PSW3 Poster Short Presentations, #2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Glover, Alexi; Trichtchenko, Larisa; Heynderickx, Daniel

2012-07-01

This slot will include 4 short summaries of the following PSW3 poster presentations: 1. A North-South Asymmetry in the Global Electron Content, Gulyaeva T., Arikan F. & Veselovsky I., Paper Number: PSW.3-0028-12 2. Operational mapping of the ionospheric W index maps, Stanislawska I. et al., Paper Number: PSW.3-0029-12 3. Space weather and human health: An investigation on aviators, Papailiou M.-C. et al., Paper Number PSW.3-0030-12 4. Castilla-La Mancha neutron monitor (CaLMa): status at June 2012, Medina J. et al., Paper Number: PSW.3-0031-12

Computational Methods for Sparse Solution of Linear Inverse Problems

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-03-01

this approach is that the algorithms take advantage of fast matrix–vector multiplications. An implementation is available as pdco and SolveBP in the...M. A. Saunders, “ PDCO : primal-dual interior-point method for con- vex objectives,” Systems Optimization Laboratory, Stanford University, Tech. Rep

Estimators for iNET-Formatted SOQPSK-TG

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-05-01

Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO STRI) under contract W900KK-13-C-0026 ( PAQ ). REFERENCES [1] P. Schreier and L...1997. [4] M. Rice, “Phase 1 report: Preamble assisted equalization for aeronautical telemetry ( PAQ ),” Brigham Young University, Tech. Rep., 2014

Microbiological and Chemical Quality of Packaged Sachet Water and Household Stored Drinking Water in Freetown, Sierra Leone

PubMed Central

Jalloh, Mohamed F.; Saquee, George; Bain, Robert E. S.; Bartram, Jamie K.

2015-01-01

Packaged drinking water (PW) sold in bottles and plastic bags/sachets is widely consumed in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and many urban users in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) rely on packaged sachet water (PSW) as their primary source of water for consumption. However, few rigorous studies have investigated PSW quality in SSA, and none have compared PSW to stored household water for consumption (HWC). A clearer understanding of PSW quality in the context of alternative sources is needed to inform policy and regulation. As elsewhere in SSA, PSW is widely consumed in Sierra Leone, but government oversight is nearly nonexistent. This study examined the microbiological and chemical quality of a representative sample of PSW products in Freetown, Sierra Leone at packaged water manufacturing facilities (PWMFs) and at points of sale (POSs). Samples of HWC were also analyzed for comparison. The study did not find evidence of serious chemical contamination among the parameters studied. However, 19% of 45 PSW products sampled at the PWMF contained detectable Escherichia coli (EC), although only two samples exceeded 10 CFU/100 mL. Concentrations of total coliforms (TC) in PSW (but not EC) increased along the supply chain. Samples of HWC from 60 households in Freetown were significantly more likely to contain EC and TC than PSW at the point of production (p<0.01), and had significantly higher concentrations of both bacterial indicators (p<0.01). These results highlight the need for additional PSW regulation and surveillance, while demonstrating the need to prioritize the safety of HWC. At present, PSW may be the least unsafe option for many households. PMID:26162082

Microbiological and Chemical Quality of Packaged Sachet Water and Household Stored Drinking Water in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

PubMed

Fisher, Michael B; Williams, Ashley R; Jalloh, Mohamed F; Saquee, George; Bain, Robert E S; Bartram, Jamie K

2015-01-01

Packaged drinking water (PW) sold in bottles and plastic bags/sachets is widely consumed in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and many urban users in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) rely on packaged sachet water (PSW) as their primary source of water for consumption. However, few rigorous studies have investigated PSW quality in SSA, and none have compared PSW to stored household water for consumption (HWC). A clearer understanding of PSW quality in the context of alternative sources is needed to inform policy and regulation. As elsewhere in SSA, PSW is widely consumed in Sierra Leone, but government oversight is nearly nonexistent. This study examined the microbiological and chemical quality of a representative sample of PSW products in Freetown, Sierra Leone at packaged water manufacturing facilities (PWMFs) and at points of sale (POSs). Samples of HWC were also analyzed for comparison. The study did not find evidence of serious chemical contamination among the parameters studied. However, 19% of 45 PSW products sampled at the PWMF contained detectable Escherichia coli (EC), although only two samples exceeded 10 CFU/100 mL. Concentrations of total coliforms (TC) in PSW (but not EC) increased along the supply chain. Samples of HWC from 60 households in Freetown were significantly more likely to contain EC and TC than PSW at the point of production (p<0.01), and had significantly higher concentrations of both bacterial indicators (p<0.01). These results highlight the need for additional PSW regulation and surveillance, while demonstrating the need to prioritize the safety of HWC. At present, PSW may be the least unsafe option for many households.

Electromagnetic Induction Sensing of UneXploded Ordnance with Pedemis

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-10-22

Pasion , L. R., “A unified approach to uxo discrimination using the method of auxiliary sources,” tech. rep. (2006). [19] Barrowes, B. E., O’Neill, K...inversion and classification using advanced emi models,” (2010). SERDP-MR-1572. [27] Pasion , L., “Uxo discrimination using full coverage and cued

SiLK: A Tool Suite for Unsampled Network Flow Analysis at Scale

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-06-01

file format,” [Accessed: Feb 9, 2014]. [Online]. Available: https: //tools.netsa.cert.org/silk/faq.html#file-formats [12] “2012 data breach investigations...report (DBIR),” Verizon, Tech. Rep., 2012. [Online]. Available: http://www.verizonenterprise.com/DBIR/2012/ [13] “2013 data breach investigations

Expanded Kill Chain Analysis of Manned-Unmanned Teaming for Future Strike Operations

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-09-01

the BLUEFORCE targeting and engagement kill chain to deter- mine areas of improvement or capability development to the chain. Opportunities exist to...systems integrated roadmap, FY2013 - 2038,” Department of Defense, Washington, DC, Tech. Rep. 14-S-0553, 2013. [7] B. Opall -Rome. (2014, Aug. 12). Israeli

Modeling of Embedded Human Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-07-01

ISAT study [7] for DARPA in 20051 concretized the notion of an embedded human, who is a necessary component of the system. The proposed work integrates...Technology, IEEE Transactions on, vol. 16, no. 2, pp. 229–244, March 2008. [7] C. J. Tomlin and S. S. Sastry, “Embedded humans,” tech. rep., DARPA ISAT

Effects of Full Order Geopotential Hessian on Precision Orbit Determination of Geodetic Satellites

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-08-01

Astrodynamics, geopotential, geodesy 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 17. LIMITATION OF ABSTRACT UU 18. NUMBER OF PAGES 12 19a. NAME OF RESPONSIBLE PERSON...Tech. rep., DTIC Document, 2010. 15Kanner, L. and Associates, “Translation of ’Le satellite de geodesie ’Starlette’,’ Groupe de Recherches de Geodesie

Model Variational Inverse Problems Governed by Partial Differential Equations

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-01

COMSOL Multiphysics [10], deal.II [4], dune [5], the FEniCS project [11, 20] and Sundance, a package from the Trilinos project [17]. These toolkits...Dupont, J. Hoffman, C. Johnson, R. Kirby, M. Larson, A. Logg, and R. Scott, The FEniCS project, tech. rep., 2003. [12] S. C. Eisenstat and H. F

User's guide to SILVAH

Treesearch

Peter D. Knopp; Susan L. Stout

2014-01-01

This user's guide for the SILVAH computer program, version 6.2, supersedes the 1992 user's guide (Gen. Tech. Rep. NE-162). Designed for stand-alone Windows-based personal computers, SILVAH recommends a silvicultural prescription for a forest stand based on a summary and analysis of field inventory data. The program also includes a simulator that can be used...

Cooperative Control of UAVs for Localization of Intermittently Emitting Mobile Targets

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-08-01

as lawn - mower serpentine patterns [21]. Second, due to the limited energy supplies intrinsic to UAV applications, it is also important that the search...Robotic Embedded Systems Laboratory, Univ. Southern Calif., Los Angeles, CA, 2002. Tech. Rep. [21] J. Ousingsawat and M. G. Earl, “Modified lawn - mower search

Ponto-medullary nuclei involved in the generation of sequential pharyngeal swallowing and concomitant protective laryngeal adduction in situ

PubMed Central

Bautista, Tara G; Dutschmann, Mathias

2014-01-01

Both swallowing and respiration involve postinspiratory laryngeal adduction. Swallowing-related postinspiratory neurons are likely to be located in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) and those involved in respiration are found in the Kölliker–Fuse nucleus (KF). The function of KF and NTS in the generation of swallowing and its coordination with respiration was investigated in perfused brainstem preparations of juvenile rats (n = 41). Orally injected water evoked sequential pharyngeal swallowing (s-PSW) seen as phasic, spindle-shaped bursting of vagal nerve activity (VNA) against tonic postinspiratory discharge. KF inhibition by microinjecting isoguvacine (GABAA receptor agonist) selectively attenuated tonic postinspiratory VNA (n = 10, P < 0.001) but had no effect on frequency or timing of s-PSW. KF disinhibition after bicuculline (GABAA receptor antagonist) microinjections caused an increase of the tonic VNA (n = 8, P < 0.01) resulting in obscured and delayed phasic s-PSW. Occurrence of spontaneous PSW significantly increased after KF inhibition (P < 0.0001) but not after KF disinhibition (P = 0.14). NTS isoguvacine microinjections attenuated the occurrence of all PSW (n = 5, P < 0.01). NTS bicuculline microinjections (n = 6) resulted in spontaneous activation of a disordered PSW pattern and long-lasting suppression of respiratory activity. Pharmacological manipulation of either KF or NTS also triggered profound changes in respiratory postinspiratory VNA. Our results indicate that the s-PSW comprises two functionally distinct components. While the primary s-PSW is generated within the NTS, a KF-mediated laryngeal adductor reflex safeguards the lower airways from aspiration. Synaptic interaction between KF and NTS is required for s-PSW coordination with respiration as well as for proper gating and timing of s-PSW. PMID:24639482

41 CFR 102-118.235 - Must my agency keep physical control and accountability of the GBL and GTR forms or GBL and GTR...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... physical control and accountability of the GBL and GTR forms or GBL and GTR numbers? 102-118.235 Section... accountability of the GBL and GTR forms or GBL and GTR numbers? Yes, your agency is responsible for the physical control and accountability of the GBL and GTR stock and must have procedures in place and available for...

Dynamic relocation of the TORC1–Gtr1/2–Ego1/2/3 complex is regulated by Gtr1 and Gtr2

PubMed Central

Kira, Shintaro; Kumano, Yuri; Ukai, Hirofumi; Takeda, Eigo; Matsuura, Akira; Noda, Takeshi

2016-01-01

TORC1 regulates cellular growth, metabolism, and autophagy by integrating various signals, including nutrient availability, through the small GTPases RagA/B/C/D in mammals and Gtr1/2 in budding yeast. Rag/Gtr is anchored to the lysosomal/vacuolar membrane by the scaffold protein complex Ragulator/Ego. Here we show that Ego consists of Ego1 and Ego3, and novel subunit Ego2. The ∆ego2 mutant exhibited only partial defects both in Gtr1-dependent TORC1 activation and Gtr1 localization on the vacuole. Ego1/2/3, Gtr1/2, and Tor1/Tco89 were colocalized on the vacuole and associated puncta. When Gtr1 was in its GTP-bound form and TORC1 was active, these proteins were preferentially localized on the vacuolar membrane, whereas when Gtr1 was in its GDP-bound form, they were mostly localized on the puncta. The localization of TORC1 to puncta was further facilitated by direct binding to Gtr2, which is involved in suppression of TORC1 activity. Thus regulation of TORC1 activity through Gtr1/Gtr2 is tightly coupled to the dynamic relocation of these proteins. PMID:26609069

Implicit-shifted Symmetric QR Singular Value Decomposition of 3x3 Matrices

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-04-01

Graph 33, 4, 138:1– 138:11. TREFETHEN, L. N., AND BAU III, D. 1997. Numerical linear algebra , vol. 50. Siam. XU, H., SIN, F., ZHU, Y., AND BARBIČ, J...matrices with minimal branching and elementary floating point operations. Tech. rep., University of Wisconsin- Madison. SAITO, S., ZHOU, Z.-Y., AND

Clinical significance of a presystolic wave on Doppler examination of the left ventricular outflow tract.

PubMed

Joshi, Kamal R; Kabirdas, Deepa; Romero-Corral, Abel; Shah, Mahek; Figueredo, Vincent M; Pressman, Gregg S

2014-11-15

A presystolic wave (PSW) is commonly seen on Doppler examination of the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT), but is little studied. We conducted a retrospective study to assess the prevalence of the PSW, correlations with various Doppler parameters, and its clinical significance. Two hundred echocardiograms, 100 with ejection fraction (EF) >55% and 100 with EF <45%, were reviewed. Mitral inflow velocities, septal annular velocities, LVOT, and PSW velocities were measured. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE [death, heart failure hospitalization, atrial fibrillation, and stroke]) were compared between those with and without a PSW, in both EF groups. Mean age was 58 ± 15 years; 56% were men and 69% were African-American. PSW prevalence was similar between normal (68%) and reduced EF groups (62%). However, its velocity was less in the low EF group (37 ± 10 vs 48 ± 16 cm/s, p <0.0001). In subjects with normal EF PSW velocity correlated with mitral A velocity (rho = 0.43, p = 0.0003). In subjects with reduced EF the association with A velocity was not significant (rho = 0.22, p = 0.09), but there was a significant association with annular a' velocity (rho = 0.38, p = 0.002). Over a mean follow-up of 1.7 ± 0.3 years, 57 subjects (28%) experienced MACE. Those without a PSW had more MACE (39% vs 23%, p = 0.02); PSW absence remained predictive of MACE after adjustment for multiple variables, especially in patients with reduced EF. In conclusion, PSW is common in the LVOT. Its presence and magnitude are associated with measures of atrial contraction. Its absence is associated with increased rates of adverse events, especially in patients with low EF. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Moderating Role of Physical Self-Perceptions in the Relationship Between Maturity Status and Physical Self-Worth.

PubMed

Cox, Anne E; Cole, Amy N; Laurson, Kelly

2016-06-01

We tested the moderating role of physical self-perceptions in the relationship between physical maturity and physical self-worth (PSW). Students in Grades 5 through 8 (N = 241; 57% females; Mage = 12.30 years) completed a questionnaire assessing physical self-perceptions (i.e., perceived sport competence, conditioning, strength, and body attractiveness), PSW, and maturity status. Hierarchical multiple regression was used to test interactions between maturity and physical self-perceptions predicting PSW separately for boys and girls. For girls, maturity level and physical self-perceptions explained significant variance, F(5, 131) = 73.44, p < .001, R(2) = .74, with interactions explaining a little extra variance, ΔF = 3.42, p = .01, ΔR(2) = .03. Perceived attractiveness interacted with maturity status to predict PSW (p = .01), indicating that maturity was positively related to PSW only for girls with higher body attractiveness. Maturity status and physical self-perceptions also significantly predicted PSW in boys, F(5, 98) = 46.52, p <  .001, R(2) = .70, with interactions explaining a little extra variance, ΔF = 3.16, p = .02, ΔR(2) = .04. A statistically significant interaction between perceived strength and maturity (p <  .001) indicated that maturity related positively to PSW, but only for boys with higher perceived strength. The maturity-PSW relationship differs by gender and depends partly on physical self-perceptions. This finding reinforces previous findings that illustrate the relative importance of perceived attractiveness and strength for girls and boys, respectively. PSW is an important predictor of physical activity behavior; therefore, it is critical to understand the interplay between these key antecedents.

Carrion use by northern goshawks

Treesearch

John R. Squires

1995-01-01

Northern goshawks (Accipiter gentilis) feed on a wide variety of birds and mammals (R. T. Reynolds, et al. 1992, USDA For. Ser. Gen. Tech. Rep. RM-217. Fort Collins, CO U.S.A.), but few accounts describe goshawks feeding on carrion. J.H. Schnell (1958, Condor 60:377-403) stated that, "It seems highly unlikely that the goshawk would forage for carrion under normal...

A Rejoinder on the PSW Model for SLD Identification: Still Concerned

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McGill, Ryan J.; Busse, R. T.

2017-01-01

We address Christo, D'Incau, and Ponzuric's response to our original contribution to this journal "When theory trumps science: A critique of the PSW model for SLD identification." Christo and colleagues stated that there is an empirical support for pattern of strengths and weaknesses (PSW) procedures as a component in the identification…

The Effects of Slow Frame Rates on Human Performance

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-06-01

Minimalism context-aware displays. CyberPsychology and Behavior 2004, 7 (6), 635-644. Card, S. K.; Moran, T. P.; Newell, A. The psychology of human...2005. Kolasinski, E. M. Simulator sickness in virtual environments; Tech. Rep. 1027; U.S. Army Research Institute for Behavioral and Social Sciences...50 studies and summarized them in the areas of psychomotor performance, perceptual performance, behavioral effects, and subjective perception

Transport of Nordic Seas Overflow Water into and Within the Irminger Sea: An Eddy-Resolving Simulation and Observations

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-12-18

grated for 20 years after initialization from rest and January temperature (T) and salinity (S) from the Generalized Digital Environmental Model ( GDEM ...coordinates, Ocean Modell., 37, 55–88. Carnes, M. R. (2009), Description and evaluation of GDEM ‐V 3.0, Tech. Rep. 724/NRL/MR/7300‐09‐9165, Nav. Res. Lab

Polar Science Weekend: A University / Science Center Collaboration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stern, H. L.; Moritz, R. E.; Lettvin, E.; Schatz, D.; Russell, L.

2008-12-01

Polar Science Weekend (PSW) is a four-day event featuring hands-on activities, live demonstrations, and a variety of exhibits about the polar regions and current polar research, presented by scientists from the University of Washington's Polar Science Center, and held at Seattle's Pacific Science Center. PSW was conceived and organized jointly by the Polar Science Center and Pacific Science Center, which is Washington State's most well-attended museum. The first PSW in March 2006 drew over 5000 visitors, and subsequent PSWs in 2007 and 2008 have both surpassed that figure. The success of this university / science center partnership has made PSW an annual event, and has served as a model for Pacific Science Center's Portal to the Public program, in which partnerships with other scientific institutions have been built. Researchers at the Polar Science Center (PSC) study the physical processes controlling high-latitude oceans, atmosphere, sea ice, and ice sheets, and are involved in numerous IPY projects. PSC scientists also engage in many outreach efforts such as classroom visits and public lectures, but PSW stands out as the highlight of the year. The partnership with Pacific Science Center brings access to facilities, publicity, and a large audience that would not otherwise be readily available to PSC. Pacific Science Center, constructed for the 1962 World's Fair in Seattle, serves more than one million visitors per year. Pacific Science Center's mission is to inspire a lifelong interest in science, math and technology by engaging diverse communities through interactive and innovative exhibits and programs. PSW helps to advance this mission by bringing students, teachers, and families face-to-face with scientists who work in some of the most remote and challenging places on earth, to learn first-hand about polar research in a fun and informal setting. This is made possible only by the partnership with PSC. In this talk we will present descriptions and photos of PSW activities and exhibits such as Smashing Ice, Glacier Flow, and the Salinity Taste Test. We will also discuss the organizational effort behind PSW, including the recruiting of volunteers and sponsors, publicity, and funding. Finally, we will comment on the elements that make for a successful collaboration. PSW 2009 is scheduled for February 26 through March 1. For more information, visit http://psc.apl.washington.edu/psw/.

Gross total resection of pituitary adenomas after endoscopic vs. microscopic transsphenoidal surgery: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Almutairi, Reem D; Muskens, Ivo S; Cote, David J; Dijkman, Mark D; Kavouridis, Vasileios K; Crocker, Erin; Ghazawi, Kholoud; Broekman, Marike L D; Smith, Timothy R; Mekary, Rania A; Zaidi, Hasan A

2018-05-01

Microscopic transsphenoidal surgery (mTSS) is a well-established method to address adenomas of the pituitary gland. Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (eTSS) has become a viable alternative, however. Advocates suggest that the greater illumination, panoramic visualization, and angled endoscopic views afforded by eTSS may allow for higher rates of gross total tumor resection (GTR). The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine the rate of GTR using mTSS and eTSS. A meta-analysis of the literature was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases through July 2017 in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Seventy case series that reported GTR rate in 8257 pituitary adenoma patients were identified. For all pituitary adenomas, eTSS (GTR=74.0%; I 2  = 92.1%) was associated with higher GTR as compared to mTSS (GTR=66.4%; I 2  = 84.0%) in a fixed-effect model (P-interaction < 0.01). For functioning pituitary adenomas (FPAs) (n = 1170 patients), there was no significant difference in GTR rate between eTSS (GTR=75.8%; I 2  = 63.9%) and mTSS (GTR=75.5%; I 2  = 79.0%); (P-interaction = 0.92). For nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) (n = 2655 patients), eTSS (GTR=71.0%; I 2  = 86.4%) was associated with higher GTR as compared to mTSS (GTR=60.7%; I 2  = 87.5%) in a fixed-effect model (P-interaction < 0.01). None of the associations were significant in a random-effect model (all P-interaction > 0.05). No significant publication bias was identified for any of the outcomes. Among patients who were not randomly allocated to either approach, eTSS resulted in a higher rate of GTR as compared to mTSS for all patients and for NFPA patients alone, but only in a fixed-effect model. For FPA, however, eTSS did not seem to offer a significantly higher rate of GTR. These conclusions should be interpreted with caution because of the nature of the included non-comparative studies.

The search for forest facts: a history of the Pacific Southwest Forest and Range Experiment Station, 1926–2000

Treesearch

Anthony Godfrey

2013-01-01

In 1926, the California Forest Experiment Station, which later became the Pacific Southwest (PSW) Research Station, was established at the University of California, Berkeley. Today, the PSW Research Station represents the research and development branch of the USDA Forest Service in California and Hawaii and the U.S.-affiliated Pacific Islands. The PSW Research Station...

Repulsive Interaction of Sulfide Layers on Compressor Impeller Blades Remanufactured Through Plasma Spray Welding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Y.; Zhou, D.; Wang, Y. L.; Huang, H. H.

2016-12-01

This study investigated the repulsive interaction of sulfide layers on compressor impeller blades remanufactured through plasma spray welding (PSW). Sulfide layers on the blades made of FV(520)B steel were prepared through multifarious corrosion experiments, and PSW was utilized to remanufacture blade specimens. The specimens were evaluated through optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, 3D surface topography, x-ray diffraction, ImageJ software analysis, Vicker's micro-hardness test and tensile tests. Results showed a large number of sulfide inclusions in the fusion zone generated by sulfide layers embodied into the molten pool during PSW. These sulfide inclusions seriously degraded the mechanical performance of the blades remanufactured through PSW.

Estuarine-Shelf Interactions,

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-01-01

latter process occurs at the mouth of the Magothy strength of the flow rather than being specified a River, an estuary tributary to Chesapeake Bay...periods. It is also clear, Magothy in the immediate past. As the density though, that significant geographical variability front associated with the...Estuarine Coastal chemical hydrography of the Magothy River, ?tar. Sci., ’)(4), 485-496, 1977. Tech. Rep. XVIR, Ref. 59-2, Chesapeake bay Hachey, H. B

Rotation roots and neoclassical viscosity in quasi-symmetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cole, A. J.; Hegna, C. C.; Callen, J. D.

2009-11-01

In a quasi-symmetric device, there exists a symmetry angle αh= θ-Nζ/M, such that |B| = B0(1 - ɛhM αh ) along a field-line, with several much smaller helical `sidebands.' Provided the departure from symmetry is small, i.e. δBeff/B0ɛh where δBeff/B0 is the effective helical sideband strength, flow damping and thus flow evolution along and `cross' the direction of symmetry in a flux surface decouple [1,2], and can be determined successively. In the context of a fluid-moment approach [3], the momentum equation in the symmetry direction is equivalent to the ambipolarity condition. Steady state rotation solutions of this equation are equivalent to ambipolar radial electric field `roots' in conventional stellarator theory and will be presented for various banana-drift neoclassical flow damping regimes [2].[4pt] [1] J. D. Callen, A. J. Cole, and C. C. Hegna, Tech. Rep. UW-CPTC 08-7, Univ. of Wisconsin, http://www.cptc.wisc.edu (2009).[0pt] [2] A. J. Cole, C. C. Hegna, and J. D. Callen, Tech. Rep. UW-CPTC 08-8, Univ. of Wisconsin, http://www.cptc.wisc.edu (2009).[0pt] [3] K. C. Shaing and J. D. Callen, Phys. Fluids 26, 3315 (1983).

Cloning of an origin of DNA replication of Xenopus laevis

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

Watanabe, S.; Taylor, J.H.

1980-09-01

DNA fragments of Xenopus laevis, the African frog, were cloned in the EcoRI site of the Eschrichia coli plasmid pACYC189 and tested for ability to initiate and complete replication of the recombinant plasmid when injected into unfertilized eggs of X. laevis. After measurement of the (/sup 3/H)-thymidine incorporation per egg for a number of recombinant plasmids, pSW14 and pSW9, which respectively contain a small segment (550 base pairs) and several kilobases of frog DNA, were selected for more extensive analysis. In spite of the small size of th segment in pSW14, it incorporates in 2 hr at least 3 timesmore » as much labeled thymidine as either pSW9 or the vector alone. To determine the number of replications of pSW14, a novel method was employed. The results showed that about 50% of the labeled, supercoiled DNA recovered from eggs after 4 hr was sensitive to EcoRI digestion, which indicates that most of the DNA that incorporated (/sup 3/H)thymidine had replicated twice during the 4 hr in the unfertilized eggs of X. laevis. We conclude the pSW14 has a functional origin in the Xenopus DNA segment.« less

A Comparison of Monte Carlo Tree Search and Rolling Horizon Optimization for Large Scale Dynamic Resource Allocation Problems

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-05-01

decisions on the fly in an online retail environment. Tech. rep., Working Paper, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, MA. Arneson, Broderick , Ryan...Hayward, Philip Henderson. 2009. MoHex wins Hex tournament. International Computer Games Association Journal 32 114–116. Arneson, Broderick , Ryan B...Combina- torial Search. Enzenberger, Markus, Martin Muller, Broderick Arneson, Richard Segal. 2010. Fuego—an open-source framework for board games and

Frequency Domain Evaluation of Helmet Padding Performance

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-01-24

F717 [8] have been used to evaluate helmets including motorcycle, football , and hockey helmets to ensure a basic level of protection. These standards...injury, including concussion and traumatic brain injury. These topics are outside the scope of this research and will not be addressed in this paper. The...Document. [6] Moss, W. C., and King, M. J., 2011. Impact response of us army and national football league helmet pad systems. Tech. rep., DTIC Document. [7

Low Cost, Low Complexity Sensor Design for Non-Cooperative Geolocation via Received Signal Strength

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-01

6 IOT&E Initial Operational Test and Evaluation . . . . . . . . . . 6 LBS Location - Based Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 LOS Line-of...subscribers. Location - Based Services (LBS) are poised to become a significant growth driver for the US wireless industry. While deployments have been slow...Markets”. PELOUS Group, NJ, Tech. Rep., 2001. 9. “Wi-Fi Location - Based Services (4.1 Desing Guidie)”, May 2008. URL http: //www.cisco.com/en/US/docs

Vulnerability of a public supply well in a karstic aquifer to contamination

USGS Publications Warehouse

Katz, B.G.; McBride, W.S.; Hunt, A.G.; Crandall, C.A.; Metz, P.A.; Eberts, S.M.; Berndt, M.P.

2009-01-01

To assess the vulnerability of ground water to contamination in the karstic Upper Floridan aquifer (UFA), age-dating tracers and selected anthropogenic and naturally occurring compounds were analyzed in multiple water samples from a public supply well (PSW) near Tampa, Florida. Samples also were collected from 28 monitoring wells in the UFA and the overlying surficial aquifer system (SAS) and intermediate confining unit located within the contributing recharge area to the PSW. Age tracer and geochemical data from the earlier stage of the study (2003 through 2005) were combined with new data (2006) on concentrations of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), tritium (3H), and helium-3, which were consistent with binary mixtures of water for the PSW dominated by young water (less than 7 years). Water samples from the SAS also indicated mostly young water (less than 7 years); however, most water samples from monitoring wells in the UFA had lower SF6 and 3H concentrations than the PSW and SAS, indicating mixtures containing high proportions of older water (more than 60 years). Vulnerability of the PSW to contamination was indicated by predominantly young water and elevated nitrate-N and volatile organic compound concentrations that were similar to those in the SAS. Elevated arsenic (As) concentrations (3 to 19 ??g/L) and higher As(V)/As(III) ratios in the PSW than in water from UFA monitoring wells indicate that oxic water from the SAS likely mobilizes As from pyrite in the UFA matrix. Young water found in the PSW also was present in UFA monitoring wells that tap a highly transmissive zone (43- to 53-m depth) in the UFA. ?? 2008 National Ground Water Association.

Vulnerability of a public supply well in a karstic aquifer to contamination.

PubMed

Katz, B G; McBride, W S; Hunt, A G; Crandall, C A; Metz, P A; Eberts, S M; Berndt, M P

2009-01-01

To assess the vulnerability of ground water to contamination in the karstic Upper Floridan aquifer (UFA), age-dating tracers and selected anthropogenic and naturally occurring compounds were analyzed in multiple water samples from a public supply well (PSW) near Tampa, Florida. Samples also were collected from 28 monitoring wells in the UFA and the overlying surficial aquifer system (SAS) and intermediate confining unit located within the contributing recharge area to the PSW. Age tracer and geochemical data from the earlier stage of the study (2003 through 2005) were combined with new data (2006) on concentrations of sulfur hexafluoride (SF(6)), tritium ((3)H), and helium-3, which were consistent with binary mixtures of water for the PSW dominated by young water (less than 7 years). Water samples from the SAS also indicated mostly young water (less than 7 years); however, most water samples from monitoring wells in the UFA had lower SF(6) and (3)H concentrations than the PSW and SAS, indicating mixtures containing high proportions of older water (more than 60 years). Vulnerability of the PSW to contamination was indicated by predominantly young water and elevated nitrate-N and volatile organic compound concentrations that were similar to those in the SAS. Elevated arsenic (As) concentrations (3 to 19 microg/L) and higher As(V)/As(III) ratios in the PSW than in water from UFA monitoring wells indicate that oxic water from the SAS likely mobilizes As from pyrite in the UFA matrix. Young water found in the PSW also was present in UFA monitoring wells that tap a highly transmissive zone (43- to 53-m depth) in the UFA.

Gtr/Ego-independent TORC1 activation is achieved through a glutamine-sensitive interaction with Pib2 on the vacuolar membrane.

PubMed

Ukai, Hirofumi; Araki, Yasuhiro; Kira, Shintaro; Oikawa, Yu; May, Alexander I; Noda, Takeshi

2018-04-01

TORC1 is a central regulator of cell growth in response to amino acids. The role of the evolutionarily conserved Gtr/Rag pathway in the regulation of TORC1 is well-established. Recent genetic studies suggest that an additional regulatory pathway, depending on the activity of Pib2, plays a role in TORC1 activation independently of the Gtr/Rag pathway. However, the interplay between the Pib2 pathway and the Gtr/Rag pathway remains unclear. In this study, we show that Pib2 and Gtr/Ego form distinct complexes with TORC1 in a mutually exclusive manner, implying dedicated functional relationships between TORC1 and Pib2 or Gtr/Rag in response to specific amino acids. Furthermore, simultaneous depletion of Pib2 and the Gtr/Ego system abolishes TORC1 activity and completely compromises the vacuolar localization of TORC1. Thus, the amino acid-dependent activation of TORC1 is achieved through the Pib2 and Gtr/Ego pathways alone. Finally, we show that glutamine induces a dose-dependent increase in Pib2-TORC1 complex formation, and that glutamine binds directly to the Pib2 complex. These data provide strong preliminary evidence for Pib2 functioning as a putative glutamine sensor in the regulation of TORC1.

Gtr/Ego-independent TORC1 activation is achieved through a glutamine-sensitive interaction with Pib2 on the vacuolar membrane

PubMed Central

Ukai, Hirofumi; Araki, Yasuhiro; Kira, Shintaro; Oikawa, Yu; May, Alexander I.

2018-01-01

TORC1 is a central regulator of cell growth in response to amino acids. The role of the evolutionarily conserved Gtr/Rag pathway in the regulation of TORC1 is well-established. Recent genetic studies suggest that an additional regulatory pathway, depending on the activity of Pib2, plays a role in TORC1 activation independently of the Gtr/Rag pathway. However, the interplay between the Pib2 pathway and the Gtr/Rag pathway remains unclear. In this study, we show that Pib2 and Gtr/Ego form distinct complexes with TORC1 in a mutually exclusive manner, implying dedicated functional relationships between TORC1 and Pib2 or Gtr/Rag in response to specific amino acids. Furthermore, simultaneous depletion of Pib2 and the Gtr/Ego system abolishes TORC1 activity and completely compromises the vacuolar localization of TORC1. Thus, the amino acid-dependent activation of TORC1 is achieved through the Pib2 and Gtr/Ego pathways alone. Finally, we show that glutamine induces a dose-dependent increase in Pib2-TORC1 complex formation, and that glutamine binds directly to the Pib2 complex. These data provide strong preliminary evidence for Pib2 functioning as a putative glutamine sensor in the regulation of TORC1. PMID:29698392

Genetic dissection of early endosomal recycling highlights a TORC1-independent role for Rag GTPases

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Endocytosed cell surface membrane proteins rely on recycling pathways for their return to the plasma membrane. Although endosome-to-plasma membrane recycling is critical for many cellular processes, much of the required machinery is unknown. We discovered that yeast has a recycling route from endosomes to the cell surface that functions efficiently after inactivation of the sec7-1 allele of Sec7, which controls transit through the Golgi. A genetic screen based on an engineered synthetic reporter that exclusively follows this pathway revealed that recycling was subject to metabolic control through the Rag GTPases Gtr1 and Gtr2, which work downstream of the exchange factor Vam6. Gtr1 and Gtr2 control the recycling pathway independently of TORC1 regulation through the Gtr1 interactor Ltv1. We further show that the early-endosome recycling route and its control though the Vam6>Gtr1/Gtr2>Ltv1 pathway plays a physiological role in regulating the abundance of amino acid transporters at the cell surface. PMID:28768685

Source and transport controls on the movement of nitrate to public supply wells in selected principal aquifers of the United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

McMahon, P.B.; Böhlke, J.K.; Kauffman, L.J.; Kipp, K.L.; Landon, M.K.; Crandall, C.A.; Burow, K.R.; Brown, C.J.

2008-01-01

In 2003–2005, systematic studies in four contrasting hydrogeologic settings were undertaken to improve understanding of source and transport controls on nitrate movement to public supply wells (PSW) in principal aquifers of the United States. Chemical, isotopic, and age tracer data show that agricultural fertilizers and urban septic leachate were the primary sources of large nitrate concentrations in PSW capture zones at Modesto, California (Central Valley aquifer system) and York, Nebraska (High Plains aquifer). Urban septic leachate and fertilizer (possibly nonfarm) were the primary sources of large nitrate concentrations in PSW capture zones at Woodbury, Connecticut (glacial aquifer system), and Tampa, Florida (Floridan aquifer system), respectively. Nitrate fluxes to the water table were larger in agricultural settings than urban settings, indicating that it would be beneficial to reduce PSW capture zone areas in agricultural regions. Mixing calculations indicate that about 50 to 85% of the nitrate in water from the PSW could be from those modern anthropogenic sources, with the remainder coming from sources in old (>50 years) recharge or sources in young recharge in undisturbed settings such as forests. Excess N2 concentrations and age tracers showed that denitrification at Modesto occurred gradually (first‐order rate constant of 0.02/a) in a thick reaction zone following a ∼30‐year lag time after recharge. Denitrification generally was not an important nitrate sink at Woodbury. At York and Tampa, denitrification occurred rapidly (0.5 to 6/a) in thin reaction zones in fine‐grained sediments that separated the anoxic PSW producing zones from overlying oxic, high‐nitrate ground water. Particle tracking showed that a major pathway by which anthropogenic nitrate reached the York and Tampa PSW was by movement through long well screens crossing multiple hydrogeologic units (York) and by movement through karst features (Tampa), processes which reduced ground water residence times in the denitrifying zones. These results illustrate how PSW vulnerability to nitrate contamination depends on complex variations and interactions between contaminant sources, reaction rates, transit times, mixing, and perturbation of ground water flow in contrasting hydrogeologic settings.

Source and transport controls on the movement of nitrate to public supply wells in selected principal aquifers of the United States

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McMahon, P. B.; BöHlke, J. K.; Kauffman, L. J.; Kipp, K. L.; Landon, M. K.; Crandall, C. A.; Burow, K. R.; Brown, C. J.

2008-04-01

In 2003-2005, systematic studies in four contrasting hydrogeologic settings were undertaken to improve understanding of source and transport controls on nitrate movement to public supply wells (PSW) in principal aquifers of the United States. Chemical, isotopic, and age tracer data show that agricultural fertilizers and urban septic leachate were the primary sources of large nitrate concentrations in PSW capture zones at Modesto, California (Central Valley aquifer system) and York, Nebraska (High Plains aquifer). Urban septic leachate and fertilizer (possibly nonfarm) were the primary sources of large nitrate concentrations in PSW capture zones at Woodbury, Connecticut (glacial aquifer system), and Tampa, Florida (Floridan aquifer system), respectively. Nitrate fluxes to the water table were larger in agricultural settings than urban settings, indicating that it would be beneficial to reduce PSW capture zone areas in agricultural regions. Mixing calculations indicate that about 50 to 85% of the nitrate in water from the PSW could be from those modern anthropogenic sources, with the remainder coming from sources in old (>50 years) recharge or sources in young recharge in undisturbed settings such as forests. Excess N2 concentrations and age tracers showed that denitrification at Modesto occurred gradually (first-order rate constant of 0.02/a) in a thick reaction zone following a ˜30-year lag time after recharge. Denitrification generally was not an important nitrate sink at Woodbury. At York and Tampa, denitrification occurred rapidly (0.5 to 6/a) in thin reaction zones in fine-grained sediments that separated the anoxic PSW producing zones from overlying oxic, high-nitrate ground water. Particle tracking showed that a major pathway by which anthropogenic nitrate reached the York and Tampa PSW was by movement through long well screens crossing multiple hydrogeologic units (York) and by movement through karst features (Tampa), processes which reduced ground water residence times in the denitrifying zones. These results illustrate how PSW vulnerability to nitrate contamination depends on complex variations and interactions between contaminant sources, reaction rates, transit times, mixing, and perturbation of ground water flow in contrasting hydrogeologic settings.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF THE USE OF ORIMULSION (R): REPORT TO CONGRESS ON PHASE I OF THE ORIMULSION TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT PROGRAM, VOLUME 2: PROJECT REPORT/SUMMARY

EPA Science Inventory

NRMRL-RTP-193b Miller*, C.A., Dreher, KL, Wentsel*, R., and Nadeau*, R.J. Environmental Impacts of the Use of Orimulsion (R): Report to Congress on Phase I of the Orimulsion Technology Assessment Program, Volume 2. 2001. EPA/600/R-01/056b (NTIS PB2002-109040). 05/15/2000 The rep...

A Comparison of Detection and Tracking Methods as Applied to OPIR Optics

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-12-01

foreground % images. The function requires you to input the scenes in vector format % as well as the window size, w. You can also set the variable...2,ii)) hold on end %% Build Scene A_org = A; % Format track data add variance, variance not included here...Kopp, “High energy laser directed energy weapons,” APA , Tech. Rep. APA - TR-2008–0501, Air Power Australia, Apr. 2012. [5] High-energy laser. (n.d

Physical, Nutrient, and Biological Measurements of Coastal Waters off Central California in March 2012

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-10-01

Salinity Scale, 1978 ( UNESCO , 1981). Dissolved oxygen (Winkler) samples were collected at CTD stations 2, 6, 10, 16, 17, and 19. These were...the Farallones. Deep-Sea Res. II 47: 907- 946. UNESCO . Background papers and supporting data on the Practical Salinity Scale, 1978. 1981... UNESCO Tech. Pap. In: Mar. Sci. 37. Venrick, E. L., and T. L. Hayward. 1984. Determining chlorophyll on the 1984 CalCOFI surveys. CalCOFI Rep

PhishGuru: A System for Educating Users about Semantic Attacks

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-04-14

Psychological based social engineering. Tech. rep., SANS Institute, 2003. [119] Macmillan, N. A., and Creelman , C. D. Detection Theory: A User’s Guide...36, 76, 84, 148, 157, 161]. In marketing, the focus is on strategies to enhance consumer persuasion and trust building [37,40,68, 189]. In psychology ...and science, social work, fine arts, nursing, music, and psychology . Two of the participants had only a high school degree. Using a wall projector, we

A Large Eddy Simulation Study of Heat Entrainment under Sea Ice in the Canadian Arctic Basin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramudu, E.; Yang, D.; Gelderloos, R.; Meneveau, C. V.; Gnanadesikan, A.

2016-12-01

Sea ice cover in the Arctic has declined rapidly in recent decades. The much faster than projected retreat suggests that climate models may be missing some key processes, or that these processes are not accurately represented. The entrainment of heat from the mixed layer by small-scale turbulence is one such process. In the Canadian Basin of the Arctic Ocean, relatively warm Pacific Summer Water (PSW) resides at the base of the mixed layer. With an increasing influx of PSW, the upper ocean in the Canadian Basin has been getting warmer and fresher since the early 2000s. While studies show a correlation between sea ice reduction and an increase in PSW temperature, others argue that PSW intrusions in the Canadian Basin cannot affect sea ice thickness because the strongly-stratified halocline prevents heat from the PSW layer from being entrained into the mixed layer and up to the basal ice surface. In this study, we try to resolve this conundrum by simulating the turbulent entrainment of heat from the PSW layer to a moving basal ice surface using large eddy simulation (LES). The LES model is based on a high-fidelity spectral approach on horizontal planes, and includes a Lagrangian dynamic subgrid model that reduces the need for empirical inputs for subgrid-scale viscosities and diffusivities. This LES tool allows us to investigate physical processes in the mixed layer at a very fine scale. We focus our study on summer conditions, when ice is melting, and show for a range of ice-drift velocities, halocline temperatures, and halocline salinity gradients characteristic of the Canadian Basin how much heat can be entrained from the PSW layer to the sea ice. Our results can be used to improve parameterizations of vertical heat flux under sea ice in coarse-grid ocean and climate models.

Does aggressive surgical resection improve survival in advanced stage 3 and 4 neuroblastoma? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Mullassery, Dhanya; Farrelly, Paul; Losty, Paul D

2014-11-01

The role of surgery in the management of advanced staged neuroblastoma (NBL) is controversial. A systematic review and meta-analysis is reported to address robust evidence for curative "gross total tumor resection" (GTR) in Stage 3 and Stage 4 neuroblastoma. Studies were identified using Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases using pre-specified search terms. Primary outcomes were 5-year overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) after GTR and subtotal resection (STR) in Stage 3 or 4 NBL. Data were analyzed using Review Manager. The Mantel-Haenszel method and a random effects model was utilized to calculate odds ratios (95% CI). Fifteen studies (five Stage 3 and 13 Stage 4) met full inclusion criteria. The pooled odds ratio for 5 year OS in Stage 3 following GTR compared to STR was 2.4 (95% CI 1.19-4.85). In Stage 4 disease, the pooled odds ratio for 5 year overall survival (OS) following GTR compared to STR was 1.65 (95% CI 0.96-1.91); a pooled odds ratio for 5 year DFS following GTR compared to STR was 1.55 (95% CI 1.12-2.14). A clear survival benefit is shown for GTR over STR in Stage 3 NBL only. Though some advantage can be demonstrated for GTR as defined by DFS in Stage 4 NBL GTR did not significantly improve OS in Stage 4 disease.

Women and minorities science bill becomes law

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Showstack, Randy

U.S. President Bill Clinton has signed into law a measure to establish a commission to identify and address problems associated with the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities in science and engineering fields."Today, we have taken a positive step forward to strengthen and expand our high-tech workforce by ensuring that women, minorities, and persons with disabilities have the skills necessary to compete in the Information Age," said U.S. Rep. Connie Morella (R.-Md.), who introduced the measure.

Species Profiles. Life Histories and Environmental Requirements of Coastal Fishes and Invertebrates (North Atlantic). Atlantic Herring,

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-04-01

Serv. Tech. Ser. Rep. 1979. Apparent feeding by the fin 23. 449 pp. whale (Balaenoptera physalus) and humpback whale (Megaptera Soleim, P.A. 1942...established prey of rorqual whales (Overholtz and catch quotas in Federal waters from 3 Nicolas 1979). Sooty shearwaters feed to 200 miles offshore, was...finback whales , and the common This study also revealed a high degree squid (Hildebrand 1963; Bigelow and of diet overlap (71%) between herring Schroeder

The Influence of Learning Strategies in the Acquisition, Retention, and Transfer of a Procedural Task.

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-08-01

Lockhart , R. S. Levels of processing : A framework for memory research. Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behavior, 1972, 11, 671-684. Craik , F. I. M...learning and memory research. In F. I. f. Craik & L. S. Cermak (Eds.), Levels of processing and theories of memory. Hillsdale, N. J.: Erlbaum, 1978...R. N., Gerson, R. F., & Kim, K. Information processing capabilities in performers differing in levels of motor skill. (Tech. Rep. TR-79-A4). a

Effects of Different Distributions of Training Time on the Acquisition of Contact Flying Skills

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-07-01

evaluate their own performance. PERCEPTION OF TRAINING. Based orn their general response to the Student Opinion Survey, the students in both programs felt...analy- sis. Dr. Jerry M. Childs and Mr. Edward Miller of Seville aided in the devel- oment of the pilot performance measurement instruments. Mr. E. Peter...J. B., Childs , J. M., Prophet, W. W., & Spears, W. L. Human factors problems in general aviation (Tech. Rep. FAA-CT-80-194). Washington, DC: Federal

SEI Report on Graduate Software Engineering Education for 1991

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-04-01

12, 12 (Dec. 1979), 85-94. Andrews83 Andrews, Gregory R . and Schneider, Fred B. “Concepts and Notations for Concurrent Programming.” ACM Computing...Barringer87 Barringer , H. “Up and Down the Temporal Way.” Computer J. 30, 2 (Apr. 1987), 134-148. Bjørner78 The Vienna Development Method: The Meta-Language...Lecture Notes in Computer Science. Bruns86 Bruns, Glenn R . Technology Assessment: PAISLEY. Tech. Rep. MCC TR STP-296-86, MCC, Austin, Texas, Sept

Structural Response of the Slotted Waveguide Antenna Stiffened Structure Components Under Compression

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-03-01

mounted in its center point. One can see the 62 Figure 45 Shear Specimen Drawing for ASTM Test D7078 wire lead pads coming from the gage in the ±45...wall is much stronger without the slots cut in it. This inward buckling motion tilts the three slots towards inward bulging and this crumpling of the...Structural Composites with Piezoelectric Micro-Constituents. Tech. rep., U.S. Army Research Office. 15. Thomas, J., Qidwai, M., Baucom, J., and Pogue, W

Finite Element and Analytical Analysis of Cracks in Thick Stiffened Plates Repaired with a Single Sided Composite Patch

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-06-01

DC,Tech. Rep. CG-D-05–00, 2000. [16] S. Kou, Welding Metallurgy , 2nd edition, Hoboken: Wiley Interscience, 2003. [17] C. Poe, “Stress intensity...continuous aluminum superstructure welded to the deck. The shape of the superstructure created numerous stress concentration areas. Of the greatest concern...study as it will help provide a conservative estimate. In marine applications almost all stiffening members are attached by welding . Unlike a

Tokenistic or genuinely effective? Exploring the views of voluntary sector staff regarding the emerging peer support worker role in mental health.

PubMed

Kilpatrick, Emma; Keeney, Sinead; McCauley, Claire-Odile

2017-09-01

The introduction of PSWs within mental health services has grown substantially both internationally and locally; however, no recognized studies have focused on the evolvement of this role within a Northern Ireland (NI) context. Research is increasingly focusing on service users' and PSWs perspectives on mental health service provision. Despite this, few studies exist which exclusively report staff views in relation to the PSW role. Results of the current study identified varying perspectives on the peer role. Some participants believed that the PSW role was tokenistic; others opposed these views, highlighting the value of this role. Clearly defined job descriptions and the importance of ensuring the PSW is a cohesive part of the team and not an "add on," was identified as imperative to avoid tokenistic practice. Provision of a flexible working environment, both sensitive and responsive to the peers' own mental health needs, was identified as significant in order for the peer to fulfil their role successfully. Services introducing PSWs within teams should engage with nursing staff at all organizational levels in the role development process to minimize the risk of tokenism, for example, the PSW role not integrated or valued within teams. Clearly defined job/role specifications for PSWs should be devised to ensure that both the PSW and the mental health nursing team have a shared understanding regarding this role. Aim Peer support worker (PSW) roles are gaining recognition internationally as a valuable component in mental health service delivery. The aim of this study was to explore the views of mental health voluntary sector staff regarding the emergence of this role. Method A qualitative research design was used. A purposive sample was employed. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 10 staff members in various positions in two voluntary mental health organizations. Interview transcripts were analysed thematically. Results Views varied on the PSW role with some participants stating that it was tokenistic, whereas others highlighted the value of its contribution. Participants' expressed concerns regarding professional boundaries and organizational cultural challenges that PSWs may encounter in their role. The provision of reasonable adjustments was recommended as an integral support mechanism. Conclusion Successful integration of the PSW requires careful consideration of the role, the workplace environment and the unique needs of the peer, to prevent the role becoming constrained and diluted. Implications for practice The PSW role may impact the traditional delivery of mental health nursing services. It is therefore essential that nurses are cognizant of these potential challenges to successfully facilitate the integration of PSWs in practice. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

GATA Factor Regulation in Excess Nitrogen Occurs Independently of Gtr-Ego Complex-Dependent TorC1 Activation.

PubMed

Tate, Jennifer J; Georis, Isabelle; Rai, Rajendra; Vierendeels, Fabienne; Dubois, Evelyne; Cooper, Terrance G

2015-05-29

The TorC1 protein kinase complex is a central component in a eukaryotic cell's response to varying nitrogen availability, with kinase activity being stimulated in nitrogen excess by increased intracellular leucine. This leucine-dependent TorC1 activation requires functional Gtr1/2 and Ego1/3 complexes. Rapamycin inhibition of TorC1 elicits nuclear localization of Gln3, a GATA-family transcription activator responsible for the expression of genes encoding proteins required to transport and degrade poor nitrogen sources, e.g., proline. In nitrogen-replete conditions, Gln3 is cytoplasmic and Gln3-mediated transcription minimal, whereas in nitrogen limiting or starvation conditions, or after rapamycin treatment, Gln3 is nuclear and transcription greatly increased. Increasing evidence supports the idea that TorC1 activation may not be as central to nitrogen-responsive intracellular Gln3 localization as envisioned previously. To test this idea directly, we determined whether Gtr1/2- and Ego1/3-dependent TorC1 activation also was required for cytoplasmic Gln3 sequestration and repressed GATA factor-mediated transcription by abolishing the Gtr-Ego complex proteins. We show that Gln3 is sequestered in the cytoplasm of gtr1Δ, gtr2Δ, ego1Δ, and ego3Δ strains either long term in logarithmically glutamine-grown cells or short term after refeeding glutamine to nitrogen-limited or -starved cells; GATA factor-dependent transcription also was minimal. However, in all but a gtr1Δ, nuclear Gln3 localization in response to nitrogen limitation or starvation was adversely affected. Our data demonstrate: (i) Gtr-Ego-dependent TorC1 activation is not required for cytoplasmic Gln3 sequestration in nitrogen-rich conditions; (ii) a novel Gtr-Ego-TorC1 activation-independent mechanism sequesters Gln3 in the cytoplasm; (iii) Gtr and Ego complex proteins participate in nuclear Gln3-Myc(13) localization, heretofore unrecognized functions for these proteins; and (iv) the importance of searching for new mechanisms associated with TorC1 activation and/or the regulation of Gln3 localization/function in response to changes in the cells' nitrogen environment. Copyright © 2015 Tate et al.

GATA Factor Regulation in Excess Nitrogen Occurs Independently of Gtr-Ego Complex-Dependent TorC1 Activation

PubMed Central

Tate, Jennifer J.; Georis, Isabelle; Rai, Rajendra; Vierendeels, Fabienne; Dubois, Evelyne; Cooper, Terrance G.

2015-01-01

The TorC1 protein kinase complex is a central component in a eukaryotic cell’s response to varying nitrogen availability, with kinase activity being stimulated in nitrogen excess by increased intracellular leucine. This leucine-dependent TorC1 activation requires functional Gtr1/2 and Ego1/3 complexes. Rapamycin inhibition of TorC1 elicits nuclear localization of Gln3, a GATA-family transcription activator responsible for the expression of genes encoding proteins required to transport and degrade poor nitrogen sources, e.g., proline. In nitrogen-replete conditions, Gln3 is cytoplasmic and Gln3-mediated transcription minimal, whereas in nitrogen limiting or starvation conditions, or after rapamycin treatment, Gln3 is nuclear and transcription greatly increased. Increasing evidence supports the idea that TorC1 activation may not be as central to nitrogen-responsive intracellular Gln3 localization as envisioned previously. To test this idea directly, we determined whether Gtr1/2- and Ego1/3-dependent TorC1 activation also was required for cytoplasmic Gln3 sequestration and repressed GATA factor-mediated transcription by abolishing the Gtr-Ego complex proteins. We show that Gln3 is sequestered in the cytoplasm of gtr1Δ, gtr2Δ, ego1Δ, and ego3Δ strains either long term in logarithmically glutamine-grown cells or short term after refeeding glutamine to nitrogen-limited or -starved cells; GATA factor−dependent transcription also was minimal. However, in all but a gtr1Δ, nuclear Gln3 localization in response to nitrogen limitation or starvation was adversely affected. Our data demonstrate: (i) Gtr-Ego-dependent TorC1 activation is not required for cytoplasmic Gln3 sequestration in nitrogen-rich conditions; (ii) a novel Gtr-Ego-TorC1 activation-independent mechanism sequesters Gln3 in the cytoplasm; (iii) Gtr and Ego complex proteins participate in nuclear Gln3-Myc13 localization, heretofore unrecognized functions for these proteins; and (iv) the importance of searching for new mechanisms associated with TorC1 activation and/or the regulation of Gln3 localization/function in response to changes in the cells’ nitrogen environment. PMID:26024867

An Experimental Study of Model Fires: Technical Report No.3, June 29, 1964

Treesearch

G.M. Byram; H.B. Clements; E.R. Elliott; P.M. George

1964-01-01

This publication is included in a four part series. The other parts of the series can be found through the following links:Progress Report #1: http://www.fs.fed.us/psw/publications/fons/psw_1960_fons001.pdf...

