Combined electrical transport and capacitance spectroscopy of a MoS2-LiNbO3 field effect transistor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Michailow, Wladislaw; Schülein, Florian J. R.; Möller, Benjamin; Preciado, Edwin; Nguyen, Ariana E.; von Son, Gretel; Mann, John; Hörner, Andreas L.; Wixforth, Achim; Bartels, Ludwig; Krenner, Hubert J.

2017-01-01

We have measured both the current-voltage ( ISD - VGS ) and capacitance-voltage (C- VGS ) characteristics of a MoS2-LiNbO3 field effect transistor. From the measured capacitance, we calculate the electron surface density and show that its gate voltage dependence follows the theoretical prediction resulting from the two-dimensional free electron model. This model allows us to fit the measured ISD - VGS characteristics over the entire range of VGS . Combining this experimental result with the measured current-voltage characteristics, we determine the field effect mobility as a function of gate voltage. We show that for our device, this improved combined approach yields significantly smaller values (more than a factor of 4) of the electron mobility than the conventional analysis of the current-voltage characteristics only.

Use of isosorbide dinitrate for the symptomatic treatment of patients with Chagas' disease achalasia. A double-blind, crossover trial.

PubMed

Ferreira-Filho, L P; Patto, R J; Troncon, L E; Oliveira, R B

1991-01-01

1. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was carried out to determine the efficacy of isosorbide dinitrate (ISD) on dysphagia in patients with Chagasic achalasia. 2. Twenty-three patients with Chagas' disease and dysphagia entered the study and 20 (87%) completed the two 7-day treatment periods. Subjects were given either 5 mg ISD (12 patients) or placebo (11 patients) by the sublingual route for the first 7 days. On the 8th day, patients crossed over and began another 7-day period during which they received the opposite, identical-appearing tablets. 3. Scores attributed by uninformed investigators for the frequency and severity of dysphagia were significantly lower (P less than 0.05) following ISD treatment than after the placebo period or for the pretreatment condition. A significantly higher degree of improvement of dysphagia was experienced by the patients during ISD treatment than during the placebo period. Fourteen patients experienced meal-related headaches during ISD, but not placebo treatment. The extent of improvement in general well-being due to ISD was the same when the drug was given in the first or second test period. 4. Our results indicate that ISD, 5 mg by the sublingual route, is effective in alleviating dysphagia in patients with Chagasic achalasia but its usefulness is limited by the high rate of headache as a side effect.

Vaccine Protection of Leukopenic Mice against Staphylococcus aureus Bloodstream Infection

PubMed Central

Rauch, Sabine; Gough, Portia; Kim, Hwan Keun; Schneewind, Olaf

2014-01-01

The risk for Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection (BSI) is increased in immunocompromised individuals, including patients with hematologic malignancy and/or chemotherapy. Due to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains, designated methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), staphylococcal BSI in cancer patients is associated with high mortality; however, neither a protective vaccine nor pathogen-specific immunotherapy is currently available. Here, we modeled staphylococcal BSI in leukopenic CD-1 mice that had been treated with cyclophosphamide, a drug for leukemia and lymphoma patients. Cyclophosphamide-treated mice were highly sensitive to S. aureus BSI and developed infectious lesions lacking immune cell infiltrates. Virulence factors of S. aureus that are key for disease establishment in immunocompetent hosts—α-hemolysin (Hla), iron-regulated surface determinants (IsdA and IsdB), coagulase (Coa), and von Willebrand factor binding protein (vWbp)—are dispensable for the pathogenesis of BSI in leukopenic mice. In contrast, sortase A mutants, which cannot assemble surface proteins, display delayed time to death and increased survival in this model. A vaccine with four surface antigens (ClfA, FnBPB, SdrD, and SpAKKAA), which was identified by genetic vaccinology using sortase A mutants, raised antigen-specific immune responses that protected leukopenic mice against staphylococcal BSI. PMID:25183728

Non-thermal Processes in the Formation of Mercury's Tenuous Exosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schaible, M. J.; Bennett, C.; Jones, B. M.; Orlando, T. M.

2017-12-01

Recent observations from the MESSENGER spacecraft orbiting Mercury have established that a quasi-trapped population of ions and electrons with 1-10 keV energy exists at a distance of about 1.5 RM (RM is Mercury's radius) around much of the planet. Recent observations from the Fast Imaging Plasma Spectrometer (FIPS), taken < 400 km from the surface, have shown a plasma cusp with energetic heavy ions (i.e. Na+ and O+ groups). The sources of these ions are not clear. A newly developed global kinetic transport model suggests that electron-stimulated desorption (ESD), and possibly light ion stimulated desorption (ISD), can directly yield ions that can be transported and dynamically accelerated to the plasma cusp regions observed by FIPS. Neutrals desorbed from the surface by ESD, ISD, photon-stimulated desorption (PSD) and meteorite impact may also be photoionized and transported/injected into the cusp region. Though the relative importance of these mechanisms in the formation of Mercury's tenuous atmosphere and the subsequent effects on the exosphere/magnetosphere dynamics are not known, it is likely that all of these contribute significantly. The goals of this work are to measure desorption cross-sections and ejection velocities for Na+, O+, and water group ions under relevant electron and ion bombardment energies. This program utilizes state-of-the art surface science capabilities to probe the role of ESD and ISD as a source of ions and neutrals present in the exosphere of Mercury. The experimental chamber is equipped with a dosing system, a cryogenic cooled temperature controlled sample holder, as well as pulsed ion and electron sources. The ESD and ISD ion yields and velocity measurements are obtained directly by sampling with a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. The measured ESD ion yields from adsorbate covered Mercury surface analogs such as the sulfur bearing minerals MgS, Na2S and K2S are low. Additionally, ISD experiments using incident protons also yielded low ion signals. These results implicate PSD and neutral desorption as dominant processes. The information obtained from these experiments can be directly incorporated into model simulations for comparison with data recently obtained by the FIPS instrument.

Negative Ion In-Source Decay Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry for Sequencing Acidic Peptides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McMillen, Chelsea L.; Wright, Patience M.; Cassady, Carolyn J.

2016-05-01

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) in-source decay was studied in the negative ion mode on deprotonated peptides to determine its usefulness for obtaining extensive sequence information for acidic peptides. Eight biological acidic peptides, ranging in size from 11 to 33 residues, were studied by negative ion mode ISD (nISD). The matrices 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, 2-aminobenzoic acid, 2-aminobenzamide, 1,5-diaminonaphthalene, 5-amino-1-naphthol, 3-aminoquinoline, and 9-aminoacridine were used with each peptide. Optimal fragmentation was produced with 1,5-diaminonphthalene (DAN), and extensive sequence informative fragmentation was observed for every peptide except hirudin(54-65). Cleavage at the N-Cα bond of the peptide backbone, producing c' and z' ions, was dominant for all peptides. Cleavage of the N-Cα bond N-terminal to proline residues was not observed. The formation of c and z ions is also found in electron transfer dissociation (ETD), electron capture dissociation (ECD), and positive ion mode ISD, which are considered to be radical-driven techniques. Oxidized insulin chain A, which has four highly acidic oxidized cysteine residues, had less extensive fragmentation. This peptide also exhibited the only charged localized fragmentation, with more pronounced product ion formation adjacent to the highly acidic residues. In addition, spectra were obtained by positive ion mode ISD for each protonated peptide; more sequence informative fragmentation was observed via nISD for all peptides. Three of the peptides studied had no product ion formation in ISD, but extensive sequence informative fragmentation was found in their nISD spectra. The results of this study indicate that nISD can be used to readily obtain sequence information for acidic peptides.

Negative Ion In-Source Decay Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry for Sequencing Acidic Peptides.

PubMed

McMillen, Chelsea L; Wright, Patience M; Cassady, Carolyn J

2016-05-01

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) in-source decay was studied in the negative ion mode on deprotonated peptides to determine its usefulness for obtaining extensive sequence information for acidic peptides. Eight biological acidic peptides, ranging in size from 11 to 33 residues, were studied by negative ion mode ISD (nISD). The matrices 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, 2-aminobenzoic acid, 2-aminobenzamide, 1,5-diaminonaphthalene, 5-amino-1-naphthol, 3-aminoquinoline, and 9-aminoacridine were used with each peptide. Optimal fragmentation was produced with 1,5-diaminonphthalene (DAN), and extensive sequence informative fragmentation was observed for every peptide except hirudin(54-65). Cleavage at the N-Cα bond of the peptide backbone, producing c' and z' ions, was dominant for all peptides. Cleavage of the N-Cα bond N-terminal to proline residues was not observed. The formation of c and z ions is also found in electron transfer dissociation (ETD), electron capture dissociation (ECD), and positive ion mode ISD, which are considered to be radical-driven techniques. Oxidized insulin chain A, which has four highly acidic oxidized cysteine residues, had less extensive fragmentation. This peptide also exhibited the only charged localized fragmentation, with more pronounced product ion formation adjacent to the highly acidic residues. In addition, spectra were obtained by positive ion mode ISD for each protonated peptide; more sequence informative fragmentation was observed via nISD for all peptides. Three of the peptides studied had no product ion formation in ISD, but extensive sequence informative fragmentation was found in their nISD spectra. The results of this study indicate that nISD can be used to readily obtain sequence information for acidic peptides.

Refractory heartburn: comparison of intercellular space diameter in documented GERD vs. functional heartburn.

PubMed

Vela, Marcelo F; Craft, Brandon M; Sharma, Neeraj; Freeman, Janice; Hazen-Martin, Debra

2011-05-01

Refractory heartburn despite acid suppression may be explained by ongoing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or functional heartburn (FH), i.e., symptoms without evidence of GERD. Impedance-pH monitoring (impedance-pH) detects acid and nonacid reflux and is useful for evaluating acid-suppressed, refractory patients. Intercellular space diameter (ISD) of esophageal epithelium measured by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is a marker of epithelial damage present in both erosive and nonerosive reflux disease. ISD has not been used to study refractory heartburn or FH. Our aim was to compare ISD in healthy controls and refractory heartburn patients with GERD and FH. In refractory heartburn patients (heartburn more than twice/week for at least 2 months despite proton pump inhibitor (PPI) b.i.d.), erosive esophagitis and/or abnormal impedance-pH (increased acid exposure or positive symptom index) defined GERD; normal esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)/impedance-pH defined FH. Asymptomatic, healthy controls had normal EGD and pH-metry. Mean ISD in each subject, determined by blinded TEM of esophageal biopsies, was the average of 100 measurements (10 measurements in each of 10 micrographs). In all, 11 healthy controls, 11 FH, and 15 GERD patients were studied. Mean ISD was significantly higher in GERD compared with controls (0.87 vs. 0.32 μm, P=0.003) and FH (0.87 vs. 0.42 μm, P=0.012). Mean ISD was similar in FH and controls (0.42 vs. 0.32 μm, P=0.1). The proportion of patients with abnormal ISD was significantly higher for GERD compared with FH (60 vs. 9%, P=0.014). ISD is increased in refractory heartburn patients with GERD but not those with FH. Our findings suggest that measurement of ISD by TEM might be a useful tool to distinguish GERD from FH in patients with refractory heartburn.

General Systems Theory and Instructional Design.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Salisbury, David F.

The use of general systems theory in the field of instructional systems design (ISD) is explored in this paper. Drawing on work by Young, the writings of 12 representative ISD writers and researchers were surveyed to determine the use of 60 general systems theory concepts by the individual authors. The average number of concepts used by these…

Development of an In-Situ Decommissioning Sensor Network Test Bed for Structural Condition Monitoring - 12156

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

Zeigler, Kristine E.; Ferguson, Blythe A.

2012-07-01

The Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) has established an In Situ Decommissioning (ISD) Sensor Network Test Bed, a unique, small scale, configurable environment, for the assessment of prospective sensors on actual ISD system material, at minimal cost. The Department of Energy (DOE) is presently implementing permanent entombment of contaminated, large nuclear structures via ISD. The ISD end state consists of a grout-filled concrete civil structure within the concrete frame of the original building. Validation of ISD system performance models and verification of actual system conditions can be achieved through the development a system of sensors to monitor the materials andmore » condition of the structure. The ISD Sensor Network Test Bed has been designed and deployed to addresses the DOE-Environmental Management Technology Need to develop a remote monitoring system to determine and verify ISD system performance. Commercial off-the-shelf sensors have been installed on concrete blocks taken from walls of the P Reactor Building at the Savannah River Site. Deployment of this low-cost structural monitoring system provides hands-on experience with sensor networks. The initial sensor system consists of groutable thermistors for temperature and moisture monitoring, strain gauges for crack growth monitoring, tilt-meters for settlement monitoring, and a communication system for data collection. Baseline data and lessons learned from system design and installation and initial field testing will be utilized for future ISD sensor network development and deployment. The Sensor Network Test Bed at SRNL uses COTS sensors on concrete blocks from the outer wall of the P Reactor Building to measure conditions expected to occur in ISD structures. Knowledge and lessons learned gained from installation, testing, and monitoring of the equipment will be applied to sensor installation in a meso-scale test bed at FIU and in future ISD structures. The initial data collected from the sensors installed on the P Reactor Building blocks define the baseline materials condition of the P Reactor ISD external concrete structure. Continued monitoring of the blocks will enable evaluation of the effects of aging on the P Reactor ISD structure. The collected data will support validation of the material degradation model and assessment of the condition of the ISD structure over time. The following are recommendations for continued development of the ISD Sensor Network Test Bed: - Establish a long-term monitoring program using the concrete blocks with existing sensor and/or additional sensors for trending the concrete materials and structural condition; - Continue development of a stand-alone test bed sensor system that is self-powered and provides wireless transmission of data to a user-accessible dashboard; - Develop and implement periodic NDE/DE characterization of the concrete blocks to provide verification and validation for the measurements obtained through the sensor system and concrete degradation model(s). (authors)« less

Staphylococcus aureus Growth using Human Hemoglobin as an Iron Source

PubMed Central

Pishchany, Gleb; Haley, Kathryn P.; Skaar, Eric P.

2013-01-01

S. aureus is a pathogenic bacterium that requires iron to carry out vital metabolic functions and cause disease. The most abundant reservoir of iron inside the human host is heme, which is the cofactor of hemoglobin. To acquire iron from hemoglobin, S. aureus utilizes an elaborate system known as the iron-regulated surface determinant (Isd) system1. Components of the Isd system first bind host hemoglobin, then extract and import heme, and finally liberate iron from heme in the bacterial cytoplasm2,3. This pathway has been dissected through numerous in vitro studies4-9. Further, the contribution of the Isd system to infection has been repeatedly demonstrated in mouse models8,10-14. Establishing the contribution of the Isd system to hemoglobin-derived iron acquisition and growth has proven to be more challenging. Growth assays using hemoglobin as a sole iron source are complicated by the instability of commercially available hemoglobin, contaminating free iron in the growth medium, and toxicity associated with iron chelators. Here we present a method that overcomes these limitations. High quality hemoglobin is prepared from fresh blood and is stored in liquid nitrogen. Purified hemoglobin is supplemented into iron-deplete medium mimicking the iron-poor environment encountered by pathogens inside the vertebrate host. By starving S. aureus of free iron and supplementing with a minimally manipulated form of hemoglobin we induce growth in a manner that is entirely dependent on the ability to bind hemoglobin, extract heme, pass heme through the bacterial cell envelope and degrade heme in the cytoplasm. This assay will be useful for researchers seeking to elucidate the mechanisms of hemoglobin-/heme-derived iron acquisition in S. aureus and possibly other bacterial pathogens. PMID:23426144

The computational complexity of elliptic curve integer sub-decomposition (ISD) method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ajeena, Ruma Kareem K.; Kamarulhaili, Hailiza

2014-07-01

The idea of the GLV method of Gallant, Lambert and Vanstone (Crypto 2001) is considered a foundation stone to build a new procedure to compute the elliptic curve scalar multiplication. This procedure, that is integer sub-decomposition (ISD), will compute any multiple kP of elliptic curve point P which has a large prime order n with two low-degrees endomorphisms ψ1 and ψ2 of elliptic curve E over prime field Fp. The sub-decomposition of values k1 and k2, not bounded by ±C√n , gives us new integers k11, k12, k21 and k22 which are bounded by ±C√n and can be computed through solving the closest vector problem in lattice. The percentage of a successful computation for the scalar multiplication increases by ISD method, which improved the computational efficiency in comparison with the general method for computing scalar multiplication in elliptic curves over the prime fields. This paper will present the mechanism of ISD method and will shed light mainly on the computation complexity of the ISD approach that will be determined by computing the cost of operations. These operations include elliptic curve operations and finite field operations.

Comparing influence of intermittent subglottic secretions drainage with/without closed suction systems on the incidence of ventilator associated pneumonia.

PubMed

Juneja, Deven; Javeri, Yash; Singh, Omender; Nasa, Prashant; Pandey, Rameshwar; Uniyal, Bhupesh

2011-07-01

Intermittent subglottic drainage (ISD) of secretions is recommended for prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) as it reduces microaspiration from the area around the cuff. Poor suction techniques can contribute to VAP, hence closed suction system (CSS) may have theoretical benefit in VAP prevention. Combination of these two techniques may provide added advantage. To study the influence of ISD with/without CSS on the incidence of VAP. Data from 311 patients requiring mechanical ventilation (MV) for more than 72 hours were collected retrospectively. They were divided into four groups as follows: group A, no intervention; group B, only CSS; group C, only ISD; and group D, ISD with CSS. These groups were compared with respect to incidence of VAP, duration of MV, length of ICU and hospital stay and ICU mortality. Patients in the four groups were comparable with respect to age, sex ratio and admission Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scores. Incidence of VAP per 1000 ventilator days in groups A, B, C, and D were 25, 23.9, 15.7 and 14.3, respectively (P=0.04). There was no significant difference in the duration of MV (P=0.33), length of ICU (P=0.55) and hospital stay (P=0.36) and ICU mortality (P=0.9) among the four groups. ISD of secretions reduces the incidence of VAP. CSS alone or in combination with ISD has no significant effect on VAP incidence. Hence, ISD may be recommended for VAP prevention, but indications other than VAP prevention should determine the type of the suction system.

Phase IIa Study of the Immunogenicity and Safety of the Novel Staphylococcus aureus Vaccine V710 in Adults with End-Stage Renal Disease Receiving Hemodialysis

PubMed Central

Moustafa, Moustafa; Aronoff, George R.; Chandran, Chandra; Hartzel, Jonathan S.; Smugar, Steven S.; Galphin, Claude M.; Mailloux, Lionel U.; Brown, Elizabeth; DiNubile, Mark J.; Kartsonis, Nicholas A.

2012-01-01

Bacteremia is the second leading cause of death in patients with end-stage renal disease who are on hemodialysis. A vaccine eliciting long-term immune responses against Staphylococcus aureus in patients on chronic hemodialysis may reduce the incidence of bacteremia and its complications in these patients. V710 is a vaccine containing iron surface determinant B (IsdB), a highly conserved S. aureus surface protein, which has been shown to be immunogenic in healthy subjects. In this blinded phase II immunogenicity study, 206 chronic hemodialysis patients between the ages of 18 and 80 years old were randomized to receive 60 μg V710 (with or without adjuvant), 90 μg V710 (with adjuvant), or a placebo in various combinations on days 1, 28, and 180. All 201 vaccinated patients were to be followed through day 360. The primary hypothesis was that at least 1 of the 3 groups receiving 2 V710 doses on days 1 and 28 would have a ≥2.5 geometric mean fold rise (GMFR) in anti-IsdB IgG titers over the baseline 28 days after the second vaccination (day 56). At day 56, all three groups receiving 2 doses of V710 achieved a ≥2.5 GMFR in anti-IsdB antibodies compared to the baseline (P values of <0.001 for all 3 groups), satisfying the primary immunogenicity hypothesis. None of the 33 reported serious adverse experiences were considered vaccine related by the investigators. V710 induced sustained antibody responses for at least 1 year postvaccination in patients on chronic hemodialysis. PMID:22837094

Ruffling of Metalloporphyrins Bound to IsdG And IsdI, Two Heme Degrading Enzymes in Staphylococcus Aureus

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

Lee, W.C.; Reniere, M.L.; Skaar, E.P.

2009-05-19

IsdG and IsdI are paralogous proteins that are intracellular components of a complex heme uptake system in Staphylococcus aureus. IsdG and IsdI were shown previously to reductively degrade hemin. Crystal structures of the apoproteins show that these proteins belong to a newly identified heme degradation family distinct from canonical eukaryotic and prokaryotic heme oxygenases. Here we report the crystal structures of an inactive N7A variant of IsdG in complex with Fe{sup 3+}-protoporphyrin IX (IsdG-hemin) and of IsdI in complex with cobalt protoporphyrin IX (IsdI-CoPPIX) to 1.8 {angstrom} or better resolution. These structures show that the metalloporphyrins are buried into similarmore » deep clefts such that the propionic acids form salt bridges to two Arg residues. His{sup 77} (IsdG) or His{sup 76} (IsdI), a critical residue required for activity, is coordinated to the Fe{sup 3+} or Co{sup 3+} atoms, respectively. The bound porphyrin rings form extensive steric interactions in the binding cleft such that the rings are highly distorted from the plane. This distortion is best described as ruffled and places the {beta}- and {delta}-meso carbons proximal to the distal oxygen-binding site. In the IsdG-hemin structure, Fe{sup 3+} is pentacoordinate, and the distal side is occluded by the side chain of Ile{sup 55}. However, in the structure of IsdI-CoPPIX, the distal side of the CoPPIX accommodates a chloride ion in a cavity formed through a conformational change in Ile{sup 55}. The chloride ion participates in a hydrogen bond to the side chain amide of Asn{sup 6}. Together the structures suggest a reaction mechanism in which a reactive peroxide intermediate proceeds with nucleophilic oxidation at the {beta}- or {delta}-meso carbon of the hemin.« less

Is it ethical to prescribe generic immunosuppressive drugs to renal transplant patients?

PubMed

Allard, Julie; Fortin, Marie-Chantal

2014-01-01

This review was conducted to determine the ethical acceptability of prescribing generic immunosuppressive drugs to renal transplant patients. The literature search was conducted using Pubmed and Google Scholar. The use of generic immunosuppressive drugs (ISDs) in transplantation is a controversial topic. There is a consensus among transplant societies that clinical data is lacking and that caution should be exercised. The reluctance to use generic ISDs in organ transplantation is partly related to the fact that most are "critical dose drugs", and that either low dosing or overdosing could have serious adverse consequences for both patients and society (i.e., the loss of scarce organs). In this paper, we examine the various ethical issues involved such as distributive justice, physician duties, risks versus benefits, conflict of interest, informed consent, and logistical and economic issues. Our analysis was limited by the paucity of clinical data on generic ISDs and the absence of health economics studies to quantify the benefits of prescribing generic ISDs. Our study led us to conclude that it would be ethical to prescribe generic ISDs provided certain conditions were met. These include regulatory safeguards to minimize the risks of substitution; education of patients; and further clinical and health economics studies to better inform clinicians, patients and society of the risks and costs related to drug substitution.

Is It Time to Say Farewell to the ISDS System?

PubMed Central

Lencucha, Raphael

2017-01-01

Investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) continues to plague health-oriented government regulation. This is particularly reflected in recent challenges to tobacco control measures through bilateral investment agreements. There are numerous reform proposals circulating within the public health community. However, I suggest that perhaps it is time for the community to explore a stronger position on ISDS. I draw from mounting evidence on the problematic uses of the ISDS to explore the proposition that ISDS is no longer justified. I tackle the normative question of should the ISDS system persist and point out that the ISDS system is not justifiable from a development perspective and because of its nefarious use, is of no added value to a system that could rely on domestic courts. PMID:28812817

Rescuing the Rescuer: On the Protein Complex between the Human Mitochondrial Acyl Carrier Protein and ISD11.

PubMed

Herrera, María Georgina; Pignataro, María Florencia; Noguera, Martín Ezequiel; Cruz, Karen Magalí; Santos, Javier

2018-05-16

Iron-sulfur clusters are essential cofactors in many biochemical processes. ISD11, one of the subunits of the protein complex that carries out the cluster assembly in mitochondria, is necessary for cysteine desulfurase NFS1 stability and function. Several authors have recently provided evidence showing that ISD11 interacts with the acyl carrier protein (ACP). We carried out the coexpression of human mitochondrial ACP and ISD11 in E. coli. This work shows that ACP and ISD11 form a soluble, structured, and stable complex able to bind to the human NFS1 subunit modulating its activity. Results suggest that ACP plays a key-role in ISD11 folding and stability in vitro. These findings offer the opportunity to study the mechanism of interaction between ISD11 and NFS1.

Malassezia furfur in infantile seborrheic dermatitis.

PubMed

Wananukul, Siriwan; Chindamporn, Ariya; Yumyourn, Poomjit; Payungporn, Sunchai; Samathi, Chanchuree; Poovorawan, Yong

2005-01-01

Our objective was to study both incidence and various strains of Malassezia in infantile seborrheic dermatitis (ISD). Sixty infants between 2 weeks and 2 years old with clinical diagnosis of ISD at the Department of Pediatrics, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital from May 2002 to April 2003 were recruited. Malassezia spp. were isolated from cultured skin samples of the patients, genomic DNA was extracted and the ITS1 rDNA region was amplified. The PCR product was examined by agarose gel electrophoresis and DNA sequences were determined. The ITS1 sequences were also subjected to phylogenetic analysis and species identification. ISD is most commonly found in infants below the age of 2 months (64%), followed by those between 2 and 4 months (28%) old. Cultures yielded yeast-like colonies in 15 specimens. PCR yielded 200-bp products (Candida) in 3 patients and 300-bp products (Malassezia furfur) in 12 patients (18%). Sugar fermentation using API 20C aux performed on the three 200-bp PCR products yielded Candida species. M. furfur was the only Malassezia recovered from skin scrapings of children with ISD.

A practitioner-driven research agenda for syndromic surveillance

DOE PAGES

Hopkins, Richard S.; Gunn, Julia; Berezowski, John; ...

2017-05-02

The objective here is to obtain feedback and seek future directions for an ISDS initiative to establish and update research questions in Informatics, Analytics,Communications, and Systems Research with the greatest perceived impact for improving surveillance practice.Introduction Over the past fifteen years, syndromic surveillance (SyS) has evolved from a set of ad hoc methods used mostly in post-disaster settings, then expanded with broad support and development because of bioterrorism concerns, and subsequently evolved to a mature technology that runs continuously to detect and monitor a wide range of health issues. Continued enhancements needed to meet the challenges of novel health threatsmore » with increasingly complex information sources will require technical advances focused on day-to-day public health needs.Since its formation in 2005, the International Society for Disease Surveillance (ISDS) has sought to clarify and coordinate global priorities in surveillance research. As part of a practitioner-driven initiative to identify current research priorities in SyS, ISDS polled its members about capabilities needed by SyS practitioners that could be improved as a result of research efforts. A taskforce of the ISDS Research Committee, consisting of national and global subject matter experts (SMEs) in SyS and ISDS professional staff, carried out the project. This panel will discuss the results and the preferred means to determine and communicate priorities in the future.« less

A practitioner-driven research agenda for syndromic surveillance

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

Hopkins, Richard S.; Gunn, Julia; Berezowski, John

The objective here is to obtain feedback and seek future directions for an ISDS initiative to establish and update research questions in Informatics, Analytics,Communications, and Systems Research with the greatest perceived impact for improving surveillance practice.Introduction Over the past fifteen years, syndromic surveillance (SyS) has evolved from a set of ad hoc methods used mostly in post-disaster settings, then expanded with broad support and development because of bioterrorism concerns, and subsequently evolved to a mature technology that runs continuously to detect and monitor a wide range of health issues. Continued enhancements needed to meet the challenges of novel health threatsmore » with increasingly complex information sources will require technical advances focused on day-to-day public health needs.Since its formation in 2005, the International Society for Disease Surveillance (ISDS) has sought to clarify and coordinate global priorities in surveillance research. As part of a practitioner-driven initiative to identify current research priorities in SyS, ISDS polled its members about capabilities needed by SyS practitioners that could be improved as a result of research efforts. A taskforce of the ISDS Research Committee, consisting of national and global subject matter experts (SMEs) in SyS and ISDS professional staff, carried out the project. This panel will discuss the results and the preferred means to determine and communicate priorities in the future.« less

Improved Spatial Differencing Scheme for 2-D DOA Estimation of Coherent Signals with Uniform Rectangular Arrays.

PubMed

Shi, Junpeng; Hu, Guoping; Sun, Fenggang; Zong, Binfeng; Wang, Xin

2017-08-24

This paper proposes an improved spatial differencing (ISD) scheme for two-dimensional direction of arrival (2-D DOA) estimation of coherent signals with uniform rectangular arrays (URAs). We first divide the URA into a number of row rectangular subarrays. Then, by extracting all the data information of each subarray, we only perform difference-operation on the auto-correlations, while the cross-correlations are kept unchanged. Using the reconstructed submatrices, both the forward only ISD (FO-ISD) and forward backward ISD (FB-ISD) methods are developed under the proposed scheme. Compared with the existing spatial smoothing techniques, the proposed scheme can use more data information of the sample covariance matrix and also suppress the effect of additive noise more effectively. Simulation results show that both FO-ISD and FB-ISD can improve the estimation performance largely as compared to the others, in white or colored noise conditions.

Improved Spatial Differencing Scheme for 2-D DOA Estimation of Coherent Signals with Uniform Rectangular Arrays

PubMed Central

Hu, Guoping; Zong, Binfeng; Wang, Xin

2017-01-01

This paper proposes an improved spatial differencing (ISD) scheme for two-dimensional direction of arrival (2-D DOA) estimation of coherent signals with uniform rectangular arrays (URAs). We first divide the URA into a number of row rectangular subarrays. Then, by extracting all the data information of each subarray, we only perform difference-operation on the auto-correlations, while the cross-correlations are kept unchanged. Using the reconstructed submatrices, both the forward only ISD (FO-ISD) and forward backward ISD (FB-ISD) methods are developed under the proposed scheme. Compared with the existing spatial smoothing techniques, the proposed scheme can use more data information of the sample covariance matrix and also suppress the effect of additive noise more effectively. Simulation results show that both FO-ISD and FB-ISD can improve the estimation performance largely as compared to the others, in white or colored noise conditions. PMID:28837115

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

McKinney, M.J.; Jenkins, S.

Project JEM (Jarvis Enhancement of Males) is a pre-college program directed toward stimulating disadvantaged, talented African American males in grades four, five, and six to attend college and major in mathematics, science, computer science, or related technical areas needed by the US Department of Energy. Twenty young African American male students were recruited from Gladewater Independent School District (ISD), Longview ISD, Hawkins ISD, Tyler ISD, Winona ISD and big Sandy ISD. Students enrolled in the program range from ages 10 to 13 and are in grades four, five and six. Student participants in the 1997 Project JEM Program attended Saturdaymore » Academy sessions and a four week intensive, summer residential program. The information here provides a synopsis of the activities which were conducted through each program component.« less

Students as Library Detectives and Books as Clues: An Application of ISD in K-12 Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moore, Kimberly J.; Knowlton, Dave S.

2006-01-01

Instructional Systems Design (ISD) is the systematic development of instructional strategies that are grounded in both learning and instructional theory. ISD is usually overlooked as a useful methodology in K-12 schools. ISD is extremely expensive in terms of the time required to develop instruction, and it often seems more appropriate as an…

Chlamydomonas reinhardtii LFO1 Is an IsdG Family Heme Oxygenase

DOE PAGES

Lojek, Lisa J.; Farrand, Allison J.; Wisecaver, Jennifer H.; ...

2017-08-16

Heme is essential for respiration across all domains of life. However, heme accumulation can lead to toxicity if cells are unable to either degrade or export heme or its toxic by-products. Under aerobic conditions, heme degradation is performed by heme oxygenases, enzymes which utilize oxygen to cleave the tetrapyrrole ring of heme. The HO-1 family of heme oxygenases has been identified in both bacterial and eukaryotic cells, whereas the IsdG family has thus far been described only in bacteria. We identified a hypothetical protein in the eukaryotic green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, which encodes a protein containing an antibiotic biosynthesis monooxygenasemore » (ABM) domain consistent with those associated with IsdG family members. This protein, which we have named LFO1, degrades heme, contains similarities in predicted secondary structures to IsdG family members, and retains the functionally conserved catalytic residues found in all IsdG family heme oxygenases. These data establish LFO1 as an IsdG family member and extend our knowledge of the distribution of IsdG family members beyond bacteria. To gain further insight into the distribution of the IsdG family, we used the LFO1 sequence to identify 866 IsdG family members, including representatives from all domains of life. These results indicate that the distribution of IsdG family heme oxygenases is more expansive than previously appreciated, underscoring the broad relevance of this enzyme family. This work establishes a protein in the freshwater alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii as an IsdG family heme oxygenase. This protein, LFO1, exhibits predicted secondary structure and catalytic residues conserved in IsdG family members, in addition to a chloroplast localization sequence. Additionally, the catabolite that results from the degradation of heme by LFO1 is distinct from that of other heme degradation products. Using LFO1 as a seed, we performed phylogenetic analysis, revealing that the IsdG family is conserved in all domains of life. Also, C. reinhardtii contains two previously identified HO-1 family heme oxygenases, making C. reinhardtii the first organism shown to contain two families of heme oxygenases. These data indicate that C. reinhardtii may have unique mechanisms for regulating iron homeostasis within the chloroplast.« less

Chlamydomonas reinhardtii LFO1 Is an IsdG Family Heme Oxygenase

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

Lojek, Lisa J.; Farrand, Allison J.; Wisecaver, Jennifer H.

Heme is essential for respiration across all domains of life. However, heme accumulation can lead to toxicity if cells are unable to either degrade or export heme or its toxic by-products. Under aerobic conditions, heme degradation is performed by heme oxygenases, enzymes which utilize oxygen to cleave the tetrapyrrole ring of heme. The HO-1 family of heme oxygenases has been identified in both bacterial and eukaryotic cells, whereas the IsdG family has thus far been described only in bacteria. We identified a hypothetical protein in the eukaryotic green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, which encodes a protein containing an antibiotic biosynthesis monooxygenasemore » (ABM) domain consistent with those associated with IsdG family members. This protein, which we have named LFO1, degrades heme, contains similarities in predicted secondary structures to IsdG family members, and retains the functionally conserved catalytic residues found in all IsdG family heme oxygenases. These data establish LFO1 as an IsdG family member and extend our knowledge of the distribution of IsdG family members beyond bacteria. To gain further insight into the distribution of the IsdG family, we used the LFO1 sequence to identify 866 IsdG family members, including representatives from all domains of life. These results indicate that the distribution of IsdG family heme oxygenases is more expansive than previously appreciated, underscoring the broad relevance of this enzyme family. This work establishes a protein in the freshwater alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii as an IsdG family heme oxygenase. This protein, LFO1, exhibits predicted secondary structure and catalytic residues conserved in IsdG family members, in addition to a chloroplast localization sequence. Additionally, the catabolite that results from the degradation of heme by LFO1 is distinct from that of other heme degradation products. Using LFO1 as a seed, we performed phylogenetic analysis, revealing that the IsdG family is conserved in all domains of life. Also, C. reinhardtii contains two previously identified HO-1 family heme oxygenases, making C. reinhardtii the first organism shown to contain two families of heme oxygenases. These data indicate that C. reinhardtii may have unique mechanisms for regulating iron homeostasis within the chloroplast.« less

Influence of secondary structure on in-source decay of protein in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Takayama, Mitsuo; Osaka, Issey; Sakakura, Motoshi

2012-01-01

The susceptibility of the N-Cα bond of the peptide backbone to specific cleavage by in-source decay (ISD) in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI MS) was studied from the standpoint of the secondary structure of three proteins. A naphthalene derivative, 5-amino-1-naphtol (5,1-ANL), was used as the matrix. The resulting c'-ions, which originate from the cleavage at N-Cα bonds in flexible secondary structures such as turn and bend, and are free from intra-molecular hydrogen-bonded α-helix structure, gave relatively intense peaks. Furthermore, ISD spectra of the proteins showed that the N-Cα bonds of specific amino acid residues, namely Gly-Xxx, Xxx-Asp, and Xxx-Asn, were more susceptible to MALDI-ISD than other amino acid residues. This is in agreement with the observation that Gly, Asp and Asn residues usually located in turns, rather than α-helix. The results obtained indicate that protein molecules embedded into the matrix crystal in the MALDI experiments maintain their secondary structures as determined by X-ray crystallography, and that MALDI-ISD has the capability for providing information concerning the secondary structure of protein.

Association of imaging abnormalities of the subcallosal septal area with Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment.

PubMed

Gan, C L; O'Sullivan, M J; Metzler-Baddeley, C; Halpin, S

2017-11-01

To evaluate the use the distance between the adjacent septal nuclei as a surrogate marker of septal area atrophy seen in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Interseptal distance (ISD) was measured, blind to clinical details, in 250 patients who underwent computed tomography (CT) of the brain at University Hospital of Wales. Clinical details including memory problem history were retrieved. An ISD cut-off value that discriminated those with and without memory symptoms was sought. ISD measurements were also made in 20 AD patients. To test both the method and the defined cut-off, measurements were then made in an independent cohort of 21 mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients and 45 age-matched healthy controls, in a randomised and blinded fashion. ISD measurement was achieved in all patients. In 28 patients with memory symptoms, the mean ISD was 5.9 mm compared with 2.3 mm in those without overt symptoms (p=0.001). The optimum ISD cut-off value was 4 mm (sensitivity 85.7% and specificity 85.8%). All AD patients had an ISD of >4 mm (mean ISD= 6.1 mm). The mean ISD for MCI patients was 3.84 mm compared with 2.18 mm in age-matched healthy controls (p=0.001). Using a 4 mm cut-off correctly categorised 10 mild cognitive impairment patients (47.6%) and 38 healthy controls (84.4%). ISD is a simple and reliable surrogate measurement for septal area atrophy, applicable to CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It can be used to help select patients for further investigation. Copyright © 2017 The Royal College of Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

2-Aminobenzamide and 2-Aminobenzoic Acid as New MALDI Matrices Inducing Radical Mediated In-Source Decay of Peptides and Proteins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smargiasso, Nicolas; Quinton, Loic; de Pauw, Edwin

2012-03-01

One of the mechanisms leading to MALDI in-source decay (MALDI ISD) is the transfer of hydrogen radicals to analytes upon laser irradiation. Analytes such as peptides or proteins may undergo ISD and this method can therefore be exploited for top-down sequencing. When performed on peptides, radical-induced ISD results in production of c- and z-ions, as also found in ETD and ECD activation. Here, we describe two new compounds which, when used as MALDI matrices, are able to efficiently induce ISD of peptides and proteins: 2-aminobenzamide and 2-aminobenzoic acid. In-source reduction of the disulfide bridge containing peptide Calcitonin further confirmed the radicalar mechanism of the ISD process. ISD of peptides led, in addition to c- and z-ions, to the generation of a-, x-, and y-ions both in positive and in negative ion modes. Finally, good sequence coverage was obtained for the sequencing of myoglobin (17 kDa protein), confirming the effectiveness of both 2-aminobenzamide and 2-aminobenzoic acid as MALDI ISD matrices.

2-Aminobenzamide and 2-aminobenzoic acid as new MALDI matrices inducing radical mediated in-source decay of peptides and proteins.

PubMed

Smargiasso, Nicolas; Quinton, Loic; De Pauw, Edwin

2012-03-01

One of the mechanisms leading to MALDI in-source decay (MALDI ISD) is the transfer of hydrogen radicals to analytes upon laser irradiation. Analytes such as peptides or proteins may undergo ISD and this method can therefore be exploited for top-down sequencing. When performed on peptides, radical-induced ISD results in production of c- and z-ions, as also found in ETD and ECD activation. Here, we describe two new compounds which, when used as MALDI matrices, are able to efficiently induce ISD of peptides and proteins: 2-aminobenzamide and 2-aminobenzoic acid. In-source reduction of the disulfide bridge containing peptide Calcitonin further confirmed the radicalar mechanism of the ISD process. ISD of peptides led, in addition to c- and z-ions, to the generation of a-, x-, and y-ions both in positive and in negative ion modes. Finally, good sequence coverage was obtained for the sequencing of myoglobin (17 kDa protein), confirming the effectiveness of both 2-aminobenzamide and 2-aminobenzoic acid as MALDI ISD matrices.

A Monte Carlo Simulation Study of the Reliability of Intraindividual Variability

PubMed Central

Estabrook, Ryne; Grimm, Kevin J.; Bowles, Ryan P.

2012-01-01

Recent research has seen intraindividual variability (IIV) become a useful technique to incorporate trial-to-trial variability into many types of psychological studies. IIV as measured by individual standard deviations (ISDs) has shown unique prediction to several types of positive and negative outcomes (Ram, Rabbit, Stollery, & Nesselroade, 2005). One unanswered question regarding measuring intraindividual variability is its reliability and the conditions under which optimal reliability is achieved. Monte Carlo simulation studies were conducted to determine the reliability of the ISD compared to the intraindividual mean. The results indicate that ISDs generally have poor reliability and are sensitive to insufficient measurement occasions, poor test reliability, and unfavorable amounts and distributions of variability in the population. Secondary analysis of psychological data shows that use of individual standard deviations in unfavorable conditions leads to a marked reduction in statistical power, although careful adherence to underlying statistical assumptions allows their use as a basic research tool. PMID:22268793

lean-ISD.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wallace, Guy W.

2001-01-01

Explains lean instructional systems design/development (ISD) as it relates to curriculum architecture design, based on Japan's lean production system. Discusses performance-based systems; ISD models; processes for organizational training and development; curriculum architecture to support job performance; and modular curriculum development. (LRW)

[Mechanisms of retroviral immunosuppressive domain-induced immune modulation].

PubMed

Blinov, V M; Krasnov, G S; Shargunov, A V; Shurdov, M A; Zverev, V V

2013-01-01

Immunosuppressive domains (ISD) of viral envelope glycoproteins provide highly pathogenic phenotypes of various retroviruses. ISD interaction with immune cells leads to an inhibition of a response. In the 1980s it was shown that the fragment of ISD comprising of 17 amino acids (named CKS-17) is carrying out such immune modulation. However the underlying mechanisms were not known. The years of thorough research allowed to identify the regulation of Ras-Raf-MEK-MAPK and PI3K-AKT-mTOR cellular pathways as a result of ISD interaction with immune cells. By the way, this leads to decrease of secretion of stimulatory cytokines (e.g., IL-12) and increase of inhibitory, anti-inflammatory ones (e.g., IL-10). One of the receptor tyrosine kinases inducing signal in these pathways acts as the primary target of ISD while other key regulators--cAMP and diacylglycerol (DAG), act as secondary messengers of signal transduction. Immunosuppressive-like domains can be found not only in retroviruses; the presence of ISD within Ebola viral envelope glycoproteins caused extremely hard clinical course of virus-induced hemorrhagic fever. A number of retroviral-origin fragments encoding ISD can be found in the human genome. These regions are expressed in the placenta within genes of syncytins providing a tolerance of mother's immune system to an embryo. The present review is devoted to molecular aspects of retroviral ISD-induced modulation of host immune system.

MALDI In-Source Decay of Protein: The Mechanism of c-Ion Formation

PubMed Central

Takayama, Mitsuo

2016-01-01

The in-source decay (ISD) phenomenon, the fragmentation at an N–Cα bond of a peptide backbone that occurs within several tens of nanoseconds in the ion-source in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI MS), is discussed from the standpoints of the discovery and early publications dealing with MALDI-ISD, the formation of c-ions in energy-sudden desorption/ionization methods, the formation of radical species in a MALDI, model construction for ISD, and matrix materials that are suitable for use in MALDI-ISD. The formation of c-ions derived from peptides and proteins in MALDI-ISD can be rationalized by a mechanism involving intermolecular hydrogen transfer, denoted as the “Takayama’s model” by De Pauw’s group (Anal. Chem. 79: 8678–8685, 2007). It should be emphasized that the model for MALDI-ISD was constructed on the basis of X-ray crystallography and scanning probe microscopy (SPM) analyses of matrix crystals, as well as the use of isotopically-labelled peptides. PMID:27162707

Structural Couple Therapy in the Treatment of Inhibited Sexual Drive.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fish, Linda Stone; And Others

1994-01-01

Examined structural couple therapy approach to treatment of inhibited sexual desire (ISD). Results from clinical sample of 19 couples with ISD suggest that structural couple therapy approach to ISD is effective in reducing symptoms of sexual disorder and in increasing couple satisfaction. (Author/NB)

General Systems Theory and Instructional Systems Design.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Salisbury, David F.

1990-01-01

Describes basic concepts in the field of general systems theory (GST) and identifies commonalities that exist between GST and instructional systems design (ISD). Models and diagrams that depict system elements in ISD are presented, and two matrices that show how GST has been used in ISD literature are included. (11 references) (LRW)

Designing for the ISD Life Cycle.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wallace, Guy W.; Hybert, Peter R.; Smith, Kelly R.; Blecke, Brian D.

2002-01-01

Outlines the recent criticisms of traditional ISD (Instructional Systems Design) and discusses the implications that impact the life cycle costs of T&D (Training and Development) projects and their ROI (Return On Investment) potential. Describes a modified approach to ISD which mimics the modular approach of systems engineering design.…

Instructional System Development (ISD) in the Armed Services: Methodology and Application. Final Report, August 25, 1977 through March 19, 1979.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vineberg, Robert; Joyner, John N.

Instructional System Development (ISD) methodologies and practices were examined in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force, each of which prescribes the ISD system involving rigorous derivation of training requirements from job requirements, selection of instructional strategies to maximize training efficiency, and revision of instruction…

User-Centered Innovation: A Model for "Early Usability Testing."

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sugar, William A.; Boling, Elizabeth

The goal of this study is to show how some concepts and techniques from disciplines outside Instructional Systems Development (ISD) have the potential to extend and enhance the traditional view of ISD practice when they are employed very early in the ISD process. The concepts and techniques employed were user-centered in design and usability, and…

Inflammatory bowel disease is associated with an increased risk of inflammatory skin diseases: A population-based cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Kim, Miri; Choi, Kwang Hyun; Hwang, Se Won; Lee, Young Bok; Park, Hyun Jeong; Bae, Jung Min

2017-01-01

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract attributed to aberrant activity of the immune system. Increasing evidence suggests that patients with IBD are at an increased risk of inflammatory skin diseases (ISDs). We sought to clarify the association between IBD and ISDs using a nationwide health claims database maintained in Korea. We interrogated Korean health claim database data from 2009 to 2013. We enrolled all patients with IBD, and age- and sex-matched control subjects, and evaluated the risks of ISDs, including psoriasis, rosacea, and atopic dermatitis, and the risks of autoimmune skin diseases, including vitiligo and alopecia areata. We used multivariable logistic regression to this end. ISDs including rosacea, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis were significantly associated with IBD, whereas the associations between IBD and autoimmune skin diseases including vitiligo and alopecia areata were less marked or nonexistent. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease were both associated with ISDs. We were unable to distinguish phenotypes and severities of skin diseases. IBD was significantly associated with ISDs, but less so or not at all with autoimmune skin diseases. Copyright © 2016 American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Strategic self-regulation, decision-making and emotion processing in poly-substance abusers in their first year of abstinence.

PubMed

Verdejo-García, Antonio; Rivas-Pérez, Cristina; Vilar-López, Raquel; Pérez-García, Miguel

2007-01-12

Individuals with substance dependence (ISD) frequently show signs of impaired emotion processing, self-regulation and decision-making, even after prolonged abstinence from drug use and partial recovery of other neuropsychological functions. These impairments have been associated with alterations in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) in lesion and imaging studies. The aim of this study was to examine the performance of a group of ISD, who had been abstinent for at least 4 months, on a series of emotional perception, self-regulation and decision-making tests sensitive to OFC dysfunction. Thirty ISD (poly-substance abusers in their first year of abstinence) and 35 healthy comparison (HC) participants were in the study. We administered the Ekman Faces Test (EFT), the Revised Strategy Application Test (R-SAT) and the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) to both ISD and HC. Results showed that the ISD presented significant deficits in the recognition of facial emotional expressions and decision-making as measured by the EFT and the IGT. The ISD also showed poorer strategy awareness, impaired self-regulation and higher impulsivity on the R-SAT. We found significant correlations between the different measures linked to OFC functioning. We did not find significant correlations between length of abstinence and performance on these tests. These results suggest that the evaluation of emotion, self-regulation and decision-making contributes greatly to the characterization of the persistent deficits exhibited by ISD during prolonged abstinence.

Constraining the Origin of Impact Craters on Al Foils from the Stardust Interstellar Dust Collector

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stroud, Rhonda M.; Achilles, Cheri; Allen, Carlton; Ansari, Asna; Bajt, Sasa; Bassim, Nabil; Bastien, Ron S.; Bechtel, H. A.; Borg, Janet; Brenker, Frank E.;

The effectiveness of istradefylline for the treatment of gait deficits and sleepiness in patients with Parkinson's disease.

PubMed

Matsuura, Keita; Kajikawa, Hiroyuki; Tabei, Ken-Ichi; Satoh, Masayuki; Kida, Hirotaka; Nakamura, Naoko; Tomimoto, Hidekazu

2018-01-01

Istradefylline is useful in treating the wearing-off state in Parkinson's disease (PD). We investigated the effectiveness of istradefylline (ISD) in improving arousal, sleep, and gait deficits in patients with PD. We examined 14 patients with PD treated with ISD. We assessed the patients using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire, Timed Up-and-Go test (TUG), Freezing of Gait Questionnaire (FOG-Q), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Parkinson's Disease Sleep Scale (PDSS) before and 1 month after ISD use. ESS scores were significantly lower 1 month after the start of ISD treatment (6.79±6.50) than before the intervention (8.14±6.15, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, p=0.0033). PDSS scores were not significantly different 1 month after beginning the treatment (112±23mm) when compared to those before the intervention (110±27mm, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, p=0.40). TUG scores were not changed after 1 month of ISD use (14.9±8.3s) when compared to those before the intervention (21.3±30.0s, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, p=0.59). Although these measures were not significantly affected by ISD treatment, some patients remarkably improved after the treatment. FOG-Q scores were significantly lower 1 month after the beginning of treatment (9.79±7.16) than those before the intervention (12.14±5.82, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, p=0.030). ISD may improve daytime sleepiness and FOG in patients with PD. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Immunosuppressive Drug Discontinuation in Noninfectious Uveitis From Real-Life Clinical Practice: A Survival Analysis.

PubMed

Abásolo, Lydia; Rosales, Zulema; Díaz-Valle, David; Gómez-Gómez, Alejandro; Peña-Blanco, Rayma C; Prieto-García, Ángela; Benítez-Del-Castillo, José Manuel; Pato, Esperanza; García-Feijoo, Julián; Fernández-Gutiérrez, Benjamín; Rodriguez-Rodriguez, Luis

2016-09-01

To assess in uveitis patients the rate of immunosuppressive drug (ISD) discontinuation in real-life clinical practice, comparing this rate among ISDs. Longitudinal retrospective cohort study. We included uveitis patients attending a tertiary eye referral center from Madrid (Spain) between 1989 and 2015, prescribed any ISDs (cyclosporine, methotrexate, azathioprine, anti-TNF drugs, or others). Our main outcome was discontinuation of all ISDs owing to clinical efficacy, inefficacy, adverse drug reaction (ADR), and other medical causes. Discontinuation rates (DRs) per 100 patient-years were estimated. Variables associated with specific-cause discontinuations were analyzed using Cox bivariate and multivariate models. We analyzed 110 patients with 263 treatment courses and 665.2 patient-years of observation. Cyclosporine (66.4%), methotrexate (47.3%), azathioprine (30.9%), and anti-TNFs (30.9%) were the most frequently used ISDs. Treatment was suspended in 136 cases (mostly owing to clinical efficacy [38.2%], inefficacy [26.5%], and ADRs [22.8%]). All-cause DR with 95% confidence interval was 20.4 [17.3-24.2]. Retention rates at 1 and 10 years were 74% and 16%, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, combined treatment exhibited higher DRs owing to clinical efficacy than other ISDs in monotherapy. Conversely, nonbiologic combination therapy with azathioprine exhibited the highest DR owing to ADRs. Clinical efficacy was the most frequent cause for ISD discontinuation, followed by inefficacy and ADRs. DR owing to efficacy was higher for combination therapy. Furthermore, nonbiologic combination therapy with azathioprine was associated with a higher DR owing to ADRs. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Four Levels of Moral Conflict in ISD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vartiainen, Tero

This study introduces a literature-based classification of moral conflicts in information systems development (ISD). The classification describes what moral conflicts an IS professional confronts in ISD as a whole and includes intentional, functional, managerial, and societal levels. The internal structure of moral conflicts is exemplified by means of a philosophical and a business ethics theory. The limitations of the study are considered and practical implications for the teaching of computer ethics are discussed.

Fate of individual sewage disposal system wastewater within regolith in mountainous terrain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dano, Kathleen; Poeter, Eileen; Thyne, Geoff

2008-06-01

In order to improve understanding of the fate of septic tank or individual sewage disposal system (ISDS) effluent in regolith overlying fractured-rock aquifers, effluent from an ISDS in such a setting was tracked via geophysical, hydrological, and geochemical methods. Under typical precipitation conditions, the effluent entered the fractured bedrock within 5 m of the boundary of the constructed infiltration area. During a period of unusually high spring recharge, the plume migrated between 50 and 100 m within the regolith before infiltrating the fractured bedrock. The chemical signature of the effluent is similar to that required to account for the decline in water quality, suggesting a causative relationship (as estimated from mass-balance models of the surface-water chemistry near the mouth of the basin). The elevated salt content of the effluent during periods of high natural recharge to the infiltration area correlates with elevated salt concentrations in surface and groundwater at the basin scale, suggesting that some of the effluent salt load may be stored in the unsaturated zone during dry periods and flushed during periods of elevated natural recharge.

Differential expression of cysteine desulfurases in soybean

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Iron-sulfur [Fe-S] clusters are prosthetic groups required to sustain fundamental life processes including electron transfer, metabolic reactions, sensing, signaling, gene regulation and stabilization of protein structures. In plants, the biogenesis of Fe-S protein is compartmentalized and adapted to specific needs of the cell. Many environmental factors affect plant development and limit productivity and geographical distribution. The impact of these limiting factors is particularly relevant for major crops, such as soybean, which has worldwide economic importance. Results Here we analyze the transcriptional profile of the soybean cysteine desulfurases NFS1, NFS2 and ISD11 genes, involved in the biogenesis of [Fe-S] clusters, by quantitative RT-PCR. NFS1, ISD11 and NFS2 encoding two mitochondrial and one plastid located proteins, respectively, are duplicated and showed distinct transcript levels considering tissue and stress response. NFS1 and ISD11 are highly expressed in roots, whereas NFS2 showed no differential expression in tissues. Cold-treated plants showed a decrease in NFS2 and ISD11 transcript levels in roots, and an increased expression of NFS1 and ISD11 genes in leaves. Plants treated with salicylic acid exhibited increased NFS1 transcript levels in roots but lower levels in leaves. In silico analysis of promoter regions indicated the presence of different cis-elements in cysteine desulfurase genes, in good agreement with differential expression of each locus. Our data also showed that increasing of transcript levels of mitochondrial genes, NFS1/ISD11, are associated with higher activities of aldehyde oxidase and xanthine dehydrogenase, two cytosolic Fe-S proteins. Conclusions Our results suggest a relationship between gene expression pattern, biochemical effects, and transcription factor binding sites in promoter regions of cysteine desulfurase genes. Moreover, data show proportionality between NFS1 and ISD11 genes expression. PMID:22099069

Haploidentical transplant for myelodysplastic syndrome: registry-based comparison with identical sibling transplant.

PubMed

Wang, Y; Wang, H-X; Lai, Y-R; Sun, Z-M; Wu, D-P; Jiang, M; Liu, D-H; Xu, K-L; Liu, Q-F; Liu, L; Wang, J-B; Gao, F; Ou-Yang, J; Gao, S-J; Xu, L-P; Huang, X-J

2016-10-01

Encouraging results from a small sample of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) undergoing haploidentical donor (HID) hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) must be extended. Furthermore, an algorithm derived from a comparison of the outcomes of HID and identical-sibling donor (ISD) HSCT must be established. Therefore, the outcomes of 454 MDS patients who underwent HSCT from HIDs (n=226) or ISDs (n=228) between 2003 and 2013 that were reported to the Chinese Bone Marrow Transplantation Registry were analyzed. Among the 3/6 HID (n=136), 4-5/6 HID (n=90) and ISD patient groups, the 4-year adjusted cumulative incidences of non-relapse mortality were 34, 29 and 16%, respectively (overall P=0.004), and of relapse were 6, 7 and 10%, respectively (overall P=0.36). The 4-year adjusted probabilities of overall survival were 58, 63 and 73%, respectively (overall P=0.07), and of relapse-free-survival were 58, 63 and 71%, respectively (overall P=0.14); pairwise comparison showed that the difference was only statistically significant in the 3/6 HID vs ISD pair. The data suggest that ISDs remain the best donor source for MDS patients while HIDs (perhaps 4-5/6 HID in particular) could be a valid alternative when an ISD is not available; human leukocyte antigen disparity had no effect on survival among the HID patients.

Why Can't We Bet on ISD Outcomes: ISD ``Form'' as a Predictor of Success

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Newman, Mike; Pan, Shan L.; Pan, Gary

The record of failure to deliver large-scale information systems (IS) in a timely fashion that offer value to major commercial and public organizations is legendary. Just looking to critical success factors such as top management support and user involvement in order to understand how to deliver better systems can at best be a partial solution. We seem to overlook an obvious area in our organizations: what can we learn from our information system development (ISD) historical patterns? In order to develop this idea we draw on parallels in sport where current performance and behaviour are believed to be closely linked to historical precedents, or “form”. In that domain, historical patterns are a fallible but valuable predictor of success. Our thesis is that past negative patterns in ISD will tend to repeat themselves without radical intervention. Put another way, failure begets failure. After examining the game of football as an allegory for ISD, we look briefly at two organizations that have experienced a pattern of failure in the IS area in the past but have transformed the way they build IS, moving from negative patterns to successful ones. This chapter ends with suggestions for managers charged with developing new IS as to how they might use their understanding of ISD “form” to improve their chances of success.

PREFACE: 8th International Symposium of the Digital Earth (ISDE8)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2014-02-01

Proceedings of the 8th International Symposium of Digital Earth (8th ISDE) 2013 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, 26th-29th August, 2013 Conference logo This proceedings consists of the peer-reviewed papers from 8th International Symposium for Digital Earth (ISDE) held in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia during 26th-29th August, 2013. The 8th ISDE was a successful event in the Symposium Series of the International Society of Digital Earth, that was previously held in China (1999), Canada (2001), Czech Republic (2003), Japan (2005), the United States (2007), China (2009), and Australia (2011). The 8th ISDE, with the theme 'Transforming Knowledge into Sustainable Practice' aims to enable digital earth scientists, experts and professionals related to the field of geospatial science and technology to provide a brand new opportunity to share their ideas and insights on how we share knowledge and act together globally. In addition, the ISDE symposium series has been providing a venue for researchers and industry practitioners to discuss new ideas, collaborate to solve complex solutions to various complex problems, and importantly, pave new ways in digital earth environment. This 8th ISDE included 20 technical sessions, workshops and student sessions in various areas of digital earth; ranging from digital earth vision & innovation; earth observation technologies; ICT technologies (including spatial data infrastructures); empowering the community and engaging society; applications and innovation of digital earth for environmental applications such as hazard, pollution, flood, air quality, disaster and health, biodiversity, sustainability, forestry, early warning and emergency management, national security, natural resource management and agriculture; mining, energy and resources development; transformation towards sustainable low carbon society; digital city and green cities: towards urban sustainability; and managing water environment for sustainable development. The success of the 8th ISDE was due to commitments of many: authors, keynote speakers, session chairs, the organising committee, technical and scientific committee, student volunteers from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), and many others of various roles. We acknowledged all sponsors to 8th ISDE, namely Sarawak Convention Bureau, Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau, and ESRI. We also thanked all exhibitors and contributors of the 8th ISDE: TSKAY Technologies Sdn Bhd, Coordinates-India, Taylor & Francis-Singapore, Beijing Space Eye-China, RS&GIS Consultancy, CRCSI-Australia, Jurupro Sdn Bhd, Inst of Remote Sensing and Digital Earth (RADI)-China, Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia, SPECIM, Satellite Imaging (M) Sdn Bhd, IPASA-UTM, Sustainable Research Alliance-UTM, Sarawak Forest Department, International Society of Digital Earth-China, INSTeG-UTM, and UNIMAS. August 2013 Mazlan Hashim Samsudin Ahmad Yin Chai Wang Details of the organisation and committees are available in the PDF

Variation in practice: an analysis of Scottish Surgical Profiles ENT data.

PubMed

Yeo, J C L; Ah-See, K W; Mackenzie, K

2013-02-01

Variation in otolaryngology intervention rates is reported in the Scottish Surgical Profiles Project. Tonsillectomy is one of the selected key indicator procedures. The variation in practice was discussed nationally at the Scottish Otolaryngology Society summer meetings in 2009 and 2010. NHS Grampian had a significantly higher tonsillectomy rate compared with other Scottish NHS boards. To determine the accuracy of NHS Grampian data reported by the Information Service Division (ISD) and to record the appropriateness of listing of patients for tonsillectomy with reference to the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN). Retrospective review of case notes and surgical records of patients who had undergone tonsillectomy between March 2007 and March 2008 in NHS Grampian. Between March 2007 and March 2008, 509 tonsillectomy cases were performed in NHS Grampian. This corresponded to the data received from ISD. 87% of tonsillectomies performed were compliant with SIGN guidelines. The Scottish otolaryngology clinicians have found the reporting of the intervention rates stimulating and challenging. Discussion of the surgical profile project regularly at national specialty meetings resulted in a preliminary detailed targeted audit of those who were persistent outliers for tonsillectomy. This refuted the presumed reasons for this variation, namely inaccurate figures from ISD and inappropriate listings by clinicians.

Influence of sound source location on the behavior and physiology of the precedence effect in cats.

PubMed

Dent, Micheal L; Tollin, Daniel J; Yin, Tom C T

2009-08-01

Psychophysical experiments on the precedence effect (PE) in cats have shown that they localize pairs of auditory stimuli presented from different locations in space based on the spatial position of the stimuli and the interstimulus delay (ISD) between the stimuli in a manner similar to humans. Cats exhibit localization dominance for pairs of transient stimuli with |ISDs| from approximately 0.4 to 10 ms, summing localization for |ISDs| < 0.4 ms and breakdown of fusion for |ISDs| > 10 ms, which is the approximate echo threshold. The neural correlates to the PE have been described in both anesthetized and unanesthetized animals at many levels from auditory nerve to cortex. Single-unit recordings from the inferior colliculus (IC) and auditory cortex of cats demonstrate that neurons respond to both lead and lag sounds at ISDs above behavioral echo thresholds, but the response to the lag is reduced at shorter ISDs, consistent with localization dominance. Here the influence of the relative locations of the leading and lagging sources on the PE was measured behaviorally in a psychophysical task and physiologically in the IC of awake behaving cats. At all configurations of lead-lag stimulus locations, the cats behaviorally exhibited summing localization, localization dominance, and breakdown of fusion. Recordings from the IC of awake behaving cats show neural responses paralleling behavioral measurements. Both behavioral and physiological results suggest systematically shorter echo thresholds when stimuli are further apart in space.

Influence of Sound Source Location on the Behavior and Physiology of the Precedence Effect in Cats

PubMed Central

Dent, Micheal L.; Tollin, Daniel J.; Yin, Tom C. T.

2009-01-01

Psychophysical experiments on the precedence effect (PE) in cats have shown that they localize pairs of auditory stimuli presented from different locations in space based on the spatial position of the stimuli and the interstimulus delay (ISD) between the stimuli in a manner similar to humans. Cats exhibit localization dominance for pairs of transient stimuli with |ISDs| from ∼0.4 to 10 ms, summing localization for |ISDs| < 0.4 ms and breakdown of fusion for |ISDs| > 10 ms, which is the approximate echo threshold. The neural correlates to the PE have been described in both anesthetized and unanesthetized animals at many levels from auditory nerve to cortex. Single-unit recordings from the inferior colliculus (IC) and auditory cortex of cats demonstrate that neurons respond to both lead and lag sounds at ISDs above behavioral echo thresholds, but the response to the lag is reduced at shorter ISDs, consistent with localization dominance. Here the influence of the relative locations of the leading and lagging sources on the PE was measured behaviorally in a psychophysical task and physiologically in the IC of awake behaving cats. At all configurations of lead-lag stimulus locations, the cats behaviorally exhibited summing localization, localization dominance, and breakdown of fusion. Recordings from the IC of awake behaving cats show neural responses paralleling behavioral measurements. Both behavioral and physiological results suggest systematically shorter echo thresholds when stimuli are further apart in space. PMID:19439668

Generic Drugs - Decreasing Costs and Room for Increased Number of Kidney Transplantations.

PubMed

Spasovski, Goce

2015-01-01

Kidney transplantation is the best treatment option in comparison to dialysis, although patients are obliged to receive life-long medical treatment with immunosuppressive drugs (ISDs) for prevention of the graft rejection. Such immunosuppressive treatment may be costly and associated with multiple adverse effects. Since costs are viewed as one of the major constraints for the increasing number of transplantation, the use of generic ISDs may decrease the overall cost of transplantation and raise the possibility for its further development. An ideal ISD should have the security margin between toxic and therapeutic dose, and prevent development of acute or chronic rejection of the transplanted kidney. This is particularly important for drugs with a "narrow therapeutical index" (NTI), where small differences in dose or concentration lead to dose and concentration-dependent, serious therapeutic failures and/or adverse drug reactions. The NTI generic drug is approved if within 90%-112% of the area under the curve of the original product the pharmacokinetics fulfills the strict criteria of pharmaceutical equivalence and bioequivalence. Every generic has to be proven to be bioequivalent to the innovator product, and not to other generic products because of the possible generic "drift". Thus, the generic ISDs may be economically attractive, but theoretically, they may pose a risk to transplant patients. Such risks may be reduced if a long-term clinical studies showing cost-effectiveness of generic ISDs in de novo and prevalent transplant patients for every new generic ISD are performed. In conclusion, the increased number of solid organ transplantation goes in line with the increased health care expenditure for ISDs. The generic immunosuppressants could be a possible solution if safely substituted for innovator products or other generic drug of choice. The substantial cost reduction needs to be redirected into organ donation initiatives so that more patients can benefit from the further increase in transplantation.

