Use of platelet rich plasma for the treatment of bicipital tendinopathy in spinal cord injury:: a pilot study.

PubMed

Ibrahim, Victor M; Groah, Suzanne L; Libin, Alexander; Ljungberg, Inger H

2012-01-01

The purpose of study is to explore the efficacy and safety of platelet rich plasma (PRP) in the nonoperative management of shoulder tendinopathy amongst individuals with spinal cord injury. This objective was met by completing a pilot study on the effectiveness and safety of a PRP injection into the biceps tendon demonstrating clinical and ultrasonagraphic pathology. Recent analysis of the preliminary pilot data has demonstrated remarkably convincing results demonstrating both the safety and efficacy of this novel intervention.

Variability in University Students' Use of Technology: An "Approaches to Learning" Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mimirinis, Mike

2016-01-01

This study reports the results of a cross-case study analysis of how students' approaches to learning are demonstrated in blended learning environments. It was initially propositioned that approaches to learning as key determinants of the quality of student learning outcomes are demonstrated specifically in how students utilise technology in…

USFWS demonstration fees

USGS Publications Warehouse

Taylor, Jonathan; Vaske, Jerry; Donnelly, Maureen; Shelby, Lori

2002-01-01

This study examined National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) visitors' reactions to changes in fees implemented as part of the fee demonstration program. Visitors' evaluations of the fees paid were examined in addition to their beliefs about fees and the fee demonstration program, and the impact of fees paid on their intention to return. All results were analyzed relative to socio-demographic characteristics.

DEMONSTRATION OF FUEL CELLS TO RECOVER ENERGY FROM LANDFILL GAS - PHASE III. DEMONSTRATION TESTS - PHASE IV. GUIDELINES AND RECOMMENDATIONS- VOLUME 1. TECHNICAL REPORT

EPA Science Inventory

The report summarizes the results of a four-phase program to demonstrate that fuel cell energy recovery using a commercial phosphoric acid fuel cell is both environmentally sound and commercially feasible. Phase I, a conceptual design and evaluation study, addressed the technical...

Political Protest in Times of Crisis. Construction of New Frames of Diagnosis and Emotional Climate.

PubMed

Sabucedo, José-Manuel; Barreto, Idaly; Seoane, Gloria; Alzate, Mónica; Gómez-Román, Cristina; Vilas, Xiana

2017-01-01

In times of crisis, political mobilizations increase. Many of them compete to impose a determined diagnosis of the situation. This work analyses this issue, taking into consideration two of the movements that have had a greater incidence during the crisis in Spain: The Catalonian National Assembly and the Marches for dignity. The objective is to know how the categories of aggrieved ingroup and outgroup responsible were identified and how both these movements defined the emotional climate at that moment. This work includes two studies. In the first one, an analysis of the categories identified in the manifestos published by these two movements was carried out. The results show that the Marches for dignity constructed a more inclusive ingroup identity and show a more negative emotional climate than the Catalonian National Assembly. The second study includes a sample of 919 participants and non-participants in 2 demonstrations called by those organizations. In this case MANOVAs of 2 (Type of demonstration: Catalonian National Assembly, Marches for dignity) × 2 (Type of participants: participants, non-participants) were performed. Results show that participants in both demonstrations have a higher level of injustice than non-demonstrators. Furthermore, demonstrators in Marches for dignity have a more negative perception of emotional climate than non-demonstrators. However, and contrary to the hypothesis, demonstrators of the Catalonian National Assembly have a more positive perception of emotional climate than non-demonstrators. The work explains these results in the socio-political context in which each of these movements acts and highlights the relevance of comparative investigation designs to further the knowledge of political mobilization dynamics.

Power subsystem automation study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tietz, J. C.; Sewy, D.; Pickering, C.; Sauers, R.

1984-01-01

The purpose of the phase 2 of the power subsystem automation study was to demonstrate the feasibility of using computer software to manage an aspect of the electrical power subsystem on a space station. The state of the art in expert systems software was investigated in this study. This effort resulted in the demonstration of prototype expert system software for managing one aspect of a simulated space station power subsystem.

Expanding the Evidence Base: Comparing Randomized Controlled Trials and Observational Studies of Statins.

PubMed

Atar, Dan; Ong, Seleen; Lansberg, Peter J

2015-01-01

It is widely accepted that randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are the gold standard for demonstrating the efficacy of a given therapy (results under ideal conditions). Observational studies, on the other hand, can complement this by demonstrating effectiveness (results under real-world conditions). To examine the role that observational studies can play in complementing data from RCTs, we reviewed published studies for statins, a class of drugs that have been widely used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular (CV) events by lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. RCTs have consistently demonstrated the benefits of statin treatment in terms of CV risk reduction and have demonstrated that more intensive statin therapy has incremental benefits over less intensive treatment. Observational studies of statin use in 'real-world' populations have served to augment the evidence base generated from statin RCTs in preselected populations of patients who are often at high CV risk and have led to similar safety and efficacy findings. They have also raised questions about factors affecting medication adherence, under-treatment, switching between statins, and failure to reach low-density lipoprotein cholesterol target levels, questions for which the answers could lead to improved patient care.

Freezing Behavior as a Response to Sexual Visual Stimuli as Demonstrated by Posturography

PubMed Central

Mouras, Harold; Lelard, Thierry; Ahmaidi, Said; Godefroy, Olivier; Krystkowiak, Pierre

2015-01-01

Posturographic changes in motivational conditions remain largely unexplored in the context of embodied cognition. Over the last decade, sexual motivation has been used as a good canonical working model to study motivated social interactions. The objective of this study was to explore posturographic variations in response to visual sexual videos as compared to neutral videos. Our results support demonstration of a freezing-type response in response to sexually explicit stimuli compared to other conditions, as demonstrated by significantly decreased standard deviations for (i) the center of pressure displacement along the mediolateral and anteroposterior axes and (ii) center of pressure’s displacement surface. These results support the complexity of the motor correlates of sexual motivation considered to be a canonical functional context to study the motor correlates of motivated social interactions. PMID:25992571

Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Patients With Tinnitus: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.

PubMed

Wang, Tang-Chuan; Tyler, Richard S; Chang, Ta-Yuan; Chen, Jui-Cheng; Lin, Chia-Der; Chung, Hsiung-Kwang; Tsou, Yung-An

2018-02-01

Subjective tinnitus is a phantom sensation experienced without any external source of sound that profoundly impacts the quality of life. Some investigations have claimed that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) reduces tinnitus, but studies on tDCS have demonstrated variable results. This meta-analysis aimed to examine the effect of tDCS on patients with tinnitus. We searched for articles published through January 5, 2016, in Medline, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Google Scholar using the following keywords: tinnitus, transcranial direct current stimulation, and tDCS. The study outcomes were change in magnitude estimates of loudness (loudness), tinnitus-related distress (distress), and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI). Pooled results demonstrated that tDCS did not have a beneficial effect on loudness (pooled standardized difference in means = 0.674, 95% CI, -0.089 to 1.437, P = .083). Further, the pooled results demonstrated a greater reduction in distress for the tDCS group (pooled standardized difference in means = 0.634, 95% CI, 0.021-1.247, P = .043). We conclude that the pooled results demonstrated a greater reduction in distress for groups treated with tDCS as compared with those administered a sham treatment.

[Prevention of circulatory system diseases in underground mining workers].

PubMed

Vlasova, E M; Alexeyev, M B; Shliapnikov, D M; Nosov, A E; Barannikov, V G

2015-01-01

The article covers results of preventive measures in workers engaged into underground mining. Those measures are aimed to prevent occupationally mediated health disorders resulting in circulatory diseases. The prophylaxis was proven effective on premorbid condition--that was demonstrated in reliable decrease of cause-effect relationship intensity for health disorders in workers subjected to prophylactic measures. Transitory disablement morbidity due to cicrulatory system diseases decreased. Situational modelling of risk changes for the studied group demonstrated changes of diseases risk under medical prophylactic measures. After the prophylaxis, the risk demonstrated 3.1 times decrease.

Finding the faithless: perceived atheist prevalence reduces anti-atheist prejudice.

PubMed

Gervais, Will M

2011-04-01

Although prejudice is typically positively related to relative outgroup size, four studies found converging evidence that perceived atheist prevalence reduces anti-atheist prejudice. Study 1 demonstrated that anti-atheist prejudice among religious believers is reduced in countries in which atheists are especially prevalent. Study 2 demonstrated that perceived atheist prevalence is negatively associated with anti-atheist prejudice. Study 3 demonstrated a causal relationship: Reminders of atheist prevalence reduced explicit distrust of atheists. These results appeared distinct from intergroup contact effects. Study 4 demonstrated that prevalence information decreased implicit atheist distrust. The latter two experiments provide the first evidence that mere prevalence information can reduce prejudice against any outgroup. These findings offer insights about anti-atheist prejudice, a poorly understood phenomenon. Furthermore, they suggest both novel directions for future prejudice research and potential interventions that could reduce a variety of prejudices.

In vitro and in vivo expression of interleukin-1alpha and tumor necrosis factor-alpha mRNA in pemphigus vulgaris: interleukin-1alpha and tumor necrosis factor-alpha are involved in acantholysis.

PubMed

Feliciani, C; Toto, P; Amerio, P; Pour, S M; Coscione, G; Shivji, G; Wang, B; Sauder, D N

2000-01-01

Keratinocyte-derived cytokines have been implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of skin diseases. In this study we examined the possible role of keratinocyte-derived cytokines in the development of acantholysis in pemphigus vulgaris. Nineteen patients with pemphigus vulgaris, demonstrating the characteristic clinical, pathologic, and immunopathologic findings were studied. In situ immunolabeling demonstrated the presence of two cytokines interleukin-1alpha and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, in lesional and perilesional areas. Results were confirmed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, demonstrating overexpression of both cytokines in vivo. To study the role of these cytokines in the pathogenesis of pemphigus vulgaris both in vitro and in vivo studies were performed. The results of the in vitro study demonstrated that pemphigus vulgaris IgG induced interleukin-1alpha and tumor necrosis factor-alpha mRNA in the skin. The potential pathogenic role of these mediators was demonstrated by a blocking study using antibodies against human interleukin-1alpha and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in keratinocytes cultures. A combination of anti-interleukin-1alpha and anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha antibodies inhibited in vitro pemphigus vulgaris IgG induced acantholysis. To confirm the role of interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in pemphigus, we utilized passive transfer studies using interleukin-1 deficient mice (ICE-/-, interleukin-1beta-/-) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha receptor deficient mice (TNFR1R2-/-). Both groups demonstrated a decreased susceptibility to the passive transfer of pemphigus. Our data support the role of cytokines interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in the pathogenesis of pemphigus vulgaris.

Definition of avionics concepts for a heavy lift cargo vehicle, appendix A

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1989-01-01

The major objective of the study task was to define a cost effective, multiuser simulation, test, and demonstration facility to support the development of avionics systems for future space vehicles. This volume provides the results of the main simulation processor selection study and describes some proof-of-concept demonstrations for the avionics test bed facility.

THE ENGLISH PROGRAM OF THE USOE CURRICULUM STUDY AND DEMONSTRATION CENTER MATERIALS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

1967

AFTER FIVE YEARS OF FEDERALLY-SUPPORTED CURRICULUM RESEARCH IN ENGLISH, 14 STUDY CENTERS AND FIVE DEMONSTRATION CENTERS ARE NOW MAKING THE RESULTS OF THEIR WORK AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC. THIS PAMPHLET LISTS TITLES OF REPORTS AND INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS PREPARED BY THE FOLLOWING CENTERS--(1) CARNEGIE-MELLON UNIVERSITY, (2) TEACHERS COLLEGE, COLUMBIA…

Development and demonstration of marketing techniques for establishment of ride-sharing corporations in New York State. Final report

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

Peters, E.W.

1987-10-01

Convincing commuters to join car or vanpools can be a challenging task. Through the Energy Authority project, two guides were produced to assist in establishing ride-sharing corporations and in marketing ride-sharing services in New York State. The first guide explains how to set up a ride-sharing corporation; the second guide, developed following the completion of a Commuter Behavior Study and a six-month demonstration, discusses marketing ride-share services. The Commuter Behavior Study centered on an 18-page questionnaire mailed to 6,000 households in Long Island and upstate New York. The study's findings were incorporated into a marketing plan followed by the contractor,more » Island Rides, a Long Island-based ridesharing corporation, during a six-month demonstration project. By using the promotional techniques identified in the study, Island Rides experienced a 68% increase in ride-sharing applications during this successful demonstration. The results of both the study and the demonstration are presented in the report.« less

Germline MLH1 Mutations Are Frequently Identified in Lynch Syndrome Patients With Colorectal and Endometrial Carcinoma Demonstrating Isolated Loss of PMS2 Immunohistochemical Expression.

PubMed

Dudley, Beth; Brand, Randall E; Thull, Darcy; Bahary, Nathan; Nikiforova, Marina N; Pai, Reetesh K

2015-08-01

Current guidelines on germline mutation testing for patients suspected of having Lynch syndrome are not entirely clear in patients with tumors demonstrating isolated loss of PMS2 immunohistochemical expression. We analyzed the clinical and pathologic features of patients with tumors demonstrating isolated loss of PMS2 expression in an attempt to (1) determine the frequency of germline MLH1 and PMS2 mutations and (2) correlate mismatch-repair protein immunohistochemistry and tumor histology with germline mutation results. A total of 3213 consecutive colorectal carcinomas and 215 consecutive endometrial carcinomas were prospectively analyzed for DNA mismatch-repair protein expression by immunohistochemistry. In total, 32 tumors from 31 patients demonstrated isolated loss of PMS2 immunohistochemical expression, including 16 colorectal carcinomas and 16 endometrial carcinomas. Microsatellite instability (MSI) polymerase chain reaction was performed in 29 tumors from 28 patients with the following results: 28 tumors demonstrated high-level MSI, and 1 tumor demonstrated low-level MSI. Twenty of 31 (65%) patients in the study group had tumors demonstrating histopathology associated with high-level MSI. Seventeen patients underwent germline mutation analysis with the following results: 24% with MLH1 mutations, 35% with PMS2 mutations, 12% with PMS2 variants of undetermined significance, and 29% with no mutations in either MLH1 or PMS2. Three of the 4 patients with MLH1 germline mutations had a mutation that results in decreased stability and quantity of the MLH1 protein that compromises the MLH1-PMS2 protein complex, helping to explain the presence of immunogenic but functionally inactive MLH1 protein within the tumor. The high frequency of MLH1 germline mutations identified in our study has important implications for testing strategies in patients suspected of having Lynch syndrome and indicates that patients with tumors demonstrating isolated loss of PMS2 expression without a germline PMS2 mutation must have MLH1 mutation analysis performed.

The Relationship between N-Back Performance and Matrix Reasoning--Implications for Training and Transfer

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jaeggi, Susanne M.; Studer-Luethi, Barbara; Buschkuehl, Martin; Su, Yi-Fen; Jonides, John; Perrig, Walter J.

2010-01-01

We have previously demonstrated that training on a dual n-back task results in improvements in fluid intelligence ("Gf") as measured by matrix reasoning tasks. Here, we explored the underlying mechanisms of this transfer effect in two studies, and we evaluated the transfer potential of a single n-back task. In the first study, we demonstrated that…

Seeing Green: Mere Exposure to Money Triggers a Business Decision Frame and Unethical Outcomes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kouchaki, Maryam; Smith-Crowe, Kristin; Brief, Arthur P.; Sousa, Carlos

2013-01-01

Can mere exposure to money corrupt? In four studies, we examined the likelihood of unethical outcomes when the construct of money was activated through the use of priming techniques. The results of Study 1 demonstrated that individuals primed with money were more likely to demonstrate unethical intentions than those in the control group. In Study…

North Carolina State Supported Early Childhood Demonstration Centers' First Annual Evaluation 1969-70.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Learning Inst. of North Carolina, Durham.

The results of an evaluative study made of the 1969-70 North Carolina statewide kindergarten program for five-year-olds are presented. The subjects of the study were 317 children in eight early childhood demonstration centers (Experimental Group) and 52 children who did not attend kindergarten (Control Group). A pre-post test evaluation design was…

Cancer-preventive activities of tocopherols and tocotrienols.

PubMed

Ju, Jihyeung; Picinich, Sonia C; Yang, Zhihong; Zhao, Yang; Suh, Nanjoo; Kong, Ah-Ng; Yang, Chung S

2010-04-01

The cancer-preventive activity of vitamin E has been studied. Whereas some epidemiological studies have suggested a protective effect of vitamin E against cancer formation, many large-scale intervention studies with alpha-tocopherol (usually large doses) have not demonstrated a cancer-preventive effect. Studies on alpha-tocopherol in animal models also have not demonstrated robust cancer prevention effects. One possible explanation for the lack of demonstrable cancer-preventive effects is that high doses of alpha-tocopherol decrease the blood and tissue levels of delta-tocopherols. It has been suggested that gamma-tocopherol, due to its strong anti-inflammatory and other activities, may be the more effective form of vitamin E in cancer prevention. Our recent results have demonstrated that a gamma-tocopherol-rich mixture of tocopherols inhibits colon, prostate, mammary and lung tumorigenesis in animal models, suggesting that this mixture may have a high potential for applications in the prevention of human cancer. In this review, we discuss biochemical properties of tocopherols, results of possible cancer-preventive effects in humans and animal models and possible mechanisms involved in the inhibition of carcinogenesis. Based on this information, we propose that a gamma-tocopherol-rich mixture of tocopherols is a very promising cancer-preventive agent and warrants extensive future research.

Political Protest in Times of Crisis. Construction of New Frames of Diagnosis and Emotional Climate

PubMed Central

Sabucedo, José-Manuel; Barreto, Idaly; Seoane, Gloria; Alzate, Mónica; Gómez-Román, Cristina; Vilas, Xiana

2017-01-01

In times of crisis, political mobilizations increase. Many of them compete to impose a determined diagnosis of the situation. This work analyses this issue, taking into consideration two of the movements that have had a greater incidence during the crisis in Spain: The Catalonian National Assembly and the Marches for dignity. The objective is to know how the categories of aggrieved ingroup and outgroup responsible were identified and how both these movements defined the emotional climate at that moment. This work includes two studies. In the first one, an analysis of the categories identified in the manifestos published by these two movements was carried out. The results show that the Marches for dignity constructed a more inclusive ingroup identity and show a more negative emotional climate than the Catalonian National Assembly. The second study includes a sample of 919 participants and non-participants in 2 demonstrations called by those organizations. In this case MANOVAs of 2 (Type of demonstration: Catalonian National Assembly, Marches for dignity) × 2 (Type of participants: participants, non-participants) were performed. Results show that participants in both demonstrations have a higher level of injustice than non-demonstrators. Furthermore, demonstrators in Marches for dignity have a more negative perception of emotional climate than non-demonstrators. However, and contrary to the hypothesis, demonstrators of the Catalonian National Assembly have a more positive perception of emotional climate than non-demonstrators. The work explains these results in the socio-political context in which each of these movements acts and highlights the relevance of comparative investigation designs to further the knowledge of political mobilization dynamics. PMID:28955280

Parametric and experimental analysis using a power flow approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cuschieri, J. M.

1990-01-01

A structural power flow approach for the analysis of structure-borne transmission of vibrations is used to analyze the influence of structural parameters on transmitted power. The parametric analysis is also performed using the Statistical Energy Analysis approach and the results are compared with those obtained using the power flow approach. The advantages of structural power flow analysis are demonstrated by comparing the type of results that are obtained by the two analytical methods. Also, to demonstrate that the power flow results represent a direct physical parameter that can be measured on a typical structure, an experimental study of structural power flow is presented. This experimental study presents results for an L shaped beam for which an available solution was already obtained. Various methods to measure vibrational power flow are compared to study their advantages and disadvantages.

Measuring Subordinate Perceptions of Supervisor Feedback Intentions: Some Unsettling Results.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fedor, Donald B.; And Others

1990-01-01

Two studies were conducted to demonstrate the importance of subordinates' perceptions of superiors' intentions in the feedback process. Study 1 included 49 undergraduates, graduates, or professors; and Study 2 included 220 undergraduates. Results indicate that subordinates make fine distinctions concerning their perceptions of supervisors'…

Enhancement of plaque removal efficacy by tooth brushing with baking soda dentifrices: results of five clinical studies.

PubMed

Putt, Mark S; Milleman, Kimberly R; Ghassemi, Annahita; Vorwerk, Linda M; Hooper, William J; Soparkar, Pramod M; Winston, Anthony E; Proskin, Howard M

2008-01-01

An earlier clinical study demonstrated that brushing with a commercial Arm & Hammer dentifrice containing baking soda physically removed significantly more plaque than brushing with either of two commercial dentifrices which did not contain baking soda. However, little has been done to confirm these results and to compare baking soda-containing dentifrices with more recently commercialized non-baking soda dentifrice formulations. The objective of this study was to compare commercial dentifrices containing 20% to 65% baking soda and commercial dentifrices without baking soda in enhancing plaque removal efficacy of tooth brushing. Five randomized, controlled, blinded, crossover clinical studies were performed among healthy adult volunteers who provided informed consent. After approximately 24 hours without oral hygiene, subjects with sufficient plaque were enrolled in the study phase. Plaque was scored before and after supervised brushing for one minute using the Turesky, et al. modification of the Quigley-Hein Plaque Index at six sites per tooth according to Soparkar's modification as described by Lobene, et al. In each study, wash-out periods with a regular dentifrice not evaluated in the study separated each product treatment. In all studies, every dentifrice exhibited a significant (p < 0.0001) reduction in 24-hour plaque scores. Between-group comparisons of whole mouth plaque scores in all five studies demonstrated that brushing with baking soda dentifrices resulted in statistically greater (p < 0.01) reductions in whole mouth mean plaque scores than brushing with dentifrices that did not contain baking soda. Results on other tooth surfaces, such as facial, lingual, proximal, and gingival surfaces also demonstrated statistically greater (p < 0.05) reductions in mean plaque scores for the baking soda-containing dentifrices as compared to the baking soda-free dentifrices. In three of the studies comparing different levels of baking soda, brushing with dentifrices with higher concentrations of baking soda consistently removed numerically more plaque than those containing lower levels. In one of these three studies, the difference in plaque removal between the baking soda dentifrices reached statistical significance. The results suggest a positive relationship between plaque removal efficiency and baking soda concentration. The collective results from the five controlled clinical studies on over 270 subjects reported in this paper, consistently demonstrate that Arm & Hammer baking soda dentifrices enhanced plaque removal effectiveness of tooth brushing to a significantly greater extent than the non-baking soda dentifrice products.

The effect of science demonstrations as a community service activity on pre-service science teachers' teaching practices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gurel, Derya Kaltakci

2016-03-01

In the scope of this study, pre-service science teachers (PSST) developed and carried out science demonstrations with everyday materials for elementary school students as a community service activity. 17 PSST enrolled in the community services practices course at Kocaeli University comprised the sample of the present study. Community service practices aim to develop consciousness of social responsibility and professional skills, as well as to gain awareness of social and community problems and find solutions for pre-service teachers. With this aim, each PSST developed five science demonstration activities and their brochures during a semester. At the end of the semester, a total of 85 demonstrations were carried out at public elementary schools, which are especially located in socioeconomically poor districts of Kocaeli, Turkey. In the present case study, the effect of developing and carrying out science demonstrations for elementary school students on six of the PSST' teaching practices on density and buoyancy concept was investigated. 30-minute interviews conducted with each PSST, videos recorded during their demonstration performances, brochures they prepared for their demonstration activities, and reflection papers were used as data collection tools of the study. The results showed that community service practices with science demonstrations had positive effects on PSST' science content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge.

The Spatial Power Motivation Scale: a semi-implicit measure of situational power motivation.

PubMed

Schoel, Christiane; Zimmer, Katharina; Stahlberg, Dagmar

2015-01-01

We introduce a new nonverbal and unobtrusive measure to assess power motive activation, the Spatial Power Motivation Scale (SPMS). The unique features of this instrument are that it is (a) very simple and economical, (b) reliable and valid, and (c) sensitive to situational changes. Study 1 demonstrates the instrument's convergent and discriminant validity with explicit measures. Study 2 demonstrates the instrument's responsiveness to situational power motive salience: anticipating and winning competition versus losing competition and watching television. Studies 3 and 4 demonstrate that thoughts of competition result in higher power motivation specifically for individuals with a high dispositional power motive.

Social learning in juvenile lemon sharks, Negaprion brevirostris.

PubMed

Guttridge, Tristan L; van Dijk, Sander; Stamhuis, Eize J; Krause, Jens; Gruber, Samuel H; Brown, Culum

2013-01-01

Social learning is taxonomically widespread and can provide distinct behavioural advantages, such as in finding food or avoiding predators more efficiently. Although extensively studied in bony fishes, no such empirical evidence exists for cartilaginous fishes. Our aim in this study was to experimentally investigate the social learning capabilities of juvenile lemon sharks, Negaprion brevirostris. We designed a novel food task, where sharks were required to enter a start zone and subsequently make physical contact with a target in order to receive a food reward. Naive sharks were then able to interact with and observe (a) pre-trained sharks, that is, 'demonstrators', or (b) sharks with no previous experience, that is, 'sham demonstrators'. On completion, observer sharks were then isolated and tested individually in a similar task. During the exposure phase observers paired with 'demonstrator' sharks performed a greater number of task-related behaviours and made significantly more transitions from the start zone to the target, than observers paired with 'sham demonstrators'. When tested in isolation, observers previously paired with 'demonstrator' sharks completed a greater number of trials and made contact with the target significantly more often than observers previously paired with 'sham demonstrators'. Such experience also tended to result in faster overall task performance. These results indicate that juvenile lemon sharks, like numerous other animals, are capable of using socially derived information to learn about novel features in their environment. The results likely have important implications for behavioural processes, ecotourism and fisheries.

Benefits of a one health approach: An example using Rift Valley fever.

PubMed

Rostal, Melinda K; Ross, Noam; Machalaba, Catherine; Cordel, Claudia; Paweska, Janusz T; Karesh, William B

2018-06-01

One Health has been promoted by international institutions as a framework to improve public health outcomes. Despite strong overall interest in One Health, country-, local- and project-level implementation remains limited, likely due to the lack of pragmatic and tested operational methods for implementation and metrics for evaluation. Here we use Rift Valley fever virus as an example to demonstrate the value of using a One Health approach for both scientific and resources advantages. We demonstrate that coordinated, a priori investigations between One Health sectors can yield higher statistical power to elucidate important public health relationships as compared to siloed investigations and post-hoc analyses. Likewise, we demonstrate that across a project or multi-ministry health study a One Health approach can result in improved resource efficiency, with resultant cost-savings (35% in the presented case). The results of these analyses demonstrate that One Health approaches can be directly and tangibly applied to health investigations.

Executive Functioning, Cortisol Reactivity, and Symptoms of Psychopathology in Girls with Premature Adrenarche

PubMed Central

Sontag-Padilla, Lisa M.; Dorn, Lorah D.; Tissot, Abbigail; Susman, Elizabeth J.; Beers, Sue R.; Rose, Susan R.

2012-01-01

The study examined the interaction between early maturational timing [as measured by premature adrenarche (PA)] and executive functioning and cortisol reactivity on symptoms of psychopathology. The study included 76 girls aged 6 through 8 years (mean = 7.50; SD = .85) with PA (n = 40) and on-time adrenarche (n = 36). Girls completed a battery of psychological and neuropsychological tests and blood sampling for cortisol. Parents completed the Child Behavior Checklist. Results demonstrated that girls with PA with lower levels of executive functioning had higher externalizing and anxious symptoms compared to other girls. Additionally, girls with PA who demonstrated increases in serum cortisol had higher externalizing symptoms than those with stable patterns. Finally, girls with PA who demonstrated decreases in cortisol reported higher depressive symptoms. Findings from this study provide important information concerning the impact of cognitive functioning and stress reactivity on adjustment to early maturation in girls with PA. Results of this research may inform screening and intervention efforts for girls who may be at greatest risk for emotional and behavioral problems as a result of early maturation. PMID:22293005

Comparison ofdvanced turboprop interior noise control ground and flight test data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simpson, Myles A.; Tran, Boi N.

1992-01-01

Interior noise ground tests conducted on a DC-9 aircraft test section are described. The objectives were to study ground test and analysis techniques for evaluating the effectiveness of interior noise control treatments for advanced turboprop aircraft, and to study the sensitivity of the ground test results to changes in various test conditions. Noise and vibration measurements were conducted under simulated advanced turboprop excitation, for two interior noise control treatment configurations. These ground measurement results were compared with results of earlier UHB (Ultra High Bypass) Demonstrator flight sts with comparable interior treatment configurations. The Demonstrator is an MD-80 test aircraft with the left JT8D engine replaced with a prototype UHB advanced turboprop engine.

Comparison ofdvanced turboprop interior noise control ground and flight test data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simpson, Myles A.; Tran, Boi N.

Interior noise ground tests conducted on a DC-9 aircraft test section are described. The objectives were to study ground test and analysis techniques for evaluating the effectiveness of interior noise control treatments for advanced turboprop aircraft, and to study the sensitivity of the ground test results to changes in various test conditions. Noise and vibration measurements were conducted under simulated advanced turboprop excitation, for two interior noise control treatment configurations. These ground measurement results were compared with results of earlier UHB (Ultra High Bypass) Demonstrator flight sts with comparable interior treatment configurations. The Demonstrator is an MD-80 test aircraft with the left JT8D engine replaced with a prototype UHB advanced turboprop engine.

Common Evaluation Tools across Multi-State Programs: A Study of Parenting Education and Youth Engagement Programs in Children, Youth, and Families At-Risk

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Payne, Pamela B.; McDonald, Daniel A.

2015-01-01

Community-based education programs must demonstrate effectiveness to various funding sources. The pilot study reported here (funded by CYFAR, NIFA, USDA award #2008-41520-04810) had the goal of determining if state level programs with varied curriculum could use a common evaluation tool to demonstrate efficacy. Results in parenting and youth…

Enhanced thermoelectric performance of graphene nanoribbon-based devices

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

Hossain, Md Sharafat, E-mail: hossain@student.unimelb.edu.au; Huynh, Duc Hau; Nguyen, Phuong Duc

There have been numerous theoretical studies on exciting thermoelectric properties of graphene nano-ribbons (GNRs); however, most of these studies are mainly based on simulations. In this work, we measure and characterize the thermoelectric properties of GNRs and compare the results with theoretical predictions. Our experimental results verify that nano-structuring and patterning graphene into nano-ribbons significantly enhance its thermoelectric power, confirming previous predictions. Although patterning results in lower conductance (G), the overall power factor (S{sup 2}G) increases for nanoribbons. We demonstrate that edge roughness plays an important role in achieving such an enhanced performance and support it through first principles simulations.more » We show that uncontrolled edge roughness, which is considered detrimental in GNR-based electronic devices, leads to enhanced thermoelectric performance of GNR-based thermoelectric devices. The result validates previously reported theoretical studies of GNRs and demonstrates the potential of GNRs for the realization of highly efficient thermoelectric devices.« less

Emphasizing the process of science using demonstrations in conceptual chemistry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lutz, Courtney A.

The purpose of this project was to teach students a method for employing the process of science in a conceptual chemistry classroom when observing a demonstration of a discrepant event. Students observed six demonstrations throughout a trimester study of chemistry and responded to each demonstration by asking as many questions as they could think of, choosing one testable question to answer by making as many hypotheses as possible, and choosing one hypothesis to make predictions about observed results of this hypothesis when tested. Students were evaluated on their curiosity, confidence, knowledge of the process of science, and knowledge of the nature of science before and after the six demonstrations. Many students showed improvement in using or mastery of the process of science within the context of conceptual chemistry after six intensive experiences with it. Results of the study also showed students gained confidence in their scientific abilities after completing one trimester of conceptual chemistry. Curiosity and knowledge of the nature of science did not show statistically significant improvement according to the assessment tool. This may have been due to the scope of the demonstration and response activities, which focused on the process of science methodology instead of knowledge of the nature of science or the constraints of the assessment tool.

RADON MITIGATION STUDIES: NASHVILLE DEMONSTRATION

EPA Science Inventory

The report gives results of an EPA radon mitigation demonstration project involving 14 houses in the Nashville, TN, area with indoor radon levels of 5.6-47.6 pCi/L, using a variety of techniques, designed to be the most cost effective methods possible to implement, and yet adequa...

A Clinical Feasibility Study of Atrial and Ventricular Electromechanical Wave Imaging

PubMed Central

Provost, Jean; Gambhir, Alok; Vest, John; Garan, Hasan; Konofagou, Elisa E.

2014-01-01

Background Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) and atrial ablation currently lack a noninvasive imaging modality for reliable treatment planning and monitoring. Electromechanical Wave Imaging (EWI) is an ultrasound-based method that has previously been shown to be capable of noninvasively and transmurally mapping the activation sequence of the heart in animal studies by estimating and imaging the electromechanical wave, i.e., the transient strains occurring in response to the electrical activation, at both very high temporal and spatial resolution. Objective Demonstrate the feasibility of noninvasive transthoracic EWI for mapping the activation sequence during different cardiac rhythms in humans. Methods EWI was performed in CRT patients with a left bundle-branch block (LBBB), during sinus rhythm, left-ventricular pacing, and right-ventricular pacing and in atrial flutter (AFL) patients before intervention and correlated with results from invasive intracardiac electrical mapping studies during intervention. Additionally, the feasibility of single-heartbeat EWI at 2000 frames/s, is demonstrated in humans for the first time in a subject with both AFL and right bundle-branch-block. Results The electromechanical activation maps demonstrated the capability of EWI to localize the pacing sites and characterize the LBBB activation sequence transmurally in CRT patients. In AFL patients, the propagation patterns obtained with EWI were in agreement with results obtained from invasive intracardiac mapping studies. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate the potential capability of EWI to aid in monitoring and follow-up of patients undergoing CRT pacing therapy and atrial ablation with preliminary validation in vivo. PMID:23454060

Football gambling three arm-controlled study: gamblers, amateurs and laypersons.

PubMed

Huberfeld, Ronen; Gersner, Roman; Rosenberg, Oded; Kotler, Moshe; Dannon, Pinhas N

2013-01-01

Football (soccer) betting, as a strategic form of betting, became one of the favorite wagers for pathological gamblers. Previous studies demonstrated the psychological and biological significance of the 'illusion of control' (personal control) and 'near miss' results in gambling. In our study, we explored whether knowledge and expertise of pathological sports gamblers can ensure a successful bet. Participants were divided into three groups of individuals - pathological gamblers, amateurs and laypersons - and were asked to predict in advance the general result and the exact result of football matches in the European Champions League Round of 16. The 165 participants included 53 pathological sports gamblers (52 males and 1 female), 78 laypersons (45 females and 33 males) and 34 amateurs (all males). After a thorough statistical analysis, we found no significant differences between the groups, no matter what kind of previous knowledge they had acquired. This study demonstrates that the 'illusion of control' of pathological gamblers, attained by knowledge of the game and its latest data and information (especially in a strategic gamble as football betting), has no factual background. Moreover, our study demonstrates without a doubt that there is no significant difference between the male pathological sports gamblers group and the male/female laypersons group. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Skylab fluid mechanics simulations: Oscillation, rotation, collision and coalescence of water droplets under low-gravity environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vaughan, O. H., Jr.; Hung, R. J.

1975-01-01

Skylab 4 crew members performed a series of demonstrations showing the oscillations, rotations, as well as collision coalescence of water droplets which simulate various physical models of fluids under low gravity environment. The results from Skylab demonstrations provide information and illustrate the potential of an orbiting space-oriented research laboratory for the study of more sophisticated fluid mechanic experiments. Experiments and results are discussed.

Inseparable phone books demonstration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balta, Nuri; Çetin, Ali

2017-05-01

This study is aimed at first introducing a well-known discrepant event; inseparable phone books and second, turning it into an experiment for high school or middle school students. This discrepant event could be used especially to indicate how friction force can be effective in producing an unexpected result. Demonstration, discussion, explanation and experiment steps are presented on how to turn a simple discrepant event into an instructional activity. Results showed the relationships between number of pages and force, as well as between amounts of interleave and force. In addition to these, the mathematical equation for the total force between all interleaved pages is derived. As a conclusion, this study demonstrated that not only can phone books be used, but also ordinary books, to investigate this discrepant event. This experiment can be conducted as an example to show the agreement between theoretical and experimental results along with the confounding variables. This discrepant event can be used to create a cognitive conflict in students’ minds about the concepts of ‘force and motion’ and ‘friction force’.

A possible structural signature of the onset of cooperativity in metallic liquids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dai, R.; Ashcraft, R.; Kelton, K. F.

2018-05-01

It is widely, although not universally, believed that there must be a connection between liquid dynamics and the structure. Previous supporting studies, for example, have demonstrated a link between the structural evolution in the liquid and kinetic fragility. Here, new results are presented that strengthen the evidence for a connection. By combining the results from high-energy synchrotron X-ray scattering studies of containerlessly processed supercooled liquids with viscosity measurements, an accelerated rate of structural ordering beyond the nearest neighbors in the liquid is demonstrated to correlate with the temperature at which the viscosity transitions from Arrhenius to super-Arrhenius behavior. This is the first confirmation of predictions from several recent molecular dynamics studies.

Reply to Rouder (2014): good frequentist properties raise confidence.

PubMed

Sanborn, Adam N; Hills, Thomas T; Dougherty, Michael R; Thomas, Rick P; Yu, Erica C; Sprenger, Amber M

2014-04-01

Established psychological results have been called into question by demonstrations that statistical significance is easy to achieve, even in the absence of an effect. One often-warned-against practice, choosing when to stop the experiment on the basis of the results, is guaranteed to produce significant results. In response to these demonstrations, Bayes factors have been proposed as an antidote to this practice, because they are invariant with respect to how an experiment was stopped. Should researchers only care about the resulting Bayes factor, without concern for how it was produced? Yu, Sprenger, Thomas, and Dougherty (2014) and Sanborn and Hills (2014) demonstrated that Bayes factors are sometimes strongly influenced by the stopping rules used. However, Rouder (2014) has provided a compelling demonstration that despite this influence, the evidence supplied by Bayes factors remains correct. Here we address why the ability to influence Bayes factors should still matter to researchers, despite the correctness of the evidence. We argue that good frequentist properties mean that results will more often agree with researchers' statistical intuitions, and good frequentist properties control the number of studies that will later be refuted. Both help raise confidence in psychological results.

Location of the levator veli palatini insertion following levator retropositioning, palatal pushback, and pharyngeal flap procedures.

PubMed

Mulliken, J B; Giargiana, F A; Claybaugh, G J; Hoopes, J E

1975-07-01

A long-term cineradiographic follow-up study of twenty patients with velo-pharyngeal incompetence fails to demonstrate predictable retrodisplacement of the levator insertion following combined levator retropositioning, pushback, and pharyngeal flap procedures. Simple levator retropositioning gave posterior displacement in the two patients evaluated. Patients with normal or posterior levator insertions pre-operatively all demonstrated post-operative anterior displacement following pharyngeal flap procedures, either alone or in combination with pushback. Anterior levator displacement may be the result of scar contraction or division of the levator sling (during insetting of a pharyngeal flap). Pre-operative and post-operative speech evaluation demonstrated substantial improvement in all except 3 patients; 2 of the poor speech results were patients with demonstrated levator retrodisplacement on post-operative cineradiography.

FIELD DEMONSTRATION OF LEAD-BASED PAINT REMOVAL AND INORGANIC STABILIZATION TECHNOLOGIES

EPA Science Inventory

A study was conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of a wet abrasive blasting technology to remove lead-based paint from exterior wood siding and brock substrates and to stabilize the resultant blasting media (coal slag and mineral sand) paint debris to reduce the leachable l...

Inseparable Phone Books Demonstration

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Balta, Nuri; Çetin, Ali

2017-01-01

This study is aimed at first introducing a well-known discrepant event; inseparable phone books and second, turning it into an experiment for high school or middle school students. This discrepant event could be used especially to indicate how friction force can be effective in producing an unexpected result. Demonstration, discussion, explanation…

Measuring the Academic Impact of Libraries

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Allison, DeeAnn

2015-01-01

University and college libraries often seek ways to demonstrate their impact for the academic community. This article reports the results from a two-year study that analyzed library use as demonstrated through checkouts and off-campus access to full-text resources against grade point averages (GPAs) of undergraduates and graduates at a large…

Recruitment of black women with type 2 diabetes into a self-management intervention trial.

PubMed

Newlin, Kelley; Melkus, Gail D'Eramo; Jefferson, Vanessa; Langerman, Susan; Womack, Julie; Chyun, Deborah

2006-01-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship of recruitment methods to enrollment status in Black women with type 2 diabetes screened for entry into a randomized clinical trial (RCT). Using a cross-sectional study design with convenience sampling procedures, data were collected on recruitment methods to which the women responded (N=236). Results demonstrated that the RCT had a moderate overall recruitment rate of 46% and achieved only 84% of its projected accrual goal (N=109). Chi-square analysis demonstrated that enrollment outcomes varied significantly according to recruitment methods (P=.05). Recruitment methods such as community health fairs (77.8%), private practice referrals (75.0%), participant referrals (61.5%), community clinic referrals (44.6%), community advertising and marketing (40.9%), and chart review (40.4%) demonstrated variable enrollment yields. Results confirm previous findings that indicate that Black Americans may be successfully recruited into research studies at moderate rates when traditional recruitment methods are enhanced and integrated with more culturally sensitive methods. Lessons learned are considered.

Use of Enterococcus faecalis and Bacillus atrophaeus as surrogates to establish and maintain laboratory proficiency for concentration of water samples using ultrafiltration.

PubMed

Mapp, Latisha; Klonicki, Patricia; Takundwa, Prisca; Hill, Vincent R; Schneeberger, Chandra; Knee, Jackie; Raynor, Malik; Hwang, Nina; Chambers, Yildiz; Miller, Kenneth; Pope, Misty

2015-11-01

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Water Laboratory Alliance (WLA) currently uses ultrafiltration (UF) for concentration of biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) agents from large volumes (up to 100-L) of drinking water prior to analysis. Most UF procedures require comprehensive training and practice to achieve and maintain proficiency. As a result, there was a critical need to develop quality control (QC) criteria. Because select agents are difficult to work with and pose a significant safety hazard, QC criteria were developed using surrogates, including Enterococcus faecalis and Bacillus atrophaeus. This article presents the results from the QC criteria development study and results from a subsequent demonstration exercise in which E. faecalis was used to evaluate proficiency using UF to concentrate large volume drinking water samples. Based on preliminary testing EPA Method 1600 and Standard Methods 9218, for E. faecalis and B. atrophaeus respectively, were selected for use during the QC criteria development study. The QC criteria established for Method 1600 were used to assess laboratory performance during the demonstration exercise. Based on the results of the QC criteria study E. faecalis and B. atrophaeus can be used effectively to demonstrate and maintain proficiency using ultrafiltration. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Analysis of interior noise ground and flight test data for advanced turboprop aircraft applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simpson, M. A.; Tran, B. N.

1991-01-01

Interior noise ground tests conducted on a DC-9 aircraft test section are described. The objectives were to study ground test and analysis techniques for evaluating the effectiveness of interior noise control treatments for advanced turboprop aircraft, and to study the sensitivity of the ground test results to changes in various test conditions. Noise and vibration measurements were conducted under simulated advanced turboprop excitation, for two interior noise control treatment configurations. These ground measurement results were compared with results of earlier UHB (Ultra High Bypass) Demonstrator flight tests with comparable interior treatment configurations. The Demonstrator is an MD-80 test aircraft with the left JT8D engine replaced with a prototype UHB advanced turboprop engine.

Analysis of interior noise ground and flight test data for advanced turboprop aircraft applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simpson, M. A.; Tran, B. N.

1991-08-01

Interior noise ground tests conducted on a DC-9 aircraft test section are described. The objectives were to study ground test and analysis techniques for evaluating the effectiveness of interior noise control treatments for advanced turboprop aircraft, and to study the sensitivity of the ground test results to changes in various test conditions. Noise and vibration measurements were conducted under simulated advanced turboprop excitation, for two interior noise control treatment configurations. These ground measurement results were compared with results of earlier UHB (Ultra High Bypass) Demonstrator flight tests with comparable interior treatment configurations. The Demonstrator is an MD-80 test aircraft with the left JT8D engine replaced with a prototype UHB advanced turboprop engine.

Does virtual reality simulation have a role in training trauma and orthopaedic surgeons?

PubMed

Bartlett, J D; Lawrence, J E; Stewart, M E; Nakano, N; Khanduja, V

2018-05-01

Aims The aim of this study was to assess the current evidence relating to the benefits of virtual reality (VR) simulation in orthopaedic surgical training, and to identify areas of future research. Materials and Methods A literature search using the MEDLINE, Embase, and Google Scholar databases was performed. The results' titles, abstracts, and references were examined for relevance. Results A total of 31 articles published between 2004 and 2016 and relating to the objective validity and efficacy of specific virtual reality orthopaedic surgical simulators were identified. We found 18 studies demonstrating the construct validity of 16 different orthopaedic virtual reality simulators by comparing expert and novice performance. Eight studies have demonstrated skill acquisition on a simulator by showing improvements in performance with repeated use. A further five studies have demonstrated measurable improvements in operating theatre performance following a period of virtual reality simulator training. Conclusion The demonstration of 'real-world' benefits from the use of VR simulation in knee and shoulder arthroscopy is promising. However, evidence supporting its utility in other forms of orthopaedic surgery is lacking. Further studies of validity and utility should be combined with robust analyses of the cost efficiency of validated simulators to justify the financial investment required for their use in orthopaedic training. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:559-65.

Hot Melt Extrusion as an Approach to Improve Solubility, Permeability, and Oral Absorption of a Psychoactive Natural Product, Piperine

PubMed Central

Ashour, Eman A.; Majumdar, Soumyajit; Alsheteli, Abdulla; Alshehri, Sultan; Alsulays, Bader; Feng, Xin; Gryczke, Andreas; Kolter, Karl; Langley, Nigel; Repka, Michael A.

2016-01-01

Objective The aims of the current research project were to investigate the efficiency of various polymers to enhance the solubility and increase the systemic absorption of piperine using hot melt extrusion technology. Methods Piperine 10–40% w/w and Eudragit® EPO/ Kollidon® VA 64 or Soluplus® were mixed and the resulting blends were extruded using a twin-screw extruder (Process 11, Thermo Fisher Scientific). Drug release profiles and piperine solubility studies of the extrudates were evaluated. A non-everted intestinal sac was employed for the most promising formulation, 10% w/w piperine/Soluplus®, and pure piperine to study the permeability characteristics. Key Findings Dissolution studies demonstrated enhancement in piperine percent release of 10% and 20% w/w piperine/Soluplus® extrudates up to 95% and 74%, respectively. The solubility of 10% and 20% piperine/Soluplus® increased more than 160- and 45-fold in water, respectively. Furthermore, permeability studies demonstrated the enhancement in piperine absorption of 10% w/w piperine/Soluplus® extrudates up to 158.9 μg/5mL compared to pure piperine at 1.3 μg/5mL within 20 minutes. Conclusion These results demonstrated that increasing the bioavailability of piperine may be achieved as demonstrated by findings in this study. PMID:27283755

Predicting response to physiotherapy treatment for musculoskeletal shoulder pain: a systematic review

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background People suffering from musculoskeletal shoulder pain are frequently referred to physiotherapy. Physiotherapy generally involves a multimodal approach to management that may include; exercise, manual therapy and techniques to reduce pain. At present it is not possible to predict which patients will respond positively to physiotherapy treatment. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify which prognostic factors are associated with the outcome of physiotherapy in the management of musculoskeletal shoulder pain. Methods A comprehensive search was undertaken of Ovid Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL and AMED (from inception to January 2013). Prospective studies of participants with shoulder pain receiving physiotherapy which investigated the association between baseline prognostic factors and change in pain and function over time were included. Study selection, data extraction and appraisal of study quality were undertaken by two independent assessors. Quality criteria were selected from previously published guidelines to form a checklist of 24 items. The study protocol was prospectively registered onto the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews. Results A total of 5023 titles were retrieved and screened for eligibility, 154 articles were assessed as full text and 16 met the inclusion criteria: 11 cohort studies, 3 randomised controlled trials and 2 controlled trials. Results were presented for the 9 studies meeting 13 or more of the 24 quality criteria. Clinical and statistical heterogeneity resulted in qualitative synthesis rather than meta-analysis. Three studies demonstrated that high functional disability at baseline was associated with poor functional outcome (p ≤ 0.05). Four studies demonstrated a significant association (p ≤ 0.05) between longer duration of shoulder pain and poorer outcome. Three studies, demonstrated a significant association (p ≤ 0.05) between increasing age and poorer function; three studies demonstrated no association (p > 0.05). Conclusion Associations between prognostic factors and outcome were often inconsistent between studies. This may be due to clinical heterogeneity or type II errors. Only two baseline prognostic factors demonstrated a consistent association with outcome in two or more studies; duration of shoulder pain and baseline function. Prior to developing a predictive model for the outcome of physiotherapy treatment for shoulder pain, a large adequately powered prospective cohort study is required in which a broad range of prognostic factors are incorporated. PMID:23834747

Dual-tracer background subtraction approach for fluorescent molecular tomography

PubMed Central

Holt, Robert W.; El-Ghussein, Fadi; Davis, Scott C.; Samkoe, Kimberley S.; Gunn, Jason R.; Leblond, Frederic

2013-01-01

Abstract. Diffuse fluorescence tomography requires high contrast-to-background ratios to accurately reconstruct inclusions of interest. This is a problem when imaging the uptake of fluorescently labeled molecularly targeted tracers in tissue, which can result in high levels of heterogeneously distributed background uptake. We present a dual-tracer background subtraction approach, wherein signal from the uptake of an untargeted tracer is subtracted from targeted tracer signal prior to image reconstruction, resulting in maps of targeted tracer binding. The approach is demonstrated in simulations, a phantom study, and in a mouse glioma imaging study, demonstrating substantial improvement over conventional and homogenous background subtraction image reconstruction approaches. PMID:23292612

The Deaf Acculturation Scale (DAS): Development and Validation of a 58-Item Measure

PubMed Central

Maxwell-McCaw, Deborah; Zea, Maria Cecilia

2011-01-01

This study involved the development and validation of the Deaf Acculturation Scale (DAS), a new measure of cultural identity for Deaf and hard-of-hearing (hh) populations. Data for this study were collected online and involved a nation-wide sample of 3,070 deaf/hh individuals. Results indicated strong internal reliabilities for all the subscales, and construct validity was established by demonstrating that the DAS could discriminate groups based on parental hearing status, school background, and use of self-labels. Construct validity was further demonstrated through factorial analyses, and findings resulted in a final 58-item measure. Directions for future research are discussed. PMID:21263041

The effects of laughter on post-prandial glucose levels and gene expression in type 2 diabetic patients.

PubMed

Hayashi, Takashi; Murakami, Kazuo

2009-07-31

This report mainly summarizes the results of our study in which the physiological effects of laughter--as a positive emotional expression--were analyzed with respect to gene expression changes to demonstrate the hypothesis that the mind and genes mutually influence each other. We observed that laughter suppressed 2-h postprandial blood glucose level increase in patients with type 2 diabetes and analyzed gene expression changes. Some genes showed specific changes in their expression. In addition, we revealed that laughter decreased the levels of prorenin in blood; prorenin is involved in the onset of diabetic complications. Further, laughter normalized the expression of the prorenin receptor gene on peripheral blood leukocytes, which had been reduced in diabetic patients; this demonstrated that the inhibitory effects of laughter on the onset/deterioration of diabetic complications at the gene-expression level. In a subsequent study, we demonstrated the effects of laughter by discriminating 14 genes, related to natural killer (NK) cell activity, to exhibit continuous increases in expression as a result of laughter. Our results supported NK cell-mediated improvement in glucose tolerance at the gene-expression level. In this report, we also review other previous studies on laughter.

The direct liquefaction proof of concept program

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

Comolli, A.G.; Lee, L.K.; Pradhan, V.R.

1995-12-31

The goal of the Proof of Concept (POC) Program is to develop Direct Coal Liquefaction and associated transitional technologies towards commercial readiness for economically producing premium liquid fuels from coal in an environmentally acceptable manner. The program focuses on developing the two-stage liquefaction (TSL) process by utilizing geographically strategic feedstocks, commercially feasible catalysts, new prototype equipment, and testing co-processing or alternate feedstocks and improved process configurations. Other high priority objectives include dispersed catalyst studies, demonstrating low rank coal liquefaction without solids deposition, improving distillate yields on a unit reactor volume basis, demonstrating ebullated bed operations while obtaining scale-up data, demonstratingmore » optimum catalyst consumption using new concepts (e.g. regeneration, cascading), producing premium products through on-line hydrotreating, demonstrating improved hydrogen utilization for low rank coals using novel heteroatom removal methods, defining and demonstrating two-stage product properties for upgrading; demonstrating efficient and economic solid separation methods, examining the merits of integrated coal cleaning, demonstrating co-processing, studying interactions between the preheater and first and second-stage reactors, improving process operability by testing and incorporating advanced equipment and instrumentation, and demonstrating operation with alternate coal feedstocks. During the past two years major PDU Proof of Concept runs were completed. POC-1 with Illinois No. 6 coal and POC-2 with Black Thunder sub-bituminous coal. Results from these operations are continuing under review and the products are being further refined and upgraded. This paper will update the results from these operations and discuss future plans for the POC program.« less

Preparation, characterization, and in vitro anti-inflammatory evaluation of novel water soluble kamebakaurin/hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raza, Aun; Sun, Huifang; Bano, Shumaila; Zhao, Yingying; Xu, Xiuquan; Tang, Jian

2017-02-01

To enhance the aqueous solubility of kamebakaurin (KA), it was complexed with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD). In this study, the interaction KA with HP-β-CD and their inclusion complex behavior were determined by different characterization techniques such as UV-vis, 1H NMR, FT-IR, PXRD and SEM. All the characterization information proved the development of inclusion complex KA/HP-β-CD, and this inclusion complex demonstrated discriminable spectroscopic characteristics and properties from free compound KA. The results demonstrated that the water solubility of KA was remarkably increased in the presence of HP-β-CD. Furthermore, in vitro anti-inflammatory study showed that inclusion complex KA/HP-β-CD maintained the anti-inflammatory effect of KA. These results demonstrate that HP-β-CD will be promisingly employed in the application of water-insoluble anti-inflammatory phytochemicals such as KA.

Contamination control and assay results for the Majorana Demonstrator ultra clean components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Christofferson, C. D.; Abgrall, N.; Alvis, S. I.; Arnquist, I. J.; Avignone, F. T.; Barabash, A. S.; Barton, C. J.; Bertrand, F. E.; Bode, T.; Bradley, A. W.; Brudanin, V.; Busch, M.; Buuck, M.; Caldwell, T. S.; Chan, Y.-D.; Chu, P.-H.; Cuesta, C.; Detwiler, J. A.; Dunagan, C.; Efremenko, Yu.; Ejiri, H.; Elliott, S. R.; Gilliss, T.; Giovanetti, G. K.; Green, M. P.; Gruszko, J.; Guinn, I. S.; Guiseppe, V. E.; Haufe, C. R.; Hehn, L.; Henning, R.; Hoppe, E. W.; Howe, M. A.; Keeter, K. J.; Kidd, M. F.; Konovalov, S. I.; Kouzes, R. T.; Lopez, A. M.; Martin, R. D.; Massarczyk, R.; Meijer, S. J.; Mertens, S.; Myslik, J.; O'Shaughnessy, C.; Othman, G.; Poon, A. W. P.; Radford, D. C.; Rager, J.; Reine, A. L.; Rielage, K.; Robertson, R. G. H.; Rouf, N. W.; Shanks, B.; Shirchenko, M.; Suriano, A. M.; Tedeschi, D.; Trimble, J. E.; Varner, R. L.; Vasilyev, S.; Vetter, K.; Vorren, K.; White, B. R.; Wilkerson, J. F.; Wiseman, C.; Xu, W.; Yakushev, E.; Yu, C.-H.; Yumatov, V.; Zhitnikov, I.; Zhu, B. X.