Electrical characterization of single cells using polysilicon wire ion sensor in an isolation window.

PubMed

Wu, You-Lin; Hsu, Po-Yen; Hsu, Chung-Ping; Wang, Chih-Cheng; Lee, Li-Wen; Lin, Jing-Jenn

2011-10-01

A polysilicon wire (PSW) sensor can detect the H(+) ion density (pH value) of the medium coated on its surface, and different cells produce different extracellular acidification and hence different H(+) ion densities. Based on this, we used a PSW sensor in combination with a mold-cast polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) isolation window to detect the adhesion, apoptosis and extracellular acidification of single normal cells and single cancer cells. Single living human normal cells WI38, MRC5, and BEAS-2B as well as non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells A549, H1299, and CH27 were cultivated separately inside the isolation window. The current flowing through the PSW channel was measured. From the PSW channel current change as a function of time, we determined the cell adhesion time by observing the time required for the current change to saturate, since a stable extracellular ion density was established after the cells were completely adhered to the PSW surface. The apoptosis of cells can also be determined when the channel current change drops to zero. We found that all the NSCLC cells had a higher channel current change and hence a lower pH value than the normal cells anytime after they were seeded. The corresponding average pH values were 5.86 for A549, 6.00 for H1299, 6.20 for CH27, 6.90 for BEAS-2B, 6.96for MRC5, and 7.02 for WI38, respectively, after the cells were completely adhered to the PSW surface. Our results show that NSCLC cells have a stronger cell-substrate adhesion and a higher extracellular acidification rate than normal cells.

Project Fire Model - An Experimental Study of Model Fires: Final Report, June 1, 1966

Treesearch

G.M. Byram; H.B. Clements; M.E. Bishop; R.M. Nelson

1966-01-01

This publication is included in a four part series. The other parts of the series can be found through the following links:Progress Report #1: http://www.fs.fed.us/psw/publications/fons/psw_1960_fons001.pdf...

Project Fire Model: Summary Progress Report - II, Period May 1, 1960 to April 30, 1962

Treesearch

W.L. Fons; H.B. Clements; E.R. Elliott; P.M. George

1962-01-01

This publication is included in a four part series. The other parts of the series can be found through the following links:Progress Report #1: http://www.fs.fed.us/psw/publications/fons/psw_1960_fons001.pdf...

pSW2, a Novel Low-Temperature-Inducible Gene Expression Vector Based on a Filamentous Phage of the Deep-Sea Bacterium Shewanella piezotolerans WP3.

PubMed

Yang, Xin-Wei; Jian, Hua-Hua; Wang, Feng-Ping

2015-08-15

A low-temperature-inducible protein expression vector (pSW2) based on a filamentous phage (SW1) of the deep-sea bacterium Shewanella piezotolerans WP3 was constructed. This vector replicated stably in Escherichia coli and Shewanella species, and its copy number increased at low temperatures. The pSW2 vector can be utilized as a complementation plasmid in WP3, and it can also be used for the production of complex cytochromes with multiple heme groups, which has the potential for application for metal ion recovery or bioremediation. Promoters of low-temperature-inducible genes in WP3 were fused into the vector to construct a series of vectors for enhancing protein expression at low temperature. The maximum green fluorescent protein intensity was obtained when the promoter for the hfq gene was used. The WP3/pSW2 system can efficiently produce a patatin-like protein (PLP) from a metagenomic library that tends to form inclusion bodies in E. coli. The yields of PLP in the soluble fraction were 8.3 mg/liter and 4.7 mg/liter of culture at 4°C and 20°C, respectively. Moreover, the pSW2 vector can be broadly utilized in other Shewanella species, such as S. oneidensis and S. psychrophila. Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Occupational Health Screenings of U.S. Air Force Remotely Piloted Aircraft (Drone) Operators

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-04-01

cirrhosis; diseases of the pancreas, heart, and nervous system ; cancers of the upper respiratory and digestive tracts; injuries from motor vehicle...According to the latest report by the CDC, 19.3% of American adults smoke cigarettes [30], while 18.77% of respondents to this survey reported using tobacco...current cigarette smoking among adults aged ≥ 18 years—United States, 2005-2010. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2011; 60(35):1207-12. 31. Liu S, Wang M, Zhan

[Influence of collagen/fibroin scaffolds containing silver nanoparticles on dermal regeneration of full-thickness skin defect wound in rat].

PubMed

You, Z G; Zhang, L P; Wang, X G; Zhou, H L; Guo, S X; Wu, P; Han, C M

2017-02-20

Objective: To explore the influence of collagen/fibroin scaffolds containing silver nanoparticles on dermal regeneration of full-thickness skin defect wound in rat. Methods: Eighty-one collagen/fibroin scaffolds containing silver nanoparticles (with the mass concentration of silver nanoparticles as 10 mg/L) and 81 collagen/fibroin scaffolds without silver nanoparticles were produced respectively with freeze-drying method and enrolled as silver nanoparticles scaffold group (SNS) and control scaffold group (CS). Nine scaffolds in each group were cultured with human fibroblasts. At post culture hour (PCH) 2, 12, and 24, the human fibroblasts adherent to the scaffolds ( n =3) in two groups were counted. Four full-thickness skin defect wounds were reproduced on the back of each one of the 36 SD rats. The rats were divided into groups SNS (wounds were transplanted with collagen/fibroin scaffolds containing silver nanoparticles) and CS (wounds were transplanted with collagen/fibroin scaffolds without silver nanoparticles) according to the random number table, with 18 rats in each group. In post surgery week (PSW) 1, 2, and 4, 6 rats in each group were sacrificed respectively for general observation, observation of histological structure, inflammatory cell infiltration, and collagen deposition with HE staining, count of CD68 positive cells with immunohistochemical staining, and mRNA expressions of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-10 with real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Data were processed with analysis of variance of factorial design, t test, and Bonferroni correction. Results: (1) At PCH 2, 12, and 24, the numbers of human fibroblasts adherent to the scaffolds in the two groups were close (with t values from 1.77 to 2.60, P values above 0.05). (2) In PSW 1, no obvious symptom of infection was observed in wound or wound edge of rats in group SNS with obvious vascularization of scaffolds, while obvious symptoms of infection were observed in wounds of rats in group CS with some scaffolds exfoliated. In PSW 2, the scaffolds were firmly attached to the wounds of rats in group SNS, while obvious contracture was observed in the wounds of rats in group CS with a lot of scaffolds exfoliated. In PSW 4, the scaffolds covered the wounds of rats in group SNS with obvious epithelization on the surface of the scaffolds, while all the scaffolds exfoliated, leaving obvious contracture of residual wounds of rats in group CS. (3) In PSW 1 and 2, compared with those in group CS, more collagen secretion and tissue regeneration and less inflammatory cell infiltration in the scaffolds were observed in the wounds of rats in group SNS. In PSW 4, obvious epithelization was observed in the wounds of rats in group SNS, while inflammatory cell infiltration was observed without obvious epithelization in the wounds of rats in group CS. (4) In PSW 1, the number of CD68 positive cells in the wounds of rats in group SNS [(54±10) /mm(2)] was similar to that in group CS [(78±7) /mm(2,) t =1.52, P >0.05]. In PSW 2 and 4, the numbers of CD68 positive cells in the wounds of rats in group SNS [(154±10) and (77±7) /mm(2)] were significantly less than those in group CS [(268±16) and (136±13) /mm(2,) with t values respectively 7.31 and 3.83, P values below 0.01] respectively. (5) Except for the expression in PSW 4 ( t =1.23, P >0.05), the mRNA expressions of IL-6 in the wounds of rats in group SNS in PSW 1 and 2 were significantly lower than those in group CS (with t values respectively 13.12 and 4.65, P values below 0.01). Except for the expression in PSW 1 ( t =3.08, P <0.05), the mRNA expressions of IL-10 in PSW 2 and 4 in the wounds of rats in the two groups were similar (with t values respectively 2.14 and 0.49, P values above 0.05). Conclusions: Besides good biocompatibility, collagen/fibroin scaffolds containing silver nanoparticles have obvious effect in modulating inflammation, thus they can accelerate dermal regeneration induced by collagen/fibroin scaffolds for wound repair.

Application of Architectural Patterns and Lightweight Formal Method for the Validation and Verification of Safety Critical Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-09-01

to a XML file, a code that Bonine in [21] developed for a similar purpose. Using the StateRover XML log file import tool, we are able to generate a...C. Bonine , M. Shing, T.W. Otani, “Computer-aided process and tools for mobile software acquisition,” NPS, Monterey, CA, Tech. Rep. NPS-SE-13...C10P07R05– 075, 2013. [21] C. Bonine , “Specification, validation and verification of mobile application behavior,” M.S. thesis, Dept. Comp. Science, NPS

Preconditioning Strategies for Solving Elliptic Difference Equations on a Multiprocessor.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-01-01

162, 1977. (MiGr8O] Mitchell, A., Griffiths, D., The Finite Difference Method in Partial Differential Equations , John Wiley & Sons, 1980. [Munk80...ADAL1b T35 AIR FO"CE INST OF TECH WRITG-PATTERSON AFS OH F/6 12/17PR CO ITIONIN STRATEGIES FOR SOLVING ELLIPTIC DIFFERENCE EWA-ETClU) 9UN S C K...TI TLE (ard S.tbr,,I) 5 TYPE OF REP’ORT & F IFIOD C_JVEFO Preconditioning Strategies for Solving Elliptic THESIS/VYYRY#YY0N Difference Equations on

Mean Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation Across 26.5 degs N from Eddy-Resolving Simulations Compared to Observations

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-30

climatology, the Gen- eralized Digital Environmental Model ( GDEM [Carnes, 2009]), with an e-folding time of 5–60 days that increases with distance from the...after 10 years of integration due to an oversight. As a third change, E026 uses a new version of GDEM for initialization and buffer zone restor- ing...Carnes, M. R. (2009), Description and evaluation of GDEM -V3.0, Tech. Rep. NRL/ MR/7330–09-9165, 21 pp., Naval Res. Lab., Stennis Space Cent., Miss

Investigation of Three-Group Classifiers to Fully Automate Detection and Classification of Breast Lesions in an Intelligent CAD Mammography Workstation

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-05-01

evaluation of approximations,” tech. rep., Dep. Sistemes Informàtics i Computació, Univ. Politècnica de València (Spain), 2003. [7] D. C. Edwards, C. E...Maryellen L. Giger, scientific collaborator • Lorenzo Pesce, computer programmer 16 C The Hypervolume under the ROC Hypersurface of “Near-Guessing...the simple model we have just described corresponds in the two-class classification task to ROC analysis performed ‘‘per ARTICLE IN PRESS

Characterization of Common Measures of Heart Period Variability in Healthy Human Subjects: Implications for Patient Monitoring

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

application of these metrics to patient monitoring must take into account the impact of other external stimuli, such as pain, anxiety and activity status...in short-term HRV analysis. Biomed Tech 2006; 51: 190–193. 45. Hayano J, Taylor JA, Yamada A, et al. Continuous assessment of hemodynamic control by

Historical growth plots in the Pacific Southwest

Treesearch

Lawrence A. Rabin; William W. Oliver; Robert F. Powers; Martin W. Ritchie; Matt D. Busse; Eric E. Knapp

2009-01-01

In the past, researchers from the Pacific Southwest Research Station (PSW) undertook forest growth studies to evaluate how best to manage timber resources. However, historical and future data collected at PSW growth plots also have the potential to increase our understanding of the ecological processes occurring in our forests and shed light on national issues of...

Patterns of Cognitive Strengths and Weaknesses: Identification Rates, Agreement, and Validity for Learning Disabilities Identification

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miciak, Jeremy; Fletcher, Jack M.; Stuebing, Karla K.; Vaughn, Sharon; Tolar, Tammy D.

2014-01-01

Few empirical investigations have evaluated learning disabilities (LD) identification methods based on a pattern of cognitive strengths and weaknesses (PSW). This study investigated the reliability and validity of two proposed PSW methods: the concordance/discordance method (C/DM) and cross battery assessment (XBA) method. Cognitive assessment…

Comparing Three Patterns of Strengths and Weaknesses Models for the Identification of Specific Learning Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miller, Daniel C.; Maricle, Denise E.; Jones, Alicia M.

2016-01-01

Processing Strengths and Weaknesses (PSW) models have been proposed as a method for identifying specific learning disabilities. Three PSW models were examined for their ability to predict expert identified specific learning disabilities cases. The Dual Discrepancy/Consistency Model (DD/C; Flanagan, Ortiz, & Alfonso, 2013) as operationalized by…

Patterns of Cognitive Strengths and Weaknesses: Identification Rates, Agreement, and Validity for Learning Disabilities Identification

PubMed Central

Miciak, Jeremy; Fletcher, Jack M.; Stuebing, Karla; Vaughn, Sharon; Tolar, Tammy D.

2014-01-01

Purpose Few empirical investigations have evaluated LD identification methods based on a pattern of cognitive strengths and weaknesses (PSW). This study investigated the reliability and validity of two proposed PSW methods: the concordance/discordance method (C/DM) and cross battery assessment (XBA) method. Methods Cognitive assessment data for 139 adolescents demonstrating inadequate response to intervention was utilized to empirically classify participants as meeting or not meeting PSW LD identification criteria using the two approaches, permitting an analysis of: (1) LD identification rates; (2) agreement between methods; and (3) external validity. Results LD identification rates varied between the two methods depending upon the cut point for low achievement, with low agreement for LD identification decisions. Comparisons of groups that met and did not meet LD identification criteria on external academic variables were largely null, raising questions of external validity. Conclusions This study found low agreement and little evidence of validity for LD identification decisions based on PSW methods. An alternative may be to use multiple measures of academic achievement to guide intervention. PMID:24274155

Tiered deposition of sub-5 nm ferroelectric Hf1-xZrxO2 films on metal and semiconductor substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walters, Glen; Shekhawat, Aniruddh; Rudawski, Nicholas G.; Moghaddam, Saeed; Nishida, Toshikazu

2018-05-01

Using a tiered deposition approach, Hf1-xZrxO2 (HZO) films with varying atomic layer deposition (ALD) cycles from 36 to 52 cycles were grown on Ge, Ir, and TiN substrates in single runs and annealed at 500 °C. 40 ALD cycle films grown on Ir exhibit a switched polarization (Psw) of 13 μC/cm2, while those grown on Ge and TiN did not exhibit measurable Psw values until 44 and 52 ALD cycles, respectively. High-resolution cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy confirmed these results; the ferroelectric films are crystalline with defined lattice fringes, while non-ferroelectric films remain amorphous. 52 ALD cycle 1:1 HZO grown on Ge had the highest Psw of all the films fabricated at 39 μC/cm2, while the 1:1 HZO grown on TiN displayed continuous wake-up and no fatigue up to 1010 cycles with the Psw increasing from <1 μC/cm2 to 21 μC/cm2.

Simulated response of water quality in public supply wells to land use change

USGS Publications Warehouse

McMahon, P.B.; Burow, K.R.; Kauffman, L.J.; Eberts, S.M.; Böhlke, J.K.; Gurdak, J.J.

2008-01-01

Understanding how changes in land use affect water quality of public supply wells (PSW) is important because of the strong influence of land use on water quality, the rapid pace at which changes in land use are occurring in some parts of the world, and the large contribution of groundwater to the global water supply. In this study, groundwater flow models incorporating particle tracking and reaction were used to analyze the response of water quality in PSW to land use change in four communities: Modesto, California (Central Valley aquifer); York, Nebraska (High Plains aquifer); Woodbury, Connecticut (Glacial aquifer); and Tampa, Florida (Floridan aquifer). The water quality response to measured and hypothetical land use change was dependent on age distributions of water captured by the wells and on the temporal and spatial variability of land use in the area contributing recharge to the wells. Age distributions of water captured by the PSW spanned about 20 years at Woodbury and >1,000 years at Modesto and York, and the amount of water <50 years old captured by the PSW ranged from 30% at York to 100% at Woodbury. Short‐circuit pathways in some PSW contributing areas, such as long irrigation well screens that crossed multiple geologic layers (York) and karst conduits (Tampa), affected age distributions by allowing relatively rapid movement of young water to those well screens. The spatial component of land use change was important because the complex distribution of particle travel times within the contributing areas strongly influenced contaminant arrival times and degradation reaction progress. Results from this study show that timescales for change in the quality of water from PSW could be on the order of years to centuries for land use changes that occur over days to decades, which could have implications for source water protection strategies that rely on land use change to achieve water quality objectives.Citing Literature

Winter precipitation characteristics in western US related to atmospheric river landfalls: observations and model evaluations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, J.; Guan, B.; Waliser, D. E.; Ferraro, R. D.; Case, J. L.; Iguchi, T.; Kemp, E.; Putman, W.; Wang, W.; Wu, D.; Tian, B.

2018-01-01

Winter precipitation (PR) characteristics in western United States (WUS) related to atmospheric river (AR) landfalls are examined using the observation-based PRISM data. The observed AR-related precipitation characteristics are in turn used to evaluate model precipitation data from the NASA MERRA2 reanalysis and from seven dynamical downscaling simulations driven by the MERRA2. Multiple metrics including mean bias, Taylor diagram, and two skill scores are used to measure model performance for three climatological sub-regions in WUS, Pacific Northwest (PNW), Pacific Southwest (PSW) and Great Basin (GB). All model data well represent the winter-mean PR with spatial pattern correlations of 0.8 or higher with PRISM for the three sub-regions. Higher spatial resolutions and/or the use of spectral nudging generally yield higher skill scores in simulating the geographical distribution of PR for the entire winter. The PRISM data shows that the AR-related fraction of winter PR and associated daily PR PDFs in each region vary strongly for landfall locations; AR landfalls in the northern WUS coast (NC) affect mostly PNW while those in the southern WUS coast (SC) affect both PSW and GB. NC (SC) landfalls increase the frequency of heavy PR in PNW (PSW and GB) but reduce it in PSW (PNW). All model data reasonably represent these observed variations in the AR-related winter PR fractions and the daily PR PDFs according to AR landfall locations. However, unlike for the entire winter period, no systematic effects of resolution and/or spectral nudging are identified in these AR-related PR characteristics. Dynamical downscaling in this study generally yield positive added values to the MERRA2 PR in the AR-related PR fraction for most sub-regions and landfall locations, most noticeably for PSW by NU-WRF. The downscaling also generate positive added value in p95 for PNW, but negative values for PSW and GB due to overestimation of heavy precipitation events.

Simulated response of water quality in public supply wells to land use change

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McMahon, P. B.; Burow, K. R.; Kauffman, L. J.; Eberts, S. M.; BöHlke, J. K.; Gurdak, J. J.

2008-07-01

Understanding how changes in land use affect water quality of public supply wells (PSW) is important because of the strong influence of land use on water quality, the rapid pace at which changes in land use are occurring in some parts of the world, and the large contribution of groundwater to the global water supply. In this study, groundwater flow models incorporating particle tracking and reaction were used to analyze the response of water quality in PSW to land use change in four communities: Modesto, California (Central Valley aquifer); York, Nebraska (High Plains aquifer); Woodbury, Connecticut (Glacial aquifer); and Tampa, Florida (Floridan aquifer). The water quality response to measured and hypothetical land use change was dependent on age distributions of water captured by the wells and on the temporal and spatial variability of land use in the area contributing recharge to the wells. Age distributions of water captured by the PSW spanned about 20 years at Woodbury and >1,000 years at Modesto and York, and the amount of water <50 years old captured by the PSW ranged from 30% at York to 100% at Woodbury. Short-circuit pathways in some PSW contributing areas, such as long irrigation well screens that crossed multiple geologic layers (York) and karst conduits (Tampa), affected age distributions by allowing relatively rapid movement of young water to those well screens. The spatial component of land use change was important because the complex distribution of particle travel times within the contributing areas strongly influenced contaminant arrival times and degradation reaction progress. Results from this study show that timescales for change in the quality of water from PSW could be on the order of years to centuries for land use changes that occur over days to decades, which could have implications for source water protection strategies that rely on land use change to achieve water quality objectives.

Examining the Effect of Enactment of a Geospatial Curriculum on Students' Geospatial Thinking and Reasoning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bodzin, Alec M.; Fu, Qiong; Kulo, Violet; Peffer, Tamara

2014-08-01

A potential method for teaching geospatial thinking and reasoning (GTR) is through geospatially enabled learning technologies. We developed an energy resources geospatial curriculum that included learning activities with geographic information systems and virtual globes. This study investigated how 13 urban middle school teachers implemented and varied the enactment of the curriculum with their students and investigated which teacher- and student-level factors accounted for students' GTR posttest achievement. Data included biweekly implementation surveys from teachers and energy resources content and GTR pre- and posttest achievement measures from 1,049 students. Students significantly increased both their energy resources content knowledge and their GTR skills related to energy resources at the end of the curriculum enactment. Both multiple regression and hierarchical linear modeling found that students' initial GTR abilities and gain in energy content knowledge were significantly explanatory variables for their geospatial achievement at the end of curriculum enactment, p < .001. Teacher enactment factors, including adherence to implementing the critical components of the curriculum or the number of years the teachers had taught the curriculum, did not have significant effects on students' geospatial posttest achievement. The findings from this study provide support that learning with geospatially enabled learning technologies can support GTR with urban middle-level learners.

Patterns of Cognitive Strengths and Weaknesses and Relationships to Math Errors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Koriakin, Taylor; White, Erica; Breaux, Kristina C.; DeBiase, Emily; O'Brien, Rebecca; Howell, Meiko; Costa, Michael; Liu, Xiaochen; Pan, Xingyu; Courville, Troy

2017-01-01

This study investigated cognitive patterns of strengths and weaknesses (PSW) and their relationship to patterns of math errors on the Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement (KTEA-3). Participants, ages 5 to 18, were selected from the KTEA-3 standardization sample if they met one of two PSW profiles: high crystallized ability (Gc) paired with low…

Healing of human intrabony defects following regenerative periodontal therapy with a bovine-derived xenograft and guided tissue regeneration.

PubMed

Sculean, A; Stavropoulos, A; Windisch, P; Keglevich, T; Karring, T; Gera, I

2004-06-01

The purpose of the present study was to histologically evaluate the healing of human intrabony defects following treatment with either a bovine-derived xenograft (BDX) and guided tissue regeneration (GTR) [BDX + GTR] or a bovine-derived xenograft mixed with collagen (BDX Coll) and GTR [BDX Coll + GTR]. Eight patients with chronic periodontitis and each with one very deep intrabony defect around a tooth scheduled for extraction were treated with either a combination of BDX + GTR (five patients) or with BDX Coll + GTR (three patients). The postoperative healing was uneventful in all eight cases. After a healing period of 6 months, the teeth or roots were extracted together with some of their surrounding soft and hard tissues and subsequently fixed in 10% buffered formalin. Following decalcification in EDTA, the specimens were embedded in paraffin and 8-microm histological sections were cut in the mesio-distal direction, parallel to the long axes of the teeth. The sections were alternatively stained with hematoxylin and eosin, van Giesson's connective tissue stain or with the Ladevig's connective tissue staining method and examined under the light microscope. Generally, formation of new cementum with inserting collagen fibers was found in seven out of the eight treated cases, whereas in the remaining case (treated with BDX + GTR) the healing was characterized by formation of a long junctional epithelium along the debrided root surface and no formation of cementum or bone. In the specimens demonstrating periodontal regeneration the new cementum was always of a cellular type. In most cases, the graft particles were surrounded by bone. In some areas, the bone tissue around the graft particles was connected by perpendicularly inserting collagen fibers to the newly formed cementum on the root surface. The epithelium downgrowth stopped always at the most coronal part of the newly formed cementum. No remnants of the membrane material were observed in any of the biopsies. Connective tissue encapsulation of the graft particles was rarely observed and was limited to the most coronal part of the defects. The findings of the present study provide evidence that treatment of intrabony defects with both BDX + GTR and BDX Coll + GTR may enhance periodontal regeneration in humans.

Subpedicle connective tissue graft versus guided tissue regeneration with bioabsorbable membrane in the treatment of human gingival recession defects.

PubMed

Trombelli, L; Scabbia, A; Tatakis, D N; Calura, G

1998-11-01

The purpose of the present clinical study was to evaluate the effect of guided tissue regeneration (GTR) in comparison to subpedicle connective tissue graft (SCTG) in the treatment of gingival recession defects. A total of 12 patients, each contributing a pair of Miller's Class I or II buccal gingival recessions, was treated. According to a randomization list, one defect in each patient received a polyglycolide/lactide bioabsorbable membrane, while the paired defect received a SCTG. Treatment effect was evaluated 6 months postsurgery. Clinical recordings included full-mouth and defect-specific oral hygiene standards and gingival health, recession depth (RD), recession width (RW), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and keratinized tissue width (KT). Mean RD significantly decreased from 3.1 mm presurgery to 1.5 mm at 6 months postsurgery for the GTR group (48% root coverage), and from 3.0 mm to 0.5 mm for the SCTG group (81% root coverage). RD reduction and root coverage were significantly greater in SCTG group compared to GTR group. Mean CAL gain amounted to 1.7 mm for the GTR group, and 2.3 mm in the SCTG group. No significant differences in PD changes were observed within and between groups. KT increased significantly from presurgery for both treatment groups, however gingival augmentation was significantly greater in the SCTG group compared to GTR group. Results indicate that: 1) treatment of human gingival recession defects by means of both GTR and SCTG procedures results in clinically and statistically significant improvement of the soft tissue conditions of the defect; and 2) treatment outcome was significantly better following SCTG compared to GTR in terms of recession depth reduction, root coverage, and keratinized tissue increase.

Gross total resection rates in contemporary glioblastoma surgery: results of an institutional protocol combining 5-aminolevulinic acid intraoperative fluorescence imaging and brain mapping.

PubMed

Schucht, Philippe; Beck, Jürgen; Abu-Isa, Janine; Andereggen, Lukas; Murek, Michael; Seidel, Kathleen; Stieglitz, Lennard; Raabe, Andreas

2012-11-01

Complete resection of contrast-enhancing tumor has been recognized as an important prognostic factor in patients with glioblastoma and is a primary goal of surgery. Various intraoperative technologies have recently been introduced to improve glioma surgery. To evaluate the impact of using 5-aminolevulinic acid and intraoperative mapping and monitoring on the rate of complete resection of enhancing tumor (CRET), gross total resection (GTR), and new neurological deficits as part of an institutional protocol. One hundred three consecutive patients underwent resection of glioblastoma from August 2008 to November 2010. Eligibility for CRET was based on the initial magnetic resonance imaging assessed by 2 reviewers. The primary end point was the number of patients with CRET and GTR. Secondary end points were volume of residual contrast-enhancing tissue and new postoperative neurological deficits. Fifty-three patients were eligible for GTR/CRET (n = 43 newly diagnosed glioblastoma, n = 10 recurrent); 13 additional patients received surgery for GTR/CRET-ineligible glioblastoma. GTR was achieved in 96% of patients (n = 51, no residual enhancement >0.175 cm); CRET was achieved in 89% (n = 47, no residual enhancement). Postoperatively, 2 patients experienced worsening of preoperative hemianopia, 1 patient had a new mild hemiparesis, and another patient sustained sensory deficits. Using 5-aminolevulinic acid imaging and intraoperative mapping/monitoring together leads to a high rate of CRET and an increased rate of GTR compared with the literature without increasing the rate of permanent morbidity. The combination of safety and resection-enhancing intraoperative technologies was likely to be the major drivers for this high rate of CRET/GTR.

Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhi Lipopolysaccharide O-Antigen Modification Impact on Serum Resistance and Antibody Recognition

DOE PAGES

Kintz, Erica; Heiss, Christian; Black, Ian; ...

2017-02-06

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi is a human-restricted Gram-negative bacterial pathogen responsible for causing an estimated 27 million cases of typhoid fever annually, leading to 217,000 deaths, and current vaccines do not offer full protection. The O-antigen side chain of the lipopolysaccharide is an immunodominant antigen, can define host-pathogen interactions, and is under consideration as a vaccine target for some Gram-negative species. The composition of the O-antigen can be modified by the activity of glycosyltransferase (gtr) operons acquired by horizontal gene transfer. Here we investigate the role of two gtr operons that we identified in the S. Typhi genome. Strains weremore » engineered to express specific gtr operons. Full chemical analysis of the O-antigens of these strains identified gtr-dependent glucosylation and acetylation. The glucosylated form of the O-antigen mediated enhanced survival in human serum and decreased complement binding. A single nucleotide deviation from an epigenetic phase variation signature sequence rendered the expression of this glucosylating gtr operon uniform in the population. In contrast, the expression of the acetylating gtrC gene is controlled by epigenetic phase variation. Acetylation did not affect serum survival, but phase variation can be an immune evasion mechanism, and thus, this modification may contribute to persistence in a host. In murine immunization studies, both O-antigen modifications were generally immunodominant. Our results emphasize that natural O-antigen modifications should be taken into consideration when assessing responses to vaccines, especially O-antigen-based vaccines, and that the Salmonella gtr repertoire may confound the protective efficacy of broad-ranging Salmonella lipopolysaccharide conjugate vaccines.« less

Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhi Lipopolysaccharide O-Antigen Modification Impact on Serum Resistance and Antibody Recognition

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

Kintz, Erica; Heiss, Christian; Black, Ian

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi is a human-restricted Gram-negative bacterial pathogen responsible for causing an estimated 27 million cases of typhoid fever annually, leading to 217,000 deaths, and current vaccines do not offer full protection. The O-antigen side chain of the lipopolysaccharide is an immunodominant antigen, can define host-pathogen interactions, and is under consideration as a vaccine target for some Gram-negative species. The composition of the O-antigen can be modified by the activity of glycosyltransferase (gtr) operons acquired by horizontal gene transfer. Here we investigate the role of two gtr operons that we identified in the S. Typhi genome. Strains weremore » engineered to express specific gtr operons. Full chemical analysis of the O-antigens of these strains identified gtr-dependent glucosylation and acetylation. The glucosylated form of the O-antigen mediated enhanced survival in human serum and decreased complement binding. A single nucleotide deviation from an epigenetic phase variation signature sequence rendered the expression of this glucosylating gtr operon uniform in the population. In contrast, the expression of the acetylating gtrC gene is controlled by epigenetic phase variation. Acetylation did not affect serum survival, but phase variation can be an immune evasion mechanism, and thus, this modification may contribute to persistence in a host. In murine immunization studies, both O-antigen modifications were generally immunodominant. Our results emphasize that natural O-antigen modifications should be taken into consideration when assessing responses to vaccines, especially O-antigen-based vaccines, and that the Salmonella gtr repertoire may confound the protective efficacy of broad-ranging Salmonella lipopolysaccharide conjugate vaccines.« less

Clinical study on microsurgical treatment for craniopharyngioma in a single consecutive institutional series of 335 patients.

PubMed

Guo, Fuyou; Wang, Guoqing; Suresh, Vigneyshwar; Xu, Dingkang; Zhang, Xiaoyang; Feng, Mengzhao; Wang, Fang; Liu, Xianzhi; Song, Laijun

2018-04-01

The optimal management of craniopharyngioma is still controversial. The aim of this study is to explore microsurgical outcomes of craniopharyngioma in 335 cases. Clinical data of 335 consecutive patients with craniopharyngioma between March 2011 and March 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 265 cases (79.1%), subtotal resection (STR) was obtained in 70 cases (20.9%). The GTR rate was 81.93% in pediatric group and 78.17% in adult group respectively, no significant difference regarding the GTR rate was found in adult group compared with in pediatric group (p > 0.05). However, there was a noticeable difference in the elevated hypothalamic obesity in children group compared with in adult group after operation (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis indicated that the tumor recurrence and surgical times played a negative role in the resection extent, the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval of the tumor recurrence and surgical times is [0.306 (0.155-0.603), (p < 0.01)] and [2.135 (1.101-4.142), (p < 0.05)] respectively. There was significant difference on panhypopituitarism between GTR and STR group (p < 0.05). However, No significant difference regarding the postoperative visual dysfunction and indepent quality of life respectively between GTR and STR group was found (p > 0.05). Additionally, there were no statistically significant differences for recurrence-free curves between GTR and STR plus adjuvant radiotherapy (p > 0.05). Present findings demonstrated that tumor recurrence and surgical times contribute to negative total resection for craniopharyngioma. Postoperative precise adjuvant radiotherapy was considered in selected cases if pursuit of GTR was rather dangerous under disadvantageous removal factors. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Does the extent of surgery have an impact on the survival of patients who receive postoperative radiation therapy for supratentorial low-grade gliomas?

PubMed

Lo, S S; Cho, K H; Hall, W A; Hernandez, W L; Kossow, R J; Lee, C K; Clark, H B

2001-01-01

We evaluate the impact of extent of surgery (EOS) on survival of patients with supratentorial nonpilocytic low-grade gliomas (LGG) treated with postoperative radiation therapy (PORT). Sixty-five patients with pathologically confirmed supratentorial nonpilocytic LGG (36 astrocytomas and 29 oligodendrogliomas) were treated with PORT after different extents of surgery: 12 gross total resections (GTR), 27 minimal or subtotal resections (MR/SR), and 26 biopsies (B). EOS was confirmed with postoperative imaging. The median radiation dose delivered was 5,940 cGy (range, 4,950-6,620 cGy). One of 12 patients (8%) in the GTR group and 12 of 53 patients (23%) in the less than GTR group demonstrated contrast enhancement. The median follow-up was 61 months (range 5-194 month). The 10-year overall survival (OS) was 82.5% and 32% for the GTR and the less than GTR groups, respectively (P = 0.0008). The corresponding 10-year disease-specific survival (DSS) was 90% and 41.4%%, respectively (P = 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that only contrast enhancement and EOS were predictors for OS and DSS. Our data suggest that EOS correlates with OS and DSS in patients who have PORT. GTR should be the goal if technically achievable without causing significant morbidity, and its combination with PORT is compatible with long-term survival. Copyright 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Installation Summaries from the 1996 Survey of Threatened and Endangered Species on Army Lands.

DTIC Science & Technology

1997-12-01

Navajo and Fort Huachuca), northern spotted owl ( Fort Lewis), palila (Pohakuloa), desert tortoise ( Fort Irwin), and the Oregon silverspot butterfly...Tech. Rep. RM-241. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, 1994. 42pp...CO CO 0 4 CL CL 2z cuO~ CC CU Q - - CU CU .2 Q- -- -- -. u a U j r- 0)i C. (u ) t I) k CaOcoE~~ 0a C .- raC )) CU) C) C)~ 2--- cu (nV Oc _ a ) C.) Z

Is Heart Period Variability Associated with the Administration of Lifesaving Interventions in Individual Prehospital Trauma Patients with Normal Standard Vital Signs?

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-08-01

an underlying traumatic injury and associated pain but also due to other stimuli potentially associated with the trauma setting, such as anxiety ...Balocchi R, Cantini F, Varanini M, et al: Revisiting the potential of time-domain in- dexes in short-term HRV analysis. Biomed Tech 2006; 51:190–193 31

Laser speckle contrast imaging identifies ischemic areas on gastric tube reconstructions following esophagectomy

PubMed Central

Milstein, Dan M.J.; Ince, Can; Gisbertz, Suzanne S.; Boateng, Kofi B.; Geerts, Bart F.; Hollmann, Markus W.; van Berge Henegouwen, Mark I.; Veelo, Denise P.

2016-01-01

Abstract Gastric tube reconstruction (GTR) is a high-risk surgical procedure with substantial perioperative morbidity. Compromised arterial blood supply and venous congestion are believed to be the main etiologic factors associated with early and late anastomotic complications. Identifying low blood perfusion areas may provide information on the risks of future anastomotic leakage and could be essential for improving surgical techniques. The aim of this study was to generate a method for gastric microvascular perfusion analysis using laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) and to test the hypothesis that LSCI is able to identify ischemic regions on GTRs. Patients requiring elective laparoscopy-assisted GTR participated in this single-center observational investigation. A method for intraoperative evaluation of blood perfusion and postoperative analysis was generated and validated for reproducibility. Laser speckle measurements were performed at 3 different time pointes, baseline (devascularized) stomach (T0), after GTR (T1), and GTR at 20° reverse Trendelenburg (T2). Blood perfusion analysis inter-rater reliability was high, with intraclass correlation coefficients for each time point approximating 1 (P < 0.0001). Baseline (T0) and GTR (T1) mean blood perfusion profiles were highest at the base of the stomach and then progressively declined towards significant ischemia at the most cranial point or anastomotic tip (P < 0.01). After GTR, a statistically significant improvement in mean blood perfusion was observed in the cranial gastric regions of interest (P < 0.05). A generalized significant decrease in mean blood perfusion was observed across all GTR regions of interest during 20° reverse Trendelenburg (P < 0.05). It was feasible to implement LSCI intraoperatively to produce blood perfusion assessments on intact and reconstructed whole stomachs. The analytical design presented in this study resulted in good reproducibility of gastric perfusion measurements between different investigators. LSCI provides spatial and temporal information on the location of adequate tissue perfusion and may thus be an important aid in optimizing surgical and anesthesiological procedures for strategically selecting anastomotic site in patients undergoing esophagectomy with GTR. PMID:27336874

Laser speckle contrast imaging identifies ischemic areas on gastric tube reconstructions following esophagectomy.

PubMed

Milstein, Dan M J; Ince, Can; Gisbertz, Suzanne S; Boateng, Kofi B; Geerts, Bart F; Hollmann, Markus W; van Berge Henegouwen, Mark I; Veelo, Denise P

2016-06-01

Gastric tube reconstruction (GTR) is a high-risk surgical procedure with substantial perioperative morbidity. Compromised arterial blood supply and venous congestion are believed to be the main etiologic factors associated with early and late anastomotic complications. Identifying low blood perfusion areas may provide information on the risks of future anastomotic leakage and could be essential for improving surgical techniques. The aim of this study was to generate a method for gastric microvascular perfusion analysis using laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) and to test the hypothesis that LSCI is able to identify ischemic regions on GTRs.Patients requiring elective laparoscopy-assisted GTR participated in this single-center observational investigation. A method for intraoperative evaluation of blood perfusion and postoperative analysis was generated and validated for reproducibility. Laser speckle measurements were performed at 3 different time pointes, baseline (devascularized) stomach (T0), after GTR (T1), and GTR at 20° reverse Trendelenburg (T2).Blood perfusion analysis inter-rater reliability was high, with intraclass correlation coefficients for each time point approximating 1 (P < 0.0001). Baseline (T0) and GTR (T1) mean blood perfusion profiles were highest at the base of the stomach and then progressively declined towards significant ischemia at the most cranial point or anastomotic tip (P < 0.01). After GTR, a statistically significant improvement in mean blood perfusion was observed in the cranial gastric regions of interest (P < 0.05). A generalized significant decrease in mean blood perfusion was observed across all GTR regions of interest during 20° reverse Trendelenburg (P < 0.05).It was feasible to implement LSCI intraoperatively to produce blood perfusion assessments on intact and reconstructed whole stomachs. The analytical design presented in this study resulted in good reproducibility of gastric perfusion measurements between different investigators. LSCI provides spatial and temporal information on the location of adequate tissue perfusion and may thus be an important aid in optimizing surgical and anesthesiological procedures for strategically selecting anastomotic site in patients undergoing esophagectomy with GTR.

Cross-Battery Assessment Pattern of Strengths and Weaknesses Approach to the Identification of Specific Learning Disorders: Evidence-Based Practice or Pseudoscience?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kranzler, John H.; Floyd, Randy G.; Benson, Nicholas; Zaboski, Brian; Thibodaux, Lia

2016-01-01

In this rejoinder, the authors describe the aim of the original study as an effort to conduct a critical test of an important postulate underlying the Cross-Battery Assessment PSW approach (XBA PSW; Kranzler, Floyd, Benson, Zaboski, & Thibodaux, this issue). The authors used classification agreement analysis to examine the concordance between…

Pharmacological evidence for GABAergic and glutamatergic involvement in the convulsant and behavioral effects of glutaric acid.

PubMed

Lima, T T; Begnini, J; de Bastiani, J; Fialho, D B; Jurach, A; Ribeiro, M C; Wajner, M; de Mello, C F

1998-08-17

The effect of intrastriatal administration of glutaric acid (GTR), a metabolite that accumulates in glutaric acidemia type I (GA-I), on the behavior of adult male rats was investigated. After cannula placing, rats received unilateral intrastriatal injections of GTR buffered to pH 7.4 with NaOH or NaCl. GTR induced rotational behavior toward the contralateral side of injection and clonic convulsions in a dose-dependent manner. Rotational behavior was prevented by intrastriatal preadministration of DNQX and muscimol, but not by the preadministration of MK-801. Convulsions were prevented by intrastriatal preinjection of muscimol. This study provides evidence for a participation of glutamatergic non-NMDA and GABAergic mechanisms in the GTR-induced behavioral alterations. These findings may be of value in understanding the physiopathology of the neurological dysfunction in glutaric acidemia.

AGOR 28

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-06-19

111 Pressure Switch )(R/ASR) 895/0 AGOR27 A055 TM Report - COMMERCIAL TECHNICAL MANUALS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA ( #443 DI-055 (TM) for 532d Griswold...Model PSW-113 Pressure Switch )(R/ASR) 899/0 AGOR27 A059 STD Report - STUDENT GUIDES ( #10 DI-059 (Student Guides) for Allied Systems Stbd Side...RECOMMENDED SPARES (VRS) LISTINGS, STATISTICS, AND LOCATIONS ( PL 720397-04 NR Omegadyne PSW-111 Pressure Switch )(R/ASR) 1148/0 6

Low-grade Glioma Surgery in Intraoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Results of a Multicenter Retrospective Assessment of the German Study Group for Intraoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

PubMed

Coburger, Jan; Merkel, Andreas; Scherer, Moritz; Schwartz, Felix; Gessler, Florian; Roder, Constantin; Pala, Andrej; König, Ralph; Bullinger, Lars; Nagel, Gabriele; Jungk, Christine; Bisdas, Sotirios; Nabavi, Arya; Ganslandt, Oliver; Seifert, Volker; Tatagiba, Marcos; Senft, Christian; Mehdorn, Maximilian; Unterberg, Andreas W; Rössler, Karl; Wirtz, Christian Rainer

2016-06-01

The ideal treatment strategy for low-grade gliomas (LGGs) is a controversial topic. Additionally, only smaller single-center series dealing with the concept of intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) have been published. To investigate determinants for patient outcome and progression-free-survival (PFS) after iMRI-guided surgery for LGGs in a multicenter retrospective study initiated by the German Study Group for Intraoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging. A retrospective consecutive assessment of patients treated for LGGs (World Health Organization grade II) with iMRI-guided resection at 6 neurosurgical centers was performed. Eloquent location, extent of resection, first-line adjuvant treatment, neurophysiological monitoring, awake brain surgery, intraoperative ultrasound, and field-strength of iMRI were analyzed, as well as progression-free survival (PFS), new permanent neurological deficits, and complications. Multivariate binary logistic and Cox regression models were calculated to evaluate determinants of PFS, gross total resection (GTR), and adjuvant treatment. A total of 288 patients met the inclusion criteria. On multivariate analysis, GTR significantly increased PFS (hazard ratio, 0.44; P < .01), whereas "failed" GTR did not differ significantly from intended subtotal-resection. Combined radiochemotherapy as adjuvant therapy was a negative prognostic factor (hazard ratio: 2.84, P < .01). Field strength of iMRI was not associated with PFS. In the binary logistic regression model, use of high-field iMRI (odds ratio: 0.51, P < .01) was positively and eloquent location (odds ratio: 1.99, P < .01) was negatively associated with GTR. GTR was not associated with increased rates of new permanent neurological deficits. GTR was an independent positive prognostic factor for PFS in LGG surgery. Patients with accidentally left tumor remnants showed a similar prognosis compared with patients harboring only partially resectable tumors. Use of high-field iMRI was significantly associated with GTR. However, the field strength of iMRI did not affect PFS. EoR, extent of resectionFLAIR, fluid-attenuated inversion recoveryGTR, gross total resectionIDH1, isocitrate dehydrogenase 1iMRI, intraoperative magnetic resonance imagingLGG, low-grade gliomaMGMT, methylguanine-deoxyribonucleic acid methyltransferasenPND, new permanent neurological deficitOS, overall survivalPFS, progression-free survivalSTR, subtotal resectionWHO, World Health Organization.

Ground tire rubber (GTR) as a component material in concrete mixtures for paving concrete, phase 2 : [summary].

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-02-01

Using ground tire rubber (GTR) in : concrete mixtures is a possible solution : to mitigating flexibility and thermal : expansion issues with high-strength : concrete pavements. Florida State : University researchers designed concrete : mixtures using...

Understanding the Balance of Dayside and Nightside Reconnection Contributions to the Cross Polar Cap Potential During Solar Wind Disturbances

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-05-15

13. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES 14. ABSTRACT This study focused on the investigation of how solar wind energy is deposited into the magnetosphere- ionosphere ...system during sudden enhancements of solar wind dynamic pressure (Psw), using the coupled OpenGGCM-CTIM 3D global magnetosphere – ionosphere ...CPCP), a proxy of ionospheric plasma convection strength, were quantified. The modeled CPCP increased after a Psw enhancement in all three cases, which

Impact of paint shop decanter effluents on biological treatability of automotive industry wastewater.

PubMed

Güven, Didem; Hanhan, Oytun; Aksoy, Elif Ceren; Insel, Güçlü; Çokgör, Emine

2017-05-15

A lab-scale Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) was implemented to investigate biological treatability and kinetic characteristics of paint shop wastewater (PSW) together with main stream wastewater (MSW) of a bus production factory. Readily biodegradable and slowly biodegradable COD fractions of MWS were determined by respirometric analysis: 4.2% (S S ), 10.4% (S H ) and 59.3% (X S ). Carbon and nitrogen removal performance of the SBR feeding with MSW alone were obtained as 89% and 58%, respectively. When PSW was introduced to MSW, both carbon and nitrogen removal were deteriorated. Model simulation indicated that maximum heterotrophic growth rate decreased from 7.2 to 5.7day -1 , maximum hydrolysis rates were reduced from 6 to 4day -1 (k hS ) and 4 to 1day -1 (k hX ). Based on the dynamic model simulation for the evaluation of nitrogen removal, a maximum specific nitrifier growth rate was obtained as 0.45day -1 for MSW feeding alone. When PSW was introduced, nitrification was completely inhibited and following the termination of PSW addition, nitrogen removal performance was recovered in about 100 days, however with a much lower nitrifier growth rate (0.1day -1 ), possibly due to accumulation of toxic compounds in the sludge. Obviously, a longer recovery period is required to ensure an active nitrifier community. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Exploring experiences of Personal Support Worker education in Ontario, Canada.

PubMed

Kelly, Christine

2017-07-01

There is growing attention to the training and education of Personal Support Workers, or PSWs, who work in community, home and long-term care settings supporting older people and people with disabilities. In Ontario, Canada, amid a volatile policy landscape, the provincial government launched an effort to standardise PSW education. Using qualitative methods, this study considered the question: What are the central educational issues reflected by students, working PSWs and key informants, and are they addressed by the PSW programme and training standards? Phase one was a public domain analysis completed between January and March 2014 and updated for major developments after that period. Phase two, completed between August 2014 and March 2015, included 15 key informant interviews and focus group discussions and mini-phone interviews with 35 working PSWs and current PSW students. According to the participants, the central educational issues are: casualisation of labour that is not conveyed in educational recruitment efforts, disconnect between theory and working conditions, overemphasis on long-term care as a career path, and variability of PSW education options. While the standards should help to address the final issue, they do not address the other key issues raised, which have to do with the structural organisation of work. There is thus a disconnect between the experiences of students, PSWs and key informants and the policy decisions surrounding this sector. This is particularly significant as education is often touted as a panacea for issues in long-term and community care. In fact, the curriculum of some of the PSW programmes, especially those in public college settings, is robust. Yet, the underlying issues will remain barring a structural overhaul of the organisation of long-term and community care sectors founded on a social revaluing of older people and the gendered work of care. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The Amazing Apparition of 73P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 3 in 2006

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weaver, Harold A.

2006-09-01

Most comets may meet their ultimate demise as a result of catastrophic fragmentation events, and that process was prominently displayed during the 2006 apparition of comet 73P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 3 (73P/SW3). This Jupiter-family comet with an orbital period of 5.4 yr was discovered when it passed within 0.06 AU of the Earth during the spring of 1930. However, it was subsequently lost until 1979 when it arrived at perihelion about 5 weeks later than predicted, probably owing to a close approach to Jupiter in 1965. Several remarkable outbursts in dust and gas activity were observed during the 1995 apparition, and four separate fragments were clearly detected and followed for several months. The solar elongation angle was unfavorably small, and the geocentric distance rather large, throughout the 2000-2001 apparition, and only two fragments were definitely detected then. Thus, it was with considerable uncertainty that cometary researchers approached the 2006 apparition, when the geometry would be nearly as favorable as for the discovery apparition with the comet passing within 0.08 AU during May 2006. Owing to the extremely fragile nature of cometary nuclei in general, and the previously recorded breakup of 73P/SW3, there was no guarantee that any fragment would return this year. To the delight of professional and amateur astronomers alike, the 2006 apparition of 73P/SW3 was nothing short of spectacular, as over 60 new fragments were detected and monitored during the late-winter and spring. Ground-based and space-based observatories, large and small, intensively monitored 73P/SW3 to document the disintegration of its nuclei and to measure the composition of its larger fragments. This paper will review the scientific results obtained during the 2006 apparition of 73P/SW3 and reflect on what the disintegration of this comet reveals about the nature of cometary nuclei.

Effect of gamma irradiation on ethylene propylene diene terpolymer rubber composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abou Zeid, M. M.; Rabie, S. T.; Nada, A. A.; Khalil, A. M.; Hilal, R. H.

2008-01-01

Composites of ethylene propylene dine terpolymer rubber (EPDM), high density polyethylene (HDPE) and ground tire rubber powder (GTR) at different ratios were subjected to gamma irradiation at various doses up to 250 kGy. The physical, mechanical and thermal properties were investigated as a function of irradiation dose and blend composition. Gamma irradiation led to a significant improvement in the properties for all blend compositions. The results indicate that the improvement in properties is inversely proportional to the substituted ratio of GTR, attributed to the development of an interfacial adhesion between GTR and blend components. The results were confirmed by examining the fracture surfaces by scanning electron microscopy.

Influence of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound on osteogenic tissue regeneration in a periodontal injury model: X-ray image alterations assessed by micro-computed tomography.

PubMed

Wang, Yunji; Chai, Zhaowu; Zhang, Yuanyuan; Deng, Feng; Wang, Zhibiao; Song, Jinlin

2014-08-01

This study was conducted to evaluate, with micro-computed tomography, the influence of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound on wound-healing in periodontal tissues. Periodontal disease with Class II furcation involvement was surgically produced at the bilateral mandibular premolars in 8 adult male beagle dogs. Twenty-four teeth were randomly assigned among 4 groups (G): G1, periodontal flap surgery; G2, periodontal flap surgery+low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS); G3, guided tissue regeneration (GTR) surgery; G4, GTR surgery plus LIPUS. The affected area in the experimental group was exposed to LIPUS. At 6 and 8weeks, the X-ray images of regenerated teeth were referred to micro-CT scanning for 3-D measurement. Bone volume (BV), bone surface (BS), and number of trabeculae (Tb) in G2 and G4 were higher than in G1 and G3 (p<0.05). BV, BS, and Tb.N of the GTR+LIPUS group were higher than in the GTR group. BV, BS, and Tb.N of the LIPUS group were higher than in the periodontal flap surgery group. LIPUS irradiation increased the number, volume, and area of new alveolar bone trabeculae. LIPUS has the potential to promote the repair of periodontal tissue, and may work effectively if combined with GTR. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Chapter 10: Geographic information system landscape analysis using GTR 220 concepts

Treesearch

M. North; R.M. Boynton; P.A. Stine; K.F. Shipley; E.C. Underwood; N.E. Roth; J.H. Viers; J.F. Quinn

2012-01-01

Forest Service General Technical Report "An Ecosystem Management Strategy for Sierran Mixed-Conifer Forests" (hereafter GTR 220) (North et al. 2009) emphasizes increasing forest heterogeneity throughout a range of spatial scales including within-stand microsites, individual stands, watersheds, and entire landscapes. For fuels reduction, various landscape...

41 CFR 301-51.103 - What is my liability if I lose a GTR?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... I lose a GTR? 301-51.103 Section 301-51.103 Public Contracts and Property Management Federal Travel Regulation System TEMPORARY DUTY (TDY) TRAVEL ALLOWANCES ARRANGING FOR TRAVEL SERVICES, PAYING TRAVEL EXPENSES, AND CLAIMING REIMBURSEMENT 51-PAYING TRAVEL EXPENSES Paying for Common Carrier Transportation...

