SLE is relatively mild.

The Prevalence of Fibromyalgia in Other Chronic Pain Conditions

PubMed Central

Yunus, Muhammad B.

2012-01-01

Central sensitivity syndromes (CSS) include fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), irritable bowel syndrome, temporomandibular disorder, restless legs syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, and other similar chronic painful conditions that are based on central sensitization (CS). CSS are mutually associated. In this paper, prevalence of FMS among other members of CSS has been described. An important recent recognition is an increased prevalence of FMS in other chronic pain conditions with structural pathology, for example, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis, diabetes mellitus, and inflammatory bowel disease. Diagnosis and proper management of FMS among these diseases are of crucial importance so that unwarranted use of such medications as corticosteroids can be avoided, since FMS often occurs when RA or SLE is relatively mild. PMID:22191024

Relationships between antimicrobial effect and area under the concentration-time curve as a basis for comparison of modes of antibiotic administration: meropenem bolus injections versus continuous infusions.

PubMed Central

Firsov, A A; Mattie, H

1997-01-01

In comparative studies of different modes of administration (MAs) simulated in in vitro dynamic models, only one dose of antibiotic is usually mimicked. Such an experimental design can provide a prediction of the antimicrobial effect (AME) of a given combination of drug, clinical isolate, and infection site, but may be inappropriate for accurate comparison of MAs. An alternative design providing comparison of different MAs with various antibiotic doses in a wide range and with evaluation of the respective relationships between AME and the AUC was proposed and examined. Two series of meropenem pharmacokinetic profiles, i.e., monoexponentially decreasing concentrations (bolus doses) and constant concentrations (6-h continuous infusion), were in vitro simulated. The simulated initial concentrations (Co[from 0.62 to 48 micrograms/ml]) and steady-state concentrations (Css[from 0.016 to 8 micrograms/ml]) were chosen to provide similar AUC for 0 to 6 h (AUC0-6) ranges for both MAs (from 0.070 to 50.0 micrograms.h/ml and from 0.09 to 48.0 micrograms.h/ml, respectively). The AME of meropenem on Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 (MIC, 0.06 micrograms/ml) was determined at each time (t) point as a difference (E) between the logarithms of viable counts (N) in the control cultures without antibiotic (NC) and in cultures exposed to antibiotics (NA). Time courses of E observed at different Co of Css levels were compared in terms of the areas under the E-t curves (ABBCt). The finite values of the ABBCt observed by the end of the 6 -h observation period, which are equivalent to the area between bacterial count-time curves observed in the absence and presence of antibiotic (ABBC), were plotted versus the respective AUCs produced by each of the MAs. The ABBC versus AUC curves had a similar pattern: a plateau achieved at high AUCs followed by a steep rise in ABBC at relatively low AUCs was inherent in both of the MAs. The superiority of bolus dosing over the infusions could be documented only for meropenem concentrations below the MIC. At higher Co or Css (i.e., at an AUC of > or = 0.4 micrograms.h/ml), the ABBC versus AUC curves plotted for each of the MAs could practically be superimposed. On the whole, both MAs appeared to be equiefficient in terms of the ABBC. These results suggest that AUC analysis of the AME may be a useful tool for comparing different MAs. Such comparative studies should be designed in a manner that provides the use of similar AUC ranges, since the AUC may be considered as a common pharmacokinetic denominator in comparing one MA or dosing regimen to another. PMID:9021191

BROADBAND JET EMISSION IN YOUNG AND POWERFUL RADIO SOURCES: THE CASE OF THE COMPACT STEEP SPECTRUM QUASAR 3C 186

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

Migliori, Giulia; Siemiginowska, Aneta; Celotti, Annalisa, E-mail: migliori@cfa.harvard.edu

