10 CFR Appendix T to Subpart B of... - Uniform Test Method for Measuring the Water Consumption of Water Closets and Urinals

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 10 Energy 3 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Uniform Test Method for Measuring the Water Consumption of Water Closets and Urinals T Appendix T to Subpart B of Part 430 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY ENERGY CONSERVATION ENERGY CONSERVATION PROGRAM FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS Test Procedures Pt. 430, Subpt. B, App. T Appendix T to Subpart B of Part 430—Uniform...

10 CFR Appendix T to Subpart B of... - Uniform Test Method for Measuring the Water Consumption of Water Closets and Urinals

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 10 Energy 3 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Uniform Test Method for Measuring the Water Consumption of Water Closets and Urinals T Appendix T to Subpart B of Part 430 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY ENERGY CONSERVATION ENERGY CONSERVATION PROGRAM FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS Test Procedures Pt. 430, Subpt. B, App. T Appendix T to Subpart B of Part 430—Uniform...

10 CFR Appendix T to Subpart B of... - Uniform Test Method for Measuring the Water Consumption of Water Closets and Urinals

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 10 Energy 3 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Uniform Test Method for Measuring the Water Consumption of Water Closets and Urinals T Appendix T to Subpart B of Part 430 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY ENERGY CONSERVATION ENERGY CONSERVATION PROGRAM FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS Test Procedures Pt. 430, Subpt. B, App. T Appendix T to Subpart B of Part 430—Uniform...

10 CFR Appendix T to Subpart B of... - Uniform Test Method for Measuring the Water Consumption of Water Closets and Urinals

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 10 Energy 3 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Uniform Test Method for Measuring the Water Consumption of Water Closets and Urinals T Appendix T to Subpart B of Part 430 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY ENERGY CONSERVATION ENERGY CONSERVATION PROGRAM FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS Test Procedures Pt. 430, Subpt. B, App. T Appendix T to Subpart B of Part 430—Uniform...

Corrective Action Decision Document/Corrective Action Plan for Corrective Action Unit 104: Area 7 Yucca Flat Atmospheric Test Sites Nevada National Security Site, Nevada, Revision 0

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

Patrick Matthews

2012-10-01

CAU 104 comprises the following corrective action sites (CASs): • 07-23-03, Atmospheric Test Site T-7C • 07-23-04, Atmospheric Test Site T7-1 • 07-23-05, Atmospheric Test Site • 07-23-06, Atmospheric Test Site T7-5a • 07-23-07, Atmospheric Test Site - Dog (T-S) • 07-23-08, Atmospheric Test Site - Baker (T-S) • 07-23-09, Atmospheric Test Site - Charlie (T-S) • 07-23-10, Atmospheric Test Site - Dixie • 07-23-11, Atmospheric Test Site - Dixie • 07-23-12, Atmospheric Test Site - Charlie (Bus) • 07-23-13, Atmospheric Test Site - Baker (Buster) • 07-23-14, Atmospheric Test Site - Ruth • 07-23-15, Atmospheric Test Site T7-4 •more » 07-23-16, Atmospheric Test Site B7-b • 07-23-17, Atmospheric Test Site - Climax These 15 CASs include releases from 30 atmospheric tests conducted in the approximately 1 square mile of CAU 104. Because releases associated with the CASs included in this CAU overlap and are not separate and distinguishable, these CASs are addressed jointly at the CAU level. The purpose of this CADD/CAP is to evaluate potential corrective action alternatives (CAAs), provide the rationale for the selection of recommended CAAs, and provide the plan for implementation of the recommended CAA for CAU 104. Corrective action investigation (CAI) activities were performed from October 4, 2011, through May 3, 2012, as set forth in the CAU 104 Corrective Action Investigation Plan.« less

Factors Motivating Individuals to Consider Genetic Testing for Type 2 Diabetes Risk Prediction

PubMed Central

Wessel, Jennifer; Gupta, Jyoti; de Groot, Mary

2016-01-01

The purpose of this study was to identify attitudes and perceptions of willingness to participate in genetic testing for type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk prediction in the general population. Adults (n = 598) were surveyed on attitudes about utilizing genetic testing to predict future risk of T2D. Participants were recruited from public libraries (53%), online registry (37%) and a safety net hospital emergency department (10%). Respondents were 37±11 years old, primarily White (54%), female (69%), college educated (46%), with an annual income ≥$25,000 (56%). Half of participants were interested in genetic testing for T2D (52%) and 81% agreed/strongly agreed genetic testing should be available to the public. Only 57% of individuals knew T2D is preventable. A multivariate model to predict interest in genetic testing was adjusted for age, gender, recruitment location and BMI; significant predictors were motivation (high perceived personal risk of T2D [OR = 4.38 (1.76, 10.9)]; family history [OR = 2.56 (1.46, 4.48)]; desire to know risk prior to disease onset [OR = 3.25 (1.94, 5.42)]; and knowing T2D is preventable [OR = 2.11 (1.24, 3.60)], intention (if the cost is free [OR = 10.2 (4.27, 24.6)]; and learning T2D is preventable [OR = 5.18 (1.95, 13.7)]) and trust of genetic testing results [OR = 0.03 (0.003, 0.30)]. Individuals are interested in genetic testing for T2D risk which offers unique information that is personalized. Financial accessibility, validity of the test and availability of diabetes prevention programs were identified as predictors of interest in T2D testing. PMID:26789839

Factors Motivating Individuals to Consider Genetic Testing for Type 2 Diabetes Risk Prediction.

PubMed

Wessel, Jennifer; Gupta, Jyoti; de Groot, Mary

2016-01-01

The purpose of this study was to identify attitudes and perceptions of willingness to participate in genetic testing for type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk prediction in the general population. Adults (n = 598) were surveyed on attitudes about utilizing genetic testing to predict future risk of T2D. Participants were recruited from public libraries (53%), online registry (37%) and a safety net hospital emergency department (10%). Respondents were 37 ± 11 years old, primarily White (54%), female (69%), college educated (46%), with an annual income ≥$25,000 (56%). Half of participants were interested in genetic testing for T2D (52%) and 81% agreed/strongly agreed genetic testing should be available to the public. Only 57% of individuals knew T2D is preventable. A multivariate model to predict interest in genetic testing was adjusted for age, gender, recruitment location and BMI; significant predictors were motivation (high perceived personal risk of T2D [OR = 4.38 (1.76, 10.9)]; family history [OR = 2.56 (1.46, 4.48)]; desire to know risk prior to disease onset [OR = 3.25 (1.94, 5.42)]; and knowing T2D is preventable [OR = 2.11 (1.24, 3.60)], intention (if the cost is free [OR = 10.2 (4.27, 24.6)]; and learning T2D is preventable [OR = 5.18 (1.95, 13.7)]) and trust of genetic testing results [OR = 0.03 (0.003, 0.30)]. Individuals are interested in genetic testing for T2D risk which offers unique information that is personalized. Financial accessibility, validity of the test and availability of diabetes prevention programs were identified as predictors of interest in T2D testing.

Comparison of cost-effectiveness between the quantiFERON-TB Gold-In-Tube and T-Spot tests for screening health-care workers for latent tuberculosis infection.

PubMed

Mukai, Shigeto; Shigemura, Katsumi; Yamamichi, Fukashi; Kitagawa, Koichi; Takami, Nozomi; Nomi, Masashi; Arakawa, Soichi; Fujisawa, Masato

2017-01-01

There are several methods used to screen for latent tuberculosis (TB) infection (LTBI) including the QuantiFERON-TB Gold-in-Tube (QFT-GIT) and T-SPOT-TB (T-SPOT) tests. Many studies have reported the equivalence of these two methods, but it is unclear which of them is more cost effective. We investigated the age and cost issues of these tests in screening for LTBI among health-care workers. One hundred and forty new employees during 2008-2011 in our hospital were screened using the QFT-GIT test, and 140 new employees during 2011-2014 were screened with the T-SPOT test for LTBI. The results of both tests were classified as positive, undetermined (retesting required), or negative. There were six positive results (4.29%), eight undetermined results (5.71%), and 126 negative results (90.0%) with the QFT-GIT test. As for the T-SPOT test, there were eight positive results (5.71%), three undetermined results (2.14%), and 129 negative results (92.1%). Fourteen LTBI employees (6 in QFT-GIT and 8 in T-SPOT) were detected statistically equally using the two methods (P = 0.79). The total costs, including those incurred for retesting, were $7,711.86 (US dollar) and $6,525.42 for the QFT-GIT and T-SPOT tests (cost of one test is $55.08 for QFT-GIT and $46.61 for T-SPOT), respectively. T-SPOT is one of the options for screening for LTBI partly owing to the viewpoint of cost-effectiveness. Further prospective studies need to be considered for a definitive conclusion.

The Toxicity Estimation Software Tool (T.E.S.T.)

EPA Science Inventory

The Toxicity Estimation Software Tool (T.E.S.T.) has been developed to estimate toxicological values for aquatic and mammalian species considering acute and chronic endpoints for screening purposes within TSCA and REACH programs.

Automated Formal Testing of C API Using T2C Framework

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khoroshilov, Alexey V.; Rubanov, Vladimir V.; Shatokhin, Eugene A.

A problem of automated test development for checking basic functionality of program interfaces (API) is discussed. Different technologies and corresponding tools are surveyed. And T2C technology developed in ISPRAS is presented. The technology and associated tools facilitate development of "medium quality" (and "medium cost") tests. An important feature of T2C technology is that it enforces that each check in a developed test is explicitly linked to the corresponding place in the standard. T2C tools provide convenient means to create such linkage. The results of using T2C are considered by example of a project for testing interfaces of Linux system libraries defined by the LSB standard.

EGFR T790M mutation testing within the osimertinib AURA Phase I study.

PubMed

Dearden, Simon; Brown, Helen; Jenkins, Suzanne; Thress, Kenneth S; Cantarini, Mireille; Cole, Rebecca; Ranson, Malcolm; Jänne, Pasi A

2017-07-01

Reliable epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation testing techniques are required to identify eligible patients with EGFR mutation/T790M positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), for treatment with osimertinib (AZD9291), an oral, potent, irreversible EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) selective for EGFR-TKI-sensitizing and T790M resistance mutations over wild-type EGFR. There is no current consensus regarding the best method to detect EGFR T790M mutations. The aim of this study was to describe the concordance between local testing, which used a variety of methods, and central testing, using the cobas ® EGFR Mutation Test, for EGFR-sensitizing mutations and the T790M resistance mutation. Tumor samples were obtained from all patients screened for inclusion onto the osimertinib Phase I expansion component of the AURA Phase I/II study (NCT01802632). Samples underwent central laboratory testing for EGFR-sensitizing mutations and T790M resistance mutation using the cobas ® EGFR Mutation Test. Results were compared with local laboratory test results, based on other testing methodologies including Sanger sequencing, therascreen ® , PNAClamp™, and Sequenom MassARRAY ® . Central laboratory testing was successful in 99% of samples passing histopathology review and testing success rates were comparable across the three central laboratories. Concordance between central and local testing for common sensitizing mutations was high (>98%) and concordance for the T790M mutation was also high (>90%). Tumor heterogeneity, along with other technical factors may have influenced this result. Within the osimertinib AURA Phase I study, EGFR mutation testing across three centralized laboratories using the cobas ® EGFR Mutation Test was feasible and successful, with strong concordance between local and central laboratory results, including for T790M. The cobas ® EGFR Mutation Test has subsequently been approved as the companion diagnostic test for osimertinib in the USA and Japan. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Test wells T27 and T28, White Sands Missile Range, Dona Ana County, New Mexico

USGS Publications Warehouse

Myers, R.G.; Pinckley, K.M.

1985-01-01

Two test wells, T27 and T28, were drilled at White Sands Missile Range in south-central New Mexico as part of a joint military training program sponsored by the U.S. Army in February and March 1983. Test wells T27 and T28 were drilled as observation wells in the vicinity of the Liquid Propellant Storage Area. Information obtained from these wells includes lithologic logs, driller 's logs, and borehole-geophysical logs from the cased wells. (USGS)

Surra Sero K-SeT, a new immunochromatographic test for serodiagnosis of Trypanosoma evansi infection in domestic animals.

PubMed

Birhanu, Hadush; Rogé, Stijn; Simon, Thomas; Baelmans, Rudy; Gebrehiwot, Tadesse; Goddeeris, Bruno Maria; Büscher, Philippe

2015-07-30

Trypanosoma evansi, the causative agent of surra, infects different domestic and wild animals and has a wide geographical distribution. It is mechanically transmitted mainly by haematophagous flies. Parasitological techniques are commonly used for the diagnosis of surra but have limited sensitivity. Therefore, serodiagnosis based on the detection of T. evansi specific antibodies is recommended by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). Recently, we developed a new antibody detection test for the serodiagnosis of T. evansi infection, the Surra Sero K-SeT. Surra Sero K-SeT is an immunochromatographic test (ICT) that makes use of recombinant variant surface glycoprotein rVSG RoTat 1.2, produced in the yeast Pichia pastoris. In this study, we compared the diagnostic accuracy of the Surra Sero K-SeT and the Card Agglutination Test for T. evansi Trypanosomososis (CATT/T. evansi) with immune trypanolysis (TL) as reference test on a total of 806 sera from camels, water buffaloes, horses, bovines, sheep, dogs and alpacas. Test agreement was highest between Surra Sero K-SeT and TL (κ=0.91, 95% CI 0.841-0.979) and somewhat lower between CATT/T. evansi and TL (κ=0.85, 95% CI 0.785-0.922) and Surra Sero K-SeT and CATT/T. evansi (κ=0.81, 95% CI 0.742-0.878). The Surra Sero K-SeT displayed a somewhat lower overall specificity than CATT/T. evansi (94.8% versus 98.3%, χ(2)=13.37, p<0.001) but a considerably higher sensitivity (98.1% versus 84.4%, χ(2)=33.39, p<0.001). We conclude that the Surra Sero K-SeT may become an alternative for the CATT/T. evansi for sensitive detection of antibodies against T. evansi in domestic animals. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Longitudinal testing of the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills model of self-care among adults with type 2 diabetes.

PubMed

Meunier, Sophie; Coulombe, Simon; Beaulieu, Marie-Dominique; Côté, José; Lespérance, François; Chiasson, Jean-Louis; Bherer, Louis; Lambert, Jean; Houle, Janie

2016-11-01

The study's aim was to test prospective associations between information, motivation, and behavioral skills (IMB model) and self-care behaviors (diet, exercise, and blood glucose testing) among patients with type 2 diabetes. 295 participants were surveyed one (T1), six (T2), and 12 (T3) months after a diabetes course. Cross-lagged panel analyses were performed to test unidirectional and bidirectional relationships between IMB model variables and self-care behaviors. Blood-glucose testing at T1 was positively related to information at T2, which in turn was positively related to blood-glucose testing at T3. Controlled motivation at T1 was positively related to exercise at T2. Autonomous motivation at T2 was positively associated with exercise at T3. There was a positive bidirectional relationship across time between behavioral skills and general diet. Patterns of prospective associations between IMB model variables and diabetes self-care depend on the self-care behavior considered. This model offers an interesting framework for examining how diabetes self-care behaviors evolve. Diabetes education programs should provide information about current health status and promote experiential learning to help patients realize the impact of their behaviors on glycemic control; should foster autonomous motivation for long-term change; and should build on patients' strengths and skills. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Qualitative Study of Anticipated Decision Making around Type 2 Diabetes Genetic Testing: The Role of Scientifically Concordant and Discordant Expectations

PubMed Central

Carmichael, Alicia G.; Hulswit, Bailey B.; Moe, Emily J.; Jayaratne, Toby Epstein; Yashar, Beverly M.

2016-01-01

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) genetic testing is undergoing clinical trials to measure the efficacy of genetic counseling for behavior-based risk reduction. The expectations patients bring to the testing process may play an important role in individual outcomes. We conducted a qualitative exploration of anticipated decision-making and expectations around T2DM genetic testing. Semi-structured interviews were completed with Mexican Americans (n = 34), non-Hispanic Black Americans (n = 39), and non-Hispanic White Americans (n = 39) at risk for T2DM. Transcripts were analyzed for themes. Most participants would accept T2DM genetic testing in order to motivate risk-reducing behaviors or apprise family members of their risk. Participants who would decline testing wished to avoid emotional distress or believed the test would not reveal new risk information. Non-Hispanic Whites and those with college education declined genetic testing more often than other groups. Those without college education were more likely to have testing expectations that were discordant with current science, such as conflating genetic testing with common ‘blood tests.’ Understanding expectations and decision-making factors around T2DM genetic testing will better prepare healthcare professionals to counsel their patients. This may lead to a higher efficacy of T2DM genetic testing and counseling. PMID:27465809

A Qualitative Study of Anticipated Decision Making around Type 2 Diabetes Genetic Testing: the Role of Scientifically Concordant and Discordant Expectations.

PubMed

Carmichael, Alicia G; Hulswit, Bailey B; Moe, Emily J; Jayaratne, Toby Epstein; Yashar, Beverly M

2017-06-01

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) genetic testing is undergoing clinical trials to measure the efficacy of genetic counseling for behavior-based risk reduction. The expectations patients bring to the testing process may play an important role in individual outcomes. We conducted a qualitative exploration of anticipated decision-making and expectations around T2DM genetic testing. Semi-structured interviews were completed with Mexican Americans (n = 34), non-Hispanic Black Americans (n = 39), and non-Hispanic White Americans (n = 39) at risk for T2DM. Transcripts were analyzed for themes. Most participants would accept T2DM genetic testing in order to motivate risk-reducing behaviors or apprise family members of their risk. Participants who would decline testing wished to avoid emotional distress or believed the test would not reveal new risk information. Non-Hispanic Whites and those with college education declined genetic testing more often than other groups. Those without college education were more likely to have testing expectations that were discordant with current science, such as conflating genetic testing with common 'blood tests.' Understanding expectations and decision-making factors around T2DM genetic testing will better prepare healthcare professionals to counsel their patients. This may lead to a higher efficacy of T2DM genetic testing and counseling.

Cultural Resources Survey and Testing Along Ditch 19 and Extensive Testing of 23DU289, Dunklin and Stoddard Counties, Missouri.

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-06-30

Carya illinoensis ) 1 1 Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) T 2 2 Pl.um (Prunus sp.) T Red Haw (Crataegus sp.) T 1 11 Red Mulberry (Morus rubra) T...2 Cherry (Prunus sp.) T Cottonwood (Populus sp.) 1 3 Dogwood (Cornus sp.) 1 Hackberry (Celtus occidentalis) 12 9 Hickory, ( Carya sp.) 5 4 Shellhark... Carya laciniosa) T Hornbeam (Ostrya virginiana) 2 Kentucky Coffee Tree( Gymnoeladus dioica)T Locust, T Black (Robinia pseudo-acacia) T Honey

A goodness-of-fit test for capture-recapture model M(t) under closure

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stanley, T.R.; Burnham, K.P.

1999-01-01

A new, fully efficient goodness-of-fit test for the time-specific closed-population capture-recapture model M(t) is presented. This test is based on the residual distribution of the capture history data given the maximum likelihood parameter estimates under model M(t), is partitioned into informative components, and is based on chi-square statistics. Comparison of this test with Leslie's test (Leslie, 1958, Journal of Animal Ecology 27, 84- 86) for model M(t), using Monte Carlo simulations, shows the new test generally outperforms Leslie's test. The new test is frequently computable when Leslie's test is not, has Type I error rates that are closer to nominal error rates than Leslie's test, and is sensitive to behavioral variation and heterogeneity in capture probabilities. Leslie's test is not sensitive to behavioral variation in capture probabilities but, when computable, has greater power to detect heterogeneity than the new test.

Effect of Multiaxial Loading on Crack Growth. Volume 2. Compilation of Experimental Data

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-12-01

3121 9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADORESS 10 . PROGRAM ELEMENT. PROJECT, TASK Northrop Corporation AREA & WORK UNIT NUMBERS Aircraft Group 3901...Stresses in the Center of the 2024-T351 9 Cruciform Specimen 9 Stress Distribution along the X-axis of the 10 Cruciform Specimen 10 Stress Distribution...Tensile Test Results for 7075-T7351 584 8 Tensile Test Results for 7075-T7351 600 9 Tensile Test Results for 2024-T351 610 10 Tensile Test Results for

Effect of gastric emptying and entero-hepatic circulation on bioequivalence assessment of ranitidine.

PubMed

Chrenova, J; Durisova, M; Mircioiu, C; Dedik, L

2010-01-01

The aim of study was to compare the bioavailability of ranitidine obtained from either Ranitidine (300 mg tablet; LPH® S.C. LaborMed Pharma S.A. Romania: the test formulation) and Zantac® (300 mg tablet; GlaxoSmithKline, Austria: the reference formulation). Twelve, Romanian, healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study. An open-label, two-period, crossover, randomized design was used. Plasma levels of ranitidine were determined using the validated, high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The physiologically motivated time-delayed model was used for the data evaluation and a paired Student's t-test and Schuirmann's two one-sided tests were carried out to compare parameters. Nonmodeling parameters (AUC(t), AUC, C(max), T(max)) were tested by the paired Student's t-test and the 90 confidence intervals of the geometric mean ratios were determined by Schuirmann's tests. Paired Student's t-test showed no significant differences between nonmodeling and modeling parameters. The results of the Schuirmann's tests however indicated significant statistical differences with reference to AUC(t), AUC, C(max), T(max) and other modeling parameters, especially MT(c) and τ(c). Schuirmann's tests revealed significant bioequivalence between ranitidine formulations using the modeling parameters MRT and n. The presented model can be useful as an additional tool to assess drug bioequivalence, by screening for disruptive parameters. Copyright 2010 Prous Science, S.A.U. or its licensors. All rights reserved.

High Speed Balancing Applied to the T700 Engine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Walton, J.; Lee, C.; Martin, M.

1989-01-01

The work performed under Contracts NAS3-23929 and NAS3-24633 is presented. MTI evaluated the feasibility of high-speed balancing for both the T700 power turbine rotor and the compressor rotor. Modifications were designed for the existing Corpus Christi Army Depot (CCAD) T53/T55 high-speed balancing system for balancing T700 power turbine rotors. Tests conducted under these contracts included a high-speed balancing evaluation for T700 power turbines in the Army/NASA drivetrain facility at MTI. The high-speed balancing tests demonstrated the reduction of vibration amplitudes at operating speed for both low-speed balanced and non-low-speed balanced T700 power turbines. In addition, vibration data from acceptance tests of T53, T55, and T700 engines were analyzed and a vibration diagnostic procedure developed.

Effect of an Individual Readiness Assurance Test on a Team Readiness Assurance Test in the Team-Based Learning of Physiology

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gopalan, Chaya; Fox, Dainielle J.; Gaebelein, Claude J.

2013-01-01

We examined whether requiring an individual readiness assurance test (iRAT) before a team readiness assurance test (tRAT) would benefit students in becoming better problem solvers in physiology. It was tested in the form of tRAT scores, the time required to complete the tRAT assignment, and individual performance on the unit examinations. Students…

Development status of LE-7 fuel turbopump

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakano, T.; Nagao, R.; Ohta, T.; Warashina, S.; Watanabe, H.; Oguchi, H.

The liquid hydrogen turbopump (LH2 T/P) for the LE-7 engine has been developed since 1984. The component PDR was held in June 1988 and the basic troubles occurred at the development test were solved. Next, the component CDR-1 was held in December 1989 in order to feed back the test results of prototype LH2 T/P model to the design of qualification phase T/P. So, the production of these turbopumps was admitted. Recently, the component CDR-2 was held in February 1992 to reflect the counterparts adopted for some troubles (impeller and turbine blade cracks and so on) in long-time engine tests to the design of qualification phase T/P. In the qualification phase, the hydraulic characteristics and strength in the engine operating range were examined at the LH2 T/P component test, and its endurance confirmed at the engine tests. The LH2 turbopump component test was held at NASDA Kakuda and the engine test at Tashiro and Tanegashima. This paper describes the development status of LH2 T/P, containing the design description and the content of some troubles and its counterplans.

Evidence-based best practices for EGFR T790M testing in lung cancer in Canada.

PubMed

Stockley, T; Souza, C A; Cheema, P K; Melosky, B; Kamel-Reid, S; Tsao, M S; Spatz, A; Karsan, A

2018-04-01

Epidermal growth factor receptor (egfr) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (tkis) are recommended as first-line systemic therapy for patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (nsclc) having mutations in the EGFR gene. Resistance to tkis eventually occurs in all nsclc patients treated with such drugs. In patients with resistance to tkis caused by the EGFR T790M mutation, the third-generation tki osimertinib is now the standard of care. For optimal patient management, accurate EGFR T790M testing is required. A multidisciplinary working group of pathologists, laboratory medicine specialists, medical oncologists, a respirologist, and a thoracic radiologist from across Canada was convened to discuss best practices for EGFR T790M mutation testing in Canada. The group made recommendations in the areas of the testing algorithm and the pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic aspects of clinical testing for both tissue testing and liquid biopsy circulating tumour dna testing. The recommendations aim to improve EGFR T790M testing in Canada and to thereby improve patient care.

MASH test 3-11 on the Texas T101 bridge rail

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-03-01

The Texas T101 bridge rail is widely used in the state of Texas. Previous testing demonstrated its ability to contain and redirect passenger cars and a 20,000-lb school bus. Based on this testing, the Federal Highway Administration accepted the T101 ...

Detecting differentially expressed genes in heterogeneous diseases using half Student's t-test.

PubMed

Hsu, Chun-Lun; Lee, Wen-Chung

2010-12-01

Microarray technology provides information about hundreds and thousands of gene-expression data in a single experiment. To search for disease-related genes, researchers test for those genes that are differentially expressed between the case subjects and the control subjects. The authors propose a new test, the 'half Student's t-test', specifically for detecting differentially expressed genes in heterogeneous diseases. Monte-Carlo simulation shows that the test maintains the nominal α level quite well for both normal and non-normal distributions. Power of the half Student's t is higher than that of the conventional 'pooled' Student's t when there is heterogeneity in the disease under study. The power gain by using the half Student's t can reach ∼10% when the standard deviation of the case group is 50% larger than that of the control group. Application to a colon cancer data reveals that when the false discovery rate (FDR) is controlled at 0.05, the half Student's t can detect 344 differentially expressed genes, whereas the pooled Student's t can detect only 65 genes. Or alternatively, if only 50 genes are to be selected, the FDR for the pooled Student's t has to be set at 0.0320 (false positive rate of ∼3%), but for the half Student's t, it can be at as low as 0.0001 (false positive rate of about one per ten thousands). The half Student's t-test is to be recommended for the detection of differentially expressed genes in heterogeneous diseases.

XENOENDOCRINE DISRUPTERS-TIERED SCREENING AND TESTING: FILLING KEY DATA GAPS

EPA Science Inventory

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is developing a screening and testing program for endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). High priority chemicals would be evaluated in the Tier 1 Screening (T1S) battery. Chemicals positive in T1S would then be tested (Tier 2). T1S...

Implementation and Evaluation of a Team Simulation Training Program.

PubMed

Rice, Yvonne; DeLetter, Mary; Fryman, Lisa; Parrish, Evelyn; Velotta, Cathie; Talley, Cynthia

2016-01-01

Care of the trauma patient requires a well-coordinated intensive effort during the golden hour to optimize survival. We hypothesized that this program would improve knowledge, satisfaction, self-confidence, and simulated team performance. A pre-, post-test design with N = 7 BSN nurses, 21 years of age, less than 2 years of intensive care unit and nursing experience. Trauma intensive care unit, single-center academic Level 1 trauma center. Improvement was shown in perception of team structure (paired t test 13.71-12.57; p = .0001) and communication (paired t test 14.85-12.14; p = .009). Improvement was shown in observed situation monitoring (paired t test 17.42-25.28; p = .000), mutual support (paired t test 12.57-18.57; p = .000), and communication (paired t test 15.42-25.00; p = .001). A decrease was shown in attitudes of mutual support (paired t test 25.85-19.71; p = .04) and communication (paired t test 26.14-23.00; p = .001). Mean satisfaction scores were 21.5 of a possible 25 points. Mean self-confidence scores were 38.83 out of a possible 40 points. Simulation-based team training improved teamwork attitudes, perceptions, and performance. Team communication demonstrated significant improvement in 2 of the 3 instruments. Most participants agreed or strongly agreed that they were satisfied with simulation and had gained self-confidence.

Trichomonas vaginalis Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing at an Urban HIV Clinic.

PubMed

Muzny, Christina A; Burkholder, Greer A; Fry, Karen R; Austin, Erika L; Schwebke, Jane R

2016-08-01

Trichomonas vaginalis is the most common nonviral sexually transmitted infection. T. vaginalis nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) recently became available at the University of Alabama at Birmingham human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) clinic. The objective of this study was to determine the uptake of T. vaginalis NAAT testing among clinic providers during the first year of test availability in addition to T. vaginalis prevalence and predictors based on NAAT results. This was a retrospective review of HIV+ women and men ages ≥16 years at the University of Alabama at Birmingham HIV Clinic, including those receiving a T. vaginalis NAAT on a genitourinary specimen. Between August 2014 and August 2015, 3163 HIV+ patients were seen (768 women, 2395 men), of whom 861 (27.3%) received a T. vaginalis NAAT; 402 women (52.3%) and 459 men (19.2%). Among those with T. vaginalis NAAT results, 70 (17.4%) of 402 women and 12 (2.6%) of 459 men (9 men who have sex with women, 1 man who has sex with men, 2 unknown) tested positive. In adjusted analyses for women, age ≤40 years (odds ratio [OR], 2.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23-6.96), current cocaine use (OR, 4.86; 95% CI, 1.57-15.06), and CD4 < 200 cells/mm (OR, 6.09; 95% CI, 1.68-22.11) were significantly associated with increased odds of a positive T. vaginalis NAAT. For those with a positive T. vaginalis NAAT, treatment was prescribed for 65 (92.9%) of 70 women and 10 (83.3%) of 12 men. Initial uptake of T. vaginalis NAAT testing was modest at this HIV clinic yet identified a high prevalence among women tested. Emphasis on the need for testing in HIV+ women is necessary.

Evaluation of 39 medical implants at 7.0 T

PubMed Central

Feng, David X; McCauley, Joseph P; Morgan–Curtis, Fea K; Salam, Redoan A; Pennell, David R; Loveless, Mary E

2015-01-01

Objective: With increased signal to noise ratios, 7.0-T MRI has the potential to contribute unique information regarding anatomy and pathophysiology of a disease. However, concerns for the safety of subjects with metallic medical implants have hindered advancement in this field. The purpose of the present research was to evaluate the MRI safety for 39 commonly used medical implants at 7.0 T. Methods: Selected metallic implants were tested for magnetic field interactions, radiofrequency-induced heating and artefacts using standardized testing techniques. Results: 5 of the 39 implants tested may be unsafe for subjects undergoing MRI at 7.0 T. Conclusion: Implants were deemed either “MR Conditional” or “MR Unsafe” for the 7.0-T MRI environment. Further research is needed to expand the existing database categorizing implants that are acceptable for patients referred for MRI examinations at 7.0 T. Advances in knowledge: Lack of MRI testing for common metallic medical implants limits the translational potential of 7.0-T MRI. For safety reasons, patients with metallic implants are not allowed to undergo a 7.0-T MRI scan, precluding part of the population that can benefit from the detailed resolution of ultra-high-field MRIs. This investigation provides necessary MRI testing of common medical implants at 7.0 T. PMID:26481696

Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation enhances the effects of motor imagery training in a finger tapping task.

PubMed

Saimpont, Arnaud; Mercier, Catherine; Malouin, Francine; Guillot, Aymeric; Collet, Christian; Doyon, Julien; Jackson, Philip L

2016-01-01

Motor imagery (MI) training and anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied over the primary motor cortex can independently improve hand motor function. The main objective of this double-blind, sham-controlled study was to examine whether anodal tDCS over the primary motor cortex could enhance the effects of MI training on the learning of a finger tapping sequence. Thirty-six right-handed young human adults were assigned to one of three groups: (i) who performed MI training combined with anodal tDCS applied over the primary motor cortex; (ii) who performed MI training combined with sham tDCS; and (iii) who received tDCS while reading a book. The MI training consisted of mentally rehearsing an eight-item complex finger sequence for 13 min. Before (Pre-test), immediately after (Post-test 1), and at 90 min after (Post-test 2) MI training, the participants physically repeated the sequence as fast and as accurately as possible. An anova showed that the number of sequences correctly performed significantly increased between Pre-test and Post-test 1 and remained stable at Post-test 2 in the three groups (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the percentage increase in performance between Pre-test and Post-test 1 and Post-test 2 was significantly greater in the group that performed MI training combined with anodal tDCS compared with the other two groups (P < 0.05). As a potential physiological explanation, the synaptic strength within the primary motor cortex could have been reinforced by the association of MI training and tDCS compared with MI training alone and tDCS alone. © 2015 Federation of European Neuroscience Societies and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Evaluation of acute toxicity, sedative and analgesic effects of Taverniera glabra methanolic extract on mice.

PubMed

Marvi, -; Iqbal, Javeid; Muhammad, Shafi; Ahmad, Mansoor

2016-11-01

Present study was conducted on crude methanolic extract of stem and root of Taverniera glabra. In Pakistan T. glabra is found in the region of Balochistan only. T. glabra has numerous therapeutic uses in traditional medicine and it is also used for the pain relief. Current study was carried out to evaluate acute toxicity, analgesic and CNS depressant activity of the plant. Acute toxicity was carried out by oral administration of the T. glabra extract from 250 to 2000mg/kg oral dose. Analgesic activity was carried out by acetic acid induced writhing test and formalin test. Central Nervous System (CNS) depressant activity was carried out by exploratory activities (open field activity, cage crossing activity, rearing test) and forced swimming test. Oral administration of the methanolic extract of T. glabra was nontoxic at the dose of 1500mg/kg in the acute toxicity test. Exploratory behavior of mice treated with the methanolic extract of T. glabra showed sedative effects (P<0.05) in open field, cage crossing, traction and rearing test, particularly at the dose of 500mg as compared with standard drug Diazepam. In forced swimming test, mobility time was significantly (P<0.05) increased at 500mg/kg oral dose, and results were significant as compared with control. Methanolic extract of T. glabra produced significant (P<0.05) analgesic effects at the dose of 500mg/kg in the acetic acid induced writhing test and the formalin test. In conclusion, results show that the crude methanolic extract of T. glabra possess sedative as well as potent analgesic effects. Present pharmacological studies are the first ever studies conducted on the methanolic extract of T. glabra.

Ensuring Positiveness of the Scaled Difference Chi-Square Test Statistic

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Satorra, Albert; Bentler, Peter M.

2010-01-01

A scaled difference test statistic T[tilde][subscript d] that can be computed from standard software of structural equation models (SEM) by hand calculations was proposed in Satorra and Bentler (Psychometrika 66:507-514, 2001). The statistic T[tilde][subscript d] is asymptotically equivalent to the scaled difference test statistic T[bar][subscript…

Utilization of 4T score to determine the pretest probability of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in a community hospital in upstate New York.

PubMed

Samhouri, Yazan; Telfah, Mohammad; Kouides, Ruth; Woodlock, Timothy

2016-01-01

Thrombocytopenia is common in hospitalized patients. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a life-threatening condition which can lead to extensive thrombosis. Diagnosis of HIT relies on clinical suspicion determined by 4T score and immunoassays through testing for anti-PF4/heparin antibodies. Clinical practice guidelines published by the American Society of Hematology in 2013 recommended use of the 4T score before ordering the immunoassays as a measure of pretest probability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utilization of 4T score before ordering anti-PF4/heparin antibodies at Unity Hospital. We did a retrospective chart review for patients who are 18 years or older, admitted to Unity Hospital between July 1, 2013, and December 31, 2014, and had anti-PF4/heparin antibodies ordered. Subjects who had prior history of HIT or had end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis were excluded. After calculating 4T score retrospectively, we calculated the proportion of patients who had 4T score documented prior to ELISA testing and proportion of ELISA tests, which were not indicated due to a 4T score less than or equal to 3 using Minitab 16. Review of 123 patients, with an average age of 69.4 years, showed that testing was indicated in 18 patients. Six subjects had positive results, and testing was indicated in all of them. 4T score was documented in three patients. This quality improvement study showed that 4T score documentation rate at Unity Hospital is 2.4%. Anti-PF4/heparin antibody testing was indicated in 14.6%. This test is being overused in thrombocytopenia work up at Unity Hospital, costing $9,345. The topic was reviewed for residents. A prompt and calculator for 4T score were added to electronic medical records before ordering the test as a step to improve high value care.

Biostatistics Series Module 3: Comparing Groups: Numerical Variables.

PubMed

Hazra, Avijit; Gogtay, Nithya

2016-01-01

Numerical data that are normally distributed can be analyzed with parametric tests, that is, tests which are based on the parameters that define a normal distribution curve. If the distribution is uncertain, the data can be plotted as a normal probability plot and visually inspected, or tested for normality using one of a number of goodness of fit tests, such as the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The widely used Student's t-test has three variants. The one-sample t-test is used to assess if a sample mean (as an estimate of the population mean) differs significantly from a given population mean. The means of two independent samples may be compared for a statistically significant difference by the unpaired or independent samples t-test. If the data sets are related in some way, their means may be compared by the paired or dependent samples t-test. The t-test should not be used to compare the means of more than two groups. Although it is possible to compare groups in pairs, when there are more than two groups, this will increase the probability of a Type I error. The one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) is employed to compare the means of three or more independent data sets that are normally distributed. Multiple measurements from the same set of subjects cannot be treated as separate, unrelated data sets. Comparison of means in such a situation requires repeated measures ANOVA. It is to be noted that while a multiple group comparison test such as ANOVA can point to a significant difference, it does not identify exactly between which two groups the difference lies. To do this, multiple group comparison needs to be followed up by an appropriate post hoc test. An example is the Tukey's honestly significant difference test following ANOVA. If the assumptions for parametric tests are not met, there are nonparametric alternatives for comparing data sets. These include Mann-Whitney U-test as the nonparametric counterpart of the unpaired Student's t-test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test as the counterpart of the paired Student's t-test, Kruskal-Wallis test as the nonparametric equivalent of ANOVA and the Friedman's test as the counterpart of repeated measures ANOVA.

A Scoping Review of Behavioral Economic Interventions for Prevention and Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

PubMed

Kullgren, Jeffrey T; Hafez, Dina; Fedewa, Allison; Heisler, Michele

2017-09-01

The purpose of this paper was to review studies of behavioral economic interventions (financial incentives, choice architecture modifications, or commitment devices) to prevent type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among at-risk patients or improve self-management among patients with T2DM. We found 15 studies that used varied study designs and outcomes to test behavioral economic interventions in clinical, workplace, or health plan settings. Of four studies that focused on prevention of T2DM, two found that financial incentives increased weight loss and completion of a fasting blood glucose test, and two choice architecture modifications had mixed effects in encouraging completion of tests to screen for T2DM. Of 11 studies that focused on improving self-management of T2DM, four of six tests of financial incentives demonstrated increased engagement in recommended care processes or improved biometric measures, and three of five tests of choice architecture modifications found improvements in self-management behaviors. Though few studies have tested behavioral economic interventions for prevention or treatment of T2DM, those that have suggested such approaches have the potential to improve patient behaviors and such approaches should be tested more broadly.

A Scoping Review of Behavioral Economic Interventions for Prevention and Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

PubMed Central

Kullgren, Jeffrey T.; Hafez, Dina; Fedewa, Allison; Heisler, Michele

2017-01-01

Purpose of review To review studies of behavioral economic interventions (financial incentives, choice architecture modifications, or commitment devices) to prevent type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among at-risk patients or improve self-management among patients with T2DM. Recent findings We found 15 studies that used varied study designs and outcomes to test behavioral economic interventions in clinical, workplace, or health plan settings. Of four studies that focused on prevention of T2DM, two found that financial incentives increased weight loss and completion of a fasting blood glucose test, and two choice architecture modifications had mixed effects in encouraging completion of tests to screen for T2DM. Of 11 studies that focused on improving self-management of T2DM, four of six tests of financial incentives demonstrated increased engagement in recommended care processes or improved biometric measures, and three of five tests of choice architecture modifications found improvements in self-management behaviors. Summary Though few studies have tested behavioral economic interventions for prevention or treatment of T2DM, those that have suggest such approaches have potential to improve patient behaviors and should be tested more broadly. PMID:28755061

The serological relationship between Theileria parva (Muguga) and Theileria lawrence from Rhodesia.

PubMed

Lawrence, J A

1977-05-28

Thirty-eight sera from cattle from a herd in Rhodesia naturally infected with Theileria lawrencei were titrated with the indirect immunofluorescent test against schizont antigens of T parva (Muguga) and T lawrencei from Rhodesia. T lawrencei was found to be indistinguishable from T parva with the test.

Test wells T21, T22, and T25, White Sands Missile Range, Dona Ana County, New Mexico

USGS Publications Warehouse

Myers, R.G.

1983-01-01

Three test wells, T21, T22, and T25, were drilled at White Sands Missile Range in south-central New Mexico as part of a joint military program sponsored by the U.S. Army in September 1982. T21 and T22 were drilled as observation wells for two old landfills. T25 was drilled as an exploratory hole to obtain lithologic and borehole-geophysical data in the vicinity of the proposed replacement well for Supply Well 15. Information obtained from these wells includes borehole-geophysical and driller's logs.

A closer look at the effect of preliminary goodness-of-fit testing for normality for the one-sample t-test.

PubMed

Rochon, Justine; Kieser, Meinhard

2011-11-01

Student's one-sample t-test is a commonly used method when inference about the population mean is made. As advocated in textbooks and articles, the assumption of normality is often checked by a preliminary goodness-of-fit (GOF) test. In a paper recently published by Schucany and Ng it was shown that, for the uniform distribution, screening of samples by a pretest for normality leads to a more conservative conditional Type I error rate than application of the one-sample t-test without preliminary GOF test. In contrast, for the exponential distribution, the conditional level is even more elevated than the Type I error rate of the t-test without pretest. We examine the reasons behind these characteristics. In a simulation study, samples drawn from the exponential, lognormal, uniform, Student's t-distribution with 2 degrees of freedom (t(2) ) and the standard normal distribution that had passed normality screening, as well as the ingredients of the test statistics calculated from these samples, are investigated. For non-normal distributions, we found that preliminary testing for normality may change the distribution of means and standard deviations of the selected samples as well as the correlation between them (if the underlying distribution is non-symmetric), thus leading to altered distributions of the resulting test statistics. It is shown that for skewed distributions the excess in Type I error rate may be even more pronounced when testing one-sided hypotheses. ©2010 The British Psychological Society.

Tension and Bending Testing of an Integral T-Cap for Stitched Composite Airframe Joints

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lovejoy, Andrew E.; Leone, Frank A., Jr.

2016-01-01

The Pultruded Rod Stitched Efficient Unitized Structure (PRSEUS) is a structural concept that was developed by The Boeing Company to address the complex structural design aspects associated with a pressurized hybrid wing body aircraft configuration. An important design feature required for assembly is the integrally stitched T-cap, which provides connectivity of the corner (orthogonal) joint between adjacent panels. A series of tests were conducted on T-cap test articles, with and without a rod stiffener penetrating the T-cap web, under tension (pull-off) and bending loads. Three designs were tested, including the baseline design used in large-scale test articles. The baseline had only the manufacturing stitch row adjacent to the fillet at the base of the T-cap web. Two new designs added stitching rows to the T-cap web at either 0.5- or 1.0-inch spacing along the height of the web. Testing was conducted at NASA Langley Research Center to determine the behavior of the T-cap region resulting from the applied loading. Results show that stitching arrests the initial delamination failures so that the maximum strength capability exceeds the load at which the initial delaminations develop. However, it was seen that the added web stitching had very little effect on the initial delamination failure load, but actually decreased the initial delamination failure load for tension loading of test articles without a stiffener passing through the web. Additionally, the added web stitching only increased the maximum load capability by between 1% and 12.5%. The presence of the stiffener, however, did increase the initial and maximum loads for both tension and bending loading as compared to the stringerless baseline design. Based on the results of the few samples tested, the additional stitching in the T-cap web showed little advantage over the baseline design in terms of structural failure at the T-cap web/skin junction for the current test articles.

Stress Tests for Chest Pain: When You Need an Imaging Test -- and When You Don't

MedlinePlus

... Resources Adult , Geriatric Stress Tests for Chest Pain Stress Tests for Chest Pain When you need an ... pain isn’t from heart disease. A cardiac stress test makes the heart work hard so your ...

Deaf Adults without Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Display Reduced Perceptual Sensitivity and Elevated Impulsivity on the Test of Variables of Attention (T.O.V.A.)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Parasnis, Ila; Samar, Vincent J.; Berent, Gerald P.

2003-01-01

The Test of Variables of Attention (T.O.V.A.; R. A. Leark, T. R. Dupuy, L. M. Greenberg, C. L. Corman, & C. L. Kindeschi, 1996) is a continuous performance test used widely to help diagnose attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in both hearing and deaf people. The T.O.V.A. previously has been normed only on the hearing population.…

Biaxial Testing of 2219-T87 Aluminum Alloy Using Cruciform Specimens

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dawicke, D. S.; Pollock, W. D.

1997-01-01

A cruciform biaxial test specimen was designed and seven biaxial tensile tests were conducted on 2219-T87 aluminum alloy. An elastic-plastic finite element analysis was used to simulate each tests and predict the yield stresses. The elastic-plastic finite analysis accurately simulated the measured load-strain behavior for each test. The yield stresses predicted by the finite element analyses indicated that the yield behavior of the 2219-T87 aluminum alloy agrees with the von Mises yield criterion.

Temporal Sensitivity Measured Shortly After Cochlear Implantation Predicts 6-Month Speech Recognition Outcome.

PubMed

Erb, Julia; Ludwig, Alexandra Annemarie; Kunke, Dunja; Fuchs, Michael; Obleser, Jonas

2018-04-24

Psychoacoustic tests assessed shortly after cochlear implantation are useful predictors of the rehabilitative speech outcome. While largely independent, both spectral and temporal resolution tests are important to provide an accurate prediction of speech recognition. However, rapid tests of temporal sensitivity are currently lacking. Here, we propose a simple amplitude modulation rate discrimination (AMRD) paradigm that is validated by predicting future speech recognition in adult cochlear implant (CI) patients. In 34 newly implanted patients, we used an adaptive AMRD paradigm, where broadband noise was modulated at the speech-relevant rate of ~4 Hz. In a longitudinal study, speech recognition in quiet was assessed using the closed-set Freiburger number test shortly after cochlear implantation (t0) as well as the open-set Freiburger monosyllabic word test 6 months later (t6). Both AMRD thresholds at t0 (r = -0.51) and speech recognition scores at t0 (r = 0.56) predicted speech recognition scores at t6. However, AMRD and speech recognition at t0 were uncorrelated, suggesting that those measures capture partially distinct perceptual abilities. A multiple regression model predicting 6-month speech recognition outcome with deafness duration and speech recognition at t0 improved from adjusted R = 0.30 to adjusted R = 0.44 when AMRD threshold was added as a predictor. These findings identify AMRD thresholds as a reliable, nonredundant predictor above and beyond established speech tests for CI outcome. This AMRD test could potentially be developed into a rapid clinical temporal-resolution test to be integrated into the postoperative test battery to improve the reliability of speech outcome prognosis.

In vitro pituitary and thyroid cell proliferation assays and their relevance as alternatives to animal testing.

PubMed

Jomaa, Barae; Aarts, Jac M M J G; de Haan, Laura H J; Peijnenburg, Ad A C M; Bovee, Toine F H; Murk, Albertinka J; Rietjens, Ivonne M C M

2013-01-01

This study investigates the in vitro effect of eleven thyroid-active compounds known to affect pituitary and/or thyroid weights in vivo, using the proliferation of GH3 rat pituitary cells in the so-called "T-screen," and of FRTL-5 rat thyroid cells in a newly developed test denoted "TSH-screen" to gain insight into the relative value of these in vitro proliferation tests for an integrated testing strategy (ITS) for thyroid activity. Pituitary cell proliferation in the T-screen was stimulated by three out of eleven tested compounds, namely thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH), triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Of these three compounds, only T4 causes an increase in relative pituitary weight, and thus T4 was the only compound for which the effect in the in vitro assay correlated with a reported in vivo effect. As to the newly developed TSH-screen, two compounds had an effect, namely, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) induced and T4 antagonized FRTL-5 cell proliferation. These effects correlated with in vivo changes induced by these compounds on thyroid weight. Altogether, the results indicate that most of the selected compounds affect pituitary and thyroid weights by modes of action different from a direct thyroid hormone receptor (THR) or TSH receptor (TSHR)-mediated effect, and point to the need for additional in vitro tests for an ITS. Additional analysis of the T-screen revealed a positive correlation between the THR-mediated effects of the tested compounds in vitro and their effects on relative heart weight in vivo, suggesting that the T-screen may directly predict this THR-mediated in vivo adverse effect.

SU-E-T-769: T-Test Based Prior Error Estimate and Stopping Criterion for Monte Carlo Dose Calculation in Proton Therapy

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

Hong, X; Gao, H; Schuemann, J

2015-06-15

Purpose: The Monte Carlo (MC) method is a gold standard for dose calculation in radiotherapy. However, it is not a priori clear how many particles need to be simulated to achieve a given dose accuracy. Prior error estimate and stopping criterion are not well established for MC. This work aims to fill this gap. Methods: Due to the statistical nature of MC, our approach is based on one-sample t-test. We design the prior error estimate method based on the t-test, and then use this t-test based error estimate for developing a simulation stopping criterion. The three major components are asmore » follows.First, the source particles are randomized in energy, space and angle, so that the dose deposition from a particle to the voxel is independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.).Second, a sample under consideration in the t-test is the mean value of dose deposition to the voxel by sufficiently large number of source particles. Then according to central limit theorem, the sample as the mean value of i.i.d. variables is normally distributed with the expectation equal to the true deposited dose.Third, the t-test is performed with the null hypothesis that the difference between sample expectation (the same as true deposited dose) and on-the-fly calculated mean sample dose from MC is larger than a given error threshold, in addition to which users have the freedom to specify confidence probability and region of interest in the t-test based stopping criterion. Results: The method is validated for proton dose calculation. The difference between the MC Result based on the t-test prior error estimate and the statistical Result by repeating numerous MC simulations is within 1%. Conclusion: The t-test based prior error estimate and stopping criterion are developed for MC and validated for proton dose calculation. Xiang Hong and Hao Gao were partially supported by the NSFC (#11405105), the 973 Program (#2015CB856000) and the Shanghai Pujiang Talent Program (#14PJ1404500)« less

Using the Student's "t"-Test with Extremely Small Sample Sizes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

de Winter, J. C .F.

2013-01-01

Researchers occasionally have to work with an extremely small sample size, defined herein as "N" less than or equal to 5. Some methodologists have cautioned against using the "t"-test when the sample size is extremely small, whereas others have suggested that using the "t"-test is feasible in such a case. The present…

One-sided truncated sequential t-test: application to natural resource sampling

Treesearch

Gary W. Fowler; William G. O' Regan

1974-01-01

A new procedure for constructing one-sided truncated sequential t-tests and its application to natural resource sampling are described. Monte Carlo procedures were used to develop a series of one-sided truncated sequential t-tests and the associated approximations to the operating characteristic and average sample number functions. Different truncation points and...

Feasibility Studies of an Electrochemical Test Method for Nitrogen Tetroxide Compatibility Testing.

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-11-01

I - fl i ght Density Acid ( HDA ) type systems (N204—HNO 3) in order to achieve t r a - s - ~t i r - i h s I e d e...id rich ph a s e w i l l r e s u l t in HDA type nitric acid corrosion in localized , s i t e s ( i . - . , c r e v t s~s , s - t c . ) . E l e

Compatibility of martensitic/austenitic steel welds with liquid lead bismuth eutectic environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Van den Bosch, J.; Almazouzi, A.

2009-04-01

The high-chromium ferritic/martensitic steel T91 and the austenitic stainless steel 316L are to be used in contact with liquid lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE), under high irradiation doses. Both tungsten inert gas (TIG) and electron beam (EB) T91/316L welds have been examined by means of metallography, scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDX), Vickers hardness measurements and tensile testing both in inert gas and in LBE. Although the T91/316L TIG weld has very good mechanical properties when tested in air, its properties decline sharply when tested in LBE. This degradation in mechanical properties is attributed to the liquid metal embrittlement of the 309 buttering used in TIG welding of T91/316L welds. In contrast to mixed T91/316L TIG welding, the mixed T91/316L EB weld was performed without buttering. The mechanical behaviour of the T91/316L EB weld was very good in air after post weld heat treatment but deteriorated when tested in LBE.

Refractive errors and binocular dysfunctions in a population of university students.

PubMed

Risovic, D J; Misailovic, K R; Eric-Marinkovic, J M; Kosanovic-Jakovic, N G; Milenkovic, S M; Petrovic, L Z

2008-01-01

This clinical study was performed to determine the presence of refractive errors and binocular dysfunctions in a population of university students. Refraction and binocular function were evaluated in a young patient population (230 students and 234 nonstudent subjects, aged 18-27 years). Distance visual acuity (DVA) and near visual acuity (NVA), refraction, cover test (CT), ocular motility, near-point of convergence, horizontal phoria measurement by Maddox wing, negative and positive vergence amplitude in prism diopters, fusion amplitude in synoptophore, as well as stereoacuity (Titmus test) were tested. Emmetropia was the most frequent refractive status in our student and nonstudent groups (78.7%). Myopia was the most frequent refractive disorder in the whole population (13.1%). Myopia and hypermetropia were significantly more frequent in the students than in nonstudents (chi-square emp 47.55). Exophoria is significantly more frequent in myopic subjects. Vergence amplitude (t test 0.000) and fusion amplitude (t test 0.005) show significantly lower values in student population. Results of Titmus test in the student group is significantly worse than in the nonstudent group (t test 0.000). Maddox wing resulted in significantly higher degree of heterophoria in the student population (t test 0.000). Myopic subjects, in the student group (t test 0.002) as well as in the nonstudent group (t test 0.001), show significantly better results in Titmus test. High near visual demand could be the most important factor for higher incidence of myopia, worse convergence and fusion amplitude, higher degree of exophoria, and worse results in Titmus test in the student population.

NCHRP report 350 test 3-11 of the modified T8 bridge rail.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-04-01

A new flexible bridge rail system, referred to as the T8 rail, was designed as a replacement for the T6 rail in high-speed applications on culverts and thin deck structures. The T8 rail failed a crash test when the breakaway posts failed the thin dec...

Improved auscultation skills in paramedic students using a modified stethoscope.

PubMed

Simon, Erin L; Lecat, Paul J; Haller, Nairmeen A; Williams, Carolyn J; Martin, Scott W; Carney, John A; Pakiela, John A

2012-12-01

The Ventriloscope® (Lecat's SimplySim, Tallmadge, OH) is a modified stethoscope used as a simulation training device for auscultation. To test the effectiveness of the Ventriloscope as a training device in teaching heart and lung auscultatory findings to paramedic students. A prospective, single-hospital study conducted in a paramedic-teaching program. The standard teaching group learned heart and lung sounds via audiocassette recordings and lecture, whereas the intervention group utilized the modified stethoscope in conjunction with patient volunteers. Study subjects took a pre-test, post-test, and a follow-up test to measure recognition of heart and lung sounds. The intervention group included 22 paramedic students and the standard group included 18 paramedic students. Pre-test scores did not differ using two-sample t-tests (standard group: t [16]=-1.63, p=0.12) and (intervention group: t [20]=-1.17, p=0.26). Improvement in pre-test to post-test scores was noted within each group (standard: t [17]=2.43, p=0.03; intervention: t [21]=4.81, p<0.0001). Follow-up scores for the standard group were not different from pre-test scores of 16.06 (t [17]=0.94, p=0.36). However, follow-up scores for the intervention group significantly improved from their respective pre-test score of 16.05 (t [21]=2.63, p=0.02). Simulation training using a modified stethoscope in conjunction with standardized patients allows for realistic learning of heart and lung sounds. This technique of simulation training achieved proficiency and better retention of heart and lung sounds in a safe teaching environment. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of the performance of two tuberculosis interferon gamma release assays (IGRA-ELISA and T-SPOT.TB) for diagnosing Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.

PubMed

Wang, Linchuan; Tian, Xu-Dong; Yu, Yan; Chen, Wei

2018-04-01

The IGRA-ELISA and T-SPOT.TB are widely used in China. The aim of the study was to evaluate the performance of the two assays in diagnosis Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Of the 3727 patients in the study, 204 underwent testing using both the T-SPOT.TB and IGRA-ELISA, 1794 were tested using the T-SPOT.TB only, and 1729 were tested using the IGRA-ELISA only. The positive rate and consistency of the two assays were analyzed, and their sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing active tuberculosis were compared. There were no significant differences in the positive rate between the T-SPOT.TB test (25.8%) and IGRA-ELISA (28.6%), p = .065. The two assays were highly consistent, with a kappa value of 0.852 (p < .0001) and a total coincidence rate of 92.7%. For the diagnosis of active tuberculosis, the sensitivity and specificity values of the T-SPOT.TB test were 82.9% (107/129) and 78.6% (1309/1665), respectively, and those of IGRA-ELISA were 81.7% (94/115) and 75.2% (1214/1614), respectively. There were no significant differences in sensitivity (p > .05), but the specificity of the T-SPOT.TB test was slightly higher than that of IGRA-ELISA (p = .023). Both in terms of diagnosing M. tuberculosis infection and ruling out active tuberculosis, the performance of the IGRA-ELISA-a simple, almost labor-free assay that allows simultaneous processing of a very large number of samples-was well-matched with that of T-SPOT.TB test. However, IGRAs cannot be used as the only test to diagnose active tuberculosis. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Nondestructive Testing Information Analysis Center, 1980.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-06-01

A.-A. 1 50 STHWEbf RESEARCH INST SAN ANTONIO TLX F/, 1*/ NONOESTRUCTIVE TESTING INFORMAtION ANALYSIS CENTER 19J8 SOT U)’JUN 81 R T SMITH OLA90U-T9-C...Feb ~81,J ’. Nondestructive Testing Information Analysis Center, 1980. ., I F l.15-56 7- . E T 7. AUTHORts) W. CNTRACTO--FFArNT NUMBER(s) - ) Richard T...ifdifferent from Report) 18 SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES 19. KEY WORDS (Continue on reverse side ifnecessary and identify bv block number) Information analysis centers

Drug Development and Conversion of Biodiversity in West and Central Africa

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-05-01

and Tri-trichomonas foetus ). An additional 68 extracts were received from WRAIR in late February and are now entering preliminary screening. For the...two strains of T. vaginalis and 22 were tested vs. T foetus . For trypanosome studies, 21 of the WRAIR extracts and 4 of 8 of the AP#2 extracts had IC50...while 2 of 22 tested vs. T foetus had similarly high activity. Extracts active vs. trypanosomes were tested in a mouse model infection of T brucei at a

Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer Integration and Test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wright, Michael R.; McCormick, John L.; Hoffman, Richard G.

2010-01-01

Integration and test (I&T) of the Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE) is presented. A collaborative NASA project between Goddard Space Flight Center and Ames Research Center, LADEE's mission is to explore the low lunar orbit environment and exosphere for constituents. Its instruments include two spectrometers, a dust detector, and a laser communication technology demonstration. Although a relatively low-cost spacecraft, LADEE has I&T requirements typical of most planetary probes, such as prelaunch contamination control, sterilization, and instrument calibration. To lead to a successful mission, I&T at the spacecraft, instrument, and observatory level must include step-by-step and end-to-end functional, environmental, and performance testing. Due to its compressed development schedule, LADEE I&T planning requires adjusting test flows and sequences to account for long-lead critical-path items and limited spares. A protoflight test-level strategy is also baselined. However, the program benefits from having two independent but collaborative teams of engineers, managers, and technicians that have a wealth of flight project experience. This paper summarizes the LADEE I&T planning, flow, facilities, and probe-unique processes. Coordination of requirements and approaches to I&T when multiple organizations are involved is discussed. Also presented are cost-effective approaches to I&T that are transferable to most any spaceflight project I&T program.

Assessment of ventilatory thresholds during graded and maximal exercise test using time varying analysis of respiratory sinus arrhythmia.

PubMed

Blain, G; Meste, O; Bouchard, T; Bermon, S

2005-07-01

To test whether ventilatory thresholds, measured during an exercise test, could be assessed using time varying analysis of respiratory sinus arrhythmia frequency (f(RSA)). Fourteen sedentary subjects and 12 endurance athletes performed a graded and maximal exercise test on a cycle ergometer: initial load 75 W (sedentary subjects) and 150 W (athletes), increments 37.5 W/2 min. f(RSA) was extracted from heart period series using an evolutive model. First (T(V1)) and second (T(V2)) ventilatory thresholds were determined from the time course curves of ventilation and ventilatory equivalents for O(2) and CO(2). f(RSA) was accurately extracted from all recordings and positively correlated to respiratory frequency (r = 0.96 (0.03), p<0.01). In 21 of the 26 subjects, two successive non-linear increases were determined in f(RSA), defining the first (T(RSA1)) and second (T(RSA2)) f(RSA) thresholds. When expressed as a function of power, T(RSA1) and T(RSA2) were not significantly different from and closely linked to T(V1) (r = 0.99, p<0.001) and T(V2) (r = 0.99, p<0.001), respectively. In the five remaining subjects, only one non-linear increase was observed close to T(V2). Significant differences (p<0.04) were found between athlete and sedentary groups when T(RSA1) and T(RSA2) were expressed in terms of absolute and relative power and percentage of maximal aerobic power. In the sedentary group, T(RSA1) and T(RSA2) were 150.3 (18.7) W and 198.3 (28.8) W, respectively, whereas in the athlete group T(RSA1) and T(RSA2) were 247.3 (32.8) W and 316.0 (28.8) W, respectively. Dynamic analysis of f(RSA) provides a useful tool for identifying ventilatory thresholds during graded and maximal exercise test in sedentary subjects and athletes.

[The usefulness of in vitro interferon-gamma assay for differential diagnosis between intestinal tuberculosis and Crohns disease].

PubMed

Lee, Jung Nam; Ryu, Dong Yup; Park, Sung Han; You, Hyun Seok; Lee, Bong Eun; Kim, Dong Uk; Kim, Tae Oh; Heo, Jeong; Kim, Gwang Ha; Song, Geun Am; Kim, Suk; Park, Do Youn

2010-06-01

It is difficult to clinically and endoscopically differentiate intestinal tuberculosis (ITB) and Crohns disease (CD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of in vitro interferon-gamma (INF-gamma) assay for differential diagnosis between ITB and CD. Sixty patients for whom differential diagnosis between ITB and CD was difficult were enrolled between January 2007 and January 2009. The INF-gamma-producing T-cell response to early secreted antigenic target 6 and culture filtrate protein 10 were measured by T-SPOT.TB blood test in vitro. We evaluated the usefulness of T-SPOT.TB blood test by comparing its results with the final diagnosis. Twenty and forty patients were revealed to be positive and negative in T-SPOT.TB blood test, respectively. Of the 20 patients found to be positive, 12 patients (60%) were finally diagnosed as ITB, 6 patients as CD, and 2 patients as Behcets enterocolitis. Of the 40 patients with negative results, 38 patients (95%) were diagnosed as CD; one as Behcets enterocolitis; one as nonspecific colitis; none as ITB. The sensitivity and specificity of T-SPOT.TB blood test for ITB were 100% and 83.3%, respectively. Positive and negative predictive values of T-SPOT.TB blood test for ITB were 60.0% and 100%, respectively. When differential diagnosis between ITB and CD is difficult, T-SPOT.TB blood test may be a helpful and rapid diagnostic tool to exclude ITB. Prospective large-scaled studies are required for further evaluation of the usefulness of T-SPOT.TB blood test for differential diagnosis between ITB and CD.

Task-based language teaching: how it is implemented effectively?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Somawati, N. P.; Wahyu Astuti, N. W.; Kanca, I. N.; Widanta, I. M. R. J.; Ardika, I. W. D.

2018-01-01

There have been a number of ideas on how task-based language teaching (TBLT) is applied in English instruction. This research attempted to investigate how the task-based language teaching (TBLT) should appropriately be implemented in vocational college. A group of twenty eight students majoring in tourism were involved as research participant. Prior to treatment, they were given pre-test (Tl) to see their basic level. The test, assessment rubric, learning materials, and learning syntax were developed and validated by an expert judge prior to their use. The treatment using task-based learning materials and learning syntax stages of “leading in - enriching - activating - naturalizing” (LEAN) was undertaken for three times. The post test (T2) was then given two days upon treatment to avoid their being able to answer the test because they just still remember of the materials during the learning. The analysis result of T1 and T2 using paired sample t-test showed that there was significant difference between means of T1 (M=6.14) and T2 (M=15.46), indicated by t (27) = -54.51, p < .05. Further development is recommended to use other English for specific purposes’ materials and different research participant.

Performance evaluation of the solar kinetics T-700 line concentrating solar collector

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1981-01-01

A performance evaluation of the solar kinetics T-700 line concentrating solar collector is reported. Collector descriptions, summary, test conditions, test equipment, test requirements and procedures, and an analysis of the various tests performed are described.

Assessment of Damage Tolerance Requirements and Analysis. Volume 4. Raw Test Data

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-03-31

T3XX aluminum alloy . Four (4) product forms were selected: MATERIAL PRODUCT FORM THICKNESS (IN) 2024-T3 Sheet 0.090, 0.190 2024-T351 Plate 0.250 2024...T3511 Extruded Tee 0.190 2024-T3511 Extruded Angle 0.250 The material selected to represent bomber/transport/cargo aircraft is 7075- T6XX aluminum alloy ...aluminum alloys , respectively. The raw test data were processed in accordance with ASTM Standard E-8. All the tensile properties, except those marked

40 CFR Appendix IV to Part 265 - Tests for Significance

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... introductory statistics texts. ... student's t-test involves calculation of the value of a t-statistic for each comparison of the mean... parameter with its initial background concentration or value. The calculated value of the t-statistic must...

T-Cap Pull-Off and Bending Behavior for Stitched Structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lovejoy, Andrew E.; Leone, Frank A., Jr.

2016-01-01

The Pultruded Rod Stitched Efficient Unitized Structure (PRSEUS) is a structural concept that was developed by The Boeing Company to address the complex structural design aspects associated with a pressurized hybrid wing body aircraft configuration. An important design feature required for assembly is the integrally stitched T-cap, which provides connectivity of the corner (orthogonal) joint between adjacent panels. A series of tests were conducted on T-cap test articles, with and without a rod stiffener penetrating the T-cap web, under tension (pull-off) and bending loads. Three designs were tested, including the baseline design used in largescale test articles. The baseline had only the manufacturing stitch row adjacent to the fillet at the base of the T-cap web. Two new designs added stitching rows to the T-cap web at either 0.5- or 1.0-inch spacing along the height of the web. Testing was conducted at NASA Langley Research Center to determine the behavior of the T-cap region resulting from the applied loading. Results show that stitching arrests the initial delamination failures so that the maximum strength capability exceeds the load at which the initial delaminations develop. However, it was seen that the added web stitching had very little effect on the initial delamination failure load, but actually decreased the initial delamination failure load for tension loading of test articles without a stiffener passing through the web. Additionally, the added web stitching only increased the maximum load capability by between 1% and 12.5%. The presence of the stiffener, however, did increase the initial and maximum loads for both tension and bending loading as compared to the stringerless baseline design. Based on the results of the few samples tested, the additional stitching in the T-cap web showed little advantage over the baseline design in terms of structural failure at the T-cap web/skin junction for the current test articles.

Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in household and feral cats in Korea.

PubMed

Kim, Sung-Eon; Choi, Ran; Kang, Seung-Won; Hyun, Changbaig

2017-09-01

This study was designed to investigate the prevalence rate of Toxoplasma gondii ( T. gondii ) infection in household cats in Korea. One hundred household cats and 50 feral cats from nine of the largest cities in Korea were enrolled in this study. The tests performed in this survey was an in-house rapid screen IgG and IgM combo test, faecal PCR test for T. gondii oocysts, and an ELISA immunoassay for IgG antibodies. There were no household cats positive for T. gondii infection detected using the in-house IgG and IgM rapid screen combo test, although 6/50 and 0/50 feral cats were positive in IgG and IgM tests, respectively. This initial finding was confirmed by subsequent ELISA test for IgG antibody and PCR for T. gondii in faeces. Despite the higher prevalence rate of the disease in feral cats in Korea, we did not find any household cats that were either infected or exposed previously to T. gondii in our study population. Our study indicates that there is minimal risk of T. gondii transmission from household cats to human in Korea.

Salivary testosterone levels are unrelated to handedness or cerebral lateralization for language.

PubMed

Papadatou-Pastou, Marietta; Martin, Maryanne; Mohr, Christine

2017-03-01

Behavioural and cerebral lateralization are thought to be controlled, at least in part, by prenatal testosterone (T) levels, explaining why sex differences are found in both laterality traits. The present study investigated hormonal effects on laterality using adult salivary T levels, to explore the adequacy of competing theories: the Geschwind, Behan and Galaburda, the callosal, and the sexual differentiation hypotheses. Sixty participants (15 right-handers and 15 left-handers of each sex) participated. Behavioural lateralization was studied by means of hand preference tests (i.e., the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory and the Quantification of Hand Preference test) and a hand skill test (i.e., the Peg-Moving test) whereas cerebral lateralization for language was studied using the Consonant-Vowel Dichotic Listening test and the Visual Half-Field Lexical Decision test. Salivary T and cortisol (C) concentrations were measured by luminescence immunoassay. Canonical correlations did not reveal significant relationships between T levels and measures of hand preference, hand skill, or language laterality. Thus, our findings add to the growing literature showing no relationship between T concentrations with behavioural or cerebral lateralization. It is claimed that prenatal T is not a major determinant of individual variability in either behavioural or cerebral lateralization.

T-38C Optimal Landing Technique Determination (Project Talon Spot)

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-05-01

USAF TPS, Class 09B. All objectives of the test were met. 15. SUBJECT TERMS T-38 Aircraft , T-38C Aircraft , J85-GE-5 engine, landing performance... aircraft crossed the threshold. The requesting agency was Headquarters AETC/A3FV, through the USAF TPS. The responsible test organization was the 412...13197 (Figure 1) instrumented test aircraft were flown. The USAF TPS personnel performed all testing at USAF Plant 42 in Palmdale, CA and Edwards

40 CFR Appendix IV to Part 265 - Tests for Significance

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... changes in the concentration or value of an indicator parameter in periodic ground-water samples when... then be compared to the value of the t-statistic found in a table for t-test of significance at the specified level of significance. A calculated value of t which exceeds the value of t found in the table...

40 CFR Appendix IV to Part 265 - Tests for Significance

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... changes in the concentration or value of an indicator parameter in periodic ground-water samples when... then be compared to the value of the t-statistic found in a table for t-test of significance at the specified level of significance. A calculated value of t which exceeds the value of t found in the table...

40 CFR Appendix IV to Part 265 - Tests for Significance

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... changes in the concentration or value of an indicator parameter in periodic ground-water samples when... then be compared to the value of the t-statistic found in a table for t-test of significance at the specified level of significance. A calculated value of t which exceeds the value of t found in the table...

40 CFR Appendix IV to Part 265 - Tests for Significance

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... changes in the concentration or value of an indicator parameter in periodic ground-water samples when... then be compared to the value of the t-statistic found in a table for t-test of significance at the specified level of significance. A calculated value of t which exceeds the value of t found in the table...