2018-01-01

The Majorana Demonstrator is a neutrinoless double beta decay experiment utilizing enriched Ge-76 detectors in 2 separate modules inside of a common solid shield at the Sanford Underground Research Facility. The Demonstrator has utilized world leading assay sensitivities to develop clean materials and processes for producing ultra-pure copper and plastic components. This experiment is now operating, and initial data provide new insights into the success of cleaning and processing. Post production copper assays after the completion of Module 1 showed an increase in U and Th contamination in finished parts compared to starting bulk material. A revised cleaning method and additional round of surface contamination studies prior to Module 2 construction have provided evidence that more rigorous process control can reduce surface contamination. This article describes the assay results and discuss further studies to take advantage of assay capabilities for the purpose of maintaining ultra clean fabrication and process design.

Coupled Semi-Supervised Learning

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-05-01

later in the thesis, in Chapter 5. CPL as a Case Study of Coupled Semi-Supervised Learning The results presented above demonstrate that coupling...EXTRACTION PATTERNS Our answer to the question posed above, then, is that our results with CPL serve as a case study of coupled semi-supervised learning of...that are incompatible with the coupling constraints. Thus, we argue that our results with CPL serve as a case study of coupled semi-supervised

Musculoskeletal Complications and Bone Metastases in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Estrogen Deprivation Therapy

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-10-01

of Cancer Research (AACR). C. Dissemination of results to communities of interest Results for these studies were presented by invitation to peers...cause release of growth factors into circulation where they act on peripheral tissues. Previous studies in our laboratory have demonstrated that...at the end of the study (nine weeks post -surgery and five weeks after tumor inoculation). As anticipated, OVX resulted in significant uterine

Thailand national programme of the Earth Resources Technology Satellite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sabhasri, S. (Principal Investigator)

1976-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. The study on locating hill tribe villages from LANDSAT imagery was successful and exceeded the initial expectations. Results of the study on land use and forest mapping using Skylab data demonstrated the capability and feasibility of large scale mapping with high accuracy.

Effects of Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) on Household Wealth and Saving Taste

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Huang, Jin

2010-01-01

This study examines effects of individual development accounts (IDAs) on household wealth of low-income participants. Methods: This study uses longitudinal survey data from the American Dream Demonstration (ADD) involving experimental design (treatment group = 537, control group = 566). Results: Results from quantile regression analysis indicate…

Rotational Stability--An Amusing Physical Paradox

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sendra, Carlos M.; Picca, Fabricio Della; Gil, Salvador

2007-01-01

Here we present a simple and amusing device that demonstrates some surprising results of the dynamics of the rotation of a symmetrical rigid body. This system allows for a qualitative demonstration or a quantitative study of the rotation stability of a symmetric top. A simple and inexpensive technique is proposed to carry out quantitative…

Moving to evidence-based practice in long-term care: the role of a Best Practise Resource Centre in two long-term care settings.

PubMed

Brazil, Kevin; Royle, Joan A; Montemuro, Maureen; Blythe, Jennifer; Church, Anne

2004-03-01

In this article, the authors provide an overview on the development of a Long-Term Care Best Practise Resource Centre. The results of both a feasibility study and the outcomes of a 1-year demonstration project are presented. The demonstration project involved a hospital as the information service provider and two demonstration sites, a home care service agency and a nursing home that used the services of the Centre. The goals of the Centre were threefold: provide access to literature for staff in long-term care (LTC) settings; improve the information management skills of health care providers; and support research and the integration of best practices in LTC organizations. The results of the pilot study contributed to the development of a collaborative information access system for LTC clinicians and managers that provides timely, up-to-date information contributing to improving the quality of care for adults receiving LTC. Based on this demonstration project, strategies for successful innovation in LTC are identified.

Combined pitavastatin and dacarbazine treatment activates apoptosis and autophagy resulting in synergistic cytotoxicity in melanoma cells.

PubMed

Al-Qatati, Abeer; Aliwaini, Saeb

2017-12-01

Melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer and its incidence is increasing faster than any other type of cancer. Whilst dacarbazine (DTIC) is the standard chemotherapy for metastatic melanoma, it has limited success. Statins, including pitavastatin, have been demonstrated to have a range of anti-cancer effects in a number of human cancer cell lines. The present study therefore explored the anti-cancer activity of combined DTIC and pitavastatin in A375 and WM115 human melanoma cells. Cell survival assays demonstrated that combined DTIC and pitavastatin treatment resulted in synergistic cell death. Cell cycle analyses further revealed that this combined treatment resulted in a G1 cell cycle arrest, as well as a sub-G1 population, indicative of apoptosis. Activation of apoptosis was confirmed by Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide double-staining and an increase in the levels of active caspase 3 and cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that apoptosis occurs through the intrinsic pathway, evident from the release of cytochrome c. Finally, combined DTIC and pitavastatin treatment was demonstrated to also activate autophagy as part of a cell death mechanism. The present study provides novel evidence to suggest that the combined treatment of DTIC and pitavastatin may be effective in the treatment of melanoma.

Combined pitavastatin and dacarbazine treatment activates apoptosis and autophagy resulting in synergistic cytotoxicity in melanoma cells

PubMed Central

Al-Qatati, Abeer; Aliwaini, Saeb

2017-01-01

Melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer and its incidence is increasing faster than any other type of cancer. Whilst dacarbazine (DTIC) is the standard chemotherapy for metastatic melanoma, it has limited success. Statins, including pitavastatin, have been demonstrated to have a range of anti-cancer effects in a number of human cancer cell lines. The present study therefore explored the anti-cancer activity of combined DTIC and pitavastatin in A375 and WM115 human melanoma cells. Cell survival assays demonstrated that combined DTIC and pitavastatin treatment resulted in synergistic cell death. Cell cycle analyses further revealed that this combined treatment resulted in a G1 cell cycle arrest, as well as a sub-G1 population, indicative of apoptosis. Activation of apoptosis was confirmed by Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide double-staining and an increase in the levels of active caspase 3 and cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that apoptosis occurs through the intrinsic pathway, evident from the release of cytochrome c. Finally, combined DTIC and pitavastatin treatment was demonstrated to also activate autophagy as part of a cell death mechanism. The present study provides novel evidence to suggest that the combined treatment of DTIC and pitavastatin may be effective in the treatment of melanoma. PMID:29344241

Pulsing blue light through closed eyelids: effects on acute melatonin suppression and phase shifting of dim light melatonin onset.

PubMed

Figueiro, Mariana G; Plitnick, Barbara; Rea, Mark S

2014-01-01

Circadian rhythm disturbances parallel the increased prevalence of sleep disorders in older adults. Light therapies that specifically target regulation of the circadian system in principle could be used to treat sleep disorders in this population. Current recommendations for light treatment require the patients to sit in front of a bright light box for at least 1 hour daily, perhaps limiting their willingness to comply. Light applied through closed eyelids during sleep might not only be efficacious for changing circadian phase but also lead to better compliance because patients would receive light treatment while sleeping. Reported here are the results of two studies investigating the impact of a train of 480 nm (blue) light pulses presented to the retina through closed eyelids on melatonin suppression (laboratory study) and on delaying circadian phase (field study). Both studies employed a sleep mask that provided narrowband blue light pulses of 2-second duration every 30 seconds from arrays of light-emitting diodes. The results of the laboratory study demonstrated that the blue light pulses significantly suppressed melatonin by an amount similar to that previously shown in the same protocol at half the frequency (ie, one 2-second pulse every minute for 1 hour). The results of the field study demonstrated that blue light pulses given early in the sleep episode significantly delayed circadian phase in older adults; these results are the first to demonstrate the efficacy and practicality of light treatment by a sleep mask aimed at adjusting circadian phase in a home setting.

Novel diindolylmethane derivatives based NLC formulations to improve the oral bioavailability and anticancer effects in triple negative breast cancer

PubMed Central

Godugu, Chandraiah; Doddapaneni, Ravi; Safe, Stephen H.; Singh, Mandip

2017-01-01

The present study demonstrates the promising anticancer effects of novel C-substituted diindolylmethane (DIM) derivatives DIM-10 and DIM-14 in aggressive TNBC models. In vitro studies demonstrated that these compounds possess strong anticancer effects. Caco-2 permeability studies resulted in poor permeability and poor oral bioavailability was demonstrated by pharmacokinetic studies. Nano structured lipid carrier (NLC) formulations were prepared to increase the clinical acceptance of these compounds. Significant increase in oral bioavailability was observed with NLC formulations. Compared to DIM-10, DIM-10 NLC formulation showed increase in Cmax and AUC values by 4.73 and 11.19-folds, respectively. Similar pattern of increase was observed with DIM-14 NLC formulations. In dogs DIM-10 NLC formulations showed an increase of 2.65 and 2.94-fold in Cmax and AUC, respectively. The anticancer studies in MDA-MB-231 orthotopic TNBC models demonstrated significant reduction in tumor volumes in DIM-10 and DIM-14 NLC treated animals. Our studies suggest that NLC formulation of both DIM-10 and 14 is effective in TNBC models. PMID:27586082

Graphene Nanoplatelet Reinforced Tantalum Carbide

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-08-27

testing showed an increase in thermal conductivity in GNP reinforced composites resulting in a reduction of peak sample surface temperature. This study...showed an increase in thermal conductivity in GNP reinforced composites resulting in a reduction of peak sample surface temperature. This study resulted...Wetting angle measurements are conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the PLC coating . Mechanical properties of the GrF-PLC hybrid are

Fundamental Importance of Reference Glucose Analyzer Accuracy for Evaluating the Performance of Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems (BGMSs).

PubMed

Bailey, Timothy S; Klaff, Leslie J; Wallace, Jane F; Greene, Carmine; Pardo, Scott; Harrison, Bern; Simmons, David A

2016-07-01

As blood glucose monitoring system (BGMS) accuracy is based on comparison of BGMS and laboratory reference glucose analyzer results, reference instrument accuracy is important to discriminate small differences between BGMS and reference glucose analyzer results. Here, we demonstrate the important role of reference glucose analyzer accuracy in BGMS accuracy evaluations. Two clinical studies assessed the performance of a new BGMS, using different reference instrument procedures. BGMS and YSI analyzer results were compared for fingertip blood that was obtained by untrained subjects' self-testing and study staff testing, respectively. YSI analyzer accuracy was monitored using traceable serum controls. In study 1 (N = 136), 94.1% of BGMS results were within International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 15197:2013 accuracy criteria; YSI analyzer serum control results showed a negative bias (-0.64% to -2.48%) at the first site and a positive bias (3.36% to 6.91%) at the other site. In study 2 (N = 329), 97.8% of BGMS results were within accuracy criteria; serum controls showed minimal bias (<0.92%) at both sites. These findings suggest that the ability to demonstrate that a BGMS meets accuracy guidelines is influenced by reference instrument accuracy. © 2016 Diabetes Technology Society.

Body mass index and gastroesophageal reflux disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Corley, Douglas A; Kubo, Ai

2006-11-01

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common cause of morbidity and health-care utilization in many countries. Obesity is a potentially modifiable risk factor, but existing studies have conflicting results, possibly due to differences in study design, definitions, or populations. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies identified using MEDLINE, the Web of Science electronic database, manual literature review, and a review of expert bibliographies. Studies were included if they: (1) evaluated obesity, body mass index (BMI), or another measure of body size; (2) included data on reflux symptoms, esophagitis, or a GERD-related hospitalization; and (3) reported a relative risk or odds ratio (OR) with confidence intervals or provided sufficient data to permit their calculation. We identified 20 studies that included 18,346 patients with GERD. Studies from the United States demonstrated an association between increasing BMI and the presence of GERD (95% confidence interval [CI]= 1.36-1.80, overweight, OR = 1.57, P value homogeneity = 0.51, 95% CI = 1.89-2.45, obese, OR = 2.15, P= 0.10). Studies from Europe provided heterogeneous results despite stratification for several factors; individual studies demonstrated both positive associations and no association. This analysis demonstrates a positive association between increasing BMI and the presence of GERD within the United States; this relationship became apparent only after stratification by country and level of BMI. These results support the evaluation of weight reduction as a potential therapy for GERD. Further studies are needed to evaluate potential mechanisms and any differences in this relationship among different study populations.

Social learning of an associative foraging task in zebrafish

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zala, Sarah M.; Määttänen, Ilmari

2013-05-01

The zebrafish ( Danio rerio) is increasingly becoming an important model species for studies on the genetic and neural mechanisms controlling behaviour and cognition. Here, we utilized a conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm to study social learning in zebrafish. We tested whether social interactions with conditioned demonstrators enhance the ability of focal naïve individuals to learn an associative foraging task. We found that the presence of conditioned demonstrators improved focal fish foraging behaviour through the process of social transmission, whereas the presence of inexperienced demonstrators interfered with the learning of the control focal fish. Our results indicate that zebrafish use social learning for finding food and that this CPP paradigm is an efficient assay to study social learning and memory in zebrafish.

Unconscious Desire: The Affective and Motivational Aspects of Subliminal Sexual Priming.

PubMed

Gillath, Omri; Collins, Tara

2016-01-01

Sexual arousal is thought to be the result of the processing of sexual cues at two levels: conscious and unconscious. Whereas numerous studies have examined the affective and motivational responses to supraliminal (consciously processed) sexual cues, much less is known regarding the responses to subliminal (processed outside of one's awareness) sexual cues. Five studies examined responses to subliminal sexual cues. Studies 1–3 demonstrated increases in adults' positive affect following exposure to subliminal sexual cues compared to control cues. Study 4 demonstrated that the positive affect resulting from exposure to subliminal sexual cues increased motivation to further engage in a neutral task. Study 5 provided evidence suggesting that the affect and motivation found in Studies 1–4 were associated with motivation to engage in sex specifically, rather than a general approach motivation. The implications of these findings for the processing of subliminal sexual cues and for human sexuality are discussed.

Use of social information in the problem solving of orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus) and human children (Homo sapiens).

PubMed

Call, J; Tomasello, M

1995-09-01

Fourteen juvenile and adult orangutans and 24 3- and 4-year-old children participated in 4 studies on imitative learning in a problem-solving situation. In all studies a simple to operate apparatus was used, but its internal mechanism was hidden from subjects to prevent individual learning. In the 1st study, orangutans observed a human demonstrator perform 1 of 4 actions on the apparatus and obtain a reward; they subsequently showed no signs of imitative learning. Similar results were obtained in a 2nd study in which orangutan demonstrators were used. Similar results were also obtained in a 3rd study in which a human encouraged imitation from an orangutan that had previously been taught to mimic arbitrary human actions. In a 4th study, human 3- and 4-year-old children learned the task by means of imitation.

Study Of Nondestructive Techniques For Testing Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roth, D.; Kautz, H.; Draper, S.; Bansal, N.; Bowles, K.; Bashyam, M.; Bishop, C.

1995-01-01

Study evaluates some nondestructive methods for characterizing ceramic-, metal-, and polymer-matrix composite materials. Results demonstrated utility of two ultrasonic methods for obtaining quantitative data on microstructural anomalies in composite materials.

[Demonstrating that monitoring and punishing increase non-cooperative behavior in a social dilemma game].

PubMed

Kitakaji, Yoko; Ohnuma, Susumu

2014-04-01

This research demonstrated the negative influence of monitoring and punishing during a social dilemma game, taking the illegal dumping of industrial waste as an example. The first study manipulated three conditions: a producing-industries monitoring condition (PIM), an administrative monitoring condition (ADM), and a control condition (no monitoring). The results showed that non-cooperative behavior was more frequent in the PIM condition than in the control condition. The second study had three conditions: a punishing condition (PC), a monitoring condition (MC), and a control condition (no monitoring, no punishing). The results indicated that non-cooperative behavior was observed the most in the PC, and the least in the control condition. Furthermore, information regarding other players' costs and benefits was shared the most in the control conditions in both studies. The results suggest that sanctions prevent people from sharing information, which decreases expectations of mutual cooperation.

Viscous drop collisions on surfaces of varying wettability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bolleddula, Daniel; Berchielli, Al; Aliseda, Alberto

2010-11-01

We present an experimental study of increasingly viscous acetone rich and Newtonian equivalent liquid drops colliding on surfaces of varying wettability. This class of liquids applies directly to spray coating processes in pharmaceutical industries. The results from this study will elucidate the physics in a regime where resisting viscous forces and the restoring forces of capillarity are balanced, Oh˜ 1. Early spreading dynamics τ=Ut/D 1 indicate negligible dependence on contact angles while longer times demonstrate deviations from Tanner's law, D˜t^1/10. We will compare our results with recent theory to demonstrate the feasibility of modelling complex rheology spreading characteristics over short and long time scales. Preliminary results indicate an intermediate spreading regime following the inertial phase where the diameter, D˜t^n with 1/7 < n < 1/5.

[Health behaviors between a health promotion demonstration health center and a general health center].

PubMed

Lee, Taewha; Lee, Chung-Yul; Kim, Hee-Soon; Ham, Ok-Kyung

2005-06-01

The purpose of the study was to compare community residents' perceptions, participation, satisfaction, and behavioral changes between a health promotion demonstration health center and general health center. The design of the study was ex-post facto that compared community residents in demonstration health centers and general health centers. The sample included 2,261 community residents who were conveniently selected from demonstration (792 participants) and general health centers (1,496 participants). The results of the study were as follows: 1) Perception and participation rates of exercise, nutrition, and hypertension management programs were significantly higher in the participants of demonstration health centers than those of general health centers.; 2) Satisfaction rates of all programs except the smoking cessation program were significantly higher in the participants of demonstration health centers than those of general health centers. However, only the exercise rate among risk behaviors of participants was significantly higher in demonstration health centers than general health centers. Systematic efforts for health promotion were effective not only in improving the community's awareness, participation, and satisfaction of the program, but also in changing health behaviors. This evidence should be used to foster and disseminate health promotion programs to other health centers to improve community residents' health status and quality of life.

Choosing the negative: A behavioral demonstration of morbid curiosity

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

This paper examined, with a behavioral paradigm, to what extent people choose to view stimuli that portray death, violence or harm. Based on briefly presented visual cues, participants made choices between highly arousing, negative images and positive or negative alternatives. The negative images displayed social scenes that involved death, violence or harm (e.g., war scene), or decontextualized, close-ups of physical harm (e.g., mutilated face) or natural threat (e.g., attacking shark). The results demonstrated that social negative images were chosen significantly more often than other negative categories. Furthermore, participants preferred social negative images over neutral images. Physical harm images and natural threat images were not preferred over neutral images, but were chosen in about thirty-five percent of the trials. These results were replicated across three different studies, including a study that presented verbal descriptions of images as pre-choice cues. Together, these results show that people deliberately subject themselves to negative images. With this, the present paper demonstrates a dynamic relationship between negative information and behavior and advances new insights into the phenomenon of morbid curiosity. PMID:28683147

Does affective information influence domestic dogs' (Canis lupus familiaris) point-following behavior?

PubMed

Flom, Ross; Gartman, Peggy

2016-03-01

Several studies have examined dogs' (Canis lupus familiaris) comprehension and use of human communicative cues. Relatively few studies have, however, examined the effects of human affective behavior (i.e., facial and vocal expressions) on dogs' exploratory and point-following behavior. In two experiments, we examined dogs' frequency of following an adult's pointing gesture in locating a hidden reward or treat when it occurred silently, or when it was paired with a positive or negative facial and vocal affective expression. Like prior studies, the current results demonstrate that dogs reliably follow human pointing cues. Unlike prior studies, the current results also demonstrate that the addition of a positive affective facial and vocal expression, when paired with a pointing gesture, did not reliably increase dogs' frequency of locating a hidden piece of food compared to pointing alone. In addition, and within the negative facial and vocal affect conditions of Experiment 1 and 2, dogs were delayed in their exploration, or approach, toward a baited or sham-baited bowl. However, in Experiment 2, dogs continued to follow an adult's pointing gesture, even when paired with a negative expression, as long as the attention-directing gesture referenced a baited bowl. Together these results suggest that the addition of affective information does not significantly increase or decrease dogs' point-following behavior. Rather these results demonstrate that the presence or absence of affective expressions influences a dogs' exploratory behavior and the presence or absence of reward affects whether they will follow an unfamiliar adult's attention-directing gesture.

A Study on the Effects of Sympathetic Skin Response Parameters in Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia Using Artificial Neural Networks.

PubMed

Ozkan, Ozhan; Yildiz, Murat; Arslan, Evren; Yildiz, Sedat; Bilgin, Suleyman; Akkus, Selami; Koyuncuoglu, Hasan R; Koklukaya, Etem

2016-03-01

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), usually observed commonly in females over age 30, is a rheumatic disease accompanied by extensive chronic pain. In the diagnosis of the disease non-objective psychological tests and physiological tests and laboratory test results are evaluated and clinical experiences stand out. However, these tests are insufficient in differentiating FMS with similar diseases that demonstrate symptoms of extensive pain. Thus, objective tests that would help the diagnosis are needed. This study analyzes the effect of sympathetic skin response (SSR) parameters on the auxiliary tests used in FMS diagnosis, the laboratory tests and physiological tests. The study was conducted in Suleyman Demirel University, Faculty of Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic in Turkey with 60 patients diagnosed with FMS for the first time and a control group of 30 healthy individuals. In the study all participants underwent laboratory tests (blood tests), certain physiological tests (pulsation, skin temperature, respiration) and SSR measurements. The test data and SSR parameters obtained were classified using artificial neural network (ANN). Finally, in the ANN framework, where only laboratory and physiological test results were used as input, a simulation result of 96.51 % was obtained, which demonstrated diagnostic accuracy. This data, with the addition of SSR parameter values obtained increased to 97.67 %. This result including SSR parameters - meaning a higher diagnostic accuracy - demonstrated that SSR could be a new auxillary diagnostic method that could be used in the diagnosis of FMS.

The Internal Resistance of Supercapacitors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Costa, G. G. G.; Pietronero, R. C.; Catunda, T.

2012-01-01

In this paper we study the transient behaviour of RC circuits with supercapacitors, varying R between 1 and 100 [omega]. We demonstrate that supercapacitors behave as ideal capacitors in series with an internal resistance (r [similar to] 8 [omega] for C = 0.2 F, 5.5 V). This result is important to optimize the demonstration of RC circuits using a…

Proof-of-Concept Demonstration and Comparative Evaluation of a Prototype Intelligent Videodisc System. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bunderson, C. Victor; And Others

This report summarizes the results of a 22-month proof-of-concept demonstration of a class of interactive videodisc systems, which involved the use of an intelligent videodisc in developmental biology instruction at the undergraduate level. The study involved the development of hardware, software, courseware, and instructional strategies for…

Arsenic Removal from Drinking Water by Adsorptive Media, U.S. EPA Demonstration Project at LEADS Head Start Building in Buckeye Lake, OH - Final Performance Evaluation Report

EPA Science Inventory

This report documents the activities performed and the results obtained for the arsenic removal treatment technology demonstration project at Licking Economic Action Development Study (LEADS) Head Start School in Buckeye Lake, Ohio. The objectives of the project were to evaluate...

Double blind study of the effects of zinc sulfate on taste and smell dysfunction

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

Henkin, R.I.; Schecter, P.J.; Friedewald, W.T.

1976-01-01

A randomized, double blind crossover study of the effects of zinc sulfate and placebo was carried out in 106 patients with taste and smell dysfunction secondary to a variety of etiological factors. In the patient group prior to treatment, mean serum zinc concentration and leukocyte alkaline phosphatase activity were significantly lower than normal. Results indicate that zinc sulfate was effectively equivalent to placebo in the treatment of these disorders. Although these results demonstrate abnormalities of zinc metabolism in some patients with taste and smell dysfunction they fail to provide evidence for a single, therapeutic approach to the many disorders whichmore » are associated with abnormalities of taste and smell. However, the methods and procedures developed in this study demonstrate that taste and smell dysfunction can be studied in a quantitative, systematic manner.« less

Fostering young children's interest in numeracy through demonstration of its value: the Footsteps Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Colliver, Yeshe

2017-07-01

Children's early mathematical abilities are fundamental to their later academic achievement. An interest in mathematics in the early years is likely to establish a positive attitude to later mathematical learning, hopefully sustaining continued interest in mathematics and mathematical learning. Approaches to early mathematics teaching in the early years, however, are typically adult-initiated, which may fail to capture children's interest. Given the importance of children's motivation and sustained interest, the study described here strove to spark children's interests in mathematical problems in everyday life. The study sought to determine if children would incorporate more numeracy-related concepts into their free play if exposed to adult demonstrations of age-appropriate numeracy activities such as patterning. For at least 15 min three times weekly, participating children's parents and educators demonstrated numeracy problem-solving nearby, while children engaged in other activities. Demonstrations were thought to ascribe social value to the problem-solving activities. If children became interested in participating, adults told them to wait until the demonstrations finished, further indicating social value. Results show these children chose to play with numeracy-related activities in their free play time at preschool significantly more than children in a control group. These results suggest that seeking to foster children's interest in mathematics through child-initiated play, rather than prescribing adult-initiated mathematics activities, may be an important means of laying the foundation for lifelong mathematics learning. Ascribing social value to numeracy applications is proposed as a new approach to teaching mathematics in the early years.

Feasibility results of an electromagnetic compatibility test protocol to evaluate medical devices to radio frequency identification exposure

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background The use of radio frequency identification (RFID) systems in healthcare is increasing, and concerns for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) pose one of the biggest obstacles for widespread adoption. Numerous studies have demonstrated that RFID systems can interfere with medical devices; however, the majority of past studies relied on time-consuming and burdensome test schemes based on ad hoc test methods applied to individual RFID systems. Methods This paper presents the results of using an RFID simulator that allows for faster evaluation of RFID-medical device EMC against a library of RFID test signals at various field strengths. Results The results of these tests demonstrate the feasibility and adequacy of simulator testing and can be used to support its incorporation into applicable consensus standards. Conclusions This work can aid the medical device community in better assessing the risks associated with medical device exposure to RFID. PMID:25086451

The use of PFBC ashes to ameliorate acid conditions: An equilibrium and greenhouse study

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

Brown, T.H.; Bland, A.E.

1999-07-01

Pilot-scale development at the Foster Wheeler Energia Oy 10 MW{sub th} circulating PFBC at Karhula, Finland, has demonstrated the advantages of pressurized fluidized bed combustion (PFBC) technology. Commercial scale deployment of the technology at the Lakeland Utilities MacIntosh Unit No. 4 has been proposed. Development of uses for the ashes from PFBC systems is being actively pursued as part of commercial demonstration of PFBC technologies. Western Research Institute (WRI), in conjunction with the US Department of Energy (DOE), Federal Energy Technology Center (FETC), Foster Wheeler Energy International, Inc., and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), conducted a laboratory scale investigationmore » of the technical feasibility of PFBC ash as an amendment for acidic soils and spoils encountered in agricultural and reclamation applications. Ashes were collected from the Foster Wheeler Energia Oy pilot circulating PFBC tests in Karhula, Finland, operating on (1) low-sulfur subbituminous and (2) high-sulfur bituminous coals. The results of the technical feasibility testing indicated the following: (1) PFBC fly ash (Karhula-low S fly ash) and ag-lime (CaCO{sub 3}) were used as amendments attempting to ameliorate acid spoil conditions. These materials were found to be effective acid mine spoil amendments. (2) The greenhouse study demonstrated that PFBC ash and/or bed ash amended spoils resulted in similar seed germination numbers as compared to the ag-lime amended spoils. (3) The greenhouse study also demonstrated that PFBC fly ash and/or bed ash amended spoils resulted in comparable plant productivity to the ag-lime amended spoils. In fact, all amendments resulted in statistically the same levels of plant production for each plant species.« less

Scoping and sensitivity analyses for the Demonstration Tokamak Hybrid Reactor (DTHR)

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

Sink, D.A.; Gibson, G.

1979-03-01

The results of an extensive set of parametric studies are presented which provide analytical data of the effects of various tokamak parameters on the performance and cost of the DTHR (Demonstration Tokamak Hybrid Reactor). The studies were centered on a point design which is described in detail. Variations in the device size, neutron wall loading, and plasma aspect ratio are presented, and the effects on direct hardware costs, fissile fuel production (breeding), fusion power production, electrical power consumption, and thermal power production are shown graphically. The studies considered both ignition and beam-driven operations of DTHR and yielded results based onmore » two empirical scaling laws presently used in reactor studies. Sensitivity studies were also made for variations in the following key parameters: the plasma elongation, the minor radius, the TF coil peak field, the neutral beam injection power, and the Z/sub eff/ of the plasma.« less

Understanding pathogenic single-nucleotide polymorphisms in multidomain proteins – studies of isolated domains are not enough

PubMed Central

Randles, Lucy G; Dawes, Gwen J S; Wensley, Beth G; Steward, Annette; Nickson, Adrian A; Clarke, Jane

2013-01-01

Studying the effects of pathogenic mutations is more complex in multidomain proteins when compared with single domains: mutations occurring at domain boundaries may have a large effect on a neighbouring domain that will not be detected in a single-domain system. To demonstrate this, we present a study that utilizes well-characterized model protein domains from human spectrin to investigate the effect of disease-and non-disease-causing single point mutations occurring at the boundaries of human spectrin repeats. Our results show that mutations in the single domains have no clear correlation with stability and disease; however, when studied in a tandem model system, the disease-causing mutations are shown to disrupt stabilizing interactions that exist between domains. This results in a much larger decrease in stability than would otherwise have been predicted, and demonstrates the importance of studying such mutations in the correct protein context. PMID:23241237

Inference for binomial probability based on dependent Bernoulli random variables with applications to meta‐analysis and group level studies

PubMed Central

Bakbergenuly, Ilyas; Morgenthaler, Stephan

2016-01-01

We study bias arising as a result of nonlinear transformations of random variables in random or mixed effects models and its effect on inference in group‐level studies or in meta‐analysis. The findings are illustrated on the example of overdispersed binomial distributions, where we demonstrate considerable biases arising from standard log‐odds and arcsine transformations of the estimated probability p^, both for single‐group studies and in combining results from several groups or studies in meta‐analysis. Our simulations confirm that these biases are linear in ρ, for small values of ρ, the intracluster correlation coefficient. These biases do not depend on the sample sizes or the number of studies K in a meta‐analysis and result in abysmal coverage of the combined effect for large K. We also propose bias‐correction for the arcsine transformation. Our simulations demonstrate that this bias‐correction works well for small values of the intraclass correlation. The methods are applied to two examples of meta‐analyses of prevalence. PMID:27192062

Humour production may enhance observational learning of a new tool-use action in 18-month-old infants.

PubMed

Esseily, Rana; Rat-Fischer, Lauriane; Somogyi, Eszter; O'Regan, Kevin John; Fagard, Jacqueline

2016-01-01

Many studies have shown that making children laugh enhances certain cognitive capacities such as attention, motivation, perception and/or memory, which in turn enhance learning. However, no study thus far has investigated whether laughing has an effect on learning earlier in infancy. The goal of this study was to see whether using humour with young infants in a demonstration of a complex tool-use task can enhance their learning. Fifty-three 18-month-old infants participated in this study and were included either in a humorous or a control demonstration group. In both groups infants observed an adult using a tool to retrieve an out-of-reach toy. What differed between groups was that in the humorous demonstration group, instead of playing with the toy, the adult threw it on the floor immediately after retrieval. The results show that infants who laughed at the demonstration in the humorous demonstration group reproduced significantly more frequent target actions than infants who did not laugh and those in the control group. This effect is discussed with regard to individual differences in terms of temperament and social capacities as well as positive emotion and dopamine release.

Damage suppression system using embedded SMA (shape memory alloy) foils in CFRP laminate structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ogisu, Toshimichi; Shimanuki, Masakazu; Kiyoshima, Satoshi; Takaki, Junji; Takeda, Nobuo

2003-08-01

This paper presents an overview of the demonstrator program with respect to the damage growth suppression effects using embedded SMA foils in CFRP laminates. The damage growth suppression effects were demonstrated for the technical verification in order to apply to aircraft structure. In our previous studies, the authors already confirmed the damage growth suppression effects of CFRP laminates with embedded pre-strained SMA foils through both coupon and structural element tests. It was founded that these effects were obtained by the suppression of the strain energy release rate based on the suppression of the crack opening displacement due to the recovery stress of SMA foils through the detail observation of the damage behavior. In this study, these results were verified using the demonstrator test article, which was 1/3-scaled model of commercial airliner fuselage structure. For the demonstration of damage growth suppression effects, the evaluation area was located in the lower panel, which was dominated in tension load during demonstration. The evaluation area is the integrated stiffened panel including both "smart area" (CFRP laminate with embedded pre-strained SMA foils) and "conventional area" (standard CFRP laminate) for the direct comparison. The demonstration was conducted at 80 degree Celsius in smart area and room temperature (RT) in conventional area during quasi-static load-unload test method. As the test results, the demonstrator test article presented that the damage onset strain in the smart area was improved by 30% for compared with the conventional area. Therefore, the successful technical verification of the damage onset/growth suppression effect using the demonstrator presented the feasibility of the application of smart material and structural system to aircraft structures.

Fundamental Importance of Reference Glucose Analyzer Accuracy for Evaluating the Performance of Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems (BGMSs)

PubMed Central

Bailey, Timothy S.; Klaff, Leslie J.; Wallace, Jane F.; Greene, Carmine; Pardo, Scott; Harrison, Bern; Simmons, David A.

2016-01-01

Background: As blood glucose monitoring system (BGMS) accuracy is based on comparison of BGMS and laboratory reference glucose analyzer results, reference instrument accuracy is important to discriminate small differences between BGMS and reference glucose analyzer results. Here, we demonstrate the important role of reference glucose analyzer accuracy in BGMS accuracy evaluations. Methods: Two clinical studies assessed the performance of a new BGMS, using different reference instrument procedures. BGMS and YSI analyzer results were compared for fingertip blood that was obtained by untrained subjects’ self-testing and study staff testing, respectively. YSI analyzer accuracy was monitored using traceable serum controls. Results: In study 1 (N = 136), 94.1% of BGMS results were within International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 15197:2013 accuracy criteria; YSI analyzer serum control results showed a negative bias (−0.64% to −2.48%) at the first site and a positive bias (3.36% to 6.91%) at the other site. In study 2 (N = 329), 97.8% of BGMS results were within accuracy criteria; serum controls showed minimal bias (<0.92%) at both sites. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the ability to demonstrate that a BGMS meets accuracy guidelines is influenced by reference instrument accuracy. PMID:26902794

In vivo demonstration of surgical task assistance using miniature robots.

PubMed

Hawks, Jeff A; Kunowski, Jacob; Platt, Stephen R

2012-10-01

Laparoscopy is beneficial to patients as measured by less painful recovery and an earlier return to functional health compared to conventional open surgery. However, laparoscopy requires the manipulation of long, slender tools from outside the patient's body. As a result, laparoscopy generally benefits only patients undergoing relatively simple procedures. An innovative approach to laparoscopy uses miniature in vivo robots that fit entirely inside the abdominal cavity. Our previous work demonstrated that a mobile, wireless robot platform can be successfully operated inside the abdominal cavity with different payloads (biopsy, camera, and physiological sensors). We hope that these robots are a step toward reducing the invasiveness of laparoscopy. The current study presents design details and results of laboratory and in vivo demonstrations of several new payload designs (clamping, cautery, and liquid delivery). Laboratory and in vivo cooperation demonstrations between multiple robots are also presented.

Feedback and the rationing of time and effort among competing tasks.

PubMed

Northcraft, Gregory B; Schmidt, Aaron M; Ashford, Susan J

2011-09-01

The study described here tested a model of how characteristics of the feedback environment influence the allocation of resources (time and effort) among competing tasks. Results demonstrated that performers invest more resources on tasks for which higher quality (more timely and more specific) feedback is available; this effect was partially mediated by task salience and task expectancies. Feedback timing and feedback specificity demonstrated both main and interaction effects on resource allocations. Results also demonstrated that performers do better on tasks for which higher quality feedback is available; this effect was mediated by resources allocated to tasks. The practical and theoretical implications of the role of the feedback environment in managing performance are discussed. PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved

Cross-system effects of dysphagia treatment on dysphonia: a case report

PubMed Central

LaGorio, Lisa A; Carnaby-Mann, Giselle D; Crary, Michael A

2008-01-01

Traditionally, treatment of dysphagia and dysphonia has followed a specificity approach whereby treatment plans have focused on each dysfunction individually. Recently however, a therapeutic cross-system effect has been proposed between these two dysfunctions. At least one study has demonstrated swallowing improvement in subjects who completed a dysphonia treatment program. However, we are unaware of any evidence demonstrating the converse effect. In this paper, we present a case-report of a 74 year old male who demonstrated improvement in selected vocal parameters after completion of a dysphagia therapy program. Dysphagia therapy resulted in improved laryngeal function in this subject. Results implicate improved vocal fold tension with increased glottal closure. Further investigation into the potential for this cross-system effect is warranted. PMID:18667069

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

Lundstrom, Blake; Chakraborty, Sudipta; Lauss, Georg

This paper presents a concise description of state-of-the-art real-time simulation-based testing methods and demonstrates how they can be used independently and/or in combination as an integrated development and validation approach for smart grid DERs and systems. A three-part case study demonstrating the application of this integrated approach at the different stages of development and validation of a system-integrated smart photovoltaic (PV) inverter is also presented. Laboratory testing results and perspectives from two international research laboratories are included in the case study.

Performance monitoring in hip fracture surgery--how big a database do we really need?

PubMed

Edwards, G A D; Metcalfe, A J; Johansen, A; O'Doherty, D

2010-04-01

Systems for collecting information about patient care are increasingly common in orthopaedic practice. Databases can allow various comparisons to be made over time. Significant decisions regarding service delivery and clinical practice may be made based on their results. We set out to determine the number of cases needed for comparison of 30-day mortality, inpatient wound infection rates and mean hospital length of stay, with a power of 80% for the demonstration of an effect at a significance level of p<0.05. We analysed 2 years of prospectively collected data on 1050 hip fracture patients admitted to a city teaching hospital. Detection of a 10% difference in 30-day mortality would require 14,065 patients in each arm of any comparison, demonstration of a 50% difference would require 643 patients in each arm; for wound infections, demonstration of a 10% difference in incidence would require 23,921 patients in each arm and 1127 patients for demonstration of a 50% difference; for length of stay, a difference of 10% would require 1479 patients and 6660 patients for a 50% difference. This study demonstrates the importance of considering the population sizes before comparisons are made on the basis of basic hip fracture outcome data. Our data also help illustrate the impact of sample size considerations when interpreting the results of performance monitoring. Many researchers will be used to the fact that rare outcomes such as inpatient mortality or wound infection require large sample sizes before differences can be reliably demonstrated between populations. This study gives actual figures that researchers could use when planning studies. Statistically meaningful analyses will only be possible with major multi-centre collaborations, as will be possible if hospital Trusts participate in the National Hip Fracture Database. Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A simple demonstration when studying the equivalence principle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mayer, Valery; Varaksina, Ekaterina

2016-06-01

The paper proposes a lecture experiment that can be demonstrated when studying the equivalence principle formulated by Albert Einstein. The demonstration consists of creating stroboscopic photographs of a ball moving along a parabola in Earth's gravitational field. In the first experiment, a camera is stationary relative to Earth's surface. In the second, the camera falls freely downwards with the ball, allowing students to see that the ball moves uniformly and rectilinearly relative to the frame of reference of the freely falling camera. The equivalence principle explains this result, as it is always possible to propose an inertial frame of reference for a small region of a gravitational field, where space-time effects of curvature are negligible.

Liraglutide attenuates the osteoblastic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells by modulating AMPK/mTOR signaling

PubMed Central

Hu, Xiong-Ke; Yin, Xin-Hua; Zhang, Hong-Qi; Guo, Chao-Feng; Tang, Ming-Xing

2016-01-01

Liraglutide, a synthetic analogue of glucagon-like peptide-1, is utilized in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Liraglutide has been previously demonstrated to prevent osteoblastic differentiation of human vascular smooth muscle cells, resulting in the slowing of arterial calcification, however, its effect on bone formation remains unclear. The present study investigated the effect of liraglutide on osteoblastic differentiation using Alizarin Red S staining, and examined the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulatory effect by western blot analysis. The present study demonstrated that protein expression levels of phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK) were downregulated in MC3T3-E1 cells during osteoblastic differentiation in commercial osteogenic differentiation medium, whereas protein expression levels of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR) increased. Liraglutide was subsequently demonstrated to dose-dependently attenuate the osteoblastic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells, to upregulate p-AMPK, and downregulate p-mTOR and TGF-β protein expression levels. Treatment with an AMPK-specific inhibitor, Compound C, eradicated the effect of liraglutide on osteoblastic differentiation, and p-mTOR and TGF-β downregulation. An mTOR activator, MHY1485, also abolished the inhibitory effect of liraglutide on osteoblastic differentiation, and resulted in p-mTOR and TGF-β downregulation, but did not attenuate the liraglutide-induced increase in p-AMPK protein expression levels. The results of the present study demonstrate that liraglutide attenuates osteoblastic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells via modulation of AMPK/mTOR signaling. The present study revealed a novel function of liraglutide, which contributes to the understanding of its pharmacological and physiological effects in clinical settings. PMID:27600753

Nitric Oxide Releasing Coronary Stent: A New Approach Using Layer-by-Layer Coating and Liposomal Encapsulation.

PubMed

Elnaggar, Mahmoud A; Seo, Seong Ho; Gobaa, Samy; Lim, Kyung Seob; Bae, In-Ho; Jeong, Myung Ho; Han, Dong Keun; Joung, Yoon Ki

2016-11-01

The sustained or controlled release of nitric oxide (NO) can be the most promising approach for the suppression or prevention of restenosis and thrombosis caused by stent implantation. The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility in the potential use of layer-by-layer (LBL) coating with a NO donor-containing liposomes to control the release rate of NO from a metallic stent. Microscopic observation and surface characterizations of LBL-modified stents demonstrate successful LBL coating with liposomes on a stent. Release profiles of NO show that the release rate is sustained up to 5 d. In vitro cell study demonstrates that NO release significantly enhances endothelial cell proliferation, whereas it markedly inhibits smooth muscle cell proliferation. Finally, in vivo study conducted with a porcine coronary injury model proves the therapeutic efficacy of the NO-releasing stents coated by liposomal LBL technique, supported by improved results in luminal healing, inflammation, and neointimal thickening except thrombo-resistant effect. As a result, all these results demonstrate that highly optimized release rate and therapeutic dose of NO can be achieved by LBL coating and liposomal encapsulation, followed by significantly efficacious outcome in vivo. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Audiovisual integration supports face-name associative memory formation.

PubMed

Lee, Hweeling; Stirnberg, Rüdiger; Stöcker, Tony; Axmacher, Nikolai

2017-10-01

Prior multisensory experience influences how we perceive our environment, and hence how memories are encoded for subsequent retrieval. This study investigated if audiovisual (AV) integration and associative memory formation rely on overlapping or distinct processes. Our functional magnetic resonance imaging results demonstrate that the neural mechanisms underlying AV integration and associative memory overlap substantially. In particular, activity in anterior superior temporal sulcus (STS) is increased during AV integration and also determines the success of novel AV face-name association formation. Dynamic causal modeling results further demonstrate how the anterior STS interacts with the associative memory system to facilitate successful memory formation for AV face-name associations. Specifically, the connection of fusiform gyrus to anterior STS is enhanced while the reverse connection is reduced when participants subsequently remembered both face and name. Collectively, our results demonstrate how multisensory associative memories can be formed for subsequent retrieval.

Maximum bandwidth snapshot channeled imaging polarimeter with polarization gratings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

LaCasse, Charles F.; Redman, Brian J.; Kudenov, Michael W.; Craven, Julia M.

2016-05-01

Compact snapshot imaging polarimeters have been demonstrated in literature to provide Stokes parameter estimations for spatially varying scenes using polarization gratings. However, the demonstrated system does not employ aggressive modulation frequencies to take full advantage of the bandwidth available to the focal plane array. A snapshot imaging Stokes polarimeter is described and demonstrated through results. The simulation studies the challenges of using a maximum bandwidth configuration for a snapshot polarization grating based polarimeter, such as the fringe contrast attenuation that results from higher modulation frequencies. Similar simulation results are generated and compared for a microgrid polarimeter. Microgrid polarimeters are instruments where pixelated polarizers are superimposed onto a focal plan array, and this is another type of spatially modulated polarimeter, and the most common design uses a 2x2 super pixel of polarizers which maximally uses the available bandwidth of the focal plane array.

Social and Academic Support and Adaptation to College: Exploring the Relationships between Indicators' College Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Turkpour, Azita; Mehdinezhad, Vali

2016-01-01

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the relation between social and academic support on student ability to adapt to college. Results demonstrated a weak and reverse relation between expression of support and personal ability to adapt and total adaptation. A direct relation was determined between emotional support and social adaptation and…

Anterior Cingulate Cortex and Cognitive Control: Neuropsychological and Electrophysiological Findings in Two Patients with Lesions to Dorsomedial Prefrontal Cortex

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lovstad, M.; Funderud, I.; Meling, T.; Kramer, U. M.; Voytek, B.; Due-Tonnessen, P.; Endestad, T.; Lindgren, M.; Knight, R. T.; Solbakk, A. K.

2012-01-01

Whereas neuroimaging studies of healthy subjects have demonstrated an association between the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and cognitive control functions, including response monitoring and error detection, lesion studies are sparse and have produced mixed results. Due to largely normal behavioral test results in two patients with medial…

Whiskey springs long-term coast redwood density management; final growth, sprout, and yield results

Treesearch

Lynn A. Webb; James L. Lindquist; Erik Wahl; Andrew Hubb

2012-01-01

Multi-decadal studies of commercial and precommercial thinning in redwood stands are rare and consequently of value. The Whiskey Springs study at Jackson Demonstration State Forest has a data set spanning 35 years. In addition to growth and yield response to commercial thinning, the results provide important information for evaluating regeneration and...

Hierarchy is Detrimental for Human Cooperation.

PubMed

Cronin, Katherine A; Acheson, Daniel J; Hernández, Penélope; Sánchez, Angel

2015-12-22

Studies of animal behavior consistently demonstrate that the social environment impacts cooperation, yet the effect of social dynamics has been largely excluded from studies of human cooperation. Here, we introduce a novel approach inspired by nonhuman primate research to address how social hierarchies impact human cooperation. Participants competed to earn hierarchy positions and then could cooperate with another individual in the hierarchy by investing in a common effort. Cooperation was achieved if the combined investments exceeded a threshold, and the higher ranked individual distributed the spoils unless control was contested by the partner. Compared to a condition lacking hierarchy, cooperation declined in the presence of a hierarchy due to a decrease in investment by lower ranked individuals. Furthermore, hierarchy was detrimental to cooperation regardless of whether it was earned or arbitrary. These findings mirror results from nonhuman primates and demonstrate that hierarchies are detrimental to cooperation. However, these results deviate from nonhuman primate findings by demonstrating that human behavior is responsive to changing hierarchical structures and suggests partnership dynamics that may improve cooperation. This work introduces a controlled way to investigate the social influences on human behavior, and demonstrates the evolutionary continuity of human behavior with other primate species.

Hierarchy is Detrimental for Human Cooperation

PubMed Central

Cronin, Katherine A.; Acheson, Daniel J.; Hernández, Penélope; Sánchez, Angel

2015-01-01

Studies of animal behavior consistently demonstrate that the social environment impacts cooperation, yet the effect of social dynamics has been largely excluded from studies of human cooperation. Here, we introduce a novel approach inspired by nonhuman primate research to address how social hierarchies impact human cooperation. Participants competed to earn hierarchy positions and then could cooperate with another individual in the hierarchy by investing in a common effort. Cooperation was achieved if the combined investments exceeded a threshold, and the higher ranked individual distributed the spoils unless control was contested by the partner. Compared to a condition lacking hierarchy, cooperation declined in the presence of a hierarchy due to a decrease in investment by lower ranked individuals. Furthermore, hierarchy was detrimental to cooperation regardless of whether it was earned or arbitrary. These findings mirror results from nonhuman primates and demonstrate that hierarchies are detrimental to cooperation. However, these results deviate from nonhuman primate findings by demonstrating that human behavior is responsive to changing hierarchical structures and suggests partnership dynamics that may improve cooperation. This work introduces a controlled way to investigate the social influences on human behavior, and demonstrates the evolutionary continuity of human behavior with other primate species. PMID:26692287

[Osteoarthritis from long-distance running?].

PubMed

Hohmann, E; Wörtler, K; Imhoff, A

2005-06-01

Long distance running has become a fashionable recreational activity. This study investigated the effects of external impact loading on bone and cartilage introduced by performing a marathon race. Seven beginners were compared to six experienced recreational long distance runners and two professional athletes. All participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the hip and knee before and after a marathon run. Coronal T1 weighted and STIR sequences were used. The pre MRI served as a baseline investigation and monitored the training effect. All athletes demonstrated normal findings in the pre run scan. All but one athlete in the beginner group demonstrated joint effusions after the race. The experienced and professional runners failed to demonstrate pathology in the post run scans. Recreational and professional long distance runners tolerate high impact forces well. Beginners demonstrate significant changes on the post run scans. Whether those findings are a result of inadequate training (miles and duration) warrant further studies. We conclude that adequate endurance training results in adaptation mechanisms that allow the athlete to compensate for the stresses introduced by long distance running and do not predispose to the onset of osteoarthritis. Significant malalignment of the lower extremity may cause increased focal loading of joint and cartilage.

[Evidence based practice of nurses working in university hospitals in the French speaking part of Switzerland: a descriptive and correlational study

PubMed

Gentizon, Jenny; Borrero, Patricia; Vincent-Suter, Sonja; Ballabeni, Pierluigi; Morin, Diane; Eicher, Manuela

2016-12-01

Introduction : evidence-based practice (EBP) is too scarcely applied in nursing and is a key contemporary challenge for the discipline. Method and objective : This descriptive and correlational study invited 221 nurses working in three different clinical settings of university hospitals in Switzerland. The objective of this study was to describe their level of knowledge, beliefs and implementation of EBP. Results : of the 221 nurses in this study, only 67 were familiar EBP (30%). These demonstrate favorable beliefs and attitudes towards EBP, but indicate a lack of skills and knowledge to implement it. Compared to both internal medicine and geriatric nurses clinical nurse specialists (ISC) were significantly more familiar with EBP and its implementation. Results also indicate that positive nurses’ beliefs and attitudes toward EBP are predictive of better implementation in clinical practice. Discussion and Conclusion : as demonstrated in other studies, our results show that knowledge about EBP is not that widespread and its implementation remains a challenge even in university hospitals. Future work could include testing EBP implementation strategies to overcome the barriers identified.

Changes in Medical Student and Doctor Attitudes Toward Older Adults After an Intervention: A Systematic Review

PubMed Central

Samra, Rajvinder; Griffiths, Amanda; Cox, Tom; Conroy, Simon; Knight, Alec

2013-01-01

Research investigating the effects of attitude-focused interventions on doctors’ and medical students’ attitudes toward older adults has produced mixed results. The objective of this systematic review was to determine whether factors pertaining to study design and quality might provide some explanation of this inconclusive picture. Articles were judged of interest if they reported doctors’ or medicals students’ attitude scores before and after a geriatric-focused intervention. Articles that did not report the measure used, mean scores, or inferential statistics were excluded. Twenty-seven databases, including Medline, PsychInfo, and Embase, were searched through April 2011 using a systematic search strategy. After assessment and extraction, 27 studies met the eligibility criteria for this review. These studies demonstrated inconsistent results; 14 appeared successful in effecting positive attitude change toward older adults after an intervention, and 13 appeared unsuccessful. Attitude change results differed in line with the content of the intervention. Of the 27 studies, 11 interventions contained solely knowledge-building content. Three of these studies demonstrated positive changes in doctors’ or medical students’ attitudes toward older adults after the intervention. The remaining 16 interventions incorporated an empathy-building component, such as an aging simulation exercise or contact with a healthy older adult. Of these, 11 successfully demonstrated positive attitude change after the intervention. The inclusion of an empathy-building task in an intervention appears to be associated with positive attitude change in medical students’ and doctors’ attitudes toward older adults. PMID:23750821

Arsenic Removal - Adsorptive Media and Coagulation/Filtration Case Studies - Slides

EPA Science Inventory

This presentation provides information on the results of three case studies from USEPA arsenic demonstration program. The first case study presented is on the Rimrock, AZ project that used an adsorptive media technology (E33 media) to remove arsenic. The second case study is o...

Arsenic Removal: Adsorptive Media and Coagulation/Filtration Case Studies

EPA Science Inventory

This presentation provides information on the results of three case studies from USEPA arsenic demonstration program. The first case study presented is on the Rimrock, AZ project that used an adsorptive media technology (E33 media) to remove arsenic. The second case study is on...

Summary of Activities for Health Monitoring of Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Russell, Rick

2012-01-01

This new start project (FY12-14) will design and demonstrate the ability of nondestructive evaluation sensors for the measurement of stresses on the inner diameter of a Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessel overwrap. Results will be correlated with other nondestructive evaluation technologies such as Acoustic Emission. The project will build upon a proof of concept study performed at KSC which demonstrated the ability of Magnetic Stress Gages to measure stresses at internal overwraps and upon current acoustic emission research being performed at WSTF; The gages will be produced utilizing Maundering Winding Magnetometer and/or Maundering Winding Magnetometer-array eddy current technology. The proof-of-concept study demonstrated a correlation between the sensor response and pressure or strain. The study also demonstrated the ability of Maundering Winding Magnetometer technology to monitor the stresses in a Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessel at different orientations and depths. The ultimate goal is to utilize this technology for the health monitoring of Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessels for all future flight programs.

(99m)Tc-bioorthogonal click chemistry reagent for in vivo pretargeted imaging.

PubMed

García, María Fernanda; Zhang, Xiuli; Shah, Manankumar; Newton-Northup, Jessica; Cabral, Pablo; Cerecetto, Hugo; Quinn, Thomas

2016-03-15

Metal-free click chemistry has become an important tool for pretargeted approaches in the molecular imaging field. The application of bioorthogonal click chemistry between a pretargeted trans-cyclooctene (TCO) derivatized monoclonal antibody (mAb) and a (99m)Tc-modified 1,2,4,5-tetrazine for tumor imaging was examined in vitro and in vivo. The HYNIC tetrazine compound was synthesized and structurally characterized, confirming its identity. Radiolabeling studies demonstrated that the HYNIC tetrazine was labeled with (99m)Tc at an efficiency of >95% and was radiochemically stable. (99m)Tc-HYNIC tetrazine reacted with the TCO-CC49 mAb in vitro demonstrating its selective reactivity. In vivo biodistribution studies revealed non-specific liver and GI uptake due to the hydrophobic property of the compound, however pretargeted SPECT imaging studies demonstrated tumor visualization confirming the success of the cycloaddition reaction in vivo. These results demonstrated the potential of (99m)Tc-HYNIC-tetrazine for tumor imaging with pretargeted mAbs. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Interactive videodisc instruction is an alternative method for learning and performing a critical nursing skill.

PubMed

DeAmicis, P A

1997-01-01

A study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of interactive videodisc instruction (IVDI) with the traditional lecture/demonstration as an alternative method for learning and performing a critical nursing skill. Students were assigned randomly to a treatment group that worked in small groups to complete the IVDI on intravenous therapy skills and a control group receiving the same content in a classroom lecture/demonstration format. After the instruction, each subject performed a re-demonstration of the learned skills using specific guidelines. Results revealed that although the IVDI group scored higher on the overall re-demonstration, there was no significant difference in the ability of the two groups to effectively perform this critical nursing skill. These findings support the use of IVDI as an alternative self-paced, independent study method for learning psychomotor skills and are consistent with previous studies, which indicate that working in small groups on the computer has a positive effect on self-efficacy and achievement.

Use of direct gradient analysis to uncover biological hypotheses in 16s survey data and beyond.