2012-04-20

We present the X-ray analysis of a deep ({approx}200 ks) Chandra observation of the compact steep spectrum radio-loud quasar 3C 186 (z = 1.06) and investigate the contribution of the unresolved radio jet to the total X-ray emission. The spectral analysis is not conclusive on the origin of the bulk of the X-ray emission. In order to examine the jet contribution to the X-ray flux, we model the quasar spectral energy distribution, adopting several scenarios for the jet emission. For the values of the main physical parameters favored by the observables, a dominant role of the jet emission in themore » X-ray band is ruled out when a single-zone (leptonic) scenario is adopted, even including the contribution of the external photon fields as seed photons for inverse Compton emission. We then consider a structured jet, with the blazar component that-although not directly visible in the X-ray band-provides an intense field of seed synchrotron photons Compton-scattered by electrons in a mildly relativistic knot. In this case, the whole X-ray emission can be accounted for if we assume a blazar luminosity within the range observed from flat spectrum radio quasars. The X-ray radiative efficiency of such a (structured) jet is intimately related to the presence of a complex velocity structure. The jet emission can provide a significant contribution in X-rays if it decelerates within the host galaxy on kiloparsec scales. We discuss the implications of this model in terms of jet dynamics and interaction with the ambient medium.« less

Observational constraints on varying neutrino-mass cosmology

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

Geng, Chao-Qiang; Lee, Chung-Chi; Myrzakulov, R.

We consider generic models of quintessence and we investigate the influence of massive neutrino matter with field-dependent masses on the matter power spectrum. In case of minimally coupled neutrino matter, we examine the effect in tracker models with inverse power-law and double exponential potentials. We present detailed investigations for the scaling field with a steep exponential potential, non-minimally coupled to massive neutrino matter, and we derive constraints on field-dependent neutrino masses from the observational data.

A radio spectral index map and catalogue at 147-1400 MHz covering 80 per cent of the sky

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Gasperin, F.; Intema, H. T.; Frail, D. A.

2018-03-01

The radio spectral index is a powerful probe for classifying cosmic radio sources and understanding the origin of the radio emission. Combining data at 147 MHz and 1.4 GHz from the TIFR GMRT Sky Survey (TGSS) and the NRAO VLA Sky Survey (NVSS), we produced a large-area radio spectral index map of ˜80 per cent of the sky (Dec. > - 40 deg), as well as a radio spectral index catalogue containing 1396 515 sources, of which 503 647 are not upper or lower limits. Almost every TGSS source has a detected counterpart, while this is true only for 36 per cent of NVSS sources. We released both the map and the catalogue to the astronomical community. The catalogue is analysed to discover systematic behaviours in the cosmic radio population. We find a differential spectral behaviour between faint and bright sources as well as between compact and extended sources. These trends are explained in terms of radio galaxy evolution. We also confirm earlier reports of an excess of steep-spectrum sources along the galactic plane. This corresponds to 86 compact and steep-spectrum source in excess compared to expectations. The properties of this excess are consistent with normal non-recycled pulsars, which may have been missed by pulsation searches due to larger than average scattering along the line of sight.

The VLA-COSMOS Survey - V. 324 MHz continuum observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smolčić, Vernesa; Ciliegi, Paolo; Jelić, Vibor; Bondi, Marco; Schinnerer, Eva; Carilli, Chris L.; Riechers, Dominik A.; Salvato, Mara; Brković, Alen; Capak, Peter; Ilbert, Olivier; Karim, Alexander; McCracken, Henry; Scoville, Nick Z.

2014-09-01

We present 90 cm Very Large Array imaging of the COSMOS field, comprising a circular area of 3.14 square degrees at 8.0arcsec × 6.0arcsec angular resolution with an average rms of 0.5 mJy beam-1. The extracted catalogue contains 182 sources (down to 5.5σ), 30 of which are multicomponent sources. Using Monte Carlo artificial source simulations, we derive the completeness of the catalogue, and we show that our 90 cm source counts agree very well with those from previous studies. Using X-ray, NUV-NIR and radio COSMOS data to investigate the population mix of our 90 cm radio sample, we find that our sample is dominated by active galactic nuclei. The average 90-20 cm spectral index (Sν ∝ να, where Sν is the flux density at frequency ν and α the spectral index) of our 90 cm selected sources is -0.70, with an interquartile range from -0.90 to -0.53. Only a few ultra-steep-spectrum sources are present in our sample, consistent with results in the literature for similar fields. Our data do not show clear steepening of the spectral index with redshift. Nevertheless, our sample suggests that sources with spectral indices steeper than -1 all lie at z ≳ 1, in agreement with the idea that ultra-steep-spectrum radio sources may trace intermediate-redshift galaxies (z ≳ 1).

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

de Gasperin, F.; Ogrean, G. A.; van Weeren, R. J.