The IGF-1/cortisol ratio as a useful marker for monitoring training in young boxers

PubMed Central

Nassib, S; Moalla, W; Hammoudi-Nassib, S; Chtara, M; Hachana, Y; Tabka, Z; Chamari, K

2015-01-01

Training effects on plasma insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1)/cortisol ratio were investigated in boxers. Thirty subjects were assigned to either the training or the control group (n = 15 in both). They were tested before the beginning of training (T0), after 5 weeks of intensive training (T1), and after 1 week of tapering (T2). Physical performances (Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level-1), training loads, and blood sampling were obtained at T0, T1, and T2. Controls were only tested for biochemical and anthropometric parameters at T0 and T2. A significantly higher physical performance was observed at T2 compared to T1. At T1, cortisol levels were significantly increased whereas IGF-1 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) levels remained unchanged compared to baseline. At T2, cortisol levels decreased while IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels increased. The IGF-1/cortisol ratio decreased significantly at T1 and increased at T2, and its variations were significantly correlated with changes in training loads and Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (IRT1) performance over the training period. Cortisol variations correlated with changes in training load (r = 0.64; p < 0.01) and Yo-Yo IRT1 performance (r = 0.78; p < 0.001) at T1 whereas IGF-1 variations correlated only with changes in Yo-Yo IRT1 performance at T2 (r = 0.71; p < 0.001). It is concluded that IGF-1/cortisol ratio could be a useful tool for monitoring training loads in young trained boxers. PMID:26985129

Small Scale Trace Contaminant Testing of SA9T at Ambient and Reduced Pressure Conditions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Broerman, Craig; Sweterlitsch, Jeffrey

2011-01-01

A principle concern for air revitalization technology in a closed loop system is the capability to control carbon dioxide (CO2) and humidity (H2O). An amine based sorbent technology, SA9T, has long been evaluated for use in this application and several programs are evaluating it for use in both a cabin as well as space suit applications. While the CO2 and H2O performance of the sorbent has been tested extensively, the question of how trace contaminants impact performance requires further evaluation. This paper presents experimental results of small scale SA9T testing that was performed over a variety of test conditions and with a variety of trace contaminants. Testing evaluated the ability of SA9T media to sufficiently remove CO2 and H2O after exposure to a fully saturated trace contaminant at ambient conditions. Testing also evaluated the impact of CO2 and H2O removal performance at suit loop pressures during cyclic operation with a constant inlet contaminant load. In addition, testing evaluated the performance of SA9T at ambient conditions in a continuous 30-day test with a mixed trace contaminant stream.

[CLINICAL UTILITY OF T-SPOT.TB ASSAY WITH T-Cell Xtend REAGENT FOR ACTIVE TUBERCULOSIS DIAGNOSIS IN THE FIELD TEST AT OUR HOSPITAL].

PubMed

Nemoto, Kenji; Oh-ishi, Shuji; Taguchi, Masato; Hyodo, Kentaro; Kanazawa, Jun; Miura, Yukiko; Takaku, Takio; Usui, Shingo; Hayashihara, Kenji; Saito, Takefumi

2016-04-01

T-SPOT.TB (T-SPOT), an interferon-gamma release assay, has shown promise as a diagnostic tool for active tuberculosis (TB), and its use is expanding. Addition of the T-Cell Xtend (TCX) reagent may allow delayed processing, and this characteristic is important for using this test in the field. However, limited data is available on the usefulness of T-SPOT with TCX as a field test for diagnosing active TB. To investigate the clinical utility of T-SPOT with TCX and the risk factors for a false-negative result in patients with active TB. A total of 57 patients with active TB who underwent the T-SPOT test with TCX prior to treatment were enrolled between May 2013 and May 2015. One patient with an indeterminate result for T-SPOT was excluded; therefore, the data of 56 patients were eventually included in the final analysis. The basic characteristics and clinical findings were compared between the true-positive and false-negative T-SPOT groups. Of the 56 patients, 40 (71.4%), 13 (23.2%), 3 (5.4%) had true-positive, false-negative, and borderline T-SPOT results, respectively. This study did not reveal any significant risk factors for a false-negative T-SPOT result. In this clinical study, the proportion of patients with a false-negative result for T-SPOT with TCX for active TB was higher than that reported previously. Therefore, careful interpretation of a negative result for T-SPOT with TCX is necessary, regardless of the patient's background.

Effectiveness comparison of partially executed t-way test suite based generated by existing strategies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Othman, Rozmie R.; Ahmad, Mohd Zamri Zahir; Ali, Mohd Shaiful Aziz Rashid; Zakaria, Hasneeza Liza; Rahman, Md. Mostafijur

2015-05-01

Consuming 40 to 50 percent of software development cost, software testing is one of the most resource consuming activities in software development lifecycle. To ensure an acceptable level of quality and reliability of a typical software product, it is desirable to test every possible combination of input data under various configurations. Due to combinatorial explosion problem, considering all exhaustive testing is practically impossible. Resource constraints, costing factors as well as strict time-to-market deadlines are amongst the main factors that inhibit such consideration. Earlier work suggests that sampling strategy (i.e. based on t-way parameter interaction or called as t-way testing) can be effective to reduce number of test cases without effecting the fault detection capability. However, for a very large system, even t-way strategy will produce a large test suite that need to be executed. In the end, only part of the planned test suite can be executed in order to meet the aforementioned constraints. Here, there is a need for test engineers to measure the effectiveness of partially executed test suite in order for them to assess the risk they have to take. Motivated by the abovementioned problem, this paper presents the effectiveness comparison of partially executed t-way test suite generated by existing strategies using tuples coverage method. Here, test engineers can predict the effectiveness of the testing process if only part of the original test cases is executed.

Genomics-based non-invasive prenatal testing for detection of fetal chromosomal aneuploidy in pregnant women.

PubMed

Badeau, Mylène; Lindsay, Carmen; Blais, Jonatan; Nshimyumukiza, Leon; Takwoingi, Yemisi; Langlois, Sylvie; Légaré, France; Giguère, Yves; Turgeon, Alexis F; Witteman, William; Rousseau, François

2017-11-10

Common fetal aneuploidies include Down syndrome (trisomy 21 or T21), Edward syndrome (trisomy 18 or T18), Patau syndrome (trisomy 13 or T13), Turner syndrome (45,X), Klinefelter syndrome (47,XXY), Triple X syndrome (47,XXX) and 47,XYY syndrome (47,XYY). Prenatal screening for fetal aneuploidies is standard care in many countries, but current biochemical and ultrasound tests have high false negative and false positive rates. The discovery of fetal circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA) in maternal blood offers the potential for genomics-based non-invasive prenatal testing (gNIPT) as a more accurate screening method. Two approaches used for gNIPT are massively parallel shotgun sequencing (MPSS) and targeted massively parallel sequencing (TMPS). To evaluate and compare the diagnostic accuracy of MPSS and TMPS for gNIPT as a first-tier test in unselected populations of pregnant women undergoing aneuploidy screening or as a second-tier test in pregnant women considered to be high risk after first-tier screening for common fetal aneuploidies. The gNIPT results were confirmed by a reference standard such as fetal karyotype or neonatal clinical examination. We searched 13 databases (including MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science) from 1 January 2007 to 12 July 2016 without any language, search filter or publication type restrictions. We also screened reference lists of relevant full-text articles, websites of private prenatal diagnosis companies and conference abstracts. Studies could include pregnant women of any age, ethnicity and gestational age with singleton or multifetal pregnancy. The women must have had a screening test for fetal aneuploidy by MPSS or TMPS and a reference standard such as fetal karyotype or medical records from birth. Two review authors independently carried out study selection, data extraction and quality assessment (using the QUADAS-2 tool). Where possible, hierarchical models or simpler alternatives were used for meta-analysis. Sixty-five studies of 86,139 pregnant women (3141 aneuploids and 82,998 euploids) were included. No study was judged to be at low risk of bias across the four domains of the QUADAS-2 tool but applicability concerns were generally low. Of the 65 studies, 42 enrolled pregnant women at high risk, five recruited an unselected population and 18 recruited cohorts with a mix of prior risk of fetal aneuploidy. Among the 65 studies, 44 evaluated MPSS and 21 evaluated TMPS; of these, five studies also compared gNIPT with a traditional screening test (biochemical, ultrasound or both). Forty-six out of 65 studies (71%) reported gNIPT assay failure rate, which ranged between 0% and 25% for MPSS, and between 0.8% and 7.5% for TMPS.In the population of unselected pregnant women, MPSS was evaluated by only one study; the study assessed T21, T18 and T13. TMPS was assessed for T21 in four studies involving unselected cohorts; three of the studies also assessed T18 and 13. In pooled analyses (88 T21 cases, 22 T18 cases, eight T13 cases and 20,649 unaffected pregnancies (non T21, T18 and T13)), the clinical sensitivity (95% confidence interval (CI)) of TMPS was 99.2% (78.2% to 100%), 90.9% (70.0% to 97.7%) and 65.1% (9.16% to 97.2%) for T21, T18 and T13, respectively. The corresponding clinical specificity was above 99.9% for T21, T18 and T13.In high-risk populations, MPSS was assessed for T21, T18, T13 and 45,X in 30, 28, 20 and 12 studies, respectively. In pooled analyses (1048 T21 cases, 332 T18 cases, 128 T13 cases and 15,797 unaffected pregnancies), the clinical sensitivity (95% confidence interval (CI)) of MPSS was 99.7% (98.0% to 100%), 97.8% (92.5% to 99.4%), 95.8% (86.1% to 98.9%) and 91.7% (78.3% to 97.1%) for T21, T18, T13 and 45,X, respectively. The corresponding clinical specificities (95% CI) were 99.9% (99.8% to 100%), 99.9% (99.8% to 100%), 99.8% (99.8% to 99.9%) and 99.6% (98.9% to 99.8%). In this risk group, TMPS was assessed for T21, T18, T13 and 45,X in six, five, two and four studies. In pooled analyses (246 T21 cases, 112 T18 cases, 20 T13 cases and 4282 unaffected pregnancies), the clinical sensitivity (95% CI) of TMPS was 99.2% (96.8% to 99.8%), 98.2% (93.1% to 99.6%), 100% (83.9% to 100%) and 92.4% (84.1% to 96.5%) for T21, T18, T13 and 45,X respectively. The clinical specificities were above 100% for T21, T18 and T13 and 99.8% (98.3% to 100%) for 45,X. Indirect comparisons of MPSS and TMPS for T21, T18 and 45,X showed no statistical difference in clinical sensitivity, clinical specificity or both. Due to limited data, comparative meta-analysis of MPSS and TMPS was not possible for T13.We were unable to perform meta-analyses of gNIPT for 47,XXX, 47,XXY and 47,XYY because there were very few or no studies in one or more risk groups. These results show that MPSS and TMPS perform similarly in terms of clinical sensitivity and specificity for the detection of fetal T31, T18, T13 and sex chromosome aneuploidy (SCA). However, no study compared the two approaches head-to-head in the same cohort of patients. The accuracy of gNIPT as a prenatal screening test has been mainly evaluated as a second-tier screening test to identify pregnancies at very low risk of fetal aneuploidies (T21, T18 and T13), thus avoiding invasive procedures. Genomics-based non-invasive prenatal testing methods appear to be sensitive and highly specific for detection of fetal trisomies 21, 18 and 13 in high-risk populations. There is paucity of data on the accuracy of gNIPT as a first-tier aneuploidy screening test in a population of unselected pregnant women. With respect to the replacement of invasive tests, the performance of gNIPT observed in this review is not sufficient to replace current invasive diagnostic tests.We conclude that given the current data on the performance of gNIPT, invasive fetal karyotyping is still the required diagnostic approach to confirm the presence of a chromosomal abnormality prior to making irreversible decisions relative to the pregnancy outcome. However, most of the gNIPT studies were prone to bias, especially in terms of the selection of participants.

T-SPOT.TB Interferon-γ Release Assay Performance in Healthcare Worker Screening at Nineteen U.S. Hospitals.

PubMed

King, Thomas C; Upfal, Mark; Gottlieb, Andrew; Adamo, Philip; Bernacki, Edward; Kadlecek, Chris P; Jones, Jeffrey G; Humphrey-Carothers, Frances; Rielly, Albert F; Drewry, Pamela; Murray, Kathy; DeWitt, Marcie; Matsubara, Janet; O'Dea, Louis; Balser, John; Wrighton-Smith, Peter

2015-08-01

Interferon-γ release assays have significant advantages over tuberculin skin testing in many clinical situations. However, recent studies have called into question their reliability in serial testing of healthcare workers because of reportedly high rates of positivity and high conversion/reversion rates on retesting. To define the performance characteristics of the T-SPOT.TB test, an interferon-γ release assay, during serial screening programs of healthcare workers at 19 U.S. hospitals. A total of 42,155 T-SPOT.TB test results from healthcare workers at 19 geographically diverse hospitals obtained for routine tuberculosis screening programs were analyzed to determine the rates of positivity, reversion, and conversion in serial testing data. In 19,630 evaluable serial pairs from 16,076 healthcare workers, the mean test positivity rate was 2.3% (range, 0.0-27.4%). The mean conversion rate was 0.8% (range, 0.0-2.5%), and the mean reversion rate was 17.6%. Positivity and conversion rates correlated with known tuberculosis risk factors including age and sex. The observed specificity of the T-SPOT.TB test was at least 98.6%. The high concordance and test completion rates in this study suggest that the T-SPOT.TB test is a reliable tool for healthcare worker serial screening. As expected, the observed positivity rates were lower compared with the tuberculin skin test, likely reflecting the higher specificity of this test. Furthermore, the observed rates of conversion were low and significantly correlated with the geographic incidence of tuberculosis. Our findings suggest that the T-SPOT.TB test is an accurate and reliable way to screen healthcare workers.

MR imaging of the temporomandibular joint: comparison between acquisitions at 7.0 T using dielectric pads and 3.0 T

PubMed Central

Kuhn, Felix P; Spinner, Georg; Del Grande, Filippo; Wyss, Michael; Piccirelli, Marco; Erni, Stefan; Pfister, Pascal; Ho, Michael; Sah, Bert-Ram; Filli, Lukas; Ettlin, Dominik A; Gallo, Luigi M; Andreisek, Gustav

2017-01-01

Objectives: To qualitatively and quantitatively compare MRI of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) at 7.0 T using high-permittivity dielectric pads and 3.0 T using a clinical high-resolution protocol. Methods: Institutional review board-approved study with written informed consent. 12 asymptomatic volunteers were imaged at 7.0 and 3.0 T using 32-channel head coils. High-permittivity dielectric pads consisting of barium titanate in deuterated suspension were used for imaging at 7.0 T. Imaging protocol consisted of oblique sagittal proton density weighted turbo spin echo sequences. For quantitative analysis, pixelwise signal-to-noise ratio maps of the TMJ were calculated. For qualitative analysis, images were evaluated by two independent readers using 5-point Likert scales. Quantitative and qualitative results were compared using t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, respectively. Results: TMJ imaging at 7.0 T using high-permittivity dielectric pads was feasible in all volunteers. Quantitative analysis showed similar signal-to-noise ratio for both field strengths (mean ± SD; 7.0 T, 13.02 ± 3.92; 3.0 T, 14.02 ± 3.41; two-sample t-tests, p = 0.188). At 7.0 T, qualitative analysis yielded better visibility of all anatomical subregions of the temporomandibular disc (anterior band, intermediate zone and posterior band) than 3.0 T (Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, p < 0.05, corrected for multiple comparisons). Conclusions: MRI of the TMJ at 7.0 T using high-permittivity dielectric pads yields superior visibility of the temporomandibular disc compared with 3.0 T. PMID:27704872

MR imaging of the temporomandibular joint: comparison between acquisitions at 7.0 T using dielectric pads and 3.0 T.

PubMed

Kuhn, Felix P; Spinner, Georg; Del Grande, Filippo; Wyss, Michael; Piccirelli, Marco; Erni, Stefan; Pfister, Pascal; Ho, Michael; Sah, Bert-Ram; Filli, Lukas; Ettlin, Dominik A; Gallo, Luigi M; Andreisek, Gustav; Manoliu, Andrei

2017-01-01

To qualitatively and quantitatively compare MRI of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) at 7.0 T using high-permittivity dielectric pads and 3.0 T using a clinical high-resolution protocol. Institutional review board-approved study with written informed consent. 12 asymptomatic volunteers were imaged at 7.0 and 3.0 T using 32-channel head coils. High-permittivity dielectric pads consisting of barium titanate in deuterated suspension were used for imaging at 7.0 T. Imaging protocol consisted of oblique sagittal proton density weighted turbo spin echo sequences. For quantitative analysis, pixelwise signal-to-noise ratio maps of the TMJ were calculated. For qualitative analysis, images were evaluated by two independent readers using 5-point Likert scales. Quantitative and qualitative results were compared using t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, respectively. TMJ imaging at 7.0 T using high-permittivity dielectric pads was feasible in all volunteers. Quantitative analysis showed similar signal-to-noise ratio for both field strengths (mean ± SD; 7.0 T, 13.02 ± 3.92; 3.0 T, 14.02 ± 3.41; two-sample t-tests, p = 0.188). At 7.0 T, qualitative analysis yielded better visibility of all anatomical subregions of the temporomandibular disc (anterior band, intermediate zone and posterior band) than 3.0 T (Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, p < 0.05, corrected for multiple comparisons). MRI of the TMJ at 7.0 T using high-permittivity dielectric pads yields superior visibility of the temporomandibular disc compared with 3.0 T.

Validating a Finite Element Model of a Structure Subjected to Mine Blast with Experimental Modal Analysis

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-11-01

The Under-body Blast Methodology (UBM) for the Test and Evaluation (T&E) program was established to provide a capability for the US Army Test and... Evaluation Command to assess the vulnerability of vehicles to under-body blast. Finite element (FE) models are part of the current UBM for T&E methodology...Methodology (UBM) for the Test and Evaluation (T&E) program was established to provide a capability for the US Army Test and Evaluation Command

Round Robin Fatigue Crack Growth Testing Results

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-11-01

testing was accomplished, in accordance with ASTM E647, using two different capacity SATEC frames-a 20 kip test frame for the 7075-T6 panels and a 55 kip...Equipment and Setup a. SATEC b. 20 kip (7075-T6); 55 kip (2024-T351) c. Test control hardware/software i. Hardware: Teststar Ilm ii. Software: Station...5c. WROGRK M UN LEMBERTNME 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS( ES ) S. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER Center for A44rcraft

A Rapid Item-Search Procedure for Bayesian Adaptive Testing.

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-05-01

properties of the • procedure , they migh t well introduce undesirable psychological effects on test scores (e.g., Betz & Weiss , 1976r.’ , 1976b...ge of results and adaptive ability test .~~~~ (Research Rep . 76—4). Minneapolis: University of Minnesota , Departmen t of Psychology , Psychometric...t~~[AH ~~~ ~~~~ r _ _ _ _ A RAPID ITEM -SEARC H PROCEDURE FOR BAYESIAN ADAPTIVE TESTING C. David Vale d D D Can David J . Weiss RESEARCH REPORT 77-n

Definition of Aviation Turbine Fuel Contamination under Simulated Combat Conditions

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-09-01

metals ill a riet system as would quIarttz. The plagio - clase thus con tribiites no0 seven t to ttile test. As a reSU~ti t i A.( . Test O ust reail l...the test package inl that oxides of’ iron. quartz. and mineralls inl thle plagio )Clase feldspar tammiji were idemitt Iitd t’or example, 210 see

THE LYMPHOCYTE RESPONSE TO PRIMARY MOLONEY SARCOMA VIRUS TUMORS IN BALB/c MICE

PubMed Central

Lamon, E. W.; Wigzell, H.; Klein, E.; Andersson, B.; Skurzak, H. M.

1973-01-01

Adult BALB/c mice were injected with Moloney sarcoma virus (MSV) after which the animals' lymphocytes were examined for activity against Moloney leukemia virus (MLV) antigen-bearing target cells at 5-day intervals for 30 days. Lymphocytes from these animals and appropriately matched controls were fractionated into B cell-deficient (primarily T cells) and T cell-deficient (primarily B cells) subpopulations. Macrophages were removed using iron powder and magnetism. The unfractionated lymphocytes, T cells, and non-T cells were then tested in microcytotoxicity tests. Antigen-specific activity was found in the unfractionated lymphocytes from animals that had not yet developed palpable tumors and from regressor animals. The T cells were active just before tumor development and just after regression; however, by day 30 after virus infection (8–10 days after regression) the T cell subpopulation was much less active. The non-T cell subpopulation was also active before tumor development and soon after regression. However, this activity continued to rise after regression and was highest at 30 days. At day 15 (peak tumor size) neither subpopulation was active. The activity was demonstrated to be specific for the MLV-determined cell surface antigen by testing on control target cells that were MLV antigen negative and by comparison of the inhibitory effects with lymphocytes immune to a nonpertinent antigen as well as normal lymphocytes. The non-T cells were tested for activity before and after removal of macrophages with iron powder and magnetism. Such cells were significantly more active after removal of the macrophages. These data demonstrate specific T cell and non-T cell activity in microcytotoxicity tests with a tumor-specific system and strongly suggest that the non-T cell activity described herein is a B cell function. PMID:4709269

MILES Pressure/Seismic Response Engineering Development of MILES Test Fixture.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-08-01

A t ditioti td t’,i o, ,,[ ’ or 44 : t 󈧗’) .0 4 ::: r-C Irr 419: 0,11 5 E+ I-E Mrl;A D ATA FAE’SUL 420: t’:r = I t,. 444: t =t tt1l N # ’’ f t o...3 17 T PA II C E R. TD ES T 58: 2 ;.rt . PI’ MERSUFEP! F112: A.ILE70 ,""",蘇_-244 EtIT": 113: [e 47it -𔄁 t+ 13 -.7!1 end 5’?: l+ " ’:;.,r...34calculate "TRANSPOSI TIOS distonce bet.ee 455: for C.=1 to ’ 4t tde n transposition T-2 416: test defe s = td deviation 456: if abs(L[C+ 4ts":477: if E

Test and Verification Approach for the NASA Constellation Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Strong, Edward

2008-01-01

This viewgraph presentation is a test and verification approach for the NASA Constellation Program. The contents include: 1) The Vision for Space Exploration: Foundations for Exploration; 2) Constellation Program Fleet of Vehicles; 3) Exploration Roadmap; 4) Constellation Vehicle Approximate Size Comparison; 5) Ares I Elements; 6) Orion Elements; 7) Ares V Elements; 8) Lunar Lander; 9) Map of Constellation content across NASA; 10) CxP T&V Implementation; 11) Challenges in CxP T&V Program; 12) T&V Strategic Emphasis and Key Tenets; 13) CxP T&V Mission & Vision; 14) Constellation Program Organization; 15) Test and Evaluation Organization; 16) CxP Requirements Flowdown; 17) CxP Model Based Systems Engineering Approach; 18) CxP Verification Planning Documents; 19) Environmental Testing; 20) Scope of CxP Verification; 21) CxP Verification - General Process Flow; 22) Avionics and Software Integrated Testing Approach; 23) A-3 Test Stand; 24) Space Power Facility; 25) MEIT and FEIT; 26) Flight Element Integrated Test (FEIT); 27) Multi-Element Integrated Testing (MEIT); 28) Flight Test Driving Principles; and 29) Constellation s Integrated Flight Test Strategy Low Earth Orbit Servicing Capability.

Testing for boosting at the Paralympic games: policies, results and future directions.

PubMed

Blauwet, Cheri A; Benjamin-Laing, Harry; Stomphorst, Jaap; Van de Vliet, Peter; Pit-Grosheide, Pia; Willick, Stuart E

2013-09-01

'Boosting' is defined as the intentional induction of autonomic dysreflexia (AD) by athletes with a spinal cord injury (SCI) at or above the level of T6 for the purpose of improving sports performance. Boosting has been shown to confer up to a 9.7% improvement in race time. Additionally, to compete in a hazardous dysreflexic state, whether intentional or unintentional, would present an extreme health risk to the athlete. For these reasons, the International Paralympic Committee strictly bans the practice of boosting, and has developed a protocol to test for its presence. Testing was performed at three major international Paralympic events. Education regarding the dangers of AD was provided to athletes and team staff. Testing was conducted on athletes from the relevant sport classes: Athletics (wheelchair racing classes T51/T52/T53) and Handcycling (H1). Key parameters included the athlete's demographics (gender, country of origin), classification and blood pressure measurements. An extremely elevated blood pressure was considered to be a proxy maker for AD, and a systolic blood pressure of ≥180 mm Hg was considered a positive test. A total of 78 tests for the presence of AD were performed during the three games combined. No athlete tested positive. The number of athletes tested, by classification, was: 6 in Athletics T51, 47 in Athletics T52, 9 in Athletics T53 and 16 in Handcycling H1. Of those tested, the average systolic and diastolic blood pressures were 135 mm Hg (range 98-178) and 82 mm Hg (range 44-112), respectively. All athletes were compliant with testing. No athletes were withdrawn from competition due to the presence of AD. Testing for the presence of AD in paralympic athletes with SCI prior to competition has been carried out for the first time at three major international paralympic competitions. There have been no positive tests thus far. Knowledge gained during these early testing experiences will be used to guide ongoing refinement of the testing protocol and the development of further educational initiatives.

Logrank Test and Interval Overlap Test for Bactericera cockerelli (Hemiptera: Triozidae) Under Different Fertilization Treatments for 7705 Tomato Hybrid

PubMed Central

Vargas-Madríz, Haidel; Bautista-Martínez, Néstor; Vera-Graziano, Jorge; Sánchez-García, Prometeo; García-Gutiérrez, Cipriano; Sánchez-Soto, Saúl; de Jesús García-Avila, Clemente

2014-01-01

Abstract It is known that some nutrients can have both negative and positive effects on some populations of insects. To test this, the Logrank test and the Interval Overlap Test were evaluated for two crop cycles (February–May and May–August) of the 7705 tomato hybrid, and the effect on the psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc.) (Hemiptera: Triozidae), was examined under greenhouse conditions. Tomato plants were in polythene bags and irrigated with the following solutions: T1—Steiner solution, T2—Steiner solution with nitrogen reduced to 25%, T3—Steiner solution with potassium reduced to 25%, and T4—Steiner solution with calcium reduced to 25%. In the Logrank test, a significant difference was found when comparing the survival parameters of B. cockerelli generated from the treatment cohorts: T1–T2; T1–T3; T1–T4; T2–T3; and T3–T4, while no significant differences were found in the T2–T4 comparison in the February–May cycle. In the May–August cycle, significant differences were found when comparing the survival parameters generated from the treatment cohorts: T1–T2; T1–T3; and T1–T4, while no significant differences were found in the T2–T3; T2–T4; and T3–T4 comparisons of survival parameters of B. cockerelli fed with the 7705 tomato hybrid. Also, the Interval Overlap Test was done on the treatment cohorts (T1, T2, T3, and T4) in the February–May and May–August cycles. T1 and T2 compare similarly in both cycles when feeding on the treatments up to 36 d. Similarly, in T1 and T3, the behavior of the insect is similar when feeding on the treatments up to 40 and 73 d, respectively. Comparisons T2–T3 and T2–T4 are similar when feeding on both treatments up to 42, 38 and 37, 63 d, respectively. Finally, the T3–T4 comparison was similar when feeding in both treatments up to 20 and 46 d, respectively. RESUMEN. Se sabe que algunos nutrientes pueden tener efectos tanto negativos como positivos en algunas poblaciones de insectos. Para probar esto se evaluó la prueba de rango logarítmico y la prueba de Overlap intervalo de dos ciclos de cultivo (febrero–mayo y mayo–agosto) del híbrido de tomate 7705 y el efecto sobre el psílido, Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc) (Hemiptera: Triozidae) fue examinado bajo condiciones de invernadero. Las plantas de tomate estaban en bolsas de polietileno y regadas con las siguientes soluciones: T1: Solución de Steiner, T2: solución de Steiner con Nitrógeno a 25%, T3: solución de Steiner con Potasio a 25% y T4: solución de Steiner con Calcio a 25%. En la prueba de Logrank se encontró diferencia significativa al comparar los parámetros de supervivencia que se generaron en las cohortes de los tratamientos, T1 – T2; T1 – T3; T1 – T4; T2 – T3 y T3 – T4. En la comparación de T2 – T4, no se encontraron diferencias significativas, entre los parámetros de supervivencia de B. cockerelli ; para el ciclo Mayo-Agosto, se encontró diferencia significativa al comparar los parámetros de supervivencia que se generaron en las cohortes de los tratamientos, T1 - T2; T1 – T3; T1 – T4; en las comparaciones de T2 – T3; T2 – T4; T3 – T4, no se encontraron diferencias significativas, entre los parámetros de supervivencia de B. cockerelli alimentados con el hibrido de tomate 7705. De igual manera se realizó la Prueba de Traslape de Intervalos para las cohortes de los tratamientos (T1, T2, T3 y T4) en los ciclos de Febrero-Mayo y de Mayo-Agosto, se puede observar que la comparación de T1 con T2, son similares cuando se alimenta en ambos tratamientos hasta los 36 días, respectivamente. De igual manera, en la comparación (T1 y T3), siendo similar cuando el insecto se alimenta en ambos tratamientos hasta los 40 y 37 días, respectivamente. Las comparaciones (T2 y T3) y (T2 y T4) es similar cuando se alimenta en ambos tratamientos hasta los (42, 38) y (37, 63) días, respectivamente. Finalmente, la comparación para (T3 y T4) fue similar cuando se alimenta en ambos tratamientos hasta los 20 y 46 días, respectivamente. PMID:25527579

A comparison between the original and Tablet-based Symbol Digit Modalities Test in patients with schizophrenia: Test-retest agreement, random measurement error, practice effect, and ecological validity.

PubMed

Tang, Shih-Fen; Chen, I-Hui; Chiang, Hsin-Yu; Wu, Chien-Te; Hsueh, I-Ping; Yu, Wan-Hui; Hsieh, Ching-Lin

2017-11-27

We aimed to compare the test-retest agreement, random measurement error, practice effect, and ecological validity of the original and Tablet-based Symbol Digit Modalities Test (T-SDMT) over five serial assessments, and to examine the concurrent validity of the T-SDMT in patients with schizophrenia. Sixty patients with chronic schizophrenia completed five serial assessments (one week apart) of the SDMT and T-SDMT and one assessment of the Activities of Daily Living Rating Scale III at the first time point. Both measures showed high test-retest agreement, similar levels of random measurement error over five serial assessments. Moreover, the practice effects of the two measures did not reach a plateau phase after five serial assessments in young and middle-aged participants. Nevertheless, only the practice effect of the T-SDMT became trivial after the first assessment. Like the SDMT, the T-SDMT had good ecological validity. The T-SDMT also had good concurrent validity with the SDMT. In addition, only the T-SDMT had discriminative validity to discriminate processing speed in young and middle-aged participants. Compared to the SDMT, the T-SDMT had overall slightly better psychometric properties, so it can be an alternative measure to the SDMT for assessing processing speed in patients with schizophrenia. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Toxoplasma gondii prevalence in cats from Lisbon and in pigs from centre and south of Portugal.

PubMed

Esteves, Francisco; Aguiar, Daniela; Rosado, Joana; Costa, Maria Luísa; de Sousa, Bruno; Antunes, Francisco; Matos, Olga

2014-02-24

Toxoplasmosis is an important zoonosis worldwide. Here we determined the presence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in sera and T. gondii DNA in faeces of 215 domestic cats from veterinary clinics in the Lisbon area; 44 (20.5%) had anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies by the modified agglutination test (cut-off 1:40) and DNA was detected in 16 (35.6%) of 45 cat faeces tested. Risk factor analysis indicated increase of seroprevalence with age of the cats. Sera and tissues of 381 pigs from a slaughterhouse were also tested for T. gondii infection; 27 (7.1%) of the 381 pigs were seropositive. T. gondii DNA was demonstrated in diaphragms and/or brains of seven (35.0%) of 20 anti-T. gondii seropositive pigs tested by the B1 nested-PCR. Results indicate very high prevalence of T. gondii DNA in the faeces (oocysts) of definitive hosts and relatively low, but still worrying, seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies in pigs destined for human consumption. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Atomic bomb testing and its effects on global male to female ratios at birth.

PubMed

Grech, Victor

2015-01-01

Fallout from atomic bomb testing may travel great distances before precipitating. Males are born in excess of females in a ratio that approximates 0.515 (M/T: male live births divided by total live births. Radiation increases M/T by causing lethal malformations that affect female more than male foetuses, decreasing total births. This study was carried out in order to ascertain whether the effects of increased background radiation levels from atomic weapon testing had any widespread effects on M/T and births in the Americas, Europe, Asia and Australasia in relation to the Partial Test Ban Treaty of 1963. Annual live births by gender were obtained from a World Health Organization dataset and annual number of atomic bomb tests were also obtained (historical data). Overall, 94.5% of births studied showed a uniform reduction in M/T between the early 1950s to the late 1960s, followed by an increase to the mid-1970s, with a subsequent decline. A negative correlation of M/T with total births was found in 66% of births studied, and these were the regions which exhibited the rising M/T pattern in the 1970s. The birth deficit for countries with significant correlations of total births with M/T (North America, Europe and Asia) was estimated at 10090701. A rising M/T was found in most regions in temporal association with atomic weapon testing. Most of these regions also had an associated decline in total births. Elevated levels of man-made ambient radiation may have reduced total births, affecting pregnancies carrying female pregnancies more than those carrying male pregnancies, thereby skewing M/T toward a higher male proportion.

Evaluation of Basketball-Specific Agility: Applicability of Preplanned and Nonplanned Agility Performances for Differentiating Playing Positions and Playing Levels.

PubMed

Sekulic, Damir; Pehar, Miran; Krolo, Ante; Spasic, Miodrag; Uljevic, Ognjen; Calleja-González, Julio; Sattler, Tine

2017-08-01

Sekulic, D, Pehar, M, Krolo, A, Spasic, M, Uljevic, O, Calleja-González, J, and Sattler, T. Evaluation of basketball-specific agility: applicability of preplanned and nonplanned agility performances for differentiating playing positions and playing levels. J Strength Cond Res 31(8): 2278-2288, 2017-The importance of agility in basketball is well known, but there is an evident lack of studies examining basketball-specific agility performances in high-level players. The aim of this study was to determine the reliability and discriminative validity of 1 standard agility test (test of preplanned agility [change-of-direction speed] over T course, T-TEST), and 4 newly developed basketball-specific agility tests, in defining playing positions and performance levels in basketball. The study comprised 110 high-level male basketball players (height: 194.92 ± 8.09 cm; body mass: 89.33 ± 10.91 kg; age: 21.58 ± 3.92 years). The variables included playing position (Guard, Forward, Center), performance level (first division vs. second division), anthropometrics (body height, body mass, and percentage of body fat), T-TEST, nonplanned basketball agility test performed on dominant (BBAGILdom) and nondominant sides (BBAGILnond), and a preplanned (change-of-direction speed) basketball agility test performed on dominant (BBCODSdom) and nondominant sides (BBCODSnond). The reliability of agility tests was high (intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.81-0.95). Forwards were most successful in the T-TEST (F test: 13.57; p = 0.01). Guards outperformed Centers in BBCODSdom, BBCODSndom, BBAGILdom, and BBAGILnond (F test: 5.06, p = 0.01; 6.57, 0.01; 6.26, 0.01; 3.37, 0.04, respectively). First division Guards achieved better results than second division Guards in BBCODSdom (t: 2.55; p = 0.02; moderate effect size differences), BBAGILdom, and BBAGILnond (t: 3.04 and 3.06, respectively; both p = 0.01 and moderate effect size differences). First division Centers outperformed second division Centers in BBAGILdom (t: 2.50; p = 0.02; moderate effect size differences). The developed basketball-specific agility tests are applicable when defining position-specific agility. Both preplanned and nonplanned agilities are important qualities in differentiating between Guards of 2 performance levels. The results confirmed the importance of testing basketball-specific nonplanned agility when evaluating the performance level of Centers.

Rank score and permutation testing alternatives for regression quantile estimates

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cade, B.S.; Richards, J.D.; Mielke, P.W.

2006-01-01

Performance of quantile rank score tests used for hypothesis testing and constructing confidence intervals for linear quantile regression estimates (0 ≤ τ ≤ 1) were evaluated by simulation for models with p = 2 and 6 predictors, moderate collinearity among predictors, homogeneous and hetero-geneous errors, small to moderate samples (n = 20–300), and central to upper quantiles (0.50–0.99). Test statistics evaluated were the conventional quantile rank score T statistic distributed as χ2 random variable with q degrees of freedom (where q parameters are constrained by H 0:) and an F statistic with its sampling distribution approximated by permutation. The permutation F-test maintained better Type I errors than the T-test for homogeneous error models with smaller n and more extreme quantiles τ. An F distributional approximation of the F statistic provided some improvements in Type I errors over the T-test for models with > 2 parameters, smaller n, and more extreme quantiles but not as much improvement as the permutation approximation. Both rank score tests required weighting to maintain correct Type I errors when heterogeneity under the alternative model increased to 5 standard deviations across the domain of X. A double permutation procedure was developed to provide valid Type I errors for the permutation F-test when null models were forced through the origin. Power was similar for conditions where both T- and F-tests maintained correct Type I errors but the F-test provided some power at smaller n and extreme quantiles when the T-test had no power because of excessively conservative Type I errors. When the double permutation scheme was required for the permutation F-test to maintain valid Type I errors, power was less than for the T-test with decreasing sample size and increasing quantiles. Confidence intervals on parameters and tolerance intervals for future predictions were constructed based on test inversion for an example application relating trout densities to stream channel width:depth.

An Integrated Toolset for Agile Systems Engineering Requirements Analysis

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-05-19

Tool STDUse Cases Collaboration Tool Data Mgmt T l 1 e a a managemen oo Run the test in the test lab, redline the STD Update the collaboration...Boeing Defense, Space & Security Lean-Agile Software A I t t d T l t fn n egra e oo se or Agile Systems Engineering Requirements Analysis Phyllis...Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration R l ti (EAR) h i l bl b t h th i th BOEING is a trademark of Boeing Management Company. Copyright © 2010

Quantification of myocardial oxygenation in heart failure using blood-oxygen-level-dependent T2* magnetic resonance imaging: Comparison with cardiopulmonary exercise test.

PubMed

Nagao, Michinobu; Yamasaki, Yuzo; Kawanami, Satoshi; Kamitani, Takeshi; Sagiyama, Koji; Higo, Taiki; Ide, Tomomi; Takemura, Atsushi; Ishizaki, Umiko; Fukushima, Kenji; Watanabe, Yuji; Honda, Hiroshi

2017-06-01

Quantification of myocardial oxygenation (MO) in heart failure (HF) has been less than satisfactory. This has necessitated the use of invasive techniques to measure MO directly or to determine the oxygen demand during exercise using the cardiopulmonary exercise (CPX) test. We propose a new quantification method for MO using blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) myocardial T2* magnetic resonance imaging (M-T2* MRI), and investigate its correlation with CPX results. Thirty patients with refractory HF who underwent cardiac MRI and CPX test for heart transplantation, and 24 healthy, age-matched volunteers as controls were enrolled. M-T2* imaging was performed using a 3-Tesla and multi-echo gradient-echo sequence. M-T2* was calculated by fitting the signal intensity data for the mid-left ventricular septum to a decay curve. M-T2* was measured under room-air (T2*-air) and after inhalation of oxygen for 10min at a flow rate of 10L/min (T2*-oxy). MO was defined as the difference between the two values (ΔT2*). Changes in M-T2* at the two conditions and ΔT2* between the two groups were compared. Correlation between ΔT2* and CPX results was analyzed using the Pearson coefficient. T2*-oxy was significantly greater than T2*-air in patients with HF (29.9±7.3ms vs. 26.7±6.0ms, p<0.001), whereas no such difference was observed in controls (25.5±4.0ms vs. 25.4±4.4ms). ΔT2* was significantly greater for patients with HF than for controls (3.2±4.5ms vs. -0.1±1.3ms, p<0.001). A significant correlation between ΔT2* and CPX results (peak VO 2 , r=-0.46, p<0.05; O 2 pulse, r=-0.54, p<0.005) was observed. ΔT2* is increased T2*-oxy is greater in patients with HF, and is correlated with oxygen metabolism during exercise as measured by the CPX test. Hence, ΔT2* can be used as a surrogate marker of MO instead of CPX test. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Biomechanical Evaluation of a Growth-Friendly Rod Construct.

PubMed

Galvis, Sarah; Arnold, Josh; Mannen, Erin; Wong, Benjamin; Sis, Hadley; Cadel, Eileen; Anderson, John; Anderson, Dennis; Arnold, Paul; Friis, Elizabeth

2017-01-01

Distraction-type rods mechanically stabilize the thorax and improve lung growth and function by applying distraction forces at the rib, spine, pelvis, or a combination of locations. However, the amount of stability the rods provide and the amount the thorax needs is unknown. Five freshly frozen and thawed cadaveric thoracic spine specimens were tested for lateral bending, flexion/extension, and axial rotation in displacement control (1°/sec) to a load limit of ±5 Nm for five cycles after which a growth-friendly unilateral rod was placed in a simulated rib-to-lumbar attachment along the right side. The specimens were tested again in the same modes of bending. From the seven Optotrak Orthopedic Research Pin markers (Northern Digital Inc., Waterloo, Ontario, Canada) inserted into the top potting to denote T1, and the right pedicles at T2, T4, T5, T8, T9, and T11 and the Standard Needle Tip Pressure Transducers (Gaeltech, Isle of Skye, Scotland) inserted into the T4/T5 and T8/T9 discs, motion, stiffness, and pressure data were calculated. Parameters from the third cycle of the intact case and the construct case were compared using two-tailed paired t tests with 0.05 as the level of significance. With the construct attached, the T1-T4 segment showed a 30% increase in neutral zone stiffness during extension (p = .001); the T8-T12 segment experienced a 63% reduction in the in-plane range of motion during flexion (p = .04); and the T8/T9 spinal motion unit had a significant decrease of 24% in elastic zone stiffness during left axial rotation (p = .04). It is clear the device as tested here does not produce large biomechanical changes, but the balance between providing desired changes while preventing complications remains difficult. Copyright © 2016 Scoliosis Research Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Biomechanical Evaluation of a Growth-Friendly Rod Construct

PubMed Central

Galvis, Sarah; Arnold, Josh; Mannen, Erin; Wong, Benjamin; Sis, Hadley; Cadel, Eileen; Anderson, John; Anderson, Dennis; Arnold, Paul; Friis, Elizabeth

2017-01-01

Background Distraction type rods mechanically stabilize the thorax and improve lung growth and function by applying distraction forces at the rib, spine, pelvis, or a combination of locations. However, the amount of stability the rods provide and the amount the thorax needs is unknown. Methods Five freshly frozen and thawed cadaveric thoracic spine specimens were tested lateral bending, flexion/extension, and axial rotation in displacement control (1°/sec) to a load limit of ± 5 Nm for five cycles after which a growth-friendly unilateral rod was placed in a simulated rib-to-lumbar attachment along the right side. The specimens were tested again the same modes of bending. From the seven Optotrak Orthopedic Research Pin markers (Northern Digital Inc., Waterloo, ON, Canada) inserted into the top potting to denote T1, and the right pedicles at T2, T4, T5, T8, T9, and T11 and the Standard Needle Tip Pressure Transducers (Gaeltech, Isle of Skye, Scotland) inserted into the T4/T5 and T8/T9 discs, motion, stiffness, and pressure data were calculated. Parameters from the third cycle of the intact case and the construct case were compared using two-tailed paired t-tests with 0.05 as the level of significance. Results With the construct attached, the T1–T4 segment showed a 30% increase in NZS during extension (p = 0.001); the T8–T12 segment experienced a 63% reduction in the in-plane ROM during flexion (p = 0.04); and the T8/T9 spinal motion unit had a significant decrease of 24% in EZS during left axial rotation (p = 0.04). Conclusions It’s clear the device as tested here does not produce large biomechanical changes, but the balance between providing desired changes while preventing complications remains difficult. Clinical Relevance Investigating the biomechanical effect growth-friendly rods have on the thoracic spine could lead to better understanding of treatment outcomes, both positive and negative. PMID:28038688

Integration and Test of Shuttle Small Payloads

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wright, Michael R.

2003-01-01

Recommended approaches for space shuttle small payload integration and test (I&T) are presented. The paper is intended for consideration by developers of shuttle small payloads, including I&T managers, project managers, and system engineers. Examples and lessons learned are presented based on the extensive history of NASA's Hitchhiker project. All aspects of I&T are presented, including: (1) I&T team responsibilities, coordination, and communication; (2) Flight hardware handling practices; (3) Documentation and configuration management; (4) I&T considerations for payload development; (5) I&T at the development facility; (6) Prelaunch operations, transfer, orbiter integration and interface testing; (7) Postflight operations. This paper is of special interest to those payload projects that have small budgets and few resources: that is, the truly faster, cheaper, better projects. All shuttle small payload developers are strongly encouraged to apply these guidelines during I&T planning and ground operations to take full advantage of today's limited resources and to help ensure mission success.

Flight Systems Integration and Test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wright, Michael R.

2011-01-01

Topics to be Covered in this presentation are: (1) Integration and Test (I&T) Planning (2) Integration and Test Flows (3) Overview of Typical Mission I&T (4) Supporting Elements (5) Lessons-Learned and Helpful Hints (6) I&T Mishaps and Failures (7) The Lighter Side of I&T and (8) Small-Group Activity. This presentation highlights a typical NASA "in-house" I&T program (1) For flight systems that are developed by NASA at a space flight center (like GSFC) (2) Requirements well-defined: qualification/acceptance, documentation, configuration management. (3) Factors: precedents, human flight, risk-aversion ("failure-phobia"), taxpayer dollars, jobs and (4) Some differences among NASA centers, but generally a resource-intensive process

Fracture mechanics data for 2024-T861 and 2124-T851 aluminum

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pionke, L. J.; Linback, R. K.

1974-01-01

The fracture toughness and fatigue flaw growth characteristics of 2024-T861 and 2124-T851 aluminum were evaluated under plane stress conditions. Center cracked tension specimens were employed to evaluate these properties under a number of different test conditions which included variations in specimen thickness, specimen orientation, test environment, and initial flaw size. The effect of buckling was also investigated for all tests of thin gage specimens, and the effect of frequency and stress ratio was evaluated for the cyclic tests. Fracture toughness test results were analyzed and presented in terms of fracture resistance curves; fatigue flaw growth data was analyzed using empirical rate models. The results of the study indicate that both fracture toughness and resistance to fatigue crack growth improve with increasing temperature and decreasing thickness. The presence of buckling during testing of thin gage panels was found to degrade the resistance to fatigue flaw growth only at elevated temperatures.

ESTIMATION OF CRACK-ARREST TOUGHNESS TRANSITION AND NDT TEMPERATURES FROM CHARPY FORCE-DISPLACEMENT IMPACT TRACES

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

Sokolov, Mikhail A

2010-01-01

A force-displacement trace of a Charpy impact test of a reactor pressure vessel (RPV) steel in the transition range has a characteristic point, the so-called force at the end of unstable crack propagation , Fa. A two-parameter Weibull probability function is used to model the distribution of the Fa in Charpy tests performed at ORNL on different RPV steels in the unirradiated and irradiated conditions. These data have a good replication at a given test temperature, thus, the statistical analysis was applicable. It is shown that when temperature is normalized to TNDT (T-TNDT) or to T100a (T-T100a), the median Famore » values of different RPV steels have a tendency to form the same shape of temperature dependence. Depending on normalization temperature, TNDT or T100a, it suggests a universal shape of the temperature dependence of Fa for different RPV steels. The best fits for these temperature dependencies are presented. These dependencies are suggested for use in estimation of NDT or T100a from randomly generated Charpy impact tests. The maximum likelihood methods are used to derive equations to estimate TNDT and T100a from randomly generated Charpy impact tests.« less

Knowledge and Practices of Toxoplasmosis among Clinical Laboratory Professionals: A Cross-Sectional Study in Durango, Mexico.

PubMed

Alvarado-Esquivel, Cosme; Sánchez-Anguiano, Luis Francisco; Berumen-Segovia, Luis Omar; Hernández-Tinoco, Jesús; Rico-Almochantaf, Yazmin Del Rosario; Cisneros-Camacho, Alfredo; Cisneros-Martínez, Jorge Arturo

2017-11-18

Background : The aim of this study was to determine the level of knowledge and practices about toxoplasmosis in a sample of clinical laboratory professionals in Mexico. Methods : 192 clinical laboratory professionals were surveyed. They were asked about (1) Toxoplasma gondii ; (2) clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and epidemiology of toxoplasmosis; and (3) their practices with respect to toxoplasmosis. Results : The range of animals infected by T. gondii was known by 44.8% of participants. Clinical aspects of toxoplasmosis were known by up to 44.3% of subjects. Correct answers about the interpretation of serological markers of T. gondii infection were provided by up to 32.8% of participants. A minority (32.2%) of participants knew about a high number of false positive results of anti- T. gondii IgM antibody tests. Most participants (90.1%) did not know what the anti- T. gondii IgG avidity test was. Up to 55.7% of participants provided incorrect answers about the interpretation of serology tests for the treatment of pregnant women. Common routes of T. gondii infection were known by <15% of participants. Most (84.4%) participants had not performed tests for detection T. gondii infection. Conclusions : Results indicate incomplete knowledge of T. gondii infection and toxoplasmosis and a limited practice of laboratory tests among the professionals surveyed.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in wild kangaroos using an ELISA

PubMed Central

Parameswaran, N.; O'Handley, RM.; Grigg, ME.; Fenwick, SG.; Thompson, RCA.

2009-01-01

Infection with Toxoplasma gondii is a significant problem in Australian marsupials, and can lead to devastating disease and predispose animals to predation. T. gondii infection in kangaroos is also of public health significance due to the kangaroo meat trade. A moderate seroprevalence of T. gondii was observed in a study of western grey kangaroos located in the Perth metropolitan area in Western Australia. Of 219 kangaroos tested, 15.5% (95%CI: 10.7-20.3) were positive for T. gondii antibodies using an ELISA developed to detect T. gondii IgG in macropod marsupials. When compared with the commercially available MAT (modified agglutination test), the ELISA developed was in absolute agreement and yielded a κ coefficient of 1.00. Of 18 kangaroos tested for the presence of T. gondii DNA by PCR, the 9 ELISA positive kangaroos tested PCR positive and the 9 ELISA negative kangaroos tested PCR negative indicating the ELISA protocol was both highly specific and sensitive and correlated 100% with the more labour intensive PCR assay. PMID:19567231

Fatigue Strength and Related Characteristics of Aircraft Joints I : Comparison of Spot-Weld and Rivet Patterns in 24s-t Alclad and 75s-t Alclad

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Russell, H W; Jackson, L R; Grover, H J; Beaver, W W

1944-01-01

Report contains detailed results of a number of fatigue tests on spot-welded joints in aluminum alloys. The tests described include: (1) fatigue tests on spot-welded lap joints in sheets of unequal thickness of alclad 24s-t. These tests indicate that the fatigue strength of a spot-welded joint in sheets of two different gages is slightly higher than that of a similar joint in two sheets of the thinner gage but definitely lower than that of a similar joint in two sheets of the thicker gage. (2) Fatigue tests on spot-welded alclad 75s-t spot-welded lap-joint specimens of alclad 75s-t were not any stronger in fatigue than similar specimens of alclad 24s-t. (3) Fatigue tests on lap-joint specimens spot -welded after various surface preparations--these included ac welding wire-brushed surfaces, dc welding wire-brushed surfaces, and dc welding chemically cleaned surfaces. While the ac welds were strongest statically, the dc welds on wire-brushed surfaces were strongest in fatigue. Specimens prepared in this way were very nearly as strong as the best riveted specimens tested for comparison. (4) Fatigue tests on specimens spot-welded with varying voltage so as to include a wide range of static spot-weld strengths. The fatigue strengths were in the same order as the static strengths but showed less range. (author)

The Application of Stress-Relaxation Test to Life Assessment of T911/T22 Weld Metal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Tieshan; Zhao, Jie; Cheng, Congqian; Li, Huifang

2016-03-01

A dissimilar weld metal was obtained through submerged arc welding of a T911 steel to a T22 steel, and its creep property was explored by stress-relaxation test assisted by some conventional creep tests. The creep rate information of the stress-relaxation test was compared to the minimum and the average creep rates of the conventional creep test. Log-log graph showed that the creep rate of the stress-relaxation test was in a linear relationship with the minimum creep rate of the conventional creep test. Thus, the creep rate of stress-relaxation test could be used in the Monkman-Grant relation to calculate the rupture life. The creep rate of the stress-relaxation test was similar to the average creep rate, and thereby the rupture life could be evaluated by a method of "time to rupture strain." The results also showed that rupture life which was assessed by the Monkman-Grant relation was more accurate than that obtained through the method of "time to rupture strain."

Thyroid Function Tests.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Glover, Irving T.

1979-01-01

Describes two tests, T-4 and T-3, for hypothyroid based on the binding of the hormones by proteins. The tests were performed in courses for physicians, clinical chemists, laboratory technicians, and undergraduate science students by the individuals involved and on their own sera. These tests are commercially available in kit form. (GA)

24 CFR 3280.406 - Air chamber test method for certification and qualification of formaldehyde emission levels.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... (9799) t = Actual test condition temperature (O K) tO = Standardized temperature (O K) A = Coefficient... 24 Housing and Urban Development 5 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Air chamber test method for... HOME CONSTRUCTION AND SAFETY STANDARDS Testing § 3280.406 Air chamber test method for certification and...

24 CFR 3280.406 - Air chamber test method for certification and qualification of formaldehyde emission levels.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... (9799) t = Actual test condition temperature (O K) tO = Standardized temperature (O K) A = Coefficient... 24 Housing and Urban Development 5 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Air chamber test method for... HOME CONSTRUCTION AND SAFETY STANDARDS Testing § 3280.406 Air chamber test method for certification and...

24 CFR 3280.406 - Air chamber test method for certification and qualification of formaldehyde emission levels.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... (9799) t = Actual test condition temperature (O K) tO = Standardized temperature (O K) A = Coefficient... 24 Housing and Urban Development 5 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Air chamber test method for... HOME CONSTRUCTION AND SAFETY STANDARDS Testing § 3280.406 Air chamber test method for certification and...

24 CFR 3280.406 - Air chamber test method for certification and qualification of formaldehyde emission levels.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... (9799) t = Actual test condition temperature (O K) tO = Standardized temperature (O K) A = Coefficient... 24 Housing and Urban Development 5 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Air chamber test method for... HOME CONSTRUCTION AND SAFETY STANDARDS Testing § 3280.406 Air chamber test method for certification and...

Tanzania Health Information Technology (T-HIT) System: Pilot Test of a Tablet-Based System to Improve Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV.

PubMed

Bull, Sheana; Thomas, Deborah Sk; Nyanza, Elias C; Ngallaba, Sospatro E

2018-01-15

The prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV requires innovative solutions. Although routine monitoring is effective in some areas, standardized and easy-to-scale solutions to identify and monitor pregnant women, test them for HIV, and treat them and their children is still lacking. Mobile health (mHealth) offers opportunities for surveillance and reporting in rural areas of low- and middle-income countries. The aim of this study was to document the preliminary impacts of the Tanzania Health Information Technology (T-HIT) system mHealth intervention aimed at health workers for PMTCT care delivery and capacity building in a rural area of Tanzania. We developed T-HIT as a tablet-based system for an electronic data collection system designed to capture and report PMTCT data during antenatal, delivery, and postnatal visits in Misungwi, Tanzania. T-HIT was tested by health workers in a pilot randomized trial comparing seven sites using T-HIT assigned at random to seven control sites; all sites maintained standard paper record-keeping during the pilot intervention period. We compared numbers of antenatal visits, number of HIV tests administered, and women testing positive across all sites. Health workers recorded data from antenatal visits for 1530 women; of these, 695 (45.42%) were tested for HIV and 3.59% (55/1530) tested positive. Health workers were unable to conduct an HIV test for 103 women (6.73%, 103/1530) because of lack of reagent, which is not captured on paper logs. There was no difference in the activity level for testing when comparing sites T-HIT to non-T-HIT sites. We observed a significant postintervention increase in the numbers of women testing positive for HIV compared with the preintervention period (P=.04), but this was likely not attributable to the T-HIT system. T-HIT had a high degree of acceptability and feasibility and is perceived as useful by health workers, who documented more antenatal visits during the pilot intervention compared with a traditional system of paper logs, suggesting potential for improvements in antenatal care for women at risk for HIV. ©Sheana Bull, Deborah SK Thomas, Elias C Nyanza, Sospatro E Ngallaba. Originally published in JMIR Mhealth and Uhealth (http://mhealth.jmir.org), 15.01.2018.

Tanzania Health Information Technology (T-HIT) System: Pilot Test of a Tablet-Based System to Improve Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV

PubMed Central

Bull, Sheana; Nyanza, Elias C; Ngallaba, Sospatro E

2018-01-01

Background The prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV requires innovative solutions. Although routine monitoring is effective in some areas, standardized and easy-to-scale solutions to identify and monitor pregnant women, test them for HIV, and treat them and their children is still lacking. Mobile health (mHealth) offers opportunities for surveillance and reporting in rural areas of low- and middle-income countries. Objective The aim of this study was to document the preliminary impacts of the Tanzania Health Information Technology (T-HIT) system mHealth intervention aimed at health workers for PMTCT care delivery and capacity building in a rural area of Tanzania. Methods We developed T-HIT as a tablet-based system for an electronic data collection system designed to capture and report PMTCT data during antenatal, delivery, and postnatal visits in Misungwi, Tanzania. T-HIT was tested by health workers in a pilot randomized trial comparing seven sites using T-HIT assigned at random to seven control sites; all sites maintained standard paper record-keeping during the pilot intervention period. We compared numbers of antenatal visits, number of HIV tests administered, and women testing positive across all sites. Results Health workers recorded data from antenatal visits for 1530 women; of these, 695 (45.42%) were tested for HIV and 3.59% (55/1530) tested positive. Health workers were unable to conduct an HIV test for 103 women (6.73%, 103/1530) because of lack of reagent, which is not captured on paper logs. There was no difference in the activity level for testing when comparing sites T-HIT to non-T-HIT sites. We observed a significant postintervention increase in the numbers of women testing positive for HIV compared with the preintervention period (P=.04), but this was likely not attributable to the T-HIT system. Conclusions T-HIT had a high degree of acceptability and feasibility and is perceived as useful by health workers, who documented more antenatal visits during the pilot intervention compared with a traditional system of paper logs, suggesting potential for improvements in antenatal care for women at risk for HIV. PMID:29335236

Investigating soil moisture feedbacks on precipitation with tests of Granger causality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salvucci, Guido D.; Saleem, Jennifer A.; Kaufmann, Robert

Granger causality (GC) is used in the econometrics literature to identify the presence of one- and two-way coupling between terms in noisy multivariate dynamical systems. Here we test for the presence of GC to identify a soil moisture ( S) feedback on precipitation ( P) using data from Illinois. In this framework S is said to Granger cause P if F(P t|Ω t- Δt )≠F(P t|Ω t- Δt -S t- Δt ) where F denotes the conditional distribution of P, Ω t- Δt represents the set of all knowledge available at time t-Δ t, and Ω t- Δt -S t- Δt represents all knowledge except S. Critical for land-atmosphere interaction research is that Ω t- Δt includes all past information on P as well as S. Therefore that part of the relation between past soil moisture and current precipitation which results from precipitation autocorrelation and soil water balance will be accounted for and not attributed to causality. Tests for GC usually specify all relevant variables in a coupled vector autoregressive (VAR) model and then calculate the significance level of decreased predictability as various coupling coefficients are omitted. But because the data (daily precipitation and soil moisture) are distinctly non-Gaussian, we avoid using a VAR and instead express the daily precipitation events as a Markov model. We then test whether the probability of storm occurrence, conditioned on past information on precipitation, changes with information on soil moisture. Past information on precipitation is expressed both as the occurrence of previous day precipitation (to account for storm-scale persistence) and as a simple soil moisture-like precipitation-wetness index derived solely from precipitation (to account for seasonal-scale persistence). In this way only those fluctuations in moisture not attributable to past fluctuations in precipitation (e.g., those due to temperature) can influence the outcome of the test. The null hypothesis (no moisture influence) is evaluated by comparing observed changes in storm probability to Monte-Carlo simulated differences generated with unconditional occurrence probabilities. The null hypothesis is not rejected ( p>0.5) suggesting that contrary to recently published results, insufficient evidence exists to support an influence of soil moisture on precipitation in Illinois.

Bench-Scale Trace Contaminant Testing of SA9T at Ambient and Reduced Pressure Conditions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Broerman, Craig; Sweterlitsch, Jeff

2011-01-01

A principal concern for air revitalization technology in a closed loop system is the capability to control carbon dioxide (CO2) and humidity (H2O). An amine based sorbent technology, SA9T, has been evaluated for use in this application and several programs are evaluating it for use in both cabin and space suit applications. While the CO2 and H2O performance of the sorbent has been tested extensively, the question of how trace contaminants impact performance requires further evaluation. This paper presents experimental results of bench-scale SA9T testing that was performed under a variety of test conditions and with several different trace contaminants. Tests were conducted to determine if the capacity of the SA9T media to sufficiently remove CO2 and H2O is compromised after exposure to a fully saturated trace contaminant at ambient conditions. Tests also were conducted to evaluate the performance of SA9T at ambient conditions in a continuous 30-day test with a mixed trace contaminant stream. In addition, testing also evaluated the impact of CO2 and H2O removal performance at suit loop pressures (29.6 KPa/4.3 psia) during cyclic operation with a constant inlet contaminant load.

Positive Skin Test or Specific IgE to Penicillin Does Not Reliably Predict Penicillin Allergy.

PubMed

Tannert, Line Kring; Mortz, Charlotte Gotthard; Skov, Per Stahl; Bindslev-Jensen, Carsten

According to guidelines, patients are diagnosed with penicillin allergy if skin test (ST) result or specific IgE (s-IgE) to penicillin is positive. However, the true sensitivity and specificity of these tests are presently not known. To investigate the clinical relevance of a positive ST result and positive s-IgE and to study the reproducibility of ST and s-IgE. A sample of convenience of 25 patients with positive penicillin ST results, antipenicillin s-IgE results, or both was challenged with their culprit penicillin. Further 19 patients were not challenged, but deemed allergic on the basis of a recent anaphylactic reaction or delayed reactions to skin testing. Another sample of convenience of 18 patients, 17 overlapping with the 25 challenged, with initial skin testing and s-IgE (median, 25; range, 3-121), months earlier (T -1 ), was repeat skin tested and had s-IgE measured (T 0 ), and then skin tested and had s-IgE measured 4 weeks later (T 1 ). Only 9 (36%) of 25 were challenge positive. There was an increased probability of being penicillin allergic if both ST result and s-IgE were positive at T 0 . Positive ST result or positive s-IgE alone did not predict penicillin allergy. Among the 18 patients repeatedly tested, 46.2% (12 of 25) of positive ST results at T -1 were reproducibly positive at T 0 . For s-IgE, 54.2% (14 of 24) positive measurements were still positive at T 0 and 7 converted to positive at T 1 . The best predictor for a clinically significant (IgE-mediated) penicillin allergy is a combination of a positive case history with simultaneous positive ST result and s-IgE or a positive challenge result. Copyright © 2017 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Getting a Urine Test (For Kids)

MedlinePlus Videos and Cool Tools

... learn a lot from urine tests. Obviously, this test doesn't hurt. And if you know what to expect, it doesn't have to be embarrassing ... Visit the Nemours Web site. Note: All information on KidsHealth® is for ...

Evaluation of dynamic shear rheometer tests for emulsions.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-12-01

DSR-based rheological tests of 20 different : asphalt emulsion residues were : performed and relationships : with elastic recovery (A : ASHTO : T301) and force ductility (AASHTO T : 300) were investigated. In stra : in sweep test from 2% to 52% : , i...

An Analytical Study of Icing Similitude for Aircraft Engine Testing. Revision

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-02-01

MODELING GEOMETRIES Component Cowl Spinner Fan Blade Fan Stator Exit Vane Probe Approximating Geometry NACA 0012 Airfoil Sphere NACA 0012...DOT/FAA/CT·86/35 AEDC·TR·86·26 An Analytical Study of Icing Similitude for Aircraft Engine Testing c. Scott Bartlett Sverdrup Technology, Inc...8217~,feCa.ORI A n AnalYtical Study )f Icin~ Similitude for Aircraft Engine Tes t tu~ 12. PERSONAL AUTHOR/S) B a r t l e t t , C. Scot t , Sverdrup

Residual Strength Predictions with Crack Buckling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dawicke, D. S.; Gullerud, A. S.; Dodds, R. H., Jr.; Hampton, R. W.

1999-01-01

Fracture tests were conducted on middle crack tension, M(T), and compact tension, C(T), specimens of varying widths, constructed from 0.063 inch thick sheets of 2024-T3 aluminum alloy. Guide plates were used to restrict out-of-plane displacements in about half of the tests. Analyses using the three-dimensional, elastic-plastic finite element code WARP3D simulated the tests with and without guide plates using a critical CTOA fracture criterion. The experimental results indicate that crack buckling reduced the failure loads by up to 40%. Using a critical CTOA value of 5.5 deg., the WARP3D analyses predicted the failure loads for the tests with guide plates within +/- 10% of the experimentally measured values. For the M(T) tests without guide plates, the WARP3D analyses predicted the failure loads for the 12 and 24 inch tests within 10%, while over predicting the failure loads for the 40 inch wide tests by about 20%.

Retrospective Review of Treponema pallidum PCR and Serology Results: Are Both Tests Necessary?

PubMed

Brischetto, Anna; Gassiep, Ian; Whiley, David; Norton, Robert

2018-05-01

There has been a resurgence of syphilis diagnoses in Australia. We investigated whether our Treponema pallidum PCR test provides any additional diagnostic information over syphilis serology (chemiluminescence immunoassay [CMIA], Treponema pallidum particle agglutination [TPPA] assay, and the rapid plasma reagin [RPR] flocculation test). A retrospective audit of all T. pallidum PCR requests that came through our laboratory from January 2010 to June 2017 was conducted; data collected included age, gender, site of swab, and results from T. pallidum PCR, syphilis serology, and herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and HSV-2 PCRs. A total of 441 T. pallidum PCR tests were performed; on average, 3 T. pallidum PCRs per month were requested in 2011, and this rate increased to 17.2 requests per month in 2017. A total of 323 patients had both T. pallidum PCR and syphilis serology performed, with 67% of swabs taken from the genitals. T. pallidum PCR gave positive results for 61/323 (19%) patients; of these 61 patients, 59 (97%) also had positive syphilis serology results ( T. pallidum PCR sensitivity, 68%; specificity, 99%; positive predictive value, 97%; negative predictive value, 89%). Syphilis serology was positive for 91/323 patients (28%); of these 91 patients, 61 (66%) were also T. pallidum PCR positive (syphilis serology sensitivity, 97%; specificity, 88%; positive predictive value, 60%; negative predictive value, 99%). The Cohen's kappa value was 0.74, indicating substantial agreement between the two tests. Our results show that most patients with positive T. pallidum PCR results also had positive syphilis serology. Therefore, T. pallidum PCR adds little clinical value over serology for the diagnosis of syphilis in certain clinical settings. Copyright © 2018 American Society for Microbiology.

A Microsample Tensile Test Application: Local Strength of Impact Welds Between Sheet Metals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benzing, J. T.; He, M.; Vivek, A.; Taber, G. A.; Mills, M. J.; Daehn, G. S.

2017-03-01

Microsample tensile testing was conducted to evaluate the quality of impact welds created by vaporizing foil actuator welding. Tensile test samples with a gauge length of 0.6 mm were electro-discharge machined out of welds created between 1-mm-thick aluminum alloy type 6061 (AA6061) sheets and 6-mm-thick copper (Cu110) plates. Aluminum sheets were used as flyers, while copper plates acted as targets. Flyer sheets in T6 as well as T4 temper conditions were utilized to create welds. Some of the welds made with T4 temper flyers were heat treated to a T6 temper. It was found that the welds made with T4 temper flyers were slightly stronger (max. of 270 MPa) than those produced with T6 temper flyers. Generally, failure propagated in a brittle manner across the weld interface; however, elemental mapping reveals material transfer on either member of the welded system. This work proves the feasibility to apply microsample tensile testing to assess impact welding, even when conducted with flyer sheets of 1 mm or less, and provides insight that is complementary to other test methods.

Psychometric properties of the Mayo Elbow Performance Score.

PubMed

Celik, Derya

2015-06-01

To translate and culturally adapt the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), a widely used instrument for evaluating disability associated with elbow injuries, into Turkish (MEPS-T) and to determine psychometric properties of the translated version. The MEPS was translated into Turkish using published methodological guidelines. The measurement properties of the MEPS-T (construct validity and floor and ceiling effects) were tested in 91 patients with elbow pathology. The reproducibility of the MEPS-T was tested in 59 patients over 7-14 days. The responsiveness of the MEPS-T was tested in a subgroup of 46 patients diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis and who received conservative treatment for 6 weeks. The interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to estimate the test-retest reliability. The construct validity was analyzed with the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Short Form 36 (SF-36). Effect size (ES) was used to assess the responsiveness. The distribution of floor and ceiling effects was determined. The MEPS-T showed very good test-retest reliability (ICC 0.89). The correlation coefficients between the MEPS-T and DASH and VAS were -0.61 and -0.53, respectively (p < 0.001). The highest correlations were between the MEPS-T and the mental component summary (r = 0.47, p = 0.001) and role emotional (r = 0.45, p = 0.001). The MEPS-T ES, 0.50, was moderate (95% CI 0.33-0.62). We observed no ceiling or floor effects. The MEPS-T represents a valid, reliable and moderately responsive instrument for evaluating patients with elbow disease.

Trichomonas vaginalis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Coinfection Among Women Under Community Supervision: A Call for Expanded T. vaginalis Screening.

PubMed

Davis, Alissa; Dasgupta, Anindita; Goddard-Eckrich, Dawn; El-Bassel, Nabila

2016-10-01

The United States has a large community supervision population, a growing number of whom are women. Trichomonas vaginalis infection is strongly associated with an increased risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition and transmission, particularly among women, but there is a paucity of research on HIV and T. vaginalis co-infection among women under community supervision. This article examines the prevalence of T. vaginalis infection and T. vaginalis and HIV coinfection at baseline among women under community supervision in New York City. It also examines the 12-month outcomes of women treated for T. vaginalis. Women received biological tests for HIV and T. vaginalis at baseline and 12 months follow-up. Of the 333 women tested for sexually transmitted infections, 77 women (23.1%) tested positive for T. vaginalis at baseline and 44 (13.3%) were HIV positive. Human immunodeficiency virus-positive women had significantly higher rates of T. vaginalis infection than HIV-negative women (36.4% vs 21.3%, P ≤ 0.05). Sixteen women (4.8%) were coinfected with T. vaginalis and HIV. Of the 77 women who were positive for T. vaginalis infection at baseline, 58 (75.3%) received treatment by a health care provider. Of those who received treatment, 17 (29.3%) tested positive for T. vaginalis at the 12-month follow-up. Given the high prevalence of T. vaginalis among this sample of women, particularly among HIV-positive women, and high levels of reinfection or persistent infection, screening for T. vaginalis among women under community supervision may have a substantial impact on reducing HIV acquisition and transmission among this high-risk population.

The effect of different dosages of guar gum on gastric emptying and small intestinal transit of a consumed semisolid meal.

PubMed

van Nieuwenhoven, M A; Kovacs, E M; Brummer, R J; Westerterp-Plantenga, M S; Brouns, F

2001-02-01

There is no consensus about the effect of guar gum supplementation on gastrointestinal transit. It has been suggested that guar gum slows gastric emptying and intestinal transit, thus inducing an increased feeling of satiety. To investigate whether addition of guar gum to a semisolid meal affects gastrointestinal transit. Eight male subjects were randomly studied four times. They consumed a standard semisolid test meal containing either 0 g, 2.5 g, 3.5 g, or 4.5 g of guar gum. The test meals contained 1 mCi 99mTc-hepatate for scintigraphy and 5 g lactulose for the H2-breath test. Scintigraphic scanning was performed for at least two hours, and gastric half-emptying time (T1/2) was calculated. Breath samples were collected at 15 minute intervals and analyzed for H2-enrichment. The orocecal transit time (OCTT) was then determined. A parameter of intestinal transit (PIT) was obtained by subtracting the T1/2 from the OCTT. There were no significant differences (in minutes) between the different tests in both T1/2 (0 g, t = 88.2 +/- 11, 2.5 g, t = 83.3 +/- 11.9, 3.5 g, t = 83.3 +/- 13.6, 4.5 g, t = 72.4 +/- 7.2, p = 0.86) and PIT (0 g, t = 149.9 +/- 26.6, 2.5 g, t = 145.5 +/- 25.6, t = 3.5 g, t = 175.3 +/- 17.6, t = 4.5 g, t = 152.6 +/- 22.4, p = 0.52). Addition of guar gum to a semisolid meal up to a dosage of 4.5 g does not affect gastrointestinal transit. Other mechanisms than gastrointestinal motility are involved in a possible satiating effect of guar gum supplementation.