PubMed

Erb-Downward, John R; Sadighi Akha, Amir A; Wang, Juan; Shen, Ning; He, Bei; Martinez, Fernando J; Gyetko, Margaret R; Curtis, Jeffrey L; Huffnagle, Gary B

2012-01-01

This study investigated the use of direct gradient analysis of bacterial 16S pyrosequencing surveys to identify relevant bacterial community signals in the midst of a "noisy" background, and to facilitate hypothesis-testing both within and beyond the realm of ecological surveys. The results, utilizing 3 different real world data sets, demonstrate the utility of adding direct gradient analysis to any analysis that draws conclusions from indirect methods such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA). Direct gradient analysis produces testable models, and can identify significant patterns in the midst of noisy data. Additionally, we demonstrate that direct gradient analysis can be used with other kinds of multivariate data sets, such as flow cytometric data, to identify differentially expressed populations. The results of this study demonstrate the utility of direct gradient analysis in microbial ecology and in other areas of research where large multivariate data sets are involved.

Geophysical exploration with audio frequency magnetic fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Labson, V. F.

1985-12-01

Experience with the Audio Frequency Magnetic (AFMAG) method has demonstrated that an electromagnetic exploration system using the Earth's natural audiofrequency magnetic fields as an energy source, is capable of mapping subsurface electrical structure in the upper kilometer of the Earth's crust. The limitations are resolved by adapting the tensor analysis and remote reference noise bias removal techniques from the geomagnetic induction and magnetotelluric methods to the computation of the tippers. After a through spectral study of the natural magnetic fields, lightweight magnetic field sensors, capable of measuring the magnetic field throughout the year were designed. A digital acquisition and processing sytem, with the ability to provide audiofrequency tipper results in the field, was then built to complete the apparatus. The new instrumetnation was used in a study of the Mariposa, California site previously mapped with AFMAG. The usefulness of natural magnetic field data in mapping an electrical conductive body was again demonstrated. Several field examples are used to demonstrate that the proposed procedure yields reasonable results.

The Effect of Educational Software, Video Modelling and Group Discussion on Social-Skill Acquisition Among Students with Mild Intellectual Disabilities.

PubMed

Hetzroni, Orit E; Banin, Irit

2017-07-01

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) often demonstrate difficulties in social skills. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a comprehensive intervention program on the acquisition of social skills among students with mild IDD. Single subject multiple baseline design across situations was used for teaching five school-age children with mild IDD social skills embedded in school-based situations. Results demonstrate that the intervention program that included video modelling and games embedded with group discussions and simulations increased the level and use of adequate social behaviours within the school's natural environment. Results demonstrate the unique attribution of a comprehensive interactive program for acquisition and transfer of participants' social skills such as language pragmatics and social rules within the school environment. Group discussions and simulations were beneficial and enabled both group and personalized instruction through the unique application of the program designed for the study. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Seasat-A ASVT: Commercial demonstration experiments. Results analysis methodology for the Seasat-A case studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1979-01-01

The SEASAT-A commercial demonstration program ASVT is described. The program consists of a set of experiments involving the evaluation of a real time data distributions system, the SEASAT-A user data distribution system, that provides the capability for near real time dissemination of ocean conditions and weather data products from the U.S. Navy Fleet Numerical Weather Central to a selected set of commercial and industrial users and case studies, performed by commercial and industrial users, using the data gathered by SEASAT-A during its operational life. The impact of the SEASAT-A data on business operations is evaluated by the commercial and industrial users. The approach followed in the performance of the case studies, and the methodology used in the analysis and integration of the case study results to estimate the actual and potential economic benefits of improved ocean condition and weather forecast data are described.

Current knowledge about the hydrophilic and nanostructured SLActive surface

PubMed Central

Wennerberg, Ann; Galli, Silvia; Albrektsson, Tomas

2011-01-01

This review summarizes the present documentation for the SLActive surface, a hydrophilic and nanostructured surface produced by Straumann Company in Switzerland, and covers the results from 15 in vitro, 17 in vivo, and 16 clinical studies. The SLActive surface is a development of the large grit-blasted and acid-etched SLA surface, and is further processed to a high degree of hydrophilicity. In general, the in vitro and in vivo studies of the SLActive surface demonstrate a stronger cell and bone tissue response than for the predecessor, the SLA surface, produced by the same company. However, in most studies, this difference disappears after 6–8 weeks. In the clinical studies, a stronger bone response was reported for the SLActive surface during the early healing phase when compared with the SLA surface. However, the later biological response was quite similar for the two surfaces and both demonstrated very good clinical results. PMID:23674916

The implications of value conflict: how disagreement on values affects self-involvement and perceived common ground.

PubMed

Kouzakova, Marina; Ellemers, Naomi; Harinck, Fieke; Scheepers, Daan

2012-06-01

This article presents two studies demonstrating the implications of having different values (vs. interests) in a situation where people take opposite positions. Study 1 examined how people respond to a range of conflict issues that were framed either as referring to conflicting values or as referring to conflicting interests. Study 2 used a more immersive methodology, in which participants were led to consider either their values or interests in taking up a particular position, after which they were presented with a confederate who took up the opposite position. Results of both studies converge to demonstrate that framing a particular conflict issue in terms of values causes people to experience more self-involvement and to perceive less common ground. This result can be seen as a potential explanation of why value conflicts tend to escalate more easily than conflicts of interests and also offers scope for interventions directed at value conflict resolution.

Framing effect debiasing in medical decision making.

PubMed

Almashat, Sammy; Ayotte, Brian; Edelstein, Barry; Margrett, Jennifer

2008-04-01

Numerous studies have demonstrated the robustness of the framing effect in a variety of contexts. The present study investigated the effects of a debiasing procedure designed to prevent the framing effect for young adults who made decisions based on hypothetical medical decision-making vignettes. The debiasing technique involved participants listing advantages and disadvantages of each treatment prior to making a choice. One hundred and two undergraduate students read a set of three medical treatment vignettes that presented information in terms of different outcome probabilities under either debiasing or control conditions. The framing effect was demonstrated by the control group in two of the three vignettes. The debiasing group successfully avoided the framing effect for both of these vignettes. These results further support previous findings of the framing effect as well as an effective debiasing technique. This study improved upon previous framing debiasing studies by including a control group and personal medical scenarios, as well as demonstrating debiasing in a framing condition in which the framing effect was demonstrated without a debiasing procedure. The findings suggest a relatively simple manipulation may circumvent the use of decision-making heuristics in patients.

Improved staff procedure skills lead to improved managment skills: an observational study in an educational setting.

PubMed

Rüter, Anders; Vikstrom, Tore

2009-01-01

Good staff procedure skills in a management group during incidents and disasters are believed to be a prerequisite for good management of the situation. However, this has not been demonstrated scientifically. Templates for evaluation results from performance indicators during simulation exercises have previously been tested. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the possibility that these indicators can be used as a tool for studying the relationship between good management skills and good staff procedure skills. Good and structured work (staff procedure skills) in a hospital management group during simulation exercises in disaster medicine is related to good and timely decisions (good management skills). Results from 29 consecutive simulation exercises in which staff procedure skills and management skills were evaluated using quantitative measurements were included. The statistical analysis method used was simple linear regression with staff procedure skills as the response variable and management skills as the predictor variable. An overall significant relationship was identified between staff procedure skills and management skills (p(2)0.05). This study suggests that there is a relationship between staff procedure skills and management skills in the educational setting used. Future studies are needed to demonstrate if this also can be observed during actual incidents.

Making Sense of a Negative Clinical Trial Result: A Bayesian Analysis of a Clinical Trial of Lorazepam and Diazepam for Pediatric Status Epilepticus.

PubMed

Chamberlain, Daniel B; Chamberlain, James M

2017-01-01

We demonstrate the application of a Bayesian approach to a recent negative clinical trial result. A Bayesian analysis of such a trial can provide a more useful interpretation of results and can incorporate previous evidence. This was a secondary analysis of the efficacy and safety results of the Pediatric Seizure Study, a randomized clinical trial of lorazepam versus diazepam for pediatric status epilepticus. We included the published results from the only prospective pediatric study of status in a Bayesian hierarchic model, and we performed sensitivity analyses on the amount of pooling between studies. We evaluated 3 summary analyses for the results: superiority, noninferiority (margin <-10%), and practical equivalence (within ±10%). Consistent with the original study's classic analysis of study results, we did not demonstrate superiority of lorazepam over diazepam. There is a 95% probability that the true efficacy of lorazepam is in the range of 66% to 80%. For both the efficacy and safety outcomes, there was greater than 95% probability that lorazepam is noninferior to diazepam, and there was greater than 90% probability that the 2 medications are practically equivalent. The results were largely driven by the current study because of the sample sizes of our study (n=273) and the previous pediatric study (n=61). Because Bayesian analysis estimates the probability of one or more hypotheses, such an approach can provide more useful information about the meaning of the results of a negative trial outcome. In the case of pediatric status epilepticus, it is highly likely that lorazepam is noninferior and practically equivalent to diazepam. Copyright © 2016 American College of Emergency Physicians. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Caffeine as a model drug of dependence: recent developments in understanding caffeine withdrawal, the caffeine dependence syndrome, and caffeine negative reinforcement.

PubMed

Griffiths, R R; Chausmer, A L

2000-11-01

Caffeine is an excellent model compound for understanding drugs of abuse/dependence. The results of self-administration and choice studies in humans clearly demonstrate the reinforcing effects of low and moderate doses of caffeine. Caffeine reinforcement has been demonstrated in about 45% of normal subjects with histories of moderate and heavy caffeine use. Recent studies provide compelling evidence that caffeine physical dependence potentiates the reinforcing effects of caffeine through the mechanism of withdrawal symptom avoidance. Tolerance to the subjective and sleep-disrupting effects of caffeine in humans has been demonstrated. Physical dependence as reflected in a withdrawal syndrome in humans has been repeatedly demonstrated in adults and recently demonstrated in children. Withdrawal severity is an increasing function of caffeine maintenance dose, with withdrawal occurring at doses as low as 100 mg per day. Increased cerebral blood flow may be the physiological mechanism for caffeine withdrawal headache. Case studies in adults and adolescents clearly demonstrate that some individuals meet DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for a substance dependence syndrome on caffeine, including feeling compelled to continue caffeine use despite desires and recommendations to the contrary. Survey data suggest that 9% to 30% percent of caffeine consumers may be caffeine dependent according to DSM-IV criteria.

Patient Demonstration Videos in Predoctoral Endodontic Education: Aspects Perceived as Beneficial by Students.

PubMed

Edrees, Hadeel Y; Ohlin, Johan; Ahlquist, Michael; Tessma, Mesfin K; Zary, Nabil

2015-08-01

The aim of this study was to assess the perceived benefits of video-mediated demonstrations in learning endodontics. Participants in the study were 75 third-year students enrolled in the undergraduate dentistry program at Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. After the endodontic preclinical course, the students were introduced to the treatment protocol in the clinic by watching two live patient-demonstrated videos. The first video demonstrated how to communicate with the patient and perform diagnosis and root canal instrumentation. The second video illustrated how to perform bacterial sampling and root canal filling. After the students watched each video, a questionnaire was used to evaluate their opinions about various steps of the endodontic treatment protocol and the benefit of such educational material for their practice. Of the total 75 students, 72 completed the first questionnaire (96% response rate), and 65 completed the second questionnaire (87% response rate). The results showed that the students perceived high value in the video demonstrations related to treatment procedure. A statistically significant difference was observed between the perceived benefits of the first and second sessions in communication and treatment procedure (p<0.001). Further studies are needed to assess improvement in the design and delivery format for video demonstrations to enhance their effectiveness as a teaching modality for endodontics.

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

Goltz, M.N.; Carrothers, T.J.; Hopkins, G.D.

A full-scale study of in situ bioremediation is being planned for implementation at a trichloroethylene (TCE) contaminated site at Edwards Air Force Base. To support the demonstration, laboratory studies of sorption and biodegradation were performed. Column studies conducted with TCE and Edwards aquifer material determined the sorption distribution coefficient to be 0.1 millileters per gram, corresponding to a 1.5 retardation factor. Edwards aquifer material from four different depths was used to study cometabolic TCE biodegradation in the presence of toluene under aerobic conditions. The studies showed steady state TCE removal of greater than or equal to 85% in the microcosms.more » A base line simulation was performed using a computer model which incorporated all significant flow and transport processes. The simulation shows how TCE mass declines in both the dissolved and sorbed phases over the four months planned for the demonstration. Based on these preliminary studies, it appears that the planned operation of the bioremediation system can be expected to result in observable decreases in TCE mass and concentration at the Edwards demonstration site.« less

OPTIMIZED REAL-TIME CONTROL OF COMBINED SEWERAGE SYSTEMS: TWO CASE STUDIES

EPA Science Inventory

The paper presents results of two case studies of Real-Time Control (RTC) alternatives evaluations that were conducted on portions of sewerage systems near Paris, France and in Quebec City, Canada, respectively. The studies were performed at real-scale demonstration sites. RTC ...

Women's sexual responses to heterosexual and lesbian erotica: the role of stimulus intensity, affective reaction, and sexual history.

PubMed

Peterson, Zoë D; Janssen, Erick; Laan, Ellen

2010-08-01

Past research has demonstrated that women do not show a "category-specific" genital response to erotic stimuli. That is, on average, heterosexual and lesbian women are indistinguishable in terms of their physiological genital responses to heterosexual versus lesbian erotica. In two studies with heterosexual women (n = 28 for Study 1; n = 30 for Study 2) and lesbians (n = 24 for Study 1; n = 25 for Study 2), results confirmed that, on average, women did not show category-specific genital responses or category-specific subjective sexual arousal. However, there was evidence of notable within-group variability; many women did respond to the stimuli in a category-specific manner. Heterosexual women were more likely than lesbian women to demonstrate category-specificity. Findings also revealed that category-specificity was associated with multiple factors, including affective responses to the erotic stimuli and sexual history. Results of this study highlight the complexity of women's sexual identities and sexual responses.

Multiple objective optimization in reliability demonstration test

DOE PAGES

Lu, Lu; Anderson-Cook, Christine Michaela; Li, Mingyang

2016-10-01

Reliability demonstration tests are usually performed in product design or validation processes to demonstrate whether a product meets specified requirements on reliability. For binomial demonstration tests, the zero-failure test has been most commonly used due to its simplicity and use of minimum sample size to achieve an acceptable consumer’s risk level. However, this test can often result in unacceptably high risk for producers as well as a low probability of passing the test even when the product has good reliability. This paper explicitly explores the interrelationship between multiple objectives that are commonly of interest when planning a demonstration test andmore » proposes structured decision-making procedures using a Pareto front approach for selecting an optimal test plan based on simultaneously balancing multiple criteria. Different strategies are suggested for scenarios with different user priorities and graphical tools are developed to help quantify the trade-offs between choices and to facilitate informed decision making. As a result, potential impacts of some subjective user inputs on the final decision are studied to offer insights and useful guidance for general applications.« less

Small molecule kinase inhibitor LRRK2-IN-1 demonstrates potent activity against colorectal and pancreatic cancer through inhibition of doublecortin-like kinase 1

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) is emerging as a tumor specific stem cell marker in colorectal and pancreatic cancer. Previous in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the therapeutic effects of inhibiting DCLK1 with small interfering RNA (siRNA) as well as genetically targeting the DCLK1+ cell for deletion. However, the effects of inhibiting DCLK1 kinase activity have not been studied directly. Therefore, we assessed the effects of inhibiting DCLK1 kinase activity using the novel small molecule kinase inhibitor, LRRK2-IN-1, which demonstrates significant affinity for DCLK1. Results Here we report that LRRK2-IN-1 demonstrates potent anti-cancer activity including inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion as well as induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Additionally we found that it regulates stemness, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and oncogenic targets on the molecular level. Moreover, we show that LRRK2-IN-1 suppresses DCLK1 kinase activity and downstream DCLK1 effector c-MYC, and demonstrate that DCLK1 kinase activity is a significant factor in resistance to LRRK2-IN-1. Conclusions Given DCLK1’s tumor stem cell marker status, a strong understanding of its biological role and interactions in gastrointestinal tumors may lead to discoveries that improve patient outcomes. The results of this study suggest that small molecule inhibitors of DCLK1 kinase should be further investigated as they may hold promise as anti-tumor stem cell drugs. PMID:24885928

The cognitive consequences of envy: attention, memory, and self-regulatory depletion.

PubMed

Hill, Sarah E; DelPriore, Danielle J; Vaughan, Phillip W

2011-10-01

In a series of 4 experiments, we provide evidence that--in addition to having an affective component--envy may also have important consequences for cognitive processing. Our first experiment (N = 69) demonstrated that individuals primed with envy better attended to and more accurately recalled information about fictitious peers than did a control group. Studies 2 (N = 187) and 3 (N = 65) conceptually replicated these results, demonstrating that envy elicited by targets predicts attention and later memory for information about them. We demonstrate that these effects cannot be accounted for by admiration or changes in negative affect or arousal elicited by the targets. Study 4 (N = 152) provides evidence that greater memory for envied--but not neutral--targets leads to diminished perseverance on a difficult anagram task. Findings demonstrate that envy may play an important role in attention and memory systems and deplete limited self-regulatory resources available for acts of volition. 2011 APA, all rights reserved

Oxytocin and Migraine Headache.

PubMed

Tzabazis, Alexander; Kori, Shashi; Mechanic, Jordan; Miller, James; Pascual, Conrado; Manering, Neil; Carson, Dean; Klukinov, Michael; Spierings, Egilius; Jacobs, Daniel; Cuellar, Jason; Frey, William H; Hanson, Leah; Angst, Martin; Yeomans, David C

2017-05-01

This article reviews material presented at the 2016 Scottsdale Headache Symposium. This presentation provided scientific results and rationale for the use of intranasal oxytocin for the treatment of migraine headache. Results from preclinical experiments are reviewed, including in vitro experiments demonstrating that trigeminal ganglia neurons possess oxytocin receptors and are inhibited by oxytocin. Furthermore, most of these same neurons contain CGRP, the release of which is inhibited by oxytocin. Results are also presented which demonstrate that nasal oxytocin inhibits responses of trigeminal nucleus caudalis neurons to noxious stimulation using either noxious facial shock or nitroglycerin infusion. These studies led to testing the analgesic effect of intranasal oxytocin in episodic migraineurs-studies which did not meet their primary endpoint of pain relief at 2 h, but which were highly informative and led to additional rat studies wherein inflammation was found to dramatically upregulate the number of oxytocin receptors available on trigeminal neurons. This importance of inflammation was supported by a series of in vivo rat behavioral studies, which demonstrated a clear craniofacial analgesic effect when a pre-existing inflammatory injury was present. The significance of inflammation was further solidified by a small single-dose clinical study, which showed analgesic efficacy that was substantially stronger in chronic migraine patients that had not taken an anti-inflammatory drug within 24 h of oxytocin dosing. A follow-on open label study examining effects of one month of intranasal oxytocin dosing did show a reduction in pain, but a more impressive decrease in the frequency of headaches in both chronic and high frequency episodic migraineurs. This study led to a multicountry double blind, placebo controlled study studying whether, over 2 months of dosing, "as needed" dosing of intranasal oxytocin by chronic and high frequency migraineurs would reduce the frequency of their headaches compared to a 1-month baseline period. This study failed to meet its primary endpoint, due to an extraordinarily high placebo rate in the country of most of the patients (Chile), but was also highly informative, showing strong results in other countries and strong post hoc indications of efficacy. The results provide a strong argument for further development of intranasal oxytocin for migraine prophylaxis. © 2017 American Headache Society.

Improving scar quality: a prospective clinical study.

PubMed

Atiyeh, Bishara S; Ioannovich, John; Al-Amm, Christian A; El-Musa, Kusai A; Dham, Ruwayda

2002-01-01

Following traumatic or surgical injury to the skin, wounds do not heal by tissue regeneration but rather by scar formation. Though healing is definitely a welcomed event, the resultant scar, very often, is not aesthetically pleasing, and not infrequently, may be pathologic causing serious deformities and contractures. Management of problematic scars continues to be a frustrating endeavor with less than optimal results. Prophylactic methods of wound management to minimize serious scarring are being developed. In a previously published study, we have demonstrated improved healing of split thickness skin graft donor sites following treatment with Moist Exposed Burn Ointment (MEBO, Julphar Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries, Ras Al-Khaimah, UAE). At present, we are reporting the results of a comparative clinical prospective study evaluating scar quality following primary healing of elective surgical and traumatic facial wounds with prophylactic MEBO application, topical antibiotic ointment application, and no topical therapy at all. Scars were evaluated according to the Visual Analogue Scale for scar assessment. Statistical analysis of scar assessment scores demonstrated marked prevention of unfavorable scars with improved cosmetic results following MEBO prophylactic therapy.

The mechanism of action of Russian propolis ethanol extracts against two antibiotic-resistant biofilm-forming bacteria.

PubMed

Bryan, J; Redden, P; Traba, C

2016-02-01

The interaction between antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and antibiotic-sensitive Escherichia coli biofilm-forming bacteria and Russian propolis ethanol extracts was evaluated. In this study, bacterial cell death occurred when the cell membranes of bacteria interacted specifically with the antibacterial compounds found in propolis. In order to understand the Russian propolis ethanol extract mechanism of action, microscopy and bacterial lysis studies were conducted. Results uncovered from these experiments imply that the mechanism of action of Russian propolis ethanol extracts is structural rather than functional. The results obtained throughout this study demonstrate cell membrane damage, resulting in cell lysis and eventually bacterial death. Most strains of bacteria and subsequently biofilms, have evolved and have altered their chemical composition in an attempt to protect themselves from antibiotics. The resistant nature of bacteria stems from the chemical rather than the physical means of inactivation of antibiotics. The results uncovered in this work demonstrate the potential application of Russian propolis ethanol extracts as a very efficient and effective method for bacterial and biofilm inactivation. © 2015 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

OECD/NEA expert group on uncertainty analysis for criticality safety assessment: Results of benchmark on sensitivity calculation (phase III)

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

Ivanova, T.; Laville, C.; Dyrda, J.

2012-07-01

The sensitivities of the k{sub eff} eigenvalue to neutron cross sections have become commonly used in similarity studies and as part of the validation algorithm for criticality safety assessments. To test calculations of the sensitivity coefficients, a benchmark study (Phase III) has been established by the OECD-NEA/WPNCS/EG UACSA (Expert Group on Uncertainty Analysis for Criticality Safety Assessment). This paper presents some sensitivity results generated by the benchmark participants using various computational tools based upon different computational methods: SCALE/TSUNAMI-3D and -1D, MONK, APOLLO2-MORET 5, DRAGON-SUSD3D and MMKKENO. The study demonstrates the performance of the tools. It also illustrates how model simplificationsmore » impact the sensitivity results and demonstrates the importance of 'implicit' (self-shielding) sensitivities. This work has been a useful step towards verification of the existing and developed sensitivity analysis methods. (authors)« less

Drug prescribing and use among elderly people in Spain.

PubMed

Mas, X; Laporte, J R; Frati, M E; Busquet, L; Arnau, J M; Ibañez, L; Séculi, E; Capellà, D; Arbonés, G

1983-05-01

As a result of the lack of an adequate regulation, the supply and the use of medicines is irrational in Spain. In order to know the characteristics of the prescription and use of drugs among the elderly, two drug utilization studies were carried out. The first study was an analysis of 981 prescriptions from an outpatient clinic of the Spanish Social Security. The results show that a high proportion of fixed-dose combinations were prescribed and that drugs without any demonstrated therapeutic value are often prescribed for the elderly. The second study was a survey of 389 individuals randomly chosen among people affiliated with a pensioners' club. The results show that drug use is highly prevalent among the elderly, that many medicines without any demonstrated benefit are being taken, and that potentially harmful drugs were being used by a high proportion of patients without medical follow-up. The prevalence of the use of some particular groups of drugs is also presented.

Teaching Electric Circuits: Teachers' Perceptions and Learners' Misconceptions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moodley, Kimera; Gaigher, Estelle

2017-06-01

An exploratory case study involving six grade 9 science teachers was undertaken to probe how teachers' understanding of learners' misconceptions relate to their perceptions about teaching simple circuits. The participants' understanding of documented misconceptions in electricity were explored by means of a questionnaire, while their perceptions about teaching electric circuits were also explored in the questionnaire, followed by a semi-structured interview. Results were analysed using content analysis and interpreted using pedagogical content knowledge as a theoretical lens. The results indicated that understanding learners' misconceptions did not always correlate with conceptual perceptions about teaching electric circuits. While fair understanding of misconceptions was demonstrated by teachers who studied Physics at undergraduate level, only those who also held qualifications in Education showed conceptual perceptions about teaching electricity. Teachers who did not study Science Education revealed technical perceptions, focused on facts, demonstrations and calculations. From these results, a developmental model for pedagogical content knowledge was proposed. It was recommended that teacher education programs should involve misconceptions and also facilitate the development of conceptual perceptions about teaching.

Hypoxia induces cyclophilin B through the activation of transcription factor 6 in gastric adenocarcinoma cells.

PubMed

Jeong, Kwon; Kim, Kiyoon; Kim, Hunsung; Oh, Yoojung; Kim, Seong-Jin; Jo, Yunhee; Choe, Wonchae

2015-06-01

Hypoxia is an important form of physiological stress that induces cell death, due to the resulting endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, particularly in solid tumors. Although previous studies have indicated that cyclophilin B (CypB) plays a role in ER stress, there is currently no direct information supporting the mechanism of CypB involvement under hypoxic conditions. However, it has previously been demonstrated that ER stress positively regulates the expression of CypB. In the present study, it was demonstrated that CypB is transcriptionally regulated by hypoxia-mediated activation of transcription factor 6 (ATF6), an ER stress transcription factor. Subsequently, the effects of ATF6 on CypB promoter activity were investigated and an ATF6-responsive region in the promoter was identified. Hypoxia and ATF6 expression each increased CypB promoter activity. Collectively, these results demonstrate that ATF6 positively regulates the expression of CypB by binding to an ATF6-responsive region in the promoter, which may play an important role in the attenuation of apoptosis in the adaption to hypoxia. These results suggest that CypB may be a key molecule in the adaptation of cells to hypoxic conditions.

Hypoxia induces cyclophilin B through the activation of transcription factor 6 in gastric adenocarcinoma cells

PubMed Central

JEONG, KWON; KIM, KIYOON; KIM, HUNSUNG; OH, YOOJUNG; KIM, SEONG-JIN; JO, YUNHEE; CHOE, WONCHAE

2015-01-01

Hypoxia is an important form of physiological stress that induces cell death, due to the resulting endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, particularly in solid tumors. Although previous studies have indicated that cyclophilin B (CypB) plays a role in ER stress, there is currently no direct information supporting the mechanism of CypB involvement under hypoxic conditions. However, it has previously been demonstrated that ER stress positively regulates the expression of CypB. In the present study, it was demonstrated that CypB is transcriptionally regulated by hypoxia-mediated activation of transcription factor 6 (ATF6), an ER stress transcription factor. Subsequently, the effects of ATF6 on CypB promoter activity were investigated and an ATF6-responsive region in the promoter was identified. Hypoxia and ATF6 expression each increased CypB promoter activity. Collectively, these results demonstrate that ATF6 positively regulates the expression of CypB by binding to an ATF6-responsive region in the promoter, which may play an important role in the attenuation of apoptosis in the adaption to hypoxia. These results suggest that CypB may be a key molecule in the adaptation of cells to hypoxic conditions. PMID:26137159

Results of EPA Pilot Studies on Arsenic Removal

EPA Science Inventory

This presentation will summarize the results of several projects of the USEPA Arsenic Demonstration Program. The presentation will begin with a summary of the current national compliance data of the arsenic regulation including the number and location of MCL violations. The sec...

Arsenic Removal from Drinking Water Small Systems Research

EPA Science Inventory

This Power Point presentation will summarize some of the results from Arsenic Demonstration Program with the main focus on the adsorptive media systems used by small systems. The presentation will also describe the results of recent regeneration studies conducted on the arsenic ...

Experimental Demonstration of Fault-Tolerant State Preparation with Superconducting Qubits.

PubMed

Takita, Maika; Cross, Andrew W; Córcoles, A D; Chow, Jerry M; Gambetta, Jay M

2017-11-03

Robust quantum computation requires encoding delicate quantum information into degrees of freedom that are hard for the environment to change. Quantum encodings have been demonstrated in many physical systems by observing and correcting storage errors, but applications require not just storing information; we must accurately compute even with faulty operations. The theory of fault-tolerant quantum computing illuminates a way forward by providing a foundation and collection of techniques for limiting the spread of errors. Here we implement one of the smallest quantum codes in a five-qubit superconducting transmon device and demonstrate fault-tolerant state preparation. We characterize the resulting code words through quantum process tomography and study the free evolution of the logical observables. Our results are consistent with fault-tolerant state preparation in a protected qubit subspace.

Time domain topology optimization of 3D nanophotonic devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elesin, Y.; Lazarov, B. S.; Jensen, J. S.; Sigmund, O.

2014-02-01

We present an efficient parallel topology optimization framework for design of large scale 3D nanophotonic devices. The code shows excellent scalability and is demonstrated for optimization of broadband frequency splitter, waveguide intersection, photonic crystal-based waveguide and nanowire-based waveguide. The obtained results are compared to simplified 2D studies and we demonstrate that 3D topology optimization may lead to significant performance improvements.

Evaluation of Environmental Profiles for Reliability Demonstration

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-09-01

the increase in the ram air flow rate. As a result, one cannot generalize in advance about the effect of velocity increase on air-conditioner turbine ...152 6.2.6.3 Forced Cooling Air Temperature/ Flow Schedule. 152 Sample Test Provile ....... .............. 154 6.2.8 Profiles for Multi...Profiles for Reliability Demonstration Study Flow ....... . ....... 7 2 Typical MIL-STD-781 Profile ................ 23 3 Test Cycle A - Ambient Cooled

Design of a rapid magnetic microfluidic mixer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ballard, Matthew; Owen, Drew; Mills, Zachary Grant; Hanasoge, Srinivas; Hesketh, Peter; Alexeev, Alexander

2015-11-01

Using three-dimensional simulations and experiments, we demonstrate rapid mixing of fluid streams in a microchannel using orbiting magnetic microbeads. We use a lattice Boltzmann model coupled to a Brownian dynamics model to perform numerical simulations that study in depth the effect of system parameters such as channel configuration and fluid and bead velocities. We use our findings to aid the design of an experimental micromixer. Using this experimental device, we demonstrate rapid microfluidic mixing over a compact channel length, and validate our numerical simulation results. Finally, we use numerical simulations to study the physical mechanisms leading to microfluidic mixing in our system. Our findings demonstrate a promising method of rapid microfluidic mixing over a short distance, with applications in lab-on-a-chip sample testing.

Minimum MD simulation length required to achieve reliable results in free energy perturbation calculations: case study of relative binding free energies of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase inhibitors.

PubMed

Rathore, R S; Aparoy, P; Reddanna, P; Kondapi, A K; Reddy, M Rami

2011-07-30

In an attempt to establish the criteria for the length of simulation to achieve the desired convergence of free energy calculations, two studies were carried out on chosen complexes of FBPase-AMP mimics. Calculations were performed for varied length of simulations and for different starting configurations using both conventional- and QM/MM-FEP methods. The results demonstrate that for small perturbations, 1248 ps simulation time could be regarded a reasonable yardstick to achieve convergence of the results. As the simulation time is extended, the errors associated with free energy calculations also gradually tapers off. Moreover, when starting the simulation from different initial configurations of the systems, the results are not changed significantly, when performed for 1248 ps. This study carried on FBPase-AMP mimics corroborates well with our previous successful demonstration of requirement of simulation time for solvation studies, both by conventional and ab initio FEP. The establishment of aforementioned criteria of simulation length serves a useful benchmark in drug design efforts using FEP methodologies, to draw a meaningful and unequivocal conclusion. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Inference for binomial probability based on dependent Bernoulli random variables with applications to meta-analysis and group level studies.

PubMed

Bakbergenuly, Ilyas; Kulinskaya, Elena; Morgenthaler, Stephan

2016-07-01

We study bias arising as a result of nonlinear transformations of random variables in random or mixed effects models and its effect on inference in group-level studies or in meta-analysis. The findings are illustrated on the example of overdispersed binomial distributions, where we demonstrate considerable biases arising from standard log-odds and arcsine transformations of the estimated probability p̂, both for single-group studies and in combining results from several groups or studies in meta-analysis. Our simulations confirm that these biases are linear in ρ, for small values of ρ, the intracluster correlation coefficient. These biases do not depend on the sample sizes or the number of studies K in a meta-analysis and result in abysmal coverage of the combined effect for large K. We also propose bias-correction for the arcsine transformation. Our simulations demonstrate that this bias-correction works well for small values of the intraclass correlation. The methods are applied to two examples of meta-analyses of prevalence. © 2016 The Authors. Biometrical Journal Published by Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.

Exploring the Mechanisms of Ecological Land Change Based on the Spatial Autoregressive Model: A Case Study of the Poyang Lake Eco-Economic Zone, China

PubMed Central

Xie, Hualin; Liu, Zhifei; Wang, Peng; Liu, Guiying; Lu, Fucai

2013-01-01

Ecological land is one of the key resources and conditions for the survival of humans because it can provide ecosystem services and is particularly important to public health and safety. It is extremely valuable for effective ecological management to explore the evolution mechanisms of ecological land. Based on spatial statistical analyses, we explored the spatial disparities and primary potential drivers of ecological land change in the Poyang Lake Eco-economic Zone of China. The results demonstrated that the global Moran’s I value is 0.1646 during the 1990 to 2005 time period and indicated significant positive spatial correlation (p < 0.05). The results also imply that the clustering trend of ecological land changes weakened in the study area. Some potential driving forces were identified by applying the spatial autoregressive model in this study. The results demonstrated that the higher economic development level and industrialization rate were the main drivers for the faster change of ecological land in the study area. This study also tested the superiority of the spatial autoregressive model to study the mechanisms of ecological land change by comparing it with the traditional linear regressive model. PMID:24384778

Feasibility results of an electromagnetic compatibility test protocol to evaluate medical devices to radio frequency identification exposure.

PubMed

Seidman, Seth J; Bekdash, Omar; Guag, Joshua; Mehryar, Maryam; Booth, Paul; Frisch, Paul

2014-08-03

The use of radio frequency identification (RFID) systems in healthcare is increasing, and concerns for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) pose one of the biggest obstacles for widespread adoption. Numerous studies have demonstrated that RFID systems can interfere with medical devices; however, the majority of past studies relied on time-consuming and burdensome test schemes based on ad hoc test methods applied to individual RFID systems. This paper presents the results of using an RFID simulator that allows for faster evaluation of RFID-medical device EMC against a library of RFID test signals at various field strengths. The results of these tests demonstrate the feasibility and adequacy of simulator testing and can be used to support its incorporation into applicable consensus standards. This work can aid the medical device community in better assessing the risks associated with medical device exposure to RFID.

Endotoxin Inhalation Alters Lung Development in Neonatal Mice

PubMed Central

Kulhankova, Katarina; George, Caroline L.S.; Kline, Joel N.; Darling, Melissa; Thorne, Peter S.

2012-01-01

Background Childhood asthma is a significant public health problem. Epidemiologic evidence suggests an association between childhood asthma exacerbations and early life exposure to environmental endotoxin. Although the pathogenesis of endotoxin-induced adult asthma is well studied, questions remain about the impact of environmental endotoxin on pulmonary responsiveness in early life. Methods We developed a murine model of neonatal/juvenile endotoxin exposures approximating those in young children and evaluated the lungs inflammatory and remodeling responses. Results Persistent lung inflammation induced by the inhalation of endotoxin in early life was demonstrated by the influx of inflammatory cells and pro-inflammatory mediators to the airways and resulted in abnormal alveolarization. Conclusions Results of this study advance the understanding of the impact early life endotoxin inhalation has on the lower airways, and demonstrates the importance of an experimental design that approximates environmental exposures as they occur in young children. PMID:22576659

An investigation to find strategies to improve student nurses' maths skills.

PubMed

Wright, Kerri

Being able to perform drug calculations accurately is an essential skill for nurses. Many studies, however, have demonstrated that nurses need to improve this area of their practice and in particular their mathematical skills. Several strategies have been implemented to develop the drug calculation skills of nurses, with mixed success. This article reports on a study that was carried out to investigate whether strategies implemented within a second-year pre-registration course were perceived by students to be helpful in improving their mathematical skills for drug calculations. The results demonstrated that students felt their mathematics and confidence improved as a result of these strategies. The students' evaluation of the learning strategy that they found most helpful in learning drug calculation gave a mixed result, indicating that students have differing learning styles and needs. The study also indicates that student nurses were able to integrate the mathematical skills into their nursing practice by having different strategies that allowed them to develop conceptual, mathematical and practical skills concurrently. The study recommends the implementation of integrated strategies to address drug calculation skills in student nurses, although further research is still required.

Investigation of the Reverse Water Gas Shift Reaction for Production of Oxygen From Mars Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meyer, Tom; Zubrin, Robert

1997-01-01

The first phase of the research includes a comprehensive analytical study examining the potential applications for engineering subsystems and mission strategies made possible by such RWGS based subsystems, and will include an actual experimental demonstration and performance characterization of a full-scale brassboard RWGS working unit. By the time of this presentation the laboratory demonstration unit will not yet be operational but we will present the results of our analytical studies to date and plans for the ongoing work.

Space shuttle orbit maneuvering engine reusable thrust chamber program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Senneff, J. M.

1975-01-01

The feasibility of potential reusable thrust chamber concepts is studied. Propellant condidates were examined and analytically combined with potential cooling schemes. A data base of engine data which would assist in a configuration selection was produced. The data base verification was performed by the demonstration of a thrust chamber of a selected coolant scheme design. A full scale insulated columbium thrust chamber was used for propellant coolant configurations. Combustion stability of the injectors and a reduced size thrust chamber were experimentally verified as proof of concept demonstrations of the design and study results.

Crew emergency return vehicle autoland feasibility study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bossi, J. A.; Langehough, M. A.; Lee, K. L.

1989-01-01

The crew emergency return vehicle (CERV) autoland feasibility study focused on determining the controllability of the NASA Langley high lift over drag CERV for performing an automatic landing at a prescribed runway. An autoland system was developed using integral linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) design techniques. The design was verified using a nonlinear 6 DOF simulation. Simulation results demonstrate that the CERV configuration is a very flyable configuration for performing an autoland mission. Adequate stability and control was demonstrated for wind turbulence and wind shear. Control surface actuator requirements were developed.

PRL-3 promotes breast cancer progression by downregulating p14ARF-mediated p53 expression.

PubMed

Xie, Hua; Wang, Hao

2018-03-01

Prior studies have demonstrated that phosphatase of regenerating liver-3 (PRL-3) serves avital function in cell proliferation and metastasis in breast cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the function of PRL-3 in breast cancer remain unknown. PRL-3 expression was analyzed in 24 pairs of breast cancer and normal tissues using the reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay. The results of the present study identified that the expression of PLR-3 in breast cancer tissues was increased 4.2-fold, compared with normal tissues. Notably, overexpression of PRL-3 significantly promoted the proliferation of cancer cells and inhibited endogenous p53 expression by downregulating the expression level of p14 alternate reading frame (p14 ARF ). In addition, decreased expression levels of PRL-3 resulted in decreased breast cancer cell proliferation and increased expression level of p14 ARF . These results suggested that PRL-3 enhances cell proliferation by downregulating p14 ARF expression, which results in decreased levels ofp53. The results of the present study demonstrated that PRL-3 promotes tumor proliferation by affecting the p14 ARF -p53 axis, and that it may serve as a prognostic marker for patients with breast cancer.

Correlates of Study Skills and Academic Performance of Secretarial Studies Student Teachers of Rivers State University of Science and Technology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ojoko, Sydney; Koko, Maureen

1994-01-01

A study was conducted to determine correlates of study skills and academic performance of high and low achievers among secretarial studies student teachers at a Nigerian university. Results with 21 high and 21 low achievers demonstrate personality and study habits differences among the groups. (SLD)

The effects of a technology-enhanced, flexible choice science program on achievement, self-efficacy and the scale learner progression mechanism in science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grace, Lori

A mixed methods comparative case study of two DRG I urban high schools was used to determine the effectiveness of the Flexible Choice Science Program (FCSP) at producing equitable learning outcomes in students. FCSP recognized both 'among and within learner' differences, while allowing the teacher the semblance of a single lesson. Program sequencing, a differentiated technology platform and allowances for student control and creativity, allowed learners to progress from novice to master at their own pace. Results showed that holistic participation in FCSP by School A students led to significant positive learning effects, particularly for low ability learners. Results of this study challenge current educational grouping techniques that have resulted in inequity, by demonstrating that when students group themselves, their success increases by more than 100%. Results of this research also challenge common notion that cognition most defines student potential by demonstrating that student affect most influences learning.

Statistical methods for incomplete data: Some results on model misspecification.

PubMed

McIsaac, Michael; Cook, R J

2017-02-01

Inverse probability weighted estimating equations and multiple imputation are two of the most studied frameworks for dealing with incomplete data in clinical and epidemiological research. We examine the limiting behaviour of estimators arising from inverse probability weighted estimating equations, augmented inverse probability weighted estimating equations and multiple imputation when the requisite auxiliary models are misspecified. We compute limiting values for settings involving binary responses and covariates and illustrate the effects of model misspecification using simulations based on data from a breast cancer clinical trial. We demonstrate that, even when both auxiliary models are misspecified, the asymptotic biases of double-robust augmented inverse probability weighted estimators are often smaller than the asymptotic biases of estimators arising from complete-case analyses, inverse probability weighting or multiple imputation. We further demonstrate that use of inverse probability weighting or multiple imputation with slightly misspecified auxiliary models can actually result in greater asymptotic bias than the use of naïve, complete case analyses. These asymptotic results are shown to be consistent with empirical results from simulation studies.

Jellyfish (Cyanea nozakii) decomposition and its potential influence on marine environments studied via simulation experiments.

PubMed

Qu, Chang-Feng; Song, Jin-Ming; Li, Ning; Li, Xue-Gang; Yuan, Hua-Mao; Duan, Li-Qin; Ma, Qing-Xia

2015-08-15

A growing body of evidence suggests that the jellyfish population in Chinese seas is increasing, and decomposition of jellyfish strongly influences the marine ecosystem. This study investigated the change in water quality during Cyanea nozakii decomposition using simulation experiments. The results demonstrated that the amount of dissolved nutrients released by jellyfish was greater than the amount of particulate nutrients. NH4(+) was predominant in the dissolved matter, whereas the particulate matter was dominated by organic nitrogen and inorganic phosphorus. The high N/P ratios demonstrated that jellyfish decomposition may result in high nitrogen loads. The inorganic nutrients released by C. nozakii decomposition were important for primary production. Jellyfish decomposition caused decreases in the pH and oxygen consumption associated with acidification and hypoxia or anoxia; however, sediments partially mitigated the changes in the pH and oxygen. These results imply that jellyfish decomposition can result in potentially detrimental effects on marine environments. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Effects of lycopene on the skeletal system].

PubMed

Sołtysiak, Patrycja; Folwarczna, Joanna

2015-02-21

Antioxidant substances of plant origin, such as lycopene, may favorably affect the skeletal system. Lycopene is a carotenoid pigment, responsible for characteristic red color of tomatoes. It is believed that lycopene may play a role in the prevention of various diseases; despite theoretical premises and results of experimental studies, the effectiveness of lycopene has not yet been clearly demonstrated in studies carried out in humans. The aim of the study was to present the current state of knowledge on the effects of lycopene on the osseous tissue in in vitro and in vivo experimental models and on the skeletal system in humans. Results of the studies indicate that lycopene may inhibit bone resorption. Favorable effects of high doses of lycopene on the rat skeletal system in experimental conditions, including the model of osteoporosis induced by estrogen deficiency, have been demonstrated. The few epidemiological and clinical studies, although not fully conclusive, suggest a possible beneficial effect of lycopene present in the diet on the skeletal system.

Experiments in ultrasonic flaw detection using a MEMS transducer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jain, Akash; Greve, David W.; Oppenheim, Irving J.

2003-08-01

In earlier work we developed a MEMS phased array transducer, fabricated in the MUMPs process, and we reported on initial experimental studies in which the device was affixed into contact with solids. We demonstrated the successful detection of signals from a conventional ultrasonic source, and the successful localization of the source in an off-axis geometry using phased array signal processing. We now describe the predicted transmission and coupling characteristics for such devices in contact with solids, demonstrating reasonable agreement with experimental behavior. We then describe the results of flaw detection experiments, as well as results for fluid-coupled detectors.

Waveguide Multimode Directional Coupler for Harvesting Harmonic Power from the Output of Traveling-Wave Tube Amplifiers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simons, Rainee N.; Wintucky, Edwin G.

2017-01-01

This paper presents the design, fabrication, and test results for a novel waveguide multimode directional coupler (MDC). The coupler fabricated from dissimilar frequency band waveguides, is capable of isolating power at the 2nd harmonic frequency from the fundamental power at the output port of traveling-wave tube amplifiers. Test results from proof-of-concept demonstrations are presented for Ku/Ka-band and Ka/E-band MDCs, which demonstrate sufficient power in the 2nd harmonic for a space borne beacon source for mm-wave atmospheric propagation studies.

Asymmetry in electrical coupling between neurons alters multistable firing behavior

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pisarchik, A. N.; Jaimes-Reátegui, R.; García-Vellisca, M. A.

2018-03-01

The role of asymmetry in electrical synaptic connection between two neuronal oscillators is studied in the Hindmarsh-Rose model. We demonstrate that the asymmetry induces multistability in spiking dynamics of the coupled neuronal oscillators. The coexistence of at least three attractors, one chaotic and two periodic orbits, for certain coupling strengths is demonstrated with time series, phase portraits, bifurcation diagrams, basins of attraction of the coexisting states, Lyapunov exponents, and standard deviations of peak amplitudes and interspike intervals. The experimental results with analog electronic circuits are in good agreement with the results of numerical simulations.

Analysis of PCR Thermocycling by Rayleigh-Bénard Convection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Ruchi; Ugaz, Victor

2004-03-01

In previous studies, we demonstrated a novel device employing the circulatory flow field established by Rayleigh-Bénard convection to perform amplification of a 295 base target region from a human genomic DNA template inside a 35 uL cylindrical cavity using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) [Krishnan, Ugaz & Burns, Science, Vol. 298, 2002, p. 793]. This design eliminates the need for dynamic external temperature control required in conventional thermocyclers that repeatedly heat and cool static sample volumes to denaturation, annealing, and extension temperatures. In this paper, we extend these studies by demonstrating the design and operation of a multiwell convective flow device capable of achieving amplification of a 191 base pair fragment associated with membrane channel proteins M1 and M2 of the influenza-A virus in as little as 15 minutes with performance comparable to a conventional thermocycler. We also study the effect of initial template concentration and observe no degradation in performance over four orders of magnitude of initial template loading dilution, consistent with conventional thermocycler results. These results illustrate the ability of convective flow PCR systems to achieve performance equal to or exceeding conventional thermocycling hardware, and demonstrate their suitability for use in rapid biodetection assays.

Preclinical Antileukemia Activity of Tramesan: A Newly Identified Bioactive Fungal Metabolite.

PubMed

Ricciardi, M R; Licchetta, R; Mirabilii, S; Scarpari, M; Parroni, A; Fabbri, A A; Cescutti, P; Reverberi, M; Fanelli, C; Tafuri, A

2017-01-01

Despite improvements that occurred in the last decades in the acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treatment, clinical results are still unsatisfactory. More effective therapies are required, and innovative approaches are ongoing, including the discovery of novel antileukemia natural compounds. Several studies have described the activity of extracts from mushrooms which produce compounds that exhibited immunological and antitumor activities. The latter has been demonstrated to be promoted in vitro by mushroom polysaccharides via induction of apoptosis. However, the antileukemia activity of these compounds on primary cells is still not reported. In the present study, we examined the in vitro effects of Tramesan (TR), a bioactive compound extracted from Trametes versicolor , on leukemic cell lines and primary cells. Our results demonstrated that TR induced a marked growth inhibition of leukemic cell lines and primary cells from AML patients. The antiproliferative effects of TR were associated in primary AML cells with a significant increase of apoptosis. No significant cytotoxic effects were observed in normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (MNC) from healthy donors. Our data demonstrated a cytotoxic activity of TR on leukemia cells prompting further translational applications. Ongoing studies are elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying its antileukemic activity.

Preclinical Antileukemia Activity of Tramesan: A Newly Identified Bioactive Fungal Metabolite

PubMed Central

Scarpari, M.; Parroni, A.; Fabbri, A. A.; Cescutti, P.; Reverberi, M.; Fanelli, C.

2017-01-01

Despite improvements that occurred in the last decades in the acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treatment, clinical results are still unsatisfactory. More effective therapies are required, and innovative approaches are ongoing, including the discovery of novel antileukemia natural compounds. Several studies have described the activity of extracts from mushrooms which produce compounds that exhibited immunological and antitumor activities. The latter has been demonstrated to be promoted in vitro by mushroom polysaccharides via induction of apoptosis. However, the antileukemia activity of these compounds on primary cells is still not reported. In the present study, we examined the in vitro effects of Tramesan (TR), a bioactive compound extracted from Trametes versicolor, on leukemic cell lines and primary cells. Our results demonstrated that TR induced a marked growth inhibition of leukemic cell lines and primary cells from AML patients. The antiproliferative effects of TR were associated in primary AML cells with a significant increase of apoptosis. No significant cytotoxic effects were observed in normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (MNC) from healthy donors. Our data demonstrated a cytotoxic activity of TR on leukemia cells prompting further translational applications. Ongoing studies are elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying its antileukemic activity. PMID:29270245

An Investigation into Quantifying Micron-G Changes in a Gravitational Field of 1G

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gauthier, Richard R.; Gilbert, John A.

1997-01-01

This project called for the development of an accelerometer designed to be used in conjunction with gravity shielding experiments. The device had to measure local gravitational changes on the order of a few micro-G's (micron-G) with a spatial resolution greater than one measurement per ten square centimeters. Measurements had to be made at a minimum rate of two per second. Tasks included the design, development and demonstration of a prototype. The deliverable consisted of three copies of this final report. The study resulted in the development of a Transversely Suspended Accelerometer (TSA) which met all of the technical specifications. Different generations of the device were demonstrated to NASA/MSFC personnel as they were developed. The final prototype is available for further demonstration and future use. The study draws attention to the fact that the magnetic fields required to produce gravitational shielding may result in apparent decreases in the weights of suspended objects on the order of those attributed to the effect itself. This observation reinforces the need to quantify the influences of the magnetic field on any measurement device used to study gravitational shielding. This task was accomplished for the TSA.

Beta Peak Frequencies at Rest Correlate with Endogenous GABA+/Cr Concentrations in Sensorimotor Cortex Areas

PubMed Central

Baumgarten, Thomas J.; Oeltzschner, Georg; Hoogenboom, Nienke; Wittsack, Hans-Jörg; Schnitzler, Alfons; Lange, Joachim

2016-01-01

Neuronal oscillatory activity in the beta band (15–30 Hz) is a prominent signal within the human sensorimotor cortex. Computational modeling and pharmacological modulation studies suggest an influence of GABAergic interneurons on the generation of beta band oscillations. Accordingly, studies in humans have demonstrated a correlation between GABA concentrations and power of beta band oscillations. It remains unclear, however, if GABA concentrations also influence beta peak frequencies and whether this influence is present in the sensorimotor cortex at rest and without pharmacological modulation. In the present study, we investigated the relation between endogenous GABA concentration (measured by magnetic resonance spectroscopy) and beta oscillations (measured by magnetoencephalography) at rest in humans. GABA concentrations and beta band oscillations were measured for left and right sensorimotor and occipital cortex areas. A significant positive linear correlation between GABA concentration and beta peak frequency was found for the left sensorimotor cortex, whereas no significant correlations were found for the right sensorimotor and the occipital cortex. The results show a novel connection between endogenous GABA concentration and beta peak frequency at rest. This finding supports previous results that demonstrated a connection between oscillatory beta activity and pharmacologically modulated GABA concentration in the sensorimotor cortex. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that for a predominantly right-handed sample, the correlation between beta band oscillations and endogenous GABA concentrations is evident only in the left sensorimotor cortex. PMID:27258089

Optimized Real-Time Control of Combined Sewerage Systems: Two Case Studies (Proceedings Paper)

EPA Science Inventory

The paper presents results of two case studies of Real-Time Control (RTC) alternatives evaluations that were conducted on portions of sewerage systems near Paris, France and in Quebec City, Canada, respectively. The studies were performed at real-scale demonstration sites. RTC al...

40 CFR 52.726 - Control strategy: Ozone.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Transportation Study: “Transportation Control Measures Contribution to the Post-1996 Rate-Of-Progress State...) [Reserved] (2) The State conducts a study to demonstrate that the 75 percent overall control efficiency requirement in Rule 205(n) represents RACT, submits the results of the study to USEPA, and submits any...

40 CFR 52.726 - Control strategy: Ozone.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... Transportation Study: “Transportation Control Measures Contribution to the Post-1996 Rate-Of-Progress State...) [Reserved] (2) The State conducts a study to demonstrate that the 75 percent overall control efficiency requirement in Rule 205(n) represents RACT, submits the results of the study to USEPA, and submits any...

77 FR 67771 - Flonicamid; Pesticide Tolerances

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-14

... one of the following methods: Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov . Follow the... validity, completeness, and reliability as well as the relationship of the results of the studies to human... TFNA-OH, also demonstrated low toxicity in acute oral toxicity studies. In the 28-day dermal study with...

Assessment of virulence diversity of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains with a Drosophila melanogaster infection model.

PubMed

Wu, Kaiyu; Conly, John; Surette, Michael; Sibley, Christopher; Elsayed, Sameer; Zhang, Kunyan

2012-11-23

Staphylococcus aureus strains with distinct genetic backgrounds have shown different virulence in animal models as well as associations with different clinical outcomes, such as causing infection in the hospital or the community. With S. aureus strains carrying diverse genetic backgrounds that have been demonstrated by gene typing and genomic sequences, it is difficult to compare these strains using mammalian models. Invertebrate host models provide a useful alternative approach for studying bacterial pathogenesis in mammals since they have conserved innate immune systems of biological defense. Here, we employed Drosophila melanogaster as a host model for studying the virulence of S. aureus strains. Community-associated methicillin-resistant S. aureus (CA-MRSA) strains USA300, USA400 and CMRSA2 were more virulent than a hospital-associated (HA)-MRSA strain (CMRSA6) and a colonization strain (M92) in the D. melanogaster model. These results correlate with bacterial virulence in the Caenorhabditis elegans host model as well as human clinical data. Moreover, MRSA killing activities in the D. melanogaster model are associated with bacterial replication within the flies. Different MRSA strains induced similar host responses in D. melanogaster, but demonstrated differential expression of common bacterial virulence factors, which may account for the different killing activities in the model. In addition, hemolysin α, an important virulence factor produced by S. aureus in human infections is postulated to play a role in the fly killing. Our results demonstrate that the D. melanogaster model is potentially useful for studying S. aureus pathogenicity. Different MRSA strains demonstrated diverse virulence in the D. melanogaster model, which may be the result of differing expression of bacterial virulence factors in vivo.

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

Morgan, C.D.; Allison, M.L.