We report that extended steep-spectrum radio emission in a galaxy cluster is usually associated with a recent merger. However, given the complex scenario of galaxy cluster mergers, many of the discovered sources hardly fit into the strict boundaries of a precise taxonomy. This is especially true for radio phoenixes that do not have very well defined observational criteria. Radio phoenixes are aged radio galaxy lobes whose emission is reactivated by compression or other mechanisms. Here in this paper, we present the detection of a radio phoenix close to the moment of its formation. The source is located in Abell 1033,more » a peculiar galaxy cluster which underwent a recent merger. To support our claim, we present unpublished Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope and Chandra observations together with archival data from the Very Large Array and the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. We discover the presence of two subclusters displaced along the N–S direction. The two subclusters probably underwent a recent merger which is the cause of a moderately perturbed X-ray brightness distribution. A steep-spectrum extended radio source very close to an active galactic nucleus (AGN) is proposed to be a newly born radio phoenix: the AGN lobes have been displaced/compressed by shocks formed during the merger event. This scenario explains the source location, morphology, spectral index, and brightness. Finally, we show evidence of a density discontinuity close to the radio phoenix and discuss the consequences of its presence.« less

A DEEP CHANDRA OBSERVATION OF THE WOLF-RAYET + BLACK HOLE BINARY NGC 300 X-1

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

Binder, B.; Williams, B. F.; Anderson, S. F.

We have obtained a 63 ks Chandra ACIS-I observation of the Wolf-Rayet + black hole binary NGC 300 X-1. We measure rapid low-amplitude variability in the 0.35-8 keV light curve. The power density spectrum has a power-law index {gamma} = 1.02 {+-} 0.15 consistent with an accreting black hole in a steep power-law state. When compared to previous studies of NGC 300 X-1 performed with XMM-Newton, we find the source at the low end of the previously measured 0.3-10 keV luminosity. The spectrum of NGC 300 X-1 is dominated by a power law ({Gamma} = 2.0 {+-} 0.3) with amore » contribution at low energies by a thermal component. We estimate the 0.3-10 keV luminosity to be 2.6{sup +0.8}{sub -1.0} Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 38} erg s{sup -1}. The timing and spectroscopic properties of NGC 300 X-1 are consistent with being in a steep power-law state, similar to earlier observations performed with XMM-Newton. We additionally compare our observations to known high-mass X-ray binaries and ultraluminous X-ray sources, and find the properties of NGC 300 X-1 are most consistent with black hole high-mass X-ray binaries.« less

Evidence of Spin and Energy Extraction in a Galactic Black Hole Candidate: The XMM-NEWTON/EPIC SPECTRUM of XTE 11650-500

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, J. M.; Fabian, A. C.; Wunands, R.; Reynolds, C. S.; Ehle, M.; Freyberg, M. J.; VanDerKlis, M.; Lewin, W. H. G.; Sanchez-Fernandez, C.; Castro-Tirado, A. J.

2002-01-01

We observed the Galactic black hole candidate XTE J1650-500 early in its fall of 2001 outburst with the XMM-Newton European Photon Imaging pn Camera (EPIC-pn). The observed spectrum is consistent with the source having been in the very high state. We h d a broad, skewed Fe Kar emission line that suggests the primary in this system may be a Kerr black hole and that indicates a steep disk emissivity profile that is hard to explain in terms of a standard accretion disk model. These results are quantitatively and qualitatively similar to those from an XMM-Newton observation of the Seyfert galaxy MCG -6-30-15. The steep emissivity in MCG -6-30-15 may be explained by the extraction and dissipation of rotational energy from a black hole with nearly maximal angular momentum or from material in the plunging region via magnetic connections to the inner accretion disk. If this process is at work in both sources, an exotic but fundamental general relativistic prediction may be confirmed across a factor of l0(exp 6) in black hole mass. We discuss these results in terms of the accretion flow geometry in stellar-mass black holes and the variety of enigmatic phenomena often observed in the very high state.

A Link between X-Ray Emission Lines and Radio Jets in 4U 1630-47?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neilsen, Joseph; Coriat, Mickaël; Fender, Rob; Lee, Julia C.; Ponti, Gabriele; Tzioumis, Anastasios K.; Edwards, Philip G.; Broderick, Jess W.