In routine UK hospital practice T-SPOT.TB™ is useful in some patients with a modest pre-test probability of active tuberculosis.

PubMed

Turtle, Lance; Kemp, Tim; Davies, Geraint R; Squire, S Bertie; Beeching, Nick J; Beadsworth, Michael B J

2012-06-01

to assess the usefulness of the T-SPOT.TB™ interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA), as used in a regional hospital infectious diseases unit in Northwest England, for the diagnosis of active tuberculosis. Retrospective case series. T-SPOT.TB™ test was applied to a group of 64 patients, 20 of whom had tuberculosis (mostly extra-pulmonary tuberculosis). The T-SPOT.TB™ test had a sensitivity of 83.3% and a specificity of 75% for the diagnosis of active tuberculosis, compared with culture. A positive IGRA approximately doubled the pre-test probability of disease from 0.23 to 0.5. This doubling of probability was true regardless of HIV status, though for HIV+ patients the sensitivity was lower (sensitivity 66.7%, post test probability 0.4 for a positive IGRA result). When extrapolated to the local population the test was most useful for exclusion of disease; post test probability 0.006 (or 1 in 167) for a negative IGRA result. Although it can add weight to a clinical diagnosis, T-SPOT.TB™ assay is not reliable for the diagnosis of active tuberculosis in a real world setting where the test is often used in patients with smear negative or extra-pulmonary disease. The test is useful for ruling out disease in HIV negative patients. Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier B.V.

WASP (Write a Scientific Paper) using Excel - 8: t-Tests.

PubMed

Grech, Victor

2018-06-01

t-Testing is a common component of inferential statistics when comparing two means. This paper explains the central limit theorem and the concept of the null hypothesis as well as types of errors. On the practical side, this paper outlines how different t-tests may be performed in Microsoft Excel, for different purposes, both statically as well as dynamically, with Excel's functions. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Protocols for the diagnostic verification of lymph node toxoplasmosis].

PubMed

Carosi, G; Ghezzi, L G; Filice, G; Maccabruni, A; Parisi, A; Carnevale, G

1983-05-31

The protocol we have fixed for the diagnosis of lymphonodal toxoplasmosis includes a precise succession of tests: 1) specific repeated serological tests (I.H.A.T., I.F.A.T., IgM--I.F.A.T. on total serum and on pure IgM fraction); 2) lymphonodal biopsy for histological examination and biological test (isolation procedure in mouse). We have evaluated the effectiveness of our protocol in 20 cases that we observed during 1980.

Identification of functional bitter taste receptors and their antagonist in chickens.

PubMed

Dey, Bapon; Kawabata, Fuminori; Kawabata, Yuko; Yoshida, Yuta; Nishimura, Shotaro; Tabata, Shoji

2017-01-22

Elucidation of the taste sense of chickens is important not only for the development of chicken feedstuffs for the chicken industry but also to help clarify the evolution of the taste sense among animals. There are three putative chicken bitter taste receptors, chicken T2R1 (cT2R1), cT2R2 and cT2R7, which were identified using genome information and cell-based assays. Previously, we have shown that cT2R1 is a functional bitter taste receptor through both cell-based assays and behavioral tests. In this study, therefore, we focused on the sensitivities of the other two bitter receptors, cT2R2 and cT2R7, by using their agonists in behavioral tests. We tested three agonists of cT2R2 and three agonists of cT2R7. In a 10-min drinking study, the intakes of cT2R2 agonist solutions were not different from that of water. On the other hand, the intakes of cT2R7 agonist solutions were significantly lower compared to water. In addition, we constructed cT2R1-and cT2R7-expressing cells in order to search for an antagonist for these functional bitter taste receptors. By using Ca 2+ imaging methods, we found that 6-methoxyflavanone (6-meth) can inhibit the activities of both cT2R1 and cT2R7. Moreover, 6-meth also inhibited the reduction of the intake of bitter solutions containing cT2R1 or cT2R7 agonists in behavioral tests. Taken together, these results suggested that cT2R7 is a functional bitter taste receptor like cT2R1, but that cT2R2 is not, and that 6-meth is an antagonist for these two functional chicken bitter taste receptors. This is the first identification of an antagonist of chicken bitter receptors. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Transcranial direct current stimulation to primary motor area improves hand dexterity and selective attention in chronic stroke.

PubMed

Au-Yeung, Stephanie S Y; Wang, Juliana; Chen, Ye; Chua, Eldrich

2014-12-01

The aim of this study was to determine whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied to the primary motor hand area modulates hand dexterity and selective attention after stroke. This study was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized crossover trial involving subjects with chronic stroke. Ten stroke survivors with some pinch strength in the paretic hand received three different tDCS interventions assigned in random order in separate sessions-anodal tDCS targeting the primary motor area of the lesioned hemisphere (M1lesioned), cathodal tDCS applied to the contralateral hemisphere (M1nonlesioned), and sham tDCS-each for 20 mins. The primary outcome measures were Purdue pegboard test scores for hand dexterity and response time in the color-word Stroop test for selective attention. Pinch strength of the paretic hand was the secondary outcome. Cathodal tDCS to M1nonlesioned significantly improved affected hand dexterity (by 1.1 points on the Purdue pegboard unimanual test, P = 0.014) and selective attention (0.6 secs faster response time on the level 3 Stroop interference test for response inhibition, P = 0.017), but not pinch strength. The outcomes were not improved with anodal tDCS to M1lesioned or sham tDCS. Twenty minutes of cathodal tDCS to M1nonlesioned can promote both paretic hand dexterity and selective attention in people with chronic stroke.

Multi-color space threshold segmentation and self-learning k-NN algorithm for surge test EUT status identification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Jian; Liu, Gui-xiong

2016-09-01

The identification of targets varies in different surge tests. A multi-color space threshold segmentation and self-learning k-nearest neighbor algorithm ( k-NN) for equipment under test status identification was proposed after using feature matching to identify equipment status had to train new patterns every time before testing. First, color space (L*a*b*, hue saturation lightness (HSL), hue saturation value (HSV)) to segment was selected according to the high luminance points ratio and white luminance points ratio of the image. Second, the unknown class sample S r was classified by the k-NN algorithm with training set T z according to the feature vector, which was formed from number of pixels, eccentricity ratio, compactness ratio, and Euler's numbers. Last, while the classification confidence coefficient equaled k, made S r as one sample of pre-training set T z '. The training set T z increased to T z+1 by T z ' if T z ' was saturated. In nine series of illuminant, indicator light, screen, and disturbances samples (a total of 21600 frames), the algorithm had a 98.65%identification accuracy, also selected five groups of samples to enlarge the training set from T 0 to T 5 by itself.

4. Exterior view of Components Test Laboratory (T27), looking northeast. ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

4. Exterior view of Components Test Laboratory (T-27), looking northeast. The building wing on the left houses Test Cell 8 (oxidizer) and the oxidizer storage pit or vault, and that on the right houses Test Cell 10 (environmental). - Air Force Plant PJKS, Systems Integration Laboratory, Components Test Laboratory, Waterton Canyon Road & Colorado Highway 121, Lakewood, Jefferson County, CO

5. Exterior view of Components Test Laboratory (T27), looking northwest. ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

5. Exterior view of Components Test Laboratory (T-27), looking northwest. The building wing on the left houses Test Cell 10 (environmental), and that on the right houses Test Cell 9 (fuel) and the fuel storage pit or vault. - Air Force Plant PJKS, Systems Integration Laboratory, Components Test Laboratory, Waterton Canyon Road & Colorado Highway 121, Lakewood, Jefferson County, CO

21 CFR 610.40 - Test requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

...; (3) Hepatitis B virus; (4) Hepatitis C virus; (5) Human T-lymphotropic virus, type I; and (6) Human T-lymphotropic virus, type II. (b) Testing using one or more approved screening tests. To test for evidence of... single identified recipient under paragraphs (a), (b), and (e) of this section; except that, if the donor...

Prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis in Women Visiting 2 Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics in Daegu, South Korea.

PubMed

Goo, Youn-Kyoung; Shin, Won-Sik; Yang, Hye-Won; Joo, So-Young; Song, Su-Min; Ryu, Jae-Sook; Lee, Won-Myung; Kong, Hyun-Hee; Lee, Won-Ki; Lee, Sang-Eun; Lee, Won-Ja; Chung, Dong-Il; Hong, Yeonchul

2016-02-01

This study explored epidemiological trends in trichomoniasis in Daegu, South Korea. Wet mount microscopy, PCR, and multiplex PCR were used to test for Trichomonas vaginalis in vaginal swab samples obtained from 621 women visiting 2 clinics in Daegu. Of the 621 women tested, microscopy detected T. vaginalis in 4 (0.6%) patients, PCR detected T. vaginalis in 19 (3.0%) patients, and multiplex PCR detected T. vaginalis in 12 (1.9%) patients. Testing via PCR demonstrated high sensitivity and high negative predictive value for T. vaginalis. Among the 19 women who tested positive for T. vaginalis according to PCR, 94.7% (18/19) reported vaginal signs and symptoms. Notably, more than 50% of T. vaginalis infections occurred in females younger than 30 years old, and 58% were unmarried. Multiplex PCR, which simultaneously detects pathogens from various sexually transmitted infections, revealed that 91.7% (11/12) of patients were infected with 2 or more pathogens. Mycoplasma hominis was the most prevalent co-infection pathogen with T. vaginalis, followed by Ureaplasma urealyticum and Chlamydia trachomatis. Our results indicate that PCR and multiplex PCR are the most sensitive tools for T. vaginalis diagnosis, rather than microscopy which has been routinely used to detect T. vaginalis infections in South Korea. Therefore, clinicians should take note of the high prevalence of T. vaginalis infections among adolescent and young women in order to prevent persistent infection and transmission of this disease.

Gaming and Conventional Exercises for Improvement of Arm Function After Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study.

PubMed

Kottink, Anke I R; Prange, Gerdienke B; Krabben, Thijs; Rietman, Johan S; Buurke, Jaap H

2014-06-01

The use of new technologies in rehabilitation, such as virtual reality and/or computerized gaming exercises, may be useful to enable patients to practice intensively in a motivating way. The objective of the present randomized controlled pilot study was to compare the effect of reach training using a target group specific-designed rehabilitation game to time-matched standardized conventional reach training on arm function after stroke. Twenty chronic stroke patients were randomized to either the rehabilitation game group or the conventional training group. Both groups received three arm training sessions of 30 minutes each week, during a period of 6 weeks. Arm (the upper extremity part of Fugl-Meyer [FM] assessment) and hand (the Action Research Arm [ARA] test) functions were tested 1 week before (T0) and 1 week after (T1) training. A follow-up measurement was performed at 1 month after T1 (T2). ARA and FM scores improved significantly within both groups. Post hoc comparisons revealed significant increases in test scores between T0 and T1 and between T0 and T2 for both ARA and FM, but not for changes from T1 to T2. There were no significant differences between both groups for either clinical test. The present randomized controlled pilot study showed that both arm and hand function improved as much after training with a rehabilitation game as after time-matched conventional training.

Thermal Stability Testing of a Fischer-Tropsch Fuel and Various Blends with Jet A

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Klettlinger, Jennifer Suder; Surgenor, Angela; Yen, Chia

2010-01-01

Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) jet fuel composition differs from petroleum-based, conventional commercial jet fuel because of differences in feedstock and production methodology. Fischer-Tropsch fuel typically has a lower aromatic and sulfur content and consists primarily of iso and normal parafins. The ASTM D3241 specification for Jet Fuel Thermal Oxidation Test (JFTOT) break point testing method was used to test the breakpoint of a baseline conventional Jet A, a commercial grade F-T jet fuel, and various blends of this F-T fuel in Jet A. The testing completed in this report was supported by the NASA Fundamental Aeronautics Subsonics Fixed Wing Project.

Laboratory Evaluation of a Smartphone-Based Electronic Reader of Rapid Dual Point-of-Care Tests for Antibodies to Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Treponema pallidum Infections.

PubMed

Herbst de Cortina, Sasha; Bristow, Claire C; Humphries, Romney; Vargas, Silver Keith; Konda, Kelika A; Caceres, Carlos F; Klausner, Jeffrey D

2017-07-01

Dual point-of-care tests for antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Treponema pallidum allow for same-day testing and treatment and have been demonstrated to be cost-effective in preventing the adverse outcomes of HIV infection and syphilis. By recording and transmitting data as they are collected, electronic readers address challenges related to the decentralization of point-of-care testing. We evaluated a smartphone-based electronic reader using 201 sera tested with 2 dual rapid tests for detection of antibodies to HIV and T. pallidum in Los Angeles, USA, and Lima, Peru. Tests were read both visually and with the electronic reader. Enzyme immunoassay followed by Western blot and T. pallidum particle agglutination were the reference tests for HIV and T. pallidum, respectively. The sensitivities of the 2 rapid tests for detection of HIV were 94.1% and 97.0% for electronic readings. Both tests had a specificity of 100% for detection of HIV by electronic reading. The sensitivities of the 2 rapid tests for detection of T. pallidum were 86.5% and 92.4% for electronic readings. The specificities for detection of T. pallidum were 99.1% and 99.0% by electronic reading. There were no significant differences between the accuracies of visual and electronic readings, and the performance did not differ between the 2 study sites. Our results show the electronic reader to be a promising option for increasing the use of point-of-care testing programs.

Assessment of the influence of surface finishing and weld joints on the corrosion/oxidation behaviour of stainless steels in lead bismuth eutectic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martín-Muñoz, F. J.; Soler-Crespo, L.; Gómez-Briceño, D.

2011-09-01

The objective of this paper is to gain some insight into the influence of the surface finishing in the oxidation/corrosion behaviour of 316L and T91 steels in lead bismuth eutectic (LBE). Specimens of both materials with different surface states were prepared (as-received, grinded, grinded and polished, and electrolitically polished) and oxidation tests were carried out at 775 and 825 K from 100 to 2000 h for two different oxygen concentrations and for H 2/H 2O molar ratios of 3 and 0.03. The general conclusion for these tests is that the effect of surface finishing on the corrosion/protection processes is not significant under the tested conditions. In addition the behaviour of weld joints, T91-T91 Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) and T91-316L have been also studied under similar conditions. The conclusions are that, whereas T91-T91 welded joint shows the same corrosion properties as the parent materials for the conditions tested, AISI 316L-T91 welded joint, present an important dissolution over seam area that it associated to the electrode 309S used for the fabrication process.

Immune tolerance properties of the testicular tissue as a viral sanctuary site in ART-treated HIV-infected adults.

PubMed

Jenabian, Mohammad-Ali; Costiniuk, Cecilia T; Mehraj, Vikram; Ghazawi, Feras M; Fromentin, Rémi; Brousseau, Joëlle; Brassard, Pierre; Bélanger, Maud; Ancuta, Petronela; Bendayan, Reina; Chomont, Nicolas; Routy, Jean-Pierre

2016-11-28

HIV persistence in long-lived infected cells and in anatomical sanctuary sites are major hurdles to HIV eradication. Testicular tissue may represent a significant viral sanctuary site as it constitutes an immunologically privileged compartment. We assessed immunotolerance properties of the testicular tissue in individuals receiving suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART). Testicular tissue and matched blood samples were collected from six virally suppressed adults and 10 HIV-uninfected controls prior to sex reassignment surgery. T cells were purified from freshly isolated testicular interstitial cell suspensions. T-cell subsets, expression of immune activation markers and HIV DNA were assessed in matched testicular cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). When compared with PBMCs, testes were characterized by a lower CD4 T-cell proportion among total T cells, a decrease in the frequency of naive cells, an increase in the frequency of effector-memory T cells and an increase in CCR5 expression in both the HIV+ and HIV- groups. In HIV-infected individuals on ART, testes displayed higher T-cell immune activation (Coexpression of CD38 and Human Leukocyte Antigen - antigen D Related) than PBMCs. In both groups, testes were characterized by higher frequencies of immunosuppressive CD39 regulatory T cells and a massive increase in CD73 expression on CD8 T cells. In addition, a remarkable increase in indoleamine-pyrrole 2,3-dioxygenase immunosuppressive enzyme involved in tryptophan/kynurenine catabolism was observed in testes versus blood. Rare cells harboring HIV DNA were detected in testes from five out six participants. These findings suggest that the adenosine and tryptophan/kynurenine immune-metabolic pathways contribute to immune tolerance in testicular tissue. Our results suggest that testes may represent a distinctive HIV sanctuary site during ART.

Vertical Jumping Tests versus Wingate Anaerobic Test in Female Volleyball Players: The Role of Age

PubMed Central

Nikolaidis, Pantelis Theodoros; Afonso, Jose; Clemente-Suarez, Vicente Javier; Alvarado, Jose Rafael Padilla; Driss, Tarak; Knechtle, Beat; Torres-Luque, Gema

2016-01-01

Single and continuous vertical jumping tests, as well as the Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT), are commonly used to assess the short-term muscle power of female volleyball players; however, the relationship among these tests has not been studied adequately. Thus, the aim of the present study was to examine the relationship of single and continuous vertical jumps with the WAnT in female volleyball players. Seventy adolescent (age 16.0 ± 1.0 years, body mass 62.5 ± 7.1 kg, height 170.4 ± 6.1 cm, body fat 24.2% ± 4.3%) and 108 adult female volleyball players (age 24.8 ± 5.2 years, body mass 66.5 ± 8.7 kg, height 173.2 ± 7.4 cm, body fat 22.0% ± 5.1%) performed the squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), Abalakov jump (AJ), 30 s Bosco test and WAnT (peak power, Ppeak; mean power, Pmean). Mean power in the Bosco test was correlated (low to large magnitude) with Pmean of the WAnT (r = 0.27, p = 0.030 in adolescents versus r = 0.56, p < 0.001 in adults). SJ, CMJ and AJ also correlated with Ppeak (0.28 ≤ r ≤ 0.46 in adolescents versus 0.58 ≤ r ≤ 0.61 in adults) and with Pmean (0.43 ≤ r ≤ 0.51 versus 0.67 ≤ r ≤ 0.71, respectively) of the WAnT (p < 0.05). In summary, the impact of the Bosco test and WAnT on muscle power varied, especially in the younger age group. Single jumping tests had larger correlations with WAnT in adults than in adolescent volleyball players. These findings should be taken into account by volleyball coaches and fitness trainers during the assessment of short-term muscle power of their athletes.

Is salivary cortisol moderating the relationship between salivary testosterone and hand-grip strength in healthy men?

PubMed

Crewther, Blair T; Thomas, Andrew G; Stewart-Williams, Steve; Kilduff, Liam P; Cook, Christian J

2017-03-01

This study examined the moderating effect of cortisol (C) on the relationship between testosterone (T) and hand-grip strength (HGS) in healthy young men. Sixty-five males were monitored for salivary T, C and HGS before and 15 min after a short bout (5 × 6-s trials) of sprint cycling exercise. Sprint exercise promoted (p < .05) positive changes in T (6.1 ± 24.9%) and HGS (3.4 ± 7.5%), but a negative C response (-14.4 ± 33.1%). The T and C measures did not independently predict HGS, but a significant T × C interaction was found in relation to these outcomes. Further testing revealed that pre-test T and HGS were negatively associated (p < .05), but only in men with high C levels. The exercise changes in T and HGS were also negatively related in men with low C levels (p < .05), but no relationship was seen in men with high C levels. In summary, complex relationships between T and HGS emerged when considering C as a moderating variable. The pre-test combination of high C and low T levels favoured absolute HGS, whereas low pre-test C levels and a smaller T change were linked to larger HGS changes. These associations suggest that, in the current format, T is not necessarily anabolic to muscle strength in healthy young men. Such complexities could also explain some of the inconsistent T relationships with physical performance in lesser trained male populations.

Biaxial Testing of 2195 Aluminum Lithium Alloy Using Cruciform Specimens

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnston, W. M.; Pollock, W. D.; Dawicke, D. S.; Wagner, John A. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

A cruciform biaxial test specimen was used to test the effect of biaxial load on the yield of aluminum-lithium alloy 2195. Fifteen cruciform specimens were tested from 2 thicknesses of 2195-T8 plate, 0.45 in. and 1.75 in. These results were compared to the results from uniaxial tensile tests of the same alloy, and cruciform biaxial tests of aluminum alloy 2219-T87.

Knowledge and Practices of Toxoplasmosis among Clinical Laboratory Professionals: A Cross-Sectional Study in Durango, Mexico

PubMed Central

Sánchez-Anguiano, Luis Francisco; Berumen-Segovia, Luis Omar; Hernández-Tinoco, Jesús; Rico-Almochantaf, Yazmin del Rosario; Cisneros-Camacho, Alfredo; Cisneros-Martínez, Jorge Arturo

2017-01-01

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the level of knowledge and practices about toxoplasmosis in a sample of clinical laboratory professionals in Mexico. Methods: 192 clinical laboratory professionals were surveyed. They were asked about (1) Toxoplasma gondii; (2) clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and epidemiology of toxoplasmosis; and (3) their practices with respect to toxoplasmosis. Results: The range of animals infected by T. gondii was known by 44.8% of participants. Clinical aspects of toxoplasmosis were known by up to 44.3% of subjects. Correct answers about the interpretation of serological markers of T. gondii infection were provided by up to 32.8% of participants. A minority (32.2%) of participants knew about a high number of false positive results of anti-T. gondii IgM antibody tests. Most participants (90.1%) did not know what the anti-T. gondii IgG avidity test was. Up to 55.7% of participants provided incorrect answers about the interpretation of serology tests for the treatment of pregnant women. Common routes of T. gondii infection were known by <15% of participants. Most (84.4%) participants had not performed tests for detection T. gondii infection. Conclusions: Results indicate incomplete knowledge of T. gondii infection and toxoplasmosis and a limited practice of laboratory tests among the professionals surveyed. PMID:29156547

The organizational effects of pubertal testosterone on sexual proficiency in adult male Syrian hamsters.

PubMed

De Lorme, Kayla C; Sisk, Cheryl L

2016-10-15

Social proficiency requires making appropriate behavioral adaptations as a result of social experience. For example, male rodents become sexually proficient with experience as demonstrated by a reduction in ectopic (misdirected) mounts, mount-to-intromission ratio, and latency to ejaculation. We previously found that over a series of timed tests with a receptive female, male hamsters deprived of testosterone specifically during puberty (NoT@P) have overall lower levels of sexual behavior and continue to display high levels of ectopic mounts, compared with males that experienced endogenous testosterone during puberty (T@P). These results suggested that pubertal testosterone programs sexual proficiency in adulthood, but because NoT@P males engaged in less sexual behavior than T@P males in these tests, the amount of sexual experience may have been insufficient to improve sexual proficiency. To more rigorously test the hypothesis that pubertal testosterone is necessary for social proficiency in adulthood, the present study compared the behavior of NoT@P and T@P males in a series of 4 trials with a 48-h interval between each trial. Sexual experience was equated by limiting each trial to 5 intromissions. Sexually-naïve males were either gonadectomized prepubertally (NoT@P) or in adulthood (T@P) and received subcutaneous testosterone capsules four weeks later. Two weeks after testosterone replacement, these groups and a group of adult gonad-intact controls began sexual behavior testing. We found that NoT@P males had more ectopic mounts/min across all four tests compared to gonad-intact and T@P males. Moreover, both gonad-intact and T@P males, but not NoT@P males, showed an increase in the number of mounts and intromissions/min between trials 1 and 3. Unexpectedly, both gonad-intact and T@P, but not NoT@P, males showed a decrease in sexual behaviors during trial 4. Thus, T@P males display multiple behavioral adaptations to sexual experience that are not observed in NoT@P males: a reduction in ectopic mounts after repeated encounters with a receptive female and an inverted U-shape pattern in mounts and intromissions when these encounters do not lead to ejaculations. These results support the hypothesis that pubertal testosterone organizes neural circuits underlying behavioral flexibility and adaptability to promote sexual proficiency in adulthood. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Diagnosis of glenoid labral tears using 3-tesla MRI vs. 3-tesla MRA: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Ajuied, Adil; McGarvey, Ciaran P; Harb, Ziad; Smith, Christian C; Houghton, Russell P; Corbett, Steven A

2018-05-01

Various protocols exist for magnetic resonance arthrogram (MRA) of the shoulder, including 3D isotropic scanning and positioning in neutral (2D neutral MRA), or abduction-external-rotation (ABER). MRA does not improve diagnostic accuracy for labral tears when compared to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed using 3-Tesla (3T) magnets. Systematic review of the Cochrane, MEDLINE, and PubMed databases according to PRISMA guidelines. Included studies compared 3T MRI or 3T MRA (index tests) to arthroscopic findings (reference test). Methodological appraisal performed using QUADAS-2. Pooled sensitivity and specificity were calculated. Ten studies including 929 patients were included. Index test bias and applicability were a concern in the majority of studies. The use of arthroscopy as the reference test raised concern of verification bias in all studies. For anterior labral lesions, 3T MRI was less sensitive (0.83 vs. 0.87 p = 0.083) than 3T 2D neutral MRA. Compared to 3T 2D neutral MRA, both 3T 3D Isotropic MRA and 3T ABER MRA significantly improved sensitivity (0.87 vs. 0.95 vs. 0.94). For SLAP lesions, 3T 2D neutral MRA was of similar sensitivity to 3T MRI (0.84 vs. 0.83, p = 0.575), but less specific (0.99 vs. 0.92 p < 0.0001). For posterior labral lesions, 3T 2D neutral MRA had greater sensitivity than 3T 3D Isotropic MRA and 3T MRI (0.90 vs. 0.83 vs. 0.83). At 3-T, MRA improved sensitivity for diagnosis of anterior and posterior labral lesions, but reduced specificity in diagnosis of SLAP tears. 3T MRA with ABER positioning further improved sensitivity in diagnosis of anterior labral tears. IV.

Viral-mediated overexpression of the Myelin Transcription Factor 1 (MyT1) in the dentate gyrus attenuates anxiety- and ethanol-related behaviors in rats.

PubMed

Bahi, Amine; Dreyer, Jean-Luc

2017-06-01

Myelin Transcription Factor 1 (MyT1), a member of the Zinc Finger gene family, plays a fundamental role in the nervous system. Recent research has suggested that this transcription factor is associated with the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders including addiction, schizophrenia, and depression. However, the role of MyT1 in anxiety- and ethanol-related behaviors is still unknown. We evaluated the effects of lentiviral-mediated overexpression of MyT1 in the dentate gyrus (DG) on anxiety- and ethanol-related behaviors in rats. We used the elevated plus maze (EPM) and the open field (OF) tests to assess anxiety-like behavior and a two-bottle choice procedure to measure the effects of MyT1 on ethanol intake and preference. MyT1 overexpression produced anxiolytic-like effects in the EPM test and decreased the number of fecal boli in the OF test, without affecting locomotor activity in both behavioral tests. Next, we demonstrated that ethanol intake and preference were decreased in the MyT1-overexpressing rats with no effect on saccharin and quinine, used to assess taste discrimination, and no effect on ethanol clearance suggesting specific alterations in the rewarding effects of ethanol. Most importantly, ectopic MyT1 overexpression increased both MyT1 and BDNF mRNA levels in the DG. Using Pearson's correlation, results showed a strong negative relationship between MyT1 mRNA and anxiety parameters and ethanol consumption and a positive correlation between MyT1 and BDNF mRNAs. Taken together, MyT1 along with being a key component in anxiety may be a suitable candidate in the search of the molecular underpinnings of alcoholism.

The efficacy of attendance and semi-attendance group cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) on the anxiety disorders of adolescent girls.

PubMed

Karbasi, Afsaneh; Arman, Soroor; Maracy, Mohamad Reza

2010-09-01

Anxiety disorders are one of the most psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents that can cause long life functional disability. The first line treatment for this disorder is cognitive behavioral therapy that has primary, secondary and tertiary preventive effect, but is expensive and long time. Today there is some effort to find short term, group, semi-attendance and low cost therapies. Subjects were 42 girls (12- 17 y) with at least one anxiety disorder according to DSM-IV-TR with their parents who were divided into two groups randomly: group A which participated in 8 sessions and group B which participated in 4 sessions and the contents of sessions 3, 4, 6, and 7 were recorded on a CD for them. The tests used in this study were: SCARED, CATS, CAIS-C, CAIS-P, conducted before (T0), just after (T1) and three months after the treatment (T2). The collected data were analyzed by multivariate analysis of covariance test using SPSS software package, version 15.0. There was no significant difference between efficacy of semi-attendance group CBT and attendance group CBT in T0, T1 and T2 according to 4 tests (p = 0.311). The difference between the scores of these tests between T0 andT1 and T0 and T2 was significant in both groups (p < 0.001) but the difference between T1 and T2 was not significant. (p = 0.771). The efficacy of semi-attendance group CBT and attendance group CBT is similar and would sustain after 3 months.

The efficacy of attendance and semi-attendance group cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) on the anxiety disorders of adolescent girls

PubMed Central

Karbasi, Afsaneh; Arman, Soroor; Maracy, Mohamad Reza

2010-01-01

BACKGROUND: Anxiety disorders are one of the most psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents that can cause long life functional disability. The first line treatment for this disorder is cognitive behavioral therapy that has primary, secondary and tertiary preventive effect, but is expensive and long time. Today there is some effort to find short term, group, semi-attendance and low cost therapies. METHODS: Subjects were 42 girls (12- 17 y) with at least one anxiety disorder according to DSM-IV-TR with their parents who were divided into two groups randomly: group A which participated in 8 sessions and group B which participated in 4 sessions and the contents of sessions 3, 4, 6, and 7 were recorded on a CD for them. The tests used in this study were: SCARED, CATS, CAIS-C, CAIS-P, conducted before (T0), just after (T1) and three months after the treatment (T2). The collected data were analyzed by multivariate analysis of covariance test using SPSS software package, version 15.0. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between efficacy of semi-attendance group CBT and attendance group CBT in T0, T1 and T2 according to 4 tests (p = 0.311). The difference between the scores of these tests between T0 andT1 and T0 and T2 was significant in both groups (p < 0.001) but the difference between T1 and T2 was not significant. (p = 0.771). CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of semi-attendance group CBT and attendance group CBT is similar and would sustain after 3 months. PMID:21526093

Development of a species-specific coproantigen ELISA for human Taenia solium taeniasis.

PubMed

Guezala, Maria-Claudia; Rodriguez, Silvia; Zamora, Humberto; Garcia, Hector H; Gonzalez, Armando E; Tembo, Alice; Allan, James C; Craig, Philip S

2009-09-01

Taenia solium causes human neurocysticercosis and is endemic in underdeveloped countries where backyard pig keeping is common. Microscopic fecal diagnostic methods for human T. solium taeniasis are not very sensitive, and Taenia saginata and Taenia solium eggs are indistinguishable under the light microscope. Coproantigen (CoAg) ELISA methods are very sensitive, but currently only genus (Taenia) specific. This paper describes the development of a highly species-specific coproantigen ELISA test to detect T. solium intestinal taeniasis. Sensitivity was maintained using a capture antibody of rabbit IgG against T. solium adult whole worm somatic extract, whereas species specificity was achieved by utilization of an enzyme-conjugated rabbit IgG against T. solium adult excretory-secretory (ES) antigen. A known panel of positive and negative human fecal samples was tested with this hybrid sandwich ELISA. The ELISA test gave 100% specificity and 96.4% sensitivity for T. solium tapeworm carriers (N = 28), with a J index of 0.96. This simple ELISA incorporating anti-adult somatic and anti-adult ES antibodies provides the first potentially species-specific coproantigen test for human T. solium taeniasis.

Diagnostic Value of Cerebrospinal Fluid T-SPOT.TB for Tuberculousis Meningitis in China.

PubMed

Li, Xue Lian; Xie, Na; Wang, Song Wang; Wu, Qian Hong; Ma, Yan; Shu, Wei; Chen, Hong Mei; Zhang, Li Qun; Wu, Xiao Guang; Ma, Li Ping; Che, Nan Ying; Gao, Meng Qiu

2017-09-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) T-SPOT.TB test for the diagnosis of TB meningitis (TBM). A retrospective analysis of 96 patients with manifested meningitis was conducted; T-SPOT.TB test was performed for diagnosing TBM to determine the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was also drawn to assess the diagnostic accuracy. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of CSF T-SPOT.TB test were 97.8%, 78.0%, 80.3%, and 97.5%, respectively, for 52 patients (54.2%) of the 96 enrolled patients. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.910, and the sensitivities of CSF T-SPOT.TB for patients with stages I, II, and III of TBM were 96.7%, 97.2%, and 98.9%, respectively. CSF T-SPOT.TB test is a rapid and accurate diagnostic method with higher sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing TBM. Copyright © 2017 The Editorial Board of Biomedical and Environmental Sciences. Published by China CDC. All rights reserved.

Integration and Test for Small Shuttle Payloads

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wright, Michael R.; Day, John H. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

Recommended approaches for shuttle small payload integration and test (I&T) are presented. The paper is intended for consideration by developers of small shuttle payloads, including I&T managers, project managers, and system engineers. Examples and lessons learned are presented based on the extensive history of the NASA's Hitchhiker project. All aspects of I&T are presented, including: (1) I&T team responsibilities, coordination, and communication; (2) Flight hardware handling practices; (3) Documentation and configuration management; (4) I&T considerations for payload development; (5) I&T at the development facility; (6) Prelaunch operations, transfer, orbiter integration, and interface testing; and (7) Postflight operations. This paper is of special interest to those payload projects which have small budgets and few resources: That is, the truly 'faster, cheaper, better' projects. All shuttle small payload developers are strongly encouraged to apply these guidelines during I&T planning and ground operations to take full advantage of today's limited resources and to help ensure mission success.

Taeniasis and cysticercosis in Bali and North Sumatra, Indonesia.

PubMed

Wandra, Toni; Depary, A A; Sutisna, Putu; Margono, Sri S; Suroso, Thomas; Okamoto, Munehiro; Craig, Philip S; Ito, Akira

2006-01-01

It has been reported that three human Taenia species are distributed in Indonesia: Taenia solium, Taenia asiatica and Taenia saginata. T. asiatica is well known in North Sumatra, especially on Samosir island in Lake Toba. T. solium and T. saginata are known from Bali. T. solium is most serious public health issue in Papua (former Irian Jaya). In this report, we briefly review the present situation of these three human Taenia species mainly in Bali and North Sumatra. For community based epidemiological survey, we have adopted and applied questionnaire, microscopic observation of eggs, coproantigen tests, coproDNA tests, mitochondrial DNA analysis and morphology for isolated specimens, serology for cysticercosis and taeniasis. For detection of taeniasis cases of both T. saginata and T. asiatica, questionnaire by expert doctors is perfect to detect worm carriers. Corpoantigen test developed for detection of taeniasis of T. solium is also highly reliable to detect taeniasis carriers in the community. Epidemiological data from these two islands 2002-2005 are reviewed with backgrounds of historical culture, religions and customs.

Drug Development and Conservation of Biodiversity in West and Central Africa

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-05-01

trichomonads (Trichomonas vaginalis, Tritrichomonas foetus ). In the trypanosome growth screen, 58 WRAIR extracts and 8 AP#2 extracts were tested. Eight WRAIR...extracts were tested vs metronidazole-resistant and -sensitive strains of T. vaginalis and another 31 were studied in a T. foetus screen. Of 58 WRAIR...metronidazole-resistant T. vaginalis; 4 of 31 extracts were similarly active for T. foetus . For trypanosomes, plant genera yielding active extracts included

Credit USAF, ca. 1945. Original housed in the Muroc Flight ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

Credit USAF, ca. 1945. Original housed in the Muroc Flight Test Base, Unit History, 1 September 1942 - 30 June 1945. Alfred F. Simpson Historical Research Agency. United States Air Force. Maxwell AFB, Alabama. View looks north at a hutment typical of several structures erected at the Muroc Flight Test Base (North Base) ca. 1943-1945. Similar structures, Buildings T-61, T-62 and T-63, lie in the distance behind T-40 - Edwards Air Force Base, North Base, Barracks T-40, Second & A Streets, Boron, Kern County, CA

7. Exterior view of Components Test Laboratory (T27), looking south. ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

7. Exterior view of Components Test Laboratory (T-27), looking south. The wing in the immediate foreground houses the equipment room. - Air Force Plant PJKS, Systems Integration Laboratory, Components Test Laboratory, Waterton Canyon Road & Colorado Highway 121, Lakewood, Jefferson County, CO

Closure Report for Corrective Action Unit 104: Area 7 Yucca Flat Atmospheric Test Sites, Nevada National Security Site, Nevada

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

None

2013-06-27

This Closure Report (CR) presents information supporting closure of Corrective Action Unit (CAU) 104, Area 7 Yucca Flat Atmospheric Test Sites, and provides documentation supporting the completed corrective actions and confirmation that closure objectives for CAU 104 were met. This CR complies with the requirements of the Federal Facility Agreement and Consent Order (FFACO) that was agreed to by the State of Nevada; the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Environmental Management; the U.S. Department of Defense; and DOE, Legacy Management. CAU 104 consists of the following 15 Corrective Action Sites (CASs), located in Area 7 of the Nevada National Securitymore » Site: · CAS 07-23-03, Atmospheric Test Site T-7C · CAS 07-23-04, Atmospheric Test Site T7-1 · CAS 07-23-05, Atmospheric Test Site · CAS 07-23-06, Atmospheric Test Site T7-5a · CAS 07-23-07, Atmospheric Test Site - Dog (T-S) · CAS 07-23-08, Atmospheric Test Site - Baker (T-S) · CAS 07-23-09, Atmospheric Test Site - Charlie (T-S) · CAS 07-23-10, Atmospheric Test Site - Dixie · CAS 07-23-11, Atmospheric Test Site - Dixie · CAS 07-23-12, Atmospheric Test Site - Charlie (Bus) · CAS 07-23-13, Atmospheric Test Site - Baker (Buster) · CAS 07-23-14, Atmospheric Test Site - Ruth · CAS 07-23-15, Atmospheric Test Site T7-4 · CAS 07-23-16, Atmospheric Test Site B7-b · CAS 07-23-17, Atmospheric Test Site - Climax Closure activities began in October 2012 and were completed in April 2013. Activities were conducted according to the Corrective Action Decision Document/Corrective Action Plan for CAU 104. The corrective actions included No Further Action and Clean Closure. Closure activities generated sanitary waste, mixed waste, and recyclable material. Some wastes exceeded land disposal limits and required treatment prior to disposal. Other wastes met land disposal restrictions and were disposed in appropriate onsite landfills. The U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration Nevada Field Office (NNSA/NFO) requests the following: · A Notice of Completion from the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection to NNSA/NFO for closure of CAU 104 · The transfer of CAU 104 from Appendix III to Appendix IV, Closed Corrective Action Units, of the FFACO« less

Effects of environmental conditions on point-of-care cardiac biomarker test performance during a simulated rescue: implications for emergency and disaster response.

PubMed

Louie, Richard F; Ferguson, William J; Curtis, Corbin M; Vy, John H; Tang, Chloe S; Kost, Gerald J

2013-01-01

To characterize the effects of environmental stress on point-of-care (POC) cardiac biomarker testing during a simulated rescue. Multiplex test cassettes for cardiac troponin I (cTnI), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), CK-MB, myoglobin, and D-dimer were exposed to environmental stresses simulating a 24-hour rescue from Hawaii to the Marshall Islands and back. We used Tenney environmental chambers (T2RC and BTRC) to simulate flight conditions (20°C, 10 percent relative humidity) and ground conditions (22.3-33.9°C, 73-77 percent). We obtained paired measurements using stressed versus control (room temperature) cassettes at seven time points (T1-7 with T1,2,6,7 during flight and T3-5 on ground). We analyzed paired differences (stressed minus control) with Wilcoxon signed rank test. We assessed the impact on decision-making at clinical thresholds. cTnI results from stressed test cassettes (n = 10) at T4 (p < 0.05), T5 (p < 0.01), and T7 (p < 0.05) differed significantly from control, when testing samples with median cTnI concentration of 90 ng/L. During the ground rescue, 36.7 percent (11/30) of cTnI measurements from stressed cassettes generated significantly lowered results. At T5, 20 percent (2/10) of cTnI results were highly discrepant-stressed cassettes reported normal results, when control results were >100 ng/L. With sample median concentration of 108 pg/mL, BNP results from stressed test cassettes differed significantly from controls (p < 0.05). Despite modest, short-term temperature elevation, environmental stresses led to erroneous results. False negative cTnI and BNP results potentially could miss acute myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure, confounded treatment, and increased mortality and morbidity. Therefore, rescuers should protect POC reagents from temperature extremes.

Prognostic significance of electrical alternans versus signal averaged electrocardiography in predicting the outcome of electrophysiological testing and arrhythmia-free survival

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Armoundas, A. A.; Rosenbaum, D. S.; Ruskin, J. N.; Garan, H.; Cohen, R. J.

1998-01-01

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the accuracy of signal averaged electrocardiography (SAECG) and measurement of microvolt level T wave alternans as predictors of susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmias. DESIGN: Analysis of new data from a previously published prospective investigation. SETTING: Electrophysiology laboratory of a major referral hospital. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTIONS: 43 patients, not on class I or class III antiarrhythmic drug treatment, undergoing invasive electrophysiological testing had SAECG and T wave alternans measurements. The SAECG was considered positive in the presence of one (SAECG-I) or two (SAECG-II) of three standard criteria. T wave alternans was considered positive if the alternans ratio exceeded 3.0. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Inducibility of sustained ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation during electrophysiological testing, and 20 month arrhythmia-free survival. RESULTS: The accuracy of T wave alternans in predicting the outcome of electrophysiological testing was 84% (p < 0.0001). Neither SAECG-I (accuracy 60%; p < 0.29) nor SAECG-II (accuracy 71%; p < 0.10) was a statistically significant predictor of electrophysiological testing. SAECG, T wave alternans, electrophysiological testing, and follow up data were available in 36 patients while not on class I or III antiarrhythmic agents. The accuracy of T wave alternans in predicting the outcome of arrhythmia-free survival was 86% (p < 0.030). Neither SAECG-I (accuracy 65%; p < 0.21) nor SAECG-II (accuracy 71%; p < 0.48) was a statistically significant predictor of arrhythmia-free survival. CONCLUSIONS: T wave alternans was a highly significant predictor of the outcome of electrophysiological testing and arrhythmia-free survival, while SAECG was not a statistically significant predictor. Although these results need to be confirmed in prospective clinical studies, they suggest that T wave alternans may serve as a non-invasive probe for screening high risk populations for malignant ventricular arrhythmias.

Near-exact distributions for the block equicorrelation and equivariance likelihood ratio test statistic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coelho, Carlos A.; Marques, Filipe J.

2013-09-01

In this paper the authors combine the equicorrelation and equivariance test introduced by Wilks [13] with the likelihood ratio test (l.r.t.) for independence of groups of variables to obtain the l.r.t. of block equicorrelation and equivariance. This test or its single block version may find applications in many areas as in psychology, education, medicine, genetics and they are important "in many tests of multivariate analysis, e.g. in MANOVA, Profile Analysis, Growth Curve analysis, etc" [12, 9]. By decomposing the overall hypothesis into the hypotheses of independence of groups of variables and the hypothesis of equicorrelation and equivariance we are able to obtain the expressions for the overall l.r.t. statistic and its moments. From these we obtain a suitable factorization of the characteristic function (c.f.) of the logarithm of the l.r.t. statistic, which enables us to develop highly manageable and precise near-exact distributions for the test statistic.

A Spreadsheet Tool for Learning the Multiple Regression F-Test, T-Tests, and Multicollinearity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Martin, David

2008-01-01

This note presents a spreadsheet tool that allows teachers the opportunity to guide students towards answering on their own questions related to the multiple regression F-test, the t-tests, and multicollinearity. The note demonstrates approaches for using the spreadsheet that might be appropriate for three different levels of statistics classes,…

The Edinburgh Social Cognition Test (ESCoT): Examining the effects of age on a new measure of theory of mind and social norm understanding

PubMed Central

Abrahams, Sharon; Auyeung, Bonnie; MacPherson, Sarah E.

2018-01-01

Current measures of social cognition have shown inconsistent findings regarding the effects of healthy aging. Moreover, no tests are currently available that allow clinicians and researchers to examine cognitive and affective theory of mind (ToM) and understanding of social norms within the same test. To address these limitations, we present the Edinburgh Social Cognition Test (ESCoT) which assesses cognitive and affective ToM and inter- and intrapersonal understanding of social norms. We examined the effects of age, measures of intelligence and the Broader Autism Phenotype (BAP) on the ESCoT and established tests of social cognition. Additionally, we investigated the convergent validity of the ESCoT based on traditional social cognition measures. The ESCoT was administered alongside Reading the Mind in Films (RMF), Reading the Mind in Eyes (RME), Judgement of Preference and Social Norm Questionnaire to 91 participants (30 aged 18–35 years, 30 aged 45–60 years and 31 aged 65–85 years). Poorer performance on the cognitive and affective ToM ESCoT subtests were predicted by increasing age. The affective ToM ESCoT subtest and RMF were predicted by gender, where being female predicted better performance. Unlike the ESCoT, better performance on the RMF was predicted by higher verbal comprehension and perceptual reasoning abilities, while better performance on the RME was predicted by higher verbal comprehension scores. Lower scores on inter-and intrapersonal understanding of social norms were both predicted by the presence of more autism-like traits while poorer interpersonal understanding of social norms performance was predicted by increasing age. These findings show that the ESCoT is a useful measure of social cognition and, unlike established tests of social cognition, performance is not predicted by measures of verbal comprehension and perceptual reasoning. This is particularly valuable to obtain an accurate assessment of the influence of age on our social cognitive abilities. PMID:29664917

The Edinburgh Social Cognition Test (ESCoT): Examining the effects of age on a new measure of theory of mind and social norm understanding.

PubMed

Baksh, R Asaad; Abrahams, Sharon; Auyeung, Bonnie; MacPherson, Sarah E

2018-01-01

Current measures of social cognition have shown inconsistent findings regarding the effects of healthy aging. Moreover, no tests are currently available that allow clinicians and researchers to examine cognitive and affective theory of mind (ToM) and understanding of social norms within the same test. To address these limitations, we present the Edinburgh Social Cognition Test (ESCoT) which assesses cognitive and affective ToM and inter- and intrapersonal understanding of social norms. We examined the effects of age, measures of intelligence and the Broader Autism Phenotype (BAP) on the ESCoT and established tests of social cognition. Additionally, we investigated the convergent validity of the ESCoT based on traditional social cognition measures. The ESCoT was administered alongside Reading the Mind in Films (RMF), Reading the Mind in Eyes (RME), Judgement of Preference and Social Norm Questionnaire to 91 participants (30 aged 18-35 years, 30 aged 45-60 years and 31 aged 65-85 years). Poorer performance on the cognitive and affective ToM ESCoT subtests were predicted by increasing age. The affective ToM ESCoT subtest and RMF were predicted by gender, where being female predicted better performance. Unlike the ESCoT, better performance on the RMF was predicted by higher verbal comprehension and perceptual reasoning abilities, while better performance on the RME was predicted by higher verbal comprehension scores. Lower scores on inter-and intrapersonal understanding of social norms were both predicted by the presence of more autism-like traits while poorer interpersonal understanding of social norms performance was predicted by increasing age. These findings show that the ESCoT is a useful measure of social cognition and, unlike established tests of social cognition, performance is not predicted by measures of verbal comprehension and perceptual reasoning. This is particularly valuable to obtain an accurate assessment of the influence of age on our social cognitive abilities.

Experimental parametric studies of transonic T-tail flutter. [wind tunnel tests

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ruhlin, C. L.; Sandford, M. C.

1975-01-01

Wind-tunnel tests of the T-tail of a wide-body jet airplane were made at Mach numbers up to 1.02. The model consisted of a 1/13-size scaled version of the T-tail, fuselage, and inboard wing of the airplane. Two interchangeable T-tails were tested, one with design stiffness for flutter-clearance studies and one with reduced stiffness for flutter-trend studies. Transonic antisymmetric-flutter boundaries were determined for the models with variations in: (1) fin-spar stiffness, (2) stabilizer dihedral angle (-5 deg and 0 deg), (3) wing and forward-fuselage shape, and (4) nose shape of the fin-stabilizer juncture. A transonic symmetric-flutter boundary and flutter trends were established for variations in stabilizer pitch stiffness. Photographs of the test configurations are shown.

'Test n Treat (TnT)'- Rapid testing and same-day, on-site treatment to reduce rates of chlamydia in sexually active further education college students: study protocol for a cluster randomised feasibility trial.

PubMed

Kerry-Barnard, Sarah; Fleming, Charlotte; Reid, Fiona; Phillips, Rachel; Drennan, Vari M; Adams, Elisabeth J; Majewska, Wendy; Balendra, Anjella; Harding-Esch, Emma; Cousins, Emma; Tariq Sadiq, S; Oakeshott, Pippa

2018-06-05

Sexually active young people attending London further education (FE) colleges have high rates of chlamydia, but screening rates are low. We will conduct a cluster randomised feasibility trial of frequent, rapid, on-site chlamydia testing and same-day treatment (Test and Treat (TnT)) in six FE colleges (with parallel qualitative and economic assessments) to assess the feasibility of conducting a future trial to investigate if TnT reduces chlamydia rates. We will recruit 80 sexually active students aged 16-24 years from public areas at each of six colleges. All participants (total n = 480) will be asked to provide samples (urine for males, self-taken vaginal swabs for females) and complete questionnaires on sexual lifestyle and healthcare use at baseline and after 7 months. Participants will be informed that baseline samples will not be tested for 7 months and be advised to get screened separately. Colleges will be randomly allocated to the intervention (TnT) or the control group (no TnT). One and 4 months after recruitment, participants at each intervention college (n = 3) will be texted and invited for on-site chlamydia tests using the 90-min Cepheid GeneXpert system. Students with positive results will be asked to see a visiting nurse health adviser for same-day treatment and partner notification, (backed by genitourinary medicine follow-up). Participants in control colleges (n = 3) will receive 'thank you' texts 1 and 4 months after recruitment. Seven months after recruitment, participants from both groups will be invited to complete questionnaires and provide samples for TnT. All samples will be tested, and same-day treatment offered to students with positive results. Acceptability of TnT will be assessed by qualitative interviews of purposively sampled students (n = 30) and college staff (n = 12). We will collect data on costs of TnT and usual healthcare. Findings will provide key values to inform feasibility, sample size and timescales of a future definitive trial of TnT in FE colleges, including: Recruitment rates TnT uptake rates Follow-up rates Prevalence of chlamydia in participants at baseline and 7 months Acceptability of TnT to students and college staff Estimate of the cost per person screened/treated in TnT versus usual care TRIAL REGISTRATION: International Standard Randomised Controlled Trials Registry, ID: ISRCTN58038795 , Registered on 31 August 2016.

A computerized photographic method to evaluate changes in head posture and scapular position following rapid palatal expansion: a pilot study.

PubMed

Cerruto, Carmen; Di Vece, Luca; Doldo, Tiziana; Giovannetti, Agostino; Polimeni, Antonella; Goracci, Cecilia

2012-01-01

To assess the applicability of a computerized method to measure on digital photographs the changes in head and scapular posture following rapid palatal expansion (RPE) treatment. Randomized controlled trial. Twenty-three children (age 9.2 +/- 70.88 years) diagnosed with maxillary constriction were randomly divided into two groups: 1. Study group (n = 12): patients receiving RPE treatment; 2. Untreated controls (n = 11). Postural measurements were taken on frontal, lateral, and dorsal views of each subject. In the study group measurements were taken at T0 (the day orthodontic records were taken), T1 (end of RPE active phase), and T2 (RPE removal). In controls the same observations were conducted at T0 and T1(98.18 +/- 36.01 days after T0). Measurements were statistically analyzed (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient, t-tests, Signed Rank test, One-Way Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance, Tukey test; p < 0.05). In the study group a significant reduction in forward head posture (FHP) occurred between T0 and T1. Forward shoulder posture (FSP) decreased significantly between T1 and T2. At T1 treated patients exhibited significantly lower values of the measurements indicating FHP and FSP than controls. Changes in head and scapular posture following RPE treatment can be documented with computerized measurements on digital photographs.

Influence of Crack-Tip Configurations on the Fracture Response of 0.04-Inch Thick 2024-T3 Aluminum Alloy Sheet

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnston, William M.; Newman, James C. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

A series of fracture tests were conducted on Middle-crack tension M(T) and compact tension C(T) specimens to determine the effects of specimen type, specimen width, notch tip sharpness and buckling on the fracture behavior of cracked thin sheet (0.04 inch thick) 2024-T3 aluminum alloy material. A series of M(T) specimens were tested with three notch tip configurations: (1) a fatigue pre-cracked notch, (2) a 0.010-inch-diameter wire electrical discharge machined (EDM) notch, and (3) a EDM notch sharpened with a razor blade. The test procedures are discussed and the experimental results for failure stress, load vs. crack extension and the material stress-strain response are reported.

Translating research into practice: targeting negative thinking as a modifiable risk factor for depression prevention in the college student population.

PubMed

Buchanan, Jenna L

2013-06-01

This article describes the effects of an evidence-based depression prevention intervention on the depressive symptomatology, negative thinking, and self-esteem in college students. A feasibility study was conducted using pre-test post-test design sampling a total of 12 college students. Participants underwent 4-weeks of psychological treatment using Peden's cognitive behavioral group intervention. The Beck Depression Inventory, Crandell Cognitions Inventory, and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale were administered at two time points: prior to the intervention (T1) and 4weeks later (T2). Paired t-test analysis found participants had significantly decreased depressive symptoms and negative thinking, and significantly increased self-esteem from T1 to T2. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Prediction of R-curves from small coupon tests

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yeh, J. R.; Bray, G. H.; Bucci, R. J.; Macheret, Y.

1994-01-01

R-curves were predicted for Alclad 2024-T3 and C188-T3 sheet using the results of small-coupon Kahn tear tests in combination with two-dimensional elastic-plastic finite element stress analyses. The predictions were compared to experimental R-curves from 6.3, 16 and 60-inch wide M(T) specimens and good agreement was obtained. The method is an inexpensive alternative to wide panel testing for characterizing the fracture toughness of damage-tolerant sheet alloys. The usefulness of this approach was demonstrated by performing residual strength calculations for a two-bay crack in a representative fuselage structure. C188-T3 was predicted to have a 24 percent higher load carrying capability than 2024-T3 in this application as a result of its superior fracture toughness.

Determining Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection among BCG-Immunised Ugandan Children by T-SPOT.TB and Tuberculin Skin Testing

PubMed Central

Nkurunungi, Gyaviira; Lutangira, Jimreeves E.; Lule, Swaib A.; Akurut, Hellen; Kizindo, Robert; Fitchett, Joseph R.; Kizito, Dennison; Sebina, Ismail; Muhangi, Lawrence; Webb, Emily L.; Cose, Stephen; Elliott, Alison M.

2012-01-01

Background Children with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) represent a huge reservoir for future disease. We wished to determine Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) infection prevalence among BCG-immunised five-year-old children in Entebbe, Uganda, but there are limited data on the performance of immunoassays for diagnosis of tuberculosis infection in children in endemic settings. We therefore evaluated agreement between a commercial interferon gamma release assay (T-SPOT.TB) and the tuberculin skin test (TST; 2 units RT-23 tuberculin; positive defined as diameter ≥10 mm), along with the reproducibility of T-SPOT.TB on short-term follow-up, in this population. Methodology/Principal Findings We recruited 907 children of which 56 were household contacts of TB patients. They were tested with T-SPOT.TB at age five years and then re-examined with T-SPOT.TB (n = 405) and TST (n = 319) approximately three weeks later. The principal outcome measures were T-SPOT.TB and TST positivity. At five years, 88 (9.7%) children tested positive by T-SPOT.TB. More than half of those that were T-SPOT.TB positive at five years were negative at follow-up, whereas 96% of baseline negatives were consistently negative. We observed somewhat better agreement between initial and follow-up T-SPOT.TB results among household TB contacts (κ = 0.77) than among non-contacts (κ = 0.39). Agreement between T-SPOT.TB and TST was weak (κ = 0.28 and κ = 0.40 for T-SPOT.TB at 5 years and follow-up, respectively). Of 28 children who were positive on both T-SPOT.TB tests, 14 (50%) had a negative TST. Analysis of spot counts showed high levels of instability in responses between baseline and follow-up, indicating variability in circulating numbers of T cells specific for certain M.tb antigens. Conclusions/Significance We found that T-SPOT.TB positives are unstable over a three-week follow-up interval, and that TST compares poorly with T-SPOT.TB, making the categorisation of children as TB-infected or TB-uninfected difficult. Existing tools for the diagnosis of TB infection are unsatisfactory in determining infection among children in this setting. PMID:23077594

Experimental investigation on the failure of T-joints at elevated temperature under unaxial loading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bahri, N. F.; Afendi, M.; Razlan, Z. M.; Nor, A.; Baharuddin, S. A.

2017-09-01

In this study, the mechanical properties and maximum failure load of a bulk and T-joints subjected to tensile loading were investigated experimentally. A bulk and the T-joint specimens were fabricated and tested in order to investigate the effects of temperature conditions on the failure of the joints. The adherent and adhesive used for T-joint are 304 L stainless steel and Hysol E 214 HP with the adhesive thickness of 1.0 mm. The tensile test of the bulk specimen and adhesively T-joint were conducted by using a universal testing machine (UTM) at room temperature (RT), 55 °C, 75 °C, 100 °C and 120 °C, respectively. It was found that as the temperature increases, the failure force strength decreases for bulk and T-joint specimen. Data obtained from the tests at 120 °C showed the failure force of the bulk adhesive decreased by approximately 44 % compared to the specimen tested at RT. Next, the bulk of Hysol failure force result was compared with Araldite at RT and 100 °C. Araldite data was taken from the previous study [1]. It has also been found that the bulk for Hysol has higher failure force compared to Araldite at RT and 100 °C.

EVALUATION OF QUANTITATIVE THYROID SCINTIGRAPHY FOR DIAGNOSIS AND STAGING OF DISEASE SEVERITY IN CATS WITH HYPERTHYROIDISM: COMPARISON OF THE PERCENT THYROIDAL UPTAKE OF PERTECHNETATE TO THYROID-TO-SALIVARY RATIO AND THYROID-TO-BACKGROUND RATIOS.

PubMed

Peterson, Mark E; Guterl, Jade N; Rishniw, Mark; Broome, Michael R

2016-07-01

Thyroid scintigraphy is commonly used for evaluation of cats with hyperthyroidism, with the thyroid-to-salivary ratio (T/S) being the most common method to quantify the degree of thyroid activity and disease. Calculation of thyroid-to-background ratios (T/B) or percent thyroidal uptake of (99m) TcO(-) 4 (TcTU) has only been reported in a few studies. The purpose of this prospective, cross-sectional study was to evaluate a number of quantitative scintigraphic indices as diagnostic tests for hyperthyroidism, including the T/S, three different T/B, TcTU, and estimated thyroid volume. Of 524 cats referred to our clinic for evaluation of suspected hyperthyroidism, the diagnosis was confirmed (n = 504) or excluded (n = 20) based on results of a serum thyroid panel consisting of thyroxine (T4 ), triiodothyronine (T3 ), free T4 (fT4 ), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations. In the hyperthyroid cats, median values for TcTU, T/S, and three T/B ratios were all significantly higher (P < 0.001) than values in euthyroid suspect cats or clinically normal cats. All scintigraphic parameters were relatively sensitive and specific as diagnostic tests for hyperthyroidism, but the T/S ratio had the highest test accuracy. The T/S ratio correlated strongly with the TcTU (r = 0.85). However, the TcTU had a higher and more significant correlation (P < 0.01) with serum T4 (r = 0.76 vs. 0.64), T3 (r = 0.77 vs. 0.64), and estimated thyroid volume (r = 0.62 vs. 0.38). Overall, calculation of TcTU is an accurate diagnostic test, but also appears to be the best parameter to predict the functional volume and metabolic activity of the feline adenomatous thyroid gland. © 2016 American College of Veterinary Radiology.

Validation of a personal fluid loss monitor.

PubMed

Wickwire, J; Bishop, P A; Green, J M; Richardson, M T; Lomax, R G; Casaru, C; Jones, E; Curtner-Smith, M

2008-02-01

Dehydration raises heat injury risk and reduces performance [ , , ]. The purpose was to validate the Hydra-Alert Jr (Acumen). The Hydra-Alert was tested in two exercise/clothing conditions. Participants wore it while wearing exercise clothing and exercising at a self-selected intensity (n = 8). Others wore the Hydra-Alert while wearing a ballistic-vest and performing an industrial-protocol (n = 8). For each condition, the Hydra-Alert was tested on two occasions (T1 and T2). The Hydra-Alert was tested against nude weight loss for both conditions. The Hydra-Alert had low test-retest reliability for both conditions (average absolute value of the error between Hydra-Alert outputs of T1 and T2 = 0.08 +/- 0.08 percentage points). With exercise-clothing, the Hydra-Alert evidenced low-moderate correlations between percent nude weight loss and Hydra-Alert output at 20 min (r = 0.59-T1, p = 0.13; r = 0.12-T2, p = 0.78), at 40 min (r = 0.93-T1, p = 0.001; r = 0.63-T2, p = 0.10), and at approximately 2 % weight loss (r = 0.21-T1 and T2, p = 0.61 and 0.62, respectively). The correlation at 40 min during T1 fell during T2 suggesting the Hydra-Alert was inconsistent. When wearing a ballistic-vest, the Hydra-Alert had poor validity (T1: r = - 0.29 [p = 0.48] for weight loss vs. monitor; T2: r = 0.11 [p = 0.80]). At the higher levels of dehydration ( approximately 2 %), the Hydra-Alert error was so high as to render its readings of little value. In some cases, the Hydra-Alert could lead to a false level of security if dehydrated. Therefore, the Hydra-Alert is of little use for those who want to measure their fluid loss while exercising in the heat.

XENOENDOCRINE DISRUPTERS-TIERED SCREENING AND TESTING: FILLING KEY DATA GAPS

EPA Science Inventory

ABSTRACT
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is developing a screening and testing program for endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). High priority chemicals would be evaluated in the Tier 1 Screening (T1S) battery. Chemicals positive in T1S would then be tested...

High Temperature/Solar Effects Testing on Various Munitions

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-08-01

days. Follming conditioning, a variety of laboratory and ballistic tests are performed t o assess safety and performame. The test i t e m s are...ranging from 60-mm cartridges to 8-inch projectiles. anununition types including fuzes and anti-tank rockets. The first phase w a s conducted from...container with a foam liner. Each cartridge w a s in its individual fiber Each cartridge was packed in a fiber cartridge, 120-nun: APFSRS-T, M829Al

Training Materials and Data Requirements for Turret Organizational Maintenance Trainer (TOM-T) Training Test Support Plan

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-05-01

performed on the TOM-T Turret Mock- Up . Those marked with a number symbol (#) can be done on the TOM-T Programmable Maintenance Trainer. Tasks with both...an asterisk and a number symbol (*/#) are those which can be performed partially on the turret mock- up and partially on the programmable trainer...time, the tasks serve as prerequisites to troubleshooting. With the exception of setting- up , testing, and shutting-down the STE/XMI test set, and

The Test and Evaluation Uses of Heterogeneous Computing: GPGPUs and Other Approaches

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-01

is commonly held that test and evaluation (T& E ) is one of the most critical steps in the development of virtually all defense systems (Fox et al. 2003...T& E of current systems is an elaborate and time-consuming process that reflects both the intricacies of the object of the test and the range of...bases (Kepner 2004). These questions are even more urgent because increasing emphasis in T& E concerns the expenditures of money and time in the

Spectrum Fatigue of 7075-T651 Aluminum Alloy under Overloading and Underloading

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-03-15

underload, stress ratio, and environment on fatigue crack growth. Fatigue crack growth tests were conducted with a 7075-T651 aluminum alloy under constant...the UniGrow equation, the variation of crack length with number of loading cycle was predicted. The prediction and the fatigue test life were found to...Standard Form 298 (Rev. 8-98) Prescribed by ANSI Std. Z39-18 REPORT NO. NAWCADPAX/TIM-2015/282 ii SUMMARY Fatigue tests of 7075-T651

Government Beta: The Value of Unscripted Testing

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-04-26

vs . Progress The Contract and Award Fee Plan Final Thoughts 1 GOVERNMENT BETA – The Value of Unscripted Testing 2...D a t a b a s e Database Layer C/C++ SQL OS Layer Presentation / Mission Layer F u n c t i o n a l D L L Application/Controller F u n c t i o n a l...Testing 20 Unscripted, not Unplanned 21 IEEE 12207 22 CUT DD MLT ELT SLT IST RTO , OUE Architecture Based DesignTM Detailed Design Code & Unit

Robust Statistics and Regularization for Feature Extraction and UXO Discrimination

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-07-01

July 11, 2011 real data we find that this technique has an improved probability of finding all ordnance in a test data set, relative to previously...many sites. Tests on larger data sets should still be carried out. In previous work we considered a bootstrapping approach to selecting the operating...Marginalizing over x we obtain the probability that the ith order statistic in the test data belongs to the T class (55) P (T |x(i)) = ∞∫ −∞ P (T |x)p(x

Thermal Stability Testing of Fischer-Tropsch Fuel and Various Blends with Jet A, as Well as Aromatic Blend Additives

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Klettlinger, J.; Rich, R.; Yen, C.; Surgenor, A.

2011-01-01

Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) jet fuel composition differs from petroleum-based, conventional commercial jet fuel because of differences in feedstock and production methodology. Fischer-Tropsch fuel typically has a lower aromatic and sulfur content and consists primarily of iso and normal parafins. The ASTM D3241 specification for Jet Fuel Thermal Oxidation Test (JFTOT) break point testing method was used to test the breakpoint of a baseline conventional Jet A, a commercial grade F-T jet fuel, and various blends of this F-T fuel in Jet A. The testing completed in this report was supported by the NASA Fundamental Aeronautics Subsonics Fixed Wing Project.

A longitudinal study on the ammonia threshold in junior cyclists

PubMed Central

Yuan, Y; Chan, K

2004-01-01

Objectives: To identify the effect of a one year non-specific training programme on the ammonia threshold of a group of junior cyclists and to correlate ammonia threshold with other common physiological variables. Methods: The cyclists performed tests at three time points (T1, T2, T3) during the year. Follow up tests were conducted every six months after the original test. Ammonia threshold was obtained from a graded exercise with four minute steps. Results: The relatively non-specific one year training programme was effective in inducing an increase in peak VO2 (60.6 (5.9), 65.9 (7.4), and 64.6 (6.5) ml/min/kg at T1, T2, and T3 respectively) and endurance time (18.3 (4.5), 20.1 (5.2), and 27.0 (6.1) minutes at T1, T2, and T3 respectively), but was not effective for the sprint related variables. Ammonia threshold, together with lactate threshold and ventilatory threshold, was not significantly different at the three test times. Only endurance time correlated significantly with ammonia threshold (r  =  0.915, p  =  0.001). Conclusions: The findings suggest that a relatively non-specific one year training programme does not modify the ammonia threshold of junior cyclists. The significant correlation between ammonia threshold and endurance time further confirms that ammonia threshold is a measure of the ability to sustain exercise at submaximal intensities. PMID:15039242

PCR-based study of conserved and variable DNA sequences of Tritrichomonas foetus isolates from Saskatchewan, Canada.

PubMed Central

Riley, D E; Wagner, B; Polley, L; Krieger, J N

1995-01-01

The protozoan parasite Tritrichomonas foetus causes infertility and spontaneous abortion in cattle. In Saskatchewan, Canada, the culture prevalence of trichomonads was 65 of 1,048 (6%) among 1,048 bulls tested within a 1-year period ending in April 1994. Saskatchewan was previously thought to be free of the parasite. To confirm the culture results, possible T. foetus DNA presence was determined by the PCR. All of the 16 culture-positive isolates tested were PCR positive by a single-band test, but one PCR product was weak. DNA fingerprinting by both T17 PCR and randomly amplified polymorphic DNA PCR revealed genetic variation or polymorphism among the T. foetus isolates. T17 PCR also revealed conserved loci that distinguished these T. foetus isolates from Trichomonas vaginalis, from a variety of other protozoa, and from prokaryotes. TCO-1 PCR, a PCR test designed to sample DNA sequence homologous to the 5' flank of a highly conserved cell division control gene, detected genetic polymorphism at low stringency and a conserved, single locus at higher stringency. These findings suggested that T. foetus isolates exhibit both conserved genetic loci and polymorphic loci detectable by independent PCR methods. Both conserved and polymorphic genetic loci may prove useful for improved clinical diagnosis of T. foetus. The polymorphic loci detected by PCR suggested either a long history of infection or multiple lines of T. foetus infection in Saskatchewan. Polymorphic loci detected by PCR may provide data for epidemiologic studies of T. foetus. PMID:7615746

9. View, oxidizer waste tanks and containment basin associated with ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

9. View, oxidizer waste tanks and containment basin associated with Components Test Laboratory (T-27) located directly uphill, looking north. Located uphill in the upper left portion of the photograph (from right to left) are the Oxidizer Conditioning Structure (T-28D), Long-Term Oxidizer Silo (T-28B), and Systems Integration Laboratory (T-28). - Air Force Plant PJKS, Systems Integration Laboratory, Components Test Laboratory, Waterton Canyon Road & Colorado Highway 121, Lakewood, Jefferson County, CO

Functional outcomes of outpatient balance training following total knee replacement in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Liao, Chun-De; Lin, Li-Fong; Huang, Yi-Ching; Huang, Shih-Wei; Chou, Lin-Chuan; Liou, Tsan-Hon

2015-09-01

To evaluate whether balance training after total knee replacement surgery improves functional outcomes and to determine whether postoperative balance is associated with mobility. A prospective intervention study and randomized controlled trial with an intention-to-treat analysis. The rehabilitation center of a university-based teaching hospital. A total of 130 patients with knee osteoarthritis who had undergone total knee replacement surgery were recruited to attend an outpatient rehabilitation program. They were randomly allocated to additional balance rehabilitation and functional rehabilitation groups. During the eight-week outpatient rehabilitation program, both groups received general functional training. Patients in the balance rehabilitation group received an additional balance-based rehabilitation program. The functional reach test, single-leg stance test, 10-m walk test, Timed Up and Go Test, timed chair-stand test, stair-climb test, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index were measured at baseline, eight weeks (T(1)), and 32 weeks (T(2)). The balance rehabilitation group patients demonstrated significant improvement in the results of the functional reach test at T(1) (37.6 ±7.8 cm) and T(2) (39.3 ±9.7 cm) compared with the baseline assessment (11.5 ±2.9 cm) and Timed Up and Go Test at T(1) (8.9 ±1.2 seconds) and T(2) (8.0 ±1.9 seconds) compared with the baseline assessment (12.5 ±1.8 seconds). Moreover, the balance rehabilitation group patients exhibited significantly greater improvements in balance and mobility than did the functional rehabilitation group patients (all P < 0.001). Furthermore, improved balance was significantly associated with improved mobility at T(2). Postoperative outpatient rehabilitation with balance training improves the balance, mobility, and functional outcomes in patients with knee osteoarthritis after total knee replacement. © The Author(s) 2014.

EGFR T790M mutation testing of non-small cell lung cancer tissue and blood samples artificially spiked with circulating cell-free tumor DNA: results of a round robin trial.