Strategies for monitoring terrestrial animals and habitats

Treesearch

Richard Holthausen; Raymond L. Czaplewski; Don DeLorenzo; Greg Hayward; Winifred B. Kessler; Pat Manley; Kevin S. McKelvey; Douglas S. Powell; Leonard F. Ruggiero; Michael K. Schwartz; Bea Van Horne; Christina D. Vojta

2005-01-01

This General Technical Report (GTR) addresses monitoring strategies for terrestrial animals and habitats. It focuses on monitoring associated with National Forest Management Act planning and is intended to apply primarily to monitoring efforts that are broader than individual National Forests. Primary topics covered in the GTR are monitoring requirements; ongoing...

75 FR 62406 - Plan To Develop a Genetic Testing Registry at the National Institutes of Health; Public Meeting...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-10-08

...-registration can be completed online at http://oba.od.nih.gov/gtr/gtr_meetings.html . Persons without Internet access may call Ms. Nicole Numbers at 301-650-8660. Onsite registration will be based on space... the Genetic Testing [[Page 62407

Tracking Central Hypovolemia with ECG in Humans: Cautions for the Use of Heart Period Variability in Patient Monitoring

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-06-01

without influences that may confound the re- sults (e.g., pain, anxiety , transport conditions, caregiver in- terventions). Second, rather than being...32. Ryan KL, Rickards CA, Muniz GW, Moralez G, Convertino VA: Interindi- vidual variability in heart rate variability ( HRV ) and complexity measure...Raimondi G, Legramante JM, Macerata A: Revisiting the potential of time-domain indexes in short-term HRV analysis. Biomed Tech (Berl) 51:190Y193, 2006

Guided tissue regeneration for periodontal infra-bony defects.

PubMed

Needleman, I G; Giedrys-Leeper, E; Tucker, R J; Worthington, H V

2001-01-01

Conventional treatment of destructive periodontal (gum) disease arrests the disease but does not regain the bone support or connective tissue lost in the disease process. Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) is a surgical procedure that aims to regenerate the periodontal tissues when the disease is advanced and could overcome some of the limitations of conventional therapy. To assess the efficacy of GTR in the treatment of periodontal infra-bony defects measured against the current standard of surgical periodontal treatment, open flap debridement. We conducted an electronic search of the Cochrane Oral Health Group specialised trials register and MEDLINE up to October 2000. Hand searching included Journal of Periodontology, Journal of Clinical Periodontology, Journal of Periodontal Research and bibliographies of all relevant papers and review articles up to October 2000. In addition, we contacted experts/groups/companies involved in surgical research to find other trials or unpublished material or to clarify ambiguous or missing data and posted requests for data on two periodontal electronic discussion groups. Randomised, controlled trials of at least 12 months duration comparing guided tissue regeneration (with or without graft materials) with open flap debridement for the treatment of periodontal infra-bony defects. Furcation involvements and studies specifically treating early onset diseases were excluded. Screening of possible studies was conducted independently by two reviewers (RT & IN) and data abstraction by three reviewers (RT, IN & EGL). The methodological quality of studies was assessed in duplicate (RT & IN) using both individual components and a quality scale (Jadad 1998) and agreement determined by Kappa scores. Methodological quality was used in sensitivity analyses to test the robustness of the conclusions. The Cochrane Oral Health Group statistical guidelines were followed (HW) and the results expressed as weighted mean differences (WMD and 95% CI) for continuous outcomes and relative risk (RR and 95% CI) for dichotomous outcomes calculated using random effects models where significant heterogeneity was detected (P < 0.1). The final analysis was conducted using STATA 6 in order to combine both parallel group studies and intra-individual (split-mouth) studies. The primary outcome measure was gain in clinical attachment. Any heterogeneity was investigated. We initially included 23 trial reports. Twelve were subsequently excluded. Of these, seven presented six-months data only, three were not fully randomised controlled trials, one used a non-comparable radiographic technique. Eleven studies were finally included in the review, ten testing GTR alone and two testing GTR+bone substitutes (one study had both test treatment arms). For attachment level change, the weighted mean difference between GTR alone and open flap debridement was 1.11 mm (95% CI: 0.63 to 1.59), chi-square for heterogeneity 31.4 (df = 9), p<0.001) and for GTR+bone substitutes was 1.25 mm (95% CI: 0.89 to 1.61, chi-square for heterogeneity 0.01 (df = 1), p=0.91). GTR showed a significant benefit when comparing the numbers of sites failing to gain 2 mm attachment, with relative risk 0.58 (95% CI: 0.38, 0.88, chi-square for heterogeneity 5.72 (df = 3), p=0.13). The number needed to treat (NNT) for GTR to achieve one extra site gaining 2 mm or more attachment over open flap debridement was 8 (95% CI: 4, 33), based on an incidence of 32% of sites in the control group failing to gain 2 mm or more of attachment. For baseline incidences in the range of the control groups of 10% and 55% the NNTs are 24 and 3. Probing depth reduction demonstrated a small but statistically significant benefit for GTR, weighted mean difference 0.80 mm (95% CI: 0.14,1.46, chi-square for heterogeneity 10.0 (df = 4), p=0.04) or GTR+bone substitutes, weighted mean difference 1.24 mm (95% CI: 0.89, 1.59, chi-square for heterogeneity 0.03 (df = 1), p=0.85). No significant difference was noted for gingival recession between GTR and open flap debridement. Regarding hard tissue probing at surgical re-entry, a statistically significant greater gain was found for GTR compared with open flap debridement. This amounted to a weighted mean difference of 1.39 mm (95% CI: 1.08, 1.71, chi-square for heterogeneity 0.85 (df = 2), p=0.65). For GTR+bone substitutes the difference was greater, with mean difference 3.37 mm (95% CI: 3.14, 3.61). Heterogeneity between studies was highly statistically significant for all principal comparisons and could not be explained satisfactorily by sensitivity analyses. The quality of study reporting was poor with seven out of 11 studies graded as poor using the Jadad score. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED)

Guided tissue regeneration for periodontal infra-bony defects.

PubMed

Needleman, I G; Worthington, H V; Giedrys-Leeper, E; Tucker, R J

2006-04-19

Conventional treatment of destructive periodontal (gum) disease arrests the disease but does not usually regain the bone support or connective tissue lost in the disease process. Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) is a surgical procedure that specifically aims to regenerate the periodontal tissues when the disease is advanced and could overcome some of the limitations of conventional therapy. To assess the efficacy of GTR in the treatment of periodontal infra-bony defects measured against conventional surgery (open flap debridement (OFD)) and factors affecting outcomes. We conducted an electronic search of the Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register, MEDLINE and EMBASE up to April 2004. Handsearching included Journal of Periodontology, Journal of Clinical Periodontology, Journal of Periodontal Research and bibliographies of all relevant papers and review articles up to April 2004. In addition, we contacted experts/groups/companies involved in surgical research to find other trials or unpublished material or to clarify ambiguous or missing data and posted requests for data on two periodontal electronic discussion groups. Randomised, controlled trials (RCTs) of at least 12 months duration comparing guided tissue regeneration (with or without graft materials) with open flap debridement for the treatment of periodontal infra-bony defects. Furcation involvements and studies specifically treating aggressive periodontitis were excluded. Screening of possible studies and data extraction was conducted independently. The methodological quality of studies was assessed in duplicate using individual components and agreement determined by Kappa scores. Methodological quality was used in sensitivity analyses to test the robustness of the conclusions. The Cochrane Oral Health Group statistical guidelines were followed and the results expressed as mean differences (MD and 95% CI) for continuous outcomes and risk ratios (RR and 95% CI) for dichotomous outcomes calculated using random-effects models. Any heterogeneity was investigated. The primary outcome measure was change in clinical attachment. The search produced 626 titles, of these 596 were clearly not relevant to the review. The full text of 32 studies of possible relevance was obtained and 15 studies were excluded. Therefore 17 RCTs were included in this review, 16 studies testing GTR alone and two testing GTR+bone substitutes (one study had both test treatment arms).No tooth loss was reported in any study although these data are incomplete where patient follow up was not complete. For attachment level change, the mean difference between GTR and OFD was 1.22 mm (95% CI Random Effects: 0.80 to 1.64, chi squared for heterogeneity 69.1 (df = 15), P < 0.001, I(2) = 78%) and for GTR + bone substitutes was 1.25 mm (95% CI 0.89 to 1.61, chi squared for heterogeneity 0.01 (df = 1), P = 0.91). GTR showed a significant benefit when comparing the numbers of sites failing to gain 2 mm attachment with risk ratio 0.54 (95% CI Random Effects: 0.31 to 0.96, chi squared for heterogeneity 8.9 (df = 5), P = 0.11). The number needed to treat (NNT) for GTR to achieve one extra site gaining 2 mm or more attachment over open flap debridement was therefore 8 (95% CI 5 to 33), based on an incidence of 28% of sites in the control group failing to gain 2 mm or more of attachment. For baseline incidences in the range of the control groups of 3% and 55% the NNTs are 71 and 4. Probing depth reduction was greater for GTR than OFD: 1.21 mm (95% CI 0.53 to 1.88, chi squared for heterogeneity 62.9 (df = 10), P < 0.001, I(2) = 84%) or GTR + bone substitutes, weighted mean difference 1.24 mm (95% CI 0.89 to 1.59, chi squared for heterogeneity 0.03 (df = 1), P = 0.85). For gingival recession, a statistically significant difference between GTR and open flap debridement controls was evident (mean difference 0.26 mm (95% CI Random Effects: 0.08, 0.43, chi squared for heterogeneity 2.7 (df = 8), P = 0.95), with a greater change in recession from baseline for the control group. Regarding hard tissue probing at surgical re-entry, a statistically significant greater gain was found for GTR compared with open flap debridement. This amounted to a weighted mean difference of 1.39 mm (95% CI 1.08 to 1.71, chi squared for heterogeneity 0.85 (df = 2), P = 0.65). For GTR + bone substitutes the difference was greater, with mean difference 3.37 mm (95% CI 3.14 to 3.61). Adverse effects were generally minor although with an increased treatment time for GTR. Exposure of the barrier membrane was frequently reported with a lack of evidence of an effect on healing. GTR has a greater effect on probing measures of periodontal treatment than open flap debridement, including improved attachment gain, reduced pocket depth, less increase in gingival recession and more gain in hard tissue probing at re-entry surgery. However there is marked variability between studies and the clinical relevance of these changes is unknown. As a result, it is difficult to draw general conclusions about the clinical benefit of GTR. Whilst there is evidence that GTR can demonstrate a significant improvement over conventional open flap surgery, the factors affecting outcomes are unclear from the literature and these might include study conduct issues such as bias. Therefore, patients and health professionals need to consider the predictability of the technique compared with other methods of treatment before making final decisions on use. Since trial reports were often incomplete, we recommend that future trials should follow the CONSORT statement both in their conduct and reporting. There is therefore little value in future research repeating simple, small efficacy studies. The priority should be to identify factors associated with improved outcomes as well as investigating outcomes relevant to patients. Types of research might include large observational studies to generate hypotheses for testing in clinical trials, qualitative studies on patient-centred outcomes and trials exploring innovative analytic methods such as multilevel modelling. Open flap surgery should remain the control comparison in these studies.

A comparative study of ground tire rubber devulcanization using twin screw extruder and internal mixer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ujianto, O.; Putri, D. B.; Jayatin; AWinarto, D.

2017-07-01

Devulcanization of ground tire rubber (GTR) was done using twin screw extruder (TSE) and internal mixer (IM). Processing parameters were varied to analyze its effect on gel content. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis was performed as qualitative technique to confirm structural change. The devulcanized rubbers with the least gel content percentage produced in both TSE and IM were then used as filler in natural rubber (NR)/coconut coir (CC) composite preparation. Effects of gel content percentage on NR/CC composite tensile strength and elongation at break were analyzed. The results show that the gel content decreased by 41% for sample processed in TSE and 50% in IM compared to control sample. Overall, the devulcanization is influenced by high energy generated by thermal or thermo-mechanical process. FTIR spectra show chemically structural changes of GTR as C=C, CH2, CH3 with higher intensity for IM sample than its counterpart indicated devulcanization. The replacement of GTR to DGTR on NR/CC/GTR composites provided less network structures and resulted better tensile strength and elongation at break.

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

Buttner, William; Rivkin, Carl; Burgess, Robert

The United Nations Global Technical Regulation (GTR) Number 13 (Global Technical Regulation on Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Vehicles) is the defining document regulating safety requirements in hydrogen vehicles, and in particular fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV). GTR Number 13 has been formally implemented and will serve as the basis for the national regulatory standards for FCEV safety in North America (Canada, United States), Japan, Korea, and the European Union. The GTR defines safety requirement for these vehicles, including specifications on the allowable hydrogen levels in vehicle enclosures during in-use and post-crash conditions and on the allowable hydrogen emissions levels inmore » vehicle exhaust during certain modes of normal operation. However, in order to be incorporated into national regulations, that is, in order to be binding, methods to verify compliance to the specific requirements must exist. In a collaborative program, the Sensor Laboratories at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in the United States and the Joint Research Centre, Institute for Energy and Transport in the Netherlands have been evaluating and developing analytical methods that can be used to verify compliance to the hydrogen release requirement as specified in the GTR.« less

An In Vitro TORC1 Kinase Assay That Recapitulates the Gtr-Independent Glutamine-Responsive TORC1 Activation Mechanism on Yeast Vacuoles

PubMed Central

Tanigawa, Mirai

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Evolutionarily conserved target of rapamycin (TOR) complex 1 (TORC1) responds to nutrients, especially amino acids, to promote cell growth. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, various nitrogen sources activate TORC1 with different efficiencies, although the mechanism remains elusive. Leucine, and perhaps other amino acids, was reported to activate TORC1 via the heterodimeric small GTPases Gtr1-Gtr2, the orthologues of the mammalian Rag GTPases. More recently, an alternative Gtr-independent TORC1 activation mechanism that may respond to glutamine was reported, although its molecular mechanism is not clear. In studying the nutrient-responsive TORC1 activation mechanism, the lack of an in vitro assay hinders associating particular nutrient compounds with the TORC1 activation status, whereas no in vitro assay that shows nutrient responsiveness has been reported. In this study, we have developed a new in vitro TORC1 kinase assay that reproduces, for the first time, the nutrient-responsive TORC1 activation. This in vitro TORC1 assay recapitulates the previously predicted Gtr-independent glutamine-responsive TORC1 activation mechanism. Using this system, we found that this mechanism specifically responds to l-glutamine, resides on the vacuolar membranes, and involves a previously uncharacterized Vps34-Vps15 phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase complex and the PI-3-phosphate [PI(3)P]-binding FYVE domain-containing vacuolar protein Pib2. Thus, this system was proved to be useful for dissecting the glutamine-responsive TORC1 activation mechanism. PMID:28483912

Guided tissue regeneration and platelet rich growth factor for the treatment of Grade II furcation defects: A randomized double-blinded clinical trial - A pilot study.

PubMed

Jenabian, Niloofar; Haghanifar, Sina; Ehsani, Hodis; Zahedi, Ehsan; Haghpanah, Masumeh

2017-01-01

The treatment of furcation area defects remained as a challenging issue in periodontal treatments. Regeneration treatment of furcation defects is the most discussed periodontal treatment. Although not completely hopeless in prognosis, the presence of the furcation involvement significantly increases the chance of tooth loss. The current research was conductedeto compare theeadditive effect of combined guided tissue regeneration (GTR) and platelet-rich growth factor (PRGF) on the treatment of furcation bony defects. A randomized, triple-blinded, split-mouth study was designed. It included patients with a moderate to severe chronic periodontitis with bilateral Grade II furcation involvement of first or second mandibular molars. Each side of mouth was randomly allocated for the treatment with either Bio-Gide American Society of Anesthesiologists GTR or a PRGF or PRGF by itself. Plaque index, gingival index, vertical clinical attachment level, vertical probing depth, recession depth (REC), horizontal probing depth, fornix to alveolar crest (FAC), fornix to base of defect (FBD), furcation vertical component and furcation horizontal component (FHC) were recorded. The current research was conducted to compare the additive effect of combined GTR and PRGF on treatment of furcation bony defects. Altman's nomogram, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Friedman test, general linear model, repeated measures, and paired t -test were used as statistical analysis in this research. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Eight patients were finally enrolled for this study. Overly, general and specific clinical and furcation parameters were improved except REC that was deteriorated insignificantly and FAC improved not significantly. Intergroup comparison revealed better improvement of FHC in GTR/PRGF group ( P = 0.02). A significant improvement in the Grade II furcation defects treated with either GTR or PRGF/GTR was noticed. Further large-scale trials are needed to reveal differences of mentioned treatment in more details.

Guided tissue regeneration and platelet rich growth factor for the treatment of Grade II furcation defects: A randomized double-blinded clinical trial - A pilot study

PubMed Central

Jenabian, Niloofar; Haghanifar, Sina; Ehsani, Hodis; Zahedi, Ehsan; Haghpanah, Masumeh

2017-01-01

Background: The treatment of furcation area defects remained as a challenging issue in periodontal treatments. Regeneration treatment of furcation defects is the most discussed periodontal treatment. Although not completely hopeless in prognosis, the presence of the furcation involvement significantly increases the chance of tooth loss. The current research was conductedeto compare theeadditive effect of combined guided tissue regeneration (GTR) and platelet-rich growth factor (PRGF) on the treatment of furcation bony defects. Materials and Methods: A randomized, triple-blinded, split-mouth study was designed. It included patients with a moderate to severe chronic periodontitis with bilateral Grade II furcation involvement of first or second mandibular molars. Each side of mouth was randomly allocated for the treatment with either Bio-Gide American Society of Anesthesiologists GTR or a PRGF or PRGF by itself. Plaque index, gingival index, vertical clinical attachment level, vertical probing depth, recession depth (REC), horizontal probing depth, fornix to alveolar crest (FAC), fornix to base of defect (FBD), furcation vertical component and furcation horizontal component (FHC) were recorded. The current research was conducted to compare the additive effect of combined GTR and PRGF on treatment of furcation bony defects. Altman's nomogram, Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, Friedman test, general linear model, repeated measures, and paired t-test were used as statistical analysis in this research. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Eight patients were finally enrolled for this study. Overly, general and specific clinical and furcation parameters were improved except REC that was deteriorated insignificantly and FAC improved not significantly. Intergroup comparison revealed better improvement of FHC in GTR/PRGF group (P = 0.02). Conclusion: A significant improvement in the Grade II furcation defects treated with either GTR or PRGF/GTR was noticed. Further large-scale trials are needed to reveal differences of mentioned treatment in more details. PMID:29238373

Influence of ground tire rubber on the transient loading response of a peat biofilter.

PubMed

Alvarez-Hornos, F J; Izquierdo, M; Martínez-Soria, V; Penya-Roja, J M; Sempere, F; Gabaldón, C

2011-08-01

The effect of using ground tire rubber (GTR) as an adsorptive material in the removal of a 2:1:1 weight mixture of n-butyl acetate, toluene and m-xylene by using a peat biofilter under different intermittent conditions was investigated. The performance of two identical size biofilters, one packed with fibrous peat alone and the other with a 3:1 (vol) fibrous peat and GTR mixture, was examined for a period of four months. Partition coefficients of both materials were measured. Values of 53, 118 and 402 L kg(-1) were determined for n-butyl acetate, toluene and m-xylene in peat, respectively; and values of 40, 609 and 3035 L kg(-1) were measured for the same compounds in GTR. Intermittent load feeding of 16 h per day, 5 days per week working at an EBRT of 60 s and an inlet VOC concentration of 0.3 g C m(-1), resulted in removal efficiencies higher than 90% for both biofilters, indicating that the addition of GTR did not adversely affect the behavior of the bioreactor. Full removal of n-butyl acetate was obtained for both biofilters. GTR improved the removal of the aromatics in the first part of the biofilter, facilitating lower penetration of the toluene and m-xylene into the bed. A 31-day starvation period was applied and intermittent operation subsequently restarted. In both biofilters, high removal efficiencies after a re-acclimation period of two days were achieved. A shock loading test related to 1-h peaks of three- and four-fold increases in its baseline concentration (0.30 g C m(-3)) was applied in both biofilters. For the biofilter packed with the peat and GTR mixture, attenuation greater than 60% was observed in the maximum outlet concentration when compared to the biofilter packed with peat alone. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Additive Effect of Plasma Rich in Growth Factors With Guided Tissue Regeneration in Treatment of Intrabony Defects in Patients With Chronic Periodontitis: A Split-Mouth Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

PubMed

Ravi, Sheethalan; Malaiappan, Sankari; Varghese, Sheeja; Jayakumar, Nadathur D; Prakasam, Gopinath

2017-09-01

Periodontal regeneration can be defined as complete restoration of lost periodontal tissues to their original architecture and function. A variety of treatment modalities have been proposed to achieve it. Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) is a concentrated suspension of growth factors that promotes restoration of lost periodontal tissues. The objective of the present study is to assess the effect of PRGF associated with guided tissue regeneration (GTR) versus GTR only in the treatment of intrabony defects (IBDs) in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP). Patients with CP (n = 14) with 42 contralateral 2- and 3-walled defects were randomly assigned to test (PRGF+GTR) and control (GTR alone) treatment groups. Clinical and radiographic assessments performed at baseline and after 6 months were: 1) gingival index (GI), 2) probing depth (PD), 3) clinical attachment level (CAL), 4) radiologic defect depth, and 5) bone fill. Comparison of parameters measured at baseline and after 6 months showed mean PD reduction of 3.37 ± 1.62 mm in the control group (P <0.001) and 4.13 ± 1.59 mm in the test group (P <0.001). There was a significant difference in mean change in CAL (P <0.001) in the control group (5.42 ± 1.99) and the test group (5.99 ± 1.77). Mean change in GI was 1.89 ± 0.32 and 1.68 ± 0.58 in the control group and test group, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P <0.001). When compared between groups, clinical parameters did not show any statistically significant variations. Mean radiographic bone fill was 1.06 ± 0.81 and 1.0 ± 0.97 in the control group and test group, respectively. However, the difference was not statistically significant. PRGF with GTR, as well as GTR alone, was effective in improving clinical and radiographic parameters of patients with CP at the 6-month follow-up. There was no additive effect of PRGF when used along with GTR in the treatment of IBDs in patients with CP in terms of both clinical and radiologic outcomes.

Therapeutic outcomes of transsphenoidal surgery in pediatric patients with craniopharyngiomas: a single-center study.

PubMed

Yamada, Shozo; Fukuhara, Noriaki; Yamaguchi-Okada, Mitsuo; Nishioka, Hiroshi; Takeshita, Akira; Takeuchi, Yasuhiro; Inoshita, Naoko; Ito, Junko

2018-03-30

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to analyze the outcomes of transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) in a single-center clinical series of pediatric craniopharyngioma patients treated with gross-total resection (GTR). METHODS The authors retrospectively reviewed the surgical outcomes for 65 consecutive patients with childhood craniopharyngiomas (28 girls and 37 boys, mean age 9.6 years) treated with TSS (45 primary and 20 repeat surgeries) between 1990 and 2015. Tumors were classified as subdiaphragmatic or supradiaphragmatic. Demographic and clinical characteristics, including extent of resection, complications, incidence of recurrence, pre- and postoperative visual disturbance, pituitary function, and incidence of diabetes insipidus (DI), as well as new-onset obesity, were analyzed and compared between the primary surgery and repeat surgery groups. RESULTS Of the 45 patients in the primary surgery group, 26 (58%) had subdiaphragmatic tumors and 19 had supradiaphragmatic tumors. Of the 20 patients in the repeat surgery group, 9 (45%) had subdiaphragmatic tumors and 11 had supradiaphragmatic tumors. The only statistically significant difference between the 2 surgical groups was in tumor size; tumors were larger (mean maximum diameter 30 mm) in the primary surgery group than in the repeat surgery group (25 mm) (p = 0.008). GTR was accomplished in 59 (91%) of the 65 cases; the GTR rate was higher in the primary surgery group than in the repeat surgery group (98% vs 75%, p = 0.009). Among the patients who underwent GTR, 12% experienced tumor recurrence, with a median follow-up of 7.8 years, and recurrence tended to occur less frequently in primary than in repeat surgery patients (7% vs 27%, p = 0.06). Of the 45 primary surgery patients, 80% had deteriorated pituitary function and 83% developed DI, whereas 100% of the repeat surgery patients developed these conditions. Among patients with preoperative visual disturbance, vision improved in 62% but worsened in 11%. Visual improvement was more frequent in primary than in repeat surgery patients (71% vs 47%, p < 0.001), whereas visual deterioration was less frequent following primary surgery than repeat surgery (4% vs 24%, p = 0.04). Among the 57 patients without preoperative obesity, new-onset postoperative obesity was found in 9% of primary surgery patients and 21% of repeat surgery patients (p = 0.34) despite aggressive resection, suggesting that hypothalamic dysfunction was rarely associated with GTR by TSS in this series. However, obesity was found in 25% of the repeat surgery patients preoperatively due to prior transcranial surgery. Although there were no perioperative deaths, there were complications in 12 cases (18%) (6 cases of CSF leaks, 3 cases of meningitis, 2 cases of transient memory disturbance, and 1 case of hydrocephalus). Postoperative CSF leakage appeared to be more common in repeat than in primary surgery patients (20% vs 4.4%, p = 0.2). CONCLUSIONS The results of TSS for pediatric craniopharyngioma in this case series suggest that GTR should be the goal for the first surgical attempt. GTR should be achievable without serious complications, although most patients require postoperative hormonal replacement. When GTR is not possible or tumor recurrence occurs after GTR, radiosurgery is recommended to prevent tumor regrowth or progression.

77 FR 36041 - Nevada 5, Inc. and Oakland Transportation Holdings LLC-Control Exemption-GTR Leasing LLC and US...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-15

... DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Surface Transportation Board [Docket No. FD 35635] Nevada 5, Inc. and Oakland Transportation Holdings LLC--Control Exemption--GTR Leasing LLC and US Rail Holdings LLC \\1\\ \\1... date of the exemption (30 days after the verified notice was filed). Applicants represent that: (1) The...

Chapter 14: Clarifying concepts

Treesearch

M. North; P. Stine

2012-01-01

There are some topics that continue to be raised by managers that were not sufficiently addressed in the first and second edition of U.S. Forest Service General Technical Report GTR 220 "An Ecosystem Management Strategy for Sierran Mixed-Conifer Forests." All of them concern issues about where and when GTR 220 concepts apply and how these concepts relate to...

Lightweight Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) performing coastal survey operations in REP 10A

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Incze, Michael L.

2011-11-01

Lightweight Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) were developed for Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Group 4 search and survey missions from a commercial AUV baseline (Iver 2) through integration of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware components, and through software development for enhanced on-board Command and Control functions. The development period was 1 year under a project sponsored by the Office of Naval Research TechSolutions Program Office. Hardware integration was completed by the commercial AUV vendor, OceanServer Technology, Inc., and software development was conducted by the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Naval Oceanographic Office, and U MASS Dartmouth, with support from hardware and software application providers (YSI, Inc., Imagenex Technology Corp., and CARIS). At the conclusion of the integration and development period, an at-sea performance evaluation was scheduled for the Lightweight NSW AUVs with NSWG-4 personnel. The venue for this evaluation was the NATO exercise Recognized Environmental Picture 10A (REP 10A), hosted by Marinha Portuguesa, and coordinated by the Faculdade de Engenharia-Universidade do Porto. REP 10A offered an opportunity to evaluate the performance of the new AUVs and to explore the Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for employing them in military survey operations in shallow coastal waters. Shore- and ship-launched scenarios with launch/recovery by a single operator in a one-to-many coordinated survey, on-scene data product generation and visualization, data push to Reach Back Cells for product integration and enhancement, and survey optimization to streamline survey effort and timelines were included in the CONOPS review. Opportunities to explore employment of hybrid AUV fleets in Combined Force scenarios were also utilized. The Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Marinha Portuguesa, the Faculdade de Engenharia-Universidade do Porto, and OceanServer Technology, Inc., were the primary participants bringing in-water resources to REP 10A. Technical support and products were provided by the Naval Research Laboratory-Stennis Space Center, Naval Oceanographic Office, NATO Undersea Research Centre, University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth, and YSI, Inc. REP 10A proved to be a very effective exercise in meeting each of the critical goals. Results of the performance evaluation guided final development and Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) for the Lightweight NSW AUV, leading to on-time, successful Factory Acceptance Testing and delivery of the three contracted vehicles to NSWG-4 in September, 2010.

Simulations of Ground-Water Flow and Residence Time near Woodbury, Connecticut

USGS Publications Warehouse

Starn, J. Jeffrey; Brown, Craig J.

2007-01-01

Water withdrawn for public use from glacial stratified deposits in Woodbury, Connecticut, is a mixture of water from different source areas, each having a characteristic water-quality signature. The physical processes leading to this mixture were explored using a numerical model to simulate steady-state ground-water source areas and residence times for a public water-supply well (PSW-1) in Woodbury. Upland areas contribute water to the well that is primarily from undeveloped and agricultural land. Valley bottoms contribute water to the well that is primarily from developed land. From 1985 to 2002, 6 percent of the contributing recharge area to the well changed from agricultural and undeveloped to developed land. The pattern of recharge areas and land use causes stratification of ground water by residence time and by characteristic water quality, which is related to land use. As land use changes with time, the water-quality signature of developed land moves deeper into the aquifer. Predicted nitrate concentrations decreased from 1985 to 1995 because of the conversion from agricultural land to developed land, but then began to increase after 1995 because of the conversion of undeveloped land to developed land. Total dissolved solids concentrations, on the other hand, increased from 1985 to 2002 because agriculture is associated with lower total dissolved solids concentrations than is developed land. About 40 percent of the water withdrawn from PSW-1 originated as upland recharge before flowing through glacial deposits in the valley. About 44 percent of the water originated as recharge in either fluvial deposits (mean residence time 7 years) or deltaic deposits (mean residence time 4 years). About 16 percent of the water originated as recharge through storm drains with ground-water discharge (often known as 'dry wells'). The residence time for water that originated as recharge in dry wells is 2 to 4 years, and the mean residence time is 3 years. Dry wells are a fast pathway for water to enter the aquifer and provide a significant amount of water to PSW-1; therefore, PSW-1 is more susceptible to contamination in runoff from the commercial area, which enters the dry wells, than to recharge elsewhere in the area. Water withdrawn from a well is a mixture of waters with different residence times, and a single residence time does not fully characterize the susceptibility of the well to recent contamination. The mean simulated flow-weighted residence time in PSW-1 is 6 years, which compares reasonably well with the apparent residence time measured using tritium/helium data of 6 and 7 years (samples for age dating were collected twice from this well). There are at least two modes to the distribution of ages, one mode with residence times less than 5 years and one mode with residence times greater than 5 years. About 34 percent of the ground-water in PSW-1 is younger than 5 years and 56 percent of the water is from 5 to 9 years. The estimated nitrate loading rate from a single-family septic system is 18 grams per day. If each household in the contributing recharge area contributes nitrate at that loading rate to the well PSW-1, each additional septic system in the contributing recharge area is responsible for a 0.045-milligram-per-liter increase in nitrate at PSW-1 at the current pumping rate. Uncertainty in the predicted contributing recharge area can be propagated through the analysis using a Monte Carlo technique. There is a greater degree of certainty in the delineation of the recharge area near the well, and as one moves from the well toward the recharge areas, the uncertainty in the model increases. The area that possibly contributes water to the well using the Monte Carlo model is much larger than the recharge area delineated using the optimal parameter estimates. Within the probabilistic recharge area, the number of septic systems could be twice the number initially estimated.

Hydrogen monitoring requirements in the global technical regulation on hydrogen and fuel cell vehicles

DOE PAGES

Buttner, William; Rivkin, C.; Burgess, R.; ...

2017-02-04

Here, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Global Technical Regulation (GTR) Number 13 ( Global Technical Regulation on Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Vehicles) is the defining document regulating safety requirements in hydrogen vehicles, and in particular, fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). GTR Number 13 has been formally adopted and will serve as the basis for the national regulatory standards for FCEV safety in North America (led by the United States), Japan, Korea, and the European Union. The GTR defines safety requirements for these vehicles, including specifications on the allowable hydrogen levels in vehicle enclosures during in-use and post-crash conditionsmore » and on the allowable hydrogen emissions levels in vehicle exhaust during certain modes of normal operation. However, in order to be incorporated into national regulations, that is, to be legally binding, methods to verify compliance with the specific requirements must exist. In a collaborative program, the Sensor Laboratories at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in the United States and the Joint Research Centre, Institute for Energy and Transport in the Netherlands have been evaluating and developing analytical methods that can be used to verify compliance with the hydrogen release requirements as specified in the GTR.« less

Importance of dynamic topography in Himalaya-Tibetan plateau region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghosh, A.; Singh, S.

2017-12-01

Himalaya-Tibetan plateau region has the highest topography in the world. Various studies have been done to understand the mechanisms responsible for sustaining this high topography. However, the existence of dynamic topography in this region is still uncertain, though there have been some studies exploring the role of channel flow in lower crust leading to some topography. We investigated the role of radial mantle flow in this region by studying the relationship between geoid and topography. High geoid-to-topography ratios (GTR) were observed along the Himalayas suggesting deeper compensation mechanisms. However, further north, the geoid and topography relationship became a lot more complex as high as well as low GTR values were observed. The high GTR regions also coincided with area of high filtered free air gravity anomalies, indicating dynamic support. We also looked at the spectral components of gravity, geoid and topography, and calculated response functions to distinguish between different compensation mechanisms. We estimated the average elastic thickness of the whole region to be around 40 km from coherence and admittance studies. The GTR and admittance-coherence studies suggest deeper mass anomalies playing a role in supporting the topography along Himalayas and the area between Altyn Tagh and Kunlun faults.

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

Buttner, William; Rivkin, C.; Burgess, R.

Here, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Global Technical Regulation (GTR) Number 13 ( Global Technical Regulation on Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Vehicles) is the defining document regulating safety requirements in hydrogen vehicles, and in particular, fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). GTR Number 13 has been formally adopted and will serve as the basis for the national regulatory standards for FCEV safety in North America (led by the United States), Japan, Korea, and the European Union. The GTR defines safety requirements for these vehicles, including specifications on the allowable hydrogen levels in vehicle enclosures during in-use and post-crash conditionsmore » and on the allowable hydrogen emissions levels in vehicle exhaust during certain modes of normal operation. However, in order to be incorporated into national regulations, that is, to be legally binding, methods to verify compliance with the specific requirements must exist. In a collaborative program, the Sensor Laboratories at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in the United States and the Joint Research Centre, Institute for Energy and Transport in the Netherlands have been evaluating and developing analytical methods that can be used to verify compliance with the hydrogen release requirements as specified in the GTR.« less

Comparison of proton therapy techniques for treatment of the whole brain as a component of craniospinal radiation.

PubMed

Dinh, Jeffrey; Stoker, Joshua; Georges, Rola H; Sahoo, Narayan; Zhu, X Ronald; Rath, Smruti; Mahajan, Anita; Grosshans, David R

2013-12-17

For treatment of the entire cranium using passive scattering proton therapy (PSPT) compensators are often employed in order to reduce lens and cochlear exposure. We sought to assess the advantages and consequences of utilizing compensators for the treatment of the whole brain as a component of craniospinal radiation (CSI) with PSPT. Moreover, we evaluated the potential benefits of spot scanning beam delivery in comparison to PSPT. Planning computed tomography scans for 50 consecutive CSI patients were utilized to generate passive scattering proton therapy treatment plans with and without Lucite compensators (PSW and PSWO respectively). A subset of 10 patients was randomly chosen to generate scanning beam treatment plans for comparison. All plans were generated using an Eclipse treatment planning system and were prescribed to a dose of 36 Gy(RBE), delivered in 20 fractions, to the whole brain PTV. Plans were normalized to ensure equal whole brain target coverage. Dosimetric data was compiled and statistical analyses performed using a two-tailed Student's t-test with Bonferroni corrections to account for multiple comparisons. Whole brain target coverage was comparable between all methods. However, cribriform plate coverage was superior in PSWO plans in comparison to PSW (V95%; 92.9 ± 14 vs. 97.4 ± 5, p < 0.05). As predicted, PSWO plans had significantly higher lens exposure in comparison to PSW plans (max lens dose Gy(RBE): left; 24.8 ± 0.8 vs. 22.2 ± 0.7, p < 0.05, right; 25.2 ± 0.8 vs. 22.8 ± 0.7, p < 0.05). However, PSW plans demonstrated no significant cochlear sparing vs. PSWO (mean cochlea dose Gy(RBE): 36.4 ± 0.2 vs. 36.7 ± 0.1, p = NS). Moreover, dose homogeneity was inferior in PSW plans in comparison to PSWO plans as reflected by significant alterations in both whole brain and brainstem homogeneity index (HI) and inhomogeneity coefficient (IC). In comparison to both PSPT techniques, multi-field optimized intensity modulated (MFO-IMPT) spot scanning treatment plans displayed superior sparing of both lens and cochlea (max lens: 12.5 ± 0.6 and 12.9 ± 0.7 right and left respectively; mean cochlea 28.6 ± 0.5 and 27.4 ± 0.2), although heterogeneity within target volumes was comparable to PSW plans. For PSPT treatments, the addition of a compensator imparts little clinical advantage. In contrast, the incorporation of spot scanning technology as a component of CSI treatments, offers additional normal tissue sparing which is likely of clinical significance.

Peer support interventions seeking to improve physical health and lifestyle behaviours among people with serious mental illness: A systematic review.

PubMed

Stubbs, Brendon; Williams, Julie; Shannon, Jennifer; Gaughran, Fiona; Craig, Tom

2016-12-01

People with serious mental illness (SMI) experience a premature mortality gap of between 10 and 20 years. Interest is growing in the potential for peer support interventions (PSI) to improve the physical health of people with SMI. We conducted a systematic review investigating if PSI can improve the physical health, lifestyle factors, and physical health appointment attendance among people with SMI. A systematic search of major electronic databases was conducted from inception until February 2016 for any article investigating PSI seeking to improve physical health, lifestyle, or physical health appointment attendance. From 1347 initial hits, seven articles were eligible, including three pilot randomized, control trials (interventions: n = 85, controls: n = 81), and four pretest and post-test studies (n = 54). There was considerable heterogeneity in the type of PSI, and the role of the peer support workers (PSW) varied considerably. Three studies found that PSI resulted in insignificant reductions in weight. Evidence from three studies considering the impact of PSI on lifestyle changes was equivocal, with only one study demonstrating that PSI improved self-report physical activity and diet. Evidence regarding physical health appointment attendance was also unclear across four studies. In conclusion, there is inconsistent evidence to support the use of PSW to improve the physical health and promote lifestyle change among people with SMI. The small sample sizes, heterogeneity of interventions, outcome measures, and lack of clarity about the unique contribution of PSW means no definitive conclusions can be made about the benefits of PSW and physical health in SMI. © 2016 Australian College of Mental Health Nurses Inc.

Effect of different types of prosthetic platforms on stress-distribution in dental implant-supported prostheses.

PubMed

Minatel, Lurian; Verri, Fellippo Ramos; Kudo, Guilherme Abu Halawa; de Faria Almeida, Daniel Augusto; de Souza Batista, Victor Eduardo; Lemos, Cleidiel Aparecido Araujo; Pellizzer, Eduardo Piza; Santiago, Joel Ferreira

2017-02-01

A biomechanical analysis of different types of implant connections is relevant to clinical practice because it may impact the longevity of the rehabilitation treatment. Therefore, the objective of this study is to evaluate the Morse taper connections and the stress distribution of structures associated with the platform switching (PSW) concept. It will do this by obtaining data on the biomechanical behavior of the main structure in relation to the dental implant using the 3-dimensional finite element methodology. Four models were simulated (with each containing a single prosthesis over the implant) in the molar region, with the following specifications: M1 and M2 is an external hexagonal implant on a regular platform; M3 is an external hexagonal implant using PSW concept; and M4 is a Morse taper implant. The modeling process involved the use of images from InVesalius CT (computed tomography) processing software, which were refined using Rhinoceros 4.0 and SolidWorks 2011 CAD software. The models were then exported into the finite element program (FEMAP 11.0) to configure the meshes. The models were processed using NeiNastram software. The main results are that M1 (regular diameter 4mm) had the highest stress concentration area and highest microstrain concentration for bone tissue, dental implants, and the retaining screw (P<0.05). Using the PSW concept increases the area of the stress concentrations in the retaining screw (P<0.05) more than in the regular platform implant. It was concluded that the increase in diameter is beneficial for stress distribution and that the PSW concept had higher stress concentrations in the retaining screw and the crown compared to the regular platform implant. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Cryopreservation and in vitro culture of primary cell types from lung tissue of a stranded pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps).

PubMed

Annalaura Mancia; Spyropoulos, Demetri D; McFee, Wayne E; Newton, Danforth A; Baatz, John E

2012-01-01

Current models for in vitro studies of tissue function and physiology, including responses to hypoxia or environmental toxins, are limited and rely heavily on standard 2-dimensional (2-D) cultures with immortalized murine or human cell lines. To develop a new more powerful model system, we have pursued methods to establish and expand cultures of primary lung cell types and reconstituted tissues from marine mammals. What little is known about the physiology of the deep-sea diving pygmy sperm whale (PSW), Kogia breviceps, comes primarily from stranding events that occur along the coast of the southeastern United States. Thus, development of a method for preserving live tissues and retrieving live cells from deceased stranded individuals was initiated. This report documents successful cryopreservation of PSW lung tissue. We established in vitro cultures of primary lung cell types from tissue fragments that had been cryopreserved several months earlier at the stranding event. Dissociation of cryopreserved lung tissues readily provides a variety of primary cell types that, to varying degrees, can be expanded and further studied/manipulated in cell culture. In addition, PSW-specific molecular markers have been developed that permitted the monitoring of fibroblast, alveolar type II, and vascular endothelial cell types. Reconstitution of 3-D cultures of lung tissues with these cell types is now underway. This novel system may facilitate the development of rare or disease-specific lung tissue models (e.g., to test causes of PSW stranding events and lead to improved treatments for pulmonary hypertension or reperfusion injury in humans). Also, the establishment of a "living" tissue bank biorepository for rare/endangered species could serve multiple purposes as surrogates for freshly isolated samples. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The development of hypothalamic obesity in craniopharyngioma patients: A risk factor analysis in a well-defined cohort.

PubMed

van Iersel, Laura; Meijneke, Ruud W H; Schouten-van Meeteren, Antoinette Y N; Reneman, Liesbeth; de Win, Maartje M; van Trotsenburg, A S Paul; Bisschop, Peter H; Finken, Martijn J J; Vandertop, W Peter; van Furth, Wouter R; van Santen, Hanneke M

2018-05-01

Hypothalamic obesity (HO) is a major concern in patients treated for craniopharyngioma (CP). The influence of degree of resection on development of HO, event-free survival (EFS), and neuroendocrine sequelae is an issue of debate. A retrospective cohort consisting of all CP patients treated between 2002 and 2012 in two university hospitals was identified. Multivariable logistic regression was used to study the associations between preoperative BMI, age at diagnosis, tumor volume, performed surgical resection, and presence of HO at follow-up. Thirty-five patients (21 children and 14 adults) were included. Median follow-up time was 35.6 months (4.1-114.7). Four patients were obese at diagnosis. HO was present in 19 (54.3%) patients at last follow-up of whom eight were morbidly obese. Thirteen (37.1%) patients underwent partial resection (PR) and 22 (62.9%) gross total resection (GTR). GTR was related to HO (OR 9.19, 95% CI 1.43-59.01), but for morbid HO, obesity at diagnosis was the only risk factor (OR 12.92, 95% CI 1.05-158.73). EFS in patients after GTR was 86%, compared to 42% after PR (log-rank 9.2, P = 0.003). Adjuvant radiotherapy after PR improved EFS (log-rank 8.2, P = 0.004). Panhypopituitarism, present in 15 patients, was mainly seen after GTR. HO is less frequent after PR than after GTR, but PR cannot always prevent the development of morbid obesity in patients with obesity at diagnosis. PR reduces the occurrence of panhypopituitarism. When developing a treatment algorithm, all these factors should be considered. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Adult Craniopharyngioma: Case Series, Systematic Review, and Meta-Analysis.

PubMed

Dandurand, Charlotte; Sepehry, Amir Ali; Asadi Lari, Mohammad Hossein; Akagami, Ryojo; Gooderham, Peter

2017-12-18

The optimal therapeutic approach for adult craniopharyngioma remains controversial. Some advocate for gross total resection (GTR), while others advocate for subtotal resection followed by adjuvant radiotherapy (STR + XRT). To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis assessing the rate of recurrence in the follow-up of 3 yr in adult craniopharyngioma stratified by extent of resection and presence of adjuvant radiotherapy. MEDLINE (1946-July 1, 2016) and EMBASE (1980-June 30, 2016) were systematically reviewed. From1975 to 2013, 33 patients were treated with initial surgical resection for adult onset craniopharyngioma at our center and were reviewed for inclusion in this study. Data from 22 patients were available for inclusion as a case series in the systematic review. Eligible studies (n = 21) were identified from the literature in addition to a case series of our institutional experience. Three groups were available for analysis: GTR, STR + XRT, and STR. The rates of recurrence were 17%, 27%, and 45%, respectively. The risk of developing recurrence was significant for GTR vs STR (odds ratio [OR]: 0.24, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.15-0.38) and STR + XRT vs STR (OR: 0.20, 95% CI: 0.10-0.41). Risk of recurrence after GTR vs STR + XRT did not reach significance (OR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.33-1.24, P = .18). This is the first and largest systematic review focusing on the rate of recurrence in adult craniopharyngioma. Although the rates of recurrence are favoring GTR, difference in risk of recurrence did not reach significance. This study provides guidance to clinicians and directions for future research with the need to stratify outcomes per treatment modalities. Copyright © 2017 by the Congress of Neurological Surgeons

Staphylococcus aureus HemX Modulates Glutamyl-tRNA Reductase Abundance To Regulate Heme Biosynthesis

PubMed Central

Choby, Jacob E.; Grunenwald, Caroline M.; Celis, Arianna I.; Gerdes, Svetlana Y.; DuBois, Jennifer L.

2018-01-01

ABSTRACT Staphylococcus aureus is responsible for a significant amount of devastating disease. Its ability to colonize the host and cause infection is supported by a variety of proteins that are dependent on the cofactor heme. Heme is a porphyrin used broadly across kingdoms and is synthesized de novo from common cellular precursors and iron. While heme is critical to bacterial physiology, it is also toxic in high concentrations, requiring that organisms encode regulatory processes to control heme homeostasis. In this work, we describe a posttranscriptional regulatory strategy in S. aureus heme biosynthesis. The first committed enzyme in the S. aureus heme biosynthetic pathway, glutamyl-tRNA reductase (GtrR), is regulated by heme abundance and the integral membrane protein HemX. GtrR abundance increases dramatically in response to heme deficiency, suggesting a mechanism by which S. aureus responds to the need to increase heme synthesis. Additionally, HemX is required to maintain low levels of GtrR in heme-proficient cells, and inactivation of hemX leads to increased heme synthesis. Excess heme synthesis in a ΔhemX mutant activates the staphylococcal heme stress response, suggesting that regulation of heme synthesis is critical to reduce self-imposed heme toxicity. Analysis of diverse organisms indicates that HemX is widely conserved among heme-synthesizing bacteria, suggesting that HemX is a common factor involved in the regulation of GtrR abundance. Together, this work demonstrates that S. aureus regulates heme synthesis by modulating GtrR abundance in response to heme deficiency and through the activity of the broadly conserved HemX. PMID:29437922

EB-promoted recycling of waste tire rubber with polyolefins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mészáros, László; Bárány, Tamás; Czvikovszky, Tibor

2012-09-01

Despite the fact that more and more methods and solutions are used in the recycling of polymers, there are still some problems, especially in the recycling of cross-linked materials such as rubber. Usually the biggest problem is the lack of compatibility between the cross-linked rubber and the thermoplastic matrix. In this study we applied ground tire rubber (GTR) as recycled material. The GTR was embedded into polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene/ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (PE/EVA) matrices. In order to increase the compatibility of the components electron beam (EB) irradiation was applied. The results showed that the irradiation has a beneficial effect on the polymer-GTR interfacial connection. The EB treatment increased not only the tensile strength but also the elongation at break. The irradiation had also positive effect on the impact strength properties.

Human histologic evaluation of an intrabony defect treated with enamel matrix derivative, xenograft, and GTR.

PubMed

Sculean, Anton; Windisch, Peter; Chiantella, Giovanni Carlo

2004-08-01

The purpose of the present case report is to clinically and histologically evaluate the healing of one advanced intrabony defect following treatment with an enamel matrix protein derivative (EMD) combined with a bovine-derived xenograft (BDX) and guided tissue regeneration (GTR). One patient with generalized chronic periodontitis and one advanced intrabony defect was treated with EMD + BDX + GTR. Notches were placed in the root at the level of the calculus and alveolar crest to aid histologic identification of new periodontal tissues. Postoperative healing was uneventful. At the 7-month histologic examination, healing in the intrabony component of the defect was characterized by formation of new connective tissue attachment (new cellular cementum with inserting collagen fibers) and new bone in the intrabony component. The BDX particles were surrounded by bone-like tissue. No direct contact between the graft particles and root surface (cementum or dentin) was observed. Healing in the suprabony defect component occurred through epithelial downgrowth that stopped at the level of the coronal notch. The BDX particles were entirely encapsulated in dense connective tissue, without any signs of bone formation. The present case report shows formation of new attachment apparatus consisting of new bone, cementum, and periodontal ligament in the intrabony component of one human defect treated with EMD + BDX + GTR.

Comparing survival outcomes of gross total resection and subtotal resection with radiotherapy for craniopharyngioma: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Wang, Guoqing; Zhang, Xiaoyang; Feng, Mengzhao; Guo, Fuyou

2018-06-01

Recent studies suggest that subtotal resection (STR) followed by radiation therapy (RT) is an appealing alternative to gross total resection (GTR) for craniopharyngioma, but it remains controversial. We conducted a meta-analysis to determine whether GTR is superior to STR with RT for craniopharyngioma. A systematic search was performed for articles published until October 2017 in the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central databases. The endpoints of interest are overall survival and progression-free survival. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a fixed or random-effects model. The data were analyzed using Review Manager 5.3 software. A total of 744 patients (seven cohort studies) were enrolled for analyses. There were no significant differences between the GTR and STR with RT groups when the authors compared the pooled HRs at the end of the follow-up period. Overall survival (pooled HR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.46-1.25, P = 0.28) and progression-free survival (pooled HR = 1.52, 95% CI: 0.42-5.44, P = 0.52) were similar between the two groups. The current meta-analysis suggests that GTR and STR with RT have the similar survival outcomes for craniopharyngioma. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Integration of Biosynthesis and Long-Distance Transport Establish Organ-Specific Glucosinolate Profiles in Vegetative Arabidopsis[W

PubMed Central

Andersen, Tonni Grube; Nour-Eldin, Hussam Hassan; Fuller, Victoria Louise; Olsen, Carl Erik; Burow, Meike; Halkier, Barbara Ann

2013-01-01

Although it is essential for plant survival to synthesize and transport defense compounds, little is known about the coordination of these processes. Here, we investigate the above- and belowground source-sink relationship of the defense compounds glucosinolates in vegetative Arabidopsis thaliana. In vivo feeding experiments demonstrate that the glucosinolate transporters1 and 2 (GTR1 and GTR2), which are essential for accumulation of glucosinolates in seeds, are likely to also be involved in bidirectional distribution of glucosinolates between the roots and rosettes, indicating phloem and xylem as their transport pathways. Grafting of wild-type, biosynthetic, and transport mutants show that both the rosette and roots are able to synthesize aliphatic and indole glucosinolates. While rosettes constitute the major source and storage site for short-chained aliphatic glucosinolates, long-chained aliphatic glucosinolates are synthesized both in roots and rosettes with roots as the major storage site. Our grafting experiments thus indicate that in vegetative Arabidopsis, GTR1 and GTR2 are involved in bidirectional long-distance transport of aliphatic but not indole glucosinolates. Our data further suggest that the distinct rosette and root glucosinolate profiles in Arabidopsis are shaped by long-distance transport and spatially separated biosynthesis, suggesting that integration of these processes is critical for plant fitness in complex natural environments. PMID:23995084

Facile fabrication of aloe vera containing PCL nanofibers for barrier membrane application.

PubMed

Carter, Princeton; Rahman, Shekh M; Bhattarai, Narayan

2016-01-01

Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) is a widely used method in dental surgical procedures that utilizes a barrier membrane to exclude migration of epithelium and ensure repopulation of periodontal ligament cells at the sites having insufficient gingiva. Commercial GTR membranes are typically composed of synthetic polymers that have had mild clinical success mostly because of their lack of proper bioactivity and appropriate degradation profile. In this study, a natural polymer, aloe vera was blended with polycaprolactone (PCL) to create nanofibrous GTR membranes by electrospinning. Aloe vera has proven anti-inflammatory properties and enhances the regeneration of periodontium tissues. PCL, a synthetic polymer, is well known to produce miscible polyblends nanofibers with natural polymers. Nanofibrous membranes with varying composition of PCL to aloe vera were fabricated, and several physicochemical and biological properties, such as fiber morphology, wettability, chemical structure, mechanical strength, and cellular compatibility of the membranes were analyzed. PCL/aloe vera membranes with ratios from 100/00 to 70/30 showed good uniformity in fiber morphology and suitable mechanical properties, and retained the integrity of their fibrous structure in aqueous solutions. Experimental results, using cell viability assay and cell attachment observation, showed that the nanofibrous membranes support 3T3 cell viability and could be a potential candidate for GTR therapy.