The Bluebell field is productive from the Tertiary lower Green River and Wasatch Formations of the Uinta Basin, Utah. The productive interval consists of thousands of feet of interbedded fractured clastic and carbonate beds deposited in a fluvial-dominated lacustrine environment. Wells in the Bluebell field are typically completed by perforating 40 or more beds over 1,000 to 3,000 vertical feet (300-900 m), then stimulating the entire interval. This completion technique is believed to leave many potentially productive beds damaged and/or untreated, while allowing water-bearing and low-pressure (thief) zones to communicate with the wellbore. Geologic and engineering characterization has been usedmore » to define improved completion techniques. A two-year characterization study involved detailed examination of outcrop, core, well logs, surface and subsurface fractures, produced oil-field waters, engineering parameters of the two demonstration wells, and analysis of past completion techniques and effectiveness. The characterization study resulted in recommendations for improved completion techniques and a field-demonstration program to test those techniques. The results of the characterization study and the proposed demonstration program are discussed in the second annual technical progress report. The operator of the wells was unable to begin the field demonstration this project year (October 1, 1995 to September 20, 1996). Correlation and thickness mapping of individual beds in the Wasatch Formation was completed and resulted in a. series of maps of each of the individual beds. These data were used in constructing the reservoir models. Non-fractured and fractured geostatistical models and reservoir simulations were generated for a 20-square-mile (51.8-km{sup 2}) portion of the Bluebell field. The modeling provides insights into the effects of fracture porosity and permeability in the Green River and Wasatch reservoirs.« less

Word Recall: Cognitive Performance Within Internet Surveys

PubMed Central

Craig, Benjamin M; Jim, Heather S

2015-01-01

Background The use of online surveys for data collection has increased exponentially, yet it is often unclear whether interview-based cognitive assessments (such as face-to-face or telephonic word recall tasks) can be adapted for use in application-based research settings. Objective The objective of the current study was to compare and characterize the results of online word recall tasks to those of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and determine the feasibility and reliability of incorporating word recall tasks into application-based cognitive assessments. Methods The results of the online immediate and delayed word recall assessment, included within the Women’s Health and Valuation (WHV) study, were compared to the results of the immediate and delayed recall tasks of Waves 5-11 (2000-2012) of the HRS. Results Performance on the WHV immediate and delayed tasks demonstrated strong concordance with performance on the HRS tasks (ρc=.79, 95% CI 0.67-0.91), despite significant differences between study populations (P<.001) and study design. Sociodemographic characteristics and self-reported memory demonstrated similar relationships with performance on both the HRS and WHV tasks. Conclusions The key finding of this study is that the HRS word recall tasks performed similarly when used as an online cognitive assessment in the WHV. Online administration of cognitive tests, which has the potential to significantly reduce participant and administrative burden, should be considered in future research studies and health assessments. PMID:26543924

Connectivity and genetic structure of the queen conch on the Mesoamerican Reef

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Machkour-M'Rabet, Salima; Cruz-Medina, Jorge; García-De León, Francisco J.; De Jesús-Navarrete, Alberto; Hénaut, Yann

2017-06-01

The queen conch ( Strombus gigas) is a commercially important marine invertebrate that is widely distributed throughout the western Atlantic, from Bermuda to Brazil. Intense exploitation has resulted in a decrease in population numbers of this species, which is listed as protected from commercial exploitation under IUCN and CITES. Previous studies on population genetics have demonstrated contrasting results in terms of the population structure of S. gigas. This research analyzed the genetic connectivity of the queen conch over a wide area of the Mesoamerican Reef System to determine whether S. gigas presents one panmictic population or a more complex structure. Furthermore, we evaluated the risk of local extinction by establishing the genetic diversity of the studied populations. High resolution was obtained for the five ISSR markers used for a total of 190 individuals, from seven localities along the Mesoamerican Reef. Our results reject the panmictic structure hypothesis for the queen conch in the study area and demonstrate genetic patchiness, indicating general homogeneity among localities that present an isolation-by-distance pattern. However, some genetic temporal variation was confirmed for the Cozumel locality. Furthermore, our results reveal self-recruitment for the Alacranes Reef aggregation and suggest sufficient connectivity with localities on the Caribbean coast to maintain high genetic diversity. With regard to genetic diversity, the results demonstrate that the queen conch is not genetically threatened in the study area. This is probably due to high annual recruitment within Caribbean queen conch aggregations, and suggests that S. gigas is a highly resilient organism. We advocate that the appropriate management of S. gigas (fishing quota and/or closed season) must be followed to attain a rapid recovery of queen conch populations. This study represents a fundamental step in the understanding of the dynamic population structure of S. gigas in the Mesoamerican Reef and is an important contribution toward improving the future management of this commercially protected species.

Terahertz photonic crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jian, Zhongping

This thesis describes the study of two-dimensional photonic crystals slabs with terahertz time domain spectroscopy. In our study we first demonstrate the realization of planar photonic components to manipulate terahertz waves, and then characterize photonic crystals using terahertz pulses. Photonic crystal slabs at the scale of micrometers are first designed and fabricated free of defects. Terahertz time domain spectrometer generates and detects the electric fields of single-cycle terahertz pulses. By putting photonic crystals into waveguide geometry, we successfully demonstrate planar photonic components such as transmission filters, reflection frequency-selective filters, defects modes as well as superprisms. In the characterization study of out-of-plane properties of photonic crystal slabs, we observe very strong dispersion at low frequencies, guided resonance modes at middle frequencies, and a group velocity anomaly at high frequencies. We employ Finite Element Method and Finite-Difference Time-Domain method to simulate the photonic crystals, and excellent agreement is achieved between simulation results and experimental results.

Benchmark On Sensitivity Calculation (Phase III)

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

Ivanova, Tatiana; Laville, Cedric; Dyrda, James

2012-01-01

The sensitivities of the keff eigenvalue to neutron cross sections have become commonly used in similarity studies and as part of the validation algorithm for criticality safety assessments. To test calculations of the sensitivity coefficients, a benchmark study (Phase III) has been established by the OECD-NEA/WPNCS/EG UACSA (Expert Group on Uncertainty Analysis for Criticality Safety Assessment). This paper presents some sensitivity results generated by the benchmark participants using various computational tools based upon different computational methods: SCALE/TSUNAMI-3D and -1D, MONK, APOLLO2-MORET 5, DRAGON-SUSD3D and MMKKENO. The study demonstrates the performance of the tools. It also illustrates how model simplifications impactmore » the sensitivity results and demonstrates the importance of 'implicit' (self-shielding) sensitivities. This work has been a useful step towards verification of the existing and developed sensitivity analysis methods.« less

DuPont qualicon BAX system real-time PCR assay for Escherichia coli O157:H7.

PubMed

Burns, Frank; Fleck, Lois; Andaloro, Bridget; Davis, Eugene; Rohrbeck, Jeff; Tice, George; Wallace, Morgan

2011-01-01

Evaluations were conducted to test the performance of the BAX System Real-Time PCR assay, which was certified as Performance Tested Method 031002 for screening E. coli O157:H7 in ground beef, beef trim, spinach, and lettuce. Method comparison studies performed on samples with low-level inoculates showed that the BAX System demonstrates a sensitivity equivalent or superior to the FDA-BAM and the USDA-FSIS culture methods, but with a significantly shorter time to result. Tests to evaluate inclusivity and exclusivity returned no false-negative and no false-positive results on a diverse panel of isolates, and tests for lot-to-lot variability and tablet stability demonstrated consistent performance. Ruggedness studies determined that none of the factors examined affect the performance of the assay. An accelerated shelf life study determined an initial 36 month shelf life for the test kit.

Stem cell plasticity.

PubMed

Lakshmipathy, Uma; Verfaillie, Catherine

2005-01-01

The central dogma in stem cell biology has been that cells isolated from a particular tissue can renew and differentiate into lineages of the tissue it resides in. Several studies have challenged this idea by demonstrating that tissue specific cell have considerable plasticity and can cross-lineage restriction boundary and give rise to cell types of other lineages. However, the lack of a clear definition for plasticity has led to confusion with several reports failing to demonstrate that a single cell can indeed differentiate into multiple lineages at significant levels. Further, differences between results obtained in different labs has cast doubt on some results and several studies still await independent confirmation. In this review, we critically evaluate studies that report stem cell plasticity using three rigid criteria to define stem cell plasticity; differentiation of a single cell into multiple cell lineages, functionality of differentiated cells in vitro and in vivo, robust and persistent engraft of transplanted cells.

Staff nurse turnover costs: Part II, Measurements and results.

PubMed

Jones, C B

1990-05-01

This study demonstrated that the costs of nursing turnover can be high (over +10,000 per RN turnover), and that the potential for adverse impact on the nursing department, the hospital environment, and the healthcare environment exists. The results of this study are important, particularly in the midst of a national nursing shortage, for several reasons. CNEs are responsible for obtaining, allocating, and managing nursing department resources; knowledge of nursing turnover costs will allow them to make more informed decisions about how best to allocate scarce resources. The findings of this study are also important to hospital administrators because they demonstrate the financial impact of high rates of nursing turnover on healthcare delivery. Finally, these findings provide nurse researchers direction for future research into the costs and benefits of nursing turnover and retention activities, so that cost-effective methods of minimizing organizational costs can be determined.

Generation of murine induced pluripotent stem cells by using high-density distributed electrodes network.

PubMed

Lu, Ming-Yu; Li, Zhihong; Hwang, Shiaw-Min; Linju Yen, B; Lee, Gwo-Bin

2015-09-01

This study reports a robust method of gene transfection in a murine primary cell model by using a high-density electrodes network (HDEN). By demonstrating high cell viability after gene transfection and successful expression of transgenes including fluorescent proteins, the HDEN device shows great promise as a solution in which reprogramming efficiency using non-viral induction for generation of murine induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) is optimized. High and steady transgene expression levels in host cells of iPSCs can be demonstrated using this method. Moreover, the HDEN device achieved successful gene transfection with a low voltage of less than 180 V while requiring relatively low cell numbers (less than 1.5 × 10(4) cells). The results are comparable to current conventional methods, demonstrating a reasonable fluorescent-plasmid transfection rate (42.4% in single transfection and 24.5% in triple transfection) and high cell viability of over 95%. The gene expression levels of each iPSC factor was measured to be over 10-fold higher than that reported in previous studies using a single mouse embryonic fibroblast cell. Our results demonstrate that the generation of iPSCs using HDEN transfection of plasmid DNA may be a feasible and safe alternative to using viral transfection methods in the near future.

Elder mediation in theory and practice: study results from a national caregiver mediation demonstration project.

PubMed

Crampton, Alexandra

2013-01-01

Mediation is a process through which a third party facilitates discussion among disputing parties to help them identify interests and ideally reach an amicable solution. Elder mediation is a growing subspecialty to address conflicts involving older adults, primarily involving caregiving or finances. Mediation is theorized to empower participants but critics argue that it can exacerbate power imbalances among parties and coerce consensus. These contested claims are examined through study of a national caregiver mediation demonstration project. Study implications underscore the importance of gerontological social work expertise to ensure the empowerment of vulnerable older adults in mediation sessions.

Elder Mediation in Theory and Practice: Study Results From a National Caregiver Mediation Demonstration Project

PubMed Central

Crampton, Alexandra

2014-01-01

Mediation is a process through which a third party facilitates discussion among disputing parties to help them identify interests and ideally reach an amicable solution. Elder mediation is a growing subspecialty to address conflicts involving older adults, primarily involving caregiving or finances. Mediation is theorized to empower participants but critics argue that it can exacerbate power imbalances among parties and coerce consensus. These contested claims are examined through study of a national caregiver mediation demonstration project. Study implications underscore the importance of gerontological social work expertise to ensure the empowerment of vulnerable older adults in mediation sessions. PMID:23767767

Wave rotor demonstrator engine assessment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Snyder, Philip H.

1996-01-01

The objective of the program was to determine a wave rotor demonstrator engine concept using the Allison 250 series engine. The results of the NASA LERC wave rotor effort were used as a basis for the wave rotor design. A wave rotor topped gas turbine engine was identified which incorporates five basic requirements of a successful demonstrator engine. Predicted performance maps of the wave rotor cycle were used along with maps of existing gas turbine hardware in a design point study. The effects of wave rotor topping on the engine cycle and the subsequent need to rematch compressor and turbine sections in the topped engine were addressed. Comparison of performance of the resulting engine is made on the basis of wave rotor topped engine versus an appropriate baseline engine using common shaft compressor hardware. The topped engine design clearly demonstrates an impressive improvement in shaft horsepower (+11.4%) and SFC (-22%). Off design part power engine performance for the wave rotor topped engine was similarly improved including that at engine idle conditions. Operation of the engine at off design was closely examined with wave rotor operation at less than design burner outlet temperatures and rotor speeds. Challenges identified in the development of a demonstrator engine are discussed. A preliminary design was made of the demonstrator engine including wave rotor to engine transition ducts. Program cost and schedule for a wave rotor demonstrator engine fabrication and test program were developed.

Dental resins properties studied by Bragg gratings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalinowski, Hypolito José; Gebert de Oliveira Franco, Ana Paula; Karam, Leandro Zen

2017-08-01

Fibre Bragg sensors are a key device in biomedical research for simultaneous measurement of deformations and temperature. The present study shows results from the characterization of dental resin materials with different composition and applications. The results show that all investigated polymer materials demonstrate a temperature rise within the first few seconds after starting activation procedure. The mode of activation and the material composition influence the polymerization shrinkage values.

Academic Inbreeding and Publication Activities of Russian Faculty

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alipova, Olga; Lovakov, Andrey

2018-01-01

The literature on the consequences of academic inbreeding shows ambiguous results: some papers show that inbreeding positively influences research productivity measured by the quantity and quality of publications, while others demonstrate the opposite effect. There are contradictory results both in the studies of different countries and within…

Study to develop improved methods to detect leakage in fluid systems, phase 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Janus, J. C.; Cimerman, I.

1971-01-01

An ultrasonic contact sensor engineering prototype leak detection system was developed and its capabilities under cryogenic operations demonstrated. The results from tests indicate that the transducer performed well on liquid hydrogen plumbing, that flow and valve actuation could be monitored, and that the phase change from gaseous to liquid hydrogen could be detected by the externally mounted transducers. Tests also demonstrate the ability of the system to detect internal leaks past valve seats and to function as a flow meter. Such a system demonstrates that it is not necessary to break into welded systems to locate internal leaks.

Electrical Impedance Tomography of Electrolysis

PubMed Central

Meir, Arie; Rubinsky, Boris

2015-01-01

The primary goal of this study is to explore the hypothesis that changes in pH during electrolysis can be detected with Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT). The study has relevance to real time control of minimally invasive surgery with electrolytic ablation. To investigate the hypothesis, we compare EIT reconstructed images to optical images acquired using pH-sensitive dyes embedded in a physiological saline agar gel phantom treated with electrolysis. We further demonstrate the biological relevance of our work using a bacterial E.Coli model, grown on the phantom. The results demonstrate the ability of EIT to image pH changes in a physiological saline phantom and show that these changes correlate with cell death in the E.coli model. The results are promising, and invite further experimental explorations. PMID:26039686

Behavioral intervention for problem behavior in children with fragile X syndrome.

PubMed

Moskowitz, Lauren J; Carr, Edward G; Durand, V Mark

2011-11-01

Parents and professionals typically report problem behavior as a significant concern for children with fragile X syndrome. In the present study, the authors explored whether behaviorally based interventions would result in a reduction in problem behavior and an improvement in quality of life for 3 children with fragile X syndrome and their families. A multiple baseline design was used to demonstrate intervention effects for specific high-priority contexts (i.e., bedtime, running errands, and toileting). A multicomponent intervention plan was developed to teach the parents and child to effectively cope with the particular context. After intervention, there were substantial improvements in problem behavior and family quality of life within the given contexts. Results of this study demonstrated the effectiveness of behavioral intervention for children with fragile X syndrome.

Evaluation of DuPont Qualicon Bax System PCR assay for yeast and mold.

PubMed

Wallace, F Morgan; Burns, Frank; Fleck, Lois; Andaloro, Bridget; Farnum, Andrew; Tice, George; Ruebl, Joanne

2010-01-01

Evaluations were conducted to test the performance of the BAX System PCR assay which was certified as Performance Tested Method 010902 for screening yeast and mold in yogurt, corn starch, and milk-based powdered infant formula. Method comparison studies performed on samples with low-level inoculates showed that the BAX System demonstrates a sensitivity equivalent to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Bacteriological Analytical Manual culture method, but with a significantly shorter time to obtain results. Tests to evaluate inclusivity and exclusivity returned no false-negative and no false-positive results on a diverse panel of isolates, and tests for lot-to-lot variability and tablet stability demonstrated consistent performance. Ruggedness studies determined that none of the factors examined affected the performance of the assay.

A SEROLOGICAL AND ELECTROPHORETIC STUDY OF DIPHTHERIA ANTISERA IRRADIATED WITH STERILIZING DOSES OF $gamma$-RAYS

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

Kaulen, D.R.; Chakhava, O.V.

1958-01-01

The effects of irradiation on the antitoxic, anaphylactic, and electrophoretic properties of diphtheria antisera were studied at the various doses used for sterilization. Both crude and purified diphtheria antitoxic antisera were used. Irradiations were carried out with a cobalt-60 source with a total power of 5 kc. The dosage rate was 600 r/min. Data are tabulated. The results demonstrate considerable changes in the properties of antisera taking place as a result of exposure to large doses of gamma radiation. In all experiments a regular fall in the antitoxin titre was demonstrated. A greater destruction of antitoxin was observed in themore » crude antiserum than in the purified. Possible reaction mechanisms involved are discussed. (C.H.)« less

Support for distinct subcomponents of spatial working memory: a double dissociation between spatial-simultaneous and spatial-sequential performance in unilateral neglect.

PubMed

Wansard, Murielle; Bartolomeo, Paolo; Bastin, Christine; Segovia, Fermín; Gillet, Sophie; Duret, Christophe; Meulemans, Thierry

2015-01-01

Over the last decade, many studies have demonstrated that visuospatial working memory (VSWM) can be divided into separate subsystems dedicated to the retention of visual patterns and their serial order. Impaired VSWM has been suggested to exacerbate left visual neglect in right-brain-damaged individuals. The aim of this study was to investigate the segregation between spatial-sequential and spatial-simultaneous working memory in individuals with neglect. We demonstrated that patterns of results on these VSWM tasks can be dissociated. Spatial-simultaneous and sequential aspects of VSWM can be selectively impaired in unilateral neglect. Our results support the hypothesis of multiple VSWM subsystems, which should be taken into account to better understand neglect-related deficits.

Label-Free, High Resolution, Multi-Modal Light Microscopy for Discrimination of Live Stem Cell Differentiation Status.

PubMed

Zhang, Jing; Moradi, Emilia; Somekh, Michael G; Mather, Melissa L

2018-01-15

A label-free microscopy method for assessing the differentiation status of stem cells is presented with potential application for characterization of therapeutic stem cell populations. The microscopy system is capable of characterizing live cells based on the use of evanescent wave microscopy and quantitative phase contrast (QPC) microscopy. The capability of the microscopy system is demonstrated by studying the differentiation of live immortalised neonatal mouse neural stem cells over a 15 day time course. Metrics extracted from microscope images are assessed and images compared with results from endpoint immuno-staining studies to illustrate the system's performance. Results demonstrate the potential of the microscopy system as a valuable tool for cell biologists to readily identify the differentiation status of unlabelled live cells.

Acetogenic microbial degradation of vinyl chloride

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bradley, P.M.; Chapelle, F.H.

2000-01-01

Under methanogenic conditions, microbial degradation of [1,2-14C]vinyl chloride (VC) resulted in significant (14 ?? 3% maximum recovery) but transient recovery of radioactivity as 14C-acetate. Subsequently, 14C- acetate was degraded to 14CH4 and 14CO2 (18 ?? 2% and 54 ?? 3% final recoveries, respectively). In contrast, under 2-bromoethanesulfonic acid (BES) amended conditions, 14C-acetate recovery remained high (27 ?? 1% maximum recovery) throughout the study, no 14CH4 was produced, and the final recovery of 14CO2 was only 35 ?? 4%. These results demonstrate that oxidative acetogenesis may be an important mechanism for anaerobic VC biodegradation. Moreover, these results (1) demonstrate that microbial degradation of VC to CH4 and CO2 may involve oxidative acetogenesis followed by acetotrophic methanogenesis and (2) suggest that oxidative acetogenesis may be the initial step in the net oxidation of VC to CO2 reported previously under Fe(III)-reducing, SO4-reducing, and humic acids- reducing conditions.Under methanogenic conditions, microbial degradation of [1,2-14C]vinyl chloride (VC) resulted in significant (14 ?? 3% maximum recovery) but transient recovery of radioactivity as 14C-acetate. Subsequently, 14C-acetate was degraded to 14CH4 and 14CO2 (18 ?? 2% and 54 ?? 3% final recoveries respectively). In contrast, under 2-bromoethanesulfonic acid (BES) amended conditions, 14C-acetate recovery remained high (27 ?? 1% maximum recovery) throughout the study, no 14CH4 was produced, and the final recovery of 14CO2 was only 35 ?? 4%. These results demonstrate that oxidative acetogenesis may be an important mechanism for anaerobic VC biodegradation. Moreover, these results (1) demonstrate that microbial degradation of VC to CH4 and CO2 may involve oxidative acetogenesis followed by acetotrophic methanogenesis and (2) suggest that oxidative acetogenesis may be the initial step in the net oxidation of VC to CO2 reported previously under Fe(III)-reducing, SO4-reducing, and humic acids-reducing conditions.

Evaluation of an employee assistance program.

PubMed

Nadolski, J N; Sandonato, C E

1987-01-01

The objective of the EAP effectiveness study was to determine the effectiveness of the EAP counseling services. The results demonstrate that employees who received help from the company's EAP subsequently improved their work performance. Although these results cannot be generalized to other EAPs, the results are encouraging and point toward a need for more research in this area.

λ-Repressor Oligomerization Kinetics at High Concentrations Using Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy in Zero-Mode Waveguides

PubMed Central

Samiee, K. T.; Foquet, M.; Guo, L.; Cox, E. C.; Craighead, H. G.

2005-01-01

Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) has demonstrated its utility for measuring transport properties and kinetics at low fluorophore concentrations. In this article, we demonstrate that simple optical nanostructures, known as zero-mode waveguides, can be used to significantly reduce the FCS observation volume. This, in turn, allows FCS to be applied to solutions with significantly higher fluorophore concentrations. We derive an empirical FCS model accounting for one-dimensional diffusion in a finite tube with a simple exponential observation profile. This technique is used to measure the oligomerization of the bacteriophage λ repressor protein at micromolar concentrations. The results agree with previous studies utilizing conventional techniques. Additionally, we demonstrate that the zero-mode waveguides can be used to assay biological activity by measuring changes in diffusion constant as a result of ligand binding. PMID:15613638

Inhibitory effects of yuzu and its components on human platelet aggregation.

PubMed

Kim, Tae-Ho; Kim, Hye-Min; Park, Se Won; Jung, Yi-Sook

2015-03-01

Our previous study demonstrated that yuzu has an anti-platelet effect in rat blood. In the present study, we examined whether the anti-platelet effect of yuzu can be extended to human blood by investigating its ability to inhibit aggregations induced by various agonists in human platelet rich plasma (PRP). This study also investigated the underlying mechanism of yuzu focusing on ADP granule secretion, TXB2 formations, and PLCγ/Akt signaling. The results from this study showed that ethanolic yuzu extract (YE), and its components, hesperidin and naringin, inhibited human platelet aggregation in a concentration-dependent manner. YE, hesperidin and naringin also inhibited TXB2 formation and ADP release. The phosphorylation of PLCγ and Akt was significantly inhibited by YE, heperidin and naringin. Furthermore, we demonstrated that YE, heperidin and naringin has anti-platelet effects in rat ex vivo studies, and lower side effects in mice tail bleeding time studies. The results from this study suggest that YE, hesperidin and naringin can inhibit human platelet aggregation, at least partly through the inhibition of PLCγ and Akt, leading to a decrease in TXB2 formation and granule secretion.

Evaluation of boron-epoxy-reinforced titanium tubular truss for application to a space shuttle booster thrust structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Corvelli, N.; Carri, R.

1972-01-01

Results of a study to demonstrate the applicability of boron-epoxy-composite-reinforced titanium tubular members to a space shuttle booster thrust structure are presented and discussed. The experimental results include local buckling of all-composite and composite-reinforced-metal cylinders with low values of diameter-thickness ratio, static tests on composite-to-metal bonded step joints, and a test to failure of a boron-epoxy-reinforced titanium demonstration truss. The demonstration truss failed at 118 percent of design ultimate load. Test results and analysis for all specimens and the truss are compared. Comparing an all-titanium design and a boron-epoxy-reinforced-titanium (75 percent B-E and 25 percent Ti) design for application to the space shuttle booster thrust structure indicates that the latter would weigh approximately 24 percent less. Experimental data on the local buckling strength of cylinders with a diameter-thickness ratio of approximately 50 are needed to insure that undue conservatism is not used in future designs.

Local pH Monitoring of Small Cluster of Cells using a Fiber-Optic Dual-Core Micro-Probe.

PubMed

Chen, Sisi; Yang, Qingbo; Xiao, Hai; Shi, Honglan; Ma, Yinfa

2017-03-31

Biological studies of tissues and cells have enabled numerous discoveries, but these studies still bear potential risks of invalidation because of cell heterogeneity. Through high-accuracy techniques, recent studies have demonstrated that discrepancies do exist between the results from low-number-cell studies and cell-population-based results. Thus the urgent need to re-evaluate key principles on limited number of cells has been provoked. In this study, a novel designed dual-core fiber-optic pH micro-probe was fabricated and demonstrated for niche environment pH sensing with high spatial resolution. An organic-modified silicate (OrMoSils) sol-gel thin layer was functionalized by entrapping a pH indicator, 2', 7'-Bis (2-carbonylethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF), on a ~70 μm sized probe tip. Good linear correlation between fluorescence ratio of I 560 nm /I 640 nm and intercellular pH values was obtained within a biological-relevant pH range from 6.20 to 7.92 (R 2 = 0.9834), and with a pH resolution of 0.035 ± 0.005 pH units. The probe's horizontal spatial resolution was demonstrated to be less than 2mm. Moreover, the probe was evaluated by measuring the localized extracellular pH changes of cultured human lung cancer cells (A549) when exposed to titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO 2 NPs). Results showed that the probe has superior capability for fast, local, and continual monitoring of a small cluster of cells, which provides researchers a fast and accurate technique to conduct local pH measurements for cell heterogeneity-related studies.

Effects of alpha-2 agonists on renal function in hypertensive humans.

PubMed

Goldberg, M; Gehr, M

1985-01-01

Centrally acting adrenergic agonists, by decreasing peripheral adrenergic activity, are effective antihypertensive agents. The older agents, however, especially methyldopa, have been associated with weight gain, clinical edema, and antihypertensive tolerance when used as monotherapy. While acute studies in humans have demonstrated weight gain and sodium retention with clonidine and guanabenz, chronic administration results in a decrease in weight and plasma volume. The absence of chronic weight gain and of sodium retention could be the result of a counterbalance between hypotension-related antinatriuresis, secondary to a decrease in glomerular filtration rate and renal blood flow, and natriuretic activity, as a result of a decrease in renal sympathetic tone. Whereas natriuresis and water diuresis have been demonstrated in animals with acute clonidine or guanabenz administration, this has not been demonstrated in humans. Recent studies in which saline administration was used to precondition humans to a subsequent natriuretic stimulus (i.e., guanabenz-induced decreased renal adrenergic activity) resulted in stabilization of renal blood flow and natriuresis. Selective reduction renal sympathetic activity affecting salt and water transport may explain why guanabenz and probably also clonidine seem to be devoid of the sodium/fluid-retaining properties that are common with other antihypertensive agents. Because agents of this class have effects other than pure central alpha-2 agonism (such as alpha-1 activity), they might have confounding and counterbalancing side effects leading to sodium and water retention.

Inhibitory effects of methamphetamine on mast cell activation and cytokine/chemokine production stimulated by lipopolysaccharide in C57BL/6J mice.

PubMed

Xue, Li; Geng, Yan; Li, Ming; Jin, Yao-Feng; Ren, Hui-Xun; Li, Xia; Wu, Feng; Wang, Biao; Cheng, Wei-Ying; Chen, Teng; Chen, Yan-Jiong

2018-04-01

Previous studies have demonstrated that methamphetamine (MA) influences host immunity; however, the effect of MA on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced immune responses remains unknown. Mast cells (MCs) are considered to serve an important role in the innate and acquired immune response, but it remains unknown whether MA modulates MC activation and LPS-stimulated cytokine production. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of MA on LPS-induced MC activation and the production of MC-derived cytokines in mice. Markers for MC activation, including cluster of differentiation 117 and the type I high affinity immunoglobulin E receptor, were assessed in mouse intestines. Levels of MC-derived cytokines in the lungs and thymus were also examined. The results demonstrated that cytokines were produced in the bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) of mice. The present study demonstrated that MA suppressed the LPS-mediated MC activation in mouse intestines. MA also altered the release of MC cytokines in the lung and thymus following LPS stimulation. In addition, LPS-stimulated cytokines were decreased in the BMMCs of mice following treatment with MA. The present study demonstrated that MA may regulate LPS-stimulated MC activation and cytokine production.

Solar Power System Options for the Radiation and Technology Demonstration Spacecraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kerslake, Thomas W.; Haraburda, Francis M.; Riehl, John P.

2000-01-01

The Radiation and Technology Demonstration (RTD) Mission has the primary objective of demonstrating high-power (10 kilowatts) electric thruster technologies in Earth orbit. This paper discusses the conceptual design of the RTD spacecraft photovoltaic (PV) power system and mission performance analyses. These power system studies assessed multiple options for PV arrays, battery technologies and bus voltage levels. To quantify performance attributes of these power system options, a dedicated Fortran code was developed to predict power system performance and estimate system mass. The low-thrust mission trajectory was analyzed and important Earth orbital environments were modeled. Baseline power system design options are recommended on the basis of performance, mass and risk/complexity. Important findings from parametric studies are discussed and the resulting impacts to the spacecraft design and cost.

Demonstrator study for micro-ranging-laser device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Henkel, Hartmut; Bernhardt, Bodo; Pereira do Carmo, J.

2017-11-01

Within ESA's Innovation Triangle Initiative (ITI) a demonstrator breadboard for a micro-ranging-laser device "MYLRAD" has been developed. Its working principle is the measurement of the round-trip delay time of a laser beam as a phase shift. The demonstrator consists of the laser diode (30 mW, square wave AM), optics, APD detector, narrowband preamplifier, limiter, and a phase digitiser based on a novel noise-shaping synchroniser (NSS) circuit; this works without ADCs and can be built from rad-hard components for space. The system timing and the digitiser algorithm are performed by an FPGA. The demonstrator has been tested at ranges from 1 m to 30 m. With a static non-cooperative target an RMS noise of 1 mm at a result rate of 60 Hz was reached. The demonstrator needs less than 2.5 W power.

The nonlinear response in a baroclinic model to stationary forcings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roads, J. O.

1982-01-01

Wave-zonal-flow interaction studies demonstrated that stratospheric warnings and blocking may be described by the same basic mechanisms although different results occurred for different horizontal scales.

Annexin A2 is an independent prognostic biomarker for evaluating the malignant progression of laryngeal cancer

PubMed Central

Luo, Shi; Xie, Chubo; Wu, Ping; He, Jian; Tang, Yaoyun; Xu, Jing; Zhao, Suping

2017-01-01

Due to the lack of a definite diagnosis, a frequent recurrence rate and resistance to chemotherapy or radiotherapy, the clinical outcome for patients with advanced laryngeal cancer has not improved over the last decade. Annexin A2 is associated with the invasion and metastasis of cancer cells. In the present study, it was demonstrated using differential proteomics analysis that Annexin A2 is highly expressed in laryngeal carcinoma tissues and this was confirmed using immunohistochemistry, which demonstrated that the expression of Annexin A2 in laryngeal carcinoma tissues was significantly higher than in healthy adjacent tissue. In addition, its potential predictive value in the prognosis of patients with laryngeal carcinoma was evaluated. The results demonstrated that Annexin A2 expression was significantly associated with tumor size, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis and clinical stage. In addition, higher Annexin A2 expression was associated with a poor prognosis of patients with laryngeal cancer. Thus, the results of the present study indicate that Annexin A2 expression is an independent prognostic biomarker for evaluating the malignant progression of laryngeal cancer. PMID:29285166

What Does It Take for an Infant to Learn How to Use a Tool by Observation?

PubMed Central

Fagard, Jacqueline; Rat-Fischer, Lauriane; Esseily, Rana; Somogyi, Eszter; O’Regan, J. K.

2016-01-01

Observational learning is probably one of the most powerful factors determining progress during child development. When learning a new skill, infants rely on their own exploration; but they also frequently benefit from an adult’s verbal support or from demonstration by an adult modeling the action. At what age and under what conditions does adult demonstration really help the infant to learn a novel behavior? In this review, we summarize recently published work we have conducted on the acquisition of tool use during the second year of life. In particular, we consider under what conditions and to what extent seeing a demonstration from an adult advances an infant’s understanding of how to use a tool to obtain an out-of-reach object. Our results show that classic demonstration starts being helpful at 18 months of age. When adults explicitly show their intention prior to demonstration, even 16-month-old infants learn from the demonstration. On the other hand, providing an explicit demonstration (“look at how I do it”) is not very useful before infants are ready to succeed by themselves anyway. In contrast, repeated observations of the required action in a social context, without explicit reference to this action, considerably advances the age of success and the usefulness of providing a demonstration. We also show that the effect of demonstration can be enhanced if the demonstration makes the baby laugh. Taken together, the results from this series of studies on observational learning of tool use in infants suggest, first, that when observing a demonstration, infants do not know what to pay attention to: demonstration must be accompanied by rich social cues to be effective; second, infants’ attention is inhibited rather than enhanced by an explicit demand of “look at what I do”; and finally a humorous situation considerably helps infants understand the demonstration. PMID:26973565

What Does It Take for an Infant to Learn How to Use a Tool by Observation?

PubMed

Fagard, Jacqueline; Rat-Fischer, Lauriane; Esseily, Rana; Somogyi, Eszter; O'Regan, J K

2016-01-01

Observational learning is probably one of the most powerful factors determining progress during child development. When learning a new skill, infants rely on their own exploration; but they also frequently benefit from an adult's verbal support or from demonstration by an adult modeling the action. At what age and under what conditions does adult demonstration really help the infant to learn a novel behavior? In this review, we summarize recently published work we have conducted on the acquisition of tool use during the second year of life. In particular, we consider under what conditions and to what extent seeing a demonstration from an adult advances an infant's understanding of how to use a tool to obtain an out-of-reach object. Our results show that classic demonstration starts being helpful at 18 months of age. When adults explicitly show their intention prior to demonstration, even 16-month-old infants learn from the demonstration. On the other hand, providing an explicit demonstration ("look at how I do it") is not very useful before infants are ready to succeed by themselves anyway. In contrast, repeated observations of the required action in a social context, without explicit reference to this action, considerably advances the age of success and the usefulness of providing a demonstration. We also show that the effect of demonstration can be enhanced if the demonstration makes the baby laugh. Taken together, the results from this series of studies on observational learning of tool use in infants suggest, first, that when observing a demonstration, infants do not know what to pay attention to: demonstration must be accompanied by rich social cues to be effective; second, infants' attention is inhibited rather than enhanced by an explicit demand of "look at what I do"; and finally a humorous situation considerably helps infants understand the demonstration.

An Overview of an Experimental Demonstration Aerotow Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Murray, James E.; Bowers, Albion H.; Lokos, William A.; Peters, Todd L.; Gera, Joseph

1998-01-01

An overview of an experimental demonstration of aerotowing a delta-wing airplane with low-aspect ratio and relatively high wing loading is presented. Aerotowing of future space launch configurations is a new concept, and the objective of the work described herein is to demonstrate the aerotow operation using an airplane configuration similar to conceptual space launch vehicles. Background information on the use of aerotow for a space launch vehicle is presented, and the aerotow system used in this demonstration is described. The ground tests, analytical studies, and flight planning used to predict system behavior and to enhance flight safety are detailed. The instrumentation suite and flight test maneuvers flown are discussed, preliminary performance is assessed, and flight test results are compared with the preflight predictions.

Helium-3 MR q-space imaging with radial acquisition and iterative highly constrained back-projection.

PubMed

O'Halloran, Rafael L; Holmes, James H; Wu, Yu-Chien; Alexander, Andrew; Fain, Sean B

2010-01-01

An undersampled diffusion-weighted stack-of-stars acquisition is combined with iterative highly constrained back-projection to perform hyperpolarized helium-3 MR q-space imaging with combined regional correction of radiofrequency- and T1-related signal loss in a single breath-held scan. The technique is tested in computer simulations and phantom experiments and demonstrated in a healthy human volunteer with whole-lung coverage in a 13-sec breath-hold. Measures of lung microstructure at three different lung volumes are evaluated using inhaled gas volumes of 500 mL, 1000 mL, and 1500 mL to demonstrate feasibility. Phantom results demonstrate that the proposed technique is in agreement with theoretical values, as well as with a fully sampled two-dimensional Cartesian acquisition. Results from the volunteer study demonstrate that the root mean squared diffusion distance increased significantly from the 500-mL volume to the 1000-mL volume. This technique represents the first demonstration of a spatially resolved hyperpolarized helium-3 q-space imaging technique and shows promise for microstructural evaluation of lung disease in three dimensions. Copyright (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

High-Impact Practices and Student-Faculty Interactions for Students across Sexual Orientations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Garvey, Jason C.; BrckaLorenz, Allison; Latopolski, Keely; Hurtado, Sarah S.

2018-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between high-impact practices and student--faculty interactions for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and questioning (LGBQ) students. Results yield few differences in participation of high-impact practices for LGBQ students compared to heterosexual students. Results also demonstrate the…

What Is Self-Specific? Theoretical Investigation and Critical Review of Neuroimaging Results

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Legrand, Dorothee; Ruby, Perrine

2009-01-01

The authors propose a paradigm shift in the investigation of the self. Synthesizing neuroimaging results from studies investigating the self, the authors first demonstrate that self-relatedness evaluation involves a wide cerebral network, labeled E-network, comprising the medial prefrontal cortex, precuneus, temporoparietal junction, and temporal…

State Test Results Are Predictable

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tienken, Christopher H.

2014-01-01

Out-of-school, community demographic and family-level variables have an important influence on student achievement as measured by large-scale standardized tests. Studies described here demonstrated that about half of the test score is accounted for by variables outside the control of teachers and school administrators. The results from these…

MICROARRAY QUALITY CONTROL PROJECT: A COMPREHENSIVE GENE EXPRESSION TECHNOLOGY SURVEY DEMONSTRATES MEASURABLE CONSISTENCY AND CONCORDANT RESULTS BETWEEN PLATFORMS

EPA Science Inventory

Over the last decade, the introduction of microarray technology has had a profound impact on gene expression research. The publication of studies with dissimilar or altogether contradictory results, obtained using different microarray platforms to analyze identical RNA samples, h...

A cell-phone-based brain-computer interface for communication in daily life

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yu-Te; Wang, Yijun; Jung, Tzyy-Ping

2011-04-01

Moving a brain-computer interface (BCI) system from a laboratory demonstration to real-life applications still poses severe challenges to the BCI community. This study aims to integrate a mobile and wireless electroencephalogram (EEG) system and a signal-processing platform based on a cell phone into a truly wearable and wireless online BCI. Its practicality and implications in a routine BCI are demonstrated through the realization and testing of a steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP)-based BCI. This study implemented and tested online signal processing methods in both time and frequency domains for detecting SSVEPs. The results of this study showed that the performance of the proposed cell-phone-based platform was comparable, in terms of the information transfer rate, with other BCI systems using bulky commercial EEG systems and personal computers. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate a truly portable, cost-effective and miniature cell-phone-based platform for online BCIs.

A cell-phone-based brain-computer interface for communication in daily life.

PubMed

Wang, Yu-Te; Wang, Yijun; Jung, Tzyy-Ping

2011-04-01

Moving a brain-computer interface (BCI) system from a laboratory demonstration to real-life applications still poses severe challenges to the BCI community. This study aims to integrate a mobile and wireless electroencephalogram (EEG) system and a signal-processing platform based on a cell phone into a truly wearable and wireless online BCI. Its practicality and implications in a routine BCI are demonstrated through the realization and testing of a steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP)-based BCI. This study implemented and tested online signal processing methods in both time and frequency domains for detecting SSVEPs. The results of this study showed that the performance of the proposed cell-phone-based platform was comparable, in terms of the information transfer rate, with other BCI systems using bulky commercial EEG systems and personal computers. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate a truly portable, cost-effective and miniature cell-phone-based platform for online BCIs.

Psychiatric Symptom Improvement in Women Following Group Substance Abuse Treatment: Results from the Women’s Recovery Group Study

PubMed Central

McHugh, R. Kathryn; Greenfield, Shelly F.

2010-01-01

The Women’s Recovery Group study was a Stage I randomized clinical trial comparing a new manual-based group treatment for women with substance use disorders with Group Drug Counseling. Data from this study were examined to determine whether co-occurring symptoms of depression and anxiety would improve with treatment and whether these improvements would demonstrate durability over the follow-up period. The sample consisted of 36 women (29 WRG, 7 GDC) who were administered self-report and clinician-rated measures of anxiety, depression, and general psychiatric symptoms. Although there were no group differences in psychiatric symptom improvement, analyses demonstrated significant within-subject improvement in depression, anxiety, and general psychiatric symptoms. Symptom reduction was not mediated by changes in substance use. This study demonstrated significant psychiatric symptom reduction that remained durable through 6 month follow-up for women receiving group therapy focused on substance abuse relapse prevention. Reduction in psychiatric symptoms may be an additional benefit of substance abuse group therapy for women. PMID:20625473

Personality Correlates of Machiavellianism: VI. Machiavellianism and the Psychopath.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Skinner, Nicholas F.

1988-01-01

Previous studies have not demonstrated hypothesized link between Machiavellianism (interpersonally manipulative behavior) and psychopathy. Results from two studies using college student samples revealed that High Machs obtained significantly higher Psychopathy scores than did Low Machs, and Mach V totals for Primary Psychopaths were significantly…

Demonstration Results of Phytoremediation of Explosives-Contaminated Groundwater Using Constructed Wetlands At The Milan Army Ammunition Plant, Milan, Tennessee Volume IV.

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-12-01

1030 1 DEMONSTRATION RESULTS OF PHYTOREMEDIATION OF EXPLOSIVES-CONTAMINATED GROUNDWATER USING CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS AT THE MILAN ARMY...88826V Report No. SFIM-AEC-ET-CR-97059 UTIC QUALITY INSPECTED 4 Demonstration Results of Phytoremediation of Explosives-Contaminated Groundwater...SUBTITLE Demonstration Results of Phytoremediation of Explosives-Contaminated Groundwater Using Constructed Wetlands at the Milan Army Ammunition Plant

3Demonstration Results of Phytoremediation of Explosives-Contaminated Groundwater Using Constructed Wetlands at the Milan Army Ammunition Plant, Milan, Tennessee Volume III.

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-12-01

10301 ~>& DEMONSTRATION RESULTS OF PHYTOREMEDIATION OF EXPLOSIVES-CONTAMINATED GROUNDWATER USING CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS AT THE MILAN ARMY...Demonstration Results of Phytoremediation of Explosives-Contaminated Groundwater Using Constructed Wetlands At The Milan Army Ammunition Plant...December 1998 2. REPORT TYPE Final 3. DATES COVERED (From - To) 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Demonstration Results of Phytoremediation of Explosives

A group-level approach to analyzing participative ergonomics (PE) effectiveness: The relationship between PE dimensions and employee exposure to injuries.

PubMed

Morag, Ido; Luria, Gil

2018-04-01

Most studies concerned with participative ergonomic (PE) interventions, focus on organizational rather than group level analysis. By implementing an intervention at a manufacturing plant, the current study, utilizing advanced information systems, measured the effect of line-supervisor leadership on employee exposure to risks. The study evaluated which PE dimensions (i.e., extent of workforce involvement, diversity of reporter role types and scope of analysis) are related to such exposure at the group level. The data for the study was extracted from two separate computerized systems (workforce medical records of 791 employees and an intranet reporting system) during a two-year period. While the results did not confirm the effect of line-supervisor leadership on subordinates' exposure to risks, they did demonstrate relationships between PE dimensions and the employees' exposure to risks. The results support the suggested level of analysis and demonstrate that group-based analysis facilitates the assimilation of preventive interventions. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Electric Ground Support Equipment Advanced Battery Technology Demonstration Project at the Ontario Airport

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

Tyler Gray; Jeremy Diez; Jeffrey Wishart

2013-07-01

The intent of the electric Ground Support Equipment (eGSE) demonstration is to evaluate the day-to-day vehicle performance of electric baggage tractors using two advanced battery technologies to demonstrate possible replacements for the flooded lead-acid (FLA) batteries utilized throughout the industry. These advanced battery technologies have the potential to resolve barriers to the widespread adoption of eGSE deployment. Validation testing had not previously been performed within fleet operations to determine if the performance of current advanced batteries is sufficient to withstand the duty cycle of electric baggage tractors. This report summarizes the work performed and data accumulated during this demonstration inmore » an effort to validate the capabilities of advanced battery technologies. This report summarizes the work performed and data accumulated during this demonstration in an effort to validate the capabilities of advanced battery technologies. The demonstration project also grew the relationship with Southwest Airlines (SWA), our demonstration partner at Ontario International Airport (ONT), located in Ontario, California. The results of this study have encouraged a proposal for a future demonstration project with SWA.« less

Signal Processing Studies of a Simulated Laser Doppler Velocimetry-Based Acoustic Sensor

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-10-17

investigated using spectral correlation methods. Results indicate that it may be possible to extend demonstrated LDV-based acoustic sensor sensitivities using higher order processing techniques. (Author)

Super resolution reconstruction of infrared images based on classified dictionary learning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Fei; Han, Pingli; Wang, Yi; Li, Xuan; Bai, Lu; Shao, Xiaopeng

2018-05-01

Infrared images always suffer from low-resolution problems resulting from limitations of imaging devices. An economical approach to combat this problem involves reconstructing high-resolution images by reasonable methods without updating devices. Inspired by compressed sensing theory, this study presents and demonstrates a Classified Dictionary Learning method to reconstruct high-resolution infrared images. It classifies features of the samples into several reasonable clusters and trained a dictionary pair for each cluster. The optimal pair of dictionaries is chosen for each image reconstruction and therefore, more satisfactory results is achieved without the increase in computational complexity and time cost. Experiments and results demonstrated that it is a viable method for infrared images reconstruction since it improves image resolution and recovers detailed information of targets.

An investigation into problematic smartphone use: The role of narcissism, anxiety, and personality factors

PubMed Central

Hussain, Zaheer; Griffiths, Mark D.; Sheffield, David

2017-01-01

Background and aims Over the last decade, worldwide smartphone usage has greatly increased. Alongside this growth, research on the influence of smartphones on human behavior has also increased. However, a growing number of studies have shown that excessive use of smartphones can lead to detrimental consequences in a minority of individuals. This study examines the psychological aspects of smartphone use particularly in relation to problematic use, narcissism, anxiety, and personality factors. Methods A sample of 640 smartphone users ranging from 13 to 69 years of age (mean = 24.89 years, SD = 8.54) provided complete responses to an online survey including modified DSM-5 criteria of Internet Gaming Disorder to assess problematic smartphone use, the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Narcissistic Personality Inventory, and the Ten-Item Personality Inventory. Results The results demonstrated significant relationships between problematic smartphone use and anxiety, conscientiousness, openness, emotional stability, the amount of time spent on smartphones, and age. The results also demonstrated that conscientiousness, emotional stability, and age were independent predictors of problematic smartphone use. Conclusion The findings demonstrate that problematic smartphone use is associated with various personality factors and contributes to further understanding the psychology of smartphone behavior and associations with excessive use of smartphones. PMID:28849667

Biotransformation of an uncured composite material

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Welsh, Clement J.; Glass, Michael J.; Cheslack, Brian; Pryor, Robert; Tran, Duan K.; Bowers-Irons, Gail

1994-01-01

The feasibility of biologically degrading prepreg wastes was studied. The work was conducted with the intention of obtaining baseline data that would facilitate the achievement of two long-range goals. These goals are: (1) the biological remediation of the hazardous components in the prepreg wastes, and (2) providing the potential for recycling the prepreg waste fibers. The experiments examined a prepreg that employs an bismaleimide resin system. Initial results demonstrated an obvious deterioration of the prepreg material when incubated with several bacterial strains. The most active cultures were identified as a mixture of 'Bacillus cereus' and 'Pseudomonas sp'. Gas chromatography analyses revealed seven primary compounds in the resin mixture. Biotransformation studies, using the complete prepreg material, demonstrated on obvious loss of all seven organic compounds. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses resulted in structure assignments for the two primary components of the resin. Both were analogs of Bisphenol A; one being bismaleimide, and the other being Bisphenol A containing a diglycidyl moiety. The 'diglycidyl analog' was purified using thin-layer chromatography and the biotransformation of this compound (at 27 ug/ml bacterial culture) was monitored. After a seven-day incubation, approximately 40% of the organic compound was biotransformed. These results demonstrate the biotransformation of the prepreg resin and indicate that biological remediation of the prepreg wastes is feasible.

An investigation into problematic smartphone use: The role of narcissism, anxiety, and personality factors.

PubMed

Hussain, Zaheer; Griffiths, Mark D; Sheffield, David

2017-09-01

Background and aims Over the last decade, worldwide smartphone usage has greatly increased. Alongside this growth, research on the influence of smartphones on human behavior has also increased. However, a growing number of studies have shown that excessive use of smartphones can lead to detrimental consequences in a minority of individuals. This study examines the psychological aspects of smartphone use particularly in relation to problematic use, narcissism, anxiety, and personality factors. Methods A sample of 640 smartphone users ranging from 13 to 69 years of age (mean = 24.89 years, SD = 8.54) provided complete responses to an online survey including modified DSM-5 criteria of Internet Gaming Disorder to assess problematic smartphone use, the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Narcissistic Personality Inventory, and the Ten-Item Personality Inventory. Results The results demonstrated significant relationships between problematic smartphone use and anxiety, conscientiousness, openness, emotional stability, the amount of time spent on smartphones, and age. The results also demonstrated that conscientiousness, emotional stability, and age were independent predictors of problematic smartphone use. Conclusion The findings demonstrate that problematic smartphone use is associated with various personality factors and contributes to further understanding the psychology of smartphone behavior and associations with excessive use of smartphones.

The Impact of Fluid Inertia on In Vivo Estimation of Mitral Valve Leaflet Constitutive Properties and Mechanics.

PubMed

Bark, David L; Dasi, Lakshmi P

2016-05-01

We examine the influence of the added mass effect (fluid inertia) on mitral valve leaflet stress during isovolumetric phases. To study this effect, oscillating flow is applied to a flexible membrane at various frequencies to control inertia. Resulting membrane strain is calculated through a three-dimensional reconstruction of markers from stereo images. To investigate the effect in vivo, the analysis is repeated on a published dataset for an ovine mitral valve (Journal of Biomechanics 42(16): 2697-2701). The membrane experiment demonstrates that the relationship between pressure and strain must be corrected with a fluid inertia term if the ratio of inertia to pressure differential approaches 1. In the mitral valve, this ratio reaches 0.7 during isovolumetric contraction for an acceleration of 6 m/s(2). Acceleration is reduced by 72% during isovolumetric relaxation. Fluid acceleration also varies along the leaflet during isovolumetric phases, resulting in spatial variations in stress. These results demonstrate that fluid inertia may be the source of the temporally and spatially varying stiffness measurements previously seen through inverse finite element analysis of in vivo data during isovolumetric phases. This study demonstrates that there is a need to account for added mass effects when analyzing in vivo constitutive relationships of heart valves.

Non-linguistic learning in aphasia: Effects of training method and stimulus characteristics

PubMed Central

Vallila-Rohter, Sofia; Kiran, Swathi

2013-01-01

Purpose The purpose of the current study was to explore non-linguistic learning ability in patients with aphasia, examining the impact of stimulus typicality and feedback on success with learning. Method Eighteen patients with aphasia and eight healthy controls participated in this study. All participants completed four computerized, non-linguistic category-learning tasks. We probed learning ability under two methods of instruction: feedback-based (FB) and paired-associate (PA). We also examined the impact of task complexity on learning ability, comparing two stimulus conditions: typical (Typ) and atypical (Atyp). Performance was compared between groups and across conditions. Results Results demonstrated that healthy controls were able to successfully learn categories under all conditions. For our patients with aphasia, two patterns of performance arose. One subgroup of patients was able to maintain learning across task manipulations and conditions. The other subgroup of patients demonstrated a sensitivity to task complexity, learning successfully only in the typical training conditions. Conclusions Results support the hypothesis that impairments of general learning are present in aphasia. Some patients demonstrated the ability to extract category information under complex training conditions, while others learned only under conditions that were simplified and emphasized salient category features. Overall, the typical training condition facilitated learning for all participants. Findings have implications for therapy, which are discussed. PMID:23695914

Results of deer exclosure studies in northeastern Pennsylvania

Treesearch

E.L. Shafer; T. J. Grisez; Ed Sowa

1961-01-01

To demonstrate how deer browsing affects natural tree seedling and sprout reproduction, two groups of deer exclosures were established in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania. Study of these exclosures after seven growing seasons confirms what other studies elsewhere have found: that when deer are too numerous for their natural food supply, it is...

Interprofessional Teamwork and Collaboration Between Community Health Workers and Healthcare Teams

PubMed Central

Bernhardt, Jean M.; Lopez, Ruth Palan; Long-Middleton, Ellen R.; Davis, Sheila

2015-01-01

Objectives: Community Health Workers (CHWs) serve as a means of improving outcomes for underserved populations. However, their relationship within health care teams is not well studied. The purpose of this integrative review was to examine published research reports that demonstrated positive health outcomes as a result of CHW intervention to identify interprofessional teamwork and collaboration between CHWs and health care teams. Methods: A total of 47 studies spanning 33 years were reviewed using an integrative literature review methodology for evidence to support the following assumptions of effective interprofessional teamwork between CHWs and health care teams: (1) shared understanding of roles, norms, values, and goals of the team; (2) egalitarianism; (3) cooperation; (4) interdependence; and(5) synergy. Results: Of the 47 studies, 12 reported at least one assumption of effective interprofessional teamwork. Four studies demonstrated all 5 assumptions of interprofessional teamwork. Conclusions: Four studies identified in this integrative review serve as exemplars for effective interprofessional teamwork between CHWs and health care teams. Further study is needed to describe the nature of interprofessional teamwork and collaboration in relation to patient health outcomes. PMID:28462254

The virtues of gossip: reputational information sharing as prosocial behavior.

PubMed

Feinberg, Matthew; Willer, Robb; Stellar, Jennifer; Keltner, Dacher

2012-05-01

Reputation systems promote cooperation and deter antisocial behavior in groups. Little is known, however, about how and why people share reputational information. Here, we seek to establish the existence and dynamics of prosocial gossip, the sharing of negative evaluative information about a target in a way that protects others from antisocial or exploitative behavior. We present a model of prosocial gossip and the results of 4 studies testing the model's claims. Results of Studies 1 through 3 demonstrate that (a) individuals who observe an antisocial act experience negative affect and are compelled to share information about the antisocial actor with a potentially vulnerable person, (b) sharing such information reduces negative affect created by observing the antisocial behavior, and (c) individuals possessing more prosocial orientations are the most motivated to engage in such gossip, even at a personal cost, and exhibit the greatest reduction in negative affect as a result. Study 4 demonstrates that prosocial gossip can effectively deter selfishness and promote cooperation. Taken together these results highlight the roles of prosocial motivations and negative affective reactions to injustice in maintaining reputational information sharing in groups. We conclude by discussing implications for reputational theories of the maintenance of cooperation in human groups.

Cultivation and grafting of human keratinocytes on a poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) support to the wound bed: a clinical study.

PubMed

Dvoránková, B; Smetana, K; Königová, R; Singerová, H; Vacík, J; Jelínková, M; Kapounková, Z; Zahradník, M

1998-01-01

Cultured epithelial sheets on a textile support are used for the treatment of seriously burned patients. In this study we demonstrate a new procedure for the grafting of keratinocytes directly on a polymer cultivation support. This procedure is much easier in comparison with classical techniques, and encouraging results of clinical trials demonstrate the improved healing of the wound bed after the use of this procedure. There is no difference in the cytokeratine pattern (LP-34, cytokeratin-10) of the reconstructed epidermis and normal human skin.

Demonstration of essentiality of entanglement in a Deutsch-like quantum algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, He-Liang; Goswami, Ashutosh K.; Bao, Wan-Su; Panigrahi, Prasanta K.