PubMed

Fassunke, Jana; Ihle, Michaela Angelika; Lenze, Dido; Lehmann, Annika; Hummel, Michael; Vollbrecht, Claudia; Penzel, Roland; Volckmar, Anna-Lena; Stenzinger, Albrecht; Endris, Volker; Jung, Andreas; Lehmann, Ulrich; Zeugner, Silke; Baretton, Gustavo; Kreipe, Hans; Schirmacher, Peter; Kirchner, Thomas; Dietel, Manfred; Büttner, Reinhard; Merkelbach-Bruse, Sabine

2017-10-01

The European Commision (EC) recently approved osimertinib for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring EGFR T790M mutations. Besides tissue-based testing, blood samples containing cell-free circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) can be used to interrogate T790M status. Herein, we describe the conditions and results of a round robin trial (RRT) for T790M mutation testing in NSCLC tissue specimens and peripheral blood samples spiked with cell line DNA mimicking tumor-derived ctDNA. The underlying objectives of this two-staged external quality assessment (EQA) approach were (a) to evaluate the accuracy of T790M mutations testing across multiple centers and (b) to investigate if a liquid biopsy-based testing for T790M mutations in spiked blood samples is feasible in routine diagnostic. Based on a successfully completed internal phase I RRT, an open RRT for EGFR T790M mutation testing in tumor tissue and blood samples was initiated. In total, 48 pathology centers participated in the EQA. Of these, 47 (97.9%) centers submitted their analyses within the pre-defined time frame and 44 (tissue), respectively, 40 (plasma) successfully passed the test. The overall success rates in the RRT phase II were 91.7% (tissue) and 83.3% (blood), respectively. Thirty-eight out of 48 participants (79.2%) successfully passed both parts of the RRT. The RRT for blood-based EGFR testing initiated in Germany is, to the best of our knowledge, the first of his kind in Europe. In summary, our results demonstrate that blood-based genotyping for EGFR resistance mutations can be successfully integrated in routine molecular diagnostics complementing the array of molecular methods already available at pathology centers in Germany.

46 CFR 35.20-10 - Steering gear test-T/ALL.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 46 Shipping 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Steering gear test-T/ALL. 35.20-10 Section 35.20-10 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY TANK VESSELS OPERATIONS Navigation § 35.20-10 Steering gear test—T/ALL. On all tankships making voyages of more than 48 hours' duration, the entire...

46 CFR 35.20-10 - Steering gear test-T/ALL.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 46 Shipping 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Steering gear test-T/ALL. 35.20-10 Section 35.20-10 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY TANK VESSELS OPERATIONS Navigation § 35.20-10 Steering gear test—T/ALL. On all tankships making voyages of more than 48 hours' duration, the entire...

Measurement of Turbine Engine Transient Airflow in Ground Test Facilities

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-08-01

REPORT NUMBER 12 GOVT ACCESSION NO. A E D C - T R - 8 0 - 2 1 L 6. T I T L E (aqd Subl l l |e ) MEASUREMENT OF TURBINE ENGINE TRANSIENT AIRFLOW IN...21 ILLUSTRATIONS Figure !. Direct-Connect Turbine Engine Test Cell Installation...26 3. Turbine Engine Transient Airflow Simulator (TETAS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 4

Unadjusted Bivariate Two-Group Comparisons: When Simpler is Better.

PubMed

Vetter, Thomas R; Mascha, Edward J

2018-01-01

Hypothesis testing involves posing both a null hypothesis and an alternative hypothesis. This basic statistical tutorial discusses the appropriate use, including their so-called assumptions, of the common unadjusted bivariate tests for hypothesis testing and thus comparing study sample data for a difference or association. The appropriate choice of a statistical test is predicated on the type of data being analyzed and compared. The unpaired or independent samples t test is used to test the null hypothesis that the 2 population means are equal, thereby accepting the alternative hypothesis that the 2 population means are not equal. The unpaired t test is intended for comparing dependent continuous (interval or ratio) data from 2 study groups. A common mistake is to apply several unpaired t tests when comparing data from 3 or more study groups. In this situation, an analysis of variance with post hoc (posttest) intragroup comparisons should instead be applied. Another common mistake is to apply a series of unpaired t tests when comparing sequentially collected data from 2 study groups. In this situation, a repeated-measures analysis of variance, with tests for group-by-time interaction, and post hoc comparisons, as appropriate, should instead be applied in analyzing data from sequential collection points. The paired t test is used to assess the difference in the means of 2 study groups when the sample observations have been obtained in pairs, often before and after an intervention in each study subject. The Pearson chi-square test is widely used to test the null hypothesis that 2 unpaired categorical variables, each with 2 or more nominal levels (values), are independent of each other. When the null hypothesis is rejected, 1 concludes that there is a probable association between the 2 unpaired categorical variables. When comparing 2 groups on an ordinal or nonnormally distributed continuous outcome variable, the 2-sample t test is usually not appropriate. The Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test is instead preferred. When making paired comparisons on data that are ordinal, or continuous but nonnormally distributed, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test can be used. In analyzing their data, researchers should consider the continued merits of these simple yet equally valid unadjusted bivariate statistical tests. However, the appropriate use of an unadjusted bivariate test still requires a solid understanding of its utility, assumptions (requirements), and limitations. This understanding will mitigate the risk of misleading findings, interpretations, and conclusions.

Physiological and behavioral responses of horses during police training.

PubMed

Munsters, C C B M; Visser, E K; van den Broek, J; Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan, M M

2013-05-01

Mounted police horses have to cope with challenging, unpredictable situations when on duty and it is essential to gain insight into how these horses handle stress to warrant their welfare. The aim of the study was to evaluate physiological and behavioral responses of 12 (six experienced and six inexperienced) police horses during police training. Horses were evaluated during four test settings at three time points over a 7-week period: outdoor track test, street track test, indoor arena test and smoke machine test. Heart rate (HR; beats/min), HR variability (HRV; root means square of successive differences; ms), behavior score (BS; scores 0 to 5) and standard police performance score (PPS; scores 1 to 0) were obtained per test. All data were statistically evaluated using a linear mixed model (Akaike's Information criterium; t > 2.00) or logistic regression (P < 0.05). HR of horses was increased at indoor arena test (98 ± 26) and smoke machine test (107 ± 25) compared with outdoor track (80 ± 12, t = 2.83 and t = 3.91, respectively) and street track tests (81 ± 14, t = 2.48 and t = 3.52, respectively). HRV of horses at the indoor arena test (42.4 ± 50.2) was significantly lower compared with street track test (85.7 ± 94.3 and t = 2.78). BS did not show significant differences between tests and HR of horses was not always correlated with the observed moderate behavioral responses. HR, HRV, PPS and BS did not differ between repetition of tests and there were no significant differences in any of the four tests between experienced and inexperienced horses. No habituation occurred during the test weeks, and experience as a police horse does not seem to be a key factor in how these horses handle stress. All horses showed only modest behavioral responses, and HR may provide complimentary information for individual evaluation and welfare assessment of these horses. Overall, little evidence of stress was observed during these police training tests. As three of these tests (excluding the indoor arena test) reflect normal police work, it is suggested that this kind of police work is not significantly stressful for horses and will have no negative impact on the horse's welfare.

The Trypanosoma cruzi Satellite DNA OligoC-TesT and Trypanosoma cruzi Kinetoplast DNA OligoC-TesT for Diagnosis of Chagas Disease: A Multi-cohort Comparative Evaluation Study

PubMed Central

De Winne, Koen; Büscher, Philippe; Luquetti, Alejandro O.; Tavares, Suelene B. N.; Oliveira, Rodrigo A.; Solari, Aldo; Zulantay, Ines; Apt, Werner; Diosque, Patricio; Monje Rumi, Mercedes; Gironès, Nuria; Fresno, Manuel; Lopez-Velez, Rogelio; Perez-Molina, José A.; Monge-Maillo, Begoña; Garcia, Lineth; Deborggraeve, Stijn

2014-01-01

Background The Trypanosoma cruzi satellite DNA (satDNA) OligoC-TesT is a standardised PCR format for diagnosis of Chagas disease. The sensitivity of the test is lower for discrete typing unit (DTU) TcI than for TcII-VI and the test has not been evaluated in chronic Chagas disease patients. Methodology/Principal Findings We developed a new prototype of the OligoC-TesT based on kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) detection. We evaluated the satDNA and kDNA OligoC-TesTs in a multi-cohort study with 187 chronic Chagas patients and 88 healthy endemic controls recruited in Argentina, Chile and Spain and 26 diseased non-endemic controls from D.R. Congo and Sudan. All specimens were tested in duplicate. The overall specificity in the controls was 99.1% (95% CI 95.2%–99.8%) for the satDNA OligoC-TesT and 97.4% (95% CI 92.6%–99.1%) for the kDNA OligoC-TesT. The overall sensitivity in the patients was 67.9% (95% CI 60.9%–74.2%) for the satDNA OligoC-TesT and 79.1% (95% CI 72.8%–84.4%) for the kDNA OligoC-Test. Conclusions/Significance Specificities of the two T. cruzi OligoC-TesT prototypes are high on non-endemic and endemic controls. Sensitivities are moderate but significantly (p = 0.0004) higher for the kDNA OligoC-TesT compared to the satDNA OligoC-TesT. PMID:24392177

Diagnosis of rotator cuff tears using 3-Tesla MRI versus 3-Tesla MRA: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

McGarvey, Ciaran; Harb, Ziad; Smith, Christian; Houghton, Russell; Corbett, Steven; Ajuied, Adil

2016-02-01

To compare the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 2-dimensional magnetic resonance arthrogram (MRA) and 3-dimensional isotropic MRA in the diagnosis of rotator cuff tears when performed exclusively at 3-T. A systematic review was undertaken of the Cochrane, MEDLINE and PubMed databases in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Studies comparing 3-T MRI or 3-T MRA (index tests) to arthroscopic surgical findings (reference test) were included. Methodological appraisal was performed using QUADAS 2. Pooled sensitivity and specificity were calculated and summary receiver-operating curves generated. Kappa coefficients quantified inter-observer reliability. Fourteen studies comprising 1332 patients were identified for inclusion. Twelve studies were retrospective and there were concerns regarding index test bias and applicability in nine and six studies respectively. Reference test bias was a concern in all studies. Both 3-T MRI and 3-T MRA showed similar excellent diagnostic accuracy for full-thickness supraspinatus tears. Concerning partial-thickness supraspinatus tears, 3-T 2D MRA was significantly more sensitive (86.6 vs. 80.5 %, p = 0.014) but significantly less specific (95.2 vs. 100 %, p < 0.001). There was a trend towards greater accuracy in the diagnosis of subscapularis tears with 3-T MRA. Three-Tesla 3D isotropic MRA showed similar accuracy to 3-T conventional 2D MRA. Three-Tesla MRI appeared equivalent to 3-T MRA in the diagnosis of full- and partial-thickness tears, although there was a trend towards greater accuracy in the diagnosis of subscapularis tears with 3-T MRA. Three-Tesla 3D isotropic MRA appears equivalent to 3-T 2D MRA for all types of tears.

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation of Frontal Cortex Decreases Performance on the WAIS-IV Intelligence Test

PubMed Central

Sellers, Kristin K.; Mellin, Juliann M.; Lustenberger, Caroline M.; Boyle, Michael R.; Lee, Won Hee; Peterchev, Angel V.; Frohlich, Flavio

2015-01-01

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) modulates excitability of motor cortex. However, there is conflicting evidence about the efficacy of this non-invasive brain stimulation modality to modulate performance on cognitive tasks. Previous work has tested the effect of tDCS on specific facets of cognition and executive processing. However, no randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study has looked at the effects of tDCS on a comprehensive battery of cognitive processes. The objective of this study was to test if tDCS had an effect on performance on a comprehensive assay of cognitive processes, a standardized intelligence quotient (IQ) test. The study consisted of two substudies and followed a double-blind, between-subjects, sham-controlled design. In total, 41 healthy adult participants completed the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) as a baseline measure. At least one week later, participants in substudy 1 received either bilateral tDCS (anodes over both F4 and F3, cathode over Cz, 2mA at each anode for 20 minutes) or active sham tDCS (2mA for 40 seconds), and participants in substudy 2 received either right or left tDCS (anode over either F4 or F3, cathode over Cz, 2mA for 20 minutes). In both studies, the WAIS-IV was immediately administered following stimulation to assess for performance differences induced by bilateral and unilateral tDCS. Compared to sham stimulation, right, left, and bilateral tDCS reduced improvement between sessions on Full Scale IQ and the Perceptual Reasoning Index. This demonstration that frontal tDCS selectively degraded improvement on specific metrics of the WAIS-IV raises important questions about the often proposed role of tDCS in cognitive enhancement. PMID:25934490

Significance of Landsat-7 Spacecraft Level Thermal Balance and Thermal Test for ETM+Instrument

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Choi, Michael K.

1999-01-01

The thermal design and the instrument thermal vacuum (T/V) test of the Landsat-7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) instrument were based on the Landsat-4, 5 and 6 heritage. The ETM+ scanner thermal model was also inherited from Landsat-4, 5 and 6. The temperature predictions of many scanner components in the original thermal model had poor agreement with the spacecraft and instrument integrated sun-pointing safehold (SPSH) thermal balance (T/B) test results. The spacecraft and instrument integrated T/B test led to a change of the Full Aperture Calibrator (FAC) motor stack "solar shield" coating from MIL-C-5541 to multi-layer insulation (MLI) thermal blanket. The temperature predictions of the Auxiliary Electronics Module (AEM) in the thermal model also had poor agreement with the T/B test results. Modifications to the scanner and AEM thermal models were performed to give good agreement between the temperature predictions and the test results. The correlated ETM+ thermal model was used to obtain flight temperature predictions. The flight temperature predictions in the nominal 15-orbit mission profile, plus margins, were used as the yellow limits for most of the ETM+ components. The spacecraft and instrument integrated T/B and TN test also revealed that the standby heater capacity on the Scan Mirror Assembly (SMA) was insufficient when the Earth Background Simulator (EBS) was 1 50C or colder, and the baffle heater possibly caused the coherent noise in the narrow band data when it was on. Also, the cooler cool-down was significantly faster than that in the instrument T/V test, and the coldest Cold Focal Plane Array (CFPA) temperature achieved was colder.

Methods for Specific Electrode Resistance Measurement during Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

PubMed Central

Khadka, Niranjan; Rahman, Asif; Sarantos, Chris; Truong, Dennis Q.; Bikson, Marom

2014-01-01

Background Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is investigated to treat a wide range of neuropsychiatric disorders, for rehabilitation, and for enhancing cognitive performance. The monitoring of electrode resistance before and during tDCS is considered important for tolerability and safety, where an unusually high resistance is indicative of undesired electrode or poor skin contact conditions. Conventional resistance measurement methods do not isolate individual electrode resistance but rather measures overall voltage. Moreover, for HD-tDCS devices, cross talk across electrodes makes concurrent resistance monitoring unreliable. Objective We propose a novel method for monitoring of the individual electrode resistance during tDCS, using a super-position of direct current with a test-signal (low-intensity and low-frequency sinusoids with electrode– specific frequencies) and a single sentinel electrode (not used for DC). Methods To validate this methodology, we developed lumped-parameter models of two and multi-electrode tDCS. Approaches with and without a sentinel electrode were solved and underlying assumptions identified. Assumptions were tested and parameterized in healthy participants using forearm stimulation combining tDCS (2 mA) and sinusoidal test-signals (38 μA and 76 μA peak to peak at 1 Hz, 10 Hz, and 100 Hz) and an in vitro test (where varied electrode failure modes were created). DC and AC component voltages across the electrodes were compared and participants were asked to rate subjective pain. Results A sentinel electrode is required to isolate electrode resistance in a two-electrode tDCS system. For multi-electrode resistance tracking, cross talk was aggravated with electrode proximity and current/resistance mismatches, but could be corrected using proposed approaches. Average voltage and average pain scores were not significantly different across test current intensities and frequencies (two-way repeated measures ANOVA) indicating the test signal does not itself confound electrode stability or sensation. DC-resistance to AC-impedance ratio was ~1:08, averaged across frequencies. Conclusion Using the methods developed here, a test signal can predict DC electrode resistance. Since unique test frequencies can be used at each tDCS electrode, specific electrode resistance can be resolved for any number of stimulating channels – a process made still more robust by the use of a sentinel electrode. These findings provide the first method for monitoring individual electrode resistance during tDCS that integrated into devices may minimize irritation at electrodes. PMID:25456981

Flow number as a discriminating HMA mixture property : [project brief].

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-02-01

T he flow number test is used to measure the rutting potential of asphalt concrete mixtures. It is a variation of the repeated load, permanent deformation test that has been used by researchers since the 1970s. The flow number is one of three tests t...

MASH TL-3 testing and evaluation of the TXDOT T131RC bridge rail transition.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-03-01

This project designed and crash tested a transition design for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) T131RC Bridge Rail that would meet the strength and safety performance criteria for Test Level 3 of American Association of State Highway Of...

Credit Building in IDA Programs: Early Findings of a Longitudinal Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Birkenmaier, Julie; Curley, Jami; Kelly, Patrick

2012-01-01

Objective: This article reports on the impact of the Individual Development Account (IDA) program on credit. Method: Using a convenience sample of IDA participants (N = 165), data were analyzed using paired sample "t" tests, independent sample "t" test, one-way analysis of variance, Mann-Whitney "U" Tests, and…

Using cognitive pre-testing methods in the development of a new evidenced-based pressure ulcer risk assessment instrument.

PubMed

Coleman, S; Nixon, J; Keen, J; Muir, D; Wilson, L; McGinnis, E; Stubbs, N; Dealey, C; Nelson, E A

2016-11-16

Variation in development methods of Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment Instruments has led to inconsistent inclusion of risk factors and concerns about content validity. A new evidenced-based Risk Assessment Instrument, the Pressure Ulcer Risk Primary Or Secondary Evaluation Tool - PURPOSE-T was developed as part of a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) funded Pressure Ulcer Research Programme (PURPOSE: RP-PG-0407-10056). This paper reports the pre-test phase to assess and improve PURPOSE-T acceptability, usability and confirm content validity. A descriptive study incorporating cognitive pre-testing methods and integration of service user views was undertaken over 3 cycles comprising PURPOSE-T training, a focus group and one-to-one think-aloud interviews. Clinical nurses from 2 acute and 2 community NHS Trusts, were grouped according to job role. Focus group participants used 3 vignettes to complete PURPOSE-T assessments and then participated in the focus group. Think-aloud participants were interviewed during their completion of PURPOSE-T. After each pre-test cycle analysis was undertaken and adjustment/improvements made to PURPOSE-T in an iterative process. This incorporated the use of descriptive statistics for data completeness and decision rule compliance and directed content analysis for interview and focus group data. Data were collected April 2012-June 2012. Thirty-four nurses participated in 3 pre-test cycles. Data from 3 focus groups, 12 think-aloud interviews incorporating 101 PURPOSE-T assessments led to changes to improve instrument content and design, flow and format, decision support and item-specific wording. Acceptability and usability were demonstrated by improved data completion and appropriate risk pathway allocation. The pre-test also confirmed content validity with clinical nurses. The pre-test was an important step in the development of the preliminary PURPOSE-T and the methods used may have wider instrument development application. PURPOSE-T proposes a new approach to pressure ulcer risk assessment, incorporating a screening stage, the inclusion of skin status to distinguish between those who require primary prevention and those who require secondary prevention/treatment and the use of colour to support pathway allocation and decision making. Further clinical evaluation is planned to assess the reliability and validity of PURPOSE-T and it's impact on care processes and patient outcomes.

Integration and Testing Challenges of Small, Multiple Satellite Missions: Experiences from the Space Technology 5 Project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sauerwein, Timothy A.; Gostomski, Thomas

2008-01-01

The ST5 technology demonstration mission led by GSFC of NASA's New Millennium Program managed by JPL consisted of three micro satellites (approximately 30 kg each) deployed into orbit from the Pegasus XL launch vehicle. In order to meet the launch date schedule of ST5, a different approach was required rather than the standard I&T approach used for single, room-sized satellites. The three spacecraft were designed, integrated, and tested at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. It was determined that there was insufficient time in the schedule to perform three spacecraft I&T activities in series using standard approaches. The solution was for spacecraft #1 to undergo integration and test first, followed by spacecraft #2 and #3 simultaneously. This simultaneous integration was successful for several reasons. Each spacecraft had a Lead Test Conductor who planned and coordinated their spacecraft through its integration and test activities. One team of engineers and technicians executed the integration of all three spacecraft, learning and gaining knowledge and efficiency as spacecraft #1 integration and testing progressed. They became acutely familiar with the hardware, operation and processes for I&T, thus had the experience and knowledge to safely execute I&T for spacecraft #2 and #3. The integration team was extremely versatile; each member could perform many different activities or work any spacecraft, when needed. ST5 was successfully integrated, tested and shipped to the launch site per the I&T schedule that was planned three years previously. The I&T campaign was completed with ST5's successful launch on March 22, 2006.

2. Exterior view of Components Test Laboratory (T27), looking southeast. ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

2. Exterior view of Components Test Laboratory (T-27), looking southeast. The building wing on the left houses the equipment room and that on the right houses Test Cell 8 (oxidizer) and the oxidizer storage pit or vault. - Air Force Plant PJKS, Systems Integration Laboratory, Components Test Laboratory, Waterton Canyon Road & Colorado Highway 121, Lakewood, Jefferson County, CO

3. Exterior view of Components Test Laboratory (T27), looking southeast. ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

3. Exterior view of Components Test Laboratory (T-27), looking southeast. The building wing on the left houses the equipment room, and that on the right houses Test Cell 8 (oxidizer) and the oxidizer storage pit or vault. - Air Force Plant PJKS, Systems Integration Laboratory, Components Test Laboratory, Waterton Canyon Road & Colorado Highway 121, Lakewood, Jefferson County, CO

Pratt & Whitney Advanced Ducted Propulsor (ADP) Engine Test in 40x80ft w.t.: Engineers Peter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1993-01-01

Pratt & Whitney Advanced Ducted Propulsor (ADP) Engine Test in 40x80ft w.t.: Engineers Peter Zell (left) and Dr Clifton Horne (right) are shown preparing a laser light sheet for a flow visualization test. Shown standing in the nacelle of the ADP is John Girvin, senior test engineer for Pratt & Whitney.

Pratt & Whitney Advanced Ducted Propulsor (ADP) Engine Test in 40x80ft w.t.: Engineers Peter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1993-01-01

Pratt & Whitney Advanced Ducted Propulsor (ADP) Engine Test in 40x80ft w.t.: Engineers Peter Zell (left) and Dr Clifton Horne (right) are shown preparing for a laser light sheet for a flow visualization test. Shown standing in the nacelle of the ADP is John Girvin, senior test engineer for Pratt & Whitney.

Eye-closure-triggered paroxysmal activity and cognitive impairment: a case report.

PubMed

Termine, Cristiano; Rubboli, Guido; Veggiotti, Pierangelo

2006-01-01

To study the neuropsychological status of an epileptic patient presenting with epileptic activity triggered by eye closure in a 14-year follow-up period. The patient was studied at 12 and 26 years of age; during this period he underwent periodical clinical evaluations and EEG investigations; brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed at 12 years of age. A neuropsychological assessment was carried out both at 12 years of age (T0) and at 26 years of age. At T0 and T1, neuropsychological tests (digits and words span, graphoestesia, reactions time to auditory stimuli, sentences repetition, words repetition, digital gnosis, backward counting [i.e.,100-0]) were performed during video-EEG monitoring either with eyes closed or with eyes open, to evaluate possible transitory effects related to ongoing epileptic activity. Moreover, at T0 the patient underwent Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised, and at T1 to Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised. EEG recordings showed continuous epileptic activity triggered by eye closure, disappearing only with eyes opening, both at T0 and T1 (in this latter case, anteriorly predominant). The results of neuropsychological assessment during eyes closed as compared to performances with eyes open did not show significant differences, at T0 as well as at T1. Wechsler Intelligence scales showed a deterioration of performances at T1 with respect to T0; in addition, at T1, attention and short-term memory abnormalities, impairment in facial recognition and block design, and defective results in Continuous Performance Test and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test were observed. Lack of differences between the results of neuropsychological tests performed with eyes closed as compared to the eyes open condition suggests that in our patient epileptic activity did not cause transitory cognitive abnormalities. Deterioration of Wechsler Intelligence Scales in the follow-up period might be interpreted as the result of a disruption of cognitive processes possibly related to the persistence of a continuous epileptic activity during eye closure over the years. We speculate whether a dysfunction in posterior cortical areas involved in visual processing might be related to the impairment in face recognition and block design tests as well to eye closure sensitivity.

Creep, creep-rupture tests of Al-surface-alloyed T91 steel in liquid lead bismuth at 500 and 550 °C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weisenburger, A.; Jianu, A.; An, W.; Fetzer, R.; Del Giacco, Mattia; Heinzel, A.; Müller, G.; Markov, V. G.; Kasthanov, A. D.

2012-12-01

Surface layers made of FeCrAl alloys on T91 steel have shown their capability as corrosion protection barriers in lead bismuth. Pulsed electron beam treatment improves the density and more over the adherence of such layers. After the treatment of previously deposited coatings a surface graded material is achieved with a metallic bonded interface. Creep-rupture tests of T91 in lead-alloy at 550 °C reveal significant reduced creep strength of non-modified T91 test specimens. Oxide scales protecting the steels from attacks of the liquid metal will crack at a certain strain leading to a direct contact between the steel and the liquid metal. The negative influence of the lead-alloy on the creep behavior of non-modified T91 is stress dependent, but below a threshold stress value of 120 MPa at 550 °C this influence becomes almost negligible. At 500 °C and stress values of 200 MPa and 220 MPa the creep rates are comparable between them and significantly lower than creep rates at 180 MPa of original T91 in air at 550 °C. No signs of LBE influence are detected. The surface modified specimens tested at high stress levels instead had creep-rupture times similar to T91 (original state) tested in air. The thin oxide layers formed on the surface modified steel samples are less susceptible to crack formation and therefore to lead-alloy enhanced creep.

Antidepressant-like action of the hydromethanolic flower extract of Tagetes erecta L. in mice and its possible mechanism of action.

PubMed

Khulbe, Aarti; Pandey, Savita; Sah, Sangeeta Pilkhwal

2013-01-01

Tagetes erecta, the marigold, has commercial and ethnomedicinal use; however, reports concerning its efficacy for the treatment of depression are lacking. This study was carried out to elucidate the antidepressant effect of hydromethanolic flower extract of T. erecta. Hydromethanolic extract of flowers of Tagetes erecta was subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening. The extract (12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg, i.p.) was evaluated for antidepressant effect using forced swim test in mice. The mechanism of antidepressant action was further examined using different drugs and imipramine was used as standard drug. T. erecta significantly inhibited the immobility period in forced swim test in mice P<0.05). T. erecta (25 mg/kg, i.p.) enhanced the anti-immobility effect of antidepressant drugs like imipramine, fluoxetine, and p-chlorophenylalanine, an inhibitor of serotonin synthesis significantly attenuated its antidepressant effect. The antidepressant effect of T. erecta in the forced swim test was prevented by pretreatment with L-arginine and sildenafil, whereas pretreatment of mice with nitric oxide synthase inhibitors potentiated the action. Pentazocine, a high-affinity sigma receptor agonist, produced synergism with effective dose of T. erecta while progesterone, a sigma receptor antagonist, reversed the antidepressant effect of T. erecta. However, the locomotor activity was not affected at tested doses. Serotonergic, nitrergic pathway, and sigma receptors are possibly involved in mediating antidepressant action of T. erecta in mouse forced swim test.

Test and evaluation procedures for Sandia's Teraflops Operating System (TOS) on Janus.

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

Barnette, Daniel Wayne

This report describes the test and evaluation methods by which the Teraflops Operating System, or TOS, that resides on Sandia's massively-parallel computer Janus is verified for production release. Also discussed are methods used to build TOS before testing and evaluating, miscellaneous utility scripts, a sample test plan, and a proposed post-test method for quickly examining the large number of test results. The purpose of the report is threefold: (1) to provide a guide to T&E procedures, (2) to aid and guide others who will run T&E procedures on the new ASCI Red Storm machine, and (3) to document some ofmore » the history of evaluation and testing of TOS. This report is not intended to serve as an exhaustive manual for testers to conduct T&E procedures.« less

Gait and posture analysis in patients with maxillary transverse discrepancy, before and after RPE.

PubMed

Mason, Martina; Spolaor, Fabiola; Guiotto, Annamaria; De Stefani, Alberto; Gracco, Antonio; Sawacha, Zimi

2018-03-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the rapid palatal expansion (RPE) on posture and gait analysis in subjects with maxillary transverse discrepancies. Forty-one patients between 6 and 12 years were divided into 3 groups: 10 control subjects (Cs), 16 patients with unilateral posterior crossbite (CbMono), 15 patients with maxillary transverse discrepancy and no crossbite (Nocb). Every subject underwent gait analysis and posturographic examination in order to evaluate the presence of balance alterations before (T0) and after (T4) RPE application. The examinations were performed through a six-cameras stereophotogrammetric system (60-120Hz, BTS S.p.A.) synchronized with two force plates (FP4060, Bertec Corp.). Romberg test was performed on a force plate, and the statokinesiogram and joint kinematics were evaluated. One-way Anova was performed among the variables after evidence of normal distribution (Levene's test for equality of variances) and Kruskal-Wallis test (P<0.05), in order to compare the three groups of subjects. While paired t-test was performed, or Kruskal-Wallis test, instead when comparing pre- and post-RPE application within the same group of subjects (P<0.05). Tamane T2 or Bonferroni correction was applied where needed. The posturographic analysis reveal significant differences across the 3 population: 95% power frequency in medio-lateral and antero-posterior direction in T0, median frequency in medio-lateral direction in T0, mean power frequency in medio-lateral direction in T0. Significant differences were also registered in the three-dimensional joints kinematics variables, mainly between Cs and Cbmono in T0 and T4 and between Cbmono and Nocb in T4. A detectable correlation between dental occlusion and body posture is shown in this study that confirms another benefit of the RPE. This was mainly revealed in the dynamic posture where modifications at the mandibular level affect the whole body. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

Mild peripheral neuropathy prevents both leg muscular ischaemia and activation of exercise-induced coagulation in Type 2 diabetic patients with peripheral artery disease.

PubMed

Piarulli, F; Sambataro, M; Minicuci, N; Scarano, L; Laverda, B; Baiocchi, M R; Baldo-Enzi, G; Galasso, S; Bax, G; Fedele, D

2007-10-01

To study the influence of peripheral neuropathy on intermittent claudication in patients with Type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Twenty-five patients with T2DM were grouped according to the ankle/brachial index (ABI): 10 with ABI > 0.9 without peripheral artery disease (PAD; group T2DM) and 15 with ABI < 0.9 with PAD (group T2DM + PAD). Twelve individuals without T2DM with PAD (group PAD without T2DM) were also enrolled. Tests for peripheral neuropathy were performed in all patients. ABI, rate pressure product, prothrombin fragments 1 + 2 (F1+2), thrombin-anti-thrombin complex (TAT), and d-dimer were measured before and after a treadmill test. During exercise both initial and absolute claudication distance and electrocardiogram readings were recorded. We found mild peripheral neuropathy in 20% of group T2DM and 46.7% of group T2DM + PAD (P < 0.01). After exercise, the rate pressure product increased in each group; ABI fell in T2DM + PAD (P < 0.0001) and in PAD without T2DM (P = 0.0005); the fall was greater in the latter group. Initial and absolute claudication distances were similar in PAD patients. In group T2DM + PAD, absolute claudication distance was longer in the subgroup without peripheral neuropathy (P < 0.05), whereas ABI and rate pressure products were similar. F1+2 values at rest were higher in group T2DM + PAD. After exercise, F1+2 values and TAT increased only in group PAD without T2DM. Only group PAD without T2DM experienced muscular ischaemia, whereas group T2DM + PAD did not. Mild peripheral neuropathy may have prevented them from reaching the point of muscular ischaemia during the treadmill test, because they stopped exercising with the early onset of pain. Reaching a false absolute claudication distance may induce ischaemic preconditioning. These findings suggest a possible protective role of mild peripheral neuropathy in T2DM patients with intermittent claudication, by preventing further activation of coagulation during treadmill testing.

Development of a Microchannel High Temperature Recuperator for Fuel Cell Systems

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

Lukas, Michael

This report summarizes the progress made in development of microchannel recuperators for high temperature fuel cell/turbine hybrid systems for generation of clean power at very high efficiencies. Both Solid Oxide Fuel Cell/Turbine (SOFC/T) and Direct FuelCell/Turbine (DFC/T) systems employ an indirectly heated Turbine Generator to supplement fuel cell generated power. The concept extends the high efficiency of the fuel cell by utilizing the fuel cell’s byproduct heat in a Brayton cycle. Features of the SOFC/T and DFC/T systems include: electrical efficiencies of up to 65% on natural gas, minimal emissions, reduced carbon dioxide release to the environment, simplicity in design,more » and potential cost competitiveness with existing combined cycle power plants. Project work consisted of candidate material selection from FuelCell Energy (FCE) and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) institutional databases as well as from industrial and academic literature. Candidate materials were then downselected and actual samples were tested under representative environmental conditions resulting in further downselection. A microchannel thermal-mechanical model was developed to calculate overall device cost to be later used in developing a final Tier 1 material candidate list. Specifications and operating conditions were developed for both SOFC/T and DFC/T systems. This development included system conceptualization and progression to process flow diagrams (PFD’s) including all major equipment. Material and energy balances were then developed for the two types of systems which were then used for extensive sensitivity studies that used high temperature recuperator (HTR) design parameters (e.g., operating temperature) as inputs and calculated overall system parameters (e.g., system efficiency). The results of the sensitivity studies determined the final HTR design temperatures, pressure drops, and gas compositions. The results also established operating conditions and specifications for all equipment in the SOFC/T and DFC/T systems. Capital cost and Cost of Electricity (COE) sensitivity analyses have been completed for MW-scale SOFC/T and DFC/T systems. Environmental testing consisted of 1000-hour and 2000-hour dry air oxidation testing on leading candidate materials, used to rank order and, in part, develop a final Tier 1 material candidate list. A thermal-mechanical model was subsequently used to provide material and manufacturing cost estimations for microchannel HTR’s to further refine the Tier 1 candidates. A capital cost and 20-year levelized cost of electricity (COE) was developed for a MW-scale version of the SOFC/T system concept as well as for a MW-scale version of the DFC/T system concept. Test frameworks were established for subsequent long-term materials stability testing, including oxidation resistance and mechanical strength. Mechanical strength testing was then carried out by a third-party test laboratory. Technology demonstration vehicles (TDV’s) were designed and fabricated. Several iterations of TDV’s were fabricated, each improved over the previous build as far as fabrication techniques. Two of three fabricated TDV’s were integrated with the TDV Test Facility for hot-testing at simulated operating conditions. The second of these two was successfully hot-tested for over 1000 hours at simulated temperature and pressure. Post-test leakdown assessment showed negligible leakage at benchtop conditions of 30 psig, a considerable improvement over the previous TDV’s.« less

Investigation of a low NOx full-scale annular combustor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1982-01-01

An atmospheric test program was conducted to evaluate a low NOx annular combustor concept suitable for a supersonic, high-altitude aircraft application. The lean premixed combustor, known as the vortex air blast (VAB) concept, was tested as a 22.0-cm diameter model in the early development phases to arrive at basic design and performance criteria. Final demonstration testing was carried out on a full scale combustor of 0.66-m diameter. Variable geometry dilution ports were incorporated to allow operation of the combustor across the range of conditions between idle (T(in) = 422 K, T(out) = 917 K) and cruise (T(in) = 833 K, T(out) - 1778 K). Test results show that the design could meet the program NOx goal of 1.0 g NO2/kg fuel at a one-atmospheric simulated cruise condition.

Identification of health risks in workers staying and working on the terrains contaminated with depleted uranium.

PubMed

Milacic, Snezana; Simic, Jadranko

2009-05-01

This study investigated health risks in workers residing and working in terrains contaminated by low ionizing radiation doses which originated from ammunition containing depleted uranium (DU). The studied population was composed of two test groups (T-I, T-II) who were occasionally exposed to DU, and two referent (R-I, R-II) groups not exposed at any time to DU. All of them were evaluated for the following: complete clinical examination and blood count, presence of immature forms and blasts, leukocyte alkaline phosphatase activity and cytogenetic tests. The probability of onset of the characteristic complete biomarkers--chromosomal aberrations, was analyzed using logarithmic function of the Poisson regression. The estimated function of the density of probabilities of Poisson distribution of the chromosomal aberrations in the test group T-II was drastically different from the corresponding distribution of the referent group R-I and to a somewhat lesser extent from the group R-II; Wilcoxon test exactly confirms the presence of a significant difference between the reference group R-II and test group T-II, p < 0.05. The damages to chromosomes and cells were highest in the test group T-II of workers additionally occupationally exposed to DU. The group of workers T-I, who had been exposed to DU working on contaminated terrain, have had certain risks of cell and chromosome damages, and that risk was not greater than the risk to the referent group R-II of workers occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation.

[The Effects of an Empowerment Education Program for Kidney Transplantation Patients].

PubMed

Kim, Sung Hee; You, Hye Sook

2017-08-01

This study was conducted to develop an Empowerment Education Program (EEP) for kidney transplant patients and to test the program's effects on uncertainty, self-care ability, and compliance. The research was conducted using a nonequivalent control group with a pretest-posttest design. The participants were 53 outpatients (experimental group: 25, control group: 28) who were receiving hospital treatment after kidney transplants. After the pre-test, patients in the experimental group underwent a weekly EEP for six weeks. The post-test was conducted immediately after, and four weeks after the program's completion in the same manner as the pre-test. For the control group, we conducted a post-test six and ten weeks after the pre-test, without and program intervention. A repeated measure ANOVA was performed to compare the change scores on main outcomes. Uncertainty was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group, both immediately after (t=-3.84, p=<.001) and 4 weeks after (t=-4.51 p=<.001) the program, whereas self-care ability (t=5.81, p=<.001), (t=5.84, p=<.001) and compliance (t=5.07, p=<.001), (t=5.45, p=<.001) were significantly higher. Kidney transplant patients who underwent an EEP showed a decrease in uncertainty and an improvement in self-care ability and compliance. Thus, our findings confirmed that an EEP can be an independent intervention method for improving and maintaining the health of kidney transplant patients. © 2017 Korean Society of Nursing Science

Fuel Tests on an I-16 Jet-Propulsion Engine at Static Sea-Level Conditions

DTIC Science & Technology

1947-04-29

All fuel lines and manometer leads were Joined to tbs engine by r.;bber-hoee con::&-:tions to prov-.de flexi- bility. The test cell Itself wa3 a...The air leakage into t:.e cell was measured i:id laolntefl’ In the calculations of the air flow to the er.jine. Figure 1 also shirks tbfl...t t - ’ > / J / i / 4» / / / >•• —* / - - iw r—’ 860 <•— 4 f < Hot-« el4 oct.nt t> Unil rucl . - -Theoretical lln«i / 0 ; I T

Compatibility tests of materials for a lithium-cooled space power reactor concept

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sinclair, J. H.

1973-01-01

Materials for a lithium-cooled space power reactor concept must be chemically compatible for up to 50,000 hr at high temperature. Capsule tests at 1040 C (1900 F) were made of material combinations of prime interest: T-111 in direct contact with uranium mononitride (UN), Un in vacuum separated from T-111 by tungsten wire, UN with various oxygen impurity levels enclosed in tungsten wire lithium-filled T-111 capsules, and TZM and lithium together in T-111 capsules. All combinations were compatible for over 2800 hr except for T-111 in direct contact with UN.

T-wave alternans negative coronary patients with low ejection and benefit from defibrillator implantation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hohnloser, S. H.; Ikeda, T.; Bloomfield, D. M.; Dabbous, O. H.; Cohen, R. J.

2003-01-01

In a trial of prophylactic implantation of a defibrillator, a mortality benefit was seen among patients with previous myocardial infarction and a left-ventricular ejection fraction of 0.30 or less. We identified 129 similar patients from two previously published clinical trials in which microvolt T-wave alternans testing was prospectively assessed. At 24 months of follow-up, no sudden cardiac death or cardiac arrest was seen among patients who tested T-wave alternans negative, compared with an event rate of 15.6% among the remaining patients. Testing of T-wave alternans seems to identify patients who are at low risk of ventricular tachyarrhythmic event and who may not benefit from defibrillator therapy.

[Effects of incubation temperature on the results of passive hemagglutination test].

PubMed

Gorchakov, Iu L

1993-01-01

Passive hemagglutination test was carried out at several incubation temperatures: 4, 21, 37, and 56 degrees C. Blood sera of donors, salmonellosis enteritidis patients, and specific nonadsorbed sera were used in the study. The least fluctuations of the results were seen in tests with the sera with the least manifest immune properties. The optimal incubation temperatures were found 4 and 21 degrees C, and in 1/3 of cases cold incubation was found preferable. The relationship between antibody titers and incubation temperature may be described by the formula: T4 > or = T21 > or = T37 > or = T56, with Tn representing the reverse value of antibody titer in certain incubation temperature.

Effect of petroleum products inhalation on some haematological indices of fuel attendants in Calabar metropolis, Nigeria.

PubMed

Okoro, A M; Ani, E J; Ibu, J O; Akpogomeh, B A

2006-01-01

The Haematotoxic implications of exposure to petroleum fumes through inhalation in human subjects were investigated. A total of 400 subjects (200 males and 200 females) aged between 18-30 years participated. Each gender was further categorized into two groups of 100 each for control and test, respectively. The test group was again subdivided into test 1 (T1) and test 2 (T2) in both sexes. T1 subjects were exposed to petroleum fumes for two years and below while T2 subjects were exposed for more than two years. Samples of blood were collected daily and subjected to haematological analysis. The results obtained showed that in males and females, red blood cell counts (10(6) /mm3) was significantly [P < 0.001] decreased in T1 (4.4 +/- 0.13) and T2 (3.85 +/- 0.07) compared to control (4.76 +/- 0.01). White blood cell counts, haematocrit, haemoglobin concentration and mean corpusclular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were significantly [P < 0.01] decreased in both sexes of test groups when compared with control. There was also a significant [P < 0.001] decrease in mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) in test 2 males compared with control. Most subjects exposed for longer than two years (T2) had significantly [P < 0.001] lower values of red blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration and haematocrit than those exposed for less than two years. The odds/odds ratio that a subject would become anaemic progressively rose from less than 1 in the control to greater than 1 or infinity on exposure to petroleum fumes. These results indicate that the petroleum fumes cause a reduction in haematological indices which worsens with prolonged exposure.

The discrimination of d-tartrate positive and d-tartrate negative S. enterica subsp. enterica serovar Paratyphi B isolated in Malaysia by phenotypic and genotypic methods.

PubMed

Ahmad, Norazah; Hoon, Shirley Tang Gee; Ghani, Mohamed Kamel Abd; Tee, Koh Yin

2012-06-01

Serotyping is not sufficient to differentiate between Salmonella species that cause paratyphoid fever from the strains that cause milder gastroenteritis as these organisms share the same serotype Salmonella Paratyphi B (S. Paratyphi B). Strains causing paratyphoid fever do not ferment d-tartrate and this key feature was used in this study to determine the prevalence of these strains among the collection of S. Paratyphi B strains isolated from patients in Malaysia. A total of 105 isolates of S. Paratyphi B were discriminated into d-tartrate positive (dT+) and d-tartrate negative (dT) variants by two lead acetate test protocols and multiplex PCR. The lead acetate test protocol 1 differed from protocol 2 by a lower inoculum size and different incubation conditions while the multiplex PCR utilized 2 sets of primers targeting the ATG start codon of the gene STM3356. Lead acetate protocol 1 discriminated 97.1% of the isolates as S. Paratyphi B dT+ and 2.9% as dT while test protocol 2 discriminated all the isolates as S. Paratyphi B dT+. The multiplex PCR test identified all 105 isolates as S. Paratyphi B dT+ strains. The concordance of the lead acetate test relative to that of multiplex PCR was 97.7% and 100% for protocol 1 and 2 respectively. This study showed that S. Paratyphi B dT+ is a common causative agent of gastroenteritis in Malaysia while paratyphoid fever appears to be relatively uncommon. Multiplex PCR was shown to be a simpler, more rapid and reliable method to discriminate S. Paratyphi B than the phenotypic lead acetate test.

Reduced Current Spread by Concentric Electrodes in Transcranial Electrical Stimulation (tES).

PubMed

Bortoletto, M; Rodella, C; Salvador, R; Miranda, P C; Miniussi, C

2016-01-01

We propose the use of a new montage for transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), called concentric electrodes tDCS (CE-tDCS), involving two concentric round electrodes that may improve stimulation focality. To test efficacy and focality of CE-tDCS, we modelled the current distribution and tested physiological effects on cortical excitability. Motor evoked potentials (MEPs) from first dorsal interosseous (FDI) and abductor digiti minimi (ADM) were recorded before and after the delivery of anodal, cathodal and sham stimulation on the FDI hotspot for 10 minutes. MEP amplitude of FDI increased after anodal-tDCS and decreased after cathodal-tDCS, supporting the efficacy of CE-tDCS in modulating cortical excitability. Moreover, modelled current distribution and no significant effects of stimulation on MEP amplitude of ADM suggest high focality of CE-tDCS. CE-tDCS may allow a better control of current distribution and may represent a novel tool for applying tDCS and other transcranial current stimulation approaches. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Effects of Hearing Loss on Speech Communication and the Perception of Other Sounds.

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-06-01

hearing ou t n 1 hich- frequency hearing losses. ch subject was test (,,. ., 75, and 85 dB) with 3 cifferent speech-to-no’ise a -. cm) Although the...psohaos -1 ~ e et e .I--t :tf2s, "I pt r7-Dry :s < :t,- mFt, k eyd wha hrr-pr<. fc tn ,3’.~ ti’-’r.r rvia t, a% r, I . F requi c ci at at 1 en a...Counturpa t s. ,,"- lek and Maso.;n (1981) tested the effect of noise and reverh-t: i P a. n uira L nd binaual word recognition by subjects with vat

Microcomputer Network for Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT)

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-03-01

PRDC TR 84-33 \\Q.�d-33- \\ MICROCOMPUTER NETWOJlt FOR COMPUTERIZED ADAPTIVE TESTING ( CAT ) Baldwin Quan Thomas A . Park Gary Sandahl John H...ACCEIIION NO NPRDC TR 84-33 4. TITLE (-d Sul>tlllo) MICROCOMP UTER NETWORK FOR COMPUTERIZED ADA PTIVE TESTING ( CAT ) 1. Q B. uan T. A . Park...adaptive testing ( CAT ) Bayesian sequential testing 20. ABSTitACT (Continuo on ro•••• aide II noco .. _, _., ld-tlly ,.,. t.loclt _._.) DO Computerized

Allometric Scaling of Wingate Anaerobic Power Test Scores in Women

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hetzler, Ronald K.; Stickley, Christopher D.; Kimura, Iris F.

2011-01-01

In this study, we developed allometric exponents for scaling Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT) power data that are reflective in controlling for body mass (BM) and lean body mass (LBM) and established a normative WAnT data set for college-age women. One hundred women completed a standard WAnT. Allometric exponents and percentile ranks for peak (PP)…

Generation of GHS Scores from TEST and online sources ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Alternatives assessment frameworks such as DfE (Design for the Environment) evaluate chemical alternatives in terms of human health effects, ecotoxicity, and fate. T.E.S.T. (Toxicity Estimation Software Tool) can be utilized to evaluate human health in terms of acute oral rat toxicity, developmental toxicity, endocrine activity, and mutagenicity. It can be used to evaluate ecotoxicity (in terms of acute fathead minnow toxicity) and fate (in terms of bioconcentration factor). It also be used to estimate a variety of key physicochemical properties such as melting point, boiling point, vapor pressure, water solubility, and bioconcentration factor. A web-based version of T.E.S.T. is currently being developed to allow predictions to be made from other web tools. Online data sources such as from NCCT’s Chemistry Dashboard, REACH dossiers, or from ChemHat.org can also be utilized to obtain GHS (Global Harmonization System) scores for comparing alternatives. The purpose of this talk is to show how GHS (Global Harmonization Score) data can be obtained from literature sources and from T.E.S.T. (Toxicity Estimation Software Tool). This data will be used to compare chemical alternatives in the alternatives assessment dashboard (a 2018 CSS product).

The benefits of the 3T3 NRU test in the safety assessment of cosmetics: long-term experience from pre-marketing testing in the Czech Republic.

PubMed

Jírová, D; Kejlová, K; Brabec, M; Bendová, H; Kolárová, H

2003-01-01

We have introduced the 3T3 NRU cytotoxicity test for methodological, economical and ethical reasons as a regular part of tier pre-marketing testing to assess local tolerance of raw materials for cosmetics, household chemicals and final cosmetic products. Using the 3T3 cell line according to the standard INVITTOX protocol No.64 (NRU Assay) the borderline concentration, relevant to the highest tolerated dose, is determined for each material. The toxic effect is reached at different concentration levels specific for individual cosmetics categories, depending on their chemical characteristics. Typical ranges of cytotoxicity for specific categories of cosmetics were established after testing of hundreds of materials. The range lies between 1 microg/ml (anti-dandruff shampoos), up to 2000 microg/ml (toothpastes and mouthwashes). The 3T3 NRU cytotoxicity test is a sensitive tool able to identify more aggressive products, that are also more likely to evoke irritation in human skin. It was even possible to detect protective effects of one natural herbal ingredient. The comparative study of cytotoxicity test results and human patch test results from a group of essential oils is presented. Cytotoxicity tests represent a highly ethical approach for estimation of irritancy. On the basis of in vitro test results suggesting low risk we can proceed to confirmatory tests in human volunteers.

Responsiveness and predictive validity of the tablet-based symbol digit modalities test in patients with stroke.

PubMed

Hsiao, Pei-Chi; Yu, Wan-Hui; Lee, Shih-Chieh; Chen, Mei-Hsiang; Hsieh, Ching-Lin

2018-06-14

The responsiveness and predictive validity of the Tablet-based Symbol Digit Modalities Test (T-SDMT) are unknown, which limits the utility of the T-SDMT in both clinical and research settings. The purpose of this study was to examine the responsiveness and predictive validity of the T-SDMT in inpatients with stroke. A follow-up, repeated-assessments design. One rehabilitation unit at a local medical center. A total of 50 inpatients receiving rehabilitation completed T-SDMT assessments at admission to and discharge from a rehabilitation ward. The median follow-up period was 14 days. The Barthel index (BI) was assessed at discharge and was used as the criterion of the predictive validity. The mean changes in the T-SDMT scores between admission and discharge were statistically significant (paired t-test = 3.46, p = 0.001). The T-SDMT scores showed a nearly moderate standardized response mean (0.49). A moderate association (Pearson's r = 0.47) was found between the scores of the T-SDMT at admission and those of the BI at discharge, indicating good predictive validity of the T-SDMT. Our results support the responsiveness and predictive validity of the T-SDMT in patients with stroke receiving rehabilitation in hospitals. This study provides empirical evidence supporting the use of the T-SDMT as an outcome measure for assessing processingspeed in inpatients with stroke. The scores of the T-SDMT could be used to predict basic activities of daily living function in inpatients with stroke.

Effect of Nd:YAG laser beam welding on weld morphology and mechanical properties of Ti-6Al-4V butt joints and T-joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kashaev, Nikolai; Ventzke, Volker; Fomichev, Vadim; Fomin, Fedor; Riekehr, Stefan

2016-11-01

A Nd:YAG single-sided laser beam welding process study for Ti-6Al-4V butt joints and T-joints was performed to investigate joining techniques with regard to the process-weld morphology relationship. An alloy compatible filler wire was used to avoid underfills and undercuts. The quality of the butt joints and T-joints was characterized in terms of weld morphology, microstructure and mechanical properties. Joints with regular shapes, without visible cracks, pores, and geometrical defects were achieved. Tensile tests revealed high joint integrity in terms of strength and ductility for both the butt joint and T-joint geometries. Both the butt joints and T-joints showed base material levels of strength. The mechanical performance of T-joints was also investigated using pull-out tests. The performance of the T-joints in such tests was sensitive to the shape and morphology of the welds. Fracture always occurred in the weld without any plastic deformation in the base material outside the weld.

Tensile and compressive stress-strain behavior of heat treated boron-aluminum

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kennedy, J. M.; Tenney, D. R.; Herakovich, C. T.

1978-01-01

An experimental study was conducted to assess the effects of heat treatment and cyclic mechanical loading on the tensile and compressive stress-strain behavior of six boron-aluminum composites having different laminate orientations and being subjected to different heat treatments. The heat treatments were as-fabricated, T6, and T6N consisting of T6 treatment followed by cryogenic quench in liquid nitrogen prior to testing. All laminates were tested in monotonic and cyclic compression, while the tensile-test data are taken from the literature for comparison purposes. It is shown that the linear elastic range of the T6- and T6N-condition specimens is larger than that of the as-fabricated specimens, and that cyclic loading in tension or compression strain hardens the specimens and extends the linear elastic range. For laminates containing 0-deg plies, the stress-strain behavior upon unloading is found to be nonlinear, whereas the other laminates exhibit a linear behavior upon unloading. Specimens in the T6 and T6N conditions show higher strain hardening than the as-fabricated specimens.

Gene expression analysis in zebrafish embryos: a potential approach to predict effect concentrations in the fish early life stage test.

PubMed

Weil, Mirco; Scholz, Stefan; Zimmer, Michaela; Sacher, Frank; Duis, Karen

2009-09-01

Based on the hypothesis that analysis of gene expression could be used to predict chronic fish toxicity, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo test (DarT), developed as a replacement method for the acute fish test, was expanded to a gene expression D. rerio embryo test (Gene-DarT). The effects of 14 substances on lethal and sublethal endpoints of the DarT and on expression of potential marker genes were investigated: the aryl hydrocarbon receptor 2, cytochrome P450 1A (cypla), heat shock protein 70, fizzy-related protein 1, the transcription factors v-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene family protein g (avian) 1 and NF-E2-p45-related factor, and heme oxygenase 1 (hmox1). After exposure of zebrafish embryos for 48 h, differential gene expression was evaluated using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, gel electrophoresis, and densitometric analysis of the gels. All tested compounds significantly affected the expression of at least one potential marker gene, with cyp1a and hmox1 being most sensitive. Lowest-observed-effect concentrations (LOECs) for gene expression were below concentrations resulting in 10% lethal effects in the DarT. For 10 (3,4- and 3,5-dichloroaniline, 1,4-dichlorobenzene, 2,4-dinitrophenol, atrazine, parathion-ethyl, chlorotoluron, genistein, 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide, and cadmium) out of the 14 tested substances, LOEC values derived with the Gene-DarT differ by a factor of less than 10 from LOEC values of fish early life stage tests with zebrafish. For pentachloroaniline and pentachlorobenzene, the Gene-DarT showed a 23- and 153-fold higher sensitivity, respectively, while for lindane, it showed a 13-fold lower sensitivity. For ivermectin, the Gene-DarT was by a factor of more than 1,000 less sensitive than the acute fish test. The results of the present study indicate that gene expression analysis in zebrafish embryos could principally be used to predict effect concentrations in the fish early life stage test.

Electromagnetic Pulse/Transient Threat Testing of Protection Devices for Amateur/Military Affiliate Radio System Equipment. Volume 3. Test Data, Electromagnetic Pulse Testing of Protection Devices. Section 2. High Impedance/High Voltage Test 50 Ohms-4500 Volts.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-10-31

692-2124 ;.-.. - 5o sL NN T- - R ,: E -# C-eAcE Date Teot Poat - Amplificatlon dO AttenaUio d 8. Horzontal ne/div I VerticalMV/divI Horizontal ne/div...Vertical mV/div I Horizontal ne/div 2 *Vertical no/dIv 2 Configuration Pulter Level Data Link Comments: SI -. VI DateTo.t.o t, -~. e .4...2 Vertical ne/div 2 Configuration Pulser Level / V Date Linkt Comment:7 "- e "-’ DateG - - Test Point CH~f Amplification dB Attenataion .2 D) d 8

Analysis of small sample size studies using nonparametric bootstrap test with pooled resampling method.

PubMed

Dwivedi, Alok Kumar; Mallawaarachchi, Indika; Alvarado, Luis A

2017-06-30

Experimental studies in biomedical research frequently pose analytical problems related to small sample size. In such studies, there are conflicting findings regarding the choice of parametric and nonparametric analysis, especially with non-normal data. In such instances, some methodologists questioned the validity of parametric tests and suggested nonparametric tests. In contrast, other methodologists found nonparametric tests to be too conservative and less powerful and thus preferred using parametric tests. Some researchers have recommended using a bootstrap test; however, this method also has small sample size limitation. We used a pooled method in nonparametric bootstrap test that may overcome the problem related with small samples in hypothesis testing. The present study compared nonparametric bootstrap test with pooled resampling method corresponding to parametric, nonparametric, and permutation tests through extensive simulations under various conditions and using real data examples. The nonparametric pooled bootstrap t-test provided equal or greater power for comparing two means as compared with unpaired t-test, Welch t-test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, and permutation test while maintaining type I error probability for any conditions except for Cauchy and extreme variable lognormal distributions. In such cases, we suggest using an exact Wilcoxon rank sum test. Nonparametric bootstrap paired t-test also provided better performance than other alternatives. Nonparametric bootstrap test provided benefit over exact Kruskal-Wallis test. We suggest using nonparametric bootstrap test with pooled resampling method for comparing paired or unpaired means and for validating the one way analysis of variance test results for non-normal data in small sample size studies. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Test Plan Procedure for Experiment T-003

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1971-05-19

This document defines the type, sequence, and procedural details required to perform each test on the T-003 experiment aerosol analyzer, its subsystems and components. This plan utilizes the flexibility allowed for instruments in criticality category...

Experimental model of hyperfibrinolysis designed for rotational thromboelastometry in children with congenital heart disease.

PubMed

Faraoni, David; Rozen, Laurence; Willems, Ariane; Torres, Cristel Sanchez; Pereira, Luis M; Demulder, Anne; Van der Linden, Philippe

2015-04-01

We assessed an in-vitro model of hyperfibrinolysis using rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) by the addition of increasing concentrations of tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) on whole blood obtained from children undergoing cardiac surgery. We assessed the relevance of this model by repeating the tests in the same population after tranexamic acid (TXA) infusion. In addition, we determined the sensitivity and specificity of ROTEM parameters to detect the different degrees of fibrinolysis. Blood samples obtained from 20 children were analyzed at two predefined timepoints: after induction of anesthesia, before TXA (baseline), and at the end of surgery during TXA infusion (end surgery). At baseline, an extrinsic activation with tissue factor (EXTEM) test was performed without and with increasing concentration of t-PA (102, 255, 512, 1024, 1535, and 2539 units t-PA/ml). At the end of surgery, a second EXTEM test was performed without and with two different t-PA concentrations (1535 and 2539 units t-PA/ml). At baseline, increasing t-PA concentrations in the EXTEM test induced a gradual increase of hyperfibrinolysis characterized by a reduction in clot firmness and stability parameters. In the presence of TXA, t-PA-induced hyperfibrinolysis was completely abolished. Lysis-onset time (LOT) and degree of fibrinolysis measured at 30 min (LI30) best assessed the degree of fibrinolysis. This in-vitro model of t-PA-induced hyperfibrinolysis using the EXTEM test of ROTEM may represent a promising tool to assess hyperfibrinolysis in the pediatric population. In addition, we observed that LOT and LI30 should be considered as the best parameters to detect different degrees of fibrinolysis.

Use of "t"-Test and ANOVA in Career-Technical Education Research

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rojewski, Jay W.; Lee, In Heok; Gemici, Sinan

2012-01-01

Use of t-tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA) procedures in published research from three scholarly journals in career and technical education (CTE) during a recent 5-year period was examined. Information on post hoc analyses, reporting of effect size, alpha adjustments to account for multiple tests, power, and examination of assumptions…

Regional Expertise and Culture Proficiency

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-09-01

Tool for Planners ............................................................................................25 Developing and Testing REC Rating...rated each competency and each behavior as more important than those respondents who had been deployed. We computed an independent sample t- test to...each group, however, it was likely that the homogeneity of variance assumption of the t- test was violated. Therefore, we pooled the variance across

Intrapartum fetal heart rate patterns of trisomy 21 fetuses: A case-control study.

PubMed

Koren, Inbal; Michaelson-Cohen, Rachel; Chen, Daniela; Michaeli, Jennia; Schimmel, Michael; Tsafrir, Avi; Shen, Ori

2016-01-01

To determine whether there are specific characteristic intrapartum heart rate patterns for fetuses with trisomy 21(T21). Intrapartum fetal heart rate (FHR) tracings of T21 fetuses were compared to those of euploid fetuses in a retrospective, observational, matched, case-control study. The study group consisted of 42 fetuses with T21 and 42 matched euploid controls. Matching was designed to accommodate possible confounders. The sign test and McNemar's test were used for categorical variables. The paired t test was used for comparison between quantitative variables. Intrapartum baseline FHR of fetuses with T21 was found to be slightly decreased compared to controls (122.5 vs 129.05 beats per minute, p=0.028). No differences were detected in the presence of periodic changes, or FHR variability between the groups. When evaluating intrapartum FHR of fetuses with T21, decreased baseline FHR can be expected. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

The determination of the orbit of the Japanese satellite Ajisai and the GEM-T1 and GEM-T2 gravity field models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sanchez, Braulio V.

1990-01-01

The Japanese Experimental Geodetic Satellite Ajisai was launched on August 12, 1986. In response to the TOPEX-POSEIDON mission requirements, the GSFC Space Geodesy Branch and its associates are producing improved models of the Earth's gravitational field. With the launch of Ajisai, precise laser data is now available which can be used to test many current gravity models. The testing of the various gravity field models show improvements of more than 70 percent in the orbital fits when using GEM-T1 and GEM-T2 relative to results obtained with the earlier GEM-10B model. The GEM-T2 orbital fits are at the 13-cm level (RMS). The results of the tests with the various versions of the GEM-T1 model indicate that the addition of satellite altimetry and surface gravity anomalies as additional data types should improve future gravity field models.

Reading therapy strengthens top–down connectivity in patients with pure alexia

PubMed Central

Penny, William; Barnes, Gareth R.; Crewes, Hilary; Wise, Richard J. S.; Price, Cathy J.; Leff, Alexander P.

2013-01-01

This study tested the efficacy of audio-visual reading training in nine patients with pure alexia, an acquired reading disorder caused by damage to the left ventral occipitotemporal cortex. As well as testing the therapy’s impact on reading speed, we investigated the functional reorganization underlying therapy-induced behavioural changes using magnetoencephalography. Reading ability was tested twice before training (t1 and t2) and twice after completion of the 6-week training period (t3 and t4). At t3 there was a significant improvement in word reading speed and reduction of the word length effect for trained words only. Magnetoencephalography at t3 demonstrated significant differences in reading network connectivity for trained and untrained words. The training effects were supported by increased bidirectional connectivity between the left occipital and ventral occipitotemporal perilesional cortex, and increased feedback connectivity from the left inferior frontal gyrus. Conversely, connection strengths between right hemisphere regions became weaker after training. PMID:23884814

'Test n Treat (TnT)': a cluster-randomised feasibility trial of frequent, rapid-testing and same-day, on-site treatment to reduce rates of chlamydia in high-risk further education college students: statistical analysis plan.

PubMed

Phillips, Rachel; Oakeshott, Pippa; Kerry-Barnard, Sarah; Reid, Fiona

2018-06-05

There are high rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in ethnically diverse, sexually active students aged 16-24 years attending London further education (FE) colleges. However, uptake of chlamydia screening remains low. The TnT study aims to assess the feasibility of conducting a future trial in FE colleges to investigate if frequent, rapid, on-site testing and treatment (TnT) reduces chlamydia rates. This article presents the statistical analysis plan for the main study publication as approved and signed off by the Trial Management Group prior to the first data extraction for the final report. TnT is a cluster-randomised feasibility trial conducted over 7 months with parallel qualitative and economic assessments. Colleges will be randomly allocated into the intervention (TnT) or the control group (no TnT). Six FE colleges in London will be included. At each college for 2 days, 80 consecutive sexually active students aged 16-24 years (total 480 students across all six colleges) will be recruited from public areas and asked to provide baseline samples. One and 4 months after recruitment intervention colleges will be visited on two consecutive days by the TnT team where participating students will be texted and invited to come for same-day, on-site, rapid chlamydia testing and, if positive, treatment. Participants in the control colleges will receive 'thank you' texts 1 and 4 months after recruitment. Seven months after recruitment, participants from both groups will be invited to complete questionnaires and provide samples for TnT. All samples will be tested, and same-day treatment offered to participants with positive results. Key feasibility outcomes include: recruitment rates, testing and treatment uptake rates (at 1 and 4 months) and follow-up rates (at 7 months). ISRCTN 58038795 . Registered on 31 August 2016.

Evaluation of Serum Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Concentration as a Diagnostic Test for Hyperthyroidism in Cats.

PubMed

Peterson, M E; Guterl, J N; Nichols, R; Rishniw, M

2015-01-01

In humans, measurement of serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration is commonly used as a first-line discriminatory test of thyroid function. Recent reports indicate that canine TSH (cTSH) assays can be used to measure feline TSH and results can help diagnose or exclude hyperthyroidism. To investigate the usefulness of cTSH measurements as a diagnostic test for cats with hyperthyroidism. Nine hundred and seventeen cats with untreated hyperthyroidism, 32 euthyroid cats suspected of having hyperthyroidism, and 131 clinically normal cats. Prospective study. Cats referred to the Animal Endocrine Clinic for suspected hyperthyroidism were evaluated with serum T4, T3, free T4 (fT4), and TSH concentrations. Thyroid scintigraphy was used as the gold standard to confirm or exclude hyperthyroidism. Median serum TSH concentration in the hyperthyroid cats (<0.03 ng/mL) was significantly (P < .001) lower than concentrations in clinically normal cats (0.05 ng/mL) or euthyroid cats with suspected thyroid disease (0.06 ng/mL). Only 18 (2.0%) hyperthyroid cats had measurable TSH concentrations (≥0.03 ng/mL), whereas 114 (69.9%) of the 163 euthyroid cats had detectable concentrations. Combining serum TSH with T4 or fT4 concentrations lowered the test sensitivity of TSH from 98.0 to 97.0%, but markedly increased overall test specificity (from 69.9 to 98.8%). Serum TSH concentrations are suppressed in 98% of hyperthyroid cats, but concentrations are measurable in a few cats with mild-to-moderate hyperthyroidism. Measurement of serum TSH represents a highly sensitive but poorly specific test for diagnosis of hyperthyroidism and is best measured in combination with T4 and fT4. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

Comparative evaluation of soft tissue changes one year post-treatment in Twin Block and FORSUS FRD treated patients.

PubMed

Chaudhary, Dinesh Chander; Kumar, Prasanna; Sharma, Mohit; Nehra, Karan

2016-10-01

The objective of this study was to compare and evaluate the effects of two functional treatment modalities, namely, Twin Block (TB) and FORSUS fatigue resistant device (FORSUS FRD) on facial soft tissues before and at one-year post-treatment. This was a retrospective cephalometric study involving 10 patients with skeletal class II abnormalities in each group. The mean age of patients was 12.5 ± 1.5 and 13.5 ± 1 years and treatment duration 20 ± 2 and 18 ± 2 months, respectively for TB and FORSUS FRD groups, respectively. The pre-treatment (T0) and one-year post-treatment cephalograms (T1) were compared for evaluation. Data were analysed using a paired t -test and independent sample t -test for within-group and between-group comparisons, respectively. The groups were compared at T0 and T1, and treatment/observation differences (T1 - T0) were evaluated with paired samples t -test at P  < 0.05 level and unpaired sample t -test for group comparison. Statistically significant treatment changes were found for soft tissue changes in both TB and FORSUS FRD groups. Between the two groups, TB showed significant increase in the LAFH compared to the FORSUS FRD group. Statistically significant soft tissue changes were observed after TB and FORSUS FRD appliance therapy, resulting in improvement of facial balance and aesthetics. Both, TB and FORSUS FRD, have similar effects on soft tissues, but the effect of TB on LAFH and that of FORSUS on mentolabial sulcus was more profound.

Kinetics of austenite-pearlite transformation in eutectoid carbon steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hawbolt, E. B.; Chau, B.; Brimacombe, J. K.

1983-09-01

The kinetics of the austenite-to-pearlite transformation have been measured under isothermal and continuous-cooling conditions on a eutectoid carbon (1080) steel using a diametral dilatometric technique. The isothermal transformation kinetics have been analyzed in terms of the Avrami Equation containing the two parameters n and b; the initiation of transformation was characterized by an empirically determined transformation-start time (tAv). The parameter n was found to be nearly constant; and neither n nor b was dependent on the cooling rate between T A1 and the test temperature. Continuous-cooling tests were performed with cooling rates ranging from 7.5 to 108 °C per second, and the initiation of transformation was determined. Comparison of this transformation-start time for different cooling rates with the measured slow cooling of a test coupon immersed in a salt bath indicates that, particularly at lower temperatures, the transformation in the traditional T-T-T test specimen may not be isothermal. The additivity rule was found to predict accurately the time taken, relative to tAv, to reach a given fraction of austenite transformed, even though there is some question that the isokinetic condition was met above 660 °C. However, the additivity rule does not hold for the pretransformation or incubation period, as originally proposed by Scheil, and seriously overestimates the incubation time. Application of the additivity rule to the prediction of transformation-finish time, based on transformation start at TA1, also leads to overestimates, but these are less serious. The isothermal parameters— n ( T), b ( T), and tAv ( T)—have been used to predict continuous-cooling transformation kinetics which are in close agreement with measurements at four cooling rates ranging from 7.5 to 64 °C per second.

Iron-related disturbances of cell-mediated immunity in multitransfused children with thalassemia major.

PubMed Central

Pardalos, G; Kanakoudi-Tsakalidis, F; Malaka-Zafiriu, M; Tsantali, H; Athanasiou-Metaxa, M; Kallinikos, G; Papaevangelou, G

1987-01-01

Immunological abnormalities have been observed in many haemophiliacs receiving clotting factor concentrates. To determine whether similar changes also occur after repeated blood transfusions we estimated T cell subsets and cutaneous delayed hypersensitivity (CDH) in 50 multitransfused children with beta-thalassemia major (beta-TM). All patients were also tested for anti-HTLV-III/LAV antibodies. A diminished percentage of T lymphocytes (E-rosettes, T3+), and T4+ cells and a low T4/T8 ratio was found in patients as compared to age and sex matched controls (P less than 0.001). Negative CDH tests to specific antigens (Multi-test) were also found in a significantly larger proportion of beta-TM children (P less than 0.01). Antibodies against HTLV-III/LAV were negative in all patients. Decreased T4/T8 ratio in beta-TM children was primarily due to a reduction of T4+ cells and was inversely correlated to the patients' age, number of units of transfused blood (P less than 0.05) and especially to ferritin serum levels and annual iron balance (P less than 0.001). These findings indicate that immunological abnormalities in beta-TM patients appear to be acquired, transfusion-associated and related to iron load which depends on the appropriate chelation therapy. PMID:3498564

Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors: hormonal profile after dynamic test with GnRH analogue: triptorelin represents a useful tool to evaluate tumoral hyperandrogenism.

PubMed

Turra, J; Granzotto, M; Gallea, M; Faggian, D; Conte, L; Litta, P; Vettor, R; Mioni, R

2015-01-01

We report the case of a 15-year-old woman with signs of hyperandrogenism affected by a Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor (SLCT). In our patient, blood analysis showed a high testosterone (T) level (T: 8.53 nmol/L; nv < 1.87 nmol/L) while the GnRH-analogue test demonstrated an exaggerated secretion of 17-hydroxyprogesterone (OHP), T, and androstenedione (A) by the ovary after stimulation. We compared the GnRH-analogue test of our patient with that obtained in a group of normal and healthy women (no. 8 subjects, 16-26 years old), men (no. 4 subjects, 18-28 years old), and in a group of PCOS patients with age and body weight compared. We found in our patient a value of OHP, 17-beta estradiol (E2) and T, from 2 to 18 times higher than healthy women. When we compared our patient with healthy men, we differently observed a comparable response of T. The response of our patient was also comparable with that observed in the PCOS group for E2. During the post-surgical follow up, the GnRH-analogue test of our patient showed a response of OHP, T, and E2 comparable with that of the PCOS group. The GnRH-analogue test is a useful tool to characterize steroidogenesis in SLCT.