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

Kertzscher, G; Beddar, S

Purpose: To study the promising potential of inorganic scintillator detectors (ISDs) and investigate various unwanted luminescence properties which may compromise their accuracy. Methods: The ISDs were comprised of a ruby crystal coupled to a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) fiber-optic cable and a charged coupled device camera. A new type of ISD was manufactured and included a long-pass filter that was sandwiched between the crystal and the fiber-optic cable. The purpose of the filter was to suppress the Cerenkov and fluorescence background light induced in the PMMA (the stem signal) from striking the ruby crystal, generating unwanted ruby excitation. A variety ofmore » experiments were performed to characterize the ruby based ISDs. The relative contribution of the induced ruby signal and the stem signal were quantified while exposing the detector and a bare fiber-optic cable to a high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy (BT) source, respectively. The unwanted ruby excitation was quantified while irradiating the fiber-optic cable with the detector volume shielded. Other experiments addressed time-dependent luminescence properties and a comparison to other commonly used organic scintillator detectors (BCF-12, BCF-60). Results: When the BT source dwelled 0.5 cm away from the fiber-optic cable, the unwanted ruby excitation amounted to >5% of the total signal if the source-distance from the scintillator was >7 cm. However, the unwanted excitation was suppressed to <1% if the ISD incorporated an optic filter. The stem signal was suppressed with a 20 nm band-pass filter and was <3% as long as the source-distance was <7 cm. The ruby based ISDs generated signal up to 20(40) times that of BCF-12(BCF-60). Conclusion: The study presents solutions to unwanted luminescence properties of ruby based ISDs for HDR BT. An optic filter should be sandwiched between the scintillator volume and the fiber-optic cable to prevent the stem signal to excite the ruby crystal.« less

JAK3 as an Emerging Target for Topical Treatment of Inflammatory Skin Diseases.

PubMed

Alves de Medeiros, Ana Karina; Speeckaert, Reinhart; Desmet, Eline; Van Gele, Mireille; De Schepper, Sofie; Lambert, Jo

2016-01-01

The recent interest and elucidation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway created new targets for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases (ISDs). JAK inhibitors in oral and topical formulations have shown beneficial results in psoriasis and alopecia areata. Patients suffering from other ISDs might also benefit from JAK inhibition. Given the development of specific JAK inhibitors, the expression patterns of JAKs in different ISDs needs to be clarified. We aimed to analyze the expression of JAK/STAT family members in a set of prevalent ISDs: psoriasis, lichen planus (LP), cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE), atopic dermatitis (AD), pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) and alopecia areata (AA) versus healthy controls for (p)JAK1, (p)JAK2, (p)JAK3, (p)TYK2, pSTAT1, pSTAT2 and pSTAT3. The epidermis carried in all ISDs, except for CLE, a strong JAK3 signature. The dermal infiltrate showed a more diverse expression pattern. JAK1, JAK2 and JAK3 were significantly overexpressed in PG and AD suggesting the need for pan-JAK inhibitors. In contrast, psoriasis and LP showed only JAK1 and JAK3 upregulation, while AA and CLE were characterized by a single dermal JAK signal (pJAK3 and pJAK1, respectively). This indicates that the latter diseases may benefit from more targeted JAK inhibitors. Our in vitro keratinocyte psoriasis model displayed reversal of the psoriatic JAK profile following tofacitinib treatment. This direct interaction with keratinocytes may decrease the need for deep skin penetration of topical JAK inhibitors in order to exert its effects on dermal immune cells. In conclusion, these results point to the important contribution of the JAK/STAT pathway in several ISDs. Considering the epidermal JAK3 expression levels, great interest should go to the investigation of topical JAK3 inhibitors as therapeutic option of ISDs.

Ruby-based inorganic scintillation detectors for 192Ir brachytherapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kertzscher, Gustavo; Beddar, Sam

2016-11-01

We tested the potential of ruby inorganic scintillation detectors (ISDs) for use in brachytherapy and investigated various unwanted luminescence properties that may compromise their accuracy. The ISDs were composed of a ruby crystal coupled to a poly(methyl methacrylate) fiber-optic cable and a charge-coupled device camera. The ISD also included a long-pass filter that was sandwiched between the ruby crystal and the fiber-optic cable. The long-pass filter prevented the Cerenkov and fluorescence background light (stem signal) induced in the fiber-optic cable from striking the ruby crystal, which generates unwanted photoluminescence rather than the desired radioluminescence. The relative contributions of the radioluminescence signal and the stem signal were quantified by exposing the ruby detectors to a high-dose-rate brachytherapy source. The photoluminescence signal was quantified by irradiating the fiber-optic cable with the detector volume shielded. Other experiments addressed time-dependent luminescence properties and compared the ISDs to commonly used organic scintillator detectors (BCF-12, BCF-60). When the brachytherapy source dwelled 0.5 cm away from the fiber-optic cable, the unwanted photoluminescence was reduced from  >5% to  <1% of the total signal as long as the ISD incorporated the long-pass filter. The stem signal was suppressed with a band-pass filter and was  <3% as long as the source distance from the scintillator was  <7 cm. Some ruby crystals exhibited time-dependent luminescence properties that altered the ruby signal by  >5% within 10 s from the onset of irradiation and after the source had retracted. The ruby-based ISDs generated signals of up to 20 times that of BCF-12-based detectors. The study presents solutions to unwanted luminescence properties of ruby-based ISDs for high-dose-rate brachytherapy. An optic filter should be sandwiched between the ruby crystal and the fiber-optic cable to suppress the photoluminescence. Furthermore, we recommend avoiding ruby crystals that exhibit significant time-dependent luminescence.

Ruby-based inorganic scintillation detectors for 192Ir brachytherapy

PubMed Central

Kertzscher, Gustavo; Beddar, Sam

2016-01-01

We tested the potential of ruby inorganic scintillation detectors (ISDs) for use in brachytherapy and investigated various unwanted luminescence properties that may compromise their accuracy. The ISDs were composed of a ruby crystal coupled to a poly(methyl methacrylate) fiber-optic cable and a charge-coupled device camera. The ISD also included a long-pass filter that was sandwiched between the ruby crystal and the fiber-optic cable. The long-pass filter prevented the Cerenkov and fluorescence background light (stem signal) induced in the fiber-optic cable from striking the ruby crystal, which generates unwanted photoluminescence rather than the desired radioluminescence. The relative contributions of the radioluminescence signal and the stem signal were quantified by exposing the ruby detectors to a high-dose-rate brachytherapy source. The photoluminescence signal was quantified by irradiating the fiber-optic cable with the detector volume shielded. Other experiments addressed time-dependent luminescence properties and compared the ISDs to commonly used organic scintillator detectors (BCF-12, BCF-60). When the brachytherapy source dwelled 0.5 cm away from the fiber-optic cable, the unwanted photoluminescence was reduced from > 5% to < 1% of the total signal as long as the ISD incorporated the long-pass filter. The stem signal was suppressed with a band-pass filter and was < 3% as long as the source distance from the scintillator was < 7 cm. Some ruby crystals exhibited time-dependent luminescence properties that altered the ruby signal by > 5% within 10 s from the onset of irradiation and after the source had retracted. The ruby-based ISDs generated signals of up to 20 times that of BCF-12-based detectors. The study presents solutions to unwanted luminescence properties of ruby-based ISDs for high-dose-rate brachytherapy. An optic filter should be sandwiched between the ruby crystal and the fiber-optic cable to suppress the photoluminescence. Furthermore, we recommend avoiding ruby crystals that exhibit significant time-dependent luminescence. PMID:27740947

Ruby-based inorganic scintillation detectors for 192Ir brachytherapy.

PubMed

Kertzscher, Gustavo; Beddar, Sam

2016-11-07

We tested the potential of ruby inorganic scintillation detectors (ISDs) for use in brachytherapy and investigated various unwanted luminescence properties that may compromise their accuracy. The ISDs were composed of a ruby crystal coupled to a poly(methyl methacrylate) fiber-optic cable and a charge-coupled device camera. The ISD also included a long-pass filter that was sandwiched between the ruby crystal and the fiber-optic cable. The long-pass filter prevented the Cerenkov and fluorescence background light (stem signal) induced in the fiber-optic cable from striking the ruby crystal, which generates unwanted photoluminescence rather than the desired radioluminescence. The relative contributions of the radioluminescence signal and the stem signal were quantified by exposing the ruby detectors to a high-dose-rate brachytherapy source. The photoluminescence signal was quantified by irradiating the fiber-optic cable with the detector volume shielded. Other experiments addressed time-dependent luminescence properties and compared the ISDs to commonly used organic scintillator detectors (BCF-12, BCF-60). When the brachytherapy source dwelled 0.5 cm away from the fiber-optic cable, the unwanted photoluminescence was reduced from  >5% to  <1% of the total signal as long as the ISD incorporated the long-pass filter. The stem signal was suppressed with a band-pass filter and was  <3% as long as the source distance from the scintillator was  <7 cm. Some ruby crystals exhibited time-dependent luminescence properties that altered the ruby signal by  >5% within 10 s from the onset of irradiation and after the source had retracted. The ruby-based ISDs generated signals of up to 20 times that of BCF-12-based detectors. The study presents solutions to unwanted luminescence properties of ruby-based ISDs for high-dose-rate brachytherapy. An optic filter should be sandwiched between the ruby crystal and the fiber-optic cable to suppress the photoluminescence. Furthermore, we recommend avoiding ruby crystals that exhibit significant time-dependent luminescence.

Dilated intercellular space diameter as marker of reflux-related mucosal injury in children with chronic cough and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

PubMed

Borrelli, O; Mancini, V; Thapar, N; Ribolsi, M; Emerenziani, S; de'Angelis, G; Bizzarri, B; Lindley, K J; Cicala, M

2014-04-01

The diagnostic corroboration of the relationship between gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and chronic cough remains challenging. To compare oesophageal mucosal intercellular space diameter (ISD) in children with GERD, children with gastro-oesophageal reflux (GER)-related cough (GrC) and a control group, and to explore the relationship between baseline impedance levels and dilated ISD in children with GER-related cough. Forty children with GERD, 15 children with GrC and 12 controls prospectively underwent oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with oesophageal biopsies taken 2-3 cm above squamocolumnar junction. ISD were quantified using transmission electron microscopy. Impedance-pH monitoring with evaluation of baseline impedance in the most distal impedance channel was performed in both patient groups. A significant difference in mean ISD values was found between GrC patients (0.9 ± 0.2 μm) and controls (0.5 ± 0.2 μm, P < 0.001), whereas there was no difference between GrC and GERD group (1 ± 0.3 μm, NS). No difference was found in the mean ISD between GrC children with or without pathological oesophageal acid exposure time (1 ± 0.3 vs. 0.9 ± 0.2 μm), and there was no correlation between ISD and any reflux parameter. Finally, there was no correlation between ISD and distal baseline impedance values (r:-0.35; NS). In children with reflux-related cough, dilated intercellular space diameter appears to be an objective and useful marker of oesophageal mucosal injury regardless of acid exposure, and its evaluation should be considered for those patients where the diagnosis is uncertain. In children with reflux-related cough, baseline impedance levels have no role in identifying reflux-induced oesophageal mucosal ultrastructural changes. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Can improvised somatic dance reduce acute pain for young people in hospital?

PubMed

Dowler, Lisa

2016-11-08

Aim This study explores the effects of improvised somatic dance (ISD) on children and young people experiencing acute pain following orthopaedic or cardiac surgery, or post-acquired brain injury. Methods The study involved 25 children and young people and adopted a mixed methods approach. This included a descriptive qualitative approach to help the participants and witnesses verbalise their experience of ISD, and pain scores were assessed before and after ISD using validated pain assessment tools. Data were analysed using descriptive statistical analysis. Findings A total of 92% of participants experienced a reduction in pain, with 80% experiencing a >50% reduction. There was an improved sense of well-being for all. Conclusion Although not a replacement for pharmacological treatments, a multidimensional, child-centred and inclusive approach with ISD can be a useful complementary, non-pharmacological method of pain management in children and young people.

Deduction of initial strategy distributions of agents in mix-game models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gou, Chengling

2006-11-01

This paper reports the effort of deducing the initial strategy distributions (ISDs) of agents in mix-game models that is used to predict a real financial time series generated from a target financial market. Using mix-games to predict Shanghai Index, we find that the time series of prediction accurate rates is sensitive to the ISDs of agents in group 2 who play a minority game, but less sensitive to the ISDs of agents in group 1 who play a majority game. And agents in group 2 tend to cluster in full strategy space (FSS) if the real financial time series has obvious tendency (upward or downward), otherwise they tend to scatter in FSS. We also find that the ISDs and the number of agents in group 1 influence the level of prediction accurate rates. Finally, this paper gives suggestion about further research.

Standardized pelvic floor exercises improve stress urinary incontinence in women with intrinsic sphincter deficiency.

PubMed

Lehmann, Corinne; Zipponi, Ingrid; Baumann, Marc U; Radlinger, Lorenz; Mueller, Michael D; Kuhn, Annette

2016-08-01

Pelvic floor rehabilitation is the conservative therapy of choice for women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The success rate of surgical procedures in SUI patients with intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) is low. The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of a standardized physiotherapy on patients with SUI and normotonic urethra and ISD. In this study, 64 patients with ISD and 69 patients with normotonic urethra were enrolled. Maximum urethral pressure (MUCP) >20 cm H2 O was considered as normotonic urethral pressure. Before and after physiotherapy MUCP was measured and cough testing was performed. Additionally, patient reported outcome was assessed using the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ). For statistical analyses Excel 2010 (Microsoft Inc; Redmond, Washington) and SPSS 20 (SPSS Inc; Chicago, Illinois) for Windows were used. Power calculation was based on the primary endpoint incontinence impact and general health. For power calculation, GraphPad Statmate version 2.00 for Windows was used. Sixty-four patients with ISD and 69 patients with normotonic urethra were included in the study. In SUI patients with normotonic and hypotonic urethra KHQ-scores regarding the primary endpoins "general health" and "incontinence impact" significantly improved following standardized physiotherapy. In both groups MUCP increased after physiotherapy. In SUI patients with ISD standardized physiotherapy resulted in a decreased incidence of a positive cough test. Standardized physiotherapy should be offered to patients with SUI and ISD. Long-term results are subject to future studies. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:711-716, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Autonomous Driver Based on an Intelligent System of Decision-Making.

PubMed

Czubenko, Michał; Kowalczuk, Zdzisław; Ordys, Andrew

The paper presents and discusses a system ( xDriver ) which uses an Intelligent System of Decision-making (ISD) for the task of car driving. The principal subject is the implementation, simulation and testing of the ISD system described earlier in our publications (Kowalczuk and Czubenko in artificial intelligence and soft computing lecture notes in computer science, lecture notes in artificial intelligence, Springer, Berlin, 2010, 2010, In Int J Appl Math Comput Sci 21(4):621-635, 2011, In Pomiary Autom Robot 2(17):60-5, 2013) for the task of autonomous driving. The design of the whole ISD system is a result of a thorough modelling of human psychology based on an extensive literature study. Concepts somehow similar to the ISD system can be found in the literature (Muhlestein in Cognit Comput 5(1):99-105, 2012; Wiggins in Cognit Comput 4(3):306-319, 2012), but there are no reports of a system which would model the human psychology for the purpose of autonomously driving a car. The paper describes assumptions for simulation, the set of needs and reactions (characterizing the ISD system), the road model and the vehicle model, as well as presents some results of simulation. It proves that the xDriver system may behave on the road as a very inexperienced driver.

Flexible Xxx–Asp/Asn and Gly–Xxx Residues of Equine Cytochrome c in Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization In-Source Decay Mass Spectrometry

PubMed Central

Takayama, Mitsuo

2012-01-01

The backbone flexibility of a protein has been studied from the standpoint of the susceptibility of amino acid residues to in-source decay (ISD) in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI MS). Residues more susceptible to MALDI-ISD, namely Xxx–Asp/Asn and Gly–Xxx, were identified from the discontinuous intense peak of c′-ions originating from specific cleavage at N–Cα bonds of the backbone of equine cytochrome c. The identity of the residues susceptible to ISD was consistent with the known flexible backbone amides as estimated by hydrogen/deuterium exchange (HDX) experiments. The identity of these flexible amino acid residues (Asp, Asn, and Gly) is consistent with the fact that these residues are preferred in flexible secondary structure free from intramolecular hydrogen-bonded structures such as α-helix and β-sheet. The MALDI-ISD spectrum of equine cytochrome c gave not only intense N-terminal side c′-ions originating from N–Cα bond cleavage at Xxx–Asp/Asn and Gly–Xxx residues, but also C-terminal side complement z′-ions originating from the same cleavage sites. The present study implies that MALDI-ISD can give information about backbone flexibility of proteins, comparable with the protection factors estimated by HDX. PMID:24349908

Flexible xxx-asp/asn and gly-xxx residues of equine cytochrome C in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization in-source decay mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Takayama, Mitsuo

2012-01-01

The backbone flexibility of a protein has been studied from the standpoint of the susceptibility of amino acid residues to in-source decay (ISD) in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI MS). Residues more susceptible to MALDI-ISD, namely Xxx-Asp/Asn and Gly-Xxx, were identified from the discontinuous intense peak of c'-ions originating from specific cleavage at N-Cα bonds of the backbone of equine cytochrome c. The identity of the residues susceptible to ISD was consistent with the known flexible backbone amides as estimated by hydrogen/deuterium exchange (HDX) experiments. The identity of these flexible amino acid residues (Asp, Asn, and Gly) is consistent with the fact that these residues are preferred in flexible secondary structure free from intramolecular hydrogen-bonded structures such as α-helix and β-sheet. The MALDI-ISD spectrum of equine cytochrome c gave not only intense N-terminal side c'-ions originating from N-Cα bond cleavage at Xxx-Asp/Asn and Gly-Xxx residues, but also C-terminal side complement z'-ions originating from the same cleavage sites. The present study implies that MALDI-ISD can give information about backbone flexibility of proteins, comparable with the protection factors estimated by HDX.

Effectiveness of midurethral slings in intrinsic sphincteric-related stress urinary incontinence.

PubMed

Lim, Yik N; Dwyer, Peter L

2009-10-01

Previous literature has shown that urodynamic evidence of intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) decreases the surgical success of traditional antistress incontinence surgeries. The aim of this review is to assess recent evidence on the effectiveness of the increasingly popular midurethral slings (MUS) in women with ISD and stress urinary incontinence. Using the ISD definition of maximum urethral closure pressure of 20 cm H2O or less and/or abdominal/valsalva leak point pressure of 60 cm H2O or less, current literature would suggest that the effectiveness of retropubic MUS is reduced but remained acceptable in women with stress urinary incontinence and ISD. There are conflicting data on whether coexisting poor urethral mobility could further compromise surgical success. Of note, there is now emerging evidence to suggest that transobturator tapes are associated with much higher failure rates in this setting and retropubic MUS should be used instead. Currently, there is too little data on the new single-incision mini-slings for any recommendation of use in women with stress incontinence with good or poor intrinsic urethral function. MUS is an effective treatment for stress urinary incontinence. However, when urodynamic evidence of ISD is present, the retropubic approach may be preferable to the transobturator approach.

Stardust Interstellar Preliminary Examination X: Impact Speeds and Directions of Interstellar Grains on the Stardust Dust Collector

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sterken, Veerle J.; Westphal, Andrew J.; Altobelli, Nicolas; Grun, Eberhard; Hillier, Jon K.; Postberg, Frank; Allen, Carlton; Stroud, Rhonda M.; Sandford, S. A.; Zolensky, Michael E.

2014-01-01

On the basis of an interstellar dust model compatible with Ulysses and Galileo observations, we calculate and predict the trajectories of interstellar dust (ISD) in the solar system and the distribution of the impact speeds, directions, and flux of ISD particles on the Stardust Interstellar Dust Collector during the two collection periods of the mission. We find that the expected impact velocities are generally low (less than 10 km per second) for particles with the ratio of the solar radiation pressure force to the solar gravitational force beta greater than 1, and that some of the particles will impact on the cometary side of the collector. If we assume astronomical silicates for particle material and a density of 2 grams per cubic centimeter, and use the Ulysses measurements and the ISD trajectory simulations, we conclude that the total number of (detectable) captured ISD particles may be on the order of 50. In companion papers in this volume, we report the discovery of three interstellar dust candidates in the Stardust aerogel tiles. The impact directions and speeds of these candidates are consistent with those calculated from our ISD propagation model, within the uncertainties of the model and of the observations.

Traumatic inferior shoulder dislocation: a review of management and outcome.

PubMed

Nambiar, Mithun; Owen, David; Moore, Peter; Carr, Ashley; Thomas, Malcolm

2018-02-01

Traumatic inferior shoulder dislocation (ISD) is rare, estimated to occur in 0.5% of all shoulder dislocations. We describe the demographics, natural history and outcome of this injury. The aim of the study is to provide a summary of the demographics, clinical presentation, management and outcome of patients who suffer ISD METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of the English language literature on ISD using PubMed, Medline, CINHAL, Cochrane Database and Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews. Articles were examined independently by two of the authors and data were extracted using a standard form. Descriptive statistics were performed. 199 patients were identified, from 101 articles. Mean age was 44 years (range 13-94 years). All cases were caused by trauma, with falls accounting for 44% of all cases. There were three reported cases (2%) of open dislocations and 29 cases (15%) of bilateral ISD. Proximal humerus and scapular fractures were reported in 39 and 8% of patients, respectively. Neurological injury after dislocation was noted in 58 patients (29%). Vascular injury was noted in 20 patients (10%), which included axillary arterial injury in 19 patients and an upper limb deep vein thrombosis in one patient. Follow-up data were available for 107 patients (54%), with an average duration of 2.7 years (1 week-32 years). Avascular necrosis (AVN) was noted between 8 weeks and 2 years after initial injury in three patients (1.5%). Clinical and radiographic assessment of ISD is key to diagnosis and successful reduction. Patients can be treated with shoulder immobilisation for 2-3 weeks. In the setting of ongoing pain or instability, further imaging should be performed. The outcome of ISD is generally favourable.

Structure of human Fe-S assembly subcomplex reveals unexpected cysteine desulfurase architecture and acyl-ACP-ISD11 interactions.

PubMed

Cory, Seth A; Van Vranken, Jonathan G; Brignole, Edward J; Patra, Shachin; Winge, Dennis R; Drennan, Catherine L; Rutter, Jared; Barondeau, David P

2017-07-03

In eukaryotes, sulfur is mobilized for incorporation into multiple biosynthetic pathways by a cysteine desulfurase complex that consists of a catalytic subunit (NFS1), LYR protein (ISD11), and acyl carrier protein (ACP). This NFS1-ISD11-ACP (SDA) complex forms the core of the iron-sulfur (Fe-S) assembly complex and associates with assembly proteins ISCU2, frataxin (FXN), and ferredoxin to synthesize Fe-S clusters. Here we present crystallographic and electron microscopic structures of the SDA complex coupled to enzyme kinetic and cell-based studies to provide structure-function properties of a mitochondrial cysteine desulfurase. Unlike prokaryotic cysteine desulfurases, the SDA structure adopts an unexpected architecture in which a pair of ISD11 subunits form the dimeric core of the SDA complex, which clarifies the critical role of ISD11 in eukaryotic assemblies. The different quaternary structure results in an incompletely formed substrate channel and solvent-exposed pyridoxal 5'-phosphate cofactor and provides a rationale for the allosteric activator function of FXN in eukaryotic systems. The structure also reveals the 4'-phosphopantetheine-conjugated acyl-group of ACP occupies the hydrophobic core of ISD11, explaining the basis of ACP stabilization. The unexpected architecture for the SDA complex provides a framework for understanding interactions with acceptor proteins for sulfur-containing biosynthetic pathways, elucidating mechanistic details of eukaryotic Fe-S cluster biosynthesis, and clarifying how defects in Fe-S cluster assembly lead to diseases such as Friedreich's ataxia. Moreover, our results support a lock-and-key model in which LYR proteins associate with acyl-ACP as a mechanism for fatty acid biosynthesis to coordinate the expression, Fe-S cofactor maturation, and activity of the respiratory complexes.

Design for Effective Staff Development.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Seagren, Alan T.

This paper presents a model for designing an effective staff development program. The rationale, philosophy, and instructional design utilized in the instructional Staff Development (ISD) program provides the basis for the design presented. The ISD program was conceptualized, developed, pilot tested, and field tested as a cooperative research…

What Should Instructional Designers Know about General Systems Theory?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Salisbury, David F.

1989-01-01

Describes basic concepts in the field of general systems theory (GST) and explains the relationship between instructional systems design (ISD) and GST. Benefits of integrating GST into the curriculum of ISD graduate programs are discussed, and a short bibliography on GST is included. (LRW)

Behavior Analysis in Distance Education: A Systems Approach.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Coldeway, Dan O.

1987-01-01

Describes a model of instructional theory relevant to individualized distance education that is based on Keller's Personalized System of Instruction (PSI), behavior analysis, and the instructional systems development model (ISD). Systems theory is emphasized, and ISD and behavior analysis are discussed as cybernetic processes. (LRW)

Structure and functional dynamics of the mitochondrial Fe/S cluster synthesis complex.

PubMed

Boniecki, Michal T; Freibert, Sven A; Mühlenhoff, Ulrich; Lill, Roland; Cygler, Miroslaw

2017-11-03

Iron-sulfur (Fe/S) clusters are essential protein cofactors crucial for many cellular functions including DNA maintenance, protein translation, and energy conversion. De novo Fe/S cluster synthesis occurs on the mitochondrial scaffold protein ISCU and requires cysteine desulfurase NFS1, ferredoxin, frataxin, and the small factors ISD11 and ACP (acyl carrier protein). Both the mechanism of Fe/S cluster synthesis and function of ISD11-ACP are poorly understood. Here, we present crystal structures of three different NFS1-ISD11-ACP complexes with and without ISCU, and we use SAXS analyses to define the 3D architecture of the complete mitochondrial Fe/S cluster biosynthetic complex. Our structural and biochemical studies provide mechanistic insights into Fe/S cluster synthesis at the catalytic center defined by the active-site Cys of NFS1 and conserved Cys, Asp, and His residues of ISCU. We assign specific regulatory rather than catalytic roles to ISD11-ACP that link Fe/S cluster synthesis with mitochondrial lipid synthesis and cellular energy status.

Comparison of thermal and microwave paleointensity estimates in specimens that violate Thellier's laws

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grappone, J. M., Jr.; Biggin, A. J.; Barrett, T. J.; Hill, M. J.

2017-12-01

Deep in the Earth, thermodynamic behavior drives the geodynamo and creates the Earth's magnetic field. Determining how the strength of the field, its paleointensity (PI), varies with time, is vital to our understanding of Earth's evolution. Thellier-style paleointensity experiments assume the presence of non-interacting, single domain (SD) magnetic particles, which follow Thellier's laws. Most natural rocks however, contain larger, multi-domain (MD) or interacting single domain (ISD) particles that often violate these laws and cause experiments to fail. Even for samples that pass reliability criteria designed to minimize the impact of MD or ISD grains, different PI techniques can give systematically different estimates, implying violation of Thellier's laws. Our goal is to identify any disparities in PI results that may be explainable by protocol-specific MD and ISD behavior and determine optimum methods to maximize accuracy. Volcanic samples from the Hawai'ian SOH1 borehole previously produced method-dependent PI estimates. Previous studies showed consistently lower PI values when using a microwave (MW) system and the perpendicular method than using the original thermal Thellier-Thellier (OT) technique. However, the data were ambiguous regarding the cause of the discrepancy. The diverging estimates appeared to be either the result of using OT instead of the perpendicular method or the result of using MW protocols instead of thermal protocols. Comparison experiments were conducted using the thermal perpendicular method and microwave OT technique to bridge the gap. Preliminary data generally show that the perpendicular method gives lower estimates than OT for comparable Hlab values. MW estimates are also generally lower than thermal estimates using the same protocol.

Integrated service delivery networks for seniors: early perceptions of family physicians.

PubMed

Milette, Linda; Hébert, Réjean; Veil, Anne

2005-08-01

To document the early perceptions of family physicians regarding integrated service delivery (ISD) networks a few weeks before and 6 months after establishing these networks and to identify obstacles to using case managers. Cross-sectional survey with two questionnaires mailed 6 months apart. Three regional municipalities (one urban and two rural) in the Eastern Townships of Quebec. All family physicians in the three areas (n = 267). A total of 124 physicians (of 206 eligible; 60% response rate) answered the first questionnaire, and 104 of these the second (86% response rate). The first questionnaire asked what family physicians thought about ISD networks and the emerging case management function, and whether they were interested in participating in ISD networks. The second measured physicians' participation in ISD networks, asked whether their perceptions of case management had changed, and identified obstacles to using case managers. Nearly all (98%) respondents to the preimplementation questionnaire believed that family physicians will increasingly have to belong to ISD networks. Very few (8.2%), however, felt involved or consulted in decisions about developing and implementing these networks. More than one quarter (27%) did not know that an ISD network for older people would be established in their area, and 84.3% did not feel sufficiently informed to be involved. Most family physicians (85.7%) said they were interested in using case managers. Six months after implementation, 70.2% of physicians knew that case managers were available; 35.6% had used a case manager. During implementation, physicians' opinions about case management were slightly less positive than they had been. The three main obstacles to using case managers were forgetting to use them (69.1%), the habit of using social workers instead (63.6%), and not knowing how to contact them (59.4%). Physicians are interested in participating in ISD networks and working with case managers. They must be better informed, however, about the availability of case managers, how they can reach case managers, case managers' precise role, and the advantages to themselves and their patients of using these services.

Integrated service delivery networks for seniors

PubMed Central

Milette, Linda; Hébert, Réjean; Veil, Anne

2005-01-01

OBJECTIVE To document the early perceptions of family physicians regarding integrated service delivery (ISD) networks a few weeks before and 6 months after establishing these networks and to identify obstacles to using case managers. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey with two questionnaires mailed 6 months apart. SETTING Three regional municipalities (one urban and two rural) in the Eastern Townships of Quebec. PARTICIPANTS All family physicians in the three areas (n = 267). A total of 124 physicians (of 206 eligible; 60% response rate) answered the first questionnaire, and 104 of these the second (86% response rate). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The first questionnaire asked what family physicians thought about ISD networks and the emerging case management function, and whether they were interested in participating in ISD networks. The second measured physicians’ participation in ISD networks, asked whether their perceptions of case management had changed, and identified obstacles to using case managers. RESULTS Nearly all (98%) respondents to the preimplementation questionnaire believed that family physicians will increasingly have to belong to ISD networks. Very few (8.2%), however, felt involved or consulted in decisions about developing and implementing these networks. More than one quarter (27%) did not know that an ISD network for older people would be established in their area, and 84.3% did not feel sufficiently informed to be involved. Most family physicians (85.7%) said they were interested in using case managers. Six months after implementation, 70.2% of physicians knew that case managers were available; 35.6% had used a case manager. During implementation, physicians’ opinions about case management were slightly less positive than they had been. The three main obstacles to using case managers were forgetting to use them (69.1%), the habit of using social workers instead (63.6%), and not knowing how to contact them (59.4%). CONCLUSION Physicians are interested in participating in ISD networks and working with case managers. They must be better informed, however, about the availability of case managers, how they can reach case managers, case managers’ precise role, and the advantages to themselves and their patients of using these services. PMID:16926947

The birth canal: correlation between the pubic arch angle, the interspinous diameter, and the obstetrical conjugate: a computed tomography biometric study in reproductive age women.

PubMed

Perlman, Sharon; Raviv-Zilka, Lisa; Levinsky, Denis; Gidron, Ayelet; Achiron, Reuven; Gilboa, Yinon; Kivilevitch, Zvi

2018-04-22

Assessment of pelvic configuration is an important factor in the prediction of a successful vaginal birth. However, manual evaluation of the pelvis is practically a vanishing art, and imaging techniques are not available as a real-time bed-side tool. Unlike the obstetrical conjugate diameter (OC) and inter spinous diameter (ISD), the pubic arch angle (PAA) can be easily measured by transperineal ultrasound. Three-dimensional computed tomography bone reconstructions were used to measure the three main birth canal diameters, evaluate the correlation between them, and establish the normal reference range for the inlet, mid-, and pelvic outlet. Measurements of the PAA, obstetric conjugate (OC), and ISD were performed offline using three-dimensional post processing reconstruction in bone algorithm application of the pelvis on examinations performed for suspected renal colic in nonpregnant reproductive age woman. The mean of two measurements was used for statistical analysis which included reproducibility of measurements, regression curve estimation between PAA, OC, and ISD, and calculation of the respective reference range centiles for each PAA degree. Two hundred ninety-eight women comprised the study group. The mean ± SD of the PAA, ISD, and OC were 104.9° (±7.4), 103.8 mm (±7.3), and 129.9 mm (±8.3), respectively. The intra- and interobserver agreement defined by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was excellent for all parameters (range 0.905-0.993). A significant positive correlation was found between PAA and ISD and between PAA and OCD (Pearson's correlation = 0.373 (p < .001), and 0.163 (p = .022), respectively). The best regression formula was found with quadratic regression for inter spinous diameter (ISD): 34.122778 + (0.962182*PAA - 0.002830*PAA 2 ), and linear regression for obstetric conjugate (OC): 110.638397 + 0.183156*PAA. Modeled mean, SD, and reference centiles of the ISD and OCD were calculated using the above regression models as function of the PAA. We report significant correlation between the three pelvic landmarks with greatest impact on the prediction of a successful vaginal delivery: the PAA which is easily measured sonographically and the ISD and OC which are not measurable by ultrasound. This correlation may serve as a basis for future studies to assess its utility and prognostic value for a safe vaginal delivery.

Fundamental study of hydrogen-attachment-induced peptide fragmentation occurring in the gas phase and during the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization process.

PubMed

Asakawa, Daiki; Takahashi, Hidenori; Iwamoto, Shinichi; Tanaka, Koichi

2018-05-09

Mass spectrometry with hydrogen-radical-mediated fragmentation techniques has been used for the sequencing of proteins/peptides. The two methods, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization in-source decay (MALDI-ISD) and hydrogen attachment/abstraction dissociation (HAD) are known as hydrogen-radical-mediated fragmentation techniques. MALDI-ISD occurs during laser induced desorption processes, whereas HAD utilizes the association of hydrogen with peptide ions in the gas phase. In this study, the general mechanisms of MALDI-ISD and HAD of peptides were investigated. We demonstrated the fragmentation of four model peptides and investigated the fragment formation pathways using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The current experimental and computational joint study indicated that MALDI-ISD and HAD produce aminoketyl radical intermediates, which immediately undergo radical-induced cleavage at the N-Cα bond located on the C-terminal side of the radical site, leading to the c'/z˙ fragment pair. In the case of MALDI-ISD, the z˙ fragments undergo a subsequent reaction with the matrix to give z' and matrix adducts of the z fragments. In contrast, the c' and z˙ fragments react with hydrogen atoms during the HAD processes, and various fragment species, such as c˙, c', z˙ and z', were observed in the HAD-MS/MS mass spectra.

Integrated specialty service readiness in health reform: connections in haemophilia comprehensive care.

PubMed

Pritchard, A M; Page, D

2008-05-01

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified primary healthcare reform as a global priority whereby innovative practice changes are directed at improving health. This transformation to health reform in haemophilia service requires clarification of comprehensive care to reflect the WHO definition of health and key elements of primary healthcare reform. While comprehensive care supports effective healthcare delivery, comprehensive care must also be regarded beyond immediate patient management to reflect the broader system purpose in the care continuum with institutions, community agencies and government. Furthermore, health reform may be facilitated through integrated service delivery (ISD). ISD in specialty haemophilia care has the potential to reduce repetition of assessments, enhance care plan communication between providers and families, provide 24-h access to care, improve information availability regarding care quality and outcomes, consolidate access for multiple healthcare encounters and facilitate family self-efficacy and autonomy [1]. Three core aspects of ISD have been distinguished: clinical integration, information management and technology and vertical integration in local communities [2]. Selected examples taken from Canadian haemophilia comprehensive care illustrate how practice innovations are bridged with a broader system level approach and may support initiatives in other contexts. These innovations are thought to indicate readiness regarding ISD. Reflecting on the existing capacity of haemophilia comprehensive care teams will assist providers to connect and direct their existing strengths towards ISD and health reform.

Improved design of dynamic vibration absorber by using the inerter and its application in vehicle suspension

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Yujie; Chen, Long; Yang, Xiaofeng; Shi, Dehua; Yang, Jun

2016-01-01

Inerter is a recently proposed mechanical element with two terminals. The novelty of this paper is to present the improved design which aims to add traditional dynamic vibration absorber to the vehicle body by using the inerter. Based on this background, a new vehicle suspension structure called ISD suspension, including the inerter, spring and damper has been created. A dual-mass vibration model including the ISD suspension is considered in this study. Parameters are obtained by using the genetic optimizing algorithm. The frequency-domain simulation confirms that the ISD suspension can effectively improve the damping performance of the suspension system, especially at the offset frequency of the vehicle body, which is consistent with the feature of the dynamic vibration absorber added to the vehicle body mass. At last, a prototype ball screw inerter has been designed and the bench test of a quarter-car model has been undertaken. Under the conditions of the random road input, the vehicle ride comfort evaluation of body acceleration RMS value decreases by 4% at most, the suspension deflection RMS value decreases by 16% at most, the tire dynamic load RMS value decreases by 6% at most. Power spectral density results also indicate that the ISD suspension has superior damping performance than passive suspension which proves that the proposed ISD suspension is deemed effective.

Integrating Cognitive Task Analysis into Instructional Systems Development.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ryder, Joan M.; Redding, Richard E.

1993-01-01

Discussion of instructional systems development (ISD) focuses on recent developments in cognitive task analysis and describes the Integrated Task Analysis Model, a framework for integrating cognitive and behavioral task analysis methods within the ISD model. Three components of expertise are analyzed: skills, knowledge, and mental models. (96…

Developing Instructional Technology Products Using Effective Project Management Practices

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Allen, Stephanie; Hardin, Paul C.

2008-01-01

Delivering a successful instructional technology (IT) product depends on more than just having an extremely creative instructional solution or following an instructional systems design (ISD) model. Proper planning, direction, and execution of the project are require, as well. We present a model of management that encompasses the ISD process. Five…

Reconceiving ISD: Three Perspectives on Rapid Prototyping as a Paradigm Shift.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rathbun, Gail A.; And Others

Confronting recent design challenges, instructional designers have latched onto adaptive procedural techniques from outside the Instructional Systems Design (ISD) field. This discussion of rapid prototyping (RP) examines the perspectives of: (1) the prototype as the designer"s cognitive tool; (2) the designer as co-inquirer; and (3) the…

Investigating Reliabilities of Intraindividual Variability Indicators

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wang, Lijuan; Grimm, Kevin J.

2012-01-01

Reliabilities of the two most widely used intraindividual variability indicators, "ISD[superscript 2]" and "ISD", are derived analytically. Both are functions of the sizes of the first and second moments of true intraindividual variability, the size of the measurement error variance, and the number of assessments within a burst. For comparison,…

ISD3: a particokinetic model for predicting the combined effects of particle sedimentation, diffusion and dissolution on cellular dosimetry for in vitro systems.

PubMed

Thomas, Dennis G; Smith, Jordan N; Thrall, Brian D; Baer, Donald R; Jolley, Hadley; Munusamy, Prabhakaran; Kodali, Vamsi; Demokritou, Philip; Cohen, Joel; Teeguarden, Justin G

2018-01-25

The development of particokinetic models describing the delivery of insoluble or poorly soluble nanoparticles to cells in liquid cell culture systems has improved the basis for dose-response analysis, hazard ranking from high-throughput systems, and now allows for translation of exposures across in vitro and in vivo test systems. Complimentary particokinetic models that address processes controlling delivery of both particles and released ions to cells, and the influence of particle size changes from dissolution on particle delivery for cell-culture systems would help advance our understanding of the role of particles and ion dosimetry on cellular toxicology. We developed ISD3, an extension of our previously published model for insoluble particles, by deriving a specific formulation of the Population Balance Equation for soluble particles. ISD3 describes the time, concentration and particle size dependent dissolution of particles, their delivery to cells, and the delivery and uptake of ions to cells in in vitro liquid test systems. We applied the model to calculate the particle and ion dosimetry of nanosilver and silver ions in vitro after calibration of two empirical models, one for particle dissolution and one for ion uptake. Total media ion concentration, particle concentration and total cell-associated silver time-courses were well described by the model, across 2 concentrations of 20 and 110 nm particles. ISD3 was calibrated to dissolution data for 20 nm particles as a function of serum protein concentration, but successfully described the media and cell dosimetry time-course for both particles at all concentrations and time points. We also report the finding that protein content in media affects the initial rate of dissolution and the resulting near-steady state ion concentration in solution for the systems we have studied. By combining experiments and modeling, we were able to quantify the influence of proteins on silver particle solubility, determine the relative amounts of silver ions and particles in exposed cells, and demonstrate the influence of particle size changes resulting from dissolution on particle delivery to cells in culture. ISD3 is modular and can be adapted to new applications by replacing descriptions of dissolution, sedimentation and boundary conditions with those appropriate for particles other than silver.

The New ISD: Applying Cognitive Strategies to Instructional Design.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clark, Ruth Colvin

2002-01-01

Discusses cognitive models of instruction that can help develop new models of Instructional Systems Design (ISD) that include cognitive task analysis to identify mental models; constructive assumptions of learning; working memory and long-term memory; retrieval of new knowledge and skills from long-term memory; and support of metacognitive skills.…

Group Performance in Information Systems Project Groups: An Empirical Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bahli, Bouchaib; Buyukkurt, Meral Demirbag

2005-01-01

The importance of teamwork in Information Systems Development (ISD) practice and education has been acknowledged but not studied extensively to date. This paper tests a model of how groups participating in ISD projects perform and examines the relationships between some antecedents of this performance based on group research theory well…

Visibility into the Work: TQM Work Process Analysis with HPT and ISD.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beagles, Charles A.; Griffin, Steven L.

2003-01-01

Discusses the use of total quality management (TQM), work process flow diagrams, and ISD (instructional systems development) tools with HPT (human performance technology) to address performance gaps in the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA). Describes performance goals, which were to improve accuracy and reduce backlog of claim files. (LRW)

A Symbiosis between Instructional Systems Design and Project Management

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pan, Cheng-Chang

2012-01-01

This study is intended to explore a complementary relationship between instructional systems design (ISD) and project management in an attempt to build a plausible case for integrating project management as a distinct course in the core of the graduate instructional systems design programs. It is argued that ISD and project management should form…

A Standard Procedure for Conducting Cognitive Task Analysis.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Redding, Richard E.

Traditional methods for task analysis have been largely based on the Instructional Systems Development (ISD) model, which is widely used throughout industry and the military. The first part of this document gives an overview of cognitive task analysis, which is conducted within the first phase of ISD. The following steps of cognitive task analysis…

Putting College and Career Readiness at the Forefront of District Priorities in Dallas

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hall, Shane

2013-01-01

Dallas Independent School District's (ISD) efforts to develop a system of college readiness indicators began in 2008, when they received a Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation grant under the foundation's College-Ready Education initiative. With this grant, Dallas ISD's Performance Management and Analytics department developed a college readiness…

Examining the Dynamics of Managing Information Systems Development Projects: A Control Loss Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Narayanaswamy, Ravi

2009-01-01

The failure rate of information systems development (ISD) projects continues to pose a big challenge for organizations. The success rate of ISD projects is less then forty percent. Factors such as disagreements and miscommunications among project manager and team members, poor monitoring and intermediary problems contribute to project failure.…

California Integrated Service Delivery Evaluation Report. Phase I

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moore, Richard W.; Rossy, Gerard; Roberts, William; Chapman, Kenneth; Sanchez, Urte; Hanley, Chris

2010-01-01

This study is a formative evaluation of the OneStop Career Center Integrated Service Delivery (ISD) Model within the California Workforce System. The study was sponsored by the California Workforce Investment Board. The study completed four in-depth case studies of California OneStops to describe how they implemented the ISD model which brings…

A Narrative Inquiry into the Influence of Coaching Methodology on Three Specific Teacher Knowledge Communities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Martindell, Peter Timothy

2012-01-01

This narrative inquiry studied the influences of coaching methodology, critical incidents, and critical relationships on three specific teacher knowledge communities--the Portfolio Group, the Houston ISD literacy coach network, and the Imperial ISD Secondary English Language Arts helping teacher workgroup. This inquiry is situated within the…

E-Resources Management: How We Positioned Our Organization to Implement an Electronic Resources Management System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

White, Marilyn; Sanders, Susan

2009-01-01

The Information Services Division (ISD) of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) positioned itself to successfully implement an electronic resources management system. This article highlights the ISD's unique ability to "team" across the organization to realize a common goal, develop leadership qualities in support of…

Respiratory chain supercomplexes associate with the cysteine desulfurase complex of the iron–sulfur cluster assembly machinery

PubMed Central

Böttinger, Lena; Mårtensson, Christoph U.; Song, Jiyao; Zufall, Nicole; Wiedemann, Nils; Becker, Thomas

2018-01-01

Mitochondria are the powerhouses of eukaryotic cells. The activity of the respiratory chain complexes generates a proton gradient across the inner membrane, which is used by the F1FO-ATP synthase to produce ATP for cellular metabolism. In baker’s yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the cytochrome bc1 complex (complex III) and cytochrome c oxidase (complex IV) associate in respiratory chain supercomplexes. Iron–sulfur clusters (ISC) form reactive centers of respiratory chain complexes. The assembly of ISC occurs in the mitochondrial matrix and is essential for cell viability. The cysteine desulfurase Nfs1 provides sulfur for ISC assembly and forms with partner proteins the ISC-biogenesis desulfurase complex (ISD complex). Here, we report an unexpected interaction of the active ISD complex with the cytochrome bc1 complex and cytochrome c oxidase. The individual deletion of complex III or complex IV blocks the association of the ISD complex with respiratory chain components. We conclude that the ISD complex binds selectively to respiratory chain supercomplexes. We propose that this molecular link contributes to coordination of iron–sulfur cluster formation with respiratory activity. PMID:29386296

Considerations in the modern management of stress urinary incontinence resulting from intrinsic sphincter deficiency.

PubMed

Hillary, Christopher James; Osman, Nadir; Chapple, Christopher

2015-09-01

Intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) is a common cause of stress urinary incontinence and is associated with more severe symptoms, often being associated with failed previous surgery. Due to the impaired sphincteric function, alternative surgical approaches are often required. The purpose of this review is to appraise the contemporary literature on the diagnosis and management of ISD. A PubMed search was performed to identify articles published between 1990 and 2014 using the following terms: ISD, stress urinary incontinence and type III stress urinary incontinence. Publications were screened for relevance, and full manuscripts were retrieved. Most studies base the diagnosis of ISD upon urodynamic appearances using recognized criteria (Valsalva leak point pressure <60 cm H2O or a maximum urethral closure pressure <20 cm H2O) in addition to clinical features. A range of non-surgical and surgical treatment options are available for the patient. Pubovaginal slings are more effective than retropubic colposuspensions with outcomes comparable to those reported with midurethral slings. The artificial urinary sphincter provides long-term cure rates; however, it is associated with specific morbidity including device erosion, mechanical failure and revision. The benefits of bulking agents, however, are not sustained beyond 1 year. There are few randomized controlled trials that compare accepted treatments specifically for patients with ISD. The lack of standardization in the definition and diagnostic criteria used limits inter-study comparisons. An assessment of urethral pressure profile when combined with the clinical features may help predict outcomes of surgical intervention.

Aquarius's Instrument Science Data System (ISDS) Automated to Acquire, Process, Trend Data and Produce Radiometric System Assessment Reports

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2008-01-01

The Aquarius Radiometer, a subsystem of the Aquarius Instrument required a data acquisition ground system to support calibration and radiometer performance assessment. To support calibration and compose performance assessments, we developed an automated system which uploaded raw data to a ftp server and saved raw and processed data to a database. This paper details the overall functionalities of the Aquarius Instrument Science Data System (ISDS) and the individual electrical ground support equipment (EGSE) which produced data files that were infused into the ISDS. Real time EGSEs include an ICDS Simulator, Calibration GSE, Labview controlled power supply, and a chamber data acquisition system. ICDS Simulator serves as a test conductor primary workstation, collecting radiometer housekeeping (HK) and science data and passing commands and HK telemetry collection request to the radiometer. Calibration GSE (Radiometer Active Test Source) provides source choice from multiple targets for the radiometer external calibration. Power Supply GSE, controlled by labview, provides real time voltage and current monitoring of the radiometer. And finally the chamber data acquisition system produces data reflecting chamber vacuum pressure, thermistor temperatures, AVG and watts. Each GSE system produce text based data files every two to six minutes and automatically copies the data files to the Central Archiver PC. The Archiver PC stores the data files, schedules automated uploads of these files to an external FTP server, and accepts request to copy all data files to the ISDS for offline data processing and analysis. Aquarius Radiometer ISDS contains PHP and MATLab programs to parse, process and save all data to a MySQL database. Analysis tools (MATLab programs) in the ISDS system are capable of displaying radiometer science, telemetry and auxiliary data in near real time as well as performing data analysis and producing automated performance assessment reports of the Aquarius Radiometer.

A Synergy between the Technological Process and a Methodology for Web Design: Implications for Technological Problem Solving and Design

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jakovljevic, Maria; Ankiewicz, Piet; De swardt, Estelle; Gross, Elna

2004-01-01

Traditional instructional methodology in the Information System Design (ISD) environment lacks explicit strategies for promoting the cognitive skills of prospective system designers. This contributes to the fragmented knowledge and low motivational and creative involvement of learners in system design tasks. In addition, present ISD methodologies,…

The Applicability of the ISD 4-Factor Model of Job Analysis in Identifying Task Training Priority in Nine Technical Military Occupational Specialties.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Siebold, Guy L.

Research was conducted to assess the applicability of the Instructional Systems Development (ISD) job analysis procedures to nine technical aviation maintenance military occupational specialties (MOS). Job analysis questionnaires were developed for each of the nine aviation maintenance MOS's. Research teams administered the questionnaires to…

Impact of Function, Experience, and Training of School District Police on School Climate

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Denham, Magdalena

2013-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this quantitative study was to investigate the impact that function, experience, and training of Independent School District School Resource Officers (ISD SROs) have on school climate. The participants were ISD SROs (n = 172) and teachers (n = 162) located in middle and high schools in Texas. Method: The Role of Law…

Hal Is a Bacillus anthracis Heme Acquisition Protein

PubMed Central

Balderas, Miriam A.; Nobles, Christopher L.; Honsa, Erin S.; Alicki, Embriette R.

2012-01-01

The metal iron is a limiting nutrient for bacteria during infection. Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax and a potential weapon of bioterrorism, grows rapidly in mammalian hosts, which suggests that it efficiently attains iron during infection. Recent studies have uncovered both heme (isd) and siderophore-mediated (asb) iron transport pathways in this pathogen. Whereas deletion of the asb genes results in reduced virulence, the loss of three surface components from isd had no effect, thereby leaving open the question of what additional factors in B. anthracis are responsible for iron uptake from the most abundant iron source for mammals, heme. Here, we describe the first functional characterization of bas0520, a gene recently implicated in anthrax disease progression. bas0520 encodes a single near-iron transporter (NEAT) domain and several leucine-rich repeats. The NEAT domain binds heme, despite lacking a stabilizing tyrosine common to the NEAT superfamily of hemoproteins. The NEAT domain also binds hemoglobin and can acquire heme from hemoglobin in solution. Finally, deletion of bas0520 resulted in bacilli unable to grow efficiently on heme or hemoglobin as an iron source and yielded the most significant phenotype relative to that for other putative heme uptake systems, a result that suggests that this protein plays a prominent role in the replication of B. anthracis in hematogenous environments. Thus, we have assigned the name of Hal (heme-acquisition leucine-rich repeat protein) to BAS0520. These studies advance our understanding of heme acquisition by this dangerous pathogen and justify efforts to determine the mechanistic function of this novel protein for vaccine or inhibitor development. PMID:22865843

a Study of the Impact of Insolation on Remote Sensing-Based Landcover and Landuse Data Extraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Becek, K.; Borkowski, A.; Mekik, Ç.

2016-06-01

We examined the dependency of the pixel reflectance of hyperspectral imaging spectrometer data (HISD) on a normalized total insolation index (NTII). The NTII was estimated using a light detection and ranging (LiDAR)-derived digital surface model (DSM). The NTII and the pixel reflectance were dependent, to various degrees, on the band considered, and on the properties of the objects. The findings could be used to improve land cover (LC)/land use (LU) classification, using indices constructed from the spectral bands of imaging spectrometer data (ISD). To study this possibility, we investigated the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) at various NTII levels. The results also suggest that the dependency of the pixel reflectance and NTII could be used to mitigate the shadows in ISD. This project was carried out using data provided by the Hyperspectral Image Analysis Group and the NSF-funded Centre for Airborne Laser Mapping (NCALM), University of Houston, for the purpose of organizing the 2013 Data Fusion Contest (IEEE 2014). This contest was organized by the IEEE GRSS Data Fusion Technical Committee.

With Little Research out There It's a Matter of Learning What Works in Teaching Students with Deafness and Autism

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bradley, Lee Ann; Krakowski, Brandi; Thiessen, Ann

2008-01-01

The development of language and literacy is the foundation for all other learning. This statement is the guiding philosophy at the Iowa School for the Deaf (ISD). Teachers at ISD believe that intensive, highly structured early intervention and education work best to support cognitive and communication development in their students. However, little…

Professional Organizations and Publications in ISD&T Recommended to New Professionals by Faculty Members

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kim, Minjeong; Lee, Youngmin

2006-01-01

New members in the field of instructional systems design and technology (ISD&T), including new students in this field, can find lists of publications and organizations available for them to read and to join. However, they may also wish to know which of these publications and organizations are recommended by established professionals. The field of…

The NTeQ ISD Model: A Tech-Driven Model for Digital Natives (DNs)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Williams, C.; Anekwe, J. U.

2017-01-01

Integrating Technology for enquiry (NTeQ) instructional development model (ISD), is believed to be a technology-driven model. The authors x-rayed the ten-step model to reaffirm the ICT knowledge demand of the learner and the educator; hence computer-based activities at various stages of the model are core elements. The model also is conscious of…

Effect of gap detection threshold on consistency of speech in children with speech sound disorder.

PubMed

Sayyahi, Fateme; Soleymani, Zahra; Akbari, Mohammad; Bijankhan, Mahmood; Dolatshahi, Behrooz

2017-02-01

The present study examined the relationship between gap detection threshold and speech error consistency in children with speech sound disorder. The participants were children five to six years of age who were categorized into three groups of typical speech, consistent speech disorder (CSD) and inconsistent speech disorder (ISD).The phonetic gap detection threshold test was used for this study, which is a valid test comprised six syllables with inter-stimulus intervals between 20-300ms. The participants were asked to listen to the recorded stimuli three times and indicate whether they heard one or two sounds. There was no significant difference between the typical and CSD groups (p=0.55), but there were significant differences in performance between the ISD and CSD groups and the ISD and typical groups (p=0.00). The ISD group discriminated between speech sounds at a higher threshold. Children with inconsistent speech errors could not distinguish speech sounds during time-limited phonetic discrimination. It is suggested that inconsistency in speech is a representation of inconsistency in auditory perception, which causes by high gap detection threshold. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Properties of an interspinous fixation device (ISD) in lumbar fusion constructs: a biomechanical study.

PubMed

Techy, Fernando; Mageswaran, Prasath; Colbrunn, Robb W; Bonner, Tara F; McLain, Robert F

2013-05-01

Segmental fixation improves fusion rates and promotes patient mobility by controlling instability after lumbar surgery. Efforts to obtain stability using less invasive techniques have lead to the advent of new implants and constructs. A new interspinous fixation device (ISD) has been introduced as a minimally invasive method of stabilizing two adjacent interspinous processes by augmenting an interbody cage in transforaminal interbody fusion. The ISD is intended to replace the standard pedicle screw instrumentation used for posterior fixation. The purpose of this study is to compare the rigidity of these implant systems when supplementing an interbody cage as used in transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion. An in vitro human cadaveric biomechanical study. Seven human cadaver spines (T12 to the sacrum) were mounted in a custom-designed testing apparatus, for biomechanical testing using a multiaxial robotic system. A comparison of segmental stiffness was carried out among five conditions: intact spine control; interbody spacer (IBS), alone; interbody cage with ISD; IBS, ISD, and unilateral pedicle screws (unilat); and IBS, with bilateral pedicle screws (bilat). An industrial robot (KUKA, GmbH, Augsburg, Germany) applied a pure moment (±5 Nm) in flexion-extension (FE), lateral bending (LB), and axial rotation (AR) through an anchor to the T12 vertebral body. The relative vertebral motion was captured using an optoelectronic camera system (Optotrak; Northern Digital, Inc., Waterloo, Ontario, Canada). The load sensor and the camera were synchronized. Maximum rotation was measured at each level and compared with the intact control. Implant constructs were compared with the control and with each other. A statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance. A comparison between the intact spine and the IBS group showed no significant difference in the range of motion (ROM) in FE, LB, or AR for the operated level, L3-L4. After implantation of the ISD to augment the IBS, there was a significant decrease in the ROM of 74% in FE (p<.001) but no significant change in the ROM in LB and AR. The unilat construct significantly reduced the ROM by 77% compared with FE control (p<.001) and by 55% (p=.002) and 42% (p=.04) in LB and AR, respectively, compared with control. The bilat construct reduced the ROM in FE by 77% (p<.001), LB by 77% (p=.001), and AR by 65% (p=.001) when compared with the control spine. There was no statistically significant difference in the ROM in FE among the stand-alone ISD, unilat, and bilat constructs. However, in both LB and AR, the unilat and the bilat constructs were significantly stiffer (reduction in the ROM) than the ISD and the IBS combination. The ISD stability in LB and AR was not different from the intact control with no instrumentation at all. There was no statistical difference between the stability of the unilat and the bilat constructs in any direction. However, LB and AR in the unilat group produced a mean rotation of 3.83°±3.30° and 2.33°±1.33°, respectively, compared with the bilat construct that limited motion to 1.96°±1.46° and 1.39°±0.73°. There was a trend suggesting that the bilat construct was the most rigid construct. In FE, the ISD can provide lumbar stability comparable with Bilat instrumentation. It provides minimal rigidity in LB and AR when used alone to stabilize the segment after an IBS placement. The unilat and the more typical bilat screw constructs were shown to provide similar levels of stability in all directions after an IBS placement, though the bilat construct showed a trend toward improved stiffness overall. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Gas-phase fragmentation of peptides by MALDI in-source decay with limited amide hydrogen (1H/2H) scrambling.

PubMed

Bache, Nicolai; Rand, Kasper D; Roepstorff, Peter; Jørgensen, Thomas J D

2008-08-15

To achieve a fundamental understanding of the function of proteins and protein complexes at the molecular level, it is crucial to obtain a detailed knowledge about their dynamic and structural properties. The kinetics of backbone amide hydrogen exchange is intimately linked to the structural dynamics of the protein, and in recent years, the monitoring of the isotopic exchange of these hydrogens by mass spectrometry has become a recognized method. At present, the resolution of this method is, however, limited and single-residue resolution is typically only obtained for a few residues in a protein. It would therefore be desirable if gas-phase fragmentation could be used to localize incorporated deuterons as this would ultimately lead to single-residue resolution. A central obstacle for this approach is, however, the occurrence of intramolecular migration of amide hydrogens upon activation of the gaseous protein (i.e., hydrogen scrambling). Here we investigate the occurrence of scrambling in selectively labeled peptides upon fragmentation by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization in-source decay (MALDI ISD). We have utilized peptides with a unique regioselective deuterium incorporation that allows us to accurately determine the extent of scrambling upon fragmentation. Our results show that the level of scrambling upon MALDI ISD is so low that the solution deuteration pattern is readily apparent in the gas-phase fragment ions. These results suggest that MALDI ISD may prove useful for hydrogen exchange studies of purified peptides and small proteins.

Combining Project Management Methods: A Case Study of Dlstributed Work Practices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Backlund, Per; Lundell, Björn

The increasing complexity of information systems development (ISD) projects call for improved project management practices. This, together with an endeavour to improve the success rate of ISD projects (Lyytinen and Robey 1999; Cooke-Davies 2002; White and Fortune 2002), has served as drivers for various efforts in process improvement such as the introduction of new development methods (Fitzgerald 1997; Iivari and Maansaari 1998).

Prediction of posterior ligamentous complex injury in thoracolumbar fractures using non-MRI imaging techniques.

PubMed

Rajasekaran, Shanmuganathan; Maheswaran, Anupama; Aiyer, Siddharth N; Kanna, Rishi; Dumpa, Srikanth Reddy; Shetty, Ajoy Prasad

2016-06-01

We aimed to formulate a radiological index based on plain radiographs and computer tomography (CT) to reliably detect posterior ligamentous complex (PLC) injury without need for MRI. Sixty out of 148 consecutive thoracolumbar fractures with doubtful PLC were assessed with MRI, CT and radiographs. PLC injury was assessed with the following radiological parameters: superior-inferior end plate angle (SIEA), vertebral body height (BH), local kyphosis (LK), inter-spinous distance (ISD) and inter-pedicular distance (IPD) and correlated with MRI findings of PLC injury. Statistical analysis was performed to identify the predictive values for the parameters to identify PLC damage. MRI identified PLC injury in 25/60 cases. The ISD and LK were found to be significant predictors of PLC injury. On radiographs the mean LK with PLC damage was 25.86° compared to 21.02° with an intact PLC (p = 0.006). The ISD difference was 6.70 mm in cases with PLC damage compared to 2.86 mm with an intact PLC (p = 0.011). In CT images, the mean LK with PLC damage was 22.96° compared to 18.44° with an intact PLC ( p = 0.019). The ISD difference was 3.10 mm with PLC damage compared to 1.62 mm without PLC damage (p = 0.005). On plain radiographs the presence of LK greater than 20 °(CI 64-95) and ISD difference greater than 2 mm (CI 70-97) can predict PLC injury. These guidelines may be utilised in the emergency room especially when the associated cost, availability and time delay in performing MRI are a concern.

An Accelerated Release Study to Evaluate Long-Acting Contraceptive Levonorgestrel-Containing in Situ Forming Depot Systems

PubMed Central

Janagam, Dileep R.; Wang, Lizhu; Ananthula, Suryatheja; Johnson, James R.; Lowe, Tao L.

2016-01-01

Biodegradable polymer-based injectable in situ forming depot (ISD) systems that solidify in the body to form a solid or semisolid reservoir are becoming increasingly attractive as an injectable dosage form for sustained (months to years) parenteral drug delivery. Evaluation of long-term drug release from the ISD systems during the formulation development is laborious and costly. An accelerated release method that can effectively correlate the months to years of long-term release in a short time such as days or weeks is economically needed. However, no such accelerated ISD system release method has been reported in the literature to date. The objective of the current study was to develop a short-term accelerated in vitro release method for contraceptive levonorgestrel (LNG)-containing ISD systems to screen formulations for more than 3-month contraception after a single subcutaneous injection. The LNG-containing ISD formulations were prepared by using biodegradable poly(lactide-co-glycolide) and polylactic acid polymer and solvent mixtures containing N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and benzyl benzoate or triethyl citrate. Drug release studies were performed under real-time (long-term) conditions (PBS, pH 7.4, 37 °C) and four accelerated (short-term) conditions: (A) PBS, pH 7.4, 50 °C; (B) 25% ethanol in PBS, pH 7.4, 50 °C; (C) 25% ethanol in PBS, 2% Tween 20, pH 7.4, 50 °C; and (D) 25% ethanol in PBS, 2% Tween 20, pH 9, 50 °C. The LNG release profile, including the release mechanism under the accelerated condition D within two weeks, correlated (r2 ≥ 0.98) well with that under real-time conditions at four months. PMID:27598191

A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Novel Dressing and Securement Techniques in 101 Pediatric Patients.

PubMed

Kleidon, Tricia M; Ullman, Amanda J; Gibson, Victoria; Chaseling, Brett; Schoutrop, Jason; Mihala, Gabor; Rickard, Claire M

2017-11-01

To evaluate feasibility of an efficacy trial comparing peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) dressing and securement techniques to prevent complications and failure. This pilot, 3-armed, randomized controlled trial was undertaken at Royal Children's Hospital and Lady Cilento Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia, between April 2014 and September 2015. Pediatric participants (N = 101; age range, 0-18 y) were assigned to standard care (bordered polyurethane [BPU] dressing, sutureless securement device), tissue adhesive (TA) (plus BPU dressing), or integrated securement dressings (ISDs). Average PICC dwell time was 8.1 days (range, 0.2-27.7 d). Primary outcome was trial feasibility including PICC failure. Secondary outcomes were PICC complications, dressing performance, and parent and staff satisfaction. Protocol feasibility was established. PICC failure was 6% (2/32) with standard care, 6% (2/31) with ISD, and 3% (1/32) with TA. PICC complications were 16% across all groups. TA provided immediate postoperative hemostasis, prolonging the first dressing change until 5.5 days compared with 3.5 days and 2.5 days with standard care and ISD respectively. Bleeding was the most common reason for first dressing change: standard care (n = 18; 75%), ISD (n = 11; 69%), TA (n = 4; 27%). Parental satisfaction (median 9.7/10; P = .006) and staff feedback (9.2/10; P = .002) were most positive for ISD. This research suggests safety and acceptability of different securement dressings compared with standard care; securement dressings may also reduce dressing changes after insertion. Further research is required to confirm clinically cost-effective methods to prevent PICC failure. Copyright © 2017 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Physiological and Psychophysical Modeling of the Precedence Effect

PubMed Central

Xia, Jing; Brughera, Andrew; Colburn, H. Steven

2010-01-01

Many past studies of sound localization explored the precedence effect (PE), in which a pair of brief, temporally close sounds from different directions is perceived as coming from a location near that of the first-arriving sound. Here, a computational model of low-frequency inferior colliculus (IC) neurons accounts for both physiological and psychophysical responses to PE click stimuli. In the model, IC neurons have physiologically plausible inputs, receiving excitation from the ipsilateral medial superior olive (MSO) and long-lasting inhibition from both ipsilateral and contralateral MSOs, relayed through the dorsal nucleus of the lateral lemniscus. In this model, physiological suppression of the lagging response depends on the inter-stimulus delay (ISD) between the lead and lag as well as their relative locations. Psychophysical predictions are generated from a population of model neurons. At all ISDs, predicted lead localization is good. At short ISDs, the estimated location of the lag is near that of the lead, consistent with subjects perceiving both lead and lag from the lead location. As ISD increases, the estimated lag location moves closer to the true lag location, consistent with listeners’ perception of two sounds from separate locations. Together, these simulations suggest that location-dependent suppression in IC neurons can explain the behavioral phenomenon known as the precedence effect. PMID:20358242

Access of Hydrogen-Radicals to the Peptide-Backbone as a Measure for Estimating the Flexibility of Proteins Using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry

PubMed Central

Takayama, Mitsuo; Nagoshi, Keishiro; Iimuro, Ryunosuke; Inatomi, Kazuma

2014-01-01

A factor for estimating the flexibility of proteins is described that uses a cleavage method of “in-source decay (ISD)” coupled with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI MS). The MALDI-ISD spectra of bovine serum albumin (BSA), myoglobin and thioredoxin show discontinuous intense ion peaks originating from one-side preferential cleavage at the N-Cα bond of Xxx-Asp, Xxx-Asn, Xxx-Cys and Gly-Xxx residues. Consistent with these observations, Asp, Asn and Gly residues are also identified by other flexibility measures such as B-factor, turn preference, protection and fluorescence decay factors, while Asp, Asn, Cys and Gly residues are identified by turn preference factor based on X-ray crystallography. The results suggest that protein molecules embedded in/on MALDI matrix crystals partly maintain α-helix and that the reason some of the residues are more susceptible to ISD (Asp, Asn, Cys and Gly) and others less so (Ile and Val) is because of accessibility of the peptide backbone to hydrogen-radicals from matrix molecules. The hydrogen-radical accessibility in MALDI-ISD could therefore be adopted as a factor for measuring protein flexibility. PMID:24828203

A simple graphical method for measuring inherent safety.