2018-06-01

Quantum algorithms can be used to efficiently solve certain classically intractable problems by exploiting quantum parallelism. However, the effectiveness of quantum entanglement in quantum computing remains a question of debate. This study presents a new quantum algorithm that shows entanglement could provide advantages over both classical algorithms and quantum algo- rithms without entanglement. Experiments are implemented to demonstrate the proposed algorithm using superconducting qubits. Results show the viability of the algorithm and suggest that entanglement is essential in obtaining quantum speedup for certain problems in quantum computing. The study provides reliable and clear guidance for developing useful quantum algorithms.

Microgravity

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-04-14

Pat Doty (right) of NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) demonstrates the greater bounce to the ounce of metal made from a supercooled bulk metallic glass alloy that NASA is studying in space experiments. The metal plates at the bottom of the plexiglass tubes are made of three different types of metal. Bulk metallic glass is more resilient and, as a result, the dropped ball bearing bounces higher. Experiments in space allow scientists to study fundamental properties that carnot be observed on Earth. This demonstration was at the April 2000 conference of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics in Chicago. Photo credit: NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC)

Microgravity

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-04-14

Pat Doty (right) of NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) demonstrates the greater bounce to the ounce of metal made from a supercooled bulk metallic glass alloy that NASA is studying in space experiments. The metal plates at the bottom of the plexiglass tubes are made of three different types of metal. Bulk metallic glass is more resilient and, as a result, the dropped ball bearing bounces higher. Experiments in space allow scientists to study fundamental properties that carnot be observed on Earth. This demonstration was at the April 200 conference of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) in Chicago. photo credit: NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC)

Microgravity

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-04-14

Pat Doty (right) of NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) demonstrates the greater bounce to the ounce of metal made from a supercooled bulk metallic glass alloy that NASA is studying in space expepriments. The metal plates at the bottom of plexiglass tubes are made of three different types of metal. Bulk mettalic glass is more resilient and, as a result, the dropped ball bearing bounces higher. Experiments in space allow scientists to study fundamental properties that carnot be observed on Earth. This demonstration was at the April 2000 conference of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) in Chicago. Photo credit: NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC)

Using 3D computer simulations to enhance ophthalmic training.

PubMed

Glittenberg, C; Binder, S

2006-01-01

To develop more effective methods of demonstrating and teaching complex topics in ophthalmology with the use of computer aided three-dimensional (3D) animation and interactive multimedia technologies. We created 3D animations and interactive computer programmes demonstrating the neuroophthalmological nature of the oculomotor system, including the anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of the extra-ocular eye muscles and the oculomotor cranial nerves, as well as pupillary symptoms of neurological diseases. At the University of Vienna we compared their teaching effectiveness to conventional teaching methods in a comparative study involving 100 medical students, a multiple choice exam and a survey. The comparative study showed that our students achieved significantly better test results (80%) than the control group (63%) (diff. = 17 +/- 5%, p = 0.004). The survey showed a positive reaction to the software and a strong preference to have more subjects and techniques demonstrated in this fashion. Three-dimensional computer animation technology can significantly increase the quality and efficiency of the education and demonstration of complex topics in ophthalmology.

Results of recent NASA studies on automatic spin prevention for fighter aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chambers, J. R.; Nguyen, L. T.

1976-01-01

A broad based research program was developed to eliminate or minimize inadvertent spins for advanced military aircraft. Recent piloted simulator studies and airplane flight tests have demonstrated that the automatic control systems in use on current fighters can be tailored to provide a high degree of spin resistance for some configurations without restrictions to maneuverability. Such systems result in greatly increased tactical effectiveness, safety, and pilot confidence.

Comparison of flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy and spectrofluorometry for analysis of gene electrotransfer efficiency.

PubMed

Marjanovič, Igor; Kandušer, Maša; Miklavčič, Damijan; Keber, Mateja Manček; Pavlin, Mojca

2014-12-01

In this study, we compared three different methods used for quantification of gene electrotransfer efficiency: fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry and spectrofluorometry. We used CHO and B16 cells in a suspension and plasmid coding for GFP. The aim of this study was to compare and analyse the results obtained by fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry and spectrofluorometry and in addition to analyse the applicability of spectrofluorometry for quantifying gene electrotransfer on cells in a suspension. Our results show that all the three methods detected similar critical electric field strength, around 0.55 kV/cm for both cell lines. Moreover, results obtained on CHO cells showed that the total fluorescence intensity and percentage of transfection exhibit similar increase in response to increase electric field strength for all the three methods. For B16 cells, there was a good correlation at low electric field strengths, but at high field strengths, flow cytometer results deviated from results obtained by fluorescence microscope and spectrofluorometer. Our study showed that all the three methods detected similar critical electric field strengths and high correlations of results were obtained except for B16 cells at high electric field strengths. The results also demonstrated that flow cytometry measures higher values of percentage transfection compared to microscopy. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that spectrofluorometry can be used as a simple and consistent method to determine gene electrotransfer efficiency on cells in a suspension.

Working memory capacity in generalized social phobia.

PubMed

Amir, Nader; Bomyea, Jessica

2011-05-01

Research suggests that understanding complex social cues depends on the availability of cognitive resources (e.g., Phillips, Channon, Tunstall, Hedenstrom, & Lyons, 2008). In spite of evidence suggesting that executive control functioning may impact anxiety (e.g., Eysenck, Derakshan, Santos, & Calvo, 2007), relatively few studies have examined working memory in individuals with generalized social phobia. Moreover, few studies have examined the role of threat-relevant content in working memory performance in clinically anxious populations. To this end, the present study assessed working memory capacity (WMC) in individuals with generalized social phobia and nonanxious controls using an operation span task with threat-relevant and neutral stimuli. Results revealed that nonanxious individuals demonstrated better WMC than individuals with generalized social phobia for neutral words but not for social threat words. Individuals with generalized social phobia demonstrated better WMC performance for threat words relative to neutral words. These results suggest that individuals with generalized social phobia may have relatively enhanced working memory performance for salient, socially relevant information. This enhanced working memory capacity for threat-relevant information may be the result of practice with this information in generalized social phobia.

Broca’s area network in language function: a pooling-data connectivity study

PubMed Central

Bernal, Byron; Ardila, Alfredo; Rosselli, Monica

2015-01-01

Background and Objective: Modern neuroimaging developments have demonstrated that cognitive functions correlate with brain networks rather than specific areas. The purpose of this paper was to analyze the connectivity of Broca’s area based on language tasks. Methods: A connectivity modeling study was performed by pooling data of Broca’s activation in language tasks. Fifty-seven papers that included 883 subjects in 84 experiments were analyzed. Analysis of Likelihood Estimates of pooled data was utilized to generate the map; thresholds at p < 0.01 were corrected for multiple comparisons and false discovery rate. Resulting images were co-registered into MNI standard space. Results: A network consisting of 16 clusters of activation was obtained. Main clusters were located in the frontal operculum, left posterior temporal region, supplementary motor area, and the parietal lobe. Less common clusters were seen in the sub-cortical structures including the left thalamus, left putamen, secondary visual areas, and the right cerebellum. Conclusion: Broca’s area-44-related networks involved in language processing were demonstrated utilizing a pooling-data connectivity study. Significance, interpretation, and limitations of the results are discussed. PMID:26074842

Mononuclear Pd(II) complex as a new therapeutic agent: Synthesis, characterization, biological activity, spectral and DNA binding approaches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saeidifar, Maryam; Mirzaei, Hamidreza; Ahmadi Nasab, Navid; Mansouri-Torshizi, Hassan

2017-11-01

The binding ability between a new water-soluble palladium(II) complex [Pd(bpy)(bez-dtc)]Cl (where bpy is 2,2‧-bipyridine and bez-dtc is benzyl dithiocarbamate), as an antitumor agent, and calf thymus DNA was evaluated using various physicochemical methods, such as UV-Vis absorption, Competitive fluorescence studies, viscosity measurement, zeta potential and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. The Pd(II) complex was synthesized and characterized using elemental analysis, molar conductivity measurements, FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and electronic spectra studies. The anticancer activity against HeLa cell lines demonstrated lower cytotoxicity than cisplatin. The binding constants and the thermodynamic parameters were determined at different temperatures (300 K, 310 K and 320 K) and shown that the complex can bind to DNA via electrostatic forces. Furthermore, this result was confirmed by the viscosity and zeta potential measurements. The CD spectral results demonstrated that the binding of Pd(II) complex to DNA induced conformational changes in DNA. We hope that these results will provide a basis for further studies and practical clinical use of anticancer drugs.

Nutrition Studies with Earthworms.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tobaga, Leandro

1980-01-01

Describes experiments which demonstrate how different diets affect the growth rate of earthworms. Procedures for feeding baby worms are outlined, the analysis of results are discussed, and various modifications of the exercise are provided. (CS)

Antiphase synchronization in coupled chaotic oscillators.

PubMed

Liu, Weiqing; Xiao, Jinghua; Qian, Xiaolan; Yang, Junzhong

2006-05-01

Anti-phase synchronization (AS) in coupled chaotic oscillators is investigated. The necessary condition for AS is given and the stability of AS is studied. Results are demonstrated with numerical simulations and electronic circuits.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of a 64Cu-labeled NOTA-Bn-SCN-Aoc-bombesin analogue in gastrin-releasing peptide receptor expressing prostate cancer.

PubMed

Craft, Jeffrey M; De Silva, Ravindra A; Lears, Kimberly A; Andrews, Rebecca; Liang, Kexian; Achilefu, Samuel; Rogers, Buck E

2012-07-01

Bombesin (BN) is an amphibian peptide that binds to the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR). It has been demonstrated that BN analogues can be radiolabeled for potential diagnosis and treatment of GRPR-expressing malignancies. Previous studies have conjugated various chelators to the eight C-terminal amino acids of BN [BN(7-14)] for radiolabeling with 64Cu. Recently, (1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7-triacetic acid) (NOTA) has been evaluated as the five-coordinate 64Cu complex, with results indicating GRPR-specific tumor uptake. This study aimed to conjugate S-2-(4-isothiocyanatobenzyl)-NOTA (p-SCN-Bn-NOTA) to BN(7-14) such that it could form a six-coordinate complex with 64Cu and to evaluate the resulting peptide. p-SCN-NOTA was conjugated to 8-aminooctanoic acid (Aoc)-BN(7-14) in solution to yield NOTA-Bn-SCN-Aoc-BN(7-14). The unlabeled peptide was evaluated in a cell binding assay using PC-3 prostate cancer cells and 125I-Tyr4-BN to determine the IC50 value. The peptide was radiolabeled with 64Cu and evaluated for internalization into PC-3 cells and for tumor uptake in mice bearing PC-3 xenografts using biodistribution and micro-positron emission tomography imaging studies. The binding assay demonstrated that NOTA-Bn-SCN-Aoc-BN(7-14) bound with high affinity to GRPR with an IC50 of 1.4 nM. The radiolabeled peptide demonstrated time-dependent internalization into PC-3 cells. In vivo, the peptide demonstrated tumor-specific uptake and imaging that were comparable to those of previously reported 64Cu-labeled BN analogues. These studies demonstrate that 64Cu-NOTA-Bn-SCN-Aoc-BN(7-14) binds to GRPR-expressing cells and that it can be used for imaging of GRPR-expressing prostate cancer. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Unconscious memory bias in depression: perceptual and conceptual processes.

PubMed

Watkins, P C; Martin, C K; Stern, L D

2000-05-01

Mood-congruent memory (MCM) bias in depression was investigated using 4 different implicit memory tests. Two of the implicit tests were perceptually driven, and 2 were conceptually driven. Depressed participants and nondepressed controls were assigned to 1 of 4 implicit memory tests after studying positive and negative adjectives. Results showed no MCM bias in the perceptually driven tests. MCM was demonstrated in 1 of the conceptually driven tests, but only for adjectives that were conceptually encoded. Results support the theory that mood-congruent processes in depression are limited to conceptual processing. However, activation of conceptual processes may not be sufficient for demonstrating mood congruency.

Electron in higher-dimensional weakly charged rotating black hole spacetimes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cariglia, Marco; Frolov, Valeri P.; Krtouš, Pavel; Kubizňák, David

2013-03-01

We demonstrate separability of the Dirac equation in weakly charged rotating black hole spacetimes in all dimensions. The electromagnetic field of the black hole is described by a test field approximation, with the vector potential proportional to the primary Killing vector field. It is shown that the demonstrated separability can be intrinsically characterized by the existence of a complete set of mutually commuting first-order symmetry operators generated from the principal Killing-Yano tensor. The presented results generalize the results on integrability of charged particle motion and separability of charged scalar field studied in V. P. Frolov and P. Krtous [Phys. Rev. D 83, 024016 (2011)].

Vagus nerve stimulation: state of the art of stimulation and recording strategies to address autonomic function neuromodulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guiraud, David; Andreu, David; Bonnet, Stéphane; Carrault, Guy; Couderc, Pascal; Hagège, Albert; Henry, Christine; Hernandez, Alfredo; Karam, Nicole; Le Rolle, Virginie; Mabo, Philippe; Maciejasz, Paweł; Malbert, Charles-Henri; Marijon, Eloi; Maubert, Sandrine; Picq, Chloé; Rossel, Olivier; Bonnet, Jean-Luc

2016-08-01

Objective. Neural signals along the vagus nerve (VN) drive many somatic and autonomic functions. The clinical interest of VN stimulation (VNS) is thus potentially huge and has already been demonstrated in epilepsy. However, side effects are often elicited, in addition to the targeted neuromodulation. Approach. This review examines the state of the art of VNS applied to two emerging modulations of autonomic function: heart failure and obesity, especially morbid obesity. Main results. We report that VNS may benefit from improved stimulation delivery using very advanced technologies. However, most of the results from fundamental animal studies still need to be demonstrated in humans.

Effect of angular velocity on sensors based on morphology dependent resonances.

PubMed

Ali, Amir R; Ioppolo, Tindaro

2014-04-22

We carried out an analysis to investigate the morphology dependent optical resonances shift (MDR) of a rotating spherical resonator. The spinning resonator experiences an elastic deformation due to the centrifugal force acting on it, leading to a shift in its MDR. Experiments are also carried out to demonstrate the MDR shifts of a spinning polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microsphere. The experimental results agree well with the analytical prediction. These studies demonstrated that spinning sensor based on MDR may experience sufficient shift in the optical resonances, therefore interfering with its desirable operational sensor design. Also the results show that angular velocity sensors could be designed using this principle.

Intestinal lymphangiectasis and lipidosis in rats following subchronic exposure to indole-3-carbinol via oral gavage.

PubMed

Boyle, Michael C; Crabbs, Torrie A; Wyde, Michael E; Painter, J Todd; Hill, Georgette D; Malarkey, David E; Lieuallen, Warren G; Nyska, Abraham

2012-06-01

To investigate the toxicity and carcinogenic potential of indole-3-carbinol (I3C), the National Toxicology Program has conducted 13-week subchronic studies in Fisher 344 rats and B6C3F1 mice, and chronic 2-year bioassays in Sprague-Dawley rats and B6C3F1 mice. While the chronic study results are not yet available, subchronic study results and short-term special evaluations of interim sacrifices in the 2-year rat bioassay are presented. F344 rats were orally gavaged ≤300 mg I3C/kg body weight 5 days a week for 13 weeks. Rats treated with ≥150 mg/kg demonstrated a dose-related dilation of lymphatics (lymphangiectasis) of the duodenum, jejunum, and mesenteric lymph nodes. Material within dilated lacteals stained positively for Oil Red O and Sudan Black, consistent with lipid. Electron microscopic evaluation confirmed extracellular lipid accumulation within the villar lamina propria, lacteals, and within villar macrophages. Analyses of hepatic and pulmonary CYP1A enzymes demonstrated dose-dependent I3C induction of CYP1A1 and 1A2. B6C3F1 mice orally gavaged ≤250 mg I3C/kg body weight did not demonstrate histopathological changes; however, hepatic CYP induction was similar to that in rats. The histopathologic changes of intestinal lymphangiectasis and lipidosis in this study share similarities with intestinal lymphangiectasia as observed in humans and dogs. However, the resultant clinical spectrum of protein-losing enteropathy was not present.

Liberal Grading Improves Evaluations but Not Performance.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vasta, Ross; Sarmiento, Robert F.

1979-01-01

The effects of examination grades on undergraduates' study behaviors, attendance, and evaluations of instruction were examined. Liberal grading was found to result in higher evaluations of course and instructor but had no demonstrable effect on studying or attendance. The implications of these findings and alternative interpretations are…

77 FR 72226 - Picoxystrobin; Pesticide Tolerances

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-12-05

... one of the following methods: Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov . Follow the... validity, completeness, and reliability as well as the relationship of the results of the studies to human... as demonstrated by the severe eye irritation effect seen in the primary eye irritation study on...

Tools for the Task? Perspectives on Assistive Technology in Educational Settings.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Todis, Bonnie

1996-01-01

A two-year qualitative study evaluated use of assistive technology by 13 students. Excerpts from case studies illustrate the perspectives of parents, specialists (physical therapists and speech language pathologists), special and regular education teachers, instructional assistants, student users, and peers. Results demonstrate the complex…

Evaluating Training by Four Economic Indices.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rosentreter, Gary

1979-01-01

This study was intended to demonstrate the effectiveness of four selected economic indicators as criteria for evaluation of a manufacturing firm's management training program in communication skills. Though the results indicated that the program effected change only in employee turnover, the study supports the measurement of training by economic…

Enhancing Employee Skills.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

1999

This document contains four symposium papers on enhancing employee skills. "The Effect of Study Skills Training Intervention on United States Air Force Aeromedical Apprentices" (John C. Griffith) demonstrates how study skills intervention resulted in a significant increase in the end-of-course scores of a sample of 90 randomly selected Air Force…

Hypocaloric, high-protein nutrition therapy for critically ill patients with obesity.

PubMed

Dickerson, Roland N

2014-12-01

We published the first article that addressed hypocaloric, high-protein enteral nutrition therapy for critically ill patients with obesity more than 10 years ago. This study demonstrated that it was possible to successfully achieve this mode of therapy with a commercially available high-protein enteral formula and concurrent use of protein supplements. This study was also the first to demonstrate improved clinical outcomes with the use of hypocaloric, high-protein nutrition therapy. The results of this study, its unique findings, and shortcomings are discussed. Subsequent studies have added clarity to the effective use of this therapy, including its use in home parenteral nutrition patients, patients with class III obesity, and older patients with obesity. © 2014 American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.

Impacts of Spontaneous Hot Flow Anomalies on the Magnetosheath and Magnetopause

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Omidi, N.; Berchem, J.; Sibeck, D.; Zhang, H.

2016-01-01

Spacecraft observations and global hybrid (kinetic ions and fluid electrons) simulations have demonstrated that ion dissipation processes at the quasi-parallel bow shock are associated with the formation of structures called spontaneous hot flow anomalies (SHFAs). Previous simulations and recent spacecraft observations have also established that SHFAs result in the formation of magnetosheath filamentary structures(MFS). In this paper we demonstrate that in addition to MFS, SHFAs also result in the formation of magnetos heath cavities that are associated with decreases in density, velocity, and magnetic field and enhancements in temperature. We use the results of a global MHD run to determine the change in the magnetosheath properties associated with cavities due to ion kinetic effects. The results also show the formation of regions of high flow speed called magnetosheath jets whose properties as a function of solar wind Mach number are described in this study. Comparing the properties of the simulated magnetosheath cavities and jets to past spacecraft observations provides good agreement in both cases. We also demonstrate that pressure variations associated with cavities and SHFAs in the sheath result in a continuous sunward and anti sunward magnetopause motion. This result is consistent with previous suggestions that SHFAs may be responsible for the generation of ion cyclotron waves and precipitation of ring current protons in the outer magnetosphere.

Impacts of spontaneous hot flow anomalies on the magnetosheath and magnetopause

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Omidi, N.; Berchem, J.; Sibeck, D.; Zhang, H.

2016-04-01

Spacecraft observations and global hybrid (kinetic ions and fluid electrons) simulations have demonstrated that ion dissipation processes at the quasi-parallel bow shock are associated with the formation of structures called spontaneous hot flow anomalies (SHFAs). Previous simulations and recent spacecraft observations have also established that SHFAs result in the formation of magnetosheath filamentary structures (MFS). In this paper we demonstrate that in addition to MFS, SHFAs also result in the formation of magnetosheath cavities that are associated with decreases in density, velocity, and magnetic field and enhancements in temperature. We use the results of a global MHD run to determine the change in the magnetosheath properties associated with cavities due to ion kinetic effects. The results also show the formation of regions of high flow speed called magnetosheath jets whose properties as a function of solar wind Mach number are described in this study. Comparing the properties of the simulated magnetosheath cavities and jets to past spacecraft observations provides good agreement in both cases. We also demonstrate that pressure variations associated with cavities and SHFAs in the sheath result in a continuous sunward and antisunward magnetopause motion. This result is consistent with previous suggestions that SHFAs may be responsible for the generation of ion cyclotron waves and precipitation of ring current protons in the outer magnetosphere.

PFLOTRAN-E4D: A parallel open source PFLOTRAN module for simulating time-lapse electrical resistivity data

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

Johnson, Timothy C.; Hammond, Glenn E.; Chen, Xingyuan

Time-lapse electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) is finding increased application for remotely monitoring processes occurring in the near subsurface in three-dimensions (i.e. 4D monitoring). However, there are few codes capable of simulating the evolution of subsurface resistivity and corresponding tomographic measurements arising from a particular process, particularly in parallel and with an open source license. Herein we describe and demonstrate an electrical resistivity tomography module for the PFLOTRAN subsurface flow and reactive transport simulation code, named PFLOTRAN-E4D. The PFLOTRAN-E4D module operates in parallel using a dedicated set of compute cores in a master-slave configuration. At each time step, the master processesmore » receives subsurface states from PFLOTRAN, converts those states to bulk electrical conductivity, and instructs the slave processes to simulate a tomographic data set. The resulting multi-physics simulation capability enables accurate feasibility studies for ERT imaging, the identification of the ERT signatures that are unique to a given process, and facilitates the joint inversion of ERT data with hydrogeological data for subsurface characterization. PFLOTRAN-E4D is demonstrated herein using a field study of stage-driven groundwater/river water interaction ERT monitoring along the Columbia River, Washington, USA. Results demonstrate the complex nature of subsurface electrical conductivity changes, in both the saturated and unsaturated zones, arising from river stage fluctuations and associated river water intrusion into the aquifer. Furthermore, the results also demonstrate the sensitivity of surface based ERT measurements to those changes over time.« less

PFLOTRAN-E4D: A parallel open source PFLOTRAN module for simulating time-lapse electrical resistivity data

DOE PAGES

Johnson, Timothy C.; Hammond, Glenn E.; Chen, Xingyuan

2016-09-22

Time-lapse electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) is finding increased application for remotely monitoring processes occurring in the near subsurface in three-dimensions (i.e. 4D monitoring). However, there are few codes capable of simulating the evolution of subsurface resistivity and corresponding tomographic measurements arising from a particular process, particularly in parallel and with an open source license. Herein we describe and demonstrate an electrical resistivity tomography module for the PFLOTRAN subsurface flow and reactive transport simulation code, named PFLOTRAN-E4D. The PFLOTRAN-E4D module operates in parallel using a dedicated set of compute cores in a master-slave configuration. At each time step, the master processesmore » receives subsurface states from PFLOTRAN, converts those states to bulk electrical conductivity, and instructs the slave processes to simulate a tomographic data set. The resulting multi-physics simulation capability enables accurate feasibility studies for ERT imaging, the identification of the ERT signatures that are unique to a given process, and facilitates the joint inversion of ERT data with hydrogeological data for subsurface characterization. PFLOTRAN-E4D is demonstrated herein using a field study of stage-driven groundwater/river water interaction ERT monitoring along the Columbia River, Washington, USA. Results demonstrate the complex nature of subsurface electrical conductivity changes, in both the saturated and unsaturated zones, arising from river stage fluctuations and associated river water intrusion into the aquifer. Furthermore, the results also demonstrate the sensitivity of surface based ERT measurements to those changes over time.« less

Frontal lesions predict response to prism adaptation treatment in spatial neglect: A randomised controlled study.

PubMed

Goedert, Kelly M; Chen, Peii; Foundas, Anne L; Barrett, A M

2018-03-20

Spatial neglect commonly follows right hemisphere stroke. It is defined as impaired contralesional stimulus detection, response, or action, causing functional disability. While prism adaptation treatment is highly promising to promote functional recovery of spatial neglect, not all individuals respond. Consistent with a primary effect of prism adaptation on spatial movements, we previously demonstrated that functional improvement after prism adaptation treatment is linked to frontal lobe lesions. However, that study was a treatment-only study with no randomised control group. The current study randomised individuals with spatial neglect to receive 10 days of prism adaptation treatment or to receive only standard care (control group). Replicating our earlier results, we found that the presence of frontal lesions moderated response to prism adaptation treatment: among prism-treated patients, only those with frontal lesions demonstrated functional improvements in their neglect symptoms. Conversely, among individuals in the standard care control group, the presence of frontal lesions did not modify recovery. These results suggest that further research is needed on how frontal lesions may predict response to prism adaptation treatment. Additionally, the results help elucidate the neural network involved in spatial movement and could be used to aid decisions about treatment.

Titanium Dioxide Nanofibers and Microparticles Containing Nickel Nanoparticles.

PubMed

Sheikh, Faheem A; Macossay, Javier; Kanjwal, Muzafar A; Abdal-Hay, Abdalla; Tantry, Mudasir A; Kim, Hern

2012-10-12

The present study reports on the introduction of various nanocatalysts containing nickel (Ni) nanoparticles (NPs) embedded within TiO 2 nanofibers and TiO 2 microparticles. Typically, a sol-gel consisting of titanium isopropoxide and Ni NPs was prepared to produce TiO 2 nanofibers by the electrospinning process. Similarly, TiO 2 microparticles containing Ni were prepared using a sol-gel syntheses process. The resultant structures were studied by SEM analyses, which confirmed well-obtained nanofibers and microparticles. Further, the XRD results demonstrated the crystalline feature of both TiO 2 and Ni in the obtained composites. Internal morphology of prepared nanofibers and microparticles containing Ni NPs was characterized by TEM, which demonstrated characteristic structures with good dispersion of Ni NPs. In addition, the prepared structures were studied as a model for hydrogen production applications. The catalytic activity of the prepared materials was studied by in situ hydrolysis of NaBH 4 , which indicated that the nanofibers containing Ni NPs can lead to produce higher amounts of hydrogen when compared to other microparticles, also reported in this paper. Overall, these results confirm the potential use of these materials in hydrogen production systems.

Titanium Dioxide Nanofibers and Microparticles Containing Nickel Nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Sheikh, Faheem A.; Macossay, Javier; Kanjwal, Muzafar A.; Abdal-hay, Abdalla; Tantry, Mudasir A.; Kim, Hern

2013-01-01

The present study reports on the introduction of various nanocatalysts containing nickel (Ni) nanoparticles (NPs) embedded within TiO2 nanofibers and TiO2 microparticles. Typically, a sol-gel consisting of titanium isopropoxide and Ni NPs was prepared to produce TiO2 nanofibers by the electrospinning process. Similarly, TiO2 microparticles containing Ni were prepared using a sol-gel syntheses process. The resultant structures were studied by SEM analyses, which confirmed well-obtained nanofibers and microparticles. Further, the XRD results demonstrated the crystalline feature of both TiO2 and Ni in the obtained composites. Internal morphology of prepared nanofibers and microparticles containing Ni NPs was characterized by TEM, which demonstrated characteristic structures with good dispersion of Ni NPs. In addition, the prepared structures were studied as a model for hydrogen production applications. The catalytic activity of the prepared materials was studied by in situ hydrolysis of NaBH4, which indicated that the nanofibers containing Ni NPs can lead to produce higher amounts of hydrogen when compared to other microparticles, also reported in this paper. Overall, these results confirm the potential use of these materials in hydrogen production systems. PMID:24436780

Fate of carbamazepine, its metabolites, and lamotrigine in soils irrigated with reclaimed wastewater: Sorption, leaching and plant uptake.

PubMed

Paz, Anat; Tadmor, Galit; Malchi, Tomer; Blotevogel, Jens; Borch, Thomas; Polubesova, Tamara; Chefetz, Benny

2016-10-01

Irrigation with reclaimed wastewater may result in the ubiquitous presence of pharmaceutical compounds (PCs) and their metabolites in the agroecosystem. In this study, we focused on two highly persistent anticonvulsant drugs, lamotrigine and carbamazepine and two of its metabolites (EP-CBZ and DiOH-CBZ), aiming to elucidate their behavior in agricultural ecosystem using batch and lysimeter experiments. Sorption of the studied compounds by soils was found to be governed mainly by the soil organic matter level. Sorption affinity of compounds to soils followed the order lamotrigine > carbamazepine > EP-CBZ > DiOH-CBZ. Sorption was reversible, and no competition between sorbates in bi-solute systems was observed. The results of the lysimeter studies were in accordance with batch experiment findings, demonstrating accumulation of lamotrigine and carbamazepine in top soil layers enriched with organic matter. Detection of carbamazepine and one of its metabolites in rain-fed wheat previously irrigated with reclaimed wastewater, indicates reversibility of their sorption, resulting in their potential leaching and their availability for plant uptake. This study demonstrates the long-term implication of introduction of PCs to the agroecosystem. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Deep radio imaging of the UKIDSS Ultra Deep Survey field : the nature of the faint radio population, and the star-formation history of the Universe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arumugam, Vinodiran

2013-08-01

Breast cancer remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Assessment of the axillary lymph nodes is part of the staging of the disease. Advances in surgical management of breast cancer have seen a move towards intra-operative lymph node assessment that facilitates an immediate axillary clearance if it is indicated. Raman spectroscopy, a technique based on the inelastic scattering of light, has previously been shown to be capable of differentiating between normal and malignant tissue. These results, based on the biochemical composition of the tissue, potentially allow for this technique to be utilised in this clinical context. The aim of this study was to evaluate the facility of Raman spectroscopy to both assess axillary lymph node tissue within the theatre setting and to achieve results that were comparable to other intra-operative techniques within a clinically relevant time frame. Initial experiments demonstrated that these aims were feasible within the context of both the theatre environment and current surgical techniques. A laboratory based feasibility study involving 17 patients and 38 lymph node samples achieved sensivities and specificities of >90% in unsupervised testing. 339 lymph node samples from 66 patients were subsequently assessed within the theatre environment. Chemometric analysis of this data demonstrated sensitivities of up to 94% and specificities of up to 99% in unsupervised testing. The best results were achieved when comparing negative nodes from N0 patients and nodes containing macrometastases. Spectral analysis revealed increased levels of lipid in the negative nodes and increased DNA and protein levels in the positive nodes. Further studies highlighted the reproducibility of these results using different equipment, users and time from excision. This study uses Raman spectroscopy for the first time in an operating theatre and demonstrates that the results obtained, in real-time, are comparable, if not superior, to current intra-operative techniques of lymph nodes assessment.

Development through Dissent: Campus Activism as Civic Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Biddix, J. Patrick

2014-01-01

This chapter traces two decades of published research on learning outcomes related to campus activism and reports results from a speculative study considering civic outcomes from participation in campus political and war demonstrations.

NASA/DoD Aerospace Knowledge Diffusion Research Project. Report Number 14. Engineering Work and Information Use in Aerospace: Results of a Telephone Survey

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-10-01

and superficial. The results of engineering information studies have not accumulated to form a significant body of knowledge that can be used to...Aerospace Kmowledge Diffits1ion. Studies indicate that timely access to STI can increase productivity and innovation and help aerospace engineers and...scientists maintain and improve their professional skills. These same studies demonstrate, however, how little is known about aerospace knowledge diffusion or

Colour cues proved to be more informative for dogs than brightness.

PubMed

Kasparson, Anna A; Badridze, Jason; Maximov, Vadim V

2013-09-07

The results of early studies on colour vision in dogs led to the conclusion that chromatic cues are unimportant for dogs during their normal activities. Nevertheless, the canine retina possesses two cone types which provide at least the potential for colour vision. Recently, experiments controlling for the brightness information in visual stimuli demonstrated that dogs have the ability to perform chromatic discrimination. Here, we show that for eight previously untrained dogs colour proved to be more informative than brightness when choosing between visual stimuli differing both in brightness and chromaticity. Although brightness could have been used by the dogs in our experiments (unlike previous studies), it was not. Our results demonstrate that under natural photopic lighting conditions colour information may be predominant even for animals that possess only two spectral types of cone photoreceptors.

Physiological effects of bioceramic material: harvard step, resting metabolic rate and treadmill running assessments.

PubMed

Leung, Ting-Kai; Kuo, Chia-Hua; Lee, Chi-Ming; Kan, Nai-Wen; Hou, Chien-Wen

2013-12-31

Previous biomolecular and animal studies have shown that a room-temperature far-infrared-rayemitting ceramic material (bioceramic) demonstrates physical-biological effects, including the normalization of psychologically induced stress-conditioned elevated heart rate in animals. In this clinical study, the Harvard step test, the resting metabolic rate (RMR) assessment and the treadmill running test were conducted to evaluate possible physiological effects of the bioceramic material in human patients. The analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) during the Harvard step test indicated that the bioceramic material significantly increased the high-frequency (HF) power spectrum. In addition, the results of RMR analysis suggest that the bioceramic material reduced oxygen consumption (VO2). Our results demonstrate that the bioceramic material has the tendency to stimulate parasympathetic responses, which may reduce resting energy expenditure and improve cardiorespiratory recovery following exercise.

A Replication-incompetent Rift Valley Fever Vaccine: Chimeric Virus-like Particles Protect Mice and Rats Against Lethal Challenge

PubMed Central

Mandell, Robert B.; Koukuntla, Ramesh; Mogler, Laura J. K.; Carzoli, Andrea K.; Freiberg, Alexander N.; Holbrook, Michael R.; Martin, Brian K.; Staplin, William R.; Vahanian, Nicholas N.; Link, Charles J.; Flick, Ramon

2009-01-01

Virus-like particles (VLPs) present viral antigens in a native conformation and are effectively recognized by the immune system and therefore are considered as suitable and safe vaccine candidates against many viral diseases. Here we demonstrate that chimeric VLPs containing Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) glycoproteins GN and GC, nucleoprotein N and the gag protein of Moloney murine leukemia virus represent an effective vaccine candidate against Rift Valley fever, a deadly disease in humans and livestock. Long-lasting humoral and cellular immune responses are demonstrated in a mouse model by the analysis of neutralizing antibody titers and cytokine secretion profiles. Vaccine efficacy studies were performed in mouse and rat lethal challenge models resulting in high protection rates. Taken together, these results demonstrate that replication-incompetent chimeric RVF VLPs are an efficient RVFV vaccine candidate. PMID:19932911

Effect of Forcing Function on Nonlinear Acoustic Standing Waves

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Finkheiner, Joshua R.; Li, Xiao-Fan; Raman, Ganesh; Daniels, Chris; Steinetz, Bruce

2003-01-01

Nonlinear acoustic standing waves of high amplitude have been demonstrated by utilizing the effects of resonator shape to prevent the pressure waves from entering saturation. Experimentally, nonlinear acoustic standing waves have been generated by shaking an entire resonating cavity. While this promotes more efficient energy transfer than a piston-driven resonator, it also introduces complicated structural dynamics into the system. Experiments have shown that these dynamics result in resonator forcing functions comprised of a sum of several Fourier modes. However, previous numerical studies of the acoustics generated within the resonator assumed simple sinusoidal waves as the driving force. Using a previously developed numerical code, this paper demonstrates the effects of using a forcing function constructed with a series of harmonic sinusoidal waves on resonating cavities. From these results, a method will be demonstrated which allows the direct numerical analysis of experimentally generated nonlinear acoustic waves in resonators driven by harmonic forcing functions.

Dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate, USP material compatibility with gamma radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Betancourt Quiles, Maritza

Gamma radiation is a commonly used method to reduce the microbial bioburden in compatible materials when it is applied at appropriate dose levels. Gamma irradiation kills bacteria and mold by breaking down the organism’s DNA and inhibiting cell division. The purpose of this study is to determine the radiation dosage to be used to treat Dibasic Calcium Phosphate Dihydrate, USP (DCPD) and to evaluate its physicochemical effects if any, on this material. This material will be submitted to various doses of gamma radiation that were selected based on literature review and existing regulations that demonstrate that this method is effective to reduce or eliminate microbial bioburden in natural source and synthetic materials. Analytical testing was conducted to the DCPD exposed material in order to demonstrate that gamma radiation does not alter the physicochemical properties and material still acceptable for use in the manufacture of pharmaceutical products. The results obtained through this study were satisfactory and demonstrated that the gamma irradiation dosages from 5 to 30 kGy can be applied to DCPD without altering its physicochemical properties. These are supported by the Assay test data evaluation of lots tested before and after gamma irradiation implementation that show no significant statistical difference between irradiated and non irradiated assay results. The results of this study represent an achievement for the industry since they provide as an alternative the use of Gamma irradiation technology to control the microbial growth in DCPD.

Simultaneous schlieren photography and soot foil in the study of detonation phenomena

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kellenberger, Mark; Ciccarelli, Gaby

2017-10-01

The use of schlieren photography has been essential in unravelling the complex nature of high-speed combustion phenomena, but its line-of-sight integration makes it difficult to decisively determine the nature of multi-dimensional combustion wave propagation. Conventional schlieren alone makes it impossible to determine in what plane across the channel an observed structure may exist. To overcome this, a technique of simultaneous high-speed schlieren photography and soot foils was demonstrated that can be applied to the study of detonation phenomena. Using a kerosene lamp, soot was deposited on a glass substrate resulting in a semi-transparent sheet through which schlieren source light could pass. In order to demonstrate the technique, experiments were carried out in mixtures of stoichiometric hydrogen-oxygen at initial pressures between 10 and 15 kPa. Compared to schlieren imaging obtained without a sooted foil, high-speed video results show schlieren images with a small reduction of contrast with density gradients remaining clear. Areas of high temperature cause soot lofted from the foil to incandescence strongly, resulting in the ability to track hot spots and flame location. Post-processing adjustments were demonstrated to make up for camera sensitivity limitations to enable viewing of schlieren density gradients. High-resolution glass soot foils were produced that enable direct coupling of schlieren video to triple-point trajectories seen on the soot foils, allowing for the study of three-dimensional propagation mechanisms of detonation waves.

Guilt enhances the sense of control and drives risky judgments.

PubMed

Kouchaki, Maryam; Oveis, Christopher; Gino, Francesca

2014-12-01

In the present studies, we investigate the hypothesis that guilt influences risk taking by enhancing one's sense of control. Across multiple inductions of guilt, we demonstrate that experimentally induced guilt enhances optimism about risks for the self (Study 1), preferences for gambles versus guaranteed payoffs (Studies 2, 4, and 6), and the likelihood that one will engage in risk-taking behaviors (Study 5). In addition, we demonstrate that guilt enhances the sense of control over uncontrollable events, an illusory control (Studies 3, 4, and 5), and found that a model with illusory control as a mediator is consistent with the data (Studies 5 and 6). We also found that a model with feelings of guilt as a mediator but not generalized negative affect fits the data (Study 4). Finally, we examined the relative explanatory power of different appraisals and found that appraisals of illusory control best explain the influence of guilt on risk taking (Study 6). These results provide the first empirical demonstration of the influence of guilt on sense of control and risk taking, extend previous theorizing on guilt, and more generally contribute to the understanding of how specific emotions influence cognition and behavior. PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved.

Spacecraft servicing demonstration plan

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bergonz, F. H.; Bulboaca, M. A.; Derocher, W. L., Jr.

1984-01-01

A preliminary spacecraft servicing demonstration plan is prepared which leads to a fully verified operational on-orbit servicing system based on the module exchange, refueling, and resupply technologies. The resulting system can be applied at the space station, in low Earth orbit with an orbital maneuvering vehicle (OMV), or be carried with an OMV to geosynchronous orbit by an orbital transfer vehicle. The three phase plan includes ground demonstrations, cargo bay demonstrations, and free flight verifications. The plan emphasizes the exchange of multimission modular spacecraft (MMS) modules which involves space repairable satellites. Three servicer mechanism configurations are the engineering test unit, a protoflight quality unit, and two fully operational units that have been qualified and documented for use in free flight verification activity. The plan balances costs and risks by overlapping study phases, utilizing existing equipment for ground demonstrations, maximizing use of existing MMS equipment, and rental of a spacecraft bus.

Dantrolene is neuroprotective in Huntington's disease transgenic mouse model

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by a polyglutamine expansion in the Huntingtin protein which results in the selective degeneration of striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs). Our group has previously demonstrated that calcium (Ca2+) signaling is abnormal in MSNs from the yeast artificial chromosome transgenic mouse model of HD (YAC128). Moreover, we demonstrated that deranged intracellular Ca2+ signaling sensitizes YAC128 MSNs to glutamate-induced excitotoxicity when compared to wild type (WT) MSNs. In previous studies we also observed abnormal neuronal Ca2+ signaling in neurons from spinocerebellar ataxia 2 (SCA2) and spinocerebellar ataxia 3 (SCA3) mouse models and demonstrated that treatment with dantrolene, a ryanodine receptor antagonist and clinically relevant Ca2+ signaling stabilizer, was neuroprotective in experiments with these mouse models. The aim of the current study was to evaluate potential beneficial effects of dantrolene in experiments with YAC128 HD mouse model. Results The application of caffeine and glutamate resulted in increased Ca2+ release from intracellular stores in YAC128 MSN cultures when compared to WT MSN cultures. Pre-treatment with dantrolene protected YAC128 MSNs from glutamate excitotoxicty, with an effective concentration of 100 nM and above. Feeding dantrolene (5 mg/kg) twice a week to YAC128 mice between 2 months and 11.5 months of age resulted in significantly improved performance in the beam-walking and gait-walking assays. Neuropathological analysis revealed that long-term dantrolene feeding to YAC128 mice significantly reduced the loss of NeuN-positive striatal neurons and reduced formation of Httexp nuclear aggregates. Conclusions Our results support the hypothesis that deranged Ca2+ signaling plays an important role in HD pathology. Our data also implicate the RyanRs as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of HD and demonstrate that RyanR inhibitors and Ca2+ signaling stabilizers such as dantrolene should be considered as potential therapeutics for the treatment of HD and other polyQ-expansion disorders. PMID:22118545

Structural assembly demonstration experiment, phase 1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akin, David L.; Bowden, Mary L.; Miller, Rene H.

1983-03-01

The goal of this phase of the structural assembly and demonstration experiment (SADE) program was to begin to define a shuttle flight experiment that would yield data to compare on-orbit assembly operations of large space structures with neutral buoyancy simulations. In addition, the experiment would be an early demonstration of structural hardware and human capabilities in extravehicular activity (EVA). The objectives of the MIT study, as listed in the statement of work, were: to provide support in establishing a baseline neutral buoyancy testing data base, to develop a correlation technique between neutral buoyancy test results and on-orbit operations, and to prepare the SADE experiment plan (MSFC-PLAN-913).

Repeated evolution of vertebrate pollination syndromes in a recently diverged Andean plant clade.

PubMed

Lagomarsino, Laura P; Forrestel, Elisabeth J; Muchhala, Nathan; Davis, Charles C

2017-08-01

Although specialized interactions, including those involving plants and their pollinators, are often invoked to explain high species diversity, they are rarely explored at macroevolutionary scales. We investigate the dynamic evolution of hummingbird and bat pollination syndromes in the centropogonid clade (Lobelioideae: Campanulaceae), an Andean-centered group of ∼550 angiosperm species. We demonstrate that flowers hypothesized to be adapted to different pollinators based on flower color fall into distinct regions of morphospace, and this is validated by morphology of species with known pollinators. This supports the existence of pollination syndromes in the centropogonids, an idea corroborated by ecological studies. We further demonstrate that hummingbird pollination is ancestral, and that bat pollination has evolved ∼13 times independently, with ∼11 reversals. This convergence is associated with correlated evolution of floral traits within selective regimes corresponding to pollination syndrome. Collectively, our results suggest that floral morphological diversity is extremely labile, likely resulting from selection imposed by pollinators. Finally, even though this clade's rapid diversification is partially attributed to their association with vertebrate pollinators, we detect no difference in diversification rates between hummingbird- and bat-pollinated lineages. Our study demonstrates the utility of pollination syndromes as a proxy for ecological relationships in macroevolutionary studies of certain species-rich clades. © 2017 The Author(s). Evolution © 2017 The Society for the Study of Evolution.

Experience Modulates Vicarious Freezing in Rats: A Model for Empathy

PubMed Central

Atsak, Piray; Orre, Marie; Bakker, Petra; Cerliani, Leonardo; Roozendaal, Benno

2011-01-01

The study of the neural basis of emotional empathy has received a surge of interest in recent years but mostly employing human neuroimaging. A simpler animal model would pave the way for systematic single cell recordings and invasive manipulations of the brain regions implicated in empathy. Recent evidence has been put forward for the existence of empathy in rodents. In this study, we describe a potential model of empathy in female rats, in which we studied interactions between two rats: a witness observes a demonstrator experiencing a series of footshocks. By comparing the reaction of witnesses with or without previous footshock experience, we examine the role of prior experience as a modulator of empathy. We show that witnesses having previously experienced footshocks, but not naïve ones, display vicarious freezing behavior upon witnessing a cage-mate experiencing footshocks. Strikingly, the demonstrator's behavior was in turn modulated by the behavior of the witness: demonstrators froze more following footshocks if their witness froze more. Previous experiments have shown that rats emit ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) when receiving footshocks. Thus, the role of USV in triggering vicarious freezing in our paradigm is examined. We found that experienced witness-demonstrator pairs emitted more USVs than naïve witness-demonstrator pairs, but the number of USVs was correlated with freezing in demonstrators, not in witnesses. Furthermore, playing back the USVs, recorded from witness-demonstrator pairs during the empathy test, did not induce vicarious freezing behavior in experienced witnesses. Thus, our findings confirm that vicarious freezing can be triggered in rats, and moreover it can be modulated by prior experience. Additionally, our result suggests that vicarious freezing is not triggered by USVs per se and it influences back onto the behavior of the demonstrator that had elicited the vicarious freezing in witnesses, introducing a paradigm to study empathy as a social loop. PMID:21765921

Development of Crystallizer for Advanced Aqueous Reprocessing Process

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

Tadahiro Washiya; Atsuhiro Shibata; Toshiaki Kikuchi

2006-07-01

Crystallization is one of the remarkable technologies for future fuel reprocessing process that has safety and economical advantages. Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) (former Japan Nuclear Cycle Development Institute), Mitsubishi Material Corporation and Saitama University have been developing the crystallization process. In previous study, we carried out experimental studies with uranium, MOX and spent fuel conditions, and flowsheet analysis was considered. In association with these studies, an innovative continuous crystallizer and its system was developed to ensure high process performance. From the design study, an annular type continuous crystallizer was selected as the most promising design, and performance was confirmedmore » by small-scale test and engineering scale demonstration at uranium crystallization conditions. In this paper, the design study and the demonstration test results are described. (authors)« less

CASL L2 milestone report : VUQ.Y1.03, %22Enable statistical sensitivity and UQ demonstrations for VERA.%22

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

Sung, Yixing; Adams, Brian M.; Witkowski, Walter R.

2011-04-01

The CASL Level 2 Milestone VUQ.Y1.03, 'Enable statistical sensitivity and UQ demonstrations for VERA,' was successfully completed in March 2011. The VUQ focus area led this effort, in close partnership with AMA, and with support from VRI. DAKOTA was coupled to VIPRE-W thermal-hydraulics simulations representing reactors of interest to address crud-related challenge problems in order to understand the sensitivity and uncertainty in simulation outputs with respect to uncertain operating and model form parameters. This report summarizes work coupling the software tools, characterizing uncertainties, selecting sensitivity and uncertainty quantification algorithms, and analyzing the results of iterative studies. These demonstration studies focusedmore » on sensitivity and uncertainty of mass evaporation rate calculated by VIPRE-W, a key predictor for crud-induced power shift (CIPS).« less

pH imaging of mouse kidneys in vivo using a frequency-dependent paraCEST agent

PubMed Central

Wu, Yunkou; Zhang, Shanrong; Soesbe, Todd C.; Yu, Jing; Vinogradov, Elena; Lenkinski, Robert E.; Sherry, A. Dean

2015-01-01

Purpose This study explored the feasibility of using a pH responsive paraCEST agent to image the pH gradient in kidneys of healthy mice. Methods CEST signals were acquired on an Agilent 9.4 T small animal MRI system using a steady-state gradient echo pulse sequence after a bolus injection of agent. The magnetic field inhomogeneity across each kidney was corrected using the WASSR method and pH maps were calculated by measuring the frequency of water exchange signal arising from the agent. Results Dynamic CEST studies demonstrated that the agent was readily detectable in kidneys only between 4 to 12 min post-injection. The CEST images showed a higher signal intensity in the pelvis and calyx regions and lower signal intensity in the medulla and cortex regions. The pH maps reflected tissue pH values spanning from 6.0 to 7.5 in kidneys of healthy mice. Conclusion This study demonstrated that pH maps of the kidney can be imaged in vivo by measuring the pH-dependent chemical shift of a single water exchange CEST peak without prior knowledge of the agent concentration in vivo. The results demonstrate the potential of using a simple frequency-dependent paraCEST agent for mapping tissue pH in vivo. PMID:26173637

In vivo Host Environment Alters Pseudomonas aeruginosa Susceptibility to Aminoglycoside Antibiotics

PubMed Central

Pan, Xiaolei; Dong, Yuanyuan; Fan, Zheng; Liu, Chang; Xia, Bin; Shi, Jing; Bai, Fang; Jin, Yongxin; Cheng, Zhihui; Jin, Shouguang; Wu, Weihui

2017-01-01

During host infection, Pseudomonas aeruginosa coordinately regulates the expression of numerous genes to adapt to the host environment while counteracting host clearance mechanisms. As infected patients take antibiotics, the invading bacteria encounter antibiotics in the host milieu. P. aeruginosa is highly resistant to antibiotics due to multiple chromosomally encoded resistant determinants. And numerous in vitro studies have demonstrated the regulatory mechanisms of antibiotic resistance related genes in response to antibiotics. However, it is not well-known how host environment affects bacterial response to antibiotics. In this study, we found that P. aeruginosa cells directly isolated from mice lungs displayed higher susceptibility to tobramycin than in vitro cultured bacteria. In vitro experiments demonstrated that incubation with A549 and differentiated HL60 (dHL60) cells sensitized P. aeruginosa to tobramycin. Further studies revealed that reactive oxygen species produced by the host cells contributed to the increased bacterial susceptibility. At the same concentration of tobramycin, presence of A549 and dHL60 cells resulted in higher expression of heat shock proteins, which are known inducible by tobramycin. Further analyses revealed decreased membrane potential upon incubation with the host cells and modification of lipopolysaccharide, which contributed to the increased susceptibility to tobramycin. Therefore, our results demonstrate that contact with host cells increased bacterial susceptibility to tobramycin. PMID:28352614

Abnormal early cleavage events predict early embryo demise: sperm oxidative stress and early abnormal cleavage.

PubMed

Burruel, Victoria; Klooster, Katie; Barker, Christopher M; Pera, Renee Reijo; Meyers, Stuart

2014-10-13

Human embryos resulting from abnormal early cleavage can result in aneuploidy and failure to develop normally to the blastocyst stage. The nature of paternal influence on early embryo development has not been directly demonstrated although many studies have suggested effects from spermatozoal chromatin packaging, DNA damage, centriolar and mitotic spindle integrity, and plasma membrane integrity. The goal of this study was to determine whether early developmental events were affected by oxidative damage to the fertilizing sperm. Survival analysis was used to compare patterns of blastocyst formation based on P2 duration. Kaplan-Meier survival curves demonstrate that relatively few embryos with short (<1 hr) P2 times reached blastocysts, and the two curves diverged beginning on day 4, with nearly all of the embryos with longer P2 times reaching blastocysts by day 6 (p < .01). We determined that duration of the 2nd to 3rd mitoses were sensitive periods in the presence of spermatozoal oxidative stress. Embryos that displayed either too long or too short cytokineses demonstrated an increased failure to reach blastocyst stage and therefore survive for further development. Although paternal-derived gene expression occurs later in development, this study suggests a specific role in early mitosis that is highly influenced by paternal factors.

Berberine enhances the anti‑tumor activity of tamoxifen in drug‑sensitive MCF‑7 and drug‑resistant MCF‑7/TAM cells.

PubMed

Wen, Chunjie; Wu, Lanxiang; Fu, Lijuan; Zhang, Xue; Zhou, Honghao

2016-09-01

Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid, has been previously demonstrated to possess anti‑breast cancer properties. Tamoxifen is widely used in the prevention and treatment of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Thus, the aim of the present study was to assess whether berberine enhanced the anticancer effect of tamoxifen, and the underlying mechanism involved in this combined effect in tamoxifen-sensitive (MCF-7) and tamoxifen-resistant (MCF-7/TAM) cells using MTS, flow cytometry and western blot assays. The results indicated that berberine demonstrated dose‑ and time‑dependent anti‑proliferative activity in MCF‑7 and MCF‑7/TAM cells. Furthermore, the combination of berberine and tamoxifen induced cell growth inhibition more effectively than tamoxifen alone. The present study also demonstrated that combinational treatment is more effective in inducing G1 phase arrest and activating apoptosis compared tamoxifen alone, which may be due to upregulation of P21 expression and downregulation of the B‑cell CLL/lymphoma 2(Bcl‑2)/Bcl‑2 associated X protein ratio. The results of the present study suggested that berberine may potentially be useful as an adjuvant agent in cancer chemotherapy to enhance the effect of tamoxifen, which will be useful for anti‑tumor therapy and further research.

Enhanced Flight Termination System (EFTS): Flight Demonstration and Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tow, David; Arce, Dennis

2008-01-01

The Enhanced Flight Termination System (EFTS) program was initiated and propelled due to the inadvertent terminations of Global Hawk and the Strategic Target System and the NASA Inspector General's assessment letter and recommendations regarding the exploration of low-cost, lightweight space COMSEC for FTS. Additionally, the standard analog and high alphabet systems most commonly used in FTS are secure, but not encrypted. A study group was initiated to select and document a robust, affordable, reliable technology that provides encrypted FTS capability. A flight demonstration was conducted to gain experience using EFTS in an operational environment, provide confidence in the use of the EFTS components, integrate EFTS into an existing range infrastructure to demonstrate the scalability of system components, to provide a command controller that generated the EFTS waveform using an existing range infrastructure, and to provide a report documenting the results of the demonstration. The primary goal of the demonstration was to obtain operational experience with EFTS. Areas of operational experience include: mission planning, pre-flight configuration and testing, mission monitoring and recording, vehicle termination, developing mission procedures. and post mission data reduction and other post mission activities. An Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) was selected to support the EFTS demonstration due to interest in future use of EFTS by the AMRAAM program, familiarity of EFTS by range personnel, and the availability of existing operational environment to support EFTS testing with available program funding. For demonstration purposes, the AMRAAM was successfully terminated using an EFTS receiver and successfully demonstrating EFTS. The EFTS monitoring software with spectrum analyzer and digital graphical display of aircraft, missile, and target were also demonstrated.

Active Learning in PhysicsTechnology and Research-based Techniques Emphasizing Interactive Lecture Demonstrations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thornton, Ronald

2010-10-01

Physics education research has shown that learning environments that engage students and allow them to take an active part in their learning can lead to large conceptual gains compared to traditional instruction. Examples of successful curricula and methods include Peer Instruction, Just in Time Teaching, RealTime Physics, Workshop Physics, Scale-Up, and Interactive Lecture Demonstrations (ILDs). An active learning environment is often difficult to achieve in lecture sessions. This presentation will demonstrate the use of sequences of Interactive Lecture Demonstrations (ILDs) that use real experiments often involving real-time data collection and display combined with student interaction to create an active learning environment in large or small lecture classes. Interactive lecture demonstrations will be done in the area of mechanics using real-time motion probes and the Visualizer. A video tape of students involved in interactive lecture demonstrations will be shown. The results of a number of research studies at various institutions (including international) to measure the effectiveness of ILDs and guided inquiry conceptual laboratories will be presented.

Bile acid malabsorption demonstrated by SeHCAT in chronic diarrhoea, with special reference to the impact of cholecystectomy.