The development of an online decision aid to support persons having a genetic predisposition to cancer and their partners during reproductive decision-making: a usability and pilot study.

PubMed

Reumkens, Kelly; Tummers, Marly H E; Gietel-Habets, Joyce J G; van Kuijk, Sander M J; Aalfs, Cora M; van Asperen, Christi J; Ausems, Margreet G E M; Collée, Margriet; Dommering, Charlotte J; Kets, C Marleen; van der Kolk, Lizet E; Oosterwijk, Jan C; Tjan-Heijnen, Vivianne C G; van der Weijden, Trudy; de Die-Smulders, Christine E M; van Osch, Liesbeth A D M

2018-05-30

An online decision aid to support persons having a genetic predisposition to cancer and their partners during reproductive decision-making was developed. A two-phase usability test was conducted among 12 couples (N = 22; 2 persons participated without their partner) at risk for hereditary cancer and 15 health care providers. Couples and health care providers expressed similar suggestions for improvements, and evaluated the modified decision aid as acceptable, easy to use, and comprehensible. The final decision aid was pilot tested (N = 16) with paired sample t tests comparing main outcomes (decisional conflict, knowledge, realistic expectations regarding the reproductive options and decision self-efficacy) before (T0), immediately (T1) and 2 weeks after (T2) use of the decision aid. Pilot testing indicated decreased decisional conflict scores, increased knowledge, and improved realistic expectations regarding the reproductive options, at T1 and T2. No effect was found for couples' decision self-efficacy. The positive findings during usability testing were thus reflected in the pilot study. The decision aid will be further evaluated in a nationwide pretest-posttest study to facilitate implementation in the onco-genetic counselling setting. Ultimately, it is expected that the decision aid will enable end-users to make an informed decision.

Androgenic regulation of chemoinvestigatory behaviors in male and female hamsters.

PubMed

Powers, J B; Bergondy, M L

1983-03-01

In male hamsters, chemosensory responsiveness to sexually relevant female odors is facilitated by testosterone (T). Some evidence suggests that this is not a sexually dimorphic response in that adult females can respond similarly to males following administration of T. This was evaluated and additionally, the hypothesis that facilitation of chemosensory responsiveness by T might be mediated by the conversion of T to aromatized or 5 alpha-reduced metabolites was tested. In 2-min tests, we measured the time adult males or females investigated female hamster vaginal secretion (FHVS). These animals were gonadectomized and administered T, 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estradiol (E2), or a combination of DHT and E2, by subcutaneous implantation of Silastic capsules. FHVS tests were conducted either 2 and 4 weeks, or 4 and 6 weeks subsequent to gonadectomy and hormone treatment. Comparisons among groups receiving different hormone doses indicated that (1) males and females are not equally responsive to the attractant properties of FHVS, and that (2) neither DHT, E2, nor their combination, can duplicate the effects of T in facilitating responsiveness to FHVS in either sex. The copulatory behavior of males under the hormone conditions described was also tested and it was found that variations in the rate at which the test males sniffed or licked the receptive female's anogenital region correlated with variations in measures of the males' sexual performance.

Chloramine-induced anaphylaxis while showering: a case report

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Introduction Sodium-N-chlorine-p-toluene sulfonamide, commonly known as chloramine-T, is a derivative of chlorine which is widely used as a disinfectant. For many years, chloramine-T has been described as a cause of immediate-type hypersensitivity, especially with regard to asthma and rhinitis, and as a cause of occupational dermatoses in cleaning personnel in hospitals, although no anaphylactic reaction has yet been reported. Hence, to the best of our knowledge we present the first case of anaphylaxis to chloramine-T with evidence of specific immunoglobulin E antibodies. Case presentation We describe the case of a 25-year-old Caucasian woman who was in good health and with a negative history for atopy, including no respiratory symptoms of rhinitis or asthma, and with no professional exposure to chloramine-T. She, while showering, applied a chloramine-T solution to a skin area with folliculitis on her leg, and within a few minutes developed generalized urticaria and angioedema, followed by vomiting and collapse with loss of consciousness. A skin prick test with a chloramine-T solution at 10mg/mL concentration was positive, and specific immunoglobulin E to chloramine-T was quantified at a value of 2.9 optical density as measured by the enzyme allergosorbent test technique. Conclusion The strict cause-effect relationship and the results of the skin test and the in vitro test make certain the causative role of chloramine-T in this case of anaphylaxis. This suggests that chloramine-T, based on its wide use as a disinfectant, should be considered a possible cause in anaphylaxis of unknown origin. PMID:23009577

Chloramine-induced anaphylaxis while showering: a case report.

PubMed

D'Alò, Simona; De Pasquale, Tiziana; Incorvaia, Cristoforo; Illuminati, Ilenia; Mistrello, Gianni; Roncarolo, Daniela; Pucci, Stefano

2012-09-25

Sodium-N-chlorine-p-toluene sulfonamide, commonly known as chloramine-T, is a derivative of chlorine which is widely used as a disinfectant. For many years, chloramine-T has been described as a cause of immediate-type hypersensitivity, especially with regard to asthma and rhinitis, and as a cause of occupational dermatoses in cleaning personnel in hospitals, although no anaphylactic reaction has yet been reported. Hence, to the best of our knowledge we present the first case of anaphylaxis to chloramine-T with evidence of specific immunoglobulin E antibodies. We describe the case of a 25-year-old Caucasian woman who was in good health and with a negative history for atopy, including no respiratory symptoms of rhinitis or asthma, and with no professional exposure to chloramine-T. She, while showering, applied a chloramine-T solution to a skin area with folliculitis on her leg, and within a few minutes developed generalized urticaria and angioedema, followed by vomiting and collapse with loss of consciousness. A skin prick test with a chloramine-T solution at 10mg/mL concentration was positive, and specific immunoglobulin E to chloramine-T was quantified at a value of 2.9 optical density as measured by the enzyme allergosorbent test technique. The strict cause-effect relationship and the results of the skin test and the in vitro test make certain the causative role of chloramine-T in this case of anaphylaxis. This suggests that chloramine-T, based on its wide use as a disinfectant, should be considered a possible cause in anaphylaxis of unknown origin.

Dynamic Response of Multiphase Porous Media

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-06-16

34"--OIct 5oct, tf1 2fOct, a f s,t,R Linearly Set Parameters Interpolate s = 1.03 from Model Fit s,t,R t = R = 0.0 Parameters Figure 3.3 Extrapolation...nitrogen. To expedite the testing, the system was equipped with solenoid operated valves so that the tests could be conducted by a single operator...incident bar. Figure 6.6 shows the incident bar entering the pressure vessel that contains the test specimen. The hose and valves are for filling and 6-5 I

The Purpose of Generating Fatigue Crack Growth Threshold Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Forth, Scott

2006-01-01

Test data shows that different width and thickness C(T), M(T) and ESE(T) specimens generate different thresholds Structures designed for "infinite life" are being re-evaluated: a) Threshold changes from 6 to 3 ksi in(sup 1/2); b) Computational life changes from infinite to 4 missions. Multi-million dollar test programs required to substantiate operation. Using ASTM E647 as standard guidance to generate threshold data is not practical. A threshold test approach needs to be standardized that will provide positive margin for high cycle fatigue applications.

Use of the oral sugar test in ponies when performed with or without prior fasting.

PubMed

Knowles, E J; Harris, P A; Elliott, J; Menzies-Gow, N J

2017-07-01

It is recommended that the oral sugar test (OST) for insulin dysregulation (ID) be performed after an overnight fast, but fasting is impractical in ponies kept solely at pasture. There are few data on OST repeatability and reliability in ponies. To report 1) whether OST results obtained in the morning after an overnight fast or without fasting in the afternoon (FASTING/FED) can be used interchangeably, 2) time of highest insulin concentration T max [insulin], repeatability and reliability of insulin response to the OST when FASTING or FED and 3) dichotomous agreement (ID/normal) within a small sample when FASTING or FED. Method comparison study. Oral sugar tests were performed on four occasions in 10 adult native British ponies, twice FASTING and twice FED. Insulin concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay at 0-120 min (T 0,30,60,75,90,120 ). Differences between FASTING and FED results were assessed using mixed effects models. Indices of repeatability and reliability were calculated; dichotomous agreement was reported using kappa statistics. Serum [insulin] was significantly (P≤0.05) higher at T 60 -T 90 with prior fasting (estimated differences [95% confidence intervals]): T 60 : 23.5 μiu/ml (8.7-38.4 μiu/ml), T 75 : 27.1 μiu/ml (12.3-41.8 μiu/ml), T 90 : 15.1 (0.36-29.9 μiu/ml). Most frequently, T max [ins] occurred at T 30 . At any single time point, within-subject coefficients of variation were: FASTING: 40% and FED: 31%. The 95% limits for repeatability were FASTING: 29-340%, FED: 41-240%. Test reliabilities were FASTING: 0.70 and FED: 0.67. For dichotomous interpretation similar results (kappa = 0.7) were obtained using cut-offs of [Insulin] >60 μiu/ml at T 60 or T 90 for FASTING and [Insulin] >51 μiu/ml at T 30 or T 60 for FED samples. Oral sugar tests were performed on a small number of animals on one pasture during one season (spring). Clinicians should beware of interpreting changes in absolute OST results owing to poor repeatability. When stabling is unavailable, OSTs of ponies at pasture may yield similar dichotomous results without prior fasting. © 2016 EVJ Ltd.

Metabolic changes in four beat gaited horses after field marcha simulation.

PubMed

Wanderley, E K; Manso Filho, H C; Manso, H E C C C; Santiago, T A; McKeever, K H

2010-11-01

Mangalarga-Marchador is a popular 4-gaited Brazilian horse breed; however, there is little information about their metabolic and physiological response to exercise. To measure physiological and metabolic responses of the Mangalarga-Marchador to a simulated marcha field test and to compare these responses between 2 types of marcha gaits (picada and batida). Thirteen horses were used in the study and randomly assigned to either the picada or batida gait for the simulated marcha field test (speed ∼ 3.2 m/s; 30 min; load ∼ 80 kg). Included body composition, heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), glucose (GLUC), lactate (LACT), packed cell volume (PCV), total plasma protein (TPP), albumin, urea, creatinine, total and HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, creatine kinase, alanine, glutamate and glutamine (GLN). Measurements were obtained pretest (control/fasting), immediately after simulation (T(0)), and 15 (T(15)), 30 (T(30)) and 240 (T(240)) min after the simulation. Lactate (LACT) was measured at T(0), T(15) and T(30). Data were analysed using ANOVA, Tukey's test and t tests with significance set at P < 0.05. Significant acute changes were observed in HR, RR, [GLUC], [LACT], [TPP], PCV and [GLN] (P<0.05) relative to control. Heart rate fell below 60 beats/min at T(15) and RR recovered to pretest values by T(240). Significant increases in [GLUC], [LACT], PCV and [TPP] and a decrease in [GLN] were observed at T(0). Treatment and interaction effects were also observed between marcha types and time of sampling for HR, RF, PCV, and [LACT] (P < 0.05). These parameters were large in picada. The simulation of field-test produced changes in some physiological and blood parameters in marcha horses, with some degree of dehydration during recovery period. Also, it was demonstrated that picada horses spend more energy when compared with batida horses at the the same speed. Batida horses spend less energy when compared with picada horses, which will need special attention in their training and nutritional management. © 2010 EVJ Ltd.

Reverse lactate threshold: a novel single-session approach to reliable high-resolution estimation of the anaerobic threshold.

PubMed

Dotan, Raffy

2012-06-01

The multisession maximal lactate steady-state (MLSS) test is the gold standard for anaerobic threshold (AnT) estimation. However, it is highly impractical, requires high fitness level, and suffers additional shortcomings. Existing single-session AnT-estimating tests are of compromised validity, reliability, and resolution. The presented reverse lactate threshold test (RLT) is a single-session, AnT-estimating test, aimed at avoiding the pitfalls of existing tests. It is based on the novel concept of identifying blood lactate's maximal appearance-disappearance equilibrium by approaching the AnT from higher, rather than from lower exercise intensities. Rowing, cycling, and running case data (4 recreational and competitive athletes, male and female, aged 17-39 y) are presented. Subjects performed the RLT test and, on a separate session, a single 30-min MLSS-type verification test at the RLT-determined intensity. The RLT and its MLSS verification exhibited exceptional agreement at 0.5% discrepancy or better. The RLT's training sensitivity was demonstrated by a case of 2.5-mo training regimen following which the RLT's 15-W improvement was fully MLSS-verified. The RLT's test-retest reliability was examined in 10 trained and untrained subjects. Test 2 differed from test 1 by only 0.3% with an intraclass correlation of 0.997. The data suggest RLT to accurately and reliably estimate AnT (as represented by MLSS verification) with high resolution and in distinctly different sports and to be sensitive to training adaptations. Compared with MLSS, the single-session RLT is highly practical and its lower fitness requirements make it applicable to athletes and untrained individuals alike. Further research is needed to establish RLT's validity and accuracy in larger samples.

T2-mapping of the sacroiliac joints at 1.5 Tesla: a feasibility and reproducibility study.

PubMed

Albano, Domenico; Chianca, Vito; Cuocolo, Renato; Bignone, Rodolfo; Ciccia, Francesco; Sconfienza, Luca Maria; Midiri, Massimo; Brunetti, Arturo; Lagalla, Roberto; Galia, Massimo

2018-04-20

To evaluate the reproducibility of T2 relaxation time measurements of the sacroiliac joints at 1.5 T. Healthy volunteers underwent an oblique axial multislice multiecho spin-echo sequence of the sacroiliac joints at 1.5 T. Regions of interest were manually drawn using a dedicated software by two musculoskeletal radiologists to include the cartilaginous part of the sacroiliac joints. A senior radiologist performed the measurement twice, while a resident measured once. Intra- and inter-observer reproducibility was tested using the Bland-Altman method. Association between sex and T2 relaxation times was tested using the Mann-Whitney U test. Correlation between T2 relaxation times and body mass index (BMI) was tested using the Spearman's rho. Eighty sacroiliac joints of 40 subjects (mean age: 28 ± 4.8 years, range: 20-43; mean BMI: 23.3 ± 3.1, range: 18.9-30) were imaged. The mean T2 values obtained by the senior radiologist in the first series of measurements were 42 ± 4.4 ms, whereas in the second series were 40.7 ± 4.5 ms. The mean T2 values obtained by the radiology resident were 41.1 ± 4.2 ms. Intra-observer reproducibility was 88% (coefficient of repeatability = 3.8; bias = 1.28; p < .001), while inter-observer reproducibility was 86% (4.7; -.88; p < .001). There was significant association between sex and T2 relaxation times (p = .024) and significant inverse correlation between T2 relaxation times and BMI (r = -.340, p = .002). The assessment of T2 relaxation time measurements of sacroiliac joints seems to be highly reproducible at 1.5 T. Further studies could investigate the potential clinical application of this tool in the sacroiliac joints.

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of frontal cortex decreases performance on the WAIS-IV intelligence test.

PubMed

Sellers, Kristin K; Mellin, Juliann M; Lustenberger, Caroline M; Boyle, Michael R; Lee, Won Hee; Peterchev, Angel V; Fröhlich, Flavio

2015-09-01

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) modulates excitability of motor cortex. However, there is conflicting evidence about the efficacy of this non-invasive brain stimulation modality to modulate performance on cognitive tasks. Previous work has tested the effect of tDCS on specific facets of cognition and executive processing. However, no randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study has looked at the effects of tDCS on a comprehensive battery of cognitive processes. The objective of this study was to test if tDCS had an effect on performance on a comprehensive assay of cognitive processes, a standardized intelligence quotient (IQ) test. The study consisted of two substudies and followed a double-blind, between-subjects, sham-controlled design. In total, 41 healthy adult participants were included in the final analysis. These participants completed the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) as a baseline measure. At least one week later, participants in substudy 1 received either bilateral tDCS (anodes over both F4 and F3, cathode over Cz, 2 mA at each anode for 20 min) or active sham tDCS (2 mA for 40 s), and participants in substudy 2 received either right or left tDCS (anode over either F4 or F3, cathode over Cz, 2 mA for 20 min). In both studies, the WAIS-IV was immediately administered following stimulation to assess for performance differences induced by bilateral and unilateral tDCS. Compared to sham stimulation, right, left, and bilateral tDCS reduced improvement between sessions on Full Scale IQ and the Perceptual Reasoning Index. This demonstration that frontal tDCS selectively degraded improvement on specific metrics of the WAIS-IV raises important questions about the often proposed role of tDCS in cognitive enhancement. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Cyber-T web server: differential analysis of high-throughput data.

PubMed

Kayala, Matthew A; Baldi, Pierre

2012-07-01

The Bayesian regularization method for high-throughput differential analysis, described in Baldi and Long (A Bayesian framework for the analysis of microarray expression data: regularized t-test and statistical inferences of gene changes. Bioinformatics 2001: 17: 509-519) and implemented in the Cyber-T web server, is one of the most widely validated. Cyber-T implements a t-test using a Bayesian framework to compute a regularized variance of the measurements associated with each probe under each condition. This regularized estimate is derived by flexibly combining the empirical measurements with a prior, or background, derived from pooling measurements associated with probes in the same neighborhood. This approach flexibly addresses problems associated with low replication levels and technology biases, not only for DNA microarrays, but also for other technologies, such as protein arrays, quantitative mass spectrometry and next-generation sequencing (RNA-seq). Here we present an update to the Cyber-T web server, incorporating several useful new additions and improvements. Several preprocessing data normalization options including logarithmic and (Variance Stabilizing Normalization) VSN transforms are included. To augment two-sample t-tests, a one-way analysis of variance is implemented. Several methods for multiple tests correction, including standard frequentist methods and a probabilistic mixture model treatment, are available. Diagnostic plots allow visual assessment of the results. The web server provides comprehensive documentation and example data sets. The Cyber-T web server, with R source code and data sets, is publicly available at http://cybert.ics.uci.edu/.

The Inception of OMA in the Development of Modal Testing Technology for Wind Turbines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

James, George H., III; Carne. Thomas G.

2008-01-01

Wind turbines are immense, flexible structures with aerodynamic forces acting on the rotating blades at harmonics of the turbine rotational frequency, which are comparable to the modal frequencies of the structure. Predicting and experimentally measuring the modal frequencies of wind turbines has been important to their successful design and operation. Performing modal tests on wind turbine structures over 100 meters tall is a substantial challenge, which has inspired innovative developments in modal test technology. For wind turbines, a further complication is that the modal frequencies are dependent on the turbine rotation speed. The history and development of a new technique for acquiring the modal parameters using output-only response data, called the Natural Excitation Technique (NExT), will be reviewed, showing historical tests and techniques. The initial attempts at output-only modal testing began in the late 1980's with the development of NExT in the 1990's. NExT was a predecessor to OMA, developed to overcome these challenges of testing immense structures excited with environmental inputs. We will trace the difficulties and successes of wind turbine modal testing from 1982 to the present. Keywords: OMA, Modal Analysis, NExT, Wind Turbines, Wind Excitation

Optimization of transonic wind tunnel data acquisition and control systems for providing continuous mode tests

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petronevich, V. V.

2016-10-01

The paper observes the issues related to the increase of efficiency and information content of experimental research in transonic wind tunnels (WT). In particular, questions of optimizing the WT Data Acquisition and Control Systems (DACS) to provide the continuous mode test method are discussed. The problem of Mach number (M number) stabilization in the test section of the large transonic compressor-type wind tunnels at subsonic flow conditions with continuous change of the aircraft model angle of attack is observed on the example of T-128 wind tunnel. To minimize the signals distortion in T-128 DACS measurement channels the optimal MGCplus filter settings of the data acquisition system used in T-128 wind tunnel to measure loads were experimentally determined. As a result of the tests performed a good agreement of the results of balance measurements for pitch/pause and continuous test modes was obtained. Carrying out balance tests for pitch/pause and continuous test methods was provided by the regular data acquisition and control system of T-128 wind tunnel with unified software package POTOK. The architecture and functional abilities of POTOK software package are observed.

[Acute physical exercise increases homocysteine concentrations in young trained male subjects].

PubMed

Maroto-Sánchez, Beatriz; Valtueña, Jara; Albers, Ulrike; Benito, Pedro J; González-Gross, Marcela

2013-01-01

High levels of homocysteine (Hcy) have been identified as a cardiovascular risk factor. Regarding physical exercise, the results are contradictory. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of maximal intensity exercise and submaximal constant exercise on total serum homocysteine concentrations (tHcy) and other related parameters. Ten physically active male subjects (mean age: 23.51 ± 1.84), performed two treadmill tests, a maximal test and a stable submaximal test at an intensity of 65% of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). Serum concentrations of tHcy, Folate, Vitamin B12 and creatinine were analysed before and after each test. Significant increase in serum tHcy concentrations after the maximal (p < 0.05) and submaximal (p < 0.01) tests were observed. Folate and vitamin B12 concentrations also increased significantly after both tests (p < 0.05). Creatinine levels increased only after the maximal test (p < 0.001). A statistically significant inverse relationship was found between folate and tHcy concentrations (p < 0.05) at all the measurement points. THcy levels increased significantly after acute exercise in both maximum and submaximal intensity exercises. Copyright © AULA MEDICA EDICIONES 2013. Published by AULA MEDICA. All rights reserved.

The usefulness of direct agglutination test, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and polymerase chain reaction for the detection of Toxoplasma gondii in wild animals.

PubMed

Kornacka, Aleksandra; Cybulska, Aleksandra; Bień, Justyna; Goździk, Katarzyna; Moskwa, Bożena

2016-09-15

The aim of the study was to compare the usefulness of two antibody-based methods, the direct agglutination test (DAT) and enzyme linked immuosorbent assay (ELISA), with that of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detecting anti-Toxoplasma gondii in samples derived from naturally-infected wild animals. Antibodies against T. gondii were detected in meat juice samples collected from 129 free- living carnivores and omnivores. T. gondii seroprevalence was confirmed in 73,6% of examined samples when DAT and ELISA were used separately, but in only 88,4% samples when both immunological tests were used in parallel. PCR results confirmed the presence of DNA of the parasite in 24 of all the 129 samples. Sixteen samples were classified as positive when all three tests were used. A moderate degree of agreement was found between DAT and ELISA (κ=0.55). However, no agreement was found between the molecular and serological tests: κ=-1.75 for DAT versus PCR; κ=-1.67 ELISA versus PCR. By using both serological tests, antibodies against T. gondii were found in 77.5% of red foxes, 12.5% of badgers, 40% of martens and 8.3% of raccoon dogs. Antibodies against the parasite were detected also in one mink, but not in the sample derived from a polecat. T.gondii DNA was found in the brain tissue of 20 red foxes, three badgers and one raccoon dog. Our studies confirm that ELISA and DAT are suitable and reliable techniques for T. gondii antibody detection in meat juice from wild animals when serum samples are unavailable. Positive results obtained by immunological tests do not always reflect that the host was infected by T. gondii. They indicate only a contact with parasite. PCR should be used to confirm te presence of DNA from T. gondii. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Validation of the Telephone Interview of Cognitive Status and Telephone Montreal Cognitive Assessment Against Detailed Cognitive Testing and Clinical Diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment After Stroke.

PubMed

Zietemann, Vera; Kopczak, Anna; Müller, Claudia; Wollenweber, Frank Arne; Dichgans, Martin

2017-11-01

Assessment of cognitive status poststroke is recommended by guidelines but follow-up can often not be done in person. The Telephone Interview of Cognitive Status (TICS) and the Telephone Montreal Cognitive Assessment (T-MoCA) are considered useful screening instruments. Yet, evidence to define optimal cut-offs for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) after stroke is limited. We studied 105 patients enrolled in the prospective DEDEMAS study (Determinants of Dementia After Stroke; NCT01334749). Follow-up visits at 6, 12, 36, and 60 months included comprehensive neuropsychological testing and the Clinical Dementia Rating scale, both of which served as reference standards. The original TICS and T-MoCA were obtained in 2 separate telephone interviews each separated from the personal visits by 1 week (1 before and 1 after the visit) with the order of interviews (TICS versus T-MoCA) alternating between subjects. Area under the receiver-operating characteristic curves was determined. Ninety-six patients completed both the face-to-face visits and the 2 interviews. Area under the receiver-operating characteristic curves ranged between 0.76 and 0.83 for TICS and between 0.73 and 0.94 for T-MoCA depending on MCI definition. For multidomain MCI defined by multiple-tests definition derived from comprehensive neuropsychological testing optimal sensitivities and specificities were achieved at cut-offs <36 (TICS) and <18 (T-MoCA). Validity was lower using single-test definition, and cut-offs were higher compared with multiple-test definitions. Using Clinical Dementia Rating as the reference, optimal cut-offs for MCI were <36 (TICS) and approximately 19 (T-MoCA). Both the TICS and T-MoCA are valid screening tools poststroke, particularly for multidomain MCI using multiple-test definition. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

Understanding type 2 diabetes mellitus screening practices among primary care physicians: a qualitative chart-stimulated recall study.

PubMed

Hafez, Dina; Nelson, Daniel B; Martin, Evan G; Cohen, Alicia J; Northway, Rebecca; Kullgren, Jeffrey T

2017-04-04

Early diagnosis and treatment of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) can prevent future health problems, yet many individuals with these conditions are undiagnosed. This could be due, in part, to primary care physicians' (PCP) screening practices, about which little is known. The objectives of this study were to identify factors that influence PCPs' decisions to screen patients for T2DM and to characterize their interpretation and communication of screening test results to patients. We conducted semi-structured chart-stimulated recall interviews with 20 University of Michigan Health System (UMHS) primary care physicians. PCPs were asked about their recent decisions to screen or not screen 134 purposively sampled non-diabetic patients who met American Diabetes Association criteria for screening for T2DM. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using qualitative directed content analysis. Data on patient demographic characteristics and comorbidities were abstracted from the electronic health record. The most common reasons PCPs gave for not screening 63 patients for T2DM were knowledge of a previously normal screening test (49%) and a visit for reasons other than a health maintenance examination (48%). The most common reasons PCPs gave for screening 71 patients for T2DM were knowledge of a previously abnormal screening test (49%), and patients' weight (42%) and age (38%). PCPs correctly interpreted 89% of screening test results and communicated 95% of test results to patients. Among 24 patients found to have prediabetes, PCPs usually (58%) recommended weight loss and increased physical activity but never recommended participation in a Diabetes Prevention Program or use of metformin. Previous screening test results, visit types, and patients' weight and age influenced PCPs' decisions to screen for T2DM. When patients were screened, test results were generally correctly interpreted and consistently communicated. Recommendations to patients with prediabetes could better reflect evidence-based strategies to prevent T2DM.

Comparison of methods for assessing thyroid function in nonthyroidal illness

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

Melmed, S.; Geola, F.L.; Reed, A.W.

1982-02-01

Various tests of thyroid function were studied in sick patients with nonthyroidal illness (NTI) in order to determine the utility of each test for differentiating these patients from a group with hypothyroidism. We evaluated each test in 22 healthy volunteers who served as controls, 20 patients with hypothyroidism, 14 patients admitted to medical intensive care unit whose serum T/sub 4/ was less than 5 ..mu..g/dl, 13 patients with chronic liver disease, 32 patients on chronic hemodialysis for renal failure, 13 ambulatory oncology patients receiving chemotherapy 16 pregnant women, 7 women on estrogens, and 20 hyperthyroid patients. On all samples, wemore » measured serum T/sub 4/, the free T/sub 4/ index by several methods, free T/sub 4/ by equilibrium dialysis, free T/sub 4/ calculated from thyronine-binding globulin (TBG) RIA, free T/sub 4/ by three commercial kits (Gammacoat, Immophase, and Liquisol), T/sub 3/, rT/sub 3/, and TSH (by 3 different RIA). Although all of the methods used for measuring free T/sub 4/ (including free T/sub 4/ index, free T/sub 4/ by dialysis, free T/sub 4/ assessed by TBG, and free T/sub 4/ assessed by the 3 commercial kits) were excellent for the diagnosis of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and euthyroidism in the presence of high TBG, none of these methods showed that free T/sub 4/ was consistently normal in patients with NTI; with each method, a number of NTI patients had subnormal values. In the NTI groups, free T/sub 4/ measured by dialysis and the free T/sub 4/ index generally correlated significantly with the commercial free T/sub 4/ methods. Serum rT/sub 3/ was elevated or normal in NTI patients and low in hypothyroid subjects. Serum TSH provided the most reliable differentiation between patients with primary hypothyroidism and those with NTI and low serum T/sub 4/ levels.« less

Environmental Chemistry Methods (ECM) Index - T

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Laboratories use testing methods to identify pesticides in water and soil. Environmental chemistry methods test soil and water samples to determine the fate of pesticides in the environment. Find methods for chemicals with T as the first character.

Performance evolution of 60 kA HTS cable prototypes in the EDIPO test facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bykovsky, N.; Uglietti, D.; Sedlak, K.; Stepanov, B.; Wesche, R.; Bruzzone, P.

2016-08-01

During the first test campaign of the 60 kA HTS cable prototypes in the EDIPO test facility, the feasibility of a novel HTS fusion cable concept proposed at the EPFL Swiss Plasma Center (SPC) was successfully demonstrated. While the measured DC performance of the prototypes at magnetic fields from 8 T to 12 T and for currents from 30 kA to 70 kA was close to the expected one, an initial electromagnetic cycling test (1000 cycles) revealed progressive degradation of the performance in both the SuperPower and SuperOx conductors. Aiming to understand the reasons for the degradation, additional cycling (1000 cycles) and warm up-cool down tests were performed during the second test campaign. I c performance degradation of the SuperOx conductor reached ∼20% after about 2000 cycles, which was reason to continue with a visual inspection of the conductor and further tests at 77 K. AC tests were carried out at 0 and 2 T background fields without transport current and at 10 T/50 kA operating conditions. Results obtained in DC and AC tests of the second test campaign are presented and compared with appropriate data published recently. Concluding the first iteration of the HTS cable development program at SPC, a summary and recommendations for the next activity within the HTS fusion cable project are also reported.

78 FR 66366 - Draft Guidance for Industry: Use of Donor Screening Tests To Test Donors of Human Cells, Tissues...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-11-05

...The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing the availability of a draft document entitled ``Guidance for Industry: Use of Donor Screening Tests to Test Donors of Human Cells, Tissues, and Cellular and Tissue-Based Products (HCT/Ps) for Infection with Treponema pallidum (Syphilis),'' dated October 2013. The draft guidance document provides establishments that make donor eligibility determinations for donors of HCT/Ps (HCT/P Establishments), with updated recommendations concerning donor testing for evidence of Treponema pallidum (T. pallidum) infection, the etiologic agent of syphilis. HCT/P Establishments must, as required under Federal regulations, test a donor specimen for evidence of T. pallidum infection using appropriate FDA-licensed, approved, or cleared donor screening tests, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, unless an exception to this requirement applies. The draft guidance clarifies that FDA does not consider diagnostic tests or pre-amendment devices (which have not been licensed, approved, or cleared) to be adequate for use in donor testing for T. pallidum infection under the criteria specified in Federal regulations. The recommendations in this guidance, when finalized, will supersede those recommendations for testing HCT/P donors for evidence of T. pallidum infection contained in the document entitled ``Guidance for Industry: Eligibility Determination for Donors of Human Cells, Tissues, and Cellular and Tissue-Based Products (HCT/Ps),'' dated August 2007.

Parental Depressive Symptoms and Adolescent Adjustment: A Prospective Test of an Explanatory Model for the Role of Marital Conflict

PubMed Central

Cummings, E. Mark; Cheung, Rebecca Y. M.; Koss, Kalsea; Davies, Patrick T.

2014-01-01

Despite calls for process-oriented models for child maladjustment due to heightened marital conflict in the context of parental depressive symptoms, few longitudinal tests of the mechanisms underlying these relations have been conducted. Addressing this gap, the present study examined multiple factors longitudinally that link parental depressive symptoms to adolescent adjustment problems, building on a conceptual model informed by emotional security theory (EST). Participants were 320 families (158 boys, 162 girls), including mothers and fathers, who took part when their children were in kindergarten (T1), second (T2), seventh (T3), eighth (T4) and ninth (T5) grades. Parental depressive symptoms (T1) were related to changes in adolescents’ externalizing and internalizing symptoms (T5), as mediated by parents’ negative emotional expressiveness (T2), marital conflict (T3), and emotional insecurity (T4). Evidence was thus advanced for emotional insecurity as an explanatory process in the context of parental depressive symptoms. PMID:24652484

46 CFR 35.20-10 - Steering gear test-T/ALL.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 46 Shipping 1 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Steering gear test-T/ALL. 35.20-10 Section 35.20-10 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY TANK VESSELS OPERATIONS Navigation § 35.20-10 Steering gear test—T/ALL. On all tankships making voyages of more than 48 hours' duration, the entire steering gear, the whistle, the means of...

Enhancement of Intermittent Androgen Ablation Therapy by Finasteride Administration in Animal Models

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-02-01

that intermittent androgen ablation therapy can be enhanced by finasteride , an inhibitor of T to DHT conversion, To test our hypothesis in animal...models, it is necessary to deliver exogenous T at physiologic levels and finasteride over a long period of time, We have worked out conditions to deliver T and finasteride in nude mice, which will allow us to test our hypothesis.

Hybrid flower pollination algorithm strategies for t-way test suite generation.

PubMed

Nasser, Abdullah B; Zamli, Kamal Z; Alsewari, AbdulRahman A; Ahmed, Bestoun S

2018-01-01

The application of meta-heuristic algorithms for t-way testing has recently become prevalent. Consequently, many useful meta-heuristic algorithms have been developed on the basis of the implementation of t-way strategies (where t indicates the interaction strength). Mixed results have been reported in the literature to highlight the fact that no single strategy appears to be superior compared with other configurations. The hybridization of two or more algorithms can enhance the overall search capabilities, that is, by compensating the limitation of one algorithm with the strength of others. Thus, hybrid variants of the flower pollination algorithm (FPA) are proposed in the current work. Four hybrid variants of FPA are considered by combining FPA with other algorithmic components. The experimental results demonstrate that FPA hybrids overcome the problems of slow convergence in the original FPA and offers statistically superior performance compared with existing t-way strategies in terms of test suite size.

Hybrid flower pollination algorithm strategies for t-way test suite generation

PubMed Central

Zamli, Kamal Z.; Alsewari, AbdulRahman A.

2018-01-01

The application of meta-heuristic algorithms for t-way testing has recently become prevalent. Consequently, many useful meta-heuristic algorithms have been developed on the basis of the implementation of t-way strategies (where t indicates the interaction strength). Mixed results have been reported in the literature to highlight the fact that no single strategy appears to be superior compared with other configurations. The hybridization of two or more algorithms can enhance the overall search capabilities, that is, by compensating the limitation of one algorithm with the strength of others. Thus, hybrid variants of the flower pollination algorithm (FPA) are proposed in the current work. Four hybrid variants of FPA are considered by combining FPA with other algorithmic components. The experimental results demonstrate that FPA hybrids overcome the problems of slow convergence in the original FPA and offers statistically superior performance compared with existing t-way strategies in terms of test suite size. PMID:29718918

Effects of low-pressure air on oxygen contamination and lithium corrosion of a tantalum alloy, T-111, at 980 and 1260 C

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gahn, R. F.

1974-01-01

The effects were studied of low-pressure air on contamination and corrosion in the tantalum alloy T-111/lithium system at 980 and 1260 C. Capsules of T-111 containing lithium were exposed to six vacuum levels between 1 x 10 to the 8th power and 0.0003 torr by controlled air leakage into a vacuum system. Capsules exposed at 980 C and 0.0002 torr failed from intragranular oxidation. The remainder of the capsules completed the 96-hour tests. The depth of oxygen contamination was greater at 980 C than at 1260 C. Tests made at 0.0001 and 0.00001 torr levels caused large increases in the oxygen content of the T-111. Tests at 0.000001 torr or less produced no significant contamination. No lithium corrosion of the T-111 was observed under any of the conditions.

[Preinvasive vulvar and cervical cancer in a 32-year-old woman, DNA HPV 16 positive with mtDNA mutation--case study].

PubMed

Kedzia, Witold; Malkowska-Walczak, Blanka; Józefiak, Agata; Wadowicka, Alicja; Guglas, Bogna; Pruski, Dominik; Kedzia, Helena; Spaczyński, Marek

2009-07-01

Coincidence of preinvasive vulvar and cervical cancer in young women is very rare. Lesions like VIN 3/preinvasive vulvar cancer and CIN 3/preinvasive cervical cancer are strictly connected with viral infection and are multilocular. In the presented case the following tests have been performed: HPV DNA test for the presence of 13 oncogenic HPV types, mRNA HPV test for the presence of transcripts for HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 45 and the analysis of mtDNA D-Loop region. In the examined patient HPV 16 infection, as well as the presence of transcripts for HPV 16 E6/7 were diagnosed. The analysis of mtDNA D-Loop region showed nucleotide lesions like: T>C 16.192, T>C 16.223, T>C 16.292, C>T 16.325, C>T 16.579.

Trend Extraction in Functional Data of Amplitudes of R and T Waves in Exercise Electrocardiogram

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cammarota, Camillo; Curione, Mario

The amplitudes of R and T waves of the electrocardiogram (ECG) recorded during the exercise test show both large inter- and intra-individual variability in response to stress. We analyze a dataset of 65 normal subjects undergoing ambulatory test. We model the dataset of R and T series in the framework of functional data, assuming that the individual series are realizations of a non-stationary process, centered at the population trend. We test the time variability of this trend computing a simultaneous confidence band and the zero crossing of its derivative. The analysis shows that the amplitudes of the R and T waves have opposite responses to stress, consisting respectively in a bump and a dip at the early recovery stage. Our findings support the existence of a relationship between R and T wave amplitudes and respectively diastolic and systolic ventricular volumes.

Feline focus: Diagnostic testing for feline thyroid disease: hyperthyroidism.

PubMed

Peterson, Mark E

2013-08-01

In older cats presenting with clinical features of hyperthyroidism, confirming the diagnosis of thyroid disease is usually straightforward. However, the potential for false-negative and false-positive results exists with all thyroid function tests, especially when used for routine screening of large numbers of asymptomatic cats. Therefore, all thyroid function test results must be interpreted in light of the cat's history, clinical signs, and other laboratory findings. If a high serum thyroxine (T4) value is found in a cat that lacks clinical signs of hyperthyroidism, or if hyperthyroidism is suspected in a cat with normal total T4 concentrations, repeating the total T4 analysis, determining the free T4 concentration, or performing thyroid scintigraphy may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Creep Tests and Modeling Based on Continuum Damage Mechanics for T91 and T92 Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, J. P.; Tu, S. H.; Zhu, X. W.; Tan, L. J.; Hu, B.; Wang, Q.

2017-12-01

9-11%Cr ferritic steels play an important role in high-temperature and high-pressure boilers of advanced power plants. In this paper, a continuum damage mechanics (CDM)-based creep model was proposed to study the creep behavior of T91 and T92 steels at high temperatures. Long-time creep tests were performed for both steels under different conditions. The creep rupture data and creep curves obtained from creep tests were captured well by theoretical calculation based on the CDM model over a long creep time. It is shown that the developed model is able to predict creep data for the two ferritic steels accurately up to tens of thousands of hours.

The Association Between MCT1 T1470A Polymorphism and Power-Oriented Athletic Performance.

PubMed

Kikuchi, N; Fuku, N; Matsumoto, R; Matsumoto, S; Murakami, H; Miyachi, M; Nakazato, K

2017-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the MCT1 T1470A polymorphism (rs1049434) on power-oriented performance and lactate concentration during or after cycling sprints in Japanese wrestlers. Participants (199 wrestlers and 649 controls) were genotyped for the MCT1 T1470A genotype (rs1049434) using the TaqMan ® Assay. All wrestlers were international (n=77) or national (n=122) level athletes. Among them, 46 wrestlers performed 2 anaerobic performance tests, a 30-s Wingate Anaerobic test (WAnT) and a series of 10 maximal effort 10-s sprints on a cycle ergometer. Blood lactate levels were measured before, during, and after the tests. In the A-allele recessive model (AA vs. TA+TT), the frequency of the AA genotype was significantly higher in all wrestlers than in controls (p=0.037). Wrestlers with AA genotype had lower blood lactate concentrations than those with TA+TT genotype at 10 min after the WAnT and following the 5 th and the final set of repeated cycling sprints (p<0.05). The AA genotype of the MCT1 T1470A polymorphism is over-represented in wrestlers compared with controls and is associated with lower blood lactate concentrations after 30-s WAnT and during intermittent sprint tests in Japanese wrestlers. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Relation between individual differences in sexual behavior and plasma testosterone levels in the guinea pig.

PubMed

Harding, C F; Feder, H H

1976-05-01

After 3 tests for male sex behavior, adult male guinea pigs were classified as either low-activity (LA, no ejaculations) or high-activity (HA, ejaculation during at least 2 behavior tests). In one experiment, resting levels of peripheral plasma testosterone (T), measured by radioimmunoassay, did not differ between the groups (LA=2.22 +/- 0.17 ng/ml, HA=2.09 +/- 0.11 ng/ml, X +/- SEM). However, plasma T levels were significantly higher in HA males 2 min after a sex test (2.27 +/- 0.24 ng/ml) than in LA males (1.40 +/- 0.20 ng/ml). A second experiment confirmed these results and also demonstrated that exposure of HA or LA males to an estrous female placed on the opposite side of a wire mesh barrier similarly led to higher T levels in HA than in LA males. These results indicate that a) behavioral differences between HA and LA guinea pigs are not attributable to differences in resting T levels, b) HA and LA males perceive the sex test situation differently, leading to slight increases in T in HA males and slight decreases in T in LA males, and c) these changes in T level are not dependent on copulation but can be induced by mere exposure to the sight smell and/or sound of an estrous female.

Space shuttle: Aerodynamic characteristics of various MDAC space shuttle ascent configurations with parallel burn pressure-fed and SRM boosters. Volume 1: Tanks T1 and T2 ascent configurations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jarrett, T. W.

1972-01-01

Various space shuttle ascent configurations were tested in a trisonic wind tunnel to determine the aerodynamic characteristics. The ascent configuration consisted of a NASA/MSC 040 orbiter in combination with various HO centerline tank and booster geometries. The aerodynamic interference between components of the space shuttle and the effect on the orbiter aerodynamics was determined. The various aerodynamic configurations tested were: (1) centerline HO tanks T1 and T2, (2) centerline HO tank T3, and (3) centerline HO tank H4.

Pharmacokinetics and bioequivalence of ranitidine and bismuth derived from two compound preparations

PubMed Central

Zhou, Quan; Ruan, Zou-Rong; Yuan, Hong; Jiang, Bo; Xu, Dong-Hang

2006-01-01

AIM: To evaluate the bioequivalence of ranitidine and bismuth derived from two compound preparations. METHODS: The bioavailability was measured in 20 healthy male Chinese volunteers following a single oral dose (equivalent to 200 mg of ranitidine and 220 mg of bismuth) of the test or reference products in the fasting state. Then blood samples were collected for 24 h. Plasma concentrations of ranitidine and bismuth were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), respectively. The non-compartmental method was used for pharmacokinetic analysis. Log-transformed Cmax, AUC(0-t) and AUC(0-infinity) were tested for bioequivalence using ANOVA and Schuirmann two-one sided t-test. Tmax was analyzed by Wilcoxon’s test. RESULTS: Various pharmacokinetic parameters of ranitidine derived from the two compound preparations, including Cmax, AUC(0-t), AUC(0-infinity), Tmax and T1/2, were nearly consistent with previous observations. These parameters derived from test and reference drug were as follows: Cmax (0.67 ± 0.21 vs 0.68 ± 0.22 mg/L), AUC(0-t) (3.1 ± 0.6 vs 3.0 ± 0.7 mg/L per hour), AUC(0-infinity) (3.3 ± 0.6 vs 3.2 ± 0.8 mg/L per hour), Tmax (2.3 ± 0.9 vs 2.1 ± 0.9 h) and T1/2 (2.8 ± 0.3 vs 3.1 ± 0.4 h). In addition, double-peak absorption profiles of ranitidine were found in some Chinese volunteers. For bismuth, those parameters derived from test and reference drug were as follows: Cmax (11.80 ± 7.36 vs 11.40 ± 6.55 μg/L), AUC(0-t) (46.65 ± 16.97 vs 47.03 ± 21.49 μg/L per hour), Tmax (0.50 ± 0.20 vs 0.50 ± 0.20 h) and T1/2 (10.2 ± 2.3 vs 13.0 ± 6.9 h). Ninety percent of confidence intervals for the test/reference ratio of Cmax, AUC(0-t) and AUC(0-infinity) derived from both ranitidine and bismuth were found within the bioequivalence acceptable range of 80%-125%. No significant difference was found in Tmax derived from both ranitidine and bismuth. CONCLUSION: The two compound preparations are bioequivalent and may be prescribed interchangeably. PMID:16718762

Development and Testing of a New Area Search Model with Partially Overlapping Target and Searcher Patrol Areas

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-12-01

1, /(2 ) T T VR A t A VR f t t F t VRt A t A VR t A VR ∈⎧ = ⎨ ⎩ <⎧ ⎪= ∈⎨ ⎪ >⎩ (2) The mean time to detection is given by...follows: Exhaustive Search (Black line): ( ) (2 ) /T sF t VRt A= . Random Search (Pink line): 2( ) 1 (1 / ) exp( 2 / )T s sF t R A RVt Aπ

Task Identification and Evaluation System (TIES)

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-08-01

Caliorate A N/AVh-11A- iUD -test -sets 127. Calibrate AN/AWII1-55 ASCU test setsI - 128. Calibrate 5001L11 tally punched tape readersI- 129. Perform...11AKHbD test sets -- 132. ?erform fault isolation of U4/AWN-55 ASCU -test sets -- 133. Perform fault isolation of 500 R.M tally punched tape I...AIN/AVM1-11A HfLM test sets- 137. Perf-orm self-tests of AL%/AWL-S5 ASCU test sets G. !MAI.T.T!ING A-7D_ ANUAL TEST SETS 138. Adjust SM-661/AS-388air

The effect of Chinese Jinzhida recipe on the hippocampus in a rat model of diabetes-associated cognitive decline

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background To investigate the effects of treatment with Multi component Chinese Medicine Jinzhida (JZD) on behavioral deficits in diabetes-associated cognitive decline (DACD) rats and verify our hypothesis that JZD treatment improves cognitive function by suppressing the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and improving insulin signaling transduction in the rats’ hippocampus. Methods A rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was established using high fat diet and streptozotocin (30 mg/kg, ip). Insulin sensitivity was evaluated by the oral glucose tolerance test and the insulin tolerance test. After 7 weeks, the T2DM rats were treated with JZD. The step-down test and Morris water maze were used to evaluate behavior in T2DM rats after 5 weeks of treatment with JZD. Levels of phosphorylated proteins involved in the ERS and in insulin signaling transduction pathways were assessed by Western blot for T2DM rats’ hippocampus. Results Compared to healthy control rats, T2DM rats initially showed insulin resistance and had declines in acquisition and retrieval processes in the step-down test and in spatial memory in the Morris water maze after 12 weeks. Performance on both the step-down test and Morris water maze tasks improved after JZD treatment. In T2DM rats, the ERS was activated, and then inhibited the insulin signal transduction pathways through the Jun NH2-terminal kinases (JNK) mediated. JZD treatment suppressed the ERS, increased insulin signal transduction, and improved insulin resistance in the rats’ hippocampus. Conclusions Treatment with JZD improved cognitive function in the T2DM rat model. The possible mechanism for DACD was related with ERS inducing the insulin signal transduction dysfunction in T2DM rats’ hippocampus. The JZD could reduce ERS and improve insulin signal transduction and insulin resistance in T2DM rats’ hippocampus and as a result improved the cognitive function. PMID:23829668

Effects of a common transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) protocol on motor evoked potentials found to be highly variable within individuals over 9 testing sessions.

PubMed

Horvath, Jared Cooney; Vogrin, Simon J; Carter, Olivia; Cook, Mark J; Forte, Jason D

2016-09-01

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) uses a weak electric current to modulate neuronal activity. A neurophysiologic outcome measure to demonstrate reliable tDCS modulation at the group level is transcranial magnetic stimulation engendered motor evoked potentials (MEPs). Here, we conduct a study testing the reliability of individual MEP response patterns following a common tDCS protocol. Fourteen participants (7m/7f) each underwent nine randomized sessions of 1 mA, 10 min tDCS (3 anode; 3 cathode; 3 sham) delivered using an M1/orbito-frontal electrode montage (sessions separated by an average of ~5.5 days). Fifteen MEPs were obtained prior to, immediately following and in 5 min intervals for 30 min following tDCS. TMS was delivered at 130 % resting motor threshold using neuronavigation to ensure consistent coil localization. A number of non-experimental variables were collected during each session. At the individual level, considerable variability was seen among different testing sessions. No participant demonstrated an excitatory response ≥20 % to all three anodal sessions, and no participant demonstrated an inhibitory response ≥20 % to all three cathodal sessions. Intra-class correlation revealed poor anodal and cathodal test-retest reliability [anode: ICC(2,1) = 0.062; cathode: ICC(2,1) = 0.055] and moderate sham test-retest reliability [ICC(2,1) = 0.433]. Results also revealed no significant effect of tDCS at the group level. Using this common protocol, we found the effects of tDCS on MEP amplitudes to be highly variable at the individual level. In addition, no significant effects of tDCS on MEP amplitude were found at the group level. Future studies should consider utilizing a more strict experimental protocol to potentially account for intra-individual response variations.

Effect of di(n-butyl) phthalate on testicular oxidative damage and antioxidant enzymes in hyperthyroid rats.

PubMed

Lee, Ena; Ahn, Mee Young; Kim, Hee Jin; Kim, In Young; Han, Soon Young; Kang, Tae Seok; Hong, Jin Hwan; Park, Kui Lea; Lee, Byung Mu; Kim, Hyung Sik

2007-06-01

This study compared the effects of di(n-butyl) phthalate (DBP) on the oxidative damage and antioxidant enzymes activity in testes of hyperthyroid rats. Hyperthyroidism was induced in pubertal male rats by intraperitoneal injection of triiodothyronine (T3, 10 microg/kg body weight) for 30 days. An oral dose of DBP (750 mg/kg) was administered simultaneously to normal or hyperthyroid (T3) rats over a 30-day period. No changes in body weight were observed in the hyperthyroid groups (T3, T3 + DBP) compared with controls. There were significantly higher serum T3 levels observed in the hyperthyroid rats than in the control, but the serum thyroid stimulating hormone levels were markedly lower in the hyperthyroid rats. DBP significantly decreased the weight of the testes in the normal (DBP) and hyperthyroid (T3 + DBP) groups. The serum testosterone concentrations were significantly lower in only DBP group. DBP significantly increased the 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) level in the testes, whereas the DBP-induced 8-OHdG levels were slightly higher in T3 + DBP group. Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were significantly higher in the testes of the DBP or T3 + DBP groups. Catalase (CAT) activity was significantly higher in the DBP treatment group, but the T3 + DBP group showed slightly lower DBP-induced CAT activity. The testicular expression of thyroid hormone receptor alpha-1 (TRalpha-1) was significantly higher in the DBP groups, and androgen receptor (AR) expression was not detected in the DBP treatment group. In addition, DBP significantly increased the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-r (PPAR-r) levels in the testis. These results suggest that hyperthyroidism can cause a change in the expression level of PPAR-r in testes, and may increase the levels of oxidative damage induced by the metabolic activation of DBP.

Bladder cancer staging in CT urography: effect of stage labels on statistical modeling of a decision support system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gandikota, Dhanuj; Hadjiiski, Lubomir; Cha, Kenny H.; Chan, Heang-Ping; Caoili, Elaine M.; Cohan, Richard H.; Weizer, Alon; Alva, Ajjai; Paramagul, Chintana; Wei, Jun; Zhou, Chuan

2018-02-01

In bladder cancer, stage T2 is an important threshold in the decision of administering neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Our long-term goal is to develop a quantitative computerized decision support system (CDSS-S) to aid clinicians in accurate staging. In this study, we examined the effect of stage labels of the training samples on modeling such a system. We used a data set of 84 bladder cancers imaged with CT Urography (CTU). At clinical staging prior to treatment, 43 lesions were staged as below stage T2 and 41 were stage T2 or above. After cystectomy and pathological staging that is considered the gold standard, 10 of the lesions were upstaged to stage T2 or above. After correcting the stage labels, 33 lesions were below stage T2, and 51 were stage T2 or above. For the CDSS-S, the lesions were segmented using our AI-CALS method and radiomic features were extracted. We trained a linear discriminant analysis (LDA) classifier with leave-one-case-out cross validation to distinguish between bladder lesions of stage T2 or above and those below stage T2. The CDSS-S was trained and tested with the corrected post-cystectomy labels, and as a comparison, CDSS-S was also trained with understaged pre-treatment labels and tested on lesions with corrected labels. The test AUC for the CDSS-S trained with corrected labels was 0.89 +/- 0.04. For the CDSS-S trained with understaged pre-treatment labels and tested on the lesions with corrected labels, the test AUC was 0.86 +/- 0.04. The likelihood of stage T2 or above for 9 out of the 10 understaged lesions was correctly increased for the CDSS-S trained with corrected labels. The CDSS-S is sensitive to the accuracy of stage labeling. The CDSS-S trained with correct labels shows promise in prediction of the bladder cancer stage.

Emissions characteristics of Military Helicopter Engines Fueled with JP-8 and a Fischer-Tropsch Fuel

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

Corporan, E.; DeWitt, M.; Klingshirn, Christopher D

2010-01-01

The rapid growth in aviation activities and more stringent U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations have increased concerns regarding aircraft emissions, due to their harmful health and environmental impacts, especially in the vicinity of airports and military bases. In this study, the gaseous and particulate-matter emissions of two General Electric T701C engines and one T700 engine were evaluated. The T700 series engines power the U.S. Army's Black Hawk and Apache helicopters. The engines were fueled with standard military JP-8 fuel and were tested at three power settings. In addition, one of the T701C engines was operated on a natural-gas-derived Fischer-Tropsch syntheticmore » paraffinic kerosene jet fuel. Test results show that the T701C engine emits significantly lower particulate-matter emissions than the T700 for all conditions tested. Particulate-matter mass emission indices ranged from 0.2-1.4 g/kg fuel for the T700 and 0.2-0.6 g/kg fuel for the T701C. Slightly higher NOx and lower CO emissions were observed for the T701C compared with the T700. Operation of the T701C with the Fischer-Tropsch fuel rendered dramatic reductions in soot emissions relative to operation on JP-8, due primarily to the lack of aromatic compounds in the alternative fuel. The Fischer-Tropsch fuel also produced smaller particles and slight reductions in CO emissions.« less

Serologic survey of antibodies to Trypanosoma cruzi in coyotes and red foxes from Pennsylvania and Tennessee.

PubMed

Rosypal, Alexa C; Smith, Trynecia; Alexander, Andrew; Weaver, Melanie; Stewart, Richard; Houston, Allan; Gerhold, Richard; Van Why, Kyle; Dubey, Jitender P

2014-12-01

Trypanosoma cruzi is a zoonotic parasite of humans and other mammalian hosts with distribution throughout the Americas. Domestic and wild canine species are reservoirs for human T. cruzi infections. The present study examined the prevalence of antibodies to T. cruzi in wild canids from the United States. Sera from 13 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and 263 coyotes (Canis latrans), originating in Pennsylvania and Tennessee, were assayed for antibodies to T. cruzi with immunochromatographic tests. Antibodies to T. cruzi were found in 2 of 276 (0.72%) of all wild canids tested. Both T. cruzi-positive wild canids were coyotes and represented 2 of 21 (9.52%) wild canids assayed from Tennessee. Antibodies to T. cruzi were not detected in red fox. Anti-T. cruzi antibodies were not found in any wild canids from Pennsylvania. These results suggest that coyotes are exposed to T. cruzi in Tennessee but not in Pennsylvania.

Proceedings of the Conference on the Design of Experiments in Army Research Development and Testing (20th). Held at Army Operational Test and Evaluation Agency and Army Engineer Center at Fort Belvoir, VA., on 23-25 October 1974. Part 1

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-06-01

Anton Hauschild, Manufactur ing Technology D i r e c t o r a t e , Frankford Arsonal , P h i l a d e l p h i a , Pennsy lvania RATE DEPENDENT...Bethesda, Mary land OBSERVAT I ONS ON THE ALGEBRA OF NON-N0R;IAL FUNCT 1 ONS Donald M, Neal, Mechanics Research Laboratory, A r m y M a t e r i a l...a r a c t e r i s t i c func t ions i n combination wi th elementary m a t r i x a l g e b r a , he demonstrated t h e independence of I I v

Changes in microflora in dental plaque from cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and the relationship of these changes with mucositis: A pilot study.

PubMed

Vozza, Iole; Caldarazzo, Vito; Ottolenghi, Livia

2015-05-01

To assess changes in oral microflora in dental plaque from cancer patients within 7 days of the first course of chemotherapy, and the relationship of the changes with mucositis. Thirty cancer patients, divided into a test group undergoing chemotherapy and a control group no undergoing chemotherapy, were enrolled in this pilot study. Oral microflora were cultured from three samples of dental plaque at t0 (before chemotherapy), t1 (1 day after chemotherapy) and t2 (7 days after chemotherapy). Single and crossed descriptive analyses were used to establish prevalence, and the χ² test was used to establish the statistical significance of the differences observed in distributions (significance level: P<0.05). In most patients (57%), oral microflora consisted mainly of Gram-positive cocci, while the remaining 43% of the bacterial flora also had periodontal-pathogenic species. No Porphyromonas gingivalis appeared in the test group. Actinobacillus was the least frequently found bacterium among periodontal pathogens in the test group, while Fusobacterium nucleatum was the most frequently found. No significant differences were found in quantitative bacterial changes between t0, t1 and t2 in either the test or control groups, or between the two groups. According to World Health Organization scores, oral mucositis developed in 10 patients (66.6%) in the test group. The results of this pilot study indicate that there were no changes in microflora in dental plaque in cancer patients within 7 days of the first course of chemotherapy. No correlations between oral mucositis and specific microorganisms were assessed.

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus: are they mutually exclusive?

PubMed

Fatima, Aziz; Khawaja, Khadija Irfan; Burney, Saira; Minhas, Khushroo; Mumtaz, Usman; Masud, Faisal

2013-07-01

With advancement in the understanding of the pathogenesis underlying diabetes mellitus (DM), the boundary between type 1 and type 2 DM (T1DM and T2DM) does not seem to be as clear cut as previously thought. This study was designed to test the possibility of overlap between the spectra of immune-mediated DM and insulin resistance. To test for the possibility of overlap, we looked for autoantibodies typical of T1DM in patients with classical T2DM, and insulin resistance in patients with T1DM. Autoantibodies against islet cell antigen, glutamic acid decarboxylase-65 and insulinoma-associated antigen-2 were tested in 82 patients with T2DM and 27 patients with T1DM. The patients had been diagnosed on clinical criteria using standard laboratory techniques. Clinical parameters of diagnostic importance were noted, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated using fasting insulin and fasting blood glucose ratio. Autoantibodies against one or more beta cell antigens were detected in 12.19% of patients clinically diagnosed to have T2DM, and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR > 2.5) was diagnosed in 37.03% of patients with T1DM. It was not possible to identify any combination of clinical or biochemical markers that could predict autoantibody positivity in T2DM patients. T1DM patients with insulin resistance had a significantly higher body mass index than their insulin-sensitive counterparts (p = 0.02). Autoantibodies against beta cell antigens are detectable in insulin-resistant T2DM patients, and insulin resistance may be present in relatively overweight T1DM patients. No differentiating clinical features that might predict autoantibody positivity in T2DM patients were found.

Performance and blood monitoring in sports: the artificial intelligence evoking target testing in antidoping (AR.I.E.T.T.A.) project.

PubMed

Manfredini, A F; Malagoni, A M; Litmanen, H; Zhukovskaja, L; Jeannier, P; Dal Follo, D; Felisatti, M; Besseberg, A; Geistlinger, M; Bayer, P; Carrabre, J E

2011-03-01

Substances and methods used to increase oxygen blood transport and physical performance can be detected in the blood, but the screening of the athletes to be tested remains a critical issue for the International Federations. This project, AR.I.E.T.T.A., aimed to develop a software capable of analysing athletes' hematological and performance profiles to detect abnormal patterns. One-hundred eighty athletes belonging to the International Biathlon Union gave written informed consent to have their hematological data, previously collected according to anti-doping rules, used to develop the AR.I.E.T.T.A. software. Software was developed with the included sections: 1) log-in; 2) data-entry: where data are loaded, stored and grouped; 3) analysis: where data are analysed, validated scores are calculated, and parameters are simultaneously displayed as statistics, tables and graphs, and individual or subpopulation profiles; 4) screening: where an immediate evaluation of the risk score of the present sample and/or the athlete under study is obtained. The sample risk score or AR.I.E.T.T.A. score is calculated by a simple computational system combining different parameters (absolute values and intra-individual variations) considered concurrently. The AR.I.E.T.T.A. score is obtained by the sum of the deviation units derived from each parameter, considering the shift of the present value from the reference values, based on the number of standard deviations. AR.I.E.T.T.A. enables a quick evaluation of blood results assisting surveillance programs and perform timely target testing controls on athletes by the International Federations. Future studies aiming to validate the AR.I.E.T.T.A. score and improve the diagnostic accuracy will improve the system.

Flow cytometric analysis of regulatory T cells during hyposensitization of acquired allergic contact dermatitis.

PubMed

Fraser, Kathleen; Abbas, Mariam; Hull, Peter R

2014-01-01

We previously demonstrated that repeated intradermal steroid injections administered at weekly intervals into positive patch-test sites induce hyposensitization and desensitization. To examine changes in CD4CD25CD127lo/ regulatory T cells during the attenuation of the patch-test response. Ten patients with known allergic contact dermatitis were patch tested weekly for 10 weeks. The patch-test site was injected intradermally with 2 mg triamcinolone. At weeks 1 and 7, a biopsy was performed on the patch-test site in 6 patients, and flow cytometry was performed assessing CD4CD25CD127lo/ regulatory T cells. Secondary outcomes were clinical score, reaction size, erythema, and temperature. Statistical analysis included regression, correlation, and repeated-measures analysis of variance. The percentage of CD4CD25CD127lo/ regulatory T cells, measured by flow cytometry, increased from week 1 to week 7 by an average of 19.2%. The average grade of patch-test reaction decreased from +++ (vesicular reaction) to ++ (palpable erythema). The mean drop in temperature following treatment was 0.28°C per week. The mean area decreased 8.6 mm/wk over 10 weeks. Intradermal steroid injections of weekly patch-test reactions resulted in hyposensitization of the allergic contact dermatitis reaction. CD4CD25CD127lo/ regulatory T cells showed a tendency to increase; however, further studies are needed to determine if this is significant.

40 CFR Appendix IV to Part 264 - Cochran's Approximation to the Behrens-Fisher Students' t-test

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... summary measures to calculate a t-statistic (t*) and a comparison t-statistic (tc). The t* value is compared to the tc value and a conclusion reached as to whether there has been a statistically significant... made in collecting the background data. The t-statistic (tc), against which t* will be compared...

40 CFR Appendix IV to Part 264 - Cochran's Approximation to the Behrens-Fisher Students' t-test

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... summary measures to calculate a t-statistic (t*) and a comparison t-statistic (tc). The t* value is compared to the tc value and a conclusion reached as to whether there has been a statistically significant... made in collecting the background data. The t-statistic (tc), against which t* will be compared...

Drug Development and Conservation of Biodiversity in West and Central Africa

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-05-01

sensitive and -resistant isolates of Trichomonas vaginalis and 18 were tested against the veterinary parasite Tritrichomonas foetus . Of those tested vs...T. vaginalis, three had MIC values of 0.3-0.6 mg/ml and two extracts tested vs. T. foetus had MIC values of 0.3-0.6 mg/ml. These studies are

The Use of Time Series Analysis and t Tests with Serially Correlated Data Tests.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nicolich, Mark J.; Weinstein, Carol S.

1981-01-01

Results of three methods of analysis applied to simulated autocorrelated data sets with an intervention point (varying in autocorrelation degree, variance of error term, and magnitude of intervention effect) are compared and presented. The three methods are: t tests; maximum likelihood Box-Jenkins (ARIMA); and Bayesian Box Jenkins. (Author/AEF)

The column strength of aluminum alloy 75S-T extruded shapes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holt, Marshall; Leary, J R

1946-01-01

Because the tensile strength and tensile yield strength of alloy 75S-T are appreciably higher than those of the materials used in the tests leading to the use of the straight-line column curve, it appeared advisable to establish the curve of column strength by test rather than by extrapolation of relations determined empirically in the earlier tests. The object of this investigation was to determine the curve of column strength for extruded aluminum alloy 75S-T. In addition to three extruded shapes, a rolled-and-drawn round rod was included. Specimens of various lengths covering the range of effective slenderness ratios up to about 100 were tested.

Stress corrosion evaluation of powder metallurgy aluminum alloy 7091 with the breaking load test method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Domack, Marcia S.

1987-01-01

The stress corrosion behavior of the P/M aluminum alloy 7091 is evaluated in two overaged heat treatment conditions, T7E69 and T7E70, using an accelerated test technique known as the breaking load test method. The breaking load data obtained in this study indicate that P/M 7091 alloy is highly resistant to stress corrosion in both longitudinal and transverse orientations at stress levels up to 90 percent of the material yield strength. The reduction in mean breaking stress as a result of corrosive attack is smallest for the more overaged T7E70 condition. Details of the test procedure are included.

HIV risk behavior before and after HIV counseling and testing in jail: a pilot study.

PubMed

Beckwith, Curt G; Liu, Tao; Bazerman, Lauri B; DeLong, Allison K; Desjardins, Simon F; Poshkus, Michael M; Flanigan, Timothy P

2010-04-01

Jail incarceration represents an opportunity to deliver HIV counseling and testing (C&T) services to persons at increased risk of infection. However, jails can be chaotic with rapid turnover of detainees. We conducted a pilot study to investigate the feasibility of comparing the effect of different approaches to HIV C&T in jail on subsequent HIV risk behaviors among persons testing HIV negative. Consecutive cohorts of newly incarcerated jail detainees were recruited with 132 subjects completing standard HIV C&T as per jail protocol and 132 subjects completing rapid testing with an individualized counseling session. Risk behavior was assessed and compared at baseline and 6 weeks after jail release. Among the 264 male participants, preincarceration substance use and sexual risk were common. The follow-up visit was completed by 59% of eligible participants. There were no differences in postrelease HIV risk behavior between the 2 arms but there was an overall decrease in risk behavior after jail release for the cohort. In addition, all participants in the rapid arm received rapid HIV test results compared with participants receiving 28% of conventional test results. Jail incarceration represents an important public health opportunity to deliver HIV C&T. This study demonstrated (1) feasibility in delivering rapid HIV testing combined with individualized counseling to jail detainees, (2) improved test result delivery rates, and (3) success with evaluating risk behaviors during the transition from jail to the community. Further research is needed to determine the optimal approach to HIV C&T in jail with the goal of increasing awareness of HIV serostatus and decreasing HIV risk behavior.

Effects of Morning Caffeine’ Ingestion on Mood States, Simple Reaction Time, and Short-Term Maximal Performance on Elite Judoists

PubMed Central

Souissi, Makram; Abedelmalek, Salma; Chtourou, Hamdi; Atheymen, Rim; Hakim, Ahmed; Sahnoun, Zouhair

2012-01-01

Purpose The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the ergogenic effect of caffeine ingestion on mood state, simple reaction time, and muscle power during the Wingate test recorded in the morning on elite Judoists. Methods Twelve elite judoists (age: 21.08 ± 1.16 years, body mass: 83.75 ± 20.2 kg, height: 1.76 ±6.57 m) participated in this study. Mood states, simple reaction time, and muscle power during the Wingate test were measured during two test sessions at 07:00 h and after placebo or caffeine ingestion (i.e. 5 mg/kg). Plasma concentrations of caffeine were measured before (T0) and 1-h after caffeine’ ingestion (T1) and after the Wingate test (T3). Results Our results revealed an increase of the anxiety and the vigor (P<0.01), a reduction of the simple reaction time (P<0.001) and an improvement of the peak and mean powers during the Wingate test. However, the fatigue index during this test was unaffected by the caffeine ingestion. In addition, plasma concentration of caffeine was significantly higher at T1 in comparison with T0. Conclusions In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that morning caffeine ingestion has ergogenic properties with the potential to benefit performance, increase anxiety and vigor, and decrease the simple reaction time. PMID:23012635

Test-retest reliability of the Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision and Nurse Teacher (CLES + T) scale.

PubMed

Gustafsson, Margareta; Blomberg, Karin; Holmefur, Marie

2015-07-01

The Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision and Nurse Teacher (CLES + T) scale evaluates the student nurses' perception of the learning environment and supervision within the clinical placement. It has never been tested in a replication study. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the test-retest reliability of the CLES + T scale. The CLES + T scale was administered twice to a group of 42 student nurses, with a one-week interval. Test-retest reliability was determined by calculations of Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICCs) and weighted Kappa coefficients. Standard Error of Measurements (SEM) and Smallest Detectable Difference (SDD) determined the precision of individual scores. Bland-Altman plots were created for analyses of systematic differences between the test occasions. The results of the study showed that the stability over time was good to excellent (ICC 0.88-0.96) in the sub-dimensions "Supervisory relationship", "Pedagogical atmosphere on the ward" and "Role of the nurse teacher". Measurements of "Premises of nursing on the ward" and "Leadership style of the manager" had lower but still acceptable stability (ICC 0.70-0.75). No systematic differences occurred between the test occasions. This study supports the usefulness of the CLES + T scale as a reliable measure of the student nurses' perception of the learning environment within the clinical placement at a hospital. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Longitudinal analysis of serological tests officially adopted by the Brazilian Ministry of Health for the diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis in dogs vaccinated with Leishmune®.