The Effects of Layers of Cold Weather Clothing and Type of Liner on the Psychomotor Performance of Men

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-06-01

anthropometry - 1966 (Tech. Rep. 72-51-CE). Natick, MA: US Army Natick Laboratories, December 1971. 12 Table 1 Selected Body Dimensions of the Study...12.99 7.02** 284.98 9.30*** Liners (I) 1 5.38 12.64** 0.003 ə.00 3.14 4.30* 68.43 3.20* Ss XL 30 2.12 53.05 1.85 30.65 Ss xI 15 0.43 18.62 0.73...1.98 Liners (I) 1 799.84 10.26** 255.13 1.68 26.25 ə.00 54.45 2.31 Ss XL 30 44.79 56.23 38.57 35.02 Ss X I 15 77.96 151.88 47.84 23.53 Lxl 2 93.23

FinalTechRep_DE_EE0007363_15

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

Ahrenkiel, Phil

The primary objective of the project was to develop Ga0.82In0.18As (GaInAs) solar cells grown on epilayers of elemental Al. At this composition, GaInAs has a nearly optimal bandgap (1.16 eV) for a single-junction photovoltaic device. However, GaInAs lacks a convenient, lattice-matched substrate, restricting most investigations to metamorphic structures. The metal Al is, in fact, precisely lattice-matched to GaInAs in the orientation GaInAs (001)[100]||Al(001)[110]. At present, however, epi-ready Al substrates are not readily available commercially and are subject to oxidation. However, epitaxial Al buffer layers could enable control of defect generation, thermal and light management, and rapid epitaxial lift-off for ultrathinmore » devices.« less

The Gtr-Model a Universal Framework for Quantum-Like Measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aerts, Diederik; Bianchi, Massimiliano Sassoli De

We present a very general geometrico-dynamical description of physical or more abstract entities, called the general tension-reduction (GTR) model, where not only states, but also measurement-interactions can be represented, and the associated outcome probabilities calculated. Underlying the model is the hypothesis that indeterminism manifests as a consequence of unavoidable uctuations in the experimental context, in accordance with the hidden-measurements interpretation of quantum mechanics. When the structure of the state space is Hilbertian, and measurements are of the universal kind, i.e., are the result of an average over all possible ways of selecting an outcome, the GTR-model provides the same predictions of the Born rule, and therefore provides a natural completed version of quantum mechanics. However, when the structure of the state space is non-Hilbertian and/or not all possible ways of selecting an outcome are available to be actualized, the predictions of the model generally differ from the quantum ones, especially when sequential measurements are considered. Some paradigmatic examples will be discussed, taken from physics and human cognition. Particular attention will be given to some known psychological effects, like question order effects and response replicability, which we show are able to generate non-Hilbertian statistics. We also suggest a realistic interpretation of the GTR-model, when applied to human cognition and decision, which we think could become the generally adopted interpretative framework in quantum cognition research.

General Relativity and Spacetime Relationism.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoefer, Carl

1992-01-01

This dissertation takes up the project of showing that, in the context of the general theory of relativity (GTR), spacetime relationism is not a refuted or hopeless view, as many in the recent literature have maintained (John Earman, Michael Friedman, and others). Most of the challenges to the relationist view in General Relativity can be satisfactorily answered; in addition, the opposing absolutist and substantivalist views of spacetime can be shown to be problematic. The crucial burden for relationists concerned with GTR is to show that the realistic cosmological models, i.e. those that may be roughly accurate representations of our universe, satisfy Mach's ideas about the origin of inertia. This dissertation clears the way for and begins such a demonstration. After a brief discussion of the problem of the nature of spacetime and its history in the Introduction, chapters 2 and 3 provide conceptual analysis and criticism of contemporary philosophical arguments about relationism, absolutism, and particularly substantivalism. The current best arguments in favor of substantivalism are shown to be flawed, with the exception of the argument from inertial and metrical structure; and on this issue, it is shown that both relationism and substantivalism need to argue for modifications of GTR (restriction of its models to those with certain features) in order to have a non-trivial explanation of inertial and metrical structure. For relationists, a Machian account of the origin of inertia in some models of GTR is required. Chapter 4 demonstrates that such a Machian account is equivalent to the demand for a truly general relativity of motion. Chapter 5 explores the history of Einstein's commitment to Mach's ideas in his work on GTR. Through an examination of the history of Einstein's attempts to impose Machian constraints on the models of General Relativity, further insight into the nature of this problem is obtained, as are reasons to believe that the project is by no means hopeless.

FY11 Force Structure Announcement

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

Rep H. Mitchell (D-5) Rep J. Flake (R-6) Rep R. Grijalva (D-7) Rep G. Giffords (D-8) 3 - MESA RegAF Military Reserve AGR Guard AGR Civilians...Edwards (D-17) Rep S. Jackson-Lee (D-18) Rep R. Neugebauer (R-19) Rep C. Gonzalez (D-20) Rep L. Smith (R-21) Rep P. Olson (R-22) Rep C. Rodriguez (D-23...Rep S. Jackson-Lee (D-18) Rep R. Neugebauer (R-19) Rep C. Gonzalez (D-20) Rep L. Smith (R-21) Rep P. Olson (R-22) Rep C. Rodriguez (D-23) Rep K

Neural signals of selective attention are modulated by subjective preferences and buying decisions in a virtual shopping task.

PubMed

Goto, Nobuhiko; Mushtaq, Faisal; Shee, Dexter; Lim, Xue Li; Mortazavi, Matin; Watabe, Motoki; Schaefer, Alexandre

2017-09-01

We investigated whether well-known neural markers of selective attention to motivationally-relevant stimuli were modulated by variations in subjective preference towards consumer goods in a virtual shopping task. Specifically, participants viewed and rated pictures of various goods on the extent to which they wanted each item, which they could potentially purchase afterwards. Using the event-related potentials (ERP) method, we found that variations in subjective preferences for consumer goods strongly modulated positive slow waves (PSW) from 800 to 3000 milliseconds after stimulus onset. We also found that subjective preferences modulated the N200 and the late positive potential (LPP). In addition, we found that both PSW and LPP were modulated by subsequent buying decisions. Overall, these findings show that well-known brain event-related potentials reflecting selective attention processes can reliably index preferences to consumer goods in a shopping environment. Based on a large body of previous research, we suggest that early ERPs (e.g. the N200) to consumer goods could be indicative of preferences driven by unconditional and automatic processes, whereas later ERPs such as the LPP and the PSW could reflect preferences built upon more elaborative and conscious cognitive processes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Physical activity, self-efficacy and self-esteem in breast cancer survivors: a panel model.

PubMed

Awick, Elizabeth A; Phillips, Siobhan M; Lloyd, Gillian R; McAuley, Edward

2017-10-01

Physical activity (PA) has been consistently associated with improved self-esteem in breast cancer survivors. However, this relationship is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to examine whether changes in PA and self-efficacy influenced changes in self-esteem in breast cancer survivors across 6 months. Increases in PA were hypothesized to result in increases in self-efficacy, which were hypothesized to influence increases in physical self-worth (PSW) and global self-esteem. Breast cancer survivors (n = 370; M age  = 56.04) wore accelerometers to measure PA and completed measures of self-efficacy (e.g., exercise and barriers self-efficacy), PSW, and global self-esteem at baseline and 6 months. The hypothesized model provided a good fit to the data (χ 2  = 67.56, df = 26, p < 0.001; comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.98; standardized root mean residual = 0.05). Women with higher activity at baseline reported significantly higher levels of barrier (β = 0.29) and exercise (β = 0.23) self-efficacy. In turn, more efficacious women reported significantly higher PSW (β = 0.26, 0.16). Finally, higher PSW was significantly associated with greater global self-esteem (β = 0.47). Relationships were similar among changes in model constructs over 6 months. After controlling for covariates, the hypothesized model provided an excellent fit to the data (χ 2  = 59.93, df = 33, p = 0.003; comparative fit index = 0.99; standardized root mean residual = 0.03). Our findings provide support for the role played by PA and self-efficacy in positive self-esteem, a key component of well-being. Highlighting successful PA mastery experiences is likely to enhance self-efficacy and improve self-esteem in this population. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Advances in surgical techniques for resection of childhood cerebellopontine angle ependymomas are key to survival.

PubMed

Sanford, Robert A; Merchant, Thomas E; Zwienenberg-Lee, Marike; Kun, Larry E; Boop, Frederick A

2009-10-01

Childhood cerebellopontine angle (CPA) ependymoma is an uncommon anatomical variant of posterior fossa ependymoma. In infants and young children, the tumor often goes undetected until it causes hydrocephalus. As CPA ependymomas grow, they distort the anatomy and encase cranial nerves and vessels, thereby making resection a formidable surgical challenge. The purpose of this paper is to describe the surgical technique used to achieve gross total resection (GTR) of CPA ependymomas and demonstrate improved survival in these patients. Surgical techniques used for GTR in 45 patients with CPA ependymoma treated from 1997 to 2008 are described. Results of those procedures are compared with data from 11 patients who previously underwent surgical resection (1985-1995). We achieved GTR in 43 (95.6%) patients and near-total resection in two (4.4%); the probability of progression-free survival was 53.8%, and that of overall survival was 64%. Our novel surgical techniques greatly improve central nervous system function and survival among pediatric patients with CPA ependymoma.

Precise measurement method for ionospheric total electron content using signals from GPS satellites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Imae, Michito; Kiuchi, Hitoshi; Kaneko, Akihiro; Hama, Shinichi; Miki, Chihiro

1990-01-01

A GPS codeless receiver called GTR-2 was for measuring total electron content (TEC) along the line of sight to the GPS satellite by using the cross correlation amplitude of the received P-code signals carried by L1(1575.42 MHz) and L2(1227.6 MHz). This equipment has the performance of uncertainty in the measurement of TEC of about 2 X 10(exp 16) electrons/sq m when a 10 dBi gain antenna was used. To increase the measurement performance, an upper version of GTR-2 called GTR-3 is planned which uses the phase information of the continuous signals obtained by making a cross correlation or multiplication of the received L1 and L2 P-code signals. By using the difference of these measured phases values, the ionospheric delay with the ambiguities of the periods of L1+L2 and L1-L2 signals can be estimated.

The endoscopic endonasal approach is not superior to the microscopic transcranial approach for anterior skull base meningiomas-a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Muskens, Ivo S; Briceno, Vanessa; Ouwehand, Tom L; Castlen, Joseph P; Gormley, William B; Aglio, Linda S; Zamanipoor Najafabadi, Amir H; van Furth, Wouter R; Smith, Timothy R; Mekary, Rania A; Broekman, Marike L D

2018-01-01

In the past decade, the endonasal transsphenoidal approach (eTSA) has become an alternative to the microsurgical transcranial approach (mTCA) for tuberculum sellae meningiomas (TSMs) and olfactory groove meningiomas (OGMs). The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate which approach offered the best surgical outcomes. A systematic review of the literature from 2004 and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Pooled incidence was calculated for gross total resection (GTR), visual improvement, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, intraoperative arterial injury, and mortality, comparing eTSA and mTCA, with p-interaction values. Of 1684 studies, 64 case series were included in the meta-analysis. Using the fixed-effects model, the GTR rate was significantly higher among mTCA patients for OGM (eTSA: 70.9% vs. mTCA: 88.5%, p-interaction < 0.01), but not significantly higher for TSM (eTSA: 83.0% vs. mTCA: 85.8%, p-interaction = 0.34). Despite considerable heterogeneity, visual improvement was higher for eTSA than mTCA for TSM (p-interaction < 0.01), but not for OGM (p-interaction = 0.33). CSF leak was significantly higher among eTSA patients for both OGM (eTSA: 25.1% vs. mTCA: 10.5%, p-interaction < 0.01) and TSM (eTSA: 19.3%, vs. mTCA: 5.81%, p-interaction < 0.01). Intraoperative arterial injury was higher among eTSA (4.89%) than mTCA patients (1.86%) for TSM (p-interaction = 0.03), but not for OGM resection (p-interaction = 0.10). Mortality was not significantly different between eTSA and mTCA patients for both TSM (p-interaction = 0.14) and OGM resection (p-interaction = 0.88). Random-effect models yielded similar results. In this meta-analysis, eTSA was not shown to be superior to mTCA for resection of both OGMs and TSMs.

Platelet gel biotechnology applied to regenerative surgery of intrabony defects in patients with refractory generalized aggressive peridontitis. Case report.

PubMed

Mauro, S; Orlando, L; Panzoni, R; Orlando, P F

2003-01-01

Platelet gel biotechnology, a method which has all the components of "tissue engineering" techniques, potentiates the already known healing process of guided tissue regeneration procedures (GTR) by multiplying the number of molecules that activate the healing response and by grafting in the host site various cell types, among which stem cells. Here are reported cases of patients affected by refractory generalized aggressive periodontitis treated with the association GTR and platelet gel biotechnology to verify if the contribution of the gel would produce superior results than those obtained by surgery alone which had been previously applied to the same sites with negative results. Three patients in therapy from 4 to 11 years, already subjected to surgery (GTR) and antibiotic therapy, were reoperated with the adjunct of autologous platelet gel. At a distance of 15.2 months (range 11-17 months) the operated sites showed a reduction in probing pocket depth of 3.4 mm (range 2.8-4.8 mm) and a gain in clinical attachment level of 3.1 mm (range 3-3.5 mm). The association of platelet gel biotechnology with GTR in the surgical treatment of intrabony defects of refractory generalized aggressive periodontitis patients seems to produce results similar to those reported for patients with chronic adult periodontitis. The observations at 15.2 months indicate that there is a stability over time of the results in those sites where previous surgical therapy had shown relapse.

Development of an evidence-based protocol for care of pilonidal sinus wounds healing by secondary intent using a modified reactive Delphi procedure. Part one: the literature review*.

PubMed

Harris, Connie L; Holloway, Samantha

2012-04-01

This article is in two parts. The overall aim of this section was to review the literature in relation to pilonidal sinus wounds (PSW) healing by secondary intent for a Master's of Science in Wound Healing and Tissue Repair thesis. The purpose of the literature review was to determine if an evidence-based guideline or consensus document existed for the care of these wounds, and if not, to determine the topics from which to develop items for the first round of a modified reactive Delphi questionnaire. Part two will describe the iterative process, the analysis and the results. The review found no best practice guidelines concerning PSW, and only one clinical pathway. Seventeen areas of interest were identified that may contribute to optimal healing conditions or to delayed healing. These included microbiology of infected PSW, signs and symptoms of localised or deeper (spreading) chronic wound infection, swab for c&s, role of topical antiseptics or antimicrobials, systemic antibiotics, local wound interventions, optimal positioning, wound cleansing, principles of moist wound healing/dressing selection, topical negative pressure (TNP) therapy, peri-wound skin decontamination and depilation, pain control, physical activities, optimal nutrition and patient education. © 2011 The Authors. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd and Medicalhelplines.com Inc.

Effect of hydrothermal pre-treatment (HTP) on poultry slaughterhouse waste (PSW) sludge for the enhancement of the solubilization, physical properties, and biogas production through anaerobic digestion.

PubMed

Park, Seyong; Yoon, Young-Man; Han, Seong Kuk; Kim, Daegi; Kim, Ho

2017-06-01

This study is an assessment of the hydrothermal pre-treatment (HTP) of poultry slaughterhouse waste (PSW) sludge for the enhancement of the solubilization, physical properties, and biogas production through anaerobic digestion. This assessment was carried out to ascertain the optimal HTP temperature. The solubilization and physical properties efficacy was investigated by capillary suction time (CST), time to filter (TTF), and particle size. In addition, the anaerobic digestion was investigated through biochemical methane potential (BMP) tests and subsequent statistical analysis using the modified Gompertz model. HTP was found to have improved the solubilization of the PSW sludge with increasing HTP temperature. In addition, the results of the CST, TTF, and particle size decreased with increasing HTP temperature. These results of the assessment that was conducted in this study confirm that the HTP process indeed modifies the physical properties of PSWs to enhance the solubilization of organic solids. Nevertheless, the results of the BMP tests and the modified Gompertz model analysis show that the optimal HTP temperature of PSWs for anaerobic digestion is 190°C. These findings show that to achieve high conversion efficiency, an accurately designed pre-treatment step must be included in the overall anaerobic digestion process for wastewater treatment. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of productivity and antioxidant profile of solid-state cultivated macrofungi Pleurotus albidus and Pycnoporus sanguineus.

PubMed

Gambato, Gabriela; Todescato, Kelly; Pavão, Elisa Maria; Scortegagna, Angélica; Fontana, Roselei Claudete; Salvador, Mirian; Camassola, Marli

2016-05-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the production profile of Pleurotus albidus and Pycnoporus sanguineus on different waste substrates containing natural phenolics, and also to investigate whether phenolic-rich substrates can improve the phenolic content of these macrofungi. The medium formulated with Pinus sp. sawdust (PSW) made possible the highest yields (2.62±0.73%) of P. sanguineus. However, the supplementation of PSW with apple waste (AW) resulted in better P. albidus yields (23.94±2.92%). The results indicated that the substrate composition affected macrofungi production, also the chemical composition and the presence of phenolic compounds in the production media influence phenolic content and antioxidant activity in macrofungi. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Root-coverage procedures for the treatment of localized recession-type defects: a Cochrane systematic review.

PubMed

Chambrone, Leandro; Sukekava, Flávia; Araújo, Maurício G; Pustiglioni, Francisco E; Chambrone, Luiz Armando; Lima, Luiz A

2010-04-01

The purpose of this review is to evaluate the effectiveness of different root-coverage procedures in the treatment of recession-type defects. The Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, and EMBASE were searched for entries up to October 2008. There were no restrictions regarding publication status or the language of publication. Only clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a duration > or = 6 months that evaluated recession areas (Miller Class I or II > or = 3 mm) that were treated by means of periodontal plastic surgery procedures were included. Twenty-four RCTs provided data. Only one trial was considered to be at low risk of bias. The remaining trials were considered to be at high risk of bias. The results indicated a significantly greater reduction in gingival recession and gain in keratinized tissue for subepithelial connective tissue grafts (SCTGs) compared to guided tissue regeneration (GTR) with bioabsorbable membranes (GTR bms). A significantly greater gain in keratinized tissue was found for enamel matrix protein compared to a coronally advanced flap (0.40 mm) and for SCTGs compared to GTR bms plus bone substitutes. Limited data exist on the changes of esthetic conditions as related to the opinions and preferences of patients for specific procedures. SCTGs, coronally advanced flaps alone or associated with other biomaterial, and GTR may be used as root-coverage procedures for the treatment of localized recession-type defects. In cases where root coverage and gain in keratinized tissue are expected, the use of SCTGs seems to be more adequate.

Treatment of a large periradicular defect using guided tissue regeneration: A case report of 2 years follow-up and surgical re-entry

PubMed Central

Gurav, Abhijit Ningappa; Shete, Abhijeet Rajendra; Naiktari, Ritam

2015-01-01

Periradicular (PR) bone defects are common sequelae of chronic endodontic lesions. Sometimes, conventional root canal therapy is not adequate for complete resolution of the lesion. PR surgeries may be warranted in such selected cases. PR surgery provides a ready access for the removal of pathologic tissue from the periapical region, assisting in healing. Recently, the regeneration of the destroyed PR tissues has gained more attention rather than repair. In order to promote regeneration after apical surgery, the principle of guided tissue regeneration (GTR) has proved to be useful. This case presents the management of a large PR lesion in a 42-year-old male subject. The PR lesion associated with 21, 11 and 12 was treated using GTR membrane, fixated with titanium minipins. The case was followed up for 2 years radiographically, and a surgical re-entry confirmed the re-establishment of the lost labial plate. Thus, the principle of GTR may immensely improve the clinical outcome and prognosis of an endodontically involved tooth with a large PR defect. PMID:26941526

Treatment of a large periradicular defect using guided tissue regeneration: A case report of 2 years follow-up and surgical re-entry.

PubMed

Gurav, Abhijit Ningappa; Shete, Abhijeet Rajendra; Naiktari, Ritam

2015-01-01

Periradicular (PR) bone defects are common sequelae of chronic endodontic lesions. Sometimes, conventional root canal therapy is not adequate for complete resolution of the lesion. PR surgeries may be warranted in such selected cases. PR surgery provides a ready access for the removal of pathologic tissue from the periapical region, assisting in healing. Recently, the regeneration of the destroyed PR tissues has gained more attention rather than repair. In order to promote regeneration after apical surgery, the principle of guided tissue regeneration (GTR) has proved to be useful. This case presents the management of a large PR lesion in a 42-year-old male subject. The PR lesion associated with 21, 11 and 12 was treated using GTR membrane, fixated with titanium minipins. The case was followed up for 2 years radiographically, and a surgical re-entry confirmed the re-establishment of the lost labial plate. Thus, the principle of GTR may immensely improve the clinical outcome and prognosis of an endodontically involved tooth with a large PR defect.

The yeast H+-ATPase Pma1 promotes Rag/Gtr-dependent TORC1 activation in response to H+-coupled nutrient uptake.

PubMed

Saliba, Elie; Evangelinos, Minoas; Gournas, Christos; Corrillon, Florent; Georis, Isabelle; André, Bruno

2018-03-23

The yeast Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 (TORC1) plays a central role in controlling growth. How amino acids and other nutrients stimulate its activity via the Rag/Gtr GTPases remains poorly understood. We here report that the signal triggering Rag/Gtr-dependent TORC1 activation upon amino-acid uptake is the coupled H + influx catalyzed by amino-acid/H + symporters. H + -dependent uptake of other nutrients, ionophore-mediated H + diffusion, and inhibition of the vacuolar V-ATPase also activate TORC1. As the increase in cytosolic H + elicited by these processes stimulates the compensating H + -export activity of the plasma membrane H + -ATPase (Pma1), we have examined whether this major ATP-consuming enzyme might be involved in TORC1 control. We find that when the endogenous Pma1 is replaced with a plant H + -ATPase, H + influx or increase fails to activate TORC1. Our results show that H + influx coupled to nutrient uptake stimulates TORC1 activity and that Pma1 is a key actor in this mechanism. © 2018, Saliba et al.

Adeno-associated virus rep protein synthesis during productive infection

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

Redemann, B.E.; Mendelson, E.; Carter, B.J.

1989-02-01

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) Rep proteins mediate viral DNA replication and can regulate expression from AAV genes. The authors studied the kinetics of synthesis of the four Rep proteins, Rep78, Rep68, Rep52, and Rep40, during infection of human 293 or KB cells with AAV and helper adenovirus by in vivo labeling with (/sup 35/S)methionine, immunoprecipitation, and immunoblotting analyses. Rep78 and Rep52 were readily detected concomitantly with detection of viral monomer duplex DNA replicating about 10 to 12 h after infection, and Rep68 and Rep40 were detected 2 h later. Rep78 and Rep52 were more abundant than Rep68 and Rep40 owing tomore » a higher synthesis rate throughout the infectious cycle. In some experiments, very low levels of Rep78 could be detected as early as 4 h after infection. The synthesis rates of Rep proteins were maximal between 14 and 24 h and then decreased later after infection. Isotopic pulse-chase experiments showed that each of the Rep proteins was synthesized independently and was stable for at least 15 h. A slower-migrating, modified form of Rep78 was identified late after infection. AAV capsid protein synthesis was detected at 10 to 12 h after infection and also exhibited synthesis kinetics similar to those of the Rep proteins. AAV DNA replication showed at least two clearly defined stages. Bulk duplex replicating DNA accumulation began around 10 to 12 h and reached a maximum level at about 20 h when Rep and capsid protein synthesis was maximal. Progeny single-stranded DNA accumulation began about 12 to 13 h, but most of this DNA accumulated after 24 h when Rep and capsid protein synthesis had decreased.« less

Atypical water lattices and their possible relevance to the amorphous ices: A density functional study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anick, David J.

2013-04-01

Of the fifteen known crystalline forms of ice, eleven consist of a single topologically connected hydrogen bond network with four H-bonds at every O. The other four, Ices VI-VIII and XV, consist of two topologically connected networks, each with four H-bonds at every O. The networks interpenetrate but do not share H-bonds. This article presents two new periodic water lattice families whose topological connectivity is "atypical": they consist of many two-dimensional layers that share no H-bonds. Layers are held together only by dispersion forces. Within each layer there are still four H-bonds at each O. Called "Hexagonal Bilayer Water" (HBW) and "Pleated Sheet Water" (PSW), they have computed densities of about 1.1 g/mL and 1.3 g/mL respectively, and nearest neighbor O-coordination is 4.5 to 5.5 and 6 to 8 respectively. Using density functional theory (BLYP-D/TZVP), various proton ordered forms of HBW and PSW are optimized and categorized. There are simple pathways connecting Ice-Ih to HBW and HBW to PSW. Their computed properties suggest similarities to the high density and very high density amorphous ices (HDA and VHDA) respectively. It is unknown whether HDA, VHDA, and Low Density Amorphous Ice (LDA) are fully disordered glasses down to the molecular level, or whether there is some short-range local order. Based on estimated radial distribution functions (RDFs), one proton ordered form of HBW matches HDA best. The idea is explored that HDA could contain islands with this underlying structure, and likewise, that VHDA could contain regions of PSW. A "microlattice model version 1" (MLM1) is presented as a device to compare key experimental data on the amorphous ices with these atypical structures and with a microlattice form of Ice-XI for LDA. Resemblances are found with the amorphs' RDFs, densities, Raman spectra, and transition behaviors. There is not enough information in the static models to assign either a microlattice structure or a partial microlattice structure to any amorphous ice phase.

5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) fluorescence guided surgery of high-grade gliomas in eloquent areas assisted by functional mapping. Our experience and review of the literature.

PubMed

Della Puppa, Alessandro; De Pellegrin, Serena; d'Avella, Elena; Gioffrè, Giorgio; Rossetto, Marta; Gerardi, Alessandra; Lombardi, Giuseppe; Manara, Renzo; Munari, Marina; Saladini, Marina; Scienza, Renato

2013-06-01

Only few data are available on the specific topic of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) guided surgery of high-grade gliomas (HGG) located in eloquent areas. Studies focusing specifically on the post-operative clinical outcome of such patients are yet not available, and it has not been so far explored whether such approach could be more suitable for some particular subgroups of patients. Patients affected by HGG in eloquent areas who underwent surgery assisted by 5-ALA fluorescence and intra-operative monitoring were prospectively recruited in our Department between June 2011 and August 2012. Resection rate was reported as complete resection of enhancing tumor (CRET), gross total resection (GTR) >98 % and GTR > 90 %. Clinical outcome was evaluated at 7, 30, and 90 days after surgery. Thirty-one patients were enrolled. Resection was complete (CRET) in 74 % of patients. Tumor removal was stopped to avoid neurological impairment in 26 % of cases. GTR > 98 % and GTR > 90 % was achieved in 93 % and 100 % of cases, respectively. First surgery and awake surgery had a CRET rate of 80 % and 83 %, respectively. Even though at the first-week assessment 64 % of patients presented neurological impairment, there was a 3 % rate of severe morbidity at the 90th day assessment. Newly diagnosed patients had a significantly lower morbidity (0 %) and post-operative higher median KPS. Both pre-operative neurological condition and improvement after corticosteroids resulted significantly predictive of post-operative functional outcome. 5-ALA surgery assisted by functional mapping makes high HGG resection in eloquent areas feasible , through a reasonable rate of late morbidity. This emerges even more remarkably for selected patients.

Association of the CC genotype of the regulatory BCL2 promoter polymorphism (-938C>A) with better 2-year survival in patients with glioblastoma multiforme.

PubMed

El Hindy, Nicolai; Bachmann, Hagen S; Lambertz, Nicole; Adamzik, Michael; Nückel, Holger; Worm, Karl; Zhu, Yuan; Sure, Ulrich; Siffert, Winfried; Sandalcioglu, I Erol

2011-06-01

Bcl-2 plays a key role in the downregulation of apoptosis and proliferation and leads to increased chemoresistance in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). The authors investigated the role of a common regulatory single-nucleotide polymorphism (-938C>A), which is located in the inhibitory P2 promoter of BCL2. Data from 160 patients suffering from GBM were retrospectively evaluated. Study inclusion criteria consisted of available DNA and, in patients still alive, a follow-up of at least 24 months. Results were analyzed with respect to the basic clinical data, type of surgical intervention (gross-total resection [GTR] versus stereotactic biopsy [SB]), adjuvant therapy, MGMT promoter methylation, and survival at the 2-year follow-up. At the 2-year follow-up, 127 (79.4%) of the 160 patients had died. Kaplan-Meier curves revealed a significantly higher rate of survival for homo- and heterozygous C-allele carriers (p = 0.031). In the GTR group, the survival rate was 47.1% for homozygous C-allele carriers, 32.0% for heterozygous C-allele carriers, and only 21.4% for homozygous A-allele carriers (p = 0.024). The SB group showed no genotype-dependent differences. Multivariable Cox regression revealed that the BCL2 (-938AA) genotype was an independent negative prognostic factor for 2-year survival in the GTR group according to the BCL2 (-938CC) genotype reference group (hazard ratio 2.50, 95% CI 1.14-5.48, p = 0.022). These results suggested that the (-938C>A) polymorphism is a survival prognosticator as well as a marker for a high-risk group among patients with GBM who underwent GTR.

Impact of extent of resection and recurrent surgery on clinical outcome and overall survival in a consecutive series of 170 patients for glioblastoma in intraoperative high field magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

Coburger, Jan; Wirtz, Christian R; König, Ralph W

2017-06-01

In patients with a glioblastoma (GBM), few unselected data exists using actual standard adjuvant treatment and contemporary surgical techniques like iMRI. Aim of study is to assess impact of EoR and recurrent surgery on survival and outcome. We assessed a consecutive unselected series of 170 surgeries for GBM (2008-2014) applying intraoperative MRI (iMRI). All patients received adjuvant radio-chemo-therapy. Overall-survival (OS), progression free survival (PFS), complications and new permanent neurological deficits (nPND) were assessed. Uni- and multivariate-cox-regression-models were calculated. Mean follow-up was 40mo. GTR was intended in 82% and achieved in 77% of these cases. A nPND was found in 7% of patients. In multivariate cox-regression, GTR (HR:0.6, P<0.024) and absence of MGMT methylation (HR:1.6, P<0.042) was significantly associated with PFS. We found no difference in PFS after primary surgery and recurrent surgery. Concerning OS, in multivariate assessment an un-methylated MGMT-promotor (HR2.0, P<0.01) and presence of a complication (HR1.7, P<0.06) were negative prognosticators. Only GTR was significantly beneficial for OS (HR0.4, P<0.028) compared to a failed GTR and a STR. Repeated surgery for recurrent disease was positively associated with OS (HR0.6, P<0.06). Surgery in a contemporary setup using iMRI, brain mapping and modern adjuvant treatment, has a higher OS and lower complication rates as previously published. A maximum but safe resection should be the goal of surgery since a perioperative complication significantly decreases OS. Recurrent surgery has a beneficial effect on OS without an increase of complications.

Calcium sulfate combined with guided tissue regeneration: A novel technique in treatment of gingival recessions

PubMed Central

Mukherji, Arnav

2016-01-01

The presence of mucogingival problem around anterior teeth is a challenge to the clinician as not only biological and functional aspects has to be addressed but esthetic aspirations of the patient have to be met. The use of guided tissue regeneration (GTR) procedures for the treatment of gingival recession has shown encouraging results and is gaining clinical acceptance. However, maintenance of space under the membrane remains a problem for clinicians. Hence, this case study was an innovative attempt to evaluate the effect of adjunctive calcium sulfate placement along with collagen membrane GTR-based root coverage procedure. PMID:27307681

Are Singularities Integral to General Theory of Relativity?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krori, K.; Dutta, S.

2011-11-01

Since the 1960s the general relativists have been deeply obsessed with the possibilities of GTR singularities - blackhole as well as cosmological singularities. Senovilla, for the first time, followed by others, showed that there are cylindrically symmetric cosmological space-times which are free of singularities. On the other hand, Krori et al. have presently shown that spherically symmetric cosmological space-times - which later reduce to FRW space-times may also be free of singularities. Besides, Mitra has in the mean-time come forward with some realistic calculations which seem to rule out the possibility of a blackhole singularity. So whether singularities are integral to GTR seems to come under a shadow.

Liquefaction of ground tire rubber at low temperature.

PubMed

Cheng, Xiangyun; Song, Pan; Zhao, Xinyu; Peng, Zonglin; Wang, Shifeng

2018-01-01

Low-temperature liquefaction has been investigated as a novel method for recycling ground tire rubber (GTR) into liquid using an environmentally benign process. The liquefaction was carried out at different temperatures (140, 160 and 180 °C) over variable time ranges (2-24 h) by blending the GTR with aromatic oil in a range from 0 to 100 parts per hundred rubber (phr). The liquefied GTR was separated into sol (the soluble fraction of rubber which can be extracted with toluene) and gel fractions (the solid fraction obtained after extraction) to evaluate the reclaiming efficiency. It was discovered that the percentage of the sol fraction increased with time, swelling ratio and temperature. Liquefied rubber was obtained with a high sol fraction (68.34 wt%) at 140 °C. Simultaneously, separation of nano-sized carbon black from the rubber networks occurred. The separation of carbon black from the network is the result of significant damage to the cross-linked-network that occurs throughout the liquefaction process. During liquefaction, a competitive reaction between main chain scission and cross-link bond breakage takes place. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Who Let the CAT Out of the Bag? Accurately Dealing with Substitutional Heterogeneity in Phylogenomic Analyses.

PubMed

Whelan, Nathan V; Halanych, Kenneth M

2017-03-01

As phylogenetic datasets have increased in size, site-heterogeneous substitution models such as CAT-F81 and CAT-GTR have been advocated in favor of other models because they purportedly suppress long-branch attraction (LBA). These models are two of the most commonly used models in phylogenomics, and they have been applied to a variety of taxa, ranging from Drosophila to land plants. However, many arguments in favor of CAT models have been based on tenuous assumptions about the true phylogeny, rather than rigorous testing with known trees via simulation. Moreover, CAT models have not been compared to other approaches for handling substitutional heterogeneity such as data partitioning with site-homogeneous substitution models. We simulated amino acid sequence datasets with substitutional heterogeneity on a variety of tree shapes including those susceptible to LBA. Data were analyzed with both CAT models and partitioning to explore model performance; in total over 670,000 CPU hours were used, of which over 97% was spent running analyses with CAT models. In many cases, all models recovered branching patterns that were identical to the known tree. However, CAT-F81 consistently performed worse than other models in inferring the correct branching patterns, and both CAT models often overestimated substitutional heterogeneity. Additionally, reanalysis of two empirical metazoan datasets supports the notion that CAT-F81 tends to recover less accurate trees than data partitioning and CAT-GTR. Given these results, we conclude that partitioning and CAT-GTR perform similarly in recovering accurate branching patterns. However, computation time can be orders of magnitude less for data partitioning, with commonly used implementations of CAT-GTR often failing to reach completion in a reasonable time frame (i.e., for Bayesian analyses to converge). Practices such as removing constant sites and parsimony uninformative characters, or using CAT-F81 when CAT-GTR is deemed too computationally expensive, cannot be logically justified. Given clear problems with CAT-F81, phylogenies previously inferred with this model should be reassessed. [Data partitioning; phylogenomics, simulation, site-heterogeneity, substitution models.]. © The Author(s) 2016. Published by Oxford University Press, on behalf of the Society of Systematic Biologists. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Treatment of intrabony defects with resorbable materials, non-resorbable materials and flap debridement.

PubMed

Zybutz, M D; Laurell, L; Rapoport, D A; Persson, G R

2000-03-01

Different types of barriers are used in guided tissue regenerative procedures. This prospective study compared resorbable citric acid ester softened polylactic acid membranes (RM) and non-resorbable expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) barriers (NRM) in GTR treatment of intrabony defects. 29 subjects were randomly assigned to the RM group or NRM group. Each patient received one GTR procedure. An open flap debridement (FD) was performed at another site 2 weeks later to evaluate healing potential. Clinical treatment outcomes were finally evaluated 12 months after surgery for changes of pocket depth PD, probing attachment level PAL, and probing bone level PBL, and radiographically for bone change using standardised radiographs. No differences in healing patters after surgery were found between patients in the 2 study groups as evaluated from the FD surgical procedures. NRM treated sites showed less signs of post-surgical inflammation during the 1st 4 weeks of healing than did RM treated sites (p<0.05). GTR-treated defects in the RM group, initially 7.0+/-2.2 mm deep, showed PD reduction of 3.3+/-2.2 mm, PAL gain of 2.4+/-1.8 mm, PBL gain of 2.4+/-3.7 mm (28%) and a radiographic bone fill of 2.3+/-2.4 mm. Defects treated with the NRM exhibited PD reduction of 3.1+/-2.1 mm, PAL gain of 2.4+/-0.8 mm, PBL gain of 2.2+/-1.7 mm (25%) and a radiographic bone fill of 3.3+/-2.2 mm. All improvements were statistically significant (p<0.01) but there was no difference between RM and NRM treatments for any of the efficacy variables. The results of this study indicated that there was no clinically significant difference in treatment outcomes following GTR treatment of intrabony defects with citric acid ester softened polylactic acid membranes as compared to ePTFE barriers. The overall mean inter-proximal vertical bone defect fill at 12 months as assessed from intra-oral radiographs was 44% of the original mean defect depth. Thus, no clinically significant difference in treatment outcomes was observed following GTR treatment of intrabony defects with citric acid ester softened polylactic acid membranes or ePTFE barriers.

Update on the Caspar Creek watershed study

Treesearch

Peter Cafferata

1987-01-01

Readers of this Newsletter are aware that CDF and the USFS, through its Pacific Southwest Forest and Range Experiment Stationa at Arcata (PSW), are carrying out a long term cooperative watershed experiment in JDSF's Caspar Creek drainage.

Effect of film thickness on the ferroelectric and dielectric properties of low-temperature (400 °C) Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Si Joon; Mohan, Jaidah; Lee, Jaebeom; Lee, Joy S.; Lucero, Antonio T.; Young, Chadwin D.; Colombo, Luigi; Summerfelt, Scott R.; San, Tamer; Kim, Jiyoung

2018-04-01

We report on the effect of the Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 (HZO) film thickness on the ferroelectric and dielectric properties using pulse write/read measurements. HZO films of thicknesses ranging from 5 to 20 nm were annealed at 400 °C for 1 min in a nitrogen ambient to be compatible with the back-end of the line thermal budget. As the HZO film thickness decreases, low-voltage operation (1.0 V or less) can be achieved without the dead layer effect, although switching polarization (Psw) tends to decrease due to the smaller grain size. Meanwhile, for 20-nm-thick HZO films prepared under the identical stress (similar TiN top electrode thickness and thermal budget), the Psw and dielectric constant are reduced because of additional monoclinic phase formation.

Brain Activity Elicited by Positive and Negative Feedback in Preschool-Aged Children

PubMed Central

Mai, Xiaoqin; Tardif, Twila; Doan, Stacey N.; Liu, Chao; Gehring, William J.; Luo, Yue-Jia

2011-01-01

To investigate the processing of positive vs. negative feedback in children aged 4–5 years, we devised a prize-guessing game that is analogous to gambling tasks used to measure feedback-related brain responses in adult studies. Unlike adult studies, the feedback-related negativity (FRN) elicited by positive feedback was as large as that elicited by negative feedback, suggesting that the neural system underlying the FRN may not process feedback valence in early childhood. In addition, positive feedback, compared with negative feedback, evoked a larger P1 over the occipital scalp area and a larger positive slow wave (PSW) over the right central-parietal scalp area. We believe that the PSW is related to emotional arousal and the intensive focus on positive feedback that is present in the preschool and early school years has adaptive significance for both cognitive and emotional development during this period. PMID:21526189

Replication initiator protein RepE of mini-F plasmid: functional differentiation between monomers (initiator) and dimers (autogenous repressor).

PubMed Central

Ishiai, M; Wada, C; Kawasaki, Y; Yura, T

1994-01-01

Replication of mini-F plasmid requires the plasmid-encoded RepE initiator protein and several host factors including DnaJ, DnaK, and GrpE, heat shock proteins of Escherichia coli. The RepE protein plays a crucial role in replication and exhibits two major functions: initiation of replication from the origin, ori2, and autogenous repression of repE transcription. One of the mini-F plasmid mutants that can replicate in the dnaJ-defective host produces an altered RepE (RepE54) with a markedly enhanced initiator activity but little or no repressor activity. RepE54 has been purified from cell extracts primarily in monomeric form, unlike the wild-type RepE that is recovered in dimeric form. Gel-retardation assays revealed that RepE54 monomers bind to ori2 (direct repeats) with a very high efficiency but hardly bind to the repE operator (inverted repeat), in accordance with the properties of RepE54 in vivo. Furthermore, the treatment of wild-type RepE dimers with protein denaturants enhanced their binding to ori2 but reduced binding to the operator: RepE dimers were partially converted to monomers, and the ori2 binding activity was uniquely associated with monomers. These results strongly suggest that RepE monomers represent an active form by binding to ori2 to initiate replication, whereas dimers act as an autogenous repressor by binding to the operator. We propose that RepE is structurally and functionally differentiated and that monomerization of RepE dimers, presumably mediated by heat shock protein(s), activates the initiator function and participates in regulation of mini-F DNA replication. Images PMID:8170998

Identification of a cytoplasmic interaction partner of the large regulatory proteins Rep78/Rep68 of adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV-2)

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

Weger, Stefan; Hammer, Eva; Goetz, Anne

2007-05-25

Through yeast two-hybrid analysis and coimmunoprecipitation studies, we have identified a novel cellular AAV-2 Rep78/Rep68 interaction partner located predominantly in the cytoplasm. In public databases, it has been assigned as KCTD5, because of a region of high similarity to the cytoplasmic tetramerization domain of voltage-gated potassium channels. Whereas Rep/KCTD5 interaction relied on the region surrounding the Rep nuclear localization signal, nuclear accumulation of Rep was not required. Wildtype Rep78/Rep68 proteins induced the translocation of large portions of KCTD5 into the nucleus pointing to functional interactions both in the cytoplasm and the nucleus. In line with an anticipated functional interference inmore » the cytoplasm, KCTD5 overexpression completely abrogated Rep68-mediated posttranscriptional activation of a HIV-LTR driven luciferase reporter gene. Our study expands the panel of already identified nuclear Rep interaction partners to a cytoplasmic protein, which raises the awareness that important steps in the AAV life cycle may be regulated in this compartment.« less

75 FR 61626 - Hours of Service; Limited Exemption for the Distribution of Anhydrous Ammonia in Agricultural...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-10-06

... until October 9, 2012 unless revoked earlier by FMCSA. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas L. Yager... under 49 CFR 1.73(e)(1) and (g) to carry out the functions vested in the Secretary by 49 U.S.C. chapter...; Rep. Lyn Jenkins; Rep. Tim Johnson; Rep. Steve King; Rep. Tom Latham; Rep. Dave Loebsack; Rep. Blaine...

The Caspar Creek Watersheds--a case study

Treesearch

R. R. Ziemer

1990-01-01

Caspar Creek experimental watersheds are located on the Jackson Demonstration State Forest. Sponsors are the Pacific Southwest Research Station (PSW), USDA Forest Service, and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF). Both organizations have been working cooperatively since 1962

Stable Chromosomal Expression of Shigella flexneri 2a and 3a O-Antigens in the Live Salmonella Oral Vaccine Vector Ty21a

PubMed Central

Osorio, Manuel; Takeda, Kazuyo; Stibitz, Scott; Kopecko, Dennis J.

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT We have been exploring the use of the live attenuated Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi Ty21a vaccine strain as a versatile oral vaccine vector for the expression and delivery of multiple foreign antigens, including Shigella O-antigens. In this study, we separately cloned genes necessary for the biosynthesis of the Shigella flexneri serotype 2a and 3a O-antigens, which have been shown to provide broad cross-protection to multiple disease-predominant S. flexneri serotypes. The cloned S. flexneri 2a rfb operon, along with bgt and gtrII, contained on the SfII bacteriophage, was sufficient in Ty21a to express the heterologous S. flexneri 2a O-antigen containing the 3,4 antigenic determinants. Further, this rfb operon, along with gtrA, gtrB, and gtrX contained on the Sfx bacteriophage and oac contained on the Sf6 bacteriophage, was sufficient to express S. flexneri 3a O-antigen containing the 6, 7, and 8 antigenic determinants. Ty21a, with these plasmid-carried or chromosomally inserted genes, demonstrated simultaneous and stable expression of homologous S. Typhi O-antigen plus the heterologous S. flexneri O-antigen. Candidate Ty21a vaccine strains expressing heterologous S. flexneri 2a or 3a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) elicited significant serum antibody responses against both homologous S. Typhi and heterologous Shigella LPS and protected mice against virulent S. flexneri 2a or 3a challenges. These new S. flexneri 2a and 3a O-antigen-expressing Ty21a vaccine strains, together with our previously constructed Ty21a strains expressing Shigella sonnei or Shigella dysenteriae 1 O-antigens, have the potential to be used together for simultaneous protection against the predominant causes of shigellosis worldwide as well as against typhoid fever. PMID:29046309

3D-printed membrane for guided tissue regeneration.

PubMed

Tayebi, Lobat; Rasoulianboroujeni, Morteza; Moharamzadeh, Keyvan; Almela, Thafar K D; Cui, Zhanfeng; Ye, Hua

2018-03-01

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is currently being intensely studied for a diverse set of applications, including the development of bioengineered tissues, as well as the production of functional biomedical materials and devices for dental and orthopedic applications. The aim of this study was to develop and characterize a 3D-printed hybrid construct that can be potentially suitable for guided tissue regeneration (GTR). For this purpose, the rheology analyses have been performed on different bioinks and a specific solution comprising 8% gelatin, 2% elastin and 0.5% sodium hyaluronate has been selected as the most suitable composition for printing a structured membrane for GTR application. Each membrane is composed of 6 layers with strand angles from the first layer to the last layer of 45, 135, 0, 90, 0 and 90°. Confirmed by 3D Laser Measuring imaging, the membrane has small pores on one side and large pores on the other to be able to accommodate different cells like osteoblasts, fibroblasts and keratinocytes on different sides. The ultimate cross-linked product is a 150μm thick flexible and bendable membrane with easy surgical handling. Static and dynamic mechanical testing revealed static tensile modules of 1.95±0.55MPa and a dynamic tensile storage modulus of 314±50kPa. Through seeding the membranes with fibroblast and keratinocyte cells, the results of in vitro tests, including histological analysis, tissue viability examinations and DAPI staining, indicated that the membrane has desirable in vitro biocompatibility. The membrane has demonstrated the barrier function of a GTR membrane by thorough separation of the oral epithelial layer from the underlying tissues. In conclusion, we have characterized a biocompatible and bio-resorbable 3D-printed structured gelatin/elastin/sodium hyaluronate membrane with optimal biostability, mechanical strength and surgical handling characteristics in terms of suturability for potential application in GTR procedures. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Specific GFP-binding artificial proteins (αRep): a new tool for in vitro to live cell applications

PubMed Central

Chevrel, Anne; Urvoas, Agathe; de la Sierra-Gallay, Ines Li; Aumont-Nicaise, Magali; Moutel, Sandrine; Desmadril, Michel; Perez, Franck; Gautreau, Alexis; van Tilbeurgh, Herman; Minard, Philippe; Valerio-Lepiniec, Marie

2015-01-01

A family of artificial proteins, named αRep, based on a natural family of helical repeat was previously designed. αRep members are efficiently expressed, folded and extremely stable proteins. A large αRep library was constructed creating proteins with a randomized interaction surface. In the present study, we show that the αRep library is an efficient source of tailor-made specific proteins with direct applications in biochemistry and cell biology. From this library, we selected by phage display αRep binders with nanomolar dissociation constants against the GFP. The structures of two independent αRep binders in complex with the GFP target were solved by X-ray crystallography revealing two totally different binding modes. The affinity of the selected αReps for GFP proved sufficient for practically useful applications such as pull-down experiments. αReps are disulfide free proteins and are efficiently and functionally expressed in eukaryotic cells: GFP-specific αReps are clearly sequestrated by their cognate target protein addressed to various cell compartments. These results suggest that αRep proteins with tailor-made specificity can be selected and used in living cells to track, modulate or interfere with intracellular processes. PMID:26182430

Increasing Children’s Physical Activity During School Recess Periods

PubMed Central

Ludwig, David

2013-01-01

Objectives. We examined whether schools’ participation in the Recess Enhancement Program (REP) in the spring of 2011 was associated with higher rates of children’s vigorous physical activity. Methods. In REP, a coach guides children through age-appropriate games aimed at increasing their physical activity. During recess at 25 New York City public elementary schools (15 REP, 10 non-REP), researchers visually scanned predetermined areas (n = 1339 scans), recording the number of sedentary, walking, and very active children. Results. Multivariate statistical analysis found that participation in REP was a significant predictor (P = .027) of the rate of vigorous physical activity (percentage very active in scan area) whose least-squares means were 41% in REP schools and 27% in non-REP schools. A significantly higher rate in REP schools persisted when the coach was not in the scan area, suggesting a change in the recess culture of REP schools. Conclusions. The rate of vigorous physical activity in REP schools was 14 percentage points, or 52%, higher than the rate in non-REP schools. This low-cost intervention might be a valuable addition to the tools for combating childhood obesity and worth replicating elsewhere. PMID:23678902