2014-03-01

Recently, Díaz Trigo et al. reported an XMM-Newton detection of relativistically Doppler-shifted emission lines associated with steep-spectrum radio emission in the stellar-mass black hole candidate 4U 1630-47 during its 2012 outburst. They interpreted these lines as indicative of a baryonic jet launched by the accretion disk. Here we present a search for the same lines earlier in the same outburst using high-resolution X-ray spectra from the Chandra HETGS. While our observations (eight months prior to the XMM-Newton campaign) also coincide with detections of steep spectrum radio emission by the Australia Telescope Compact Array, we find no evidence for any relativistic X-ray emission lines. Indeed, despite ~5 × brighter radio emission, our Chandra spectra allow us to place an upper limit on the flux in the blueshifted Fe XXVI line that is >~ 20 × weaker than the line observed by Díaz Trigo et al. We explore several scenarios that could explain our differing results, including variations in the geometry of the jet or a mass-loading process or jet baryon content that evolves with the accretion state of the black hole. We also consider the possibility that the radio emission arises in an interaction between a jet and the nearby interstellar medium, in which case the X-ray emission lines might be unrelated to the radio emission.

Development of a severity score for CRPS.

PubMed

Harden, R Norman; Bruehl, Stephen; Perez, Roberto S G M; Birklein, Frank; Marinus, Johan; Maihofner, Christian; Lubenow, Timothy; Buvanendran, Asokumar; Mackey, Sean; Graciosa, Joseph; Mogilevski, Mila; Ramsden, Christopher; Schlereth, Tanja; Chont, Melissa; Vatine, Jean-Jacques

2010-12-01

The clinical diagnosis of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a dichotomous (yes/no) categorization necessary for clinical decision-making. However, such dichotomous diagnostic categories do not convey an individual's subtle and temporal gradations in severity of the condition, and have poor statistical power when used as an outcome measure in research. This study evaluated the validity and potential utility of a continuous type score to index severity of CRPS. Psychometric and medical evaluations were conducted in 114 CRPS patients and 41 non-CRPS neuropathic pain patients. Based on the presence/absence of 17 clinically-assessed signs and symptoms of CRPS, an overall CRPS Severity Score (CSS) was derived. The CSS discriminated well between CRPS and non-CRPS patients (p<.001), and displayed strong associations with dichotomous CRPS diagnoses using both IASP diagnostic criteria (Eta=0.69) and proposed revised criteria (Eta=0.77-0.88). Higher CSS was associated with significantly higher clinical pain intensity, distress, and functional impairments, as well as greater bilateral temperature asymmetry and thermal perception abnormalities (p's<.05). In an archival prospective dataset, increases in anxiety and depression from pre-surgical baseline to 4 weeks post-knee arthroplasty were found to predict significantly higher CSS at 6- and 12-month follow-up (p's<.05). Results indicate the CSS corresponds with and complements currently accepted dichotomous diagnostic criteria for CRPS, and support its validity as an index of CRPS severity. Its utility as an outcome measure in research studies is also suggested, with potential statistical advantages over dichotomous diagnostic criteria. Copyright © 2010. Published by Elsevier B.V.

In vitro evaluation of the Medtronic cardioplegia safety system.

PubMed

Trowbridge, C C; Woods, K R; Muhle, M L; Niimi, K S; Tremain, K D; Jiang, J; Stammers, A H

2000-03-01

Myocardial preservation demands the precise and accurate delivery of cardioplegic solutions to provide nutritive delivery and metabolic waste removal. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance characteristics of the Medtronic CSS Cardioplegia Safety System in an in vitro setting. The CSS was evaluated under the following conditions: blood to crystalloid ratios of 1:0, 1:1, 4:1, 8:1, 0:1; potassium concentrations of 10, 20, and 40 mEq L-1; volumetric delivery collection at 100, 250, 500, 750, and 990 mL/min; pressure accuracy at 100 and 300 mmHg; and system safety mechanisms. Measured and predicted values from the CSS were compared using one way ANOVA, with statistical significance accepted at p < or = 0.05. The measured values for the tested ratios and volume collections were all within the manufacturer's technical parameters. Potassium concentration results were all within expected values except at 100 mL/min, where the measured value of 17.1 +/- 2.1 mmol was lower than the expected 20.0 +/- 0.2 mmol (p < .034). As flow rates changed, the CSS line pressure error was constant (0.5 to 3.7%), and the only significant difference was observed at 100 mmHg, 500 mL/min (102.3 +/- 1.7 vs. 100.0 +/- 0.0 mmHg, P < .003). The device performed accurately and reliably under all simulated safety conditions, including bubble detection, over pressurization and battery backup. In conclusion, the performance of the CSS was within the manufacturer's specifications for the majority of the tested conditions and operated safely when challenged under varying conditions.