PubMed

Marcondes, Mary; de Lima, Valéria Marçal Félix; de Araújo, Maria de Fátima Lereno; Hiramoto, Roberto Mitsuyoshi; Tolezano, José Eduardo; Vieira, Rafael F C; Biondo, Alexander W

2013-11-08

Development of vaccines against canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) may provide a prophylactic barrier, but antibody response detected by standard diagnostic techniques may not separate vaccinated from naturally infected dogs. Moreover, anti-Leishmania antibody levels in vaccinated dogs may be detectable for months. Accordingly, the aim of the present study was to comparatively evaluate an "in-house" ELISA with three serological tests officially adopted by the Brazilian Ministry of Health for the diagnosis of CVL in dogs vaccinated with Leishmune(®). A total of 18 mongrel dogs were submitted to a complete protocol of the vaccine, monitored and evaluated in 5 times (T0-T4) up to 180 days after T0. Twenty-one days after the first dose (T1), 50% of the dogs were seropositive by the "in-house" ELISA and 5.5% by IFAT, while by the official ELISA and DPP(®) CVL rapid test all dogs tested negative. At time T2, 42 days after of the first dose, 100%, 83.3%, 11.1%, and 5.5% of the dogs were seropositive by the "in-house" ELISA, IFAT, official ELISA kit and the DPP(®) CVL rapid test, respectively. Ninety days after the first dose (T3), 100%, 83.3%, 72.2% and 33.3% of the dogs were seropositive by the "in-house" ELISA, official ELISA kit, IFAT, and the DPP(®) CVL rapid test, respectively. Finally, at time T4, 88.8%, 33.3%, 11.1% and 5.5% of the dogs were seropositive by the "in-house" ELISA, official ELISA kit, DPP(®) CVL rapid test and IFAT, respectively. In conclusion, dogs vaccinated with Leishmune(®) cross-react by an "in-house" ELISA and by the three official Brazilian serological tests for the diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis up to six months after the first vaccine dose, and may be mistakenly diagnosed and removed. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Validity and Reliability of the 30-s Continuous Jump for Anaerobic Power and Capacity Assessment in Combat Sport

PubMed Central

Čular, Drazen; Ivančev, Vladimir; Zagatto, Alessandro M.; Milić, Mirjana; Beslija, Tea; Sellami, Maha; Padulo, Johnny

2018-01-01

Cycling test such Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT) is used to measure anaerobic power (AP), but not anaerobic capacity (AC, i.e., the metabolic energy demand). However, in sports that do not involve cycling movements (Karate), the continuous jump for 30 s (vertical jumps for 30 s) has been extensively used to measure anaerobic performance in all young athletes. Limited information’s are available concerning its validity and reliability especially in children. As such, the current study aimed to test validity and reliability of a continuous jumps test (the CJ30s), using WAnT as a reference. Thirteen female Karate kids (age: 11.07 ± 1.32 years; mass: 41.76 ± 15.32 kg; height: 152 ± 11.52 cm; training experience: 4.38 ± 2.14 years) were tested on three separate sessions. The first and second sessions were used to assess the reliability using Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) of CJ30s, whereas on the third session WAnT was administered. Following CJ30s and WAnT, we assessed AP (1/CJ30s, as jump height [JH], fatigue index [FI], and blood lactate [BL]; 2/WAnT, as mechanical power [P], FI, and BL) and AC as the excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC). Large/highly significant correlations were found between CJ30s and WAnT EPOCs (r = 0.730, P = 0.003), and BLs (r = 0.713, P = 0.009). Moderate/significant correlations were found between CJ30s and WAnT FIs (r = 0.640, P = 0.014), CJ30s first four jumps mean JH and WAnT peak P (r = 0.572, P = 0.032), and CJ30s mean JH and WAnT mean P (r = 0.589, P = 0.021). CJ30s showed excellent and moderate reliability (ICC) for AP (maximal JH 0.884, mean JH 0.742, FI 0.657, BL 0.653) and AC (EPOC 0.788), respectively. Correlations observed especially in terms of AC between CJ30s and WAnT provide evidence that former may adequately assess anaerobic performance for the young combat athlete. CJ30 is a reliable test and allow an easy assessment of AP and AC in karate children. PMID:29867580

Differences between Lab Completion and Non-Completion on Student Performance in an Online Undergraduate Environmental Science Program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Corsi, Gianluca

2011-12-01

Web-based technology has revolutionized the way education is delivered. Although the advantages of online learning appeal to large numbers of students, some concerns arise. One major concern in online science education is the value that participation in labs has on student performance. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationships between lab completion and student academic success as measured by test grades, scientific self-confidence, scientific skills, and concept mastery. A random sample of 114 volunteer undergraduate students, from an online Environmental Science program at the American Public University System, was tested. The study followed a quantitative, non-experimental research design. Paired sample t-tests were used for statistical comparison between pre-lab and post-lab test grades, two scientific skills quizzes, and two scientific self-confidence surveys administered at the beginning and at the end of the course. The results of the paired sample t-tests revealed statistically significant improvements on all post-lab test scores: Air Pollution lab, t(112) = 6.759, p < .001; Home Chemicals lab t(114) = 8.585, p < .001; Water Use lab, t(116) = 6.657, p < .001; Trees and Carbon lab, t(113) = 9.921, p < .001; Stratospheric Ozone lab, t(112) =12.974, p < .001; Renewable Energy lab, t(115) = 7.369, p < .001. The end of the course Scientific Skills quiz revealed statistically significant improvements, t(112) = 8.221, p < .001. The results of the two surveys showed a statistically significant improvement on student Scientific Self-Confidence because of lab completion, t(114) = 3.015, p < .05. Because age and gender were available, regression models were developed. The results indicated weak multiple correlation coefficients and were not statistically significant at alpha = .05. Evidence suggests that labs play a positive role in a student's academic success. It is recommended that lab experiences be included in all online Environmental Science programs, with emphasis on open-ended inquiries, and adoption of online tools to enhance hands-on experiences, such as virtual reality platforms and digital animations. Future research is encouraged to investigate possible correlations between socio-demographic attributes and academic success of students enrolled in online science programs in reference to lab completion.

Increased orosomucoid in urine is an independent predictor of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes at 10 years of follow-up.

PubMed

Svendstrup, Mathilde; Christiansen, Merete Skovdal; Magid, Erik; Hommel, Eva; Feldt-Rasmussen, Bo

2013-01-01

To evaluate whether increased urinary orosomucoid excretion rate (UOER) is an independent predictor of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and type 1 diabetes (T1DM) at 10years of follow-up. We followed 430 patients with T2DM and 148 patients with T1DM until emigration, death or November 2011. We measured UOER levels in overnight urine samples. Descriptive data are given in the article. In patients with T2DM and T1DM, all-cause mortality (log-rank test, p<0.01 for both types) and cardiovascular mortality (log-rank test, p<0.01 for T2DM and p=0.04 for T1DM) were significantly higher in patients with increased UOER. Normoalbuminuric patients with T2DM and increased UOER levels had higher all-cause and cardiovascular mortality (log-rank test, p<0.01 for both types). UOER was independently predictive of all-cause (HR 1.52; 95% CI 1.10-2.09; p=0.01) and cardiovascular (HR 2.31; 95% CI 1.46-3.66; p<0.01) mortality in patients with T2DM, but not in patients with T1DM. UOER is an independent predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality even in normoalbuminuric patients with T2DM at 10years of follow-up. Further studies are needed in order to evaluate the prognostic and clinical relevance. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

North-South S and T gap

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

Moghadam, A.A.

1985-01-01

The objectives of this study were (1) to demonstrate the existence of the science and technology (S and T) gap between developed countries (DCs) or the north, and less developed countries (LDCs) or the south; (2) to test the hypothesis that there exists a critical mass with respect to population, gross domestic product (GDP), per capita income, and literacy rate below which S and T development is insignificant; and (3) to recommend possible remedial actions for reducing this gap. The research comprises a thorough review of the existing literature, and an extensive analysis of 1976-78 and 1980-82 statistics for 66more » countries, presenting a global picture of the S and T gap in the free world. A comprehensive account was given of the S and T status for Britain, Germany, United States, Japan, Brazil, Mexico, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Egypt, and Nigeria. A plot of S and T indicators versus independent variables for the 66 counties clearly indicated the existence of the North-South S and T gap. The test of the critical hypothesis, using t distribution, revealed that population size does not have a significant impact on the development or deployment of S and T. This test with respect to GDP indicated that greater GDPs would facilitate the progress of S and T. The results for per capita income were similar. Adequate infrastructure had the greatest impact on absorption, deployment, and maintenance of S and T for development. It was also indicated that with literacy rates below 40% no significant S and T activity can be expected.« less

Does repeated and heavy exercise impair blood rheology in carriers of sickle cell trait?

PubMed

Tripette, Julien; Hardy-Dessources, Marie-Dominique; Sara, Fagnété; Montout-Hedreville, Mona; Saint-Martin, Christian; Hue, Olivier; Connes, Philippe

2007-11-01

To determine if the time courses of hemorheologic parameters are different between carriers of sickle cell trait (SCT) and subjects with normal hemoglobin in response to exercise. Observational and comparative study. Testing was conducted in a laboratory of exercise physiology. Nine carriers of sickle cell trait (SCT group) and 7 subjects with normal hemoglobin (CONT group) performed an exercise protocol of the repetition of 3 successive maximal ramp exercise tests. Blood was sampled at rest (TR), at the end of each of the 3 tests (T1, T2, T3), and during the immediate (T2h) and late (T24h, T48h) recovery periods. Blood and plasma viscosity (etab and etap, respectively), hematocrit (Hct), and red blood cell (RBC) rigidity (Tk and k indexes) were determined. In both groups, etab significantly increased in response to exercise but the SCT group had significantly higher etab at T3 and T2h. etab then returned to baseline value at T2h in the CONT group and at T24h in the SCT group. Tk and k were not changed by exercise but significantly increased above baseline value in both groups at T24h and T48h. The increase in Tk and k during late recovery was higher in the SCT group than in the CONT group, indicating that SCT carriers had significantly higher RBC rigidity than the CONT group at that time. The hemorheologic changes induced by exercise in the SCT carriers could trigger microcirculatory disorders during the recovery.

Kansas squat test: a reliable indicator of short-term anaerobic power.

PubMed

Fry, Andrew C; Kudrna, Rebecca A; Falvo, Michael J; Bloomer, Richard J; Moore, Christopher A; Schilling, Brian K; Weiss, Lawrence W

2014-03-01

The purposes of this study were to establish stability reliability of a measure of lower-body anaerobic power, the Kansas squat test (KST), and to compare the KST with the commonly used Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT) for lower-body power. Fourteen resistance-trained men (mean ± SD; age = 24.2 ± 3.6 years) performed both the KST and the WAnT twice on separate occasions. The KST consisted of using an external dynamometer to measure mean repetition power while performing 15 repetitions of speed squats using 70% of 1 repetition maximum system mass (barbell + body mass), initiating each repetition at 6-second intervals. Repetition power, mean power for all 15 repetitions, and % fatigue for the KST were all reliable (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.754-0.937; p ≤ 0.05). There were no differences between tests for the mean power for all repetitions or relative fatigue (p ≤ 0.05) and no significant differences between tests for any individual repetition (test × repetition interaction, p < 0.05). Although absolute values were different (p > 0.05), significant correlations were found between the KST and WAnT for mean (r = 0.752) and maximum (r = 0.775) test powers but not for relative fatigue (r = 0.174). Lactate (HLa) responses were greater for the WAnT compared with the KST. These data indicate that the KST is reliable for resistance-trained men, and that measures of maximum and mean test powers for the KST are highly correlated to those values for the WAnT, but fatigue rates and HLa responses were not correlated. It appears that the KST is a lifting-specific anaerobic power and power endurance test that emphasizes phosphagen metabolism and may be used to assess training-induced changes in lower-body power.

Robot-aided therapy for upper limbs in patients with stroke-related lesions. Brief report of a clinical experience

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

This study was aimed at verifying the improvement on the motor impairment and functionality in 19 patients with chronic hemiparesis after stroke treated with a robot-aided rehabilitation protocol using the ReoGo™ system (Motorika Medical Ltd, Israel), and at evaluating the persistence of the effects after 1 month. The study also focused on the actual possibility of administering the robot-aided therapy with the ReoGo™ for the upper limbs and on the patients' degree of acceptance and compliance with the treatment. Subjects underwent an assessment prior to the start of the rehabilitation project (T-1), one at the start (T0), one at the end of the treatment (T1) and one after one month from the end of the treatment (T2). The following tests were administered: (i) Fugl-Meyer (FM) upper limb; Ashworth scale (AS); Functional Independence Measure (FIM™) (T-1 - T2); (ii) strength evaluation; Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain; Frenchay Arm test (FAT); Box and Block test (BBT); Timed Up and Go (TUG) test (T0 - T2). Additionally, the Euro-QoL questionnaire and a VAS for the treatment satisfaction were administered to the subjects. Non-statistical difference of scores at T-1 and T0 on almost the entire battery of tasks suggested a stable patients' performance prior to the start of the rehabilitation. With the exception of the Medical Research Council (MRC) and the AS sub-scales measuring -as appropriate- strength and spasticity of the shoulder, triceps and wrist, all scores showed a significant increase between T0 and T1. The improvement on the pain could not be proved significant (p = 0.10). A significant increase between T0 and T2 was found for all assessment scores, with the exception of the MRC for external shoulder rotators (p = 0.05) and of the AS for shoulder (p = 0.32) and wrist (p = 0.08). Substantial stability was observed between T1 and T2. Patients were capable of completing the treatment and showed good participant satisfaction. This pilot study led to the finding of a clinical improvement and excellent patients compliance. It is possible that the learning process experienced by the patients was robot-dependent, especially in consideration of the general maintenance of the achievements observed on all activities. PMID:21477331

Combination of a short cognitive training and tDCS to enhance visuospatial skills: A comparison between online and offline neuromodulation.

PubMed

Oldrati, Viola; Colombo, Barbara; Antonietti, Alessandro

2018-01-01

Visuospatial skills can be enhanced thanks to specific intervention programs, but the additional benefits of neuromodulation on these skills have not been fully investigated yet, although transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has demonstrated to boost the effects of cognitive trainings. When combining cognitive intervention with neuromodulation, the time-window of tDCS application in relation to task execution has to be taken into account since it has been shown to affect stimulation outcomes. The aim of the present experiment was to investigate the influence of tDCS in enhancing the effects of a training for visuospatial skills. We hypothesized that tDCS applied during training execution (online) would improve the cognitive performance at a larger extent than tDCS applied before training execution (offline). Participants received anodal tDCS over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex during (online) or before (offline) the completion of the training. A control sham condition was included. Visuospatial abilities were measured 24 h before (day 1, pre-test) and 24 h after (day 3, post-test) the stimulation and training session (day 2). tDCS enhanced gains for mental folding performance when applied during the execution of the training (online). Participants' mental rotation and mental folding performance improved from pre-test to post-test regardless of the stimulation condition. However participants in the online tDCS condition showed the largest improvement in mental folding performance. Findings indicate that tDCS enhanced the effects of the training when applied during its execution, showing cumulative positive aftereffects on visuospatial performance 24 h after the stimulation session. The time-dependent effect points out the importance of the time-window of tDCS application in influencing behavior when combined with cognitive programs. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Selective bispecific T cell recruiting antibody and antitumor activity of adoptive T cell transfer.

PubMed

Kobold, Sebastian; Steffen, Julius; Chaloupka, Michael; Grassmann, Simon; Henkel, Jonas; Castoldi, Raffaella; Zeng, Yi; Chmielewski, Markus; Schmollinger, Jan C; Schnurr, Max; Rothenfußer, Simon; Schendel, Dolores J; Abken, Hinrich; Sustmann, Claudio; Niederfellner, Gerhard; Klein, Christian; Bourquin, Carole; Endres, Stefan

2015-01-01

One bottleneck for adoptive T cell therapy (ACT) is recruitment of T cells into tumors. We hypothesized that combining tumor-specific T cells, modified with a marker antigen and a bispecific antibody (BiAb) that selectively recognizes transduced T cells and tumor cells would improve T cell recruitment to tumors and enhance therapeutic efficacy. SV40 T antigen-specific T cells from T cell receptor (TCR)-I-transgenic mice were transduced with a truncated human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) as a marker protein. Targeting and killing by combined ACT and anti-EGFR-anti-EpCAM BiAb therapy was analyzed in C57Bl/6 mice (n = six to 12 per group) carrying subcutaneous tumors of the murine gastric cancer cell line GC8 (SV40(+) and EpCAM(+)). Anti-EGFR x anti-c-Met BiAb was used for targeting of human tumor-specific T cells to c-Met(+) human tumor cell lines. Differences between experimental conditions were analyzed using the Student's t test, and differences in tumor growth with two-way analysis of variance. Overall survival was analyzed by log-rank test. All statistical tests were two-sided. The BiAb linked EGFR-transduced T cells to tumor cells and enhanced tumor cell lysis. In vivo, the combination of ACT and Biab produced increased T cell infiltration of tumors, retarded tumor growth, and prolonged survival compared with ACT with a control antibody (median survival 95 vs 75 days, P < .001). In human cells, this strategy enhanced recruitment of human EGFR-transduced T cells to immobilized c-Met and recognition of tyrosinase(+) melanoma cells by TCR-, as well as of CEA(+) colon cancer cells by chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells. BiAb recruitment of tumor-specific T cells transduced with a marker antigen to tumor cells may enhance efficacy of ACT. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Integration and Testing Challenges of Small Satellite Missions: Experiences from the Space Technology 5 Project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sauerwein, Timothy A.; Gostomski, Tom

2007-01-01

The Space Technology 5(ST5) payload was successfully carried into orbit on an OSC Pegasus XL launch vehicle, which was carried aloft and dropped from the OSC Lockheed L-1011 from Vandenberg Air Force Base March 22,2006, at 9:03 am Eastern time, 6:03 am Pacific time. In order to reach the completion of the development and successful launch of ST 5, the systems integration and test(I&T) team determined that a different approach was required to meet the project requirements rather than the standard I&T approach used for single, room-sized satellites. The ST5 payload, part of NASA's New Millennium Program headquartered at JPL, consisted of three micro satellites (approximately 30 kg each) and the Pegasus Support Structure (PSS), the system that connected the spacecrafts to the launch vehicle and deployed the spacecrafts into orbit from the Pegasus XL launch vehicle. ST5 was a technology demonstration payload, intended to test six (6) new technologies for potential use for future space flights along with demonstrating the ability of small satellites to perform quality science. The main technology was a science grade magnetometer designed to take measurements of the earth's magnetic field. The three spacecraft were designed, integrated, and tested at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center with integration and environmental testing occurring in the Bldg. 7-1 0-15-29. The three spacecraft were integrated and tested by the same I&T team. The I&T Manager determined that there was insufficient time in the schedule to perform the three I&T spacecraft activities in series used standard approaches. The solution was for spacecraft #1 to undergo integration and test first, followed by spacecraft #2 and #3 simultaneously. This simultaneous integration was successful for several reasons. Each spacecraft had a Lead Test Conductor who planned and coordinated their spacecraft through its integration and test activities. One team of engineers and technicians executed the integration of all three spacecraft, learning and gaining knowledge and efficiency as spacecraft #1 integration and testing progressed. They became acutely familiar with the hardware, operation and processes for I&T, thus each team member had the experience and knowledge to safely execute I&T for spacecraft #2 and #3 together. The integration team was very versatile and each member could perform many different activities or work any spacecraft, when needed. Daily meetings between the three Lead TCs and technician team allowed the team to plan and implement activities efficiently. The three (3) spacecraft and PSS were successfully integrated and tested, shipped to the launch site, and ready for launch per the I&T schedule that was planned three years previously.

Ataxia-Telangiectasia Children's Project

MedlinePlus

... Inflammation, Swallowing, and Aging in A-T Testing Drugs to Protect A-T Brain Cells from DNA damage A-T Families Launch Global A-T Family Data Platform to Empower Researchers A-T IN THE WALL STREET JOURNAL Parents Struggle to Cure Loved Ones Shop Contact 5300 W. Hillsboro Blvd., Suite 105 Coconut ...

Pupils' Interest before, during, and after a Curriculum Dealing with Ecological Topics and Its Relationship with Achievement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Randler, Christoph; Bogner, Franz X.

2007-01-01

We surveyed interest in ecology prior, during, and after an ecological unit of 14 lessons ("Ecosystem Lake"). Achievement was assessed in a pretest (T-1), a class test (T-2; used for grading), and a retention test (T-3). We found a main effect of stratification on the level of interest in ecology after the educational unit (pupils from…

Relationships Between Vertical Jump and Full Squat Power Outputs With Sprint Times in U21 Soccer Players

PubMed Central

López-Segovia, Manuel; Marques, Mário C.; van den Tillaar, Roland; González-Badillo, Juan J

2011-01-01

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between power variables in the vertical jump and full squat with the sprint performance in soccer players. Fourteen under-21 soccer players were evaluated in two testing sessions separated by 7 days. In the first testing session, vertical jump height in countermovement was assessed, and power output for both loaded countermovement jump (CMJL) and full squat (FS) exercises in two progressive load tests. The second testing session included sprinting at 10, 20, and 30m (T10, T20, T30, T10–20, T10–30, T20–30). Power variables obtained in the loaded vertical jump with 20kg and full squat exercise with 70kg showed significant relationships with all split times (r=−0.56/–0.79; p≤ 0.01/0.01). The results suggest that power produced either with vertical jump or full squat exercises is an important factor to explain short sprint performance in soccer players. These findings might suggest that certain levels of neuromuscular activation are more related with sprint performance reflecting the greater suitability of loads against others for the improvement of short sprint ability in under-21 soccer players. PMID:23487438

Do older t'ai chi practitioners have better attention and memory function?

PubMed

Man, David W K; Tsang, William W N; Hui-Chan, Christina W Y

2010-12-01

Cognitive declines are common in older people and can be a major health issue in an aging world. One type of body-mind exercises, t'ai chi, can be a possible means to help maintaining older adults' cognitive abilities, in addition to beneficial effects of physical exercises. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether t'ai chi practitioners had better attention and memory functions than older people with or without regular exercises. A cross-sectional study examining the relationship between t'ai chi practice and age-, gender- and education-similar older peoples' attention and memory functions. Forty-two (42) community-dwelling elderly subjects, aged 60 or older, recruited from t'ai chi clubs in Hong Kong formed the t'ai chi group. Another 49 elderly having regular exercise habits were recruited from community centers for inclusion in the exercise group. A nonexercise group (normal healthy control) consisting of 44 subjects were also recruited by random selection and through contacting local elderly centers. They were also screened by the Modified Barthel Index, Chinese Mini-mental Status Examination, Geriatric Depression Scale, and evaluated by attention tests (Color Trail Form A-1 and 2) and memory tests (including Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test and The Hong Kong List Learning Test). The main finding was that the three groups differed in attention and memory functions, and the t'ai chi group had demonstrated better performance than the other two groups in most subtests. As a causal relationship cannot be assumed in the present cross-sectional study, future research is required to examine how t'ai chi can improve cognitive function using a randomized control trial as well as determining whether t'ai chi practice can lead to better health status among elderly people.

Comparison of the Sensitivity of QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube and T-SPOT.TB According to Patient Age.

PubMed

Bae, Won; Park, Kyoung Un; Song, Eun Young; Kim, Se Joong; Lee, Yeon Joo; Park, Jong Sun; Cho, Young-Jae; Yoon, Ho Il; Yim, Jae-Joon; Lee, Choon-Taek; Lee, Jae Ho

2016-01-01

Currently, there are two types of interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) in use for the detection of tuberculosis (TB) infection, the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube test (GFT-GIT) and T-SPOT.TB. Owing to contradictory reports regarding whether the results of these IGRAs are affected by the age of the patient, we aimed to determine if these two tests have age-related differences in sensitivity. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of diagnosed TB patients who were tested using either QFT-GIT or T-SPOT.TB from February 2008 to December 2013. The positivity of the two tests was analyzed and compared with true TB infection, which was defined as active TB based on either a positive Mycobacterium culture or a positive TB polymerase chain reaction. The QFT-GIT group included 192 TB patients, and the T-SPOT.TB group included 212 TB patients. Of the patients with pulmonary TB, 76 (39.6%) were in the QFT-GIT group and 143 (67.5%) in the T-SPOT.TB group. The overall sensitivity was 80.2% for QFT-GIT and 91.0% for T.SPOT.TB. The sensitivities of QFT-GIT and T-SPOT.TB according to age group were as follows: <29 years, 93.3% and 96.7%; 30-49 years, 86.5% and 94.7%; 50-69 years, 76.8% and 87.5%; and >70 years, 68.3% and 85.7%, respectively. The trend of age-related changes in sensitivity was significant for both QFT-GIT (p = 0.004) and T.SPOT.TB (p = 0.039). However, only QFT-GIT was significantly related to age in the multivariate analysis. QFT-GIT, but not T-SPOT.TB, was significantly affected by patient age.

The t-CWT: a new ERP detection and quantification method based on the continuous wavelet transform and Student's t-statistics.

PubMed

Bostanov, Vladimir; Kotchoubey, Boris

2006-12-01

This study was aimed at developing a method for extraction and assessment of event-related brain potentials (ERP) from single-trials. This method should be applicable in the assessment of single persons' ERPs and should be able to handle both single ERP components and whole waveforms. We adopted a recently developed ERP feature extraction method, the t-CWT, for the purposes of hypothesis testing in the statistical assessment of ERPs. The t-CWT is based on the continuous wavelet transform (CWT) and Student's t-statistics. The method was tested in two ERP paradigms, oddball and semantic priming, by assessing individual-participant data on a single-trial basis, and testing the significance of selected ERP components, P300 and N400, as well as of whole ERP waveforms. The t-CWT was also compared to other univariate and multivariate ERP assessment methods: peak picking, area computation, discrete wavelet transform (DWT) and principal component analysis (PCA). The t-CWT produced better results than all of the other assessment methods it was compared with. The t-CWT can be used as a reliable and powerful method for ERP-component detection and testing of statistical hypotheses concerning both single ERP components and whole waveforms extracted from either single persons' or group data. The t-CWT is the first such method based explicitly on the criteria of maximal statistical difference between two average ERPs in the time-frequency domain and is particularly suitable for ERP assessment of individual data (e.g. in clinical settings), but also for the investigation of small and/or novel ERP effects from group data.

The 3T3 neutral red uptake phototoxicity test: practical experience and implications for phototoxicity testing--the report of an ECVAM-EFPIA workshop.

PubMed

Ceridono, Mara; Tellner, Pär; Bauer, Daniel; Barroso, João; Alépée, Nathalie; Corvi, Raffaella; De Smedt, Ann; Fellows, Mick D; Gibbs, Neil K; Heisler, Eckhard; Jacobs, Abigail; Jirova, Dagmar; Jones, David; Kandárová, Helena; Kasper, Peter; Akunda, Jacqueline Kinyamu; Krul, Cyrille; Learn, Douglas; Liebsch, Manfred; Lynch, Anthony M; Muster, Wolfgang; Nakamura, Kazuichi; Nash, J Frank; Pfannenbecker, Uwe; Phillips, Gareth; Robles, Catherine; Rogiers, Vera; Van De Water, Femke; Liminga, Ulla Wändel; Vohr, Hans-Werner; Wattrelos, Olivier; Woods, Julie; Zuang, Valérie; Kreysa, Joachim; Wilcox, Phil

2012-08-01

This is the report from the "ECVAM-EFPIA workshop on 3T3 NRU Phototoxicity Test: Practical Experience and Implications for Phototoxicity Testing", jointly organized by ECVAM and EFPIA and held on the 25-27 October 2010 in Somma Lombardo, Italy. The European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM) was established in 1991 within the European Commission Joint Research, based on a Communication from the European Commission (1991). The main objective of ECVAM is to promote the scientific and regulatory acceptance of alternative methods which are of importance to the biosciences and which reduce, refine and replace the use of laboratory animals. The European Federation of Pharmaceuticals Industries and Association (EFPIA) represent the pharmaceutical industry operating in Europe. Through its direct membership of 31 national associations and 40 leading pharmaceutical companies, EFPIA is the voice on the EU scene of 2200 companies committed to researching, developing and bringing to patients new medicines that improve health and the quality of life around the world. The workshop, co-chaired by Joachim Kreysa (ECVAM) and Phil Wilcox (GSK, EFPIA) involved thirty-five experts from academia, regulatory authorities and industry, invited to contribute with their experiences in the field of phototoxicology. The main objectives of the workshop were: -to present 'in use' experience of the pharmaceutical industry with the 3T3 Neutral Red Uptake Phototoxicity Test (3T3 NRU-PT), -to discuss why it differs from the results in the original validation exercise, -to discuss technical issues and consider ways to improve the usability of the 3T3 NRU-PT for (non-topical) pharmaceuticals, e.g., by modifying the threshold of chemical light absorption to trigger photo-toxicological testing, and by modifying technical aspects of the assay, or adjusting the criteria used to classify a positive response. During the workshop, the assay methodology was reviewed by comparing the OECD Test Guideline (TG 432) with the protocols used in testing laboratories, data from EFPIA and JPMA 'surveys' were presented and possible reasons for the outcomes were discussed. Experts from cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries reported on their experience with the 3T3 NRU-PT and evidence was presented for phototoxic clinical symptoms that could be linked to certain relevant molecules. Brainstorming sessions discussed if the 3T3 NRU-PT needed to be improved and whether alternatives to the 3T3 NRU-PT exist. Finally, the viewpoint from EU and US regulators was presented. In the final session, the conclusions of the meeting were summarized, with action points. It was concluded that the 3T3 NRU-PT identifies phototoxicological hazards with a 100% sensitivity, and thus is accepted as the tier one test that correctly identifies the absence of phototoxic potential. Consequently, positive results in the 3T3 NRU-PT often do not translate into a clinical phototoxicity risk. Possible ways to improve the practical use of this assay include: (i) adaptation of changed UV/vis-absorption criteria as a means to reduce the number of materials tested, (ii) reduction of the highest concentration to be tested, and (iii) consideration of modifying the threshold criteria for the prediction of a positive call in the test. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Design Against Fatigue Failure.

DTIC Science & Technology

at room temperature and 375 Hz . 7050-T73651 aluminum and D6ac steel *HRC 50) were tested in room air and dry and wet argon, whereas 2014-T6 aluminum and annealed D6ac steel were tested in room air only.

Tube Suction Test for Evaluating

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-06-01

In a comprehensive laboratory study, different tests namely, unconfined compressive strength (UCS) at the end of freeze-thaw/wet-dry (F-T/W-D) cycles, resilient modulus (Mr) at the end of F-T/W-D cycles, vacuum saturation, tube suction, and moisture ...

Thyroxine-Based Screening for Congenital Hypothyroidism in Neonates with Down Syndrome.

PubMed

Erlichman, Ira; Mimouni, Francis B; Erlichman, Matityahu; Schimmel, Michael S

2016-06-01

To ascertain whether thyroxine (T4)-based screening programs for congenital hypothyroidism (initial measurement of total T4 [tT4] followed by thyroid stimulating hormone [TSH] measurement in patients with tT4 <10th percentile) identifies congenital hypothyroidism in all neonates with Down syndrome. Retrospective cohort study of 159 neonates with Down syndrome, born during the period 1998-2007 were included. Screening test results were compared with those of the general population. All primary care physicians of these infants were contacted and infants' thyroid status verified. tT4 concentrations in children with Down syndrome were significantly lower, and TSH higher than those in the general population; tT4 concentrations did not correlate with screening TSH concentrations. Twenty children with Down syndrome were treated with L-thyroxin within the first month of life although only 10 babies had been identified by the routine screening test. T4-based screening does not identify many cases of congenital hypothyroidism in neonates with Down syndrome. We recommend that neonates with Down syndrome be screened by simultaneous measurements of both tT4 and TSH. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Tai Chi for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Pilot Study.

PubMed

Tsai, Pao-Feng; Kitch, Stephanie; Chang, Jason Y; James, G Andrew; Dubbert, Patricia; Roca, J Vincent; Powers, Cheralyn H

2018-06-01

Explore the feasibility of a Tai Chi intervention to improve musculoskeletal pain, emotion, cognition, and physical function in individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder. Two-phase, one-arm quasi-experimental design. Phase 1: 11 participants completed one Tai Chi session, feasibility questionnaire, and were offered participation in Phase 2, a 12-week Tai Chi intervention. Ten participants participated in Phase 2. Pain intensity, interference, physical function scales, an emotional battery, and cognition tests were used for pre- and postintervention outcome measures. Paired t tests and thematic analysis were used for analysis. In Phase 1, most felt Tai Chi would benefit health (90.9%) and expressed interest in continuing Tai Chi (6.73 out of 7). Phase 2 results showed improvement in fear-affect (raw t = -2.64, p = .03; age adjusted t = -2.90, p = .02), fear-somatic arousal (raw t = -2.53, p = .035), List Sorting Working Memory (raw t = 2.62, p = .031; age adjusted t = 2.96, p = .018), 6-Minute Walk Test ( t = 3.541, p = .008), and current level of Pain Intensity ( t = -4.00, p = .004). Tai Chi is an acceptable, holistic treatment to individuals with musculoskeletal pain and posttraumatic stress disorder. It may reduce pain, improve emotion, memory, and physical function.

Suitability of hair type for dermatophytes perforation and differential diagnosis of T. mentagrophytes from T. verrucosum.

PubMed

Al-Janabi, Ali Abdul Hussein S; Ai-Tememi, Nabaa N; Ai-Shammari, Rabab A; Ai-Assadi, Abdul Hadi A

2016-04-01

Most of the dermatophyte species have the ability to perforate hair structure and consume its contents of keratin through secretion of keratinase enzyme. Two clinical isolated species of dermatophytes were diagnosed as Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. granulosum and Trichophyton verrucosum. To determine the perforation ability, the isolated fungi were incubated with the hair of four different animals (rabbit, rat, cow and cat) and human hairs with three different colours (black, albino and bleached yellow) for different periods. Variable perforating ability of T. mentagrophytes was shown in rat hair and all types of human hair after 15 days, while other mammalian hairs exhibited resistance to this fungal activity. On the other hand, T. verrucosum was revealed a slow perforating ability, which needed a long time (60 days) for most of tested hairs. Perforation of human black hair could be considered a diagnostic test for differentiation between T. mentagrophytes and T. verrucosum. In conclusion, the treated or untreated human hair was considered more suitable to use as a source of keratin for the growth of dermatophytes than animal hairs. The human black hair was a best type of hair to use in the perforating test for differentiation between T. mentagrophytes and T. verrucosum. © 2016 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Neural Resilience to Traumatic Brain Injury: Identification of Bioactive Metabolites of Docosahexaenoic Acids Involved in Neuroprotection and Recovery

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-03-01

DHA-depletion, both vestibulomotor functions assessed by rotarod and beam walk tests as well as memory evaluated by the novel object recognition test...recovery in terms of motor deficits assessed by beam walk test (Fig. 1) and memory assessed by fear conditioning. These experiments imply that DHA...n t Fo o t S li p s Beam Walk - Male Mice Adequate Deficient 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 Day 0 Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 P er ce n t

Effect of Temper Condition on Stress Relaxation Behavior of an Aluminum Copper Lithium Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mishra, Sumeet; Beura, Vikrant Kumar; Singh, Amit; Yadava, Manasij; Nayan, Niraj

2018-07-01

Deformation behavior of an Al-Cu-Li alloy in different temper conditions (solutionized and T8) is investigated using stress relaxation tests. Fundamental parameters such as the apparent and physical activation volume, strain rate sensitivity, effective stress, and exhaustion rate of mobile dislocation density are determined from single and multiple relaxation tests. It was found that dislocation-dislocation interaction controls the kinetics of plastic deformation in the solutionized sample, whereas dislocation-precipitate interaction is the overriding factor in the presence of T1 precipitates. The apparent activation volume was found to be significantly lower in the presence of T1 precipitates compared with solutionized samples. Strain rate sensitivity and effective stress were found to be higher in the presence of T1 precipitates. In addition, multiple relaxation tests showed that irrespective of microstructural features (solutes, semi-coherent precipitates), the mobile dislocation density reduces during the relaxation period. Further evidence regarding reduction in mobile dislocation density is obtained from uniaxial tensile tests carried out after stress relaxation tests, where both solutionized and T8 samples show an increase in strength. Additional discussion on relaxation strain is included to provide a complete overview regarding the time-dependent deformation behavior of the Al-Cu-Li alloy in different temper conditions.

Effect of Temper Condition on Stress Relaxation Behavior of an Aluminum Copper Lithium Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mishra, Sumeet; Beura, Vikrant Kumar; Singh, Amit; Yadava, Manasij; Nayan, Niraj

2018-04-01

Deformation behavior of an Al-Cu-Li alloy in different temper conditions (solutionized and T8) is investigated using stress relaxation tests. Fundamental parameters such as the apparent and physical activation volume, strain rate sensitivity, effective stress, and exhaustion rate of mobile dislocation density are determined from single and multiple relaxation tests. It was found that dislocation-dislocation interaction controls the kinetics of plastic deformation in the solutionized sample, whereas dislocation-precipitate interaction is the overriding factor in the presence of T1 precipitates. The apparent activation volume was found to be significantly lower in the presence of T1 precipitates compared with solutionized samples. Strain rate sensitivity and effective stress were found to be higher in the presence of T1 precipitates. In addition, multiple relaxation tests showed that irrespective of microstructural features (solutes, semi-coherent precipitates), the mobile dislocation density reduces during the relaxation period. Further evidence regarding reduction in mobile dislocation density is obtained from uniaxial tensile tests carried out after stress relaxation tests, where both solutionized and T8 samples show an increase in strength. Additional discussion on relaxation strain is included to provide a complete overview regarding the time-dependent deformation behavior of the Al-Cu-Li alloy in different temper conditions.

An Examination of the Role of L-Glutamate and Inosine 5'-Monophosphate in Hedonic Taste-Guided Behavior by Mice Lacking the T1R1 + T1R3 Receptor.

PubMed

Blonde, Ginger D; Spector, Alan C

2017-06-01

The heterodimeric T1R1 + T1R3 receptor is considered critical for normal signaling of L-glutamate and 5'-ribonucleotides in the oral cavity. However, some taste-guided responsiveness remains in mice lacking one subunit of the receptor, suggesting that other receptors are sufficient to support some behaviors. Here, mice lacking both receptor subunits (KO) and wild-type (WT, both n = 13) mice were tested in a battery of behavioral tests. Mice were trained and tested in gustometers with a concentration series of Maltrin-580, a maltodextrin, in a brief-access test (10-s trials) as a positive control. Similar tests followed with monosodium glutamate (MSG) with and without the ribonucleotide inosine 5'-monophosphate (IMP), but always in the presence of the epithelial sodium channel blocker amiloride (A). Brief-access tests were repeated following short-term (30-min) and long-term (48-h) exposures to MSG + A + IMP and were also conducted with sodium gluconate replacing MSG. Finally, progressive ratio tests were conducted with Maltrin-580 or MSG + A + IMP, to assess appetitive behavior while minimizing satiation. Overall, MSG generated little concentration-dependent responding in either food-restricted WT or KO mice, even in combination with IMP. However, KO mice licked less to the amino acid stimuli, a measure of consummatory behavior in the brief-access tests. In contrast, both groups initiated a similar number of trials and had a similar breakpoint in the progressive ratio task, both measures of appetitive (approach) behavior. Collectively, these results suggest that while the T1R1 + T1R3 receptor is necessary for consummatory responding to MSG (+IMP), other receptors are sufficient to maintain appetitive responding to this "umami" stimulus complex in food-restricted mice. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Metallurgical Examination of Failed T-158 Cast Austempered Ductile Iron (CADI) Track Shoes

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-06-01

hardness testing, fracture toughness testing and Charpy impact testing were performed. In each case, the largest possible specimens were fabricated...However, due to geometrical restrictions, the tensile, fracture toughness and impact specimens were subsized . Tensile Testing Tensile coupons were...at 5OOoF for 4 hours. Mag. 1000x. 36 ‘_ Fracture Face A bolt holes Fracture Face C T = Tensile FT = Fracture Toughness NC =Notched Charpy Impact UN

Lessons in the Design and Characterization Testing of the Semi-Span Super-Sonic Transport (S4T) Wind-Tunnel Model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2012-01-01

This paper focuses on some of the more challenging design processes and characterization tests of the Semi-Span Super-Sonic Transport (S4T)-Active Controls Testbed (ACT). The model was successfully tested in four entries in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Langley Transonic Dynamics Tunnel to satisfy the goals and objectives of the Fundamental Aeronautics Program Supersonic Project Aero-Propulso-Servo-Elastic effort. Due to the complexity of the S4T-ACT, only a small sample of the technical challenges for designing and characterizing the model will be presented. Specifically, the challenges encountered in designing the model include scaling the Technology Concept Airplane to model scale, designing the model fuselage, aileron actuator, and engine pylons. Characterization tests included full model ground vibration tests, wing stiffness measurements, geometry measurements, proof load testing, and measurement of fuselage static and dynamic properties.

Test and Evaluation for Enhanced Security: A Quantitative Method to Incorporate Expert Knowledge into Test Planning Decisions.

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

Rizzo, Davinia; Blackburn, Mark

Complex systems are comprised of technical, social, political and environmental factors as well as the programmatic factors of cost, schedule and risk. Testing these systems for enhanced security requires expert knowledge in many different fields. It is important to test these systems to ensure effectiveness, but testing is limited to due cost, schedule, safety, feasibility and a myriad of other reasons. Without an effective decision framework for Test and Evaluation (T&E) planning that can take into consideration technical as well as programmatic factors and leverage expert knowledge, security in complex systems may not be assessed effectively. Therefore, this paper coversmore » the identification of the current T&E planning problem and an approach to include the full variety of factors and leverage expert knowledge in T&E planning through the use of Bayesian Networks (BN).« less

Urine circulating-tumor DNA (ctDNA) detection of acquired EGFR T790M mutation in non-small-cell lung cancer: An outcomes and total cost-of-care analysis.

PubMed

Sands, Jacob; Li, Qianyi; Hornberger, John

2017-08-01

Third-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have proven effective in patients with the acquired EGFR T790M resistance mutation who progress on prior EGFR TKI therapy. Median progression-free survival (PFS) on a 3rd-gen TKI was 9-10 months for T790M+ patients compared to 2.8 months for T790M- patients. PFS is similar regardless of the specimen used to assess T790M, such as tissue, plasma, or urine ctDNA. This study aimed to assess the total cost of care of a urine-testing strategy (UTS) versus a tissue-testing strategy (TTS) for T790M detection, in patients with EGFR-mutation positive lung adenocarcinoma and progression on prior TKI therapy. Long-term outcomes and economic implications were assessed from a US payer perspective. Endpoints were PFS, overall survival (OS), medical resource use and related costs. We included published randomized drug trials and Medicare fee schedules. A state-transition analysis and Markov model tracked patients from stable disease to progression and death. Univariate and multivariate sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of findings and identify factors that most influenced outcomes and costs. UTS increased the rate of detection of patients with T790M mutation eligible for treatment with 3rd generation TKI by 7% compared with TTS; urine ctDNA testing detected T790M mutation in some patients for whom biopsy could not be performed or when tissue testing yielded indeterminate results. Due to enhanced targeting of TKI therapy, UTS increased PFS and OS by 0.44 and 0.35 months, respectively. UTS yields a savings of $1243-$1680 per patient due to avoidance of biopsy, potential biopsy-associated complications, and tissue-based molecular testing in approximately 55.6% of patients. Probability of T790M detection by tissue and cost of biopsy procedure were the most influential factors. UTS prolonged PFS/OS due to increased detection of T790M mutation and decreased biopsies and complication-related costs. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Variability of Tidal Volume in Patient-Triggered Mechanical Ventilation in ARDS.

PubMed

Perinel-Ragey, Sophie; Baboi, Loredana; Guérin, Claude

2017-11-01

Limiting tidal volume (V T ) in patients with ARDS may not be achieved once patient-triggered breaths occur. Furthermore, ICU ventilators offer numerous patient-triggered modes that work differently across brands. We systematically investigated, using a bench model, the effect of patient-triggered modes on the size and variability of V T at different breathing frequencies (f), patient effort, and ARDS severity. We used a V500 Infinity ICU ventilator connected to an ASL 5000 lung model whose compliance was mimicking mild, moderate, and severe ARDS. Thirteen patient-triggered modes were tested, falling into 3 categories, namely volume control ventilation with mandatory minute ventilation; pressure control ventilation, including airway pressure release ventilation (APRV); and pressure support ventilation. Two levels of f and effort were tested for each ARDS severity in each mode. Median (first-third quartiles) V T was compared across modes using non-parametric tests. The probability of V T > 6 mL/kg ideal body weight was assessed by binomial regression and expressed as the odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI. V T variability was measured from the coefficient of variation. V T distribution over all f, effort, and ARDS categories significantly differed across modes ( P < .001, Kruskal-Wallis test). V T was significantly greater with pressure support (OR 420 mL, 95% CI 332-527 mL) than with any other mode except for variable pressure support level. Risk for V T to be > 6 mL/kg was significantly increased with spontaneous breaths patient-triggered by pressure support (OR 19.36, 95% CI 12.37-30.65) and significantly reduced in APRV (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.26-0.72) and pressure support with guaranteed volume mode. The risk increased with increasing effort and decreasing f. Coefficient of variation of V T was greater for low f and volume control-mandatory minute ventilation and pressure control modes. APRV had the greatest within-mode variability. Risk of V T > 6 mL/kg was significantly reduced in APRV and pressure support with guaranteed volume mode. APRV had the highest variability. Pressure support with guaranteed volume could be tested in patients with ARDS. Copyright © 2017 by Daedalus Enterprises.

Test procedures and instructions for single shell tank saltcake cesium removal with crystalline silicotitanate

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

Duncan, J.B.

1997-01-07

This document provides specific test procedures and instructions to implement the test plan for the preparation and conduct of a cesium removal test, using Hanford Single Shell Tank Saltcake from tanks 24 t -BY- I 10, 24 1 -U- 108, 24 1 -U- 109, 24 1 -A- I 0 1, and 24 t - S-102, in a bench-scale column. The cesium sorbent to be tested is crystalline siticotitanate. The test plan for which this provides instructions is WHC-SD-RE-TP-024, Hanford Single Shell Tank Saltcake Cesium Removal Test Plan.

Development of allele-specific multiplex PCR to determine the length of poly-T in intron 8 of CFTR

PubMed Central

Prada, Anne E.

2014-01-01

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene mutation analysis has been implemented for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) carrier screening, and molecular diagnosis of CF and congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD). Although poly-T allele analysis in intron 8 of CFTR is required when a patient is positive for R117H, it is not recommended for routine carrier screening. Therefore, commercial kits for CFTR mutation analysis were designed either to mask the poly-T allele results, unless a patient is R117H positive, or to have the poly-T analysis as a standalone reflex test using the same commercial platform. There are other standalone assays developed to detect poly-T alleles, such as heteroduplex analysis, High Resolution Melting (HRM) curve analysis, allele-specific PCR (AS-PCR) and Sanger sequencing. In this report, we developed a simple and easy-to-implement multiplex AS-PCR assay using unlabeled standard length primers, which can be used as a reflex or standalone test for CFTR poly-T track analysis. Out of 115 human gDNA samples tested, results from our new AS-PCR matched to the previous known poly-T results or results from Sanger sequencing. PMID:25071991

Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in breeding pigs in Estonia.

PubMed

Santoro, Azzurra; Tagel, Maarja; Must, Kärt; Laine, Miia; Lassen, Brian; Jokelainen, Pikka

2017-12-11

Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread occurring parasite infecting warm-blooded animals, including pigs and humans. The aims of this study were to estimate the prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies and to evaluate risk factors for T. gondii seropositivity in breeding pigs raised in Estonia. Sera from 382 pigs were tested with a commercial direct agglutination test, using a cut-off titer of 40 for seropositivity, for the presence of anti-T. gondii immunoglobulin G antibodies. Twenty-two (5.8%) of the 382 pigs tested seropositive for T. gondii, and 6 of the 14 herds had at least one seropositive pig. The proportion of seropositive pigs within the herds ranged between 0 and 43%. Gender appeared as a significant factor, with sows having 5.6 times higher odds to be seropositive to T. gondii than boars. Seroprevalence did not increase with age. Anti-T. gondii antibodies were present in a substantial proportion of breeding pig herds in Estonia. On the other hand, the presence of herds without seropositive pigs illustrates that porcine T. gondii infections can be avoided even in a country where the parasite is endemic and common in several other host species.

The Building Blocks for JWST I and T (Integrations and Test) to Operations - From Simulator to Flight Units

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fatig, Curtis; Ochs, William; Johns, Alan; Seaton, Bonita; Adams, Cynthia; Wasiak, Francis; Jones, Ronald; Jackson, Wallace

2012-01-01

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) Project has an extended integration and test (I&T) phase due to long procurement and development times of various components as well as recent launch delays. The JWST Ground Segment and Operations group has developed a roadmap of the various ground and flight elements and their use in the various JWST I&T test programs. The JWST Project s building block approach to the eventual operational systems, while not new, is complex and challenging; a large-scale mission like JWST involves international partners, many vendors across the United States, and competing needs for the same systems. One of the challenges is resource balancing so simulators and flight products for various elements congeal into integrated systems used for I&T and flight operations activities. This building block approach to an incremental buildup provides for early problem identification with simulators and exercises the flight operations systems, products, and interfaces during the JWST I&T test programs. The JWST Project has completed some early I&T with the simulators, engineering models and some components of the operational ground system. The JWST Project is testing the various flight units as they are delivered and will continue to do so for the entire flight and operational system. The JWST Project has already and will continue to reap the value of the building block approach on the road to launch and flight operations.

Lactobacillus brantae sp. nov., isolated from faeces of Canada geese (Branta canadensis).

PubMed

Volokhov, Dmitriy V; Amselle, Megan; Beck, Brian J; Popham, David L; Whittaker, Paul; Wang, Hua; Kerrigan, Elizabeth; Chizhikov, Vladimir E

2012-09-01

Three strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from the faeces of apparently healthy wild Canada geese (Branta canadensis) in 2010 by cultivating faecal LAB on Rogosa SL agar under aerobic conditions. These three isolates were found to share 99.9 % gene sequence similarity of their 16S rRNA, their 16S-23S intergenic transcribed spacer region (ITS), partial 23S rRNA, rpoB, rpoC, rpoA and pheS gene sequences. However, the three strains exhibited lower levels of sequence similarity of these genetic targets to all known LAB, and the phylogenetically closest species to the geese strains were Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus saniviri. In comparison to L. casei ATCC 393(T), L. paracasei ATCC 25302(T), L. rhamnosus ATCC 7469(T) and L. saniviri DSM 24301(T), the novel isolates reacted uniquely in tests for cellobiose, galactose, mannitol, citric acid, aesculin and dextrin, and gave negative results in tests for l-proline arylamidase and l-pyrrolydonyl-arylamidase, and in the Voges-Proskauer test. Biochemical tests for cellobiose, aesculin, galactose, gentiobiose, mannitol, melezitose, ribose, salicin, sucrose, trehalose, raffinose, turanose, amygdalin and arbutin could be used for differentiation between L. saniviri and the novel strains. On the basis of phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, and phylogenetic data, the three isolates represent a novel species of the genus Lactobacillus, for which the name Lactobacillus brantae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SL1108(T) (= ATCC BAA-2142(T) = LMG 26001(T) = DSM 23927(T)) and two additional strains are SL1170 and SL60106.

Prospective memory performance of patients with Parkinson's disease depends on shifting aptitude: evidence from cognitive rehabilitation.

PubMed

Costa, Alberto; Peppe, Antonella; Serafini, Francesca; Zabberoni, Silvia; Barban, Francesco; Caltagirone, Carlo; Carlesimo, Giovanni Augusto

2014-08-01

This study investigated the effect of cognitive training aimed at improving shifting ability on Parkinson's disease (PD) patients' performance of prospective memory (PM) tasks. Using a double-blind protocol, 17 PD patients were randomly assigned to two experimental arms. In the first arm (n=9) shifting training was administered, and in the second (placebo) arm (n=8), language and respiratory exercises. Both treatments consisted of 12 sessions executed over 4 weeks. PM and shifting measures (i.e., Trail Making Test and Alternate Fluency Test) were administered at T0 (before treatment) and T1 (immediately after treatment). A mixed analysis of variance was applied to the data. To evaluate the effects of treatment, the key effect was the interaction between Group (experimental vs. placebo) and Time of Assessment (T0 vs. T1). This interaction was significant for the accuracy indices of the PM procedure (p<.05) and for the performance parameters of the shifting tasks (p ≤.05). Tukey's HSD tests showed that in all cases passing from T0 to T1 performance significantly improved in the experimental group (in all cases p ≤.02) but remained unchanged in the placebo group (all p consistently>.10). The performance change passing from T0 to T1 on the Alternate Fluency test and the PM procedure was significantly correlated (p<.05). Results show that the cognitive training significantly improved PD patients' event-based PM performance and suggest that their poor PM functioning might be related to reduced shifting abilities.

The Screening Test for Emotional Problems--Teacher-Report Version (Step-T): Studies of Reliability and Validity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Erford, Bradley T.; Butler, Caitlin; Peacock, Elizabeth

2015-01-01

The Screening Test for Emotional Problems-Teacher Version (STEP-T) was designed to identify students aged 7-17 years with wide-ranging emotional disturbances. Coefficients alpha and test-retest reliability were adequate for all subscales except Anxiety. The hypothesized five-factor model fit the data very well and external aspects of validity were…

"I Don't Know" and Multiple Choice Analysis of Pre- and Post-Tests

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Spears, Karen; Wilson, Mary

2010-01-01

Evaluation is an essential component of any Extension education program. One tool, the pre- and post-test, provides measurable evaluation data. Yet often the answer "I don't know" or all possible answers to a multiple choice question are not included in the repeated measure analysis. Because more than two answers are offered, the test of marginal…

Prediction of anaerobic power values from an abbreviated WAnT protocol.

PubMed

Stickley, Christopher D; Hetzler, Ronald K; Kimura, Iris F

2008-05-01

The traditional 30-second Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT) is a widely used anaerobic power assessment protocol. An abbreviated protocol has been shown to decrease the mild to severe physical discomfort often associated with the WAnT. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether a 20-second WAnT protocol could be used to accurately predict power values of a standard 30-second WAnT. In 96 college females, anaerobic power variables were assessed using a standard 30-second WAnT protocol. Maximum power values as well as instantaneous power at 10, 15, and 20 seconds were recorded. Based on these results, stepwise regression analysis was performed to determine the accuracy with which mean power, minimum power, 30-second power, and percentage of fatigue for a standard 30-second WAnT could be predicted from values obtained during the first 20 seconds of testing. Mean power values showed the highest level of predictability (R2 = 0.99) from the 20-second values. Minimum power, 30-second power, and percentage of fatigue also showed high levels of predictability (R2 = 0.91, 0.84, and 0.84, respectively) using only values obtained during the first 20 seconds of the protocol. An abbreviated (20-second) WAnT protocol appears to effectively predict results of a standard 30-second WAnT in college-age females, allowing for comparison of data to published norms. A shortened test may allow for a decrease in unwanted side effects associated with the traditional WAnT protocol.

A two-stage algorithm for Clostridium difficile including PCR: can we replace the toxin EIA?

PubMed

Orendi, J M; Monnery, D J; Manzoor, S; Hawkey, P M

2012-01-01

A two step, three-test algorithm for Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) was reviewed. Stool samples were tested by enzyme immunoassays for C. difficile common antigen glutamate dehydrogenase (G) and toxin A/B (T). Samples with discordant results were tested by polymerase chain reaction detecting the toxin B gene (P). The algorithm quickly identified patients with detectable toxin A/B, whereas a large group of patients excreting toxigenic C. difficile but with toxin A/B production below detection level (G(+)T(-)P(+)) was identified separately. The average white blood cell count in patients with a G(+)T(+) result was higher than in those with a G(+)T(-)P(+) result. Copyright © 2011 The Healthcare Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Role of Admission Troponin-T and Serial Troponin-T Testing in Predicting Outcomes in Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock.

PubMed

Vallabhajosyula, Saraschandra; Sakhuja, Ankit; Geske, Jeffrey B; Kumar, Mukesh; Poterucha, Joseph T; Kashyap, Rahul; Kashani, Kianoush; Jaffe, Allan S; Jentzer, Jacob C

2017-09-09

Troponin-T elevation is seen commonly in sepsis and septic shock patients admitted to the intensive care unit. We sought to evaluate the role of admission and serial troponin-T testing in the prognostication of these patients. This was a retrospective cohort study from 2007 to 2014 on patients admitted to the intensive care units at the Mayo Clinic with severe sepsis and septic shock. Elevated admission troponin-T and significant delta troponin-T were defined as ≥0.01 ng/mL and ≥0.03 ng/mL in 3 hours, respectively. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included 1-year mortality and lengths of stay. During this 8-year period, 944 patients met the inclusion criteria with 845 (90%) having an admission troponin-T ≥0.01 ng/mL. Serial troponin-T values were available in 732 (78%) patients. Elevated admission troponin-T was associated with older age, higher baseline comorbidity, and severity of illness, whereas significant delta troponin-T was associated with higher severity of illness. Admission log 10 troponin-T was associated with unadjusted in-hospital (odds ratio 1.6; P =0.003) and 1-year mortality (odds ratio 1.3; P =0.04), but did not correlate with length of stay. Elevated delta troponin-T and log 10 delta troponin-T were not significantly associated with any of the primary or secondary outcomes. Admission log 10 troponin-T remained an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio 1.4; P =0.04) and 1-year survival (hazard ratio 1.3; P =0.008). In patients with sepsis and septic shock, elevated admission troponin-T was associated with higher short- and long-term mortality. Routine serial troponin-T testing did not add incremental prognostic value in these patients. © 2017 The Authors. Published on behalf of the American Heart Association, Inc., by Wiley.

Mariner Jupiter/Saturn LCSSE thruster/valve assembly and injection propulsion unit rocket engine assemblies: 0.2-lbf T/VA development and margin limit test report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clark, E. C.

1975-01-01

Thruster valve assemblies (T/VA's) were subjected to the development test program for the combined JPL Low-Cost Standardized Spacecraft Equipment (LCSSE) and Mariner Jupiter/Saturn '77 spacecraft (MJS) programs. The development test program was designed to achieve the following program goals: (1) demonstrate T/VA design compliance with JPL Specifications, (2) to conduct a complete performance Cf map of the T/VA over the full operating range of environment, (3) demonstrate T/VA life capability and characteristics of life margin for steady-state limit cycle and momentum wheel desaturation duty cycles, (4) verification of structural design capability, and (5) generate a computerized performance model capable of predicting T/VA operation over pressures ranging from 420 to 70 psia, propellant temperatures ranging from 140 F to 40 F, pulse widths of 0.008 to steady-state operation with unlimited duty cycle capability, and finally predict the transient performance associated with reactor heatup during any given duty cycle, start temperature, feed pressure, and propellant temperature conditions.

Estimates for the Aerodynamic Coefficients of Ringsail and Disk-Gap-Band Parachutes Operating on Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cruz, Juan R.; Snyder, Miranda L.

2017-01-01

Models are presented for the aerodynamic coefficients of Supersonic Ringsail and Disk-Gap-Band parachutes as functions of total porosity, Lambda(sub t), Mach number, M, and total angle of attack, Alpha(sub t) (when necessary). The source aerodynamic coefficients data used for creating these models were obtained from a wind tunnel test of subscale parachutes. In this wind tunnel test, subscale parachutes of both parachute types were fabricated from two different fabrics with very different permeabilities. By varying the fabric permeability, while maintaining the parachute geometry constant, it was possible to vary Alpha(sub t). The fabric permeability test data necessary for the calculation of Alpha(sub t) were obtained from samples of the same fabrics used to fabricate the subscale parachutes. Although the models for the aerodynamic coefficients are simple polynomial functions of Alpha(sub t) and M, they are capable of producing good reproductions of the source data. The (Alpha(sub t), M) domains over which these models are applicable are clearly defined. The models are applicable to flight operations on Mars.

Two 6-minute Walk Tests Are Required During Hospitalisation for Acute Exacerbation of COPD.

PubMed

Osadnik, Christian R; Borges, Rodrigo C; McDonald, Christine F; Carvalho, Celso R F; Holland, Anne E

2016-06-01

The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) is recommended to be performed twice to accurately assess exercise performance in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to the presence of a learning effect. It is unknown whether a learning effect exists when the 6MWT is performed during hospitalisation for acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD). This study investigated whether repeat 6MWTs are necessary when conducted in inpatients with AECOPD. Pooled analysis was undertaken of data from two studies (Australia and Brazil) involving 46 participants (25 males, mean age 67.2 years, FEV1 43% predicted) admitted with AECOPD. Two 6MWTs, separated by ≥20 minutes, were performed on the day of discharge. Six-minute walk distance (6MWD; primary outcome), perceived dyspnoea (Borg scale), heart rate and oxyhaemoglobin saturation were recorded. 6MWD data from tests one (T1) and two (T2) were analysed via visual inspection of Bland-Altman plots. Factors associated with test improvement or decline were explored. Mean 6MWD difference between T1 and T2 was 6.2 m, however limits of agreement were wide (-92.2 m to 104.5 m). 32 (70%) participants improved (by any distance) from T1 to T2 by a mean (± standard deviation) of 32 m ± 28 m. Of these, 14 (30%) improved by a distance > 30 m. Fourteen (30%) participants recorded poorer 6MWD at T2 by a mean of 52 m ± 36 m. No factors were able to identify participants who improved or declined upon repeat testing. When performed in patients admitted to hospital with AECOPD, the 6MWT needs to be conducted twice in order to better estimate 6MWD.

Reliability of the rapid bedside whole-blood quantitative cardiac troponin T assay in the diagnosis of myocardial injury in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

PubMed

Saadeddin, Salam; Habbab, Mohammed; Siddieg, Hisham; Fayomi, Mahmoud; Dafterdar, Rofaida

2004-03-01

A rapid bedside whole-blood quantitative cTnT assay has recently been developed. We evaluated the reliability of this test for the diagnosis of myocardial injury in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Whole-blood cTnT levels were measured in 96 patients with ACS using the Roche Cardiac Reader(R) rapid bedside assay device, and the results were compared with serum cTnT levels in the same patients measured by the Roche Elecsys(R) Immunoanalyzer. There were 50 patients with clinical evidence of myocardial injury and 56 without. From the qualitative point of view (reporting negative or positive tests), the results of the rapid bedside tests were identical to those obtained by the serum immunoanalyzer. From quantitative the point of view, the rapid bedside tests could not measure exact values below 0.1 ng/ml (reported negative) or above 2.0 ng/ml (reported >2.0). The measurements made by the rapid bedside tests within the range of 0.1 to 2.0 ng/ml correlated well with those of the serum immunoanalyzer (Cardiac Reader(R) cTnT=0.61, Elecsys(R) cTnT+0.12; r=0.88), but their mean values were significantly lower (1.20I0.71 vs. 1.41I1.03, p=0.0007). The rapid bedside cTnT assay correlates well with immunoanalyzer measurements between the values of 0.1 and 2.0 ng/ml. However, they tend to give significantly lower values and fail to give exact values below 0.1 and above 2.0 ng/ml, which may affect their performance in monitoring and managing patients with ACS, and limit their use in predicting outcome.

Effects of one-night sleep deprivation on selective attention and isometric force in adolescent karate athletes.

PubMed

Ben Cheikh, Ridha; Latiri, Imed; Dogui, Mohamed; Ben Saad, Helmi

2017-06-01

Most of the available literature related to aspects of sleep deprivation is primarily focused on memory and learning, and studies regarding its effects on selective attention and/or physical performance are scarce. Moreover, the available literature includes general population or people involved in team sports (e.g. volleyball). However, only few studies were performed on athletes involved in combat sports (e.g. karate). The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of a total one-night sleep deprivation (1NSD) on activation and inhibition processes of selective attention and on maximal isometric force in karate athletes. Twelve young karate athletes (mean age 16.9±0.8 years) were enrolled. The protocol consists of two successive sessions: a normal night's sleep (NNS) and a total 1NSD. After each night, athletes performed selective attention and muscle strength tests during the same following three times (T) of the day: T1NNS or T11NSD: 8-9 a.m.; T2NNS or T21NSD: 12 a.m.-1 p.m.; T3NNS or T31NSD: 4-5 p.m. Activation (simple [SRT] and choice reaction times [CRT]) and inhibition (negative priming) processes were evaluated using Superlab v. 4.5 software (Cedrus Corporation, San Pedro, CA, USA). Maximal force and maximal force time (MFT) of brachial biceps isometric contraction were evaluated (Ergo System®, Globus, Codognè, Italy). A non-parametric test was used to evaluate the sessions (NNS vs. SND for the same time period) and time (T1NNS vs. 1NSD) effects. All athletes completed all tests after a NNS. Twelve, eleven and four athletes completed all tests at T11NSD, T21NSD and T31NSD, respectively. As for sessions effects, no statistically significant difference was found. As for time effects, a significant increase in SRT at T21NSD vs. T1NNS (345±47 vs. 317±33 ms, respectively), a significant increase in MFT at T21NSD vs. T1NNS (2172±260 vs.1885±292 ms, respectively), and no significant changes in CRT and negative priming reaction time or MFT data were observed. 1NSD affects both activation processes of selective attention and maximal isometric strength, two key skills in combat sports.

Evaluation of dynamic shear rheometer tests for emulsions : [tech summary].

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-12-01

Currently, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) requires ductility tests at 25C according to : AASHTO T51 for emulsions, force ductility ratio at 4C, and elastic recovery at 10C according to AASHTO T300 and AASHTO :...

Imminent Engine Failure Probe Investigation.

DTIC Science & Technology

probe signature determination, development of data recording techniques, accumulation of data during durability testing of T56 or TF41 engines and...any other opportunistic gas turbine engine test. The electrostatic probe demonstrated some capability to detect engine distress in TF41 and T56 engines

30 CFR 28.41 - Testing requirements; general.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

...., or 600 volts d.c., depending on the voltage rating of the fuse being tested. (b) Time constant of the circuit (defined as T=L/R, where T is the time in seconds, L is the inductance in henries, and R is the...

30 CFR 28.41 - Testing requirements; general.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

...., or 600 volts d.c., depending on the voltage rating of the fuse being tested. (b) Time constant of the circuit (defined as T=L/R, where T is the time in seconds, L is the inductance in henries, and R is the...

30 CFR 28.41 - Testing requirements; general.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

...., or 600 volts d.c., depending on the voltage rating of the fuse being tested. (b) Time constant of the circuit (defined as T=L/R, where T is the time in seconds, L is the inductance in henries, and R is the...

30 CFR 28.41 - Testing requirements; general.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

...., or 600 volts d.c., depending on the voltage rating of the fuse being tested. (b) Time constant of the circuit (defined as T=L/R, where T is the time in seconds, L is the inductance in henries, and R is the...

30 CFR 28.41 - Testing requirements; general.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

...., or 600 volts d.c., depending on the voltage rating of the fuse being tested. (b) Time constant of the circuit (defined as T=L/R, where T is the time in seconds, L is the inductance in henries, and R is the...

Comparative bioavailability of different formulations of levothyroxine and liothyronine in healthy volunteers.

PubMed

Leggio, G M; Incognito, T; Privitera, G; Marano, M R; Drago, F

2006-12-01

To evaluate the relative bioavailability of T4 sodium and liothyronine sodium (T3), administered in single doses as oral solution (drops) and tablet forms, according to two separate study protocols. Twenty-four healthy, male volunteers were included in both studies. Two test drugs containing T4 or T3 (T4-Ibsa and T3-Ibsa, respectively) were compared to two reference drugs, ie Eutirox 100 and Ti-tre tablets, respectively. A single oral dose of 100 microg (1 ml or 1 tablet) of T4 and 20 microg (1 ml or 1 tablet) of T3 were administered with an open, randomized, crossover design. T4 and T3 serum concentrations were determined by a validated immunoassay in electro-chemo-luminescence method. Study 1: after administration of T4-Ibsa oral solution, Cmax was 14.26+/-0.61 microg/dl, AUC0-t was 282.70 +/-14.29 microg/dl/h, Tmax was 2.71+/-0.25 h. After administration of Eutirox 100 tablets, Cmax was 14.34+/-0.59 microg/dl, AUC0-t was 279.42+/-9.59 microg/dl/h and Tmax was 2.65+/-0.23 h. The 90% confidence interval ratios between test/reference drugs were 1.01 for AUC0-t and 0.99 for Cmax. Study 2: after administration of T3-Ibsa oral solution, Cmax was 3.19+/-0.25 ng/ml, AUC0-t was 44.79+/-2.15 ng/ml/h and Tmax was 2.31+/-0.25 h. After administration of Ti-tre tablets, Cmax was 3.16+/-0.23 ng/ml, AUC0-t was 45.19+/-2.19 ng/ml/h and Tmax was 2.44+/-0.34 h. The 90% confidence interval ratios between test /reference drugs were 0.99 for AUC0-t and 1.01 for Cmax. The bioavailability of the two oral solutions (T4-Ibsa and T3-Ibsa oral solutions) and the corresponding tablet forms (Eutirox 100 and Ti-tre tablets) were confirmed and they can be considered bioequivalent and therapeutically interchangeable.

Kinetic evaluation and test-retest reproducibility of [11C]UCB-J, a novel radioligand for positron emission tomography imaging of synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A in humans.

PubMed

Finnema, Sjoerd J; Nabulsi, Nabeel B; Mercier, Joël; Lin, Shu-Fei; Chen, Ming-Kai; Matuskey, David; Gallezot, Jean-Dominique; Henry, Shannan; Hannestad, Jonas; Huang, Yiyun; Carson, Richard E

2017-01-01

Synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) is ubiquitously present in presynaptic terminals. Here we report kinetic modeling and test-retest reproducibility assessment of the SV2A positron emission tomography (PET) radioligand [ 11 C]UCB-J in humans. Five volunteers were examined twice on the HRRT after bolus injection of [ 11 C]UCB-J. Arterial blood samples were collected for measurements of radiometabolites and free fraction. Regional time-activity curves were analyzed with 1-tissue (1T) and 2-tissue (2T) compartment models to estimate volumes of distribution ( V T ). Parametric maps were generated using the 1T model. [ 11 C]UCB-J metabolized fairly quickly, with parent fraction of 36 ± 13% at 15 min after injection. Plasma free fraction was 32 ± 1%. Regional time-activity curves displayed rapid kinetics and were well described by the 1T model, except for the cerebellum and hippocampus. V T values estimated with the 2T model were similar to 1T values. Parametric maps were of high quality and V T values correlated well with time activity curve (TAC)-based estimates. Shortening of acquisition time from 120 min to 60 min had a negligible effect on V T values. The mean absolute test-retest reproducibility for V T was 3-9% across regions. In conclusion, [ 11 C]UCB-J exhibited excellent PET tracer characteristics and has potential as a general purpose tool for measuring synaptic density in neurodegenerative disorders.

A note on sample size calculation for mean comparisons based on noncentral t-statistics.

PubMed

Chow, Shein-Chung; Shao, Jun; Wang, Hansheng

2002-11-01

One-sample and two-sample t-tests are commonly used in analyzing data from clinical trials in comparing mean responses from two drug products. During the planning stage of a clinical study, a crucial step is the sample size calculation, i.e., the determination of the number of subjects (patients) needed to achieve a desired power (e.g., 80%) for detecting a clinically meaningful difference in the mean drug responses. Based on noncentral t-distributions, we derive some sample size calculation formulas for testing equality, testing therapeutic noninferiority/superiority, and testing therapeutic equivalence, under the popular one-sample design, two-sample parallel design, and two-sample crossover design. Useful tables are constructed and some examples are given for illustration.

Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence and association with equine protozoal myeloencephalitis: A case-control study of Californian horses.

PubMed

James, K E; Smith, W A; Packham, A E; Conrad, P A; Pusterla, N

2017-06-01

While toxoplasmosis is not commonly considered a clinical disease of equines, previous seroprevalence studies have reported differing background rates of Toxoplasma gondii infection in horses globally. The objective of this study was to evaluate possible associations between T. gondii seroprevalence and clinical signs of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) in horses. Using a case-control study design, 720 Californian horses with neurologic signs compatible with EPM were compared to healthy, non-neurologic horses for the presence of T. gondii antibodies (using indirect fluorescent antibody tests [IFAT]). Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence among cases and controls was determined at standard serum cut-offs: 40, 80, 160, 320, and 640. At a T. gondii titre cut-off of 320, horses with clinical signs compatible with EPM had 3.55 times the odds of a seropositive test compared to those without clinical signs (P<0.01) when adjusted for covariates. When restricted to the autumn season and at the same titre cut-off, an EPM suspect horse had 6.4 times the odds of testing seropositive to T. gondii, compared to non-neurologic horses. The association between high T. gondii titres and clinical signs compatible with EPM is potentially reflective of toxoplasmosis in equines. Serologic testing of cerebrospinal fluid and isolation of T. gondii in EPM suspect cases should be considered. Future studies investigating the relationship between T. gondii and EPM are warranted. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Detection of Toxoplasma gondii DNA in horse meat from supermarkets in France and performance evaluation of two serological tests.

PubMed

Aroussi, Abdelkrim; Vignoles, Philippe; Dalmay, François; Wimel, Laurence; Dardé, Marie-Laure; Mercier, Aurélien; Ajzenberg, Daniel

2015-01-01

In France, some cases of severe toxoplasmosis have been linked to the consumption of horse meat that had been imported from the American continent where atypical strains of Toxoplasma gondii are more common than in Europe. Many seroprevalence studies are presented in the literature but risk assessment of T. gondii infection after horse meat consumption is not possible in the absence of validated serological tests and the unknown correlation between detection of antibodies against T. gondii and presence of tissue cysts. We performed magnetic-capture polymerase chain reaction (MC-PCR) to detect T. gondii DNA in 231 horse meat samples purchased in supermarkets in France and evaluated the performance and level of agreement of the modified agglutination test (MAT) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the meat juices. The serological tests lacked sensitivity, specificity, and agreement between them, and there was no correlation with the presence of T. gondii DNA in horse meat, raising concerns about the reliability of T. gondii seroprevalence data in horses from the literature. T. gondii DNA was detected in 43% of horse meat samples but the absence of strain isolation in mice following inoculation of more than 100 horse meat samples suggests a low distribution of cysts in skeletal muscles and a low risk of T. gondii infection associated with horse meat consumption. However, to avoid any risk of toxoplasmosis, thorough cooking of horse meat is recommended. © A. Aroussi et al., published by EDP Sciences, 2015.