VizieR Online Data Catalog: Gravitational waves from known pulsars (Aasi+, 2014)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aasi, J.; Abadie, J.; Abbott, B. P.; Abbott, R.; Abbott, T.; Abernathy, M. R.; Accadia, T.; Acernese, F.; Adams, C.; Adams, T.; Adhikari, R. X.; Affeldt, C.; Agathos, M.; Aggarwal, N.; Aguiar, O. D.; Ajith, P.; Allen, B.; Allocca, A.; Ceron, E. A.; Amariutei, D.; Anderson, R. A.; Anderson, S. B.; Anderson, W. G.; Arai, K.; Araya, M. C.; Arceneaux, C.; Areeda, J.; Ast, S.; Aston, S. M.; Astone, P.; Aufmuth, P.; Aulbert, C.; Austin, L.; Aylott, B. E.; Babak, S.; Baker, P. T.; Ballardin, G.; Ballmer, S. W.; Barayoga, J. C.; Barker, D.; Barnum, S. H.; Barone, F.; Barr, B.; Barsotti, L.; Barsuglia, M.; Barton, M. A.; Bartos, I.; Bassiri, R.; Basti, A.; Batch, J.; Bauchrowitz, J.; Bauer, Th. S.; Bebronne, M.; Behnke, B.; Bejger, M.; Beker, M. G.; Bell, A. S.; Bell, C.; Belopolski, I.; Bergmann, G.; Berliner, J. M.; Bersanetti, D.; Bertolini, A.; Bessis, D.; Betzwieser, J.; Beyersdorf, P. T.; Bhadbhade, T.; Bilenko, I. A.; Billingsley, G.; Birch, J.; Bitossi, M.; Bizouard, M. A.; Black, E.; Blackburn, J. K.; Blackburn, L.; Blair, D.; Blom, M.; Bock, O.; Bodiya, T. P.; Boer, M.; Bogan, C.; Bo, Nd C.; Bondu, F.; Bonelli, L.; Bonnand, R.; Bork, R.; Born, M.; Boschi, V.; Bose, S.; Bosi, L.; Bowers, J.; Bradaschia, C.; Brady, P. R.; Braginsky, V. B.; Branchesi, M.; Brannen, C. A.; Brau, J. E.; Breyer, J.; Briant, T.; Bridges, D. O.; Brillet, A.; Brinkmann, M.; Brisson, V.; Britzger, M.; Brooks, A. F.; Brown, D. A.; Brown, D. D.; Bruckner, F.; Bulik, T.; Bulten, H. J.; Buonanno, A.; Buskulic, D.; Buy, C.; Byer, R. L.; Cadonati, L.; Cagnoli, G.; Calderon Bustillo, J.; Calloni, E.; Camp, J. B.; Campsie, P.; Cannon, K. C.; Canuel, B.; Cao, J.; Capano, C. D.; Carbognani, F.; Carbone, L.; Caride, S.; Castiglia, A.; Caudill, S.; Cavaglia, M.; Cavalier, F.; Cavalieri, R.; Cella, G.; Cepeda, C.; Cesarini, E.; Chakraborty, R.; Chalermsongsak, T.; Chao, S.; Charlton, P.; Chassande-Mottin, E.; Chen, X.; Chen, Y.; Chincarini, A.; Chiummo, A.; Cho, H. S.; Chow, J.; Christensen, N.; Chu, Q.; Chua, S. S. Y.; Chung, S.; Ciani, G.; Clara, F.; Clark, D. E.; Clark, J. A.; Cleva, F.; Coccia, E.; Cohadon, P.-F.; Colla, A.; Colombini, M.; Constancio, M. Jr; Conte, A.; Conte, R.; Cook, D.; Corbitt, T. R.; Cordier, M.; Cornish, N.; Corsi, A.; Costa, C. A.; Coughlin, M. W.; Coulon, J.-P.; Countryman, S.; Couvares, P.; Coward, D. M.; Cowart, M.; Coyne, D. C.; Craig, K.; Creighton, J. D. E.; Creighton, T. D.; Crowder, S. G.; Cumming, A.; Cunningham, L.; Cuoco, E.; Dahl, K.; Dal Canton, T.; Damjanic, M.; Danilishin, S. L.; D'Antonio, S.; Danzmann, K.; Dattilo, V.; Daudert, B.; Daveloza, H.; Davier, M.; Davies, G. S.; Daw, E. J.; Day, R.; Dayanga, T.; De Rosa, R.; Debreczeni, G.; Degallaix, J.; Del Pozzo, W.; Deleeuw, E.; Deleglise, S.; Denker, T.; Dent, T.; Dereli, H.; Dergachev, V.; Derosa, R.; Desalvo, R.; Dhurandhar, S.; di Fiore, L.; di Lieto, A.; di Palma, I.; di, Virgilio A.; Diaz, M.; Dietz, A.; Dmitry, K.; Donovan, F.; Dooley, K. L.; Doravari, S.; Drago, M.; Drever, R. W. P.; Driggers, J. C.; Du, Z.; Dumas, J.-C.; Dwyer, S.; Eberle, T.; Edwards, M.; Effler, A.; Ehrens, P.; Eichholz, J.; Eikenberry, S. S.; Endroczi, G.; Essick, R.; Etzel, T.; Evans, K.; Evans, M.; Evans, T.; Factourovich, M.; Fafone, V.; Fairhurst, S.; Fang, Q.; Farinon, S.; Farr, B.; Farr, W.; Favata, M.; Fazi, D.; Fehrmann, H.; Feldbaum, D.; Ferrante, I.; Ferrini, F.; Fidecaro, F.; Finn, L. S.; Fiori, I.; Fisher, R.; Flaminio, R.; Foley, E.; Foley, S.; Forsi, E.; Fotopoulos, N.; Fournier, J.-D.; Franco, S.; Frasca, S.; Frasconi, F.; Frede, M.; Frei, M.; Frei, Z.; Freise, A.; Frey, R.; Fricke, T. T.; Fritschel, P.; Frolov, V. V.; Fujimoto, M.-K.; Fulda, P.; Fyffe, M.; Gair, J.; Gammaitoni, L.; Garcia, J.; Garufi, F.; Gehrels, N.; Gemme, G.; Genin, E.; Gennai, A.; Gergely, L.; Ghosh, S.; Giaime, J. A.; Giampanis, S.; Giardina, K. D.; Giazotto, A.; Gil-Casanova, S.; Gill, C.; Gleason, J.; Goetz, E.; Goetz, R.; Gondan, L.; Gonzalez, G.; Gordon, N.; Gorodetsky, M. L.; Gossan, S.; Gossler, S.; Gouaty, R.; Graef, C.; Graff, P. B.; Granata, M.; Grant, A.; Gras, S.; Gray, C.; Greenhalgh, R. J. S.; Gretarsson, A. M.; Griffo, C.; Groot, P.; Grote, H.; Grover, K.; Grunewald, S.; Guidi, G. M.; Guido, C.; Gushwa, K. E.; Gustafson, E. K.; Gustafson, R.; Hall, B.; Hall, E.; Hammer, D.; Hammond, G.; Hanke, M.; Hanks, J.; Hanna, C.; Hanson, J.; Harms, J.; Harry, G. M.; Harry, I. W.; Harstad, E. D.; Hartman, M. T.; Haughian, K.; Hayama, K.; Heefner, J.; Heidmann, A.; Heintze, M.; Heitmann, H.; Hello, P.; Hemming, G.; Hendry, M.; Heng, I. S.; Heptonstall, A. W.; Heurs, M.; Hild, S.; Hoak, D.; Hodge, K. A.; Holt, K.; Holtrop, M.; Hong, T.; Hooper, S.; Horrom, T.; Hosken, D. J.; Hough, J.; Howell, E. J.; Hu, Y.; Hua, Z.; Huang, V.; Huerta, E. A.; Hughey, B.; Husa, S.; Huttner, S. H.; Huynh, M.; Huynh-Dinh, T.; Iafrate, J.; Ingram, D. R.; Inta, R.; Isogai, T.; Ivanov, A.; Iyer, B. R.; Izumi, K.; Jacobson, M.; James, E.; Jang, H.; Jang, Y. J.; Jaranowski, P.; Jimenez-Forteza, F.; Johnson, W. W.; Jones, D.; Jones, D. I.; Jones, R.; Jonker, R. J. G.; Ju, L.; K, H.; Kalmus, P.; Kalogera, V.; Kandhasamy, S.; Kang, G.; Kanner, J. B.; Kasprzack, M.; Kasturi, R.; Katsavounidis, E.; Katzman, W.; Kaufer, H.; Kaufman, K.; Kawabe, K.; Kawamura, S.; Kawazoe, F.; Kefelian, F.; Keitel, D.; Kelley, D. B.; Kells, W.; Keppel, D. G.; Khalaidovski, A.; Khalili, F. Y.; Khazanov, E. A.; Kim, B. K.; Kim, C.; Kim, K.; Kim, N.; Kim, W.; Kim, Y.-M.; King, E. J.; King, P. J.; Kinzel, D. L.; Kissel, J. S.; Klimen, Ko S.; Kline, J.; Koehlenbeck, S.; Kokeyama, K.; Kondrashov, V.; Koranda, S.; Korth, W. Z.; Kowalska, I.; Kozak, D.; Kremin, A.; Kringel, V.; Krishnan, B.; Krolak, A.; Kucharczyk, C.; Kudla, S.; Kuehn, G.; Kumar, A.; Kumar, P.; Kumar, R.; Kurdyumov, R.; Kwee, P.; Landry, M.; Lantz, B.; Larson, S.; Lasky, P. D.; Lawrie, C.; Lazzarini, A.; Le Roux, A.; Leaci, P.; Lebigot, E. O.; Lee, C.-H.; Lee, H. K.; Lee, H. M.; Lee, J.; Leonardi, M.; Leong, J. R.; Leroy, N.; Letendre, N.; Levine, B.; Lewis, J. B.; Lhuillier, V.; Li, T. G. F.; Lin, A. C.; Littenberg, T. B.; Litvine, V.; Liu, F.; Liu, H.; Liu, Y.; Liu, Z.; Lloyd, D.; Lockerbie, N. A.; Lockett, V.; Lodhia, D.; Loew, K.; Logue, J.; Lombardi, A. L.; Lorenzini, M.; Loriette, V.; Lormand, M.; Losurdo, G.; Lough, J.; Luan, J.; Lubinski, M. J.; Luck, H.; Lundgren, A. P.; MacArthur, J.; MacDonald, E.; Machenschalk, B.; Macinnis, M.; MacLeod, D. M.; Magana-Sandoval, F.; Mageswaran, M.; Mailand, K.; Majorana, E.; Maksimovic, I.; Malvezzi, V.; Man, N.; Manca, G. M.; Mandel, I.; Mandic, V.; Mangano, V.; Mantovani, M.; Marchesoni, F.; Marion, F.; Marka, S.; Marka, Z.; Markosyan, A.; Maros, E.; Marque, J.; Martelli, F.; Martin, I. W.; Martin, R. M.; Martinelli, L.; Martynov, D.; Marx, J. N.; Mason, K.; Masserot, A.; Massinger, T. J.; Matichard, F.; Matone, L.; Matzner, R. A.; Mavalvala, N.; May, G.; Mazumder, N.; Mazzolo, G.; McCarthy, R.; McClelland, D. E.; McGuire, S. C.; McIntyre, G.; McIver, J.; Meacher, D.; Meadors, G. D.; Mehmet, M.; Meidam, J.; Meier, T.; Melatos, A.; Mendell, G.; Mercer, R. A.; Meshkov, S.; Messenger, C.; Meyer, M. S.; Miao, H.; Michel, C.; Mikhailov, E. E.; Milano, L.; Miller, J.; Minenkov, Y.; Mingarelli, C. M. F.; Mitra, S.; Mitrofanov, V. P.; Mitselmakher, G.; Mittleman, R.; Moe, B.; Mohan, M.; Mohapatra, S. R. P.; Mokler, F.; Moraru, D.; Moreno, G.; Morgado, N.; Mori, T.; Morriss, S. R.; Mossavi, K.; Mours, B.; Mow-Lowry, C. M.; Mueller, C. L.; Mueller, G.; Mukherjee, S.; Mullavey, A.; Munch, J.; Murphy, D.; Murray, P. G.; Mytidis, A.; Nagy, M. F.; Nanda, Kumar D.; Nardecchia, I.; Nash, T.; Naticchioni, L.; Nayak, R.; Necula, V.; Nelemans, G.; Neri, I.; Neri, M.; Newton, G.; Nguyen, T.; Nishida, E.; Nishizawa, A.; Nitz, A.; Nocera, F.; Nolting, D.; Normandin, M. E.; Nuttall, L. K.; Ochsner, E.; O'Dell, J.; Oelker, E.; Ogin, G. H.; Oh, J. J.; Oh, S. H.; Ohme, F.; Oppermann, P.; O'Reilly, B.; Ortega Larcher, W.; O'Shaughnessy, R.; Osthelder, C.; Ottaway, D. J.; Ottens, R. S.; Ou, J.; Overmier, H.; Owen, B. J.; Padilla, C.; Pai, A.; Palomba, C.; Pan, Y.; Pankow, C.; Paoletti, F.; Paoletti, R.; Papa, M. A.; Paris, H.; Pasqualetti, A.; Passaquieti, R.; Passuello, D.; Pedraza, M.; Peiris, P.; Penn, S.; Perreca, A.; Phelps, M.; Pichot, M.; Pickenpack, M.; Piergiovanni, F.; Pierro, V.; Pinard, L.; Pindor, B.; Pinto, I. M.; Pitkin, M.; Poeld, J.; Poggiani, R.; Poole, V.; Poux, C.; Predoi, V.; Prestegard, T.; Price, L. R.; Prijatelj, M.; Principe, M.; Privitera, S.; Prix, R.; Prodi, G. A.; Prokhorov, L.; Puncken, O.; Punturo, M.; Puppo, P.; Quetschke, V.; Quintero, E.; Quitzow-James, R.; Raab, F. J.; Rabeling, D. S.; Racz, I.; Radkins, H.; Raffai, P.; Raja, S.; Rajalakshmi, G.; Rakhmanov, M.; Ramet, C.; Rapagnani, P.; Raymond, V.; Re, V.; Reed, C. M.; Reed, T.; Regimbau, T.; Reid, S.; Reitze, D. H.; Ricci, F.; Riesen, R.; Riles, K.; Robertson, N. A.; Robinet, F.; Rocchi, A.; Roddy, S.; Rodriguez, C.; Rodruck, M.; Roever, C.; Rolland, L.; Rollins, J. G.; Romano, J. D.; Romano, R.; Romanov, G.; Romie, J. H.; Rosinska, D.; Rowan, S.; Rudiger, A.; Ruggi, P.; Ryan, K.; Salemi, F.; Sammut, L.; Sandberg, V.; Sanders, J.; Sannibale, V.; Santiago-Prieto, I.; Saracco, E.; Sassolas, B.; Sathyaprakash, B. S.; Saulson, P. R.; Savage, R.; Schilling, R.; Schnabel, R.; Schofield, R. M. S.; Schreiber, E.; Schuette, D.; Schulz, B.; Schutz, B. F.; Schwinberg, P.; Scott, J.; Scott, S. M.; Seifert, F.; Sellers, D.; Sengupta, A. S.; Sentenac, D.; Sergeev, A.; Shaddock, D.; Shah, S.; Shahriar, M. S.; Shaltev, M.; Shapiro, B.; Shawhan, P.; Shoemaker, D. H.; Sidery, T. L.; Siellez, K.; Siemens, X.; Sigg, D.; Simakov, D.; Singer, A.; Singer, L.; Sintes, A. M.; Skelton, G. R.; Slagmolen, B. J. J.; Slutsky, J.; Smith, J. R.; Smith, M. R.; Smith, R. J. E.; Smith-Lefebvre, N. D.; Soden, K.; Son, E. J.; Sorazu, B.; Souradeep, T.; Sperandio, L.; Staley, A.; Steinert, E.; Steinlechner, J.; Steinlechner, S.; Steplewski, S.; Stevens, D.; Stochino, A.; Stone, R.; Strain, K. A.; Straniero, N.; Strigin, S.; Stroeer, A. S.; Sturani, R.; Stuver, A. L.; Summerscales, T. Z.; Susmithan, S.; Sutton, P. J.; Swinkels, B.; Szeifert, G.; Tacca, M.; Talukder, D.; Tang, L.; Tanner, D. B.; Tarabrin, S. P.; Taylor, R.; Ter Braack, A. P. M.; Thirugnanasambandam, M. P.; Thomas, M.; Thomas, P.; Thorne, K. A.; Thorne, K. S.; Thrane, E.; Tiwari, V.; Tokmakov, K. V.; Tomlinson, C.; Toncelli, A.; Tonelli, M.; Torre, O.; Torres, C. V.; Torrie, C. I.; Travasso, F.; Traylor, G.; Tse, M.; Ugolini, D.; Unnikrishnan, C. S.; Vahlbruch, H.; Vajente, G.; Vallisneri, M.; van den Brand, J. F. J.; van den Broeck, C.; van der Putten, S.; van der Sluys, M. V.; van Heijningen, J.; van Veggel, A. A.; Vass, S.; Vasuth, M.; Vaulin, R.; Vecchio, A.; Vedovato, G.; Veitch, J.; Veitch, P. J.; Venkateswara, K.; Verkindt, D.; Verma, S.; Vetrano, F.; Vicere, A.; Vincent-Finley, R.; Vinet, J.-Y.; Vitale, S.; Vlcek, B.; Vo, T.; Vocca, H.; Vorvick, C.; Vousden, W. D.; Vrinceanu, D.; Vyachanin, S. P.; Wade, A.; Wade, L.; Wade, M.; Waldman, S. J.; Walker, M.; Wallace, L.; Wan, Y.; Wang, J.; Wang, M.; Wang, X.; Wanner, A.; Ward, R. L.; Was, M.; Weaver, B.; Wei, L.-W.; Weinert, M.; Weinstein, A. J.; Weiss, R.; Welborn, T.; Wen, L.; Wessels, P.; West, M.; Westphal, T.; Wette, K.; Whelan, J. T.; Whitcomb, S. E.; White, D. J.; Whiting, B. F.; Wibowo, S.; Wiesner, K.; Wilkinson, C.; Williams, L.; Williams, R.; Williams, T.; Willis, J. L.; Willke, B.; Wimmer, M.; Winkelmann, L.; Winkler, W.; Wipf, C. C.; Wittel, H.; Woan, G.; Worden, J.; Yablon, J.; Yakushin, I.; Yamamoto, H.; Yancey, C. C.; Yang, H.; Yeaton-Massey, D.; Yoshida, S.; Yum, H.; Yvert, M.; Zadrozny, A.; Zanolin, M.; Zendri, J.-P.; Zhang, F.; Zhang, L.; Zhao, C.; Zhu, H.; Zhu, X. J.; Zotov, N.; Zucker, M. E.; Zweizig, J.; Buchner, S.; Cognard, I.; Corongiu, A.; D'Amico, N.; Espinoza, C. M.; Freire, P. C. C.; Gotthelf, E. V.; Guillemot, L.; Hessels, J. W. T.; Hobbs, G. B.; Kramer, M.; Lyne, A. G.; Marshall, F. E.; Possenti, A.; Ransom, S. M.; Ray, P. S.; Roy, J.; Stappers, B. W.; VIRGO Collaboration

2017-06-01

In this paper we have used calibrated data from the Virgo second (Aasi et al. 2012CQGra..29o5002A) and fourth science runs (VSR2 and VSR4) and the LIGO sixth science run (S6). Virgo's third science run (VSR3) was relatively insensitive in comparison with VSR4 and has not been included in this analysis. This was partially because Virgo introduced monolithic mirror suspensions prior to VSR4 which improved sensitivity in the low-frequency range. During S6, the two LIGO 4 km detectors at Hanford, Washington (LHO/H1), and Livingston, Louisiana (LLO/L1), were running in an enhanced configuration (Adhikari et al. 2006, Enhanced LIGO, Tech. Rep. LIGO-T060156-v01, California Institute of Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, https://dcc.ligo.org/LIGO-T060156-v1/public) over that from the previous S5 run (Abbott et al. 2009RPPh...72g6901A). (1 data file).

Wide field imaging problems in radio astronomy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cornwell, T. J.; Golap, K.; Bhatnagar, S.

2005-03-01

The new generation of synthesis radio telescopes now being proposed, designed, and constructed face substantial problems in making images over wide fields of view. Such observations are required either to achieve the full sensitivity limit in crowded fields or for surveys. The Square Kilometre Array (SKA Consortium, Tech. Rep., 2004), now being developed by an international consortium of 15 countries, will require advances well beyond the current state of the art. We review the theory of synthesis radio telescopes for large fields of view. We describe a new algorithm, W projection, for correcting the non-coplanar baselines aberration. This algorithm has improved performance over those previously used (typically an order of magnitude in speed). Despite the advent of W projection, the computing hardware required for SKA wide field imaging is estimated to cost up to $500M (2015 dollars). This is about half the target cost of the SKA. Reconfigurable computing is one way in which the costs can be decreased dramatically.

Sequence variations in RepMP2/3 and RepMP4 elements reveal intragenomic homologous DNA recombination events in Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

PubMed

Spuesens, Emiel B M; Oduber, Minoushka; Hoogenboezem, Theo; Sluijter, Marcel; Hartwig, Nico G; van Rossum, Annemarie M C; Vink, Cornelis

2009-07-01

The gene encoding major adhesin protein P1 of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, MPN141, contains two DNA sequence stretches, designated RepMP2/3 and RepMP4, which display variation among strains. This variation allows strains to be differentiated into two major P1 genotypes (1 and 2) and several variants. Interestingly, multiple versions of the RepMP2/3 and RepMP4 elements exist at other sites within the bacterial genome. Because these versions are closely related in sequence, but not identical, it has been hypothesized that they have the capacity to recombine with their counterparts within MPN141, and thereby serve as a source of sequence variation of the P1 protein. In order to determine the variation within the RepMP2/3 and RepMP4 elements, both within the bacterial genome and among strains, we analysed the DNA sequences of all RepMP2/3 and RepMP4 elements within the genomes of 23 M. pneumoniae strains. Our data demonstrate that: (i) recombination is likely to have occurred between two RepMP2/3 elements in four of the strains, and (ii) all previously described P1 genotypes can be explained by inter-RepMP recombination events. Moreover, the difference between the two major P1 genotypes was reflected in all RepMP elements, such that subtype 1 and 2 strains can be differentiated on the basis of sequence variation in each RepMP element. This implies that subtype 1 and subtype 2 strains represent evolutionarily diverged strain lineages. Finally, a classification scheme is proposed in which the P1 genotype of M. pneumoniae isolates can be described in a sequence-based, universal fashion.

Specific functions of the Rep and Rep' proteins of porcine circovirus during copy-release and rolling-circle DNA replication

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The roles of two porcine circovirus replication initiator proteins, Rep and Rep', in generating copy-release and rolling-circle DNA replication intermediates were determined. Rep uses the supercoiled closed-circular genome (ccc) to initiate leading-strand synthesis (identical to copy-release replica...

Abortion providers, stigma and professional quality of life.

PubMed

Martin, Lisa A; Debbink, Michelle; Hassinger, Jane; Youatt, Emily; Harris, Lisa H

2014-12-01

The Providers Share Workshop (PSW) provides abortion providers safe space to discuss their work experiences. Our objectives were to assess changes in abortion stigma over time and explore how stigma is related to aspects of professional quality of life, including compassion satisfaction, burnout and compassion fatigue for providers participating in the workshops. Seventy-nine providers were recruited to the PSW study. Surveys were completed prior to, immediately following and 1 year after the workshops. The outcome measures were the Abortion Provider Stigma Survey and the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) survey. Baseline ProQOL scores were compared to published averages using t tests. Changes in abortion stigma and aspects of professional quality of life were assessed by fitting a two-level random-effects model with repeated measures at level 1 (period-level) and static measures (e.g., demographic data) at level 2 (person-level). Potential covariates included age, parenting status, education, organizational tenure, job type and clinic type (stand-alone vs. hospital-based clinics). Compared to other healthcare workers, abortion providers reported higher compassion satisfaction (t=2.65, p=.009) and lower burnout (t=5.13, p<.0001). Repeated-measures analysis revealed statistically significant decreases in stigma over time. Regression analysis identified abortion stigma as a significant predictor of lower compassion satisfaction, higher burnout and higher compassion fatigue. Participants in PSW reported a reduction in abortion stigma over time. Further, stigma is an important predictor of compassion satisfaction, burnout and compassion fatigue, suggesting that interventions aimed at supporting the abortion providing workforce should likely assess abortion stigma. Stigma is an important predictor of compassion satisfaction, burnout and compassion fatigue among abortion care providers. Therefore, strengthening human resources for abortion care requires stigma reduction efforts. Participants in the PSWs show reductions in stigma over time. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of a peer support service on breast-feeding continuation in the UK: a randomised controlled trial.

PubMed

Jolly, Kate; Ingram, Lucy; Freemantle, Nick; Khan, Khalid; Chambers, Jacky; Hamburger, Ros; Brown, Julia; Dennis, Cindy-Lee; Macarthur, Christine

2012-12-01

to assess the effectiveness of a peer support worker (PSW) service on breast-feeding continuation. cluster randomised controlled trial (ISRCTN16126175). Primary Care Trust, UK serving a multi-ethnic, socio-economically disadvantaged population. 2,724 women giving birth following antenatal care from 66 clinics: 33 clinics (1,267 women) randomised to the PSW service and 33 clinics (1,457 women) to usual care. 848 women consented to additional follow-up by questionnaire at 6 months. PSW service provided in the antenatal and postnatal period. any and exclusive breast feeding at 10-14 days obtained from routine computerised records and at 6 weeks and 6 months from a questionnaire. follow-up: 94% at 10-14 days, 67.5% at 6 months. There was no difference in any breast feeding at 10-14 days between intervention and usual care, odds ratio (OR) 1.07 (95% CI 0.87-1.31, p=0.54). Proportion of women reporting any breast feeding in the intervention group at 6 weeks was 62.7% and 64.5% in the usual care group OR 0.93 (95% CI 0.64-1.35); and at 6 months was 34.3% and 38.9%, respectively, OR 1.06 (95% CI 0.71-1.58). universal antenatal peer support and postnatal peer support for women who initiated breast feeding did not improve breast-feeding rates up to 6 months in this UK population. with high levels of professional support part of usual maternity care it may not be possible for low intensity peer support to produce additional benefit. More intensive or targeted programmes might be effective, but should have concurrent high quality evaluation. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Congressional Black Caucus meets with NASA

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-01-13

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, space shuttle crew STS-129 and members of the Congressional Black Caucus pose for a group photo at the Capitol Building, Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010, in Washington. Back row from left to right: U.S. Rep Donna Edwards (D-MD), U.S. Rep Diane Watson (D-CA), NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, astronauts Leland Melvin, Mike Foreman, Robert Satcher, Barry Wilmore, Randy Breznik, and U.S. Rep Mel Watt (D-NC). Front row from left to right: U.S. Rep Robert Scott (D-VA), U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown (D-Fla), U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), U.S. Rep. Donna Christensen (D-VI) and U.S. Rep. Donald Payne (D-NJ). The crew of STS-129 presented the CBC with a montage commemorating their mission. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)

U.S. Rep. Bill Nelson of Florida during medical tests at JSC's Clinic

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1985-01-01

U.S. Rep. Bill Nelson of Florida during medical tests at JSC's Clinic. Photos include Rep. Nelson talking to Sharon Briceno (center) and Betty Lord before the tests begin. The congressman's torso bears a number of sensors for the testing (40835); Portrait view of Rep. Nelson with sensors attached to his chest (40836); Rep. Nelson gets some assistance from nurses at the clinic as he prepares to participate in medical tests. Help is provided by Betty Lord, right, and Sharon Briceno (40837); Rep. Nelson is being assisted to don 'halo' device for tests (40838); Rep. Nelson runs in place on a treadmill device (40839).

Penetration electric fields: A Volland Stern approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burke, William J.

2007-07-01

This paper reformulates the Volland Stern model, separating contributions from corotation and convection to predict electric field penetration of the inner magnetosphere using data from the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) satellite. In the absence of shielding, the model electric field is EVS=ΦPC/2LYRE, where ΦPC is the polar cap potential and 2LYRE is the width of the magnetosphere along the dawn dusk meridian. ΦPC is estimated from the interplanetary electric field (IEF) and the dynamic pressure of the solar wind (PSW); values of LY were approximated using PSW and simple force-balance considerations. ACE measurements on 16 17 April 2002 were then used to calculate EVS for comparison with the eastward electric field component (EJφ) detected by the incoherent scatter radar at Jicamarca, Peru. While the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) was southward, the model predicted observed ratios of EVS/IEF. During intervals of northward IMF, EJφ turned westward suggesting that a northward IMF BZ system of field-aligned currents affected the electrodynamics of the dayside ionosphere on rapid time scales.

Intracellular route and biological activity of exogenously delivered Rep proteins from the adeno-associated virus type 2

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

Awedikian, Rafi; Francois, Achille; Guilbaud, Mickael

2005-05-10

The two large Rep proteins, Rep78 and Rep68, from the adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV-2) are required for AAV-2 DNA replication, site-specific integration, and for the regulation of viral gene expression. The study of their activities is dependent on the ability to deliver these proteins to the cells in a time and dose-dependent manner. We evaluated the ability of a protein transduction domain (PTD) derived from the human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) TAT protein to drive the cellular internalization of exogenously delivered PTD-fused Rep68 proteins. This analysis unexpectedly revealed that recombinant Rep68 alone, in the absence of any PTD, couldmore » be endocytosed by the cells. Rep68 as the chimeric TAT-Rep68 proteins were internalized through endocytosis in clathrin-coated vesicles and retained in late endosomes/lysosomes with no detectable nuclear localization. In the presence of adenovirus, the Rep proteins could translocate into the nucleus where they displayed a biological activity. These findings support recent reports on the mechanism of entry of TAT-fused proteins and also revealed a new property of Rep68.« less

Stimulation of the cell cycle and maize transformation by disruption of the plant retinoblastoma pathway

PubMed Central

Gordon-Kamm, William; Dilkes, Brian P.; Lowe, Keith; Hoerster, George; Sun, Xifan; Ross, Margit; Church, Laura; Bunde, Chris; Farrell, Jeff; Hill, Patrea; Maddock, Sheila; Snyder, Jane; Sykes, Louisa; Li, Zhongsen; Woo, Young-min; Bidney, Dennis; Larkins, Brian A.

2002-01-01

The genome of the Mastreviruses encodes a replication-associated protein (RepA) that interacts with members of the plant retinoblastoma-related protein family, which are putative cell cycle regulators. Expression of ZmRb1, a maize retinoblastoma-related gene, and RepA inhibited and stimulated, respectively, cell division in tobacco cell cultures. The effect of RepA was mitigated by over-expression of ZmRb1. RepA increased transformation frequency and callus growth rate of high type II maize germplasm. RepA-containing transgenic maize calli remained embryogenic, were readily regenerable, and produced fertile plants that transmitted transgene expression in a Mendelian fashion. In high type II, transformation frequency increased with the strength of the promoter driving RepA expression. When a construct in which RepA was expressed behind its native LIR promoter was used, primary transformation frequencies did not improve for two elite Pioneer maize inbreds. However, when LIR:RepA-containing transgenic embryos were used in subsequent rounds of transformation, frequencies were higher in the RepA+ embryos. These data demonstrate that RepA can stimulate cell division and callus growth in culture, and improve maize transformation. PMID:12185243

The Use of HepRep in GLAST

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

Perl, Joseph

2003-07-10

HepRep is a generic, hierarchical format for description of graphics representables that can be augmented by physics information and relational properties. It was developed for high energy physics event display applications and is especially suited to client/server or component frameworks. The GLAST experiment, an international effort led by NASA for a gamma-ray telescope to launch in 2006, chose HepRep to provide a flexible, extensible and maintainable framework for their event display without tying their users to any one graphics application. To support HepRep in their GUADI infrastructure, GLAST developed a HepRep filler and builder architecture. The architecture hides the detailsmore » of XML and CORBA in a set of base and helper classes allowing physics experts to focus on what data they want to represent. GLAST has two GAUDI services: HepRepSvc, which registers HepRep fillers in a global registry and allows the HepRep to be exported to XML, and CorbaSvc, which allows the HepRep to be published through a CORBA interface and which allows the client application to feed commands back to GAUDI (such as start next event, or run some GAUDI algorithm). GLAST's HepRep solution gives users a choice of client applications, WIRED (written in Java) or FRED (written in C++ and Ruby), and leaves them free to move to any future HepRep-compliant event display.« less

Self-replicating Replicon-RNA Delivery to Dendritic Cells by Chitosan-nanoparticles for Translation In Vitro and In Vivo

PubMed Central

McCullough, Kenneth C; Bassi, Isabelle; Milona, Panagiota; Suter, Rolf; Thomann-Harwood, Lisa; Englezou, Pavlos; Démoulins, Thomas; Ruggli, Nicolas

2014-01-01

Self-amplifying replicon RNA (RepRNA) possesses high potential for increasing antigen load within dendritic cells (DCs). The major aim of the present work was to define how RepRNA delivered by biodegradable, chitosan-based nanoparticulate delivery vehicles (nanogel-alginate (NGA)) interacts with DCs, and whether this could lead to translation of the RepRNA in the DCs. Although studies employed virus replicon particles (VRPs), there are no reports on biodegradable, nanoparticulate vehicle delivery of RepRNA. VRP studies employed cytopathogenic agents, contrary to DC requirements—slow processing and antigen retention. We employed noncytopathogenic RepRNA with NGA, demonstrating for the first time the efficiency of RepRNA association with nanoparticles, NGA delivery to DCs, and RepRNA internalization by DCs. RepRNA accumulated in vesicular structures, with patterns typifying cytosolic release. This promoted RepRNA translation, in vitro and in vivo. Delivery and translation were RepRNA concentration-dependent, occurring in a kinetic manner. Including cationic lipids with chitosan during nanoparticle formation enhanced delivery and translation kinetics, but was not required for translation of immunogenic levels in vivo. This work describes for the first time the characteristics associated with chitosan-nanoparticle delivery of self-amplifying RepRNA to DCs, leading to translation of encoded foreign genes, namely influenza virus hemagglutinin and nucleoprotein. PMID:25004099

Specific functions of the Rep and Rep׳ proteins of porcine circovirus during copy-release and rolling-circle DNA replication.

PubMed

Cheung, Andrew K

2015-07-01

The roles of two porcine circovirus replication initiator proteins, Rep and Rep׳, in generating copy-release and rolling-circle DNA replication intermediates were determined. Rep uses the supercoiled closed-circular genome (ccc) to initiate leading-strand synthesis (identical to copy-release replication) and generates the single-stranded circular (ssc) genome from the displaced DNA strand. In the process, a minus-genome primer (MGP) necessary for complementary-strand synthesis, from ssc to ccc, is synthesized. Rep׳ cleaves the growing nascent-strand to regenerate the parent ccc molecule. In the process, a Rep׳-DNA hybrid containing the right palindromic sequence (at the origin of DNA replication) is generated. Analysis of the virus particle showed that it is composed of four components: ssc, MGP, capsid protein and a novel Rep-related protein (designated Protein-3). Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Chemoheterotrophic Growth of the Cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. Strain PCC 7120 Dependent on a Functional Cytochrome c Oxidase

PubMed Central

Stebegg, Ronald; Wurzinger, Bernhard; Mikulic, Markus

2012-01-01

Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120 is a filamentous cyanobacterium commonly used as a model organism for studying cyanobacterial cell differentiation and nitrogen fixation. For many decades, this cyanobacterium was considered an obligate photo-lithoautotroph. We now discovered that this strain is also capable of mixotrophic, photo-organoheterotrophic, and chemo-organoheterotrophic growth if high concentrations of fructose (at least 50 mM and up to 200 mM) are supplied. Glucose, a substrate used by some facultatively organoheterotrophic cyanobacteria, is not effective in Anabaena sp. PCC 7120. The gtr gene from Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 encoding a glucose carrier was introduced into Anabaena sp. PCC 7120. Surprisingly, the new strain containing the gtr gene did not grow on glucose but was very sensitive to glucose, with a 5 mM concentration being lethal, whereas the wild-type strain tolerated 200 mM glucose. The Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 strain containing gtr can grow mixotrophically and photo-organoheterotrophically, but not chemo-organoheterotrophically with fructose. Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 contains five respiratory chains ending in five different respiratory terminal oxidases. One of these enzymes is a mitochondrial-type cytochrome c oxidase. As in almost all cyanobacteria, this enzyme is encoded by three adjacent genes called coxBAC1. When this locus was disrupted, the cells lost the capability for chemo-organoheterotrophic growth. PMID:22730128

Recycling and processing of several typical crosslinked polymer scraps with enhanced mechanical properties based on solid-state mechanochemical milling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Canhui; Zhang, Xinxing; Zhang, Wei

2015-05-01

The partially devulcanization or de-crosslinking of ground tire rubber (GTR), post-vulcanized fluororubber scraps and crosslinked polyethylene from cable scraps through high-shear mechanochemical milling (HSMM) was conducted by a modified solid-state mechanochemical reactor. The results indicated that the HSMM treated crosslinked polymer scraps can be reprocessed as virgin rubbers or thermoplastics to produce materials with high performance. The foamed composites of low density polyethylene/GTR and the blend of post-vulcanized flurorubber (FKM) with polyacrylate rubber (ACM) with better processability and mechanical properties were obtained. The morphology observation showed that the dispersion and compatibility between de-crosslinked polymer scraps and matrix were enhanced. The results demonstrated that HSMM is a feasible alternative technology for recycling post-vulcanized or crosslinked polymer scraps.

Structural characterization and antioxidant property of released exopolysaccharides from Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus SRFM-1.

PubMed

Tang, Weizhi; Dong, Mingsheng; Wang, Weilu; Han, Shuo; Rui, Xin; Chen, Xiaohong; Jiang, Mei; Zhang, Qiuqin; Wu, Junjun; Li, Wei

2017-10-01

Three released exopolysaccharide fractions (r-EPS1, r-EPS2 and r-EPS3) were isolated from the fermented milk of Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus SRFM-1 and purified by anion exchange chromatography, and characterizations of the structures were conducted. The r-EPS1 and r-EPS2 were homogenous with the average molecular weights of 3.97×10 5 Da and 3.86×10 5 Da, respectively. Three r-EPS fractions were composed of galactose and glucose with a molar ratio of 1.23: 1.00, 1.33: 1.00 and 1.00: 1.34, respectively. Structural characterization indicated that the r-EPS1 contained a backbone of →6-β-d-Galp-(1→4)-β-d-Glcp-(1→4)-α-d-Galp-(1→4)-β-d-Galp-(1→6)-β-d-Galp-(1→4)-β-d-Glcp-(1→4)-α-d-Galp-(1→4)-β-d-Galp-(1→4)-α-d-Glcp-(1→, and had three branching points which existed in terminal with D-Glcp residues with α/β-d-(1→6) linkages. The r-EPS2 was composed of →6-β-d-Galp-(1→4)-β-d-Glcp-(1→6)-α-d-Galp-(1→ as the backbone chain with a branching point which also existed in terminal D-Glcp residue with β-(1→6) linkage. In addition, three r-EPS fractions exhibited strong scavenging activities on superoxide radical, hydroxyl radical, DPPH radical and chelating activity on ferrous ion, and their antioxidant activities decreased in the order of r-EPS1>r-EPS2>r-EPS3. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Introduction

Treesearch

Deborah J. Chavez; Patricia C. Winter; James D. Absher

2008-01-01

In 1987, the Pacific Southwest Research Station (PSW) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (USFS), chartered a research work unit to examine outdoor recreation in the wildland-urban interface. The need for the work unit was identified by the four forest supervisors in southern California, from the Angeles National Forest, the Cleveland National Forest...

The Utility of the Pattern of the Strengths and Weaknesses Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fiorello, Catherine A.; Flanagan, Dawn P.; Hale, James B.

2014-01-01

Unlike ability-achievement discrepancy and response-to-intervention approaches, the processing strengths and weaknesses (PSW) approach is the only empirically based approach that attempts to identify the pattern of deficit in the basic psychological processes that interferes with academic achievement for children with specific learning…

Response of invasive swallow-worts (Vincetoxicum spp.) to repeated artificial defoliation or clipping

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The Eurasian vines pale swallow-wort (Vincetoxicum rossicum) (PSW) and black swallow-wort (V. nigrum) (BSW) are invasive perennials that have infested natural areas in the northeastern United States and southern Canada. A biological control program is being developed, though it is unclear how thes...

Characterization of a nuclear localization signal in the C-terminus of the adeno-associated virus Rep68/78 proteins

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

Cassell, Geoffrey D.; Weitzman, Matthew D.

2004-10-01

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) replicates in the nucleus of infected cells, and therefore multiple nuclear import events are required for productive infection. We analyzed nuclear import of the viral Rep proteins and characterized a nuclear localization signal (NLS) in the C-terminus. We demonstrate that basic residues in this region constitute an NLS that is transferable and mediates interaction with the nuclear import receptor importin {alpha} in vitro. Mutant Rep proteins are predominantly cytoplasmic and are severely compromised for interactions with importin {alpha}, but retain their enzymatic functions in vitro. Interestingly, mutations of the NLS had significantly less effect on importin {alpha}more » interaction and replication in the context of Rep78 than when incorporated into the Rep68 protein. Together, our results demonstrate that a bipartite NLS exists in the shared part of Rep68 and Rep78, and suggest that an alternate entry mechanism may also contribute to nuclear localization of the Rep78 protein.« less

THE DEPRESSANT EFFECT OF CONTINUOUS COBALT-60 RADIATION ON THE SECONDARY TETANUS ANTITOXIN RESPONSE IN MICE

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

Stoner, R.D.; Hale, W.M.

1958-05-01

The radiosensitivity of the secondary tetanus antitoxin response in mice was demonstrated after rather low doses of continuous gamma -radiation given at a dose rate of 4 rep/hr. Accumulated doses of 48 to 288 rep depressed antitoxin formation. Comparable doses of acute gamma radiation did not depress antitoxin production. Acute doses of 350 to 650 rep sharply depressed the secondary antibody response, however. Extended periods of continuous gamma -radiation from 10 to 28 days to accumulated doses of 960 to 2688 rep markedly depressed the secondary antibody response. An accumulated dose of 2688 rep was needed to depress antitoxin formationmore » to the level observed after an acute dose of 650 rep. When the secondary stimulus of fluid tetanus toxoid was given prior to 10 days of continuous exposure to an accumulated dose of 860 rep, the secondary antibody respense was not depressed. Irradiated mice recovered the ability to produce a normal secondary antitoxin response during the second week after an accumulated dose of 1248 rep. The secondary antitoxin response was depressed in mice given long-continued gamma -radiation at a dose rate of 1 rep/hr. (auth)« less

Persistence of Antibiotic Resistance Plasmids in Biofilms

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-10-01

from a particular file #e.g. here everything from “data1.xls” will have identifier of “Rep1” r1<-collate(ls( patt ="*rep1"),TRUE,lastVal="Rep1") r2...collate(ls( patt ="*rep2"),TRUE,lastVal="Rep2") #merge the data from the two files allOutput<-rbind(r1,r2) #at this point allOutput can be used

76 FR 18224 - Announcement of Award

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-04-01

... Improvement Center on the Representation of Children in the Child Welfare System (QIC-ChildRep). CFDA Number... of Children in the Child Welfare System (QIC-ChildRep), to support additional and enhanced evaluation...-ChildRep. The purpose of the QIC-ChildRep is to improve the quality of legal representation for children...

Standard dose and dose-escalated radiation therapy are associated with favorable survival in select elderly patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma.

PubMed

Jackson, William C; Tsien, Christina I; Junck, Larry; Leung, Denise; Hervey-Jumper, Shawn; Orringer, Daniel; Heth, Jason; Wahl, Daniel R; Spratt, Daniel E; Cao, Yue; Lawrence, Theodore S; Kim, Michelle M

2018-05-01

We hypothesized elderly patients with good Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) treated with standard dose or dose-escalated radiation therapy (SDRT/DERT) and concurrent temozolomide (TMZ) would have favorable overall survival (OS) compared to historical elderly patients treated with hypofractionated RT (HFRT). From 2004 to 2015, 66 patients age ≥ 60 with newly diagnosed, pathologically proven glioblastoma were treated with SDRT/DERT over 30 fractions with concurrent/adjuvant TMZ at a single institution. Kaplan-Meier methods and the log-rank test were used to assess OS and progression-free survival (PFS). Multivariate analysis (MVA) was performed using Cox Proportional-Hazards. Median follow-up was 12.6 months. Doses ranged from 60 to 81 Gy (median 66). Median KPS was 90 (range 60-100) and median age was 67 years (range 60-81), with 29 patients ≥ 70 years old. 32% underwent gross total resection (GTR). MGMT status was known in 28%, 42% of whom were methylated. Median PFS was 8.3 months (95% CI 6.9-11.0) and OS was 12.7 months (95% CI 9.7-14.1). Patients age ≥ 70 with KPS ≥ 90 had a median OS of 12.4 months. Median OS was 27.1 months for MGMT methylated patients. On MVA controlling for age, dose, KPS, MGMT, GTR, and adjuvant TMZ, younger age (HR 0.9, 95% CI 0.8-0.9, p < 0.01), MGMT methylation (HR:0.2, 95% CI 0.1-0.7, p = 0.01), and GTR (HR:0.5, 95% CI 0.3-0.9, p = 0.01) were associated with improved OS. Our findings do not support routine use of a standard 6-week course of radiation therapy in elderly patients with glioblastoma. However, a select group of elderly patients with excellent performance status and MGMT methylation or GTR may experience favorable survival with a standard 6-week course of treatment.

Expression, purification and antibody preparation of PCV2 Rep and ORF3 proteins.

PubMed

Peng, Zhiyuan; Ma, Teng; Pang, Daxin; Su, Dan; Chen, Fuwang; Chen, Xinrong; Guo, Ning; Ouyang, Ting; Ouyang, Hongsheng; Ren, Linzhu

2016-05-01

Rep and ORF3 proteins are important functional proteins of porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2). Here, Rep and ORF3 genes were cloned, expressed and used to raise polyclonal antibodies. The result showed the recombinant plasmids of Rep and ORF3 genes constructed in this study were expressed efficiently in the prokaryotic system, and the recombinant proteins had antigenicity and immunogenicity. Furthermore, reactivity and specificity of the antiserums were characterized by western blot and indirect immunofluorescent assays. The results elucidated that polyclonal antiserum prepared with Rep or ORF3 had good reactivity and specificity against PCV2, or the Rep and ORF3 expressed in PK-15 cells, respectively. The Rep protein is promising for PCV2 antibody and vaccine development. These results will be helpful for further studies focusing on pathogenesis of PCV2 and serology diagnostic test or vaccine development against PCV2. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Cromoglycate, not ketotifen, ameliorated the injured effect of warm ischemia/reperfusion in rat liver: role of mast cell degranulation, oxidative stress, proinflammatory cytokine, and inducible nitric oxide synthase

PubMed Central

El-Shitany, Nagla A; El-Desoky, Karema

2015-01-01

Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (ISCH/REP) is a major clinical problem that is considered to be the most common cause of postoperative liver failure. Recently, mast cells have been proposed to play an important role in the pathophysiology of ISCH/REP in many organs. In contrast, the role played by mast cells during ISCH/REP-induced liver damage has remained an issue of debate. This study aimed to investigate the protective role of mast cells in order to search for an effective therapeutic agent that could protect against fatal ISCH/REP-induced liver damage. A model of warm ISCH/REP was induced in the liver of rats. Four groups of rats were used in this study: Group I: SHAM (normal saline, intravenously [iv]); Group II: ISCH/REP; Group III: sodium cromoglycate + ISCH/REP (CROM + ISCH/REP), and Group IV: ketotifen (KET) + ISCH/REP (KET + ISCH/REP). Liver damage was assessed both histopathologically and biochemically. Mast cell degranulation was assessed histochemically. Lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde [MDA]) as well as the levels of glutathione (GSH), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), the formation of nitric oxide (NO), and the expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) were determined. The results of this study revealed increased mast cell degranulation in the liver during the acute phase of ISCH/REP. Moreover, CROM, but not KET, decreased the activity of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and lactic dehydrogenase and maintained normal liver tissue histology. Both CROM and KET protected against mast cell degranulation in the liver. In addition, both CROM and KET decreased IL-6 and TNF-α. However, CROM, but not KET, decreased MDA formation and increased GSH. Furthermore, KET, but not CROM, increased both NO formation and iNOS expression. In conclusion, this study clearly demonstrated mast cell degranulation in warm ISCH/REP in the liver of rats. More importantly, CROM, but not KET, ameliorated the effect of ISCH/REP-induced injury in rat liver. CROM may protect the liver through mast cell stabilization, inhibition of TNF-α, IL-6, MDA, and iNOS and increased GSH. KET may maintain ISCH/REP-induced liver injury through the NO/iNOS pathway. PMID:26396497

Recycling and processing of several typical crosslinked polymer scraps with enhanced mechanical properties based on solid-state mechanochemical milling

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

Lu, Canhui; Zhang, Xinxing; Zhang, Wei

The partially devulcanization or de-crosslinking of ground tire rubber (GTR), post-vulcanized fluororubber scraps and crosslinked polyethylene from cable scraps through high-shear mechanochemical milling (HSMM) was conducted by a modified solid-state mechanochemical reactor. The results indicated that the HSMM treated crosslinked polymer scraps can be reprocessed as virgin rubbers or thermoplastics to produce materials with high performance. The foamed composites of low density polyethylene/GTR and the blend of post-vulcanized flurorubber (FKM) with polyacrylate rubber (ACM) with better processability and mechanical properties were obtained. The morphology observation showed that the dispersion and compatibility between de-crosslinked polymer scraps and matrix were enhanced. Themore » results demonstrated that HSMM is a feasible alternative technology for recycling post-vulcanized or crosslinked polymer scraps.« less

Clinical evaluation of subepithelial connective tissue graft and guided tissue regeneration for treatment of Miller’s class 1 gingival recession (comparative, split mouth, six months study)

PubMed Central

Bhavsar, Neeta-V.; Dulani, Kirti; Trivedi, Rahul

2014-01-01

Objectives: The present study aims to clinically compare and evaluate subepithelial connective tissue graft and the GTR based root coverage in treatment of Miller’s Class I gingival recession. Study Design: 30 patients with at least one pair of Miller’s Class I gingival recession were treated either with Subepithelial connective tissue graft (Group A) or Guided tissue regeneration (Group B). Clinical parameters monitored included recession RD, width of keratinized gingiva (KG), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), attached gingiva (AG), residual probing depth (RPD) and % of Root coverage(%RC). Measurements were taken at baseline, three months and six months. A standard surgical procedure was used for both Group A and Group B. Data were recorded and statistical analysis was done for both intergroup and intragroup. Results: At end of six months % RC obtained were 84.47% (Group A) and 81.67% (Group B). Both treatments resulted in statistically significant improvement in clinical parameters. When compared, no statistically significant difference was found between both groups except in RPD, where it was significantly greater in Group A. Conclusions: GTR technique has advantages over subepithelial connective tissue graft for shallow Miller’s Class I defects and this procedure can be used to avoid patient discomfort and reduce treatment time. Key words:Collagen membrane, comparative split mouth study, gingival recession, subepithelial connective tissue graft, guided tissue regeneration (GTR). PMID:25136420

Immuno-histopathologic evaluation of Drynaria fortunei rhizome extract in the management of grade II furcation defects in a canine model.

PubMed

Afifi, Marwa M; Kotry, Gehan S; El-Kimary, Gillan I; Youssef, Hayat A

2018-06-06

Management of furcation defects is still a challenging subject in periodontal therapy. Drynaria fortunei (Df) is a common type of traditional Chinese herb in the area of orthopedics and traumatology. In- vitro and tissue engineering studies have shown that Df induces osteoblastic proliferation and promotes the differentiation of human periodontal ligament cells. This study investigated the management of grade II furcation defects in dogs using guided tissue regeneration (GTR) and Df granules mixed with β- tri-calcium phosphate alloplast (β- TCP). Sixteen grade II critical -sized furcation defects were surgically created in four mongrel dogs: Eight defects were treated with GTR and Df granules mixed with (β- TCP) alloplast served as the experimental group, while the other eight were managed with GTR and alloplast, served as control. Dogs were sacrificed at four and eight weeks and the premolars were processed for the evaluation of treatment outcome including; osteoblastic count (OC), cementum layer thickness (CLT), percentage of collagen in bone matrix (CBM), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) immunoreaction. Experimental group treated with Df showed a significant increase (P < 0.001) in the values of OC, CLT, CBM, and ALP immunoreacitivity when compared to control at four and eight weeks after treatment. Df demonstrated increased regeneration and bone-formation when used in the treatment of furcation defects in a canine model. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain(R)) for periodontal tissue regeneration in intrabony defects.

PubMed

Esposito, Marco; Grusovin, Maria Gabriella; Papanikolaou, Nikolaos; Coulthard, Paul; Worthington, Helen V

2009-10-07

Periodontitis is a chronic infective disease of the gums caused by bacteria present in dental plaque. This condition induces the breakdown of the tooth supporting apparatus until teeth are lost. Surgery may be indicated to arrest disease progression and regenerate lost tissues. Several surgical techniques have been developed to regenerate periodontal tissues including guided tissue regeneration (GTR), bone grafting (BG) and the use of enamel matrix derivative (EMD). EMD is an extract of enamel matrix and contains amelogenins of various molecular weights. Amelogenins are involved in the formation of enamel and periodontal attachment formation during tooth development. To test whether EMD is effective, and to compare EMD versus GTR, and various BG procedures for the treatment of intrabony defects. We searched the Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE and EMBASE. Several journals were handsearched. No language restrictions were applied. Authors of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) identified, personal contacts and the manufacturer were contacted to identify unpublished trials. Most recent search: February 2009. RCTs on patients affected by periodontitis having intrabony defects of at least 3 mm treated with EMD compared with open flap debridement, GTR and various BG procedures with at least 1 year follow up. The outcome measures considered were: tooth loss, changes in probing attachment levels (PAL), pocket depths (PPD), gingival recessions (REC), bone levels from the bottom of the defects on intraoral radiographs, aesthetics and adverse events. The following time-points were to be evaluated: 1, 5 and 10 years. Screening of eligible studies, assessment of the methodological quality of the trials and data extraction were conducted in duplicate and independently by two authors. Results were expressed as random-effects models using mean differences for continuous outcomes and risk ratios (RR) for dichotomous outcomes with 95% confidence intervals (CI). It was decided not to investigate heterogeneity, but a sensitivity analysis for the risk of bias of the trials was performed. Thirteen trials were included out of 35 potentially eligible trials. No included trial presented data after 5 years of follow up, therefore all data refer to the 1-year time point. A meta-analysis including nine trials showed that EMD treated sites displayed statistically significant PAL improvements (mean difference 1.1 mm, 95% CI 0.61 to 1.55) and PPD reduction (0.9 mm, 95% CI 0.44 to 1.31) when compared to placebo or control treated sites, though a high degree of heterogeneity was found. Significantly more sites had < 2 mm PAL gain in the control group, with RR 0.53 (95% CI 0.34 to 0.82). Approximately nine patients needed to be treated (NNT) to have one patient gaining 2 mm or more PAL over the control group, based on a prevalence in the control group of 25%. No differences in tooth loss or aesthetic appearance as judged by the patients were observed. When evaluating only trials at a low risk of bias in a sensitivity analysis (four trials), the effect size for PAL was 0.62 mm (95% CI 0.28 to 0.96), which was less than 1.1 mm for the overall result. Comparing EMD with GTR (five trials), GTR showed statistically significant more postoperative complications (three trials, RR 0.12, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.85) and more REC (0.4 mm 95% CI 0.15 to 0.66). The only trial comparing EMD with a bioactive ceramic filler found statistically significant more REC (-1.60 mm, 95% CI -2.74 to -0.46) at the EMG treated sites. One year after its application, EMD significantly improved PAL levels (1.1 mm) and PPD reduction (0.9 mm) when compared to a placebo or control, however, the high degree of heterogeneity observed among trials suggests that results have to be interpreted with great caution. In addition, a sensitivity analysis indicated that the overall treatment effect might be overestimated. The actual clinical advantages of using EMD are unknown. With the exception of significantly more postoperative complications in the GTR group, there was no evidence of clinically important differences between GTR and EMD. Bone substitutes may be associated with less REC than EMD.

Enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain) for periodontal tissue regeneration in intrabony defects. A Cochrane systematic review.