Prognostic significance of Glasgow prognostic score in patients undergoing esophagectomy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

PubMed

Feng, Ji-Feng; Zhao, Qiang; Chen, Qi-Xun

2014-01-01

Recent studies have revealed that Glasgow prognostic score (GPS), an inflammation-based prognostic score, is inversely related to prognosis in a variety of cancers; high levels of GPS is associated with poor prognosis. However, few studies regarding GPS in esophageal cancer (EC) are available. The aim of this study was to determine whether the GPS is useful for predicting cancer-specific survival (CSS) of patients for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The GPS was calculated on the basis of admission data as follows: Patients with elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) level (>10 mg/L) and hypoalbuminemia (<35 g/L) were assigned to GPS2. Patients with one or no abnormal value were assigned to GPS1 or GPS0, respectively. Our study showed that GPS was associated with tumor size, depth of invasion, and nodal metastasis (P<0.001). In addition, there was a negative correlation between the serum CRP and albumin (r=-0.412, P<0.001). The 5-year CSS in patients with GPS0, GPS1, and GPS2 were 60.8%, 34.7% and 10.7%, respectively (P<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that GPS was a significant predictor of CSS. GPS1-2 had a hazard ratio (HR) of 2.399 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.805-3.190] for 1-year CSS (P<0.001) and 1.907 (95% CI: 1.608-2.262) for 5-year CSS (P<0.001). High levels of GPS is associated with tumor progression. GPS can be considered as an independent prognostic factor in patients who underwent esophagectomy for ESCC.

Advanced Cutting Effect System versus Cold Steel Scalpel: Comparative Wound Healing and Scar Formation in Targeted Surgical Applications.

PubMed

Lee, Brian J; Marks, Malcolm; Smith, Dell P; Hodges-Savola, Cheryl A; Mischke, Jennifer M; Lewis, Ryan D

2014-10-01

Use of electrosurgery for skin incisions has been controversial due to concerns of delayed healing, excessive scarring, and increased infection. Recent studies using modern electrosurgical generators that produce pure sinusoidal "CUT" waveforms have shown reductions in thermal damage along incisions made with these devices compared with their predecessors. This study compares scar formation in incisions made using a cold steel scalpel (CSS) or the ACE Blade and Mega Power Generator (ACE system, Megadyne Medical Products, Draper, Utah) from patient and blinded observer perspectives. Subjects seeking plastic surgery were enrolled in the study. Incisions on one side of each subject's body were made with a CSS while equivalent incisions on the contralateral side were made with the ACE system. Differences between incision methods were evaluated by assessment of scar formation by observers and assessment of patient satisfaction relating to scar formation at 120 days postsurgery. Observers rated incision vascularization, pigmentation, thickness, and relief. The mean observer score (± SD) of incisions made with the ACE system was 11.1 ± 4.4 while that of incisions made with the CSS was 10.8 ± 3.7 (P < 0.0001). Patients rated incision pain, itching, discoloration, stiffness, thickness, and irregularity. The mean patient score of incisions made with the ACE system was 9.4 ± 9.2 while that of incisions made with the CSS was 9.3 ± 8.5 (P < 0.0001). Results showed noninferior wound healing/scar formation in skin incisions made with the ACE system compared with incisions made with a CSS.

Clinical and laboratory characteristics of 19 patients with Churg-Strauss syndrome from a single South Australian centre.