PubMed

Suhr, O; Danielsson, A; Nyhlin, H; Truedsson, H

1988-12-01

SeHCAT is a gamma-labelled synthetic bile acid, suitable for external measurements and detection of bile acid malabsorption. In this study 138 subjects were investigated with 75SeHCAT. The technique was modified by calculating the biologic half-life of the isotope (WBR-50) within 48 h. All patients with ileocaecal resection had reduced WBR-50 values, as did most (8 of 12) with Crohn's disease affecting the small bowel. Among patients with chronic diarrhoea 24 out of 62 patients had reduced WBR-50 values. Four of the patients with low WBR-50 and one in the group with normal WBR-50 had previously been cholecystectomized. In a consecutive study, 15 patients were investigated before and after cholecystectomy. In 12, WBR-50 decreased after the operation (p less than 0.05). The results demonstrate the impact of cholecystectomy on the interpretation of the SeHCAT retention results. The results may also add to the understanding of diarrhoea secondary to cholecystectomy.

Force-induced chemical reactions on the metal centre in a single metalloprotein molecule.

PubMed

Zheng, Peng; Arantes, Guilherme M; Field, Martin J; Li, Hongbin

2015-06-25

Metalloproteins play indispensable roles in biology owing to the versatile chemical reactivity of metal centres. However, studying their reactivity in many metalloproteins is challenging, as protein three-dimensional structure encloses labile metal centres, thus limiting their access to reactants and impeding direct measurements. Here we demonstrate the use of single-molecule atomic force microscopy to induce partial unfolding to expose metal centres in metalloproteins to aqueous solution, thus allowing for studying their chemical reactivity in aqueous solution for the first time. As a proof-of-principle, we demonstrate two chemical reactions for the FeS4 centre in rubredoxin: electrophilic protonation and nucleophilic ligand substitution. Our results show that protonation and ligand substitution result in mechanical destabilization of the FeS4 centre. Quantum chemical calculations corroborated experimental results and revealed detailed reaction mechanisms. We anticipate that this novel approach will provide insights into chemical reactivity of metal centres in metalloproteins under biologically more relevant conditions.

Force-induced chemical reactions on the metal centre in a single metalloprotein molecule

PubMed Central

Zheng, Peng; Arantes, Guilherme M.; Field, Martin J.; Li, Hongbin

2015-01-01

Metalloproteins play indispensable roles in biology owing to the versatile chemical reactivity of metal centres. However, studying their reactivity in many metalloproteins is challenging, as protein three-dimensional structure encloses labile metal centres, thus limiting their access to reactants and impeding direct measurements. Here we demonstrate the use of single-molecule atomic force microscopy to induce partial unfolding to expose metal centres in metalloproteins to aqueous solution, thus allowing for studying their chemical reactivity in aqueous solution for the first time. As a proof-of-principle, we demonstrate two chemical reactions for the FeS4 centre in rubredoxin: electrophilic protonation and nucleophilic ligand substitution. Our results show that protonation and ligand substitution result in mechanical destabilization of the FeS4 centre. Quantum chemical calculations corroborated experimental results and revealed detailed reaction mechanisms. We anticipate that this novel approach will provide insights into chemical reactivity of metal centres in metalloproteins under biologically more relevant conditions. PMID:26108369

Mass Spectrometry Based Mechanistic Insights into Formation of Tris Conjugates: Implications on Protein Biopharmaceutics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kabadi, Pradeep G.; Sankaran, Praveen Kallamvalliillam; Palanivelu, Dinesh V.; Adhikary, Laxmi; Khedkar, Anand; Chatterjee, Amarnath

2016-10-01

We present here extensive mass spectrometric studies on the formation of a Tris conjugate with a therapeutic monoclonal antibody. The results not only demonstrate the reactive nature of the Tris molecule but also the sequence and reaction conditions that trigger this reactivity. The results corroborate the fact that proteins are, in general, prone to conjugation and/or adduct formation reactions and any modification due to this essentially leads to formation of impurities in a protein sample. Further, the results demonstrate that the conjugation reaction happens via a succinimide intermediate and has sequence specificity. Additionally, the data presented in this study also shows that the Tris formation is produced in-solution and is not an in-source phenomenon. We believe that the facts given here will open further avenues on exploration of Tris as a conjugating agent as well as ensure that the use of Tris or any ionic buffer in the process of producing a biopharmaceutical drug is monitored closely for the presence of such conjugate formation.

Menzerath-Altmann law for distinct word distribution analysis in a large text

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eroglu, Sertac

2013-06-01

The empirical law uncovered by Menzerath and formulated by Altmann, known as the Menzerath-Altmann law (henceforth the MA law), reveals the statistical distribution behavior of human language in various organizational levels. Building on previous studies relating organizational regularities in a language, we propose that the distribution of distinct (or different) words in a large text can effectively be described by the MA law. The validity of the proposition is demonstrated by examining two text corpora written in different languages not belonging to the same language family (English and Turkish). The results show not only that distinct word distribution behavior can accurately be predicted by the MA law, but that this result appears to be language-independent. This result is important not only for quantitative linguistic studies, but also may have significance for other naturally occurring organizations that display analogous organizational behavior. We also deliberately demonstrate that the MA law is a special case of the probability function of the generalized gamma distribution.

Rock Magnetic Fabrics, Paleomagnetic Vectors, and Rock Magnetic Cyclostratigraphy of the Marcellus FM, Sunbury PA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Minguez, D. A.; Kodama, K. P.

2013-12-01

We present the preliminary results of a multi-faceted rock magnetic study conducted on 195 samples from the Oatka Creek member of the Marcellus formation, where it has been extracted from the subsurface as a drill core near Sunbury, PA. Samples were oriented based on bedding attitude observed within the core and were removed from the core at a spacing of ≈0.25 meters starting from the base (depth ≈ 500 meters) and spanning 51 meters of stratigraphic section. The results of measurements of the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) consistently demonstrate a nearly triaxial fabric with maximum principal axes clustering east-west and horizontal in geographic coordinates, nearly parallel to the direction of bedding strike. AMS minimum principal axes cluster near the pole to the bedding plane. Anisotropy of anhysteretic remanence (AAR) applied with a 100 mT peak field and a 97 μT bias field in 9 orientations demonstrates a markedly different fabric, with maximum principal axis clustering north-south and horizontal in geographic coordinates. Minimum principal axes of AAR cluster steeply (~60-70 degrees) to the west. The discrepancy between AAR and AMS fabrics likely indicates the AMS is dominated by paramagnetic clays, and thus may be interpreted as an east-west intersection lineation of clay particles dipping gently north or south. Paleomagnetic directions obtained using Alternating Field (AF) demagnetization in 5 mT steps up to 110 mT demonstrates a high coercivity remanence (>35 mT) with a south and shallow direction (D= 183.4 I=-14.7). This result is consistent with previous studies of the Marcellus formation and the Devonian Catskill red beds. Thermal demagnetization experiments demonstrate a similar magnetization removed by temperatures between 250 and 350 degrees Celsius, however, continued heating results in the acquisition of strong, inconsistent magnetizations likely the result of oxidizing iron sulfides. Thermal demagnetization of orthogonal partial ARMs applied in 100 mT and 50 mT peak fields was conducted on a subset of samples sealed in aluminum foil with alumina-silica cement to prevent oxidization. The results demonstrate that the low coercivity pARM is removed by 400 degrees Celsius and the high coercivity pARM, which is only 10% of the total remanence, is removed by 600 degrees Celsius. The results suggest the presence of low coercivity Fe sulfides and high coercivity magnetite. Lastly, time series analysis of bulk magnetic susceptibility using the Multi-Taper Method (MTM) demonstrates oscillations with a wavelength of 18 meters above the 99% confidence level with respect to the robust red noise. This wavelength may have a duration of 405 kyr given ancillary chronostratigraphic evidence.

Nutraceuticals in the management of osteoarthritis : a critical review.

PubMed

Ragle, Ryan L; Sawitzke, Allen D

2012-09-01

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, highly prevalent and disabling disease that is expected to increase in prevalence secondary to longer life expectancy and a disproportionately aging population. Treatment of OA is only marginally effective and has been focused primarily on symptom control using weight loss, physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen, intra-articular steroids or viscosupplementation, topical NSAIDs and analgesics, diacerein (an oral interleukin-1β inhibitor) and finally joint replacement surgery. The use of nutraceuticals in the treatment of OA is common, and scientific studies examining the effects of nutraceuticals on the pathogenesis and treatment of OA are increasing. This review examines the efficacy and safety of select nutraceuticals for the treatment of OA. The reviewed nutraceuticals include glucosamine, chondroitin, collagen hydrolysates (CHs) and avocado-soybean unsaponifiables (ASUs). There have been several clinical trials examining the efficacy of these products and the results demonstrate significant heterogeneity. Significant improvements in pain, function and structural outcomes have been shown for some of the treatment arms or subgroups of patients, but the effects are not consistent across the studies. Glucosamine, chondroitin and the two in combination have been the most extensively studied. Significant improvement in pain and functional indices and a decrease in the loss of joint space width were demonstrated in some but not all studies. CHs showed significant improvement in pain and functional indices for several subgroups of patients, but these findings were not pervasive amongst the treatment arms. ASU has demonstrated positive results with respect to decreased NSAID use in several studies and functional and pain end points in most of the reviewed studies; however, in the two studies examining structural end points, the results were mixed. The safety of these nutraceuticals has been demonstrated across all of the reviewed trials, and there were no significant issues with tolerance. Given the good safety profile of nutraceuticals, the marginal efficacy of conventional treatments, the high prevalence and rate of disability from OA and the possible benefit of nutraceuticals to patients with OA, use of nutraceuticals in select patients is appropriate. An overall recommendation to use nutraceuticals in the treatment of all patients with OA is not strongly supported by the available data. Future studies should focus on standardization of symptomatic and structural outcome measures, be of longer duration and pay careful attention to the content of the investigational product.

SUPERFUND TREATABILITY CLEARINGHOUSE: PILOT STUDY OF ENCLOSED THERMAL SOIL AERATION FOR REMOVAL OF VOLATILE ORGANIC CONTAMINATION AT THE MCKIN SUPERFUND SITE

EPA Science Inventory

This paper reports on the results of a pilot study that treated vadose zone soil contaminated with VOCs in an enclosed thermal aeration system. The McKin site, an NPL site in Grey, Maine, was the location of the pilot study. The pilot study was chosen to demonstrate the viabili...

Health and safety executive inspection of U.K. semiconductor manufacturers.

PubMed

Watterson, Andrew; LaDou, Joseph

2003-01-01

Europe plays a major role in the international semiconductor industry, but has conducted few studies of the occupational health of its workers. An exception is in the United Kingdom, where, in two small studies, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) evaluated some health effects of semiconductor work. Neither of these studies, largely restricted to Scotland, produced definitive results, and both were misused by industry to assert that they demonstrated no adverse health effect on workers. The results of the studies prompted semiconductor industry inspections recently completed by the HSE that included chip manufacturers in Scotland and other U.K. areas. The results of these inspections are disappointing.

The Effect of Year-to-Year Rater Variation on IRT Linking

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yen, Shu Jing; Ochieng, Charles; Michaels, Hillary; Friedman, Greg

2005-01-01

Year-to-year rater variation may result in constructed response (CR) parameter changes, making CR items inappropriate to use in anchor sets for linking or equating. This study demonstrates how rater severity affected the writing and reading scores. Rater adjustments were made to statewide results using an item response theory (IRT) methodology…

Math Anxiety and Its Relationship with Basic Arithmetic Skills among Primary School Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sorvo, Riikka; Koponen, Tuire; Viholainen, Helena; Aro, Tuija; Räikkönen, Eija; Peura, Pilvi; Dowker, Ann; Aro, Mikko

2017-01-01

Background: Children have been found to report and demonstrate math anxiety as early as the first grade. However, previous results concerning the relationship between math anxiety and performance are contradictory, with some studies establishing a correlation between them while others do not. These contradictory results might be related to varying…

Testing the Relationship of Gender and Business Major to Professional Development Behaviors and Expected Employment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blau, Gary; Hill, Theodore L.; Snell, Corinne; Atwater, Craig; Halbert, Terry; Zuckerman, M. Michael

2016-01-01

This study's results, with 664 surveyed graduating business students, demonstrated that creating four groups, using gender and quantitative or nonquantitative major, was useful for testing their relationships to professional development behaviors and expected employment. Results showed that male-nonquantitative majors (n = 144) reported the lowest…

Anxiety as a Function of Self-Evaluation and Related Feedback

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Viney, Linda L.

1971-01-01

The principal result of this study is the demonstration that both positive and negative feedback result in higher diffuse anxiety scores than does congruent feedback while there is no difference in the effects of the two discrepant types of feedback thus confirming a Rogerian hypothesis regarding feedback and anxiety induction. (Author/CG)

The applications of regenerative medicine in sinus lift procedures: A systematic review.

PubMed

Correia, Francisco; Pozza, Daniel Humberto; Gouveia, Sónia; Felino, António; Faria E Almeida, Ricardo

2018-04-01

Findings in regenerative medicine applied to the sinus lift procedures. Evaluate the effectiveness of regenerative medicine in sinus lift. An extensive search for manuscripts were performed by using different combinations of keywords and MeSH terms (Pub-med; Embase; Scopus; Web of Science Core Collection; Medline; Current Contents Connect; Derwent Innovations Index; Scielo Citation Index; Cochrane library). The full text selected articles are written in English, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, German, or French, and published until 28 of November 2016. Inclusion criteria were: implant osteointegration, radiographic, histologic, and/or histomorphometric analysis, clinical studies in humans using of regenerative medicine. This systematic review was performed by selecting only randomized controlled clinical trials and controlled clinical trials. Eighteen published studies (11 CT and 7 RCT) were considered eligible for inclusion in the present systematic review. These studies demonstrated considerable variation of biomaterial and cell technics used, study design, sinus lift technic, outcomes, follow-up, and results. Only few studies have demonstrated potential of regenerative medicine in sinus lift; further randomized clinical trials are needed to achieve more accurate results. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Is selective attention the basis for selective imitation in infants? An eye-tracking study of deferred imitation with 12-month-olds.

PubMed

Kolling, Thorsten; Oturai, Gabriella; Knopf, Monika

2014-08-01

Infants and children do not blindly copy every action they observe during imitation tasks. Research demonstrated that infants are efficient selective imitators. The impact of selective perceptual processes (selective attention) for selective deferred imitation, however, is still poorly described. The current study, therefore, analyzed 12-month-old infants' looking behavior during demonstration of two types of target actions: arbitrary versus functional actions. A fully automated remote eye tracker was used to assess infants' looking behavior during action demonstration. After a 30-min delay, infants' deferred imitation performance was assessed. Next to replicating a memory effect, results demonstrate that infants do imitate significantly more functional actions than arbitrary actions (functionality effect). Eye-tracking data show that whereas infants do not fixate significantly longer on functional actions than on arbitrary actions, amount of fixations and amount of saccades differ between functional and arbitrary actions, indicating different encoding mechanisms. In addition, item-level findings differ from overall findings, indicating that perceptual and conceptual item features influence looking behavior. Looking behavior on both the overall and item levels, however, does not relate to deferred imitation performance. Taken together, the findings demonstrate that, on the one hand, selective imitation is not explainable merely by selective attention processes. On the other hand, notwithstanding this reasoning, attention processes on the item level are important for encoding processes during target action demonstration. Limitations and future studies are discussed. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Demonstration of early efficacy results of the delayed-release combination of doxylamine-pyridoxine for the treatment of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy.

PubMed

Koren, Gideon; Clark, Shannon; Hankins, Gary D V; Caritis, Steve N; Umans, Jason G; Miodovnik, Menachem; Mattison, Donald R; Matok, Ilan

2016-11-24

Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) affects up to 80% of expecting mothers. In April 2013 the FDA approved the delayed-release combination of doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride (Diclegis®) for NVP, based in part, on the results of a phase III randomized trial demonstrating the efficacy of this drug combination [study drug marketed under the trade name Diclectin® in Canada and Diclegis® in the United States] compared to placebo in pregnant women. Study drug dosing occurred for 14 days, which is substantially longer than what has been performed in similar studies. The objective of this study was to evaluate, through secondary analysis, whether the primary measure of efficacy can be demonstrated after five days of treatment. Women suffering from NVP were randomized to receive Diclegis® (n = 131) or placebo (n = 125) for 14 days at doses ranging from two to four tablets a day, based on a pre-specified titration protocol. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change in the validated Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis (PUQE) score at baseline versus Day 15 between Diclegis®-treated and placebo-treated women. For the present study, the change in PUQE score between baseline and Day 15 (end of the study) was compared to the changes observed for Days 3, 4, and 5. The use of delayed-release doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride tablets show improved NVP symptom control as compared to placebo on Days 3,4 and 5, with sustained efficacy until the end of the trial. A four day study drug dosing trial with Diclegis® is sufficient to document efficacy, as the results are similar to those achieved after 14 study drug dosing days. The benefit seen at the earlier time validates drug efficacy and minimizes the natural course of improvement. CTR No. NCT006 14445 2007.

The woody breast condition results in surface discoloration of cooked broiler pectoralis major

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Published studies have shown that the woody breast (WB) condition affects macroscopic appearances, quality, and functionality of raw broiler breast fillets (pectoralis major) and texture of both raw and cooked fillets. In this study we demonstrated that the WB condition also significantly affects th...

Synchronous Computer-Mediated Communication and Interaction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ziegler, Nicole

2016-01-01

The current study reports on a meta-analysis of the relative effectiveness of interaction in synchronous computer-mediated communication (SCMC) and face-to-face (FTF) contexts. The primary studies included in the analysis were journal articles and dissertations completed between 1990 and 2012 (k = 14). Results demonstrate that interaction in SCMC…

Current Trends in Social Dialectology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shuy, Roger W.

The formal study of social dialects has received increasing attention since about the middle of the sixties. In linguistics, the study of social dialectology has resulted in the clear demonstration of the importance of sociolinguistic variation in linguistic theory in contrast to the former preoccupation with linguistic universals. In education,…

Behavioral Treatment of Hysterical Coughing and Mutism: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Munford, Paul R.; And Others

1976-01-01

This case study demonstrates the value of conceptualizing functional somatic disorders as operants. The subject, an adolescent girl, diagnosed as having a "hysterical neurosis," manifested the symptoms of incessant coughing and mutism. The cough and mutism were treated by extinction and shaping, respectively. Positive results were obtained.…

Enhanced Cortisol Response to Stress in Children in Autism

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Spratt, Eve G.; Nicholas, Joyce S.; Brady, Kathleen T.; Carpenter, Laura A.; Hatcher, Charles R.; Meekins, Kirk A.; Furlanetto, Richard W.; Charles, Jane M.

2012-01-01

Children with Autism often show difficulties in adapting to change. Previous studies of cortisol, a neurobiologic stress hormone reflecting hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity, in children with autism have demonstrated variable results. This study measured cortisol levels in children with and without Autism: (1) at rest; (2) in a…

Intrauterine Cannabis Exposure Affects Fetal Growth Trajectories: The Generation R Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

El Marroun, Hanan; Tiemeier, Henning; Steegers, Eric A. P.; Jaddoe, Vincent W. V.; Hofman, Albert; Verhulst, Frank C.; van den Brink, Wim; Huizink, Anja C.

2009-01-01

Objective: Cannabis is the most commonly consumed illicit drug among pregnant women. Intrauterine exposure to cannabis may result in risks for the developing fetus. The importance of intrauterine growth on subsequent psychological and behavioral child development has been demonstrated. This study examined the relation between maternal cannabis use…

Understanding the Role of the Prefrontal Cortex in Phonological Processing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burton, Martha W.

2009-01-01

Lesion studies have demonstrated impairments of specific types of phonological processes. However, results from neuropsychological studies of speech sound processing have been inconclusive as to the role of specific brain regions because of a lack of a one-to-one correspondence between behavioural patterns and lesion location. Functional…

Demand Characteristics, Moods, and Helping

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wispe, Lauren; And Others

1977-01-01

Procedures used in empathy-helping studies suggest results may be due to demand characteristics. Two studies were run to investigate especially the mood induction process. One reproduced the Aderman-Berkowitz main mood effects. Another showed that after seeing a help-non-help incident, mood effects were demonstrated only when Ss knew the research…

Beyond "Job-Embedded": Ensuring That Good Professional Development Gets Results

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Institute for Excellence in Teaching, 2012

2012-01-01

Two recent studies by Biancarosa et al. and by Saunders et al. have finally demonstrated that "job-embedded, sustained professional development" can significantly improve student achievement. But there's a catch. In both studies, effective professional development (PD) strategies were successful only under certain circumstances or only in some…

Bring out the Brilliance: A Counseling Intervention for Underachieving Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Berger, Carolyn

2014-01-01

This study evaluated the impact of a small group counseling intervention designed for students who underachieve. The results of the study demonstrated significant improvement for ninth- and tenth-grade underachieving students in the areas of organizational skills, time management, and motivation. The author discusses implications and…

Re-Examining the Similarities between Teacher and Student Conceptions about Physical Science

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burgoon, Jacob N.; Heddle, Mandy L.; Duran, Emilio

2010-01-01

There is a large body of research that has explored students' misconceptions about science phenomena. Less research, however, has been devoted to identifying teachers' misconceptions, but the results of the few existing studies demonstrate that teachers and students possess similar misconceptions. This study explored the physical science…

A Case Study Using Child-Centered Play Therapy Approach to Treat Enuresis and Encopresis.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cuddy-Casey, Maria

1997-01-01

Demonstrates an alternative method (nondirective child-centered therapy) in treating enuresis and encopresis resulting from emotional disturbances. Examines various etiologies and approaches to treating these conditions. Provides a case study example. Claims that professionals must differentiate between primary and secondary occurrences of these…

Sensory Integration and Ego Development in a Schizophrenic Adolescent Male.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pettit, Karen A.

1987-01-01

A retrospective study compared hours spent by a schizophrenic adolescent in "time out" before and after initiation of treatment. The study evaluated the effects of sensory integrative treatment on the ability to handle anger and frustration. Results demonstrate the utility of statistical analysis versus visual comparison to validate effectiveness…

Feeding heat-treated colostrum reduces morbidity in preweaned dairy calves

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Previous studies have demonstrated that batch pasteurizers can be used on farms to heat-treat bovine colostrum at 60ºC for 60 minutes, resulting in a significant reduction in bacterial exposure to the calf while maintaining overall colostral Immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations. However, studies h...

The Reflexive Imperative among High-Achieving Adolescents: A Flemish Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Van Lancker, Inge

2016-01-01

The socio-cultural conditions of late modernity induce a "reflexive imperative" amongst young people, which also results in metapragmatic and metalinguistic behaviour, as has been demonstrated by linguistic ethnographers (LE). However, recent LE studies on reflexivity in Western European settings have mainly focused on how groups of…

RESULTS OF A METHOD VERIFICATION STUDY FOR ANALYSES OF PCP IN SOIL

EPA Science Inventory

As a prelude to a field demonstration of the fungal treatment technology by the SITE Program, a field treatability study was performed to select optimal fungal species and loading rates.using the site-specific soil matrix contaminated with Wood preserving wastes: PCP and PAHS. ur...

Dielectronic Recombination: An Overview of Theory and Experiment, and some Astrophysical Implications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Savin, D. W.

2000-01-01

The status of dielectronic recombination (DR) rate coefficients used for modeling cosmic plasmas is discussed. A brief overview of theoretical and experimental studies of DR is given. Results are shown which demonstrate the astrophysical importance of accurate DR rates for studies of the intergalactic medium.

Framing: Supporting Change for a System as an External Activity

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-03-01

result of interacting with members of other social worlds. 20 DSTO-RR-0127 2.3.6 Activity Theory Activity Theory (Leontev 1978; Nardi 1996; Vygotsky ...demonstrates how computer systems can aid people in organisations conceiving situations that change an organisation’s behaviour. A theory of framing is...demonstrate how the theory of framing can be used to aid people framing situations that change an organisation’s behaviour. Two case studies are used to

Advanced radiator concepts feasibility demonstration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rhee, Hyop S.; Begg, Lester; Wetch, Joseph R.; Juhasz, Albert J.

1991-01-01

An innovative pumped loop concept for 600 K space power system radiators is under development utilizing direct contact heat transfer, which facilitates repeated startup/shutdown of the power system without complex and time-consuming coolant thawing during power startup. The melting/freezing process of Li in a NaK flow was studied experimentally to demonstrate the Li/NaK radiator feasibility during startup (thawing) and shutdown (cold-trapping). Results of the vapor grown carbon fiber/composite thermal conductivity measurements are also presented.

Advanced radiator concepts feasibility demonstration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rhee, Hyop S.; Begg, Lester; Wetch, Joseph R.; Juhasz, Albert J.

An innovative pumped loop concept for 600 K space power system radiators is under development utilizing direct contact heat transfer, which facilitates repeated startup/shutdown of the power system without complex and time-consuming coolant thawing during power startup. The melting/freezing process of Li in a NaK flow was studied experimentally to demonstrate the Li/NaK radiator feasibility during startup (thawing) and shutdown (cold-trapping). Results of the vapor grown carbon fiber/composite thermal conductivity measurements are also presented.

Demonstrated high performance of gas-filled rugby-shaped hohlraums on Omega

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Philippe, F.; Tassin, V.; Depierreux, S.; Gauthier, P.; Masson-Laborde, P. E.; Monteil, M. C.; Seytor, P.; Villette, B.; Lasinski, B.; Park, H. S.; Ross, J. S.; Amendt, P.; Döppner, T.; Hinkel, D. E.; Wallace, R.; Williams, E.; Michel, P.; Frenje, J.; Gatu-Johnson, M.; Li, C. K.; Petrasso, R.; Glebov, V.; Sorce, C.; Stoeckl, C.; Nikroo, A.; Giraldez, E.

2014-07-01

A direct experimental comparison of rugby-shaped and cylindrical shaped gas-filled hohlraums on the Omega laser facility demonstrates that higher coupling and minimal backscatter can be achieved in the rugby geometry, leading to significantly enhanced implosion performance. A nearly 50% increase of x-ray drive is associated with earlier bangtime and increase of neutron production. The observed drive enhancement from rugby geometry in this study is almost twice stronger than in previously published results.

Importance of envelope modulations during consonants and vowels in segmentally interrupted sentencesa)

PubMed Central

Fogerty, Daniel

2014-01-01

The present study investigated the importance of overall segment amplitude and intrinsic segment amplitude modulation of consonants and vowels to sentence intelligibility. Sentences were processed according to three conditions that replaced consonant or vowel segments with noise matched to the long-term average speech spectrum. Segments were replaced with (1) low-level noise that distorted the overall sentence envelope, (2) segment-level noise that restored the overall syllabic amplitude modulation of the sentence, and (3) segment-modulated noise that further restored faster temporal envelope modulations during the vowel. Results from the first experiment demonstrated an incremental benefit with increasing resolution of the vowel temporal envelope. However, amplitude modulations of replaced consonant segments had a comparatively minimal effect on overall sentence intelligibility scores. A second experiment selectively noise-masked preserved vowel segments in order to equate overall performance of consonant-replaced sentences to that of the vowel-replaced sentences. Results demonstrated no significant effect of restoring consonant modulations during the interrupting noise when existing vowel cues were degraded. A third experiment demonstrated greater perceived sentence continuity with the preservation or addition of vowel envelope modulations. Overall, results support previous investigations demonstrating the importance of vowel envelope modulations to the intelligibility of interrupted sentences. PMID:24606291

Best way to revascularize patients with main stem and three vessel lesions: patients should undergo PCI!

PubMed

Schächinger, Volker; Herdeg, Christian; Scheller, Bruno

2010-09-01

The optimal revascularization strategy for multivessel disease is under controversial discussion for long time. Until now, technical innovations have been faster than performance of clinical trials, making results of randomized studies outdated at the time of appearance. Recently, the SYNTAX trial has been published, which compared drug elutings stents (DES) implantation with Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients with multivessel or left main disease in a clinically stable population. Overall, CABG was superior with respect to the clinical endpoint of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or revascularization. However, the difference is driven by the "weakest" end point, namely repeated revascularization, whereas combined "hard" events did not demonstrate a difference. More detailed analysis demonstrates that only patients with most complex coronary anatomy gain definite benefit from CABG. In addition, SYNTAX demonstrated that left main disease is no longer a domain of CABG, since DES implantation revealed comparable results, as long as there is no concomitant multivessel disease. Regardless the results of SYNTAX, one should not forget that SYNTAX represents only a minority of daily patients in a catheterization laboratory, excluding patients with one- or two-vessel disease and those with an acute coronary syndrome. Especially in the latter, percutaneous coronary intervention has demonstrated to improve prognosis.

Weight Loss as a Primary Objective of Therapeutic Groups for Obese Women: Two Preliminary Studies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Buckroyd, Julia; Rother, Sharon; Stott, David

2006-01-01

The studies reported here explored whether therapeutic groups for women who eat compulsively can demonstrate weight loss as a primary result as well as the improvements in emotional functioning reported by other investigators. In both studies questionnaire data showed little change in self-esteem or attitudes as measured by the Rosenberg…

Health Selection and the Process of Social Stratification: The Effect of Childhood Health on Socioeconomic Attainment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Haas, Steven A.

2006-01-01

This study investigates whether childhood health acts as a mechanism through which socioeconomic status is transferred across generations. The study uses data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics to track siblings and to estimate fixed-effects models that account for unobserved heterogeneity at the family level. The results demonstrate that…

A Preliminary Study on Building an E-Education Platform for Indian School-Level Curricula

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kanth, Rajeev Kumar; Laakso, Mikko-Jussi

2016-01-01

In this study, we explore the possibilities of utilizing and implementing an e-Education platform for Indian school-level curricula. This study will demonstrate how the e-Education platform provides a positive result to the students' learning and how this tool helps in managing the overall teaching processes efficiently. Before describing the…

Application of a Method of Estimating DIF for Polytomous Test Items.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Camilli, Gregory; Congdon, Peter

1999-01-01

Demonstrates a method for studying differential item functioning (DIF) that can be used with dichotomous or polytomous items and that is valid for data that follow a partial credit Item Response Theory model. A simulation study shows that positively biased Type I error rates are in accord with results from previous studies. (SLD)

The Cumulative Burden Borne by Offspring Whose Mothers Were Sexually Abused as Children: Descriptive Results from a Multigenerational Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Noll, Jennie G.; Trickett, Penelope K.; Harris, William W.; Putnam, Frank W.

2009-01-01

This multigenerational study empirically demonstrates the extent to which offspring whose parents experienced childhood abuse are at increased risk of being abused or neglected. Females with substantiated childhood sexual abuse and nonabused comparison females were assessed at six points spanning 18 years in a prospective, longitudinal study.…

RADON REDUCTION AND RADON-RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION DEMONSTRATIONS IN NEW YORK - VOLUME 1: TECHNICAL REPORT

EPA Science Inventory

The report gives results of radon reduction and radon-resistant construction demonstrations in New York. The existing house evaluation demonstrated radon mitigation techniques where indoor radon concentrations exceeded 4 pCi/L. Results demonstrated that sealing all accessible fou...

Is cold or warm blood cardioplegia superior for myocardial protection?

PubMed Central

Abah, Udo; Roberts, Patrick Garfjeld; Ishaq, Muhammad; De Silva, Ravi

2012-01-01

A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether the use of warm or cold blood cardioplegia has superior myocardial protection. More than 192 papers were found using the reported search, of which 20 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal, date, country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these papers are tabulated. A good breadth of high-level evidence addressing this clinical dilemma is available, including a recent meta-analysis and multiple large randomized clinical trials. Yet despite this level of evidence, no clear significant clinical benefit has been demonstrated by warm or cold blood cardioplegia. This suggests that neither method is significantly superior and that both provide similar efficacy of myocardial protection. The meta-analysis, including 41 randomized control trials (5879 patients in total), concluded that although a lower cardiac enzyme release and improved postoperative cardiac index was demonstrated in the warm cardioplegia group, this benefit was not reflected in clinical outcomes, which were similar in both groups. This theme of benefit in biochemical markers, physiological metrics and non-fatal postoperative events in the warm cardioplegia group ran throughout the literature, in particular the ‘Warm Heart investigators’ who conducted a randomized trial of 1732 patients, demonstrated a reduction in postoperative low output syndrome (6.1 versus 9.3%, P = 0.01) in the warm cardioplegia group, but no significant drop in 30-day all-cause mortality (1.4 versus 2.5%, P = 0.12). However, their later follow-up indicates non-fatal postoperative events predict reduced late survival, independent of cardioplegia. A minority of studies suggested a benefit of cold cardioplegia over warm in particular patient subgroups: One group conducted a retrospective study of 520 patients who required prolonged aortic cross-clamp times, results demonstrated less myocardial damage and reduced postoperative cardiac mortality and morbidity in the cold group. The clinical bottom line is that warm and cold cardioplegia result in similar short-term mortality. However, large studies have shown that warm cardioplegia reduces adverse post-operative events; the significance of which is unclear. PMID:22402501

In-vivo extravasation induces the expression of interleukin 1 receptor type 1 in human neutrophils

PubMed Central

Paulsson, J M; Moshfegh, A; Dadfar, E; Held, C; Jacobson, S H; Lundahl, J

2012-01-01

In order to address neutrophil activation during inflammation we assessed the expression of interleukin 1 receptor type 1 (IL-1R1) following in-vivo extravasation. Extravasated neutrophils were collected from 11 healthy study subjects by a skin chamber technique and compared to neutrophils in peripheral blood. Expression of IL-1R1 was assessed by microarray, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), Western blot, flow cytometry, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoelectron microscopy (iEM). IL-1R1 was induced following extravasation, demonstrated by both gene array and qPCR. Western blot demonstrated an increased expression of IL-1R1 in extravasated leucocytes. This was confirmed further in neutrophils by flow cytometry and iEM that also demonstrated an increased intracellular pool of IL-1R1 that could be mobilized by N-formyl-methionine-leucine-phenylalanine (fMLP). Stimulation of peripheral neutrophils with IL-1 resulted in transcription of NFκB and a number of downstream chemokines and the corresponding chemokines were also induced following in-vivo extravasation. The present results demonstrate that IL-1R1 is induced following extravasation and exists on the neutrophil surface, as well as in a mobile intracellular pool. Furthermore, neutrophils express functional IL-1R1 as demonstrated by the induction of chemokines following IL-1 stimulation. The results indicate a potential role for IL-1 in the activation of neutrophils at inflammatory sites. PMID:22385245

Simulation based teaching in interventional radiology training: is it effective?

PubMed

Patel, R; Dennick, R

2017-03-01

To establish the educational effectiveness of simulation teaching in interventional radiology training. Electronic databases (MEDLINE, ERIC, Embase, OvidSP, and Cochrane Library) were searched (January 2000 to May 2015). Studies specifically with educational outcomes conducted on radiologists were eligible. All forms of simulation in interventional training were included. Data were extracted based on the population, intervention, comparison, and outcome (PICO) model. Kirkpatrick's hierarchy was used to establish educational intervention effectiveness. The quality of studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Search resulted in 377 articles, of which 15 met the inclusion criteria. Thirteen of the 15 studies achieved level 2 of Kirkpatrick's hierarchy with only one reaching level 4. Statistically significant improvements in performance metrics as objective measures, demonstrating trainee competence were seen in 12/15 studies. Subjective improvements in confidence were noted in 13/15. Only one study demonstrated skills transferability and improvements in patient outcomes. Results demonstrate the relevance of simulated training to current education models in improving trainee competence; however, this is limited to the simulated environment as there is a lack of literature investigating its predictive validity and the effect on patient outcomes. The requirement for further research in this field is highlighted. Simulation is thus currently only deemed useful as an adjunct to current training models with the potential to play an influential role in the future of the interventional radiology training curriculum. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Perceived Risk as a Moderator of the Effectiveness of Framed HIV Test Promotion Messages Among Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PubMed Central

Hull, Shawnika J

2014-01-01

Objective Researchers argue that gain framed messages should be more effective for prevention behaviors while loss frames should be more effective for detection behaviors (Rothman & Salovey, 1997). Evidence for this taxonomy has been mixed. This study examines whether the effects of gain and loss framed messages on HIV testing intentions is moderated by perceived risk of a positive result. Methods This experiment was conducted on-line and utilizes a single factor (frame: gain/loss) between subjects design, with a separate HIV test promotion control and a no message control to examine whether perceived risk of a positive test result moderates the effects of framed messages on intentions to seek an HIV test in the next 3 months. The sample (N=1052; age M = 22, SD = 2.22), recruited through Survey Sampling International, included 51% Black women (49% White women). Results HIV test promotion messages were more effective than no message but there were no other main effects for condition. Results also demonstrate a significant interaction between message frame and perceived risk, which is mediated through elaborative processing of the message. The interaction demonstrated an advantage for the loss framed message among women with some perceived risk and an advantage for the gain framed message among women with low perceived risk. Conclusion Results imply that the prevention/detection function of the behavior may be an inadequate distinction in the consideration of the effectiveness of framed messages promoting HIV testing. Rather, this study demonstrates that risk perceptions are an important moderator of framing effects. PMID:21767018

Bayesian probability analysis: a prospective demonstration of its clinical utility in diagnosing coronary disease

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

Detrano, R.; Yiannikas, J.; Salcedo, E.E.

One hundred fifty-four patients referred for coronary arteriography were prospectively studied with stress electrocardiography, stress thallium scintigraphy, cine fluoroscopy (for coronary calcifications), and coronary angiography. Pretest probabilities of coronary disease were determined based on age, sex, and type of chest pain. These and pooled literature values for the conditional probabilities of test results based on disease state were used in Bayes theorem to calculate posttest probabilities of disease. The results of the three noninvasive tests were compared for statistical independence, a necessary condition for their simultaneous use in Bayes theorem. The test results were found to demonstrate pairwise independence inmore » patients with and those without disease. Some dependencies that were observed between the test results and the clinical variables of age and sex were not sufficient to invalidate application of the theorem. Sixty-eight of the study patients had at least one major coronary artery obstruction of greater than 50%. When these patients were divided into low-, intermediate-, and high-probability subgroups according to their pretest probabilities, noninvasive test results analyzed by Bayesian probability analysis appropriately advanced 17 of them by at least one probability subgroup while only seven were moved backward. Of the 76 patients without disease, 34 were appropriately moved into a lower probability subgroup while 10 were incorrectly moved up. We conclude that posttest probabilities calculated from Bayes theorem more accurately classified patients with and without disease than did pretest probabilities, thus demonstrating the utility of the theorem in this application.« less

Upregulation of miR-598 promotes cell proliferation and cell cycle progression in human colorectal carcinoma by suppressing INPP5E expression

PubMed Central

Li, Kun-Ping; Fang, Yong-Ping; Liao, Jin-Qi; Duan, Jin-Dong; Feng, Li-Guang; Luo, Xiao-Zai; Liang, Zhi-Jian

2018-01-01

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. Recently, microRNAs (miRs) have been considered as novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of cancer. miR-598 is a poorly investigated miR. The underlying mechanism of miR-598 in CRC cells remains to be elucidated. In the present study, miR-598 was demonstrated to be significantly upregulated in CRC tissue by analyzing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and the Gene Expression Omnibus. The results of a polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that miR-598 expression was significantly upregulated in CRC tissues and cells. Gain of function and loss of function assays demonstrated that miR-598 significantly promoted cell proliferation and cell cycle progression. miR-598 was demonstrated to modulate cell functions by regulating 72 kDa inositol polyphosphate-5-phosphatase (INPP5E). In addition, knockdown of INPP5E counteracted the growth arrest caused by an miR-598-inhibitor. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that miR-598 contributed to cell proliferation and cell cycle progression in CRC by targeting INPP5E. PMID:29257251

Chromatography: Are We Getting It Right?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maitland, Pamela D.; Maitland, David P.

2002-01-01

Explains the basics of chromatography which is used to demonstrate the separation of plant photosynthetic pigments. Reports the results of an evaluative study that explored textbook errors in explaining how chromatography works. (Contains 13 references.) (Author/YDS)

The Propensity Score Analytical Framework: An Overview and Institutional Research Example

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Herzog, Serge

2014-01-01

Estimating the effect of campus math tutoring support, this study demonstrates the use of propensity score weighted and matched-data analysis and examines the correspondence with results from parametric regression analysis.

Conceptual design study Science and Applications Space Platform SASP. Volume 2: Technical report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Runge, F. C.

1980-01-01

The platform payload accommodations, configuration drivers, and power system are described in detail. The platform design was analyzed and is presented. Demonstration tests are described and the results are reported.

[Shiftwork and health--experience from a chemical company].

PubMed

Oberlinner, C; Lang, S; Nasterlack, M; Yong, M

2013-03-01

Shiftwork is an essential part of our society. At the same time scientific evaluations demonstrate possible negative effects of shiftwork on the health status of the employees. Against this background we performed different studies to evaluate these effects within the specific shift system in a large chemical site in Germany. METHODS AND STUDY GROUP: To evaluate the impact of the different working times on job-related stress perception and work-life-balance we performed a cross-sectional study with 1494 blue collar workers (825 shift- and 669 day workers). Employees working in the rotating shift system reported lower frequencies of perceived time pressure (p = 0.008), and lower stress levels (p = 0.01), compared to the day workers. No significant difference was found with regard to work-life-balance and other aspects of job-related stress perception within both groups. Against the general opinion and study-results in the past we did not find a negative effect of our shift-system on self-reported stress. These results are in accordance with results of other cohort-studies on the specific shift system within the company demonstrating no difference in the health status of our shift workers compared to day workers. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

The ameliorated longevity and pharmacokinetics of valsartan released from a gel system of ultradeformable vesicles.

PubMed

Ahad, Abdul; Aqil, Mohd; Kohli, Kanchan; Sultana, Yasmin; Mujeeb, Mohd

2016-09-01

The present study traces the development and characterization of the gel formulation of valsartan-loaded ultradeformable vesicles for management of hypertension. The prepared gel formulation of ultradeformable vesicles was evaluated for in vitro skin permeation, release kinetics, skin irritation, pharmacokinetics, and stability. The in vitro skin permeation study showed that the gel formulation of ultradeformable vesicles presented a flux value of 368.74 μg/cm(2)/h, in comparison to that of the traditional liposomal gel formulation, with an enhancement ratio of 26.91, through rat skin. The data for release kinetics showed that the release profile followed zero-order kinetics, and that the drug release mechanism was non-Fickian. The results of the skin irritation study demonstrated that the prepared formulation was safe, less irritant, and well-tolerated for transdermal delivery. The results of the pharmacokinetic study demonstrated that the AUC value of valsartan after transdermal administration was apparently increased. The formulation stored under a refrigerated condition showed greater stability, and results were found to be within the specification under storage conditions. It is evident from this study that the gel formulation of ultradeformable vesicles of valsartan is a promising delivery system for lipophilic drugs, and has reasonably good stability characteristics.

Walking the Straight and Narrow: The Moderating Effect of Evaluation Apprehension on the Relationship between Collectivism and Corruption

PubMed Central

Huang, Zhen-wei; Liu, Li; Zheng, Wen-wen; Tan, Xu-yun; Zhao, Xian

2015-01-01

Previous studies obtained mixed results regarding the association between collectivism and corruption. To make sense of the mixed results, the current research examined the moderating role of evaluation apprehension on the relationship between collectivism and corruption. Study 1, using a bribery scenario, indicated that collectivism facilitated corruption only when evaluation apprehension was low. Study 2, using a real money bribery game, confirmed the moderated model found in Study 1. Study 3 further demonstrated the different effects of vertical/horizontal collectivism on corruption. Our results suggest that a society may effectively combat corruption by increasing its social costs while, at the same time, retaining its collectivistic values. PMID:25815819

Walking the straight and narrow: the moderating effect of evaluation apprehension on the relationship between collectivism and corruption.

PubMed

Huang, Zhen-wei; Liu, Li; Zheng, Wen-wen; Tan, Xu-yun; Zhao, Xian

2015-01-01

Previous studies obtained mixed results regarding the association between collectivism and corruption. To make sense of the mixed results, the current research examined the moderating role of evaluation apprehension on the relationship between collectivism and corruption. Study 1, using a bribery scenario, indicated that collectivism facilitated corruption only when evaluation apprehension was low. Study 2, using a real money bribery game, confirmed the moderated model found in Study 1. Study 3 further demonstrated the different effects of vertical/horizontal collectivism on corruption. Our results suggest that a society may effectively combat corruption by increasing its social costs while, at the same time, retaining its collectivistic values.

Effectiveness of a caregiver education program on providing oral care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

PubMed

Fickert, Nancy A; Ross, Diana

2012-06-01

Caregivers who work in community living arrangements or intermediate care facilities are responsible for the oral hygiene of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Oral hygiene training programs do not exist in many organizations, despite concerns about the oral care of this population. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a caregiver educational program. This study used a quasi-experimental one-group pretest/posttest design with repeated measures to describe the outcomes of an educational program. Program participants demonstrated oral hygiene skills on each other while being scored by a trained observer, after which they completed an oral hygiene compliance survey. After three months, a follow-up included the same posttest, demonstration of oral hygiene skills, and repeat of the compliance survey. Paired-sample t-tests of oral hygiene knowledge showed a statistically significant improvement from pretest to posttest and from pretest to three-month posttest. Oral hygiene skills and compliance improved. Results demonstrate evidence that caregiver education improves knowledge, skill, and compliance in oral hygiene. Further studies are required to demonstrate the value of providing oral hygiene education and training for caregivers of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Osteogenic differentiation of preosteoblasts on a hemostatic gelatin sponge

PubMed Central

Kuo, Zong-Keng; Lai, Po-Liang; Toh, Elsie Khai-Woon; Weng, Cheng-Hsi; Tseng, Hsiang-Wen; Chang, Pei-Zen; Chen, Chih-Chen; Cheng, Chao-Min

2016-01-01

Bone tissue engineering provides many advantages for repairing skeletal defects. Although many different kinds of biomaterials have been used for bone tissue engineering, safety issues must be considered when using them in a clinical setting. In this study, we examined the effects of using a common clinical item, a hemostatic gelatin sponge, as a scaffold for bone tissue engineering. The use of such a clinically acceptable item may hasten the translational lag from laboratory to clinical studies. We performed both degradation and biocompatibility studies on the hemostatic gelatin sponge, and cultured preosteoblasts within the sponge scaffold to demonstrate its osteogenic differentiation potential. In degradation assays, the gelatin sponge demonstrated good stability after being immersed in PBS for 8 weeks (losing only about 10% of its net weight and about 54% decrease of mechanical strength), but pepsin and collagenases readily biodegraded it. The gelatin sponge demonstrated good biocompatibility to preosteoblasts as demonstrated by MTT assay, confocal microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, osteogenic differentiation and the migration of preosteoblasts, elevated alkaline phosphatase activity, and in vitro mineralization were observed within the scaffold structure. Each of these results indicates that the hemostatic gelatin sponge is a suitable scaffold for bone tissue engineering. PMID:27616161

A novel slice preparation to study medullary oromotor and autonomic circuits in vitro

PubMed Central

Nasse, Jason S.

2014-01-01

Background The medulla is capable of controlling and modulating ingestive behavior and gastrointestinal function. These two functions, which are critical to maintaining homeostasis, are governed by an interconnected group of nuclei dispersed throughout the medulla. As such, in vitro experiments to study the neurophysiologic details of these connections have been limited by spatial constraints of conventional slice preparations. New method This study demonstrates a novel method of sectioning the medulla so that sensory, integrative, and motor nuclei that innervate the gastrointestinal tract and the oral cavity remain intact. Results: Immunohistochemical staining against choline-acetyl-transferase and dopamine-β-hydroxylase demonstrated that within a 450 μm block of tissue we are able to capture sensory, integrative and motor nuclei that are critical to oromotor and gastrointestinal function. Within slice tracing shows that axonal projections from the NST to the reticular formation and from the reticular formation to the hypoglossal motor nucleus (mXII) persist. Live-cell calcium imaging of the slice demonstrates that stimulation of either the rostral or caudal NST activates neurons throughout the NST, as well as the reticular formation and mXII. Comparison with existing methods This new method of sectioning captures a majority of the nuclei that are active when ingesting a meal. Tradition planes of section, i.e. coronal, horizontal or sagittal, contain only a limited portion of the substrate. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that both anatomical and physiologic connections of oral and visceral sensory nuclei that project to integrative and motor nuclei remain intact with this new plane of section. PMID:25196216

Evaluation of respiratory parameters in rats and rabbits exposed to methyl iodide.

PubMed

DeLorme, Michael P; Himmelstein, Mathew W; Kemper, Raymond A; Kegelman, Thomas A; Gargas, Michael L; Kinzell, John H

2009-05-01

Laboratory animals exposed to methyl iodide (MeI) have previously demonstrated lesions of the olfactory epithelium that were associated with local metabolism in the nasal tissues. Interactions of MeI in the nasal passage may, therefore, alter systemic toxicokinetics. The current study used unrestrained plethysmographs to determine the MeI effect on the breathing frequency and minute volume (MV) in rats and rabbits. Groups of 4 rats each were exposed to 0, 25, or 100 ppm and groups of 4 rabbits each were exposed to 0 and 20 ppm MeI for 6 h. Breathing frequency and MV were measured and recorded during the exposure. Blood samples were collected for inorganic serum iodide and the globin adduct S-methylcysteine (SMC) as biomarkers of systemic kinetics immediately following exposure. No significant reductions in breathing frequency were observed for either rats or rabbits. Significant changes in minute volume were demonstrated by both rats and rabbits; however, the changes observed in rats were not concentration dependent. The MeI-induced changes in MV resulted in significant differences in the total volume of test substance atmosphere inhaled over the 6-h period. Rats demonstrated a concentration-dependent increase in both inorganic serum iodide and SMC. Rabbits exposed to 20 ppm MeI demonstrated a significant increase of inorganic serum iodide; SMC was also increased but was not statistically significant. The results of this study are consistent with previous kinetic studies with MeI, and the data presented here can be integrated into a computational fluid dynamics physiologically based pharmacokinetic model for both rats and rabbits.

Results of a field test and follow-up study of a restorative care training program.

PubMed

Walker, Bonnie L; Harrington, Susan S

2013-09-01

To implement restorative care in assisted living facilities, staff and administrators need to understand the philosophy and learn methods to help residents maintain optimal function. In this study, researchers investigated the use of a Web-based training program to improve the restorative care knowledge, attitudes, and practices of assisted living administrators and staff. The study design was one group repeated measure to consider the impact of the training program on participant's knowledge of restorative care and restorative care techniques, attitudes toward restorative care, and self-reported practices. Participants included 266 administrators and 203 direct care staff from assisted living facilities in eight states. Measurements were done at baseline (pretest), following the instruction (posttest), and one month later (follow-up). Researchers found that participants (n=469) significantly improved their scores from pre- to posttest. In a follow-up study (n=244), over half of participants reported making changes at their facility as a result of the restorative care training. Most of the changes are related to care practices, such as an emphasis on encouraging, motivating, and offering positive feedback to residents. Researchers concluded that there is a need for restorative care training for both administrators and staff of assisted living facilities. The study also demonstrates that a brief training session (2h or less) can bring about significant change in the learner's knowledge of facts, attitudes, and practices. It demonstrates that much of that change continues for at least 1 month after the training. It also demonstrates the loss of knowledge and points out the need for training to be followed up with continuing education and administrator encouragement. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that the Web is a feasible method of delivering restorative care training to assisted living facility administrators and staff. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The interplay between motivation, self-efficacy, and approaches to studying.

PubMed

Prat-Sala, Mercè; Redford, Paul

2010-06-01

The strategies students adopt in their study are influenced by a number of social-cognitive factors and impact upon their academic performance. The present study examined the interrelationships between motivation orientation (intrinsic and extrinsic), self-efficacy (in reading academic texts and essay writing), and approaches to studying (deep, strategic, and surface). The study also examined changes in approaches to studying over time. A total of 163 first-year undergraduate students in psychology at a UK university took part in the study. Participants completed the Work Preference Inventory motivation questionnaire, self-efficacy in reading and writing questionnaires and the short version of the Revised Approaches to Study Inventory. The results showed that both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation orientations were correlated with approaches to studying. The results also showed that students classified as high in self-efficacy (reading and writing) were more likely to adopt a deep or strategic approach to studying, while students classified as low in self-efficacy (reading and writing) were more likely to adopt a surface approach. More importantly, changes in students' approaches to studying over time were related to their self-efficacy beliefs, where students with low levels of self-efficacy decreased in their deep approach and increased their surface approach across time. Students with high levels of self-efficacy (both reading and writing) demonstrated no such change in approaches to studying. Our results demonstrate the important role of self-efficacy in understanding both motivation and learning approaches in undergraduate students. Furthermore, given that reading academic text and writing essays are essential aspects of many undergraduate degrees, our results provide some indication that focusing on self-efficacy beliefs amongst students may be beneficial to improving their approaches to study.

The Impact of a Topical Sexual Enhancement Cream on the Female Sexual Response and Its Relationship to Clitoral Blood Flow.

PubMed

Pelekanos, Michael; Stofman, Guy M; Niren, Neil

2016-12-13

The aim of this investigation was to determine, through two Investigational Review Board (IRB)-approved studies, if a new topical vasodilating cream (NTVC; Life Science Enhancement Corporation, Pittsburgh PA) could improve female sexual response. Study I subjectively evaluated sexual female response as accessed by a modification of the Female Intervention Efficacy Index (FIEI). FIEI was developed at the University of California as an immediate outcome measure of medical intervention to treat female sexual dysfunction.1 In Study II, 10 randomly selected positive responders from Study I were subsequently analyzed objectively with clitoral plethysmography in order to determine the effect of the NTVC and placebo on blood flow.2 RESULTS: In the subjective Study I (81 patients ranging in age from 18 to 63), a positive response trend for the NTVC was demonstrated compared to the placebo. In the objective Study II, 10 randomly selected patients who responded positive in Study I were objectively evaluated for response of increased blood flow in the clitoris after application of both the NTVC and placebo. The clitoral blood flow was shown to have increased with statistical significance for the NTVC in all 10 patients compared to the placebo, with the NTVC exhibiting an average 69% increase in clitoral blood flow. The female sexual response is complex. In the subjective Study I, the NTVC demonstrated positive trends for enhanced lubrication, genital sensation, intercourse, and overall sexual experience. In the objective Study II, 10 of the positive subjective responders from Study I were randomly selected to evaluate their response to the NTVC compared to the placebo. This was done via Doppler plethysmography (DP). All 10 patients demonstrated a statistically significant response rate for increase in clitoral blood flow using the NTVC compared to the placebo, with an average blood flow increase of 69%. This portion of the investigation demonstrates a significant positive end organ response to the NTVC. The positive subjective trends combined with the significant and substantial increase in clitoral blood flow may result in enhanced female sexual satisfaction.

Development of transethosomes formulation for dermal fisetin delivery: Box-Behnken design, optimization, in vitro skin penetration, vesicles-skin interaction and dermatokinetic studies.

PubMed

Moolakkadath, Thasleem; Aqil, Mohd; Ahad, Abdul; Imam, Syed Sarim; Iqbal, Babar; Sultana, Yasmin; Mujeeb, Mohd; Iqbal, Zeenat

2018-05-07

The present study was conducted for the optimization of transethosomes formulation for dermal fisetin delivery. The optimization of the formulation was carried out using "Box-Behnken design". The independent variables were Lipoid S 100, ethanol and sodium cholate. The prepared formulations were characterized for vesicle size, entrapment efficiency and in vitro skin penetration study. The vesicles-skin interaction, confocal laser scanning microscopy and dermatokinetic studies were performed with optimized formulation. Results of the present study demonstrated that the optimized formulation presented vesicle size of 74.21 ± 2.65 nm, zeta potential of -11.0 mV, entrapment efficiency of 68.31 ± 1.48% and flux of 4.13 ± 0.17 µg/cm 2 /h. The TEM image of optimized formulation exhibited sealed and spherical shape vesicles. Results of thermoanalytical techniques demonstrated that the prepared transethosomes vesicles formulation had fluidized the rigid membrane of rat's skin for smoother penetration of fisetin transethosomes. The confocal study results presented well distribution and penetration of Rhodamine B loaded transethosomes vesicles formulation up to deeper layers of the rat's skin as compared to the Rhodamine B-hydro alcoholic solution. Present study data revealed that the developed transethosomes vesicles formulation was found to be a potentially useful drug carrier for fisetin dermal delivery.