PubMed

Esposito, Marco; Grusovin, Maria Gabriella; Papanikolaou, Nikolaos; Coulthard, Paul; Worthington, Helen V

2009-01-01

Periodontitis is a chronic infective disease of the gums caused by bacteria present in dental plaque. This condition induces the breakdown of the tooth supporting apparatus until teeth are lost. Surgery may be indicated to arrest disease progression and regenerate lost tissues. Several surgical techniques have been developed to regenerate periodontal tissues including guided tissue regeneration (GTR), bone grafting (BG) and the use of enamel matrix derivative (EMD). EMD is an extract of enamel matrix and contains amelogenins of various molecular weights. Amelogenins are involved in the formation of enamel and periodontal attachment formation during tooth development. To test whether EMD is effective, and to compare EMD versus GTR, and various BG procedures for the treatment of intrabony defects. The Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched. Several dental journals were hand searched. No language restrictions were applied. Authors of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) identified, personal contacts and the manufacturer were contacted to identify unpublished trials. The last electronic search was conducted on 4 February 2009. RCTs on patients affected by periodontitis having intrabony defects of at least 3 mm treated with EMD compared with open flap debridement, GTR and various BG procedures with at least 1 year of follow-up. The outcome measures considered were: tooth loss, changes in probing attachment levels (PAL), pocket depths (PPD), gingival recessions (REC), bone levels from the bottom of the defects on intraoral radiographs, aesthetics and adverse events. The following time points were to be evaluated: 1, 5 and 10 years. Screening of eligible studies, assessment of the methodological quality of the trials and data extraction were conducted in duplicate and independently by at least two authors. Results were expressed as random-effects models using mean differences for continuous outcomes and risk ratios (RR) for dichotomous outcomes with 95% confidence intervals (CI). It was decided not to investigate heterogeneity, but a sensitivity analysis for the risk of bias of the trials was performed. A total of 13 trials were included out of 35 potentially eligible trials. No included trial presented data after 5 years of follow-up, therefore all data refer to the 1-year time point. A meta-analysis including nine trials showed that EMD treated sites displayed statistically significant PAL improvements (mean difference 1.1 mm, 95% CI 0.61 to 1.55) and PPD reduction (0.9 mm, 95% CI 0.44 to 1.31) when compared to placebo or control treated sites, though a high degree of heterogeneity was found. Significantly more sites had < 2 mm PAL gain in the control group, with RR 0.53 (95% CI 0.34 to 0.82). Approximately nine patients needed to be treated (NNT) to have one patient gaining 2 mm or more PAL over the control group, based on a prevalence in the control group of 25%. No differences in tooth loss or aesthetic appearance as judged by the patients were observed. When evaluating only trials at a low risk of bias in a sensitivity analysis (four trials), the effect size for PAL was 0.62 mm (95% CI 0.28 to 0.96), which was less than 1.1 mm for the overall result. Comparing EMD with GTR (five trials), GTR showed significantly more post-operative complications (three trials, RR 0.12, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.85) and more REC (0.4 mm 95% CI 0.15 to 0.66). The only trial comparing EMD with a bioactive ceramic filler found statistically significantly more REC (-1.60 mm, 95% CI -2.74 to - 0.46) at the EMD treated sites. One year after its application, EMD significantly improved PAL levels (1.1 mm) and reduced PPD (0.9 mm) when compared to a placebo or control, however, the high degree of heterogeneity observed among trials suggests that the results have to be interpreted with great caution. In addition, a sensitivity analysis indicated that the overall treatment effect might be overestimated. The actual clinical advantages of using EMD are unknown. With the exception of significantly more postoperative complications in the GTR group, there was no evidence of clinically important differences between GTR and EMD. Bone substitutes may be associated with less REC than EMD.

Cumulative impacts: current research and current opinions at PSW

Treesearch

R. M. Rice

1987-01-01

Consideration of cumulative watershed effects (CWEs) has both political and physical aspects. Regardless of the practical usefulness of present methods of dealing with CWEs, the legal requirement to address them remains. Management of federal land is regulated by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972. The...

Overview of the Caspar Creek watershed study

Treesearch

Norm Henry

1998-01-01

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) and the Pacific Southwest Research Station, Redwood Sciences Laboratory (PSW) have been conducting watershed research within the Caspar Creek watershed on the Jackson Demonstration State Forest, in northern California, since 1962. A concrete broad-crested weir with a 120 degree low-flow V-notch was...

Management of pale swallow-wort (Vincetoxicum rossicum) using mowing and herbicides in two contrasting habitats

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Pale swallow-wort [PSW] (Vincetoxicum rossicum (Kleopow) Barbar.) is an invasive non-native vine that is increasing in prevalence in many natural and semi-natural areas of the northeastern U.S. and southeastern Canada. This herbaceous perennial thrives in old fields and ecotones but can also establi...

When Theory Trumps Science: A Critique of the PSW Model for SLD Identification

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McGill, Ryan J.; Busse, R. T.

2017-01-01

There has been vigorous debate within the state of California and elsewhere as to what constitutes appropriate procedures for determining whether an individual qualifies for special education and related services under the category of specific learning disability (SLD). Within the professional literature, there is growing support for educational…

Recreation visitor research: studies of diversity

Treesearch

Deborah J. Chavez; Patricia L. Winter; James D. Absher

2008-01-01

In 1987, the Pacific Southwest Research Station (PSW) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service (USFS) chartered a research work unit to examine outdoor recreation in the wildland-urban interface. The new work unit was established to address the needs of the increasingly diverse recreation visitors to national forests. The four forest supervisors in southern...

Performance of invasive swallowwort juveniles (Vincetoxicum spp.) across a habitat gradient after 7 years

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Vincetoxicum rossicum, pale swallowwort [PSW], and V. nigrum, black swallowwort [BSW] are two non-native perennial vines that are increasingly problematic in many regions of the northeastern U.S. and southern Canada. The two species can grow in full sun or shaded forest understories, and infest a v...

50 CFR 217.115 - Requirements for monitoring and reporting.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... pre-exercise and post-exercise activities related to mitigating and monitoring the effects of PSW/air... Weapon and Air-to-Surface Gunnery Missions at Eglin Gulf Test and Training Range (EGTTR) in the Gulf of... aboard the operations vessel. (3) Pre-mission Monitoring: Approximately 5 hours prior to the mission, or...

Comet 29P/SW1 outburst

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trigo-Rodriguez, Josep M.

2008-10-01

The present outburst experienced by this Centaur (#IAUC 8978) is the brightest detected since September 2004 [for more details see Trigo-Rodriguez et al. (2008) A&A485, pp. 599-606]. In the previously reported work the outburst frequency was established in 7.3 outbursts/year, typically reaching a +13 maximum magnitude or less.

First-principles calculations of finite temperature Sc and O NMR parameters in Pb(Sc2/3W1/3)O3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krakauer, Henry; Walter, Eric J.; Ellden, Jeremy; Hoatson, Gina L.; Vold, Robert L.

2012-02-01

Understanding the dynamics of complex relaxor ferroelectrics is important to characterizing their large electromechanical coupling. Preliminary NMR measurements of Sc electric-field-gradients (EFG) in Pb(Sc2/3W1/3)O3 (PSW) show a strong temperature dependence in the range T = 250 - 330 K. To understand this behavior, we use the first-principles GIPAWootnotetextC. J. Pickard and F. Mauri, Phys. Rev. B 63, 245101 (2001); method within the Quantum Espresso (QE) packageootnotetextP. Giannozzi et al., Journal of Physics: Condensed Matter 21, 395502 (2009) to calculate ^45Sc and ^17O chemical-shifts and EFG tensors. To study finite temperature effects, we incorporate the thermal expansion of the lattice and sample thermal disorder, using the phonon degrees of freedom. As in our previous studies of perovksites,ootnotetextD. L. Pechkis, E. J. Walter, and H. Krakauer. J. Chem. Phys. 135, 114507 (2011); ibid. 131, 184511 (2009) we show that the ^17O chemical shifts in PSW also exhibit a linear correlation with the nearest-neighbor B-O bond length.

75 FR 27840 - NUREG-0654/FEMA-REP-1, Rev. 1, Supplement 3, Guidance for Protective Action Recommendations for...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-05-18

... NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION [NRC-2010-0080] NUREG-0654/FEMA-REP-1, Rev. 1, Supplement 3...: ``NUREG-0654/FEMA-REP-1, Rev. 1, Supplement 3, Guidance for Protective Action Recommendations for General... the existing guidance contained in Supplement 3 to NUREG- 0654/FEMA-REP-1, Rev. 1, ``Criteria for...

Irreducible projective representations and their physical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Jian; Liu, Zheng-Xin

2018-01-01

An eigenfunction method is applied to reduce the regular projective representations (Reps) of finite groups to obtain their irreducible projective Reps. Anti-unitary groups are treated specially, where the decoupled factor systems and modified Schur’s lemma are introduced. We discuss the applications of irreducible Reps in many-body physics. It is shown that in symmetry protected topological phases, geometric defects or symmetry defects may carry projective Rep of the symmetry group; while in symmetry enriched topological phases, intrinsic excitations (such as spinons or visons) may carry projective Rep of the symmetry group. We also discuss the applications of projective Reps in problems related to spectrum degeneracy, such as in search of models without sign problem in quantum Monte Carlo simulations.

Hydrogeology, chemical characteristics, and water sources and pathways in the zone of contribution of a public-supply well in San Antonio, Texas

USGS Publications Warehouse

Musgrove, MaryLynn; Fahlquist, Lynne; Stanton, Gregory P.; Houston, Natalie A.; Lindgren, Richard J.

2011-01-01

In 2001, the National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program of the U.S. Geological Survey initiated a series of studies on the transport of anthropogenic and natural contaminants (TANC) to public-supply wells (PSWs). The main goal of the TANC project was to better understand the source, transport, and receptor factors that control contaminant movement to PSWs in representative aquifers of the United States. Regional- and local-scale study areas were selected from within existing NAWQA study units, including the south-central Texas Edwards aquifer. The local-scale TANC study area, nested within the regional-scale NAWQA study area, is representative of the regional Edwards aquifer. The PSW selected for study is within a well field of six production wells. Although a single PSW was initially selected, because of constraints of well-field operation, samples were collected from different wells within the well field for different components of the study. Data collected from all of the well-field wells were considered comparable because of similar well construction, hydrogeology, and geochemistry. An additional 38 PSWs (mostly completed in the confined part of the aquifer) were sampled throughout the regional aquifer to characterize water quality. Two monitoring well clusters, with wells completed at different depths, were installed to the east and west of the well field (the Zarzamora and Timberhill monitoring well clusters, respectively). One of the monitoring wells was completed in the overburden to evaluate potential hydrologic connectivity with the Edwards aquifer. Geophysical and flowmeter logs were collected from one of the well-field PSWs to determine zones of contribution to the wellbore. These contributing zones, associated with different hydrogeologic units, were used to select monitoring well completion depths and groundwater sample collection depths for depth-dependent sampling. Depth-dependent samples were collected from the PSW from three different depths and under three different pumping conditions. Additionally, selected monitoring wells and one of the well-field PSWs were sampled several times in response to a rainfall and recharge event to assess short-term (event-scale) temporal variations in water quality. For comparison purposes, groundwater samples were categorized as being from regional aquifer PSWs, from the well field (wellhead samples), from the monitoring wells (excluding the overburden well), from the overburden well, from the PSW depth-dependent sampling, and from temporal sampling. Groundwater samples were analyzed for inorganic, organic, isotopic, and age-dating tracers to characterize geochemical conditions in the aquifer and provide understanding of the mechanisms of mobilization and movement of selected constituents from source areas to a PSW. Sources, tracers, and conditions used to assess water quality and processes affecting the PSW and the aquifer system included (1) carbonate host rock composition; (2) physicochemical constituents; (3) major and trace element concentrations; (4) saturation indices with respect to minerals in aquifer rocks; (5) elemental ratios, such as magnesium to calcium ratios, that are indicative of water-rock interaction processes; (6) oxidation-reduction conditions; (7) nutrient concentrations, in particular nitrate concentrations; (8) the isotopic composition of nitrate, which can point to specific nitrate sources; (9) strontium isotopes; (10) stable isotopes of hydrogen and oxygen; (11) organic contaminant concentrations, including pesticides and volatile organic compounds; (12) age tracers, apparent-age distribution, and dissolved gas data used in age interpretations; (13) depth-dependent water chemistry collected from the PSW under different pumping conditions to assess zones of contribution; and (14) temporal variability in groundwater composition from the PSW and selected monitoring wells in response to an aquifer recharge event. Geochemical results indicate that the well-field and monitoring well samples were largely representative of groundwater in the regional confined aquifer. Constituents of concern in the Edwards aquifer for the long-term sustainability of the groundwater resource include the nutrient nitrate and anthropogenic organic contaminants. Nitrate concentrations (as nitrogen) for regional aquifer PSWs had a median value of 1.9 milligrams per liter, which is similar to previously reported values for the regional aquifer. Nitrate-isotope compositions for groundwater samples collected from the well-field PSWs and monitoring wells had a narrow range, with values indicative of natural soil organic values. A comparison with historical nitrate-isotope values, however, suggests that a component of nitrate in groundwater from biogenic sources might have increased over the last 30 years. Several organic contaminants (the pesticide atrazine, its degradate deethylatrazine, trichloromethane (chloroform; a drinking-water disinfection byproduct), and the solvent tetrachloroethene (PCE)) were widely distributed throughout the regional aquifer and in the local-scale TANC study area at low concentrations (less than 1 microgram per liter). Higher concentrations of PCE were detected in samples from the well-field PSWs and Zarzamora monitoring wells relative to the regional aquifer PSWs. The urban environment is a likely source of contaminants to the aquifer, and these results indicate that one or more local urban sources might be supplying PCE to the Zarzamora monitoring wells and the well-field wells. Samples from the well field also had high concentrations of chloroform relative to the monitoring wells and regional aquifer PSWs. For samples from the regional aquifer PSWs, the most frequently detected organic contaminants generally decreased in concentration with increasing well depth. Deeper wells might intercept longer regional flow paths with higher fractions of older water or water recharged in rural recharge areas in the western part of the aquifer that have been less affected by anthropogenic contaminants. A scenario of hypothetical contaminant loading was evaluated by using results from groundwater-flow-model particle tracking to assess the response of the aquifer to potential contamination. Results indicate that the aquifer responds quickly (less than 1 year to several years) to contaminant loading; however, it takes a relatively long time (decades) for concentrations to reach peak values. The aquifer also responds quickly (less than 1 year to several years) to the removal of contaminant loading; however, it also takes a relatively long time (decades) to reach near background concentrations. Interpretation of geochemical age tracers in this well-mixed karst system was complicated by contamination of a majority of measured tracers and complexities of extensive mixing. Age-tracer results generally indicated that groundwater samples were composed of young, recently recharged water with piston-flow model ages ranging from less than 1 to 41 years, with a median of 17 years. Although a piston-flow model is typically not valid for karst aquifers, the model ages provide a basis for comparing relative ages of different samples and a reference point for more complex hydrogeologic models for apparent-age interpretations. Young groundwater ages are consistent with particle-tracking results from hydrogeologic modeling for the local-scale TANC study area. Age-tracer results compared poorly with other geochemical indicators of groundwater residence time and anthropogenic effects on water quality, indicating that hydrogeologic conceptual models used in groundwater age interpretations might not adequately account for mixing in this karst system. Groundwater samples collected from the well field under a variety of pumping conditions were relatively homogeneous and well mixed for numerous geochemical constituents (with the notable exception of age tracers). Groundwater contributions to the PSW were dominated by well-mixed, relatively homogeneous groundwater, typical of the regional confined aquifer. Zones of preferential flow were determined for the PSW, but groundwater samples from different stratigraphic units were not geochemically distinct. Variations in chemical constituents in response to a rainfall and aquifer recharge event occurred but were relatively minor in the PSW and monitoring wells. This observation is consistent with the hypothesis that the response to individual recharge events in the confined aquifer, unless intersecting conduit flow paths, might be attenuated by mixing processes along regional flow paths. Results of this study are consistent with the existing conceptual understanding of aquifer processes in this karst system and are useful for water-resource development and management practices.

Crystal structures of CaSiO3 polymorphs control growth and osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells on bioceramic surfaces.

PubMed

Zhang, Nianli; Molenda, James A; Mankoci, Steven; Zhou, Xianfeng; Murphy, William L; Sahai, Nita

2013-10-01

The repair and replacement of damaged or diseased human bone tissue requires a stable interface between the orthopedic implant and living tissue. The ideal material should be both osteoconductive (promote bonding to bone) and osteoinductive (induce osteogenic differentiation of cells and generate new bone). Partially resorbable bioceramic materials with both properties are developed by expensive trial-and-error methods. Structure-reactivity relationships for predicting the osteoinductive properties of ceramics would significantly increase the efficiency of developing materials for bone tissue engineering. Here we propose the novel hypothesis that the crystal structure of a bioceramic controls the release rates, subsequent surface modifications due to precipitation of new phases, and thus, the concentrations of soluble factors, and ultimately, the attachment, viability and osteogenic differentiation of human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hMSCs). To illustrate our hypothesis, we used two CaSiO 3 polymorphs, pseudo-wollastonite (psw, β-CaSiO 3 ) and wollastonite (wol, α-CaSiO 3 ) as scaffolds for hMSC culture. Polymorphs are materials which have identical chemical composition and stoichiometry, but different crystal structures. We combined the results of detailed surface characterizations, including environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) back-scattered imaging, and spot-analysis and 2D elemental mapping by SEM-Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) and surface roughness analysis; culture medium solution analyses; and molecular/genetic assays from cell culture. Our results confirmed the hypothesis that the psw polymorph, which has a strained silicate ring structure, is more osteoinductive than the wol polymorph, which has a more stable, open silicate chain structure. The observations could be attributed to easier dissolution (resorption) of psw compared to wol, which resulted in concentration profiles that were more osteoinductive for the former. Thus, we showed that crystal structure is a fundamental parameter to be considered in the intelligent design of pro-osteogenic, partially resorbable bioceramics.

Application of microtremor horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (MHVSR) analysis for site characterization: State of the art

USGS Publications Warehouse

Molnar, S.; Cassidy, J. F.; Castellaro, S.; Cornou, C.; Crow, H.; Hunter, J. A.; Matsushima, S.; Sanchez-Sesma, F. J.; Yong, Alan

2018-01-01

Nakamura (Q Rep Railway Tech Res Inst 30:25–33, 1989) popularized the application of the horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) analysis of microtremor (seismic noise or ambient vibration) recordings to estimate the predominant frequency and amplification factor of earthquake shaking. During the following quarter century, popularity in the microtremor HVSR (MHVSR) method grew; studies have verified the stability of a site’s MHVSR response over time and validated the MHVSR response with that of earthquake HVSR response. Today, MHVSR analysis is a popular reconnaissance tool used worldwide for seismic microzonation and earthquake site characterization in numerous regions, specifically, in the mapping of site period or fundamental frequency and inverted for shear-wave velocity depth profiles, respectively. However, the ubiquity of MHVSR analysis is predominantly a consequence of its ease in application rather than our full understanding of its theory. We present the state of the art in MHVSR analyses in terms of the development of its theoretical basis, current state of practice, and we comment on its future for applications in earthquake site characterization.

Application of Microtremor Horizontal-to-Vertical Spectral Ratio (MHVSR) Analysis for Site Characterization: State of the Art

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Molnar, S.; Cassidy, J. F.; Castellaro, S.; Cornou, C.; Crow, H.; Hunter, J. A.; Matsushima, S.; Sánchez-Sesma, F. J.; Yong, A.

2018-03-01

Nakamura (Q Rep Railway Tech Res Inst 30:25-33, 1989) popularized the application of the horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) analysis of microtremor (seismic noise or ambient vibration) recordings to estimate the predominant frequency and amplification factor of earthquake shaking. During the following quarter century, popularity in the microtremor HVSR (MHVSR) method grew; studies have verified the stability of a site's MHVSR response over time and validated the MHVSR response with that of earthquake HVSR response. Today, MHVSR analysis is a popular reconnaissance tool used worldwide for seismic microzonation and earthquake site characterization in numerous regions, specifically, in the mapping of site period or fundamental frequency and inverted for shear-wave velocity depth profiles, respectively. However, the ubiquity of MHVSR analysis is predominantly a consequence of its ease in application rather than our full understanding of its theory. We present the state of the art in MHVSR analyses in terms of the development of its theoretical basis, current state of practice, and we comment on its future for applications in earthquake site characterization.

Application of Microtremor Horizontal-to-Vertical Spectral Ratio (MHVSR) Analysis for Site Characterization: State of the Art

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Molnar, S.; Cassidy, J. F.; Castellaro, S.; Cornou, C.; Crow, H.; Hunter, J. A.; Matsushima, S.; Sánchez-Sesma, F. J.; Yong, A.

2018-07-01

Nakamura (Q Rep Railway Tech Res Inst 30:25-33, 1989) popularized the application of the horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) analysis of microtremor (seismic noise or ambient vibration) recordings to estimate the predominant frequency and amplification factor of earthquake shaking. During the following quarter century, popularity in the microtremor HVSR (MHVSR) method grew; studies have verified the stability of a site's MHVSR response over time and validated the MHVSR response with that of earthquake HVSR response. Today, MHVSR analysis is a popular reconnaissance tool used worldwide for seismic microzonation and earthquake site characterization in numerous regions, specifically, in the mapping of site period or fundamental frequency and inverted for shear-wave velocity depth profiles, respectively. However, the ubiquity of MHVSR analysis is predominantly a consequence of its ease in application rather than our full understanding of its theory. We present the state of the art in MHVSR analyses in terms of the development of its theoretical basis, current state of practice, and we comment on its future for applications in earthquake site characterization.

Rice endosperm protein slows progression of fatty liver and diabetic nephropathy in Zucker diabetic fatty rats.

PubMed

Kubota, Masatoshi; Watanabe, Reiko; Yamaguchi, Miki; Hosojima, Michihiro; Saito, Akihiko; Fujii, Mikio; Fujimura, Shinobu; Kadowaki, Motoni

2016-10-01

We previously reported that rice endosperm protein (REP) has renoprotective effects in Goto-Kakizaki rats, a non-obese diabetic model. However, whether these effects occur in obese diabetes remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify the effects of REP on obese diabetes, especially on fatty liver and diabetic nephropathy, using the obese diabetic model Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats. In total, 7-week-old male ZDF rats were fed diets containing 20 % REP or casein (C) for 8 weeks. Changes in fasting blood glucose levels and urinary markers were monitored during the experimental period. Hepatic lipids and metabolites were measured and renal glomeruli were observed morphologically. HbA1c levels were significantly lower in rats fed REP, compared with C (P<0·05). Compared with C in the liver, REP prevented lipid accumulation (total lipid, TAG and total cholesterol, P<0·01). Liver metabolome analysis indicated that levels of metabolites associated with glycolysis, the pentose phosphate pathway and carnitine metabolism were significantly greater in the REP group than in the C group (P<0·05), suggesting activation of both glucose catabolism and fatty acid oxidation. The metabolite increases promoted by REP may contribute to suppression of liver lipid accumulation. Urinary excretion of albumin and N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase was significantly reduced in rats fed REP for 8 weeks (P<0·01). In addition, there was a distinct suppression of mesangial matrix expansion and glomerular hypertrophy in response to REP (P<0·01). Thus, REP had preventive effects on obese diabetes, fatty liver and diabetic nephropathy.

Polyethylenimine-based polyplex delivery of self-replicating RNA vaccines.

PubMed

Démoulins, Thomas; Milona, Panagiota; Englezou, Pavlos C; Ebensen, Thomas; Schulze, Kai; Suter, Rolf; Pichon, Chantal; Midoux, Patrick; Guzmán, Carlos A; Ruggli, Nicolas; McCullough, Kenneth C

2016-04-01

Self-amplifying replicon RNA (RepRNA) are large molecules (12-14 kb); their self-replication amplifies mRNA template numbers, affording several rounds of antigen production, effectively increasing vaccine antigen payloads. Their sensitivity to RNase-sensitivity and inefficient uptake by dendritic cells (DCs) - absolute requirements for vaccine design - were tackled by condensing RepRNA into synthetic, nanoparticulate, polyethylenimine (PEI)-polyplex delivery vehicles. Polyplex-delivery formulations for small RNA molecules cannot be transferred to RepRNA due to its greater size and complexity; the N:P charge ratio and impact of RepRNA folding would influence polyplex condensation, post-delivery decompaction and the cytosolic release essential for RepRNA translation. Polyplex-formulations proved successful for delivery of RepRNA encoding influenza virus hemagglutinin and nucleocapsid to DCs. Cytosolic translocation was facilitated, leading to RepRNA translation. This efficacy was confirmed in vivo, inducing both humoral and cellular immune responses. Accordingly, this paper describes the first PEI-polyplexes providing efficient delivery of the complex and large, self-amplifying RepRNA vaccines. The use of self-amplifying replicon RNA (RepRNA) to increase vaccine antigen payloads can potentially be useful in effective vaccine design. Nonetheless, its use is limited by the degradation during the uptake process. Here, the authors attempted to solve this problem by packaging RepRNA using polyethylenimine (PEI)-polyplex delivery vehicles. The efficacy was confirmed in vivo by the appropriate humoral and cellular immune responses. This novel delivery method may prove to be very useful for future vaccine design. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Oligomeric Properties of Adeno-Associated Virus Rep68 Reflect Its Multifunctionality

PubMed Central

Zarate-Perez, Francisco; Mansilla-Soto, Jorge; Bardelli, Martino; Burgner, John W.; Villamil-Jarauta, Maria; Kekilli, Demet; Samso, Monserrat

2013-01-01

The adeno-associated virus (AAV) encodes four regulatory proteins called Rep. The large AAV Rep proteins Rep68 and Rep78 are essential factors required in almost every step of the viral life cycle. Structurally, they share two domains: a modified version of the AAA+ domain that characterizes the SF3 family of helicases and an N-terminal domain that binds DNA specifically. The combination of these two domains imparts extraordinary multifunctionality to work as initiators of DNA replication and regulators of transcription, in addition to their essential role during site-specific integration. Although most members of the SF3 family form hexameric rings in vitro, the oligomeric nature of Rep68 is unclear due to its propensity to aggregate in solution. We report here a comprehensive study to determine the oligomeric character of Rep68 using a combination of methods that includes sedimentation velocity ultracentrifugation, electron microscopy, and hydrodynamic modeling. We have determined that residue Cys151 induces Rep68 to aggregate in vitro. We show that Rep68 displays a concentration-dependent dynamic oligomeric behavior characterized by the presence of two populations: one with monomers and dimers in slow equilibrium and a second one consisting of a mixture of multiple-ring structures of seven and eight members. The presence of either ATP or ADP induces formation of larger complexes formed by the stacking of multiple rings. Taken together, our results support the idea of a Rep68 molecule that exhibits the flexible oligomeric behavior needed to perform the wide range of functions occurring during the AAV life cycle. PMID:23152528

Discrimination of probiotic Lactobacillus strains for poultry by repetitive sequenced-based PCR fingerprinting.

PubMed

Lee, Chin Mei; Sieo, Chin Chin; Cheah, Yoke-Kqueen; Abdullah, Norhani; Ho, Yin Wan

2012-02-01

Four repetitive element sequence-based polymerase chain reaction (rep-PCR) methods, namely repetitive extragenic palindromic PCR (REP-PCR), enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus PCR (ERIC-PCR), polytrinucleotide (GTG)₅ -PCR and BOX-PCR, were evaluated for the molecular differentiation of 12 probiotic Lactobacillus strains previously isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of chickens and used as a multistrain probiotic. This study represents the first analysis of the comparative efficacy of these four rep-PCR methods and their combination (composite rep-PCR) in the molecular typing of Lactobacillus strains based on a discriminatory index (D). Species-specific and strain-specific profiles were observed from rep-PCR. From the numerical analysis of composite rep-PCR, BOX-PCR, (GTG)₅ -PCR, REP-PCR and ERIC-PCR, D values of 0.9118, 0.9044, 0.8897, 0.8750 and 0.8529 respectively were obtained. Composite rep-PCR analysis was the most discriminative method, with eight Lactobacillus strains, namely L. brevis ATCC 14869(T) , L. reuteri C 10, L. reuteri ATCC 23272(T) , L. gallinarum ATCC 33199(T) , L. salivarius ATCC 11741(T) , L. salivarius I 24, L. panis JCM 11053(T) and L. panis C 17, being differentiated at the strain level. Composite rep-PCR analysis is potentially a useful fingerprinting method to discriminate probiotic Lactobacillus strains isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of chickens. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry.

78 FR 53774 - Guide for the Evaluation of Alert and Notification Systems for Nuclear Power Plants, FEMA-REP-10...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-30

...] Guide for the Evaluation of Alert and Notification Systems for Nuclear Power Plants, FEMA-REP-10, Rev. 1... the Guide for the Evaluation of Alert and Notification Systems for Nuclear Power Plants, FEMA-REP-10... Agency (FEMA) issued FEMA-REP-10, Guide for the Evaluation of Alert and Notification Systems for Nuclear...

Correlated responses for litter traits to six generations of selection for ovulation rate or prenatal survival in French Large White pigs.

PubMed

Rosendo, A; Druet, T; Gogué, J; Canario, L; Bidanel, J P

2007-07-01

Effects of selection for reproductive traits were estimated using data from 3 pig lines derived from the same Large White population base. Two lines were selected for 6 generations on high ovulation rate at puberty (OR line) or high prenatal survival corrected for ovulation rate in the first 2 parities (PS line). The third line was an unselected control line. Genetic parameters for age and BW at puberty (AP and WP); number of piglets born alive, weaned, and nurtured (NBA, NW, and NN, respectively); proportions of stillbirth (PSB) and survival from birth to weaning (PSW); litter and average piglet BW at birth (LWB and AWB), at 21 d (LW21 and AW21), and at weaning (LWW and AWW) were estimated using REML methodology. Heritability estimates were 0.38 +/- 0.03, 0.46 +/- 0.03, 0.16 +/- 0.01, 0.08 +/- 0.01, 0.09 +/- 0.01, 0.04 +/- 0.01, 0.04 +/- 0.02, 0.19 +/- 0.02, 0.10 +/- 0.02, 0.10 +/- 0.02, 0.36 +/- 0.02, 0.27 +/- 0.01, and 0.24 +/- 0.01 for AP, WP, NBA, PSB, NW, NN, PSW, LWB, LW21, LWW, AWB, AW21, and AWW, respectively. The measures of litter size showed strong genetic correlations (r(a) >/= 0.95) and had antagonistic relations with PSB (r(a) = -0.59 to -0.75) and average piglet BW (r(a) = -0.19 to -0.46). They also had strong positive genetic correlations with prenatal survival (r(a) = 0.67 to 0.78) and moderate ones with ovulation rate (r(a) = 0.36 to 0.42). Correlations of litter size with PSW were negative at birth but positive at weaning. The OR and PS lines were negatively related to PSW and average piglet BW. Puberty traits had positive genetic correlations with OR and negative ones with PS. Genetic trends were estimated by computing differences between OR or PS and control lines at each generation using least squares and mixed model methodologies. Average genetic trends were computed by regressing line differences on generation number. Significant (P < 0.05) average genetic trends were obtained in OR and PS lines for AP (respectively, 2.1 +/- 0.9 and 3.2 +/- 1.0 d/generation) and WP (respectively, 2.0 +/- 0.5 and 1.8 +/- 0.5 d/generation) and in the PS line for NBA (0.22 +/- 0.10 piglet/generation). Tendencies (P < 0.10) were also observed for LWB (0.21 +/- 0.12 kg/generation) and AWW (-0.25 +/- 0.14 kg/generation) in the PS line. Selection on components of litter size can be used to improve litter size at birth, but result in undesirable trends for preweaning survival.

Real-Time Flight Test PCM Data Acquisition Monitor.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-09-01

REP) BY A NIGH LEVEL , ZERO IS REP BY A LOU LEVEL a.a a a aNR2-MARK NRZ-N N aGa LEVE a a a I a a i a I l a ai a a a a a NRZ-SPACE NRZ-S aA ZERO IS...REP BY NO LEVEL CHANGE a a aA ONE IS REP BY A CHANGE IN LEVEL ", a.i* aIa ’ -’ RZ ! A ONE IS REP BY A HALF BIT WIDE PULSE 0 , , , A ZERO IS REP BY NO...PULSE I I, "a a i a a a ’-i".[TRANtITIO14 AT CENTER OF EVERY BIT PERIOD 81B -PHA-L : N S TASTO R MHG OLUI E .;,.. ,.. . ZERO IS TRAtNSITION FROMH LOY TO

GEMINI RENDEZVOUS EVALUATION POD (REP) - ARTIST CONCEPT

NASA Image and Video Library

1965-08-01

S65-28653 (August 1965) --- Rendezvous Evaluation Pod (REP) in orbit is approached by Gemini spacecraft as seen in this artist's concept using an actual photograph taken on the Gemini-4 mission. The REP is superimposed over a Gemini-4 Earth-sky picture of cloud formations over an ocean. The REP will be used by the crew of the Gemini-5 spacecraft to practice rendezvous techniques.

Critical Issues in Specific Learning Disability Identification: What We Need to Know about the PSW Model

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McGill, Ryan J.; Styck, Kara M.; Palomares, Ronald S.; Hass, Michael R.

2016-01-01

As a result of the upcoming Federal reauthorization of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA), practitioners and researchers have begun vigorously debating what constitutes evidence-based assessment for the identification of specific learning disability (SLD). This debate has resulted in strong support for a method that…

USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station Sudden Oak Death Research Program: 2001-2005

Treesearch

Patrick J. Shea

2006-01-01

The Pacific Southwest Research Station (PSW), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service initiated the Sudden Oak Death Research (SOD) Program in late 2000. The program was prompted by late fiscal year funding dedicated directly to begin research on this newly discovered disease. The history of discovery of Phytophthora ramorum, the...

Simulation of LD Identification Accuracy Using a Pattern of Processing Strengths and Weaknesses Method with Multiple Measures

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miciak, Jeremy; Taylor, W. Pat; Stuebing, Karla K.; Fletcher, Jack M.

2018-01-01

We investigated the classification accuracy of learning disability (LD) identification methods premised on the identification of an intraindividual pattern of processing strengths and weaknesses (PSW) method using multiple indicators for all latent constructs. Known LD status was derived from latent scores; values at the observed level identified…

75 FR 16754 - Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Conducting Precision...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-02

... the Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) exercise under the PSW LOA. Three Griffin\\TM\\ SOPGM system missiles with..., taking of small numbers of marine mammals by U.S. citizens who engage in a specified activity (other than... (Public Law 108-136) removed the ``small numbers'' and ``specified geographical region'' limitations and...

CASP Position Paper: Specific Learning Disabilities and Patterns of Strengths and Weaknesses

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Christo, Catherine; Ponzuric, Jenny

2017-01-01

California Association of School Psychologists (CASP) adopted a Position Paper in March, 2014 intended to support school psychologists in California in electing to use a process known as Patterns of Strengths and Weaknesses (PSW) as one of three methods specified in IDEA 2014 and California Code of Regulations, Title 5, to identify students being…

The Effect of Achievement Test Selection on Identification of Learning Disabilities within a Patterns of Strengths and Weaknesses Framework

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miciak, Jeremy; Taylor, W. Pat; Denton, Carolyn A.; Fletcher, Jack M.

2015-01-01

Few empirical investigations have evaluated learning disabilities (LD) identification methods based on a pattern of cognitive strengths and weaknesses (PSW). This study investigated the reliability of LD classification decisions of the concordance/discordance method (C/DM) across different psychoeducational assessment batteries. C/DM criteria were…

76 FR 7548 - Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Conducting Precision...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-02-10

... and Training by Eglin Air Force Base in the Gulf of Mexico AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service... species of marine mammals incidental to testing and training during Precision Strike Weapons (PSW) testing and training in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM), a military readiness activity, has been issued to Eglin Air...

Multi-year survival, growth and maturation of invasive swallow-wort juveniles (Vincetoxicum spp.) across a habitat gradient

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Vincetoxicum rossicum, pale swallow-wort [PSW], and V. nigrum, black swallow-wort [BSW] are two non-native perennial vines that are increasingly problematic in many regions of the northeastern US and southern Canada. The two species can grow in full sun or shaded forest understories, and infest a v...

Reduction of antinutritional glucosinolates in Brassica oilseeds by mutation of genes encoding transporters.

PubMed

Nour-Eldin, Hussam Hassan; Madsen, Svend Roesen; Engelen, Steven; Jørgensen, Morten Egevang; Olsen, Carl Erik; Andersen, Jonathan Sonne; Seynnaeve, David; Verhoye, Thalia; Fulawka, Rudy; Denolf, Peter; Halkier, Barbara Ann

2017-04-01

The nutritional value of Brassica seed meals is reduced by the presence of glucosinolates, which are toxic compounds involved in plant defense. Mutation of the genes encoding two glucosinolate transporters (GTRs) eliminated glucosinolates from Arabidopsis thaliana seeds, but translation of loss-of-function phenotypes into Brassica crops is challenging because Brassica is polyploid. We mutated one of seven and four of 12 GTR orthologs and reduced glucosinolate levels in seeds by 60-70% in two different Brassica species (Brassica rapa and Brassica juncea). Reduction in seed glucosinolates was stably inherited over multiple generations and maintained in field trials of two mutant populations at three locations. Successful translation of the gtr loss-of-function phenotype from model plant to two Brassica crops suggests that our transport engineering approach could be broadly applied to reduce seed glucosinolate content in other oilseed crops, such as Camelina sativa or Crambe abyssinica.

Direct molding of pavement tiles made of ground tire rubber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quadrini, Fabrizio; Gagliardi, Donatella; Tedde, Giovanni Matteo; Santo, Loredana; Musacchi, Ettore

2016-10-01

Large rubber products can be molded by using only ground tire rubber (GTR) without any additive or binder due to a new technology called "direct molding". Rubber granules and powders from tire recycling are compression molded at elevated temperatures and pressures. The feasibility of this process was clearly shown in laboratory but the step to the industrial scale was missing. Thanks to an European Project (SMART "Sustainable Molding of Articles from Recycled Tires") this step has been made and some results are reported in this study. The press used for compression molding is described. Some tests were made to measure the energy consumption so as to evaluate costs for production in comparison with conventional technologies for GTR molding (by using binders). Results show that 1 m2 tiles can be easily molded with several thicknesses in a reasonable low time. Energy consumption is higher than conventional technologies but it is lower than the cost for binders.

Terahertz reflectometry imaging for low and high grade gliomas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ji, Young Bin; Oh, Seung Jae; Kang, Seok-Gu; Heo, Jung; Kim, Sang-Hoon; Choi, Yuna; Song, Seungri; Son, Hye Young; Kim, Se Hoon; Lee, Ji Hyun; Haam, Seung Joo; Huh, Yong Min; Chang, Jong Hee; Joo, Chulmin; Suh, Jin-Suck

2016-10-01

Gross total resection (GTR) of glioma is critical for improving the survival rate of glioma patients. One of the greatest challenges for achieving GTR is the difficulty in discriminating low grade tumor or peritumor regions that have an intact blood brain barrier (BBB) from normal brain tissues and delineating glioma margins during surgery. Here we present a highly sensitive, label-free terahertz reflectometry imaging (TRI) that overcomes current key limitations for intraoperative detection of World Health Organization (WHO) grade II (low grade), and grade III and IV (high grade) gliomas. We demonstrate that TRI provides tumor discrimination and delineation of tumor margins in brain tissues with high sensitivity on the basis of Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained image. TRI may help neurosurgeons to remove gliomas completely by providing visualization of tumor margins in WHO grade II, III, and IV gliomas without contrast agents, and hence, improve patient outcomes.

Electrospun F18 Bioactive Glass/PCL—Poly (ε-caprolactone)—Membrane for Guided Tissue Regeneration

PubMed Central

Hidalgo Pitaluga, Lucas; Trevelin Souza, Marina; Santocildes Romero, Martin Eduardo; Hatton, Paul V.

2018-01-01

Barrier membranes that are used for guided tissue regeneration (GTR) therapy usually lack bioactivity and the capability to promote new bone tissue formation. However, the incorporation of an osteogenic agent into polymeric membranes seems to be the most assertive strategy to enhance their regenerative potential. Here, the manufacturing of composite electrospun membranes made of poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and particles of a novel bioactive glass composition (F18) is described. The membranes were mechanically and biologically tested with tensile strength tests and tissue culture with MG-63 osteoblast-like cell line, respectively. The PCL-F18 composite membranes demonstrated no increased cytotoxicity and an enhanced osteogenic potential when compared to pure PCL membranes. Moreover, the addition of the bioactive phase increased the membrane tensile strength. These preliminary results suggested that these new membranes can be a strong candidate for small bone injuries treatment by GTR technique. PMID:29517988

40 CFR Table 3 to Subpart II of... - Summary of Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements abc

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... abc Requirement All Opts. Rec Rep Option 1 Rec Rep Option 2 Rec Rep Option 3 Rec Rep Notification (§ 63.9(a)-(d)) X X Implementation plan (§ 63.787(b)) d X X Volume of coating applied at unaffected major sources (§ 63.781(b)) X Volume of each low-usage-exempt coating applied at affected sources (§ 63...

40 CFR Table 3 to Subpart II of... - Summary of Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements abc

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... abc Requirement All Opts. Rec Rep Option 1 Rec Rep Option 2 Rec Rep Option 3 Rec Rep Notification (§ 63.9(a)-(d)) X X Implementation plan (§ 63.787(b)) d X X Volume of coating applied at unaffected major sources (§ 63.781(b)) X Volume of each low-usage-exempt coating applied at affected sources (§ 63...

40 CFR Table 3 to Subpart II of... - Summary of Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements abc

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... abc Requirement All Opts. Rec Rep Option 1 Rec Rep Option 2 Rec Rep Option 3 Rec Rep Notification (§ 63.9(a)-(d)) X X Implementation plan (§ 63.787(b)) d X X Volume of coating applied at unaffected major sources (§ 63.781(b)) X Volume of each low-usage-exempt coating applied at affected sources (§ 63...

40 CFR Table 3 to Subpart II of... - Summary of Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements abc

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... abc Requirement All Opts. Rec Rep Option 1 Rec Rep Option 2 Rec Rep Option 3 Rec Rep Notification (§ 63.9(a)-(d)) X X Implementation plan (§ 63.787(b)) d X X Volume of coating applied at unaffected major sources (§ 63.781(b)) X Volume of each low-usage-exempt coating applied at affected sources (§ 63...

40 CFR Table 3 to Subpart II of... - Summary of Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements abc

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... abc Requirement All Opts. Rec Rep Option 1 Rec Rep Option 2 Rec Rep Option 3 Rec Rep Notification (§ 63.9(a)-(d)) X X Implementation plan (§ 63.787(b)) d X X Volume of coating applied at unaffected major sources (§ 63.781(b)) X Volume of each low-usage-exempt coating applied at affected sources (§ 63...

Use of Reference Ear Plug to improve accuracy of lateral cephalograms generated from cone-beam computed tomography scans

PubMed Central

Lee, Kyung-Min; Uhm, Gi-Soo; Cho, Jin-Hyoung; McNamara, James A.

2013-01-01

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of Reference Ear Plug (REP) during cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan for the generation of lateral cephalograms from CBCT scan data. Methods Two CBCT scans were obtained from 33 adults. One CBCT scan was acquired using conventional methods, and the other scan was acquired with the use of REP. Virtual lateral cephalograms created from each CBCT image were traced and compared with tracings of the real cephalograms obtained from the same subject. Results CBCT scan with REP resulted in a smaller discrepancy between real and virtual cephalograms. In comparing the real and virtual cephalograms, no measurements significantly differed from real cephalogram values in case of CBCT scan with REP, whereas many measurements significantly differed in the case of CBCT scan without REP. Conclusion Measurements from CBCT-generated cephalograms are more similar to those from real cephalograms when REP are used during CBCT scan. Thus, the use of REP is suggested during CBCT scan to generate accurate virtual cephalograms from CBCT scan data. PMID:23671830

Local Control With 21-Gy Radiation Therapy for High-Risk Neuroblastoma

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

Casey, Dana L.; Kushner, Brian H.; Cheung, Nai-Kong V.

2016-10-01

Purpose: To evaluate local control after 21-Gy radiation therapy (RT) to the primary site in patients with high-risk neuroblastoma. Methods and Materials: After receiving dose-intensive chemotherapy and gross total resection (GTR), 246 patients (aged 1.2-17.9 years, median 4.0 years) with high-risk neuroblastoma underwent RT to the primary site at Memorial Sloan Kettering from 2000 to 2014. Radiation therapy consisted of 21 Gy in twice-daily fractions of 1.5 Gy each. Local failure (LF) was correlated with biologic prognostic factors and clinical findings at the time of diagnosis and start of RT. Results: Median follow-up of surviving patients was 6.4 years. Cumulative incidence of LF was 7.1%more » at 2 years after RT and 9.8% at 5 years after RT. The isolated LF rate was 3.0%. Eighty-six percent of all local failures were within the RT field. Local control was worse in patients who required more than 1 surgical resection to achieve GTR (22.4% vs 8.3%, P=.01). There was also a trend toward inferior local control with MYCN-amplified tumors or serum lactate dehydrogenase ≥1500 U/L (P=.09 and P=.06, respectively). Conclusion: After intensive chemotherapy and maximal surgical debulking, hyperfractionated RT with 21 Gy in high-risk neuroblastoma results in excellent local control. Given the young patient age, concern for late effects, and local control >90%, dose reduction may be appropriate for patients without MYCN amplification who achieve GTR.« less

Evaluation of effectiveness of hyaluronic acid in combination with bioresorbable membrane (poly lactic acid-poly glycolic acid) for the treatment of infrabony defects in humans: A clinical and radiographic study

PubMed Central

Sehdev, Bhumika; Bhongade, Manohar Laxmanrao; Ganji, Kiran Kumar

2016-01-01

Background: The combination of biomaterials, bone graft substitutes along with guided tissue regeneration (GTR) has been shown to be an effective modality of periodontal regenerative therapy for infrabony defects. Therefore, the present randomized controlled clinical study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of hyaluronic acid (HA) in combination with bioresorbable membrane for the treatment of human infrabony defects. Materials and Methods: Twenty four infrabony defects in 20 systemically healthy patients were randomly assigned to test (HA in combination with bioresorbable membrane) and control (bioresorbable membrane alone) treatment groups. Probing pocket depth (PPD), relative attachment level, and relative gingival margin level were measured with a computerized Florida disc probe at baseline and at 6 months follow-up. Radiographic measurements were also evaluated at baseline and at 6 months of postsurgery. Results: At 6 months, the mean reduction in PPD in test group and control group was 4.52 mm and 2.97 mm, respectively. Significantly higher clinical attachment level with a gain of 2.20 mm was found in the test group as compared to control group. In addition, statistically significant greater reduction of radiographic defect depth was observed in the test group. Conclusion: Regenerative approach using hyaloss in combination with GTR for the treatment of human infrabony defects resulted in a significant added benefit in terms of CAL gains, PPD reductions and radiographic defect fill, as well as LBG, compared to the GTR alone. PMID:27041838

Autologous periodontal ligament cells in the treatment of class II furcation defects: a study in dogs.

PubMed

Suaid, Fabricia Ferreira; Ribeiro, Fernanda Vieira; Rodrigues, Thaisângela L; Silvério, Karina Gonzales; Carvalho, Marcelo Diniz; Nociti, Francisco Humberto; Casati, Marcio Zaffalon; Sallum, Enilson Antônio

2011-05-01

The goal of this study was to histologically investigate the use of periodontal ligament cells (PDL cells) in tissue engineering to regenerate class II furcation defects. PDL cells were obtained from the mandibular tooth extracted from each dog (seven), cultured in vitro and phenotypically characterized with regard to their biological properties. Following, bilateral class II furcation lesions were created at maxillary 3rd premolars and were randomly assigned to the test group [PDL cells+guided tissue regeneration (GTR)] or the control group (GTR). After 3 months, the animals were euthanized to evaluate the histometric parameters. In vitro, PDL cells were able to promote mineral nodule formation and to express bone sialoprotein, type I collagen and alkaline phosphatase. Histometrically, data analysis demonstrated that the cell-treated group presented a superior length of new cementum (6.00 ± 1.50 and 8.08 ± 1.08 mm), a greater extension of periodontal regeneration (3.94 ± 1.20 and 7.28 ± 1.00 mm), a lower formation of connective tissue/epithelium (2.15 ± 1.92 and 0.60 ± 0.99 mm), a larger area of new bone (7.01 ± 0.61 and 9.02 ± 2.30 mm(2)) and a smaller area of connective tissue/epithelium (5.90 ± 1.67 and 4.22 ± 0.95 mm(2)), when compared with control group. PDL cells in association with GTR may significantly promote periodontal regeneration in class II furcation defects in dog. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Covering the Plane with Rep-Tiles.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fosnaugh, Linda S.; Harrell, Marvin E.

1996-01-01

Presents an activity in which students use geometric figures, rep-tiles, to design a tile floor. Rep-tiles are geometric figures of which copies can fit together to form a larger similar figure. Includes reproducible student worksheet. (MKR)

Increased Subventricular Zone Radiation Dose Correlates With Survival in Glioblastoma Patients After Gross Total Resection

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

Chen, Linda; Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina; Guerrero-Cazares, Hugo

2013-07-15

Purpose: Neural progenitor cells in the subventricular zone (SVZ) have a controversial role in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) as potential tumor-initiating cells. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between radiation dose to the SVZ and survival in GBM patients. Methods and Materials: The study included 116 patients with primary GBM treated at the Johns Hopkins Hospital between 2006 and 2009. All patients underwent surgical resection followed by adjuvant radiation therapy with intensity modulated radiation therapy (60 Gy/30 fractions) and concomitant temozolomide. Ipsilateral, contralateral, and bilateral SVZs were contoured on treatment plans by use of coregistered magnetic resonancemore » imaging and computed tomography. Multivariate Cox regression was used to examine the relationship between mean SVZ dose and progression-free survival (PFS), as well as overall survival (OS). Age, Karnofsky Performance Status score, and extent of resection were used as covariates. The median age was 58 years (range, 29-80 years). Results: Of the patients, 12% underwent biopsy, 53% had subtotal resection (STR), and 35% had gross total resection (GTR). The Karnofsky Performance Status score was less than 90 in 54 patients and was 90 or greater in 62 patients. The median ipsilateral, contralateral, and bilateral mean SVZ doses were 48.7 Gy, 34.4 Gy, and 41.5 Gy, respectively. Among patients who underwent GTR, a mean ipsilateral SVZ dose of 40 Gy or greater was associated with a significantly improved PFS compared with patients who received less than 40 Gy (15.1 months vs 10.3 months; P=.028; hazard ratio, 0.385 [95% confidence interval, 0.165-0.901]) but not in patients undergoing STR or biopsy. The subgroup of GTR patients who received an ipsilateral dose of 40 Gy or greater also had a significantly improved OS (17.5 months vs 15.6 months; P=.027; hazard ratio, 0.385 [95% confidence interval, 0.165-0.895]). No association was found between SVZ radiation dose and PFS and OS among patients who underwent STR or biopsy. Conclusion: A mean radiation dose of 40 Gy or greater to the ipsilateral SVZ was associated with a significantly improved PFS and OS in patients with GBM after GTR.« less

Is the chiasm-pituitary corridor size important for achieving gross-total resection during endonasal endoscopic resection of craniopharyngiomas?

PubMed

Omay, Sacit Bulent; Almeida, João Paulo; Chen, Yu-Ning; Shetty, Sathwik R; Liang, Buqing; Ni, Shilei; Anand, Vijay K; Schwartz, Theodore H

2017-11-24

OBJECTIVE Craniopharyngiomas arise from the pituitary stalk, and in adults they are generally located posterior to the chiasm extending up into the third ventricle. The extended endonasal approach (EEA) can provide an ideal corridor between the bottom of the optic chiasm and the top of the pituitary gland (chiasm-pituitary corridor [CPC]) for their removal. A narrow CPC in patients with a prefixed chiasm and a large tumor extending up and behind the chiasm has been considered a contraindication to EEA, with a high risk of visual deterioration and subtotal resection. METHODS A database of all patients treated in the authors' center (Weill Cornell Medical College, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital) between July 2004 and August 2016 was reviewed. Patients with craniopharyngiomas who underwent EEA with the goal of gross-total resection (GTR) were included in the study. Patients with postfixed chiasm or limited available preoperative imaging were excluded. Using preoperative contrast-enhanced T1-weighted sagittal midline MR images, the authors calculated the CPC as well as the distance from the chiasm to the top of the tumor (CTOT). From these numbers, they calculated a ratio of the CPC to the CTOT as a measure of difficulty in removing the tumors through the EEA and called this ratio the corridor index (CI). The relationship between the CI and the ability to achieve GTR and visual outcome were measured. RESULTS Thirty-four patients were included in the study. The mean CPC was 10.1 mm (range 5.2-19.1 mm). The mean CTOT was 12.8 mm (range 0-28.3 mm). The median CI was 0.8; the CI ranged from 0.4 to infinity (for tumors with a CTOT of 0). Thirty-two patients had GTR (94.1%) and 2 had subtotal resection. The CPC value had no relationship with our ability to achieve GTR and no effect on visual or endocrine outcome. CONCLUSIONS EEA for craniopharyngioma is generally considered the first-line surgical approach. Although a narrow corridor between the top of the pituitary gland and the bottom of the chiasm may seem to be a relative contraindication to surgery for larger tumors, the authors' data do not bear this out. EEA appears to be a successful technique for the majority of midline craniopharyngiomas.

Attempts to obtain re-osseointegration following experimental peri-implantitis in dogs.

PubMed

Wetzel, A C; Vlassis, J; Caffesse, R G; Hämmerle, C H; Lang, N P

1999-04-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the healing potential and re-osseointegration in peri-implant infection defects adjacent to various implant surfaces. In 7 female Beagle dogs, a total of 41 titanium oral implants (ITI, Straumann, Waldenburg; Switzerland) with a sink depth of 6 mm (diameter 2.8 mm) were placed transmucosally. Four different surface configurations (TPS: titanium plasma sprayed (10); SLA: sand blasted and acid-etched (13); M: machined and smooth (11); TPS furc.: titanium plasma sprayed with coronally placed perforation to mimic a furcation (7) were distributed among the animals and locations. Following a healing period of 3 months, silk ligatures were placed and oral cleaning procedures abolished for 4 months to induce a vertical bone loss of about 40%. Following mechanical and chemical cleansing (chlorhexidine and metronidazole) and disinfection, the lesions were either sham operated (11) or subjected to a GTR procedure using ePTFE (30). After 6 months of healing the animals were killed and the jaws histologically evaluated. Six membranes were lost TPS: (1); SLA: (2); M: (2); TPS furc: (1) and 3 membranes exposed TPS: (1); M: (2) and excluded from further evaluation. Owing to the loss of 1 implant and infection of the membranes in the TPS furc group, this implant configuration was discarded from further analysis. For TPS surfaces, bone fill was 2.6 mm (73% of the distance from the bottom of the defect to the shoulder of the implant) sites with (4 GTR) and 0.33 mm (14%) for sites without membrane (2 controls). Re-osseointegration was 0.5 mm (14%) in the test group and 0.3 mm (14%) in the control. For SLA surfaces bone fill was 2.3 mm (83%) for sites with (7 GTR) and 0.41 mm (15%) for sites without membranes (4 controls). Re-osseointegration was 0.6 mm (20%) and 0.3 mm (11%) respectively. Corresponding values for M surfaces were 2.2 mm (62%) with 4 GTR) and 0.82 mm (31%) without membranes. Re-osseointegration was 0.07 mm (2%) and 0.19 mm (7%) respectively. This study has documented that peri-implant infections defects may heal with bone fill provided that the infection is controlled through effective antibacterial therapy. However, true reosseointegration appears to be difficult to achieve.