PubMed

Gupta, J P; Edwards, David W

2003-11-14

Inherently safer design (ISD) concepts have been with us for over two decades since their elaboration by Kletz [Chem. Ind. 9 (1978) 124]. Interest has really taken off globally since the early nineties after several major mishaps occurred during the eighties (Bhopal, Mexico city, Piper-alfa, Philips Petroleum, to name a few). Academic and industrial research personnel have been actively involved into devising inherently safer ways of production. The regulatory bodies have also shown deep interest since ISD makes the production safer and hence their tasks easier. Research funding has also been forthcoming for new developments as well as for demonstration projects.A natural question that arises is as to how to measure ISD characteristics of a process? Several researchers have worked on this [Trans. IChemE, Process Safety Environ. Protect. B 71 (4) (1993) 252; Inherent safety in process plant design, Ph.D. Thesis, VTT Publication Number 384, Helsinki University of Technology, Espoo, Finland, 1999; Proceedings of the Mary Kay O'Connor Process Safety Center Symposium, 2001, p. 509]. Many of the proposed methods are very elegant, yet too involved for easy adoption by the industry which is scared of yet another safety analysis regime. In a recent survey [Trans. IChemE, Process Safety Environ. Prog. B 80 (2002) 115], companies desired a rather simple method to measure ISD. Simplification is also an important characteristic of ISD. It is therefore desirable to have a simple ISD measurement procedure. The ISD measurement procedure proposed in this paper can be used to differentiate between two or more processes for the same end product. The salient steps are: Consider each of the important parameters affecting the safety (e.g., temperature, pressure, toxicity, flammability, etc.) and the range of possible values these parameters can have for all the process routes under consideration for an end product. Plot these values for each step in each process route and compare. No addition of values for disparate hazards (temperature, pressure, inventory, toxicity, flammability, etc.) is being suggested to derive an overall ISD index value since that conceals the effects of different parameters. Further, addition of numbers with different units ( degrees C for temperature, atm/bar for pressure, t for inventory, etc.) is inappropriate in scientific sense. The proposed approach has a major advantage of expanding consideration in future to incorporate economic, regulatory, pollution control and worker health aspects, as well as factors such as the experience one has or 'the comfort level' one feels with each of the processes under consideration. Additionally, it would also guide the designers and decision makers into affecting specific changes in the processes to reduce the unsafe features. We demonstrate our simple approach by using the example of six routes to make methyl methacrylate as documented by Edwards and Lawrence [Trans. IChemE, Process Safety Environ. Protect. B 71 (4) (1993) 252; Quantifying inherent safety of chemical process routes, Ph.D. Thesis, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK, 1996] and show that the decision could well have been different if addition of disparate hazards had not been done.

An Evaluation of the Application of ISD to P-3 Pilot Training.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-06-01

THESIS AN EVALUATION OF THE APPLICATION OF ISD TO P-3 PILOT TRAINING by William Allen. Snider June 1980 Thesis Advisor: J. K. Arima Approved for...also from quasi-governmental agencies such as RAND and HUMRRO, saw great potential in the use of techniques such as modelling to increase the precision...scores. The preceding discussion suggests that organizational climate , as well as experience, is strongly related to pilot performance on NATOPS

Previous ISD Program Review.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-03-01

report. The detail required for such a review would be unwieldy and would comsume inordinate amounts of time. The result of the document review will...attempts have been made at writing specific behavioral objectives (SBOs). These, however, have proven to be inadequate in that they are not stated in... behavioral terms (e.g., "will understand," "will have a knowledge of," etc.). C. Development of CRO/CRTs? In nearly all cases, ISD teams are just

Improving patient safety by instructional systems design

PubMed Central

Battles, J B

2006-01-01

Education and training are important elements in patient safety, both as a potential contributing factor to risks and hazards of healthcare associated injury or harm and as an intervention to be used in eliminating or preventing such harm. All too often we have relied on training as the only interventions for patient safety without examining other alternatives or realizing that, in some cases, the training systems themselves are part of the problem. One way to ensure safety by design is to apply established design principles to education and training. Instructional systems design (ISD) is a systematic method of development of education and training programs for improved learner performance. The ISD process involves five integrated steps: analysis, development, design, implementation, and evaluation (ADDIE). The application of ISD using the ADDIE approach can eliminate or prevent education and training from being a contributing factor of health associated injury or harm, and can also be effective in preventing injury or harm. PMID:17142604

Facilitating Learning in SPI through Co-design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seigerroth, Ulf; Lind, Mikael

Information system development (ISD) is not a stable discipline. On the contrary, ISD must constantly cope with rapidly changing and diversifying technologies, application domains, and organizational contexts [14]. ISD is a complex and a multi dimensional phenomenon [5, 15]. As a consequence of this. Software Process Improvement (SPI) can also be regarded as a complex and multi dimensional phenomenon [16]. Problems that are accentuated in relation to SPI are: SPI is in its current shape a quite young discipline [15], there is a sparse amount of SPI-theories that can guide SPI initiatives [19], SPI-initiatives often focus on the system development (SD)-process, methods and tools which is a narrow focus that leave out important aspects such as business orientation [6], organization and social factors [4, 5] and the learning process [19]. Arguments have therefore been raised that there is a need for both researchers and practitioners to better understand SD-organisations and their practice [5].

Functional reconstitution of mitochondrial Fe/S cluster synthesis on Isu1 reveals the involvement of ferredoxin.

PubMed

Webert, Holger; Freibert, Sven-Andreas; Gallo, Angelo; Heidenreich, Torsten; Linne, Uwe; Amlacher, Stefan; Hurt, Ed; Mühlenhoff, Ulrich; Banci, Lucia; Lill, Roland

2014-10-31

Maturation of iron-sulphur (Fe/S) proteins involves complex biosynthetic machinery. In vivo synthesis of [2Fe-2S] clusters on the mitochondrial scaffold protein Isu1 requires the cysteine desulphurase complex Nfs1-Isd11, frataxin, ferredoxin Yah1 and its reductase Arh1. The roles of Yah1-Arh1 have remained enigmatic, because they are not required for in vitro Fe/S cluster assembly. Here, we reconstitute [2Fe-2S] cluster synthesis on Isu1 in a reaction depending on Nfs1-Isd11, frataxin, Yah1, Arh1 and NADPH. Unlike in the bacterial system, frataxin is an essential part of Fe/S cluster biosynthesis and is required simultaneously and stoichiometrically to Yah1. Reduced but not oxidized Yah1 tightly interacts with apo-Isu1 indicating a dynamic interaction between Yah1-apo-Isu1. Nuclear magnetic resonance structural studies identify the Yah1-apo-Isu1 interaction surface and suggest a pathway for electron flow from reduced ferredoxin to Isu1. Together, our study defines the molecular function of the ferredoxin Yah1 and its human orthologue FDX2 in mitochondrial Fe/S cluster synthesis.

Meeting the home-care needs of disabled older persons living in the community: does integrated services delivery make a difference?

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background The PRISMA Model is an innovative coordination-type integrated-service-delivery (ISD) network designed to manage and better match resources to the complex and evolving needs of elders. The goal of this study was to examine the impact of this ISD network on unmet needs among disabled older persons living in the community. Methods Using data from the PRISMA study, we compared unmet needs of elders living in the community in areas with or without an ISD network. Disabilities and unmet needs were assessed with the Functional Autonomy Measurement System (SMAF). We used growth-curve analysis to examine changes in unmet needs over time and the variables associated with initial status and change. Sociodemographic characteristics, level of disability, self-perceived health status, cognitive functioning, level of empowerment, and the hours of care received were investigated as covariates. Lastly, we report the prevalence of needs and unmet needs for 29 activities in both areas at the end of the study. Results On average, participants were 83 years old; 62% were women. They had a moderate level of disability and mild cognitive problems. On average, they received 2.07 hours/day (SD = 1.08) of disability-related care, mostly provided by family. The findings from growth-curve analysis suggest that elders living in the area where ISD was implemented and those with higher levels of disability experience better fulfillment of their needs over time. Besides the area, being a woman, living alone, having a higher level of disability, more cognitive impairments, and a lower level of empowerment were linked to initial unmet needs (r2 = 0.25; p < 0.001). At the end of the study, 35% (95% CI: 31% to 40%) of elders with needs living in the ISD area had at least one unmet need, compared to 67% (95% CI: 62% to 71%) in the other area. In general, unmet needs were highest for bathing, grooming, urinary incontinence, walking outside, seeing, hearing, preparing meals, and taking medications. Conclusions In spite of more than 30 years of home-care services in the province of Quebec, disabled older adults living in the community still have unmet needs. ISD networks such as the PRISMA Model, however, appear to offer an effective response to the long-term-care needs of the elderly. PMID:22029878

Meeting the home-care needs of disabled older persons living in the community: does integrated services delivery make a difference?

PubMed

Dubuc, Nicole; Dubois, Marie-France; Raîche, Michel; Gueye, N'Deye Rokhaya; Hébert, Réjean

2011-10-26

The PRISMA Model is an innovative coordination-type integrated-service-delivery (ISD) network designed to manage and better match resources to the complex and evolving needs of elders. The goal of this study was to examine the impact of this ISD network on unmet needs among disabled older persons living in the community. Using data from the PRISMA study, we compared unmet needs of elders living in the community in areas with or without an ISD network. Disabilities and unmet needs were assessed with the Functional Autonomy Measurement System (SMAF). We used growth-curve analysis to examine changes in unmet needs over time and the variables associated with initial status and change. Sociodemographic characteristics, level of disability, self-perceived health status, cognitive functioning, level of empowerment, and the hours of care received were investigated as covariates. Lastly, we report the prevalence of needs and unmet needs for 29 activities in both areas at the end of the study. On average, participants were 83 years old; 62% were women. They had a moderate level of disability and mild cognitive problems. On average, they received 2.07 hours/day (SD = 1.08) of disability-related care, mostly provided by family. The findings from growth-curve analysis suggest that elders living in the area where ISD was implemented and those with higher levels of disability experience better fulfillment of their needs over time. Besides the area, being a woman, living alone, having a higher level of disability, more cognitive impairments, and a lower level of empowerment were linked to initial unmet needs (r2 = 0.25; p < 0.001). At the end of the study, 35% (95% CI: 31% to 40%) of elders with needs living in the ISD area had at least one unmet need, compared to 67% (95% CI: 62% to 71%) in the other area. In general, unmet needs were highest for bathing, grooming, urinary incontinence, walking outside, seeing, hearing, preparing meals, and taking medications. In spite of more than 30 years of home-care services in the province of Quebec, disabled older adults living in the community still have unmet needs. ISD networks such as the PRISMA Model, however, appear to offer an effective response to the long-term-care needs of the elderly.

Differential Function of Lip Residues in the Mechanism and Biology of an Anthrax Hemophore

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

Ekworomadu, MarCia T.; Poor, Catherine B.; Owens, Cedric P.

To replicate in mammalian hosts, bacterial pathogens must acquire iron. The majority of iron is coordinated to the protoporphyrin ring of heme, which is further bound to hemoglobin. Pathogenic bacteria utilize secreted hemophores to acquire heme from heme sources such as hemoglobin. Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax disease, secretes two hemophores, IsdX1 and IsdX2, to acquire heme from host hemoglobin and enhance bacterial replication in iron-starved environments. Both proteins contain NEAr-iron Transporter (NEAT) domains, a conserved protein module that functions in heme acquisition in Gram-positive pathogens. Here, we report the structure of IsdX1, the first of a Gram-positivemore » hemophore, with and without bound heme. Overall, IsdX1 forms an immunoglobin-like fold that contains, similar to other NEAT proteins, a 3{sub 10}-helix near the heme-binding site. Because the mechanistic function of this helix in NEAT proteins is not yet defined, we focused on the contribution of this region to hemophore and NEAT protein activity, both biochemically and biologically in cultured cells. Site-directed mutagenesis of amino acids in and adjacent to the helix identified residues important for heme and hemoglobin association, with some mutations affecting both properties and other mutations affecting only heme stabilization. IsdX1 with mutations that reduced the ability to associate with hemoglobin and bind heme failed to restore the growth of a hemophore-deficient strain of B. anthracis on hemoglobin as the sole iron source. These data indicate that not only is the 3{sub 10}-helix important for NEAT protein biology, but also that the processes of hemoglobin and heme binding can be both separate as well as coupled, the latter function being necessary for maximal heme-scavenging activity. These studies enhance our understanding of NEAT domain and hemophore function and set the stage for structure-based inhibitor design to block NEAT domain interaction with upstream ligands.« less

High-definition computed tomography for coronary artery stent imaging: a phantom study.

PubMed

Yang, Wen Jie; Chen, Ke Min; Pang, Li Fang; Guo, Ying; Li, Jian Ying; Zhang, Huang; Pan, Zi Lai

2012-01-01

To assess the performance of a high-definition CT (HDCT) for imaging small caliber coronary stents (≤ 3 mm) by comparing different scan modes of a conventional 64-row standard-definition CT (SDCT). A cardiac phantom with twelve stents (2.5 mm and 3.0 mm in diameter) was scanned by HDCT and SDCT. The scan modes were retrospective electrocardiography (ECG)-gated helical and prospective ECG-triggered axial with tube voltages of 120 kVp and 100 kVp, respectively. The inner stent diameters (ISD) and the in-stent attenuation value (AV(in-stent)) and the in-vessel extra-stent attenuation value (AV(in-vessel)) were measured by two observers. The artificial lumen narrowing (ALN = [ISD - ISD(measured)]/ISD) and artificial attenuation increase between in-stent and in-vessel (AAI = AV(in-stent) - AV(in-vessel)) were calculated. All data was analyzed by intraclass correlation and ANOVA-test. The correlation coefficient of ISD, AV(in-vessel) and AV(in-stent) between the two observers was good. The ALNs of HDCT were statistically lower than that of SDCT (30 ± 5.7% versus 35 ± 5.4%, p < 0.05). HDCT had statistically lower AAI values than SDCT (15.7 ± 81.4 HU versus 71.4 ± 90.5 HU, p < 0.05). The prospective axial dataset demonstrated smaller ALN than the retrospective helical dataset on both HDCT and SDCT (p < 0.05). Additionally, there were no differences in ALN between the 120 kVp and 100 kVp tube voltages on HDCT (p = 0.05). High-definition CT helps improve measurement accuracy for imaging coronary stents compared to SDCT. HDCT with 100 kVp and the prospective ECG-triggered axial technique, with a lower radiation dose than 120 kVp application, may be advantageous in evaluating coronary stents with smaller calibers (≤ 3 mm).

Predicting Gene-Disease Associations Using Multiple Species Data

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-10-20

CCF-0916309) to ISD. ISD also acknowledges support from the Moncrief Grand Challenge Award. 1Fixing C − = 1, log10 C + was varied in the range 1, 2... William P Schiemann, Ste- fan N Constantinescu, Lily Huang, Roya Khosravi-Far, Hanno Steen, Muneesh Tewari, Saghi Ghaffari, Gerard C Blobe, Chi V...Austin The University of Texas at Austin 101 East 27th Street Austin, TX 78712 -1539 REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE b. ABSTRACT UU c . THIS PAGE UU 2. REPORT

Cognitive inconsistency in bipolar patients is determined by increased intra-individual variability in initial phase of task performance.

PubMed

Krukow, Paweł; Szaniawska, Ola; Harciarek, Michał; Plechawska-Wójcik, Małgorzata; Jonak, Kamil

2017-03-01

Bipolar patients show high intra-individual variability during cognitive processing. However, it is not known whether there are a specific fluctuations of variability contributing to the overall high cognitive inconsistency. The objective was to compare dynamic profiles of patients and healthy controls to identify hypothetical differences and their associations with overall variability and processing speed. Changes of reaction times iSD during processing speed test performance over time was measured by dividing the iSD for whole task into four consecutive parts. Motor speed and cognitive effort were controlled. Patients with BD exhibited significantly lower results regarding processing speed and higher intra-individual variability comparing with HC. The profile of intra-individual variability changes over time of performance was significantly different in BD versus HC groups: F(3, 207)=8.60, p<0.0001, η p 2 =0.11. iSD of BD patients in the initial phase of performance was three times higher than in the last. There was no significant differences between four intervals in HC group. Inter-group difference in the initial part of the profiles was significant also after controlling for several cognitive and clinical variables. Applied computer version of Cognitive Speed Test was relatively new and, thus, replication studies are needed. Effect seen in the present study is driven mainly by the BD type I. Patients with BD exhibits problems with setting a stimulus-response association in starting phase of cognitive processing. This deficit may negatively interfere with the other cognitive functions, decreasing level of psychosocial functioning, therefore should be explored in future studies. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Characterization of singly and multiply PEGylated insulin isomers by reversed-phase ultra-performance liquid chromatography interfaced with ion mobility mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Gerislioglu, Selim; Adams, Scott R; Wesdemiotis, Chrys

2018-04-03

Conjugation of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) to protein drugs (PEGylation) is increasingly utilized in the biotherapeutics field because it improves significantly the drugs' circulatory half-life, solubility, and shelf-life. The activity of a PEGylated drug depends on the number, size, and location of the attached PEG chain(s). This study introduces a 2D separation approach, including reversed-phase ultra-performance liquid chromatography (RP-UPLC) and ion mobility mass spectrometry (IM-MS), in order to determine the structural properties of the conjugates, as demonstrated for a PEGylated insulin sample that was prepared by random amine PEGylation. The UPLC dimension allowed separation based on polarity. Electrospray ionization (ESI) of the eluates followed by in-source dissociation (ISD) truncated the PEG chains and created insulin fragments that provided site-specific information based on whether they contained a marker at the potential conjugation sites. Separation of the latter fragments by size and charge in the orthogonal IM dimension (pseudo-4D UPLC-ISD-IM-MS approach) enabled clear detection and identification of the positional isomers formed upon PEGylation. The results showed a highly heterogeneous mixture of singly and multiply conjugated isomers plus unconjugated material. PEGylation was observed on all three possible attachment sites (ε-NH 2 of LysB29, A- and B-chain N-termini). Each PEGylation site was validated by analysis of the same product after disulfide bond cleavage, so that the PEGylated A- and B- chain could be individually characterized with the same pseudo-4D UPLC-ISD-IM-MS method. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Architecture of the Human Mitochondrial Iron-Sulfur Cluster Assembly Machinery.

PubMed

Gakh, Oleksandr; Ranatunga, Wasantha; Smith, Douglas Y; Ahlgren, Eva-Christina; Al-Karadaghi, Salam; Thompson, James R; Isaya, Grazia

2016-09-30

Fe-S clusters, essential cofactors needed for the activity of many different enzymes, are assembled by conserved protein machineries inside bacteria and mitochondria. As the architecture of the human machinery remains undefined, we co-expressed in Escherichia coli the following four proteins involved in the initial step of Fe-S cluster synthesis: FXN 42-210 (iron donor); [NFS1]·[ISD11] (sulfur donor); and ISCU (scaffold upon which new clusters are assembled). We purified a stable, active complex consisting of all four proteins with 1:1:1:1 stoichiometry. Using negative staining transmission EM and single particle analysis, we obtained a three-dimensional model of the complex with ∼14 Å resolution. Molecular dynamics flexible fitting of protein structures docked into the EM map of the model revealed a [FXN 42-210 ] 24 ·[NFS1] 24 ·[ISD11] 24 ·[ISCU] 24 complex, consistent with the measured 1:1:1:1 stoichiometry of its four components. The complex structure fulfills distance constraints obtained from chemical cross-linking of the complex at multiple recurring interfaces, involving hydrogen bonds, salt bridges, or hydrophobic interactions between conserved residues. The complex consists of a central roughly cubic [FXN 42-210 ] 24 ·[ISCU] 24 sub-complex with one symmetric ISCU trimer bound on top of one symmetric FXN 42-210 trimer at each of its eight vertices. Binding of 12 [NFS1] 2 ·[ISD11] 2 sub-complexes to the surface results in a globular macromolecule with a diameter of ∼15 nm and creates 24 Fe-S cluster assembly centers. The organization of each center recapitulates a previously proposed conserved mechanism for sulfur donation from NFS1 to ISCU and reveals, for the first time, a path for iron donation from FXN 42-210 to ISCU. © 2016 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Architecture of the Human Mitochondrial Iron-Sulfur Cluster Assembly Machinery*

PubMed Central

Gakh, Oleksandr; Ranatunga, Wasantha; Smith, Douglas Y.; Ahlgren, Eva-Christina; Al-Karadaghi, Salam; Thompson, James R.; Isaya, Grazia

2016-01-01

Fe-S clusters, essential cofactors needed for the activity of many different enzymes, are assembled by conserved protein machineries inside bacteria and mitochondria. As the architecture of the human machinery remains undefined, we co-expressed in Escherichia coli the following four proteins involved in the initial step of Fe-S cluster synthesis: FXN42–210 (iron donor); [NFS1]·[ISD11] (sulfur donor); and ISCU (scaffold upon which new clusters are assembled). We purified a stable, active complex consisting of all four proteins with 1:1:1:1 stoichiometry. Using negative staining transmission EM and single particle analysis, we obtained a three-dimensional model of the complex with ∼14 Å resolution. Molecular dynamics flexible fitting of protein structures docked into the EM map of the model revealed a [FXN42–210]24·[NFS1]24·[ISD11]24·[ISCU]24 complex, consistent with the measured 1:1:1:1 stoichiometry of its four components. The complex structure fulfills distance constraints obtained from chemical cross-linking of the complex at multiple recurring interfaces, involving hydrogen bonds, salt bridges, or hydrophobic interactions between conserved residues. The complex consists of a central roughly cubic [FXN42–210]24·[ISCU]24 sub-complex with one symmetric ISCU trimer bound on top of one symmetric FXN42–210 trimer at each of its eight vertices. Binding of 12 [NFS1]2·[ISD11]2 sub-complexes to the surface results in a globular macromolecule with a diameter of ∼15 nm and creates 24 Fe-S cluster assembly centers. The organization of each center recapitulates a previously proposed conserved mechanism for sulfur donation from NFS1 to ISCU and reveals, for the first time, a path for iron donation from FXN42–210 to ISCU. PMID:27519411

The Invasive Species Forecasting System: A Space-Based Decision Support Infrastructure for Managing Biological Invasions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Most, N. N.; Kendig, D.; Wichman, K.; Pollack, N.; Ilagan, A.; Morisette, J. T.; Pedelty, J. A.; Tilmes, C.; Smith, J. A.; Pfister, R.; Schnase, J. L.; Stohgren, T. J.; Crosier, C.; Graham, J.; Newman, G.; Kalkhan, M. A.; Reich, R.

2004-12-01

The spread of invasive species is one of the most daunting environmental, economic, and human-health problems facing the United States and the World today. It is one of several grand challenge environmental problems being addressed by NASA's Science Mission Directorate through a national application partnership with the US Geological Survey. NASA and USGS are working together to develop a National Invasive Species Forecasting System (ISFS) for the management and control of invasive species on Department of Interior and adjacent lands. As part of this effort, we are using NASA's EOS Clearing House (ECHO) framework to create an Invasive Species Data Service (ISDS). The ISDS will be a networked service that integrates a suite of NASA remote sensing data providers with the ecological field data resources of the National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII). Aggregated ISDS data will feed directly into ISFS analysis routines to produce landscape-scale predictive maps of species distributions. ISDS and the ECHO framework thus provide an efficient interface between existing NASA data systems and decision support systems that are the province of federal agencies and other national organizations. The effort significantly broadens the use of NASA data in managing the Nation's invasive species threat. In this talk, we will describe the NASA/USGS invasive species partnership, provide an overview of the Invasive Species Forecasting System, and show how we are using ECHO technologies as the middle-ware framework for a comprehensive Invasive Species Data Service.

Tilted BaHfO3 nanorod artificial pinning centres in REBCO films on inclined substrate deposited-MgO coated conductor templates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stafford, B. H.; Sieger, M.; Ottolinger, R.; Meledin, A.; Strickland, N. M.; Wimbush, S. C.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Hühne, R.; Schultz, L.

2017-05-01

We grow BaHfO3 (BHO) nanorods in REBa2Cu3O7-x (REBCO, RE: Gd or Y) thin films on metal tapes coated with the inclined substrate deposited (ISD)-MgO template by both electron beam physical vapour deposition and pulsed laser deposition. In both cases the nanorods are inclined by an angle of 21°-29° with respect to the sample surface normal as a consequence of the tilted growth of the REBCO film resulting from the ISD-MgO layer. We present angular critical current density (J c) anisotropy as well as field- and temperature-dependant J c data of the BHO nanorod-containing GdBCO films demonstrating an increase in J c over a wide range of temperatures between 30 and 77 K and magnetic fields up to 8 T. In addition, we show that the angle of the peak in the J c anisotropy curve resulting from the nanorods is dependent both on temperature and magnetic field. The largest J c enhancement from the addition of the nanorods was found to occur at 30 K, 3 T, resulting in a J c of 3.0 MA cm-2.

Ammonium sulfate and MALDI in-source decay: a winning combination for sequencing peptides

PubMed Central

Delvolve, Alice; Woods, Amina S.

2009-01-01

In previous papers we highlighted the role of ammonium sulfate in increasing peptide fragmentation by in source decay (ISD). The current work systematically investigated effects of MALDI extraction delay, peptide amino acid composition, matrix and ammonium sulfate concentration on peptides ISD fragmentation. The data confirmed that ammonium sulfate increased peptides signal to noise ratio as well as their in source fragmentation resulting in complete sequence coverage regardless of the amino acid composition. This method is easy, inexpensive and generates the peptides sequence instantly. PMID:19877641

Constraints on the Interstellar Dust Flux Based on Stardust at Home Search Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zolensky, Michael E.; Westphal, J.; Allen, C.; Anderson, D.; Bajt, S.; Bechtel, H. A.; Borg, J.; Brenker, F.; Bridges, J.; Brownlee, D. E.;

Inorganic scintillation detectors based on Eu-activated phosphors for 192Ir brachytherapy

PubMed Central

Kertzscher, Gustavo; Beddar, Sam

2017-01-01

The availability of real-time treatment verification during high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy is currently limited. Therefore, we studied the luminescence properties of the widely commercially available scintillators using the inorganic materials Eu-activated phosphors Y2O3:Eu, YVO4:Eu, Y2O2S:Eu, and Gd2O2S:Eu to determine whether they could be used to accurately and precisely verify HDR brachytherapy doses in real time. The suitability for HDR brachytherapy of inorganic scintillation detectors (ISDs) based on the 4 Eu-activated phosphors in powder form was determined based on experiments with a 192Ir HDR brachytherapy source. The scintillation intensities of the phosphors were 16 to 134 times greater than that of the commonly used organic plastic scintillator BCF-12. High signal intensities were achieved with an optimized packing density of the phosphor mixture and with a shortened fiber-optic cable. The influence of contaminating Cerenkov and fluorescence light induced in the fiber-optic cable (stem signal) was adequately suppressed by inserting between the fiber-optic cable and the photodetector a 25-nm band-pass filter centered at the emission peak. The spurious photoluminescence signal induced by the stem signal was suppressed by placing a long-pass filter between the scintillation detector volume and the fiber-optic cable. The time-dependent luminescence properties of the phosphors were quantified by measuring the non-constant scintillation during irradiation and the afterglow after the brachytherapy source had retracted. We demonstrated that a mixture of Y2O3:Eu and YVO4:Eu suppressed the time-dependence of the ISDs and that the time-dependence of Y2O2S:Eu and Gd2O2S:Eu introduced large measurement inaccuracies. We conclude that ISDs based on a mixture of Y2O3:Eu and YVO4:Eu are promising candidates for accurate and precise real-time verification technology for HDR BT that is cost effective and straightforward to manufacture. Widespread dissemination of this technology could lead to an improved understanding of error types and frequencies during BT and to improved patient safety during treatment. PMID:28475494

Inorganic scintillation detectors based on Eu-activated phosphors for 192Ir brachytherapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kertzscher, Gustavo; Beddar, Sam

2017-06-01

The availability of real-time treatment verification during high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy is currently limited. Therefore, we studied the luminescence properties of the widely commercially available scintillators using the inorganic materials Eu-activated phosphors Y2O3:Eu, YVO4:Eu, Y2O2S:Eu, and Gd2O2S:Eu to determine whether they could be used to accurately and precisely verify HDR brachytherapy doses in real time. The suitability for HDR brachytherapy of inorganic scintillation detectors (ISDs) based on the 4 Eu-activated phosphors in powder form was determined based on experiments with a 192Ir HDR brachytherapy source. The scintillation intensities of the phosphors were 16-134 times greater than that of the commonly used organic plastic scintillator BCF-12. High signal intensities were achieved with an optimized packing density of the phosphor mixture and with a shortened fiber-optic cable. The influence of contaminating Cerenkov and fluorescence light induced in the fiber-optic cable (stem signal) was adequately suppressed by inserting between the fiber-optic cable and the photodetector a 25 nm band-pass filter centered at the emission peak. The spurious photoluminescence signal induced by the stem signal was suppressed by placing a long-pass filter between the scintillation detector volume and the fiber-optic cable. The time-dependent luminescence properties of the phosphors were quantified by measuring the non-constant scintillation during irradiation and the afterglow after the brachytherapy source had retracted. We demonstrated that a mixture of Y2O3:Eu and YVO4:Eu suppressed the time-dependence of the ISDs and that the time-dependence of Y2O2S:Eu and Gd2O2S:Eu introduced large measurement inaccuracies. We conclude that ISDs based on a mixture of Y2O3:Eu and YVO4:Eu are promising candidates for accurate and precise real-time verification technology for HDR BT that is cost effective and straightforward to manufacture. Widespread dissemination of this technology could lead to an improved understanding of error types and frequencies during BT and to improved patient safety during treatment.

ISD3: a particokinetic model for predicting the combined effects of particle sedimentation, diffusion and dissolution on cellular dosimetry for in vitro systems

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

Thomas, Dennis G.; Smith, Jordan N.; Thrall, Brian D.

The development of particokinetic models describing the delivery of insoluble or poorly soluble nanoparticles to cells in liquid cell culture systems has improved the basis for dose-response analysis, hazard ranking from high-throughput systems, and now allows for translation of exposures across in vitro and in vivo test systems. Complimentary particokinetic models that address processes controlling delivery of both particles and released ions to cells, and the influence of particle size changes from dissolution on particle delivery for cell-culture systems would help advance our understanding of the role of particles ion dosimetry on cellular toxicology. We developed ISD3, an extension ofmore » our previously published model for insoluble particles, by deriving a specific formulation of the Population Balance Equation for soluble particles. ISD3 describes the time, concentration and particle size dependent dissolution of particles, their delivery to cells, and the delivery and uptake of ions to cells in in vitro liquid test systems. The model is modular, and can be adapted by application of any empirical model of dissolution, alternative approaches to calculating sedimentation rates, and cellular uptake or treatment of boundary conditions. We apply the model to calculate the particle and ion dosimetry of nanosilver and silver ions in vitro after calibration of two empirical models, one for particle dissolution and one for ion uptake. The results demonstrate utility and accuracy of the ISD3 framework for dosimetry in these systems. Total media ion concentration, particle concentration and total cell-associated silver time-courses were well described by the model, across 2 concentrations of 20 and 110 nm particles. ISD3 was calibrated to dissolution data for 20 nm particles as a function of serum protein concentration, but successfully described the media and cell dosimetry time-course for both particles at all concentrations and time points. We also report the finding that protein content in media has effects both on the initial rate of dissolution and the resulting near-steady state ion concentration in solution.« less

Long-term effect of presurgical nasoalveolar molding on growth of maxillary arch in unilateral cleft lip and palate: randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Shetty, V; Agrawal, R K; Sailer, H F

2017-08-01

The objective of this study was to investigate the long-term effect of presurgical nasoalveolar molding (PNAM) on growth of the maxillary arch through early childhood until 6 years of age in complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) patients presenting for PNAM at different ages. Complete UCLP patients who were treated at our centre were divided into two groups. The study group underwent PNAM and was further subdivided into three subgroups (PNAM initiated within 1 month, between 1 and 6 months, and between 6 and 12 months of age in subgroup I, II, and III, respectively). The control group did not undergo PNAM and was further subdivided into three subgroups. Patients were evaluated at T1 (first visit), T2 (before cheiloplasty), and T3 (at 6 years). Between T1and T2, the intersegment distance (ISD) reduced significantly in the study group but increased in the control group, whereas the intercanine width (ICW) in both the study and control groups did not show significant change. Between T2 and T3, ISD and ICW were reduced significantly in the control group due to arch collapse, whereas in the study group, ISD reduced slightly with ICW remaining almost similar to noncleft norms. We conclude that reduced ISD following PNAM improves arch symmetry and stability, and thus may prevent arch collapse in the long term. Copyright © 2017 International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A heteronuclear zero quantum coherence Nz-exchange experiment that resolves resonance overlap and its application to measure the rates of heme binding to the IsdC protein.

PubMed

Robson, Scott A; Peterson, Robert; Bouchard, Louis-S; Villareal, Valerie A; Clubb, Robert T

2010-07-21

Chemical exchange phenomena in NMR spectra can be quantitatively interpreted to measure the rates of ligand binding, as well as conformational and chemical rearrangements. In macromolecules, processes that occur slowly on the chemical shift time scale are frequently studied using 2D heteronuclear ZZ or N(z)-exchange spectroscopy. However, to successfully apply this method, peaks arising from each exchanging species must have unique chemical shifts in both dimensions, a condition that is often not satisfied in protein-ligand binding equilibria for (15)N nuclei. To overcome the problem of (15)N chemical shift degeneracy we developed a heteronuclear zero-quantum (and double-quantum) coherence N(z)-exchange experiment that resolves (15)N chemical shift degeneracy in the indirect dimension. We demonstrate the utility of this new experiment by measuring the heme binding kinetics of the IsdC protein from Staphylococcus aureus. Because of peak overlap, we could not reliably analyze binding kinetics using conventional methods. However, our new experiment resulted in six well-resolved systems that yielded interpretable data. We measured a relatively slow k(off) rate of heme from IsdC (<10 s(-1)), which we interpret as necessary so heme loaded IsdC has time to encounter downstream binding partners to which it passes the heme. The utility of using this new exchange experiment can be easily expanded to (13)C nuclei. We expect our heteronuclear zero-quantum coherence N(z)-exchange experiment will expand the usefulness of exchange spectroscopy to slow chemical exchange events that involve ligand binding.

Initial Spore Density Has an Influence on Ochratoxin A Content in Aspergillus ochraceus CGMCC 3.4412 in PDB and Its Interaction with Seeds.

PubMed

Li, Caiyan; Song, Yanmin; Xiong, Lu; Huang, Kunlun; Liang, Zhihong

2017-04-21

The morphology and secondary metabolism of Aspergillus spp. are associated with initial spore density (ISD). Fatty acids (FA) are involved in the biosynthesis of aflatoxins (AF) through Aspergillus quorum sensing (QS). Here, we studied how ochratoxin A (OTA) was regulated by spore density in Aspergillus ochraceus CGMCC 3.4412. The results contribute to understanding the role of spore density in morphogenesis, OTA biosynthesis, and host-pathogen interactions. When A. ochraceus was grown in Potato Dextrose Broth (PDB) media at different spore densities (from 10¹ to 10⁶ spores/mL), more OTA was produced when ISD were increased, but a higher level of ISD inhibited OTA biosynthesis. Seed infection studies showed that peanuts ( Arachis hypogaea ) and soybeans ( Glycine max ) with high FA content were more susceptible to OTA production when infected by A. ochraceus and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced OTA biosynthesis. These results suggested that FA was vital for OTA biosynthesis, and that oxidative stress was closely related to OTA biosynthesis in A. ochraceus .

NMR in the SPINE Structural Proteomics project.

PubMed

Ab, E; Atkinson, A R; Banci, L; Bertini, I; Ciofi-Baffoni, S; Brunner, K; Diercks, T; Dötsch, V; Engelke, F; Folkers, G E; Griesinger, C; Gronwald, W; Günther, U; Habeck, M; de Jong, R N; Kalbitzer, H R; Kieffer, B; Leeflang, B R; Loss, S; Luchinat, C; Marquardsen, T; Moskau, D; Neidig, K P; Nilges, M; Piccioli, M; Pierattelli, R; Rieping, W; Schippmann, T; Schwalbe, H; Travé, G; Trenner, J; Wöhnert, J; Zweckstetter, M; Kaptein, R

2006-10-01

This paper describes the developments, role and contributions of the NMR spectroscopy groups in the Structural Proteomics In Europe (SPINE) consortium. Focusing on the development of high-throughput (HTP) pipelines for NMR structure determinations of proteins, all aspects from sample preparation, data acquisition, data processing, data analysis to structure determination have been improved with respect to sensitivity, automation, speed, robustness and validation. Specific highlights are protonless (13)C-direct detection methods and inferential structure determinations (ISD). In addition to technological improvements, these methods have been applied to deliver over 60 NMR structures of proteins, among which are five that failed to crystallize. The inclusion of NMR spectroscopy in structural proteomics pipelines improves the success rate for protein structure determinations.

Expedition_55_Education_Interview_with_Aransas_County_ISD_and_Port_Aransas_ISD_2018_117_1450_645746

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-04-27

SPACE STATION CREW MEMBERS DISCUSS LIFE IN SPACE WITH TEXAS STUDENTS----- Aboard the International Space Station, Expedition 55 Flight Engineers Drew Feustel and Scott Tingle of NASA discussed life and research on the orbital laboratory during an in-flight educational event April 27 with students from the Aransas County Independent School District and the Port Aransas County Independent School District in Aransas Pass, Texas. Feustel is in the second month of a six-month mission on the station, while Tingle is scheduled to return to Earth June 3 to complete his half-year in space.

The Socialization of Virtual Teams: Implications for ISD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mullally, Brenda; Stapleton, Larry

Studies show that Information Systems Development (ISD) projects do not fulfil stakeholder expectations of completion time, quality and budget. (2005) study shows that development is more about social interaction and mutual understanding than following a prescribed method. Systems development is a social process where interactions help to make sense of the reality within which the system is developed (Hirschheirn et al., 1991). Research concentrates on methodology when in fact method may not be the primary problem. Authors have called for further research to investigate the true nature of the current systems development environment in real organisational situations (Fitzgerald, 2000).

Report on the OJT Study Task. On-the-Job Training in the Department of Defense

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-01-01

it is not presently possible to compare these costs with OJT costs for use as a factor in determining the best allocation of learning tasks between...further development by the Services and support, at least in principle, by OSD. Each Service, to a greater or lesser extent, has something to learn from...ISD entails selection of tasks required for each skill and identifies those that are best taught in school and those that can be deferred to be learned

Frataxin Directly Stimulates Mitochondrial Cysteine Desulfurase by Exposing Substrate-binding Sites, and a Mutant Fe-S Cluster Scaffold Protein with Frataxin-bypassing Ability Acts Similarly*♦

PubMed Central

Pandey, Alok; Gordon, Donna M.; Pain, Jayashree; Stemmler, Timothy L.; Dancis, Andrew; Pain, Debkumar

2013-01-01

For iron-sulfur (Fe-S) cluster synthesis in mitochondria, the sulfur is derived from the amino acid cysteine by the cysteine desulfurase activity of Nfs1. The enzyme binds the substrate cysteine in the pyridoxal phosphate-containing site, and a persulfide is formed on the active site cysteine in a manner depending on the accessory protein Isd11. The persulfide is then transferred to the scaffold Isu, where it combines with iron to form the Fe-S cluster intermediate. Frataxin is implicated in the process, although it is unclear where and how, and deficiency causes Friedreich ataxia. Using purified proteins and isolated mitochondria, we show here that the yeast frataxin homolog (Yfh1) directly and specifically stimulates cysteine binding to Nfs1 by exposing substrate-binding sites. This novel function of frataxin does not require iron, Isu1, or Isd11. Once bound to Nfs1, the substrate cysteine is the source of the Nfs1 persulfide, but this step is independent of frataxin and strictly dependent on Isd11. Recently, a point mutation in Isu1 was found to bypass many frataxin functions. The data presented here show that the Isu1 suppressor mimics the frataxin effects on Nfs1, explaining the bypassing activity. We propose a regulatory mechanism for the Nfs1 persulfide-forming activity. Specifically, at least two separate conformational changes must occur in the enzyme for optimum activity as follows: one is mediated by frataxin interaction that exposes the “buried” substrate-binding sites, and the other is mediated by Isd11 interaction that brings the bound substrate cysteine and the active site cysteine in proximity for persulfide formation. PMID:24217246

Alternative end-joining catalyzes robust IgH locus deletions and translocations in the combined absence of ligase 4 and Ku70.

PubMed

Boboila, Cristian; Jankovic, Mila; Yan, Catherine T; Wang, Jing H; Wesemann, Duane R; Zhang, Tingting; Fazeli, Alex; Feldman, Lauren; Nussenzweig, Andre; Nussenzweig, Michel; Alt, Frederick W

2010-02-16

Class switch recombination (CSR) in B lymphocytes is initiated by introduction of multiple DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) into switch (S) regions that flank immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) constant region exons. CSR is completed by joining a DSB in the donor S mu to a DSB in a downstream acceptor S region (e.g., S gamma1) by end-joining. In normal cells, many CSR junctions are mediated by classical nonhomologous end-joining (C-NHEJ), which employs the Ku70/80 complex for DSB recognition and XRCC4/DNA ligase 4 for ligation. Alternative end-joining (A-EJ) mediates CSR, at reduced levels, in the absence of C-NHEJ, even in combined absence of Ku70 and ligase 4, demonstrating an A-EJ pathway totally distinct from C-NHEJ. Multiple DSBs are introduced into S mu during CSR, with some being rejoined or joined to each other to generate internal switch deletions (ISDs). In addition, S-region DSBs can be joined to other chromosomes to generate translocations, the level of which is increased by absence of a single C-NHEJ component (e.g., XRCC4). We asked whether ISD and S-region translocations occur in the complete absence of C-NHEJ (e.g., in Ku70/ligase 4 double-deficient B cells). We found, unexpectedly, that B-cell activation for CSR generates substantial ISD in both S mu and S gamma1 and that ISD in both is greatly increased by the absence of C-NHEJ. IgH chromosomal translocations to the c-myc oncogene also are augmented in the combined absence of Ku70 and ligase 4. We discuss the implications of these findings for A-EJ in normal and abnormal DSB repair.

High-definition computed tomography for coronary artery stents imaging compared with standard-definition 64-row multidectector computed tomography: an initial in vivo study.

PubMed

Yang, Wen Jie; Zhang, Huan; Xiao, Hua; Li, Jian Ying; Liu, Yan; Pan, Zi Lai; Chen, Ke Min

2012-01-01

The evaluation of coronary stents by computed tomography (CT) remains difficult. We assessed the imaging performance of a high-definition CT scanner (HDCT) by comparing with a conventional 64-row standard-definition CT (SDCT). One hundred thirty-eight consecutive stented patients underwent coronary CT angiography, among whom 66 patients were examined by HDCT, and 72 patients by SDCT (LightSpeed VCT XT; GE Healthcare, Waukesha, Wis). The image quality score, the inner stent diameter (ISD), and the radiation dose were analyzed. All data were statistically tested by SPSS 13.0 software (SPSS Inc, Chicago, Ill). In 72 patients examined using SDCT, 135 stents were detected; in 66 patients examined using HDCT, 119 stents were detected. The image quality score on HDCT was significantly better than that on SDCT (1.4 [SD, 0.7] vs 1.9 [SD, 0.8]). The ISD on HDCT was significantly higher than that on SDCT (1.8 [SD, 0.5] vs 1.6 [SD, 0.4]). There was no significant difference of either image quality score or ISD between the HDCT and SDCT groups in stents with 2.5-mm diameter. Images on HDCT showed significantly better image quality score and larger ISD than images on SDCT in 2.75-, 3-, and 3.5-mm stents. For patients examined by retrospective electrocardiogram-gated technique, the radiation dose on HDCT was significantly lower than that on SDCT (11.3 [SD, 2.9] vs 15.1 [SD, 3.8] mSv). High-definition CT scanner offered improved image quality and measurement accuracy for imaging coronary stents compared with conventional SDCT, providing higher spatial resolution and lower dose for evaluating coronary stents with 2.75- to 3.5-mm diameter.

Negative ion MALDI-TOF MS, ISD and PSD of neutral underivatized oligosaccharides without anionic dopant strategies, using 2,5-DHAP as a matrix.

PubMed

Jovanović, Marko; Peter-Katalinić, Jasna

2016-02-01

Oligosaccharides represent complex class of analytes for mass spectrometric analysis due to the high variety of structural isomers concerning glycosidic linkages and possible branching. A systematic study of the negative ion mode matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry of various neutral oligosaccharides under selection of an appropriate matrix, like 2,5-dihydroxyacetophenone (2,5-DHAP) is reported here, without commonly used anion dopant strategies. Nevertheless, we were able to generate relevant in-source decay (ISD) cross-ring fragment ions, typically obtained in the negative ion mode. Data observed indicate that the intrinsic property of the terminal non-reduced aldose is crucial for this behavior. A systematic study of the post source decay (PSD) of molecular, pseudomolecular and ISD cross-ring cleavage precursor ions is reported here. A direct comparison of the positive and negative ion mode MALDI MS1 and PSD behavior of neutral oligosaccharides could also be performed under the use of the same matrix preparation, because 2,5-DHAP is fully compatible with positive ion mode acquisition. We found that PSD spectra of deprotonated neutral oligosaccharides obtained in the negative ion mode are richer, because they contained both glycosidic and cross-ring fragment ions. However, we also found that cross-ring fragment ions are readily produced in the positive ion mode when potassiated precursor ions were selected. In addition, we show evidence that non-anionic dopants and specific instrumental parameters can also significantly influence the ISD fragmentation. Taken together, our results should increase our understanding of oligosaccharide behavior in the negative ion mode as well as increase our knowledge regarding many aspects of in-source MALDI chemistry. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Frataxin directly stimulates mitochondrial cysteine desulfurase by exposing substrate-binding sites, and a mutant Fe-S cluster scaffold protein with frataxin-bypassing ability acts similarly.

PubMed

Pandey, Alok; Gordon, Donna M; Pain, Jayashree; Stemmler, Timothy L; Dancis, Andrew; Pain, Debkumar

2013-12-27

For iron-sulfur (Fe-S) cluster synthesis in mitochondria, the sulfur is derived from the amino acid cysteine by the cysteine desulfurase activity of Nfs1. The enzyme binds the substrate cysteine in the pyridoxal phosphate-containing site, and a persulfide is formed on the active site cysteine in a manner depending on the accessory protein Isd11. The persulfide is then transferred to the scaffold Isu, where it combines with iron to form the Fe-S cluster intermediate. Frataxin is implicated in the process, although it is unclear where and how, and deficiency causes Friedreich ataxia. Using purified proteins and isolated mitochondria, we show here that the yeast frataxin homolog (Yfh1) directly and specifically stimulates cysteine binding to Nfs1 by exposing substrate-binding sites. This novel function of frataxin does not require iron, Isu1, or Isd11. Once bound to Nfs1, the substrate cysteine is the source of the Nfs1 persulfide, but this step is independent of frataxin and strictly dependent on Isd11. Recently, a point mutation in Isu1 was found to bypass many frataxin functions. The data presented here show that the Isu1 suppressor mimics the frataxin effects on Nfs1, explaining the bypassing activity. We propose a regulatory mechanism for the Nfs1 persulfide-forming activity. Specifically, at least two separate conformational changes must occur in the enzyme for optimum activity as follows: one is mediated by frataxin interaction that exposes the "buried" substrate-binding sites, and the other is mediated by Isd11 interaction that brings the bound substrate cysteine and the active site cysteine in proximity for persulfide formation.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry. A comparison of fragmentation patterns of linear dextran obtained by in-source decay, post-source decay and collision-induced dissociation and the stability of linear and cyclic glucans studied by in-source decay.

PubMed

Bashir, Sajid; Giannakopulos, Anastassios E; Derrick, Peter J; Critchley, Peter; Bottrill, Andrew; Padley, Henry J

2004-01-01

In the first part of this study fragmentation patterns from a range of dextran oligomers (containing 4-20 anhydroglucose units) were compared in three different methods of analysis coupled with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation (MALDI) mass spectrometry. Collision-induced-dissociation (CID), prompt in-source decay (ISD) and post-source decay (PSD) all caused cleavage of the glycosidic bonds. Both CID and to a lesser extent ISD caused further cleavage of pyranose rings of the individual sugar residues. There was very little cleavage of pyranose rings detected in the PSD spectrum. Derivatisation of the reducing end-groups of the oligodextrans with 1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone (PMP) restricted cleavage in the MALDI mass spectrometer to the non-reducing end, and further it enabled the saccharides to be separated by HPLC so that a single chain length could be examined as a standard. Maltoheptaose was also used as a standard. In the second part of the study prompt ISD-MALDI mass spectrometry was used to compare the fragmentation of three oligoglucans, dextran, maltodextrin and gamma cyclodextrin, that have different linkages and different secondary structure. The results showed that the degree of fragmentation correlated with the degree of freedom in the saccharide chains in solution determined by NMR. Dextran the most random conformation was fragmented most whereas there was little evidence of any fragments, not even glycosidic bond breakage from cyclodextrin, even when the laser power was increased considerably. The fragmentation pattern of maltodextrin was intermediate. The patterns of fragmentation produced by MALDI mass spectrometry, particularly where standards are available to calibrate the spectrum and the energy of the laser is controlled, can be used to predict the type of linkage present.

Data on the identity and myristoylation state of recombinant, purified hippocalcin.

PubMed

Krishnan, Anuradha; Viviano, Jeffrey; Morozov, Yaroslav; Venkataraman, Venkat

2016-09-01

In this data article we report on the purity and post translation modification of bacterially expressed and purified recombinant hippocalcin (HPCA): a member of the neuronal calcium sensor protein family, whose functions are regulated by calcium. MALDI-TOF in source decay (ISD) analysis was used to identify both the myristoylated or non-myristoylated forms of the protein. MALDI-TOF ISD data on the identity of the protein, amino acid sequence and myristoylation efficiency are provided. This data relates to the article "Single-Column Purification of the Tag-free, Recombinant Form of the Neuronal Calcium Sensor Protein, Hippocalcin Expressed in Eschericia coli" [1].

Synthesis of amino acids in earth orbit: proposal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kobayashi, Kensei; Kaneko, Takeo; Kouchi, Akira; Hashimoto, Hirofumi; Saito, Takeshi; Yamashita, Masamichi

1999-01-01

Organic compounds in comets are of interest since they could be the sources of the terrestrial biosphere. They are supposed to be formed in an interstellar dust (ISD) environment. We performed laboratory simulation of the formation of bioorganic compounds in ISD environments: Amino acid precursors were detected in the products after ice mixture of CO (or CH4, CH3OH), NH3 and H2O. The present results should be confirmed in actual space conditions, such as in an exposed facility of JEM. We are designing an apparatus of such exobiology experiments in earth orbit (EEEO). Basic designs proposed for EEEO, remaining problems, and expected outcome will be discussed.

iSDS: a self-configurable software-defined storage system for enterprise

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Wen-Shyen Eric; Huang, Chun-Fang; Huang, Ming-Jen

2018-01-01

Storage is one of the most important aspects of IT infrastructure for various enterprises. But, enterprises are interested in more than just data storage; they are interested in such things as more reliable data protection, higher performance and reduced resource consumption. Traditional enterprise-grade storage satisfies these requirements at high cost. It is because traditional enterprise-grade storage is usually designed and constructed by customised field-programmable gate array to achieve high-end functionality. However, in this ever-changing environment, enterprises request storage with more flexible deployment and at lower cost. Moreover, the rise of new application fields, such as social media, big data, video streaming service etc., makes operational tasks for administrators more complex. In this article, a new storage system called intelligent software-defined storage (iSDS), based on software-defined storage, is described. More specifically, this approach advocates using software to replace features provided by traditional customised chips. To alleviate the management burden, it also advocates applying machine learning to automatically configure storage to meet dynamic requirements of workloads running on storage. This article focuses on the analysis feature of iSDS cluster by detailing its architecture and design.

Microanalysis of Hypervelocity Impact Residues of Possible Interstellar Origin

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stroud, Rhonda M.; Achilles, Cheri; Allen, Carlton; Anasari, Asna; Bajt, Sasa; Bassim, Nabil; Bastien, Ron S.; Bechtel, H. A.; Borg, Janet; Brenker, Frank E.;

Review of field studies of aircraft noise-induced sleep disturbance.

PubMed

Michaud, David S; Fidell, Sanford; Pearsons, Karl; Campbell, Kenneth C; Keith, Stephen E

2007-01-01

Aircraft noise-induced sleep disturbance (AN-ISD) is potentially among the more serious effects of aircraft noise on people. This literature review of recent field studies of AN-ISD finds that reliable generalization of findings to population-level effects is complicated by individual differences among subjects, methodological and analytic differences among studies, and predictive relationships that account for only a small fraction of the variance in the relationship between noise exposure and sleep disturbance. It is nonetheless apparent in the studied circumstances of residential exposure that sleep disturbance effects of nighttime aircraft noise intrusions are not dramatic on a per-event basis, and that linkages between outdoor aircraft noise exposure and sleep disturbance are tenuous. It is also apparent that AN-ISD occurs more often during later than earlier parts of the night; that indoor sound levels are more closely associated with sleep disturbance than outdoor measures; and that spontaneous awakenings, or awakenings attributable to nonaircraft indoor noises, occur more often than awakenings attributed to aircraft noise. Predictions of sleep disturbance due to aircraft noise should not be based on over-simplifications of the findings of the reviewed studies, and these reports should be treated with caution in developing regulatory policy for aircraft noise.

Managing many patients with a urethral stricture: a cost-benefit analysis of treatment options.

PubMed

Ogbonna, B C

1998-05-01

To report a management method in a community where there are many patients with urethral stricture and where the short-term goal of providing some treatment to most may override the sometimes conflicting long-term aim of minimizing recurrence rates. Over a 3-year period, using optical urethrotomy in 76 patients followed by intermittent self-dilatation (ISD) in 29, urethroplasty in 28 and dilatation in three, 92 of 134 patients with a urethral stricture were treated and the outcome compared. The overall recurrence rate was 22%; a combination of urethrotomy plus ISD had a recurrence rate of 17% and gave a mean duration of follow-up without recurrence similar to that after urethroplasty. ISD significantly increased both the time before recurrence and the duration of follow-up without recurrence after urethrotomy. In addition to providing lasting treatment to many patients, urethrotomy was also 10 times cheaper, 10 times faster to perform and offered the surgeon better protection from infection with human immunodeficiency virus than did urethroplasty. Because wrongly selecting urethrotomy (resulting in a failed procedure) wastes valuable operating time and resources, the pre-operative recognition of strictures unsuitable for urethrotomy and their treatment by urethroplasty is important for overall efficiency.

Effectiveness of combined chloroquine and primaquine treatment in 14 days versus intermittent single dose regimen, in an open, non-randomized, clinical trial, to eliminate Plasmodium vivax in southern Mexico.

PubMed

Gonzalez-Ceron, Lilia; Rodriguez, Mario H; Sandoval, Marco A; Santillan, Frida; Galindo-Virgen, Sonia; Betanzos, Angel F; Rosales, Angel F; Palomeque, Olga L

2015-10-30

In Mexico, combined chloroquine (CQ) and primaquine (PQ) treatment has been used since the late 1950s to treat Plasmodium vivax infections. Although malaria transmission has declined, current treatment strategies must be evaluated to advance towards malaria elimination. The clinical and parasitological outcome of treating symptomatic P. vivax with the 14-day (T14) treatment or intermittent single dose (ISD) regimen was evaluated in southern Mexico between February 2008 and September 2010. Patients over 12 months old with P. vivax mono-infection and asexual parasitaemia ≥500 parasites/µl were treated under supervision. After diagnosis (day 0), treatment began immediately. T14 patients received CQ for 3 days (10, 10 and 5 mg/kg) and PQ daily for 14 days (0.25 mg/kg), while ISD patients received a single dose of CQ (10 mg/kg) and PQ (0.75 mg/kg) on days 0, 30, 60, 180, 210, and 240. Follow-up was done by observing clinical and laboratory (by microscopy, serology and PCR) outcome, considering two endpoints: primary blood infection clearance and clinical response at ~28 days, and the incidence of recurrent blood infection during 12 months. Parasite genotypes of primary/recurrent blood infections were analysed. During the first 28 days, no differences in parasite clearance or clinical outcome were observed between T14 (86 patients) and ISD (67 patients). On day 3, 95 % of patients in both groups showed no blood parasites, and no recurrences were detected on days 7-28. Contrarily, the therapeutic effectiveness (absence of recurrent parasitaemia) was distinct for T14 versus ISD at 12 months: 83.7 versus 50 %, respectively (p = 0.000). Symptomatic and asymptomatic infections were recorded on days 31-352. Some parasite recurrences were detected by PCR and/or serological testing. T14 was effective for opportune elimination of the primary blood infection and preventing relapse episodes. The first single dose of CQ-PQ eliminated primary blood infection as efficiently as the initial three-dose scheme of T14, but the ISD regimen should be abandoned. A single combined dose administered to symptomatic patients in remote areas while awaiting parasitological diagnosis may contribute to halting P. vivax transmission. Alternatives for meeting the challenge of T14 supervision are discussed. NIH-USA, ClinicalTrial.gov Identifier: NCT02394197.

Specific capture and detection of Staphylococcus aureus with high-affinity modified aptamers to cell surface components

PubMed Central

Baumstummler, A; Lehmann, D; Janjic, N; Ochsner, UA

2014-01-01

Slow off-rate modified aptamer (SOMAmer) reagents were generated to several Staphylococcus aureus cell surface-associated proteins via SELEX with multiple modified DNA libraries using purified recombinant or native proteins. High-affinity binding agents with sub-nanomolar Kd's were obtained for staphylococcal protein A (SpA), clumping factors (ClfA, ClfB), fibronectin-binding proteins (FnbA, FnbB) and iron-regulated surface determinants (Isd). Further screening revealed several SOMAmers that specifically bound to Staph. aureus cells from all strains that were tested, but not to other staphylococci or other bacteria. SpA and ClfA SOMAmers proved useful for the selective capture and enrichment of Staph. aureus cells, as shown by culture and PCR, leading to improved limits of detection and efficient removal of PCR inhibitors. Detection of Staph. aureus cells was enhanced by several orders of magnitude when the bacterial cell surface was coated with SOMAmers followed by qPCR of the SOMAmers. Furthermore, fluorescence-labelled SpA SOMAmers demonstrated their utility as direct detection agents in flow cytometry. Significance and Impact of the Study Monitoring for microbial contamination of food, water, nonsterile products or the environment is typically based on culture, PCR or antibodies. Aptamers that bind with high specificity and affinity to well-conserved cell surface epitopes represent a promising novel type of reagents to detect bacterial cells without the need for culture or cell lysis, including for the capture and enrichment of bacteria present at low cell densities and for the direct detection via qPCR or fluorescent staining. PMID:24935714

Performance of the image statistics decoder in conjunction with the Goldstone-VLA array

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, H. C.; Pitt, G. H., III

1989-01-01

During Voyager's Neptune encounter, the National Radio Astronomy Observatory's Very Large Array (VLA) will be arrayed with Goldstone antennas to receive the transmitted telemetry data from the spacecraft. The telemetry signal from the VLA will drop out periodically, resulting in a periodic drop in the received signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The Image Statistics Decoder (ISD), which assumes a correlation between pixels, can improve the bit error rate (BER) for images during these dropout periods. Simulation results have shown that the ISD, in conjunction with the Goldstone-VLA array can provide a 3-dB gain for uncompressed images at a BER of 5.0 x 10(exp -3).

Odontometric sex estimation from clinically extracted molar teeth in a North Indian population sample.

PubMed

Tabasum, Qutsia; Sehrawat, Jagmahender Singh; Talwar, Manjit Kaur; Pathak, Raj Kamal

2017-01-01

Different dental features have contributed significantly toward sex determination in the forensic anthropological contexts. Population-specific standards (discriminant functions or regression formulae) have been suggested for various population groups to identify the sex of an unknown individual from dental dimensions and other odontometric features. The main purpose of the present investigation was to examine the degree of sexual dimorphism exhibited by the human teeth of North Indians and identify importance as a forensic tool in sex determination. The linear and diagonal dimensions were recorded at both crown and cementoenamel junction levels of 58 upper and 72 lower molars of 130 Northwest Indian subjects (73 males and 57 females). The measurements were subjected to appropriate statistical analyses to estimate the sex estimation accuracy from lower and upper molars separately. Univariate analyses revealed that molar teeth had greater dimensions in males than the females and the mesiodistal cervical diameter (MDCV) was found to be the most suitable variable for sex determination of the molars. The classification results were in agreement with the previously conducted studies. The index of sexual dimorphism (ISD) was calculated to be higher in lower molars than the upper molars, and the highest sex differences were observed for MDCV based on the ISD. The overall sex estimation accuracy obtained from multivariate discriminant function analysis and regression analysis of pooled data was 70.0% (74% males, 64.9% females) and 66.9% (78.1% males, 52.6% females), respectively. Odontometrics can play a significant role in establishing the biological identity of an unknown individual even from a single tooth in the absence of other sophisticated molecular or biochemical techniques used for this purpose.

Odontometric sex estimation from clinically extracted molar teeth in a North Indian population sample

PubMed Central

Tabasum, Qutsia; Sehrawat, Jagmahender Singh; Talwar, Manjit Kaur; Pathak, Raj Kamal

2017-01-01

Background: Different dental features have contributed significantly toward sex determination in the forensic anthropological contexts. Population-specific standards (discriminant functions or regression formulae) have been suggested for various population groups to identify the sex of an unknown individual from dental dimensions and other odontometric features. The main purpose of the present investigation was to examine the degree of sexual dimorphism exhibited by the human teeth of North Indians and identify importance as a forensic tool in sex determination. Materials and Methods: The linear and diagonal dimensions were recorded at both crown and cementoenamel junction levels of 58 upper and 72 lower molars of 130 Northwest Indian subjects (73 males and 57 females). The measurements were subjected to appropriate statistical analyses to estimate the sex estimation accuracy from lower and upper molars separately. Results: Univariate analyses revealed that molar teeth had greater dimensions in males than the females and the mesiodistal cervical diameter (MDCV) was found to be the most suitable variable for sex determination of the molars. The classification results were in agreement with the previously conducted studies. The index of sexual dimorphism (ISD) was calculated to be higher in lower molars than the upper molars, and the highest sex differences were observed for MDCV based on the ISD. The overall sex estimation accuracy obtained from multivariate discriminant function analysis and regression analysis of pooled data was 70.0% (74% males, 64.9% females) and 66.9% (78.1% males, 52.6% females), respectively. Conclusions: Odontometrics can play a significant role in establishing the biological identity of an unknown individual even from a single tooth in the absence of other sophisticated molecular or biochemical techniques used for this purpose. PMID:29657498

A novel rapid analysis using mass spectrometry to evaluate downstream refolding of recombinant human insulin-like growth factor-1 (mecasermin).

PubMed

Furuki, Kenichiro; Toyo'oka, Toshimasa; Yamaguchi, Hideto

2017-08-15

Mecasermin is used to treat elevated blood sugar as well as growth-hormone-resistant Laron-type dwarfism. Mecasermin isolated from inclusion bodies in extracts of E. coli must be refolded to acquire sufficient activity. However, there is no rapid analytical method for monitoring refolding during the purification process. We prepared mecasermin drug product, in-process samples during the oxidation of mecasermin, forced-reduced mecasermin, and aerially oxidized mecasermin after forced reduction. Desalted mecasermin samples were analyzed using MALDI-ISD. The peak intensity ratio of product to precursor ion was determined. The charge-state distribution (CSD) of mecasermin ions was evaluated using ESI-MS coupled with SEC-mode HPLC. The drift time and collision cross-sectional area (CCS) of mecasermin ions were evaluated using ESI-IMS-MS coupled with SEC-mode HPLC. MALDI-ISD data, CSD values determined using ESI-MS, and the CCS acquired using ESI-IMS-MS revealed the relationship between the folded and unfolded proteoforms of forced-reduced mecasermin and aerially oxidized mecasermin with the free-SH:protein ratio of mecasermin drug product. The CCS area, which is determined using ESI-IMS-MS, provided proteoform information through rapid monitoring (<2 min) of in-process samples during the manufacture of mecasermin. ESI-IMS-MS coupled with SEC-mode HPLC is a rapid and robust method for analyzing the free-SH:protein ratio of mecasermin that allows proteoform changes to be evaluated and monitored during the oxidation of mecasermin. ESI-IMS-MS is applicable as a process analytical technology tool for identifying the "critical quality attributes" and implementing "quality by design" for manufacturing mecasermin. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The precedence effect and its buildup and breakdown in ferrets and humans

PubMed Central

Tolnai, Sandra; Litovsky, Ruth Y.; King, Andrew J.

2014-01-01

Although many studies have examined the precedence effect (PE), few have tested whether it shows a buildup and breakdown in nonhuman animals comparable to that seen in humans. These processes are thought to reflect the ability of the auditory system to adjust to a listener's acoustic environment, and their mechanisms are still poorly understood. In this study, ferrets were trained on a two-alternative forced-choice task to discriminate the azimuthal direction of brief sounds. In one experiment, pairs of noise bursts were presented from two loudspeakers at different interstimulus delays (ISDs). Results showed that localization performance changed as a function of ISD in a manner consistent with the PE being operative. A second experiment investigated buildup and breakdown of the PE by measuring the ability of ferrets to discriminate the direction of a click pair following presentation of a conditioning train. Human listeners were also tested using this paradigm. In both species, performance was better when the test clicks and conditioning train had the same ISD but deteriorated following a switch in the direction of the leading and lagging sounds between the conditioning train and test clicks. These results suggest that ferrets, like humans, experience a buildup and breakdown of the PE. PMID:24606278

Facial Anthropometric Norms among Kosovo - Albanian Adults.