Detection of Toxoplasma gondii DNA in horse meat from supermarkets in France and performance evaluation of two serological tests

PubMed Central

Aroussi, Abdelkrim; Vignoles, Philippe; Dalmay, François; Wimel, Laurence; Dardé, Marie-Laure; Mercier, Aurélien; Ajzenberg, Daniel

2015-01-01

In France, some cases of severe toxoplasmosis have been linked to the consumption of horse meat that had been imported from the American continent where atypical strains of Toxoplasma gondii are more common than in Europe. Many seroprevalence studies are presented in the literature but risk assessment of T. gondii infection after horse meat consumption is not possible in the absence of validated serological tests and the unknown correlation between detection of antibodies against T. gondii and presence of tissue cysts. We performed magnetic-capture polymerase chain reaction (MC-PCR) to detect T. gondii DNA in 231 horse meat samples purchased in supermarkets in France and evaluated the performance and level of agreement of the modified agglutination test (MAT) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the meat juices. The serological tests lacked sensitivity, specificity, and agreement between them, and there was no correlation with the presence of T. gondii DNA in horse meat, raising concerns about the reliability of T. gondii seroprevalence data in horses from the literature. T. gondii DNA was detected in 43% of horse meat samples but the absence of strain isolation in mice following inoculation of more than 100 horse meat samples suggests a low distribution of cysts in skeletal muscles and a low risk of T. gondii infection associated with horse meat consumption. However, to avoid any risk of toxoplasmosis, thorough cooking of horse meat is recommended. PMID:25809058

Peripheral T cell lymphomas: an immunological study of seven unusual cases.

PubMed

Raziuddin, S; Latif, A B; Arif, S; Ahad, A; Zaidi, A Z

1988-05-01

A multiparameter study of malignant lymph node cells and peripheral blood lymphocytes of seven patients with peripheral T cell lymphoma is presented. The results of monoclonal marker studies showed three cases of helper-suppressor T cell lymphoma (OKT4+, OKT8+), one case of suppressor T cell lymphoma (OKT8+), and three cases of helper T cell lymphoma (OKT4+). Immunophenotypic heterogeneity of neoplastic T cells with expression of pan-T antigens, OKT3+, and OKT11+ (erythrocyte rosetting+) was observed in most patients. Six of the seven cases tested showed Ia and DR antigens. No relationship was detected between patterns of reactivity with T cell reagents and histological types. When tested, the in-vitro malignant T cells of five patients proliferated in response to concanavalin A (Con A), but had poor response to phytohaemagglutinin. The interleukin 2 receptors showed maximum expression on Con A-activated T cells of five patients, and phytohaemagglutinin-activated T cells of one patient. The neoplastic T cells (OKT4+, OKT8+) of one patient studied had suppressor activity for IgG and IgA, and helper activity for IgM synthesis on pokeweed mitogen-induced normal B cell differentiations.

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

Gauglitz, Phillip A.; Bontha, Jagannadha R.; Daniel, Richard C.

The Hanford Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) is currently being designed and constructed to pretreat and vitrify a large portion of the waste in the 177 underground waste storage tanks at the Hanford Site. A number of technical issues related to the design of the pretreatment facility (PTF) of the WTP have been identified. These issues must be resolved prior to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of River Protection (ORP) reaching a decision to proceed with engineering, procurement, and construction activities for the PTF. One of the issues is Technical Issue T1 - Hydrogen Gas Release frommore » Vessels (hereafter referred to as T1). The focus of T1 is identifying controls for hydrogen release and completing any testing required to close the technical issue. In advance of selecting specific controls for hydrogen gas safety, a number of preliminary technical studies were initiated to support anticipated future testing and to improve the understanding of hydrogen gas generation, retention, and release within PTF vessels. These activities supported the development of a plan defining an overall strategy and approach for addressing T1 and achieving technical endpoints identified for T1. Preliminary studies also supported the development of a test plan for conducting testing and analysis to support closing T1. Both of these plans were developed in advance of selecting specific controls, and in the course of working on T1 it was decided that the testing and analysis identified in the test plan were not immediately needed. However, planning activities and preliminary studies led to significant technical progress in a number of areas. This report summarizes the progress to date from the preliminary technical studies. The technical results in this report should not be used for WTP design or safety and hazards analyses and technical results are marked with the following statement: “Preliminary Technical Results for Planning – Not to be used for WTP Design or Safety Analyses.”« less

Poor agreement between diagnostic tests for latent tuberculosis infection among HIV-infected persons in Hong Kong.

PubMed

Leung, Chi Chiu; Chan, Kenny; Yam, Wing Cheong; Lee, Man Po; Chan, Chi Kuen; Wong, Ka Hing; Ho, Pak Leung; Mak, Ida; Tam, Cheuk Ming

2016-10-01

The tuberculin skin test (TST), T-Spot.TB (T-Spot) and QuantiFERON-TB Gold-In Tube (QFT) were compared in diagnosing latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons. Human immunodeficiency virus-infected persons without previous history of tuberculosis or LTBI were simultaneously tested by TST, T-Spot and QFT annually and followed up for tuberculosis. Among 110 HIV-infected subjects with 85% previous TST screening coverage, 75% on anti-retroviral therapy, well-preserved median CD4 count (414/μL) and low median viral load (<75/μL), baseline TST, T-Spot and QFT were positive in 5.5%, 5.6% and 4.9%, respectively, with almost complete discordance of positive results. Among 91 (83%), 66 (60%) and 26 (24%) subjects successfully undergoing the first, second and third annual retesting, TST, T-Spot and QFT were, respectively, positive in 11/123 (8.9%), 13/173 (7.5%) and 21/182 (11.5%) on retesting, with similar discordance of positive results. There was no significant association with the concurrent CD4 count or viral load. Conversion occurred in 11/123 (8.9%), 8/160 (5.0%) and 18/168 (10.7%) of TST, T-Spot and QFT, respectively, and none was associated with changes in CD4 count or viral load. More than half of the positive T-SPOT and QFT results reverted to negative on follow-up. None of these tests picked up the single case of culture-confirmed tuberculosis observed after 798 person-years of follow-up. Major discordance in positive results, high reversion rates and low tuberculosis incidence among test-positive subjects cast serious doubt on the utility of the currently available LTBI tests in the annual screening of HIV-infected persons in an intermediate tuberculosis burden area. © 2016 Asian Pacific Society of Respirology.

Driving CAR T-cells forward.

PubMed

Jackson, Hollie J; Rafiq, Sarwish; Brentjens, Renier J

2016-06-01

The engineered expression of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) on the surface of T cells enables the redirection of T-cell specificity. Early clinical trials using CAR T cells for the treatment of patients with cancer showed modest results, but the impressive outcomes of several trials of CD19-targeted CAR T cells in the treatment of patients with B-cell malignancies have generated an increased enthusiasm for this approach. Important lessons have been derived from clinical trials of CD19-specific CAR T cells, and ongoing clinical trials are testing CAR designs directed at novel targets involved in haematological and solid malignancies. In this Review, we discuss these trials and present strategies that can increase the antitumour efficacy and safety of CAR T-cell therapy. Given the fast-moving nature of this field, we only discuss studies with direct translational application currently or soon-to-be tested in the clinical setting.

Driving CAR T-cells forward

PubMed Central

Jackson, Hollie J.; Rafiq, Sarwish; Brentjens, Renier J.

2017-01-01

The engineered expression of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) on the surface of T cells enables the redirection of T-cell specificity. Early clinical trials using CAR T cells for the treatment of patients with cancer showed modest results, but the impressive outcomes of several trials of CD19-targeted CAR T cells in the treatment of patients with B-cell malignancies have generated an increased enthusiasm for this approach. Important lessons have been derived from clinical trials of CD19-specific CAR T cells, and ongoing clinical trials are testing CAR designs directed at novel targets involved in haematological and solid malignancies. In this Review, we discuss these trials and present strategies that can increase the antitumour efficacy and safety of CAR T-cell therapy. Given the fast-moving nature of this field, we only discuss studies with direct translational application currently or soon-to-be tested in the clinical setting. PMID:27000958

Intranasal administration of testosterone increased immobile-sniffing, exploratory behavior, motor behavior and grooming behavior in rats.

PubMed

Zhang, Guoliang; Shi, Geming; Tan, Huibing; Kang, Yunxiao; Cui, Huixian

2011-04-01

Currently, testosterone (T) replacement therapy is typically provided by oral medication, injectable T esters, surgically implanted T pellets, transdermal patches and gels. However, most of these methods of administration are still not ideal for targeting the central nervous system. Recently, therapeutic intranasal T administration (InT) has been considered as another option for delivering T to the brain. In the present study, the effects of 21-day InT treatment were assessed on open field behavior in gonadectomized (GDX) rats and intact rats. Subcutaneous injections of T at same dose were also tested in GDX rats. A total of 12 behavioral events were examined in GDX groups with or without T and in intact groups with or without InT. Significant decreases in open field activity were observed in rats after GDX without InT compared to sham-operated rats. The open field activity scores for most tests significantly increased with InT treatment in GDX rats and in intact rats compared with the corresponding GDX rats and intact rats. Intranasal administration of T improved the reduced behaviors resulted from T deficiency better than subcutaneous injection of T, demonstrating that T can be delivered to the brain by intranasal administration. Our results suggest that intranasal T delivery is an effective option for targeting the central nervous system. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Outlier removal, sum scores, and the inflation of the Type I error rate in independent samples t tests: the power of alternatives and recommendations.

PubMed

Bakker, Marjan; Wicherts, Jelte M

2014-09-01

In psychology, outliers are often excluded before running an independent samples t test, and data are often nonnormal because of the use of sum scores based on tests and questionnaires. This article concerns the handling of outliers in the context of independent samples t tests applied to nonnormal sum scores. After reviewing common practice, we present results of simulations of artificial and actual psychological data, which show that the removal of outliers based on commonly used Z value thresholds severely increases the Type I error rate. We found Type I error rates of above 20% after removing outliers with a threshold value of Z = 2 in a short and difficult test. Inflations of Type I error rates are particularly severe when researchers are given the freedom to alter threshold values of Z after having seen the effects thereof on outcomes. We recommend the use of nonparametric Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon tests or robust Yuen-Welch tests without removing outliers. These alternatives to independent samples t tests are found to have nominal Type I error rates with a minimal loss of power when no outliers are present in the data and to have nominal Type I error rates and good power when outliers are present. PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved.

Host range testing of Tamarixia radiata (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) sourced from the Punjab of Pakistan for classical biological control of Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae: Euphyllurinae: Diaphorinini) in California.

PubMed

Hoddle, Mark S; Pandey, Raju

2014-02-01

ABSTRACT Tests evaluating the host range of Tamarixia radiata (Waterson) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), a parasitoid of the pestiferous Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), sourced from the Punjab of Pakistan, were conducted in quarantine at the University of California, Riverside, CA. Seven nontarget psyllid species (five native and two self-introduced species) representing five families were exposed to T radiata under the following three different exposure scenarios: 1) sequential no-choice tests, 2) static no-choice tests, and 3) choice tests. Nontarget species were selected for testing based on the following criteria: 1) taxonomic relatedness to the target, D. citri; 2) native psyllids inhabiting native host plants related to citrus that could release volatiles attractive to T. radiata; 3) native psyllids with a high probability of occurrence in native vegetation surrounding commercial citrus groves that could be encountered by T. radiata emigrating from D. citri-infested citrus orchards; 4) a common native pest psyllid species; and 5) a beneficial psyllid attacking a noxious weed. The results of host range testing were unambiguous; T radiata exhibited a narrow host range and high host specificity, with just one species of nontarget psyllid, the abundant native pest Bactericera cockerelli Sulc, being parasitized at low levels (< 5%). These results suggest that the likelihood of significant nontarget impacts is low, and the establishment of T. radiata in southern California for the classical biological control of D. citri poses negligible environmental risk.

Performance of the BacT Alert 3D System Versus Solid Media for Recovery and Drug Susceptibility Testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a Tertiary Hospital in Korea.

PubMed

Kim, Seoung-Cheol; Jeon, Bo-Young; Kim, Jin-Sook; Choi, In Hwan; Kim, Jiro; Woo, Jeongim; Kim, Soojin; Lee, Hyeong Woo; Sezim, Monoldorova; Cho, Sang-Nae

2016-10-01

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major health problem, and accurate and rapid diagnosis of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extended drug-resistant (XDR) TB is important for appropriate treatment. In this study, performances of solid and liquid culture methods were compared with respect to MDR- and XDR-TB isolate recovery and drug susceptibility testing. Sputum specimens from 304 patients were stained with Ziehl-Neelsen method. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) isolates were tested for recovery on Löwenstein-Jensen (LJ) medium and the BacT Alert 3D system. For drug susceptibility testing of Mtb, isolates were evaluated on M-KIT plates and the BacT Alert 3D system. The recovery rates were 94.9% (206/217) and 98.2% (213/217) for LJ medium and the BacT Alert 3D system, respectively (kappa coefficient, 0.884). The rate of drug resistance was 13.4% for at least one or more drugs, 6.0% for MDR-TB and 2.3% for XDR-TB. M-KIT plate and BacT 3D Alert 3D system were comparable in drug susceptibility testing for isoniazid (97.7%; kappa coefficient, 0.905) and rifampin (98.6%; kappa coefficient, 0.907). Antibiotic resistance was observed using M-KIT plates for 24 of the total 29 Mtb isolates (82.8%). The liquid culture system showed greater reduction in the culture period, as compared with LJ medium; however, drug susceptibility testing using M-KIT plates was advantageous for simultaneous testing against multiple drug targets.

Optimal shortening of uniform covering arrays

PubMed Central

Rangel-Valdez, Nelson; Avila-George, Himer; Carrizalez-Turrubiates, Oscar

2017-01-01

Software test suites based on the concept of interaction testing are very useful for testing software components in an economical way. Test suites of this kind may be created using mathematical objects called covering arrays. A covering array, denoted by CA(N; t, k, v), is an N × k array over Zv={0,…,v-1} with the property that every N × t sub-array covers all t-tuples of Zvt at least once. Covering arrays can be used to test systems in which failures occur as a result of interactions among components or subsystems. They are often used in areas such as hardware Trojan detection, software testing, and network design. Because system testing is expensive, it is critical to reduce the amount of testing required. This paper addresses the Optimal Shortening of Covering ARrays (OSCAR) problem, an optimization problem whose objective is to construct, from an existing covering array matrix of uniform level, an array with dimensions of (N − δ) × (k − Δ) such that the number of missing t-tuples is minimized. Two applications of the OSCAR problem are (a) to produce smaller covering arrays from larger ones and (b) to obtain quasi-covering arrays (covering arrays in which the number of missing t-tuples is small) to be used as input to a meta-heuristic algorithm that produces covering arrays. In addition, it is proven that the OSCAR problem is NP-complete, and twelve different algorithms are proposed to solve it. An experiment was performed on 62 problem instances, and the results demonstrate the effectiveness of solving the OSCAR problem to facilitate the construction of new covering arrays. PMID:29267343

Product-Improvement Test (Phase II), Jetcal Tester, Model H119A.

DTIC Science & Technology

1969-03-05

Ao—A0 51 113 ARMY AVIATION ‘Cs’ BOARD FORT tUCKER ALA — P*OOUCTeII ROVEMCNT TEST ( FHAS ~ I I ) . JETCAL TESTER, MODEL M119A~~’ETC(U) MAR S9...Phase i i ) , Jetcal Tester , Model H 119A , USATECOM Project No. 4-6-5011-03 b . No fur ther consideration be given to the TEMPCAL heater probe as a...essen t i a l component of the Jetcal Tester. e. The service manual instruct ions for con t inu i ty te s t ing of EG1 thermocouples be revised to

[Effects of Remedies on the Remediation of Typical Pb and Zn-contaminated soil in Huanjiang, Guangxi].

PubMed

Zeng, Wei-quan; Song, Bo; Yuan, Li-zhu; Huang, Yu-fei; Fu, Feng-yan

2015-06-01

Due to the collapse of the Pb/Zn tailing dam of Huanjiang, Guangxi, the farmland along Huanjiang River are strongly acidic and heavy metal-contaminated, resulting in the loss of agricultural production. To explore some remedies and the migration of heavy metals in heavy metal contaminated-soil of Huanjiang, this study investigated the effects of different types of amendments (lime, calcium magnesium phosphate, organic fertilizer, polypropylene amide) on tested soils through soil leaching test. The results showed that T1 soil was severely acidified, reducing the pH of the soil layer to clean contact, while T2, T3, T4, T5 could significantly improve the contaminated soil pH, ranging from 2.7 to 3.2, 1.6 to 2.7 respectively. Compared with T1, in the contaminated soil at 0-20 cm, T2, T3, T4, T5 could effectively activate Pb and immobilize Zn. Compared with T1, in 20-60 cm clean soil, there was no significant differences in the effect of different treatments on DTPA-Pb and DTPA-Zn (P < 0.05). Compared with T1, T4 and T5 could provide good growing conditions for plants, which might provide technical support for future measurements such as bioremediation.

Short-term testosterone manipulations do not affect cognition or motor function but differentially modulate emotions in young and older male rhesus monkeys.

PubMed

Kelly, Brian; Maguire-Herring, Vanessa; Rose, Christian M; Gore, Heather E; Ferrigno, Stephen; Novak, Melinda A; Lacreuse, Agnès

2014-11-01

Human aging is characterized by declines in cognition and fine motor function as well as improved emotional regulation. In men, declining levels of testosterone (T) with age have been implicated in the development of these age-related changes. However, studies examining the effects of T replacement on cognition, emotion and fine motor function in older men have not provided consistent results. Rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) are excellent models for human cognitive aging and may provide novel insights on this issue. We tested 10 aged intact male rhesus monkeys (mean age=19, range 15-25) on a battery of cognitive, motor and emotional tasks at baseline and under low or high T experimental conditions. Their performance was compared to that of 6 young males previously tested in the same paradigm (Lacreuse et al., 2009; Lacreuse et al., 2010). Following a 4-week baseline testing period, monkeys were treated with a gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (Depot Lupron, 200 μg/kg) to suppress endogenous T and were tested on the task battery under a 4-week high T condition (injection of Lupron+T enanthate, 20 mg/kg, n=8) or 4-week low T condition (injection of Lupron+oil vehicle, n=8) before crossing over to the opposite treatment. The cognitive tasks consisted of the Delayed Non-Matching-to-Sample (DNMS), the Delayed Response (DR), and the Delayed Recognition Span Test (spatial-DRST). The emotional tasks included an object Approach-Avoidance task and a task in which monkeys were played videos of unfamiliar conspecifics in different emotional context (Social Playbacks). The fine motor task was the Lifesaver task that required monkeys to remove a Lifesaver candy from rods of different complexity. T manipulations did not significantly affect visual recognition memory, working memory, reference memory or fine motor function at any age. In the Approach-Avoidance task, older monkeys, but not younger monkeys, spent more time in proximity of novel objects in the high T condition relative to the low T condition. In both age groups, high T increased watching time of threatening social stimuli in the Social Playbacks. These results suggest that T affects some aspects of emotional processing but has no effect on fine motor function or cognition in young or older male macaques. It is possible that the duration of T treatment was not long enough to affect cognition or fine motor function or that T levels were too high to improve these outcomes. An alternative explanation for the discrepancies of our findings with some of the cognitive and emotional effects of T reported in rodents and humans may be the use of a chemical castration, which reduced circulating gonadotropins in addition to T. Further studies will investigate whether the luteinizing hormone LH mediates the effects of T on brain function in male primates. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A 12-Week Vigorous Exercise Protocol in a Healthy Group of Persons over 65: Study of Physical Function by means of the Senior Fitness Test

PubMed Central

Todde, Francesco; Melis, Franco; Mura, Roberto; Pau, Massimiliano; Fois, Francesco; Magnani, Sara; Ibba, Gianfranco; Crisafulli, Antonio; Tocco, Filippo

2016-01-01

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of vigorous exercise on functional abilities by means of a Senior Fitness Test (SFT) in a group of elderly adults. Twenty healthy and inactive people performed vigorous exercise (VE: 12 men and 8 women, aged 69.6 ± 3.9 years). At the beginning of the study (T0) and after 3 months (T1), each subject's functional ability was tested for muscular strength, agility, cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, and balance. The VE was designed with continuous and interval exercise involving large muscle activities. Functional exercises were performed between 60% and 84% of heart rate reserve (HRR) for a duration of 65 minutes. Five out of the 6 SFTs performed were found significantly improved: Chair Stand (T0 12.4 ± 2.4, T1 13.5 ± 2.6, p < 0.01), Arm Curl (T0 14.2 ± 3.6, T1 16.6 ± 3.6, p < 0.01), 2 min step (T0 98.2 ± 15.7, T1 108.9 ± 16.2, p < 0.01), Chair Sit-and-Reach (T0 −9.9 ± 7.7 cm, T1 1.7 ± 6.3 cm, p < 0.01), and Back Scratch (T0 −15.8 ± 10.9 cm, T1 −8.4 ± 13.1 cm, p < 0.01). Our results suggest that a high intensity protocol and functional exercises can improve functional mobility and muscle endurance in those over 65 years of age. SFTs are an effective method for assessing improvements in the functional capacity of elderly adults. PMID:27243035

Toothbrushing education via a smart software visualization system.

PubMed

Graetz, Christian; Bielfeldt, Jule; Wolff, Lars; Springer, Claudia; El-Sayed, Karim M Fawzy; Sälzer, Sonja; Badri-Höher, Sabah; Dörfer, Christof E

2013-02-01

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of a recently developed smart digital toothbrush monitoring and training system (DTS) in terms of correct brushing motion and grip axis orientation in an at-home environment. Twenty-one participants (11 test individuals [DTSG] and 10 control individuals [COG]) received instructions on the modified Bass technique (MBT) after their toothbrushing performance was monitored and they received professional tooth cleaning (T0). After 36 hours (T1), without mechanical oral hygiene measures, plaque and gingival indices were recorded, and the brushing technique was reviewed. After randomization, participants individually performed oral hygiene for 6 weeks (T2) with the provided oral hygiene kits. The DTSG group additionally used DTS. During the following 8 weeks (T3), participants used their original brushing devices without any additional interference. Investigators at each visit were masked regarding group identity. Data were statistically evaluated using Mann-Whitney U, Friedman, Wilcoxon, and paired tests and Pearson correlation. At T0, 27.27% of DTSG participants used the MBT correctly (COG, 50%), increasing to 54.55% (COG, 60%) after professional instruction (T1) and further to 90.91% at T2 (COG, 60%) (P <0.001). Plaque scores were reduced in DTSG (P <0.05). At T3, 80% of the DTSG (COG, 40%) totally adopted the MBT (P <0.05). The plaque scores on buccal surfaces of the DTSG showed an additional slight improvement between T2 and T3, in contrast to a decline on oral surfaces (P <0.001). At T2 and T3, the DTSG brushed >120 seconds (COG, 90% and 50%) (P <0.05). Apparently, the tested DTS effectively improves the brushing technique and leads to a prolonged learning effect, including improved oral hygiene.

Austrian Moderate Altitude Study (AMAS 2000): erythropoietic activity and Hb-O(2) affinity during a 3-week hiking holiday at moderate altitude in persons with metabolic syndrome.

PubMed

Schobersberger, Wolfgang; Greie, Sven; Humpeler, Egon; Mittermayr, Markus; Fries, Dietmar; Schobersberger, Beatrix; Artner-Dworzak, Erika; Hasibeder, Walter; Klingler, Anton; Gunga, Hanns-Christian

2005-01-01

Moderate altitude hypoxia (1500 to 2500 m) is known to stimulate erythropoiesis and to improve oxygen transport to tissue by a reduction of Hb-O(2) affinity. Whether this adaptation also occurs in tourists with metabolic syndrome has not yet been investigated sufficiently. Thus, we performed a prospective field study to measure erythropoietic parameters and oxygen transport properties in 24 male volunteers with metabolic syndrome during a 3- week holiday program at 1700 m consisting of four guided, individually adapted hiking tours per week. The following examinations were performed: baseline investigations at 500 m (T1); examinations at moderate altitude on day 1 (T2), day 4 (T3), day 9 (T4), and day 19 (T5); and postaltitude tests (T6) 7 to 10 days after return. On day 1 and day 19, a walk on a standardized hiking test route with oxygen saturation (SpO(2)) measure points was performed. Hemoglobin, packed cell volume, and red cell count showed changes over time, with higher values at T5 as compared to baseline. Reticulocyte count and erythropoietin (EPO) were increased at T2 and increased further until T5. EPO declined toward prealtitude values. P50-value (blood PO(2) at 50% hemoglobin oxygen saturation at actual pH) increased during the altitude sojourn (maximum increase at T5 by +0.40 kPa). At T5 all volunteers had a higher SpO(2) before, during, and at the end of the test route compared to T1. During adaptation to moderate altitude, persons with metabolic syndrome exhibit an increase in EPO and a rightward shift of the oxygen dissociation curve that is similar to healthy subjects.

Predicting change over time in career planning and career exploration for high school students.

PubMed

Creed, Peter A; Patton, Wendy; Prideaux, Lee-Ann

2007-06-01

This study assessed 166 high school students in Grade 8 and again in Grade 10. Four models were tested: (a) whether the T1 predictor variables (career knowledge, indecision, decision-making self efficacy, self-esteem, demographics) predicted the outcome variable (career planning/exploration) at T1; (b) whether the T1 predictor variables predicted the outcome variable at T2; (c) whether the T1 predictor variables predicted change in the outcome variable from T1-T2; and (d) whether changes in the predictor variables from T1-T2 predicted change in the outcome variable from T1-T2. Strong associations (R(2)=34%) were identified for the T1 analysis (confidence, ability and paid work experience were positively associated with career planning/exploration). T1 variables were less useful predictors of career planning/exploration at T2 (R(2)=9%; having more confidence at T1 was associated with more career planning/exploration at T2) and change in career planning/exploration from T1-T2 (R(2)=11%; less confidence and no work experience were associated with change in career planning/exploration from T1-T2). When testing effect of changes in predictor variables predicting changes in outcome variable (R(2)=22%), three important predictors, indecision, work experience and confidence, were identified. Overall, results indicated important roles for self-efficacy and early work experiences in current and future career planning/exploration of high school students.

Determining Differences in Efficacy of Two Disinfectants Using t-Tests.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brehm, Michael A.; And Others

1996-01-01

Presents an experiment to compare the effectiveness of 95% ethanol to 20% bleach as disinfectants using t-tests for the statistical analysis of the data. Reports that bleach is a better disinfectant. Discusses the statistical and practical significance of the results. (JRH)

Tube suction test for evaluating durability of cementitiously stabilized soils.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-06-01

In a comprehensive laboratory study, different tests namely, unconfined compressive strength (UCS) at the end of freeze-thaw/wet-dry (F-T/W-D) cycles, resilient modulus (Mr) at the end of F-T/W-D cycles, vacuum saturation, tube suction, and moisture ...

Mechanical Properties of Multi-Year Sea Ice. Phase 2. Test Results

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-10-01

test3specimenstat spcd n tdVf-n plidsrs’ -20°Ct applied stess-iez mp era- aurs 10 4 1M -.......- . ..L . .. .. * t o’ -04% Stes lb/l t \\\\r "".% \\ . ~~~~~~~Figure

Tuberculin skin testing and T-SPOT.TB in internationally adopted children.

PubMed

Spicer, Kevin B; Turner, Joanne; Wang, Shu-Hua; Koranyi, Katalin; Powell, Dwight A

2015-06-01

Diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection is a problem in children because of lack of a diagnostic standard and potential impact of previous Bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccination and exposure to environmental mycobacteria. Effectiveness and usefulness of interferon-gamma release assays in infants and younger children have yet to be clearly demonstrated. Prospective cohort study including 109 children (4 months to 16 years) seen in an international adoption clinic at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH. Children were adopted from 14 countries, mostly (72.5%) from China, Russia and Ethiopia. Correspondence between tuberculin skin test (TST) and the T-SPOT.TB assay was evaluated. Factors associated with positive results on the TST and T-SPOT.TB were determined, and the impact of age on test performance was specifically addressed. TST was positive in 23.4% (25 of 107). T-SPOT.TB was positive in 4.6% (5 of 109). Overall agreement between TST and T-SPOT.TB was 71%, with prevalence-adjusted, bias-adjusted Kappa of 0.68. History of Mycobacterium tuberculosis exposure was associated with positive results on TST (odds ratio: 25.4, 95% confidence interval: 4.8-261.6, exact logistic regression) and T-SPOT.TB (odds ratio: 78.9, 95% confidence interval: 9.7-∞). All 5 children with positive T-SPOT.TB had TST induration ≥15 mm. No patient less than 1 year of age (n = 17) had positive TST or T-SPOT.TB. Positive TST was not associated with Bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccination or scar. TST was positive in a significant percentage of international adoptees. T-SPOT.TB was rarely positive and discordant results reflected negative T-SPOT.TB with positive TST. In this population latent tuberculosis infection may be over-estimated by TST. Regardless, in our context at the time of the study, treatment decisions were based upon TST results, not results of the T-SPOT.TB assay. Age was consistently associated with findings on TST and T-SPOT.TB with no positive result on either test for any child <1 year of age.

The effect of phloretin on human γδ T cells killing colon cancer SW-1116 cells.

PubMed

Zhu, Sheng-Ping; Liu, Gang; Wu, Xiao-Ting; Chen, Fu-Xing; Liu, Jun-Quan; Zhou, Zhong-Hai; Zhang, Jian-Fu; Fei, Su-Juan

2013-01-01

To explore the effect and mechanism of Phloretin on human γδ T cells killing colon cancer SW-1116 cells. γδ T cells were amplified in vitro from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells through isopentenyl pyrophosphate method (IPP). After cocultured different concentrations of Phloretin with γδ T cells or SW-1116 cells for 48h respectively, MTT assay was used to test the growth curve of these two cells; Flow cytometry to test the expression of Granzyme B (GraB), perforin (PFP), CD107a and IFN-γ of γδ T cells; Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay to test the cytotoxic activity of the γδ T cells on SW-1116 cells; and Western blot to test the Wnt3a expression of the γδ T cells. After cultured with IPP for ten days, the percentage of γδ T cells increased from 3.31±3.00% to 78.40±10.30%. Compared to the control group, when the concentration of Phloretin increased from 2.35μg/ml to 18.75μg/ml, it could significantly proliferate the γδ T cell growth (P<0.05) and inhibit the growth of SW-1116 cells in dose-response, and the expression of GraB, PFP, CD107a and Wnt3a significantly increased (P<0.05). Significant positive relationships were observed among CD107a and PFP, GraB, cytotoxicity (P<0.05). The percentage of IFN-γ producing γδ T cells treated with Phloretin was significantly higher than control group. Phloretin can enhance the killing effect of γδ T cells on SW-1116 cells; the mechanism may be that Phloretin could proliferate the γδ T cell growth, increase the expression of PFP and GraB, activate the Wnt signaling pathway, and produce higher level of IFN-γ. Indeed CD107a expression probably correlates quite well with antitumor activity. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Yellowing reaction in encapsulant of photovoltaic modules

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

Shigekuni, T.; Kumano, M.

1997-12-31

To clarify the mechanism of the yellowing reaction in encapsulant used for photovoltaic (PV) modules, a low molecular weight substance in EVA (Ethylene vinyl acetate) under accelerated weathering test (Dew cycle test, 1000 hours) with yellow change and virgin EVA were extracted with methanol. Extracts were chemically analyzed by GCIR (Gas Chromatography Infrared-Ray spectroscopic analysis), GC-AED (Gas Chromatography Atomic Emission Detector), and FDMS (Field Desorption Mass Spectroscopy). The conditions of this accelerated test were based on JIS-K9117. The analysis results showed that 2,6-di-t-butyl-4-methyl phenol of antioxidant and 2-hydroxy-4-octoxy-benzophenone of UV absorbent were consumed after the weathering test and that 3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxy-benzaldehydemore » having yellow color was newly produced. A mechanism of the yellowing reaction in encapsulant was presented here that 2,6-di-t-N-O radical from Bis-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl sebacate to produce 3,5 di-t-butyl-4-hydroxy benzaldehyde.« less

The effect of postsurgical pain on attentional processing in horses.

PubMed

Dodds, Louise; Knight, Laura; Allen, Kate; Murrell, Joanna

2017-07-01

To investigate the effect of postsurgical pain on the performance of horses in a novel object and auditory startle task. Prospective clinical study. Twenty horses undergoing different types of surgery and 16 control horses that did not undergo surgery. The interaction of 36 horses with novel objects and a response to an auditory stimulus were measured at two time points; the day before surgery (T1) and the day after surgery (T2) for surgical horses (G1), and at a similar time interval for control horses (G2). Pain and sedation were measured using simple descriptive scales at the time the tests were carried out. Total time or score attributed to each of the behavioural categories was compared between groups (G1 and G2) for each test and between tests (T1 and T2) for each group. The median (range) time spent interacting with novel objects was reduced in G1 from 58 (6-367) seconds in T1 to 12 (0-495) seconds in T2 (p=0.0005). In G2 the change in interaction time between T1 and T2 was not statistically significant. Median (range) total auditory score was 7 (3-12) and 10 (1-12) in G1 and G2, respectively, at T1, decreasing to 6 (0-10) in G1 after surgery and 9.5 (1-12) in G2 (p=0.0003 and p=0.94, respectively). There was a difference in total auditory score between G1 and G2 at T2 (p=0.0169), with the score being lower in G1 than G2. Postsurgical pain negatively impacts attention towards novel objects and causes a decreased responsiveness to an auditory startle test. In horses, tasks demanding attention may be useful as a biomarker of pain. Copyright © 2017 Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists and American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of epidural and peripheral nerve catheter heating during magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

Owens, Sean; Erturk, M Arcan; Ouanes, Jean-Pierre P; Murphy, Jamie D; Wu, Christopher L; Bottomley, Paul A

2014-01-01

Many epidural and peripheral nerve catheters contain conducting wire that could heat during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), requiring removal for scanning. We tested 2 each of 6 brands of regional analgesia catheters (from Arrow International [Reading, Pennsylvania], B. Braun Medical Inc [Bethlehem, Pennsylvania], and Smiths Medical/Portex [Keene, New Hampshire]) for exposure to clinical 1.5- and 3-T MRI. Catheters testing as nonmagnetic were placed in an epidural configuration in a standard human torso-sized phantom, and an MRI pulse sequence applied at the maximum scanner-allowed radiofrequency specific absorption rate (SAR) for 15 minutes. Temperature and SAR exposure were sampled during MRI using multiple fiberoptic temperature sensors. Two catheters (the Arrow StimuCath Peripheral Nerve and B. Braun Medical Perifix FX Epidural) were found to be magnetic and not tested further. At 3 T, exposure of the remaining 3 epidural and 1 peripheral nerve catheter to the scanner's maximum RF exposure elicited anomalous heating of 4°C to 7°C in 2 Arrow Epidural (MultiPort and Flex-Tip Plus) catheters at the entry points. Temperature increases for the other catheters at 3 T, and all catheters at 1.5 T were 1.4°C or less. When normalized to the body-average US Food and Drug Administration guideline SAR of 4 W/kg, maximum projected temperature increases were 0.1°C to 2.5°C at 1.5 T and 0.7°C to 2.7°C at 3 T, except for the Arrow MultiPort Flex-Tip Plus catheter at 3 T whose increase was 14°C. Most but not all catheters can be left in place during 1.5-T MRI scans. Heating of less than 3°C during MRI for most catheters is not expected to be injurious. While heating was lower at 1.5 T versus 3 T, performance differences between products underscore the need for safety testing before performing MRI.

Evaluation of Epidural and Peripheral Nerve Catheter Heating During Magnetic Resonance Imaging

PubMed Central

Owens, Sean; Erturk, M. Arcan; Ouanes, Jean-Pierre P.; Murphy, Jamie D.; Wu, Christopher L.; Bottomley, Paul A.

2014-01-01

Background Many epidural and peripheral nerve catheters contain conducting wire that could heat during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), requiring removal for scanning. Methods We tested 2 each of 6 brands of regional analgesia catheters (from Arrow International, B. Braun Medical, and Smiths Medical/Portex) for exposure to clinical 1.5 and 3 Tesla (T) MRI. Catheters testing as non-magnetic were placed in an epidural configuration in a standard human torso-sized phantom, and an MRI pulse sequence applied at the maximum scanner-allowed radio frequency (RF) specific absorption rate (SAR) for 15 minutes Temperature and SAR exposure were sampled during MRI using multiple fiber-optic temperature sensors. Results Two catheters (the Arrow StimuCath Peripheral Nerve, and Braun Medical Perifix FX Epidural) were found to be magnetic and not tested further. At 3T, exposure of the remaining 3 epidural and 1 peripheral nerve catheter to the scanner’s maximum RF exposure, elicited anomalous heating of 4 to 7°C in 2 Arrow Epidural (MultiPort and Flex-Tip Plus) catheters at the entry points. Temperature increases for the other catheters at 3T and all catheters at 1.5T were ≤1.4°C. When normalized to the body-average FDA guideline SAR of 4W/kg, maximum projected temperature increases were 0.1 to 2.5°C at 1.5T and 0.7 to 2.7°C at 3T, except for the Arrow MultiPort Flex-Tip Plus catheter at 3T whose increase was 14°C. Conclusions Most but not all catheters can be left in place during 1.5T MRI scans. Heating of <3°C during MRI for most catheters is not expected to be injurious. While heating was lower at 1.5T vs 3T, performance differences between products underscore the need for safety testing before performing MRI. PMID:25275576

Storageless and caching Tier-2 models in the UK context

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cadellin Skipsey, Samuel; Dewhurst, Alastair; Crooks, David; MacMahon, Ewan; Roy, Gareth; Smith, Oliver; Mohammed, Kashif; Brew, Chris; Britton, David

2017-10-01

Operational and other pressures have lead to WLCG experiments moving increasingly to a stratified model for Tier-2 resources, where “fat” Tier-2s (“T2Ds”) and “thin” Tier-2s (“T2Cs”) provide different levels of service. In the UK, this distinction is also encouraged by the terms of the current GridPP5 funding model. In anticipation of this, testing has been performed on the implications, and potential implementation, of such a distinction in our resources. In particular, this presentation presents the results of testing of storage T2Cs, where the “thin” nature is expressed by the site having either no local data storage, or only a thin caching layer; data is streamed or copied from a “nearby” T2D when needed by jobs. In OSG, this model has been adopted successfully for CMS AAA sites; but the network topology and capacity in the USA is significantly different to that in the UK (and much of Europe). We present the result of several operational tests: the in-production University College London (UCL) site, which runs ATLAS workloads using storage at the Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) site; the Oxford site, which has had scaling tests performed against T2Ds in various locations in the UK (to test network effects); and the Durham site, which has been testing the specific ATLAS caching solution of “Rucio Cache” integration with ARC’s caching layer.

Monte Carlo Simulations Comparing Fisher Exact Test and Unequal Variances t Test for Analysis of Differences Between Groups in Brief Hospital Lengths of Stay.

PubMed

Dexter, Franklin; Bayman, Emine O; Dexter, Elisabeth U

2017-12-01

We examined type I and II error rates for analysis of (1) mean hospital length of stay (LOS) versus (2) percentage of hospital LOS that are overnight. These 2 end points are suitable for when LOS is treated as a secondary economic end point. We repeatedly resampled LOS for 5052 discharges of thoracoscopic wedge resections and lung lobectomy at 26 hospitals. Unequal variances t test (Welch method) and Fisher exact test both were conservative (ie, type I error rate less than nominal level). The Wilcoxon rank sum test was included as a comparator; the type I error rates did not differ from the nominal level of 0.05 or 0.01. Fisher exact test was more powerful than the unequal variances t test at detecting differences among hospitals; estimated odds ratio for obtaining P < .05 with Fisher exact test versus unequal variances t test = 1.94, with 95% confidence interval, 1.31-3.01. Fisher exact test and Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney had comparable statistical power in terms of differentiating LOS between hospitals. For studies with LOS to be used as a secondary end point of economic interest, there is currently considerable interest in the planned analysis being for the percentage of patients suitable for ambulatory surgery (ie, hospital LOS equals 0 or 1 midnight). Our results show that there need not be a loss of statistical power when groups are compared using this binary end point, as compared with either Welch method or Wilcoxon rank sum test.

Testing Methods for Integrated Circuit Chips.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-03-27

DWf <I IAV ~IMi MORY OUT LOGIC~~ IPOGRAM ASYC S’E4i E...* 16o, CO% T ROL CO%TROL 32 Figure 2 . 14 VLSI Tester Block Diagram. registers, memory and test...neral-pIurpos’ processor wi th standard bus- inte-rfaco se-rves as,- th- test control Ii’r and ( 2 ) a c-ustom VLSI test Controller inti-rfacing direc(_t1...Engineering 2 WTWTY ABSTRACT Provision for the functional testing of fabricated VLSI chips frequently involves as much design effort as the orig- _ inal

Consistent Structural Integrity and Efficient Certification with Analysis. Volume 2: Detailed Report on Innovative Research Developed, Applied, and Commercially Available

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-05-01

RESULTS ................................................................................................................49 5.3.1 Phase I Test Data...Ins 3 2.2a Wrinkling failure test article 7 2.2b Test results for a) Set A “0° core”, and b) Set B “90° core” 7 2.2c Test ... results for c) Set E “Isotropic (Foam) Core” 8 2.3 P = T because test data not yet reanalyzed with established CFs 9 2.4 P and T are now different

Use of screening tests to assess cancer risk and to estimate the risk of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma.

PubMed Central

Yanagawa, T; Tokudome, S

1990-01-01

We developed methods to assess the cancer risks by screening tests. These methods estimate the size of the high risk group adjusted for the characteristics of screening tests and estimate the incidence rates of cancer among the high risk group adjusted for the characteristics of the tests. A method was also developed for selecting the cut-off point of a screening test. Finally, the methods were applied to estimate the risk of the adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma. PMID:2269244

The I Don't Know Option in the Vocabulary Size Test

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zhang, Xian

2013-01-01

The current study evaluates guessing behaviors in a vocabulary size test (VST) and examines whether including an "I don't know" in a VST may have an impact on the results of the test. One-hundred-fifty first-year students at a university in China took part in the study. They were randomly assigned to three groups. Each group took a…

Home page of Arnold Air Force Base

Science.gov Websites

time to reflect on the men and women who have gi... Facebook Logo Free-jet engine test at AEDC facility record for free-jet mode engines by achieving transonic speeds! @AEDCnews https://t.co/6lD4T5bnte Free-jet engine test at AEDC facility sets record Free-jet engine test at AEDC facility sets record

Correcting Two-Sample "z" and "t" Tests for Correlation: An Alternative to One-Sample Tests on Difference Scores

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zimmerman, Donald W.

2012-01-01

In order to circumvent the influence of correlation in paired-samples and repeated measures experimental designs, researchers typically perform a one-sample Student "t" test on difference scores. That procedure entails some loss of power, because it employs N - 1 degrees of freedom instead of the 2N - 2 degrees of freedom of the…

Antibacterial and antioxidant activities of essential oils isolated from Thymbra capitata L. (Cav.) andOriganum vulgare L.

PubMed

Faleiro, Leonor; Miguel, Graça; Gomes, Sónia; Costa, Ludmila; Venâncio, Florencia; Teixeira, Adriano; Figueiredo, A Cristina; Barroso, José G; Pedro, Luis G

2005-10-19

Antilisterial activities of Thymbra capitata and Origanum vulgare essential oils were tested against 41 strains of Listeria monocytogenes. The oil of T. capitata was mainly constituted by one component, carvacrol (79%), whereas for O. vulgare three components constituted 70% of the oil, namely, thymol (33%), gamma-terpinene (26%), and p-cymene (11%). T. capitata essential oil had a significantly higher antilisterial activity in comparison to O. vulgare oil and chloramphenicol. No significant differences in L. monocytogenes susceptibilities to the essential oils tested were registered. The minimum inhibitory concentration values of T. capitata essential oil and of carvacrol were quite similar, ranging between 0.05 and 0.2 microL/mL. Antioxidant activity was also tested, the essential oil of T. capitata showing significantly higher antioxidant activity than that of O. vulgare. Use of T. capitata and O. vulgare essential oils can constitute a powerful tool in the control of L. monocytogenes in food and other industries.

Use of HPLC/UPLC-spectrophotometry for detection of formazan in in vitro Reconstructed human Tissue (RhT)-based test methods employing the MTT-reduction assay to expand their applicability to strongly coloured test chemicals.

PubMed

Alépée, N; Barroso, J; De Smedt, A; De Wever, B; Hibatallah, J; Klaric, M; Mewes, K R; Millet, M; Pfannenbecker, U; Tailhardat, M; Templier, M; McNamee, P

2015-06-01

A number of in vitro test methods using Reconstructed human Tissues (RhT) are regulatory accepted for evaluation of skin corrosion/irritation. In such methods, test chemical corrosion/irritation potential is determined by measuring tissue viability using the photometric MTT-reduction assay. A known limitation of this assay is possible interference of strongly coloured test chemicals with measurement of formazan by absorbance (OD). To address this, Cosmetics Europe evaluated use of HPLC/UPLC-spectrophotometry as an alternative formazan measurement system. Using the approach recommended by the FDA guidance for validation of bio-analytical methods, three independent laboratories established and qualified their HPLC/UPLC-spectrophotometry systems to reproducibly measure formazan from tissue extracts. Up to 26 chemicals were then tested in RhT test systems for eye/skin irritation and skin corrosion. Results support that: (1) HPLC/UPLC-spectrophotometry formazan measurement is highly reproducible; (2) formazan measurement by HPLC/UPLC-spectrophotometry and OD gave almost identical tissue viabilities for test chemicals not exhibiting colour interference nor direct MTT reduction; (3) independent of the test system used, HPLC/UPLC-spectrophotometry can measure formazan for strongly coloured test chemicals when this is not possible by absorbance only. It is therefore recommended that HPLC/UPLC-spectrophotometry to measure formazan be included in the procedures of in vitro RhT-based test methods, irrespective of the test system used and the toxicity endpoint evaluated to extend the applicability of these test methods to strongly coloured chemicals. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Longer rewarming time in finger cooling test in association with HbA1c level in diabetics.

PubMed

Zeng, Shan; Chen, Qi; Wang, Xiang-Wen; Hong, Kui; Li, Ju-Xiang; Li, Ping; Cheng, Xiao-Shu; Su, Hai

2016-09-01

To assess if rewarming time in finger cooling test (FCT) as an indicator of microvascular dysfunction is abnormal in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Forty-three T2DM patients and 48 healthy controls with similarly distributed baseline demographic, clinical and laboratory parameters were subjected to FCT involving 60-second index finger immersion into water at 4°C. Finger temperature was measured before FCT (baseline-T), immediately after cooling stimulus (T0), and at one-minute intervals until baseline-T recovery. Temperature decline amplitude was calculated as the difference between T0 and baseline-T, and rewarming time as time elapsed from T0 to baseline-T recovery. T2DM patients compared with healthy controls had statistically similar baseline-T, significantly larger temperature decline amplitude, significantly lower T0, and significantly longer rewarming time. In T2DM patients, rewarming time positively correlated with T2DM duration (r=0.513, p<0.001) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level (r=0.446, p=0.003), which also were its independent predictors in multivariate regression analysis. Patients with T2DM display abnormal FCT results suggestive of microvascular dysfunction, with T2DM duration and HbA1c level independently predicting rewarming time. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

CAR T-cell therapy for glioblastoma: ready for the next round of clinical testing?

PubMed

Prinzing, Brooke L; Gottschalk, Stephen M; Krenciute, Giedre

2018-05-01

The outcome for patients with glioblastoma (GBM) remains poor, and there is an urgent need to develop novel therapeutic approaches. T cells genetically modified with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) hold the promise to improve outcomes since they recognize and kill cells through different mechanisms than conventional therapeutics. Areas covered: This article reviews CAR design, tumor associated antigens expressed by GBMs that can be targeted with CAR T cells, preclinical and clinical studies conducted with CAR T cells, and genetic approaches to enhance their effector function. Expert commentary: While preclinical studies have highlighted the potent anti-GBM activity of CAR T cells, the initial foray of CAR T-cell therapies into the clinic resulted only in limited benefits for GBM patients. Additional genetic modification of CAR T cells has resulted in a significant increase in their anti-GBM activity in preclinical models. We are optimistic that clinical testing of these enhanced CAR T cells will be safe and result in improved anti-glioma activity in GBM patients.

Texture and Tempered Condition Combined Effects on Fatigue Behavior in an Al-Cu-Li Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, An; Liu, Zhiyi; Liu, Meng; Wu, Wenting; Bai, Song; Yang, Rongxian

2017-05-01

Texture and tempered condition combined effects on fatigue behavior in an Al-Cu-Li alloy have been investigated using tensile testing, cyclic loading testing, scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and texture analysis. Results showed that in near-threshold region, T4-tempered samples possessed the lowest fatigue crack propagation (FCP) rate. In Paris regime, T4-tempered sample had similar FCP rate with T6-tempered sample. T83-tempered sample exhibited the greatest FCP rate among the three tempered conditions. 3% pre-stretching in T83-tempered sample resulted in a reducing intensity of Goss texture and facilitated T1 precipitation. SEM results showed that less crack deflection was observed in T83-tempered sample, as compared to other two tempered samples. It was the combined effects of a lower intensity of Goss texture and T1 precipitates retarding the reversible dislocation slipping in the plastic zone ahead the crack tip.

Test – Retest Reliability and Concurrent Validity of in vivo Myelin Content Indices: Myelin Water Fraction and Calibrated T1w/T2w Image Ratio

PubMed Central

Arshad, Muzamil; Stanley, Jeffrey A.; Raz, Naftali

2016-01-01

In an age-heterogeneous sample of healthy adults, we examined test-retest reliability (with and without participant re-positioning) of two popular MRI methods of estimating myelin content: modeling the short spin-spin (T2) relaxation component of multi-echo imaging data and computing the ratio of T1-weighted and T2-weighted images (T1w/T2w). Taking the myelin water fraction (MWF) index of myelin content derived from the multi-component T2 relaxation data as a standard, we evaluate the concurrent and differential validity of T1w/T2w ratio images. The results revealed high reliability of MWF and T1w/T2w ratio. However, we found significant correlations of low to moderate magnitude between MWF and the T1w/T2w ratio in only two of six examined regions of the cerebral white matter. Notably, significant correlations of the same or greater magnitude were observed for T1w/T2w ratio and the intermediate T2 relaxation time constant, which is believed to reflect differences in the mobility of water between the intracellular and extracellular compartments. We conclude that although both methods are highly reliable and thus well-suited for longitudinal studies, T1w/T2w ratio has low criterion validity and may be not an optimal index of subcortical myelin content. PMID:28009069

Chronic Chagas Disease Diagnosis: A Comparative Performance of Commercial Enzyme Immunoassay Tests

PubMed Central

Santos, Fred Luciano Neves; de Souza, Wayner Vieira; da Silva Barros, Michelle; Nakazawa, Mineo; Krieger, Marco Aurélio; de Miranda Gomes, Yara

2016-01-01

There is a significant heterogeneity in reported performance of serological assays for Chagas disease diagnosis. The conventional serology testing in laboratory diagnosis and in blood banks is unsatisfactory because of a high number of inconclusive and misclassified results. We aimed to assess the quality of four commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay tests for their ability to detect Trypanosoma cruzi antibodies in 685 sera samples. Cross-reactivity was assessed by using 748 sera from patients with unrelated diseases. Initially, we found that the reactivity index against T. cruzi antigen was statistically higher in sera from Chagas disease patients compared with those from non-chagasic patients, supporting the notion that all evaluated tests have a good discriminatory ability toward the diagnosis of T. cruzi infection in patients in the chronic phase of the disease. Although all tests were similarly sensitive for diagnosing T. cruzi infection, there were significant variations in terms of specificity and cross-reactivity among them. Indeed, we obtained divergent results when testing sera from patient with unrelated diseases, particularly leishmaniasis, with the levels of cross-reactivity being higher in tests using whole T. cruzi extracts compared with those using recombinant proteins. Our data suggest that all four tests may be used for the laboratory diagnosis and routine blood screening diagnose for Chagas disease. We also emphasize that, despite their general good performance, caution is needed when analyzing the results when these tests are performed in areas where other diseases, particularly leishmaniasis, are endemic. PMID:26976886

Diagnosis of canine hypothyroidism. Perspectives from a testing laboratory.

PubMed

Kemppainen, R J; Behrend, E N

2001-09-01

The most common sample received by our endocrine testing laboratory is submitted for the diagnosis of hypothyroidism in a dog. The current tests most frequently employed in our laboratory for thyroid evaluation in dogs are total T4, free T4 by dialysis, and canine TSH measurement. Each test has strengths and weaknesses and suffers from the possibility of both false positive and false negative results. This article provides a working description of each test and an approach to interpretation of results. Other tests that are less commonly used are also discussed. Examples of interpretation of test results in individual hypothyroid-suspect dogs are presented for illustration.

Multi-Scale Thermal Heat Tracer Tests for Characterizing Transport Processes and Flow Channelling in Fractured Media: Theory and Field Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de La Bernardie, J.; Klepikova, M.; Bour, O.; Le Borgne, T.; Dentz, M.; Guihéneuf, N.; Gerard, M. F.; Lavenant, N.

2017-12-01

The characterization of flow and transport in fractured media is particularly challenging because hydraulic conductivity and transport properties are often strongly dependent on the geometric structure of the fracture surfaces. Here we show how thermal tracer tests may be an excellent complement to conservative solute tracer tests to infer fracture geometry and flow channeling. We performed a series of thermal tracer tests at different scales in a crystalline rock aquifer at the experimental site of Ploemeur (H+ observatory network). The first type of thermal tracer tests are push-pull tracer tests at different scales. The temporal and spatial scaling of heat recovery, measured from thermal breakthrough curves, shows a clear signature of flow channeling. In particular, the late time tailing of heat recovery under channeled flow is shown to diverge from the T(t) α t-1,5 behavior expected for the classical parallel plate model and follow the scaling T(t) α 1/t(logt)2 for a simple channel modeled as a tube. Flow channeling is also manifested on the spatial scaling of heat recovery as flow channeling affects the decay of the thermal breakthrough peak amplitude and the increase of the peak time with scale. The second type of thermal tracer tests are flow-through tracer tests where a pulse of hot water was injected in a fracture isolated by a double straddle packer while pumping at the same flow rate in another fracture at a distance of about 10 meters to create a dipole flow field. Comparison with a solute tracer test performed under the same conditions also present a clear signature of flow channeling. We derive analytical expressions for the retardation and decay of the thermal breakthrough peak amplitude for different fracture geometries and show that the observed differences between thermal and solute breakthrough can be explained only by channelized flow. These results suggest that heat transport is much more sensitive to fracture heterogeneity and flow channeling than conservative solute transport. These findings, which bring new insights on the effect of flow channeling on heat transfer in fractured rocks, show how heat recovery in geothermal systems may be controlled by fracture geometry. This highlights the interest of thermal tracer tests as a complement to solute tracers tests to infer fracture aperture and geometry.

Quality Assurance and T&E of Inertial Systems for RLV Mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sathiamurthi, S.; Thakur, Nayana; Hari, K.; Peter, Pilmy; Biju, V. S.; Mani, K. S.

2017-12-01

This work describes the quality assurance and Test and Evaluation (T&E) activities carried out for the inertial systems flown successfully in India's first reusable launch vehicle technology demonstrator hypersonic experiment mission. As part of reliability analysis, failure mode effect and criticality analysis and derating analysis were carried out in the initial design phase, findings presented to design review forums and the recommendations were implemented. T&E plan was meticulously worked out and presented to respective forums for review and implementation. Test data analysis, health parameter plotting and test report generation was automated and these automations significantly reduced the time required for these activities and helped to avoid manual errors. Further, T&E cycle is optimized without compromising on quality aspects. These specific measures helped to achieve zero defect delivery of inertial systems for RLV application.

Wing-Alone Aerodynamic Characteristics to High Angles of Attack at Subsonic and Transonic Speeds.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-11-01

support subsystems, the test- ing of these models consumes a disproportionate amount of model construction effort and wind-tunnel testing time compared...constant taper ratio with the exception of the aspect ratio 4, taper ratio 0.5 wing at subsonic speeds; the anomalous behavior of this wing is likely...0000000 ...... 0 0 0i 010... 0.. .......... .. .............. tt.. 4t t * PS4 Oft* .. MM.~0o004.0 s.t~o.4

Differences between African-American adolescent females with and without human papillomavirus infection.

PubMed

Seth, Puja; Wingood, Gina M; Diclemente, Ralph J; Crosby, Richard A; Salazar, Laura F; Rose, Eve S; Sales, Jessica M

2011-03-01

An important policy question is whether high-risk populations can be identified and prioritised for human papillomavirus (HPV) immunisation. Data collection included an audio computer-assisted survey interview and testing of Trichomonas vaginalis, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and HPV among 295 African-American adolescent females. The results indicated that 43.1% tested positive for HPV. Logistic regression analyses indicated that HPV prevalence was not associated with other sexually transmissible infections (prevalence ratio (PR)=0.85, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.51-1.41), unprotected vaginal sex (PR=1.04, 95% CI=0.56-1.92), having sex with an older male partner (PR=1.12, 95% CI=0.64-1.96), and having a casual partner (PR=0.89, 95% CI=0.54-1.48). Additionally, t-tests indicated that HPV prevalence was not associated with frequency of vaginal sex (t=0.17, P=0.87), protected sex (t=-0.16, P=0.87), number of recent (t=0.40, P=0.69) or lifetime (t=1.45, P=0.15) sexual partners. However, those testing positive for HPV were younger (t=1.97, P=0.05) and reported current use of birth control pills (PR=2.38, 95% CI=1.00-5.63). It may not be possible to identify those with elevated risk of HPV acquisition. Thus, HPV vaccination, regardless of risk indicators, may be the most efficacious public health strategy.

Trypanosoma equiperdum Low Molecular Weight Proteins As Candidates for Specific Serological Diagnosis of Dourine

PubMed Central

Luciani, Mirella; Di Febo, Tiziana; Orsini, Massimiliano; Krasteva, Ivanka; Cattaneo, Angela; Podaliri Vulpiani, Michele; Di Pancrazio, Chiara; Bachi, Angela; Tittarelli, Manuela

2018-01-01

The diagnosis of dourine can be difficult because the clinical signs of this disease in horses are similar to those of surra, caused by Trypanosoma evansi. Moreover, T. equiperdum and T. evansi are closely related and, so far, they cannot be distinguished using serological tests. In a previous work, the T. equiperdum protein pattern recognized by antibodies from dourine-infected horses and the humoral immune response kinetics were investigated by immunoblotting assay; a total of 20 sera from naturally and experimentally infected horses and from healthy animals were tested. Immunoblotting analysis showed that antibodies from infected horses specifically bind T. equiperdum low molecular weight proteins (from 16 to 35 kDa), which are not recognized by antibodies from uninfected horses. In this work, we tested other 615 sera (7 from naturally infected horses and 608 sera from healthy horses and donkeys): results confirmed the data obtained previously. In addition, six SDS-PAGE bands with molecular weight ranging from 10 to 37 kDa were analyzed by mass spectrometry, in order to identify immunogenic proteins that could be used as biomarkers for the diagnosis of dourine. A total of 167 proteins were identified. Among them, 37 were found unique for T. equiperdum. Twenty-four of them could represent possible candidate diagnostic antigens for the development of serological tests specific for T. equiperdum. PMID:29556505

Proof-of-Concept Testing of the Passive Cooling System (T-CLIP™) for Solar Thermal Applications at an Elevated Temperature

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

Kim, Seung Jun; Quintana, Donald L.; Vigil, Gabrielle M.

2015-11-30

The Applied Engineering and Technology-1 group (AET-1) at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) conducted the proof-of-concept tests of SolarSPOT LLC’s solar thermal Temperature- Clipper, or T-CLIP™ under controlled thermal conditions using a thermal conditioning unit (TCU) and a custom made environmental chamber. The passive T-CLIP™ is a plumbing apparatus that attaches to a solar thermal collector to limit working fluid temperature and to prevent overheating, since overheating may lead to various accident scenarios. The goal of the current research was to evaluate the ability of the T-CLIP™ to control the working fluid temperature by using its passive cooling mechanism (i.e.more » thermosiphon, or natural circulation) in a small-scale solar thermal system. The assembled environmental chamber that is thermally controlled with the TCU allows one to simulate the various possible weather conditions, which the solar system will encounter. The performance of the T-CLIP™ was tested at two different target temperatures: 1) room temperature (70 °F) and 2) an elevated temperature (130 °F). The current test campaign demonstrated that the T-CLIP™ was able to prevent overheating by thermosiphon induced cooling in a small-scale solar thermal system. This is an important safety feature in situations where the pump is turned off due to malfunction or power outages.« less

Therapeutic Effects of Sodium Hyaluronate on Ocular Surface Damage Induced by Benzalkonium Chloride Preserved Anti-glaucoma Medications

PubMed Central

Liu, Xing; Yu, Fen-Fen; Zhong, Yi-Min; Guo, Xin-Xing; Mao, Zhen

2015-01-01

Background: Long-term use of benzalkonium chloride (BAC)-preserved drugs is often associated with ocular surface toxicity. Ocular surface symptoms had a substantial impact on the glaucoma patients’ quality of life and compliance. This study aimed to investigate the effects of sodium hyaluronate (SH) on ocular surface toxicity induced by BAC-preserved anti-glaucoma medications treatment. Methods: Fifty-eight patients (101 eyes), who received topical BAC-preserved anti-glaucoma medications treatment and met the severe dry eye criteria, were included in the analysis. All patients were maintained the original topical anti-glaucoma treatment. In the SH-treated group (56 eyes), unpreserved 0.3% SH eye drops were administered with 3 times daily for 90 days. In the control group (55 eyes), phosphate-buffered saline were administered with 3 times daily for 90 days. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, break-up time (BUT) test, corneal fluorescein staining, corneal and conjunctival rose Bengal staining, Schirmer test, and conjunctiva impression cytology were performed sequentially on days 0 and 91. Results: Compared with the control group, SH-treated group showed decrease in OSDI scores (Kruskal-Wallis test: H = 38.668, P < 0.001), fluorescein and rose Bengal scores (Wilcoxon signed-ranks test: z = −3.843, P < 0.001, and z = −3.508, P < 0.001, respectively), increase in tear film BUT (t-test: t = −10.994, P < 0.001) and aqueous tear production (t-test: t = −10.328, P < 0.001) on day 91. The goblet cell density was increased (t-test: t = −9.981, P < 0.001), and the morphology of the conjunctival epithelium were also improved after SH treatment. Conclusions: SH significantly improved both symptoms and signs of ocular surface damage in patients with BAC-preserved anti-glaucoma medications treatment. SH could be proposed as a new attempt to reduce ocular surface toxicity, and alleviate symptoms of ocular surface damage in BAC-preserved anti-glaucoma medications treatment. PMID:26365960

Generation of GHS Scores from TEST and online sources

EPA Science Inventory

Alternatives assessment frameworks such as DfE (Design for the Environment) evaluate chemical alternatives in terms of human health effects, ecotoxicity, and fate. T.E.S.T. (Toxicity Estimation Software Tool) can be utilized to evaluate human health in terms of acute oral rat tox...

MASH test 3-11 of the TxDOT T222 bridge rail.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-07-01

The objective of this research was to evaluate the impact performance of the TxDOT Type T222 : Bridge Rail according to the Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH) TL-3. The crash testing was : performed in accordance with the requirements of MAS...

High-fluoride toothpaste: a multicenter randomized controlled trial in adults

PubMed Central

Srinivasan, Murali; Schimmel, Martin; Riesen, Martine; Ilgner, Alexander; Wicht, Michael J; Warncke, Michael; Ellwood, Roger P; Nitschke, Ina; Müller, Frauke; Noack, Michael J

2014-01-01

Objective The aim of this single – blind, multicenter, parallel, randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of the application of a high-fluoride toothpaste on root caries in adults. Methods Adult patients (n = 130, ♂ = 74, ♀ = 56; mean age ± SD: 56.9 ± 12.9) from three participating centers, diagnosed with root caries, were randomly allocated into two groups: Test (n = 64, ♂ = 37, ♀ = 27; lesions = 144; mean age: 59.0 ± 12.1; intervention: high-fluoride toothpaste with 5000 ppm F), and Control (n = 66, ♂ = 37, ♀ = 29; lesions = 160; mean age: 54.8 ± 13.5; intervention: regular-fluoride toothpaste with 1350 ppm F) groups. Clinical examinations and surface hardness scoring of the carious lesions were performed for each subject at specified time intervals (T0 – at baseline before intervention, T1 – at 3 months and T2 – at 6 months after intervention). Mean surface hardness scores (HS) were calculated for each patient. Statistical analyses comprised of two-way analysis of variance and post hoc comparisons using the Bonferroni–Dunn correction. Results At T0, there was no statistical difference between the two groups with regard to gender (P = 0.0682, unpaired t-test), or age (P = 0.9786, chi-squared test), and for the overall HS (Test group: HS = 3.4 ± 0.61; Control group: HS = 3.4 ± 0.66; P = 0.8757, unpaired t-test). The anova revealed significantly better HS for the test group than for the control groups (T1: Test group: HS = 2.9 ± 0.67; Control group: HS = 3.1 ± 0.75; T2: Test group: HS = 2.4 ± 0.81; Control group: HS = 2.8 ± 0.79; P < 0.0001). However, the interaction term time-point*group was not significant. Conclusions The application of a high-fluoride containing dentifrice (5000 ppm F) in adults, twice daily, significantly improves the surface hardness of otherwise untreated root caries lesions when compared with the use of regular fluoride containing (1350 ppm F) toothpastes. PMID:24354454

Thawing the frozen shoulder. A randomised trial comparing manipulation under anaesthesia with hydrodilatation.

PubMed

Quraishi, N A; Johnston, P; Bayer, J; Crowe, M; Chakrabarti, A J

2007-09-01

This study prospectively evaluated the outcome of manipulation under anaesthesia and hydrodilatation as treatments for adhesive capsulitis. A total of 36 patients (38 shoulders) were randomised to receive either method, with all patients being treated in stage II of the disease process. The mean age of the patients was 55.2 years (44 to 70) and the mean duration of symptoms was 33.7 weeks (12 to 76). Eighteen shoulders (17 patients) underwent manipulation under anaesthesia and 20 (19 patients) had hydrodilatation. There were three insulin-dependent diabetics in each group. The mean visual analogue score in the manipulation under anaesthesia group was 5.7 (3 to 8.5; n = 18) before treatment, 4.7 (0 to 8.5; n = 16) at two months (paired t-test p = 0.02), and 2.7 (0 to 9; n = 16) at six months (paired t-test, p = 0.0006). The mean score in the hydrodilatation group was 6.1 (4 to 10; n = 20) before treatment, 2.4 (0 to 8; n = 18) at two months (paired t-test, p = 0.001), and 1.7 (0 to 7; n = 18) at six months (paired t-test, p = 0.0006). The visual analogue scores in the hydrodilatation group were significantly better than in the manipulation under anaesthesia group over the six-month follow-up period (p < 0.0001). The mean Constant score in those manipulated was 36 (26 to 66) before treatment, 58.5 (24 to 90) at two months (paired t-test, p = 0.001) and 59.5 (23 to 85) at six months (paired t-test, p = 0.0006). In the hydrodilatation group it was 28.8 (18 to 55) before treatment, 57.4 (17 to 80) at two months (paired t-test, p = 0.0004) and 65.9 (28 to 92) at six months (paired t-test, p = 0.0005). The Constant scores in the hydrodilatation group were significantly better than in the manipulated group over the six-month period of follow-up (p = 0.02). The range of movement improved in all patients over the six months, but was not significantly different between the groups. At the final follow-up, 94% of patients (17 of 18) were satisfied or very satisfied after hydrodilatation compared with 81% (13 of 16) of those receiving a manipulation. Most of our patients were treated successfully, but those undergoing hydrodilatation did better than those who were manipulated.

Effects of Post-Weld Heat Treatment on the Mechanical Properties of Similar- and Dissimilar-Alloy Friction Stir Welded Blanks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zadpoor, Amir Abbas; Sinke, Jos

2011-01-01

Friction stir welding is a solid state joining process with relatively low welding temperatures. Nevertheless, the mechanical properties of friction stir welded blanks are degraded after welding. Indeed, both strength and ductility of the welds are decreased after welding. Often, the resulting friction stir welded blanks need to be formed to their final structural shape. Therefore, the formability of friction stir welded blanks is of primary importance in the manufacturing of structural parts. This paper studies how the mechanical properties and particularly formability of friction stir welded blanks can be improved by applying a post weld heat treatment. Two aluminum alloys from 2000 and 7000 series, namely 2024-T3 and 7075-T6, are selected for the study. The sheet thickness of both materials is 2,0 mm. The selected alloys are welded in three configurations: 2024-T3 and 2024-T3, 7075-T6 and 7075-T6, and 2024-T3 and 7075-T6. The resulting welds are naturally aged for a few months. Three sets of standard dog bone shape tensile test specimens are then machined from the welds. The first set of the specimens is tested without any heat treatment. The second set of the specimens is solution heat treated and quenched before testing. The third set of the specimens is solution heat treated, quenched, and naturally aged for a week before testing. The mechanical properties of the three different sets of specimens are compared with each other. It is shown that careful selection of post weld heat-treatment can greatly improve the formability of friction stir welded blanks.

GlycA, a marker of acute phase glycoproteins, and the risk of incident type 2 diabetes mellitus: PREVEND study.

PubMed

Connelly, Margery A; Gruppen, Eke G; Wolak-Dinsmore, Justyna; Matyus, Steven P; Riphagen, Ineke J; Shalaurova, Irina; Bakker, Stephan J L; Otvos, James D; Dullaart, Robin P F

2016-01-15

GlycA is a recently developed glycoprotein biomarker of systemic inflammation that may be predictive of incident type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Analytical performance of the GlycA test, measured on the Vantera® Clinical Analyzer, was evaluated. To test its prospective association with T2DM, GlycA was measured in 4524 individuals from the PREVEND study and a survival analysis was performed with a mean follow-up period of 7.3y. Imprecision for the GlycA test ranged from 1.3-2.3% and linearity was established between 150 and 1588μmol/l. During the follow-up period, 220 new T2DM cases were ascertained. In analyses adjusted for relevant covariates, GlycA was associated with incident T2DM; hazard ratio (HR) for the highest vs. lowest quartile 1.77 [95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.10-2.86, P=0.01], whereas the association of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) with T2DM was not significant. GlycA remained associated with incident T2DM after additional adjustment for hsCRP; HR 1.71 [1.00-2.92, P=0.04]. A multivariable adjusted analysis of dichotomized subgroups showed that the hazard for incident T2DM was highest in the subgroup with high GlycA and low hsCRP (P=0.03). The performance characteristics of the GlycA test reveal that it is suitable for clinical applications, including assessment of the risk of future T2DM. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Does Testosterone Modulate Mood States and Physical Performance in Young Basketball Players?

PubMed

Miloski, Bernardo; Aoki, Marcelo S; de Freitas, Camila G; Schultz de Arruda, Ademir F; de Moraes, Helena S; Drago, Gustavo; Borges, Thiago O; Moreira, Alexandre

2015-09-01

This study aimed to examine and compare mood states profile and physical performance during different training phases between 2 groups of adolescent basketball players that were differentiated according to baseline testosterone concentration (T). The basketball players were submitted to an intensified training period (OVL) followed by a tapering period (TP). Twenty-three young male basketball players initiated the study. Experimental criteria data were used to stratify 16 players into high-testosterone (HTC) or low-testosterone (LTC) concentration groups. All the 16 athletes undertook 5 weeks of OVL followed by a 3-week TP. Saliva sampling, Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 1 (Yo-Yo IRL1) test and the T-test were conducted at the beginning (T1), after OVL (T2), and after TP (T3). A similar increase in internal training load was observed during OVL when compared with TP in both groups (p < 0.05). No difference in mood states was observed between groups (p > 0.05); however, LTC displayed a higher score for fatigue (p < 0.05) and a lower score for energy index (p < 0.05) in OVL, compared with TP. A significant improvement in the Yo-Yo IRL1 test and the T-test was observed (T1 to T3) (p < 0.05), with no difference between groups (p > 0.05). In conclusion, these results suggest that LTC athletes may be more susceptible to changes in mood states during intensified training periods. In addition, data indicate that a periodized training program successfully improved the physical performance (endurance and agility) of young basketball players; however, this improvement was not affected by testosterone level.