NASA Stennis hosts 2010 NASA Day at the Capitol.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2010-01-01

Astronaut Danny Olivas (center) speaks to members of the Mississippi House of Representatives in chambers during NASA Day at the Capitol in Jackson on Jan. 6. Olivas was joined at the podium by (l to r): Rep. Dirk Dedeaux, D-Perkinston; Rep. Greg Cromer, R-Slidell, La.; Rep. Jessica Upshaw, R-Diamondhead; Rep. Mark Formby, R-Picayune; Stennis Deputy Director Patrick Scheuermann; and Rep. J.P. Compretta, D-Bay St. Louis. Compretta, Dedeaux, Formby and Upshaw all are members of the Mississippi House of Representatives Gulf Coast delegation. Cromer participated in the Mississippi activities because of the positive impact Stennis has on surrounding communities, including his home district of St. Tammany Parish in Louisiana.

Novel cis-acting replication element in the adeno-associated virus type 2 genome is involved in amplification of integrated rep-cap sequences.

PubMed

Nony, P; Tessier, J; Chadeuf, G; Ward, P; Giraud, A; Dugast, M; Linden, R M; Moullier, P; Salvetti, A

2001-10-01

This study identifies a region of the adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV-2) rep gene (nucleotides 190 to 540 of wild-type AAV-2) as a cis-acting Rep-dependent element able to promote the replication of transiently transfected plasmids. This viral element is also shown to be involved in the amplification of integrated sequences in the presence of adenovirus and Rep proteins.

The Moderating Role of Physical Self-Perceptions in the Relationship between Maturity Status and Physical Self-Worth

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cox, Anne E.; Cole, Amy N.; Laurson, Kelly

2016-01-01

Purpose: We tested the moderating role of physical self-perceptions in the relationship between physical maturity and physical self-worth (PSW). Method: Students in Grades 5 through 8 (N = 241; 57% females; M[subscript age] =12.30 years) completed a questionnaire assessing physical self-perceptions (i.e., perceived sport competence, conditioning,…

Response to McGill and Busse, "When Theory Trumps Science: A Critique of the PSW Model for SLD Identification"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Christo, Catherine; D'Incau, Barbara J.; Ponzuric, Jenny

2017-01-01

The California Association of School Psychologists (CASP) responds to a critique of the Association's Position Paper: "Specific Learning Disabilities and Patterns of Strengths and Weaknesses" (2014, March. Available: http://casponline.org/about-casp/publications/) by McGill and Busse. The CASP offers corrections to McGill and Busse's…

Research Brief: Impacts of Extreme Fires in the Sierra Nevada

Treesearch

Jonathan Long

2014-01-01

Scientists from PSW considered the effects of severe wildfire in the Sierra Nevada and southern Cascade Range in a recent synthesis that focused on promoting resiliency of forests and the societies connected to them. Fire is indispensable to maintaining the health and productivity of most forests in the Sierra Nevada, and fires can also rejuvenate aquatic systems by...

Size, Shape, and Arrangement of Cellulose Microfibril in Higher Plant Cell Walls

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

Ding, S. Y.

2013-01-01

Plant cell walls from maize (Zea mays L.) are imaged using atomic force microscopy (AFM) at the sub-nanometer resolution. We found that the size and shape of fundamental cellulose elementary fibril (CEF) is essentially identical in different cell wall types, i.e., primary wall (PW), parenchyma secondary wall (pSW), and sclerenchyma secondary wall (sSW), which is consistent with previously proposed 36-chain model (Ding et al., 2006, J. Agric. Food Chem.). The arrangement of individual CEFs in these wall types exhibits two orientations. In PW, CEFs are horizontally associated through their hydrophilic faces, and the planar faces are exposed, forming ribbon-like macrofibrils.more » In pSW and sSW, CEFs are vertically oriented, forming layers, in which hemicelluloses are interacted with the hydrophobic faces of the CEF and serve as spacers between CEFs. Lignification occurs between CEF-hemicelluloses layers in secondary walls. Furthermore, we demonstrated quantitative analysis of plant cell wall accessibility to and digestibility by different cellulase systems at real-time using chemical imaging (e.g., stimulated Raman scattering) and fluorescence microscopy of labeled cellulases (Ding et al., 2012, Science, in press).« less

Neurocognitive and Behavioral Indexes for Identifying the Amnestic Subtypes of Mild Cognitive Impairment

PubMed Central

Cid-Fernández, Susana; Lindín, Mónica; Díaz, Fernando

2017-01-01

Early identification of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) subtypes is important for early diagnosis and prognosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Healthy, single-domain (sdaMCI) and multiple-domain aMCI (mdaMCI) participants performed an auditory-visual distraction-attention task. Event-related brain potentials (ERPs) were recorded while the participants performed the task to evaluate Go/NoGo N2 and P3 ERP components. The results showed the expected behavioral and cognitive decline in mdaMCI participants relative to controls (fewer hits, longer reaction times [RTs], slightly smaller Go-N2 and NoGo-N2 amplitudes), while sdaMCI participants showed some decline (slightly longer RTs, smaller Go- and NoGo-N2 amplitudes) along with some unexpected results (a late positive slow wave, PSW) and good levels of execution. In addition, some of these parameters proved to be useful markers. Thus, the number of hits was the best marker for diagnosing mdaMCI participants (distinguishing them from controls, from sdaMCI participants, and from both groups together), while the PSW amplitude was the best marker for diagnosing sdaMCI participants (distinguishing them from controls, and from control & mdaMCI participants). PMID:28869473

Effects of psychological stress test on the cardiac response of public safety workers: alternative parameters to autonomic balance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huerta-Franco, M. R.; Vargas-Luna, F. M.; Delgadillo-Holtfort, I.

2015-01-01

It is well known that public safety workers (PSW) face many stressful situations that yield them as high-risk population for suffering chronic stress diseases. In this multidisciplinary research the cardiac response to induced psychological stress by a short duration Stroop test was evaluated in 20 female and 19 male PSW, in order to compare traditionally used cardiac response parameters with alternative ones. Electrocardiograms have been recorded using the Eindhoven electrodes configuration for 1 min before, 3 min during and 1 min after the test. Signals analysis has been performed for the heart rate and the power spectra of its variability and of the variability of the amplitude of the R-wave, i.e. the highest peak of the electrocardiographic signal periodic sequence. The results demonstrated that the traditional autonomic balance index shows no significant differences between stages. In contrast, the median of the area of the power spectrum of the R-wave amplitude variability in the frequency region dominated by the autonomous nervous system (0.04-to-0.4 Hz) is the more sensitive parameter. Moreover, this parameter allows to identify gender differences consistent with those encountered in other studies.

Establishing an integrated databank for plastic manufacturers and converters in Kuwait.

PubMed

Al-Salem, S M

2009-01-01

During the past decade, plastic solid waste (PSW) has increased drastically in the state of Kuwait, amounting to 13% of the waste load. Most ends up in landfills with only a minor percentage being recycled. In this study, a databank was established to include plastic manufacturers and converters in Kuwait. The aim was to assess the amount of plastic waste being generated from a number of sources. Types, quantities, and recycling information were gathered and fed into the databank. Kuwait was divided into five sectors to ease data gathering. A total of 37 companies and agencies related to plastic were integrated into the work, as well as information from a previously established databank for plastic waste bags. It was noted that most converters of plastic use in-house recycling schemes. Grades of polyethylene and polypropylene, as well as aliginic acid, polyacetals, and poly-styrene, are all considered major imports in the Arabian Gulf market, and especially in Kuwait. These grades possess an import value in excess of 20 million US dollars per year. The conclusions from this study could be used in neighboring countries in order to reduce PSW generated from the region.

Enhancing outreach for persons with serious mental illness: 12-month results from a cluster randomized trial of an adaptive implementation strategy.

PubMed

Kilbourne, Amy M; Almirall, Daniel; Goodrich, David E; Lai, Zongshan; Abraham, Kristen M; Nord, Kristina M; Bowersox, Nicholas W

2014-12-28

Few implementation strategies have been empirically tested for their effectiveness in improving uptake of evidence-based treatments or programs. This study compared the effectiveness of an immediate versus delayed enhanced implementation strategy (Enhanced Replicating Effective Programs (REP)) for providers at Veterans Health Administration (VA) outpatient facilities (sites) on improved uptake of an outreach program (Re-Engage) among sites not initially responding to a standard implementation strategy. One mental health provider from each U.S. VA site (N = 158) was initially given a REP-based package and training program in Re-Engage. The Re-Engage program involved giving each site provider a list of patients with serious mental illness who had not been seen at their facility for at least a year, requesting that providers contact these patients, assessing patient clinical status, and where appropriate, facilitating appointments to VA health services. At month 6, sites considered non-responsive (N = 89, total of 3,075 patients), defined as providers updating documentation for less than <80% of patients on their list, were randomized to two adaptive implementation interventions: Enhanced REP (provider coaching; N = 40 sites) for 6 months followed by Standard REP for 6 months; versus continued Standard REP (N = 49 sites) for 6 months followed by 6 months of Enhanced REP for sites still not responding. Outcomes included patient-level Re-Engage implementation and utilization. Patients from sites that were randomized to receive Enhanced REP immediately compared to Standard REP were more likely to have a completed contact (adjusted OR = 2.13; 95% CI: 1.09-4.19, P = 0.02). There were no differences in patient-level utilization between Enhanced and Standard REP sites. Enhanced REP was associated with greater Re-Engage program uptake (completed contacts) among sites not responding to a standard implementation strategy. Further research is needed to determine whether national implementation of Facilitation results in tangible changes in patient-level outcomes. ISRCTN21059161.

Conclusion of: GTR-SRS-226

Treesearch

Erin O. Sills; R. David Simpson; E. Evan Mercer

2017-01-01

This concluding chapter recommends a standardized approach to accounting for forest ecosystem services in the SouthernStates. First, we synthesize 10 principles from the preceding chapters. Next, we present a template for State forest ecosystemservice assessments, recommending a staged approach with five outputs.

Rapidly expanding genetic diversity and host range of the Circoviridae viral family and other Rep encoding small circular ssDNA genomes.

PubMed

Delwart, Eric; Li, Linlin

2012-03-01

The genomes of numerous circoviruses and distantly related circular ssDNA viruses encoding a rolling circle replication initiator protein (Rep) have been characterized from the tissues of mammals, fish, insects, plants (geminivirus and nanovirus), in human and animal feces, in an algae cell, and in diverse environmental samples. We review the genome organization, phylogenetic relationships and initial prevalence studies of cycloviruses, a proposed new genus in the Circoviridae family. Viral fossil rep sequences were also recently identified integrated on the chromosomes of mammals, frogs, lancelets, crustaceans, mites, gastropods, roundworms, placozoans, hydrozoans, protozoans, land plants, fungi, algae, and phytoplasma bacterias and their plasmids, reflecting the very wide past host range of rep bearing viruses. An ancient origin for viruses with Rep-encoding small circular ssDNA genomes, predating the diversification of eukaryotes, is discussed. The cellular hosts and pathogenicity of many recently described rep-containing circular ssDNA genomes remain to be determined. Future studies of the virome of single cell and multi-cellular eukaryotes are likely to further extend the known diversity and host-range of small rep-containing circular ssDNA viral genomes. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Analysis of Chemical, REP, and SEP missions to the Trojan asteroids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bonfiglio, Eugene P.; Oh, David; Yen, Chen-Wan

2005-01-01

Recent studies suggest significant benefits from using 1st and 2nd generation Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) as a power source for electric propulsion (EP) missions to the outer planets. This study focuses on trajectories to the Trojan asteroids. A high level analysis is performed with chemical trajectories to determine potential canidates for REP trajectory optimization. Extensive analysis of direct trajectories using REP is performed on these candidates. Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) trajectories are also considered for comparison against REP trajectories.

Variation in a surface-exposed region of the Mycoplasma pneumoniae P40 protein as a consequence of homologous DNA recombination between RepMP5 elements.

PubMed

Spuesens, Emiel B M; van de Kreeke, Nick; Estevão, Silvia; Hoogenboezem, Theo; Sluijter, Marcel; Hartwig, Nico G; van Rossum, Annemarie M C; Vink, Cornelis

2011-02-01

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a human pathogen that causes a range of respiratory tract infections. The first step in infection is adherence of the bacteria to the respiratory epithelium. This step is mediated by a specialized organelle, which contains several proteins (cytadhesins) that have an important function in adherence. Two of these cytadhesins, P40 and P90, represent the proteolytic products from a single 130 kDa protein precursor, which is encoded by the MPN142 gene. Interestingly, MPN142 contains a repetitive DNA element, termed RepMP5, of which homologues are found at seven other loci within the M. pneumoniae genome. It has been hypothesized that these RepMP5 elements, which are similar but not identical in sequence, recombine with their counterpart within MPN142 and thereby provide a source of sequence variation for this gene. As this variation may give rise to amino acid changes within P40 and P90, the recombination between RepMP5 elements may constitute the basis of antigenic variation and, possibly, immune evasion by M. pneumoniae. To investigate the sequence variation of MPN142 in relation to inter-RepMP5 recombination, we determined the sequences of all RepMP5 elements in a collection of 25 strains. The results indicate that: (i) inter-RepMP5 recombination events have occurred in seven of the strains, and (ii) putative RepMP5 recombination events involving MPN142 have induced amino acid changes in a surface-exposed part of the P40 protein in two of the strains. We conclude that recombination between RepMP5 elements is a common phenomenon that may lead to sequence variation of MPN142-encoded proteins.

Expression, purification, characterization and subcellular localization of the goose parvovirus rep1 protein.

PubMed

Chen, Zongyan; Li, Chuanfeng; Peng, Gaojing; Liu, Guangqing

2013-07-01

The goose parvovirus (GPV) Rep1 protein is both essential for viral replication and a potential target for GPV diagnosis, but its protein characterization and intracellular localization is not clear. We constructed a recombinant plasmid, pET28a/GPV-Rep1, and expressed the Rep1 gene in BL21 (DE3) Escherichia coli. A protein approximately 75 kDa in size was obtained from lysates of E. coli cells expressing the recombinant plasmid. SDS-PAGE analysis showed that after induction with 0.6 mM isopropyl β-D-thiogalactosidase (IPTG) at 30°C for 5 h, the Rep1 protein was highly overexpressed. Two methods used to purify proteins, a salinity-gradient elution and Ni-NTA affinity chromatography, were performed. The amount of Rep1 protein obtained by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography was 41.23 mg, while 119.9 mg of Rep1 protein was obtained by a salinity-gradient elution from a 1 L E. coli BL21 (DE3) culture. An immunogenicity analysis showed that the protein could significantly elicit a specific antibody response in immunized goslings compared to control groups. Antibody titers peaked to 1:5120 (optical density (OD) 450 = 3.9) on day 28 after immunization but had mean titers of 1:10,240 (OD450 = 4.2) in gosling groups immunized with a commercially available GPV-attenuated vaccine strain. Experiments examining subcellular localization showed that the Rep1 protein appeared to associate predominantly with the nuclear membrane, especially during later times of infection. This work provides a basis for biochemical and structural studies on the GPV Rep1 protein.

COMPASS Final Report: Radioisotope Electric Propulsion (REP) Centaur Orbiter New Frontiers Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oleson, Steven R.; McGuire, Melissa L.

2011-01-01

Radioisotope Electric Propulsion (REP) has been shown in past studies to enable missions to outer planetary bodies including the orbiting of Centaur asteroids. Key to the feasibility for REP missions are long life, low power electric propulsion (EP) devices, low mass Radioisotope Power System (RPS) and light spacecraft (S/C) components. In order to determine the key parameters for EP devices to perform these REP missions a design study was completed to design an REP S/C to orbit a Centaur in a New Frontiers (NF) cost cap. The design shows that an orbiter using several long lived (approx.200 kg xenon (Xe) throughput), low power (approx.700 W) Hall thrusters teamed with six (150 W each) Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generators (ASRG) can deliver 60 kg of science instruments to a Centaur in 10 yr within the NF cost cap. Optimal specific impulses (Isp) for the Hall thrusters were found to be around 2000 s with thruster efficiencies over 40 percent. Not only can the REP S/C enable orbiting a Centaur (when compared to an all chemical mission only capable of flybys) but the additional power from the REP system can be used to enhance science and simplify communications. The mission design detailed in this report is a Radioisotope Power System (RPS) powered EP science orbiter to the Centaur Thereus with arrival 10 yr after launch, ending in a 1 yr science mapping mission. Along the trajectory, approximately 1.5 yr into the mission, the REP S/C does a flyby of the Trojan asteroid Tlepolemus. The total (Delta)V of the trajectory is 8.9 km/s. The REP S/C is delivered to orbit on an Atlas 551 class launch vehicle with a Star 48 B solid rocket stage

The 2002 PhRMA Code and Pharmaceutical Marketing: did anybody bother to ask the reps?

PubMed

Sillup, George P; Trombetta, Bill; Klimberg, Ronald

2010-10-01

After marketing tactics resulted in $1.2 billion fines, the 2002 PhRMA Code attempted to standardize marketing and sales practices. Self-regulation had varied success by other industries and by pharmaceutical industries in other countries. Similarly, the Code addressed negative responses about pharmaceutical's practices but had no provisions for monitoring violations. Representative's (reps) perspectives were assessed using an 18-item instrument with 72 reps from 25 companies. Analyses indicated that reps from bigger companies, PhRMA and non-PhRMA, adhered better. The way reps adhered was split between adhering reluctantly and following faithfully. Two thirds felt it was more difficult to do their jobs, resulting from prior entertainment-based relationships with physicians.

75 FR 78694 - Proposed Residential Exchange Program Settlement Agreement Proceeding (REP-12); Public Hearing...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-12-16

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Bonneville Power Administration [BPA File No.: REP-12] Proposed Residential... Review and Comment AGENCY: Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), Department of Energy (DOE). ACTION: Notice of Residential Exchange Program Settlement Agreement Proceeding (REP-12). SUMMARY: BPA is...

Radioisotope Electric Propulsion Missions Utilizing a Common Spacecraft Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fiehler, Douglas; Oleson, Steven

2004-01-01

A study was conducted that shows how a single Radioisotope Electric Propulsion (REP) spacecraft design could be used for various missions throughout the solar system. This spacecraft design is based on a REP feasibility design from a study performed by NASA Glenn Research Center and the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. The study also identifies technologies that need development to enable these missions. The mission baseline for the REP feasibility design study is a Trojan asteroid orbiter. This mission sends an REP spacecraft to Jupiter s leading Lagrange point where it would orbit and examine several Trojan asteroids. The spacecraft design from the REP feasibility study would also be applicable to missions to the Centaurs, and through some change of payload configuration, could accommodate a comet sample-return mission. Missions to small bodies throughout the outer solar system are also within reach of this spacecraft design. This set of missions, utilizing the common REP spacecraft design, is examined and required design modifications for specific missions are outlined.

Development of low-cost open source 3D gel printer "RepRap SWIM-ER"

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sato, Kei; Basher, Samiul; Ota, Takafumi; Tase, Taishi; Takamatsu, Kyuichiro; Saito, Azusa; Khosla, Ajit; Kawakami, Masaru; Furuawa, Hidemitsu

2017-04-01

Gels are soft and wet materials having low friction, good biocompatibility, and material permeability. It is expected that gel materials will be used as new kinds of industrial materials in the engineering and medical applications. But it cannot build a complicated shape. Soft & Wet Matter Engineering Laboratory developed a 3D gel Printer "SWIM-ER", has enabled modeling of complex shapes of the gel. However, this is expensive. Therefore not all of the gel researchers and the companies have such a device. To solve this problem, we manufacture a low-cost open-source 3D gel printer "RepRap SWIM-ER" from the RepRap. We made the components required to manufacture the "RepRap SWIM-ER" from the 3D printer and chose a light source. In addition, we produced the P-DN gel for RepRap SWIM-ER and conducted the molding test to confirm whether RepRap SWIM-ER can used it.

A methodology for extending domain coverage in SemRep.

PubMed

Rosemblat, Graciela; Shin, Dongwook; Kilicoglu, Halil; Sneiderman, Charles; Rindflesch, Thomas C

2013-12-01

We describe a domain-independent methodology to extend SemRep coverage beyond the biomedical domain. SemRep, a natural language processing application originally designed for biomedical texts, uses the knowledge sources provided by the Unified Medical Language System (UMLS©). Ontological and terminological extensions to the system are needed in order to support other areas of knowledge. We extended SemRep's application by developing a semantic representation of a previously unsupported domain. This was achieved by adapting well-known ontology engineering phases and integrating them with the UMLS knowledge sources on which SemRep crucially depends. While the process to extend SemRep coverage has been successfully applied in earlier projects, this paper presents in detail the step-wise approach we followed and the mechanisms implemented. A case study in the field of medical informatics illustrates how the ontology engineering phases have been adapted for optimal integration with the UMLS. We provide qualitative and quantitative results, which indicate the validity and usefulness of our methodology. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Isostatic compensation of Ishtar Terra, Venus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kucinskas, Algis B.; Turcotte, Donald L.; Arkani-Hamed, Jafar

We have used spherical harmonic representations of the Venus topography and geopotential, obtained from Magellan data, to evaluate isostatic support in several areas within the Ishtar Terra highlands, including the Lakshmi plateau, its surrounding mountain belts, namely Akna and Freyja, and Maxwell Montes, and the Fortuna Tessera province. We find that topography in Ishtar is largely isostatically compensated (>80%). Regional geoidtopography variations in the subregions can be explained by a combination of Airy (crustal thickening) and thermal (lithospheric thinning) mechanisms, provided Venus has a thick reference thermal lithosphere (~300-400 km). With the exception of eastern Fortuna, low elevation areas (h<3-4 km above the mean planetary radius, MPR) with large geoidtopography ratios (GTR) seem to be associated, to various degrees, with thermal isostasy, whereas the higher areas (h>4 km above MPR) with small GTRs are almost certainly Airy compensated via thickened crust. Relatively large (>60 km) total Airy crustal thicknesses obtained in the western Ishtar mountain belts, together with a probable basalt-eclogite phase change, suggest a possible silicic composition for these structures, provided they are older than ~25-50 Ma. Lakshmi Planum seems essentially thermally supported, with the thermal lithosphere thinned to ~100 km. We suggest, as one possibility, that the lithospheric thinning process under Lakshmi is delamination of a dense eclogite lower lithosphere layer into the mantle. The decrease in GTR observed in Ishtar between Lakshmi to the west (GTR ~20 m/km), Maxwell and west Fortuna (GTR~8 m/km), and eastern Fortuna (GTR~4 m/km) may correspond to a decay in thermal compensation attributed to lithospheric delamination, which would be fairly recent (~100 Ma) in Lakshmi, partially decayed in west Fortuna, and absent in east Fortuna, where a mostly Airy-supported topography is essentially relaxed with no thermal uplift. Alternatively, if surficial concentrations in radiogenic elements were prevalent throughout the crust, partial melting of a thickened crust could account for the thermal uplift in Lakshmi and west Fortuna. The zero-elevation basaltic crustal thickness H ~24 km obtained for the east Fortuna Tessera region may be representative of the ambient crustal thickness in the Venus lowlands. Our findings support multicomponent models for tectonic and volcanic activity in Ishtar. The thick ambient crust and thermal lithosphere implied by this study agree with observational constraints such as support of extreme elevations, large topographic slopes, unrelaxed craters, and the thick elastic lithosphere suggested by flexure studies. If the ambient thermal lithosphere on Venus were to be relatively thin (~100-200 km), with a cold mantle and radiogenic elements concentrated in the crust, then thermal evolution on Venus may be in quasi-steady state, with the geodynamic evolution in monotonic decline. However, if the ambient thermal lithosphere is very thick (~300-400 km), as suggested by our thermal model fits, then it is consistent with the predictions of strongly unsteady state thermal evolution models and an interior which is currently heating up. This would support the view that catastrophic resurfacing on Venus might be episodic.

Ground tire rubber as a stabilizer for subgrade soils.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-05-01

Over 250 million scrap tires are generated annually in the U.S. Historically, a significant portion of these tires : have been processed into finely ground tire rubber (GTR), or crumb rubber, for use as an additive in hot mix asphalt : (HMA) pavement...

Ground tire rubber (GTR) as a component material in concrete mixtures for paving concrete.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-02-01

This research was done to investigate if the problems associated with flexibility and temperature sensitivity (expansion and : contraction) in roadway concrete pavements can be addressed by replacing some of the fine or coarse aggregate component : w...

76 FR 16859 - Proposed Information Collection (Certification of School Attendance-REPS); Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-25

... (Certification of School Attendance--REPS); Comment Request AGENCY: Veterans Benefits Administration, Department... approved school. DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information.... Title: Certification of School Attendance--REPS, VA Form 21-8926. OMB Control Number: 2900-0394. Type of...

Management of Pediatric Myxopapillary Ependymoma: The Role of Adjuvant Radiation

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

Agbahiwe, Harold C.; Wharam, Moody; Batra, Sachin

2013-02-01

Introduction: Myxopapillary ependymoma (MPE) is a rare tumor in children. The primary treatment is gross total resection (GTR), with no clearly defined role for adjuvant radiation therapy (RT). Published reports, however, suggest that children with MPE present with a more aggressive disease course. The goal of this study was to assess the role of adjuvant RT in pediatric patients with MPE. Methods: Sixteen patients with MPE seen at Johns Hopkins Hospital (JHH) between November 1984 and December 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Fifteen of the patients were evaluable with a mean age of 16.8 years (range, 12-21 years). Kaplan-Meier curves andmore » descriptive statistics were used for analysis. Results: All patients received surgery as the initial treatment modality. Surgery consisted of either a GTR or a subtotal resection (STR). The median dose of adjuvant RT was 50.4 Gy (range, 45-54 Gy). All patients receiving RT were treated at the involved site. After a median follow-up of 7.2 years (range, 0.75-26.4 years), all patients were alive with stable disease. Local control at 5 and 10 years was 62.5% and 30%, respectively, for surgery alone versus 100% at both time points for surgery and adjuvant RT. Fifty percent of the patients receiving surgery alone had local failure. All patients receiving STR alone had local failure compared to 33% of patients receiving GTR alone. One patient in the surgery and adjuvant RT group developed a distant site of recurrence 1 year from diagnosis. No late toxicity was reported at last follow-up, and neurologic symptoms either improved or remained stable following surgery with or without RT. Conclusions: Adjuvant RT improved local control compared to surgery alone and should be considered after surgical resection in pediatric patients with MPE.« less

Radiation Therapy Dose Escalation for Glioblastoma Multiforme in the Era of Temozolomide

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

Badiyan, Shahed N.; Markovina, Stephanie; Simpson, Joseph R.

Purpose: To review clinical outcomes of moderate dose escalation using high-dose radiation therapy (HDRT) in the setting of concurrent temozolomide (TMZ) in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), compared with standard-dose radiation therapy (SDRT). Methods and Materials: Adult patients aged <70 years with biopsy-proven GBM were treated with SDRT (60 Gy at 2 Gy per fraction) or with HDRT (>60 Gy) and TMZ from 2000 to 2012. Biological equivalent dose at 2-Gy fractions was calculated for the HDRT assuming an α/β ratio of 5.6 for GBM. Results: Eighty-one patients received SDRT, and 128 patients received HDRT with a median (range) biological equivalent dosemore » at 2-Gy fractions of 64 Gy (61-76 Gy). Overall median follow-up time was 1.10 years, and for living patients it was 2.97 years. Actuarial 5-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates for patients that received HDRT versus SDRT were 12.4% versus 13.2% (P=.71), and 5.6% versus 4.1% (P=.54), respectively. Age (P=.001) and gross total/near-total resection (GTR/NTR) (P=.001) were significantly associated with PFS on multivariate analysis. Younger age (P<.0001), GTR/NTR (P<.0001), and Karnofsky performance status ≥80 (P=.001) were associated with improved OS. On subset analyses, HDRT failed to improve PFS or OS for those aged <50 years or those who had GTR/NTR. Conclusion: Moderate radiation therapy dose escalation above 60 Gy with concurrent TMZ does not seem to improve clinical outcomes for patients with GBM.« less

Predictors of recurrence following resection of intracranial chordomas.

PubMed

Choy, Winward; Terterov, Sergei; Kaprealian, Tania B; Trang, Andy; Ung, Nolan; DeSalles, Antonio; Chung, Lawrance K; Martin, Neil; Selch, Michael; Bergsneider, Marvin; Vinters, Harry V; Yong, William H; Yang, Isaac

2015-11-01

Management of intracranial chordomas remains challenging, despite improvements in microsurgical techniques and radiotherapy. Here, we analyzed the prognostic factors associated with improved rates of tumor control in patients with intracranial chordomas, who received either gross (GTR) or subtotal resections (STR). A retrospective review was performed to identify all patients who were undergoing resection of their intracranial chordomas at the Ronald Reagan University of California Los Angeles Medical Center from 1990 to 2011. In total, 57 patients undergoing 81 resections were included. There were 24 females and 33 males with a mean age of 44.6 years, and the mean tumor diameter was 3.36 cm. The extent of resection was not associated with recurrence. For all 81 operations, the 1 and 5 year progression free survival (PFS) was 87.5 and 40.4%, and 88.0 and 33.6% for STR and GTR, respectively (p=0.90). Adjuvant radiotherapy was associated with improved rates of PFS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.20; p=0.009). Additionally, age >45 years (HR 5.88; p=0.01) and the presence of visual deficits (HR 7.59; p=0.03) were associated with worse rates of tumor control. Tumor size, sex, tumor histology, and recurrent tumors were not predictors of recurrence. Younger age, lack of visual symptoms on presentation and adjuvant radiotherapy were associated with improved rates of tumor control following surgery. However, GTR and STR produced comparable rates of tumor control. The surgical management of intracranial chordomas should take a conservative approach, with the aim of maximal but safe cytoreductive resection with adjuvant radiation therapy, and a major focus on quality of life. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparative evaluation of platelet-rich plasma and guided tissue regeneration membrane in the healing of apicomarginal defects: a clinical study.

PubMed

Goyal, Bhawna; Tewari, Sanjay; Duhan, Jigyasa; Sehgal, P K

2011-06-01

The aim of the study was to compare the healing responses of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), PRP + a collagen sponge, and a collagen membrane used as guided tissue regeneration (GTR) materials for the treatment of apicomarginal defects. Thirty patients with suppurative chronic apical periodontitis and apicomarginal communication were selected and allocated randomly into three groups according to the barrier technique to be used during periradicular surgery: the collagen membrane group, the PRP group, and the PRP + collagen sponge group. Clinical and radiographic measurements were determined at baseline and every 3 months after surgery up to 1 year. Cases were defined as healed when no clinical signs or symptoms were present, and radiographs showed complete or incomplete (scar tissue) healing of previous radiolucencies. The PRP and PRP + collagen sponge groups depicted 83.33% and 88.89% healing, respectively, in terms of combined clinical-radiographic healing as compared with 80% in the collagen membrane group. All the three treatments showed highly significant (P < .05) reductions in the periodontal pocket depth (PD), the clinical attachment level (CAL), the gingival margin position (GMP), the size of the periapical lesion, the percentage reduction of the periapical rarefactions, and periapical healing. No significant differences between the three groups were evident for these parameters (P > .05). GTR applied to apicomarginal defects using PRP or PRP + collagen sponge lead to similar enhancements of the clinical outcome of periradicular surgery in terms of periapical healing, gain of periodontal support, PD reduction, and PRP may be an alternative treatment for GTR membrane in the treatment of apicomarginal defects. Copyright © 2011 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Relationship between pedestrian headform tests and injury and fatality rates in vehicle-to-pedestrian crashes in the United States.

PubMed

Mueller, Becky; Farmer, Charles; Jermakian, Jessica; Zuby, David

2013-11-01

Pedestrian protection evaluations have been developed to encourage vehicle front-end designs that mitigate the consequences of vehicle-to-pedestrian crashes. The European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP) evaluates pedestrian head protection with impacts against vehicle hood, windshield, and A-pillars. The Global Technical Regulation No. 9 (GTR 9), being evaluated for U.S. regulation, limits head protection evaluations to impacts against vehicle hoods. The objective of this study was to compare results from pedestrian head impact testing to the real-world rates of fatal and incapacitating injuries in U.S. pedestrian crashes. Data from police reported pedestrian crashes in 14 states were used to calculate real-world fatal and in- capacitating injury rates for seven 2002-07 small cars. Rates were 2.17-4.04 per 100 pedestrians struck for fatal injuries and 10.45-15.35 for incapacitating injuries. Euro NCAP style pedestrian headform tests were conducted against windshield, A-pillar, and hoods of the study vehicles. When compared with pedestrian injury rates, the vehicles' Euro NCAP scores, ranging 5-10 points, showed strong negative correlations (-0.6) to injury rates, though none were statistically significant. Data from the headform impacts for each of the study vehicles were used to calculate that vehicle's predicted serious injury risk. The predicted risks from both the Euro NCAP and GTR 9 test zones showed high positive correlations with the pedestrian fatal and incapacitating injury rates, though few were statistically significant. Whether vehicle stiffness is evaluated on all components of vehicle front ends (Euro NCAP) or is limited to hoods (GTR 9), softer vehicle components correspond to a lower risk of fatality.

Supraorbital Versus Endoscopic Endonasal Approaches for Olfactory Groove Meningiomas: A Cost-Minimization Study.

PubMed

Gandhoke, Gurpreet S; Pease, Matthew; Smith, Kenneth J; Sekula, Raymond F

2017-09-01

To perform a cost-minimization study comparing the supraorbital and endoscopic endonasal (EEA) approach with or without craniotomy for the resection of olfactory groove meningiomas (OGMs). We built a decision tree using probabilities of gross total resection (GTR) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak rates with the supraorbital approach versus EEA with and without additional craniotomy. The cost (not charge or reimbursement) at each "stem" of this decision tree for both surgical options was obtained from our hospital's finance department. After a base case calculation, we applied plausible ranges to all parameters and carried out multiple 1-way sensitivity analyses. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses confirmed our results. The probabilities of GTR (0.8) and CSF leak (0.2) for the supraorbital craniotomy were obtained from our series of 5 patients who underwent a supraorbital approach for the resection of an OGM. The mean tumor volume was 54.6 cm 3 (range, 17-94.2 cm 3 ). Literature-reported rates of GTR (0.6) and CSF leak (0.3) with EEA were applied to our economic analysis. Supraorbital craniotomy was the preferred strategy, with an expected value of $29,423, compared with an EEA cost of $83,838. On multiple 1-way sensitivity analyses, supraorbital craniotomy remained the preferred strategy, with a minimum cost savings of $46,000 and a maximum savings of $64,000. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis found the lowest cost difference between the 2 surgical options to be $37,431. Compared with EEA, supraorbital craniotomy provides substantial cost savings in the treatment of OGMs. Given the potential differences in effectiveness between approaches, a cost-effectiveness analysis should be undertaken. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Endoscopic endonasal surgery for benign fibro-osseous lesions of the pediatric skull base.

PubMed

Stapleton, Amanda L; Tyler-Kabara, Elizabeth C; Gardner, Paul A; Snyderman, Carl H

2015-09-01

To describe the presentation, treatment, and outcomes of benign fibro-osseous tumors involving the skull base in a pediatric population. Retrospective chart review from January 2002 to September 2013 of pediatric patients (ages 0-18 years) who underwent endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) for benign fibro-osseous tumors involving the skull base. Fourteen patients were identified with an age range of 2.7 to 17.9 years (mean, 12.5 years). Six juvenile ossifying fibromas, five benign fibro-osseous lesions, two osteomas, and one fibrous dysplasia were treated. Ocular symptoms and nasal obstruction were the most common presenting symptoms in nine (64%) and six (43%) of patients, respectively; five (36%) presented with proptosis and four (29%) with diplopia. Two (14%) patients had cranial nerve VI palsy. Transsellar and transclival approaches were used in five (36%) of patients. Orbital and optic nerve decompressions were the most common components of the approaches performed in nine (64%) of the surgeries. Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved with single-stage surgery in 10 (71%) patients; two additional patients underwent staged GTR. Two intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks occurred and were repaired endoscopically. There were no postoperative CSF leaks or infectious complications. Two patients had transient diplopia, and two had transient diabetes insipidus, all of which resolved. The mean follow-up was 13.8 months. Two patients had a recurrence, and both required additional EES achieving GTR. EES for benign fibro-osseous tumors of the skull base is a safe and effective treatment for excision of these lesions in the pediatric population. 4. © 2015 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At a press conference, U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney responds to a question from a reporter about the new mission for NASA outlined by President George W. Bush Jan. 14. Present with Feeney are Center Director Jim Kennedy (left) and U.S. Rep. Dave Weldon (right).

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-01-16

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At a press conference, U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney responds to a question from a reporter about the new mission for NASA outlined by President George W. Bush Jan. 14. Present with Feeney are Center Director Jim Kennedy (left) and U.S. Rep. Dave Weldon (right).

Characteristics of a velvet cathode under high repetition rate pulse operation

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

Xun Tao; Zhang Jiande; Yang Hanwu

2009-10-15

As commonly used material for cold cathodes, velvet works well in single shot and low repetition rate (rep-rate) high-power microwave (HPM) sources. In order to determine the feasibility of velvet cathodes under high rep-rate operation, a series of experiments are carried out on a high-power diode, driven by a {approx}300 kV, {approx}6 ns, {approx}100 {omega}, and 1-300 Hz rep-rate pulser, Torch 02. Characteristics of vacuum compatibility and cathode lifetime under different pulse rep-rate are focused on in this paper. Results of time-resolved pressure history, diode performance, shot-to-shot reproducibility, and velvet microstructure changes are presented. As the rep-rate increases, the equilibriummore » pressure grows hyperlinearly and the velvet lifetime decreases sharply. At 300 Hz, the pressure in the given diode exceeded 1 Pa, and the utility shots decreased to 2000 pulses for nonstop mode. While, until the velvet begins to degrade, the pulse-to-pulse instability of diode voltage and current is quite small, even under high rep-rate conditions. Possible reasons for the operation limits are discussed, and methods to improve the performance of a rep-rate velvet cathode are also suggested. These results may be of interest to the repetitive HPM systems with cold cathodes.« less

Identification and molecular epidemiology of dermatophyte isolates by repetitive-sequence-PCR-based DNA fingerprinting using the DiversiLab system in Turkey.

PubMed

Koc, A Nedret; Atalay, Mustafa A; Inci, Melek; Sariguzel, Fatma M; Sav, Hafize

2017-05-01

Dermatophyte species, isolation and identification in clinical samples are still difficult and take a long time. The identification and molecular epidemiology of dermatophytes commonly isolated in a clinical laboratory in Turkey by repetitive sequence-based PCR (rep-PCR) were assessed by comparing the results with those of reference identification. A total of 44 dermatophytes isolated from various clinical specimens of 20 patients with superficial mycoses in Kayseri and 24 patients in Hatay were studied. The identification of dermatophyte isolates was based on the reference identification and rep-PCR using the DiversiLab System (BioMerieux). The genotyping of dermatophyte isolates from different patients was determined by rep-PCR. In the identification of dermatophyte isolates, agreement between rep-PCR and conventional methods was 87.8 % ( 36 of 41). The dermatophyte strains belonged to four clones (A -D) which were determined by the use of rep-PCR. The dermatophyte strains in Clone B, D showed identical patterns with respect to the region. In conclusion, rep-PCR appears to be useful for evaluation of the identification and clonal relationships between Trichophyton rubrum species complex and Trichophyton mentagrophytes species complex isolates. The similarity and diversity of these isolates may be assessed according to different regions by rep-PCR. © 2017 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Metal-Induced Stabilization and Activation of Plasmid Replication Initiator RepB

PubMed Central

Ruiz-Masó, José A.; Bordanaba-Ruiseco, Lorena; Sanz, Marta; Menéndez, Margarita; del Solar, Gloria

2016-01-01

Initiation of plasmid rolling circle replication (RCR) is catalyzed by a plasmid-encoded Rep protein that performs a Tyr- and metal-dependent site-specific cleavage of one DNA strand within the double-strand origin (dso) of replication. The crystal structure of RepB, the initiator protein of the streptococcal plasmid pMV158, constitutes the first example of a Rep protein structure from RCR plasmids. It forms a toroidal homohexameric ring where each RepB protomer consists of two domains: the C-terminal domain involved in oligomerization and the N-terminal domain containing the DNA-binding and endonuclease activities. Binding of Mn2+ to the active site is essential for the catalytic activity of RepB. In this work, we have studied the effects of metal binding on the structure and thermostability of full-length hexameric RepB and each of its separate domains by using different biophysical approaches. The analysis of the temperature-induced changes in RepB shows that the first thermal transition, which occurs at a range of temperatures physiologically relevant for the pMV158 pneumococcal host, represents an irreversible conformational change that affects the secondary and tertiary structure of the protein, which becomes prone to self-associate. This transition, which is also shown to result in loss of DNA binding capacity and catalytic activity of RepB, is confined to its N-terminal domain. Mn2+ protects the protein from undergoing this detrimental conformational change and the observed protection correlates well with the high-affinity binding of the cation to the active site, as substituting one of the metal-ligands at this site impairs both the protein affinity for Mn2+and the Mn2+-driven thermostabilization effect. The level of catalytic activity of the protein, especially in the case of full-length RepB, cannot be explained based only on the high-affinity binding of Mn2+ at the active site and suggests the existence of additional, lower-affinity metal binding site(s), missing in the separate catalytic domain, that must also be saturated for maximal activity. The molecular bases of the thermostabilizing effect of Mn2+ on the N-terminal domain of the protein as well as the potential location of additional metal binding sites in the entire RepB are discussed. PMID:27709114

Applications of long-term watershed research to forest management in California: 50 Years of Learning from the Caspar Creek Watershed Study

Treesearch

Cafferata Peter; Leslie Reid

2013-01-01

For over 50 years, the Caspar Creek Experimental Watersheds, located in western Mendocino County, California, have been the site of long-term cooperative watershed research carried out by the U.S. Forest Service Pacific Southwest Research Station (PSW) and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). Preliminary stream flow, suspended...

Field test method to determine presence and quantity of modifiers in liquid asphalt : [summary].

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-05-01

Approximately five million tons of asphalt mix are produced each year for the Florida : Department of Transportation (FDOT), of which 60% is modified with styrene butadiene : styrene (SBS) polymer and/or ground tire rubber (GTR). Asphalt binders are ...

Ground tire rubber as a stabilizer for subgrade soils : [summary].

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-05-01

Over 250 million scrap tires are generated : annually in the U.S. Historically, a significant : portion of these tires have been processed into : finely ground tire rubber (GTR), or crumb rubber, : for use as an additive in hot mix asphalt (HMA) : pa...

Validation of use of whole-cell repetitive extragenic palindromic sequence-based PCR (REP-PCR) for typing strains belonging to the Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-Acinetobacter baumannii complex and application of the method to the investigation of a hospital outbreak.

PubMed Central

Snelling, A M; Gerner-Smidt, P; Hawkey, P M; Heritage, J; Parnell, P; Porter, C; Bodenham, A R; Inglis, T

1996-01-01

Acinetobacter spp. are being reported with increasing frequency as causes of nosocomial infection. In order to identify reservoirs of infection as quickly as possible, a rapid typing method that can differentiate epidemic strains from environmental and nonepidemic strains is needed. In 1993, a cluster of Acinetobacter baumannii isolates from five patients in the adult intensive therapy unit of our tertiary-care teaching hospital led us to develop and optimize a rapid repetitive extragenic palindromic sequence-based PCR (REP-PCR) typing protocol for members of the Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-A. baumannii complex that uses boiled colonies and consensus primers aimed at repetitive extragenic palindromic sequences. Four of the five patient isolates gave the same REP-PCR typing pattern as isolates of A. baumannii obtained from the temperature probe of a Bennett humidifier; the fifth isolate had a unique profile. Disinfection of the probe with 70% ethanol, as recommended by the manufacturer, proved ineffective, as A. baumannii with the same REP-PCR pattern was isolated from it 10 days after cleaning, necessitating a change in our decontamination procedure. Results obtained with REP-PCR were subsequently confirmed by ribotyping. To evaluate the discriminatory power (D) of REP-PCR for typing members of the A. calcoaceticus-A. baumannii complex, compared with that of ribotyping, we have applied both methods to a collection of 85 strains that included representatives of six DNA groups within the complex. Ribotyping using EcoRI digests yielded 53 patterns (D = 0.98), whereas 68 different REP-PCR patterns were observed (D = 0.99). By computer-assisted analysis of gel images, 74 patterns were observed with REP-PCR (D = 1.0). Overall, REP-PCR typing proved to be slightly more discriminatory than ribotyping. Our results indicate that REP-PCR typing used boiled colonies is a simple, rapid, and effective means of typing members of the A. calcoaceticus-A. baumannii complex. PMID:8727902

Integrin-binding elastin-like polypeptide as an in situ gelling delivery matrix enhances the therapeutic efficacy of adipose stem cells in healing full-thickness cutaneous wounds.

PubMed

Choi, Seong-Kyoon; Park, Jin-Kyu; Kim, Jung-Hee; Lee, Kyeong-Min; Kim, Enjoo; Jeong, Kyu-Shik; Jeon, Won Bae

2016-09-10

One crucial issue in stem cell therapy used for tissue repair is often the lack of selective carriers to deliver stem cells to the site of injury where the native extracellular matrix is pathologically damaged or lost. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a biomaterial that is permissive to stem cells and is suitable to replace injured or missing matrix. The major aim of this study is to investigate the potential of an RGD-containing elastin-like polypeptide (REP) with the structure TGPG[VGRGD(VGVPG)6]20WPC to engraft adipose stem cells (ASC) to full-thickness excisional wounds in mice. We implanted REP into the wound defects via body temperature-induced in situ aggregation. Engrafted REP exhibited a half-life of 2.6days in the wounds and did not elicit any pathological immune responses. REP itself significantly accelerated wound closure and reepithelialization and upregulated the expression of dermal tissue components. A combined administration of REP and ASC formed a hydrogel-like ASC/REP composite, which provided better neovascularization than the use of ASCs alone and increased the viability of transplanted ASC, improving overall wound healing. In vitro and in vivo mechanistic investigations suggested that REP enhances ASC survival at least in part via the Fak/Src adhesion-induced upregulation of Mek/Erk and PI3K/Akt survival pathways. We conclude that REP is a promising therapeutic agent for the improvement of stem cell-based therapy for enhanced tissue regeneration and repair. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Model-Averaging Approach to Replication : The Case of "p[subscript rep]"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Iverson, Geoffrey J.; Wagenmakers, Eric-Jan; Lee, Michael D.

2010-01-01

The purpose of the recently proposed "p[subscript rep]" statistic is to estimate the probability of concurrence, that is, the probability that a replicate experiment yields an effect of the same sign (Killeen, 2005a). The influential journal "Psychological Science" endorses "p[subscript rep]" and recommends its use…

Modified UMS, Modified SemRep and SemMedDB-UTH | Informatics Technology for Cancer Research (ITCR)

Cancer.gov

Modified UMLS, modified SemRep and SemMedDB-UTH – these are resources (UMLS, SemMedDB-UT) and tools (SemRep) created and maintained by National Library of Medicine that we have modified for personalized cancer therapy and returned to the NLM.

76 FR 20806 - Aviation Proceedings, Agreements Filed the Week Ending March 19, 2011

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-04-13

... North & Central Pacific (except between USA and Korea (Rep. of), Malaysia) Minutes (Memo 518). (b) TC31 North and Central Pacific (except between Korea (Rep. of), Malaysia and USA) Mail Vote 667--Resolution.... Subject: (a) TC31 North & Central Pacific Between Korea (Rep. of), Malaysia and USA Flex Fares Resolutions...

Neptune Orbiters Utilizing Solar and Radioisotope Electric Propulsion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fiehler, Douglas I.; Oleson, Steven R.

2004-01-01

In certain cases, Radioisotope Electric Propulsion (REP), used in conjunction with other propulsion systems, could be used to reduce the trip times for outer planetary orbiter spacecraft. It also has the potential to improve the maneuverability and power capabilities of the spacecraft when the target body is reached as compared with non-electric propulsion spacecraft. Current missions under study baseline aerocapture systems to capture into a science orbit after a Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) stage is jettisoned. Other options under study would use all REP transfers with small payloads. Compared to the SEP stage/Aerocapture scenario, adding REP to the science spacecraft as well as a chemical capture system can replace the aerocapture system but with a trip time penalty. Eliminating both the SEP stage and the aerocapture system and utilizing a slightly larger launch vehicle, Star 48 upper stage, and a combined REP/Chemical capture system, the trip time can nearly be matched while providing over a kilowatt of science power reused from the REP maneuver. A Neptune Orbiter mission is examined utilizing single propulsion systems and combinations of SEP, REP, and chemical systems to compare concepts.

Evaluation of repetitive element polymerase chain reaction for surveillance of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus at a large academic medical center and community hospitals.

PubMed

Wang, Shu-Hua; Stevenson, Kurt B; Hines, Lisa; Mediavilla, José R; Khan, Yosef; Soni, Ruchi; Dutch, Wendy; Brandt, Eric; Bannerman, Tammy; Kreiswirth, Barry N; Pancholi, Preeti

2015-01-01

Repetitive element polymerase chain reaction (rep-PCR) typing has been used for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strain characterization. The goal of this study was to determine if a rapid commercial rep-PCR system, DiversiLab™ (DL; bioMérieux, Durham, NC, USA), could be used for MRSA surveillance at a large medical center and community hospitals. A total of 1286 MRSA isolates genotyped by the DL system were distributed into 84 distinct rep-PCR patterns: 737/1286 (57%) were clustered into 6 major rep-PCR patterns. A subset of 220 isolates was further typed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), spa typing, and SCCmec typing. The 220 isolates were distributed into 80 rep-PCR patterns, 94 PFGE pulsotypes, 27 spa, and 3 SCCmec types. The DL rep-PCR system is sufficient for surveillance, but the DL system alone cannot be used to compare data to other institutions until a standardized nomenclature is established and the DL MRSA reference library is expanded. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Rapidly expanding genetic diversity and host range of the Circoviridae viral family and other Rep encoding small circular ssDNA genomes

PubMed Central

Delwart, Eric; Li, Linlin

2011-01-01

The genomes of numerous circoviruses and distantly related circular DNA viruses encoding a rolling circle replication initiator protein (Rep) have been characterized from the tissues of mammals, fish, insects, and plants (geminivirus and nanovirus), human and animal feces, in an algae cell, and in diverse environmental samples. We review the genome organization, phylogenetic relationships and initial prevalence studies of cycloviruses, a proposed new genus in the Circoviridae family. Viral fossil rep sequences were also identified integrated on the chromosomes of mammals, frogs, lancelets, crustaceans, mites, gastropods, roundworms, placozoans, hydrozoans, protozoans, land plants, fungi, algae, and phytoplasma bacterias and their plasmids, reflecting their past host range. An ancient origin for viruses with rep-encoding single stranded small circular genomes, predating the diversification of eukaryotes, is discussed. The cellular hosts and pathogenicity of many recently described rep-containing circular genomes remain to be determined. Future studies of the virome of single cell and multi-cellular eukaryotes are likely to further extend the known diversity and host-range of small rep-containing circular viral genomes. PMID:22155583

Research publications of the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest, Cascade Range, Oregon: 1988 supplement.

Treesearch

T. Blinn; F.J. Swanson; A. McKee

1988-01-01

This bibliography updates the list of publications, abstracts, theses, and unpublished reports included in "Research Publications of the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest, Cascade Range, Oregon, 1948 to 1986," General Technical Report PNW-GTR-201. Citations are referenced under appropriate keywords.

41 CFR Appendix C to Chapter 301 - Standard Data Elements for Federal Travel [Traveler Identification

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Method employee used to purchase transportation tickets Method Indicator GTR U.S. Government Transportation Request Central Billing Account A contractor centrally billed account Government Charge Card In.../Date Fields Claimant Signature Traveler's signature, or digital representation. The signature signifies...

Field test method to determine presence and quantity of modifiers in liquid asphalt.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-05-01

Asphalt modified with styrene butadiene styrene (SBS) polymer and/or ground tire rubber (GTR) is widely used in the U.S. : to enhance its performance. However, there are very few field tests developed to verify the content of modifier(s) in asphalt :...

Binding of sulphonated indigo derivatives to RepA-WH1 inhibits DNA-induced protein amyloidogenesis

PubMed Central

Gasset-Rosa, Fátima; Maté, María Jesús; Dávila-Fajardo, Cristina; Bravo, Jerónimo; Giraldo, Rafael

2008-01-01

The quest for inducers and inhibitors of protein amyloidogenesis is of utmost interest, since they are key tools to understand the molecular bases of proteinopathies such as Alzheimer, Parkinson, Huntington and Creutzfeldt–Jakob diseases. It is also expected that such molecules could lead to valid therapeutic agents. In common with the mammalian prion protein (PrP), the N-terminal Winged-Helix (WH1) domain of the pPS10 plasmid replication protein (RepA) assembles in vitro into a variety of amyloid nanostructures upon binding to different specific dsDNA sequences. Here we show that di- (S2) and tetra-sulphonated (S4) derivatives of indigo stain dock at the DNA recognition interface in the RepA-WH1 dimer. They compete binding of RepA to its natural target dsDNA repeats, found at the repA operator and at the origin of replication of the plasmid. Calorimetry points to the existence of a major site, with micromolar affinity, for S4-indigo in RepA-WH1 dimers. As revealed by electron microscopy, in the presence of inducer dsDNA, both S2/S4 stains inhibit the assembly of RepA-WH1 into fibres. These results validate the concept that DNA can promote protein assembly into amyloids and reveal that the binding sites of effector molecules can be targeted to inhibit amyloidogenesis. PMID:18285361

Within-genome evolution of REPINs: a new family of miniature mobile DNA in bacteria.