PubMed

Staka, Gloria; Asllani-Hoxha, Flurije; Bimbashi, Venera

2017-09-01

The development of an anthropometric craniofacial database is a necessary multidisciplinary proposal. The aim of this study was to establish facial anthropometric norms and to investigate into sexual dimorphism in facial variables among Kosovo Albanian adults. The sample included 204 students of Dental School, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pristina. Using direct anthropometry, a series of 8 standard facial measurements was taken on each subject with digital caliper with an accuracy of 0.01 mm (Boss, Hamburg-Germany). The normative data and percentile rankings were calculated. Gender differences in facial variables were analyzed using t- test for independent samples (p<0.05). The index of sexual dimorphism (ISD) and percentage of sexual dimorphism were calculated for each facial measurement. ormative data for all facial anthropometric measurements in males were higher than in females. Male average norms compared with the female average norms differed significantly from each other (p>0.05).The highest index of sexual dimorphism (ISD) was found for the lower facial height 1.120, for which the highest percentage of sexual dimorphism, 12.01%., was also found. The lowest ISD was found for intercanthal width, 1.022, accompanied with the lowest percentage of sexual dimorphism, 2.23%. The obtained results have established the facial anthropometric norms among Kosovo Albanian adults. Sexual dimorphism has been confirmed for each facial measurement.

Browse diversity and iron loading in captive sumatran rhinoceroses (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis): a comparison of sanctuary and zoological populations.

PubMed

Candra, Dedi; Radcliffe, Robin W; Andriansyah; Khan, Mohammad; Tsu, I-Hsien; Paglia, Donald E

2012-09-01

Iron storage disease (ISD) is now recognized as a serious clinical disorder acquired by two species of browsing rhinoceroses, the African black (Diceros bicornis) and the Asian Sumatran (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) rhinoceroses, when displaced from their natural habitats. The most complete knowledge of ISD comes from studies of the black rhinoceros, but the Asian species is also at risk. Sumatran rhinoceroses housed in traditional zoological settings outside of range countries have suffered significant morbidity and mortality potentially related to ISD induced by diet and/or other confinement conditions. With so few animals in captivity, very little information exists on iron loading in the Sumatran rhinoceros. To better characterize the problem, we retrospectively compared captive management conditions of Sumatran rhinoceroses housed under traditional zoological care with those in two native sanctuary environments. In general, zoo rhinoceroses are offered a paucity of plants and browse species compared with their sanctuary and wild counterparts managed in native rainforest habitats. Iron analyte levels and limited histopathologic observations in these populations suggest variable tendencies to overload iron, dependent upon differences in managed diet and individual food preferences. More detailed investigation of these markedly dissimilar ex situ populations is warranted to better understand the role of nutrition and other conditions affecting iron loading in browser rhinoceroses.

A new modal-based approach for modelling the bump foil structure in the simultaneous solution of foil-air bearing rotor dynamic problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bin Hassan, M. F.; Bonello, P.

2017-05-01

Recently-proposed techniques for the simultaneous solution of foil-air bearing (FAB) rotor dynamic problems have been limited to a simple bump foil model in which the individual bumps were modelled as independent spring-damper (ISD) subsystems. The present paper addresses this limitation by introducing a modal model of the bump foil structure into the simultaneous solution scheme. The dynamics of the corrugated bump foil structure are first studied using the finite element (FE) technique. This study is experimentally validated using a purpose-made corrugated foil structure. Based on the findings of this study, it is proposed that the dynamics of the full foil structure, including bump interaction and foil inertia, can be represented by a modal model comprising a limited number of modes. This full foil structure modal model (FFSMM) is then adapted into the rotordynamic FAB problem solution scheme, instead of the ISD model. Preliminary results using the FFSMM under static and unbalance excitation conditions are proven to be reliable by comparison against the corresponding ISD foil model results and by cross-correlating different methods for computing the deflection of the full foil structure. The rotor-bearing model is also validated against experimental and theoretical results in the literature.

Deadly outbreak of iron storage disease (ISD) in Italian birds of the family Turdidae.

PubMed

Pavone, Silvia; Salamida, Sonia; Pecorelli, Ivan; Rossi, Elisabetta; Manuali, Elisabetta

2014-09-01

A widespread deadly outbreak occurred in captive birds belonging to the family Turdidae in Italy. The present study was performed on 46 dead birds coming from 3 small decoy-bird breeders in central Italy. Only Turdus pilaris, Turdus iliacus, Turdus philomelos and Turdus merula were affected. No other species of bird held by these breeders died. A change of diet before the hunting season was reported from all breeders. Full necropsy of the animals and histological investigations of representative tissue samples were performed. Microscopical examination showed marked iron deposits in liver samples. Bacteriological investigations and molecular analysis to exclude bacterial and viral diseases were carried out. Contamination of food pellet samples by mycotoxins and analysis to detect heavy metal contaminants in food pellet samples were considered. An interesting result was the high iron content found in food pellets. It was higher than that considered suitable for birds, especially for species susceptible to development iron storage disease (ISD). Taken together, the results suggested an outbreak of ISD caused by the high iron content of food given to the birds before the hunting season. The high mortality recorded only in species belonging to the family Turdidae suggests a genetic predisposition in the affected birds.

5-Nitrosalicylic Acid as a Novel Matrix for In-Source Decay in Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry

PubMed Central

Asakawa, Daiki

2013-01-01

The matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization in-source decay (MALDI-ISD) of peptides and glycans was studied using an oxidizing chemical, 5-nitrosalicylic acid (5-NSA) as the matrix. The use of 5-NSA for the MALDI-ISD of peptides and glycans promoted fragmentation pathways involving “hydrogen-deficient” radical precursors. Hydrogen abstraction from peptides resulted in the production of a “hydrogen-deficient” peptide radical that contained a radical site on the amide nitrogen in the peptide backbone with subsequent radical-induced cleavage at the Cα–C bonds. Cleavage at the Cα–C bond leads to the production of an a•/x fragment pair and the radical a• ions then undergo further hydrogen abstraction to form a ions after Cα–C bond cleavage. Since the Pro residue does not contain a nitrogen-centered radical site, Cα–C bond cleavage does not occur at this site. Alternatively, the specific cleavage of CO−N bonds leads to a b•/y fragment pair at Xxx−Pro which occurs via hydrogen abstraction from the Cα−H in the Pro residue. In contrast, “hydrogen-deficient” glycan radicals were generated by hydrogen abstraction from hydroxyl groups in glycans. Both glycosidic and cross-ring cleavages occurred as the result of the degradation of “hydrogen-deficient” glycan radicals. Cross-ring cleavage ions are potentially useful in linkage analysis, one of the most critical steps in the characterization of glycans. Moreover, isobaric glycans could be distinguished by structure specific ISD ions, and the molar ratio of glycan isomers in a mixture can be estimated from their fragment ions abundance ratios. MALDI-ISD with 5-NSA could be a useful method for the sequencing of peptides including the location of post-translational modifications, identification and semi-quantitative analysis of mixtures of glycan isomers. PMID:24860709

Field Evaluation in Four NEEMO Divers of a Prototype In-suit Doppler Ultrasound Bubble Detector

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Acock, K. E.; Gernhardt, M. L.; Conkin, J.; Powell, M. R.

2004-01-01

It is desirable to know if astronauts produce venous gas emboli (VGE) as a result of their exposure to 4.3 psia during space walks. The current prototype in-suit Doppler (ISD) ultrasound bubble detector provides an objective assessment of decompression stress by monitoring for VGE. The NOAA Aquarius habitat and NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations (NEEMO) series of dives provided an opportunity to assess the ability of the prototype ISDs to record venous blood flow and possibly detect VGE in the pulmonary artery. From July 16 to 29,2003, four aquanauts (two males and two females) donned the ISD for a 4 hr automated recording session, following excursion dives (up to 6hrs and 29 MSW below storage depth) from air saturation at 17 MSW. Doppler recordings for 32 excursion dives were collected. The recordings consisted of approximately 150 digital wave files. Each wave file contained 24 sec of recording for each min. A 1 - 4 Doppler Quality Score (DQS) was assigned to each wave file in 17 of the 32 records evaluated to date. A DQS of 1 indicates a poor flow signal and a score of 4 indicates an optimum signal. Only 23% of all wave files had DQSs considered adequate to detect low grade VGE (Spencer I-II). The distribution of DQS in 2,356 wave files is as follows: DQS 1-56%, DQS 2-21%, DQS 3-18% and DQS 4-5%. Six of the 17 records had false positive VGE (Spencer I-IV) detected in one or more wave files per dive record. The false positive VGE recordings are attributable to air entrainment associated with drinking (verified by control tests), and this observation is important as astronauts drink water during space walks. The current ISD design provides quality recordings only over a narrow range of chest anatomy.

Is there an association between local health department organizational and administrative factors and childhood immunization coverage rates?

PubMed

Ransom, James; Schaff, Katherine; Kan, Lilly

2012-01-01

Vaccines are valuable, cost-effective tools for preventing disease and improving community health. Despite the importance and ubiquity of vaccinations, childhood immunization coverage rates vary widely by geography, race, and ethnicity. These differences have been documented for nearly two decades, but their sources are poorly understood. Between 2005 and 2008, immunization staff of the National Association of County & City Health Officials (NACCHO) visited 17 local health department (LHD) immunization programs in 10 states to assess their immunization service delivery (ISD) practices and their impact on community childhood immunization coverage rates. To qualitatively characterize LHD immunization programs and specific organizational factors underlying ISD performance challenges and successes related to community childhood immunization coverage rates. Case studies were conducted in a convenience sample of 17 geographically and demographically diverse LHDs, predicated on each LHD's childhood immunization coverage rates per data from the National Immunization Survey and/or Kindergarten Retrospective Survey. NACCHO staff selected LHDs with high (> or = 80% up to date [UTD]), moderate (> or = 75% UTD but < 80% UTD), and low (< 75% UTD) coverage rates. All immunization staff members interviewed (n = 112) were included in focus group interviews at each LHD per a standard semi-structured interview script developed by NACCHO staff. Supporting documents from each LHD immunization program were also collected for inclusion in the analysis. Content and thematic analyses of interview transcripts and supporting documents were conducted. Two thematic dimensions and six key factors emerged from the data. The dimensions of the themes were success and challenge elements. The organizational factors that were associated with success and/or challenges with regard to improving childhood immunization coverage rates included 1) leadership: organizational leadership and management related to aligning ISD with other child-focused services within the LHD; 2) resources: organizational efforts focused on aligning federal and state ISD financing with local ISD needs; 3) politics: political advocacy and partnering with local community stakeholders, including local political entities and boards of health to better organize ISD; 4) community engagement/coalitions and partnerships: partnerships, coalitions, and community engagement to support local immunization-related decision-making and prioritization; 5) credibility: agency credibility and its ability to influence community attitudes and perspectives on the health department's value in terms of child health; and 6) cultural competency of LHD staff: LHD staff members' perceptions and understandings of its community's cultural, economic, and demographic attributes shaped their responses to and understandings of the community and how they interacted with it in terms of service delivery. Public health researchers are in a nascent stage of understanding how health department organizational factors may contribute to specific community health outcomes, such as childhood immunization coverage rates. An implicit challenge to LHD immunization programs is to implement strategies that lead to equitable and high vaccination coverage among children, despite shrinking resources and community demographic differences. Community-specific attributes (e.g., poverty, lack of health insurance, or geographic isolation) affect childhood immunization coverage rates, but internal LHD aspects such as leadership and organizational culture also likely have a significant impact.

Ground-Water Quality and Potential Effects of Individual Sewage Disposal System Effluent on Ground-Water Quality in Park County, Colorado, 2001-2004

USGS Publications Warehouse

Miller, Lisa D.; Ortiz, Roderick F.

2007-01-01

In 2000, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with Park County, Colorado, began a study to evaluate ground-water quality in the various aquifers in Park County that supply water to domestic wells. The focus of this study was to identify and describe the principal natural and human factors that affect ground-water quality. In addition, the potential effects of individual sewage disposal system (ISDS) effluent on ground-water quality were evaluated. Ground-water samples were collected from domestic water-supply wells from July 2001 through October 2004 in the alluvial, crystalline-rock, sedimentary-rock, and volcanic-rock aquifers to assess general ground-water quality and effects of ISDS's on ground-water quality throughout Park County. Samples were analyzed for physical properties, major ions, nutrients, bacteria, and boron; and selected samples also were analyzed for dissolved organic carbon, human-related (wastewater) compounds, trace elements, radionuclides, and age-dating constituents (tritium and chlorofluorocarbons). Drinking-water quality is adequate for domestic use throughout Park County with a few exceptions. Only about 3 percent of wells had concentrations of fluoride, nitrate, and (or) uranium that exceeded U.S. Environmental Protection Agency national, primary drinking-water standards. These primary drinking-water standards were exceeded only in wells completed in the crystalline-rock aquifers in eastern Park County. Escherichia coli bacteria were detected in one well near Guffey, and total coliform bacteria were detected in about 11 percent of wells sampled throughout the county. The highest total coliform concentrations were measured southeast of the city of Jefferson and west of Tarryall Reservoir. Secondary drinking-water standards were exceeded more frequently. About 19 percent of wells had concentrations of one or more constituents (pH, chloride, fluoride, sulfate, and dissolved solids) that exceeded secondary drinking-water standards. Currently (2004), there is no federally enforced drinking-water standard for radon in public water-supply systems, but proposed regulations suggest a maximum contaminant level of 300 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) and an alternative maximum contaminant level of 4,000 pCi/L contingent on other mitigating remedial activities to reduce radon levels in indoor air. Radon concentrations in about 91 percent of ground-water samples were greater than or equal to 300 pCi/L, and about 25 percent had radon concentrations greater than or equal to 4,000 pCi/L. Generally, the highest radon concentrations were measured in samples collected from wells completed in the crystalline-rock aquifers. Analyses of ground-water-quality data indicate that recharge from ISDS effluent has affected some local ground-water systems in Park County. Because roughly 90 percent of domestic water used is assumed to be recharged by ISDS's, detections of human-related (wastewater) compounds in ground water in Park County are not surprising; however, concentrations of constituents associated with ISDS effluent generally are low (concentrations near the laboratory reporting levels). Thirty-eight different organic wastewater compounds were detected in 46 percent of ground-water samples, and the number of compounds detected per sample ranged from 1 to 17 compounds. Samples collected from wells with detections of wastewater compounds also had significantly higher (p-value < 0.05) chloride and boron concentrations than samples from wells with no detections of wastewater compounds. ISDS density (average subdivision lot size used to estimate ISDS density) was related to ground-water quality in Park County. Chloride and boron concentrations were significantly higher in ground-water samples collected from wells located in areas that had average subdivision lot sizes of less than 1 acre than in areas that had average subdivision lot sizes greater than or equal to 1 acre. For wells completed in the crystalline-

Datasets on hub-height wind speed comparisons for wind farms in California.

PubMed

Wang, Meina; Ullrich, Paul; Millstein, Dev

2018-08-01

This article includes the description of data information related to the research article entitled "The future of wind energy in California: Future projections with the Variable-Resolution CESM"[1], with reference number RENE_RENE-D-17-03392. Datasets from the Variable-Resolution CESM, Det Norske Veritas Germanischer Lloyd Virtual Met, MERRA-2, CFSR, NARR, ISD surface observations, and upper air sounding observations were used for calculating and comparing hub-height wind speed at multiple major wind farms across California. Information on hub-height wind speed interpolation and power curves at each wind farm sites are also presented. All datasets, except Det Norske Veritas Germanischer Lloyd Virtual Met, are publicly available for future analysis.

Specific capture and detection of Staphylococcus aureus with high-affinity modified aptamers to cell surface components.

PubMed

Baumstummler, A; Lehmann, D; Janjic, N; Ochsner, U A

2014-10-01

Slow off-rate modified aptamer (SOMAmer) reagents were generated to several Staphylococcus aureus cell surface-associated proteins via SELEX with multiple modified DNA libraries using purified recombinant or native proteins. High-affinity binding agents with sub-nanomolar Kd 's were obtained for staphylococcal protein A (SpA), clumping factors (ClfA, ClfB), fibronectin-binding proteins (FnbA, FnbB) and iron-regulated surface determinants (Isd). Further screening revealed several SOMAmers that specifically bound to Staph. aureus cells from all strains that were tested, but not to other staphylococci or other bacteria. SpA and ClfA SOMAmers proved useful for the selective capture and enrichment of Staph. aureus cells, as shown by culture and PCR, leading to improved limits of detection and efficient removal of PCR inhibitors. Detection of Staph. aureus cells was enhanced by several orders of magnitude when the bacterial cell surface was coated with SOMAmers followed by qPCR of the SOMAmers. Furthermore, fluorescence-labelled SpA SOMAmers demonstrated their utility as direct detection agents in flow cytometry. Significance and impact of the study: Monitoring for microbial contamination of food, water, nonsterile products or the environment is typically based on culture, PCR or antibodies. Aptamers that bind with high specificity and affinity to well-conserved cell surface epitopes represent a promising novel type of reagents to detect bacterial cells without the need for culture or cell lysis, including for the capture and enrichment of bacteria present at low cell densities and for the direct detection via qPCR or fluorescent staining. © 2014 Soma Logic, Inc. published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd On behalf of the society for Applied Microbiology.

Neurophysiological correlates of word processing deficits in isolated reading and isolated spelling disorders.

PubMed

Bakos, Sarolta; Landerl, Karin; Bartling, Jürgen; Schulte-Körne, Gerd; Moll, Kristina

2018-03-01

In consistent orthographies, isolated reading disorders (iRD) and isolated spelling disorders (iSD) are nearly as common as combined reading-spelling disorders (cRSD). However, the exact nature of the underlying word processing deficits in isolated versus combined literacy deficits are not well understood yet. We applied a phonological lexical decision task (including words, pseudohomophones, legal and illegal pseudowords) during ERP recording to investigate the neurophysiological correlates of lexical and sublexical word-processing in children with iRD, iSD and cRSD compared to typically developing (TD) 9-year-olds. TD children showed enhanced early sensitivity (N170) for word material and for the violation of orthographic rules compared to the other groups. Lexical orthographic effects (higher LPC amplitude for words than for pseudohomophones) were the same in the TD and iRD groups, although processing took longer in children with iRD. In the iSD and cRSD groups, lexical orthographic effects were evident and stable over time only for correctly spelled words. Orthographic representations were intact in iRD children, but word processing took longer compared to TD. Children with spelling disorders had partly missing orthographic representations. Our study is the first to specify the underlying neurophysiology of word processing deficits associated with isolated literacy deficits. Copyright © 2017 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Schwannomatosis

MedlinePlus

... Schwannomatosis Database Schwannomatosis Resources NF Registry International Schwannomatosis Database Because of the small number of people that ... and how to treat it, the International Schwannomatosis Database (ISD) project is proposing to bring together people ...

Sports injury or trauma? Injuries of the competition off-road motorcyclist.

PubMed

Colburn, Nona T; Meyer, Richard D

2003-03-01

A prospective analysis of the injuries of off-road competition motorcyclist at four International Six Day Enduro (ISDE) events was performed utilizing the injury severity score (ISS) and the abbreviated injury scale (AIS). Of the 1787 participants, approximately 10% received injuries that required attention from a medical response unit. The majority (85%) sustained a mild injury (mean ISS 3.9). Loss of control while jumping and striking immovable objects were important risk determinants for serious injury. Although seasoned in off-road experiences, mean 15.3 years, 54% of those injured were first year rookies to the ISDE event. Speeds were below 50 km/h in the majority of accidents (80%), and were not statistically correlated with severity. The most frequently injured anatomical regions were the extremities (57%). The most common types of injury were ligamentous (50%). Seventy-seven percent of all fractures were AIS grades 1 and 2. The most common fractures were those of the foot and ankle (36%). Multiple fractures involving different anatomical regions, or a combination of serious injuries was seen with only one rider. When compared to the injuries of the street motorcyclist, competition riders had lower AIS grades of head and limb trauma. Off-road motorcycle competition is a relatively safe sport with injury rates comparably less than those of contact sports such as American football and hockey.

Possible cometary bioorganic compounds as sources of planetary biospheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kobayashi, K.; Takano, Y.; Kaneko, T.; Hashimoto, H.; Saito, T.

Complex organi c compound s were discovered in the coma of Comet Halley [1], whi c h suggested that they w er e p ossibl e sources of the terr estria l biosp here. It has not been confirmed, however, that bioorganic compounds like amino acids were contained in comet ary nuclei. It has been hypothe sized that cometary organic compounds wer e formed in interstellar dust particles (ISDs) [2]. A great nu mber of experiments have been done s imulat i ng the condition o ISDf environments. Amino acids were reported to form in simulated ISD environments by proton irradiation [3] and by UV irradiation [4] of simulat ed ISD ice mantles. Here w e discuss nature of bioorganic compounds formed in simul a t e d ISD environments, and compare wit h those f ormed in simulated primitive planet ary atmospheres. A gas mixt ure of carbon monoxi d e, ammonia and water was irradiated wit h high - energy protons, gamma rays or UV light. All of hydrolysates o f the products gave a wide variety of a ino acids, t ogethe r with uracil a d cytosine. When amn mixture of methanol, ammonia and w at e r (1:1:2.8) was irradiated wit h gamma rays or UV light at 77K, 293K or 353K, am ino acids were also detect e d in each hydrolysates: The G-value ( energy yield) of glycine (the most abundant amino acids in the products) was ca. 0.01, which was independent from the temp eratur e or the phase (s olid, liquid or gas). These results s ugg est that amino acid precursors can be formed in ISD environments quite effe c t i vely even if the materials were frozen in low temperature. If comets can bring sufficient kinds and amount of bioorganic co mpou nds to planets, planetary biospheres can be generated, regardless of the comp osit ion of planet ary atmospheres. It will be quite interesting to find and analyze cometary organics left in planets and satellites such as the moon, as wel l as in cometary bodies. [1] J. Kissel and F. R. Kreuger, Natur e, 326, 755 (1987). [2] J. M. Greenberg and A. Li, Adv. Space Res., 19, 981 (1997). [3] K. Kobayashi, et al., Adv. Space Res ., 16, 21 (1995); T. Kasam atsu, et al., Bull. Chem . Soc. Jpn., 70, 1021 (1997). [4] R. Briggs , et al., Origins Life Evol. Biosphere, 22, 287 (1992); K. Kobayas hi, et al., Adv. Space Res., 23, 401 (1999 ) ; M. P. Bern stein, et al., Nature, 416, 401 (2002); G. M. M unoz Caro, et al., Nature, 416, 403 (2002).

Comparison of Effectiveness between Tension-Free Vaginal Tape (TVT) and Trans-Obturator Tape (TOT) in Patients with Stress Urinary Incontinence and Intrinsic Sphincter Deficiency

PubMed Central

Kim, Hyeong Gon; Park, Hyoung Keun; Paick, Sung Hyun; Choi, Woo Suk

2016-01-01

Background The aim of this study was to compare the two types of mid-urethral slings for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) with intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD). Methods This retrospective study included patients who underwent tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure or transobturator tape (TOT) procedure by a single surgeon for SUI with ISD, defined as Valsalva leak point pressure (VLPP) < 60 cmH2O in a urodynamic study. Cases of neurogenic bladder, previous SUI surgery, and concomitant cystocele repair were excluded. The primary outcome was treatment success at 12 months, defined by self-reported absence of symptoms, no leakage episodes recorded, and no retreatment. Results Among the 157 women who were included in the final analysis, 105 patients received TVT and 52 patients received TOT. Age, underlying diseases, Stamey grade, cystocele grade, and presence of urge incontinence were not significantly different between the two groups. Urodynamic parameters including maximal urethral closing pressure, detrusor overactivity, VLPP, urethral hypermobility (Q-tip ≥ 30°), were also comparable between the two groups. Success rate was significantly higher in the TVT group than in the TOT group (95.2% vs. 82.7%, p = 0.009). On multivariate analysis, only TOT surgery (OR = 3.922, 95%CI = 1.223–12.582, p = 0.022) was a risk factor for failure following surgical treatment. Conclusion TVT is more effective than TOT in treatment of female SUI with ISD. PMID:27228092

Comparison of Effectiveness between Tension-Free Vaginal Tape (TVT) and Trans-Obturator Tape (TOT) in Patients with Stress Urinary Incontinence and Intrinsic Sphincter Deficiency.

PubMed

Kim, Hyeong Gon; Park, Hyoung Keun; Paick, Sung Hyun; Choi, Woo Suk

2016-01-01

The aim of this study was to compare the two types of mid-urethral slings for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) with intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD). This retrospective study included patients who underwent tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure or transobturator tape (TOT) procedure by a single surgeon for SUI with ISD, defined as Valsalva leak point pressure (VLPP) < 60 cmH2O in a urodynamic study. Cases of neurogenic bladder, previous SUI surgery, and concomitant cystocele repair were excluded. The primary outcome was treatment success at 12 months, defined by self-reported absence of symptoms, no leakage episodes recorded, and no retreatment. Among the 157 women who were included in the final analysis, 105 patients received TVT and 52 patients received TOT. Age, underlying diseases, Stamey grade, cystocele grade, and presence of urge incontinence were not significantly different between the two groups. Urodynamic parameters including maximal urethral closing pressure, detrusor overactivity, VLPP, urethral hypermobility (Q-tip ≥ 30°), were also comparable between the two groups. Success rate was significantly higher in the TVT group than in the TOT group (95.2% vs. 82.7%, p = 0.009). On multivariate analysis, only TOT surgery (OR = 3.922, 95%CI = 1.223-12.582, p = 0.022) was a risk factor for failure following surgical treatment. TVT is more effective than TOT in treatment of female SUI with ISD.

Intraindividual variability in vigilance performance: does degrading visual stimuli mimic age-related "neural noise"?

PubMed

MacDonald, Stuart W S; Hultsch, David F; Bunce, David

2006-07-01

Intraindividual performance variability, or inconsistency, has been shown to predict neurological status, physiological functioning, and age differences and declines in cognition. However, potential moderating factors of inconsistency are not well understood. The present investigation examined whether inconsistency in vigilance response latencies varied as a function of time-on-task and task demands by degrading visual stimuli in three separate conditions (10%, 20%, and 30%). Participants were 24 younger women aged 21 to 30 years (M = 24.04, SD = 2.51) and 23 older women aged 61 to 83 years (M = 68.70, SD = 6.38). A measure of within-person inconsistency, the intraindividual standard deviation (ISD), was computed for each individual across reaction time (RT) trials (3 blocks of 45 event trials) for each condition of the vigilance task. Greater inconsistency was observed with increasing stimulus degradation and age, even after controlling for group differences in mean RTs and physical condition. Further, older adults were more inconsistent than younger adults for similar degradation conditions, with ISD scores for younger adults in the 30% condition approximating estimates observed for older adults in the 10% condition. Finally, a measure of perceptual sensitivity shared increasing negative associations with ISDs, with this association further modulated as a function of age but to a lesser degree by degradation condition. Results support current hypotheses suggesting that inconsistency serves as a marker of neurological integrity and are discussed in terms of potential underlying mechanisms.

High-definition computed tomography for coronary artery stents imaging: Initial evaluation of the optimal reconstruction algorithm.

PubMed

Cui, Xiaoming; Li, Tao; Li, Xin; Zhou, Weihua

2015-05-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vivo performance of four image reconstruction algorithms in a high-definition CT (HDCT) scanner with improved spatial resolution for the evaluation of coronary artery stents and intrastent lumina. Thirty-nine consecutive patients with a total of 71 implanted coronary stents underwent coronary CT angiography (CCTA) on a HDCT (Discovery CT 750 HD; GE Healthcare) with the high-resolution scanning mode. Four different reconstruction algorithms (HD-stand, HD-detail; HD-stand-plus; HD-detail-plus) were applied to reconstruct the stented coronary arteries. Image quality for stent characterization was assessed. Image noise and intrastent luminal diameter were measured. The relationship between the measurement of inner stent diameter (ISD) and the true stent diameter (TSD) and stent type were analysed. The stent-dedicated kernel (HD-detail) offered the highest percentage (53.5%) of good image quality for stent characterization and the highest ratio (68.0±8.4%) of visible stent lumen/true stent lumen for luminal diameter measurement at the expense of an increased overall image noise. The Pearson correlation coefficient between the ISD and TSD measurement and spearman correlation coefficient between the ISD measurement and stent type were 0.83 and 0.48, respectively. Compared with standard reconstruction algorithms, high-definition CT imaging technique with dedicated high-resolution reconstruction algorithm provides more accurate stent characterization and intrastent luminal diameter measurement. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

In-syringe demulsified dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction and high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry for the determination of trace fungicides in environmental water samples.

PubMed

Xia, Yating; Cheng, Min; Guo, Feng; Wang, Xiangfang; Cheng, Jing

2012-04-29

An in-syringe demulsified dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (ISD-DLLME) technique was developed using low-density extraction solvents for the highly sensitive determination of the three trace fungicides (azoxystrobin, diethofencarb and pyrimethanil) in water samples by high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry chromatography-diode array detector/electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry. In the proposed technique, a 5-mL syringe was used as an extraction, separation and preconcentration container. The emulsion was obtained after the mixture of toluene (extraction solvent) and methanol (dispersive solvent) was injected into the aqueous bulk of the syringe. The obtained emulsion cleared into two phases without centrifugation, when an aliquot of methanol was introduced as a demulsifier. The separated floating organic extraction solvent was impelled and collected into a pipette tip fitted to the tip of the syringe. Under the optimal conditions, the enrichment factors for azoxystrobin, diethofencarb and pyrimethanil were 239, 200, 195, respectively. The limits of detection, calculated as three times the signal-to-noise ratio (SN(-1)), were 0.026 μg L(-1) for azoxystrobin, 0.071 μg L(-1) for diethofencarb and 0.040 μg L(-1) for pyrimethanil. The repeatability study was carried out by extracting the spiked water samples at concentration levels of 0.02 μg mL(-1) for all the three fungicides. The relative standard deviations varied between 4.9 and 8.2% (n=5). The recoveries of all the three fungicides from tap, lake and rain water samples at spiking levels of 0.2, 1, 5 μg L(-1) were in the range of 90.0-105.0%, 86.0-114.0% and 88.6-110.0%, respectively. The proposed ISD-DLLME technique was demonstrated to be simple, practical and efficient for the determination of different kinds of fungicide residues in real water samples. Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier B.V.

GADEP Continuous PM2.5 mass concentration data, VIIRS Day Night Band SDR (SVDNB), MODIS Terra Level 2 water vapor profiles (infrared algorithm for atmospheric profiles for both day and night, NWS surface meteorological data

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Data descriptions are provided at the following urls:GADEP Continuous PM2.5 mass concentration data - https://aqs.epa.gov/aqsweb/documents/data_mart_welcome.htmlhttps://www3.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/files/ambient/pm25/qa/QA-Handbook-Vol-II.pdfVIIRS Day Night Band SDR (SVDNB) http://www.class.ngdc.noaa.gov/saa/products/search?datatype_family=VIIRS_SDRMODIS Terra Level 2 water vapor profiles (infrared algorithm for atmospheric profiles for both day and night -MOD0&_L2; http://modis-atmos.gsfc.nasa.gov/MOD07_L2/index.html NWS surface meteorological data - https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/isdThis dataset is associated with the following publication:Wang, J., C. Aegerter, and J. Szykman. Potential Application of VIIRS Day/Night Band for Monitoring Nighttime Surface PM2.5 Air Quality From Space. ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT. Elsevier Science Ltd, New York, NY, USA, 124(0): 55-63, (2016).

Assessment of physicochemical parameters and prevalence of virulent and multiple-antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli in treated effluent of two wastewater treatment plants and receiving aquatic milieu in Durban, South Africa.

PubMed

Pillay, Leanne; Olaniran, Ademola O

2016-05-01

The poor operational status of some wastewater treatment plants often result in the discharge of inadequately treated effluent into receiving surface waters. This is of significant public health concern as there are many informal settlement dwellers (ISDs) that rely on these surface waters for their domestic use. This study investigated the treatment efficiency of two independent wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Durban, South Africa and determined the impact of treated effluent discharge on the physicochemical and microbial quality of the receiving water bodies over a 6-month period. Presumptive Escherichia coli isolates were identified using biochemical tests and detection of the mdh gene via PCR. Six major virulence genes namely eae, hly, fliC, stx1, stx2, and rfbE were also detected via PCR while antibiotic resistance profiles of the isolates were determined using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion assay. The physicochemical parameters of the wastewater samples ranged variously between 9 and 313.33 mg/L, 1.52 and 76.43 NTUs, and 6.30 and 7.87 for COD, turbidity, and pH respectively, while the E. coli counts ranged between 0 and 31.2 × 10(3) CFU/ml. Of the 200 selected E. coli isolates, the hly gene was found in 28 %, fliC in 20 %, stx2 in 17 %, eae in 14 %, with stx1 and rfbE in only 4 % of the isolates. Notable resistance was observed toward trimethoprim (97 %), tetracycline (56 %), and ampicillin (52.5 %). These results further highlight the poor operational status of these WWTPs and outline the need for improved water quality monitoring and enforcement of stringent guidelines.

Breathe Easy at Home

PubMed Central

Rosofsky, Anna; Reid, Margaret; Sandel, Megan; Zielenbach, Molly; Murphy, Johnna; Scammell, Madeleine K.

2016-01-01

The Breathe Easy at Home Program enables clinicians to refer asthmatic patients to Boston Inspectional Services Department (ISD) if they suspect housing conditions trigger symptoms. The authors conducted one-on-one interviews with clinicians (n = 10) who referred patients, and focus groups with inspectors from the ISD (n = 9) and a variety of stakeholders (n = 13), to gain insight into program function and implementation. Clinician interviews revealed inconsistencies in enrollment approaches, dissatisfaction with the web-based system, and patient follow-up difficulties. Inspectors identified barriers to working effectively with residents and landlords, and the stakeholder focus group highlighted successes of an unusual institutional collaboration. Interviews and focus groups identified strong and personal rapport between clinicians, inspectors, and patients as key to program retention, and that participating families required additional support throughout the process. Despite recommendations for improvement in program implementation, clinicians, inspectors, and stakeholders felt that the program overall improved both the home environment and asthma outcomes. PMID:28462348

Frail elderly patients. New model for integrated service delivery.

PubMed Central

Hébert, Rejean; Durand, Pierre J.; Dubuc, Nicole; Tourigny, André

2003-01-01

PROBLEM BEING ADDRESSED: Given the complex needs of frail older people and the multiplicity of care providers and services, care for this clientele lacks continuity. OBJECTIVE OF PROGRAM: Integrated service delivery (ISD) systems have been developed to improve continuity and increase the efficacy and efficiency of services. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: The Program of Research to Integrate Services for the Maintenance of Autonomy (PRISMA) is an innovative ISD model based on coordination. It includes coordination between decision makers and managers of different organizations and services; a single entry point; a case-management process; individualized service plans; a single assessment instrument based on clients' functional autonomy, coupled with a case-mix classification system; and a computerized clinical chart for communicating between institutions and professionals for client monitoring. CONCLUSION: Preliminary results on the efficacy of this model showed a decreased incidence of functional decline, a decreased burden for caregivers, and a smaller proportion of older people wishing to enter institutions. PMID:12943358

"Children at risk": development, implementation, and effectiveness of a school-based violence intervention and prevention program.

PubMed

Walker, Sharon L; Smith, Donald J

2009-01-01

Violence impacts the lives of children on a daily basis. In their communities, they witness drive-by shootings, drug deals, and violence in their schools while many endure abuse, neglect, and violent behavior in their homes. Because the traumatizing impact of such exposure disrupts a child's ability to concentrate and learn, the Dallas Independent School District (ISD) sought content expertise to develop a training vehicle for school district professionals. The program aimed to raise the awareness of educators to problems related to domestic violence and the myriad of circumstances at home and in the community that lead to exposure to violence. Approximately 15,000 faculty and staff of Dallas ISD were educated in the identification, intervention, and prevention of exposure to violence. Referrals and inquiries related to abuse have increased (approximately 70%) while the city of Dallas has witnessed a drop in the number of domestic violence and child abuse offenses.

Undergraduate courses for enhancing design ability in naval architecture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Kyu-Yeul; Ku, Namkug; Cha, Ju-Hwan

2013-09-01

Contemporary lectures in undergraduate engineering courses typically focus on teaching major technical knowledge-based theories in a limited time. Therefore, most lectures do not allow the students to gain understanding of how the theories are applied, especially in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering departments. Shipyards require students to acquire practical ship design skills in undergraduate courses. To meet this requirement, two lectures are organized by the authors; namely, "Planning Procedure of Naval Architecture & Ocean Engineering" (PNAOE) and "Innovative Ship Design" (ISD). The concept of project-based and collaborative learning is applied in these two lectures. In the PNAOE lecture, sophomores receive instruction in the designing and building of model ships, and the students' work is evaluated in a model ship contest. This curriculum enables students to understand the concepts of ship design and production. In the ISD lecture, seniors learn how to develop their creative ideas about ship design and communicate with members of group. They are encouraged to cooperate with others and understand the ship design process. In the capstone design course, students receive guidance to facilitate understanding of how the knowledge from their sophomore or junior classes, such as fluid mechanics, statics, and dynamics, can be applied to practical ship design. Students are also encouraged to compete in the ship design contest organized by the Society of Naval Architects of Korea. Moreover, the effectiveness of project-based and collaborative learning for enhancing interest in the shipbuilding Industry and understanding the ship design process is demonstrated by citing the PNAOE and ISD lectures as examples.

Induced sputum deposition improves diagnostic yields of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis: A clinicopathological and methodological study of 17 cases.

PubMed

Huang, Ziling; Yi, Xianghua; Luo, Benfang; Zhu, Jian; Wu, Yunjin; Jiang, Wenxia; Chu, Haiqing; Yang, Zhongmin; Li, Shuai; Zhu, Hailong; Zhang, Suxia; Zhang, Lanjing; Zeng, Yu

2016-01-01

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare diffuse lung disease characterized by the accumulation of intra-alveolar lipoprotein-like surfactants. Lung core biopsy and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid are currently the two major sources of sampling for diagnosis. In the present study, we assessed the value of induced sputum in diagnosing PAP by transmission electron microscopy and examined the PAP 2-year death rate in Asians. Transmission electron microscopy was performed on the samples from 17 patients with PAP, 13 patients with inflammatory lung diseases, and 13 healthy adults. The PAP patients were followed up for 3-156 months, and inflammatory lung diseases patients or healthy adults for 12-36 months. The ultrastructural features including diagnostic lamellar bodies of induced sputum deposition (ISD) samples were similar to that of the BAL fluid sediment. However, the rates of lamellar bodies were 73.7% in the ISD group, significantly higher than the spontaneous sputum deposition (SSD) group (42.1%, P < .0487) and similar to the BAL sediment (76.2%) and the lung biopsy (54.5%) groups. The overall 2-year death rate of our PAP patients was 17.6% (3/17), not statistically different from the healthy adults and patients with inflammatory diseases (0/13, P = .237 for both). ISD may be the preferred non-invasive sampling method for diagnosing PAP by electronic microscopy because of the higher diagnostic yield than SSD. The diagnostic yields of this noninvasive method were similar to that of lung core biopsy and BAL.

Plying Your Craft: Instructional Development and the Use of Heuristics.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Noel, Kent L.; Hewlett, Brent

1981-01-01

Examines an instructional systems design (ISD) model used by Bell Laboratories as an illustration of how heuristics can be brought to bear upon the design and development of instructional materials. Ten references are listed. (Author/MER)

Greenville ISD. Integrated Lesson Plans.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

East Texas State Univ., Commerce. Educational Development and Training Center.

This packet contains nine lesson plans for integrated academic and vocational education courses. Lesson plans for the following courses are included: industrial technology, automotive technology, English, mathematical applications, science, home economics, and mathematics. Some of the topics covered are as follows: mechanical drawing, automobile…

ISPI's Value Proposition: Two Examples.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Swinney, John

2003-01-01

Describes two experiences that illustrate the value of the International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI). Highlights include measuring organizational results; identifying opportunities to improve performance; training as part of the solution; the role of ISD (instructional systems design); HPT (human performance technology) issues; and…

Extended Edited Synoptic Cloud Reports from Ships and Land Stations Over the Globe, 1952-2009 (NDP-026C)

DOE Data Explorer

Hahn, C. J. [University of Arizona; Warren, S. G. [University of Washington; Eastman, R.

1999-08-01

This database contains surface synoptic weather reports for the entire globe, gathered from various available data sets. The reports were processed, edited, and rewritten to provide a single dataset of individual observations of clouds, spanning the 57 years 1952-2008 for ship data and the 39 years 1971-2009 for land station data. In addition to the cloud portion of the synoptic report, each edited report also includes the associated pressure, present weather, wind, air temperature, and dew point (and sea surface temperature over oceans). This data set is called the "Extended Edited Cloud Report Archive" (EECRA). The EECRA is based solely on visual cloud observations from weather stations, reported in the WMO synoptic code (WMO, 1974). Reports must contain cloud-type information to be included in the archive. Past data sources include those from the Fleet Numerical Oceanographic Center (FNOC, 1971-1976) and the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP, 1977-1996). This update uses data from a new source, the 'Integrated Surface Database' (ISD, 1997-2009; Smith et al., 2011). Our past analyses of the EECRA identified a subset of 5388 weather stations that were determined to produce reliable day and night observations of cloud amount and type. The update contains observations only from this subset of stations. Details concerning processing, previous problems, contents, and comments are available in the archive's original documentation . The EECRA contains about 81 million cloud observations from ships and 380 million from land stations. The data files have been compressed using unix. Unix/linux users can "uncompress" or "gunzip" the files after downloading. If you're interested in the NDP-026C database, then you'll also want to explore its related data products, NDP-026D and NDP-026E.

Insulin-sensitising drugs versus the combined oral contraceptive pill for hirsutism, acne and risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and endometrial cancer in polycystic ovary syndrome.

PubMed

Costello, M; Shrestha, B; Eden, J; Sjoblom, P; Johnson, N

2007-01-24

Insulin-sensitizing drugs (ISDs) have recently been advocated as possibly a safer and more effective long-term treatment than the oral contraceptive pill (OCP) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It is important to directly compare the efficacy and safety of ISDs versus OCPs in the long-term treatment of women with PCOS. To assess the effectiveness and safety of ISDs versus the OCP (alone or in combination) in improving clinical, hormonal, and metabolic features of PCOS. We searched the Cochrane Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group Trials Register (September 2005), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL (Ovid), third quarter 2005), MEDLINE (1966 to September 2005), CINAHL (1982 to September 2005), and EMBASE (1988 to September 2005). References of the identified articles were handsearched, and pharmaceutical companies and experts in the field were also contacted for additional relevant studies. Randomised controlled trials which compared ISDs versus the OCP (alone or in combination). Performed independently by two review authors. Six trials were included for analysis, four of which compared metformin versus OCP (104 participants) and two of which compared OCP combined with metformin versus OCP alone (70 participants). Limited data demonstrated no evidence of difference in effect between metformin and the OCP on hirsutism and acne. There was either insufficient or no data on the relative efficacy of metformin or the OCP (alone or in combination) for preventing the development of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or endometrial cancer. Metformin was less effective than the OCP in improving menstrual pattern (Peto odds ratio (OR) 0.08, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.45). Metformin resulted in a higher incidence of gastrointestinal (Peto OR 7.75, 95% CI 1.32 to 45.71), and a lower incidence of non-gastrointestinal (Peto OR 0.11, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.39), severe adverse effects requiring stopping of medication. Metformin was less effective in reducing serum androgen levels (total testosterone: weighted mean difference (WMD) 0.54, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.86; free androgen index: WMD 3.69, 95% CI 2.56 to 4.83). Metformin was more effective than the OCP in reducing fasting insulin (WMD -3.46, 95% CI -5.39 to -1.52) and not increasing triglyceride (WMD -0.48, 95% -0.86 to -0.09) levels, but there was insufficient evidence regarding comparative effects on reducing fasting glucose or cholesterol levels. Up to 12-months treatment with the OCP is associated with an improvement in menstrual pattern and serum androgen levels compared with metformin; but metformin treatment results in a reduction in fasting insulin and lower triglyceride levels than with the OCP. Side-effect profiles differ between the two drugs. There is either extremely limited or no data on important clinical outcomes such as the development of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or endometrial cancer. There are no data comparing ISDs other than metformin (that is rosiglitazone, pioglitazone, and D-chiro-inositol) versus OCPs (alone or in combination).

The Evolution of Instructional Design Principles for Intelligent Computer-Assisted Instruction.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dede, Christopher; Swigger, Kathleen

1988-01-01

Discusses and compares the design and development of computer assisted instruction (CAI) and intelligent computer assisted instruction (ICAI). Topics discussed include instructional systems design (ISD), artificial intelligence, authoring languages, intelligent tutoring systems (ITS), qualitative models, and emerging issues in instructional…

Procedures for Trade and Industrial Program Development.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Campbell, Clifton P.

The instructional systems development (ISD) approach for the development and accomplishment of vocational training programs provides a methodology for gathering and analyzing job information, developing instructional materials in a variety of media, conducting instruction, and evaluating and improving the effectiveness of training programs. This…

Austin ISD. Integrated Lesson Plans.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

East Texas State Univ., Commerce. Educational Development and Training Center.

This packet contains 14 lesson plans for integrated academic and vocational education courses. Lesson plans for the following courses are included: integrated physics and principles of technology; algebra and principles of technology; principles of technology, language arts, and economics; physics and industrial electronics; physics and…

Top-down MALDI-in-source decay-FTICR mass spectrometry of isotopically resolved proteins.

PubMed

Nicolardi, Simone; Switzar, Linda; Deelder, André M; Palmblad, Magnus; van der Burgt, Yuri E M

2015-03-17

An accurate mass measurement of a known protein provides information on potential amino acid deletions and post-translational modifications. Although this field is dominated by strategies based on electrospray ionization, mass spectrometry (MS) methods using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) have the advantage of yielding predominantly singly charged precursor ions, thus avoiding peak overlap from different charge states of multiple species. Such MALDI-MS methods require mass measurement at ultrahigh resolution, which is provided by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass analyzers. Recently, using a MALDI-FTICR-MS platform equipped with a 15 T magnet, we reported on the mass analysis of intact human serum peptides and small proteins with isotopic resolution up to ∼15 kDa and identified new proteoforms from an accurate measurement of mass distances. In the current study, we have used this FTICR system after an upgrade with a novel dynamically harmonized ICR cell, i.e., ParaCell, for mapping isotopically resolved intact proteins up to about 17 kDa and performed top-down MALDI in-source decay (ISD) analysis. Standard proteins myoglobin (m/z-value 16,950) and ribonuclease B (m/z-value 14,900) were measured with resolving powers of 62,000 and 61,000, respectively. Furthermore, it will be shown that (singly charged) MALDI-ISD fragment ions can be measured at isotopic resolution up to m/z-value 12,000 (e.g., resolving power 39,000 at m/z-value 12,000) providing more reliable identifications. Moreover, examples are presented of pseudo-MS(3) experiments on ISD fragment ions from RNase B by collisional-induced dissociation (CID).

Multi-center Performance Evaluations of Tacrolimus and Cyclosporine Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassays in the Asia-Pacific Region

PubMed Central

Qin, Xuzhen; Rui, Jianzhong; Xia, Yong; Mu, Hong; Song, Sang Hoon; Raja Aziddin, Raja Elina; Miles, Gabrielle; Sun, Yuli

2018-01-01

Background The immunosuppressant drugs (ISDs), tacrolimus and cyclosporine, are vital for solid organ transplant patients to prevent rejection. However, toxicity is a concern, and absorption is highly variable across patients; therefore, ISD levels need to be precisely monitored. In the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, tacrolimus and cyclosporine concentrations are typically measured using immunoassays. The objective of this study was to assess the analytical performance of Roche Elecsystacrolimus and cyclosporinee electrochemiluminescence immunoassays (ECLIAs). Methods This evaluation was performed in seven centers across China, South Korea, and Malaysia. Imprecision (repeatability and reproducibility), assay accuracy, and lot-to-lot reagent variability were tested. The Elecsys ECLIAs were compared with commercially available immunoassays (Architect, Dimension, and Viva-E systems) using whole blood samples from patients with various transplant types (kidney, liver, heart, and bone marrow). Results Coefficients of variation for repeatability and reproducibility were ≤5.4% and ≤12.4%, respectively, for the tacrolimus ECLIA, and ≤5.1% and ≤7.3%, respectively, for the cyclosporine ECLIA. Method comparisons of the tacrolimus ECLIA with Architect, Dimension, and Viva-E systems yielded slope values of 1.01, 1.14, and 0.897, respectively. The cyclosporine ECLIA showed even closer agreements with the Architect, Dimension, and Viva-E systems (slope values of 1.04, 1.04, and 1.09, respectively). No major differences were observed among the different transplant types. Conclusions The tacrolimus and cyclosporine ECLIAs demonstrated excellent precision and close agreement with other immunoassays tested. These results show that both assays are suitable for ISD monitoring in an APAC population across a range of different transplant types. PMID:29214751

Pelvimetry in nulliparous and primiparous women using 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

Hampel, Franziska; Hallscheidt, Peter; Sohn, Christof; Schlehe, Bettina; Brocker, Kerstin A

2018-02-21

To perform pelvimetry in nulliparous and primiparous women using 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (3T MRI). Twenty-five nulliparous volunteers and 25 primiparous women underwent pelvic 3T MRI within one week after vaginal childbirth in a prospective clinical single-center trial. The pelvimetric parameters interspinous distance (ISD), intertuberous distance (ITD), sagittal outlet (SO), obstetric conjugate (OC), and coccygeal curved length (CCL) were adapted from anthropometric measurements as well as from sonographic and computed tomography-based pelvimetry performed on high-resolution T2-weighted images. We compared the results of the two study groups to one another, recent literature and postpartum-diagnosed levator ani muscle (LAM) injuries. The mean values for primipara/nullipara were ISD 107 ± 8.3/105 ± 8.4 mm, ITD 119.8 ± 10.2/118.4 ± 13.1 mm, OC 129.4 ± 10/130.8 ± 6.9 mm, SO 114.3 ± 7.8/112.5 ± 8.9 mm, and CCL 37.3 ± 7.4/39 ± 8 mm. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were found between the results for OC, SO, and CCL (primipara) and ISD, ITD and OC (nullipara) and the values in the literature. No significant difference in pelvimetric values was found between the groups. A significant correlation was found between the pelvimetric parameters and five types of LAM injuries. Two-dimensional 3T MRI combines high-resolution images with objective pelvimetric measurements applicable in a postpartum setting. Our results provide a good foundation for further MRI-based studies evaluating the bony pelvis and its relation to LAM injuries during vaginal childbirth. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Specific Cα-C Bond Cleavage of β-Carbon-Centered Radical Peptides Produced by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagoshi, Keishiro; Yamakoshi, Mariko; Sakamoto, Kenya; Takayama, Mitsuo

2018-04-01

Radical-driven dissociation (RDD) of hydrogen-deficient peptide ions [M - H + H]·+ has been examined using matrix-assisted laser dissociation/ionization in-source decay mass spectrometry (MALDI-ISD MS) with the hydrogen-abstracting matrices 4-nitro-1-naphthol (4,1-NNL) and 5-nitrosalicylic acid (5-NSA). The preferential fragment ions observed in the ISD spectra include N-terminal [a] + ions and C-terminal [x]+, [y + 2]+, and [w]+ ions which imply that β-carbon (Cβ)-centered radical peptide ions [M - Hβ + H]·+ are predominantly produced in MALDI conditions. RDD reactions from the peptide ions [M - Hβ + H]·+ successfully explains the fact that both [a]+ and [x]+ ions arising from cleavage at the Cα-C bond of the backbone of Gly-Xxx residues are missing from the ISD spectra. Furthermore, the formation of [a]+ ions originating from the cleavage of Cα-C bond of deuterated Ala(d3)-Xxx residues indicates that the [a]+ ions are produced from the peptide ions [M - Hβ + H]·+ generated by deuteron-abstraction from Ala(d3) residues. It is suggested that from the standpoint of hydrogen abstraction via direct interactions between the nitro group of matrix and hydrogen of peptides, the generation of the peptide radical ions [M - Hβ + H]·+ is more favorable than that of the α-carbon (Cα)-centered radical ions [M - Hα + H]·+ and the amide nitrogen-centered radical ions [M - HN + H]·+, while ab initio calculations indicate that the formation of [M - Hα + H]·+ is energetically most favorable. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

The current role of direct vision internal urethrotomy and self-catheterization for anterior urethral strictures

PubMed Central

Dubey, Deepak

2011-01-01

Introduction: Direct visual internal urethrotomy (DVIU) followed by intermittent self-dilatation (ISD) is the most commonly performed intervention for urethral stricture disease. The objective of this paper is to outline the current scientific evidence supporting this approach for its use in the management of anterior urethral strictures. Materials and Methods: A Pubmed database search was performed with the words “internal urethrotomy” and “internal urethrotomy” self-catheterization. All papers dealing with this subject were scrutinized. Cross-references from the retrieved articles were also viewed. Only English language articles were included in the analyses. Studies were analyzed to identify predictors for success for DVIU. Results: Initial studies showed excellent outcomes with DVIU with success rates ranging from 50% to 85%. However, these studies reported only short-term results. Recent studies with longer followup have shown a poor success rate ranging from 6% to 28%. Stricture length and degree of fibrosis (luminal narrowing) were found to be predictors of response. Repeated urethrotomies were associated with poor results. Studies involving intermittent self-catheterization following DVIU have shown no role in short-term ISD with one study reporting beneficial effects if continued for more than a year. A significant number of studies have shown long-term complications with SC and high dropout rates. Conclusions: DVIU is associated with poor long-term cure rates. It remains as a treatment of first choice for bulbar urethral strictures <1 cm with minimal spongiofibrosis. There is no role for repeated urethrotomy as outcomes are uniformly poor. ISD, when used for more than a year on a weekly or biweekly basis may delay the onset of stricture recurrence. PMID:22022065

A re-adjustable sling for female recurrent stress incontinence and sphincteric deficiency: Outcomes and complications in 125 patients using the Remeex sling system.

PubMed

Errando, Carlos; Rodriguez-Escovar, Fernando; Gutierrez, Cristina; Baez, Carlos; Araño, Pedro; Villavicencio, Humberto

2010-11-01

To evaluate the outcomes, complications, and quality of life of patients after a Remeex re-adjustable sling for recurrent stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and intrinsic sphincteric deficiency (ISD) indications. One hundred twenty-five patients with SUI were prospectively evaluated following a re-adjustable sling in a single tertiary academic Center. Patients were classified by Q-tip, urodynamic and clinical criteria into ISD (70) and recurrent SUI (55). All patients underwent a re-adjustable sling placement. Outcome measures included pad-test, urodynamics, and the King's Health Questionnaire. After a mean follow-up of 38 months (26-72), 109 patients (87%) are cured of SUI based on pad-test, clinical, and urodynamic criteria. Sixteen patients (13%) remain incontinent. Nine of those (7%) are satisfied to the point that they decline re-adjustment of the sling, and seven (6%) are on the waiting list for re-adjustment. Nineteen patients show urge incontinence (9 with previous urodynamic mixed incontinence, 10 (8%) with de novo detrusor overactivity). Twenty-one patients benefited from a re-adjustment of the sling during the follow-up. The tension was increased in 17 cases (continent at discharge) due to recurrence of SUI, and reduced in 4 due to obstruction. The Varitensor was removed in 1 case due to infection. No other complications were seen. The Remeex re-adjustable sling system provides a good cure rate for recurrent SUI and ISD with a low complication rate. The ability to increase or decrease sling tension allowed us to achieve cure in patients who were not initially dry, and to relieve obstruction in every case attempted. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Emerging Technologies, ISD, and Learning Environments: Critical Perspectives.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hannafin, Michael J.

1992-01-01

Reviews the evolution of instructional systems design and computer-based learning environments, focusing on the effects of technological advances. Classification of learning environments is discussed in the context of the dimensions of scope (macrolevel or microlevel), user activity (generative or mathemagenic), educational activity (goal-directed…

Instructional System Development.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Department of the Air Force, Washington, DC.

The manual presents a technology of instructional design and a model for developing and conducting efficient and cost effective Air Force instructional systems. Chapter 1 provides an overview of Instructional System Development (ISD). Chapters 2-6 each focus on a step of the process: analysis of system requirements; definition of…

Socorro ISD. Integrated Lesson Plans.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

East Texas State Univ., Commerce. Educational Development and Training Center.

This packet contains 29 lesson plans for integrated academic and vocational education courses. Lesson plans for the following courses are included: algebra, health occupations education, English, biology, laboratory mathematics, and health care sciences. Some of the topics covered are as follows: statistics, vital signs, graphing, ethics, special…

Mansfield ISD. Integrated Lesson Plans.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

East Texas State Univ., Commerce. Educational Development and Training Center.

This packet contains 27 lesson plans for integrated academic and vocational education courses. Lesson plans for the following courses are included: horticulture, algebra, physical science, general mechanical repair, foods and nutrition, home economics, and microcomputer applications. Some of the topics covered are as follows: seed germination,…

Learning Objects: A User-Centered Design Process

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Branon, Rovy F., III

2011-01-01

Design research systematically creates or improves processes, products, and programs through an iterative progression connecting practice and theory (Reinking, 2008; van den Akker, 2006). Developing a new instructional systems design (ISD) processes through design research is necessary when new technologies emerge that challenge existing practices…

Are neurocognitive speed and inconsistency similarly affected in type 2 diabetes?

PubMed

Whitehead, Bonnie P; Dixon, Roger A; Hultsch, David F; MacDonald, Stuart W S

2011-07-01

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a disease of aging with indirect but detectable and cumulative neurological implications. We systematically tested whether neurocognitive speed (mean rate) or inconsistency (intraindividual variability) was the more sensitive clinical marker of T2D. Three of four research questions used a cross-sectional wave of the Victoria Longitudinal Study (VLS) divided into T2D (age 55-81 years) and control (age = 53-91 years) groups. The fourth question addressed relative two-wave longitudinal changes. Each of four speeded tasks produced intraindividual mean rate (IM) and intraindividual standard deviation (ISD) scores. First, the T2D group performed more slowly than the controls. Second, this deficit extended to inconsistency, but less uniformly. Third, based on logistic regression analyses, IM was the more effective predictor of T2D status. Fourth, we observed similar longitudinal change patterns for IM and ISD. Results are linked to the theoretical location of T2D on an adjusted neural vulnerability continuum.

Are Neurocognitive Speed and Inconsistency Similarly Affected in Type 2 Diabetes?

PubMed Central

Whitehead, Bonnie P.; Dixon, Roger A.; Hultsch, David F.; MacDonald, Stuart W.S.

2011-01-01

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a disease of aging with indirect but detectable and cumulative neurological implications. We systematically tested whether neurocognitive speed (mean rate) or inconsistency (intraindividual variability) was the more sensitive clinical marker of T2D. Three of four research questions used a cross-sectional wave of the Victoria Longitudinal Study (VLS) divided into T2D (age 55-81 years) and control (age = 53-91 years) groups. The fourth question addressed relative two-wave longitudinal changes. Each of four speeded tasks produced intraindividual mean rate (IM) and intraindividual standard deviation (ISD) scores. First, the T2D group performed more slowly than the controls. Second, this deficit extended to inconsistency, but less uniformly. Third, based on logistic regression analyses, IM was the more effective predictor of T2D status. Fourth, we observed similar longitudinal change patterns for IM and ISD. Results are linked to the theoretical location of T2D on an adjusted neural vulnerability continuum. PMID:21416426

Breathe Easy at Home: A Qualitative Evaluation of a Pediatric Asthma Intervention.

PubMed

Rosofsky, Anna; Reid, Margaret; Sandel, Megan; Zielenbach, Molly; Murphy, Johnna; Scammell, Madeleine K

2016-01-01

The Breathe Easy at Home Program enables clinicians to refer asthmatic patients to Boston Inspectional Services Department (ISD) if they suspect housing conditions trigger symptoms. The authors conducted one-on-one interviews with clinicians ( n = 10) who referred patients, and focus groups with inspectors from the ISD ( n = 9) and a variety of stakeholders ( n = 13), to gain insight into program function and implementation. Clinician interviews revealed inconsistencies in enrollment approaches, dissatisfaction with the web-based system, and patient follow-up difficulties. Inspectors identified barriers to working effectively with residents and landlords, and the stakeholder focus group highlighted successes of an unusual institutional collaboration. Interviews and focus groups identified strong and personal rapport between clinicians, inspectors, and patients as key to program retention, and that participating families required additional support throughout the process. Despite recommendations for improvement in program implementation, clinicians, inspectors, and stakeholders felt that the program overall improved both the home environment and asthma outcomes.

Coping with Uncertainty in an Agile Systems Development Course

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Taipalus, Toni; Seppänen, Ville; Pirhonen, Maritta

2018-01-01

Uncertain and ambiguous environments are commonplace in information systems development (ISD) projects, and while different Agile frameworks welcome changes in organizational, technical, and business environments, the incurred uncertainty is known to negatively affect the development process and the quality of the final product. The effects of…

Hot Topics in School Public Relations.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lange, Lois, Ed.; Young, Jay, Ed.

This document examines the public relations activities occurring in K-12 and intermediate school districts, needs for other activities, and how Michigan School Public Relations Association (MSPRA) can assist. Written surveys were mailed to 394 K-12 and Intermediate School District (ISD) superintendents. Analysis showed that very few school…

IFLA General Conference, 1986. Collections and Services Division. Section: Serial Publications. Papers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, The Hague (Netherlands).

Papers on serial publications presented at the 1986 International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) conference include: (1) "Scenario for Microcomputer-Based Serials Cataloging from ISDS (International Serials Data System) Records--New Horizons for Serial Librarianship in the Developing Countries by the Availability of Adequate…

Atascocita Springs Elementary School

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nigaglioni, Irene; Yocham, Deborah

2011-01-01

With the significant amount of time invested in researching the best techniques for delivering instruction to their students, Humble ISD is always on the forefront of education. Taking the recommendations of their active and vocal community groups, the district embarked in the design of the 26th elementary school, Atascocita Springs Elementary…

Training in Japan: The Use of Instructional Systems Design.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Taguchi, Mina; Keller, John M.

This study investigated the kinds of training conducted in Japanese companies and the degree to which instructional systems design (ISD) is implemented. A random sample of 12 Japanese companies in the banking, automobile manufacturing, electrical machinery, wholesale stores, insurance and securities, and transportation industries were surveyed; a…

Job Aid Manuals for Phase II--DESIGN of the Instructional Systems Development Model.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schulz, Russel E.; Farrell, Jean R.

Designed to supplement the descriptive authoring flowcharts presented in a companion volume, this manual includes specific guidance, examples, and other information referred to in the flowcharts for the implementation of the second phase of the Instructional Systems Development Model (ISD). The introductory section includes definitions;…

Job Aid Manuals for Phase I--ANALYZE of the Instructional Systems Development Model.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schulz, Russel E.; Farrell, Jean R.

Designed to supplement the descriptive authoring flowcharts in a companion volume, this manual includes specific guidance, examples, and other information referred to in the flowcharts for the implementation of the first phase of the Instructional Systems Development Model (ISD). The introductory section includes definitions; descriptions of…

The Leadership Gap: Preparing Leaders for Urban Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, Omaira Z.

2010-01-01

The purpose of this mixed-methods, purposive case study was to investigate the impact of participation in the Metropolitan ISD Principal Coaching Initiative (MPCI) on leadership practice. The MPCI is a district-wide executive leadership capacity building strategy, which combines the District's standards-based leadership curriculum with a…

Magic Spells. MicroSIFT Courseware Evaluation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Northwest Regional Educational Lab., Portland, OR.

THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THIS DOCUMENT (Except for the Evaluation Summary Table): VERSION: Copyright 1981. PRODUCER: Advanced Learning Technology, Inc., 4370 Alpine Road, Portola Valley, CA 94025. EVALUATION COMPLETED: January, 1983 by the Oakland ISD, Pontiac, Michigan. COST: $45.00. ABILITY LEVEL: Grades 1 to 8. SUBJECT: Language Arts.…

ISD Model Building: From Tabula Rasa to Apple Peel

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ruark, Benjamin E.

2008-01-01

An evidence-based practice (EBP) model is proposed to replace the more-art-than-science "rope bridge" currently spanning the defining space of a training need and the designing space of a training curriculum. The rope bridge analogy symbolizes a way to address perceived deficiencies and research gaps in the…

Rapid Prototyping: An Alternative Instructional Design Strategy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tripp, Steven D.; Bichelmeyer, Barbara

1990-01-01

Discusses the nature of instructional design and describes rapid prototyping as a feasible model for instructional system design (ISD). The use of prototyping in software engineering is described, similarities between software design and instructional design are discussed, and an example is given which uses rapid prototyping in designing a…

Spelling Strategy. MicroSIFT Courseware Evaluation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Northwest Regional Educational Lab., Portland, OR.

THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THIS DOCUMENT (Except for the Evaluation Summary Table): VERSION: Copyright 1981. PRODUCER: Behavioral Engineering, 230 Mt. Hermon Road, Suite 207, Scotts Valley, CA 95066. EVALUATION COMPLETED: January, 1983 at the Oakland ISD in Pontiac, Michigan. COST: $45.00. ABILITY LEVEL: Grades 2 to 8. SUBJECT: Language…

Developing Distance Education Content Using the TAPPA Process

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moore, Robert L.

2016-01-01

The proliferation of distance education has occurred alongside the emerging technologies of the Web 2.0 and Web 3.0 environments, changing the way instructors approach, design, and deliver their instructional materials. In the past, instructional design (ID) practitioners relied on instruction system design (ISD) models that focused primarily on…

A Model for the Redesign of Training Materials for the Nuclear Power Industry.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gredler, Margaret Bell

1986-01-01

Presents consultant/staff model for training program redesign and discusses activities involved: interpretation of Instructional System Design (ISD) model concepts into plans in trainer's content area and sequenced sets of content-appropriate verbs for objectives; presenting training sessions on design issues; and holding individual conference…

Speed Reader. MicroSIFT Courseware Evaluation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Northwest Regional Educational Lab., Portland, OR.

THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THIS DOCUMENT (Except for the Evaluation Summary Table): VERSION: Copyright 1981. PRODUCER: Davidson and Associates, 6069 Groveoak Place #12, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90274. EVALUATION COMPLETED: January, 1983 by the Oakland ISD of Pontiac, Michigan. COST: $70.00. ABILITY LEVEL: Secondary. SUBJECT: Reading. MEDIUM…

ELL to Go

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Demski, Jennifer

2011-01-01

Township High School District 214 in Arlington Heights, Illinois, and Comal Independent School District (ISD) in New Braunfels, Texas, are pioneers in the incorporation of mobile devices such as the iPad and iPod Touch in the English language learner (ELL) classroom. Though it's too soon to collect significant quantitative data regarding the…

Defining the "D" in ISD. Part 1: Task-General Instructional Methods.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clark, Ruth Colvin

1986-01-01

The first of two articles designed to provide guidelines for the instructional development phase of instructional systems development focuses on general instructional methods supporting all instructional tasks. Teaching methods that support selective attention, processing in working memory, and connecting in long-term memory are described and…

Job Aid Manuals for Phase III--DEVELOP of the Instructional Systems Development Model.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schulz, Russel E.; Farrell, Jean R.

Designed to supplement the descriptive authoring flowcharts presented in a companion volume, this manual includes specific guidance, examples, and other information referred to in the flowcharts for the implementation of the third phase of the Instructional Systems Development Model (ISD). The introductory section includes definitions;…

Stardust Interstellar Preliminary Examination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Westphal, A.; Stardust Interstellar Preliminary Examation Team: http://www. ssl. berkeley. edu/~westphal/ISPE/

2011-12-01

A. J. Westphal, C. Allen, A. Ansari, S. Bajt, R. S. Bastien, H. A. Bechtel, J. Borg, F. E. Brenker, J. Bridges, D. E. Brownlee, M. Burchell, M. Burghammer, A. L. Butterworth, A. M. Davis, P. Cloetens, C. Floss, G. Flynn, D. Frank, Z. Gainsforth, E. Grün, P. R. Heck, J. K. Hillier, P. Hoppe, G. Huss, J. Huth, B. Hvide, A. Kearsley, A. J. King, B. Lai, J. Leitner, L. Lemelle, H. Leroux, R. Lettieri, W. Marchant, L. R. Nittler, R. Ogliore, F. Postberg, M. C. Price, S. A. Sandford, J.-A. Sans Tresseras, T. Schoonjans, S. Schmitz, G. Silversmit, A. Simionovici, V. A. Solé, R. Srama, T. Stephan, V. Sterken, J. Stodolna, R. M. Stroud, S. Sutton, M. Trieloff, P. Tsou, A. Tsuchiyama, T. Tyliszczak, B. Vekemans, L. Vincze, D. Zevin, M. E. Zolensky, >29,000 Stardust@home dusters ISPE author affiliations are at http://www.ssl.berkeley.edu/~westphal/ISPE/. In 2000 and 2002, a ~0.1m2 array of aerogel tiles and alumi-num foils onboard the Stardust spacecraft was exposed to the interstellar dust (ISD) stream for an integrated time of 200 days. The exposure took place in interplanetary space, beyond the orbit of Mars, and thus was free of the ubiquitous orbital debris in low-earth orbit that precludes effective searches for interstellar dust there. Despite the long exposure of the Stardust collector, <<100 ISD particles are expected to have been captured. The particles are thought to be ~1μm or less in size, and the total ISD collection is probably <10-6 by mass of the collection of cometary dust parti-cles captured in the Stardust cometary dust collector from the coma of the Jupiter-family comet Wild 2. Thus, although the first solid sample from the local interstellar medium is clearly of high interest, the diminutive size of the particles and the low numbers of particles present daunting challenges. Nevertheless, six recent developments have made a Preliminary Examination (PE) of this sample practical: (1) rapid automated digital optical scanning microscopy for three-dimensional imaging of the aerogel collector; (2) rapid automated digital scanning electron microscopy for imaging of the aluminum foils; (3) an effective, massively-distributed search by citizen scientists through the Internet; (4) extraction and sample preparation tech-niques for μm-sized particles in aerogel; (5) advances in capabili-ties of synchrotron infrared and X-ray microprobes that enable non-destructive analyses of sub-μm particles in situ in aerogel; and (6) the development of focused-ion beam (FIB) milling tech-niques for sample preparation. The Stardust Interstellar PE consists of six related projects: the identification of tracks through automated scanning microscopy and distributed searching by volunteers (Stardust@home); the extraction of tracks from aerogel in "picokeystones"; the analysis of tracks using synchrotron microprobes; the identifica-tion and analysis of impacts in aluminum foils; laboratory investigations of ISD analogs using an electrostatic dust accelerator; and modeling of ISD propagation in the heliosphere. To date we have identified four impacts in the aerogel collector and one on the foils of probable interstellar origin. We will report on our analyses and implications for the solid component of the local interstellar medium.

It Takes a Village to Design a Course: Embedding a Librarian in Course Design

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mudd, Alex; Summey, Terri; Upson, Matt

2015-01-01

Often associated with online learning, instructional design is a process utilized in efficiently designing training and instruction to help ensure effectiveness. Typically, the instructional systems design (ISD) process uses a team-based approach, consisting of an instructor, a facilitator, a designer and a subject matter expert. Although library…

Interservice Procedures for Instructional Systems Development: Executive Summary and Model.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Branson, Robert K.

The document is the last of a five-part series focusing in minute detail on the processes involved in the formulation of an instructional systems development (ISD) program for military interservice training that will adequately train individuals to do a particular job and which can also be applied to any interservice curriculum development…

ISD Designed Medical Specialist Training.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rock, Samuel K., Jr.; Chagalis, George P.

The Basic Medical Specialist course has one of the largest enrollments of the U.S. Army's Academy of Health Sciences; 11,000 soldiers were trained in this course in 1977 and 1978. Training encompasses both emergency first aid (for field medics) and basic nursing skills. A task force working to improve Army training developed this course, in…

MVP and Instructional Systems Design in Online Courses

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Franklin, Jennifer L.

2017-01-01

This chapter is based on three premises. The first premise is that the use of instructional systems design (ISD) methods is important in online as well as traditional classroom settings. A second premise is that improving the motivational design of instruction brings benefits to teachers and learners alike. The third premise, specific to this…

Army Job Training Development and Testing Practices Compared to the Instructional Systems Development Model.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oxford-Carpenter, Rebecca L.; And Others

This paper presents an evaluation of Army job training development and testing practices, with a focus on Advanced Individual Testing. Information comes from intensive interviews with school instructors and from observations in the schools. Results indicate that some aspects of the Instructional Systems Development (ISD) model have been…

Supporting Solo at the District Level

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Woodard, Mary

2011-01-01

School librarians in the Mesquite Independent School District (ISD) have been operating solo on their campuses since the 1970s. Campus clerical assistance in the school libraries was a luxury that they couldn't afford. Since the district's vision was of a teaching librarian, a Library Processing Department was established in 1972. As years passed,…

School Resource Officers for Bullying Interventions: A Mixed-Methods Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Robles-Pina, Rebecca A.; Denham, Magdalena A.

2012-01-01

The number of school police officers, School Resource Officers (SROs), is increasing on school campuses to assist in preventing school violence, and in particular bullying. This mixed-methods study was conducted to compare the knowledge and perceptions of SROs (N = 184) hired by independent school districts (ISD SROs) and those contracted from law…

Spectrally Shaped DP-16QAM Super-Channel Transmission with Multi-Channel Digital Back-Propagation

PubMed Central

Maher, Robert; Xu, Tianhua; Galdino, Lidia; Sato, Masaki; Alvarado, Alex; Shi, Kai; Savory, Seb J.; Thomsen, Benn C.; Killey, Robert I.; Bayvel, Polina

2015-01-01

The achievable transmission capacity of conventional optical fibre communication systems is limited by nonlinear distortions due to the Kerr effect and the difficulty in modulating the optical field to effectively use the available fibre bandwidth. In order to achieve a high information spectral density (ISD), while simultaneously maintaining transmission reach, multi-channel fibre nonlinearity compensation and spectrally efficient data encoding must be utilised. In this work, we use a single coherent super-receiver to simultaneously receive a DP-16QAM super-channel, consisting of seven spectrally shaped 10GBd sub-carriers spaced at the Nyquist frequency. Effective nonlinearity mitigation is achieved using multi-channel digital back-propagation (MC-DBP) and this technique is combined with an optimised forward error correction implementation to demonstrate a record gain in transmission reach of 85%; increasing the maximum transmission distance from 3190 km to 5890 km, with an ISD of 6.60 b/s/Hz. In addition, this report outlines for the first time, the sensitivity of MC-DBP gain to linear transmission line impairments and defines a trade-off between performance and complexity. PMID:25645457

Long-Distance Rescue and Slow Extinction Dynamics Govern Multiscale Metapopulations.

PubMed

Huth, Géraldine; Haegeman, Bart; Pitard, Estelle; Munoz, François

2015-10-01

Rare long-distance dispersal is known to be critical for species dynamics, but how the interplay between short- and long-distance colonization influences regional persistence in a fragmented habitat remains poorly understood. We propose a metapopulation model that combines local colonization within habitat islands and long-distance colonization between islands. We study how regional occupancy dynamics are affected by the multiscale colonization process. We find that the island size distribution (ISD) is a key driver of the long-term occupancy dynamics. When the ISD is heterogeneous-that is, when the size of islands is variable-we show that extinction dynamics become very slow. We demonstrate that this behavior is unrelated to the well-known extinction debt near the critical extinction threshold. Hence, this finding questions the equivalence between extinction debt and critical transitions in the context of metapopulation collapse. Furthermore, we show that long-distance colonization can rescue small islands from extinction and sustain a steady regional occupancy. These results provide novel theoretical and practical insights into extinction dynamics and persistence in fragmented habitats and are thus relevant for the design of conservation strategies.

Assessing outcome after a modified vaginal wall sling for stress incontinence with intrinsic sphincter deficiency.

PubMed

Costantini, Elisabetta; Mearini, Luigi; Mearini, Ettore; Pajoncini, Cinzia; Guercini, Federico; Bini, Vittorio; Porena, Massimo

2005-01-01

Forty women with stress incontinence, intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD), associated or not with urethral hypermobility, a Valsalva leak point pressure (VLLP)<60 cmH(2)0 and a maximum urethral closure pressure<30 cmH(2)0 underwent in situ vaginal wall sling. The main modification to the technique was the use of two small Marlex meshes placed at the lateral edges of the sling. Outcome was assessed by pad use, surgical results and patients' satisfaction. Data of 39/40 patients were analyzed after a minimum follow-up of 1 year. After surgery 30/39 patients were completely dry (no pads), stress incontinence disappeared in 22/39, and 30/39 patients were satisfied with outcome. Reasons for dissatisfaction included recurrence of stress incontinence in three, infections in one and urge incontinence in five. Overall results are good given this category of patients. The vaginal wall sling can be recommended for patients with ISD because the results are promising, it corrects urethral hypermobility and, in our experience, it does not cause obstruction if correctly performed.

Architectural Principles for Orchestration of Cross-Organizational Service Delivery: Case Studies from the Netherlands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Veenstra, Anne Fleur; Janssen, Marijn

One of the main challenges for e-government is to create coherent services for citizens and businesses. Realizing Integrated Service Delivery (ISD) requires government agencies to collaborate across their organizational boundaries. The coordination of processes across multiple organizations to realize ISD is called orchestration. One way of achieving orchestration is to formalize processes using architecture. In this chapter we identify architectural principles for orchestration by looking at three case studies of cross-organizational service delivery chain formation in the Netherlands. In total, six generic principles were formulated and subsequently validated in two workshops with experts. These principles are: (i) build an intelligent front office, (ii) give processes a clear starting point and end, (iii) build a central workflow application keeping track of the process, (iv) differentiate between simple and complex processes, (v) ensure that the decision-making responsibility and the overview of the process are not performed by the same process role, and (vi) create a central point where risk profiles are maintained. Further research should focus on how organizations can adapt these principles to their own situation.

Germline-encoded neutralization of a Staphylococcus aureus virulence factor by the human antibody repertoire.

PubMed

Yeung, Yik Andy; Foletti, Davide; Deng, Xiaodi; Abdiche, Yasmina; Strop, Pavel; Glanville, Jacob; Pitts, Steven; Lindquist, Kevin; Sundar, Purnima D; Sirota, Marina; Hasa-Moreno, Adela; Pham, Amber; Melton Witt, Jody; Ni, Irene; Pons, Jaume; Shelton, David; Rajpal, Arvind; Chaparro-Riggers, Javier

2016-11-18

Staphylococcus aureus is both an important pathogen and a human commensal. To explore this ambivalent relationship between host and microbe, we analysed the memory humoral response against IsdB, a protein involved in iron acquisition, in four healthy donors. Here we show that in all donors a heavily biased use of two immunoglobulin heavy chain germlines generated high affinity (pM) antibodies that neutralize the two IsdB NEAT domains, IGHV4-39 for NEAT1 and IGHV1-69 for NEAT2. In contrast to the typical antibody/antigen interactions, the binding is primarily driven by the germline-encoded hydrophobic CDRH-2 motifs of IGHV1-69 and IGHV4-39, with a binding mechanism nearly identical for each antibody derived from different donors. Our results suggest that IGHV1-69 and IGHV4-39, while part of the adaptive immune system, may have evolved under selection pressure to encode a binding motif innately capable of recognizing and neutralizing a structurally conserved protein domain involved in pathogen iron acquisition.

Extracellular proteases are key mediators of Staphylococcus aureus virulence via the global modulation of virulence-determinant stability

PubMed Central

Kolar, Stacey L; Antonio Ibarra, J; Rivera, Frances E; Mootz, Joe M; Davenport, Jessica E; Stevens, Stanley M; Horswill, Alexander R; Shaw, Lindsey N

2013-01-01

Staphylococcus aureus is a highly virulent and successful pathogen that causes a diverse array of diseases. Recently, an increase of severe infections in healthy subjects has been observed, caused by community-associated methicillin-resistant S. aureus (CA-MRSA). The reason for enhanced CA-MRSA virulence is unclear; however, work suggests that it results from hypersecretion of agr-regulated toxins, including secreted proteases. In this study, we explore the contribution of exo-proteases to CA-MRSA pathogenesis using a mutant lacking all 10 enzymes. We show that they are required for growth in peptide-rich environments, serum, in the presence of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), and in human blood. We also reveal that extracellular proteases are important for resisting phagocytosis by human leukocytes. Using murine infection models, we reveal contrasting roles for the proteases in morbidity and mortality. Upon exo-protease deletion, we observed decreases in abscess formation, and impairment during organ invasion. In contrast, we observed hypervirulence of the protease-null strain in the context of mortality. This dichotomy is explained by proteomic analyses, which demonstrates exo-proteases to be key mediators of virulence-determinant stability. Specifically, increased abundance of both secreted (e.g. α-toxin, Psms, LukAB, LukE, PVL, Sbi, γ-hemolysin) and surface-associated (e.g. ClfA+B, FnbA+B, IsdA, Spa) proteins was observed upon protease deletion. Collectively, our findings provide a unique insight into the progression of CA-MRSA infections, and the role of secreted proteolytic enzymes. PMID:23233325

Different utilization of intensive care services (ICSs) for patients dying of hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke, a hospital-based survey.

PubMed

Wang, Vinchi; Hsieh, Chieh-Chao; Huang, Yen-Ling; Chen, Chia-Ping; Hsieh, Yi-Ting; Chao, Tzu-Hao

2018-02-01

The intensive care service (ICS) saves lives and rescues the neurological function of stroke patients. We wondered the different utilization of ICS for patients with ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, especially those who died within 30 days after stroke.Sixty-seven patients died during 2011 to 2015 due to acute stroke (42 due to intracranial hemorrhage [ICH]; 25 due to cerebral infarct [CI]). The durations of hospital stay (hospital staying days [HSDs]) and ICS staying days (ISDs) and codes of the do-not-resuscitate (DNR) were surveyed among these medical records. Statistics included chi-square and descriptive analyses.In this study, CI patients had a longer HSD (mean 14.3 days), as compared with ICH patients (mean 8.3 days); however, the ICH patients had a higher percentage of early entry within the first 24 hours of admission into ICS than CI group (95.1% vs 60.0%, P = .003). A higher rate of CI patients died in holidays or weekends than those with ICH (44.0% vs 21.4%, P = .051). DNR, requested mainly from direct descendants (children or grandchildren), was coded in all 25 CI patients (100.0%) and 38 ICH patients (90.5%). More cases with early DNR coded within 24 hours after admission occurred in ICH group (47%, 12% in CI patients, P = .003). None of the stroke patient had living wills. Withhold of endotracheal intubation (ETI) occurred among CI patients, more than for ICH patients (76.0% vs 18.4%, P < .005).In conclusion, CI patients longer HSD, ISD, higher mortality within holidays or weekends, and higher ETI withhold; but less percentage of ICS utilization expressed by a lower ISD/HSD ratio. This ICS utilization is a key issue of medical quality for stroke care.

Feasibility Study of NMR Based Serum Metabolomic Profiling to Animal Health Monitoring: A Case Study on Iron Storage Disease in Captive Sumatran Rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis).

PubMed

Watanabe, Miki; Roth, Terri L; Bauer, Stuart J; Lane, Adam; Romick-Rosendale, Lindsey E

2016-01-01

A variety of wildlife species maintained in captivity are susceptible to iron storage disease (ISD), or hemochromatosis, a disease resulting from the deposition of excess iron into insoluble iron clusters in soft tissue. Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) is one of the rhinoceros species that has evolutionarily adapted to a low-iron diet and is susceptible to iron overload. Hemosiderosis is reported at necropsy in many African black and Sumatran rhinoceroses but only a small number of animals reportedly die from hemochromatosis. The underlying cause and reasons for differences in susceptibility to hemochromatosis within the taxon remains unclear. Although serum ferritin concentrations have been useful in monitoring the progression of ISD in many species, there is some question regarding their value in diagnosing hemochromatosis in the Sumatran rhino. To investigate the metabolic changes during the development of hemochromatosis and possibly increase our understanding of its progression and individual susceptibility differences, the serum metabolome from a Sumatran rhinoceros was investigated by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics. The study involved samples from female rhinoceros at the Cincinnati Zoo (n = 3), including two animals that died from liver failure caused by ISD, and the Sungai Dusun Rhinoceros Conservation Centre in Peninsular Malaysia (n = 4). Principal component analysis was performed to visually and statistically compare the metabolic profiles of the healthy animals. The results indicated that significant differences were present between the animals at the zoo and the animals in the conservation center. A comparison of the 43 serum metabolomes of three zoo rhinoceros showed two distinct groupings, healthy (n = 30) and unhealthy (n = 13). A total of eighteen altered metabolites were identified in healthy versus unhealthy samples. Results strongly suggest that NMR-based metabolomics is a valuable tool for animal health monitoring and may provide insight into the progression of this and other insidious diseases.

Does hemipelvis structure and position influence acetabulum orientation?

PubMed

Musielak, Bartosz; Jóźwiak, Marek; Rychlik, Michał; Chen, Brian Po-Jung; Idzior, Maciej; Grzegorzewski, Andrzej

2016-03-16

Although acetabulum orientation is well established anatomically and radiographically, its relation to the innominate bone has rarely been addressed. If explored, it could open the discussion on patomechanisms of such complex disorders as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). We therefore evaluated the influence of pelvic bone position and structure on acetabular spatial orientation. We describe this relation and its clinical implications. This retrospective study was based on computed tomography scanning of three-dimensional models of 31 consecutive male pelvises (62 acetabulums). All measurements were based on CT spatial reconstruction with the use of highly specialized software (Rhinoceros). Relations between acetabular orientation (inclination, tilt, anteversion angles) and pelvic structure were evaluated. The following parameters were evaluated to assess the pelvic structure: iliac opening angle, iliac tilt angle, interspinous distance (ISD), intertuberous distance (ITD), height of the pelvis (HP), and the ISD/ITD/HP ratio. The linear and nonlinear dependence of the acetabular angles and hemipelvic measurements were examined with Pearson's product - moment correlation and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Correlations different from 0 with p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Comparison of the axis position with pelvis structure with orientation in the horizontal plane revealed a significant positive correlation between the acetabular anteversion angle and the iliac opening angle (p = 0.041 and 0.008, respectively). In the frontal plane, there was a positive correlation between the acetabular inclination angle and the iliac tilt angle (p = 0.025 and 0.014, respectively) and the acetabular inclination angle and the ISD/ITD/HP ratio (both p = 0.048). There is a significant correlation of the hemipelvic structure and acetabular orientation under anatomic conditions, especially in the frontal and horizontal planes. In the anteroposterior view, the more tilted-down innominate bone causes a more caudally oriented acetabulum axis, whereas in the horizontal view this relation is reversed. This study may serve as a basis for the discussion on the role of the pelvis in common disorders of the hip.

SH-2F LAMPS Instructional Systems Development: Phase II. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gibbons, Andrew S.; Hymes, Jonah P.

This project was one of four aircrew training development projects in a continuing study of the methodology, effectiveness, and resource requirements of the Instructional Systems Development (ISD) process. This report covers the Phase II activities of a two-phase project for the development of aircrew training for SH-2F anti-submarine warfare…

Linking Strategic Planning and Management Control.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-03-01

contribution it intends to make to its shareholders, employees, customers, and communities . Corporate strategy defines the businesses in which a...identifies six factors to consider regarding strategy implementation. How to communicate the 42 .................... . -.......... . corporate goals is...D. Irwin, Inc., 1975. Anthony, R. N., and Welsch, G. A., Fundamentals of Management Accounting, Richard D. Irwin, Inc., 1974. Argenti , J., Corporate

Instructional Staff Development. Component 5: Pupil Centered Inquiry.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lux, John E.; Wright, Delivee L.

This trainer's manual for the fifth of six components of the Instructional Staff Development (ISD) program is designed to prepare teachers to develop a model for use in Pupil Centered Inquiry teaching (PCI). This component is said to build on the teacher's knowledge, skills, and attitudes gained in the first four components; the entire program is…

Assessing Earth and Environmental Science Enrollment Trends in Texas Public High Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sanders, Joan G.

2012-01-01

Scope and Method of Study: This study assesses the status of Earth and environmental sciences education in Texas Public High Schools by analyzing enrollment proportions of 11th and 12th grade students in 607 Independent School Districts (ISD) for the 2010-2011 academic school year using a quantitative, non-experimental alpha research design. This…

Social Ecology and Worksite Training and Development: Introducing the Social in Instructional System Design

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Weinstein, Marc G.; Shuck, Brad

2011-01-01

Human resource development (HRD) is recognized as an interdisciplinary field covering the breadth of behavioral and social sciences. However, since its inception, instructional systems design (ISD), a methodology widely used in the HRD field, has been based on a narrow range of behavioral science. Grounded in general system's theory, the ISD…

Transformational Leaders Wanted: Dallas Independent School District's Aspiring Principals Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Parvin, Jennifer Lee

2012-01-01

The purpose of this research was to explore and describe the development, implementation, and impact of the Dallas Independent School District's (ISD) Aspiring Principals Program. This study of principal preparation has relevance as a K-16 issue for two primary reasons. First, K-12 schools are focused on graduating students who are college and…

Instructional Design Models and Research on Teacher Thinking: Toward a New Conceptual Model for Research and Development.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moallem, Mahnaz

Instructional designers believe that it is important to expose pre-service and in-service teachers to Instructional Systems Design (ISD) procedures and products so teachers can utilize them. Educational literature, however, reveals few attempts to relate instructional design theory and methods to teaching practice. This paper proposes a new…

Software Independent Verification and Validation (SIV&V) Simplified

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-12-01

Configuration Item I/O Input/Output I2V2 Independent Integrated Verification and Validation IBM International Business Machines ICD Interface...IPT Integrated Product Team IRS Interface Requirements Specification ISD Integrated System Diagram ITD Integrated Test Description ITP ...programming languages such as COBOL (Common Business Oriented Language) (Codasyl committee 1960), and FORTRAN (FORmula TRANslator) ( IBM 1952) (Robat 11

Course of Study for General Office Clerk. Grades Eleven and Twelve.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Denovchek, Josephine H.; Saunders, Gretchen L.

Designed to meet the needs of the community of Warren, Ohio, for competent office clerks, this course of study is presented as a sample that illustrates a format based on the instructional systems development (ISD) process. As a course of study for preparing students for entry-level employment as clerk-typists, file clerks, billing clerks, payroll…

The Friends of Northside ISD Libraries Sets Sail

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hultgren, Joyce

2009-01-01

The Director of Library and Textbook services for the Northside Independent School District (NISD) Jana Knezek, had long wanted to create a Friends group and she realized how beneficial it would be to have an organization in place that could serve as an advocate for school library issues. Jana temporarily put aside that desire and participated in…

High Technology Product Training for Sales Representatives of Spectrum Healthcare Solutions and International Business Machines Corporation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Crystal, Enid

This report describes an application of the Instructional Systems Design (ISD) process to a product knowledge training project for Spectrum Healthcare Solutions, Inc., including the steps and substeps in the phases of analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. The training project was designed to address the need for increased…

916 ISD Summer Assessment Team Facilitator for Transition of Students from Agency to Public School Programs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johns, Antoinette; And Others

The presentation reviews the evolution of a summer special education assessment team. The interdisciplinary team grew from a due process specialist and occupational therapist to include a speech clinician. Their roles changed from processing students for special education to facilitating the transition of students and their families from private…

The Strategic Impact Model: An Integrative Approach to Performance Improvement and Instructional Systems Design

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Molenda, Michael; Pershing, James A.

2004-01-01

Training in business settings and instruction in academic settings have never taken place in a vacuum, but in earlier times many instructional technology professionals behaved as though they did. Models of instructional systems design (ISD) placed training and instruction at the center of the universe ignoring the impact of the external…

Job Aids: Descriptive Authoring Flowcharts for Phase II--DESIGN of the Instructional Systems Development Model.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schulz, Russel E.; Farrell, Jean R.

This resource guide for the use of job aids ("how-to-do-it" guidance) for activities identified in the second phase of the Instructional Systems Development Model (ISD) contains an introduction to the use of job aids, as well as descriptive authoring flowcharts for Blocks II.1 through II.4. The introduction includes definitions;…

Job Aids: Descriptive Authoring Flowcharts for Phase I--ANALYZE of the Instructional Systems Development Model.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schulz, Russel E.; Farrell, Jean R.

This resource guide for the use of job aids ("how-to-do-it" guidance) for activities identified in the first phase of the Instructional Systems Development Model (ISD) contains an introduction to the use of job aids, as well as descriptive authoring flowcharts for Blocks I.2 through I.5. The introduction includes definitions;…

Collaborative Efforts Result in a Successful Field Based Program for the Preparation of Secondary Teachers in Social Studies.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Askins, Billy E.; Logan, Neal; Nelson, Jill

Collaborative efforts by Texas Tech University (TTU) and the Lubbock Independent School District (ISD) resulted in an innovative program to improve the preparation of secondary-level preservice teachers in social studies. The program is grounded in the realities of the social studies classroom. Students are organized by teaching field in a…

An Experienced Teacher's Model of Thinking and Teaching: An Ethnographic Study on Teacher Cognition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moallem, Mahnaz

This study was designed to explore an expert teacher's model of thinking and teaching as it occurred within the social and cultural context of the classroom. The model was then compared with instructional systems design (ISD) to identify similarities and differences between them. To accomplish these goals, the study focused on the process and…

Development and Validation of a Web-Based Module to Teach Metacognitive Learning Strategies to Students in Higher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Singh, Oma B.

2009-01-01

This study used a design based-research (DBR) methodology to examine how an Instructional Systematic Design (ISD) process such as ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation) can be employed to develop a web-based module to teach metacognitive learning strategies to students in higher education. The goal of the study was…

Training System Device Certification and Qualification Process

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-09-01

Engineering IPT Integrated Product Team ISD Instructional Systems Development ISEO In-Service Engineering Office KSAs Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes...Plan TES Tactical Engagement Simulation TPM Training Pipeline Managers T&R Training and Readiness TRR Test Readiness Review TS Training System...NAWCTSD) is the Navy’s source for a full range of innovative products and services that provide complete training solutions. This includes

Carl: A Case Study of a Gifted Student with Challenging Social Behaviors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zapotocky, Robin

2014-01-01

Robin Zapotocky is a first-year teacher in a fifth-grade classroom at Cannaday Elementary in Mesquite ISD, Mesquite TX. She graduated from Baylor University in the gifted and elementary dual certificate program, and first met Carl when she was student teaching in a gifted and talented pullout program for third- and fourth-grade gifted students.…

From Instructional Systems Design to Managing the Life Cycle of Knowledge in Organizations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Salisbury, Mark

2008-01-01

This article describes a framework for managing the life cycle of knowledge in organizations. The framework emerges from years of work with the laboratories and facilities that are under the direction of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The article begins by describing the instructional systems design (ISD) process and how it is used to…

Programming Design Guide for Computer Implementation of Job Aid for Selecting Instructional Setting. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schulz, Russel E.; And Others

This Programming Design Guide (PDG) was developed to permit the offline Job Aid for Selecting Instructional Setting, which is one of 13 job aids presently available for use with the Instructional Systems Development (ISD) model, to be available in an inquiry-type, online version. It is intended to provide computer programmers with all of the…

The Effect of School Renaissance on TAAS Scores in the McKinney ISD

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nunnery, John A.; Ross, Steven M.; Goldfeder, Elizabeth

2003-01-01

The present research is a third-party study of the effects of the School Renaissance (SR) comprehensive school reform (CSR) model on student achievement in 11 elementary and middle schools in Texas. The primary measures used in the study were the Texas Learning Index (TLI) reading and mathematics scores obtained through administration of the Texas…

Information Systems Development--ISD '94. Methods & Tools. Theory & Practice. Proceedings of the International Conference (4th, Bled, Slovenia, September 20-22, 1994).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zupancic, Joze, Ed.; Wrycza, Stanislaw, Ed.

These proceedings present 3 invited papers, 65 submitted papers, and 17 presentations on work in progress that were given at the Fourth International Conference on Information Systems Development. The three invited papers are: "Information Systems Planning in Small Business" (Georgios Doukidis, Panagiotis Lybereas, Robert D. Galliers);…

Job Aids: Descriptive Authoring Flowcharts for Phase III--DEVELOP of the Instructional Systems Development Model.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schulz, Russel E.; Farrell, Jean R.

This resource guide for the use of job aids ("how-to-do-it" guidance) for activities identified in the third phase of the Instructional Systems Development Model (ISD) contains an introduction to the use of job aids, as well as descriptive authoring flowcharts for Blocks III.1 through III.5. The introduction includes definitions;…

A Corporate Veto on Health Policy? Global Constitutionalism and Investor-State Dispute Settlement.

PubMed

Hawkins, Benjamin; Holden, Chris

2016-10-01

The importance of trade and investment agreements for health is now widely acknowledged in the literature, with much attention now focused on the impact of investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) mechanisms. However, much of the analysis of such agreements in the health field remains largely descriptive. We theorize the implications of ISDS mechanisms for health policy by integrating the concept of global constitutionalism with veto point theory. It is argued that attempts to constitutionalize investment law, through a proliferation of International Investment Agreements (IIAs), has created a series of new veto points at which corporations may seek to block new policies aimed at protecting or enhancing public health. The multiplicity of new veto points in this global "spaghetti bowl" of IIAs creates opportunities for corporations to venue shop; that is, to exploit the agreements, and associated veto points, through which they are most likely to succeed in blocking or deterring new regulation. These concepts are illustrated with reference to two case studies of investor-state disputes involving a transnational tobacco company, but the implications of the analysis are of equal relevance for a range of other industries and health issues. Copyright © 2016 by Duke University Press.

Xenia: A Metaphor for Sense-Making and Acting in Information Systems Innovation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Higgins, Allen; Vidolov, Simeon; Frößler, Frank; Mullaney, Doreen

This paper draws on Ciborra's insightful concept of xenia (i.e., hospitality) to analyze how successful infrastructural service innovation was managed at the local operations of an international financial services firm. The xenia concept problematizes the information system development (ISD) orthodoxy and points to issues and aspects that are often overlooked or considered irrelevant in structured methodologies. In interpreting the findings of the empirical study—in which a highly successful (but radical) big bang transition from one technology platform to another takes place over a single weekend—we suggest that IS implementation and development is an emergent process in which technology and users are continually redefined. This process resembles an emotional "meeting" between host and guest who, over time, develop mutual familiarity and acceptance. Further, we argue that the metaphor of xenia opens space for reconsidering conventional but socially sterile approaches to IS innovation; xenia offers a radically different way for understanding and acting upon ISD. Our analysis highlights the intrinsic socio-technical interplay underlying IS development and implementation, and raises questions about the importance of local cultures of "hospitality" and ways they may be cultivated and nurtured in order to alleviate the meeting between technology and organizations.

A Corporate Veto on Health Policy? Global Constitutionalism and Investor-State Dispute Settlement

PubMed Central

Hawkins, Benjamin; Holden, Chris

2016-01-01

The importance of trade and investment agreements for health is now widely acknowledged in the literature, with much attention now focused on the impact of investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) mechanisms. However, much of the analysis of such agreements in the health field remains largely descriptive. We theorise the implications of ISDS mechanisms for health policy by integrating the concept of global constitutionalism with veto point theory. It is argued that attempts to ‘constitutionalise’ investment law, through a proliferation of International Investment Agreements (IIAs), has created a series of new veto points at which corporations may seek to block new policies aimed at protecting or enhancing public health. The multiplicity of new veto points in this global ‘spaghetti bowl’ of IIAs creates opportunities for corporations to ‘venue shop’; to exploit the agreements, and associated veto points, through which they are most likely to succeed in blocking or deterring new regulation. These concepts are illustrated with reference to two case studies of investor-state disputes involving a transnational tobacco company, but the implications of the analysis are of equal relevance for a range of other industries and health issues. PMID:27256810

Bacillus subtilis Fur represses one of two paralogous haem-degrading monooxygenases

PubMed Central

Gaballa, Ahmed

2011-01-01

Identification of genes regulated by the ferric uptake regulator (Fur) protein has provided insights into the diverse mechanisms of adaptation to iron limitation. In the soil bacterium Bacillus subtilis, Fur senses iron sufficiency and represses genes that enable iron uptake, including biosynthetic and transport genes for the siderophore bacillibactin and uptake systems for siderophores produced by other organisms. We here demonstrate that Fur regulates hmoA (formerly yetG), which encodes a haem monooxygenase. HmoA is the first characterized member of a divergent group of putative monooxygenases that cluster separately from the well-characterized IsdG family. B. subtilis also encodes an IsdG family protein designated HmoB (formerly YhgC). Unlike hmoA, hmoB is constitutively expressed and not under Fur control. HmoA and HmoB both bind haemin in vitro with approximately 1 : 1 stoichiometry and degrade haemin in the presence of an electron donor. Mutational and spectroscopic analyses indicate that HmoA and HmoB have distinct active site architectures and interact differently with haem. We further show that B. subtilis can use haem as an iron source, but that this ability is independent of HmoA and HmoB. PMID:21873409

The Potential Impact of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) on public health.

PubMed

De Vogli, Roberto; Renzetti, Noemi

2016-01-01

This article aims to examine the potential health effects of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment partnership (TTIP). Our review indicates that, although proponents of the TTIP claim that the treaty will produce benefits to health-enhancing determinants such as economic growth and employment, evidence shows that previous trade liberalization policies are associated with increasing economic inequities. By reducing Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) and by promoting increased cooperation between US and EU governmental agencies in the pharmaceutical sector, the TTIP could result in improved research cooperation and reduced duplication of processes. However, the TTIP chapter on Intellectual Property (IP) and Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) that expand and extend patent monopolies, and delay the availability of generic drugs, are likely to cause underutilization of needed medications among vulnerable populations. The TTIP's Investor to State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) arbitration system, a mechanism that allows transnational companies (TNCs) to sue governments when a policy or law reduces the value of their investment, is likely to generate a negative impact on regulations aimed at increasing access to healthcare, and reducing tobacco, alcohol consumption, and diet-related diseases. The Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards (SPS) of the TTIP is expected to weaken regulations in the food and agricultural sectors especially in the EU, with potentially negative effects on food safety and foodborne diseases. Finally, the ISDS is likely to infringe the ability of governments to tackle environmental problems such as climate change deemed to be the most important global health threat of the century. Our review concludes by discussing policy implications and the effect of the TTIP on democracy, national sovereignty and the balance of power between large TNCs and governments. It also discusses the adoption of an evidence-based precautionary principle approach in dealing with the health impact of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) as well as the harmonization of regulations, norms, and standards toward stronger health and environmental protection.

Quasi-Experimental Study of the Effectiveness of an Integrated Service Delivery Network for the Frail Elderly

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tourigny, Andre; Durand, Pierre J.; Bonin, Lucie; Hebert, Rejean; Rochette, Louis

2004-01-01

The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a new, integrated service delivery (ISD) network of health and social services for frail elderly living in a semi-urban community. A quasi-experimental study was conducted from 1997 to 2000, with measures taken before implementation (T0) and every 12 months after implementation for a 3-year…

Air Cushion Vehicle Operator Training System (ACVOTS) Problem Analysis

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-11-01

Appendix A - Discussion of Fundemental Training Analysis Requirements. Appendix B - Data Sources. 9 SECTION II APPROACHES TO TRAINING PRESENT ASSAULT CRAFT...the training system is worth the investment of time and resources required to produce that output. A unique feature which distinguishes ISD from more...when they have been considered in the context of making alternative investment decisions. Investments in technology for certain long high-flow

XML Technology Assessment

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-01-01

System (GCCS) Track Database Management System (TDBM) (3) GCCS Integrated Imagery and Intelligence (3) Intelligence Shared Data Server (ISDS) General ...The CTH is a powerful model that will allow more than just message systems to exchange information. It could be used for object-oriented databases, as...of the Naval Integrated Tactical Environmental System I (NITES I) is used as a case study to demonstrate the utility of this distributed component

Assessment of Sample Preparation Bias in Mass Spectrometry-Based Proteomics.

PubMed

Klont, Frank; Bras, Linda; Wolters, Justina C; Ongay, Sara; Bischoff, Rainer; Halmos, Gyorgy B; Horvatovich, Péter

2018-04-17

For mass spectrometry-based proteomics, the selected sample preparation strategy is a key determinant for information that will be obtained. However, the corresponding selection is often not based on a fit-for-purpose evaluation. Here we report a comparison of in-gel (IGD), in-solution (ISD), on-filter (OFD), and on-pellet digestion (OPD) workflows on the basis of targeted (QconCAT-multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) method for mitochondrial proteins) and discovery proteomics (data-dependent acquisition, DDA) analyses using three different human head and neck tissues (i.e., nasal polyps, parotid gland, and palatine tonsils). Our study reveals differences between the sample preparation methods, for example, with respect to protein and peptide losses, quantification variability, protocol-induced methionine oxidation, and asparagine/glutamine deamidation as well as identification of cysteine-containing peptides. However, none of the methods performed best for all types of tissues, which argues against the existence of a universal sample preparation method for proteome analysis.

Exploratory research for the development of a computer aided software design environment with the software technology program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hardwick, Charles

1991-01-01

Field studies were conducted by MCC to determine areas of research of mutual interest to MCC and JSC. NASA personnel from the Information Systems Directorate and research faculty from UHCL/RICIS visited MCC in Austin, Texas to examine tools and applications under development in the MCC Software Technology Program. MCC personnel presented workshops in hypermedia, design knowledge capture, and design recovery on site at JSC for ISD personnel. The following programs were installed on workstations in the Software Technology Lab, NASA/JSC: (1) GERM (Graphic Entity Relations Modeler); (2) gIBIS (Graphic Issues Based Information System); and (3) DESIRE (Design Recovery tool). These applications were made available to NASA for inspection and evaluation. Programs developed in the MCC Software Technology Program run on the SUN workstation. The programs do not require special configuration, but they will require larger than usual amounts of disk space and RAM to operate properly.

Maintenance Training Simulators Design and Acquisition: Summary of Current Procedures.

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-11-01

of maintenance training and training equipment for new systems . This organization has a core of highly experienced ISD team personnel and has evolved...S LABORATORY AIR FORCE SYSTEMS COMMAND BROOKS AIR FORCE BAbE,TEXAS 78235 ." .~ 8. . NOTI(’F When U.S. Government drawings. specifications. ot otlher...Force personirel in performning 4 Instrutinal Systems Devlopmrent (ISO) analyses to define maintenance training equipment requirements. and byv

A Survey and Analysis of Military Computer-Based Training Systems: A Two Part Study. Volume I: A Survey and Annotated Bibliography of Authoring Aids for Instructional Systems Development.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Logan, Robert S.

The authoring process and authoring aids which facilitate development of instructional materials have recently emerged as an area of concern in the field of instructional systems development (ISD). This process includes information gathering, its conversion to learning packages, its revision, and its formal publication. The purpose of this…

Development of a Leader Training Model and System

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-01-01

recognition--are (a) the free - play , two-sided engagement which incorporates the crucial elements of complexity and uncertainty, (b) objective and real-time...changing conditions, many created by opposition action. In such a dynamic free - play environ- ment, further complicated by the confounding conditions...the ISD model with its emphasis on task analysis was considered less than adequate for the combat arms. The free - play character of the combat setting

Growth promotion of the opportunistic human pathogen, Staphylococcus lugdunensis, by heme, hemoglobin, and coculture with Staphylococcus aureus

PubMed Central

Brozyna, Jeremy R; Sheldon, Jessica R; Heinrichs, David E

2014-01-01

Staphylococcus lugdunensis is both a commensal of humans and an opportunistic pathogen. Little is currently known about the molecular mechanisms underpinning the virulence of this bacterium. Here, we demonstrate that in contrast to S. aureus,S. lugdunensis makes neither staphyloferrin A (SA) nor staphyloferrin B (SB) in response to iron deprivation, owing to the absence of the SB gene cluster, and a large deletion in the SA biosynthetic gene cluster. As a result, the species grows poorly in serum-containing media, and this defect was complemented by introduction of the S. aureusSA gene cluster into S. lugdunensis. S. lugdunensis expresses the HtsABC and SirABC transporters for SA and SB, respectively; the latter gene set is found within the isd (heme acquisition) gene cluster. An isd deletion strain was significantly debilitated for iron acquisition from both heme and hemoglobin, and was also incapable of utilizing ferric-SB as an iron source, while an hts mutant could not grow on ferric-SA as an iron source. In iron-restricted coculture experiments, S. aureus significantly enhanced the growth of S. lugdunensis, in a manner dependent on staphyloferrin production by S. aureus, and the expression of the cognate transporters by S. lugdunensis. PMID:24515974

Maintenance Training Equipment: Design Specification Based on Instructional System Development. Revision

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-12-01

model pr, vides a method for communicating a specific training equipment design to the procurement office after A"~- ISD ana lysis has est~blished a...maintenance trainer has been identified. The model provides a method by which a training equipment design can be communicated to the System Project Office...ensure * ase of development of procurement specifications and consistency between different documented designs. A completed application of this maodel

Designing an Advanced Instructional Design Advisor: Principles of Instructional Design. Volume 2

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-05-01

ones contained in this paper would comprise a substantial part of the knowledge base for the AIDA . 14. SUBJECT TERMS IS.NUMBER OF PAGES ucigoirlive...the classroom (e.g., computer simulations models can be used to enhance CBI). The Advanced Instructional Design Advisor is a project aimed at providing... model shares with its variations. Tennyson then identifies research- based prescriptions from the cognitive sciences which should become part of ISD in

Integrated Software Development System/Higher Order Software Conceptual Description (ISDS/HOS)

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-11-01

Structured Flowchart Conventions 270 6.3.5.3 Design Diagram Notation 273 xii HIGHER ORDER SOFTWARE, INC. 843 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE. CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS...associated with the process steps. They also reference other HIPO diagrams as well an non-HIPO documentation such as flowcharts or decision tables of...syntax that is easy to learn and must provide the novice with some prompting to help him avoid classic beginner errors. Desirable editing capabilities

Changes in Instructional System Design (ISD): Improving Training Product Delivery to United States Army Soldiers

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-03-18

simulation. This model is a basis of what is called discovery learning. Discovery learning is constructionist method of instruction, which is a concept in...2005 PAGES: 48 CLASSIFICATION: Unclassified The purpose of this study is to identify methods that could speed up the instructional system design...became obvious as the enemy attacked using asymmetric means and methods . For instance: during the war, a mine identification-training product was

Preliminary Assessment of Primary Flight Display Symbology for Electro- Optic Head-Down Displays

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-06-01

information :elated to pitch and power; the vertica! line provides information related to bank and heading. As a result of this geometrica ...steering bar are centered over the aircraft symbol. -n -1-- If the bars are centered, the aircraft is either correcting properly or is flying the desired...a•Isd bas,:ý muve to provide a new pitch command. Roll theading correction ) commands are seen as unbalanced line width, the low command bar side

Toward One Health: are public health stakeholders aware of the field of animal health?

PubMed

Dórea, Fernanda C; Dupuy, Céline; Vial, Flavie; Reynolds, Tera L; Akkina, Judy E

2014-01-01

Motivated by the perception that human and veterinary medicines can cooperate in more ways than just fighting zoonoses, the authors organized a roundtable during the 2013 annual meeting of the International Society for Disease Surveillance (ISDS). Collaborations between human and animal health sectors were reported to often rise in response to zoonotic outbreaks (during crisis time) and be mainly based on personal networks. Ways to maintain and strengthen these links were discussed.

The importance of mechanisms for the evolution of cooperation

PubMed Central

van den Berg, Pieter; Weissing, Franz J.

2015-01-01

Studies aimed at explaining the evolution of phenotypic traits have often solely focused on fitness considerations, ignoring underlying mechanisms. In recent years, there has been an increasing call for integrating mechanistic perspectives in evolutionary considerations, but it is not clear whether and how mechanisms affect the course and outcome of evolution. To study this, we compare four mechanistic implementations of two well-studied models for the evolution of cooperation, the Iterated Prisoner's Dilemma (IPD) game and the Iterated Snowdrift (ISD) game. Behavioural strategies are either implemented by a 1 : 1 genotype–phenotype mapping or by a simple neural network. Moreover, we consider two different scenarios for the effect of mutations. The same set of strategies is feasible in all four implementations, but the probability that a given strategy arises owing to mutation is largely dependent on the behavioural and genetic architecture. Our individual-based simulations show that this has major implications for the evolutionary outcome. In the ISD, different evolutionarily stable strategies are predominant in the four implementations, while in the IPD each implementation creates a characteristic dynamical pattern. As a consequence, the evolved average level of cooperation is also strongly dependent on the underlying mechanism. We argue that our findings are of general relevance for the evolution of social behaviour, pleading for the integration of a mechanistic perspective in models of social evolution. PMID:26246554

Beyond interference control impairment in ADHD: evidence from increased intraindividual variability in the color-stroop test.

PubMed

Borella, Erika; de Ribaupierre, Anik; Cornoldi, Cesare; Chicherio, Christian

2013-09-01

The present study investigates intraindividual variability (IIV) in the Color-Stroop test and in a simple reaction time (SRT) task. Performance level and variability in reaction times (RTs)-quantified with different measures such as individual standard deviation (ISD) and coefficient of variation (ICV), as well as ex-Gaussian parameters (mu, sigma, tau)-were analyzed in 24 children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and 24 typically developing children (TDC). Children with ADHD and TDC presented equivalent Color-Stroop interference effects when mean RTs were considered, and the two groups did not differ in the SRT task. Interestingly, compared to TDC, children with ADHD were more variable in their responses, showing increased ISD and ICV in the Color-Stroop interference condition and in the SRT task. Moreover, children with ADHD exhibited higher tau values-that is, more frequent abnormally long RTs-in the Color-Stroop interference condition than did the TDC, but comparable tau values in the SRT, suggesting more variable responses. These results speak in favor of a general deficit in more basic and central processes that only secondarily may affect the efficiency of inhibitory processes in children with ADHD. Overall the present findings confirm the role of IIV as a cornerstone in the ADHD cognitive profile and support the search for fine-grained analysis of performance fluctuations.

Interactions of iron-bound frataxin with ISCU and ferredoxin on the cysteine desulfurase complex leading to Fe-S cluster assembly.

PubMed

Cai, Kai; Frederick, Ronnie O; Tonelli, Marco; Markley, John L

2018-06-01

Frataxin (FXN) is involved in mitochondrial iron‑sulfur (Fe-S) cluster biogenesis and serves to accelerate Fe-S cluster formation. FXN deficiency is associated with Friedreich ataxia, a neurodegenerative disease. We have used a combination of isothermal titration calorimetry and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy to investigate interactions among the components of the biological machine that carries out the assembly of iron‑sulfur clusters in human mitochondria. Our results show that FXN tightly binds a single Fe 2+ but not Fe 3+ . While FXN (with or without bound Fe 2+ ) does not bind the scaffold protein ISCU directly, the two proteins interact mutually when each is bound to the cysteine desulfurase complex ([NFS1] 2 :[ISD11] 2 :[Acp] 2 ), abbreviated as (NIA) 2 , where "N" represents the cysteine desulfurase (NFS1), "I" represents the accessory protein (ISD11), and "A" represents acyl carrier protein (Acp). FXN binds (NIA) 2 weakly in the absence of ISCU but more strongly in its presence. Fe 2+ -FXN binds to the (NIA) 2 -ISCU 2 complex without release of iron. However, upon the addition of both l-cysteine and a reductant (either reduced FDX2 or DTT), Fe 2+ is released from FXN as consistent with Fe 2+ -FXN being the proximal source of iron for Fe-S cluster assembly. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The hmuQ and hmuD Genes from Bradyrhizobium japonicum Encode Heme-Degrading Enzymes

PubMed Central

Puri, Sumant; O'Brian, Mark R.

2006-01-01

Utilization of heme by bacteria as a nutritional iron source involves the transport of exogenous heme, followed by cleavage of the heme macrocycle to release iron. Bradyrhizobium japonicum can use heme as an iron source, but no heme-degrading oxygenase has been described. Here, bioinformatics analyses of the B. japonicum genome identified two paralogous genes renamed hmuQ (bll7075) and hmuD (bll7423) that encode proteins with weak similarity to the heme-degrading monooxygenase IsdG from Staphylococcus aureus. The hmuQ gene is clustered with known heme transport genes in the genome. Recombinant HmuQ bound heme with a Kd value of 0.8 μM and showed spectral properties consistent with a heme oxygenase. In the presence of a reductant, HmuQ catalyzed the degradation of heme and the formation of biliverdin. The hmuQ and hmuD genes complemented a Corynebacterium ulcerans heme oxygenase mutant in trans for utilization of heme as the sole iron source for growth. Furthermore, homologs of hmuQ and hmuD were identified in many bacterial genera, and the recombinant homolog from Brucella melitensis bound heme and catalyzed its degradation. The findings show that hmuQ and hmuD encode heme oxygenases and indicate that the IsdG family of heme-degrading monooxygenases is not restricted to gram-positive pathogenic bacteria. PMID:16952937

Climate Forcing Datasets for Agricultural Modeling: Merged Products for Gap-Filling and Historical Climate Series Estimation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ruane, Alex C.; Goldberg, Richard; Chryssanthacopoulos, James

2014-01-01

The AgMERRA and AgCFSR climate forcing datasets provide daily, high-resolution, continuous, meteorological series over the 1980-2010 period designed for applications examining the agricultural impacts of climate variability and climate change. These datasets combine daily resolution data from retrospective analyses (the Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications, MERRA, and the Climate Forecast System Reanalysis, CFSR) with in situ and remotely-sensed observational datasets for temperature, precipitation, and solar radiation, leading to substantial reductions in bias in comparison to a network of 2324 agricultural-region stations from the Hadley Integrated Surface Dataset (HadISD). Results compare favorably against the original reanalyses as well as the leading climate forcing datasets (Princeton, WFD, WFD-EI, and GRASP), and AgMERRA distinguishes itself with substantially improved representation of daily precipitation distributions and extreme events owing to its use of the MERRA-Land dataset. These datasets also peg relative humidity to the maximum temperature time of day, allowing for more accurate representation of the diurnal cycle of near-surface moisture in agricultural models. AgMERRA and AgCFSR enable a number of ongoing investigations in the Agricultural Model Intercomparison and Improvement Project (AgMIP) and related research networks, and may be used to fill gaps in historical observations as well as a basis for the generation of future climate scenarios.

Relationships between posterior ligamentous complex injury and radiographic parameters in patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures.

PubMed

Hiyama, Akihiko; Watanabe, Masahiko; Katoh, Hiroyuki; Sato, Masato; Nagai, Toshihiro; Mochida, Joji

2015-02-01

The purpose of this study was to determine whether radiographic findings associated with thoracolumbar burst fractures could also indicate the presence of posterior ligamentous complex (PLC) injuries, which were identified through short-tau inversion-recovery (STIR)-weighted MRI. Sixty-four patients were surgically treated for thoracolumbar burst fractures between April 2007 and February 2014 at our institution. Twenty-four patients were excluded from this study because of the lack of STIR-weighted MRIs, and therefore 40 patients were included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups based upon the integrity of the PLC, which was evaluated using STIR-weighted MRI: a P group with a PLC injury and a C group without such injury. The following radiographic parameters were evaluated: loss of vertebral body height (LOVBH), local kyphosis (LK), vertebral body translation, canal compromise (sagittal transverse ratio, STR), interlaminar distance (ISD), supraspinous distance (SSD) and interspinous distance (ISD). Frankel scale score and total severity score (load sharing and thoracolumbar injury classification systems, respectively) were also evaluated. Preoperative STIR-weighted MRI showed that 25 patients had a PLC injury (P group: 15 men and 10 women), and 15 patients did not have a PLC injury (C group: 8 men and 7 women). More patients in the P group had an LK>20°: 14 patients in the P group and 1 patient in the C group (p<0.01). The % SSD differed between the P and C groups (118.8%±53.4% and 88.0%±24.3%, respectively; p<0.05). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that an LK>20° was a risk factor for PLC injury in patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures (odds ratio, 55.5 [95% confidence interval, 1.30-2360.1]; p<0.05). These results demonstrate that while LOVBH, vertebral body translation, and canal compromise do not correlate significantly with the presence of a PLC injury in patients with thoracolumbar fractures, an LK>20° and increased % SSD are associated with a PLC injury. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

HadISD: a quality-controlled global synoptic report database for selected variables at long-term stations from 1973-2011

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dunn, R. J. H.; Willett, K. M.; Thorne, P. W.; Woolley, E. V.; Durre, I.; Dai, A.; Parker, D. E.; Vose, R. S.

2012-10-01

This paper describes the creation of HadISD: an automatically quality-controlled synoptic resolution dataset of temperature, dewpoint temperature, sea-level pressure, wind speed, wind direction and cloud cover from global weather stations for 1973-2011. The full dataset consists of over 6000 stations, with 3427 long-term stations deemed to have sufficient sampling and quality for climate applications requiring sub-daily resolution. As with other surface datasets, coverage is heavily skewed towards Northern Hemisphere mid-latitudes. The dataset is constructed from a large pre-existing ASCII flatfile data bank that represents over a decade of substantial effort at data retrieval, reformatting and provision. These raw data have had varying levels of quality control applied to them by individual data providers. The work proceeded in several steps: merging stations with multiple reporting identifiers; reformatting to netCDF; quality control; and then filtering to form a final dataset. Particular attention has been paid to maintaining true extreme values where possible within an automated, objective process. Detailed validation has been performed on a subset of global stations and also on UK data using known extreme events to help finalise the QC tests. Further validation was performed on a selection of extreme events world-wide (Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the cold snap in Alaska in 1989 and heat waves in SE Australia in 2009). Some very initial analyses are performed to illustrate some of the types of problems to which the final data could be applied. Although the filtering has removed the poorest station records, no attempt has been made to homogenise the data thus far, due to the complexity of retaining the true distribution of high-resolution data when applying adjustments. Hence non-climatic, time-varying errors may still exist in many of the individual station records and care is needed in inferring long-term trends from these data. This dataset will allow the study of high frequency variations of temperature, pressure and humidity on a global basis over the last four decades. Both individual extremes and the overall population of extreme events could be investigated in detail to allow for comparison with past and projected climate. A version-control system has been constructed for this dataset to allow for the clear documentation of any updates and corrections in the future.

Hazard avoidance via descent images for safe landing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Ruicheng; Cao, Zhiguo; Zhu, Lei; Fang, Zhiwen

2013-10-01

In planetary or lunar landing missions, hazard avoidance is critical for landing safety. Therefore, it is very important to correctly detect hazards and effectively find a safe landing area during the last stage of descent. In this paper, we propose a passive sensing based HDA (hazard detection and avoidance) approach via descent images to lower the landing risk. In hazard detection stage, a statistical probability model on the basis of the hazard similarity is adopted to evaluate the image and detect hazardous areas, so that a binary hazard image can be generated. Afterwards, a safety coefficient, which jointly utilized the proportion of hazards in the local region and the inside hazard distribution, is proposed to find potential regions with less hazards in the binary hazard image. By using the safety coefficient in a coarse-to-fine procedure and combining it with the local ISD (intensity standard deviation) measure, the safe landing area is determined. The algorithm is evaluated and verified with many simulated descent downward looking images rendered from lunar orbital satellite images.

Performance Evaluation Criteria and Analysis of Navigation Systems Using Inertial Measurement Unit Technology

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-06-26

acceleration in the local-level mechanization. The magnitude of the geocentric position vector to the point on the ellipsoid directly below the vehicle is...D r!2 ie cos cos c 3 5 , where c is the geocentric latitude, ⇠ g is the gravitational component due to meridian deflection of the vertical, ⌘ g...the gravity anomaly are available online from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. The geocentric latitude, c , is defined as the angle

Design of the AFGL Prototype Long Baseline Tiltmeter.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-08-29

331 row Design of the AFGL Prototype Long Baseline Tiltmeter Ik KENNETH 0. POHLIG, ILt, USAF SCHARINE KIRCHOFF ~ 29 August 1985 ilL Approved for... Tiltmeter 9ATRT,rI,f,’, Kent 0. ,se." 11A de’. I, , andIl ,,,,’.cho, Shr seso eliltrCoic s andEC ineEae and -1- res th oue cssema isd inlded. Reslt ofoc...aubr twoda ts arer described. theeina prototyp elnba lie tiltmetershows ah hdpedneupns temper~ature variation. Trhis must be eliminated if the tiltmeter

Non Linear Dynamics and Chaos (La Dynamique Non-Lineaie et le Chaos)

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-06-01

mention some aspects of non-linear dynamics and/or disorder is independence. All other definitions are merely negative chaos which p,.Laps a,, margin- al ...collection of fixed coefficients and input-output corellation is U1, pp. 1037-1044, 1990, Roger Cerf et al . Among ,ie very slightly modified. If Rl is...des param~tres qui ou la deformation 61astique d’une partie du sol d~finissent le syst~me A contr~ler, et donne lieu, soudainement A un saut

LRIT and AIS: An Analysis of October 2010 Data

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-10-01

Reine (en droit du Canada), telle que représentée par le ministre de la Défense nationale, 2014 DRDC Atlantic TM 2012-234 i Abstract...There have been amendments in the recent decade to Chapter V of the 1974 International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) which is...des modifications ont été apportées au chapitre V de la Convention internationale de 1974 pour la sauvegarde de la vie humaine en mer (SOLAS), qui

Staying on Task: Age-Related Changes in the Relationship Between Executive Functioning and Response Time Consistency.

PubMed

Vasquez, Brandon P; Binns, Malcolm A; Anderson, Nicole D

2016-03-01

Little is known about the relationship of executive functioning with age-related increases in response time (RT) distribution indices (intraindividual standard deviation [ISD], and ex-Gaussian parameters mu, sigma, tau). The goals of this study were to (a) replicate findings of age-related changes in response time distribution indices during an engaging touch-screen RT task and (b) investigate age-related changes in the relationship between executive functioning and RT distribution indices. Healthy adults (24 young [aged 18-30], 24 young-old [aged 65-74], and 24 old-old [aged 75-85]) completed a touch-screen attention task and a battery of neuropsychological tests. The relationships between RT performance and executive functions were examined with structural equation modeling (SEM). ISD, mu, and tau, but not sigma, increased with age. SEM revealed tau as the most salient RT index associated with neuropsychological measures of executive functioning. Further analysis demonstrated that correlations between tau and a weighted executive function composite were significant only in the old-old group. Our results replicate findings of greater RT inconsistency in older adults and reveal that executive functioning is related to tau in adults aged 75-85. These results support literature identifying tau as a marker of cognitive control, which deteriorates in old age. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Gerontological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Detection of active noise control on the standard motorcycle exhaust Supra X 125 D using PVC pipe technique form Y

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Isranuri, I.; Alfisyahrin; Nasution, A. R.

2018-02-01

This detection aims to obtain noise reduction on the supra X 125D motorcycle exhaust by using the Active Noise Control Method. The technique is done using a Y-shaped PVC pipe to be bolted on the exhaust, which then branch Y PVC is placed loudspeaker with impermeable conditions. The function of this loudspeaker is as a secondary noise to counter the primary noise of the sound of exhaust motorcycle Supra X 125D. The sound generator in this study is the ISD 4004 module, which serves to generate noise to counter the source noise. How this ISD 4004 module works is by recording source noise then recording the source noise and then reversed the phase 180° by phase reversing circuit. So that, the noise generated by the sound generator will hit the source noise and encounter or such as addition of two different phase of sound will result in noise reduction when detected at the end of the Y-shaped PVC pipe. Inverted phase reversed using feed-back resistor 1 kΩ and 2 kΩ input resistors, 16V capacitor 2500μf and as amplifier using ICL 7660 and TL 702 CP. Test results on the highest 1000 rpm rotation engine speed on the Z axis of 2 dB, and at the highest 2000 rpm rotation engine speed also occurs on the Z axis of 1.5 dB.

Formation of complex precursors of amino acids by irradiation of simulated interstellar media with heavy ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kobayashi, K.; Suzuki, N.; Taniuchi, T.; Kaneko, T.; Yoshida, S.

A wide variety of organic compounds have been detected in such extraterrestrial bodies as meteorites and comets Amino acids were identified in the extracts from Murchison meteorite and other carbonaceous chondrites It is hypothesized that these compounds are originally formed in ice mantles of interstellar dusts ISDs in molecular clouds by cosmic rays and ultraviolet light UV Formation of amino acid precursors by high energy protons or UV irradiation of simulated ISDs was reported by several groups The amino acid precursors were however not well-characterized We irradiated a frozen mixture of methanol ammonia and water with heavy ions to study possible organic compounds abiotically formed in molecular clouds by cosmic rays A mixture of methanol ammonia and water was irradiated with carbon beams 290 MeV u from a heavy ion accelerator HIMAC of National Institute of Radiological Sciences Japan Irradiation was performed either at room temperature liquid phase or at 77 K solid phase The products were characterized by gel filtration chromatography GFC FT-IR pyrolysis PY -GC MS etc Amino acids were analyzed by HPLC and GC MS after acid hydrolysis or the products Amino acids such as glycine and alanine were identified in the products in both the cases of liquid phase and solid phase irradiation Energy yields G-values of glycine were 0 014 liquid phase and 0 007 solid phase respectively Average molecular weights of the products were estimated as to 2300 in both the case Aromatic hydrocarbons N-containing heterocyclic

Rainwater harvesting to enhance water productivity of rainfed agriculture in the semi-arid Zimbabwe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kahinda, Jean-marc Mwenge; Rockström, Johan; Taigbenu, Akpofure E.; Dimes, John

Zimbabwe’s poor are predominantly located in the semi-arid regions and rely on rainfed agriculture for their subsistence. Decline in productivity, scarcity of arable land, irrigation expansion limitations, erratic rainfall and frequent dry spells, among others cause food scarcity. The challenge faced by small-scale farmers is to enhance water productivity of rainfed agriculture by mitigating intra-seasonal dry spells (ISDS) through the adoption of new technologies such as rainwater harvesting (RWH). The paper analyses the agro-hydrological functions of RWH and assesses its impacts (at field scale) on the crop yield gap as well as the Transpirational Water Productivity ( WPT). The survey in six districts of the semi-arid Zimbabwe suggests that three parameters (water source, primary use and storage capacity) can help differentiate storage-type-RWH systems from “conventional dams”. The Agricultural Production Simulator Model (APSIM) was used to simulate seven different treatments (Control, RWH, Manure, Manure + RWH, Inorganic Nitrogen and Inorganic Nitrogen + RWH) for 30 years on alfisol deep sand, assuming no fertiliser carry over effect from season to season. The combined use of inorganic fertiliser and RWH is the only treatment that closes the yield gap. Supplemental irrigation alone not only reduces the risks of complete crop failure (from 20% down to 7% on average) for all the treatments but also enhances WPT (from 1.75 kg m -3 up to 2.3 kg m -3 on average) by mitigating ISDS.

Rapid overt airborne reconnaissance (ROAR) for mines and obstacles in very shallow water, surf zone, and beach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moran, Steven E.; Austin, William L.; Murray, James T.; Roddier, Nicolas A.; Bridges, Robert; Vercillo, Richard; Stettner, Roger; Phillips, Dave; Bisbee, Al; Witherspoon, Ned H.

2003-09-01

Under the Office of Naval Research's Organic Mine Countermeasures Future Naval Capabilities (OMCM FNC) program, Lite Cycles, Inc. is developing an innovative and highly compact airborne active sensor system for mine and obstacle detection in very shallow water (VSW), through the surf-zone (SZ) and onto the beach. The system uses an innovative LCI proprietary integrated scanner, detector, and telescope (ISDT) receiver architecture. The ISD tightly couples all receiver components and LIDAR electronics to achieve the system compaction required for tactical UAVintegration while providing a large aperture. It also includes an advanced compact multifunction laser transmitter; an industry-first high-resolution, compact 3-D camera, a scanning function for wide area search, and temporally displaced multiple looks on the fly over the ocean surface for clutter reduction. Additionally, the laser will provide time-multiplexed multi-color output to perform day/night multispectral imaging for beach surveillance. New processing algorithms for mine detection in the very challenging surf-zone clutter environment are under development, which offer the potential for significant processing gains in comparison to the legacy approaches. This paper reviews the legacy system approaches, describes the mission challenges, and provides an overview of the ROAR system architecture.