Participation in a Year-Long CURE Embedded into Major Core Genetics and Cellular and Molecular Biology Laboratory Courses Results in Gains in Foundational Biological Concepts and Experimental Design Skills by Novice Undergraduate Researchers†

PubMed Central

Peteroy-Kelly, Marcy A.; Marcello, Matthew R.; Crispo, Erika; Buraei, Zafir; Strahs, Daniel; Isaacson, Marisa; Jaworski, Leslie; Lopatto, David; Zuzga, David

2017-01-01

This two-year study describes the assessment of student learning gains arising from participation in a year-long curriculum consisting of a classroom undergraduate research experience (CURE) embedded into second-year, major core Genetics and Cellular and Molecular Biology (CMB) laboratory courses. For the first course in our CURE, students used micro-array or RNAseq analyses to identify genes important for environmental stress responses by Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The students were tasked with creating overexpressing mutants of their genes and designing their own original experiments to investigate the functions of those genes using the overexpression and null mutants in the second CURE course. In order to evaluate student learning gains, we employed three validated concept inventories in a pretest/posttest format and compared gains on the posttest versus the pretest with student laboratory final grades. Our results demonstrated that there was a significant correlation between students earning lower grades in the Genetics laboratory for both years of this study and gains on the Genetics Concept Assessment (GCA). We also demonstrated a correlation between students earning lower grades in the Genetics laboratory and gains on the Introductory Molecular and Cell Biology Assessment (IMCA) for year 1 of the study. Students furthermore demonstrated significant gains in identifying the variable properties of experimental subjects when assessed using the Rubric for Experimental (RED) design tool. Results from the administration of the CURE survey support these findings. Our results suggest that a year-long CURE enables lower performing students to experience greater gains in their foundational skills for success in the STEM disciplines. PMID:28904646

The reference ballistic imaging database revisited.

PubMed

De Ceuster, Jan; Dujardin, Sylvain

2015-03-01

A reference ballistic image database (RBID) contains images of cartridge cases fired in firearms that are in circulation: a ballistic fingerprint database. The performance of an RBID was investigated a decade ago by De Kinder et al. using IBIS(®) Heritage™ technology. The results of that study were published in this journal, issue 214. Since then, technologies have evolved quite significantly and novel apparatus have become available on the market. The current research article investigates the efficiency of another automated ballistic imaging system, Evofinder(®) using the same database as used by De Kinder et al. The results demonstrate a significant increase in correlation efficiency: 38% of all matches were on first position of the Evofinder correlation list in comparison to IBIS(®) Heritage™ where only 19% were on the first position. Average correlation times are comparable to the IBIS(®) Heritage™ system. While Evofinder(®) demonstrates specific improvement for mutually correlating different ammunition brands, ammunition dependence of the markings is still strongly influencing the correlation result because the markings may vary considerably. As a consequence a great deal of potential hits (36%) was still far down in the correlation lists (positions 31 and lower). The large database was used to examine the probability of finding a match as a function of correlation list verification. As an example, the RBID study on Evofinder(®) demonstrates that to find at least 90% of all potential matches, at least 43% of the items in the database need to be compared on screen and this for breech face markings and firing pin impression separately. These results, although a clear improvement to the original RBID study, indicate that the implementation of such a database should still not be considered nowadays. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Participation in a Year-Long CURE Embedded into Major Core Genetics and Cellular and Molecular Biology Laboratory Courses Results in Gains in Foundational Biological Concepts and Experimental Design Skills by Novice Undergraduate Researchers.

PubMed

Peteroy-Kelly, Marcy A; Marcello, Matthew R; Crispo, Erika; Buraei, Zafir; Strahs, Daniel; Isaacson, Marisa; Jaworski, Leslie; Lopatto, David; Zuzga, David

2017-01-01

This two-year study describes the assessment of student learning gains arising from participation in a year-long curriculum consisting of a classroom undergraduate research experience (CURE) embedded into second-year, major core Genetics and Cellular and Molecular Biology (CMB) laboratory courses. For the first course in our CURE, students used micro-array or RNAseq analyses to identify genes important for environmental stress responses by Saccharomyces cerevisiae . The students were tasked with creating overexpressing mutants of their genes and designing their own original experiments to investigate the functions of those genes using the overexpression and null mutants in the second CURE course. In order to evaluate student learning gains, we employed three validated concept inventories in a pretest/posttest format and compared gains on the posttest versus the pretest with student laboratory final grades. Our results demonstrated that there was a significant correlation between students earning lower grades in the Genetics laboratory for both years of this study and gains on the Genetics Concept Assessment (GCA). We also demonstrated a correlation between students earning lower grades in the Genetics laboratory and gains on the Introductory Molecular and Cell Biology Assessment (IMCA) for year 1 of the study. Students furthermore demonstrated significant gains in identifying the variable properties of experimental subjects when assessed using the Rubric for Experimental (RED) design tool. Results from the administration of the CURE survey support these findings. Our results suggest that a year-long CURE enables lower performing students to experience greater gains in their foundational skills for success in the STEM disciplines.

Transcranial Red and Near Infrared Light Transmission in a Cadaveric Model

PubMed Central

Jagdeo, Jared R.; Adams, Lauren E.; Brody, Neil I.; Siegel, Daniel M.

2012-01-01

Background and Objective Low level light therapy has garnered significant interest within the past decade. The exact molecular mechanisms of how red and near infrared light result in physiologic modulation are not fully understood. Heme moieties and copper within cells are red and near infrared light photoreceptors that induce the mitochondrial respiratory chain component cytochrome C oxidase, resulting in a cascade linked to cytoprotection and cellular metabolism. The copper centers in cytochrome C oxidase have a broad absorption range that peaks around 830 nm. Several in vitro and in vivo animal and human models exist that have demonstrated the benefits of red light and near infrared light for various conditions. Clinical applications for low level light therapy are varied. One study in particular demonstrated improved durable functional outcomes status post-stroke in patients treated with near infrared low level light therapy compared to sham treatment [1]. Despite previous data suggesting the beneficial effect in treating multiple conditions, including stroke, with low level light therapy, limited data exists that measures transmission in a human model. Study Design/Materials and Methods To investigate this idea, we measured the transmission of near infrared light energy, using red light for purposes of comparison, through intact cadaver soft tissue, skull bones, and brain using a commercially available LED device at 830 nm and 633 nm. Results Our results demonstrate that near infrared measurably penetrates soft tissue, bone and brain parenchyma in the formalin preserved cadaveric model, in comparison to negligible red light transmission in the same conditions. Conclusion These findings indicate that near infrared light can penetrate formalin fixed soft tissue, bone and brain and implicate that benefits observed in clinical studies are potentially related to direct action of near infrared light on neural tissue. PMID:23077622

Inhibitory Effects of Yuzu and Its Components on Human Platelet Aggregation

PubMed Central

Kim, Tae-Ho; Kim, Hye-Min; Park, Se Won; Jung, Yi-Sook

2015-01-01

Our previous study demonstrated that yuzu has an anti-platelet effect in rat blood. In the present study, we examined whether the anti-platelet effect of yuzu can be extended to human blood by investigating its ability to inhibit aggregations induced by various agonists in human platelet rich plasma (PRP). This study also investigated the underlying mechanism of yuzu focusing on ADP granule secretion, TXB2 formations, and PLCγ/Akt signaling. The results from this study showed that ethanolic yuzu extract (YE), and its components, hesperidin and naringin, inhibited human platelet aggregation in a concentration-dependent manner. YE, hesperidin and naringin also inhibited TXB2 formation and ADP release. The phosphorylation of PLCγ and Akt was significantly inhibited by YE, heperidin and naringin. Furthermore, we demonstrated that YE, heperidin and naringin has anti-platelet effects in rat ex vivo studies, and lower side effects in mice tail bleeding time studies. The results from this study suggest that YE, hesperidin and naringin can inhibit human platelet aggregation, at least partly through the inhibition of PLCγ and Akt, leading to a decrease in TXB2 formation and granule secretion. PMID:25767683

The Use of NanoTrap Particles as a Sample Enrichment Method to Enhance the Detection of Rift Valley Fever Virus

PubMed Central

Shafagati, Nazly; Narayanan, Aarthi; Baer, Alan; Fite, Katherine; Pinkham, Chelsea; Bailey, Charles; Kashanchi, Fatah; Lepene, Benjamin; Kehn-Hall, Kylene

2013-01-01

Background Rift Valley Fever Virus (RVFV) is a zoonotic virus that is not only an emerging pathogen but is also considered a biodefense pathogen due to the threat it may cause to public health and national security. The current state of diagnosis has led to misdiagnosis early on in infection. Here we describe the use of a novel sample preparation technology, NanoTrap particles, to enhance the detection of RVFV. Previous studies demonstrated that NanoTrap particles lead to both 100 percent capture of protein analytes as well as an improvement of more than 100-fold in sensitivity compared to existing methods. Here we extend these findings by demonstrating the capture and enrichment of viruses. Results Screening of NanoTrap particles indicated that one particle, NT53, was the most efficient at RVFV capture as demonstrated by both qRT-PCR and plaque assays. Importantly, NT53 capture of RVFV resulted in greater than 100-fold enrichment from low viral titers when other diagnostics assays may produce false negatives. NT53 was also capable of capturing and enhancing RVFV detection from serum samples. RVFV that was inactivated through either detergent or heat treatment was still found bound to NT53, indicating the ability to use NanoTrap particles for viral capture prior to transport to a BSL-2 environment. Furthermore, both NP-40-lysed virus and purified RVFV RNA were bound by NT53. Importantly, NT53 protected viral RNA from RNase A degradation, which was not observed with other commercially available beads. Incubation of RVFV samples with NT53 also resulted in increased viral stability as demonstrated through preservation of infectivity at elevated temperatures. Finally, NanoTrap particles were capable of capturing VEEV and HIV, demonstrating the broad applicability of NanoTrap particles for viral diagnostics. Conclusion This study demonstrates NanoTrap particles are capable of capturing, enriching, and protecting RVFV virions. Furthermore, the use of NanoTrap particles can be extended to a variety of viruses, including VEEV and HIV. PMID:23861988

Reflections on some early events related to behavior analysis of child development

PubMed Central

Bijou, Sidney W.

1996-01-01

A series of events related to the early application of behavioral principles to child behavior and development is described. The events began in the 1930s at Columbia University with a solicited letter from John B. Watson suggesting a master's degree thesis problem, and continued through the 1950s and 1960s at the University of Washington. Specifically, these happenings resulted in (a) research demonstrating that Skinner's laboratory method for studying nonhuman organisms could be profitably applied to the laboratory study of young normal children; (b) a demonstration that by successive approximations, a normal child can be operantly conditioned to respond to an arbitrary situation; (c) research showing that the effects of simple schedules of reinforcement obtained with nonhuman organisms could be duplicated in young normal and retarded children; (d) the demonstration that Skinner's operant laboratory method could be adapted to study young children in field situations; (e) research showing that operant principles can be successfully applied to the treatment of a young autistic boy with a serious visual handicap; (f) laboratory studies showing that mothers can be trained to treat their own young children who have behavior problems; (g) an in-home study demonstrating that a mother can treat her own child who has behavior problems; (h) a demonstration that operant principles can be applied effectively to teaching reading, writing, and arithmetic to children with retardation; and (i) publication of a book, Child Development: A Systematic and Empirical Theory, in collaboration with Donald M. Baer, by Prentice Hall in their Century Psychological Series. PMID:22478239

Bradycardia as a Marker of Chronic Cocaine Use: A Novel Cardiovascular Finding

PubMed Central

Sharma, Jyoti; Rathnayaka, Nuvan; Green, Charles; Moeller, F. Gerard; Schmitz, Joy M.; Shoham, Daniel; Dougherty, Anne Hamilton

2014-01-01

Background Few studies have examined the effects of chronic cocaine use on the resting surface electrocardiogram (ECG) between exposures to cocaine. Methods 12-lead ECGs from 97 treatment-seeking cocaine-dependent subjects were compared to ECG parameters from 8513 non-cocaine-using control subjects from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study. Results After matching and adjusting for relevant covariates, cocaine use demonstrated large and statistically reliable effects on early repolarization, bradycardia, severe bradycardia, and heart rate. Current cocaine dependence corresponds to an increased odds of demonstrating early repolarization by a factor of 4.92 and increased odds of bradycardia and severe bradycardia by factors 3.02 and 5.11, respectively. Conclusion This study demonstrates the novel finding that long-lasting effects of cocaine use on both the cardiac conduction and the autonomic nervous system pose a risk of adverse cardiovascular events between episodes of cocaine use, and that bradycardia is a marker of chronic cocaine use. PMID:24621090

Evaluating Random Error in Clinician-Administered Surveys: Theoretical Considerations and Clinical Applications of Interobserver Reliability and Agreement.

PubMed

Bennett, Rebecca J; Taljaard, Dunay S; Olaithe, Michelle; Brennan-Jones, Chris; Eikelboom, Robert H

2017-09-18

The purpose of this study is to raise awareness of interobserver concordance and the differences between interobserver reliability and agreement when evaluating the responsiveness of a clinician-administered survey and, specifically, to demonstrate the clinical implications of data types (nominal/categorical, ordinal, interval, or ratio) and statistical index selection (for example, Cohen's kappa, Krippendorff's alpha, or interclass correlation). In this prospective cohort study, 3 clinical audiologists, who were masked to each other's scores, administered the Practical Hearing Aid Skills Test-Revised to 18 adult owners of hearing aids. Interobserver concordance was examined using a range of reliability and agreement statistical indices. The importance of selecting statistical measures of concordance was demonstrated with a worked example, wherein the level of interobserver concordance achieved varied from "no agreement" to "almost perfect agreement" depending on data types and statistical index selected. This study demonstrates that the methodology used to evaluate survey score concordance can influence the statistical results obtained and thus affect clinical interpretations.

Extracellular Alkalinization as a Defense Response in Potato Cells.

PubMed

Moroz, Natalia; Fritch, Karen R; Marcec, Matthew J; Tripathi, Diwaker; Smertenko, Andrei; Tanaka, Kiwamu

2017-01-01

A quantitative and robust bioassay to assess plant defense response is important for studies of disease resistance and also for the early identification of disease during pre- or non-symptomatic phases. An increase in extracellular pH is known to be an early defense response in plants. In this study, we demonstrate extracellular alkalinization as a defense response in potatoes. Using potato suspension cell cultures, we observed an alkalinization response against various pathogen- and plant-derived elicitors in a dose- and time-dependent manner. We also assessed the defense response against a variety of potato pathogens, such as protists ( Phytophthora infestans and Spongospora subterranea ) and fungi ( Verticillium dahliae and Colletotrichum coccodes ). Our results show that extracellular pH increases within 30 min in proportion to the number of pathogen spores added. Consistently with the alkalinization effect, the higher transcription level of several defense-related genes and production of reactive oxygen species was observed. Our results demonstrate that the alkalinization response is an effective marker to study early stages of defense response in potatoes.

Physiologically-Relevant Modes of Membrane Interactions by the Human Antimicrobial Peptide, LL-37, Revealed by SFG Experiments

PubMed Central

Ding, Bei; Soblosky, Lauren; Nguyen, Khoi; Geng, Junqing; Yu, Xinglong; Ramamoorthy, Ayyalusamy; Chen, Zhan

2013-01-01

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) could become the next generation antibiotic compounds which can overcome bacterial resistance by disrupting cell membranes and it is essential to determine the factors underlying its mechanism of action. Although high-resolution NMR and other biological studies have provided valuable insights, it has been a major challenge to follow the AMP-membrane interactions at physiologically-relevant low peptide concentrations. In this study, we demonstrate a novel approach to overcome this major limitation by performing Sum Frequency Generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopic experiments on lipid bilayers containing an AMP, LL-37. Our results demonstrate the power of SFG to study non-linear helical peptides and also infer that lipid-peptide interaction and the peptide orientation depend on the lipid membrane composition. The observed SFG signal changes capture the aggregating process of LL-37 on membrane. In addition, our SFG results on cholesterol-containing lipid bilayers indicate the inhibition effect of cholesterol on peptide-induced membrane permeation process. PMID:23676762

Physiologically-Relevant Modes of Membrane Interactions by the Human Antimicrobial Peptide, LL-37, Revealed by SFG Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Bei; Soblosky, Lauren; Nguyen, Khoi; Geng, Junqing; Yu, Xinglong; Ramamoorthy, Ayyalusamy; Chen, Zhan

2013-05-01

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) could become the next generation antibiotic compounds which can overcome bacterial resistance by disrupting cell membranes and it is essential to determine the factors underlying its mechanism of action. Although high-resolution NMR and other biological studies have provided valuable insights, it has been a major challenge to follow the AMP-membrane interactions at physiologically-relevant low peptide concentrations. In this study, we demonstrate a novel approach to overcome this major limitation by performing Sum Frequency Generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopic experiments on lipid bilayers containing an AMP, LL-37. Our results demonstrate the power of SFG to study non-linear helical peptides and also infer that lipid-peptide interaction and the peptide orientation depend on the lipid membrane composition. The observed SFG signal changes capture the aggregating process of LL-37 on membrane. In addition, our SFG results on cholesterol-containing lipid bilayers indicate the inhibition effect of cholesterol on peptide-induced membrane permeation process.

Physiologically-relevant modes of membrane interactions by the human antimicrobial peptide, LL-37, revealed by SFG experiments.

PubMed

Ding, Bei; Soblosky, Lauren; Nguyen, Khoi; Geng, Junqing; Yu, Xinglong; Ramamoorthy, Ayyalusamy; Chen, Zhan

2013-01-01

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) could become the next generation antibiotic compounds which can overcome bacterial resistance by disrupting cell membranes and it is essential to determine the factors underlying its mechanism of action. Although high-resolution NMR and other biological studies have provided valuable insights, it has been a major challenge to follow the AMP-membrane interactions at physiologically-relevant low peptide concentrations. In this study, we demonstrate a novel approach to overcome this major limitation by performing Sum Frequency Generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopic experiments on lipid bilayers containing an AMP, LL-37. Our results demonstrate the power of SFG to study non-linear helical peptides and also infer that lipid-peptide interaction and the peptide orientation depend on the lipid membrane composition. The observed SFG signal changes capture the aggregating process of LL-37 on membrane. In addition, our SFG results on cholesterol-containing lipid bilayers indicate the inhibition effect of cholesterol on peptide-induced membrane permeation process.

Personality, functioning, and recovery from major depression.

PubMed

Casey, P; Meagher, D; Butler, E

1996-04-01

The effect of personality on the effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy in those with severe depressive illness has been investigated in a few studies, and the results are conflicting, with some demonstrating no effect and others the opposite. These studies, however, used hospital readmission as the only outcome measure, and the methods of personality assessment varied. To study this question in further detail, 40 patients were assessed while receiving inpatient electroconvulsive therapy, at the time of discharge, every 6 weeks for 6 months, and at 1 year after discharge. A number of outcome variables were assessed, including both symptomatic and social functioning measures as well as readmission to hospital. Premorbid personality was also assessed after discharge. The results demonstrate that personality is a predictor of social function at the time of discharge from hospital. In those patients with personality disorders, social recovery is slower than in those with normal personalities. Personality status did not distinguish the speed of symptomatic recovery or of readmission. The significance of these findings is discussed.

Predicting chemical bioavailability using microarray gene expression data and regression modeling: A tale of three explosive compounds.

PubMed

Gong, Ping; Nan, Xiaofei; Barker, Natalie D; Boyd, Robert E; Chen, Yixin; Wilkins, Dawn E; Johnson, David R; Suedel, Burton C; Perkins, Edward J

2016-03-08

Chemical bioavailability is an important dose metric in environmental risk assessment. Although many approaches have been used to evaluate bioavailability, not a single approach is free from limitations. Previously, we developed a new genomics-based approach that integrated microarray technology and regression modeling for predicting bioavailability (tissue residue) of explosives compounds in exposed earthworms. In the present study, we further compared 18 different regression models and performed variable selection simultaneously with parameter estimation. This refined approach was applied to both previously collected and newly acquired earthworm microarray gene expression datasets for three explosive compounds. Our results demonstrate that a prediction accuracy of R(2) = 0.71-0.82 was achievable at a relatively low model complexity with as few as 3-10 predictor genes per model. These results are much more encouraging than our previous ones. This study has demonstrated that our approach is promising for bioavailability measurement, which warrants further studies of mixed contamination scenarios in field settings.

Screening for Anal Cancer in HIV Positive Patients: Should We Make It A Standard-of-care?

PubMed

Xu, Jian; Zhou, Haiyang

2017-09-27

Anal cancer is biological similar to cervical cancer, and is preceded by anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN). Screening for AIN and treatments to reduce the risk of anal cancer are not established as guidelines of care for HIV-infected patients. It is mainly because screening and treating of AIN is not yet proven to reduce the incidence of anal cancer. The present study preliminarily demonstrated that a successful screening program in preventing squamous cell anal cancer in HIV positive patients. The authors achieved their purpose of controlling the evolution of all abnormalities identified during the anal cancer screening, preventing AIN to progress towards anal cancer, and reversing any form of AIN by surgery, ablation or medical therapy. Randomized controlled multi-center trials with a large sample size should be carried out to validate the study results. It is wise for the physicians to actively screen and treat AIN in HIV-infected patients whenever possible unless the results of randomized controlled study demonstrate that doing so is inappropriate.

How meaningful are risk determinations in the absence of a complete dataset? Making the case for publishing standardized test guideline and 'no effect' studies for evaluating the safety of nanoparticulates versus spurious 'high effect' results from single investigative studies.

PubMed

Warheit, David B; Donner, E Maria

2015-06-01

A recent review article critically assessed the effectiveness of published research articles in nanotoxicology to meaningfully address health and safety issues for workers and consumers. The main conclusions were that, based on a number of flaws in study designs, the potential risk from exposures to nanomaterials is highly exaggerated, and that no 'nano-specific' adverse effects, different from exposures to bulk particles, have been convincingly demonstrated. In this brief editorial we focus on a related tangential issue which potentially compromises the integrity of basic risk science. We note that some single investigation studies report specious toxicity findings, which make the conclusions more alarming and attractive and publication worthy. In contrast, the standardized, carefully conducted, 'guideline study results' are often ignored because they can frequently report no adverse effects; and as a consequence are not considered as novel findings for publication purposes, and therefore they are never considered as newsworthy in the popular press. Yet it is the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) type test guideline studies that are the most reliable for conducting risk assessments. To contrast these styles and approaches, we present the results of a single study which reports high toxicological effects in rats following low-dose, short-term oral exposures to nanoscale titanium dioxide particles concomitant with selective investigative analyses. Alternatively, the findings of OECD test guideline 408, standardized guideline oral toxicity studies conducted for 90 days at much higher doses (1000 mg kg -1 ) in male and female rats demonstrated no adverse effects following a very thorough and complete clinical chemical, as well as histopathological evaluation of all of the relevant organs in the body. This discrepancy in study findings is not reconciled by the fact that several biokinetic studies in rats and humans demonstrate little or no uptake of nanoscale or pigment-grade TiO 2 particles following oral exposures. We conclude that to develop a competent risk assessment profile, results derived from standardized, guideline-type studies, and even 'no effect' study findings provide critically useful input for assessing safe levels of exposure; and should, in principle, be readily acceptable for publication in peer-reviewed toxicology journals. This is a necessary prerequisite for developing a complete dataset for risk assessment determinations.

Bent Creek demonstration program

Treesearch

Erik C. Berg

1997-01-01

Bent Creek Research and Demonstration Forest scientists have transferred the results of research on the ecology and management of Southern Appalachian hardwoods since 1925. Since 1989, a full-time technology transfer specialist has led demonstration efforts. The demonstration program was designed to quickly transfer research results to interested users and to free...

Bent Creek demonstration program

Treesearch

Erik C. Berg

1997-01-01

Bent Creek Research and Demonstration Forest scientists have transferred the results of research on the ecology and management of Southern Appalachian hardwoods since 1925. Since 1989, a full-time technology transfer specialist has led demonstration efforts. The demonstration program was designed to quickly transfer research results to interested users, and free-up...

Vibration Measurement on Reticular Lamina and Basilar Membrane at Multiple Longitudinal Locations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Fangyi; Zha, Dingjun; Choudhury, Niloy; Fridberger, Anders; Nuttall, Alfred L.

2011-11-01

The longitudinal distribution of the organ of Corti vibration is important for both understanding the energy delivery and the timing of the cochlear amplification. Recent development on low coherence interferomtry technique allows measuring vibration inside the cochlea. The reticular lamina (RL) vibration spectrum demonstrates that RL vibration leads the basilar membrane (BM). This phase lead is consistent with the idea that the active process may lead the BM vibration. In this study, measurements on multiple longitudinal locations demonstrated similar phase lead. Results on this study suggests that there may be another longitudinal coupling mechanism inside the cochlea other than the traveling wave on BM.

Microgravity Outreach with Math Teachers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

Pat Doty (right) of NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) demonstrates the greater bounce to the ounce of metal made from a supercooled bulk metallic glass alloy that NASA is studying in space experiments. The metal plates at the bottom of the plexiglass tubes are made of three different types of metal. Bulk metallic glass is more resilient and, as a result, the dropped ball bearing bounces higher. Experiments in space allow scientists to study fundamental properties that carnot be observed on Earth. This demonstration was at the April 200 conference of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) in Chicago. photo credit: NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC)

Microgravity Outreach with Math Teachers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

Pat Doty (right) of NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) demonstrates the greater bounce to the ounce of metal made from a supercooled bulk metallic glass alloy that NASA is studying in space expepriments. The metal plates at the bottom of plexiglass tubes are made of three different types of metal. Bulk mettalic glass is more resilient and, as a result, the dropped ball bearing bounces higher. Experiments in space allow scientists to study fundamental properties that carnot be observed on Earth. This demonstration was at the April 2000 conference of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) in Chicago. Photo credit: NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC)

Microgravity Outreach with Math Teachers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

Pat Doty (right) of NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) demonstrates the greater bounce to the ounce of metal made from a supercooled bulk metallic glass alloy that NASA is studying in space experiments. The metal plates at the bottom of the plexiglass tubes are made of three different types of metal. Bulk metallic glass is more resilient and, as a result, the dropped ball bearing bounces higher. Experiments in space allow scientists to study fundamental properties that carnot be observed on Earth. This demonstration was at the April 2000 conference of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics in Chicago. Photo credit: NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC)

Online Gambling Advertising Regulations in Spain. A Study on the Protection of Minors.

PubMed

Buil, Pilar; Solé Moratilla, Maria José; García Ruiz, Pablo

2015-09-15

This article examines the online gambling advertising regulations in Spain currently in effect to assess the actual protection of underage youth. In recent years, online gambling among youth has increased. Through advertising, online gambling companies incite and encourage an involvement that can be harmful for vulnerable audiences. Some studies have demonstrated that advertising influences youths' assessment of gambling by increasing its appeal. We demonstrate that the shortcomings of the legal framework in force results in effective vulnerability of minors. We claim that society should seek to implement a regulatory framework to protect children from the risk of developing an addiction.

Age differences in IDA savings outcomes: findings from the American Dream Demonstration.

PubMed

Putnam, Michelle; Sherraden, Michael; Zhang, Lin; Morrow-Howell, Nancy

2008-01-01

This study aims to develop a greater understanding of age differences in savings outcomes within Individual Development Accounts (IDAs). Participant data from the American Dream Demonstration (ADD) are examined for age differences in accumulated net deposits, average monthly net deposits, and deposit frequency. ADDprogram data are examined for savings match rates, monthly savings targets, direct deposit, and hours of financial education offered. Results indicate that, on average, older IDA participants have better savings outcomes than younger participants. Findings from this study suggest that impoverished middleaged and older adults can save if provided an opportunity and incentives. However, success will depend on the characteristics of the programs.

Cultural Differences in Donation Decision-Making.

PubMed

Wang, Yan; Tang, Yi-Yuan; Wang, Jinjun

2015-01-01

Decisions to help those in need are essential for human development and survival. Previous studies have demonstrated the "identified effect", in which one identifiable individual typically invokes stronger feelings of compassion and receives greater aid than statistical victim. However, this preference might be influenced by cultural differences. In the current study, Chinese respondents' ratings of distress and sympathy and their willingness to contribute are greater for a group of sick children than an individual. In the U.S., greater willingness to help and sympathy are elicited by an identified victim in comparison with an unidentified one. The different results may demonstrate the importance of cultural differences when trying to understand people's prosocial behavior.

Design of an Eye Limiting Resolution Visual System Using Commercial-Off-the-Shelf Equipment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sweet, Barbara T.; Giovannetti, Dean P.

2008-01-01

A feasibility study was conducted to determine if a flight simulator with an eye-limiting resolution out-the-window (OTW) visual system could be built using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technology and used to evaluate the visual performance of Air Force pilots in an operations context. Results of this study demonstrate that an eye limiting OTW visual system can be built using COTS technology. Further, a series of operationally-based tasks linked to clinical vision tests can be used within the synthetic environment to demonstrate a correlation and quantify the level of correlation between vision and operational aviation performance.

Linear control theory for gene network modeling.

PubMed

Shin, Yong-Jun; Bleris, Leonidas

2010-09-16

Systems biology is an interdisciplinary field that aims at understanding complex interactions in cells. Here we demonstrate that linear control theory can provide valuable insight and practical tools for the characterization of complex biological networks. We provide the foundation for such analyses through the study of several case studies including cascade and parallel forms, feedback and feedforward loops. We reproduce experimental results and provide rational analysis of the observed behavior. We demonstrate that methods such as the transfer function (frequency domain) and linear state-space (time domain) can be used to predict reliably the properties and transient behavior of complex network topologies and point to specific design strategies for synthetic networks.

Silk fabric dyed with extract of sophora flower bud.

PubMed

Yan, Su; Pan, Shanshan; Ji, Junling

2018-02-01

This study analysed the use of sophora flower bud extract for dyeing and the resulting colour character and fastness of dyed silk fabric. The pigment composition on the silk fabric and recycling of this extract were also studied. The results indicated that the dyed silk fabric possessed good washing, rubbing and perspiration fastness, and the pigment composition on the silk fabric was mainly rutin and quercetin. The average recovery rate of the dye was 55.00%. These results demonstrate that the sophora flower bud extract is an effective natural dye.

A systematic review of the association between consumption of sugar-containing beverages and excess weight gain among children under age 12.

PubMed

Frantsve-Hawley, Julie; Bader, James D; Welsh, Jean A; Wright, J Timothy

2017-06-01

A systematic review was conducted to address this clinical question: Does consumption of (non-dairy) sugar-containing beverages (SCBs) among children under age 12 result in excess weight gain? The authors searched four databases for controlled trials (randomized and non-randomized) and cohort studies published in English through March 29, 2016: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CINAHL. Initial and full-text screening, data abstraction, and risk of bias assessment were performed independently and in duplicate. Thirty-eight studies met inclusion criteria for this systematic review. One was a randomized controlled trial, and 37 were cohort studies. Though the results of these studies were mixed, the majority demonstrated a statistically significant positive association between SCB consumption in children under age 12 and total adiposity and central adiposity. In contrast, most studies that assessed 100 percent fruit juice consumption only with either total adiposity or central adiposity did not support an association. Among only children under age 5 at baseline, no studies examined central adiposity, but nearly all studies examining SCBs and total adiposity, and a majority examining only fruit juice consumption, demonstrated a statistically significant positive association. Our results support a statistically significant positive association between SCBs and total and central adiposity among children under age 12. This association is most consistent for total adiposity among children <5. Our results for 100 percent fruit juice only suggest differences by age, as most studies among those < 12 were negative but most among those <5 were positive. © 2017 American Association of Public Health Dentistry.

Tracer tomography: design concepts and field experiments using heat as a tracer.

PubMed

Doro, Kennedy O; Cirpka, Olaf A; Leven, Carsten

2015-04-01

Numerical and laboratory studies have provided evidence that combining hydraulic tomography with tomographic tracer tests could improve the estimation of hydraulic conductivity compared with using hydraulic data alone. Field demonstrations, however, have been lacking so far, which we attribute to experimental difficulties. In this study, we present a conceptual design and experimental applications of tracer tomography at the field scale using heat as a tracer. In our experimental design, we improve active heat tracer testing by minimizing possible effects of heat losses, buoyancy, viscosity, and changing boundary conditions. We also utilize a cost-effective approach of measuring temperature changes in situ at high resolution. We apply the presented method to the 8 m thick heterogeneous, sandy gravel, alluvial aquifer at the Lauswiesen Hydrogeological Research Site in Tübingen, Germany. Results of our tomographic heat-tracer experiments are in line with earlier work on characterizing the aquifer at the test site. We demonstrate from the experimental perspective that tracer tomography is applicable and suitable at the field scale using heat as a tracer. The experimental results also demonstrate the potential of heat-tracer tomography as a cost-effective means for characterizing aquifer heterogeneity. © 2014, National Ground Water Association.

Effects of Fructans from Mexican Agave in Newborns Fed with Infant Formula: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PubMed Central

López-Velázquez, Gabriel; Parra-Ortiz, Minerva; De la Mora-De la Mora, Ignacio; García-Torres, Itzhel; Enríquez-Flores, Sergio; Alcántara-Ortigoza, Miguel Angel; González-del Angel, Ariadna; Velázquez-Aragón, José; Ortiz-Hernández, Rosario; Cruz-Rubio, José Manuel; Villa-Barragán, Pablo; Jiménez-Gutiérrez, Carlos; Gutiérrez-Castrellón, Pedro

2015-01-01

Background: The importance of prebiotics consumption is increasing all over the world due to their beneficial effects on health. Production of better prebiotics from endemic plants raises possibilities to enhance nutritional effects in vulnerable population groups. Fructans derived from Agave Plant have demonstrated their safety and efficacy as prebiotics in animal models. Recently, the safety in humans of two fructans obtained from Agave tequilana (Metlin® and Metlos®) was demonstrated. Methods: This study aimed to demonstrate the efficacy as prebiotics of Metlin® and Metlos® in newborns of a randomized, double blind, controlled trial with a pilot study design. Biological samples were taken at 20 ± 7 days, and three months of age from healthy babies. Outcomes of efficacy include impact on immune response, serum ferritin, C-reactive protein, bone metabolism, and gut bacteria changes. Results: There were differences statistically significant for the groups of infants fed only with infant formula and with formula enriched with Metlin® and Metlos®. Conclusions: Our results support the efficacy of Metlin® and Metlos® as prebiotics in humans, and stand the bases to recommend their consumption. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT 01251783. PMID:26529006

Sak and Sak4 recombinases are required for bacteriophage replication in Staphylococcus aureus

PubMed Central

Neamah, Maan M.; Mir-Sanchis, Ignacio; López-Sanz, María; Acosta, Sonia; Baquedano, Ignacio; Haag, Andreas F.

2017-01-01

Abstract DNA-single strand annealing proteins (SSAPs) are recombinases frequently encoded in the genome of many bacteriophages. As SSAPs can promote homologous recombination among DNA substrates with an important degree of divergence, these enzymes are involved both in DNA repair and in the generation of phage mosaicisms. Here, analysing Sak and Sak4 as representatives of two different families of SSAPs present in phages infecting the clinically relevant bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, we demonstrate for the first time that these enzymes are absolutely required for phage reproduction. Deletion of the genes encoding these enzymes significantly reduced phage replication and the generation of infectious particles. Complementation studies revealed that these enzymes are required both in the donor (after prophage induction) and in the recipient strain (for infection). Moreover, our results indicated that to perform their function SSAPs require the activity of their cognate single strand binding (Ssb) proteins. Mutational studies demonstrated that the Ssb proteins are also required for phage replication, both in the donor and recipient strain. In summary, our results expand the functions attributed to the Sak and Sak4 proteins, and demonstrate that both SSAPs and Ssb proteins are essential for the life cycle of temperate staphylococcal phages. PMID:28475766

A unique approach to demonstrating that apical bud temperature specifically determines leaf initiation rate in the dicot Cucumis sativus.

PubMed

Savvides, Andreas; Dieleman, Janneke A; van Ieperen, Wim; Marcelis, Leo F M

2016-04-01

Leaf initiation rate is largely determined by the apical bud temperature even when apical bud temperature largely deviates from the temperature of other plant organs. We have long known that the rate of leaf initiation (LIR) is highly sensitive to temperature, but previous studies in dicots have not rigorously demonstrated that apical bud temperature controls LIR independent of other plant organs temperature. Many models assume that apical bud and leaf temperature are the same. In some environments, the temperature of the apical bud, where leaf initiation occurs, may differ by several degrees Celsius from the temperature of other plant organs. In a 28-days study, we maintained temperature differences between the apical bud and the rest of the individual Cucumis sativus plants from -7 to +8 °C by enclosing the apical buds in transparent, temperature-controlled, flow-through, spheres. Our results demonstrate that LIR was completely determined by apical bud temperature independent of other plant organs temperature. These results emphasize the need to measure or model apical bud temperatures in dicots to improve the prediction of crop development rates in simulation models.

Molecular Imaging of Conscious, Unrestrained Mice with AwakeSPECT

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

Baba, Justin S; Endres, Christopher; Foss, Catherine

2013-01-01

We have developed a SPECT imaging system, AwakeSPECT, to enable molecular brain imaging of untrained mice that are conscious, unanesthetized, and unrestrained. We accomplished this with head tracking and motion correction techniques. Methods: The capability of the system for motion-corrected imaging was demonstrated with a 99mTc-pertechnetate phantom, 99mTcmethylene diphosphonate bone imaging, and measurement of the binding potential of the dopamine transporter radioligand 123I-ioflupane in mouse brain in the awake and anesthetized (isoflurane) states. Stress induced by imaging in the awake state was assessed through measurement of plasma corticosterone levels. Results: AwakeSPECT provided high-resolution bone images reminiscent of those obtained frommore » CT. The binding potential of 123I-ioflupane in the awake state was on the order of 50% of that obtained with the animal under anesthesia, consistent with previous studies in nonhuman primates. Levels of stress induced were on the order of those seen in other behavioral tasks and imaging studies of awake animals. Conclusion: These results demonstrate the feasibility of SPECT molecular brain imaging of mice in the conscious, unrestrained state and demonstrate the effects of isoflurane anesthesia on radiotracer uptake.« less

Molecular Imaging of Conscious, Unrestrained Mice with AwakeSPECT

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

Baba, Justin S.; Endres, Christopher J.; Foss, Catherine A.

2013-06-01

We have developed a SPECT imaging system, AwakeSPECT, to enable molecular brain imaging of untrained mice that are conscious, unanesthetized, and unrestrained. We accomplished this with head tracking and motion correction techniques. Methods: The capability of the system for motion-corrected imaging was demonstrated with a ^99mTc-pertechnetate phantom, ^99mTc-methylene diphosphonate bone imaging, and measurement of the binding potential of the dopamine transporter radioligand ^123I-ioflupane in mouse brain in the awake and anesthetized (isoflurane) states. Stress induced by imaging in the awake state was assessed through measurement of plasma corticosterone levels. Results: AwakeSPECT provided high-resolution bone images reminiscent of those obtained frommore » CT. The binding potential of ^123I-ioflupane in the awake state was on the order of 50% of that obtained with the animal under anesthesia, consistent with previous studies in nonhuman primates. Levels of stress induced were on the order of those seen in other behavioral tasks and imaging studies of awake animals. Conclusion: These results demonstrate the feasibility of SPECT molecular brain imaging of mice in the conscious, unrestrained state and demonstrate the effects of isoflurane anesthesia on radiotracer uptake.« less

Self-fitting shape memory polymer foam inducing bone regeneration: A rabbit femoral defect study.

PubMed

Xie, Ruiqi; Hu, Jinlian; Hoffmann, Oskar; Zhang, Yuanchi; Ng, Frankie; Qin, Tingwu; Guo, Xia

2018-04-01

Although tissue engineering has been attracted greatly for healing of critical-sized bone defects, great efforts for improvement are still being made in scaffold design. In particular, bone regeneration would be enhanced if a scaffold precisely matches the contour of bone defects, especially if it could be implanted into the human body conveniently and safely. In this study, polyurethane/hydroxyapatite-based shape memory polymer (SMP) foam was fabricated as a scaffold substrate to facilitate bone regeneration. The minimally invasive delivery and the self-fitting behavior of the SMP foam were systematically evaluated to demonstrate its feasibility in the treatment of bone defects in vivo. Results showed that the SMP foam could be conveniently implanted into bone defects with a compact shape. Subsequently, it self-matched the boundary of bone defects upon shape-recovery activation in vivo. Micro-computed tomography determined that bone ingrowth initiated at the periphery of the SMP foam with a constant decrease towards the inside. Successful vascularization and bone remodeling were also demonstrated by histological analysis. Thus, our results indicate that the SMP foam demonstrated great potential for bone regeneration. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of synergistic antioxidant potential of complex mixtures using oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR).

PubMed

Parker, Tory L; Miller, Samantha A; Myers, Lauren E; Miguez, Fernando E; Engeseth, Nicki J

2010-01-13

Previous research has demonstrated that certain combinations of compounds result in a decrease in toxic or pro-oxidative effects, previously noted when compounds were administered singly. Thus, there is a need to study many complex interactions further. Two in vitro techniques [electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays] were used in this study to assess pro- and antioxidant capacity and synergistic potential of various compounds. Rutin, p-coumaric acid, abscisic acid, ascorbic acid, and a sugar solution were evaluated individually at various concentrations and in all 26 possible combinations at concentrations found in certain foods (honey or papaya), both before and after simulated digestion. EPR results indicated sugar-containing combinations provided significantly higher antioxidant capacity; those combinations containing sugars and ascorbic acid demonstrated synergistic potential. The ORAC assay suggested additive effects, with some combinations having synergistic potential, although fewer combinations were significantly synergistic after digestion. Finally, ascorbic acid, caffeic acid, quercetin, and urate were evaluated at serum-achievable levels. EPR analysis did not demonstrate additive or synergistic potential, although ORAC analysis did, principally in combinations containing ascorbic acid.

Connections between residence time distributions and watershed characteristics across the continental US

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Condon, L. E.; Maxwell, R. M.; Kollet, S. J.; Maher, K.; Haggerty, R.; Forrester, M. M.

2016-12-01

Although previous studies have demonstrated fractal residence time distributions in small watersheds, analyzing residence time scaling over large spatial areas is difficult with existing observational methods. For this study we use a fully integrated groundwater surface water simulation combined with Lagrangian particle tracking to evaluate connections between residence time distributions and watershed characteristics such as geology, topography and climate. Our simulation spans more than six million square kilometers of the continental US, encompassing a broad range of watershed sizes and physiographic settings. Simulated results demonstrate power law residence time distributions with peak age rages from 1.5 to 10.5 years. These ranges agree well with previous observational work and demonstrate the feasibility of using integrated models to simulate residence times. Comparing behavior between eight major watersheds, we show spatial variability in both the peak and the variance of the residence time distributions that can be related to model inputs. Peak age is well correlated with basin averaged hydraulic conductivity and the semi-variance corresponds to aridity. While power law age distributions have previously been attributed to fractal topography, these results illustrate the importance of subsurface characteristics and macro climate as additional controls on groundwater configuration and residence times.

Preliminary Evaluation Of Commercial Supercapacitors For Space Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gineste, Valery; Loup, Didier; Mattesco, Patrick; Neugnot, Nicolas

2011-10-01

Supercapacitors are identified since years as a new technology enabling energy storage together with high power delivery capability to the system. A recent ESA study [1] led by Astrium has demonstrated the interest of these devices for space application, providing that reliability and end of life performances are demonstrated. A realistic commercial on the shelf (COTS) approach (or with limited design modification approved by potential suppliers) has been favoured (as for batteries). This paper presents preliminary test results done by Astrium on COTS supercapacitors: accelerated life tests, calendar life tests, technology analyses. Based on these results, assessment and lessons learnt are drawn in view of future exhaustive supercapacitor validation and future qualification.

The Michelangelo phenomenon and personal well-being.

PubMed

Drigotas, Stephen M

2002-02-01

Previous research has demonstrated that when a close romantic partner views you and behaves toward you in a manner that is congruent with your ideal self, you experience movement toward your ideal self (termed the "Michelangelo phenomenon"; Drigotas, Rusbult, Wieselquist, & Whitton, 1999). The present research represents an attempt demonstrate the phenomenon's link to personal well-being. Results of a cross-sectional study of individuals in dating relationships, with a 2-month follow-up assessing breakup, replicated previous findings regarding relationship well-being and revealed strong links between the model and personal well-being, even when accounting for level of relationship satisfaction. Such results provide further evidence for the social construction of the self and personal well-being.

Stress predicts brain changes in children: a pilot longitudinal study on youth stress, posttraumatic stress disorder, and the hippocampus.

PubMed

Carrion, Victor G; Weems, Carl F; Reiss, Allan L

2007-03-01

Does stress damage the brain? Studies of adults with posttraumatic stress disorder have demonstrated smaller hippocampal volumes when compared with the volumes of adults with no posttraumatic stress disorder. Studies of children with posttraumatic stress disorder have not replicated the smaller hippocampal findings in adults, which suggests that smaller hippocampal volume may be caused by neurodevelopmental experiences with stress. Animal research has demonstrated that the glucocorticoids secreted during stress can be neurotoxic to the hippocampus, but this has not been empirically demonstrated in human samples. We hypothesized that cortisol volumes would predict hippocampal volume reduction in patients with posttraumatic symptoms. We report data from a pilot longitudinal study of children (n = 15) with history of maltreatment who underwent clinical evaluation for posttraumatic stress disorder, cortisol, and neuroimaging. Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and cortisol at baseline predicted hippocampal reduction over an ensuing 12- to 18-month interval. Results from this pilot study suggest that stress is associated with hippocampal reduction in children with posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and provide preliminary human evidence that stress may indeed damage the hippocampus. Additional studies seem to be warranted.

[Knowledge transfer : pious hopes or how to evade the impasse?].

PubMed

Wälti-Bolliger, Marianne; Needham, Ian; Halfens, Ruud

2007-09-01

The utilisation of research results in nursing is demanded by a new legislation in Switzerland. Scientific literature on the diffusion of nursing research results demonstrates that this issue is difficult and complex. This study explores the perceptions of practice-based nursing tutors of nursing students in the French speaking region of Switzerland concerning such transfer practice. The aim is to find indicators which may permit adequate decision making in order to facilitate nursing practice based on scientific research results. The Barriers scale of Funk et al. which refers to Roger's diffusion theory was employed as the measurement instrument. The data were subjected to quantitative and qualitative analysis. The results demonstrate the obstacles with regards to the practice-based nursing tutors themselves, to the professional environment, to research, and to paths of communication. Various suggestions are raised by the respondents in all these areas.

Strategic marketing applications of conjoint analysis: an HMO perspective.

PubMed

Rosko, M D; DeVita, M; McKenna, W F; Walker, L R

1985-01-01

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate how data from a conjoint analysis study can be used to help determine the most appropriate marketing mix for an operational HMO which is entering a new market--the geriatric population. Included are two features which are absent in previous articles on health care applications of conjoint analysis: external validation of results, and a demonstration of how conjoint analysis can be used to simulate market responses to changes in the provider's marketing mix.

The internal resistance of supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Costa, G. G. G.; Pietronero, R. C.; Catunda, T.

2012-07-01

In this paper we study the transient behaviour of RC circuits with supercapacitors, varying R between 1 and 100 Ω. We demonstrate that supercapacitors behave as ideal capacitors in series with an internal resistance (r ~ 8 Ω for C = 0.2 F, 5.5 V). This result is important to optimize the demonstration of RC circuits using a supercapacitor in series with a light bulb, because the r value is comparable with the effective resistance of the bulb. This means that the bulb brightness is significantly decreased by r.

Coherent Two-Mode Dynamics of a Nanowire Force Sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Braakman, Floris R.; Rossi, Nicola; Tütüncüoglu, Gözde; Morral, Anna Fontcuberta i.; Poggio, Martino

2018-05-01

Classically coherent dynamics analogous to those of quantum two-level systems are studied in the setting of force sensing. We demonstrate quantitative control over the coupling between two orthogonal mechanical modes of a nanowire cantilever through measurement of avoided crossings as we deterministically position the nanowire inside an electric field. Furthermore, we demonstrate Rabi oscillations between the two mechanical modes in the strong-coupling regime. These results give prospects of implementing coherent two-mode control techniques for force-sensing signal enhancement.

Current Options for the Treatment of Food Allergy

PubMed Central

Lanser, Bruce J.; Wright, Benjamin L.; Orgel, Kelly A.; Vickery, Brian P.; Fleischer, David M.

2016-01-01

Food allergy is increasing in prevalence; as a result, there is intense focus on developing safe and effective therapies. Current methods of specific immunotherapy include oral, sublingual, and epicutaneous, while nonspecific methods that have been investigated include: Chinese herbal medicine, probiotics, and anti-IgE antibodies. Although some studies have demonstrated efficacy in inducing desensitization, questions regarding safety and the potential for achieving immune tolerance remain. Although some of these therapies demonstrate promise, further investigation is required before their incorporation into routine clinical practice. PMID:26456449

[Evaluating work intensity in major and auxiliary occupations of by-product coke industry].

PubMed

Smagulov, N K; Alpysbayeva, Zh T

2015-01-01

The article covers evaluation of work strain in major and auxiliary occupations of by-product coke industry. The study results conclude that occupational activity of by-product coke industry workers, under exposure to occupational hazards, affects the workers' performance. Major occupations workers demonstrate higher level of functional strain of CNS, poor concentration of attention and lower ability to switch over, decreased general performance, vs. the auxiliary occupations workers who demonstrated increased cardiovascular and neuro-muscular strain due to occupational activity.

Use of Skylab EREP data in a sea-surface temperature experiment. [Monroe Reservoir and Key West, Fla.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anding, D. C. (Principal Investigator); Walker, J. P.

1975-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. A sea surface temperature experiment was studied, demonstrating the feasibility of a procedure for the remote measurement of sea surface temperature which inherently corrects for the effect of the intervening atmosphere without recourse to climatological data. The procedure was applied to Skylab EREP S191 spectrometer data, and it is demonstrated that atmospheric effects on the observed brightness temperature can be reduced to less than 1.0 K.

PESTICIDE TRANSFER EFFICIENCIES FROM HOUSEHOLD SURFACES TO FOODS

EPA Science Inventory

Traditional dietary pesticide exposure assessments have focused on contamination during production (e.g., pesticides in agriculture). However, recent residential monitoring studies have demonstrated that a significant portion of infant and children's total exposure can result fr...

MOLECULAR MODELING FOR PRIORITIZATION OF TOXICITY BIOASSAYS

EPA Science Inventory

The results of this study demonstrate the importance of receptor flexibility. However, when different receptors in the endocrine system are considered simultaneously most molecules, even weak environmental agents, are classified correctly. The ultimate goal of this research is ...

ERBE S10 WFOV SF NAT

Atmospheric Science Data Center

2016-06-13

... warming caused by greenhouse gases. Absorption of Solar Radiation by Clouds The results of the study demonstrate the present ... spacecraft, as described below. WFOV Instruments: these two fixed detectors continuously view the earth disc (plus a small ring of ...

UNDERSTANDING CHILDREN'S TOTAL DIETARY EXPOSURE TO PESTICIDES

EPA Science Inventory

Recent residential monitoring studies have demonstrated that significant portion of total exposure of infants and children to environmental contaminants can result from contamination of food in the home. Children's foods become contaminated through handling and contact with surf...

Early Deployment Of Atms/Atis For Metropolitan Detroit, Final Report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1994-09-26

TECHNOLOGY, ARCHITECTURE, CONTRACTING, AND DEPLOYMENT RECOMMENDATIONS RESULTING FROM THE STUDY ENABLE MDOT TO BEGIN SYSTEM DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION. HOWEVER, IN ORDER TO DEMONSTRATE THE IMPLEMENTATION METHODS OF NEW ATMS/ATIS COMPONENTS AND SYSTEM ARC...

Orthographic learning and the role of text-to-speech software in Dutch disabled readers.

PubMed

Staels, Eva; Van den Broeck, Wim

2015-01-01

In this study, we examined whether orthographic learning can be demonstrated in disabled readers learning to read in a transparent orthography (Dutch). In addition, we tested the effect of the use of text-to-speech software, a new form of direct instruction, on orthographic learning. Both research goals were investigated by replicating Share's self-teaching paradigm. A total of 65 disabled Dutch readers were asked to read eight stories containing embedded homophonic pseudoword targets (e.g., Blot/Blod), with or without the support of text-to-speech software. The amount of orthographic learning was assessed 3 or 7 days later by three measures of orthographic learning. First, the results supported the presence of orthographic learning during independent silent reading by demonstrating that target spellings were correctly identified more often, named more quickly, and spelled more accurately than their homophone foils. Our results support the hypothesis that all readers, even poor readers of transparent orthographies, are capable of developing word-specific knowledge. Second, a negative effect of text-to-speech software on orthographic learning was demonstrated in this study. This negative effect was interpreted as the consequence of passively listening to the auditory presentation of the text. We clarify how these results can be interpreted within current theoretical accounts of orthographic learning and briefly discuss implications for remedial interventions. © Hammill Institute on Disabilities 2013.

n-Dodecyl β-D-maltoside specifically competes with general anesthetics for anesthetic binding sites.

PubMed

Xu, Longhe; Matsunaga, Felipe; Xi, Jin; Li, Min; Ma, Jingyuan; Liu, Renyu

2014-01-01

We recently demonstrated that the anionic detergent sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) specifically interacts with the anesthetic binding site in horse spleen apoferritin, a soluble protein which models anesthetic binding sites in receptors. This raises the possibility of other detergents similarly interacting with and occluding such sites from anesthetics, thereby preventing the proper identification of novel anesthetic binding sites. n-Dodecyl β-D-maltoside (DDM) is a non-ionic detergent commonly used during protein-anesthetic studies because of its mild and non-denaturing properties. In this study, we demonstrate that SDS and DDM occupy anesthetic binding sites in the model proteins human serum albumin (HSA) and horse spleen apoferritin and thereby inhibit the binding of the general anesthetics propofol and isoflurane. DDM specifically interacts with HSA (Kd = 40 μM) with a lower affinity than SDS (Kd = 2 μM). DDM exerts all these effects while not perturbing the native structures of either model protein. Computational calculations corroborated the experimental results by demonstrating that the binding sites for DDM and both anesthetics on the model proteins overlapped. Collectively, our results indicate that DDM and SDS specifically interact with anesthetic binding sites and may thus prevent the identification of novel anesthetic sites. Special precaution should be taken when undertaking and interpreting results from protein-anesthetic investigations utilizing detergents like SDS and DDM.

A case study for teaching information literacy skills

PubMed Central

Kingsley, Karla V; Kingsley, Karl

2009-01-01

Background The Internet has changed contemporary workplace skills, resulting in a need for proficiency with specific digital, online and web-based technologies within the fields of medicine, dentistry and public health. Although younger students, generally under 30 years of age, may appear inherently comfortable with the use of technology-intensive environments and digital or online search methods, competence in information literacy among these students may be lacking. Methods This project involved the design and assessment of a research-based assignment to help first-year, graduate-level health science students to develop and integrate information literacy skills with clinical relevance. Results One cohort of dental students (n = 78) was evaluated for this project and the results demonstrate that although all students were able to provide the correct response from the content-specific, or technology-independent, portion of the assignment, more than half (54%) were unable to demonstrate competence with a web-based, technology-dependent section of this assignment. No correlation was found between any demographic variable measured (gender, age, or race). Conclusion More evidence is emerging that demonstrates the need for developing curricula that integrates new knowledge and current evidence-based practices and technologies, traditionally isolated from graduate and health-care curricula, that can enhance biomedical and clinical training for students. This study provides evidence, critical for the evaluation of new practices, which can promote and facilitate the integration of information literacy into the curriculum. PMID:19178715

Effects of spatial cues on color-change detection in humans

PubMed Central

Herman, James P.; Bogadhi, Amarender R.; Krauzlis, Richard J.