PubMed

Whyte, A F; Smith, W B; Sinkar, S N; Kette, F E; Hissaria, P

2013-07-01

Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a rare, idiopathic systemic vasculitis. There is emerging evidence of an association between the presence or absence of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) and clinical phenotype. Thromboembolism is an increasingly recognised complication of the disease. Given the paucity of Australian data, the aim of this study was to examine the clinical and laboratory features of CSS in a single Australian centre. We performed a retrospective review of all patients who fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology classification criteria for CSS managed at the Department of Immunology, Royal Adelaide Hospital between 2002 and 2008. Nineteen patients were included. All patients had asthma and most had upper airway involvement. Peripheral nerve, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal and cutaneous involvement was common. Renal and cardiac involvement was uncommon in this series. Histological confirmation was obtained in 15 patients (78.9%). Ten patients (52.6%) were ANCA+, and these were more likely to have musculoskeletal involvement, such as arthralgia or myalgia (odds ratio 57, P = 0.005). Thrombosis was a feature at diagnosis in six patients (31.6%); two of these recurred with relapse. Sixteen patients (84.2%) were followed up; five died, and mean survival was 8.9 years. This is the first Australian study to focus on CSS. Our results demonstrate similar presentation and prognosis of CSS to previous descriptions; however, we noted that musculoskeletal involvement was more common in ANCA+ patients. In our series, thrombosis was a significant complication and we suggest that thromboprophylaxis may be warranted. © 2013 The Authors; Internal Medicine Journal © 2013 Royal Australasian College of Physicians.

Problem-focused coping and self-efficacy as correlates of quality of life and severity of fibromyalgia in primary fibromyalgia patients.

PubMed

Alok, Ragini; Das, Siddharth Kumar; Agarwal, Girdhar Gopal; Tiwari, Sarvada Chand; Salwahan, Latika; Srivastava, Ragini

2014-09-01

Patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) often experience problems such as poor quality of life (QoL), loss of self-efficacy (SE), inappropriate coping behavior, and chronic widespread pain along with other symptoms. Recent studies have indicated that sense of SE and effective coping strategies (CSs) are the crux on which the management of chronic pain and enrichment of QoL of FMS patients depend. Realizing the importance of this subject for the rehabilitation of the people with FMS, this study aimed at analyzing the correlation between severity of FMS, and QoL, SE, and CSs among the patients of FMS. One hundred patients with fibromyalgia (FM) and 100 control subjects were studied. Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire-Revised, Quality of Life Scale, Arthritis Self-efficacy Scale, and COPE Scales for CSs were administered to both the groups. Significantly lower SE, poor QoL, and less use of CSs were reported by FM patients (P < 0.01) vis-à-vis healthy people. Problem-focused coping (r = 0.27, P < 0.01) and SE (r = 0.20, P < 0.05) were found to be significantly and positively associated with QoL. Components of Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire-Revised, namely, pain, function, and symptoms, were found to be significantly and negatively associated with problem-focused coping (P < 0.05), SE (P < 0.01), and QoL (P < 0.01). This study confirms that problem-focused CSs and SE are important correlates of QoL and severity of FM in Indian as well as other populations.

The Formation of Implicit and Explicit Attitudes for Neutral and Valenced Stimuli Using the Self

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Perugini, Marco; Richetin, Juliette; Zogmaister, Cristina

2012-01-01

In Evaluative Conditioning (EC) studies, novel Conditioned Stimuli (CSs) are usually selected so to be neutral. However, in real life, because of the tendency of humans to evaluate novel stimuli automatically, novel CSs are very often initially valenced. From the literature little is known on whether EC can be successful under these conditions. In…

Performance of dairy cows fed conventional sorghum or corn silages compared to brown midrib sorghum silage: a meta-analysis

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A meta-analysis was conducted to compare the effects of feeding dairy cows conventional sorghum (CSS) or corn silages (CCS) vs. brown midrib sorghum silage (BMRSS) on dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield, and milk composition. Data from nine published articles (1984-2015) were used to contrast CSS (7...

User's Manual for the Database of Sources of Environmental Releases of Dioxin-Like Compounds in the U.S.: Reference Years 1987 and 1995

EPA Science Inventory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shaffer, David; Scott, Michelle; Wilcox, Holly; MasLow, Carey; Hicks, Roger; Lucas, Christopher P.; Garfinkel, Robin; Greenwald, Steven

2004-01-01

Objective: This study reports on the psychometric properties of a brief, self-administered screening questionnaire, the Columbia SuicideScreen[R] (CSS), intended to identify high school students at risk for suicide. Method: Seventeen hundred twenty-nine 9th- to 12th-grade students completed the CSS and Beck Depression Inventory during school hours…