Low Force Icy Regolith Penetration Technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Metzger, P. T.; Galloway, G. M.; Mantovani, J. G.; Zacny, K.; Zacny, Kris; Craft, Jack

2011-01-01

Recent data from the Moon, including LCROSS data, indicate large quantities of water ice and other volatiles frozen into the soil in the permanently shadowed craters near the poles. If verified and exploited, these volatiles will revolutionize spaceflight as an inexpensive source of propellants and other consumables outside Earth's gravity well. This report discusses a preliminary investigation of a method to insert a sensor through such a soiVice mixture to verify the presence, nature, and concentration of the ice. It uses percussion to deliver mechanical energy into the frozen mixture, breaking up the ice and decompacting the soil so that only low reaction forces are required from a rover or spacecraft to push the sensor downward. The tests demonstrate that this method may be ideal for a small platform in lunar gravity. However, there are some cases where the system may not be able to penetrate the icy soil, and there is some risk ofthe sensor becoming stuck so that it cannot be retracted, so further work is needed. A companion project (ISDS for Water Detection on the Lunar Surface) has performed preliminary investigation of a dielectric/thermal sensor for use with this system.

Biomechanics of Interspinous Devices

PubMed Central

Parchi, Paolo D.; Evangelisti, Gisberto; Vertuccio, Antonella; Piolanti, Nicola; Andreani, Lorenzo; Cervi, Valentina; Giannetti, Christian; Calvosa, Giuseppe; Lisanti, Michele

2014-01-01

A number of interspinous devices (ISD) have been introduced in the lumbar spine implant market. Unfortunately, the use of these devices often is not associated with real comprehension of their biomechanical role. The aim of this paper is to review the biomechanical studies about interspinous devices available in the literature to allow the reader a better comprehension of the effects of these devices on the treated segment and on the adjacent segments of the spine. For this reason, our analysis will be limited to the interspinous devices that have biomechanical studies published in the literature. PMID:25114923

Development of Thermoplastic Structural Adhesives

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-03-01

v. Q a u (J «a: 0) ,— 3: o ! < o r- <" •t— •r— c o QJ +J i u- ! -C E N E S- S- u •r- •r— tD O UJ on OL 3 -r...r— 1- •o • t>. 3: CO oc 0) o 3 C7> o U. ^ <a in >- (ISd) Hi9N3MiS aV3HS dVl 70 1 ■■V’jiWi- • fcia,-- j^e^a^^^^ jaj ^^^jjM^t^j^t

NASA employee utilizes Virtual Reality (VR) equipment

NASA Image and Video Library

1991-10-28

S91-50404 (1 Nov 1991) --- Bebe Ly of the Information Systems Directorate's (ISD) Software Technology Branch at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) gives virtual reality a try. The stereo video goggles and head[phones allow her to see and hear in a computer-generated world and the gloves allow her to move around and grasp objects. Ly is a member of the team that developed the C Language Integrated production System (CLIPS) which has been instrumental in developing several of the systems to be demonstrated in an upcoming Software Technology Exposition at JSC.

Top-down and middle-down approach by fraction collection enrichment using off-line capillary electrophoresis - mass spectrometry coupling: Application to monoclonal antibody Fc/2 charge variants.

PubMed

Biacchi, Michael; Said, Nassur; Beck, Alain; Leize-Wagner, Emmanuelle; François, Yannis-Nicolas

2017-05-19

The characterization of complex protein mixtures represents one of the biggest challenge in many research fields such as biological or biopharmaceutical sciences. Out of all categories, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and related products drawn the most interest due to their strong therapeutic potency and specificity. Because of their intrinsic complexity due to a large number of micro-heterogeneities, there is a crucial need for analytical methods to provide comprehensive in-depth characterization of these proteins. In this work, we developed a methodology using CE-UV/MALDI-MS to perform top-down or middle-down characterization after fraction collection enrichment applied to intact protein and mAbs samples. The performance of the method was evaluated with the rapid separation of three intact protein mixture. Good robustness of CZE separation and quality of MALDI-MS spectra and MALDI-ISD spectra of each protein confirms the usefulness of sample enrichment to obtain adequate quantity of deposed protein for top-down analysis and the proof of principle of the method. In a second step, the method was applied to the middle-down characterization of Fc/2 cetuximab variants. Identification of around 9% sequence coverage of Fc/2 cetuximab fragments allows to conclude on the feasibility of the strategy for middle-down characterization of Fc/2 cetuximab variants using CE-UV/MALDI-MS. Moreover, MALDI-ISD fragmentation of Fc/2 cetuximab variants confirm separation phenomenon based on the formation of Fc/2 dimers with and without C-terminal truncation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Preliminary Examination of Impact Craters on Al Foil from the Stardust Interstellar Dust Collector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stroud, R.; Stardust Interstellar Preliminary Examination Team; 29,000 Stardust@home Dusters

2011-12-01

The Interstellar Dust Collector from the NASA Stardust mission provides an unprecedented opportunity for direct laboratory study of particles from the contemporary interstellar dust (ISD) stream in order to obtain such information as grain composition and microstructure. The collector is comprised of two collection media: silica aerogel tiles and Al foil strips. Preliminary examination (PE) of particles captured in each medium is on-going. To-date, four grains analyzed in situ in aerogel with synchrotron X-ray techniques show track trajectories and elemental composition that indicate a probable interstellar origin. In addition, we report here the discovery of one crater on an Al foil for which the residue elemental composition and crater shape are consistent with the impact of a grain of interstellar origin, although an interplanetary origin has not been ruled out. Automated mapping by SEM is the primary tool for identifi-cation of craters on the Al foils. A complete map of each foil requires collection of several thousand images at a resolution of ~ 50 nm/px. Automated software has been developed to identify crater candidates, but so far it has not replaced manual efforts. Identified candidates are then re-imaged at ~ 15 nm/px, for confirmation as impact craters. Fifteen foils have been imaged; crater identification is complete for eight, yielding 32 craters. The average areal density of craters is 9.7 cm-2, which extrapolates to ~1500 craters on the total foil collection area. Initial elemental analysis of residues in six craters has been performed with a combination of Auger spectroscopy, conventional, off-axis energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), on-axis, silicon drift-detector EDX. Additional analysis by TEM of the residue composition and crater morphology was obtained on FIB cross-sections of four of the craters. All craters contained detectable levels of Si and O. One crater was found to contain Mg, Si, O, Fe, Ni, S, Ca and Cr, indicative of an interstellar or interplanetary origin. The shape of this crater is consistent with the impact of a fluffy aggregate grain at < 10 km/s, similar to three of the four ISD candidates identified in the aerogel, and slower than expected for an interplanetary dust grain. In three cases the impacting grain was determined by detection of additional Ce, Zn, Ti, K, or Na to be a fragment of the solar cell cover glass.

EVALUATION OF THE DURABILITY OF THE STRUCTURAL CONCRETE OF REACTOR BUILDINGS AT SRS

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

Duncan, A.; Reigel, M.

2011-02-28

The Department of Energy (DOE) intends to close 100-150 facilities in the DOE complex using an in situ decommissioning (ISD) strategy that calls for grouting the below-grade interior volume of the structure and leaving the above-grade interior open or demolishing it and disposing of it in the slit trenches in E Area. These closures are expected to persist and remain stable for centuries, but there are neither facility-specific monitoring approaches nor studies on the rate of deterioration of the materials used in the original construction or on the ISD components added during closure (caps, sloped roofs, etc). This report willmore » focus on the evaluation of the actual aging/degradation of the materials of construction used in the ISD structures at Savannah River Site (SRS) above grade, specifically P & R reactor buildings. Concrete blocks (six 2 to 5 ton blocks) removed from the outer wall of the P Reactor Building were turned over to SRNL as the first source for concrete cores. Larger cores were received as a result of grouting activities in P and R reactor facilities. The cores were sectioned and evaluated using microscopy, x-ray diffraction (XRD), ion chromatography (IC) and thermal analysis. Scanning electron microscopy shows that the aggregate and cement phases present in the concrete are consistent with the mix design and no degradation mechanisms are evident at the aggregate-cement interfaces. Samples of the cores were digested and analyzed for chloride ingress as well as sulfate attack. The concentrations of chloride and sulfate ions did not exceed the limits of the mix design and there is no indication of any degradation due to these mechanisms. Thermal analysis on samples taken along the longitudinal axis of the cores show that there is a 1 inch carbonation layer (i.e., no portlandite) present in the interior wall of the reactor building and a negligible carbonation layer in the exterior wall. A mixed layer of carbonate and portlandite extends deeper into the interior (2-3 inches) and exterior (1-2 inches) walls. This is more extensive than measured in previous SRS structures. Once the completely carbonated layer reaches the rebar that is approximately 2-3 inches into the concrete wall, the steel is susceptible to corrosion. The growth rate of the carbonated layer was estimated from current observations and previous studies. Based on the estimated carbonation rate, the steel rebar should be protected from carbonation induced corrosion for at least another 100 years. If degradation of these structures is dominated by the carbonation mechanism, the length of time before water intrusion is expected into the process room of P-reactor is estimated to be between 425-675 years.« less

Broadband Heating Rate Profile Project (BBHRP) - SGP ripbe370mcfarlane

DOE Data Explorer

Riihimaki, Laura; Shippert, Timothy

2014-11-05

The objective of the ARM Broadband Heating Rate Profile (BBHRP) Project is to provide a structure for the comprehensive assessment of our ability to model atmospheric radiative transfer for all conditions. Required inputs to BBHRP include surface albedo and profiles of atmospheric state (temperature, humidity), gas concentrations, aerosol properties, and cloud properties. In the past year, the Radiatively Important Parameters Best Estimate (RIPBE) VAP was developed to combine all of the input properties needed for BBHRP into a single gridded input file. Additionally, an interface between the RIPBE input file and the RRTM was developed using the new ARM integrated software development environment (ISDE) and effort was put into developing quality control (qc) flags and provenance information on the BBHRP output files so that analysis of the output would be more straightforward. This new version of BBHRP, sgp1bbhrpripbeC1.c1, uses the RIPBE files as input to RRTM, and calculates broadband SW and LW fluxes and heating rates at 1-min resolution using the independent column approximation. The vertical resolution is 45 m in the lower and middle troposphere to match the input cloud properties, but is at coarser resolution in the upper atmosphere. Unlike previous versions, the vertical grid is the same for both clear-sky and cloudy-sky calculations.

Broadband Heating Rate Profile Project (BBHRP) - SGP 1bbhrpripbe1mcfarlane

DOE Data Explorer

Riihimaki, Laura; Shippert, Timothy

2014-11-05

The objective of the ARM Broadband Heating Rate Profile (BBHRP) Project is to provide a structure for the comprehensive assessment of our ability to model atmospheric radiative transfer for all conditions. Required inputs to BBHRP include surface albedo and profiles of atmospheric state (temperature, humidity), gas concentrations, aerosol properties, and cloud properties. In the past year, the Radiatively Important Parameters Best Estimate (RIPBE) VAP was developed to combine all of the input properties needed for BBHRP into a single gridded input file. Additionally, an interface between the RIPBE input file and the RRTM was developed using the new ARM integrated software development environment (ISDE) and effort was put into developing quality control (qc) flags and provenance information on the BBHRP output files so that analysis of the output would be more straightforward. This new version of BBHRP, sgp1bbhrpripbeC1.c1, uses the RIPBE files as input to RRTM, and calculates broadband SW and LW fluxes and heating rates at 1-min resolution using the independent column approximation. The vertical resolution is 45 m in the lower and middle troposphere to match the input cloud properties, but is at coarser resolution in the upper atmosphere. Unlike previous versions, the vertical grid is the same for both clear-sky and cloudy-sky calculations.

Broadband Heating Rate Profile Project (BBHRP) - SGP ripbe1mcfarlane

DOE Data Explorer

Riihimaki, Laura; Shippert, Timothy

2014-11-05

The objective of the ARM Broadband Heating Rate Profile (BBHRP) Project is to provide a structure for the comprehensive assessment of our ability to model atmospheric radiative transfer for all conditions. Required inputs to BBHRP include surface albedo and profiles of atmospheric state (temperature, humidity), gas concentrations, aerosol properties, and cloud properties. In the past year, the Radiatively Important Parameters Best Estimate (RIPBE) VAP was developed to combine all of the input properties needed for BBHRP into a single gridded input file. Additionally, an interface between the RIPBE input file and the RRTM was developed using the new ARM integrated software development environment (ISDE) and effort was put into developing quality control (qc) flags and provenance information on the BBHRP output files so that analysis of the output would be more straightforward. This new version of BBHRP, sgp1bbhrpripbeC1.c1, uses the RIPBE files as input to RRTM, and calculates broadband SW and LW fluxes and heating rates at 1-min resolution using the independent column approximation. The vertical resolution is 45 m in the lower and middle troposphere to match the input cloud properties, but is at coarser resolution in the upper atmosphere. Unlike previous versions, the vertical grid is the same for both clear-sky and cloudy-sky calculations.

Surgeon-tailored polypropylene mesh as a needleless single-incision sling versus TVT-O for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence: a comparative study.

PubMed

ElSheemy, Mohammed S; Fathy, Hesham; Hussein, Hussein A; Hussein, Eman A; Hassan, Sarah Mohamed

2015-06-01

To compare safety and efficacy of surgeon-tailored polypropylene mesh through needleless single-incision technique (STM) versus tension-free vaginal tape-obturator (TVT-O) aiming to decrease cost of treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). This is important in developing countries due to limited healthcare resources. A retrospective cohort study was done at Urology and Gynecology Departments (dual-center), Cairo University, from January 2011 to August 2013. STM was inserted in 72 females, while TVT-O was inserted in 48 females. Females evaluated by cough stress test, stress and urge incontinence quality of life questionnaire (SUIQQ), Q max and abdominal leak point pressure (ALPP) were included. Different factors were compared between both groups using paired t, Wilcoxon's signed rank, McNemar, Chi-square, Fisher's exact, independent t or Mann-Whitney tests. Age, parity, previous surgeries, ALPP, intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD), associated prolapse and associated prolapse repair were comparable in both groups. No significant difference was found between both groups in postoperative complications (except groin pain), cure, SUIQQ indices improvement and Q max decline. In total, 65 (90 %) cured, 6 (8 %) improved while failure was detected in one (1 %) patient in STM group, while 42 (87 %) cured, 4 (8 %) improved and failure was detected in two (4 %) patients in TVT-O group. Presence of ISD (p = 0.565), urgency (p = 0.496), UUI (p = 0.531), previous surgeries (p = 0.345), associated urogenital prolapse (p = 0.218) or associated prolapse repair (p = 0.592) did not lead to any significant difference in outcome between both groups. Cost of mesh decreased from US$500 (TVT-O) to US$10 (STM). Outcome of STM is comparable to TVT-O. Furthermore, STM is more economic.

Multi-Virulence-Locus Sequence Typing of Staphylococcus lugdunensis Generates Results Consistent with a Clonal Population Structure and Is Reliable for Epidemiological Typing

PubMed Central

Didi, Jennifer; Lemée, Ludovic; Gibert, Laure; Pons, Jean-Louis

2014-01-01

Staphylococcus lugdunensis is an emergent virulent coagulase-negative staphylococcus responsible for severe infections similar to those caused by Staphylococcus aureus. To understand its potentially pathogenic capacity and have further detailed knowledge of the molecular traits of this organism, 93 isolates from various geographic origins were analyzed by multi-virulence-locus sequence typing (MVLST), targeting seven known or putative virulence-associated loci (atlLR2, atlLR3, hlb, isdJ, SLUG_09050, SLUG_16930, and vwbl). The polymorphisms of the putative virulence-associated loci were moderate and comparable to those of the housekeeping genes analyzed by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). However, the MVLST scheme generated 43 virulence types (VTs) compared to 20 sequence types (STs) based on MLST, indicating that MVLST was significantly more discriminating (Simpson's index [D], 0.943). No hypervirulent lineage or cluster specific to carriage strains was defined. The results of multilocus sequence analysis of known and putative virulence-associated loci are consistent with a clonal population structure for S. lugdunensis, suggesting a coevolution of these genes with housekeeping genes. Indeed, the nonsynonymous to synonymous evolutionary substitutions (dN/dS) ratio, the Tajima's D test, and Single-likelihood ancestor counting (SLAC) analysis suggest that all virulence-associated loci were under negative selection, even atlLR2 (AtlL protein) and SLUG_16930 (FbpA homologue), for which the dN/dS ratios were higher. In addition, this analysis of virulence-associated loci allowed us to propose a trilocus sequence typing scheme based on the intragenic regions of atlLR3, isdJ, and SLUG_16930, which is more discriminant than MLST for studying short-term epidemiology and further characterizing the lineages of the rare but highly pathogenic S. lugdunensis. PMID:25078912

Improving Cardiac Surgical Site Infection Reporting and Prevention By Using Registry Data for Case Ascertainment.

PubMed

Nayar, Vaidehi; Kennedy, Andrea; Pappas, Janine; Atchley, Krista D; Field, Cynthia; Smathers, Sarah; Teszner, Eva E; Sammons, Julia S; Coffin, Susan E; Gerber, Jeffrey S; Spray, Thomas L; Steven, James M; Bell, Louis M; Forrer, Joan; Gonzalez, Fernando; Chi, Albert; Nieczpiel, William J; Martin, John N; Gaynor, J William

2016-01-01

The use of administrative data for surgical site infection (SSI) surveillance leads to inaccurate reporting of SSI rates [1]. A quality improvement (QI) initiative was conducted linking clinical registry and administrative databases to improve reporting and reduce the incidence of SSI [2]. At our institution, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Database (STS-CHSD) and infection surveillance database (ISD) were linked to the enterprise data warehouse containing electronic health record (EHR) billing data. A data visualization tool was created to (1) use the STS-CHSD for case ascertainment, (2) resolve discrepancies between the databases, and (3) assess impact of QI initiatives, including wound alert reports, bedside reviews, prevention bundles, and billing coder education. Over the 24-month study period, 1,715 surgical cases were ascertained according to the STS-CHSD clinical criteria, with 23 SSIs identified through the STS-CHSD, 20 SSIs identified through the ISD, and 32 SSIs identified through the billing database. The rolling 12-month STS-CHSD SSI rate decreased from 2.73% (21 of 769 as of January 2013) to 1.11% (9 of 813 as of December 2014). Thirty reporting discrepancies were reviewed to ensure accuracy. Workflow changes facilitated communication and improved adjudication of suspected SSIs. Billing coder education increased coding accuracy and narrowed variation between the 3 SSI sources. The data visualization tool demonstrated temporal relationships between QI initiatives and SSI rate reductions. Linkage of registry and infection control surveillance data with the EHR improves SSI surveillance. The visualization tool and workflow changes facilitated communication, SSI adjudication, and assessment of the QI initiatives. Implementation of these initiatives was associated with decreased SSI rates. Copyright © 2016 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Revealing Ligand Binding Sites and Quantifying Subunit Variants of Noncovalent Protein Complexes in a Single Native Top-Down FTICR MS Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Huilin; Wongkongkathep, Piriya; Van Orden, Steve L.; Ogorzalek Loo, Rachel R.; Loo, Joseph A.

2014-12-01

"Native" mass spectrometry (MS) has been proven to be increasingly useful for structural biology studies of macromolecular assemblies. Using horse liver alcohol dehydrogenase (hADH) and yeast alcohol dehydrogenase (yADH) as examples, we demonstrate that rich information can be obtained in a single native top-down MS experiment using Fourier transform ion cyclotron mass spectrometry (FTICR MS). Beyond measuring the molecular weights of the protein complexes, isotopic mass resolution was achieved for yeast ADH tetramer (147 kDa) with an average resolving power of 412,700 at m/z 5466 in absorption mode, and the mass reflects that each subunit binds to two zinc atoms. The N-terminal 89 amino acid residues were sequenced in a top-down electron capture dissociation (ECD) experiment, along with the identifications of the zinc binding site at Cys46 and a point mutation (V58T). With the combination of various activation/dissociation techniques, including ECD, in-source dissociation (ISD), collisionally activated dissociation (CAD), and infrared multiphoton dissociation (IRMPD), 40% of the yADH sequence was derived directly from the native tetramer complex. For hADH, native top-down ECD-MS shows that both E and S subunits are present in the hADH sample, with a relative ratio of 4:1. Native top-down ISD of the hADH dimer shows that each subunit (E and S chains) binds not only to two zinc atoms, but also the NAD/NADH ligand, with a higher NAD/NADH binding preference for the S chain relative to the E chain. In total, 32% sequence coverage was achieved for both E and S chains.

Marine sources of ice nucleating particles: results from phytoplankton cultures and samples collected at sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilbourn, E.; Thornton, D.; Brooks, S. D.; Graff, J.

2016-12-01

The role of marine aerosols as ice nucleating particles is currently poorly understood. Despite growing interest, there are remarkably few ice nucleation measurements on representative marine samples. Here we present results of heterogeneous ice nucleation from laboratory studies and in-situ air and sea water samples collected during NAAMES (North Atlantic Aerosol and Marine Ecosystems Study). Thalassiosira weissflogii (CCMP 1051) was grown under controlled conditions in batch cultures and the ice nucleating activity depended on the growth phase of the cultures. Immersion freezing temperatures of the lab-grown diatoms were determined daily using a custom ice nucleation apparatus cooled at a set rate. Our results show that the age of the culture had a significant impact on ice nucleation temperature, with samples in stationary phase causing nucleation at -19.9 °C, approximately nine degrees warmer than the freezing temperature during exponential growth phase. Field samples gathered during the NAAMES II cruise in May 2016 were also tested for ice nucleating ability. Two types of samples were gathered. Firstly, whole cells were fractionated by size from surface seawater using a BD Biosciences Influx Cell Sorter (BD BS ISD). Secondly, aerosols were generated using the SeaSweep and subsequently size-selected using a PIXE Cascade Impactor. Samples were tested for the presence of ice nucleating particles (INP) using the technique described above. There were significant differences in the freezing temperature of the different samples; of the three sample types the lab-grown cultures tested during stationary phase froze at the warmest temperatures, followed by the SeaSweep samples (-25.6 °C) and the size-fractionated cell samples (-31.3 °C). Differences in ice nucleation ability may be due to size differences between the INP, differences in chemical composition of the sample, or some combination of these two factors. Results will be presented and atmospheric implications discussed.

Modal Analysis of Embedded Passive Damping Materials in Composite Plates with Different Orientations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kehoe, Michael; Kolkailah, Faysal A.; Elghandour, Eltahry I.

1998-01-01

This report presents an experimental and numerical investigation of the free vibration of cantilevered composite plates with and without passive damping. A total of seven composite material plates are considered. The lay-up sequences for the two plates without damping are [90/90/0/0], and [90/0/90/0]; the other five plates are the same as the first two with two embedded layers of passive damping material. The passive damping material is embedded at different locations in the plate with orientation [90/0/90/0],. The damping material employed is a 3M material (SJ-2015 ISD 112) with peak damping properties in the ambient temperature range (32 F to 140 F). The composite material used is a carbon fiber (977-2)/epoxy resin (IM7). The effect of the passive damping system employed in this study for the composite plates are discussed. Modal testing is performed on these plates to determine resonant frequencies, amplitude and mode shape information. Numerical results are obtained using COSMOS/M software for the plates without damping. The experimental and numerical results are in very good agreement for different laminated plates without damping layers.

Effector role reversal during evolution: the case of frataxin in Fe-S cluster biosynthesis†

PubMed Central

Bridwell-Rabb, Jennifer; Iannuzzi, Clara; Pastore, Annalisa; Barondeau, David P.

2012-01-01

Human frataxin (FXN) has been intensively studied since the discovery that the FXN gene is associated with the neurodegenerative disease Friedreich’s ataxia. Human FXN is a component of the NFS1-ISD11-ISCU2-FXN (SDUF) core Fe-S assembly complex and activates the cysteine desulfurase and Fe-S cluster biosynthesis reactions. In contrast, the Escherichia coli FXN homolog CyaY inhibits Fe-S cluster biosynthesis. To resolve this discrepancy, enzyme kinetic experiments were performed for the human and E. coli systems in which analogous cysteine desulfurase, Fe-S assembly scaffold, and frataxin components were interchanged. Surprisingly, our results reveal that activation or inhibition by the frataxin homolog is determined by which cysteine desulfurase is present and not by the identity of the frataxin homolog. These data are consistent with a model in which the frataxin-less Fe-S assembly complex exists as a mixture of functional and nonfunctional states, which are stabilized by binding of frataxin homologs. Intriguingly, this appears to be an unusual example in which modifications to an enzyme during evolution inverts or reverses the mode of control imparted by a regulatory molecule. PMID:22352884

Effector role reversal during evolution: the case of frataxin in Fe-S cluster biosynthesis.

PubMed

Bridwell-Rabb, Jennifer; Iannuzzi, Clara; Pastore, Annalisa; Barondeau, David P

2012-03-27

Human frataxin (FXN) has been intensively studied since the discovery that the FXN gene is associated with the neurodegenerative disease Friedreich's ataxia. Human FXN is a component of the NFS1-ISD11-ISCU2-FXN (SDUF) core Fe-S assembly complex and activates the cysteine desulfurase and Fe-S cluster biosynthesis reactions. In contrast, the Escherichia coli FXN homologue CyaY inhibits Fe-S cluster biosynthesis. To resolve this discrepancy, enzyme kinetic experiments were performed for the human and E. coli systems in which analogous cysteine desulfurase, Fe-S assembly scaffold, and frataxin components were interchanged. Surprisingly, our results reveal that activation or inhibition by the frataxin homologue is determined by which cysteine desulfurase is present and not by the identity of the frataxin homologue. These data are consistent with a model in which the frataxin-less Fe-S assembly complex exists as a mixture of functional and nonfunctional states, which are stabilized by binding of frataxin homologues. Intriguingly, this appears to be an unusual example in which modifications to an enzyme during evolution inverts or reverses the mode of control imparted by a regulatory molecule.

Detection of Alpha-Toxin and Other Virulence Factors in Biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus on Polystyrene and a Human Epidermal Model.

PubMed

den Reijer, P M; Haisma, E M; Lemmens-den Toom, N A; Willemse, J; Koning, R I; Koning, R A; Demmers, J A A; Dekkers, D H W; Rijkers, E; El Ghalbzouri, A; Nibbering, P H; van Wamel, W

2016-01-01

The ability of Staphylococcus aureus to successfully colonize (a)biotic surfaces may be explained by biofilm formation and the actions of virulence factors. The aim of the present study was to establish the presence of 52 proteins, including virulence factors such as alpha-toxin, during biofilm formation of five different (methicillin resistant) S. aureus strains on Leiden human epidermal models (LEMs) and polystyrene surfaces (PS) using a competitive Luminex-based assay. All five S. aureus strains formed biofilms on PS, whereas only three out of five strains formed biofilms on LEMs. Out of the 52 tested proteins, six functionally diverse proteins (ClfB, glucosaminidase, IsdA, IsaA, SACOL0688 and nuclease) were detected in biofilms of all strains on both PS and LEMs. At the same time, four toxins (alpha-toxin, gamma-hemolysin B and leukocidins D and E), two immune modulators (formyl peptide receptor-like inhibitory protein and Staphylococcal superantigen-like protein 1), and two other proteins (lipase and LytM) were detectable in biofilms by all five S. aureus strains on LEMs, but not on PS. In contrast, fibronectin-binding protein B (FnbpB) was detectable in biofilms by all S. aureus biofilms on PS, but not on LEMs. These data were largely confirmed by the results from proteomic and transcriptomic analyses and in case of alpha-toxin additionally by GFP-reporter technology. Functionally diverse virulence factors of (methicillin-resistant) S. aureus are present during biofilm formation on LEMs and PS. These results could aid in identifying novel targets for future treatment strategies against biofilm-associated infections.

Advancement of women in dermatology.

PubMed

Murrell, Dedee F; Ryan, Terence J; Bergfeld, Wilma F

2011-05-01

This article reviews the special role that women dermatologists have played in the improvement of skin care for women and children, as well as the role of the Women's Dermatological Society (WDS) in providing networking, mentoring and leadership opportunities for female dermatologists. Women leaders within the International League of Dermatology Societies (ILDS) have influenced WHO directives to assign higher priorities to areas of women's health. Maria Duran and her legacy at the International Society for Dermatology (ISD) has recognized leaders in the area of dermatology education and mentorship. Volunteerism and the promotion of equal access to health care by women and children are other key activities by women dermatologists. © 2011 The International Society of Dermatology.

Cycle of charge carrier states with formation and extinction of a floating gate in an ambipolar tetracyanoquaterthienoquinoid-based field-effect transistor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Itoh, Takuro; Toyota, Taro; Higuchi, Hiroyuki; Matsushita, Michio M.; Suzuki, Kentaro; Sugawara, Tadashi

2017-03-01

A tetracyanoquaterthienoquinoid (TCT4Q)-based field effect transistor is characterized by the ambipolar transfer characteristics and the facile shift of the threshold voltage induced by the bias stress. The trapping and detrapping kinetics of charge carriers was investigated in detail by the temperature dependence of the decay of source-drain current (ISD). We found a repeatable formation of a molecular floating gate is derived from a 'charge carrier-and-gate' cycle comprising four stages, trapping of mobile carriers, formation of a floating gate, induction of oppositely charged mobile carriers, and recombination between mobile and trapped carriers to restore the initial state.

Solar energy dryer kinetics using flat-plate finned collector and forced convection for potato drying

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Batubara, Fatimah; Misran, Erni; Dina, Sari Farah; Heppy

2017-06-01

Research on potato drying using the indirect solar dryer with flat-plate finned collector and forced convection has been done. The research was conducted at the outdoor field of Laboratory of Institute for Research and Standardization of Industry on June 14th-23rd, 2016 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. This research aims to obtain the drying kinetics model of potato (Solanumtuberosum L.) using an indirect solar dryer's (ISD) with flat plate-finned collector and forced convection. The result will be compared to the open sun drying (OSD) method. Weather conditions during the drying process took place as follows; surrounding air temperature was in the range 27 to 34.7 °C, relative humidity (RH) 29.5 to 61.0% and the intensity of solar radiation 105.6 to 863.1 Watt/m2. The dried potato thicknesses were 1.0 cm, 1.5 cm and 2.0 cm, with the average initial water content of 76.46%. The average temperature in the collector chamber ranged from 42.2 to 57.4 °C and the drying chamber was at 46.2 °C. The best drying result was obtained from a sample size of 1 cm thickness using the IDS method with an average drying rate of 0.018 kg H2O per kg dry-weight.hour and the water content was constant at 5.02% in 21 hours of drying time. The most suitable kinetics model is Page model, equation MR = exp (-0.049 t1,336) for 1.0 cm thickness, exp (-0.066 t1,222) for 1.5 cm thickness and exp (-0.049 t1,221) for 2.0 cm thickness. The quality of potato drying using ISD method is better than using OSD which can be seen from the color produced.

Dental size variation in the Atapuerca-SH Middle Pleistocene hominids.

PubMed

Bermúdez de Castro, J M; Sarmiento, S; Cunha, E; Rosas, A; Bastir, M

2001-09-01

The Middle Pleistocene Atapuerca-Sima de los Huesos (SH) site in Spain has yielded the largest sample of fossil hominids so far found from a single site and belonging to the same biological population. The SH dental sample includes a total of 452 permanent and deciduous teeth, representing a minimum of 27 individuals. We present a study of the dental size variation in these hominids, based on the analysis of the mandibular permanent dentition: lateral incisors, n=29; canines, n=27; third premolars, n=30; fourth premolars, n=34; first molars, n=38; second molars, n=38. We have obtained the buccolingual diameter and the crown area (measured on occlusal photographs) of these teeth, and used the bootstrap method to assess the amount of variation in the SH sample compared with the variation of a modern human sample from the Museu Antropologico of the Universidade of Coimbra (Portugal). The SH hominids have, in general terms, a dental size variation higher than that of the modern human sample. The analysis is especially conclusive for the canines. Furthermore, we have estimated the degree of sexual dimorphism of the SH sample by obtaining male and female dental subsamples by means of sexing the large sample of SH mandibular specimens. We obtained the index of sexual dimorphism (ISD=male mean/female mean) and the values were compared with those obtained from the sexed modern human sample from Coimbra, and with data found in the literature concerning several recent human populations. In all tooth classes the ISD of the SH hominids was higher than that of modern humans, but the differences were generally modest, except for the canines, thus suggesting that canine size sexual dimorphism in Homo heidelbergensis was probably greater than that of modern humans. Since the approach of sexing fossil specimens has some obvious limitations, these results should be assessed with caution. Additional data from SH and other European Middle Pleistocene sites would be necessary to test this hypothesis. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.

Multi-virulence-locus sequence typing of Staphylococcus lugdunensis generates results consistent with a clonal population structure and is reliable for epidemiological typing.

PubMed

Didi, Jennifer; Lemée, Ludovic; Gibert, Laure; Pons, Jean-Louis; Pestel-Caron, Martine

2014-10-01

Staphylococcus lugdunensis is an emergent virulent coagulase-negative staphylococcus responsible for severe infections similar to those caused by Staphylococcus aureus. To understand its potentially pathogenic capacity and have further detailed knowledge of the molecular traits of this organism, 93 isolates from various geographic origins were analyzed by multi-virulence-locus sequence typing (MVLST), targeting seven known or putative virulence-associated loci (atlLR2, atlLR3, hlb, isdJ, SLUG_09050, SLUG_16930, and vwbl). The polymorphisms of the putative virulence-associated loci were moderate and comparable to those of the housekeeping genes analyzed by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). However, the MVLST scheme generated 43 virulence types (VTs) compared to 20 sequence types (STs) based on MLST, indicating that MVLST was significantly more discriminating (Simpson's index [D], 0.943). No hypervirulent lineage or cluster specific to carriage strains was defined. The results of multilocus sequence analysis of known and putative virulence-associated loci are consistent with a clonal population structure for S. lugdunensis, suggesting a coevolution of these genes with housekeeping genes. Indeed, the nonsynonymous to synonymous evolutionary substitutions (dN/dS) ratio, the Tajima's D test, and Single-likelihood ancestor counting (SLAC) analysis suggest that all virulence-associated loci were under negative selection, even atlLR2 (AtlL protein) and SLUG_16930 (FbpA homologue), for which the dN/dS ratios were higher. In addition, this analysis of virulence-associated loci allowed us to propose a trilocus sequence typing scheme based on the intragenic regions of atlLR3, isdJ, and SLUG_16930, which is more discriminant than MLST for studying short-term epidemiology and further characterizing the lineages of the rare but highly pathogenic S. lugdunensis. Copyright © 2014, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Peripherally InSerted CEntral catheter dressing and securement in patients with cancer: the PISCES trial. Protocol for a 2x2 factorial, superiority randomised controlled trial.

PubMed

Rickard, Claire M; Marsh, Nicole M; Webster, Joan; Gavin, Nicole C; Chan, Raymond J; McCarthy, Alexandra L; Mollee, Peter; Ullman, Amanda J; Kleidon, Tricia; Chopra, Vineet; Zhang, Li; McGrail, Matthew R; Larsen, Emily; Choudhury, Md Abu; Keogh, Samantha; Alexandrou, Evan; McMillan, David J; Mervin, Merehau Cindy; Paterson, David L; Cooke, Marie; Ray-Barruel, Gillian; Castillo, Maria Isabel; Hallahan, Andrew; Corley, Amanda; Geoffrey Playford, E

2017-06-15

Around 30% of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) fail from vascular, infectious or mechanical complications. Patients with cancer are at highest risk, and this increases morbidity, mortality and costs. Effective PICC dressing and securement may prevent PICC failure; however, no large randomised controlled trial (RCT) has compared alternative approaches. We designed this RCT to assess the clinical and cost-effectiveness of dressing and securements to prevent PICC failure. Pragmatic, multicentre, 2×2 factorial, superiority RCT of (1) dressings (chlorhexidine gluconate disc (CHG) vs no disc) and (2) securements (integrated securement dressing (ISD) vs securement device (SED)). A qualitative evaluation using a knowledge translation framework is included. Recruitment of 1240 patients will occur over 3 years with allocation concealment until randomisation by a centralised service. For the dressing hypothesis, we hypothesise CHG discs will reduce catheter-associated bloodstream infection (CABSI) compared with no CHG disc. For the securement hypothesis, we hypothesise that ISD will reduce composite PICC failure (infection (CABSI/local infection), occlusion, dislodgement or thrombosis), compared with SED. types of PICC failure; safety; costs; dressing/securement failure; dwell time; microbial colonisation; reversible PICC complications and consumer acceptability. Relative incidence rates of CABSI and PICC failure/100 devices and/1000 PICC days (with 95% CIs) will summarise treatment impact. Kaplan-Meier survival curves (and log rank Mantel-Haenszel test) will compare outcomes over time. Secondary end points will be compared between groups using parametric/non-parametric techniques; p values <0.05 will be considered to be statistically significant. Ethical approval from Queensland Health (HREC/15/QRCH/241) and Griffith University (Ref. No. 2016/063). Results will be published. Trial registration number is: ACTRN12616000315415. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Applying a New Model for Sharing Population Health Data to National Syndromic Influenza Surveillance: DiSTRIBuTE Project Proof of Concept, 2006 to 2009.

PubMed

Olson, Donald R; Paladini, Marc; Lober, William B; Buckeridge, David L

2011-08-02

The Distributed Surveillance Taskforce for Real-time Influenza Burden Tracking and Evaluation (DiSTRIBuTE) project began as a pilot effort initiated by the International Society for Disease Surveillance (ISDS) in autumn 2006 to create a collaborative electronic emergency department (ED) syndromic influenza-like illness (ILI) surveillance network based on existing state and local systems and expertise. DiSTRIBuTE brought together health departments that were interested in: 1) sharing aggregate level data; 2) maintaining jurisdictional control; 3) minimizing barriers to participation; and 4) leveraging the flexibility of local systems to create a dynamic and collaborative surveillance network. This approach was in contrast to the prevailing paradigm for surveillance where record level information was collected, stored and analyzed centrally. The DiSTRIBuTE project was created with a distributed design, where individual level data remained local and only summarized, stratified counts were reported centrally, thus minimizing privacy risks. The project was responsive to federal mandates to improve integration of federal, state, and local biosurveillance capabilities. During the proof of concept phase, 2006 to 2009, ten jurisdictions from across North America sent ISDS on a daily to weekly basis year-round, aggregated data by day, stratified by local ILI syndrome, age-group and region. During this period, data from participating U.S. state or local health departments captured over 13% of all ED visits nationwide. The initiative focused on state and local health department trust, expertise, and control. Morbidity trends observed in DiSTRIBuTE were highly correlated with other influenza surveillance measures. With the emergence of novel A/H1N1 influenza in the spring of 2009, the project was used to support information sharing and ad hoc querying at the state and local level. In the fall of 2009, through a broadly collaborative effort, the project was expanded to enhance electronic ED surveillance nationwide.

Structure-Function Analysis of Friedreich's Ataxia Mutants Reveals Determinants of Frataxin Binding and Activation of the Fe-S Assembly Complex

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

Bridwell-Rabb, Jennifer; Winn, Andrew M; Barondeau, David P

2012-08-01

Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease associated with the loss of function of the protein frataxin (FXN) that results from low FXN levels due to a GAA triplet repeat expansion or, occasionally, from missense mutations in the FXN gene. Here biochemical and structural properties of FXN variants, including three FRDA missense mutations (N146K, Q148R, and R165C) and three related mutants (N146A, Q148G, and Q153A), were determined in an effort to understand the structural basis for the loss of function. In vitro assays revealed that although the three FRDA missense mutations exhibited similar losses of cysteine desulfurase and Fe-Smore » cluster assembly activities, the causes for these activation defects were distinct. The R165C variant exhibited a k cat/K M higher than that of native FXN but weak binding to the NFS1, ISD11, and ISCU2 (SDU) complex, whereas the Q148R variant exhibited the lowest k cat/K M of the six tested FXN variants and only a modest binding deficiency. The order of the FXN binding affinities for the SDU Fe-S assembly complex was as follows: FXN > Q148R > N146A > Q148G > N146K > Q153A > R165C. Four different classes of FXN variants were identified on the basis of their biochemical properties. Together, these structure-function studies reveal determinants for the binding and allosteric activation of the Fe-S assembly complex and provide insight into how FRDA missense mutations are functionally compromised.« less

Long length coated conductor fabrication by inclined substrate deposition and evaporation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prusseit, W.; Hoffmann, C.; Nemetschek, R.; Sigl, G.; Handke, J.; Lümkemann, A.; Kinder, H.

2006-06-01

The commercial development of coated conductors is rapidly progressing. As a result we present an economic route to produce second generation HTS tape from the initial substrate preparation to the final metal coating. The most important and technically challenging steps are the deposition of an oriented buffer layer and the superconductor film in a reel-to-reel configuration. New evaporation techniques have been developed to enable reliable, high rate tape coating. Highly oriented MgO - buffer layers are realized by inclined substrate deposition (ISD) and DyBCO is deposited by simple e-gun evaporation yielding critical currents beyond 200 A/cm. Coated conductors have been fabricated up to 40 m length and are currently tested in a variety of applications.

Sensor Webs with a Service-Oriented Architecture for On-demand Science Products

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mandl, Daniel; Ungar, Stephen; Ames, Troy; Justice, Chris; Frye, Stuart; Chien, Steve; Tran, Daniel; Cappelaere, Patrice; Derezinsfi, Linda; Paules, Granville;

Air to air view of Endeavour, OV-105, atop SCA approaches Ellington runway

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1991-01-01

Air to air view of Endeavour, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 105, atop a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) NASA 911, a modified Boeing 747, approaches touchdown for a brief stopover at Ellington Field, near JSC. Visible below the spacecraft/aircraft combination are the NASA T-38 flight line, NASA aircraft hangars and facilities, and a runway. OV-105 rolled out at Rockwell's Palmdale facility on 04-25-91 to once more bring to four the total of NASA Shuttles available for flight assignment. The spacecraft and aircraft-tandem left Houston later on this day headed for another stop in Mississippi before landing in Florida on 05-07-91. This photograph was taken from a T-38 aircraft by Sheri J. Dunnette of JSC's Image Science Division (ISD).

Pectinate ligament dysplasia in the Border Collie, Hungarian Vizsla and Golden Retriever.

PubMed

Oliver, James A C; Ekiri, Abel B; Mellersh, Cathryn S

2017-03-18

Pectinate ligament dysplasia (PLD) is significantly associated with primary closed angle glaucoma (PCAG) in several dog breeds. Gonioscopy screening for PLD is advised in breeds in which PLD and PCAG are particularly prevalent in order that affected dogs may be eliminated from the breeding population. The Border Collie (BC), Hungarian Vizsla (HV) and Golden Retriever (GR) breeds are currently under investigation for PLD by the British Veterinary Association/Kennel Club/International Sheep Dog Society (BVA/KC/ISDS) Eye Scheme. The authors aimed to determine the prevalence of PLD in UK populations of BC, HV and GR and to investigate possible associations between the degree of PLD and age and sex. Gonioscopy was performed in 102 BCs, 112 HVs and 230 GRs and the percentage of iridocorneal angle affected by PLD was estimated and classified as unaffected (0 per cent), mildly affected (<20 per cent), moderately affected (20-90 per cent) or severely affected (>90 per cent). Eleven of 102 (13.8 per cent) BCs, 16/112 (14.3 per cent) HVs and 60/230 (26.1 per cent) GRs were moderately or severely affected by PLD. The prevalence of PLD was significantly higher in GR than both BC and HV. There was a significant positive correlation between PLD and age in the HV and GR but not in the BC. There was no association between PLD and sex in any breed. British Veterinary Association.

Independent sector treatment centres: the first independent evaluation, a Scottish case study.

PubMed

Pollock, Allyson M; Kirkwood, Graham

2009-07-01

The pound5 billion English Independent Sector Treatment Centre (ISTC) programme remains unevaluated because of a lack of published contract data and poor quality data returns. Scotland has a three-year pilot ISTC, the Scottish Regional Treatment Centre (SRTC), the contract for which is now in the public domain. This study aims to conduct an independent evaluation of the performance of the SRTC during the first year of operation. A retrospective analysis of the SRTC comparing activity as reported by hospital episode statistics returned to ISD Scotland with: volume and cost data in the SRTC contract; a 10-month audit carried out by management consultants Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC); and an internal NHS Tayside performance report. All day-case and inpatient activity at the SRTC from 1 December 2006 to 31 January 2008. Activity and cost. The annual contract was based on patient referrals to the SRTC and not actual treatments. The contract was awarded on the basis of 2624 referrals a year, total value of pound5,667,464. According to ISD data, the SRTC performed 831 procedures (32% of annual contract) in the first 13 months worth pound1,035,603 (18%). PWC's figures report 2200 referrals (84%) to the SRTC at a cost of 2,642,000 (47%) in the first 10 months. Basing the SRTC contract on payments for referrals rather than actual treatment represents a major departure from normal standards of reporting and commissioning and may have resulted in over-payment for referrals for patients who did not receive treatment of up to pound3 million in the first 10 months. The PWC report falls well below the standards one would expect of an independent evaluation and we were unable to validate PWC's analysis and the claim of value for money. If wave-one ISTCs in England perform similarly to the SRTC then as much as pound927 million may have been paid for patients who did not receive treatment. We recommend a moratorium on all ISTC contracts until the contracts have been published and properly evaluated with respect to work paid for and actual work carried out and quality of care.

Defining the Architecture of the Core Machinery for the Assembly of Fe-S Clusters in Human Mitochondria.

PubMed

Gakh, Oleksandr; Ranatunga, Wasantha; Galeano, Belinda K; Smith, Douglas S; Thompson, James R; Isaya, Grazia

2017-01-01

Although Fe-S clusters may assemble spontaneously from elemental iron and sulfur in protein-free systems, the potential toxicity of free Fe 2+ , Fe 3+ , and S 2- ions in aerobic environments underscores the requirement for specialized proteins to oversee the safe assembly of Fe-S clusters in living cells. Prokaryotes first developed multiprotein systems for Fe-S cluster assembly, from which mitochondria later derived their own system and became the main Fe-S cluster suppliers for eukaryotic cells. Early studies in yeast and human mitochondria indicated that Fe-S cluster assembly in eukaryotes is centered around highly conserved Fe-S proteins (human ISCU) that serve as scaffolds upon which new Fe-S clusters are assembled from (i) elemental sulfur, provided by a pyridoxal phosphate-dependent cysteine desulfurase (human NFS1) and its stabilizing-binding partner (human ISD11), and (ii) elemental iron, provided by an iron-binding protein of the frataxin family (human FXN). Further studies revealed that all of these proteins could form stable complexes that could reach molecular masses of megadaltons. However, the protein-protein interaction surfaces, catalytic mechanisms, and overall architecture of these macromolecular machines remained undefined for quite some time. The delay was due to difficulties inherent in reconstituting these very large multiprotein complexes in vitro or isolating them from cells in sufficient quantities to enable biochemical and structural studies. Here, we describe approaches we developed to reconstitute the human Fe-S cluster assembly machinery in Escherichia coli and to define its remarkable architecture. © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Air to air view of Endeavour, OV-105, atop SCA approaches Ellington runway

NASA Image and Video Library

1991-05-06

S91-36097 (6 May 1991) --- Air to air view of Endeavour, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 105, atop a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) NASA 911, a modified Boeing 747, approaches touchdown for a brief stopover at Ellington Field, near JSC. Visible below the spacecraft/aircraft combination are the NASA T-38 flight line, NASA aircraft hangars and facilities, and a runway. OV-105 rolled out at Rockwell's Palmdale facility on 04-25-91 to once more bring to four the total of NASA Shuttles available for flight assignment. The spacecraft and aircraft-tandem left Houston later on this day headed for another stop in Mississippi before landing in Florida on 05-07-91. This photograph was taken from a T-38 aircraft by Sheri J. Dunnette of JSC's Image Science Division (ISD).

Core-shell magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers used rhodamine B hydroxyproline derivate as template combined with in situ derivatization for the specific measurement of L-hydroxyproline.

PubMed

Zheng, Longfang; Zhao, Xian-En; Ji, Wenhua; Wang, Xiao; Tao, Yanduo; Sun, Jing; Xu, Yanqiu; Wang, Xin; Zhu, Shuyun; You, Jinmao

2018-01-12

In this work, a novel core-shell magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (MMIPs) for the measurement of L-Hydroxyproline (Hyp) in dairy products was prepared. The derivative of Hyp using N-hydroxysuccinimidyl rhodamine B ester (RBS) as derivatization reagent was employed as template to prepare RBS-Hyp-MMIPs (Fe 3 O 4 @MIPs for RBS-Hyp). A new analytical procedure of in situ derivatization with MMIPs (ISD-MMIPs) has been developed for the specific extraction and determination of Hyp in dairy products by ultra high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The RBS-Hyp-MMIPs was characterized by fourier transform infrared spectrometer and transmission electron microscopy, and evaluated by adsorption experiments. The adsorption process followed Langumuir adsorption isotherm with maximum adsorption capacity of RBS-Hyp on RBS-Hyp-MMIPs at 96 mg/g. In addition, RBS-Hyp-MMIPs showed a short equilibrium time (15.0 min), rapid magnetic separation (5 s) and high stability (retained 95.3% after six cycles). Under the optimized conditions, good linearity was observed with the limits of detection (S/N > 3) and limits of quantification (S/N > 10) at 0.1 and 0.5 ng/mL, respectively. On account of the specific extraction performance of RBS-Hyp-MMIPs, not any interference peak from real sample matrix was observed in the chromatograms of milk powder, liquid milk and milk drink. The proposed procedure was successfully applied for selective determination of Hyp from dairy products with satisfactory validation results, which is of great significance to food safety. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Wireless Monitoring Sub-nA Resolution Test Platform for Nanostructure Sensors

PubMed Central

Jang, Chi Woong; Byun, Young Tae; Lee, Taikjin; Woo, Deok Ha; Lee, Seok; Jhon, Young Min

2013-01-01

We have constructed a wireless monitoring test platform with a sub-nA resolution signal amplification/processing circuit (SAPC) and a wireless communication network to test the real-time remote monitoring of the signals from carbon nanotube (CNT) sensors. The operation characteristics of the CNT sensors can also be measured by the ISD-VSD curve with the SAPC. The SAPC signals are transmitted to a personal computer by Bluetooth communication and the signals from the computer are transmitted to smart phones by Wi-Fi communication, in such a way that the signals from the sensors can be remotely monitored through a web browser. Successful remote monitoring of signals from a CNT sensor was achieved with the wireless monitoring test platform for detection of 0.15% methanol vapor with 0.5 nA resolution and 7 Hz sampling rate. PMID:23783735

3-M syndrome: description of six new patients with review of the literature.

PubMed

van der Wal, G; Otten, B J; Brunner, H G; van der Burgt, I

2001-10-01

3-M syndrome combines pre- and postnatal growth retardation and dysmorphic facial features with autosomal recessive inheritance. Six new patients with 3-M syndrome are described and compared with 28 cases from the literature. Our six patients have a growth pattern, which parallels that of Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS). Final height is ISD less in 3-M syndrome than in SRS. Growth hormone treatment significantly increased final height in two of our patients. 3-M syndrome can be differentiated from other types of dwarfism by clinical criteria and by the demonstration of characteristically slender long bones and foreshortened vertebral bodies. We propose that calculating the metacarpal and vertebral indices can be used to measure and document this important diagnostic feature. While the gonadal status of female patients with 3-M syndrome is completely normal, male patients have a gonadal dysfunction and sub- or infertility.

Aerial view of Endeavour, OV-105, parked on Ellington Field runway

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1991-01-01

This aerial view looks down on Endeavour, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 105, atop a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) NASA 911, a modified Boeing 747, parked on an Ellington Field runway. The tail cone added to OV-105 to enhance the aerodynamics of the spacecraft/aircraft transport system is clearly visible. Ground transportation vehicles (cars, trucks) and a crowd surround OV-105 and NASA 911. Ceremonies were held during OV-105's brief stopover at Ellington Field, near JSC. The new space vehicle, sans SCA, was rolled out of Rockwell's Palmdale facility on 04-25-91. This again brings the total of NASA Shuttles available for flight assignment to four. The spacecraft and aircraft-tandem left Houston later on this day headed for a stop in Mississippi before landing in Florida on 05-07-91. This photograph was taken from a NASA T-38 aircraft by Sheri J. Dunnette of JSC's Image Sciences Division (ISD).

Air to air view of Endeavour, OV-105, atop SCA flies over JSC enroute to KSC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1991-01-01

Air to air view shows Endeavour, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 105, atop a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) NASA 911, a modified Boeing 747, flying over the Clear Lake / NASA JSC area prior to a brief stopover at Ellington Field, near JSC. JSC site appears behind and below the orbiter/aircraft combination with Clear Creek and Egret Bay Blvd in the foreground and Clear Lake and Galveston Bay in the background. OV-105 rolled out at Rockwell's Palmdale facility on 04-25-91 to once more bring to four the total of NASA Shuttles available for flight assignment. It left Houston later on this day headed for another stop in Mississippi before landing in Florida on 05-07-91. This photograph was taken from a T-38 aircraft by Sheri J. Dunnette of JSC's Image Sciences Division (ISD).

Fast Determination of Ingredients in Solid Pharmaceuticals by Microwave-Enhanced In-Source Decay of Microwave Plasma Torch Mass Spectrometry.

PubMed

Su, Rui; Wang, Xinchen; Hou, Changming; Yang, Meiling; Huang, Keke; Chen, Huanwen

2017-09-01

Rapid qualitative and quantitative analysis of solid samples (e.g., pharmaceutical preparations) by using a small and low-resolution mass spectrometer without MS/MS function is still a challenge in ambient pressure ionization mass spectrometric analysis. Herein, a practically efficient method termed microwave-enhanced in-source decay (MEISD) using microwave plasma torch desorption ionization coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MPTDI-TOF MS) was developed for fast analysis of pharmaceutical tablets using a miniature TOF mass spectrometer without tandem mass function. The intensity of ISD fragmentation was evaluated under different microwave power values. Several factors, including desorption distance and time that might affect the signal intensity and fragmentation, were systematically investigated. It was observed that both the protonated molecular ions and major fragment ions from the active ingredients in tablets could be found in the full-scan mass spectra in positive ion mode, which were comparable to those obtained by a commercial LTQ-XL ion trap mass spectrometer. The structures of the ingredients could be elucidated in detail using the MEISD method, which promotes our understanding of the desorption/ionization processes in microwave plasma torch (MPT). Quantitative analysis of 10 tablets was achieved by full-scan MPTDI-TOF MS with low limit of detection (LOD, 0.763 mg/g), acceptable relative standard deviation (RSD < 7.33%, n =10), and 10 s for each tablet, showing promising applications in high throughput screening of counterfeit drugs. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

Fast Determination of Ingredients in Solid Pharmaceuticals by Microwave-Enhanced In-Source Decay of Microwave Plasma Torch Mass Spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, Rui; Wang, Xinchen; Hou, Changming; Yang, Meiling; Huang, Keke; Chen, Huanwen

2017-09-01

Rapid qualitative and quantitative analysis of solid samples (e.g., pharmaceutical preparations) by using a small and low-resolution mass spectrometer without MS/MS function is still a challenge in ambient pressure ionization mass spectrometric analysis. Herein, a practically efficient method termed microwave-enhanced in-source decay (MEISD) using microwave plasma torch desorption ionization coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MPTDI-TOF MS) was developed for fast analysis of pharmaceutical tablets using a miniature TOF mass spectrometer without tandem mass function. The intensity of ISD fragmentation was evaluated under different microwave power values. Several factors, including desorption distance and time that might affect the signal intensity and fragmentation, were systematically investigated. It was observed that both the protonated molecular ions and major fragment ions from the active ingredients in tablets could be found in the full-scan mass spectra in positive ion mode, which were comparable to those obtained by a commercial LTQ-XL ion trap mass spectrometer. The structures of the ingredients could be elucidated in detail using the MEISD method, which promotes our understanding of the desorption/ionization processes in microwave plasma torch (MPT). Quantitative analysis of 10 tablets was achieved by full-scan MPTDI-TOF MS with low limit of detection (LOD, 0.763 mg/g), acceptable relative standard deviation (RSD < 7.33%, n =10), and 10 s for each tablet, showing promising applications in high throughput screening of counterfeit drugs. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

Independent sector treatment centres: the first independent evaluation, a Scottish case study

PubMed Central

Pollock, Allyson M; Kirkwood, Graham

2009-01-01

Summary Objectives The £5 billion English Independent Sector Treatment Centre (ISTC) programme remains unevaluated because of a lack of published contract data and poor quality data returns. Scotland has a three-year pilot ISTC, the Scottish Regional Treatment Centre (SRTC), the contract for which is now in the public domain. This study aims to conduct an independent evaluation of the performance of the SRTC during the first year of operation. Design A retrospective analysis of the SRTC comparing activity as reported by hospital episode statistics returned to ISD Scotland with: volume and cost data in the SRTC contract; a 10-month audit carried out by management consultants Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC); and an internal NHS Tayside performance report. Setting All day-case and inpatient activity at the SRTC from 1 December 2006 to 31 January 2008. Main outcome measures Activity and cost. Results The annual contract was based on patient referrals to the SRTC and not actual treatments. The contract was awarded on the basis of 2624 referrals a year, total value of £5,667,464. According to ISD data, the SRTC performed 831 procedures (32% of annual contract) in the first 13 months worth £1,035,603 (18%). PWC's figures report 2200 referrals (84%) to the SRTC at a cost of 2,642,000 (47%) in the first 10 months. Conclusions Basing the SRTC contract on payments for referrals rather than actual treatment represents a major departure from normal standards of reporting and commissioning and may have resulted in over-payment for referrals for patients who did not receive treatment of up to £3 million in the first 10 months. The PWC report falls well below the standards one would expect of an independent evaluation and we were unable to validate PWC's analysis and the claim of value for money. If wave-one ISTCs in England perform similarly to the SRTC then as much as £927 million may have been paid for patients who did not receive treatment. We recommend a moratorium on all ISTC contracts until the contracts have been published and properly evaluated with respect to work paid for and actual work carried out and quality of care. PMID:19605859

Female stress urinary incontinence: standard techniques revisited and critical evaluation of innovative techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Riese, Cornelia; de Riese, Werner T. W.

2003-06-01

Objectives: The treatment of female urinary incontinence (UI) is a growing health care concern in our aging society. Publications of recent innovations and modifications are creating expectations. This brief review provides some insight and structure regarding indications and expected outcomes for the different approaches. Materials: Data extraction is part of a Medline data base search, which was performed for "female stress incontinence" from 1960 until 2000. Additional literature search was performed to cover 2001 and 2002. Outcome data were extracted. Results: (1) INJECTION OF BULKING AGENTS (collagen, synthetic agents): The indication for mucosal coaptation was more clearly defined and in the majority of articles limited to ISD. (2) OPEN COLPOSUSPENSION (Burch, MMK): Best long-term results of all operative procedures, to date considered the gold standard. (3) LAPAROSCOPIC COLPOSUSPENSION (different modifications): Long-term success rates appear dependent on operator skills. There are few long-term data. (4) NEEDLE SUSPENSION: (Stamey, Pareyra and modifications): Initial results were equal to Burch with less morbidity, but long-term success rates are worse. (5) SLING PROCEDURES (autologous, synthetic, allogenic graft materials, different modes of support and anchoring, free tapes): The suburethral sling has traditionally been considered a procedure for those in whom suspension had failed and for those with severe ISD. The most current trend shows its use as a primary procedure for SUI. Long-term data beyond 5 years are insufficient. (6) EXTERNAL OCCLUSIVE DEVICES (vaginal sponges and pessaries, urethral insert): Both vaginal and urethral insert devices can be effective in selected patients. (7) IMPLANTABLE ARTEFICIAL URETHRAL SPHINCTERS: Modifications and improvements of the devices resulted in improved clinical results regarding durability and efficacy. CONCLUSION: (1) The Burch colposuspension is still considered the gold standard in the treatment of female genuine SUI. There is a trend for the suburethral sling to be used as the primary procedure for this indication. Early outcome data are encouraging. New concepts such as use of metalic bone anchors and allograft material as well as the Tension free Vaginal Tape are under investigation. (2) Standardization of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions is prerequisite for any meaningful research. Randomized controlled prospective studies are essential to provide objectives regarding risks and benefits of new procedures and materials.

Resilience, Vulnerability and Residual Threat: An Assessment from Indian Sundarban

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghosh, T.

2016-12-01

The estuarine islands within Indian Sundarban are extremely vulnerable due to climate change, erosion, flooding and increasing population pressure. Around 4.6 million people are living under constant threat of climatic shocks, affecting their farm based economy and dependency on forest resources for their livelihood. This paper attempts to focus on the dynamics of system's resilience in the backdrop of higher level of vulnerability. Globally the assessment of island vulnerability is generally more focused towards the climate change impacts, rather than taking into account other determining drivers with proper weightage. Three estuarine islands namely Sagar, Ghoramara and Mousani at the western part of Indian Sundarban Delta (ISD) have been chosen for this study to derive the indicator based scoring method using the household survey data from twenty seven (27) sampled `Mouza' (lowest administrative boundary; village) with cluster random sampling. Vulnerability and resilience of these islands have been calculated using the indicators like housing condition, electrification, population density, accretion, adult secondary education level, percentage of people `Below Poverty Line' (BPL) based on per capita income. Residual threats for these islands have been obtained by subtracting the score of resilience and vulnerability of the system. Result suggests that all these islands are in less resilient condition to combat the negative impact of the influencing factors. Sapkhali, Ghoramara, Bankimnagar, Shibpur and Baliara are becoming sensitive from excess residual threats. This study is an initiation for identifying the thrust areas need to address with effective policy adaptation, necessary to minimize the existing vulnerable conditions in these islands. Key words: Vulnerability, Resilience, Residual threat, Indian Sundarban

Time-Structured and Net Intraindividual Variability: Tools for Examining the Development of Dynamic Characteristics and Processes

PubMed Central

Ram, Nilam; Gerstorf, Denis

2009-01-01

The study of intraindividual variability is the study of fluctuations, oscillations, adaptations, and “noise” in behavioral outcomes that manifest on micro-time scales. This paper provides a descriptive frame for the combined study of intraindividual variability and aging/development. At the conceptual level, we highlight that the study of intraindividual variability provides access to dynamic characteristics – construct-level descriptions of individuals' capacities for change (e.g., lability), and dynamic processes – the systematic changes individuals' exhibit in response to endogenous and exogenous influences (e.g., regulation). At the methodological level, we review how quantifications of net intraindividual variability (e.g., iSD) and models of time-structured intraindividual variability (e.g., time-series) are being used to measure and describe dynamic characteristics and processes. At the research design level, we point to the benefits of measurement burst study designs, wherein data are obtained across multiple time scales, for the study of development. PMID:20025395

[Contasure Needleless: a single incision tot for the surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence].

PubMed

Navazo, Rafael; Moreno, Jesús; Hidalgo, Cristina; Herraiz, Miguel Angel; Vidart, José Antonio; Salinas, Jesús; Silmi, Angel

2009-11-01

The aim of this study is to describe the surgical technique, and assess the complications and middle-term results of the Contasure Needleless (Neomedic International), a single incision TOT sling for the surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence. The main concept of this device is that it is not a mini-sling, it has 138% more surface area. We are analyzing the results of a minimally invasive solution that is a TOT like sling with the same known benefits of a TOT and the advantages of a single incision technique. The surface area to support the urethra of the Needleless is very similar to the surface area of the TOT. (16% less surface area of tissue ingrowths) It is 100% macroporous polypropylene without any additional material. 120 patients were evaluated retrospectively. They were all treated of SUI with the Contasure Needleless.Female patients were evaluated under clinical study protocol consisting in cough test, urodynamic and Quality Of Life questionnaire, before and after the procedure. patients with genuine SUI and patients with SUI plus concomitant procedures as prolapse. patients with ISD and or neurogenic incontinence. Anesthesia used: general (30%) or epidural (70%), patients with associated pathology. The 114 mm long and tension-free mesh was placed beneath the midurethra. The central part is 12 mm wide. The sling can be repositioned during surgery due to the 22 mm wide T-Pocket Positioning System located at the 2 edges. These pockets fixed the sling to the surrounding tissue in order to have the proper tissue in growth and anchoring. A 20mm sub urethral incision was made to dissect the paraurethral spaces only up to the ischiopubic ramus. A surgical forceps with the T-pocket folded was inserted into the dissected spaces and penetrates at the contra lateral side, like the standard transobturator technique. The forceps was introduced until the fascia of the Internal Obturator muscle was perforated. Then the forceps is opened to extend the pocket inside the muscle fibers for fixation. 120 patients with a mean age of 55 years (from 36 to 79) and a mean number of deliveries of 3 (0-7). Follow-up period: 24 months. SUCCESS RATE: 100 patients (84%) Improved rate: 10 patients (8%) Failure rate: 10 (8%) Mean operating time of sling procedure alone: 9 minutes (4-12). 3 patients had mesh extrusion solved with estrogens and 2 patients required short term catheterization due to voiding difficulties and no patients had inguinal pain. The results of the study suggest that the Contasure Needleless can be considered a minimally invasive TOT with no-needles and maintaining the same cure rate than our TOT cases at 2 years follow up.

Biodiversity patterns of macrophyte and macroinvertebrate communities in two lagoons of Western Greece.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fyttis, G.; Reizopoulou, S.; Papastergiadou, E.

2012-04-01

Aquatic macrophytes and benthic macroinvertebrates were studied seasonally (Spring, Autumn, Summer) between the years 2009 - 2011 in two coastal lagoons (Kotychi and Prokopos) located in Peloponnese, Greece, in order to investigate spatial and temporal biodiversity trends related to hydrological processes (degree of confinement, nitrates, phosphates, chl-a, total suspended materials, light irradiance, pH, salinity, temperature and dissolved oxygen). Kotychi lagoon presents a better communication with the sea, while Prokopos has a high degree of confinement. Both ecosystems seasonally receive freshwater input from streams. The submerged aquatic macrophytes constituted a major component of the ecosystems studied. In total, 22 taxa of aquatic macrophytes (angiosperms and macroalgae), 16 taxa for Kotychi (2 Rhodophyta, 8 Chlorophyta, 5 Magnoliophyta, 1 Streptophyta) and 14 taxa for Prokopos (1 Rhodophyta, 5 Chlorophyta, 5 Magnoliophyta, 3 Streptophyta) were found. Ruppia cirrhosa, and Potamogeton pectinatus were dominant in both lagoons. Kotychi lagoon was also dominated by Zostera noltii and Prokopos by Zannichellia pallustris ssp. pedicellata, while the biomass of aquatic species peaked during the summer periods, in both lagoons. The total number of macroinvertebrates found in the lagoons was 28 taxa for Kotychi and 19 for Prokopos. Chironomidae were dominant in both lagoons, while Kotychi was also dominated by Lekanesphaera monodi and Monocorophium insidiosum, and Prokopos by Ostracoda and Lekanesphaera monodi. Benthic diversity ranged from 1.33 to 2.57 in Kotychi and from 0.67 to 2.48 in Prokopos. Species richness, diversity, and abundance of benthic macroinvertebrates were strongly related to aquatic vegetation and to the degree of communication with the marine environment. Moreover, species richness and abundance of both macrophytes and macroinvertebrates were mainly dependent on depth, temperature, pH and concentration of total suspended materials (TSM). Results also showed that environmental variables such as depth, transparency/depth ratio, total P, chl-a, and TSM differed significantly between the two lagoons. In order to assess the ecological quality of the study sites, the functional ISD index has been applied. From the preliminary results it seems that ISD index, based on the biomass size structure of the macroinvertebrate communities, is more appropriate for the assessment of the ecological status for these particular ecosystems. The development of a monitoring team is essential for the protection and management of these ecologically important ecosystems. Further investigation is necessary to examine the relationships between benthic macroinvertebrates and aquatic macrophytes, the use of biotic indices to the evaluation for lagoonal ecosystems' ecological status and the relation between the hydrological processes and the biodiversity patterns of the biotic elements.