2015-01-01

Studies of covert spatial attention have largely used motion, orientation, and contrast stimuli as these features are fundamental components of vision. The feature dimension of color is also fundamental to visual perception, particularly for catarrhine primates, and yet very little is known about the effects of spatial attention on color perception. Here we present results using novel dynamic color stimuli in both discrimination and color-change detection tasks. We find that our stimuli yield comparable discrimination thresholds to those obtained with static stimuli. Further, we find that an informative spatial cue improves performance and speeds response time in a color-change detection task compared with an uncued condition, similar to what has been demonstrated for motion, orientation, and contrast stimuli. Our results demonstrate the use of dynamic color stimuli for an established psychophysical task and show that color stimuli are well suited to the study of spatial attention. PMID:26047359

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Electrolysis.

PubMed Central

Meir, Arie; Hjouj, Mohammad; Rubinsky, Liel; Rubinsky, Boris

2015-01-01

This study explores the hypothesis that Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can image the process of electrolysis by detecting pH fronts. The study has relevance to real time control of cell ablation with electrolysis. To investigate the hypothesis we compare the following MR imaging sequences: T1 weighted, T2 weighted and Proton Density (PD), with optical images acquired using pH-sensitive dyes embedded in a physiological saline agar solution phantom treated with electrolysis and discrete measurements with a pH microprobe. We further demonstrate the biological relevance of our work using a bacterial E. Coli model, grown on the phantom. The results demonstrate the ability of MRI to image electrolysis produced pH changes in a physiological saline phantom and show that these changes correlate with cell death in the E. Coli model grown on the phantom. The results are promising and invite further experimental research. PMID:25659942

Study of the rhizobacterium Azospirillum brasilense Sp245 using Mössbauer spectroscopy with a high velocity resolution: Implication for the analysis of ferritin-like iron cores

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alenkina, I. V.; Oshtrakh, M. I.; Tugarova, A. V.; Biró, B.; Semionkin, V. A.; Kamnev, A. A.

2014-09-01

The results of a comparative study of two samples of the rhizobacterium Azospirillum brasilense (strain Sp245) prepared in different conditions and of human liver ferritin using Mössbauer spectroscopy with a high velocity resolution demonstrated the presence of ferritin-like iron (i.e. iron similar to that found in ferritin-like proteins) in the bacterium. Mössbauer spectra of these samples were fitted in two ways: as a rough approximation using a one quadrupole doublet fit (the homogeneous iron core model) and using a superposition of quadrupole doublets (the heterogeneous iron core model). Both results demonstrated differences in the Mössbauer parameters for mammalian ferritin and for bacterial ferritin-like iron. Moreover, some differences in the Mössbauer parameters were observed between the two samples of A. brasilense Sp245 related to the differences in their preparation conditions.

Morning reduction of photosynthetic capacity before midday depression.

PubMed

Koyama, Kohei; Takemoto, Shuhei

2014-03-17

Midday depression of photosynthesis has important consequences for ecosystem carbon exchange. Recent studies of forest trees have demonstrated that latent reduction of photosynthetic capacity can begin in the early morning, preceding the midday depression. We investigated whether such early morning reduction also occurs in an herbaceous species, Oenothera biennis. Diurnal changes of the photosynthetic light response curve (measured using a light-emitting diode) and incident sunlight intensity were measured under field conditions. The following results were obtained: (1) the light-saturated photosynthetic rate decreased beginning at sunrise; (2) the incident sunlight intensity on the leaves increased from sunrise; and (3) combining (1) and (2), the net photosynthetic rate under natural sunlight intensity increased from sunrise, reached a maximum at mid-morning, and then showed midday depression. Our results demonstrate that the latent morning reduction of photosynthetic capacity begins at sunrise, preceding the apparent midday depression, in agreement with previous studies of forest trees.

DuPont Qualicon BAX System assay for genus Listeria 24E.

PubMed

Wallace, F Morgan; Fallon, Dawn; DeMarco, Daniel; Varkey, Stephen

2011-01-01

The new BAX System PCR Assay for Genus Listeria 24E was evaluated for detecting Listeria spp. in frankfurters, spinach, cooked shrimp, queso fresco cheese, and on stainless steel surfaces with a single-stage enrichment in BAX System 24 Listeria Enrichment Broth (24 LEB). Method comparison studies performed on samples with low-level inoculates showed that the BAX System demonstrates a sensitivity equivalent or superior to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Bacteriological Analytical Manual and the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Food Safety and Inspection Service culture methods, but with a significantly shorter time to result. Tests to evaluate inclusivity and exclusivity returned no false-negative and no false-positive results on a diverse panel of isolates, and tests for lot-to-lot variability and tablet stability demonstrated consistent performance. Ruggedness studies determined that none of the factors examined, within the range of deviations from specified parameters examined, affect the performance of the assay.

Interpreting cost of ownership for mix-and-match lithography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levine, Alan L.; Bergendahl, Albert S.

1994-05-01

Cost of ownership modeling is a critical and emerging tool that provides significant insight into the ways to optimize device manufacturing costs. The development of a model to deal with a particular application, mix-and-match lithography, was performed in order to determine the level of cost savings and the optimum ways to create these savings. The use of sensitivity analysis with cost of ownership allows the user to make accurate trade-offs between technology and cost. The use and interpretation of the model results are described in this paper. Parameters analyzed include several manufacturing considerations -- depreciation, maintenance, engineering and operator labor, floorspace, resist, consumables and reticles. Inherent in this study is the ability to customize this analysis for a particular operating environment. Results demonstrate the clear advantages of a mix-and-match approach for three different operating environments. These case studies also demonstrate various methods to efficiently optimize cost savings strategies.

Primary Cilia Modulate IHH Signal Transduction in Response to Hydrostatic Loading of Growth Plate Chondrocytes

PubMed Central

Shao, Y, Yvonne Y.; Wang, Lai; Welter, J, Jean F.; Ballock, R. Tracy

2011-01-01

Indian Hedgehog (Ihh) is a key component of the regulatory apparatus governing chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation in the growth plate. Recent studies have demonstrated that the primary cilium is the site of Ihh signaling within the cell, and that primary cilia are essential for bone and cartilage formation. Primary cilia are also postulated to act as mechanosensory organelles that transduce mechanical forces acting on the cell into biological signals. In this study, we used a hydrostatic compression system to examine Ihh signal transduction under the influence of mechanical load. Our results demonstrate that hydrostatic compression increased both Ihh gene expression and Ihh-responsive Gli-luciferase activity. These increases were aborted by disrupting the primary cilia structure with chloral hydrate. These results suggest that growth plate chondrocytes respond to hydrostatic loading by increasing Ihh signaling, and that the primary cilium is required for this mechano-biological signal transduction to occur. PMID:21930256

The interaction of birth order and parental age on sexual orientation: an examination in two samples.

PubMed

Bogaert, Anthony F; Cairney, John

2004-01-01

A birth order and sexual orientation relationship has been demonstrated numerous times in men, but a related variable, parental age (i.e. age of parents when the participant was born), has been less studied and has demonstrated contradictory results. In this research, the relations among birth order, parental age and sexual orientation were examined in a national probability sample of the US (Kessler, 1994; Kessler et al., 1994) and in a Canadian sample of homosexual and heterosexual men closely matched on demographic characteristics (Blanchard & Bogaert, 1996a). In both studies, an interaction between birth order and parental age was observed in men, such that there was positive association between number of older siblings and the likelihood of homosexuality, but this association weakened with increasing parental age. No significant effects were observed for women. The results are discussed in relation to recent theories of the birth order/sexual orientation relationship.

Implementation of clinical decision rules in the emergency department.

PubMed

Stiell, Ian G; Bennett, Carol

2007-11-01

Clinical decision rules (CDRs) are tools designed to help clinicians make bedside diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. The development of a CDR involves three stages: derivation, validation, and implementation. Several criteria need to be considered when designing and evaluating the results of an implementation trial. In this article, the authors review the results of implementation studies evaluating the effect of four CDRs: the Ottawa Ankle Rules, the Ottawa Knee Rule, the Canadian C-Spine Rule, and the Canadian CT Head Rule. Four implementation studies demonstrated that the implementation of CDRs in the emergency department (ED) safely reduced the use of radiography for ankle, knee, and cervical spine injuries. However, a recent trial failed to demonstrate an impact on computed tomography imaging rates. Well-developed and validated CDRs can be successfully implemented into practice, efficiently standardizing ED care. However, further research is needed to identify barriers to implementation in order to achieve improved uptake in the ED.

CFD Assessment of Aerodynamic Degradation of a Subsonic Transport Due to Airframe Damage

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frink, Neal T.; Pirzadeh, Shahyar Z.; Atkins, Harold L.; Viken, Sally A.; Morrison, Joseph H.

2010-01-01

A computational study is presented to assess the utility of two NASA unstructured Navier-Stokes flow solvers for capturing the degradation in static stability and aerodynamic performance of a NASA General Transport Model (GTM) due to airframe damage. The approach is to correlate computational results with a substantial subset of experimental data for the GTM undergoing progressive losses to the wing, vertical tail, and horizontal tail components. The ultimate goal is to advance the probability of inserting computational data into the creation of advanced flight simulation models of damaged subsonic aircraft in order to improve pilot training. Results presented in this paper demonstrate good correlations with slope-derived quantities, such as pitch static margin and static directional stability, and incremental rolling moment due to wing damage. This study further demonstrates that high fidelity Navier-Stokes flow solvers could augment flight simulation models with additional aerodynamic data for various airframe damage scenarios.

Substituent Effects on Desferrithiocin and Desferrithiocin Analogue Iron Clearing and Toxicity Profiles

PubMed Central

Bergeron, Raymond J.; Wiegand, Jan; Bharti, Neelam; McManis, James S.

2012-01-01

Desferrithiocin (DFT, 1) is a very efficient iron chelator when given orally. However, it is severely nephrotoxic. Structure-activity studies with 1 demonstrated that removal of the aromatic nitrogen to provide desazadesferrithiocin (DADFT, 2) and introduction of either a hydroxyl group or a polyether fragment onto the aromatic ring resulted in orally active iron chelators that were much less toxic than 1. The purpose of the current study was to determine if a comparable reduction in renal toxicity could be achieved by performing the same structural manipulations on 1 itself. Accordingly, three DFT analogues were synthesized. Iron clearing efficiency and ferrokinetics were evaluated in rats and primates; toxicity assessments were carried out in rodents. The resulting DFT ligands demonstrated a reduction in toxicity that was equivalent to that of the DADFT analogues and presented with excellent iron clearing properties. PMID:22889170

Carrier mounted bacterial consortium facilitates oil remediation in the marine environment.

PubMed

Simons, Keryn L; Sheppard, Petra J; Adetutu, Eric M; Kadali, Krishna; Juhasz, Albert L; Manefield, Mike; Sarma, Priyangshu M; Lal, Banwari; Ball, Andrew S

2013-04-01

Marine oil pollution can result in the persistent presence of weathered oil. Currently, removal of weathered oil is reliant on chemical dispersants and physical removal, causing further disruption. In contrast few studies have examined the potential of an environmentally sustainable method using a hydrocarbon degrading microbial community attached to a carrier. Here, we used a tank mesocosm system (50 l) to follow the degradation of weathered oil (10 g l(-1)) using a bacterial consortium mobilised onto different carrier materials (alginate or shell grit). GCMS analysis demonstrated that the extent of hydrocarbon degradation was dependent upon the carrier material. Augmentation of shell grit with nutrients and exogenous hydrocarbon degraders resulted in 75±14% removal of >C32 hydrocarbons after 12 weeks compared to 20±14% for the alginate carrier. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of a biostimulated and bioaugmented carrier material to degrade marine weathered oil. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

SPD Hockley County: Results of 1971 Agricultural Demonstrations.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Taylor, Bill; Nugent, Gene

This report presents the statistical results of agricultural demonstrations for two crops--cotton and sorghum--in Hockley County, Texas. Demonstration results are geared to increase the knowledge and understanding of possible solutions to the many problems that are impediments in reaching long-range goals established by the County's Program…

Sleep Duration and Waist Circumference in Adults: A Meta-Analysis

PubMed Central

Sperry, Susan D.; Scully, Iiona D.; Gramzow, Richard H.; Jorgensen, Randall S.

2015-01-01

Background: Previous research has demonstrated a relation between insufficient sleep and overall obesity. Waist circumference (WC), a measure of central adiposity, has been demonstrated to improve prediction of health risk. However, recent research on the relation of insufficient sleep duration to WC in adults has yielded inconsistent findings. Objectives: To assess the magnitude and the consistency of the relation of insufficient sleep and WC Methods: A systematic search of Internet and research databases using Google Scholar, Medline, PubMed, and PsycINFO through July 2013 was conducted. All articles in English with adult human subjects that included measurements of WC and sleep duration were reviewed. A random effects meta-analysis and regression analyses were performed. Heterogeneity and publication bias were checked. Results are expressed as Pearson correlations (r; 95% confidence interval). Results: Of 1,376 articles, 30 met inclusion criteria and 21 studies (22 samples for a total of 56,259 participants) provided sufficient data for meta-analysis. Results showed a significant negative relation between sleep duration and WC (r = −0.10, P < 0.0001) with significant heterogeneity related to sleep comparison method. Potential moderators of the relation between sleep duration and WC were not significant. Funnel plots showed no indication of publication bias. In addition, a fail-safe N calculation indicated that 418 studies with null effects would be necessary to bring the overall mean effect size to a trivial value of r = −0.005. Conclusions: Internationally, cross-sectional studies demonstrate a significant negative relation between sleep duration and waist circumference, indicating shorter sleep durations covary with central adiposity. Future research should include prospective studies. Citation: Sperry SD, Scully ID, Gramzow RH, Jorgensen RS. Sleep duration and waist circumference in adults: a meta-analysis. SLEEP 2015;38(8):1269–1276. PMID:25581918

The neuronal correlates of intranasal trigeminal function – An ALE meta-analysis of human functional brain imaging data

PubMed Central

Albrecht, Jessica; Kopietz, Rainer; Frasnelli, Johannes; Wiesmann, Martin; Hummel, Thomas; Lundström, Johan N.

2009-01-01

Almost every odor we encounter in daily life has the capacity to produce a trigeminal sensation. Surprisingly, few functional imaging studies exploring human neuronal correlates of intranasal trigeminal function exist, and results are to some degree inconsistent. We utilized activation likelihood estimation (ALE), a quantitative voxel-based meta-analysis tool, to analyze functional imaging data (fMRI/PET) following intranasal trigeminal stimulation with carbon dioxide (CO2), a stimulus known to exclusively activate the trigeminal system. Meta-analysis tools are able to identify activations common across studies, thereby enabling activation mapping with higher certainty. Activation foci of nine studies utilizing trigeminal stimulation were included in the meta-analysis. We found significant ALE scores, thus indicating consistent activation across studies, in the brainstem, ventrolateral posterior thalamic nucleus, anterior cingulate cortex, insula, precentral gyrus, as well as in primary and secondary somatosensory cortices – a network known for the processing of intranasal nociceptive stimuli. Significant ALE values were also observed in the piriform cortex, insula, and the orbitofrontal cortex, areas known to process chemosensory stimuli, and in association cortices. Additionally, the trigeminal ALE statistics were directly compared with ALE statistics originating from olfactory stimulation, demonstrating considerable overlap in activation. In conclusion, the results of this meta-analysis map the human neuronal correlates of intranasal trigeminal stimulation with high statistical certainty and demonstrate that the cortical areas recruited during the processing of intranasal CO2 stimuli include those outside traditional trigeminal areas. Moreover, through illustrations of the considerable overlap between brain areas that process trigeminal and olfactory information; these results demonstrate the interconnectivity of flavor processing. PMID:19913573

Life-Span Exposure to Low Doses of Aspartame Beginning during Prenatal Life Increases Cancer Effects in Rats

PubMed Central

Soffritti, Morando; Belpoggi, Fiorella; Tibaldi, Eva; Esposti, Davide Degli; Lauriola, Michelina

2007-01-01

Background In a previous study conducted at the Cesare Maltoni Cancer Research Center of the European Ramazzini Foundation (CMCRC/ERF), we demonstrated for the first time that aspartame (APM) is a multipotent carcinogenic agent when various doses are administered with feed to Sprague-Dawley rats from 8 weeks of age throughout the life span. Objective The aim of this second study is to better quantify the carcinogenic risk of APM, beginning treatment during fetal life. Methods We studied groups of 70–95 male and female Sprague-Dawley rats administered APM (2,000, 400, or 0 ppm) with feed from the 12th day of fetal life until natural death. Results Our results show a) a significant dose-related increase of malignant tumor–bearing animals in males (p < 0.01), particularly in the group treated with 2,000 ppm APM (p < 0.01); b) a significant increase in incidence of lymphomas/leukemias in males treated with 2,000 ppm (p < 0.05) and a significant dose-related increase in incidence of lymphomas/leukemias in females (p < 0.01), particularly in the 2,000-ppm group (p < 0.01); and c) a significant dose-related increase in incidence of mammary cancer in females (p < 0.05), particularly in the 2,000-ppm group (p < 0.05). Conclusions The results of this carcinogenicity bioassay confirm and reinforce the first experimental demonstration of APM’s multipotential carcinogenicity at a dose level close to the acceptable daily intake for humans. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that when life-span exposure to APM begins during fetal life, its carcinogenic effects are increased. PMID:17805418

A randomised, single-blind, single-dose, three-arm, parallel-group study in healthy subjects to demonstrate pharmacokinetic equivalence of ABP 501 and adalimumab

PubMed Central

Kaur, Primal; Chow, Vincent; Zhang, Nan; Moxness, Michael; Kaliyaperumal, Arunan; Markus, Richard

2017-01-01

Objective To demonstrate pharmacokinetic (PK) similarity of biosimilar candidate ABP 501 relative to adalimumab reference product from the USA and European Union (EU) and evaluate safety, tolerability and immunogenicity of ABP 501. Methods Randomised, single-blind, single-dose, three-arm, parallel-group study; healthy subjects were randomised to receive ABP 501 (n=67), adalimumab (USA) (n=69) or adalimumab (EU) (n=67) 40 mg subcutaneously. Primary end points were area under the serum concentration-time curve from time 0 extrapolated to infinity (AUCinf) and the maximum observed concentration (Cmax). Secondary end points included safety and immunogenicity. Results AUCinf and Cmax were similar across the three groups. Geometrical mean ratio (GMR) of AUCinf was 1.11 between ABP 501 and adalimumab (USA), and 1.04 between ABP 501 and adalimumab (EU). GMR of Cmax was 1.04 between ABP 501 and adalimumab (USA) and 0.96 between ABP 501 and adalimumab (EU). The 90% CIs for the GMRs of AUCinf and Cmax were within the prespecified standard PK equivalence criteria of 0.80 to 1.25. Treatment-related adverse events were mild to moderate and were reported for 35.8%, 24.6% and 41.8% of subjects in the ABP 501, adalimumab (USA) and adalimumab (EU) groups; incidence of antidrug antibodies (ADAbs) was similar among the study groups. Conclusions Results of this study demonstrated PK similarity of ABP 501 with adalimumab (USA) and adalimumab (EU) after a single 40-mg subcutaneous injection. No new safety signals with ABP 501 were identified. The safety and tolerability of ABP 501 was similar to the reference products, and similar ADAb rates were observed across the three groups. Trial registration number EudraCT number 2012-000785-37; Results. PMID:27466231

Safety management by walking around (SMBWA): a safety intervention program based on both peer and manager participation.

PubMed

Luria, Gil; Morag, Ido

2012-03-01

"Management by walking around" (MBWA) is a practice that has aroused much interest in management science and practice. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate adaptation of this practice to safety management. We describe a three-year long case study that collected empirical data in which a modified MBWA was practiced in order to improve safety in a semiconductor fabrication facility. The main modification involved integrating an information system with the MBWA in order to create a practice that would generate safety leadership development and an organizational safety learning mechanism, while promoting employee safety participation. The results of the case study demonstrate that the SMBWA practice facilitated thousands of tours in which safety leadership behaviors were practiced by managers and by employees (employees performed five times as many tours as managers). The information system collected information about safety behaviors and safety conditions that could not otherwise be obtained. Thus, this study presents a new organizational safety practice SMBWA, and demonstrates the ways in which SMBWA may improve safety in organizations. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Structural and Genetic Studies Demonstrate Neurologic Dysfunction in Triosephosphate Isomerase Deficiency Is Associated with Impaired Synaptic Vesicle Dynamics

DOE PAGES

Roland, Bartholomew P.; Zeccola, Alison M.; Larsen, Samantha B.; ...

2016-03-31

Triosephosphate isomerase (TPI) deficiency is a poorly understood disease characterized by hemolytic anemia, cardiomyopathy, neurologic dysfunction, and early death. TPI deficiency is one of a group of diseases known as glycolytic enzymopathies, but is unique for its severe patient neuropathology and early mortality. The disease is caused by missense mutations and dysfunction in the glycolytic enzyme, TPI. Previous studies have detailed structural and catalytic changes elicited by disease-associated TPI substitutions, and samples of patient erythrocytes have yielded insight into patient hemolytic anemia; however, the neuropathophysiology of this disease remains a mystery. This study combines structural, biochemical, and genetic approaches tomore » demonstrate that perturbations of the TPI dimer interface are sufficient to elicit TPI deficiency neuropathogenesis. Also, the present study demonstrates that neurologic dysfunction resulting from TPI deficiency is characterized by synaptic vesicle dysfunction, and can be attenuated with catalytically inactive TPI. Collectively, our findings are the first to identify, to our knowledge, a functional synaptic defect in TPI deficiency derived from molecular changes in the TPI dimer interface.« less

Update on visual function and choroidal-retinal thickness alterations in Parkinson's disease.

PubMed

Obis, J; Satue, M; Alarcia, R; Pablo, L E; Garcia-Martin, E

2018-05-01

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative process that affects 7.5 million people around the world. Since 2004, several studies have demonstrated changes in various retinal layers in PD using optical coherence tomography (OCT). However, there are some discrepancies in the results of those studies. Some of them have correlated retinal thickness with the severity or duration of the disease, demonstrating that OCT measurements may be an innocuous and easy biomarker for PD progression. Other studies have demonstrated visual dysfunctions since early phases of the disease. Lastly, the most recent studies that use Swept Source OCT technology, have found choroidal thickness increase in PD patients and provide new information related to the retinal degenerative process in this disease. The aim of this paper is to review the literature on OCT and PD, in order to determine the altered retinal and choroidal parameters in PD and their possible clinical usefulness, and also the visual dysfunctions with higher impact in these patients. Copyright © 2018 Sociedad Española de Oftalmología. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Incorporating Learning Characteristics into Automatic Essay Scoring Models: What Individual Differences and Linguistic Features Tell Us about Writing Quality

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Crossley, Scott A.; Allen, Laura K.; Snow, Erica L.; McNamara, Danielle S.

2016-01-01

This study investigates a novel approach to automatically assessing essay quality that combines natural language processing approaches that assess text features with approaches that assess individual differences in writers such as demographic information, standardized test scores, and survey results. The results demonstrate that combining text…

Prior experience, antioxidants, and mitochondrial cofactors improve cognitive function in aged beagles.

PubMed

Ikeda-Douglas, Candace J; Zicker, Steven C; Estrada, Jimena; Jewell, Dennis E; Milgram, Norton W

2004-01-01

Results of this study support the free-radical theory of aging and demonstrated that providing higher levels of vitamin E in food resulted in higher serum vitamin E concentrations and improved performance on landmark-discrimination tasks in aged dogs. Factors other than vitamin E also contributed to the response but remain undefined.

Self-Explanation and Reading Strategy Training (SERT) Improves Low-Knowledge Students' Science Course Performance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McNamara, Danielle S.

2017-01-01

This study demonstrates the generalization of previous laboratory results showing the benefits of self-explanation reading training (SERT) to college students' course exam performance. The participants were 265 students enrolled in an Introductory Biology course, 59 of whom were provided with SERT training. The results showed that SERT benefited…

Self-Explanation and Reading Strategy Training (SERT) Improves Low-Knowledge Students' Science Course Performance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McNamara, Danielle S.

2017-01-01

This study demonstrates the generalization of previous laboratory results showing the benefits of Self-Explanation Reading Training (SERT) to college students' course exam performance. The participants were 265 students enrolled in an Introductory Biology course, 59 of whom were provided with SERT. The results showed that SERT benefited students…

Adaptation of the ToxRTool to Assess the Reliability of Toxicology Studies Conducted with Genetically Modified Crops and Implications for Future Safety Testing.

PubMed

Koch, Michael S; DeSesso, John M; Williams, Amy Lavin; Michalek, Suzanne; Hammond, Bruce

2016-01-01

To determine the reliability of food safety studies carried out in rodents with genetically modified (GM) crops, a Food Safety Study Reliability Tool (FSSRTool) was adapted from the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods' (ECVAM) ToxRTool. Reliability was defined as the inherent quality of the study with regard to use of standardized testing methodology, full documentation of experimental procedures and results, and the plausibility of the findings. Codex guidelines for GM crop safety evaluations indicate toxicology studies are not needed when comparability of the GM crop to its conventional counterpart has been demonstrated. This guidance notwithstanding, animal feeding studies have routinely been conducted with GM crops, but their conclusions on safety are not always consistent. To accurately evaluate potential risks from GM crops, risk assessors need clearly interpretable results from reliable studies. The development of the FSSRTool, which provides the user with a means of assessing the reliability of a toxicology study to inform risk assessment, is discussed. Its application to the body of literature on GM crop food safety studies demonstrates that reliable studies report no toxicologically relevant differences between rodents fed GM crops or their non-GM comparators.

Mobile communications satellite antenna flight experiment definition

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Freeland, Robert E.

1987-01-01

Results of a NASA-sponsored study to determine the technical feasibility and cost of a Shuttle-based flight experiment specifically intended for the MSAT commercial user community are presented. The experiment will include demonstrations of technology in the areas of radio frequency, sensing and control, and structures. The results of the structural subsystem study summarized here include experiment objective and technical approach, experiment structural description, structure/environment interactions, structural characterization, thermal characterization, structural measurement system, and experiment functional description.

Demonstration of a modelling-based multi-criteria decision analysis procedure for prioritisation of occupational risks from manufactured nanomaterials.

PubMed

Hristozov, Danail; Zabeo, Alex; Alstrup Jensen, Keld; Gottardo, Stefania; Isigonis, Panagiotis; Maccalman, Laura; Critto, Andrea; Marcomini, Antonio

2016-11-01

Several tools to facilitate the risk assessment and management of manufactured nanomaterials (MN) have been developed. Most of them require input data on physicochemical properties, toxicity and scenario-specific exposure information. However, such data are yet not readily available, and tools that can handle data gaps in a structured way to ensure transparent risk analysis for industrial and regulatory decision making are needed. This paper proposes such a quantitative risk prioritisation tool, based on a multi-criteria decision analysis algorithm, which combines advanced exposure and dose-response modelling to calculate margins of exposure (MoE) for a number of MN in order to rank their occupational risks. We demonstrated the tool in a number of workplace exposure scenarios (ES) involving the production and handling of nanoscale titanium dioxide, zinc oxide (ZnO), silver and multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The results of this application demonstrated that bag/bin filling, manual un/loading and dumping of large amounts of dry powders led to high emissions, which resulted in high risk associated with these ES. The ZnO MN revealed considerable hazard potential in vivo, which significantly influenced the risk prioritisation results. In order to study how variations in the input data affect our results, we performed probabilistic Monte Carlo sensitivity/uncertainty analysis, which demonstrated that the performance of the proposed model is stable against changes in the exposure and hazard input variables.

[The hypotriglyceridemic action of the combination of L-carnitine + simvastatin vs. L-carnitine and vs. simvastatin].

PubMed

Savica, V; Bellinghieri, G; Lamanna, F

1992-01-01

Previous studies had determined the role played by L-carnitine and simvastatin in the treatment of altered lipidemia in dialyzed patients with chronic uremia. The authors carried out a study on the above substances either singly or together administered to the same patients with chronic uremia in hemodialysis. This study was aimed at demonstrating the possible synergic normolipidemic action of both substances in comparison with their single administration, because their different mechanism of action could be metabolically enhanced. The obtained results demonstrated that the therapeutic association proposed is preferable to the use of the single substances. Moreover, a higher and more rapid normolipidemic effect was obtained after using L-carnitina associated with simvastatin with respect to the separated substances.

(abstract) Using TOPEX/Poseidon Sea Level Observations to Test the Sensitivity of an Ocean Model to Wind Forcing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fu, Lee-Lueng; Chao, Yi

1996-01-01

It has been demonstrated that current-generation global ocean general circulation models (OGCM) are able to simulate large-scale sea level variations fairly well. In this study, a GFDL/MOM-based OGCM was used to investigate its sensitivity to different wind forcing. Simulations of global sea level using wind forcing from the ERS-1 Scatterometer and the NMC operational analysis were compared to the observations made by the TOPEX/Poseidon (T/P) radar altimeter for a two-year period. The result of the study has demonstrated the sensitivity of the OGCM to the quality of wind forcing, as well as the synergistic use of two spaceborne sensors in advancing the study of wind-driven ocean dynamics.

Flatworm models in pharmacological research: the importance of compound stability testing.

PubMed

Stalmans, Sofie; Willems, Maxime; Adriaens, Els; Remon, Jean-Paul; D'Hondt, Matthias; De Spiegeleer, Bart

2014-10-01

Flatworms possess adult pluripotent stem cells, which make them extraordinary experimental model organisms to assess in vivo the undesirable effects of substances on stem cells. Currently, quality practices, implying evaluation of the stability of the test compound under the proposed experimental conditions, are uncommon in this research field. Nevertheless, performing a stability study during the rational design of in vivo assay protocols will result in more reliable assay results. To illustrate the influence of the stability of the test substance on the final experimental outcome, we performed a short-term International Conference on Harmonization (ICH)-based stability study of cyclophosphamide in the culture medium, to which a marine flatworm model Macrostomum lignano is exposed. Using a validated U(H)PLC method, it was demonstrated that the cyclophosphamide concentration in the culture medium at 20°C is lowered to 80% of the initial concentration after 21days. The multiwell plates, flatworms and diatoms, as well as light exposure, did not influence significantly the cyclophosphamide concentration in the medium. The results of the stability study have practical implications on the experimental set-up of the carcinogenicity assay like the frequency of medium renewal. This case study demonstrates the benefits of applying appropriate quality guidelines already during fundamental research increasing the credibility of the results. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Parallel Process Growth Model of Avoidant Personality Disorder Symptoms and Personality Traits

PubMed Central

Wright, Aidan G. C.; Pincus, Aaron L.; Lenzenweger, Mark F.

2012-01-01

Background Avoidant personality disorder (AVPD), like other personality disorders, has historically been construed as a highly stable disorder. However, results from a number of longitudinal studies have found that the symptoms of AVPD demonstrate marked change over time. Little is known about which other psychological systems are related to this change. Although cross-sectional research suggests a strong relationship between AVPD and personality traits, no work has examined the relationship of their change trajectories. The current study sought to establish the longitudinal relationship between AVPD and basic personality traits using parallel process growth curve modeling. Methods Parallel process growth curve modeling was applied to the trajectories of AVPD and basic personality traits from the Longitudinal Study of Personality Disorders (Lenzenweger, 2006), a naturalistic, prospective, multiwave, longitudinal study of personality disorder, temperament, and normal personality. The focus of these analyses is on the relationship between the rates of change in both AVPD symptoms and basic personality traits. Results AVPD symptom trajectories demonstrated significant negative relationships with the trajectories of interpersonal dominance and affiliation, and a significant positive relationship to rates of change in neuroticism. Conclusions These results provide some of the first compelling evidence that trajectories of change in PD symptoms and personality traits are linked. These results have important implications for the ways in which temporal stability is conceptualized in AVPD specifically, and PD in general. PMID:22506627

A Pilot Study Assessing Performance and Visual Attention of Teenagers with ASD in a Novel Adaptive Driving Simulator.

PubMed

Wade, Joshua; Weitlauf, Amy; Broderick, Neill; Swanson, Amy; Zhang, Lian; Bian, Dayi; Sarkar, Medha; Warren, Zachary; Sarkar, Nilanjan

2017-11-01

Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), compared to typically-developed peers, may demonstrate behaviors that are counter to safe driving. The current work examines the use of a novel simulator in two separate studies. Study 1 demonstrates statistically significant performance differences between individuals with (N = 7) and without ASD (N = 7) with regards to the number of turning-related driving errors (p < 0.01). Study 2 shows that both the performance-based feedback group (N = 9) and combined performance- and gaze-sensitive feedback group (N = 8) achieved statistically significant reductions in driving errors following training (p < 0.05). These studies are the first to present results of fine-grained measures of visual attention of drivers and an adaptive driving intervention for individuals with ASD.

Predicting Second Language Writing Proficiency: The Roles of Cohesion and Linguistic Sophistication

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Crossley, Scott A.; McNamara, Danielle S.

2012-01-01

This study addresses research gaps in predicting second language (L2) writing proficiency using linguistic features. Key to this analysis is the inclusion of linguistic measures at the surface, textbase and situation model level that assess text cohesion and linguistic sophistication. The results of this study demonstrate that five variables…

DEMONSTRATION OF FUEL CELLS TO RECOVER ENERGY FROM LANDFILL GAS - PHASE I FINAL REPORT: CONCEPTUAL STUDY

EPA Science Inventory

The report discusses results of a conceptual design, cost, and evaluation study of energy recovery from landfill gas using a commercial phosphoric acid fuel cell power plant. The conceptual design of the fuel cell energy recovery system is described, and its economic and environm...

Exploratory Study of Spirituality and Psychosocial Growth in College Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reymann, Linda S.; Fialkowski, Geraldine M.; Stewart-Sicking, Joseph A.

2015-01-01

This study examined spirituality, personality, and psychosocial growth among 216 students at a small university in Maryland. Results demonstrated that faith maturity predicted unique variance in purpose in life. There was a main effect observed for gender among faith scores, as well as an interaction effect between gender and year in school among…

Fortune Is Fickle: Null-Effects of Disfluency on Learning Outcomes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rummer, Ralf; Schweppe, Judith; Schwede, Annett

2016-01-01

Recently, Diemand-Yauman et al. "Cognition," 118, 114-118 (2011) demonstrated that learning with disfluent (hard-to-read) materials is more effective than learning with easy-to-read materials--a study that has since stipulated a number of follow-up studies (with mixed results). However, there is a potential confound in the original…

Klebsiella pneumoniae Antimicrobial Drug Resistance, United States, 1998–2010

PubMed Central

Sanchez, Guillermo V.; Master, Ronald N.; Clark, Richard B.; Fyyaz, Madiha; Duvvuri, Padmaraj; Ekta, Gupta

2013-01-01

We studied antimicrobial-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae for 1998–2010 by using data from The Surveillance Network. Susceptibility results (n = 3,132,354) demonstrated significant increases in resistance to all antimicrobial drugs studied, except tetracycline. Cross-resistance among carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae was lower for tetracycline and amikacin. PMID:23260464

Empirical Evidence in Support of a Research-Informed Water Conservation Education Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thompson, Ruthanne; Serna, Victoria Faubion

2016-01-01

Based on results from a 2008 research study of regional citizen knowledge concerning watershed issues, a water conservation education program was designed and implemented. Findings from the initial study demonstrated program success as evidenced by knowledge gain and willingness to "commit" to water saving behaviors in 94% of students. A…

Direct and Collateral Effects of Restraints and Restraint Fading.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fisher, Wayne W.; And Others

1997-01-01

A study of three individuals with self-injurious behavior (SIB) evaluated a device designed for restraint fading with individuals who display hand-to-head SIB. Results demonstrated that stimulus control of SIB occurred in all individuals subsequent to restraint fading. The study also examined the effects of the rigid arm sleeves and restraint…

Teachers as Informal Learners: Workplace Professional Learning in the United States and Lithuania

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jurasaite-Harbison, Elena; Rex, Lesley A.

2013-01-01

This study demonstrates the understandings that result from teachers' explanations of how they learn when they encounter everyday situations that evoke their learning. The study renders these explanations as a framework for further research on teacher workplace learning in informal settings. The framework emerged from a constant-comparative…

Enhancing Critical Thinking: Accounting Students' Perceptions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilkin, Carla L.

2017-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how assessment design was used to enhance students' critical thinking in a subject concerned with business enterprise systems. The study shows positive results and favorable perceptions of the merit of the approach. Design/Methodology/Approach: A case study approach was used to examine how the…

A Critical Look at Methodologies Used to Evaluate Charter School Effectiveness

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ackerman, Matthew; Egalite, Anna J.

2017-01-01

There is no consensus among researchers on charter school effectiveness in the USA, in part because of discrepancies in the research methods employed across various studies. Causal impact estimates from experimental studies demonstrate large positive impacts, but concerns about the generalizability of these results have prompted the development of…

Understanding How Universal Vouchers Have Impacted Urban School Districts' Enrollment in Chile

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Portales, Jaime; Heilig, Julian Vasquez

2014-01-01

Findings from this study show that educational and mobility opportunities for families and students participating in the Chilean voucher system are not homogenously distributed. Some families and students use and benefit from the system, while others will remain marginalized. The quantitative results in this study demonstrate that students of…

Noncompliance and Dissent with Cell Phone Policies: A Psychological Reactance Theoretical Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tatum, Nicholas T.; Olson, Michele K.; Frey, T. K.

2018-01-01

This study employed Brehm's psychological reactance theory (PRT) to understand why students do or do not choose to follow classroom cell phone policies. Results (N = 750) from this study demonstrate that when instructors discourage cell phone use for noninstructional reasons, students feel their autonomy has been threatened. These perceptions of…

X Chromosome Abnormalities and Cognitive Development: Implications for Understanding Normal Human Development.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Walzer, Stanley

1985-01-01

Argues that knowledge from studies of individuals with sex chromosome abnormalities can further understanding of aspects of normal human development. Studies of XO girls, XXY boys, XXX girls, and males with a fragile X chromosome are summarized to demonstrate how results contribute to knowledge about normal cognitive development and about…

Electronic versus Traditional Print Textbooks: A Comparison Study on the Influence of University Students' Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rockinson- Szapkiw, Amanda J.; Courduff, Jennifer; Carter, Kimberly; Bennett, David

2013-01-01

University students are increasingly choosing to purchase e-textbooks for their mobile devices as an alternative to traditional textbooks. This study examines the relationship between textbook format and 538 university students' grades and perceived learning scores. Results demonstrate that there was no difference in cognitive learning and grades…

The Influencing and Effective Model of Early Childhood: Teachers' Job Satisfaction in China

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jiang, Yong

2005-01-01

The purpose of this study was to explore the influencing and effective models of Chinese early childhood teachers' job satisfaction. Using a questionnaire of 317 teachers from 21 kindergartens in Shanghai, China, the present study established the influencing and effective structure model of teachers' job satisfaction. The results demonstrated that…

Cultivating Imaginative Thinking: Teacher Strategies Used in High-Performing Arts Education Classrooms

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fleming, Josephine; Gibson, Robyn; Anderson, Michael; Martin, Andrew J.; Sudmalis, David

2016-01-01

This article reports on recent case-study research that examined teacher- and student-level processes in nine Australian arts classrooms. The selected classrooms, based on the results of a connected longitudinal study, demonstrated strong positive links between arts participation and academic motivation, engagement and achievement. The focus here…

77 FR 69399 - Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Delaware; Attainment Plan for the...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-19

... results of speciation data analyses, air quality modeling studies, chemical tracer studies, emission... Demonstration 1. Pollutants Addressed 2. Emission Inventory Requirements 3. Modeling 4. Reasonably Available... modeling (40 CFR 51.1007) that is performed in accordance with EPA modeling guidance (EPA-454/B-07-002...

Investigating Effects of Problem-Based versus Lecture-Based Learning Environments on Student Motivation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wijnia, Lisette; Loyens, Sofie M. M.; Derous, Eva

2011-01-01

This study examines the effects of two learning environments (i.e., problem-based learning [PBL] versus lecture-based [LB] environments) on undergraduates' study motivation. Survey results demonstrated that PBL students scored higher on competence but did not differ from LB students on autonomous motivation. Analyses of focus groups further…

Error Patterns in Young German Children's "Wh"-Questions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schmerse, Daniel; Lieven, Elena; Tomasello, Michael

2013-01-01

In this article we report two studies: a detailed longitudinal analysis of errors in "wh"-questions from six German-learning children (age 2 ; 0-3 ; 0) and an analysis of the prosodic characteristics of "wh"-questions in German child-directed speech. The results of the first study demonstrate that German-learning children…

Teaching of the International Component in the Introductory Marketing Course: A Replication Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zimmer, Robert; Koernig, Stephen K.; Greene, Scott

2004-01-01

For almost three decades, the AACSB and business leaders have sought increased emphasis on internationalizing students' perspectives. Recent studies demonstrate mixed results in the extent to which business schools have globalized their curricula. With decreasing student interest in the marketing major, Introductory Marketing emerges as a critical…

Big Data Science Education: A Case Study of a Project-Focused Introductory Course

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Saltz, Jeffrey; Heckman, Robert

2015-01-01

This paper reports on a case study of a project-focused introduction to big data science course. The pedagogy of the course leveraged boundary theory, where students were positioned to be at the boundary between a client's desire to understand their data and the academic class. The results of the case study demonstrate that using live clients…

Action-State Orientation and the Theory of Planned Behavior: A Study of Job Search in China

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Song, Zhaoli; Wanberg, Connie; Niu, Xiongying; Xie, Yizhong

2006-01-01

Job search is an important element of people's careers and is especially critical for unemployed individuals. The current study surveyed a sample of 328 unemployed job seekers in China to test hypotheses related to the theory of planned behavior and action-state orientation theory. Results of the three-wave longitudinal study demonstrated that the…

Neuroanatomical study of Galen's anastomosis (nervus laryngeus) in the dog.

PubMed

Henry, C; Cazals, Y; Gioux, M; Didier, A; Aran, J M; Traissac, L

1988-01-01

To further knowledge of the laryngeal nerves, the nerve fibers of Galen's anastomosis were studied using two neuroanatomical methods, namely nerve degeneration and horseradish peroxidase labeling. It is demonstrated that the superior laryngeal nerve forms part of the tracheal and esophageal nervous system. The value of the results in relation to physiological laryngeal studies and to human laryngeal diseases is discussed.

The Influence of Achievement Goals and Social Goals on Help-Seeking from Peers in an Academic Context

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roussel, Peggy; Elliot, Andrew J.; Feltman, Roger

2011-01-01

The influence of achievement goals and social goals on help-seeking from peers in an academic context was examined in two studies. A total of 551 high school students participated in the two studies. The results across the studies demonstrated strong convergence, revealing that mastery-approach, mastery-avoidance, and friendship-approach goals…

Metacognitive Reading and Study Strategies and Academic Achievement of University Students With and Without a History of Reading Difficulties.

PubMed

Bergey, Bradley W; Deacon, S Hélène; Parrila, Rauno K

2017-01-01

University students who report a history of reading difficulties have been demonstrated to have poorer word reading and reading comprehension skills than their peers; yet, without a diagnosed learning disability, these students do not have access to the same support services, potentially placing them at academic risk. This study provides a comprehensive investigation of first-year academic achievement for students with a history of reading difficulties (n = 244) compared to students with no such history (n = 603). We also examine reported use of metacognitive reading and study strategies and their relations with GPA. Results indicate that students with a history of reading difficulties earn lower GPA and successfully complete fewer credits compared to students with no history of reading difficulty. These patterns varied somewhat by faculty of study. Students with a history of reading difficulties also reported lower scores across multiple metacognitive reading and study strategy scales, yet these scores were not associated with their academic performance. Together, these results demonstrate the importance of identifying students with a history of reading difficulties and that commonly used study strategy inventories have limited value in predicting their academic success. © Hammill Institute on Disabilities 2015.

PFLOTRAN-E4D: A parallel open source PFLOTRAN module for simulating time-lapse electrical resistivity data

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

Johnson, Timothy C.; Hammond, Glenn E.; Chen, Xingyuan

Time-lapse electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) is finding increased application for remotely monitoring processes occurring in the near subsurface in three-dimensions (i.e. 4D monitoring). However, there are few codes capable of simulating the evolution of subsurface resistivity and corresponding tomographic measurements arising from a particular process, particularly in parallel and with an open source license. Herein we describe and demonstrate an electrical resistivity tomography module for the PFLOTRAN subsurface simulation code, named PFLOTRAN-E4D. The PFLOTRAN-E4D module operates in parallel using a dedicated set of compute cores in a master-slave configuration. At each time step, the master processes receives subsurface states frommore » PFLOTRAN, converts those states to bulk electrical conductivity, and instructs the slave processes to simulate a tomographic data set. The resulting multi-physics simulation capability enables accurate feasibility studies for ERT imaging, the identification of the ERT signatures that are unique to a given process, and facilitates the joint inversion of ERT data with hydrogeological data for subsurface characterization. PFLOTRAN-E4D is demonstrated herein using a field study of stage-driven groundwater/river water interaction ERT monitoring along the Columbia River, Washington, USA. Results demonstrate the complex nature of changes subsurface electrical conductivity, in both the saturated and unsaturated zones, arising from water table changes and from river water intrusion into the aquifer. The results also demonstrate the sensitivity of surface based ERT measurements to those changes over time. PFLOTRAN-E4D is available with the PFLOTRAN development version with an open-source license at https://bitbucket.org/pflotran/pflotran-dev .« less

PFLOTRAN-E4D: A parallel open source PFLOTRAN module for simulating time-lapse electrical resistivity data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, Timothy C.; Hammond, Glenn E.; Chen, Xingyuan

2017-02-01

Time-lapse electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) is finding increased application for remotely monitoring processes occurring in the near subsurface in three-dimensions (i.e. 4D monitoring). However, there are few codes capable of simulating the evolution of subsurface resistivity and corresponding tomographic measurements arising from a particular process, particularly in parallel and with an open source license. Herein we describe and demonstrate an electrical resistivity tomography module for the PFLOTRAN subsurface flow and reactive transport simulation code, named PFLOTRAN-E4D. The PFLOTRAN-E4D module operates in parallel using a dedicated set of compute cores in a master-slave configuration. At each time step, the master processes receives subsurface states from PFLOTRAN, converts those states to bulk electrical conductivity, and instructs the slave processes to simulate a tomographic data set. The resulting multi-physics simulation capability enables accurate feasibility studies for ERT imaging, the identification of the ERT signatures that are unique to a given process, and facilitates the joint inversion of ERT data with hydrogeological data for subsurface characterization. PFLOTRAN-E4D is demonstrated herein using a field study of stage-driven groundwater/river water interaction ERT monitoring along the Columbia River, Washington, USA. Results demonstrate the complex nature of subsurface electrical conductivity changes, in both the saturated and unsaturated zones, arising from river stage fluctuations and associated river water intrusion into the aquifer. The results also demonstrate the sensitivity of surface based ERT measurements to those changes over time. PFLOTRAN-E4D is available with the PFLOTRAN development version with an open-source license at https://bitbucket.org/pflotran/pflotran-dev.

Increased Small-World Network Topology Following Deployment-Acquired Traumatic Brain Injury Associated with the Development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

PubMed

Rowland, Jared A; Stapleton-Kotloski, Jennifer R; Dobbins, Dorothy L; Rogers, Emily; Godwin, Dwayne W; Taber, Katherine H

2018-05-01

Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies in active duty and veteran cohorts have both demonstrated that deployment-acquired traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an independent risk factor for developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), beyond confounds such as combat exposure, physical injury, predeployment TBI, and pre-deployment psychiatric symptoms. This study investigated how resting-state brain networks differ between individuals who developed PTSD and those who did not following deployment-acquired TBI. Participants included postdeployment veterans with deployment-acquired TBI history both with and without current PTSD diagnosis. Graph metrics, including small-worldness, clustering coefficient, and modularity, were calculated from individually constructed whole-brain networks based on 5-min eyes-open resting-state magnetoencephalography (MEG) recordings. Analyses were adjusted for age and premorbid IQ. Results demonstrated that participants with current PTSD displayed higher levels of small-worldness, F(1,12) = 5.364, p < 0.039, partial eta squared = 0.309, and Cohen's d = 0.972, and clustering coefficient, F(1, 12) = 12.204, p < 0.004, partial eta squared = 0.504, and Cohen's d = 0.905, than participants without current PTSD. There were no between-group differences in modularity or the number of modules present. These findings are consistent with a hyperconnectivity hypothesis of the effect of TBI history on functional networks rather than a disconnection hypothesis, demonstrating increased levels of clustering coefficient rather than a decrease as might be expected; however, these results do not account for potential changes in brain structure. These results demonstrate the potential pathological sequelae of changes in functional brain networks following deployment-acquired TBI and represent potential neurobiological changes associated with deployment-acquired TBI that may increase the risk of subsequently developing PTSD.

Nanophase hydroxyapatite coatings for dental and orthopedic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sato, Michiko

In order to improve dental and orthopedic implant performance, the objective of this study was to synthesize nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (HA) powders to coat metals (specifically, titanium and tantalum). Precipitated HA powders were either sintered in order to produce UltraCaP HA (or microcrystalline size HA) or were treated hydrothermally to produce nanocrystalline HA. Some of the UltraCaP and nanocrystalline HA powders were doped with yttrium (Y) since previous in vitro studies demonstrated that Y-doped HA in bulk improved osteoblast (or bone-forming cell) function over undoped HA. The nanocrystalline HA powders were also mixed with nanophase titania powders because previous studies demonstrated that titania/HA composite coatings increased coating adhesive strength and HA nucleation. These powders were then deposited onto titanium by a novel room-temperature process, called IonTiteT(TM). The results demonstrated that the chemical properties and crystallite size of the original HA powders were maintained in the coatings. More importantly, in vitro studies showed increased osteoblast (bone-forming cell) adhesion on the single phase nanocrystalline HA and nano-titania/HA coatings compared to traditionally used plasma-sprayed HA coatings and uncoated metals. Results further demonstrated greater amounts of calcium deposition by osteoblasts cultured on nanocrystalline HA coatings compared to UltraCaP coatings and conventionally used plasma-sprayed HA coatings. To elucidate mechanisms that influenced osteoblast functions on the HA coatings, the amount of proteins (fibronectin and vitronectin) onto the HA powders and the adsorbed fibronectin conformation were investigated. Exposure of cell integrin binding domains (in fibronectin III10 segments) was greater in fibronectin adsorbed onto 1.2 mole% Y-doped UltraCaP HA coatings compared to nanocrystalline HA coatings tested. However, 1.2 mole% Y-doped UltraCaP HA coatings did not increase mineralization by osteoblasts compared to the nanocrystalline HA coatings. These results suggested that the availability of integrin binding domains in fibronectin did not correlate to enhanced mineralization by osteoblasts on nanocrystalline HA coatings. Lastly, undoped nanocrystalline HA coatings were studied using a well-established rat calvaria in vivo. Histological analysis showed that nanocrystalline HA coated on tantalum scaffolds increased bone and fibrous tissue infiltration into the scaffolds while uncoated and UltraCaP HA coated scaffolds did not after as early as 6 weeks. In summary, these results encourage further studies on nanocrystalline IonTiteTM HA coatings on various metals for orthopedic and dental applications.

The pedagogical toolbox: computer-generated visual displays, classroom demonstration, and lecture.

PubMed

Bockoven, Jerry

2004-06-01

This analogue study compared the effectiveness of computer-generated visual displays, classroom demonstration, and traditional lecture as methods of instruction used to teach neuronal structure and processes. Randomly assigned 116 undergraduate students participated in 1 of 3 classrooms in which they experienced the same content but different teaching approaches presented by 3 different student-instructors. Then participants completed a survey of their subjective reactions and a measure of factual information designed to evaluate objective learning outcomes. Participants repeated this factual measure 5 wk. later. Results call into question the use of classroom demonstration methods as well as the trend towards devaluing traditional lecture in favor of computer-generated visual display.

Ka-Band Digital Beamforming and SweepSAR Demonstration for Ice and Solid Earth Topography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sadowy, Gregory; Ghaemi, Hirad; Heavy, Brandon; Perkovic, Dragana; Quddus, Momin; Zawadzki, Mark; Moller, Delwyn

2010-01-01

GLISTIN is an instrument concept for a single-pass interferometric SAR operating at 35.6 GHz. To achieve large swath widths using practical levels of transmitter power, a digitally-beamformed planar waveguide array is used. This paper describes results from a ground-based demonstration of a 16-receiver prototype. Furthermore, SweepSAR is emerging as promising technique for achieving very wide swaths for surface change detection. NASA and DLR are studying this approach for the DESDynI and Tandem-L missions. SweepSAR employs a reflector with a digitally-beamformed array feed. We will describe development of an airborne demonstration of SweepSAR using the GLISTIN receiver array and a reflector.

The MAJORANA Demonstrator Radioassay Program

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

Abgrall, N.; Arnquist, Isaac J.; Avignone, F. T.

2016-05-03

The Majorana collaboration is constructing the Majorana Demonstrator at the Sanford Underground Research Facility at the Homestake gold mine, in Lead, SD. The apparatus will use Ge detectors, enriched in isotope 76Ge, to demonstrate the feasibility of a large-scale Ge detector experiment to search for neutrinoless double beta decay. The long half-life of this postulated process requires that the apparatus be extremely low in radioactive isotopes whose decays may produce backgrounds to the search. The radioassay program conducted by the collaboration to ensure that the materials comprising the apparatus are suffciently pure is described. The resulting measurements of the radioactiveisotopemore » contamination for a number of materials studied for use in the detector are reported.« less

Levothyroxine Dosing Following Bariatric Surgery.

PubMed

Gadiraju, Silpa; Lee, Clare J; Cooper, David S

2016-10-01

Based on the mechanisms of drug absorption, increased levothyroxine requirements are expected after bariatric surgery. However, there are conflicting data on this topic. This review evaluates the effects of bariatric surgery on levothyroxine dosing. Data were obtained from PubMed, Scopus, and review of published bibliographies. Six of 10 studies demonstrated decreased postoperative requirements. Most demonstrated correlations between weight loss and dose. Only 3 case reports and 1 case series demonstrated increased levothyroxine requirements, attributed to malabsorption. The loss of both fat and lean body mass may counteract malabsorptive effects from surgery, resulting in decreased postoperative levothyroxine requirements. In addition, the reversal of impaired levothyroxine pharmacokinetics and an altered set point of thyroid hormone homeostasis may also contribute to postoperative levothyroxine reductions.

The extent to which Latina/o preservice teachers demonstrate culturally responsive teaching practices during science and mathematics instruction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hernandez, Cecilia M.

2011-12-01

Complex social, racial, economic, and political issues involved in the practice of teaching today require beginning teachers to be informed, skilled, and culturally responsive when entering the classroom. Teacher educators must educate future teachers in ways that will help them teach all children regardless of language, cultural background, or prior knowledge. The purpose of this study was to explore the extent to which culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) novice teachers described and demonstrated culturally responsive teaching strategies using their students' cultural and academic profiles to inform practice in science and mathematics instruction. This qualitative exploratory case study considered the culturally responsive teaching practices of 12, non-traditional, Latina/o students as they progressed through a distance-based collaborative teacher education program. Qualitative techniques used throughout this exploratory case study investigated cultural responsiveness of these student teachers as they demonstrated their abilities to: a) integrate content and facilitate knowledge construction; b) illustrate social justice and prejudice reduction; and c) develop students academically. In conclusion, student teachers participating in this study demonstrated their ability to integrate content by: (1) including content from other cultures, (2) building positive teacher-student relationships, and (3) holding high expectations for all students. They also demonstrated their ability to facilitate knowledge construction by building on what students knew. Since there is not sufficient data to support the student teachers' abilities to assist students in learning to be critical, independent thinkers who are open to other ways of knowing, no conclusions regarding this subcategory could be drawn. Student teachers in this study illustrated prejudice reduction by: (1) using native language support to assist students in learning and understanding science and math content, (2) fostering positive student-student interactions, and (3) creating a safe learning environment. Results also indicated that these student teachers demonstrated their ability to develop students academically by creating opportunities for learning in the classroom through their knowledge of students and by the use of research-based instructional strategies. However, based on the data collected as part of this study, the student teachers' abilities to illustrate or model social justice during science and math instruction were not demonstrated.