Serological Evidence for Influenza A Virus Exposure in Wild Birds in Trinidad & Tobago.

PubMed

Brown Jordan, Arianne; Narang, Darshan; Essen, Steve C; Brookes, Sharon M; Brown, Ian H; Oura, Christopher

2018-05-09

Migratory waterfowl and shorebirds are known to be important reservoirs for influenza A viruses (IAV) and they have been repeatedly implicated as causing avian influenza virus (AIV) outbreaks in domestic poultry flocks worldwide. In recent years, wild birds have been implicated in spreading zoonotic H5 influenza viruses to many countries, which has generated high levels of public health concern. Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) is positioned along the wintering route of migratory birds from the Americas; every year, many species of wild birds stopover on the islands of T&T, potentially carrying AIVs and exposing local populations of wild and domestic birds, including commercial poultry, to infection. The aim of this study was to trap, sample, and test as many wild bird species as possible to see whether they were actively infected or previously exposed to AIV. A total of 38 wild birds were trapped, sampled, and tested for IAV RNA, antibodies specific for influenza A nucleoprotein (NP) and antibodies that were specific for H5 and H7 subtypes. Five of the samples tested antibody positive for IAV, while three of these samples had positive titres (≥16) for the H5 subtype, indicating that they were likely to have been previously infected with an H5 IAV subtype. One of the samples tested positive for IAV (M gene) RNA. These results highlight the potential threat that is posed by wild birds to backyard and commercial poultry in T&T and emphasise the importance of maintaining high levels of biosecurity on poultry farms, ensuring that domestic and wild birds are not in direct or indirect contact. The results also underline the need to carry out routine surveillance for AIV in domestic and wild birds in T&T and the wider Caribbean region.

Substantial advantage of a combined Bayesian and genotyping approach in testosterone doping tests.

PubMed

Schulze, Jenny Jakobsson; Lundmark, Jonas; Garle, Mats; Ekström, Lena; Sottas, Pierre-Edouard; Rane, Anders

2009-03-01

Testosterone abuse is conventionally assessed by the urinary testosterone/epitestosterone (T/E) ratio, levels above 4.0 being considered suspicious. A deletion polymorphism in the gene coding for UGT2B17 is strongly associated with reduced testosterone glucuronide (TG) levels in urine. Many of the individuals devoid of the gene would not reach a T/E ratio of 4.0 after testosterone intake. Future test programs will most likely shift from population based- to individual-based T/E cut-off ratios using Bayesian inference. A longitudinal analysis is dependent on an individual's true negative baseline T/E ratio. The aim was to investigate whether it is possible to increase the sensitivity and specificity of the T/E test by addition of UGT2B17 genotype information in a Bayesian framework. A single intramuscular dose of 500mg testosterone enanthate was given to 55 healthy male volunteers with either two, one or no allele (ins/ins, ins/del or del/del) of the UGT2B17 gene. Urinary excretion of TG and the T/E ratio was measured during 15 days. The Bayesian analysis was conducted to calculate the individual T/E cut-off ratio. When adding the genotype information, the program returned lower individual cut-off ratios in all del/del subjects increasing the sensitivity of the test considerably. It will be difficult, if not impossible, to discriminate between a true negative baseline T/E value and a false negative one without knowledge of the UGT2B17 genotype. UGT2B17 genotype information is crucial, both to decide which initial cut-off ratio to use for an individual, and for increasing the sensitivity of the Bayesian analysis.

Procedures in the 13C octanoic acid breath test for measurement of gastric emptying: analysis using Bland-Altman methods.

PubMed

Clegg, Miriam E; Shafat, Amir

2010-08-01

The (13)C octanoic acid breath test (OBT) was first developed as an alternative method of measuring gastric emptying (GE) to scintigraphy. There has been much debate about the test duration and how often measurements need to be taken. This study aims to address these issues. For 78 GE tests using the (13)C OBT, GE lag phase (T(lag)) was calculated while sampling more frequently than the recommended every 15 min. Comparisons between T(lag) were completed using Bland-Altman plots. Similarly, 4 or 6 h test durations were assessed to establish if they yield the same GE half time (T(half)). From one volunteer, samples were taken every 1 min for the first 30 min and then every 15 min until 6 h. GE times were then calculated using different combinations of sampling times. Evidence of a visible T(lag) was also explored from this data. Findings indicated that taking samples every 5 min for the first 30 min instead of every 15 min did not change the GE T(lag) based on Bland-Altman plots. The correlation between these two methods was also high (r(2) = 0.9957). The findings showed that the difference between the two sampling durations 4 and 6 h was large and the correlation between the methods was low (r(2) = 0.8335). Samples taken at a rate of one breath per min indicated lack of a visible T(lag). Sampling for the (13)C OBT should be completed every 15 min for 6 h.

Diagnosis of tuberculous pleurisy with combination of adenosine deaminase and interferon-γ immunospot assay in a tuberculosis-endemic population: A prospective cohort study.

PubMed

Xu, Han-Yan; Li, Cheng-Ye; Su, Shan-Shan; Yang, Li; Ye, Min; Ye, Jun-Ru; Ke, Pei-Pei; Chen, Cheng-Shui; Xie, Yu-Peng; Li, Yu-Ping

2017-11-01

The aim of this study was to identify the optimal cut-off value of T cell enzyme-linked immunospot assay for tuberculosis (T-SPOT.TB) and evaluate its diagnostic performance alone (in the peripheral blood) or in combination with the adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity test (in peripheral blood and the pleural fluid) in patients with tuberculous pleurisy.Adult patients presenting with pleural effusion were included in this prospective cohort study. Tuberculous pleurisy was diagnosed by T-SPOT.TB in peripheral blood and a combination of T-SPOT.TB and ADA activity test in pleural fluid and peripheral blood. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve in combination with multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the assays.Among a total of 189 patients with suspected tuberculous pleurisy who were prospectively enrolled in this study, 177 patients were validated for inclusion in the final analysis. ROC analysis revealed that the area under the ROC curve (AUC) for T-SPOT.TB in pleural fluid and peripheral blood was 0.918 and 0.881, respectively, and for the ADA activity test in pleural fluid was 0.944. In addition, 95.5 spot-forming cells (SFCs)/2.5 × 10 cells were determined as the optimal cut-off value for T-SPOT.TB in pleural fluid. Parallel combination of T-SPOT.TB and ADA activity test in pleural fluid showed increased sensitivity (96.9%) and specificity (87.5%), whereas serial combination showed increased specificity (97.5%). The combination of 3 assays had the highest sensitivity at 97.9%, with an AUC value of 0.964.T-SPOT.TB in pleural fluid performed better than that in peripheral blood and the ADA activity test in pleural fluid for tuberculous pleurisy diagnosis. The optimal cut-off value of T-SPOT.TB in pleural fluid was 95.5 SFCs/2.5 × 10 cells. Combination of 3 assays might be a promising approach for tuberculous pleurisy diagnosis. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

Diagnosis of tuberculous pleurisy with combination of adenosine deaminase and interferon-γ immunospot assay in a tuberculosis-endemic population

PubMed Central

Xu, Han-Yan; Li, Cheng-Ye; Su, Shan-Shan; Yang, Li; Ye, Min; Ye, Jun-Ru; Ke, Pei-Pei; Chen, Cheng-Shui; Xie, Yu-Peng; Li, Yu-Ping

2017-01-01

Abstract The aim of this study was to identify the optimal cut-off value of T cell enzyme-linked immunospot assay for tuberculosis (T-SPOT.TB) and evaluate its diagnostic performance alone (in the peripheral blood) or in combination with the adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity test (in peripheral blood and the pleural fluid) in patients with tuberculous pleurisy. Adult patients presenting with pleural effusion were included in this prospective cohort study. Tuberculous pleurisy was diagnosed by T-SPOT.TB in peripheral blood and a combination of T-SPOT.TB and ADA activity test in pleural fluid and peripheral blood. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve in combination with multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the assays. Among a total of 189 patients with suspected tuberculous pleurisy who were prospectively enrolled in this study, 177 patients were validated for inclusion in the final analysis. ROC analysis revealed that the area under the ROC curve (AUC) for T-SPOT.TB in pleural fluid and peripheral blood was 0.918 and 0.881, respectively, and for the ADA activity test in pleural fluid was 0.944. In addition, 95.5 spot-forming cells (SFCs)/2.5 × 105 cells were determined as the optimal cut-off value for T-SPOT.TB in pleural fluid. Parallel combination of T-SPOT.TB and ADA activity test in pleural fluid showed increased sensitivity (96.9%) and specificity (87.5%), whereas serial combination showed increased specificity (97.5%). The combination of 3 assays had the highest sensitivity at 97.9%, with an AUC value of 0.964. T-SPOT.TB in pleural fluid performed better than that in peripheral blood and the ADA activity test in pleural fluid for tuberculous pleurisy diagnosis. The optimal cut-off value of T-SPOT.TB in pleural fluid was 95.5 SFCs/2.5 × 105 cells. Combination of 3 assays might be a promising approach for tuberculous pleurisy diagnosis. PMID:29381918

Joint Test Director. Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore II. Test and Evaluation. Analysis and Evaluation Report. JLOTS II Throughput Test.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-08-01

Class high - speed containerships and their subsequent conversion to a cargo configuration specifically designed for rapid load-offload of military unit...Rough Terrain Forklift SLWT Side-Loadable Warping Tug ST Short Ton STON Short Ton SUROB Surf Observations T-ACS Auxiliary Crane Ship T- AKR Auxiliary Cargo ...their delivery systems for container, breakbulk, and bulk liquid cargo , and to define the operating performance of the combined systems in a joint test

The Relation Among the Likelihood Ratio-, Wald-, and Lagrange Multiplier Tests and Their Applicability to Small Samples,

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-04-01

S. (1979), "Conflict Among Criteria for Testing Hypothesis: Extension and Comments," Econometrica, 47, 203-207 Breusch , T. S. and Pagan , A. R. (1980...Savin, N. E. (1977), "Conflict Among Criteria for Testing Hypothesis in the Multivariate Linear Regression Model," Econometrica, 45, 1263-1278 Breusch , T...VNCLASSIFIED RAND//-6756NL U l~ I- THE RELATION AMONG THE LIKELIHOOD RATIO-, WALD-, AND LAGRANGE MULTIPLIER TESTS AND THEIR APPLICABILITY TO SMALL SAMPLES

Automated Magnitude Measures, Earthquake Source Modeling, VFM Discriminant Testing and Summary of Current Research.

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-02-01

jm.. W 112.11111 * I 120 11 11111.258 MICROCOPY RESOLUTION TEST CHART NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANOARDS-19b3-A 0 - SYSTEMS, SCIENCE AND SOFTWARE * SSS-R-79...3933 0AUTOMATED MAGNITUDE MEASURES, EARTHQUAKE SOURCE MODELING, VFM DISCRIMINANT TESTING AND SUMMARY OF CURRENT RESEARCH T. C. BACHE S. M. DAY J. M...VFM DISCRIMINANT . PERFORMING ORG. REPORT NUMBER TESTING AND SUMMARY OF CURRENT RESEARCH SSS-R-79-3933 7. AUTmOR(s) 8. CONTRACT OR GRANT NUMBERtSi T

Development and Testing of a Device Capable of Placing Model Piles by Driving and Pushing in the Centrifuge

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-05-01

Cohesion C M /LT 2 5 , D ynamic Time T T 5 "I Wave Speed P L/T7 IT Yield Strength F I/LT2 a I9 i spl acement D L 9 It Area A L2 10 T Permeability K L/T 11...by the square of the dynamic time scale factor (1/n), or I/n2 . The two scaling laws derived are summarized below. The subscripts m and p designate the...4-1(b) depicts the model pile groups and test gravity levels. InUd ~ cial’odel Piles a~ft -to Ri ght--49.3, 5.,3. ana g o d ’iaeIs~ M )uodel Pile

Synthesis and evaluation of phosphorus containing, specific CDK9/CycT1 inhibitors.

PubMed

Németh, Gábor; Greff, Zoltán; Sipos, Anna; Varga, Zoltán; Székely, Rita; Sebestyén, Mónika; Jászay, Zsuzsa; Béni, Szabolcs; Nemes, Zoltán; Pirat, Jean-Luc; Volle, Jean-Noël; Virieux, David; Gyuris, Ágnes; Kelemenics, Katalin; Ay, Eva; Minarovits, Janos; Szathmary, Susan; Kéri, György; Orfi, László

2014-05-22

Although there is a significant effort in the design of a selective CDK9/CycT1 inhibitor, no compound has been proven to be a specific inhibitor of this kinase so far. The aim of this research was to develop novel and selective phosphorus containing CDK9/CycT1 inhibitors. Molecules bearing phosphonamidate, phosphonate, and phosphinate moieties were synthesized. Prepared compounds were evaluated in an enzymatic CDK9/CycT1 assay. The most potent molecules were tested in cell-based toxicity and HIV proliferation assays. Selectivity of shortlisted compounds against CDKs and other kinases was tested. The best compound was shown to be a highly specific, ATP-competitive inhibitor of CDK9/CycT1 with antiviral activity.

DO COMMERCIAL SEROLOGIC TESTS FOR TRYPANOSOMA CRUZI INFECTION DETECT MEXICAN STRAINS IN WOMEN AND NEWBORNS?

PubMed Central

Gamboa-León, Rubi; Gonzalez-Ramirez, Claudia; Padilla-Raygoza, Nicolas; Sosa-Estani, Sergio; Caamal-Kantun, Alejandra; Buekens, Pierre; Dumonteil, Eric

2012-01-01

We sought to determine the serological test that could be used for Trypanosoma cruzi seroprevalence studies in Mexico, where lineage I predominates. In a previous study among pregnant women and their newborns in the states of Yucatan and Guanajuato, we reported a 0.8–0.9% of prevalence for T. cruzi–specific antibodies by Stat-Pak and Wiener ELISA. We have expanded this study here by performing an additional non-commercial ELISA and confirming the seropositives with Western blot, using whole antigens of a local parasite strain. We found a seroprevalence of 0.6% (3/500) in Merida and 0.4% in Guanajuato (2/488). The 5 seropositive umbilical cord samples reacted to both non-commercial ELISA and Western blot tests, and only 1 of the maternal samples was not reactive to non-commercial ELISA. A follow-up of the newborns at 10 mo was performed in Yucatan to determine the presence of T. cruzi antibodies in children as evidence of congenital infection. None of the children was seropositive. One newborn from an infected mother died at 2 wk of age of cardiac arrest, but T. cruzi infection was not confirmed. The T. cruzi seroprevalence data obtained with both commercial tests (Stat-Pak and ELISA Wiener) are similar to those from non-commercial tests using a local Mexican strain of T. cruzi. PMID:21506787

Dietary gluten alters the balance of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in T cells of BALB/c mice

PubMed Central

Antvorskov, Julie C; Fundova, Petra; Buschard, Karsten; Funda, David P

2013-01-01

Several studies have documented that dietary modifications influence the development of type 1 diabetes. However, little is known about the interplay of dietary components and the penetration of diabetes incidence. In this study we tested if wheat gluten is able to induce differences in the cytokine pattern of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells, as well as Foxp3− T cells, isolated from intestinal mucosal lymphoid tissue and non-mucosal lymphoid compartments in BALB/c mice. The gluten-containing standard diet markedly changed the cytokine expression within Foxp3− T cells, in all lymphoid organs tested, towards a higher expression of pro-inflammatory interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-17 (IL-17) and IL-2. In Foxp3+ regulatory T cells, gluten ingestion resulted in a mucosal increase in IL-17 and IL-2 and an overall increase in IFN-γ and IL-4. The gluten-free diet induced an anti-inflammatory cytokine profile with higher proportion of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)+ Foxp3− T cells in all tested lymphoid tissues and higher IL-10 expression within non-T cells in spleen, and a tendency towards a mucosal increase in TGF-β+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells. Our data shows that the gluten-containing standard diet modifies the cytokine pattern of both Foxp3− T cells and Foxp3+ regulatory T cells towards a more inflammatory cytokine profile. This immune profile may contribute to the higher type 1 diabetes incidence associated with gluten intake. PMID:22913724

DarT: The embryo test with the Zebrafish Danio rerio--a general model in ecotoxicology and toxicology.

PubMed

Nagel, Roland

2002-01-01

The acute fish test is an animal test whose ecotoxicological relevance is worthy of discussion. The primary aim of protection in ecotoxicology is the population and not the individual. Furthermore the concentration of pollutants in the environment is normally not in the lethal range. Therefore the acute fish test covers solely the situation after chemical spills. Nevertheless, acute fish toxicity data still belong to the base set used for the assessment of chemicals. The embryo test with the zebrafish Danio rerio (DarT) is recommended as a substitute for the acute fish test. For validation an international laboratory comparison test was carried out. A summary of the results is presented in this paper. Based on the promising results of testing chemicals and waste water the test design was validated by the DIN-working group "7.6 Fischei-Test". A normed test guideline for testing waste water with fish is available. The test duration is short (48 h) and within the test different toxicological endpoints can be examined. Endpoints from the embryo test are suitable for QSAR-studies. Besides the use in ecotoxicology the introduction as a toxicological model was investigated. Disturbance of pigmentation and effects on the frequency of heart-beat were examined. A further important application is testing of teratogenic chemicals. Based on the results DarT could be a screening test within preclinical studies.

Ecotoxicological and microbiological assessment of sewage sludge associated with sugarcane bagasse.

PubMed

Sommaggio, Lais Roberta Deroldo; Mazzeo, Dânia Elisa Christofoletti; Sant' Anna, Débora de Andrade E Silva; Levy, Carlos Emílio; Marin-Morales, Maria Aparecida

2018-01-01

Sewage sludge (SS) obtained after sewage treatment process may contain several toxic substances. Bioremediation can decrease the toxicity of the sludge, mainly when it is associated with stimulant agents, such as sugarcane bagasse (B). Samples of pure SS (SSP); SS+B; SS+Soil; and SS+B+Soil were bioremediated for 1, 3, and 6 months (T1, T2, and T3, respectively). After each period, the cytotoxic, genotoxic, and mutagenic potentials of the solid samples and their respective aqueous extracts (aqueous eluate and percolate water) were evaluated by the Allium cepa test. A microbiological analysis of the samples was also performed after each period tested. All solid samples of SS+B (in T1, T2, and T3) and the solid sample of SSP (treatment T3) showed a significant decrease of cell division (cytotoxic effects). The aqueous eluate extracts of SS+B (T1 and T3) and SSP (T2 and T3) induced cytotoxic effect. The solid sample of SS+B (T2 and T3) and aqueous extracts of SSP (T1) were genotoxic, indicating a harmful effect of SS on A. cepa, even after 6 months of bioremediation. There was an alternation in the microbial community both in diversity and in abundance, with the predominance of nonfermenting gram-negative bacilli. The tested bioremediation periods were not sufficient for the complete detoxification of SS, and the use of B did not seem to contribute to the degradation of the pollutants to inert compounds. These data emphasize that a specific relationship should exist between the sludge characteristic and the biostimulating agent used to promote a more efficient bioremediation. These results suggest the necessity to study longer periods of biodegradation and the use of other decomposing agents for greater safety and sustainability for the agricultural use of this residue. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of HD-tDCS on memory and metamemory for general knowledge questions that vary by difficulty

PubMed Central

Chua, Elizabeth F.; Ahmed, Rifat; Garcia, Sandry

2016-01-01

Background The ability to monitor one’s own memory is an important feature of normal memory and is an aspect of ‘metamemory’. Lesion studies have shown dissociations between memory and metamemory, but only single dissociations have been shown using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). One potential reason that only single dissociations have been shown is that tDCS effects may be moderated by task difficulty. Objective/Hypothesis We used high definition (HD) tDCS to test for dissociable roles of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and anterior temporal lobe (ATL) in semantic long-term memory and metamemory tasks. We also tested whether general knowledge question difficulty moderated the effects of HD-tDCS. Methods Across 3 sessions, participants received active HD-tDCS over the left DLPFC or left ATL, or sham HD-tDCS during general knowledge recall and recognition tests, and a ‘feeling-of-knowing’ metamemory task. General knowledge questions were blocked by difficulty. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to examine the effects of HD-tDCS on memory and metamemory tasks by memory question difficulty. Results HD-tDCS over the ATL led to improved recall compared to DLPFC and sham HD-tDCS, and this occurred only for medium difficulty questions. In contrast, for non-recalled questions, HD-tDCS over the DLPFC led to improved recognition accuracy and improved feeling-of-knowing accuracy compared to ATL and sham HD-tDCS, and this was not moderated by memory question difficulty. Conclusion(s) HD-tDCS can be used to dissociate the roles of the ATL and DLPFC in different memory and ‘metamemory’ tasks. The effects of HD-tDCS on task may be moderated by task difficulty, depending on the nature of the task and site of stimulation. PMID:27876306

Effects of HD-tDCS on memory and metamemory for general knowledge questions that vary by difficulty.

PubMed

Chua, Elizabeth F; Ahmed, Rifat; Garcia, Sandry M

The ability to monitor one's own memory is an important feature of normal memory and is an aspect of 'metamemory'. Lesion studies have shown dissociations between memory and metamemory, but only single dissociations have been shown using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). One potential reason that only single dissociations have been shown is that tDCS effects may be moderated by task difficulty. We used high definition (HD) tDCS to test for dissociable roles of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and anterior temporal lobe (ATL) in semantic long-term memory and metamemory tasks. We also tested whether general knowledge question difficulty moderated the effects of HD-tDCS. Across 3 sessions, participants received active HD-tDCS over the left DLPFC or left ATL, or sham HD-tDCS during general knowledge recall and recognition tests, and a 'feeling-of-knowing' metamemory task. General knowledge questions were blocked by difficulty. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to examine the effects of HD-tDCS on memory and metamemory tasks by memory question difficulty. HD-tDCS over the ATL led to improved recall compared to DLPFC and sham HD-tDCS, and this occurred only for medium difficulty questions. In contrast, for non-recalled questions, HD-tDCS over the DLPFC led to improved recognition accuracy and improved feeling-of-knowing accuracy compared to ATL and sham HD-tDCS, and this was not moderated by memory question difficulty. HD-tDCS can be used to dissociate the roles of the ATL and DLPFC in different memory and 'metamemory' tasks. The effects of HD-tDCS on task may be moderated by task difficulty, depending on the nature of the task and site of stimulation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Type 2 Diabetes Susceptibility in the Greek-Cypriot Population: Replication of Associations with TCF7L2, FTO, HHEX, SLC30A8 and IGF2BP2 Polymorphisms

PubMed Central

Votsi, Christina; Toufexis, Costas; Michailidou, Kyriaki; Antoniades, Athos; Skordis, Nicos; Karaolis, Minas; Pattichis, Constantinos S.; Christodoulou, Kyproula

2017-01-01

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) has been the subject of numerous genetic studies in recent years which revealed associations of the disease with a large number of susceptibility loci. We hereby initiate the evaluation of T2D susceptibility loci in the Greek-Cypriot population by performing a replication case-control study. One thousand and eighteen individuals (528 T2D patients, 490 controls) were genotyped at 21 T2D susceptibility loci, using the allelic discrimination method. Statistically significant associations of T2D with five of the tested single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (TCF7L2 rs7901695, FTO rs8050136, HHEX rs5015480, SLC30A8 rs13266634 and IGF2BP2 rs4402960) were observed in this study population. Furthermore, 14 of the tested SNPs had odds ratios (ORs) in the same direction as the previously published studies, suggesting that these variants can potentially be used in the Greek-Cypriot population for predictive testing of T2D. In conclusion, our findings expand the genetic assessment of T2D susceptibility loci and reconfirm five of the worldwide established loci in a distinct, relatively small, newly investigated population. PMID:28067832

Elevated high-sensitive troponin T in negative stress test individuals.

PubMed

Brzezinski, Rafael Y; Fisher, Eyal; Ehrenwald, Michal; Shefer, Gabi; Stern, Naftali; Shapira, Itzhak; Zeltser, David; Berliner, Shlomo; Shenhar-Tsarfaty, Shani; Milwidsky, Assi; Rogowski, Ori

2018-06-01

The exercise ECG stress test (EST) is still the first step of work-up in intermediate risk patients in many clinical scenarios. High-sensitive cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) elevation is related to future cardiovascular events in the general population and in patients with ischaemic heart disease. The relation between these 2 tests is not well described. A total of 2780 participants from the Tel-Aviv Medical Center Inflammation Survey cohort (mean age 49 years, 79% men) were analysed. Multiple physiologic and metabolic parameters including hs-cTnT were collected. All participants completed an EST manually reviewed by a cardiologist. A positive EST was documented in 224 subjects (8%). The majority (91%) of participants with hs-cTnT levels of 5-14 ng/L had a negative EST as well as 89.3% of subjects with levels >14 ng/L. The proportion of subjects with a positive EST and detectable hs-cTnT levels (>5 ng/L) was not significantly greater compared to those with a negative EST (53.1% vs 46.2%, respectively, P = .09). Among subjects referred for EST as part of an annual health survey, we found no significant association between EST results to hs-cTnT detection. © 2018 Stichting European Society for Clinical Investigation Journal Foundation.

Low-speed wind tunnel test results of the Canard Rotor/Wing concept

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bass, Steven M.; Thompson, Thomas L.; Rutherford, John W.; Swanson, Stephen

1993-01-01

The Canard Rotor/Wing (CRW), a high-speed rotorcraft concept, was tested at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Ames Research Center's 40- by 80-Foot Wind Tunnel in Mountain View, California. The 1/5-scale model was tested to identify certain low-speed, fixed-wing, aerodynamic characteristics of the configuration and investigate the effectiveness of two empennages, an H-Tail and a T-Tail. The paper addresses the principal test objectives and the results achieved in the wind tunnel test. These are summarized as: i) drag build-up and differences between the H-Tail and T-Tail configuration, ii) longitudinal stability of the H-Tail and T-Tail configurations in the conversion and cruise modes, iii) control derivatives for the canard and elevator in the conversion and cruise modes, iv) aerodynamic characteristics of varying the rotor/wing azimuth position, and v) canard and tail lift/trim capability for conversion conditions.

Novel methods to optimize the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation: a systematic review of transcranial direct current stimulation patents.

PubMed

Malavera, Alejandra; Vasquez, Alejandra; Fregni, Felipe

2015-01-01

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a neuromodulatory technique that has been extensively studied. While there have been initial positive results in some clinical trials, there is still variability in tDCS results. The aim of this article is to review and discuss patents assessing novel methods to optimize the use of tDCS. A systematic review was performed using Google patents database with tDCS as the main technique, with patents filling date between 2010 and 2015. Twenty-two patents met our inclusion criteria. These patents attempt to address current tDCS limitations. Only a few of them have been investigated in clinical trials (i.e., high-definition tDCS), and indeed most of them have not been tested before in human trials. Further clinical testing is required to assess which patents are more likely to optimize the effects of tDCS. We discuss the potential optimization of tDCS based on these patents and the current experience with standard tDCS.

Devosia soli sp. nov., isolated from greenhouse soil in Korea.

PubMed

Yoo, Seung-Hee; Weon, Hang-Yeon; Kim, Byung-Yong; Hong, Seung-Beom; Kwon, Soon-Wo; Cho, Yang-Hee; Go, Seung-Joo; Stackebrandt, Erko

2006-11-01

A Gram-negative, obligately aerobic, rod-shaped bacterium was isolated from greenhouse soil used to cultivate lettuce. The strain, GH2-10T, was characterized on the basis of phenotypic and genotypic data. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that the isolate belonged to the genus Devosia, with highest sequence similarity (98.5%) to Devosia riboflavina IFO 13584T. Sequence similarities with other strains tested were below 97.0%. Strain GH2-10T had Q-10 as the predominant ubiquinone and C18:1omega7c and C16:0 as the major fatty acids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 59.5 mol%. The results of DNA-DNA hybridization experiments (47% relatedness between D. riboflavina DSM 7230T and strain GH2-10T) and physiological and biochemical tests suggested that strain GH2-10T represents a novel species of the genus Devosia, for which the name Devosia soli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is GH2-10T (=KACC 11509T=DSM 17780T).

Sprint, agility, strength and endurance capacity in wheelchair basketball players

PubMed Central

Granados, C; Otero, M; Badiola, A; Olasagasti, J; Bidaurrazaga-Letona, I; Iturricastillo, A; Gil, SM

2014-01-01

The aims of the present study were, firstly, to determine the reliability and reproducibility of an agility T-test and Yo-Yo 10 m recovery test; and secondly, to analyse the physical characteristics measured by sprint, agility, strength and endurance field tests in wheelchair basketball (WB) players. 16 WB players (33.06 ± 7.36 years, 71.89 ± 21.71 kg and sitting body height 86.07 ± 6.82 cm) belonging to the national WB league participated in this study. Wheelchair sprint (5 and 20 m without ball, and 5 and 20 m with ball) agility (T-test and pick-up test) strength (handgrip and maximal pass) and endurance (Yo-Yo 10 m recovery test) were performed. T-test and Yo-Yo 10 m recovery test showed good reproducibility values (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC = 0.74-0.94). The WB players’ results in 5 and 20 m sprints without a ball were 1.87 ± 0.21 s and 5.70 ± 0.43 s and with a ball 2.10 ± 0.30 s and 6.59 ± 0.61 s, being better than those reported in the literature. Regarding the pick-up test results (16.05 ± 0.52 s) and maximal pass (8.39 ± 1.77 m), players showed worse values than those obtained in elite players. The main contribution of the present study is the characterization of the physical performance profile of WB players using a field test battery. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the agility T-test and the aerobic Yo-Yo 10 m recovery test are reliable; consequently they may be appropriate instruments for measuring physical fitness in WB. PMID:25729153

Feline focus: Diagnostic testing for feline thyroid disease: hypothyroidism.

PubMed

Peterson, Mark E

2013-08-01

Although naturally occurring hypothyroidism is very rare in cats, iatrogenic hypothyroidism is a recognized complication of treatment for hyperthyroidism. However, confirming the diagnosis of hypothyroidism in cats is not generally straightforward. The potential for false-negative and false-positive results exists with all thyroid function tests, especially in older cats that may have concurrent nonthyroidal illness. Therefore, all thyroid function test results must be interpreted in light of the cat's history, clinical signs, and other laboratory findings. If a low to low-normal serum thyroxine (T4) value is found in a cat that has been treated for hyperthyroidism, repeating the total T4 analysis, determining free T4 and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations, or performing a TSH stimulation test or thyroid scintigraphy may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Effect of Aromatic Concentration of a Fischer-Tropsch Fuel on Thermal Stability

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Klettlinger, Jennifer Lindsey Suder

2012-01-01

Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) jet fuel composition differs from petroleum-based, conventional commercial jet fuel because of differences in feedstock and production methodology. Fischer­ Tropsch fuel typically has a lower aromatic and sulfur content and consists primarily of iso and normal parafins. The ASTM D3241 specification for Jet Fuel Thermal Oxidation Test (JFTOT) break point testing method was used to test the breakpoint of a baseline commercial grade F-T jet fuel, and various blends of this F-T fuel with an aromatic solution. The goal of this research is to determine the effect of aromatic content on the thermal stability of Fischer-Tropsch fuel. The testing completed in this report was supported by the NASA Fundamental Aeronautics Subsonics Fixed Wing Project.

Evaluation of recombinant human thyroid-stimulating hormone to test thyroid function in dogs suspected of having hypothyroidism.

PubMed

Boretti, Felicitas S; Sieber-Ruckstuhl, Nadja S; Favrot, Claude; Lutz, Hans; Hofmann-Lehmann, Regina; Reusch, Claudia E

2006-12-01

To evaluate the use of recombinant human (rh) thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in dogs with suspected hypothyroidism. 64 dogs with clinical signs of hypothyroidism. Dogs received rhTSH (75 microg/dog, IV) at a dose independent of their body weight. Blood samples were taken before and 6 hours after rhTSH administration for determination of total serum thyroxine (T(4)) concentration. Dogs were placed into 1 of 3 groups as follows: those with normal (ie, poststimulation values indicative of euthyroidism), unchanged (ie, poststimulation values indicative of hypothyroidism; no thyroid gland stimulation), or intermediate (ie, poststimulation values between unchanged and normal values) post-TSH T(4) concentrations. Serum canine TSH (cTSH) concentration was determined in prestimulation serum (ie, before TSH administration). 14, 35, and 15 dogs had unchanged, normal, and intermediate post-TSH T(4) concentrations, respectively. Basal T(4) and post-TSH T(4) concentrations were significantly different among groups. On the basis of basal serum T(4) and cTSH concentrations alone, 1 euthyroid (normal post-TSH T(4), low basal T(4), and high cTSH concentrations) and 1 hypothyroid dog (unchanged post-TSH T(4) concentration and low to with-in reference range T(4) and cTSH concentrations) would have been misinterpreted as hypothyroid and euthyroid, respectively. Nine of the 15 dogs with intermediate post-TSHT(4) concentrations had received medication known to affect thyroid function prior to the test, and 2 of them had severe nonthyroidal disease. The TSH-stimulation test with rhTSH is a valuable diagnostic tool to assess thyroid function in selected dogs in which a diagnosis of hypothyroidism cannot be based on basal T(4) and cTSH concentrations alone.

A Predictive Metabolic Signature for the Transition From Gestational Diabetes Mellitus to Type 2 Diabetes.

PubMed

Allalou, Amina; Nalla, Amarnadh; Prentice, Kacey J; Liu, Ying; Zhang, Ming; Dai, Feihan F; Ning, Xian; Osborne, Lucy R; Cox, Brian J; Gunderson, Erica P; Wheeler, Michael B

2016-09-01

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects 3-14% of pregnancies, with 20-50% of these women progressing to type 2 diabetes (T2D) within 5 years. This study sought to develop a metabolomics signature to predict the transition from GDM to T2D. A prospective cohort of 1,035 women with GDM pregnancy were enrolled at 6-9 weeks postpartum (baseline) and were screened for T2D annually for 2 years. Of 1,010 women without T2D at baseline, 113 progressed to T2D within 2 years. T2D developed in another 17 women between 2 and 4 years. A nested case-control design used 122 incident case patients matched to non-case patients by age, prepregnancy BMI, and race/ethnicity. We conducted metabolomics with baseline fasting plasma and identified 21 metabolites that significantly differed by incident T2D status. Machine learning optimization resulted in a decision tree modeling that predicted T2D incidence with a discriminative power of 83.0% in the training set and 76.9% in an independent testing set, which is far superior to measuring fasting plasma glucose levels alone. The American Diabetes Association recommends T2D screening in the early postpartum period via oral glucose tolerance testing after GDM, which is a time-consuming and inconvenient procedure. Our metabolomics signature predicted T2D incidence from a single fasting blood sample. This study represents the first metabolomics study of the transition from GDM to T2D validated in an independent testing set, facilitating early interventions. © 2016 by the American Diabetes Association.

The reliability and validity of the Turkish version of Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB-T) scale.

PubMed

Iyigun, Gozde; Kirmizigil, Berkiye; Angin, Ender; Oksuz, Sevim; Can, Filiz; Eker, Levent; Rose, Debra J

2018-06-04

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the FAB(FAB-T) scale in the older Turkish adults. The reliability and validity of the scale was tested on 200 community-dwelling older adults. FAB-T scale was scored by different physiotherapists on different days to evaluate inter-rater and intrarater reliability. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) was used for the evaluation of convergent validity, and the content validity of the FAB-T scale was investigated. The FAB-T scale showed very high inter- and intra-rater reliability. For inter-rater agreement, on the individual test items and total score ICC values were 0.92 (95 %CI; 0.90-0.94) and 0.96 (95% CI; 0.95-0.97) respectively. The intra-rater agreement, on the individual test items and total score ICC values were 0.93 (95 %CI; 0.91- 0.95) and 0.96 (95% CI; 0.95- 0.97) respectively. There was a good agreement between the FAB-T and BBS scales. A high correlation was found between the BBS and FAB-T scales [rho = 0.70 (%95 CI; 0.62-0.76)] indicating good convergent validity. Considering the content validity of the FAB-T scale, no floor (floor score: 0%) or ceiling (ceiling score: 6.5%) effect was detected. The FAB-T scale was successfully translated from the original English version (FAB) and demonstrated strong psychometric features. It was found that the FAB-T scale has very high inter-rater and intra-rater reliability. Considering the convergent validity, the scale has high correlation with the BBS. The FAB-T has no floor and ceiling effect. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Predictive Metabolic Signature for the Transition From Gestational Diabetes Mellitus to Type 2 Diabetes

PubMed Central

Allalou, Amina; Nalla, Amarnadh; Prentice, Kacey J.; Liu, Ying; Zhang, Ming; Dai, Feihan F.; Ning, Xian; Osborne, Lucy R.; Cox, Brian J.

2016-01-01

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects 3–14% of pregnancies, with 20–50% of these women progressing to type 2 diabetes (T2D) within 5 years. This study sought to develop a metabolomics signature to predict the transition from GDM to T2D. A prospective cohort of 1,035 women with GDM pregnancy were enrolled at 6–9 weeks postpartum (baseline) and were screened for T2D annually for 2 years. Of 1,010 women without T2D at baseline, 113 progressed to T2D within 2 years. T2D developed in another 17 women between 2 and 4 years. A nested case-control design used 122 incident case patients matched to non–case patients by age, prepregnancy BMI, and race/ethnicity. We conducted metabolomics with baseline fasting plasma and identified 21 metabolites that significantly differed by incident T2D status. Machine learning optimization resulted in a decision tree modeling that predicted T2D incidence with a discriminative power of 83.0% in the training set and 76.9% in an independent testing set, which is far superior to measuring fasting plasma glucose levels alone. The American Diabetes Association recommends T2D screening in the early postpartum period via oral glucose tolerance testing after GDM, which is a time-consuming and inconvenient procedure. Our metabolomics signature predicted T2D incidence from a single fasting blood sample. This study represents the first metabolomics study of the transition from GDM to T2D validated in an independent testing set, facilitating early interventions. PMID:27338739

Poor agreement between interferon-gamma release assays and the tuberculin skin test among HIV-infected individuals in the country of Georgia.

PubMed

Chkhartishvili, Nikoloz; Kempker, Russell R; Dvali, Natia; Abashidze, Lela; Sharavdze, Lali; Gabunia, Pati; Blumberg, Henry M; Del Rio, Carlos; Tsertsvadze, Tengiz

2013-11-01

Improved tests to diagnose latent TB infection (LTBI) are needed. We sought to evaluate the performance of two commercially available interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) compared to the tuberculin skin test (TST) for the diagnosis of LTBI and to identify risk factors for LTBI among HIV-infected individuals in Georgia, a country with high rates of TB. HIV-patients were enrolled from the National AIDS Center in Tbilisi, Georgia. After providing informed consent, each participant completed a questionnaire, had blood drawn for QuantiFERON-TB Gold in-Tube (QFT-GIT) and T-SPOT.TB testing and had a TST placed. The TST was read at 48-72 hrs with ≥ 5 mm induration considered positive. Between 2009-2011, 240 HIV-infected persons (66% male) with a median age of 38 years and a median CD4 count of 255 cells/μl (IQR: 124-412) had diagnostic testing for LTBI performed. 94% had visible evidence of a BCG scar. The TST was positive in 41 (17%) patients; QFT-GIT in 70 (29%); and T-SPOT.TB in 56 (24%). At least one diagnostic test was positive in 109 (45%) patients and only among 13 (5%) patients were all three tests positive. Three (1%) QFT-GIT and 19 (8%) T-SPOT.TB test results were indeterminate. The agreement among all pairs of tests was poor: QFT-GIT vs. T-SPOT.TB (κ = 0.18, 95% CI .07-.30), QFT-GIT vs. TST (κ = 0.29, 95% CI .16-.42), and TST vs. T-SPOT.TB (κ = 0.22, 95% CI .07-.29). Risk factors for LTBI varied by diagnostic test and none showed associations between positive test results and well-known risk factors for TB, such as imprisonment, drug abuse and immunological status. A high proportion of HIV patients had at least one positive diagnostic test for LTBI; however, there was very poor agreement among all tests. This lack of agreement makes it difficult to know which test is superior and most appropriate for LTBI testing among HIV-infected patients. While further follow-up studies will help determine the predictive ability of different LTBI tests, improved modalities are needed for accurate detection of LTBI and assessment of risk of developing active TB among HIV-infected patients.

Effect of perphenazine enanthate on open-field test behaviour and stress-induced hyperthermia in domestic sheep.

PubMed

Pedernera-Romano, Cecilia; Ruiz de la Torre, José L; Badiella, Llorenç; Manteca, Xavier

2010-01-01

The open-field test (OFT) and stress-induced hyperthermia (SIH) have been used to measure individual differences in fear. The present study has been designed as a pharmacological validation of OFT and SIH as indicators of fear in sheep using perphenazine enanthate (PPZ), a long-acting neuroleptic. Twenty four ewes of two breeds, Lacaune and Ripollesa, were tested in an arena measuring 5mx2.5m. Treatment group received one dose of 1.5mg/kg of PPZ and control group received sterile sesame oil. All animals were tested for 10min and behaviours were recorded. Rectal temperature was measured at the beginning (T1) and at the end (T2) of the test. SIH was defined as the difference between T2 and T1. Sheep were tested on days 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 and 9 after PPZ injection. Variables were analysed using a mixed model. PPZ decreased bleats on days 2, 3, 4 and the SIH response on days 2 and 3. Breed differences were observed. Treated animals showed positive correlations between SIH and bleats; squares entered; attempts to escape and negative correlation between SIH and visits to the food bucket. Our results suggest that behaviour and SIH on the OFT are useful measures of fear in sheep.

Physiological falls risk assessment in older people with Alzheimer's disease.

PubMed

Lorbach, Edwina R; Webster, Kate E; Menz, Hylton B; Wittwer, Joanne E; Merory, John R

2007-01-01

Falls are common in people with Alzheimer's disease (AD). There is some evidence that deficits in vision, peripheral sensation, strength, reaction time and balance may be partly responsible for this increased risk. To determine the feasibility and test-retest reliability of a physiological test battery designed to assess falls risk [the Physiological Profile Assessment (PPA)] in people with AD, and to compare their PPA scores to age- and sex-matched controls. Twenty-one community-dwelling people with probable, mild to moderate AD aged 63-91 years, and 21 age- and sex-matched controls underwent the PPA tests and the Mini-Mental State Examination. All tests were then repeated in the AD group to determine test-retest reliability. Most of the PPA tests could be successfully administered to participants with AD. The AD group had a significantly higher overall falls risk score (t(40) = -2.41, p < 0.02), slower hand (t(40) = -4.86, p < 0.01) and foot reaction time (t(40) = -2.26, p < 0.05) and worse coordinated stability (t(40) = -2.40, p < 0.05) than the controls. Physiological falls risk assessment is feasible in older people with mild to moderate AD. Older people with AD demonstrate significant impairments in several physiological domains, particularly reaction time, compared to controls.

21 CFR 610.40 - Test requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

...; (3) Hepatitis B virus; (4) Hepatitis C virus; (5) Human T-lymphotropic virus, type I; and (6) Human T... requirements. (a) Human blood and blood components. Except as specified in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this... adequately and appropriately the risk of transmission of communicable disease. (c) Exceptions to testing for...

21 CFR 610.40 - Test requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

...; (3) Hepatitis B virus; (4) Hepatitis C virus; (5) Human T-lymphotropic virus, type I; and (6) Human T... requirements. (a) Human blood and blood components. Except as specified in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this... adequately and appropriately the risk of transmission of communicable disease. (c) Exceptions to testing for...

Generation of Alternative Assessment Scores using TEST and online data sources

EPA Science Inventory

Alternatives assessment frameworks such as DfE (Design for the Environment) evaluate chemical alternatives in terms of human health effects, ecotoxicity, and fate. T.E.S.T. (Toxicity Estimation Software Tool) can be utilized to evaluate human health in terms of acute oral rat tox...

Bayesian Estimation Supersedes the "t" Test

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kruschke, John K.

2013-01-01

Bayesian estimation for 2 groups provides complete distributions of credible values for the effect size, group means and their difference, standard deviations and their difference, and the normality of the data. The method handles outliers. The decision rule can accept the null value (unlike traditional "t" tests) when certainty in the estimate is…

Examples of Data Analysis with SPSS-X.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

MacFarland, Thomas W.

Intended for classroom use only, these unpublished notes contain computer lessons on descriptive statistics using SPSS-X Release 3.0 for VAX/UNIX. Statistical measures covered include Chi-square analysis; Spearman's rank correlation coefficient; Student's t-test with two independent samples; Student's t-test with a paired sample; One-way analysis…

Calculating p-values and their significances with the Energy Test for large datasets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barter, W.; Burr, C.; Parkes, C.

2018-04-01

The energy test method is a multi-dimensional test of whether two samples are consistent with arising from the same underlying population, through the calculation of a single test statistic (called the T-value). The method has recently been used in particle physics to search for samples that differ due to CP violation. The generalised extreme value function has previously been used to describe the distribution of T-values under the null hypothesis that the two samples are drawn from the same underlying population. We show that, in a simple test case, the distribution is not sufficiently well described by the generalised extreme value function. We present a new method, where the distribution of T-values under the null hypothesis when comparing two large samples can be found by scaling the distribution found when comparing small samples drawn from the same population. This method can then be used to quickly calculate the p-values associated with the results of the test.

Non-surgical periodontal treatment of peri-implant diseases with the adjunctive use of diode laser: preliminary clinical study.

PubMed

Lerario, Francesco; Roncati, Marisa; Gariffo, Annalisa; Attorresi, Enrica; Lucchese, Alessandra; Galanakis, Alexandros; Palaia, Gaspare; Romeo, Umberto

2016-01-01

Peri-implant diseases present in two forms: peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis. The prevalence of peri-implant complications is significantly rising. The aim of this study was to compare conventional treatment of inflamed peri-implant tissues with conventional treatment together with diode laser application. Twenty-seven patients (age 36 to 67, 15 women and 12 men, 12 smokers and 15 non-smokers) requiring treatment for mucositis or peri-implantitis were taken into account for this preliminary study. Plaque index (PI), pocket depth (PD), and bleeding on probing (BoP) were recorded at baseline evaluation. Patients in control group (CG) received conventional non-surgical periodontal treatment. Patients in test group received conventional non-surgical periodontal treatment together with diode laser application (810 nm, 30 s, 1 W, 50 Hz, t on = 100 ms, t off = 100 ms, energy density = 24.87 J/cm(2)). Paired t test was used to evaluate the difference in repeated measurements of considered indexes at T 0 and T 1 (1 year) in both groups. A total of 606 sites were taken into account in the test group (TG) and 144 in the CG. PD mean variation in the TG was 2.66 mm ± 1.07, while mean PD variation in the CG was 0.94 ± 1.13 mm. Paired t testing of the variation in PD in CG and TG revealed a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p < 0.0001). A reduction of pathological sites from 89 % (T 0) to 14.35 % (T 1) was achieved in the TG, while reduction obtained in the CG was from 75.69 % (T 0) to 50 % (T 1); BoP scores at time T 1 had fallen below 5 % in the TG and decreased to 59.7 %, in the CG. Within the limitations of this study, diode laser seems to be an additional valuable tool for peri-implant disease treatment.

High sensitivity Troponin T: an audit of implementation of its protocol in a district general hospital.

PubMed

Kalim, Shahid; Nazir, Shaista; Khan, Zia Ullah

2013-01-01

Protocols based on newer high sensitivity Troponin T (hsTropT) assays can rule in a suspected Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) as early as 3 hours. We conducted this study to audit adherence to our Trust's newly introduced AMI diagnostic protocol based on paired hsTropT testing at 0 and 3 hours. We retrospectively reviewed data of all patients who had hsTropT test done between 1st and 7th May 2012. Patient's demographics, utility of single or paired samples, time interval between paired samples, patient's presenting symptoms and ECG findings were noted and their means, medians, Standard deviations and proportions were calculated. A total of 66 patients had hsTropT test done during this period. Mean age was 63.30 +/- 17.46 years and 38 (57.57%) were males. Twenty-four (36.36%) patients had only single, rather than protocol recommended paired hsTropT samples, taken. Among the 42 (63.63%) patients with paired samples, the mean time interval was found to be 4.41 +/- 5.7 hours. Contrary to the recommendations, 15 (22.73%) had a very long whereas 2 (3.03%) had a very short time interval between two samples. A subgroup analysis of patients with single samples, found only 2 (3.03%) patient with ST-segment elevation, appropriate for single testing. Our study confirmed that in a large number of patients the protocol for paired sampling or a recommended time interval of 3 hours between 2 samples was not being followed.

In vivo characterization of cortical and white matter neuroaxonal pathology in early multiple sclerosis.

PubMed

Granberg, Tobias; Fan, Qiuyun; Treaba, Constantina Andrada; Ouellette, Russell; Herranz, Elena; Mangeat, Gabriel; Louapre, Céline; Cohen-Adad, Julien; Klawiter, Eric C; Sloane, Jacob A; Mainero, Caterina

2017-11-01

Neuroaxonal pathology is a main determinant of disease progression in multiple sclerosis; however, its underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, including its link to inflammatory demyelination and temporal occurrence in the disease course are still unknown. We used ultra-high field (7 T), ultra-high gradient strength diffusion and T1/T2-weighted myelin-sensitive magnetic resonance imaging to characterize microstructural changes in myelin and neuroaxonal integrity in the cortex and white matter in early stage multiple sclerosis, their distribution in lesional and normal-appearing tissue, and their correlations with neurological disability. Twenty-six early stage multiple sclerosis subjects (disease duration ≤5 years) and 24 age-matched healthy controls underwent 7 T T2*-weighted imaging for cortical lesion segmentation and 3 T T1/T2-weighted myelin-sensitive imaging and neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging for assessing microstructural myelin, axonal and dendrite integrity in lesional and normal-appearing tissue of the cortex and the white matter. Conventional mean diffusivity and fractional anisotropy metrics were also assessed for comparison. Cortical lesions were identified in 92% of early multiple sclerosis subjects and they were characterized by lower intracellular volume fraction (P = 0.015 by paired t-test), lower myelin-sensitive contrast (P = 0.030 by related-samples Wilcoxon signed-rank test) and higher mean diffusivity (P = 0.022 by related-samples Wilcoxon signed-rank test) relative to the contralateral normal-appearing cortex. Similar findings were observed in white matter lesions relative to normal-appearing white matter (all P < 0.001), accompanied by an increased orientation dispersion (P < 0.001 by paired t-test) and lower fractional anisotropy (P < 0.001 by related-samples Wilcoxon signed-rank test) suggestive of less coherent underlying fibre orientation. Additionally, the normal-appearing white matter in multiple sclerosis subjects had diffusely lower intracellular volume fractions than the white matter in controls (P = 0.029 by unpaired t-test). Cortical thickness did not differ significantly between multiple sclerosis subjects and controls. Higher orientation dispersion in the left primary motor-somatosensory cortex was associated with increased Expanded Disability Status Scale scores in surface-based general linear modelling (P < 0.05). Microstructural pathology was frequent in early multiple sclerosis, and present mainly focally in cortical lesions, whereas more diffusely in white matter. These results suggest early demyelination with loss of cells and/or cell volumes in cortical and white matter lesions, with additional axonal dispersion in white matter lesions. In the cortex, focal lesion changes might precede diffuse atrophy with cortical thinning. Findings in the normal-appearing white matter reveal early axonal pathology outside inflammatory demyelinating lesions. © The Author (2017). Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Guarantors of Brain. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

U.S. EPA, Pesticide Product Label, , 04/02/1984

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

2011-04-21

... " . v' I • l , J, .I,H, , I 'tit':' ir1'''', i:~tl'nt \\.,:itl: i:.', I" .. ' I :d' :,: ~ HL ~.:\\,J(!.\\j'lil' Ar,::, · ... Tolt·f.ll1cl' .,t bttlb~ t.' ~~E!-~A(T~: {,"l'; \\".1'',' 'lt~: \\'.lIil·tit's. Test.t ~,n"lll ...

Mantle Attenuation Estimated from Regional and Teleseismic P-waves of Deep Earthquakes and Surface Explosions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ichinose, G.; Woods, M.; Dwyer, J.

2014-03-01

We estimated the network-averaged mantle attenuation t*(total) of 0.5 s beneath the North Korea test site (NKTS) by use of P-wave spectra and normalized spectral stacks from the 25 May 2009 declared nuclear test (mb 4.5; IDC). This value was checked using P-waves from seven deep (580-600 km) earthquakes (4.8 < M w < 5.5) in the Jilin-Heilongjiang, China region that borders with Russia and North Korea. These earthquakes are 200-300 km from the NKTS, within 200 km of the Global Seismic Network seismic station in Mudanjiang, China (MDJ) and the International Monitoring System primary arrays at Ussuriysk, Russia (USRK) and Wonju, Republic of Korea (KSRS). With the deep earthquakes, we split the t*(total) ray path into two segments: a t*(u), that represents the attenuation of the up-going ray from the deep hypocenters to the local-regional receivers, and t*(d), that represents the attenuation along the down-going ray to teleseismic receivers. The sum of t*(u) and t*(d) should be equal to t*(total), because they both share coincident ray paths. We estimated the upper-mantle attenuation t*(u) of 0.1 s at stations MDJ, USRK, and KSRS from individual and stacks of normalized P-wave spectra. We then estimated the average lower-mantle attenuation t*(d) of 0.4 s using stacked teleseismic P-wave spectra. We finally estimated a network average t*(total) of 0.5 s from the stacked teleseismic P-wave spectra from the 2009 nuclear test, which confirms the equality with the sum of t*(u) and t*(d). We included constraints on seismic moment, depth, and radiation pattern by using results from a moment tensor analysis and corner frequencies from modeling of P-wave spectra recorded at local distances. We also avoided finite-faulting effects by excluding earthquakes with complex source time functions. We assumed ω2 source models for earthquakes and explosions. The mantle attenuation beneath the NKTS is clearly different when compared with the network-averaged t* of 0.75 s for the western US and is similar to values of approximately 0.5 s for the Semipalatinsk test site within the 0.5-2 Hz range.

The Hitchhiker's Guide to I&T

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wright, Michael R.

1999-01-01

With over two dozen missions since the first in 1986, the Hitchhiker project has a reputation for providing quick-reaction, low-cost flight services for Shuttle Small Payloads Project (SSPP) customers. Despite the successes, several potential improvements in customer payload integration and test (I&T) deserve consideration. This paper presents suggestions to Hitchhiker customers on how to help make the I&T process run smoother. Included are: customer requirements and interface definition, pre-integration test and evaluation, configuration management, I&T overview and planning, problem mitigation, and organizational communication. In this era of limited flight opportunities and new ISO-based requirements, issues such as these have become more important than ever.

A T0/Trigger detector for the External Target Experiment at CSR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, D.; Shao, M.; Sun, Y.; Li, C.; Chen, H.; Tang, Z.; Zhang, Y.; Zhou, J.; Zeng, H.; Zhao, X.; You, W.; Song, G.; Deng, P.; Lu, J.; Zhao, L.

2017-06-01

A new T0/Trigger detector based on multi-gap resistive plate chamber (MRPC) technology has been constructed and tested for the external target experiment (ETE) at HIRFL-CSR. It measures the multiplicity and timing information of particles produced in heavy-ion collisions at the target region, providing necessary event collision time (T0) and collision centrality with high precision. Monte-Carlo simulation shows a time resolution of several tens of picosecond can be achieved at central collisions. The experimental tests have been performed for this prototype detector at the CSR-ETE. The preliminary results are shown to demonstrate the performance of the T0/Trigger detector.

Joint Services Highway Shock Index Project

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-06-01

V (4 > t-t t-t » a> « a u >s 0 H (* M 4J <> % nt u a H pg 3 bo (3) 33M0J iOVdNI 30 i ^tiM*ft*Btlff? niif ^*^^ 9 TABLE IX VERTICAL IMPACT...DISTRIBUTION 40 46 60 73 I UST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Figure 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Truck Type I...Oie-Half Load, Truck Type II . Static Test, Three-Eighths Load, Truck Type II Static Test, One-Fourth Load, Truck Type II Page 5 6 6 8 9

Preparation and Characterization of Polyurethanes with Cross-Linked Siloxane in the Side Chain by Sol-Gel Reactions

PubMed Central

Zhao, Hui; Hao, Tong-Hui; Hu, Guo-Hua; Shi, Dean; Huang, Da; Jiang, Tao; Zhang, Qun-Chao

2017-01-01

A series of novel polyurethanes containing cross-linked siloxane in the side chain (SPU) were successfully synthesized through a sol-gel process. The SPU was composed of 0%–20% N-(n-butyl)-3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (HDI-T) modified hexamethylene diisocynate homopolymer. The effects of HDI-T content on both the structure and properties of SPU were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), mechanical properties tests, gel content test, water contact angle measurement and water absorption test. FT-IR, XPS and XRD results confirmed the successful incorporation of HDI-T onto polyurethanes and the formation of Si–O–Si. The surface roughness and the Si content of SPU enhanced with the increase of HDI-T content. Both crystallization and melting temperature shifted to a lower point after the incorporation of HDI-T. The hydrophobicity, tensile strength, Young’s modulus and pencil hardness overall increased with the increasing of HDI-T content, whereas the thermal stability and the elongation at break of SPU slightly decreased. PMID:28772607

A novel FKRP-related muscular dystrophy founder mutation in South African Afrikaner patients with a phenotype suggestive of a dystrophinopathy.

PubMed

Mudau, M M; Essop, F; Krause, A

2016-12-21

Fukutin-related protein (FKRP) muscular dystrophy is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the FKRP gene. The condition is often misdiagnosed as a dystrophinopathy. A previously unreported mutation, c.1100T>C in exon 4 of FKRP, had been identified in homozygous form in two white South African (SA) Afrikaner patients clinically diagnosed with a dystrophinopathy. To investigate whether the c.1100T>C mutation and the common European FKRP mutation c.826C>A are present in other patients of Afrikaner origin with suspected dystrophinopathy, and whether a founder haplotype exists. The c.1100T>C mutation was initially tested for using an amplification refractory mutation system technique in 45 white SA Afrikaner patients who had tested negative using multiplex ligation probe amplification screening for exonic deletions/duplications in the dystrophin gene. Sequencing analysis was used to confirm the c.1100T>C mutation and screen for the c.826C>A mutation. Two cohorts (each numbering 100) of Afrikaans and other white controls were screened for the c.1100T>C and c.826C>A mutations, respectively. Of the 45 patients, 8 patients (17.8%) were homozygous for c.1100T>C, 2 (4.4%) were compound heterozygotes for c.1100T>C and c.826C>A, and 1 (2.2%) was heterozygous for c.1100T>C with a second unidentified mutation. The c.1100T>C mutation was found in 1/100 controls, but no heterozygotes for the c.826C>A mutation were identified. Linked marker analysis for c.1100T>C showed a common haplotype, suggesting a probable founder mutation in the SA Afrikaner population. FKRP mutations may be relatively common in Afrikaners, and screening should be considered in patients who have a suggestive phenotype and test negative for a dystrophinopathy. This test will be useful for offering diagnostic, carrier and prenatal testing for affected individuals and their families. As FKRP muscular dystrophy is autosomal recessive in inheritance, the implications of a positive diagnosis in a family differ significantly from those of an X-linked dystrophinopathy.

Memory Alteration Test to Detect Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment and Early Alzheimer's Dementia in Population with Low Educational Level.

PubMed

Custodio, Nilton; Lira, David; Herrera-Perez, Eder; Montesinos, Rosa; Castro-Suarez, Sheila; Cuenca-Alfaro, José; Valeriano-Lorenzo, Lucía

2017-01-01

Background/Aims : Short tests to early detection of the cognitive impairment are necessary in primary care setting, particularly in populations with low educational level. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of Memory Alteration Test (M@T) to discriminate controls, patients with amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (aMCI) and patients with early Alzheimer's Dementia (AD) in a sample of individuals with low level of education. Methods : Cross-sectional study to assess the performance of the M@T (study test), compared to the neuropsychological evaluation (gold standard test) scores in 247 elderly subjects with low education level from Lima-Peru. The cognitive evaluation included three sequential stages: (1) screening (to detect cases with cognitive impairment); (2) nosological diagnosis (to determinate specific disease); and (3) classification (to differentiate disease subtypes). The subjects with negative results for all stages were considered as cognitively normal (controls). The test performance was assessed by means of area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. We calculated validity measures (sensitivity, specificity and correctly classified percentage), the internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha coefficient), and concurrent validity (Pearson's ratio coefficient between the M@T and Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scores). Results : The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.79 and Pearson's ratio coefficient was 0.79 ( p < 0.01). The AUC of M@T to discriminate between early AD and aMCI was 99.60% (sensitivity = 100.00%, specificity = 97.53% and correctly classified = 98.41%) and to discriminate between aMCI and controls was 99.56% (sensitivity = 99.17%, specificity = 91.11%, and correctly classified = 96.99%). Conclusions : The M@T is a short test with a good performance to discriminate controls, aMCI and early AD in individuals with low level of education from urban settings.

Random vs. Combinatorial Methods for Discrete Event Simulation of a Grid Computer Network

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kuhn, D. Richard; Kacker, Raghu; Lei, Yu

2010-01-01

This study compared random and t-way combinatorial inputs of a network simulator, to determine if these two approaches produce significantly different deadlock detection for varying network configurations. Modeling deadlock detection is important for analyzing configuration changes that could inadvertently degrade network operations, or to determine modifications that could be made by attackers to deliberately induce deadlock. Discrete event simulation of a network may be conducted using random generation, of inputs. In this study, we compare random with combinatorial generation of inputs. Combinatorial (or t-way) testing requires every combination of any t parameter values to be covered by at least one test. Combinatorial methods can be highly effective because empirical data suggest that nearly all failures involve the interaction of a small number of parameters (1 to 6). Thus, for example, if all deadlocks involve at most 5-way interactions between n parameters, then exhaustive testing of all n-way interactions adds no additional information that would not be obtained by testing all 5-way interactions. While the maximum degree of interaction between parameters involved in the deadlocks clearly cannot be known in advance, covering all t-way interactions may be more efficient than using random generation of inputs. In this study we tested this hypothesis for t = 2, 3, and 4 for deadlock detection in a network simulation. Achieving the same degree of coverage provided by 4-way tests would have required approximately 3.2 times as many random tests; thus combinatorial methods were more efficient for detecting deadlocks involving a higher degree of interactions. The paper reviews explanations for these results and implications for modeling and simulation.

ESTIMATING TOXOPLASMA GONDII EXPOSURE IN ARCTIC FOXES (VULPES LAGOPUS) WHILE NAVIGATING THE IMPERFECT WORLD OF WILDLIFE SEROLOGY.

PubMed

Elmore, Stacey A; Samelius, Gustaf; Al-Adhami, Batol; Huyvaert, Kathryn P; Bailey, Larissa L; Alisauskas, Ray T; Gajadhar, Alvin A; Jenkins, Emily J

2016-01-01

Although the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii is ubiquitous in birds and mammals worldwide, the full suite of hosts and transmission routes is not completely understood, especially in the Arctic. Toxoplasma gondii occurrence in humans and wildlife can be high in Arctic regions, despite apparently limited opportunities for transmission of oocysts shed by felid definitive hosts. Arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) are under increasing anthropogenic and ecologic pressure, leading to population declines in parts of their range. Our understanding of T. gondii occurrence in arctic foxes is limited to only a few regions, but mortality events caused by this parasite have been reported. We investigated the exposure of arctic foxes to T. gondii in the Karrak Lake goose colony, Queen Maud Gulf Migratory Bird Sanctuary, Nunavut, Canada. Following an occupancy-modeling framework, we performed replicated antibody testing on serum samples by direct agglutination test (DAT), indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), and an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that can be used in multiple mammalian host species. As a metric of test performance, we then estimated the probability of detecting T. gondii antibodies for each of the tests. Occupancy estimates for T. gondii antibodies in arctic foxes under this framework were between 0.430 and 0.758. Detection probability was highest for IFAT (0.716) and lower for DAT (0.611) and ELISA (0.464), indicating that the test of choice for antibody detection in arctic foxes might be the IFAT. We document a new geographic record of T. gondii exposure in arctic foxes and demonstrate an emerging application of ecologic modeling techniques to account for imperfect performance of diagnostic tests in wildlife species.

African American ethnicity as a risk factor for respiratory complications following adenotonsillectomy.

PubMed

Horwood, Linda; Nguyen, Lily H P; Brown, Karen; Paci, Philippe; Constantin, Evelyn

2013-02-01

To evaluate whether African American ethnicity is a risk factor for major respiratory complications following adenotonsillectomy (T&A). Retrospective cohort study. A Canadian tertiary care center. PATIENTS Children aged 0 to 18 years who underwent T&A at our institution from 2002 to 2006 with planned or unplanned postoperative admissions. We evaluated the association between ethnicity and our main outcome measure, major perioperative respiratory complications of T&A. Parental report of ethnicity was available for 23% of our cohort. At our institution, African American children undergo a routine preoperative sickle cell test (TestSC). Data on TestSC were included for all children. We established that having a TestSC was an accurate proxy for African American ethnicity (sensitivity, 96%; specificity, 93%; positive predictive value, 77%; negative predictive value, 99%). Seventy-four of 594 children experienced major respiratory complications (12.5%). Compared with children who did not have major respiratory complications, those who did had a TestSC (P = .01), were 2 years or younger (P < .001) and had lower weight-for-age z scores (P = .04), moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (P = .003), and comorbidities (P < .001). When controlling for these variables in a multivariate analysis, children of African American ethnicity (TestSC used as a proxy) were at higher risk of having major perioperative respiratory complications (adjusted odds ratio, 1.82 [95% CI 1.05-3.14]) (P = .003). Children of African American ethnicity (TestSC used as a proxy) are nearly twice as likely to experience major respiratory complications related to T&A. Ethnicity may be an additional independent risk factor for clinicians to consider when planning for T&A.

A comparison of battery testing protocols: Those used by the U.S. advanced battery consortium and those used in China

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

Robertson, David C.; Christophersen, Jon P.; Bennett, Taylor

Two testing protocols, QC/T 743 and those used by the U.S. Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC), were compared using cells based on LiFePO4/graphite chemistry. Differences in the protocols directly affected the data and the performance decline mechanisms deduced from the data. A change in capacity fade mechanism from linear-with-time to t1/2 was observed when the power density measurement was included in the QC/T 743 testing. The rate of resistance increase was linear with time using both protocols. Overall, the testing protocols produced very similar data when the testing conditions and metrics used to define performance were similar. The choice of depthmore » of discharge and pulse width had a direct effect on estimated cell life. At greater percent depth of discharge (%DOD) and pulse width, the estimated life was shorter that at lower %DOD and shorter pulse width. This indicates that cells which were at the end of life based on the USABC protocol were not at end of life based on the QC/T 743 protocol by a large margin.« less

[Timed up and go test for fingers in the form of the 20 cents test. Psychometric criteria of a simple performance test of fine motor skills].

PubMed

Krupp, Sonja; Kasper, Jennifer; Balck, Friedrich; Schnoor, Maike; Eisemann, Nora; Lohse, Kristina; Brunk, Juliane; Katalinic, Alexander; Willkomm, Martin

2015-02-01

Although many activities depend on intact fine motor skills no standardized assessment has been broadly established. The 20 cents test (20-C-T) was developed in 2009 and takes less than 5 mins. The quality criteria were investigated within the framework of this study. A total of 300 geriatric patients participated in the study. The classification of occupational therapists based on standardized anamnesis and clinical examination served as the gold standard. Physiotherapists blinded to the study particulars applied the 20-C-T. Every fourth patient suffered from deficits in fine motor skills relevant to everyday life. The 20-C-T correlated with the clinical severity level and was also feasible for patients with intermediate impairment of cognition or vision. Handedness, age and sex were without significant influence. Intrarater and interrater reliability were good. Standardized testing of fine motor skills should be included in geriatric screening and basic assessment. The quality criteria of the 20-C-T show that it can be used for this purpose. Further diagnostic steps are recommended whenever a geriatric patient needs more than 40 s for the task.

Field analysis for explosives: TNT and RDX

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

Elcoate, W.; Mapes, J.

The EPA has listed as hazardous many of the compounds used in the production of ammunitions and other explosive ordnance. The contamination of soil with TNT (2,4,6-trinitrotoluene), the major component of many munitions formulations and to a lesser degree RDX (hexhydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-trizine) is a significant problem at many ammunition manufacturing facilities, depots, and ordnance disposal sites. Field test kits for explosives TNT and RDX (hexhydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine) were developed based on the methods of T.F. Jenkins and M.E. Walsh and T.F Jenkins. EnSys Environmental Products, Inc. with technical support from T.F. Jenkins took the original TNT procedure, modified it for easier field use,more » performed validation studies to ensure that it met or exceeded the method specifications for both the T.F. Jenkins and SW-846 methods, and developed an easy to use test format for the field testing of TNT. The RDX procedure has gone through the development cycle and is presently in the field validation phase. This paper describes the test protocol and performance characteristics of the TNT test procedure.« less

1. Exterior view of Signal Transfer Building (T28A), looking southwest. ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

1. Exterior view of Signal Transfer Building (T-28A), looking southwest. This structure houses controls for propellant transfer, instrumentation for testing, test data transmission receivers, data verification equipment, and centralized utilities for the Systems Integration Laboratory complex. The gantries of the Systems Integration Laboratory Building (T-28) are visible to the rear of this structure. - Air Force Plant PJKS, Systems Integration Laboratory, Signal Transfer Building, Waterton Canyon Road & Colorado Highway 121, Lakewood, Jefferson County, CO

T-Cell Gene Therapy to Eradicate Disseminated Breast Cancers

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-05-01

CD27 Functional tests were stalled by mycoplasma contamination of one of the parental cell lines for making VPCs. During this reporting period, new ...Rathinam C. A new role for an old cytokine: M-CSF regulates functions of human hemetopoietic stem cells, YCEMH mini symposium, New Haven, CT, July 23rd...efficacy of 3rd gen designer T cells III. Clinical ( new agent) BODY Aim 1. To test 2nd gen designer T cells in metastatic breast cancer A

Characterization of Steroid Receptor RNA Activator Protein Function in Modulating the Estrogen Signaling Pathway

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-03-01

official Department of the Army position, policy or decision unless so designated by other documentation. REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE Form...control). Four experiments were performed and the average modifications calculated). A significant (pɘ.05, Student’s t- test ) average increase of 90% in...assessed by TP-PCR at t: 24 h, 48 h, and 72h. We found a significant increase (2.5 fold, pɘ.05, Student’s t- test ) in relative intron-1 retention was

Quasi-Static Tensile Stress-Strain Curves. 1, 2024-T3510 Aluminum Alloy

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-02-01

herein were conducted as part of the Core Materials Program of the Solid Mechanics Branch of the Terminal Ballistics Laboratory. The objective of this...describing the results of the Core Materials Program, covers quasi-static terVsile tests of 2024-T3510 aluminum E’lloy. The results include Young’s...11.31 4 580.6 9.94 TABLE II MATERIAL PROPERTIES OF 2024-T3510 ALUMINUM ALLOYa Results of Results of Results of Tensileb Compres ion Sonic Testing

Phase I clinical trial will test multi-targeted immunotherapy in common childhood cancer | Center for Cancer Research

Cancer.gov

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell immunotherapy targeting the protein CD19 has shown promise in treating acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). CD22-CAR T-cell therapy has yielded similarly encouraging results, but many patients relapse after either therapy. In an upcoming phase I clinical trial, Center for Cancer Research investigators will test a new strategy—treating patients with a CAR T-cell therapy that targets CD19 and CD22 simultaneously.