Confirming the structure of negative beliefs about psychosis and bipolar disorder: A confirmatory factor analysis study of the Personal Beliefs about Experience Questionnaire and Personal Beliefs about Illness Questionnaire.

PubMed

Taylor, Peter J; Pyle, Melissa; Schwannauer, Matthias; Hutton, Paul; Morrison, Anthony

2015-11-01

Negative beliefs about psychosis and other mental health difficulties may contribute to depression and distress in individuals with these experiences. The Personal Beliefs about Experience Questionnaire (PBEQ) and Personal Beliefs about Illness Questionnaire (PBIllQ) are two widely used measures of these beliefs. It is currently uncertain how the items on these measures map onto different underlying factors. This study therefore aimed to test the factor structure of these two measures. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to test three alternative, pre-specified, factor structures for the PBIllQ and PBEQ in a sample of individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder (n = 202) and a sample of individuals with experien-ces of psychosis (n = 362). Associations with depressive symptoms were also examined. A three-factor structure was supported for both measures, which included Negative Expectations/Appraisals (NEA), Internal Shame/Defectiveness (ISD) and External Shame (ES) factors. The NEA and ISD subscales also had consistent independent associations with depressive symptoms. The results suggest that the PBIllQ and PBEQ may capture three distinct sets of negative beliefs in individuals with psychosis or bipolar disorder and that these beliefs may have important consequences for subsequent difficulties in these populations such as depression. Both measures may be helpful in supporting assessment and formulation in clinical practice and in evaluating belief change in intervention trials. However, when used in these settings, the three subscales identified in this study may be the most valid way of calculating scores on these measures. Negative personal beliefs about the causes, meaning and consequences of psychosis and bipolar disorder are associated with greater distress and depression. Two related measures, the PBIllQ and PBEQ, have been developed to assess these beliefs. Our analyses suggest that scores on these questionnaires are best broken down into three subscales which capture perceptions of internal shame or defectiveness, general negative appraisals and perceptions of external shame. These subscales may capture key underlying sets of negative beliefs within individuals with psychosis or bipolar disorder, which in turn impact upon well-being, such as being associated with greater depression. These subscales can be used to aid assessment and formulation within clinical practice but may also provide a valuable means of assessing changes in negative beliefs following interventions. © 2015 The British Psychological Society.

Frataxin Accelerates [2Fe-2S] Cluster Formation on the Human Fe–S Assembly Complex

PubMed Central

Fox, Nicholas G.; Das, Deepika; Chakrabarti, Mrinmoy; Lindahl, Paul A.; Barondeau, David P.

2015-01-01

Iron–sulfur (Fe–S) clusters function as protein cofactors for a wide variety of critical cellular reactions. In human mitochondria, a core Fe–S assembly complex [called SDUF and composed of NFS1, ISD11, ISCU2, and frataxin (FXN) proteins] synthesizes Fe–S clusters from iron, cysteine sulfur, and reducing equivalents and then transfers these intact clusters to target proteins. In vitro assays have relied on reducing the complexity of this complicated Fe–S assembly process by using surrogate electron donor molecules and monitoring simplified reactions. Recent studies have concluded that FXN promotes the synthesis of [4Fe-4S] clusters on the mammalian Fe–S assembly complex. Here the kinetics of Fe–S synthesis reactions were determined using different electron donation systems and by monitoring the products with circular dichroism and absorbance spectroscopies. We discovered that common surrogate electron donor molecules intercepted Fe–S cluster intermediates and formed high-molecular weight species (HMWS). The HMWS are associated with iron, sulfide, and thiol-containing proteins and have properties of a heterogeneous solubilized mineral with spectroscopic properties remarkably reminiscent of those of [4Fe-4S] clusters. In contrast, reactions using physiological reagents revealed that FXN accelerates the formation of [2Fe-2S] clusters rather than [4Fe-4S] clusters as previously reported. In the preceding paper [Fox, N. G., et al. (2015) Biochemistry 54, DOI: 10.1021/bi5014485], [2Fe-2S] intermediates on the SDUF complex were shown to readily transfer to uncomplexed ISCU2 or apo acceptor proteins, depending on the reaction conditions. Our results indicate that FXN accelerates a rate-limiting sulfur transfer step in the synthesis of [2Fe-2S] clusters on the human Fe–S assembly complex. PMID:26016518

Frataxin Accelerates [2Fe-2S] Cluster Formation on the Human Fe-S Assembly Complex.

PubMed

Fox, Nicholas G; Das, Deepika; Chakrabarti, Mrinmoy; Lindahl, Paul A; Barondeau, David P

2015-06-30

Iron-sulfur (Fe-S) clusters function as protein cofactors for a wide variety of critical cellular reactions. In human mitochondria, a core Fe-S assembly complex [called SDUF and composed of NFS1, ISD11, ISCU2, and frataxin (FXN) proteins] synthesizes Fe-S clusters from iron, cysteine sulfur, and reducing equivalents and then transfers these intact clusters to target proteins. In vitro assays have relied on reducing the complexity of this complicated Fe-S assembly process by using surrogate electron donor molecules and monitoring simplified reactions. Recent studies have concluded that FXN promotes the synthesis of [4Fe-4S] clusters on the mammalian Fe-S assembly complex. Here the kinetics of Fe-S synthesis reactions were determined using different electron donation systems and by monitoring the products with circular dichroism and absorbance spectroscopies. We discovered that common surrogate electron donor molecules intercepted Fe-S cluster intermediates and formed high-molecular weight species (HMWS). The HMWS are associated with iron, sulfide, and thiol-containing proteins and have properties of a heterogeneous solubilized mineral with spectroscopic properties remarkably reminiscent of those of [4Fe-4S] clusters. In contrast, reactions using physiological reagents revealed that FXN accelerates the formation of [2Fe-2S] clusters rather than [4Fe-4S] clusters as previously reported. In the preceding paper [Fox, N. G., et al. (2015) Biochemistry 54, DOI: 10.1021/bi5014485], [2Fe-2S] intermediates on the SDUF complex were shown to readily transfer to uncomplexed ISCU2 or apo acceptor proteins, depending on the reaction conditions. Our results indicate that FXN accelerates a rate-limiting sulfur transfer step in the synthesis of [2Fe-2S] clusters on the human Fe-S assembly complex.

Direct radiative effects induced by intense desert dust outbreaks over the broader Mediterranean basin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gkikas, Antonis; Obiso, Vincenzo; Vendrell, Lluis; Basart, Sara; Jorba, Oriol; Pérez Garcia-Pando, Carlos; Hatzianastassiou, Nikos; Gassó, Santiago; Baldasano, Jose Maria

2016-04-01

Throughout the year, under favorable conditions, massive loads of mineral particles originating in the northern African and Middle East deserts are transported over the Mediterranean basin. Due to their composition and size, dust aerosols perturb the Earth-Atmosphere system's energy budget interacting directly with the shortwave (SW) and longwave (LW) radiation. The present study aims to compute the Mediterranean dust outbreaks' direct radiative effects (DREs) as well as to assess the effect of including dust DREs in numerical simulations of a regional model. To this aim, 20 intense dust outbreaks have been selected based on their spatial coverage and intensity. Their identification, over the period 2000-2013, has been achieved through an objective and dynamic algorithm which utilizes as inputs daily satellite retrievals derived by the MODIS-Terra, EP-TOMS and OMI-Aura sensors. For each outbreak, two simulations of the NMMB/BSC-Dust model were made for a forecast period of 84 hours, with the model initialized at 00 UTC of the day when the dust outbreak was ignited, activating (RADON) and deactivating (RADOFF) dust-radiation interactions. The simulation domain covers the northern Africa, the Middle East and Europe at 0.25° x 0.25° horizontal resolution, for 40 hybrid sigma pressure levels up to 50 hPa. The instantaneous and regional DREs have been calculated at the top of the atmosphere (TOA), into the atmosphere (ATMAB), and at surface, for the downwelling (SURF) and the absorbed (NETSURF) radiation, for the SW, LW and NET (SW+LW) radiation. The interaction between dust aerosols and NET radiation, locally leads to an atmospheric warming (DREATMAB) by up to 150 Wm-2, a surface cooling (DRENETSURF) by up to 250 Wm-2 and a reduction of the downwelling radiation at the surface (DRESURF) by up to 300 Wm-2. At TOA, DREs are mainly negative (down to -150 Wm-2) indicating a cooling of the Earth-Atmosphere system, although positive values (up to 50 Wm-2) are encountered over desert areas. The mean regional NET DREs, under clear-sky conditions, vary between -10 to 2, -3 to 25, -35 to 3 and -22 to 3 Wm-2 for TOA, ATMAB, SURF and NETSURF, respectively. According to our results, dust outbreaks can cause a decrease of temperature at 2 meters by 4 °C during daytime while an increase of a similar magnitude is found at night. Moreover, negative feedbacks on dust emissions and aerosol optical depth are observed when dust-radiation interactions are activated. Our analysis clearly shows that taking into account the dust radiative effects in numerical simulations (RADON) the model's ability to reproduce the temperature fields as well as the downwelling radiation fluxes at the surface is improved. The former is confirmed by the evaluation of the model's outputs against ERA-Interim reanalyses datasets and weather stations observations (Integrated Surface Database, ISD) while the latter is justified through the comparison of model's downwelling SW/LW radiation fluxes at the surface with ground measurements from 6 Baseline Surface Radiation Network (BSRN) stations. A similar analysis is also attempted for the dust aerosol optical depth at 550 nm using the AERONET ground retrievals as reference measurements.

Evolutionary blueprint for host- and niche-adaptation in Staphylococcus aureus clonal complex CC30

PubMed Central

McGavin, Martin J.; Arsic, Benjamin; Nickerson, Nicholas N.

2012-01-01

Staphylococcus aureus clonal complex CC30 has caused infectious epidemics for more than 60 years, and, therefore, provides a model system to evaluate how evolution has influenced the disease potential of closely related strains. In previous multiple genome comparisons, phylogenetic analyses established three major branches that evolved from a common ancestor. Clade 1, comprised of historic pandemic phage type 80/81 methicillin susceptible S. aureus (MSSA), and Clade 2 comprised of contemporary community acquired methicillin resistant S. aureus (CA-MRSA) were hyper-virulent in murine infection models. Conversely, Clade 3 strains comprised of contemporary hospital associated MRSA (HA-MRSA) and clinical MSSA exhibited attenuated virulence, due to common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP's) that abrogate production of α-hemolysin Hla, and interfere with signaling of the accessory gene regulator agr. We have now completed additional in silico genome comparisons of 15 additional CC30 genomes in the public domain, to assess the hypothesis that Clade 3 has evolved to favor niche adaptation. In addition to SNP's that influence agr and hla, other common traits of Clade 3 include tryptophan auxotrophy due to a di-nucleotide deletion within trpD, a premature stop codon within isdH encoding an immunogenic cell surface protein involved in iron acquisition, loss of a genomic toxin–antitoxin (TA) addiction module, acquisition of S. aureus pathogenicity islands SaPI4, and SaPI2 encoding toxic shock syndrome toxin tst, and increased copy number of insertion sequence ISSau2, which appears to target transcription terminators. Compared to other Clade 3 MSSA, S. aureus MN8, which is associated with Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome, exhibited a unique ISSau2 insertion, and enhanced production of toxic shock syndrome toxin encoded by SaPI2. Cumulatively, our data support the notion that Clade 3 strains are following an evolutionary blueprint toward niche-adaptation. PMID:22919639

Application of Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy to Monitor Rare Earth Ions in Glass Matrix

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Prakash; Carter, Michael; Kumar, Akshaya

2013-05-01

The Laser Induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a real time online technique that can be used to monitor the concentration of rare earth ions in amorphous glass matrix. This study has significant application in the glass industry where the composition of the glass can be monitored in real time using LIBS technology for quality control. The Eu3 + ions doped silicate glasses were developed via sol gel method. The glasses of varying molar percentages of Eu3 + (0.02, 0.05 and 0.08 mole percent), were prepared to study the effect of variation in concentration of Eu3 + ions on the LIBS signal and to calculate its limit of detection (LOD). The spectral assignment of the observed LIBS spectrum has been made. In order to find the maximum signal to noise ratio, we also recorded the intensity of LIBS signal for various integration start delay (ISD) time at a constant power of (pulsed Nd: YAG) laser. The ocean optics LIBS 2500plus spectrometer along with a Q switched Nd:YAG laser (Quantel, Big Sky) were used to record the LIBS spectrum.

Tricks and Clicks: How Low-Cost Carriers Ply Their Trade Through Self-Service Websites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barry, Chris; Torres, Ann M.

Ethics on the Internet has been a widely debated topic in recent years covering issues that range from privacy to security to fraud. Little, however, has been written on more subtle ethical questions, such as the exploitation of web technologies to inhibit or avoid customer service. Increasingly some firms are using websites to create distance between them and their customer base in specific areas of their operations, while simultaneously developing excellence in sales transaction committal via self-service. This chapter takes a magnifying glass with an ethical lens to one sector - the low-cost, web-based, self-service airline industry, specifically in Ireland. It is noted that the teaching of information systems development (ISD) and, for the most part its practice, assumes ethicality. Similarly, marketing courses focus on satisfying customer needs more effectively and efficiently within the confines of an acceptable ethos. This chapter observes that while these business disciplines are central to the success of self-service websites, there is a disconnect between the normative view and the actuality of practice.

A Seven-Year Longitudinal Study of the Research Outcomes for the CASPER Physics Circus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carmona-Reyes, Jorge; Land-Zandstra, Anna; Stark, Gary; Tarman, Lisa; Menefee, Matt; Wang, Li; Cook, Mike; Schmoke, Jimmy; Matthews, Lorin; Hyde, Truell

2014-10-01

The CASPER Physics Circus was specifically designed to increase student interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers where the current generation of scientists and engineers is rapidly approaching retirement age. The Physics Circus followed Waco and LaVega ISD students starting in the sixth grade and ending in the twelfth grade with this cohort group attending the Physics Circus event on the Baylor University campus, interacting with CASPER graduate students and participating in hands-on instructional activities. The event was designed as an informal learning environment intervention and operated under the discovery, project and guided-inquiry base framework wrapped in a learner-center ideology. Participating students were allowed to experiment with hands-on manipulatives while interacting with physicists, science educators and graduate students in both STEM and science education fields. Professional Development was also a part of the Physics Circus for all science teachers within the cohort. This paper presents the results of a seven-year longitudinal study on the Physics Circus and presents future plans to expand the program's effectiveness and impact.

Magnetic resonance imaging in assessment of stress urinary incontinence in women: Parameters differentiating urethral hypermobility and intrinsic sphincter deficiency.

PubMed

Macura, Katarzyna Jadwiga; Thompson, Richard Eugene; Bluemke, David Alan; Genadry, Rene

2015-11-28

To define the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters differentiating urethral hypermobility (UH) and intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The static and dynamic MR images of 21 patients with SUI were correlated to urodynamic (UD) findings and compared to those of 10 continent controls. For the assessment of the urethra and integrity of the urethral support structures, we applied the high-resolution endocavitary MRI, such as intraurethral MRI, endovaginal or endorectal MRI. For the functional imaging of the urethral support, we performed dynamic MRI with the pelvic phased array coil. We assessed the following MRI parameters in both the patient and the volunteer groups: (1) urethral angle; (2) bladder neck descent; (3) status of the periurethral ligaments, (4) vaginal shape; (5) urethral sphincter integrity, length and muscle thickness at mid urethra; (6) bladder neck funneling; (7) status of the puborectalis muscle; (8) pubo-vaginal distance. UDs parameters were assessed in the patient study group as follows: (1) urethral mobility angle on Q-tip test; (2) Valsalva leak point pressure (VLPP) measured at 250 cc bladder volume; and (3) maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP). The UH type of SUI was defined with the Q-tip test angle over 30 degrees, and VLPP pressure over 60 cm H2O. The ISD incontinence was defined with MUCP pressure below 20 cm H2O, and VLPP pressure less or equal to 60 cm H2O. We considered the associations between the MRI and clinical data and UDs using a variety of statistical tools to include linear regression, multivariate logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. All statistical analyses were performed using STATA version 9.0 (StataCorp LP, College Station, TX). In the incontinent group, 52% have history of vaginal delivery trauma as compared to none in control group (P < 0.001). There was no difference between the continent volunteers and incontinent patients in body habitus as assessed by the body mass index. Pubovaginal distance and periurethral ligament disruption are significantly associated with incontinence; periurethral ligament symmetricity reduces the odds of incontinence by 87%. Bladder neck funneling and length of the suprapubic urethral sphincter are significantly associated with the type of incontinence on UDs; funneling reduced the odds of pure UH by almost 95%; increasing suprapubic urethral sphincter length at rest is highly associated with UH. Both MRI variables result in a predictive model for UDs diagnosis (area under the ROC = 0.944). MRI may play an important role in assessing the contribution of hypermobility and sphincteric dysfunction to the SUI in women when considering treatment options.

Magnetic resonance imaging in assessment of stress urinary incontinence in women: Parameters differentiating urethral hypermobility and intrinsic sphincter deficiency

PubMed Central

Macura, Katarzyna Jadwiga; Thompson, Richard Eugene; Bluemke, David Alan; Genadry, Rene

2015-01-01

AIM: To define the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters differentiating urethral hypermobility (UH) and intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS: The static and dynamic MR images of 21 patients with SUI were correlated to urodynamic (UD) findings and compared to those of 10 continent controls. For the assessment of the urethra and integrity of the urethral support structures, we applied the high-resolution endocavitary MRI, such as intraurethral MRI, endovaginal or endorectal MRI. For the functional imaging of the urethral support, we performed dynamic MRI with the pelvic phased array coil. We assessed the following MRI parameters in both the patient and the volunteer groups: (1) urethral angle; (2) bladder neck descent; (3) status of the periurethral ligaments, (4) vaginal shape; (5) urethral sphincter integrity, length and muscle thickness at mid urethra; (6) bladder neck funneling; (7) status of the puborectalis muscle; (8) pubo-vaginal distance. UDs parameters were assessed in the patient study group as follows: (1) urethral mobility angle on Q-tip test; (2) Valsalva leak point pressure (VLPP) measured at 250 cc bladder volume; and (3) maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP). The UH type of SUI was defined with the Q-tip test angle over 30 degrees, and VLPP pressure over 60 cm H2O. The ISD incontinence was defined with MUCP pressure below 20 cm H2O, and VLPP pressure less or equal to 60 cm H2O. We considered the associations between the MRI and clinical data and UDs using a variety of statistical tools to include linear regression, multivariate logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. All statistical analyses were performed using STATA version 9.0 (StataCorp LP, College Station, TX). RESULTS: In the incontinent group, 52% have history of vaginal delivery trauma as compared to none in control group (P < 0.001). There was no difference between the continent volunteers and incontinent patients in body habitus as assessed by the body mass index. Pubovaginal distance and periurethral ligament disruption are significantly associated with incontinence; periurethral ligament symmetricity reduces the odds of incontinence by 87%. Bladder neck funneling and length of the suprapubic urethral sphincter are significantly associated with the type of incontinence on UDs; funneling reduced the odds of pure UH by almost 95%; increasing suprapubic urethral sphincter length at rest is highly associated with UH. Both MRI variables result in a predictive model for UDs diagnosis (area under the ROC = 0.944). CONCLUSION: MRI may play an important role in assessing the contribution of hypermobility and sphincteric dysfunction to the SUI in women when considering treatment options. PMID:26644825

Human frataxin is an allosteric switch that activates the Fe-S cluster biosynthetic complex.

PubMed

Tsai, Chi-Lin; Barondeau, David P

2010-11-02

Cellular depletion of the human protein frataxin is correlated with the neurodegenerative disease Friedreich's ataxia and results in the inactivation of Fe-S cluster proteins. Most researchers agree that frataxin functions in the biogenesis of Fe-S clusters, but its precise role in this process is unclear. Here we provide in vitro evidence that human frataxin binds to a Nfs1, Isd11, and Isu2 complex to generate the four-component core machinery for Fe-S cluster biosynthesis. Frataxin binding dramatically changes the K(M) for cysteine from 0.59 to 0.011 mM and the catalytic efficiency (k(cat)/K(M)) of the cysteine desulfurase from 25 to 7900 M⁻¹s⁻¹. Oxidizing conditions diminish the levels of both complex formation and frataxin-based activation, whereas ferrous iron further stimulates cysteine desulfurase activity. Together, these results indicate human frataxin functions with Fe(2+) as an allosteric activator that triggers sulfur delivery and Fe-S cluster assembly. We propose a model in which cellular frataxin levels regulate human Fe-S cluster biosynthesis that has implications for mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress response, and both neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disease.

A Mobile App Development Guideline for Hospital Settings: Maximizing the Use of and Minimizing the Security Risks of "Bring Your Own Devices" Policies

PubMed Central

Pelletier, Alexandra; Sunthara, Gajen; Gujral, Nitin; Mittal, Vandna; Bourgeois, Fabienne C

2016-01-01

Background Hospitals today are introducing new mobile apps to improve patient care and workflow processes. Mobile device adoption by hospitals fits with present day technology behavior; however, requires a deeper look into hospital device policies and the impact on patients, staff, and technology development. Should hospitals spend thousands to millions of dollars to equip all personnel with a mobile device that is only used in a hospital environment? Allowing health care professionals to use personal mobile devices at work, known as bring-your-own-device (BYOD), has the potential to support both the hospital and its employees to deliver effective and efficient care. Objective The objectives of this research were to create a mobile app development guideline for a BYOD hospital environment, apply the guideline to the development of an in-house mobile app called TaskList, pilot the TaskList app within Boston Children’s Hospital (BCH), and refine the guideline based on the app pilot. TaskList is an Apple operating system (iOS)-based app designed for medical residents to monitor, create, capture, and share daily collaborative tasks associated with patients. Methods To create the BYOD guidelines, we developed TaskList that required the use of mobile devices among medical resident. The TaskList app was designed in four phases: (1) mobile app guideline development, (2) requirements gathering and developing of TaskList fitting the guideline, (3) deployment of TaskList using BYOD with end-users, and (4) refinement of the guideline based on the TaskList pilot. Phase 1 included understanding the existing hospital BYOD policies and conducting Web searches to find best practices in software development for a BYOD environment. Phase 1 also included gathering subject matter input from the Information Services Department (ISD) at BCH. Phase 2 involved the collaboration between the Innovation Acceleration Program at BCH, the ISD Department and the TaskList Clinical team in understanding what features should be built into the app. Phase 3 involved deployment of TaskList on a clinical floor at BCH. Lastly, Phase 4 gathered the lessons learned from the pilot to refine the guideline. Results Fourteen practical recommendations were identified to create the BCH Mobile Application Development Guideline to safeguard custom applications in hospital BYOD settings. The recommendations were grouped into four categories: (1) authentication and authorization, (2) data management, (3) safeguarding app environment, and (4) remote enforcement. Following the guideline, the TaskList app was developed and then was piloted with an inpatient ward team. Conclusions The Mobile Application Development guideline was created and used in the development of TaskList. The guideline is intended for use by developers when addressing integration with hospital information systems, deploying apps in BYOD health care settings, and meeting compliance standards, such as Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations. PMID:27169345

A Mobile App Development Guideline for Hospital Settings: Maximizing the Use of and Minimizing the Security Risks of "Bring Your Own Devices" Policies.

PubMed

Al Ayubi, Soleh U; Pelletier, Alexandra; Sunthara, Gajen; Gujral, Nitin; Mittal, Vandna; Bourgeois, Fabienne C

2016-05-11

Hospitals today are introducing new mobile apps to improve patient care and workflow processes. Mobile device adoption by hospitals fits with present day technology behavior; however, requires a deeper look into hospital device policies and the impact on patients, staff, and technology development. Should hospitals spend thousands to millions of dollars to equip all personnel with a mobile device that is only used in a hospital environment? Allowing health care professionals to use personal mobile devices at work, known as bring-your-own-device (BYOD), has the potential to support both the hospital and its employees to deliver effective and efficient care. The objectives of this research were to create a mobile app development guideline for a BYOD hospital environment, apply the guideline to the development of an in-house mobile app called TaskList, pilot the TaskList app within Boston Children's Hospital (BCH), and refine the guideline based on the app pilot. TaskList is an Apple operating system (iOS)-based app designed for medical residents to monitor, create, capture, and share daily collaborative tasks associated with patients. To create the BYOD guidelines, we developed TaskList that required the use of mobile devices among medical resident. The TaskList app was designed in four phases: (1) mobile app guideline development, (2) requirements gathering and developing of TaskList fitting the guideline, (3) deployment of TaskList using BYOD with end-users, and (4) refinement of the guideline based on the TaskList pilot. Phase 1 included understanding the existing hospital BYOD policies and conducting Web searches to find best practices in software development for a BYOD environment. Phase 1 also included gathering subject matter input from the Information Services Department (ISD) at BCH. Phase 2 involved the collaboration between the Innovation Acceleration Program at BCH, the ISD Department and the TaskList Clinical team in understanding what features should be built into the app. Phase 3 involved deployment of TaskList on a clinical floor at BCH. Lastly, Phase 4 gathered the lessons learned from the pilot to refine the guideline. Fourteen practical recommendations were identified to create the BCH Mobile Application Development Guideline to safeguard custom applications in hospital BYOD settings. The recommendations were grouped into four categories: (1) authentication and authorization, (2) data management, (3) safeguarding app environment, and (4) remote enforcement. Following the guideline, the TaskList app was developed and then was piloted with an inpatient ward team. The Mobile Application Development guideline was created and used in the development of TaskList. The guideline is intended for use by developers when addressing integration with hospital information systems, deploying apps in BYOD health care settings, and meeting compliance standards, such as Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations.

Relative quantitative comparisons of the extracellular protein profiles of Staphylococcus aureus UAMS-1 and its sarA, agr, and sarA agr regulatory mutants using one-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and nanocapillary liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Jones, Richard C; Deck, Joanna; Edmondson, Ricky D; Hart, Mark E

2008-08-01

One-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by nanocapillary liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry was used to analyze proteins isolated from Staphylococcus aureus UAMS-1 after 3, 6, 12, and 24 h of in vitro growth. Protein abundance was determined using a quantitative value termed normalized peptide number, and overall, proteins known to be associated with the cell wall were more abundant early on in growth, while proteins known to be secreted into the surrounding milieu were more abundant late in growth. In addition, proteins from spent media and cell lysates of strain UAMS-1 and its isogenic sarA, agr, and sarA agr regulatory mutant strains during exponential growth were identified, and their relative abundances were compared. Extracellular proteins known to be regulated by the global regulators sarA and agr displayed protein levels in accordance with what is known regarding the effects of these regulators. For example, cysteine protease (SspB), endopeptidase (SspA), staphopain (ScpA), and aureolysin (Aur) were higher in abundance in the sarA and sarA agr mutants than in strain UAMS-1. The immunoglobulin G (IgG)-binding protein (Sbi), immunodominant staphylococcal antigen A (IsaA), IgG-binding protein A (Spa), and the heme-iron-binding protein (IsdA) were most abundant in the agr mutant background. Proteins whose abundance was decreased in the sarA mutant included fibrinogen-binding protein (Fib [Efb]), IsaA, lipase 1 and 2, and two proteins identified as putative leukocidin F and S subunits of the two-component leukotoxin family. Collectively, this approach identified 1,263 proteins (matches of two peptides or more) and provided a convenient and reliable way of identifying proteins and comparing their relative abundances.

Determining the vortex tilt relative to a superconductor surface

DOE PAGES

Kogan, V. G.; Kirtley, J. R.

2017-11-20

Here, it is of interest to determine the exit angle of a vortex from a superconductor surface, since this affects the intervortex interactions and their consequences. Two ways to determine this angle are to image the vortex magnetic fields above the surface, or the vortex core shape at the surface. In this work we evaluate the field h(x,y,z) above a flat superconducting surface x,y and the currents J(x,y) at that surface for a straight vortex tilted relative to the normal to the surface, for both the isotropic and anisotropic cases. In principle, these results can be used to determine themore » vortex exit tilt angle from analyses of magnetic field imaging or density of states data.« less

TOPS On-Line: Automating the Construction and Maintenance of HTML Pages

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, Kennie H.

1994-01-01

After the Technology Opportunities Showcase (TOPS), in October, 1993, Langley Research Center's (LaRC) Information Systems Division (ISD) accepted the challenge to preserve the investment in information assembled in the TOPS exhibits by establishing a data base. Following the lead of several people at LaRC and others around the world, the HyperText Transport Protocol (HTTP) server and Mosaic were the obvious tools of choice for implementation. Initially, some TOPS exhibitors began the conventional approach of constructing HyperText Markup Language (HTML) pages of their exhibits as input to Mosaic. Considering the number of pages to construct, a better approach was conceived that would automate the construction of pages. This approach allowed completion of the data base construction in a shorter period of time using fewer resources than would have been possible with the conventional approach. It also provided flexibility for the maintenance and enhancement of the data base. Since that time, this approach has been used to automate construction of other HTML data bases. Through these experiences, it is concluded that the most effective use of the HTTP/Mosaic technology will require better tools and techniques for creating, maintaining and managing the HTML pages. The development and use of these tools and techniques are the subject of this document.

Determining eyeball surface area directly exposed to the effects of external factors.

PubMed

Juliszewski, Tadeusz; Kadłuczka, Filip; Kiełbasa, Paweł

2016-01-01

This article discusses determining the surface area of eyeballs of men and women exposed to the direct effects of external factors in the working environment. For one eye, the mean surface is 172-182 mm(2). The determined surface area can be used in formulas for calculating the exposure of eyeballs to harmful chemical substances in workplace air.

Particle-Surface Interaction Model and Method of Determining Particle-Surface Interactions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hughes, David W. (Inventor)

2012-01-01

A method and model of predicting particle-surface interactions with a surface, such as the surface of a spacecraft. The method includes the steps of: determining a trajectory path of a plurality of moving particles; predicting whether any of the moving particles will intersect a surface; predicting whether any of the particles will be captured by the surface and/or; predicting a reflected trajectory and velocity of particles reflected from the surface.

Estimation of polymer-surface interfacial interaction strength by a contact AFM technique.

PubMed

Dvir, H; Jopp, J; Gottlieb, M

2006-12-01

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements were employed to assess polymer-surface interfacial interaction strength. The main feature of the measurement is the use of contact-mode AFM as a tool to scratch off the polymer monolayer adsorbed on the solid surface. Tapping-mode AFM was used to determine the depth of the scraped recess. Independent determination of the layer thickness obtained from optical phase interference microscopy (OPIM) confirmed the depth of the AFM scratch. The force required for the complete removal of the polymer layer with no apparent damage to the substrate surface was determined. Polypropylene (PP), low-density polyethylene (PE), and PP-grafted-maleic anhydride (PP-g-ma) were scraped off silane-treated glass slabs, and the strength of surface interaction of the polymer layer was determined. In all cases it was determined that the magnitude of surface interaction force is of the order of van der Waals (VDW) interactions. The interaction strength is influenced either by polymer ability to wet the surface (hydrophobic or hydrophilic interactions) or by hydrogen bonding between the polymer and the surface treatment.

Transmission electron diffraction determination of the Ge(001)-(2 × 1) surface structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Collazo-Davila, C.; Grozea, D.; Landree, E.; Marks, L. D.

1997-04-01

The lateral displacements in the Ge(001)-(2 × 1) surface reconstruction have been determined using transmission electron diffraction (TED). The best-fit model includes displacements extending six layers into the bulk. The atomic positions found agree with X-ray studies to within a few hundredths of an ångström. With the positions determined so precisely, it is suggested that the Ge(001)-(2 × 1) surface can now serve as a standard for comparison with theoretical surface structure calculations. The results from the currently available theoretical studies on the surface are compared with the experimentally determined structure.

Apparatus and method for measuring and imaging surface resistance

DOEpatents

Martens, Jon S.; Hietala, Vincent M.; Hohenwarter, Gert K. G.

1993-08-24

Apparatus and method for determining and imaging superconductor surface resistance. The apparatus comprises modified Gaussian confocal resonator structure with the sample remote from the radiating mirror. Surface resistance is determined by analyzing and imaging reflected microwaves; imaging reveals anomalies due to surface impurities, non-stoichiometry, and the like, in the surface of the superconductor.

Method and apparatus for determining the coordinates of an object

DOEpatents

Pedersen, Paul S.

2002-01-01

A simplified method and related apparatus are described for determining the location of points on the surface of an object by varying, in accordance with a unique sequence, the intensity of each illuminated pixel directed to the object surface, and detecting at known detector pixel locations the intensity sequence of reflected illumination from the surface of the object whereby the identity and location of the originating illuminated pixel can be determined. The coordinates of points on the surface of the object are then determined by conventional triangulation methods.

Verification of Experimental Techniques for Flow Surface Determination

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lissenden, Cliff J.; Lerch, Bradley A.; Ellis, John R.; Robinson, David N.

1996-01-01

The concept of a yield surface is central to the mathematical formulation of a classical plasticity theory. However, at elevated temperatures, material response can be highly time-dependent, which is beyond the realm of classical plasticity. Viscoplastic theories have been developed for just such conditions. In viscoplastic theories, the flow law is given in terms of inelastic strain rate rather than the inelastic strain increment used in time-independent plasticity. Thus, surfaces of constant inelastic strain rate or flow surfaces are to viscoplastic theories what yield surfaces are to classical plasticity. The purpose of the work reported herein was to validate experimental procedures for determining flow surfaces at elevated temperatures. Since experimental procedures for determining yield surfaces in axial/torsional stress space are well established, they were employed -- except inelastic strain rates were used rather than total inelastic strains. In yield-surface determinations, the use of small-offset definitions of yield minimizes the change of material state and allows multiple loadings to be applied to a single specimen. The key to the experiments reported here was precise, decoupled measurement of axial and torsional strain. With this requirement in mind, the performance of a high-temperature multi-axial extensometer was evaluated by comparing its results with strain gauge results at room temperature. Both the extensometer and strain gauges gave nearly identical yield surfaces (both initial and subsequent) for type 316 stainless steel (316 SS). The extensometer also successfully determined flow surfaces for 316 SS at 650 C. Furthermore, to judge the applicability of the technique for composite materials, yield surfaces were determined for unidirectional tungsten/Kanthal (Fe-Cr-Al).

Method and Apparatus for Determining Changes in Intracranial Pressure Utilizing Measurement of the Circumferential Expansion or Contraction of a Patient's Skull

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yos, William T. (Inventor); Cantrell, John H., Jr. (Inventor)

2004-01-01

A method and apparatus for measuring changes in intracranial pressure (ICP) utilizing the variation of the surface wave propagation parameters of the patient's skull to determine the change in ICP. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of transmitting an ultrasonic bulk compressional wave onto the surface of the skull at a predetermined angle with respect to the skull so as to produce a surface wave, receiving the surface wave at an angle with respect tn the skull which is substantially the same as the predetermined angle and at a location that is a predetermined distance from where the ultrasonic bulk compressional wave was transmitted upon the skull, determining the retardation or advancement in phase of the received surface wave with respect to a reference phase, and processing the determined retardation or advancement in phase to determine circumferential expansion or contraction of the skull and utilizing the determined circumferential change to determine the change in intracranial pressure.

Surface property detection apparatus and method

DOEpatents

Martens, J.S.; Ginley, D.S.; Hietala, V.M.; Sorensen, N.R.

1995-08-08

Apparatus and method for detecting, determining, and imaging surface resistance corrosion, thin film growth, and oxide formation on the surface of conductors or other electrical surface modification. The invention comprises a modified confocal resonator structure with the sample remote from the radiating mirror. Surface resistance is determined by analyzing and imaging reflected microwaves; imaging reveals anomalies due to surface impurities, non-stoichiometry, and the like, in the surface of the superconductor, conductor, dielectric, or semiconductor. 4 figs.

Determination of surface stress by Seasat-SASS - A case study with JASIN data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, W. T.; Large, W. G.

1981-01-01

The values of sea surface stress determined with the dissipation method and those determined with a surface-layer model from observations on F.S. Meteor during the Joint Air-Sea Interaction (JASIN) Experiment are compared with the backscatter coefficients measured by the scatterometer SASS on the satellite Seasat. This study demonstrates that SASS can be used to determine surface stress directly as well as wind speed. The quality of the surface observations used in the calibration of the retrieval algorithms, however, is important. This sample of measurements disagrees with the predictions by the existing wind retrieval algorithm under non-neutral conditions and the discrepancies depend on atmospheric stability.

Quantitative characterization of material surface — Application to Ni + Mo electrolytic composite coatings

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

Kubisztal, J., E-mail: julian.kubisztal@us.edu.pl

A new approach to numerical analysis of maps of material surface has been proposed and discussed in detail. It was concluded that the roughness factor RF and the root mean square roughness S{sub q} show a saturation effect with increasing size of the analysed maps what allows determining the optimal map dimension representative of the examined material. A quantitative method of determining predominant direction of the surface texture based on the power spectral density function is also proposed and discussed. The elaborated method was applied in surface analysis of Ni + Mo composite coatings. It was shown that co-deposition ofmore » molybdenum particles in nickel matrix leads to an increase in surface roughness. In addition, a decrease in size of the embedded Mo particles in Ni matrix causes an increase of both the surface roughness and the surface texture. It was also stated that the relation between the roughness factor and the double layer capacitance C{sub dl} of the studied coatings is linear and allows determining the double layer capacitance of the smooth nickel electrode. - Highlights: •Optimization of the procedure for the scanning of the material surface •Quantitative determination of the surface roughness and texture intensity •Proposition of the parameter describing privileged direction of the surface texture •Determination of the double layer capacitance of the smooth electrode.« less

Generating a Simulated Fluid Flow over a Surface Using Anisotropic Diffusion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rodriguez, David L. (Inventor); Sturdza, Peter (Inventor)

2016-01-01

A fluid-flow simulation over a computer-generated surface is generated using a diffusion technique. The surface is comprised of a surface mesh of polygons. A boundary-layer fluid property is obtained for a subset of the polygons of the surface mesh. A gradient vector is determined for a selected polygon, the selected polygon belonging to the surface mesh but not one of the subset of polygons. A maximum and minimum diffusion rate is determined along directions determined using the gradient vector corresponding to the selected polygon. A diffusion-path vector is defined between a point in the selected polygon and a neighboring point in a neighboring polygon. An updated fluid property is determined for the selected polygon using a variable diffusion rate, the variable diffusion rate based on the minimum diffusion rate, maximum diffusion rate, and the gradient vector.

Microparticle impacts in space: Results from Solar Max and shuttle witness plate inspections

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mckay, David S.

1989-01-01

The Solar Maximum Satellite developed electronic problems after operating successfully in space for several years. Astronauts on Space Shuttle mission STS-41C retrieved the satellite into the orbiter cargo bay, replaced defective components, and re-deployed the repaired satellite into orbit. The defective components were returned to Earth for study. The space-exposed surfaces were examined. The approach and objectives were to: document morphology of impact; find and analyze projectile residue; classify impact by origin; determine flux distribution; and determine implications for space exposure. The purpose of the shuttle witness plate experiment was to detect impacts from PAM D2 solid rocket motor; determine flux and size distribution of particles; and determine abrasion effects on various conditions. Results are given for aluminum surfaces, copper surfaces, stainless steel surfaces, Inconel surfaces, and quartz glass surfaces.

The Barnes-Evans color-surface brightness relation: A preliminary theoretical interpretation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shipman, H. L.

1980-01-01

Model atmosphere calculations are used to assess whether an empirically derived relation between V-R and surface brightness is independent of a variety of stellar paramters, including surface gravity. This relationship is used in a variety of applications, including the determination of the distances of Cepheid variables using a method based on the Beade-Wesselink method. It is concluded that the use of a main sequence relation between V-R color and surface brightness in determining radii of giant stars is subject to systematic errors that are smaller than 10% in the determination of a radius or distance for temperature cooler than 12,000 K. The error in white dwarf radii determined from a main sequence color surface brightness relation is roughly 10%.

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

Kogan, V. G.; Kirtley, J. R.

Here, it is of interest to determine the exit angle of a vortex from a superconductor surface, since this affects the intervortex interactions and their consequences. Two ways to determine this angle are to image the vortex magnetic fields above the surface, or the vortex core shape at the surface. In this work we evaluate the field h(x,y,z) above a flat superconducting surface x,y and the currents J(x,y) at that surface for a straight vortex tilted relative to the normal to the surface, for both the isotropic and anisotropic cases. In principle, these results can be used to determine themore » vortex exit tilt angle from analyses of magnetic field imaging or density of states data.« less

Generating a Simulated Fluid Flow Over an Aircraft Surface Using Anisotropic Diffusion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rodriguez, David L. (Inventor); Sturdza, Peter (Inventor)

2013-01-01

A fluid-flow simulation over a computer-generated aircraft surface is generated using a diffusion technique. The surface is comprised of a surface mesh of polygons. A boundary-layer fluid property is obtained for a subset of the polygons of the surface mesh. A pressure-gradient vector is determined for a selected polygon, the selected polygon belonging to the surface mesh but not one of the subset of polygons. A maximum and minimum diffusion rate is determined along directions determined using a pressure gradient vector corresponding to the selected polygon. A diffusion-path vector is defined between a point in the selected polygon and a neighboring point in a neighboring polygon. An updated fluid property is determined for the selected polygon using a variable diffusion rate, the variable diffusion rate based on the minimum diffusion rate, maximum diffusion rate, and angular difference between the diffusion-path vector and the pressure-gradient vector.

Determination of real machine-tool settings and minimization of real surface deviation by computerized inspection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Litvin, Faydor L.; Kuan, Chihping; Zhang, YI

1991-01-01

A numerical method is developed for the minimization of deviations of real tooth surfaces from the theoretical ones. The deviations are caused by errors of manufacturing, errors of installment of machine-tool settings and distortion of surfaces by heat-treatment. The deviations are determined by coordinate measurements of gear tooth surfaces. The minimization of deviations is based on the proper correction of initially applied machine-tool settings. The contents of accomplished research project cover the following topics: (1) Descriptions of the principle of coordinate measurements of gear tooth surfaces; (2) Deviation of theoretical tooth surfaces (with examples of surfaces of hypoid gears and references for spiral bevel gears); (3) Determination of the reference point and the grid; (4) Determination of the deviations of real tooth surfaces at the points of the grid; and (5) Determination of required corrections of machine-tool settings for minimization of deviations. The procedure for minimization of deviations is based on numerical solution of an overdetermined system of n linear equations in m unknowns (m much less than n ), where n is the number of points of measurements and m is the number of parameters of applied machine-tool settings to be corrected. The developed approach is illustrated with numerical examples.

Documentation of programs used to determine a wetlands hydroperiod from model-simulated water-surface elevations

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sonenshein, R.S.

1996-01-01

A technique has been developed to determine a wetlands hydroperiod by comparing simulated water levels from a ground-water flow model and land- surface elevation data through a geographic information system. The simulated water levels are compared with the land-surface elevation data to determine the height of the water surface above or below land surface for the area of interest. Finally, the hydroperiod is determined for established time periods using criteria specified by the user. The program application requires the use of geographic information system software (ARC/INFO), including the TIN and GRID subsystems of the software. The application consists of an ANSI compatible C program to translate ground- water data output from the U.S. Geological Survey modular three-dimensional, finite-difference, ground-water flow model (MODFLOW) into a format that can be used as input for the geographic information system programs (AML's). The application uses ARC/INFO AML programs and ARC/INFO menu interface programs to create digital spatial data layers of the land surface and water surface and to determine the hydroperiod. The technique can be used to evaluate and manage wetlands hydrology.

Determination of optimum "multi-channel surface wave method" field parameters.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-12-01

Multi-channel surface wave methods (especially the multi-channel analyses of surface wave method; MASW) are routinely used to : determine the shear-wave velocity of the subsurface to depths of 100 feet for site classification purposes. Users are awar...

Mathematical models for the synthesis and optimization of spiral bevel gear tooth surfaces. [for helicopter transmissions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Litvin, F. L.; Rahman, P.; Goldrich, R. N.

1982-01-01

The geometry of spiral bevel gears and to their rational design are studied. The nonconjugate tooth surfaces of spiral bevel gears are, in theory, replaced (or approximated) by conjugated tooth surfaces. These surfaces can be generated by two conical surfaces, and by a conical surface and a revolution. Although these conjugated tooth surfaces are simpler than the actual ones, the determination of their principal curvatures and directions is still a complicated problem. Therefore, a new approach, to the solution of these is proposed. Direct relationships between the principal curvatures and directions of the tool surface and those of the generated gear surface are obtained. With the aid of these analytical tools, the Hertzian contact problem for conjugate tooth surfaces can be solved. These results are useful in determining compressive load capacity and surface fatigue life of spiral bevel gears. A general theory of kinematical errors exerted by manufacturing and assembly errors is developed. This theory is used to determine the analytical relationship between gear misalignments and kinematical errors. This is important to the study of noise and vibration in geared systems.

Laparoscopic versus open liver segmentectomy: prospective, case-matched, intention-to-treat analysis of clinical outcomes and cost effectiveness.

PubMed

Polignano, Francesco M; Quyn, Aaron J; de Figueiredo, Rodrigo S M; Henderson, Nikola A; Kulli, Christoph; Tait, Iain S

2008-12-01

Reduction in hospital stay, blood loss, postoperative pain and complications are common findings after laparoscopic liver resection, suggesting that the laparoscopic approach may be a suitable alternative to open surgery. Some concerns have been raised regarding cost effectiveness of this procedure and potential implications of its large-scale application. Our aim has been to determine cost effectiveness of laparoscopic liver surgery by a case-matched, case-control, intention-to-treat analysis of its costs and short-term clinical outcomes compared with open surgery. Laparoscopic liver segmentectomies and bisegmentectomies performed at Ninewells Hospital and Medical School between 2005 and 2007 were considered. Resections involving more than two Couinaud segments, or involving any synchronous procedure, were excluded. An operation-magnitude-matched control group was identified amongst open liver resections performed between 2004 and 2007. Hospital costs were obtained from the Scottish Health Service Costs Book (ISD Scotland) and average national costs were calculated. Cost of theatre time, disposable surgical devices, hospital stay, and high-dependency unit (HDU) and intensive care unit (ICU) usage were the main endpoints for comparison. Secondary endpoints were morbidity and mortality. Statistical analysis was performed with Student's t-test, chi(2) and Fisher exact test as most appropriate. Twenty-five laparoscopic liver resections were considered, including atypical resection, segmentectomy and bisegmentectomy, and they were compared to 25 matching open resections. The two groups were homogeneous by age, sex, coexistent morbidity, magnitude of resection, prevalence of liver cirrhosis and indications. Operative time (p < 0.03), blood loss (p < 0.0001), Pringle manoeuvre (p < 0.03), hospital stay (p < 0.003) and postoperative complications (p < 0.002) were significantly reduced in the laparoscopic group. Overall hospital cost was significantly lower in the laparoscopic group by an average of 2,571 pounds sterling (p < 0.04). Laparoscopic liver segmentectomy and bisegmentectomy are feasible, safe and cost effective compared to similar open resections. Large-scale application of laparoscopic liver surgery could translate into significant savings to hospitals and health care programmes.

An estimated carbon footprint of NHS primary dental care within England. How can dentistry be more environmentally sustainable?

PubMed

Duane, B; Lee, M Berners; White, S; Stancliffe, R; Steinbach, I

2017-10-27

Introduction National Health Service (NHS) England dental teams need to consider from a professional perspective how they can, along with their NHS colleagues, play their part in reducing their carbon emissions and improve the sustainability of the care they deliver. In order to help understand carbon emissions from dental services, Public Health England (PHE) commissioned a calculation and analysis of the carbon footprint of key dental procedures.Methods Secondary data analysis from Business Services Authority (BSA), Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) (now called NHS Digital, Information Services Division [ISD]), National Association of Specialist Dental Accountants (NASDA) and recent Scottish papers was undertaken using a process-based and environmental input-output analysis using industry established conversion factors.Results The carbon footprint of the NHS dental service is 675 kilotonnes carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e). Examinations contributed the highest proportion to this footprint (27.1%) followed by scale and polish (13.4%) and amalgam/composite restorations (19.3%). From an emissions perspective, nearly 2/3 (64.5%) of emissions related to travel (staff and patient travel), 19% procurement (the products and services dental clinics buy) and 15.3% related to energy use.Discussion The results are estimates of carbon emissions based on a number of broad assumptions. More research, education and awareness is needed to help dentistry develop low carbon patient pathways.

Identification of L. infantum chagasi proteins in VL patients' urine: a promising antigen discovery approach of vaccine candidates

PubMed Central

Kashino, Suely S.; Abeijon, Claudia; Qin, Lizeng; Kanunfre, Kelly A.; Kubrusly, Flávia S.; Silva, Fernando O.; Costa, Dorcas L.; Campos, Dioclécio; Costa, Carlos H.N.; Raw, Isaias; Campos-Neto, Antonio

2012-01-01

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a serious lethal parasitic disease caused by Leishmania donovani in Asia and by Leishmania infantum chagasi in Southern Europe and South America. VL is endemic in 47 countries with an annual incidence estimated to be 500,000 cases. This high incidence is due in part to the lack of an efficacious vaccine. Here, we introduce an innovative approach to directly identify parasite vaccine candidate antigens that are abundantly produced in vivo in humans with VL. We combined RP-HPLC and mass spectrometry and categorized three L. infantum chagasi proteins, presumably produced in spleen, liver, and bone marrow lesions and excreted in the patients’ urine. Specifically, these proteins were the following: Li-isd1 (XP_001467866.1), Li-txn1 (XP_001466642.1), and Li-ntf2 (XP_001463738.1). Initial vaccine validation studies were performed with the rLi-ntf2 protein produced in E. coli mixed with the adjuvant BpMPLA-SE. This formulation stimulated potent Th1 response in BALB/c mice. Compared to control animals, mice immunized with Li-ntf2 + BpMPLASE had a marked parasite burden reduction in spleens at 40 days post-challenge with virulent L. infantum chagasi. These results strongly support the proposed antigen discovery strategy of vaccine candidates to kala-azar and opens novel possibilities for vaccine development to other serious infectious diseases. PMID:22443237

The Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement and health: few gains, some losses, many risks.

PubMed

Labonté, Ronald; Schram, Ashley; Ruckert, Arne

2016-06-06

In early October 2015, 12 nations signed the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), promoted as a model '21(st) century' trade and investment agreement that other countries would eventually join. There are growing concerns amongst the public health community about the potential health implications of such WTO+ trade and investment agreements, but little existing knowledge on their potential health impacts. We conducted a health impact review which allows for a summary estimation of the most significant health impacts of a set of policies, in our case the TPPA. Our analysis shows that there are a number of potentially serious health risks, with the following key pathways linking trade to health: access to medicines, reduced regulatory space, investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS), and environmental protection and labor rights. We also note that economic gains that could translate into health benefits will likely be inequitably distributed. Our analysis demonstrates the need for the public health community to be knowledgeable about trade issues and more engaged in trade negotiations. In the context of the COP21 climate change Agreement, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, this may be an opportune time for TPPA countries to reject it as drafted, and rethink what should be the purpose of such agreements in light of (still) escalating global wealth inequalities and fragile environmental resources-the two most foundational elements to global health equity.

HTLV-1 Tax impairs K63-linked ubiquitination of STING to evade host innate immunity.

PubMed

Wang, Jie; Yang, Shuai; Liu, Lu; Wang, Hui; Yang, Bo

2017-03-15

The cellular antiviral innate immune system is essential for host defense and viruses have evolved a variety of strategies to evade the innate immunity. Human T lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) belongs to the deltaretrovirus family and it can establish persistent infection in human beings for many years. However, how this virus evades the host innate immune responses remains unclear. Here we report a new strategy used by HTLV-1 to block innate immune responses. We observed that stimulator of interferon genes (STING) limited HTLV-1 protein expression and was critical to HTLV-1 reverse transcription intermediate (RTI) ssDNA90 triggered interferon (IFN)-β production in phorbol12-myristate13-acetate (PMA)-differentiated THP1 (PMA-THP1) cells. The HTLV-1 protein Tax inhibited STING overexpression induced transcriptional activation of IFN-β. Tax also impaired poly(dA:dT), interferon stimulatory DNA (ISD) or cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) -stimulated IFN-β production, which was dependent on STING activation. Coimmunoprecipitation assays and confocal microscopy indicated that Tax was associated with STING in the same complex. Mechanistic studies suggested that Tax decreased the K63-linked ubiquitination of STING and disrupted the interactions between STING and TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1). These findings may shed more light on the molecular mechanisms underlying HTLV-1 infection. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Alpha particle backscattering measurements used for chemical analysis of surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Patterson, J. H.

1967-01-01

Alpha particle backscattering performs a chemical analysis of surfaces. The apparatus uses a curium source and a semiconductor detector to determine the energy spectrum of the particles. This in turn determines the chemical composition of the surface after calibration to known samples.

Generating Inviscid and Viscous Fluid-Flow Simulations over an Aircraft Surface Using a Fluid-Flow Mesh

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rodriguez, David L. (Inventor); Sturdza, Peter (Inventor)

2013-01-01

Fluid-flow simulation over a computer-generated aircraft surface is generated using inviscid and viscous simulations. A fluid-flow mesh of fluid cells is obtained. At least one inviscid fluid property for the fluid cells is determined using an inviscid fluid simulation that does not simulate fluid viscous effects. A set of intersecting fluid cells that intersects the aircraft surface are identified. One surface mesh polygon of the surface mesh is identified for each intersecting fluid cell. A boundary-layer prediction point for each identified surface mesh polygon is determined. At least one boundary-layer fluid property for each boundary-layer prediction point is determined using the at least one inviscid fluid property of the corresponding intersecting fluid cell and a boundary-layer simulation that simulates fluid viscous effects. At least one updated fluid property for at least one fluid cell is determined using the at least one boundary-layer fluid property and the inviscid fluid simulation.

The determination of surface albedo from meteorological satellites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, W. T.

1977-01-01

A surface albedo was determined from visible data collected by the NOAA-4 polar orbiting meteorological satellite. To filter out the major cause of atmospheric reflectivity, namely clouds, techniques were developed and applied to the data resulting in a map of global surface albedo. Neglecting spurious surface albedos for regions with persistent cloud cover, sun glint effects, insufficient reflected light and, at this time, some unresolved influences, the surface albedos retrieved from satellite data closely matched those of a global surface albedo map produced from surface and aircraft measurements and from characteristic albedos for land type and land use.

Determination of Principal Curvatures and Contact Ellipse for Profile Crowned Helical Gears

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Feng, P.-H.; Litvin, F. L.; Townsend, D. P.; Handschuh, R. F.

1999-01-01

Helical gears with localized bearing contact of tooth surfaces achieved by profile crowning of tooth surfaces are considered. Profile crowning is provided by application of two imaginary rack-cutters with mismatched surfaces. The goal is to determine the dimensions and orientation of the instantaneous contact ellipse that requires the determination of principle curvatures of pinion-gear tooth surfaces. A simplified solution to this problem is proposed based on the approach development for correlation of principal curvatures and directions of generating and generated tooth surfaces. The obtained equations are applied for profile crowning where the normal profiles of the rack-cutters are either a circular arc or a straight line.

Quantitative surface topography determination by Nomarski reflection microscopy I. Theory

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

Lessor, D.L.; Hartman, J.S.; Gordon, R.L.

1979-02-01

The Nomarksi differential interference contrast microscope is examined as a tool for determination of metallic mirror surface topography. This discussion includes the development of an optical model for the Nomarski system, an examination of the key results of the model's application to sloped sample surfaces, and recommended procedures for implementation. The functional relationship is developed between image intensity and the component of surface slope along the Nomarski shear direction, the fixed parameters in the Nimarksi system, and the adjustable phase shifts related to Nomarski prism position. Equations are also developed to allow the determination of surface slope from relative imagemore » intensity when sample reflectively is uniform and slopes are small.« less

Textured-surface quartz resonator fluid density and viscosity monitor

DOEpatents

Martin, Stephen J.; Wiczer, James J.; Cernosek, Richard W.; Frye, Gregory C.; Gebert, Charles T.; Casaus, Leonard; Mitchell, Mary A.

1998-08-25

A pair of thickness-shear mode resonators, one smooth and one with a textured surface, allows fluid density and viscosity to be independently resolved. A textured surface, either randomly rough or regularly patterned, leads to trapping of liquid at the device surface. The synchronous motion of this trapped liquid with the oscillating device surface allows the device to weigh the liquid; this leads to an additional response that depends on liquid density. This additional response enables a pair of devices, one smooth and one textured, to independently resolve liquid density and viscosity; the difference in responses determines the density while the smooth device determines the density-viscosity product, and thus, the pair determines both density and viscosity.

Graphene/Ionic Liquid Composite Films and Ion Exchange

PubMed Central

Mo, Yufei; Wan, Yunfang; Chau, Alicia; Huang, Fuchuan

2014-01-01

Wettability of graphene is adjusted by the formation of various ionic surfaces combining ionic liquid (IL) self-assembly with ion exchange. The functionalized ILs were designed and synthesized with the goal of obtaining adjustable wettability. The wettability of the graphene surface bearing various anions was measured systematically. The effect of solvent systems on ion exchange ratios on the graphene surface has also been investigated. Meanwhile, the mechanical properties of the graphene/IL composite films were investigated on a nanometer scale. The elasticity and adhesion behavior of the thin film was determined with respected to the indentation deformation by colloid probe nanoindentation method. The results indicate that anions played an important role in determining graphene/IL composite film properties. In addition, surface wetting and mechanics can be quantitatively determined according to the counter-anions on the surface. This study might suggest an alternate way for quantity detection of surface ions by surface force. PMID:24970602

Procedure for estimating fracture energy from fracture surface roughness

DOEpatents

Williford, Ralph E.

1989-01-01

The fracture energy of a material is determined by first measuring the length of a profile of a section through a fractured surface of the material taken on a plane perpendicular to the mean plane of that surface, then determining the fractal dimensionality of the surface. From this, the yield strength of the material, and the Young's Modulus of that material, the fracture energy is calculated.

Development of Nomarski microscopy for quantitative determination of surface topography

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

Hartman, J. S.; Gordon, R. L.; Lessor, D. L.

1979-01-01

The use of Nomarski differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy has been extended to provide nondestructive, quantitative analysis of a sample's surface topography. Theoretical modeling has determined the dependence of the image intensity on the microscope's optical components, the sample's optical properties, and the sample's surface orientation relative to the microscope. Results include expressions to allow the inversion of image intensity data to determine sample surface slopes. A commercial Nomarski system has been modified and characterized to allow the evaluation of the optical model. Data have been recorded with smooth, planar samples that verify the theoretical predictions.

Multiwavelength pyrometer for gray and non-gray surfaces in the presence of interfering radiation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ng, Daniel L. P. (Inventor)

1994-01-01

A method and apparatus for detecting the temperature of gray and non-gray bodies in the presence of interfering radiation are presented. A gray body has a constant emissivity less than 1 and a non-gray body has an emissivity which varies with wavelength. The emissivity and reflectivity of the surface is determined over a range of wavelengths. Spectra are also measured of the extraneous interference radiation source and the surface of the object to be measured in the presence of the extraneous interference radiation source. An auxiliary radiation source is used to determine the reflectivity of the surface and also the emissivity. The measured spectrum of the surfaces in the presence of the extraneous interference radiation source is set equal to the emissivity of the surface multiplied by a Planck function containing a temperature term T plus the surface reflectivity multiplied by the spectrum of the extraneous interference radiation source. The equation is then solved for T to determine the temperature of the surface.

Use of ground-based telescopes in determining the composition of the surfaces of solar system objects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mccord, T. B.; Adams, J. B.

1977-01-01

Recent evidence suggests that the way that the surfaces of the solar system objects reflect solar radiation is controlled by the composition and mineralogy of the surface materials. The way sunlight is reflected from the surface as a function of wavelength, i.e., the spectral reflectance, is the most important property. Laboratory efforts to use ground-based optical telescope measurements to determine the composition of the surfaces of the solar system objects are reviewed.

Surface similarity-based molecular query-retrieval

PubMed Central

Singh, Rahul

2007-01-01

Background Discerning the similarity between molecules is a challenging problem in drug discovery as well as in molecular biology. The importance of this problem is due to the fact that the biochemical characteristics of a molecule are closely related to its structure. Therefore molecular similarity is a key notion in investigations targeting exploration of molecular structural space, query-retrieval in molecular databases, and structure-activity modelling. Determining molecular similarity is related to the choice of molecular representation. Currently, representations with high descriptive power and physical relevance like 3D surface-based descriptors are available. Information from such representations is both surface-based and volumetric. However, most techniques for determining molecular similarity tend to focus on idealized 2D graph-based descriptors due to the complexity that accompanies reasoning with more elaborate representations. Results This paper addresses the problem of determining similarity when molecules are described using complex surface-based representations. It proposes an intrinsic, spherical representation that systematically maps points on a molecular surface to points on a standard coordinate system (a sphere). Molecular surface properties such as shape, field strengths, and effects due to field super-positioningcan then be captured as distributions on the surface of the sphere. Surface-based molecular similarity is subsequently determined by computing the similarity of the surface-property distributions using a novel formulation of histogram-intersection. The similarity formulation is not only sensitive to the 3D distribution of the surface properties, but is also highly efficient to compute. Conclusion The proposed method obviates the computationally expensive step of molecular pose-optimisation, can incorporate conformational variations, and facilitates highly efficient determination of similarity by directly comparing molecular surfaces and surface-based properties. Retrieval performance, applications in structure-activity modeling of complex biological properties, and comparisons with existing research and commercial methods demonstrate the validity and effectiveness of the approach. PMID:17634096

Surface-exposed and antigenically conserved determinants of outer membrane proteins of Branhamella catarrhalis.

PubMed Central

Murphy, T F; Bartos, L C

1989-01-01

The outer membrane proteins (OMPs) of Branhamella catarrhalis were studied in an effort to identify surface-exposed determinants that are conserved among strains of the bacterium. Aliquots of polyclonal antiserum were absorbed individually by strains of B. catarrhalis. The absorbed antisera were tested in comparison with unabsorbed antiserum in an immunoblot assay against OMPs of the homologous strain. The absence of a band recognized by antibodies in the absorbed antiserum compared with the unabsorbed antiserum indicated that surface-exposed determinants of the absorbing strain cross-reacted with determinants on the homologous strain. Two antisera were absorbed individually by 20 strains of B. catarrhalis, and the absorbed sera were studied in this way in immunoblot assays. OMP E (molecular weight, ca. 56,000) expresses surface-exposed determinants that are shared among 17 of the 20 strains studied. Antibodies to OMP G (molecular weight, 28,000) were absorbed from both antisera by 14 of the 20 strains. These studies demonstrate that OMP E and OMP G express determinants that are exposed on the surface of the intact bacterium. Furthermore, these determinants are antigenically conserved among a majority of strains of B. catarrhalis. On the basis of these observations, OMPs E and G should be considered when bacterial antigens are evaluated as potential vaccine candidates. Images PMID:2476393

CFD simulation of simultaneous monotonic cooling and surface heat transfer coefficient

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

Mihálka, Peter, E-mail: usarmipe@savba.sk; Matiašovský, Peter, E-mail: usarmat@savba.sk

The monotonic heating regime method for determination of thermal diffusivity is based on the analysis of an unsteady-state (stabilised) thermal process characterised by an independence of the space-time temperature distribution on initial conditions. At the first kind of the monotonic regime a sample of simple geometry is heated / cooled at constant ambient temperature. The determination of thermal diffusivity requires the determination rate of a temperature change and simultaneous determination of the first eigenvalue. According to a characteristic equation the first eigenvalue is a function of the Biot number defined by a surface heat transfer coefficient and thermal conductivity ofmore » an analysed material. Knowing the surface heat transfer coefficient and the first eigenvalue the thermal conductivity can be determined. The surface heat transport coefficient during the monotonic regime can be determined by the continuous measurement of long-wave radiation heat flow and the photoelectric measurement of the air refractive index gradient in a boundary layer. CFD simulation of the cooling process was carried out to analyse local convective and radiative heat transfer coefficients more in detail. Influence of ambient air flow was analysed. The obtained eigenvalues and corresponding surface heat transfer coefficient values enable to determine thermal conductivity of the analysed specimen together with its thermal diffusivity during a monotonic heating regime.« less

Research of Surface Roughness Anisotropy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bulaha, N.; Rudzitis, J.; Lungevics, J.; Linins, O.; Krizbergs, J.

2017-04-01

The authors of the paper have investigated surfaces with irregular roughness for the purpose of determination of roughness spacing parameters perpendicularly to machining traces - RSm1 and parallel to them - RSm2, as well as checking the relationship between the surface anisotropy coefficient c and surface aspect ratio Str from the standard LVS EN ISO 25178-2. Surface roughness measurement experiments with 11 surfaces show that measuring equipment values of mean spacing of profile irregularities in the longitudinal direction are not reliable due to the divergence of surface mean plane and roughness profile mean line. After the additional calculations it was stated that parameter Str can be used for determination of parameter RSm2 and roughness anisotropy evaluation for grinded, polished, friction surfaces and other surfaces with similar characteristics.

Photoelectron studies of machined brass surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Potts, A. W.; Merrison, J. P.; Tournas, A. D.; Yacoot, A.

UV photoelectron spectroscopy has been used to determine the surface composition of machined brass. The results show a considerable change between the photoelectron surface composition and the bulk composition of the same sample determined by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence. On the surface the lead composition is increased by ˜900 G. This is consistent with the important part that lead is believed to play in improving the machinability of this alloy.

A Parametric Rosetta Energy Function Analysis with LK Peptides on SAM Surfaces.

PubMed

Lubin, Joseph H; Pacella, Michael S; Gray, Jeffrey J

2018-05-08

Although structures have been determined for many soluble proteins and an increasing number of membrane proteins, experimental structure determination methods are limited for complexes of proteins and solid surfaces. An economical alternative or complement to experimental structure determination is molecular simulation. Rosetta is one software suite that models protein-surface interactions, but Rosetta is normally benchmarked on soluble proteins. For surface interactions, the validity of the energy function is uncertain because it is a combination of independent parameters from energy functions developed separately for solution proteins and mineral surfaces. Here, we assess the performance of the RosettaSurface algorithm and test the accuracy of its energy function by modeling the adsorption of leucine/lysine (LK)-repeat peptides on methyl- and carboxy-terminated self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). We investigated how RosettaSurface predictions for this system compare with the experimental results, which showed that on both surfaces, LK-α peptides folded into helices and LK-β peptides held extended structures. Utilizing this model system, we performed a parametric analysis of Rosetta's Talaris energy function and determined that adjusting solvation parameters offered improved predictive accuracy. Simultaneously increasing lysine carbon hydrophilicity and the hydrophobicity of the surface methyl head groups yielded computational predictions most closely matching the experimental results. De novo models still should be interpreted skeptically unless bolstered in an integrative approach with experimental data.

The role of advanced reactive surface area characterization in improving predictions of mineral reaction rates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beckingham, L. E.; Zhang, S.; Mitnick, E.; Cole, D. R.; Yang, L.; Anovitz, L. M.; Sheets, J.; Swift, A.; Kneafsey, T. J.; Landrot, G.; Mito, S.; Xue, Z.; Steefel, C. I.; DePaolo, D. J.; Ajo Franklin, J. B.

2014-12-01

Geologic sequestration of CO2 in deep sedimentary formations is a promising means of mitigating carbon emissions from coal-fired power plants but the long-term fate of injected CO2 is challenging to predict. Reactive transport models are used to gain insight over long times but rely on laboratory determined mineral reaction rates that have been difficult to extrapolate to field systems. This, in part, is due to a lack of understanding of mineral reactive surface area. Many models use an arbitrary approximation of reactive surface area, applying orders of magnitude scaling factors to measured BET or geometric surface areas. Recently, a few more sophisticated approaches have used 2D and 3D image analyses to determine mineral-specific reactive surface areas that account for the accessibility of minerals. However, the ability of these advanced surface area estimates to improve predictions of mineral reaction rates has yet to be determined. In this study, we fuse X-ray microCT, SEM QEMSCAN, XRD, SANS, and SEM-FIB analysis to determine mineral-specific accessible reactive surface areas for a core sample from the Nagaoka pilot CO2 injection site (Japan). This sample is primarily quartz, plagioclase, smectite, K-feldspar, and pyroxene. SEM imaging shows abundant smectite cement and grain coatings that decrease the fluid accessibility of other minerals. However, analysis of FIB-SEM images reveals that smectite nano-pores are well connected such that access to underlying minerals is not occluded by smectite coatings. Mineral-specific accessible surfaces are determined, accounting for the connectivity of the pore space with and without connected smectite nano-pores. The large-scale impact of variations in accessibility and dissolution rates are then determined through continuum scale modeling using grid-cell specific information on accessible surface areas. This approach will be compared with a traditional continuum scale model using mineral abundances and common surface area estimates. Ultimately, the effectiveness of advanced surface area characterization to improve mineral dissolution rates will be evaluated by comparison of model results with dissolution rates measured from a flow-through column experiment.

Reconstructing surface wave profiles from reflected acoustic pulses using multiple receivers.

PubMed

Walstead, Sean P; Deane, Grant B

2014-08-01

Surface wave shapes are determined by analyzing underwater reflected acoustic signals collected at multiple receivers. The transmitted signals are of nominal frequency 300 kHz and are reflected off surface gravity waves that are paddle-generated in a wave tank. An inverse processing algorithm reconstructs 50 surface wave shapes over a length span of 2.10 m. The inverse scheme uses a broadband forward scattering model based on Kirchhoff's diffraction formula to determine wave shapes. The surface reconstruction algorithm is self-starting in that source and receiver geometry and initial estimates of wave shape are determined from the same acoustic signals used in the inverse processing. A high speed camera provides ground-truth measurements of the surface wave field for comparison with the acoustically derived surface waves. Within Fresnel zone regions the statistical confidence of the inversely optimized surface profile exceeds that of the camera profile. Reconstructed surfaces are accurate to a resolution of about a quarter-wavelength of the acoustic pulse only within Fresnel zones associated with each source and receiver pair. Multiple isolated Fresnel zones from multiple receivers extend the spatial extent of accurate surface reconstruction while overlapping Fresnel zones increase confidence in the optimized profiles there.

Albedo of surface CO2 deposits in Mars' Residual South Polar Cap

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

James, P. B.; Wolff, M. J.; Bonev, B.

2013-12-01

The albedo of surface CO2 deposits in the Residual South Polar Cap (RSPC) controls their net condensation / sublimation over a martian year and is therefore a crucial parameter in determining RSPC stability. The Lambert albedo used in previous analyses is obtained by dividing I/F, determined from radiometrically calibrated imaging data, by the cosine of the incidence angle. Because of atmospheric dust, this albedo calculated from I/F above the atmosphere is not the surface albedo that enters into stability considerations. In order to investigate the real surface albedo, we interpolate optical depths determined from CRISM EPF measurements to provide estimates of the opacites over the RSPC and use these to determine the actual surface albedos from MARCI images using the radiative transport program DISORT (Stamnes et al., 1988). The assumption that the surface is a Lambertian diffuse reflector can then also be tested. MARCI images acquired in one-day span a significant range of emission angles; the set of images acquired during one sol is similar to EPF observations except that diurnal opacity variations could be important.

Second Harmonic Correlation Spectroscopy: Theory and Principles for Determining Surface Binding Kinetics.

PubMed

Sly, Krystal L; Conboy, John C

2017-06-01

A novel application of second harmonic correlation spectroscopy (SHCS) for the direct determination of molecular adsorption and desorption kinetics to a surface is discussed in detail. The surface-specific nature of second harmonic generation (SHG) provides an efficient means to determine the kinetic rates of adsorption and desorption of molecular species to an interface without interference from bulk diffusion, which is a significant limitation of fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS). The underlying principles of SHCS for the determination of surface binding kinetics are presented, including the role of optical coherence and optical heterodyne mixing. These properties of SHCS are extremely advantageous and lead to an increase in the signal-to-noise (S/N) of the correlation data, increasing the sensitivity of the technique. The influence of experimental parameters, including the uniformity of the TEM00 laser beam, the overall photon flux, and collection time are also discussed, and are shown to significantly affect the S/N of the correlation data. Second harmonic correlation spectroscopy is a powerful, surface-specific, and label-free alternative to other correlation spectroscopic methods for examining surface binding kinetics.

Determination of elastic mechanical characteristics of surface coatings from analysis of signals obtained by impulse excitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nyaguly, E.; Craştiu, I.; Deac, S.; Gozman-Pop, C.; Drăgănescu, G.; Bereteu, L.

2018-01-01

Most of the surface coatings are based on the synthetic polymers, which are substances composed from very large molecules that form tough, flexible, adhesive films when applied to surfaces. The other components of surface coverings materials are pigments that provide colour, opacity, gloss and other properties. Surface coatings are two-phase composite materials: constitute a polymer matrix on the one side, and on the other side of the pigments and additives dispersed in the matrix. Their role is not only aesthetically but also to ensure anticorrosive protection or even improve some mechanical properties of coated surfaces. In this paper it will follow, starting from the mechanical properties of the substrate, the metallic sheet in general, to determine the new properties of the assembly of substrate and the two coating layers, also the determination of mechanical properties of the layers. From the analysis of vibroacoustic signals obtained by the impulse excitation of the sample, one can determine the elasticity modulus. These results come to validate the results based on finite element analysis (FEA) of the same samples.

Covalent Surface Modifications of Carbon Nanotubes.

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

Pavia Sanders, Adriana; O'Bryan, Greg

A report meant to document the chemistries investigated by the author for covalent surface modification of CNTs. Oxidation, cycloaddition, and radical reactions were explored to determine their success at covalently altering the CNT surface. Characterization through infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and thermo gravimetric analysis was performed in order to determine the success of the chemistries employed. This report is not exhaustive and was performed for CNT surface modification exploration as it pertains to the "Next Gen" project.

Rapid spectrophotometric method for determining surface free energy of microalgal cells.

PubMed

Zhang, Xinru; Jiang, Zeyi; Li, Mengyin; Zhang, Xinxin; Wang, Ge; Chou, Aihui; Chen, Liang; Yan, Hai; Zuo, Yi Y

2014-09-02

Microalgae are one of the most promising renewable energy sources with environmental sustainability. The surface free energy of microalgal cells determines their biofouling and bioflocculation behavior and hence plays an important role in microalgae cultivation and harvesting. To date, the surface energetic properties of microalgal cells are still rarely studied. We developed a novel spectrophotometric method for directly determining the surface free energy of microalgal cells. The principles of this method are based on analyzing colloidal stability of microalgae suspensions. We have shown that this method can effectively differentiate the surface free energy of four microalgal strains, i.e., marine Chlorella sp., marine Nannochloris oculata, freshwater autotrophic Chlorella sp., and freshwater heterotrophic Chlorella sp. With advantages of high-throughput and simplicity, this new spectrophotometric method has the potential to evolve into a standard method for measuring the surface free energy of cells and abiotic particles.

Method and apparatus for determining the hydraulic conductivity of earthen material

DOEpatents

Sisson, James B.; Honeycutt, Thomas K.; Hubbell, Joel M.

1996-01-01

An earthen material hydraulic conductivity determining apparatus includes, a) a semipermeable membrane having a fore earthen material bearing surface and an opposing rear liquid receiving surface; b) a pump in fluid communication with the semipermeable membrane rear surface, the pump being capable of delivering liquid to the membrane rear surface at a plurality of selected variable flow rates or at a plurality of selected variable pressures; c) a liquid reservoir in fluid communication with the pump, the liquid reservoir retaining a liquid for pumping to the membrane rear surface; and d) a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the membrane rear surface to measure pressure of liquid delivered to the membrane by the pump. Preferably, the pump comprises a pair of longitudinally opposed and aligned syringes which are operable to simultaneously fill one syringe while emptying the other. Methods of determining the hydraulic conductivity of earthen material are also disclosed.

Method and apparatus for determining the hydraulic conductivity of earthen material

DOEpatents

Sisson, J.B.; Honeycutt, T.K.; Hubbell, J.M.

1996-05-28

An earthen material hydraulic conductivity determining apparatus includes: (a) a semipermeable membrane having a fore earthen material bearing surface and an opposing rear liquid receiving surface; (b) a pump in fluid communication with the semipermeable membrane rear surface, the pump being capable of delivering liquid to the membrane rear surface at a plurality of selected variable flow rates or at a plurality of selected variable pressures; (c) a liquid reservoir in fluid communication with the pump, the liquid reservoir retaining a liquid for pumping to the membrane rear surface; and (d) a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the membrane rear surface to measure pressure of liquid delivered to the membrane by the pump. Preferably, the pump comprises a pair of longitudinally opposed and aligned syringes which are operable to simultaneously fill one syringe while emptying the other. Methods of determining the hydraulic conductivity of earthen material are also disclosed. 15 figs.

Surface determination through atomically resolved secondary-electron imaging

PubMed Central

Ciston, J.; Brown, H. G.; D'Alfonso, A. J.; Koirala, P.; Ophus, C.; Lin, Y.; Suzuki, Y.; Inada, H.; Zhu, Y.; Allen, L. J.; Marks, L. D.

2015-01-01

Unique determination of the atomic structure of technologically relevant surfaces is often limited by both a need for homogeneous crystals and ambiguity of registration between the surface and bulk. Atomically resolved secondary-electron imaging is extremely sensitive to this registration and is compatible with faceted nanomaterials, but has not been previously utilized for surface structure determination. Here we report a detailed experimental atomic-resolution secondary-electron microscopy analysis of the c(6 × 2) reconstruction on strontium titanate (001) coupled with careful simulation of secondary-electron images, density functional theory calculations and surface monolayer-sensitive aberration-corrected plan-view high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Our work reveals several unexpected findings, including an amended registry of the surface on the bulk and strontium atoms with unusual seven-fold coordination within a typically high surface coverage of square pyramidal TiO5 units. Dielectric screening is found to play a critical role in attenuating secondary-electron generation processes from valence orbitals. PMID:26082275

Surface determination through atomically resolved secondary-electron imaging

DOE PAGES

Ciston, J.; Brown, H. G.; D’Alfonso, A. J.; ...

2015-06-17

We report that unique determination of the atomic structure of technologically relevant surfaces is often limited by both a need for homogeneous crystals and ambiguity of registration between the surface and bulk. Atomically resolved secondary-electron imaging is extremely sensitive to this registration and is compatible with faceted nanomaterials, but has not been previously utilized for surface structure determination. Here we show a detailed experimental atomic-resolution secondary-electron microscopy analysis of the c(6 x 2) reconstruction on strontium titanate (001) coupled with careful simulation of secondary-electron images, density functional theory calculations and surface monolayer-sensitive aberration-corrected plan-view high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Our workmore » reveals several unexpected findings, including an amended registry of the surface on the bulk and strontium atoms with unusual seven-fold coordination within a typically high surface coverage of square pyramidal TiO 5 units. Lastly, dielectric screening is found to play a critical role in attenuating secondary-electron generation processes from valence orbitals.« less

Arctic Sea Ice: Using Airborne Topographic Mapper Measurements (ATM) to Determine Sea Ice Thickness

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-05-10

Track Distance (Km) E le v a ti o n ( m ) ATM Elevation Profile Elevation 18 Figure 13: Geoid shape of earth’s equipotential surface , which is...inferred for the region between successive leads. Therefore, flying over a lead in the ice is very important for determining the exact sea surface elevation...inferred for the region between successive leads. Therefore, flying over a lead in the ice is very important for determining the exact sea surface

Solar energy microclimate as determined from satellite observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vonder Haar, T. H.; Ellis, J. S.

1975-01-01

A method is presented for determining solar insolation at the earth's surface using satellite broadband visible radiance and cloud imagery data, along with conventional in situ measurements. Conventional measurements are used to both tune satellite measurements and to develop empirical relationships between satellite observations and surface solar insolation. Cloudiness is the primary modulator of sunshine. The satellite measurements as applied in this method consider cloudiness both explicitly and implicitly in determining surface solar insolation at space scales smaller than the conventional pyranometer network.

Lunar surface engineering properties experiment definition

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mitchell, J. K.; Goodman, R. E.; Hurlbut, F. C.; Houston, W. N.; Willis, D. R.; Witherspoon, P. A.; Hovland, H. J.

1971-01-01

Research on the mechanics of lunar soils and on developing probes to determine the properties of lunar surface materials is summarized. The areas of investigation include the following: soil simulation, soil property determination using an impact penetrometer, soil stabilization using urethane foam or phenolic resin, effects of rolling boulders down lunar slopes, design of borehole jack and its use in determining failure mechanisms and properties of rocks, and development of a permeability probe for measuring fluid flow through porous lunar surface materials.

Observational and Data Reduction Techniques to Optimize Mineralogical Characterizations of Asteroid Surface Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gaffey, M. J.

2003-01-01

Mineralogy is the key to determining the compositional history of the asteroids and to determining the genetic relationships between the asteroids and meteorites. The most sophisticated remote mineralogical characterizations involve the quantitative extraction of specific diagnostic parameters from reflectance spectra and the use of quantitative interpretive calibrations to determine the presence, abundance and/or composition of mineral phases in a surface material. Although this approach is potentially subject to systematic errors, it provides the only consistent set of asteroid surface material characterizations.

Effect of adsorption on the surface tensions of solid-fluid interfaces.

PubMed

Ward, C A; Wu, Jiyu

2007-04-12

A method is proposed for determining the surface tensions of a solid in contact with either a liquid or a vapor. Only an equilibrium adsorption isotherm at the solid-vapor interface needs to be added to Gibbsian thermodynamics to obtain the expressions for the solid-vapor and the solid-liquid surface tensions, gamma[1](SV) and gamma[1](SL), respectively. An equilibrium adsorption isotherm relation is formulated that has the essential property of not predicting an infinite amount adsorbed when the pressure is equal to the saturation-vapor pressure. Five different solid-vapor systems from the literature are examined, and found to be well described by the new isotherm relation. The surface-tension expressions obtained from the isotherm relation are examined by determining the surface tension of the solid in the absence of adsorption, gamma[1](S0), a material property of a solid surface. The value of gamma[1](S0) can be determined by adsorbing different vapors on the same solid, determining the isotherm parameters in each case, and then from the expression for gamma[1](SV) taking the limit of the pressure vanishing to determine gamma[1](S0). From previously reported measurements of benzene and of n-hexane adsorbing on graphitized carbon, the same value of gamma[1](S0) is obtained.

Albedo of Surface CO2 Deposits in Mars' Residual South Polar Cap

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

James, P. B.; Wolff, M. J.; Bonev, B.

2014-12-01

The albedo of surface CO2 deposits in the Residual South Polar Cap (RSPC) of Mars controls their net condensation / sublimation over a martian year and is therefore a crucial parameter in determining RSPC stability. The albedo used in previous analyses is obtained by dividing I/F, determined from radiometrically calibrated imaging data, by the cosine of the incidence angle. Because of atmospheric aerosols, the albedo calculated from I/F above the atmosphere is not the surface albedo that enters into stability considerations. In order to determine the surface albedo, we interpolate optical depths determined from CRISM EPF measurements to provide estimates of the dust and ice opacities over the RSPC (Wolff et al., 2009) and use these to determine the actual surface albedos from MARCI images using the radiative transport program DISORT (Stamnes et al., 1988). Assuming that dust is the only contributor to atmospheric opacity, the retrieved surface albedos for the longer wavelength MARCI filters in MY 28 and 29 are found to be consistent despite very different dust opacities in the two years (James et al., 2014). However, this model fails to reproduce the short wavelength behavior in early summer. We consider possible modifications of the dust only model that could explain the discrepancy.

Methods, computer readable media, and graphical user interfaces for analysis of frequency selective surfaces

DOEpatents

Kotter, Dale K [Shelley, ID; Rohrbaugh, David T [Idaho Falls, ID

2010-09-07

A frequency selective surface (FSS) and associated methods for modeling, analyzing and designing the FSS are disclosed. The FSS includes a pattern of conductive material formed on a substrate to form an array of resonance elements. At least one aspect of the frequency selective surface is determined by defining a frequency range including multiple frequency values, determining a frequency dependent permittivity across the frequency range for the substrate, determining a frequency dependent conductivity across the frequency range for the conductive material, and analyzing the frequency selective surface using a method of moments analysis at each of the multiple frequency values for an incident electromagnetic energy impinging on the frequency selective surface. The frequency dependent permittivity and the frequency dependent conductivity are included in the method of moments analysis.

The effects of tether placement on antibody stability on surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grawe, Rebecca W.; Knotts, Thomas A.

2017-06-01

Despite their potential benefits, antibody microarrays have fallen short of performing reliably and have not found widespread use outside of the research setting. Experimental techniques have been unable to determine what is occurring on the surface of an atomic level, so molecular simulation has emerged as the primary method of investigating protein/surface interactions. Simulations of small proteins have indicated that the stability of the protein is a function of the residue on the protein where a tether is placed. The purpose of this research is to see whether these findings also apply to antibodies, with their greater size and complexity. To determine this, 24 tethering locations were selected on the antibody Protein Data Bank (PDB) ID: 1IGT. Replica exchange simulations were run on two different surfaces, one hydrophobic and one hydrophilic, to determine the degree to which these tethering sites stabilize or destabilize the antibody. Results showed that antibodies tethered to hydrophobic surfaces were in general less stable than antibodies tethered to hydrophilic surfaces. Moreover, the stability of the antibody was a function of the tether location on hydrophobic surfaces but not hydrophilic surfaces.

Coherent gradient sensing method and system for measuring surface curvature

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rosakis, Ares J. (Inventor); Moore, Jr., Nicholas R. (Inventor); Singh, Ramen P. (Inventor); Kolawa, Elizabeth (Inventor)

2000-01-01

A system and method for determining a curvature of a specularly reflective surface based on optical interference. Two optical gratings are used to produce a spatial displacement in an interference field of two different diffraction components produced by one grating from different diffraction components produced by another grating. Thus, the curvature of the surface can be determined.

Quantifying watershed surface depression storage: determination and application in a hydrologic model

Treesearch

Joseph K. O. Amoah; Devendra M. Amatya; Soronnadi Nnaji

2012-01-01

Hydrologic models often require correct estimates of surface macro-depressional storage to accurately simulate rainfall–runoff processes. Traditionally, depression storage is determined through model calibration or lumped with soil storage components or on an ad hoc basis. This paper investigates a holistic approach for estimating surface depressional storage capacity...

Optical surface evaluation by soft X-ray scattering

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Green, James C.; Finley, David S.; Bowyer, Stuart; Malina, Roger F.

1986-01-01

During the fabrication of the mirrors for the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer (EUVE), methods for evaluating the surface quality of the optics have been developed. Measurement of soft X-ray scattering profiles allows for the determination of the surface roughness and correlation lengths for highly polished metal surfaces. With this method, the surface parameters for one of the Wolter Schwarzschild type I mirrors that had been fabricated for the EUVE mission have been determined. The techniques employed, the theoretical basis for the method, and the data that had been taken are presented. The measurements show that the best mirrors have a surface roughness of 20A rms or less.

Surface atomic structure characterization of SnSe and black phosphorus using selected area uLEED-IV via LEEM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dai, Zhongwei; Grady, Maxwell; Yu, Jiexiang; Zang, Jiadong; Pohl, Karsten; Jin, Wencan; Kim, Young Duck; Hone, James; Dadap, Jerry; Osgood, Richard; Sadowski, Jerzy; Vishwanath, Suresh; Xing, Huili

Selected area diffraction intensity-voltage (μLEED-IV) analysis via low energy electron microscopy (LEEM) has the combined functionality of atomic surface structure determination and μm area selectivity, making it ideal for structural investigations of 2-D materials. SnSe thin films have been predicted and observed to be topological crystalline insulators. Previous studies suggested that SnSe has a preferred Se-terminated surface configuration. Using μLEED-IV, we determined that SnSe has, on the contrary, a stable Sn termination. This surface is stabilized through an oscillatory interlayer relaxation, which agrees with previous DFT predictions. Black phosphorus (BP) has an intrinsic layer-dependent bandgap ranging from 0.3 eV to 2 eV. Previous STM and DFT studies suggested BP surfaces have a buckling of 0.02 Å to 0.06 Å. We experimentally determined that the surface buckling of BP to be near 0.2 Å. We further propose, using DFT calculations, that this large surface buckling is induced by the presence of surface defects. The influence of this surface buckling on the electronic structures of BP is under investigation.

A new point contact surface acoustic wave transducer for measurement of acoustoelastic effect of polymethylmethacrylate.

PubMed

Lee, Yung-Chun; Kuo, Shi Hoa

2004-01-01

A new acoustic transducer and measurement method have been developed for precise measurement of surface wave velocity. This measurement method is used to investigate the acoustoelastic effects for waves propagating on the surface of a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) sample. The transducer uses two miniature conical PZT elements for acoustic wave transmitter and receiver on the sample surface; hence, it can be viewed as a point-source/point-receiver transducer. Acoustic waves are excited and detected with the PZT elements, and the wave velocity can be accurately determined with a cross-correlation waveform comparison method. The transducer and its measurement method are particularly sensitive and accurate in determining small changes in wave velocity; therefore, they are applied to the measurement of acoustoelastic effects in PMMA materials. Both the surface skimming longitudinal wave and Rayleigh surface wave can be simultaneously excited and measured. With a uniaxial-loaded PMMA sample, both acoustoelastic effects for surface skimming longitudinal wave and Rayleigh waves of PMMA are measured. The acoustoelastic coefficients for both types of surface wave motions are simultaneously determined. The transducer and its measurement method provide a practical way for measuring surface stresses nondestructively.

Interpreting contact angle results under air, water and oil for the same surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ozkan, Orkun; Yildirim Erbil, H.

2017-06-01

Under-water and under-oil superhydropobicity and superhydrophilicity have gained significant attention over the last few years. In this study, contact angles on five flat surfaces (polypropylene, poly(methyl methacrylate), polycarbonate, TEFLON-FEP and glass slide) were measured in water drop-in-air, air bubble-under-water, oil drop-in-air, air bubble-under-oil, oil drop-under-water and water drop-under-oil conditions. Heptane, octane, nonane, decane, dodecane, and hexadecane hydrocarbons were used as oils. Immiscible water/oil pairs were previously mutually saturated to provide thermodynamical equilibrium conditions and their surface and interfacial tensions were determined experimentally. These pairs were used in the two-liquid contact angle measurements. Surface free energies of the solid surfaces in air were determined independently by using the van Oss-Good method, using the contact angle results of pure water, ethylene glycol, formamide, methylene iodide and α-bromonaphalene. In addition, Zisman’s ‘critical surface tension’ values were also determined for comparison. In theory, the summation of contact angle results in a complementary case would give a total of 180° for ideal surfaces. However, it was determined that there are large deviations from this rule in practical cases and these deviations depend on surface free energies of solids. Three complementary cases of (water-in-air with air bubble-under-water); (oil-in-air with air bubble-under-oil); and (oil-under-water with water-under-oil) were investigated in particular to determine the deviations from ideality. A novel approach, named ‘complementary hysteresis’ [γ WA(cosθ 1  -  cosθ 2) and γ OW(cosθ 6  -  cosθ 5)] was developed where γ WA and γ OW represent the interfacial tensions of water/air and oil/water, and θ 1, θ 2, θ 5, and θ 6 were the contact angles of water/air, air bubble/water, oil/water and water/oil respectively. It was experimentally determined that complementary hysteresis varies almost linearly with the surface free energy of the flat solid samples. This is the first report showing the relation of the surface free energy of a solid which is determined under-air with the contact angles obtained on the same solid in different three-phase systems.

Determination of Multiple Near-Surface Residual Stress Components in Laser Peened Aluminum Alloy via the Contour Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toparli, M. Burak; Fitzpatrick, Michael E.; Gungor, Salih

2015-09-01

In this study, residual stress fields, including the near-surface residual stresses, were determined for an Al7050-T7451 sample after laser peening. The contour method was applied to measure one component of the residual stress, and the relaxed stresses on the cut surfaces were then measured by X-ray diffraction. This allowed calculation of the three orthogonal stress components using the superposition principle. The near-surface results were validated with results from incremental hole drilling and conventional X-ray diffraction. The results demonstrate that multiple residual stress components can be determined using a combination of the contour method and another technique. If the measured stress components are congruent with the principal stress axes in the sample, then this allows for determination of the complete stress tensor.

Silane Modification of Glass and Silica Surfaces to Obtain Equally Oil-Wet Surfaces in Glass-Covered Silicon Micromodel Applications

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

Grate, Jay W.; Warner, Marvin G.; Pittman, Jonathan W.

2013-08-05

The wettability of silicon and glass surfaces can be modified by silanization. However, similar treatments of glass and silica surfaces using the same silane do not necessarily yield the same wettability as determined by the oil-water contact angle. In this technical note, surface cleaning pretreatments were investigated to determine conditions that would yield oil-wet surfaces on glass with similar wettability to silica surfaces treated with the same silane, and both air-water and oil-water contact angles were determined. Air-water contact angles were less sensitive to differences between silanized silica and glass surfaces, often yielding similar values while the oil-water contact anglesmore » were quite different. Borosilicate glass surfaces cleaned with standard cleaning solution 1 (SC1) yield intermediate-wet surfaces when silanized with hexamethyldisilazane, while the same cleaning and silanization yields oil-wet surfaces on silica. However, cleaning glass in boiling concentrated nitric acid creates a surface that can be silanized to obtain oil-wet surfaces using HDMS. Moreover, this method is effective on glass with prior thermal treatment at an elevated temperature of 400oC. In this way, silica and glass can be silanized to obtain equally oil-wet surfaces using HMDS. It is demonstrated that pretreatment and silanization is feasible in silicon-silica/glass micromodels previously assembled by anodic bonding, and that the change in wettability has a significant observable effect on immiscisble fluid displacements in the pore network.« less

Thermally determining flow and/or heat load distribution in parallel paths

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

Chainer, Timothy J.; Iyengar, Madhusudan K.; Parida, Pritish R.

A method including obtaining calibration data for at least one sub-component in a heat transfer assembly, wherein the calibration data comprises at least one indication of coolant flow rate through the sub-component for a given surface temperature delta of the sub-component and a given heat load into said sub-component, determining a measured heat load into the sub-component, determining a measured surface temperature delta of the sub-component, and determining a coolant flow distribution in a first flow path comprising the sub-component from the calibration data according to the measured heat load and the measured surface temperature delta of the sub-component.

Temperature determination using pyrometry

DOEpatents

Breiland, William G.; Gurary, Alexander I.; Boguslavskiy, Vadim

2002-01-01

A method for determining the temperature of a surface upon which a coating is grown using optical pyrometry by correcting Kirchhoff's law for errors in the emissivity or reflectance measurements associated with the growth of the coating and subsequent changes in the surface thermal emission and heat transfer characteristics. By a calibration process that can be carried out in situ in the chamber where the coating process occurs, an error calibration parameter can be determined that allows more precise determination of the temperature of the surface using optical pyrometry systems. The calibration process needs only to be carried out when the physical characteristics of the coating chamber change.

Thermally determining flow and/or heat load distribution in parallel paths

DOEpatents

Chainer, Timothy J.; Iyengar, Madhusudan K.; Parida, Pritish R.

2016-12-13

A method including obtaining calibration data for at least one sub-component in a heat transfer assembly, wherein the calibration data comprises at least one indication of coolant flow rate through the sub-component for a given surface temperature delta of the sub-component and a given heat load into said sub-component, determining a measured heat load into the sub-component, determining a measured surface temperature delta of the sub-component, and determining a coolant flow distribution in a first flow path comprising the sub-component from the calibration data according to the measured heat load and the measured surface temperature delta of the sub-component.

Quartz resonator fluid density and viscosity monitor

DOEpatents

Martin, Stephen J.; Wiczer, James J.; Cernosek, Richard W.; Frye, Gregory C.; Gebert, Charles T.; Casaus, Leonard; Mitchell, Mary A.

1998-01-01

A pair of thickness-shear mode resonators, one smooth and one with a textured surface, allows fluid density and viscosity to be independently resolved. A textured surface, either randomly rough or regularly patterned, leads to trapping of liquid at the device surface. The synchronous motion of this trapped liquid with the oscillating device surface allows the device to weigh the liquid; this leads to an additional response that depends on liquid density. This additional response enables a pair of devices, one smooth and one textured, to independently resolve liquid density and viscosity; the difference in responses determines the density while the smooth device determines the density-viscosity product, and thus, the pair determines both density and viscosity.

Electron band bending of polar, semipolar and non-polar GaN surfaces

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

Bartoš, I.; Romanyuk, O., E-mail: romanyuk@fzu.cz; Houdkova, J.

2016-03-14

The magnitudes of the surface band bending have been determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy for polar, semipolar, and non-polar surfaces of wurtzite GaN crystals. All surfaces have been prepared from crystalline GaN samples grown by the hydride-vapour phase epitaxy and separated from sapphire substrates. The Ga 3d core level peak shifts have been used for band bending determination. Small band bending magnitudes and also relatively small difference between the band bendings of the surfaces with opposite polarity have been found. These results point to the presence of electron surface states of different amounts and types on surfaces of different polaritymore » and confirm the important role of the electron surface states in compensation of the bound surface polarity charges in wurtzite GaN crystals.« less

Apparatus for Use in Determining Surface Conductivity at Microwave Frequencies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hearn, Chase P. (Inventor)

1995-01-01

An apparatus is provided for use in determining surface conductivity of a flat or shaped conductive material at microwave frequencies. A plate has an electrically conductive surface with first and second holes passing through the plate. An electrically conductive material under test (MUT) is maintained in a spaced apart relationship with the electrically conductive surface of the plate by one or more nonconductive spacers. A first coupling loop is electrically shielded within the first hole while a second coupling loop is electrically shielded within the second hole. A dielectric resonator element is positioned between the first and second coupling loops, while also being positioned closer to the MUT than the electrically conductive surface of the plate. Microwave energy at an operating frequency f is supplied from a signal source to the first coupling loop while microwave energy received at the second coupling loop is measured. The apparatus is capable of measuring the Q-factor of the dielectric resonator situated in the 'cavity' existing between the electrically conductive surface of the plate and the MUT. Surface conductivity of the electrically conductive surface can be determined via interpolation using: 1 ) the measured Q-factor with the electrically conductive surface in place, and 2) the measured Q-factor when the MUT is replaced with reference standards having known surface conductivities.

A method of determining surface runoff by

Treesearch

Donald E. Whelan; Lemuel E. Miller; John B. Cavallero

1952-01-01

To determine the effects of watershed management on flood runoff, one must make a reliable estimate of how much the surface runoff can be reduced by a land-use program. Since surface runoff is the difference between precipitation and the amount of water that soaks into the soil, such an estimate must be based on the infiltration capacity of the soil.

Femtosecond laser structuring of titanium implants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vorobyev, A. Y.; Guo, Chunlei

2007-06-01

In this study we perform the first femtosecond laser surface treatment of titanium in order to determine the potential of this technology for surface structuring of titanium implants. We find that the femtosecond laser produces a large variety of nanostructures (nanopores, nanoprotrusions) with a size down to 20 nm, multiple parallel grooved surface patterns with a period on the sub-micron level, microroughness in the range of 1-15 μm with various configurations, smooth surface with smooth micro-inhomogeneities, and smooth surface with sphere-like nanostructures down to 10 nm. Also, we have determined the optimal conditions for producing these surface structural modifications. Femtosecond laser treatment can produce a richer variety of surface structures on titanium for implants and other biomedical applications than long-pulse laser treatments.

Determination of molecular configuration by debye length modulation.

PubMed

Vacic, Aleksandar; Criscione, Jason M; Rajan, Nitin K; Stern, Eric; Fahmy, Tarek M; Reed, Mark A

2011-09-07

Silicon nanowire field effect transistors (FETs) have emerged as ultrasensitive, label-free biodetectors that operate by sensing bound surface charge. However, the ionic strength of the environment (i.e., the Debye length of the solution) dictates the effective magnitude of the surface charge. Here, we show that control of the Debye length determines the spatial extent of sensed bound surface charge on the sensor. We apply this technique to different methods of antibody immobilization, demonstrating different effective distances of induced charge from the sensor surface.

Quantitation of Surface Coating on Nanoparticles Using Thermogravimetric Analysis.

PubMed

Dongargaonkar, Alpana A; Clogston, Jeffrey D

2018-01-01

Nanoparticles are critical components in nanomedicine and nanotherapeutic applications. Some nanoparticles, such as metallic nanoparticles, consist of a surface coating or surface modification to aid in its dispersion and stability. This surface coating may affect the behavior of nanoparticles in a biological environment, thus it is important to measure. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) can be used to determine the amount of coating on the surface of the nanoparticle. TGA experiments run under inert atmosphere can also be used to determine residual metal content present in the sample. In this chapter, the TGA technique and experimental method are described.

Combustion theory for liquids with a free surface. 3: Special problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Milkov, S. N.; Sukhov, G. S.; Yarin, L. P.

1986-01-01

Two special problems concerning the combustion of liquids with a free surface, i.e., flame quenching during the mixing of a burning liquid inside a container and liquid burnout from a porous layer, are analyzed using a quasi-one-dimensional model. The critical parameters corresponding to the quenching of a burning fluid with a free surface are determined. Determinations are also made of the limiting pressure gradients corresponding to the transition from the combustion mode where the liquid evaporates from the surface of a porous layer to the mode where the phase transition surface lies inside the porous layer.

Determination of conformation and orientation of immobilized peptides and proteins at buried interfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Lei; Ulrich, Nathan W.; Mello, Charlene M.; Chen, Zhan

2015-01-01

Surface immobilized peptides/proteins have important applications such as antimicrobial coating and biosensing. We report a study of such peptides/proteins using sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy and ATR-FTIR. Immobilization on surfaces via physical adsorption and chemical coupling revealed that structures of chemically immobilized peptides are determined by immobilization sites, chemical environments, and substrate surfaces. In addition, controlling enzyme orientation by engineering the surface immobilization site demonstrated that structures can be well-correlated to measured chemical activity. This research facilitates the development of immobilized peptides/proteins with improved activities by optimizing their surface orientation and structure.

Remote Heat Flux Using a Self Calibration Multiwavelength Pyrometer and a Transparent Material

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ng, Daniel

1998-01-01

A self calibrating multiwavelength pyrometer was used to conduct remote heat flux measurements using a transparent sapphire disk by determining the sapphire disk's front and back surface temperatures. Front surface temperature (Tfs) was obtained from detection of surface emitted radiation at long wavelengths (k = 6 gm). Back surface temperature (Tbs) was obtained from short wavelength (1 to 5 gm) radiation transmitted through the sapphire disk. The thermal conductivity of the sapphire disk and the heat transfer coefficients h, and h2 of its surfaces are determined experimentally. An analysis of the heat flux measurement is presented.

Winding trajectories of noncircular composite shells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nikityuk, V. A.; Fedorov, V. V.

1995-07-01

An approach has been proposed for determination of the trajectory parameters of a layer formed by winding of continuous ribbons on a complicated surface. An algorithm has been developed for determining the geodesic trajectories of the reinforcement fiber arrangement, reinforcement angles, and geodesic deviation angles. Conditions have been formulated for positional stability of the ribbons on the surface and avoidance of gaps and overlapping between the ribbons along with restrictions to the surface form. Results are given for a calculation of the geodesic turn parameters on a fuselage surface, which is not a surface of revolution, of a light airplane.

Colling Wipe Samples for VX Analysis

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

Koester, C; Hoppes, W G

2010-02-11

This standard operating procedure (SOP) provides uniform procedures for the collection of wipe samples of VX residues from surfaces. Personnel may use this procedure to collect and handle wipe samples in the field. Various surfaces, including building materials (wood, metal, tile, vinyl, etc.) and equipment, may be sampled based on this procedure. The purpose of such sampling is to determine whether or not the relevant surfaces are contaminated, to determine the extent of their contamination, to evaluate the effectiveness of decontamination procedures, and to determine the amount of contaminant that might present as a contact hazard.

Can the KTP laser change the cementum surface of healthy and diseased teeth providing an acceptable root surface for fibroblast attachment?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mailhot, Jason M.; Garnick, Jerry J.

1996-04-01

The purpose of our research is to determine the effects of KTP laser on root cementum and fibroblast attachment. Initial work has been completed in testing the effect of different energy levels on root surfaces. From these studies optimal energy levels were determined. In subsequent studies the working distance and exposure time required to obtain significant fibroblast attachment to healthy cementum surfaces were investigated. Results showed that lased cemental surfaces exhibited changes in surface topography which ranged from a melted surface to an apparent slight fusion of the surface of the covering smear layer. When the optimal energy level was used, fibroblasts demonstrate attachment on the specimens, resulting in the presence of a monolayer of cells on the control surfaces as well as on the surfaces lased with this energy level. The present study investigates the treatment of pathological root surfaces and calculus with a KTP laser utilizing these optimal parameters determine previously. Thirty single rooted teeth with advanced periodontal disease and ten healthy teeth were obtained, crowns were sectioned and roots split longitudinally. Forty test specimens were assigned into 1 of 4 groups; pathologic root--not lased, pathologic root--lased, root planed root and health root planed root. Human gingival fibroblasts were seeded on specimens and cultured for 24 hours. Specimens were processed for SEM. The findings suggest that with the KTP laser using a predetermined energy level applied to pathological root surfaces, the lased surfaces provided an unacceptable surface for fibroblast attachment. However, the procedural control using healthy root planed surfaces did demonstrate fibroblast attachment.

Investigation of surface porosity measurements and compaction pressure as means to ensure consistent contact angle determinations.

PubMed

Holm, René; Borkenfelt, Simon; Allesø, Morten; Andersen, Jens Enevold Thaulov; Beato, Stefania; Holm, Per

2016-02-10

Compounds wettability is critical for a number of central processes including disintegration, dispersion, solubilisation and dissolution. It is therefore an important optimisation parameter both in drug discovery but also as guidance for formulation selection and optimisation. Wettability for a compound is determined by its contact angle to a liquid, which in the present study was measured using the sessile drop method applied to a disc compact of the compound. Precise determination of the contact angle is important should it be used to either rank compounds or selected excipients to e.g. increase the wetting from a solid dosage form. Since surface roughness of the compact has been suggested to influence the measurement this study investigated if the surface quality, in terms of surface porosity, had an influence on the measured contact angle. A correlation to surface porosity was observed, however for six out of seven compounds similar results were obtained by applying a standard pressure (866 MPa) to the discs in their preparation. The data presented in the present work therefore suggest that a constant high pressure should be sufficient for most compounds when determining the contact angle. Only for special cases where compounds have poor compressibility would there be a need for a surface-quality-control step before the contact angle determination. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Intra-individual reaction time variability and all-cause mortality over 17 years: a community-based cohort study.

PubMed

Batterham, Philip J; Bunce, David; Mackinnon, Andrew J; Christensen, Helen

2014-01-01

very few studies have examined the association between intra-individual reaction time variability and subsequent mortality. Furthermore, the ability of simple measures of variability to predict mortality has not been compared with more complex measures. a prospective cohort study of 896 community-based Australian adults aged 70+ were interviewed up to four times from 1990 to 2002, with vital status assessed until June 2007. From this cohort, 770-790 participants were included in Cox proportional hazards regression models of survival. Vital status and time in study were used to conduct survival analyses. The mean reaction time and three measures of intra-individual reaction time variability were calculated separately across 20 trials of simple and choice reaction time tasks. Models were adjusted for a range of demographic, physical health and mental health measures. greater intra-individual simple reaction time variability, as assessed by the raw standard deviation (raw SD), coefficient of variation (CV) or the intra-individual standard deviation (ISD), was strongly associated with an increased hazard of all-cause mortality in adjusted Cox regression models. The mean reaction time had no significant association with mortality. intra-individual variability in simple reaction time appears to have a robust association with mortality over 17 years. Health professionals such as neuropsychologists may benefit in their detection of neuropathology by supplementing neuropsychiatric testing with the straightforward process of testing simple reaction time and calculating raw SD or CV.

Meals at medical specialty society annual meetings: a preliminary assessment.

PubMed

La Puma, John; Schiedermayer, David; Becker, Jennifer

2003-01-01

Little isd known about how meals are chosen for medical meetings. We surveyed the annual meeting planners for 20 major specialty societies. Thirteen (65%) responded; all were currently planning their next meeting. Attendance in 2000 was reported at 113,477 physicians, with 2 million planned meals and snacks. No physician was named as responsible for food choices; the meeting planner and staff were primarily responsible for deciding what food to serve, excluding exhibit halls. Twelve (92%) respondents rated "available budget" as the most important factor. "Nutritional guidelines" were rated "very important" by eight of 13 (63%). However, no specific nutritional guidelines could be identified by any planner. All respondents indicated that members would attend a meeting if "healthy" food were the only option. For 2000, 100% of respondents indicated that for each lunch and for each dinner, a dessert had been included. No annual meeting and no planned 2001 meeting excluded potato chips, snack mixes, or candies at breaks; soda pop was offered at each break. Most respondents (89%) relied on a concluding questionnaire about the meeting facilities to evaluate the food. Respondents reported no difference in charges for "special meals," including vegetarian and kosher meals. Physicians may be unaware that some food served at medical meetings may impair learning, with excessive calorie, fat, and carbohydrate consumption. Small changes can improve the quality of food and beverages selected, without increased cost, and provide choices that conform to national nutritional guidelines. Medical meetings should serve flavorful, healthful food.

Molecular details of the yeast frataxin-Isu1 interaction during mitochondrial Fe-S cluster assembly

PubMed Central

Cook, Jeremy D.; Kondapalli, Kalyan C.; Rawat, Swati; Childs, William C.; Murugesan, Yogapriya; Dancis, Andrew; Stemmler, Timothy L.

2010-01-01

Frataxin, a conserved nuclear encoded mitochondrial protein, plays a direct role in iron-sulfur cluster biosynthesis within the ISC assembly pathway. Humans with frataxin deficiency have Friedreich’s ataxia, a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by mitochondrial iron overload and disruption in Fe-S cluster synthesis. Biochemical and genetic studies have shown frataxin interacts with the iron-sulfur cluster assembly scaffold protein (in yeast, there are two: Isu1 and Isu2), indicating frataxin plays a direct role in cluster assembly, possibly by serving as an iron chaperone n the assembly pathway. Here we provide molecular details of how yeast frataxin (Yfh1) interacts with Isu1 as a structural module to better understand the multiprotein complex assembly that completes Fe-S cluster assembly; this complex also includes the cysteine desulfurase (Nfs1 in yeast) and the accessory protein (Isd11), together in the mitochondria. Thermodynamic binding parameters for protein partner and iron binding were measured for the yeast orthologs using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to provide the molecular details to understand how Yfh1 interacts with Isu1. X-ray absorption studies were used to electronically and structurally characterize how iron is transferred to Isu1 and then incorporated into a Fe-S cluster. These results were combined with previously published data to generate a structural model for how the Fe-S cluster protein assembly complex can come together to accomplish Fe-S cluster assembly. PMID:20815377

Identification of Leishmania infantum chagasi proteins in urine of patients with visceral leishmaniasis: a promising antigen discovery approach of vaccine candidates.

PubMed

Kashino, S S; Abeijon, C; Qin, L; Kanunfre, K A; Kubrusly, F S; Silva, F O; Costa, D L; Campos, D; Costa, C H N; Raw, I; Campos-Neto, A

2012-07-01

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a serious lethal parasitic disease caused by Leishmania donovani in Asia and by Leishmania infantum chagasi in southern Europe and South America. VL is endemic in 47 countries with an annual incidence estimated to be 500,000 cases. This high incidence is due in part to the lack of an efficacious vaccine. Here, we introduce an innovative approach to directly identify parasite vaccine candidate antigens that are abundantly produced in vivo in humans with VL. We combined RP-HPLC and mass spectrometry and categorized three L. infantum chagasi proteins, presumably produced in spleen, liver and bone marrow lesions and excreted in the patients' urine. Specifically, these proteins were the following: Li-isd1 (XP_001467866.1), Li-txn1 (XP_001466642.1) and Li-ntf2 (XP_001463738.1). Initial vaccine validation studies were performed with the rLi-ntf2 protein produced in Escherichia coli mixed with the adjuvant BpMPLA-SE. This formulation stimulated potent Th1 response in BALB/c mice. Compared to control animals, mice immunized with Li-ntf2+ BpMPLA-SE had a marked parasite burden reduction in spleens at 40 days post-challenge with virulent L. infantum chagasi. These results strongly support the proposed antigen discovery strategy of vaccine candidates to VL and opens novel possibilities for vaccine development to other serious infectious diseases. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Molecular Details of the Yeast Frataxin-Isu1 Interaction during Mitochondrial Fe-S Cluster Assembly

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

Cook, J.; Kondapalli, K; Rawat, S

2010-01-01

Frataxin, a conserved nuclear-encoded mitochondrial protein, plays a direct role in iron-sulfur cluster biosynthesis within the ISC assembly pathway. Humans with frataxin deficiency have Friedreich's ataxia, a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by mitochondrial iron overload and disruption in Fe-S cluster synthesis. Biochemical and genetic studies have shown frataxin interacts with the iron-sulfur cluster assembly scaffold protein (in yeast, there are two, Isu1 and Isu2), indicating frataxin plays a direct role in cluster assembly, possibly by serving as an iron chaperone in the assembly pathway. Here we provide molecular details of how yeast frataxin (Yfh1) interacts with Isu1 as a structural modulemore » to improve our understanding of the multiprotein complex assembly that completes Fe-S cluster assembly; this complex also includes the cysteine desulfurase (Nfs1 in yeast) and the accessory protein (Isd11), together in the mitochondria. Thermodynamic binding parameters for protein partner and iron binding were measured for the yeast orthologs using isothermal titration calorimetry. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to provide the molecular details to understand how Yfh1 interacts with Isu1. X-ray absorption studies were used to electronically and structurally characterize how iron is transferred to Isu1 and then incorporated into an Fe-S cluster. These results were combined with previously published data to generate a structural model for how the Fe-S cluster protein assembly complex can come together to accomplish Fe-S cluster assembly.« less

Molecular details of the yeast frataxin-Isu1 interaction during mitochondrial Fe-S cluster assembly.

PubMed

Cook, Jeremy D; Kondapalli, Kalyan C; Rawat, Swati; Childs, William C; Murugesan, Yogapriya; Dancis, Andrew; Stemmler, Timothy L

2010-10-12

Frataxin, a conserved nuclear-encoded mitochondrial protein, plays a direct role in iron-sulfur cluster biosynthesis within the ISC assembly pathway. Humans with frataxin deficiency have Friedreich's ataxia, a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by mitochondrial iron overload and disruption in Fe-S cluster synthesis. Biochemical and genetic studies have shown frataxin interacts with the iron-sulfur cluster assembly scaffold protein (in yeast, there are two, Isu1 and Isu2), indicating frataxin plays a direct role in cluster assembly, possibly by serving as an iron chaperone in the assembly pathway. Here we provide molecular details of how yeast frataxin (Yfh1) interacts with Isu1 as a structural module to improve our understanding of the multiprotein complex assembly that completes Fe-S cluster assembly; this complex also includes the cysteine desulfurase (Nfs1 in yeast) and the accessory protein (Isd11), together in the mitochondria. Thermodynamic binding parameters for protein partner and iron binding were measured for the yeast orthologs using isothermal titration calorimetry. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to provide the molecular details to understand how Yfh1 interacts with Isu1. X-ray absorption studies were used to electronically and structurally characterize how iron is transferred to Isu1 and then incorporated into an Fe-S cluster. These results were combined with previously published data to generate a structural model for how the Fe-S cluster protein assembly complex can come together to accomplish Fe-S cluster assembly.

Fish SAMHD1 performs as an activator for IFN expression.

PubMed

Li, Meifeng; Xu, Xiaowen; Jiang, Zeyin; Liu, Changxin; Shi, Xiao; Qi, Guoqin; Li, Yinping; Chen, Xin; Huang, Qingli; Mao, Huiling; Hu, Chengyu

2018-09-01

As a host limiting factor, Sterile Alpha Motif and Histidine-Aspartate Domain 1 protein (SAMHD1) is associated with IRF3-mediated antiviral and apoptotic responses in mammals. However, the antiviral mechanism of SAMHD1 remains indistinct in fish. In this study, we found the expression of Ctenopharyngodon idella SAMHD1 (MF326081) was up-regulated after transfection with poly I:C (dsRNA analog), B-DNA or Z-DNA into C. idella kidney cells (CIKs), but these expression profiles had no obvious change when the cells were incubated with these nucleic acids. These data may indicate that CiSAMHD1 participates in the intracellular PRR-mediated signaling pathway rather than extracellular PRR-mediated signaling pathway. Subcellular localization assay suggested that a part of over-expressed CiSAMHD1 were translocated from nuclear to cytoplasm when C. idella ovary cells (COs) were transfected with poly I:C, B-DNA or Z-DNA. Nucleic acid pulldown assays were performed to investigate the reason for nuclear-cytoplasm translocation of CiSAMHD1. The results showed that CiSAMHD1 had a high affinity with B-DNA, Z-DNA and ISD-PS (dsRNA analog). In addition, co-IP assays revealed the interaction of CiSAMHD1 with CiSTING (KF494194). Taken together, all these results suggest that grass carp SAMHD1 performs as an activator for innate immune response through STING-mediated signaling pathway. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

DNA conformation on surfaces measured by fluorescence self-interference.

PubMed

Moiseev, Lev; Unlü, M Selim; Swan, Anna K; Goldberg, Bennett B; Cantor, Charles R

2006-02-21

The conformation of DNA molecules tethered to the surface of a microarray may significantly affect the efficiency of hybridization. Although a number of methods have been applied to determine the structure of the DNA layer, they are not very sensitive to variations in the shape of DNA molecules. Here we describe the application of an interferometric technique called spectral self-interference fluorescence microscopy to the precise measurement of the average location of a fluorescent label in a DNA layer relative to the surface and thus determine specific information on the conformation of the surface-bound DNA molecules. Using spectral self-interference fluorescence microscopy, we have estimated the shape of coiled single-stranded DNA, the average tilt of double-stranded DNA of different lengths, and the amount of hybridization. The data provide important proofs of concept for the capabilities of novel optical surface analytical methods of the molecular disposition of DNA on surfaces. The determination of DNA conformations on surfaces and hybridization behavior provide information required to move DNA interfacial applications forward and thus impact emerging clinical and biotechnological fields.

Thickness determination of polymeric multilayer surface protection systems for concrete by means of pulse thermography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Altenburg, S. J.; Krankenhagen, R.; Bavendiek, F.

2017-02-01

For thickness determination of polymer based surface protection systems for concrete surfaces, so far only destructive measurement techniques are available. Pulse thermography appears to be well suited for non-destructive thickness evaluation in these systems. Here, we present first results of the development of a respective measurement and analysis procedure. Since surface protection systems consist of a number of layers, a model for the calculation of the surface temperature of a multi-layer structure on a semi-infinite (concrete) substrate in pulse thermography setup was developed. It considers semitransparency of the upmost layer and thermal losses at the surface. It also supports the use of an arbitrary temporal shape of the heating pulse to properly describe the measurement conditions for different heat sources. Simulations for one and three layers on the substrate are presented and first results from fitting the model to experimental data for thickness determination and verification of the model are presented.

Section Height Determination Methods of the Isotopographic Surface in a Complex Terrain Relief

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Syzdykova, Guldana D.; Kurmankozhaev, Azimhan K.

2016-01-01

A new method for determining the vertical interval of isotopographic surfaces on rugged terrain was developed. The method is based on the concept of determining the differentiated size of the vertical interval using spatial-statistical properties inherent in the modal characteristic, the degree of variability of apical heights and the chosen map…

Pattern recognition of concrete surface cracks and defects using integrated image processing algorithms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balbin, Jessie R.; Hortinela, Carlos C.; Garcia, Ramon G.; Baylon, Sunnycille; Ignacio, Alexander Joshua; Rivera, Marco Antonio; Sebastian, Jaimie

2017-06-01

Pattern recognition of concrete surface crack defects is very important in determining stability of structure like building, roads or bridges. Surface crack is one of the subjects in inspection, diagnosis, and maintenance as well as life prediction for the safety of the structures. Traditionally determining defects and cracks on concrete surfaces are done manually by inspection. Moreover, any internal defects on the concrete would require destructive testing for detection. The researchers created an automated surface crack detection for concrete using image processing techniques including Hough transform, LoG weighted, Dilation, Grayscale, Canny Edge Detection and Haar Wavelet Transform. An automatic surface crack detection robot is designed to capture the concrete surface by sectoring method. Surface crack classification was done with the use of Haar trained cascade object detector that uses both positive samples and negative samples which proved that it is possible to effectively identify the surface crack defects.

Sex determination using discriminant analysis of upper and lower extremity bones: New approach using the volume and surface area of digital model.

PubMed

Lee, U-Young; Kim, In-Beom; Kwak, Dai-Soon

2015-08-01

This study used 110 CT images taken from donated Korean cadavers to create 3-D models of the following upper and lower limb bones: the clavicle, scapula, humerus, radius, ulna, hip bone (os coxa), femur, patella (knee cap), tibia, talus, and calcaneus. In addition, the bone volume and surface area were calculated to determine sex differences using discriminant analysis. Significant sex differences were found in all bones with respect to volume and surface area (p<0.01). The order of volume was the same in females and males (femur>hip bone>tibia>humerus>scapula), although the order of surface area was different. The largest surface area in men was the femur and in women was the hip bone (p<0.01). An interesting finding of this study was that the ulna is the bone with the highest accuracy for sex determination (94%). When using the surface area of multiple bones, the maximum accuracy (99.4%) was achieved. The equation was as follows: (discriminant equation of surface area; female<0

Protein immobilization on epoxy-activated thin polymer films: effect of surface wettability and enzyme loading.

PubMed

Chen, Bo; Pernodet, Nadine; Rafailovich, Miriam H; Bakhtina, Asya; Gross, Richard A

2008-12-02

A series of epoxy-activated polymer films composed of poly(glycidyl methacrylate/butyl methacrylate/hydroxyethyl methacrylate) were prepared. Variation in comonomer composition allowed exploration of relationships between surface wettability and Candida antartica lipase B (CALB) binding to surfaces. By changing solvents and polymer concentrations, suitable conditions were developed for preparation by spin-coating of uniform thin films. Film roughness determined by AFM after incubation in PBS buffer for 2 days was less than 1 nm. The occurrence of single CALB molecules and CALB aggregates at surfaces was determined by AFM imaging and measurements of volume. Absolute numbers of protein monomers and multimers at surfaces were used to determine values of CALB specific activity. Increased film wettability, as the water contact angle of films increased from 420 to 550, resulted in a decreased total number of immobilized CALB molecules. With further increases in the water contact angle of films from 55 degrees to 63 degrees, there was an increased tendency of CALB molecules to form aggregates on surfaces. On all flat surfaces, two height populations, differing by more than 30%, were observed from height distribution curves. They are attributed to changes in protein conformation and/or orientation caused by protein-surface and protein-protein interactions. The fraction of molecules in these populations changed as a function of film water contact angle. The enzyme activity of immobilized films was determined by measuring CALB-catalyzed hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl butyrate. Total enzyme specific activity decreased by decreasing film hydrophobicity.

Chemisorption studies of Pt/SnO2 catalysts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, Kenneth G.; Ohorodnik, Susan K.; Vannorman, John D.; Schryer, Jacqueline; Upchurch, Billy T.; Schryer, David R.

1990-01-01

The low temperature CO oxidation catalysts that are being developed and tested at NASA-Langley are fairly unique in their ability to efficiently oxidize CO at low temperatures (approx. 303 K). The bulk of the reaction data that has been collected in the laboratory has been determined using plug flow reactors with a low mass of Pt/SnO2/SiO2 catalyst (approx. 0.1 g) and a modest flow rate (5 to 10 sc sm). The researchers have previously characterized the surface solely in terms of N2 BET surface areas. These surface areas have not been that indicative of reaction rate. Indeed, some of the formulations with high BET surface area have yielded lower reaction rates than those with lower BET surface areas. As a result researchers began a program of determining the chemisorption of the various species involved in the reaction; CO, O2 and CO2. Such a determination of will lead to a better understanding of the mechanism and overall kinetics of the reaction. The pulsed-reactor technique, initially described by Freel, is used to determine the amount of a particular molecule that is adsorbed on the catalyst. Since there is some reaction of CO with the surface to produce CO2, the pulsed reactor had to be coupled with a gas chromatograph in order to distinguish between the loss of CO that is due to adsorption by the surface and the loss that is due to reaction with the surface.

Application of identifying transmission spheres for spherical surface testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Christopher B.; Ye, Xin; Li, Xueyuan; Wang, Quanzhao; Tang, Shouhong; Han, Sen

2017-06-01

We developed a new application on Microsoft Foundation Classes (MFC) to identify correct transmission spheres (TS) for Spherical Surface Testing (SST). Spherical surfaces are important optical surfaces, and the wide application and high production rate of spherical surfaces necessitates an accurate and highly reliable measuring device. A Fizeau Interferometer is an appropriate tool for SST due to its subnanometer accuracy. It measures the contour of a spherical surface using a common path, which is insensitive to the surrounding circumstances. The Fizeau Interferometer transmits a wide laser beam, creating interference fringes from re-converging light from the transmission sphere and the test surface. To make a successful measurement, the application calculates and determines the appropriate transmission sphere for the test surface. There are 3 main inputs from the test surfaces that are utilized to determine the optimal sizes and F-numbers of the transmission spheres: (1) the curvatures (concave or convex), (2) the Radii of Curvature (ROC), and (3) the aperture sizes. The application will firstly calculate the F-numbers (i.e. ROC divided by aperture) of the test surface, secondly determine the correct aperture size of a convex surface, thirdly verify that the ROC of the test surface must be shorter than the reference surface's ROC of the transmission sphere, and lastly calculate the percentage of area that the test surface will be measured. However, the amount of interferometers and transmission spheres should be optimized when measuring large spherical surfaces to avoid requiring a large amount of interferometers and transmission spheres for each test surface. Current measuring practices involve tedious and potentially inaccurate calculations. This smart application eliminates human calculation errors, optimizes the selection of transmission spheres (including the least number required) and interferometer sizes, and increases efficiency.

Cheap and fast measuring roughness on big surfaces with an imprint method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schopf, C.; Liebl, J.; Rascher, R.

2017-10-01

Roughness, shape and structure of a surface offer information on the state, shape and surface characteristics of a component. Particularly the roughness of the surface dictates the subsequent polishing of the optical surface. The roughness is usually measured by a white light interferometer, which is limited by the size of the components. Using a moulding method of surfaces that are difficult to reach, an imprint is taken and analysed regarding to roughness and structure. This moulding compound method is successfully used in dental technology. In optical production, the moulding compound method is advantageous in roughness determination in inaccessible spots or on large components (astrological optics). The "replica method" has been around in metal analysis and processing. Film is used in order to take an impression of a surface. Then, it is analysed for structures. In optical production, compound moulding seems advantageous in roughness determination in inaccessible spots or on large components (astrological optics). In preliminary trials, different glass samples with different roughness levels were manufactured. Imprints were taken from these samples (based on DIN 54150 "Abdruckverfahren für die Oberflächenprüfung"). The objective of these feasibility tests was to determine the limits of this method (smallest roughness determinable / highest roughness). The roughness of the imprint was compared with the roughness of the glass samples. By comparing the results, the uncertainty of the measuring method was determined. The spectrum for the trials ranged from rough grind (0.8 μm rms), over finishing grind (0.6 μm rms) to polishing (0.1 μm rms).

Surface Flashover of Semiconductors: A Fundamental Study

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-06-16

surface electric fields for a number of samples with aluminum and gold contacts. Effects of processing varia- tions such as anneal method (rapid thermal...more uniform pre- breakdown surface fields. 3. Various contact materials and processing methods were used to determine effects on flashover...diffusion depths determined by this method were generally consistent with the estimated depths. 2-4 In order to characterize better the diffused layers

Surface chemical structure for soft contact lenses as a function of polymer processing.

PubMed

Grobe, G L; Valint, P L; Ammon, D M

1996-09-01

The surface chemistry and topography of cast-molded Etafilcon-A and doubled-sided lathed Etafilcon-A soft contact lenses were determined to be significantly different. The variations in surface chemical and morphologic structure between the two lenses were the result of contact lens manufacturing methods. The surface of the cast-molded Etafilcon-A had a consistently less rough surface compared to the doubled sided lathed Etafilcon-A as determined by atomic force microscopy. The surface of the doubled sided lathed Etafilcon-A contained primarily silicone and wax contamination in addition to minute amounts of HEMA. The cast-molded Etafilcon-A had an elemental and chemical content which was consistent with the polymer stoichiometry. Contact angle wettability profiles revealed inherent wettability differences between the two lenses types. The cast-molded Etafilcon-A had an inherently greater water wettability, polarity, and critical surface tension. This means that these two lenses cannot be compared as similar or identical lens materials in terms of surface composition. The manufacturing method used to produce a soft contact lens directly determines the surface elemental and chemical structure as well as the morphology of the finished lens material. These results suggest possible differences in the clinical comfort, spoilage, and lubricity felt during patient wear.

Determination of the object surface function by structured light: application to the study of spinal deformities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buendía, M.; Salvador, R.; Cibrián, R.; Laguia, M.; Sotoca, J. M.

1999-01-01

The projection of structured light is a technique frequently used to determine the surface shape of an object. In this paper, a new procedure is described that efficiently resolves the correspondence between the knots of the projected grid and those obtained on the object when the projection is made. The method is based on the use of three images of the projected grid. In two of them the grid is projected over a flat surface placed, respectively, before and behind the object; both images are used for calibration. In the third image the grid is projected over the object. It is not reliant on accurate determination of the camera and projector pair relative to the grid and object. Once the method is calibrated, we can obtain the surface function by just analysing the projected grid on the object. The procedure is especially suitable for the study of objects without discontinuities or large depth gradients. It can be employed for determining, in a non-invasive way, the patient's back surface function. Symmetry differences permit a quantitative diagnosis of spinal deformities such as scoliosis.

Determining Tooth Occlusal Surface Relief Indicator by Means of Automated 3d Shape Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaboutchian, A. V.; Knyaz, V. A.

2017-05-01

Determining occlusal surface relief indicator plays an important role in odontometric tooth shape analysis. An analysis of the parameters of surface relief indicators provides valuable information about closure of dental arches (occlusion) and changes in structure of teeth in lifetime. Such data is relevant for dentistry or anthropology applications. Descriptive techniques commonly used for surface relief evaluation have limited precision which, as a result, does not provide for reliability of conclusions about structure and functioning of teeth. Parametric techniques developed for such applications need special facilities and are time-consuming which limits their spread and ease to access. Nevertheless the use of 3D models, obtained by photogrammetric techniques, allows attaining required measurements accuracy and has a potential for process automation. We introduce new approaches for determining tooth occlusal surface relief indicator and provide data on efficiency in use of different indicators in natural attrition evaluation.

Method for Correcting Control Surface Angle Measurements in Single Viewpoint Photogrammetry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burner, Alpheus W. (Inventor); Barrows, Danny A. (Inventor)

2006-01-01

A method of determining a corrected control surface angle for use in single viewpoint photogrammetry to correct control surface angle measurements affected by wing bending. First and second visual targets are spaced apart &om one another on a control surface of an aircraft wing. The targets are positioned at a semispan distance along the aircraft wing. A reference target separation distance is determined using single viewpoint photogrammetry for a "wind off condition. An apparent target separation distance is then computed for "wind on." The difference between the reference and apparent target separation distances is minimized by recomputing the single viewpoint photogrammetric solution for incrementally changed values of target semispan distances. A final single viewpoint photogrammetric solution is then generated that uses the corrected semispan distance that produced the minimized difference between the reference and apparent target separation distances. The final single viewpoint photogrammetric solution set is used to determine the corrected control surface angle.

Modeling the microstructure of surface by applying BRDF function

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Plachta, Kamil

2017-06-01

The paper presents the modeling of surface microstructure using a bidirectional reflectance distribution function. This function contains full information about the reflectance properties of the flat surfaces - it is possible to determine the share of the specular, directional and diffuse components in the reflected luminous stream. The software is based on the authorial algorithm that uses selected elements of this function models, which allows to determine the share of each component. Basing on obtained data, the surface microstructure of each material can be modeled, which allows to determine the properties of this materials. The concentrator directs the reflected solar radiation onto the photovoltaic surface, increasing, at the same time, the value of the incident luminous stream. The paper presents an analysis of selected materials that can be used to construct the solar concentrator system. The use of concentrator increases the power output of the photovoltaic system by up to 17% as compared to the standard solution.