PubMed

Bertels, Frederic; Rainey, Paul B

2011-06-01

Repetitive sequences are a conserved feature of many bacterial genomes. While first reported almost thirty years ago, and frequently exploited for genotyping purposes, little is known about their origin, maintenance, or processes affecting the dynamics of within-genome evolution. Here, beginning with analysis of the diversity and abundance of short oligonucleotide sequences in the genome of Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25, we show that over-represented short sequences define three distinct groups (GI, GII, and GIII) of repetitive extragenic palindromic (REP) sequences. Patterns of REP distribution suggest that closely linked REP sequences form a functional replicative unit: REP doublets are over-represented, randomly distributed in extragenic space, and more highly conserved than singlets. In addition, doublets are organized as inverted repeats, which together with intervening spacer sequences are predicted to form hairpin structures in ssDNA or mRNA. We refer to these newly defined entities as REPINs (REP doublets forming hairpins) and identify short reads from population sequencing that reveal putative transposition intermediates. The proximal relationship between GI, GII, and GIII REPINs and specific REP-associated tyrosine transposases (RAYTs), combined with features of the putative transposition intermediate, suggests a mechanism for within-genome dissemination. Analysis of the distribution of REPs in a range of RAYT-containing bacterial genomes, including Escherichia coli K-12 and Nostoc punctiforme, show that REPINs are a widely distributed, but hitherto unrecognized, family of miniature non-autonomous mobile DNA.

Geminivirus vectors for high-level expression of foreign proteins in plant cells.

PubMed

Mor, Tsafrir S; Moon, Yong-Sun; Palmer, Kenneth E; Mason, Hugh S

2003-02-20

Bean yellow dwarf virus (BeYDV) is a monopartite geminivirus that can infect dicotyledonous plants. We have developed a high-level expression system that utilizes elements of the replication machinery of this single-stranded DNA virus. The replication initiator protein (Rep) mediates release and replication of a replicon from a DNA construct ("LSL vector") that contains an expression cassette for a gene of interest flanked by cis-acting elements of the virus. We used tobacco NT1 cells and biolistic delivery of plasmid DNA for evaluation of replication and expression of reporter genes contained within an LSL vector. By codelivery of a GUS reporter-LSL vector and a Rep-supplying vector, we obtained up to 40-fold increase in expression levels compared to delivery of the reporter-LSL vectors alone. High-copy replication of the LSL vector was correlated with enhanced expression of GUS. Rep expression using a whole BeYDV clone, a cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter driving either genomic rep or an intron-deleted rep gene, or 35S-rep contained in the LSL vector all achieved efficient replication and enhancement of GUS expression. We anticipate that this system can be adapted for use in transgenic plants or plant cell cultures with appropriately regulated expression of Rep, with the potential to greatly increase yield of recombinant proteins. Copyright 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 81: 430-437, 2003.

RESISTANCE PRODUCED IN MICE BY EXPOSURE TO IRRADIATED SCHISTOSOMA MANSONI CERCARIAE

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

Radke, M.G.; Sadun, E.H.

1963-04-01

Studies were undertaken to determine whether gamma irradiation of cercariae might provide a means of investigating some of the mechanisms involved in the acquired resistance to schistosomiasis. Control mice received 200 nonirradiated cercariae, and other groups received the same number of cercariae that had been exposed to 6 different doses of Co/sup 60/ gamma irradiation varying from 1000--20000 rep. Eight weeks later the worms recovered were counted. Doses of 4000 rep or higher completely inhibited the development of schistosomes. A few stunted and underdeveloped worms were found in some of the mice receiving cercariae irradiated at 2500 and 3000 rep.more » Some adult schistosomes were observed in the groups receiving 1500 and 2000 rep and eggs were found in the liver but not in the stools of some mice. However, all of the mice exposed to cercariae irradiated with 1000 rep had eggs in liver and stools. The worm burden decreased regularly with increasing dosages up to 3000 rep, beyond which no worms were found at necropsy. The decrease in the number of worms mice acquired was linear only when cercariae were exposed from 1000to 2000 rep, however, even beyond such dosages, it followed a straight line when the logarithm of irradiation dose was plotied. Acquired resistance to S. mansoni was observed in mice following a previous exposure to irradiated cercariae. (TCO)« less

Replicative intermediates of porcine circovirus in animal tissue cultured cells or in bacteria undergoing copy-release replication

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Porcine circovirus (PCV) has been assumed to replicate its genome via the rolling-circle replication (RCR) mechanism because it encodes a Rep protein that contains several amino acid motifs commonly found in other RCR biological systems. Two proteins, Rep and Rep', are essential for PCV DNA replicat...

Building to be Named for Former Rep. Dan Schaefer

Science.gov Websites

Building to be Named for Former Rep. Dan Schaefer For more information contact: e:mail: Public Renewable Energy Laboratory will be renamed to honor retired U.S. Rep. Dan Schaefer on Monday, Jan. 11. In ceremonies beginning at 11 a.m., the center formally will become the Dan Schaefer Federal Building. Congress

Valve repair in aortic regurgitation without root dilatation--aortic valve repair.

PubMed

Lausberg, H F; Aicher, D; Kissinger, A; Langer, F; Fries, R; Schäfers, H-J

2006-02-01

Aortic valve repair was established in the context of aortic root remodeling. Variable results have been reported for isolated valve repair. We analyzed our experience with isolated valve repair and compared the results with those of aortic root remodeling. Between October 1995 and August 2003, isolated repair of the aortic valve was performed in 83 patients (REP), remodeling of the aortic valve in 175 patients (REMO). The demographics of the two groups were comparable (REP: mean age 54.4 +/- 20.7 yrs, male-female ratio 2.1 : 1; REMO: mean age 60.8 +/- 13.6 yrs, male-female ratio 2.4 : 1; p = ns). In both groups the number of bicuspid valves was comparable (REP: 41 %, REMO: 32 %; p = ns). All patients were followed by echocardiography for a cumulative follow-up of 8204 patient months (mean 32 +/- 23 months). Overall in-hospital mortality was 2.4 % in REP and 4.6 % in REMO ( p = 0.62). Systolic gradients were comparable in both groups (REP: 5.8 +/- 2.2, REMO: 6.5 +/- 3.1 mm Hg, p = 0.09). The mean degree of aortic regurgitation 12 months postoperatively was 0.8 +/- 0.7 after REP and 0.7 +/- 0.7 after REMO ( p = 0.29). Freedom from significant regurgitation (> or = II degrees ) after 5 years was 86 % in REP and 89 % in REMO ( p = 0.17). Freedom from re-operation after 5 years was 94.4 % in REP and 98.2 % in REMO ( p = 0.33). Aortic regurgitation without concomitant root dilatation can be treated effectively by aortic valve repair. The functional results are equivalent to those obtained with valve-preserving root replacement. Aortic valve repair appears to be an alternative to valve replacement in aortic regurgitation.

A 10-Year Retrospective Comparison of Two Target Sequences, REP-529 and B1, for Toxoplasma gondii Detection by Quantitative PCR

PubMed Central

Belaz, Sorya; Gangneux, Jean-Pierre; Dupretz, Peggy; Guiguen, Claude

2015-01-01

This study aimed to evaluate the repeated sequence REP-529 compared to that of the B1 gene in the molecular diagnosis of toxoplasmosis by quantitative PCR (qPCR) in routine diagnosis. Over a 10-year period (2003 to 2013), all patients prospectively diagnosed with a positive REP-529 qPCR result for toxoplasmosis were included. All DNA samples (76 samples from 56 patients) were simultaneously tested using the two qPCR methods (REP-529 and B1). The mean cycle threshold (CT) obtained with the B1 qPCR was significantly higher (+4.71 cycles) than that obtained with REP-529 qPCR (P < 0.0001). Thirty-one out of 69 extracts (45.6%) positive with REP-529 qPCR were not amplified with the B1 qPCR (relative sensitivity of 54.4% compared to that with REP-529), yielding false-negative results with 15/28 placenta, 5 cord blood, 2 amniotic fluid, 4 cerebrospinal fluid, 1 aqueous humor, 2 lymph node puncture, and 1 abortion product sample. This defect in sensitivity would have left 20/56 patients undiagnosed, distributed as follows: 12/40 congenital toxoplasmosis, 4/5 cerebral toxoplasmosis, 2/8 patients with retinochoroiditis, and 2 patients with chronic lymphadenopathy. This poor performance of B1 qPCR might be related to low parasite loads, since the mean Toxoplasma quantification in extracts with B1 false-negative results was 0.4 parasite/reaction. These results clearly show the superiority of the REP-529 sequence in the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis by PCR and suggest that this target should be adopted as part of the standardization of the PCR assay. PMID:25653416

A 10-year retrospective comparison of two target sequences, REP-529 and B1, for Toxoplasma gondii detection by quantitative PCR.

PubMed

Belaz, Sorya; Gangneux, Jean-Pierre; Dupretz, Peggy; Guiguen, Claude; Robert-Gangneux, Florence

2015-04-01

This study aimed to evaluate the repeated sequence REP-529 compared to that of the B1 gene in the molecular diagnosis of toxoplasmosis by quantitative PCR (qPCR) in routine diagnosis. Over a 10-year period (2003 to 2013), all patients prospectively diagnosed with a positive REP-529 qPCR result for toxoplasmosis were included. All DNA samples (76 samples from 56 patients) were simultaneously tested using the two qPCR methods (REP-529 and B1). The mean cycle threshold (CT) obtained with the B1 qPCR was significantly higher (+4.71 cycles) than that obtained with REP-529 qPCR (P<0.0001). Thirty-one out of 69 extracts (45.6%) positive with REP-529 qPCR were not amplified with the B1 qPCR (relative sensitivity of 54.4% compared to that with REP-529), yielding false-negative results with 15/28 placenta, 5 cord blood, 2 amniotic fluid, 4 cerebrospinal fluid, 1 aqueous humor, 2 lymph node puncture, and 1 abortion product sample. This defect in sensitivity would have left 20/56 patients undiagnosed, distributed as follows: 12/40 congenital toxoplasmosis, 4/5 cerebral toxoplasmosis, 2/8 patients with retinochoroiditis, and 2 patients with chronic lymphadenopathy. This poor performance of B1 qPCR might be related to low parasite loads, since the mean Toxoplasma quantification in extracts with B1 false-negative results was 0.4 parasite/reaction. These results clearly show the superiority of the REP-529 sequence in the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis by PCR and suggest that this target should be adopted as part of the standardization of the PCR assay. Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Optimization of analytical parameters for inferring relationships among Escherichia coli isolates from repetitive-element PCR by maximizing correspondence with multilocus sequence typing data.

PubMed

Goldberg, Tony L; Gillespie, Thomas R; Singer, Randall S

2006-09-01

Repetitive-element PCR (rep-PCR) is a method for genotyping bacteria based on the selective amplification of repetitive genetic elements dispersed throughout bacterial chromosomes. The method has great potential for large-scale epidemiological studies because of its speed and simplicity; however, objective guidelines for inferring relationships among bacterial isolates from rep-PCR data are lacking. We used multilocus sequence typing (MLST) as a "gold standard" to optimize the analytical parameters for inferring relationships among Escherichia coli isolates from rep-PCR data. We chose 12 isolates from a large database to represent a wide range of pairwise genetic distances, based on the initial evaluation of their rep-PCR fingerprints. We conducted MLST with these same isolates and systematically varied the analytical parameters to maximize the correspondence between the relationships inferred from rep-PCR and those inferred from MLST. Methods that compared the shapes of densitometric profiles ("curve-based" methods) yielded consistently higher correspondence values between data types than did methods that calculated indices of similarity based on shared and different bands (maximum correspondences of 84.5% and 80.3%, respectively). Curve-based methods were also markedly more robust in accommodating variations in user-specified analytical parameter values than were "band-sharing coefficient" methods, and they enhanced the reproducibility of rep-PCR. Phylogenetic analyses of rep-PCR data yielded trees with high topological correspondence to trees based on MLST and high statistical support for major clades. These results indicate that rep-PCR yields accurate information for inferring relationships among E. coli isolates and that accuracy can be enhanced with the use of analytical methods that consider the shapes of densitometric profiles.

Adeno-associated virus type 2 rep gene-mediated inhibition of basal gene expression of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 involves its negative regulatory functions.

PubMed Central

Oelze, I; Rittner, K; Sczakiel, G

1994-01-01

Adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV-2), a human parvovirus which is apathogenic in adults, inhibits replication and gene expression of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in human cells. The rep gene of AAV-2, which was shown earlier to be sufficient for this negative interference, also down-regulated the expression of heterologous sequences driven by the long terminal repeat (LTR) of HIV-1. This effect was observed in the absence of the HIV-1 transactivator Tat, i.e., at basal levels of LTR-driven transcription. In this work, we studied the involvement of functional subsequences of the HIV-1 LTR in rep-mediated inhibition in the absence of Tat. Mutated LTRs driving an indicator gene (cat) were cointroduced into human SW480 cells together with rep alone or with double-stranded DNA fragments or RNA containing sequences of the HIV-1 LTR. The results indicate that rep strongly enhances the function of negative regulatory elements of the LTR. In addition, the experiments revealed a transcribed sequence element located within the TAR-coding sequence termed AHHH (AAV-HIV homology element derived from HIV-1) which is involved in rep-mediated inhibition. The AHHH element is also involved in down-regulation of basal expression levels in the absence of rep, suggesting that AHHH also contributes to negative regulatory functions of the LTR of HIV-1. In contrast, positive regulatory elements of the HIV-1 LTR such as the NF kappa B and SP1 binding sites have no significant influence on the rep-mediated inhibition. Images PMID:8289357

Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Calif., chairman of the House Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, was briefed by X-43A engineer Laurie Grindle during his tour of Dryden

NASA Image and Video Library

2005-06-02

Rep. Ken Calvert, (R-Calif.), chairman of the House Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, received an update on the mission of NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center during a visit on June 2, 2005. Rep. Calvert, accompanied by several staff members, was briefed by center management on the Dryden's role as a flight research institution, and then reviewed some of the center's recent, current and upcoming flight research projects during a tour of the facility. During the afternoon, Rep. Calvert received similar briefings on a variety of projects at several aerospace development firms at the Civilian Flight Test Center in Mojave. Rep. Calvert's tour of NASA Dryden was the second in a series of visits to all 10 NASA field centers to better acquaint him with the roles and responsibilities of each center.

[Attitudes of general practitioners to pharmaceutical sales representatives in Sousse].

PubMed

Ben Abdelaziz, A; Harrabi, I; Rahmani, S; Ghedira, A; Gaha, K; Ghannem, H

2003-01-01

The therapeutic knowledge of physicians is the corner stone to the rational use of medicines; however information about medicines is generally obtained from the pharmaceutical industry via their sales representatives (reps). We aimed to identify general practitioners' (GPs) attitudes to pharmaceutical reps and the information they provide. We surveyed 140 GPs using a self-administered questionnaire. The response rate was 78% (72 GPs from the public sector and 68 from the private sector). About 10% of the GPs said they received daily visits from pharmaceutical reps; 84% of GPs considered them an efficient source of information and 31% said they might change their therapeutic prescribing following visits from these reps. Because of their positive perception of pharmaceutical reps, GPs are susceptible to the information they provide. Controlling the validity of the therapeutic information imparted by the pharmaceutical industry is thus a fundamental component of the programme for the rational use of medicines.

Data on publications, structural analyses, and queries used to build and utilize the AlloRep database.

PubMed

Sousa, Filipa L; Parente, Daniel J; Hessman, Jacob A; Chazelle, Allen; Teichmann, Sarah A; Swint-Kruse, Liskin

2016-09-01

The AlloRep database (www.AlloRep.org) (Sousa et al., 2016) [1] compiles extensive sequence, mutagenesis, and structural information for the LacI/GalR family of transcription regulators. Sequence alignments are presented for >3000 proteins in 45 paralog subfamilies and as a subsampled alignment of the whole family. Phenotypic and biochemical data on almost 6000 mutants have been compiled from an exhaustive search of the literature; citations for these data are included herein. These data include information about oligomerization state, stability, DNA binding and allosteric regulation. Protein structural data for 65 proteins are presented as easily-accessible, residue-contact networks. Finally, this article includes example queries to enable the use of the AlloRep database. See the related article, "AlloRep: a repository of sequence, structural and mutagenesis data for the LacI/GalR transcription regulators" (Sousa et al., 2016) [1].

Crystal structure of the SF3 helicase from adeno-associated virus type 2.

PubMed

James, J Anson; Escalante, Carlos R; Yoon-Robarts, Miran; Edwards, Thomas A; Linden, R Michael; Aggarwal, Aneel K

2003-08-01

We report here the crystal structure of an SF3 DNA helicase, Rep40, from adeno-associated virus 2 (AAV2). We show that AAV2 Rep40 is structurally more similar to the AAA(+) class of cellular proteins than to DNA helicases from other superfamilies. The structure delineates the expected Walker A and B motifs, but also reveals an unexpected "arginine finger" that directly implies the requirement of Rep40 oligomerization for ATP hydrolysis and helicase activity. Further, the Rep40 AAA(+) domain is novel in that it is unimodular as opposed to bimodular. Altogether, the structural connection to AAA(+) proteins defines the general architecture of SF3 DNA helicases, a family that includes simian virus 40 (SV40) T antigen, as well as provides a conceptual framework for understanding the role of Rep proteins during AAV DNA replication, packaging, and site-specific integration.

The Potential for Restoration to Break the Grass/Fire Cycle in Dryland Ecosystems in Hawaii

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-11-01

Content of a Leaf PSAG Pleistocene Substrate Age Gradient PSW Pacific Southwest Station PTA Pohakuloa Training Area PV Photosynthetic Vegetation...resampled these images to 1.5 m resolution, and the study area encompassed 23 individual photographs. Due to variable solar illumination among...ecosystems many plant species benefit from similar conditions during regeneration, such as increased water availability, decreased solar radiation, and

Socioeconomic Differences in and Predictors of Home-Based Palliative Care Health Service Use in Ontario, Canada

PubMed Central

Cai, Jiaoli; Guerriere, Denise N.; Zhao, Hongzhong; Coyte, Peter C.

2017-01-01

The use of health services may vary across people with different socioeconomic statuses, and may be determined by many factors. The purposes of this study were (i) to examine the socioeconomic differences in the propensity and intensity of use for three main home-based health services, that is, home-based palliative care physician visits, nurse visits and personal support worker (PSW) hours; and (ii) to explore the determinants of the use of home-based palliative care services. A prospective cohort study was employed. A total of 181 caregivers were interviewed biweekly over the course of the palliative care trajectory, yielding a total of 994 interviews. The propensity and intensity of health service use were examined using logistic regression and negative binomial regression, respectively. The results demonstrated that both the propensity and intensity of home-based nurse and PSW visits fell with socioeconomic status. The use of home-based palliative care services was not concentrated in high socioeconomic status groups. The common predictors of health service use in the three service categories were patient age, the Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) score and place of death. These findings may assist health service planners in the appropriate allocation of resources and service packages to meet the complex needs of palliative care populations. PMID:28718797

The Effect of Achievement Test Selection on Identification of Learning Disabilities within a Patterns of Strengths and Weaknesses Framework

PubMed Central

Miciak, Jeremy; Taylor, Pat; Denton, Carolyn A.; Fletcher, Jack M.

2014-01-01

Purpose Few empirical investigations have evaluated learning disabilities (LD) identification methods based on a pattern of cognitive strengths and weaknesses (PSW). This study investigated the reliability of LD classification decisions of the concordance/discordance method (C/DM) across different psychoeducational assessment batteries. Methods C/DM criteria were applied to assessment data from 177 second grade students based on two psychoeducational assessment batteries. The achievement tests were different, but were highly correlated and measured the same latent construct. Resulting LD identifications were then evaluated for agreement across batteries on LD status and the academic domain of eligibility. Results The two batteries identified a similar number of participants as having LD (80 and 74). However, indices of agreement for classification decisions were low (kappa = .29), especially for percent positive agreement (62%). The two batteries demonstrated agreement on the academic domain of eligibility for only 25 participants. Conclusions Cognitive discrepancy frameworks for LD identification are inherently unstable because of imperfect reliability and validity at the observed level. Methods premised on identifying a PSW profile may never achieve high reliability because of these underlying psychometric factors. An alternative is to directly assess academic skills to identify students in need of intervention. PMID:25243467

Socioeconomic Differences in and Predictors of Home-Based Palliative Care Health Service Use in Ontario, Canada.

PubMed

Cai, Jiaoli; Guerriere, Denise N; Zhao, Hongzhong; Coyte, Peter C

2017-07-18

The use of health services may vary across people with different socioeconomic statuses, and may be determined by many factors. The purposes of this study were (i) to examine the socioeconomic differences in the propensity and intensity of use for three main home-based health services, that is, home-based palliative care physician visits, nurse visits and personal support worker (PSW) hours; and (ii) to explore the determinants of the use of home-based palliative care services. A prospective cohort study was employed. A total of 181 caregivers were interviewed biweekly over the course of the palliative care trajectory, yielding a total of 994 interviews. The propensity and intensity of health service use were examined using logistic regression and negative binomial regression, respectively. The results demonstrated that both the propensity and intensity of home-based nurse and PSW visits fell with socioeconomic status. The use of home-based palliative care services was not concentrated in high socioeconomic status groups. The common predictors of health service use in the three service categories were patient age, the Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) score and place of death. These findings may assist health service planners in the appropriate allocation of resources and service packages to meet the complex needs of palliative care populations.

A review on thermal and catalytic pyrolysis of plastic solid waste (PSW).

PubMed

Al-Salem, S M; Antelava, A; Constantinou, A; Manos, G; Dutta, A

2017-07-15

Plastic plays an important role in our daily lives due to its versatility, light weight and low production cost. Plastics became essential in many sectors such as construction, medical, engineering applications, automotive, aerospace, etc. In addition, economic growth and development also increased our demand and dependency on plastics which leads to its accumulation in landfills imposing risk on human health, animals and cause environmental pollution problems such as ground water contamination, sanitary related issues, etc. Hence, a sustainable and an efficient plastic waste treatment is essential to avoid such issues. Pyrolysis is a thermo-chemical plastic waste treatment technique which can solve such pollution problems, as well as, recover valuable energy and products such as oil and gas. Pyrolysis of plastic solid waste (PSW) has gained importance due to having better advantages towards environmental pollution and reduction of carbon footprint of plastic products by minimizing the emissions of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide compared to combustion and gasification. This paper presents the existing techniques of pyrolysis, the parameters which affect the products yield and selectivity and identify major research gaps in this technology. The influence of different catalysts on the process as well as review and comparative assessment of pyrolysis with other thermal and catalytic plastic treatment methods, is also presented. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Is it juvenile myoclonic epilepsy?

PubMed

Gelisse, P; Genton, P; Raybaud, C; Thomas, P; Bartolomei, F; Dravet, C

2000-03-01

A 21-year old man with marked developmental delay was referred for the diagnosis of myoclonic jerks (MJ), which were sometimes responsible for sudden falls without loss of consciousness, that had begun 2 years before, and for a recent generalized tonic-clonic seizure preceded by a cluster of MJ. Physical examination revealed a small stature, bilateral pyramidal signs, severe mental retardation, and retinis pigmentosa. Etiological factors for this encephalopathy were not found (muscle and skin biopsies, karyotype and extensive blood chemistry). Waking interictal EEG showed a normal background activity and generalized poly-spike-and wave (PSW) discharges. Photic stimulation disclosed a marked photoparoxysmal response, sometimes associated with myoclonic jerks. Three spontaneous jerks accompanied by a burst of generalized PSW were recorded on awakening from a nap. The MRI disclosed wide ventricles, a thin corpus callosum, brainstem atrophy and a so-called "redundant gyration"; these changes were evocative of acquired perinatal damage. Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) was diagnosed and valproate was started resulting in complete control of seizures. During a 5-year follow-up, the patient has remained seizure-free and the EEG consistently normal. In our opinion, JME can be diagnosed in very uncommon settings, including patients with significant brain damage, as long as all the other criteria for the diagnosis are present.

Hayman Fire case study: Summary [RMRS-GTR-114

Treesearch

Russell T. Graham

2003-01-01

Historically, wildfires burned Western forests creating and maintaining a variety of forest compositions and structures (Agee 1993). Prior to European settlement lightning along with Native Americans ignited fires routinely across many forested landscapes. After Euro-American settlement, fires continued to be quite common with fires ignited by settlers, railroads, and...

Field test method to determine presence and quantity of modifiers in liquid asphalt - follow-up data analysis : [technical summary].

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-09-01

Asphalt modified with styrene butadiene styrene (SBS) polymer and/or ground tire rubber : (GTR) is widely used in the U.S. to improve asphalt concrete performance. The high cost and : proven performance benefits of modified binders make it important ...

Regulation of adeno-associated virus gene expression in 293 cells: control of mRNA abundance and translation

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

Trempe, J.P.; Carter, B.J.

1988-01-01

The authors studied the effects of the adeno-associated virus (AAV) rep gene on the control of gene expression from the AAV p/sub 40/ promoter in 293 cells in the absence of an adenovirus coinfection. AAV vectors containing the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (cat) gene were used to measure the levels of cat expression and steady-state mRNA from p/sub 40/. When the rep gene was present in cis or in trans, cat expression from p/sub 40/ was decreased 3- to 10-fold, but there was a 2- to 10-fold increase in the level of p/sub 40/ mRNA. Conversely, cat expression increased and the p/submore » 40/ mRNA level decreased in the absence of the rep gene. Both wild-type and carboxyl-terminal truncated Rep proteins were capable of eliciting both effects. These data suggest two roles for the pleiotropic AAV rep gene: as a translational inhibitor and as a positive regulator of p/sub 40/ mRNA levels. They also provide additional evidence for a cis-acting negative regulatory region which decreases RNA from the AAV p/sub 5/ promoter in a fashion independent of rep.« less

Radioisotope Electric Propulsion Centaur Orbiter Spacecraft Design Overview

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oleson, Steve; McGuire, Melissa; Sarver-Verhey, Tim; Juergens, Jeff; Parkey, Tom; Dankanich, John; Fiehler, Doug; Gyekenyesi, John; Hemminger, Joseph; Gilland, Jim;

rep-PCR-Mediated Genomic Fingerprinting: A Rapid and Effective Method to Identify Clavibacter michiganensis.

PubMed

Louws, F J; Bell, J; Medina-Mora, C M; Smart, C D; Opgenorth, D; Ishimaru, C A; Hausbeck, M K; de Bruijn, F J; Fulbright, D W

1998-08-01

ABSTRACT The genomic DNA fingerprinting technique known as repetitive-sequence-based polymerase chain reaction (rep-PCR) was evaluated as a tool to differentiate subspecies of Clavibacter michiganensis, with special emphasis on C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis, the pathogen responsible for bacterial canker of tomato. DNA primers (REP, ERIC, and BOX), corresponding to conserved repetitive element motifs in the genomes of diverse bacterial species, were used to generate genomic fingerprints of C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis, C. michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus, C. michiganensis subsp. nebraskensis, C. michiganensis subsp. tessellarius, and C. michiganensis subsp. insidiosum. The rep-PCR-generated patterns of DNA fragments observed after agarose gel electrophoresis support the current division of C. michiganensis into five subspecies. In addition, the rep-PCR fingerprints identified at least four types (A, B, C, and D) within C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis based on limited DNA polymorphisms; the ability to differentiate individual strains may be of potential use in studies on the epidemiology and host-pathogen interactions of this organism. In addition, we have recovered from diseased tomato plants a relatively large number of naturally occurring avirulent C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis strains with rep-PCR fingerprints identical to those of virulent C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis strains.

Evaluation of automated repetitive-sequence-based PCR (DiversiLab) compared to PCR ribotyping for rapid molecular typing of community- and nosocomial-acquired Clostridium difficile.

PubMed

Church, Deirdre L; Chow, Barbara L; Lloyd, Tracie; Gregson, Daniel B

2011-06-01

Automated repetitive PCR (rep-PCR; DiversiLab) was compared to PCR ribotyping of the 16S-23S RNA intergenic spacer of Clostridium difficile (CD) as the "gold standard" method for CD typing. PCR products were separated on DiversiLab LabChips (bioMérieux, St. Laurent, Quebec, Canada) utilizing a 2100 Bioanalyzer (Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, CA) operating the DiversiLab v1.4 assay. Bioanalyzer data were exported to a secure DiversiLab website and analyzed with DiversiLab v3.4 software. Replicability of each method was verified by confirming that the 5 CD reference strains (RS) formed distinct clusters (CD4, CD6, VL0047, VL0013 [ribotype 027], VL0018 [ribotype 001]) by both typing methods. Ninety randomly selected clinical isolates (CS) were analyzed by both methods: 49 from community-acquired and 41 from hospital-acquired cases. A similarity index (SI) of ≥90% was used to define clusters when comparing the known RS cluster to the PCR ribotyping and rep-PCR patterns of CS. Fourteen different PCR-ribotype clusters were identified, but most CS formed 4 major clusters (i.e., CD4 [15/90; 17%], CD6 [17%], 027 [12%], and 001 [9%]). A total of 7 rep-PCR types were identified, but most CS formed 2 major rep-PCR clusters (i.e., CD4 [29/90; 32%] and CD6 [23%]); several PCR ribotypes occurred within a single rep-PCR cluster. Rep-PCR did not distinguish 027 or 001 isolates; i) 027 RS strain did not cluster, ii) eleven 027 CS strains clustered as CD4, iii) no 027 CS strains clustered with the 027 RS, and iv) only 2 001 CS clustered with the RS. Agreement between the PCR-ribotype and rep-PCR clusters only occurred for 35/90 (39%) of the CS using a rep-PCR SI of ≥90%. Rep-PCR time to results was similar, but the annual costs of routinely using this method are 32% higher than PCR ribotyping. Routine use of rep-PCR for CD typing is limited by its lack of definitive separation of the hypertoxigenic 027 or 001 outbreak CD strains. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Best Protocol for the Sit-to-Stand Test in Subjects With COPD.

PubMed

Morita, Andrea A; Bisca, Gianna W; Machado, Felipe V C; Hernandes, Nidia A; Pitta, Fabio; Probst, Vanessa S

2018-05-22

Different protocols for the sit-to-stand test (STS) are available for assessing functional capacity in COPD. We sought to correlate each protocol of the STS (ie, the 5-repetition [5-rep STS], the 30-s STS, and the 1-min STS) with clinical outcomes in subjects with COPD. We also aimed to compare the 3 protocols of the STS, to verify their association and agreement, and to verify whether the 3 protocols are able to predict functional exercise capacity and physical activity in daily life (PADL). 23 subjects with COPD (11 men; FEV 1 53 ± 15% predicted) performed 3 protocols of the STS. Subjects also underwent the following assessments: incremental shuttle walking test, 6-min walk test (6MWT), 4-m gait speed test (4MGS), 1-repetition maximum of quadriceps muscle, assessment of PADL, and questionnaires on health-related quality of life and functional status. The 1-min STS showed significant correlations with the 6MWT (r = 0.40), 4MGS (r = 0.64), and PADL (0.40 ≤ r ≤ 0.52), and the 5-rep STS and 30-s STS were associated with the 4MGS (r = 0.54 and r = 0.52, respectively). The speed differed for each protocol (5-rep STS 0.53 ± 0.16 rep/s, 30-s STS 0.48 ± 0.13 rep/s, 1-min STS 0.45 ± 0.11 rep/s, P = .01). However, they presented good agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient ≥ 0.73 for all) and correlated well with each other (r ≥ 0.68 for all). More marked changes in peripheral oxygen saturation ( P = .004), heart rate ( P < .001), blood pressure ( P < .001), dyspnea ( P < .001), and leg fatigue ( P < .001) were found after the 1-min STS protocol. Furthermore, the 3 protocols were equally able to identify subjects with low exercise capacity or preserved exercise capacity. The 1-min STS generated higher hemodynamic demands and correlated better with clinical outcomes in subjects with COPD. Despite the difference in speed performance and physiological demands between the 5-rep STS and 1-min STS, there was a good level of agreement among the 3 protocols. In addition, all 3 tests were able to identify subjects with low exercise capacity or preserved exercise capacity. Copyright © 2018 by Daedalus Enterprises.

Within-Genome Evolution of REPINs: a New Family of Miniature Mobile DNA in Bacteria

PubMed Central

Bertels, Frederic; Rainey, Paul B.

2011-01-01

Repetitive sequences are a conserved feature of many bacterial genomes. While first reported almost thirty years ago, and frequently exploited for genotyping purposes, little is known about their origin, maintenance, or processes affecting the dynamics of within-genome evolution. Here, beginning with analysis of the diversity and abundance of short oligonucleotide sequences in the genome of Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25, we show that over-represented short sequences define three distinct groups (GI, GII, and GIII) of repetitive extragenic palindromic (REP) sequences. Patterns of REP distribution suggest that closely linked REP sequences form a functional replicative unit: REP doublets are over-represented, randomly distributed in extragenic space, and more highly conserved than singlets. In addition, doublets are organized as inverted repeats, which together with intervening spacer sequences are predicted to form hairpin structures in ssDNA or mRNA. We refer to these newly defined entities as REPINs (REP doublets forming hairpins) and identify short reads from population sequencing that reveal putative transposition intermediates. The proximal relationship between GI, GII, and GIII REPINs and specific REP-associated tyrosine transposases (RAYTs), combined with features of the putative transposition intermediate, suggests a mechanism for within-genome dissemination. Analysis of the distribution of REPs in a range of RAYT–containing bacterial genomes, including Escherichia coli K-12 and Nostoc punctiforme, show that REPINs are a widely distributed, but hitherto unrecognized, family of miniature non-autonomous mobile DNA. PMID:21698139

Comparison of semi-automated commercial rep-PCR fingerprinting, spoligotyping, 12-locus MIRU-VNTR typing and single nucleotide polymorphism analysis of the embB gene as molecular typing tools for Mycobacterium bovis.

PubMed

Armas, Federica; Camperio, Cristina; Coltella, Luana; Selvaggini, Serena; Boniotti, Maria Beatrice; Pacciarini, Maria Lodovica; Di Marco Lo Presti, Vincenzo; Marianelli, Cinzia

2017-08-04

Highly discriminatory genotyping strategies are essential in molecular epidemiological studies of tuberculosis. In this study we evaluated, for the first time, the efficacy of the repetitive sequence-based PCR (rep-PCR) DiversiLab Mycobacterium typing kit over spoligotyping, 12-locus mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit-variable number tandem repeat (MIRU-VNTR) typing and embB single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis for Mycobacterium bovis typing. A total of 49 M. bovis animal isolates were used. DNA was extracted and genomic DNA was amplified using the DiversiLab Mycobacterium typing kit. The amplified fragments were separated and detected using a microfluidics chip with Agilent 2100. The resulting rep-PCR-based DNA fingerprints were uploaded to and analysed using web-based DiversiLab software through Pearson's correlation coefficient. Rep-PCR DiversiLab grouped M. bovis isolates into ten different clusters. Most isolates sharing identical spoligotype, MIRU-VNTR profile or embB gene polymorphism were grouped into different rep-PCR clusters. Rep-PCR DiversiLab displayed greater discriminatory power than spoligotyping and embB SNP analysis but a lower resolution power than the 12-locus MIRU-VNTR analysis. MIRU-VNTR confirmed that it is superior to the other PCR-based methods tested here. In combination with spoligotyping and 12-locus MIRU-VNTR analysis, rep-PCR improved the discriminatory power for M. bovis typing.

Retroperitoneal ectopic pregnancy: a case report and review of the literature.

PubMed

Yang, Man; Cidan, Lamu; Zhang, Dan

2017-10-16

Retroperitoneal ectopic pregnancy (REP) is an extremely rare type of ectopic pregnancy, with a total of less than 20 cases reported in the English literature. However, failure to recognize REP may result in severe consequences. We report a case of 32-year-old woman with REP. She had amenorrhea, left lower abdominal pain, but no vaginal bleeding. Her urine human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) test was positive and blood HCG level was 1880 m-international units per milliliter (mIU/mL). Transvaginal ultrasound sonography showed a left adnexal mass. Laparoscopy found an enlarged uterus, normal right uterine tube and ovary, and normal left uterine tube. The left ovary was partly covered by a blood clot, but appeared normal after removing the clot. There was a 10-mm circular peritoneal defect located lateral to the left sacrocervical ligament, anterior to the left ovarian fossa, and next to the lower edge of the left broad ligament. The patient was diagnosed of having REP with the gestational tissues covered by the peritoneum. The REP was removed by laparoscopic surgery. Bleeding was stopped by bipolar coagulation and absorbable hemostatic cellulose. The patient recovered smoothly and was discharged on the next day after surgery. Her blood HCG returned to normal range 29 days after surgery. REP is very rare, but in any suspected case of ectopic pregnancy, caution must be paid to find signs of REP when the common sites of ectopic pregnancy do not have any positive findings.

The RXL motif of the African cassava mosaic virus Rep protein is necessary for rereplication of yeast DNA and viral infection in plants

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

Hipp, Katharina; Rau, Peter; Schäfer, Benjamin

Geminiviruses, single-stranded DNA plant viruses, encode a replication-initiator protein (Rep) that is indispensable for virus replication. A potential cyclin interaction motif (RXL) in the sequence of African cassava mosaic virus Rep may be an alternative link to cell cycle controls to the known interaction with plant homologs of retinoblastoma protein (pRBR). Mutation of this motif abrogated rereplication in fission yeast induced by expression of wildtype Rep suggesting that Rep interacts via its RXL motif with one or several yeast proteins. The RXL motif is essential for viral infection of Nicotiana benthamiana plants, since mutation of this motif in infectious clonesmore » prevented any symptomatic infection. The cell-cycle link (Clink) protein of a nanovirus (faba bean necrotic yellows virus) was investigated that activates the cell cycle by binding via its LXCXE motif to pRBR. Expression of wildtype Clink and a Clink mutant deficient in pRBR-binding did not trigger rereplication in fission yeast. - Highlights: • A potential cyclin interaction motif is conserved in geminivirus Rep proteins. • In ACMV Rep, this motif (RXL) is essential for rereplication of fission yeast DNA. • Mutating RXL abrogated viral infection completely in Nicotiana benthamiana. • Expression of a nanovirus Clink protein in yeast did not induce rereplication. • Plant viruses may have evolved multiple routes to exploit host DNA synthesis.« less

Functional Characterization of a Strong Bi-directional Constitutive Plant Promoter Isolated from Cotton Leaf Curl Burewala Virus

PubMed Central

Khan, Zainul A.; Abdin, Malik Z.; Khan, Jawaid A.

2015-01-01

Cotton leaf curl Burewala virus (CLCuBuV), belonging to the genus Begomovirus, possesses single-stranded monopartite DNA genome. The bidirectional promoters representing Rep and coat protein (CP) genes of CLCuBuV were characterized and their efficacy was assayed. Rep and CP promoters of CLCuBuV and 35S promoter of Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) were fused with β-glucuronidase (GUS) and green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter genes. GUS activity in individual plant cells driven by Rep, CP and 35S promoters was estimated using real-time PCR and fluorometric GUS assay. Histochemical staining of GUS in transformed tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum cv. Xanthi) leaves showed highest expression driven by Rep promoter followed by 35S promoter and CP promoter. The expression level of GUS driven by Rep promoter in transformed tobacco plants was shown to be two to four-fold higher than that of 35S promoter, while the expression by CP promoter was slightly lower. Further, the expression of GFP was monitored in agroinfiltrated leaves of N. benthamiana, N. tabacum and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) plants using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Rep promoter showed strong consistent transient expression in tobacco and cotton leaves as compared to 35S promoter. The strong constitutive CLCuBuV Rep promoter developed in this study could be very useful for high level expression of transgenes in a wide variety of plant cells. PMID:25799504

Joint Radioisotope Electric Propulsion Studies - Neptune System Explorer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Khan, M. Omair; Amini, Rashied; Ervin, Joan; Lang, Jared; Landau, Damon; Oleson, Steven; Spilker, Thomas; Strange, Nathan

2011-01-01

The Neptune System Explorer (NSE) mission concept study assessed opportunities to conduct Cassini-like science at Neptune with a radioisotope electric propulsion (REP) based spacecraft. REP is based on powering an electric propulsion (EP) engine with a radioisotope power source (RPS). The NSE study was commissioned under the Joint Radioisotope Electric Propulsion Studies (JREPS) project, which sought to determine the technical feasibility of flagship class REP applications. Within JREPS, special emphasis was given toward identifying tall technology tent poles, as well as recommending any new RPS technology developments that would be required for complicated REP missions. Based on the goals of JREPS, multiple RPS (e.g. thermoelectric and Stirling based RPS) and EP (e.g. Hall and ion engines) technology combinations were traded during the NSE study to determine the most favorable REP design architecture. Among the findings from the study was the need for >400We RPS systems, which was driven by EP operating powers and the requirement for a long-lived mission in the deep solar system. Additionally multiple development and implementation risks were identified for the NSE concept, as well as REP missions in general. Among the strengths of the NSE mission would be the benefits associated with RPS and EP use, such as long-term power (approx. 2-3kW) at Neptune and flexible trajectory options for achieving orbit or tours of the Neptune system. Although there are still multiple issues to mitigate, the NSE concept demonstrated distinct advantages associated with using REP for deep space flagship-class missions.

Functional characterization of a strong bi-directional constitutive plant promoter isolated from cotton leaf curl Burewala virus.

PubMed

Khan, Zainul A; Abdin, Malik Z; Khan, Jawaid A

2015-01-01

Cotton leaf curl Burewala virus (CLCuBuV), belonging to the genus Begomovirus, possesses single-stranded monopartite DNA genome. The bidirectional promoters representing Rep and coat protein (CP) genes of CLCuBuV were characterized and their efficacy was assayed. Rep and CP promoters of CLCuBuV and 35S promoter of Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) were fused with β-glucuronidase (GUS) and green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter genes. GUS activity in individual plant cells driven by Rep, CP and 35S promoters was estimated using real-time PCR and fluorometric GUS assay. Histochemical staining of GUS in transformed tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum cv. Xanthi) leaves showed highest expression driven by Rep promoter followed by 35S promoter and CP promoter. The expression level of GUS driven by Rep promoter in transformed tobacco plants was shown to be two to four-fold higher than that of 35S promoter, while the expression by CP promoter was slightly lower. Further, the expression of GFP was monitored in agroinfiltrated leaves of N. benthamiana, N. tabacum and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) plants using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Rep promoter showed strong consistent transient expression in tobacco and cotton leaves as compared to 35S promoter. The strong constitutive CLCuBuV Rep promoter developed in this study could be very useful for high level expression of transgenes in a wide variety of plant cells.

Host control of plasmid replication: requirement for the sigma factor sigma 32 in transcription of mini-F replication initiator gene.

PubMed Central

Wada, C; Imai, M; Yura, T

1987-01-01

Replication of F factor or mini-F plasmid is strongly inhibited in the rpoH (htpR) mutants of Escherichia coli deficient in the sigma factor (sigma 32) known to be required for heat shock gene expression. Transcription of the mini-F repE gene encoding a replication initiator protein (E protein) was examined by operon fusion and by direct determination of repE mRNA. The synthesis rate and the level of repE mRNA were found to increase transiently upon temperature upshift (30 degrees C to 42 degrees C) in wild-type cells but to decrease rapidly in the rpoH mutants. Thus sigma 32 appeared to be directly involved in transcription of repE whose product, E protein, in turn activates DNA replication from the mini-F ori2 region. This scheme of host-controlled plasmid replication is further supported by the analysis of transcription in vitro: RNA synthesis can be initiated from the repE promoter by a minor form of RNA polymerase containing sigma 32 but not by the major polymerase containing the normal sigma factor sigma 70. The sigma 32-mediated transcription from the repE promoter is strongly inhibited by the E protein. We conclude that transcription of the mini-F repE gene is mediated by the host transcription factor sigma 32 and is negatively controlled by its own product. Images PMID:2447584

Relative effect potency estimates of dioxin-like activity for dioxins, furans, and dioxin-like PCBs in adults based on cytochrome P450 1A1 and 1B1 gene expression in blood.

PubMed

Wimmerová, Soňa; van den Berg, Martin; Chovancová, Jana; Patayová, Henrieta; Jusko, Todd A; van Duursen, Majorie B M; Palkovičová Murínová, Ľubica; Canton, Rocio F; van Ede, Karin I; Trnovec, Tomáš

2016-11-01

In the risk assessment of PCDDs, PCDFs, and dioxin-like (DL) PCBs, regulatory authorities support the use of the toxic equivalency factor (TEF)-scheme derived from a heterogeneous data set of the relative effect potency (REPs) estimates. We sought to determine REPs for dioxin-like compounds (DLCs) using expression of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1 and 1B1 mRNA in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells representing two different pathways. We used a sex and age adjusted regression-based approach comparing the strength of association between each DLC and the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1 and 1B1 mRNA expression in 320 adults residing in an organochlorine-polluted area of eastern Slovakia. We calculated REPs based on CYP1A1 expression for 4 PCDDs, 8 PCDFs, and 1 PCB congener, and based on CYP1B1 expression for 5 PCDFs and 11 PCB congeners. REPs from CYP1A1 correlated with REPs previously derived from thyroid volume (ρ=0.85; p<0.001) and serum FT4 (ρ=0.77; p=0.009). The 13 log REPs from CYP1A1 correlated with log WHO-TEFs (r=0.63; p=0.015) and 11 log PCB REPs with PCB consensus toxicity factors (CTFs) for compounds with WHO-TEFs (r=0.80; p=0.003). The complete set of derived 56 log REPs correlated with the log CTFs (r=0.77; p=0.001) and log WHO-TEFs (r=0.81; p<0.001). REPs calculated from thyroid and cytochrome P450 endpoints realistically reflect human exposure scenarios because they are based on human chronic and low-dose exposures. While the CYP 1A1 seems more suitable for toxicity evaluation of PCDD/Fs, the CYP 1B1 is more apt for PCDFs and PCBs and reflects different pathways. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Tissue Response to Subcutaneously Implanted Recombinant Spider Silk: An in Vivo Study

PubMed Central

Fredriksson, Camilla; Hedhammar, My; Feinstein, Ricardo; Nordling, Kerstin; Kratz, Gunnar; Johansson, Jan; Huss, Fredrik; Rising, Anna

2009-01-01

Spider silk is an interesting biomaterial for medical applications. Recently, a method for production of recombinant spider silk protein (4RepCT) that forms macroscopic fibres in physiological solution was developed. Herein, 4RepCT and MersilkTM (control) fibres were implanted subcutaneously in rats for seven days, without any negative systemic or local reactions. The tissue response, characterised by infiltration of macrophages and multinucleated cells, was similar with both fibres, while only the 4RepCT-fibres supported ingrowth of fibroblasts and newly formed capillaries. This in vivo study indicates that 4RepCT-fibres are well tolerated and could be used for medical applications, e.g., tissue engineering.

Cross-Battery Assessment? XBA PSW? A Case of Mistaken Identity: A Commentary on Kranzler and Colleagues' "Classification Agreement Analysis of Cross-Battery Assessment in the Identification of Specific Learning Disorders in Children and Youth"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Flanagan, Dawn P.; Schneider, W. Joel

2016-01-01

When education works, it creates productive, innovative citizens eager to contribute to a well-functioning democracy. In contrast, educational failure has lifelong consequences, with some individuals experiencing decades of preventable hardship. Dawn Flanagan and Joel Schneider write in this response that, like Kranzler, Floyd, Benson, Zabowski,…

Effectiveness of a Releasing Exercise Program on Anxiety and Self-Efficacy Among Nurses.

PubMed

Chen, Huei-Mein; Wang, Hsiu-Hung; Chiu, Min-Hui

2016-02-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a releasing exercise program (REP) on anxiety and exercise self-efficacy among nurses. The REP consisted of warm-up and tension-releasing exercises and mood adjustment. Ninety-nine nurses (age = 33.38 ± 7.38 years) experiencing anxiety (average Visual Analog Scale for Anxiety [VASA] score of 5.63 ± 1.44 at baseline) were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 50) that received 50-min REP sessions 3 times a week or a control group (n = 49) that did not attend REP sessions. The outcome measures were VASA, the Chinese Version of the Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale scores. At Weeks 12 and 24, the experimental group had significantly lower anxiety levels and higher exercise self-efficacy scores than the control group. Therefore, the REP effectively reduces anxiety and enhances self-confidence in exercise capability. © The Author(s) 2014.

Analytical solution of two-fluid electro-osmotic flows of viscoelastic fluids.

PubMed

Afonso, A M; Alves, M A; Pinho, F T

2013-04-01

This paper presents an analytical model that describes a two-fluid electro-osmotic flow of stratified fluids with Newtonian or viscoelastic rheological behavior. This is the principle of operation of an electro-osmotic two-fluid pump as proposed by Brask et al. [Tech. Proc. Nanotech., 1, 190-193, 2003], in which an electrically non-conducting fluid is transported by the interfacial dragging viscous force of a conducting fluid that is driven by electro-osmosis. The electric potential in the conducting fluid and the analytical steady flow solution of the two-fluid electro-osmotic stratified flow in a planar microchannel are presented by assuming a planar interface between the two immiscible fluids with Newtonian or viscoelastic rheological behavior. The effects of fluid rheology, shear viscosity ratio, holdup and interfacial zeta potential are analyzed to show the viability of this technique, where an enhancement of the flow rate is observed as the shear-thinning effects are increased. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Discrimination of Scedosporium prolificans against Pseudallescheria boydii and Scedosporium apiospermum by semiautomated repetitive sequence-based PCR.

PubMed

Steinmann, J; Schmidt, D; Buer, J; Rath, P-M

2011-07-01

The laboratory identification of Pseudallescheria and Scedosporium isolates at the species level is important for clinical and epidemiological purposes. This study used semiautomated repetitive sequence-based polymerase chain reaction (rep-PCR) to identify Pseudallescheria/Scedosporium. Reference strains of Pseudallescheria boydii (n = 12), Scedosporium prolificans (n = 8), Scedosporium apiospermum (n = 9), and clinical/environmental isolates (P. boydii, 7; S. prolificans, 7; S. apiospermum, 7) were analyzed by rep-PCR. All clinical isolates were identified by morphological and phenotypic characteristics and by sequence analysis. Species identification of reference strains was based on the results of available databases. Rep-PCR studies were also conducted with various molds to differentiate Pseudallescheria/Scedosporium spp. from other commonly encountered filamentous fungi. All tested Pseudallescheria/Scedosporium isolates were distinguishable from the other filamentous fungi. All Scedosporium prolificans strains clustered within the cutoff of 85%, and species identification by rep-PCR showed an agreement of 100% with sequence analysis. However, several isolates of P. boydii and S. apiospermum did not cluster within the 85% cutoff with the same species by rep-PCR. Although the identification of P. boydii and S. apiospermum was not correct, the semiautomated rep-PCR system is a promising tool for the identification of S. prolificans isolates.

RepSox improves viability and regulates gene expression in rhesus monkey-pig interspecies cloned embryos.

PubMed

Zhu, Hai-Ying; Jin, Long; Guo, Qing; Luo, Zhao-Bo; Li, Xiao-Chen; Zhang, Yu-Chen; Xing, Xiao-Xu; Xuan, Mei-Fu; Zhang, Guang-Lei; Luo, Qi-Rong; Wang, Jun-Xia; Cui, Cheng-Du; Li, Wen-Xue; Cui, Zheng-Yun; Yin, Xi-Jun; Kang, Jin-Dan

2017-05-01

To investigate the effect of the small molecule, RepSox, on the expression of developmentally important genes and the pre-implantation development of rhesus monkey-pig interspecies somatic cell nuclear transfer (iSCNT) embryos. Rhesus monkey cells expressing the monomeric red fluorescent protein 1 which have a normal (42) chromosome complement, were used as donor cells to generate iSCNT embryos. RepSox increased the expression levels of the pluripotency-related genes, Oct4 and Nanog (p < 0.05), but not of Sox2 compared with untreated embryos at the 2-4-cell stage. Expression of the anti-apoptotic gene, Bcl2, and the pro-apoptotic gene Bax was also affected at the 2-4-cell stage. RepSox treatment also increased the immunostaining intensity of Oct4 at the blastocyst stage (p < 0.05). Although the blastocyst developmental rate was higher in the group treated with 25 µM RepSox for 24 h than in the untreated control group (2.4 vs. 1.2%, p > 0.05), this was not significant. RepSox can improve the developmental potential of rhesus monkey-pig iSCNT embryos by regulating the expression of pluripotency-related genes.

Repeated evaluative pairings and evaluative statements: How effectively do they shift implicit attitudes?

PubMed

Kurdi, Benedek; Banaji, Mahzarin R

2017-02-01

Six experiments, involving a total of 6,492 participants, were conducted to investigate the relative effectiveness of repeated evaluative pairings (REP; exposure to category members paired with pleasant or unpleasant images), evaluative statements (ES; verbally signaling upcoming pairings without actual exposure), and their combination (ES + REP) in shifting implicit social and nonsocial attitudes. Learning modality (REP, ES, and ES + REP) was varied between participants and implicit attitudes were assessed using an Implicit Association Test (IAT). Study 1 (N = 675) used fictitious social groups (NIFFs and LAAPs), Study 2 (N = 1,034) used novel social groups (humans with long vs. square faces), Study 3 (N = 1,072) used nonsocial stimuli (squares vs. rectangles), and Study 4 (N = 848) and Study 5 (N = 958) used known social groups (young vs. elderly; American vs. foreign). ES were more effective than REP and no less superior than ES + REP in producing implicit attitude change. Results were robust across social and nonsocial domains and for known and novel groups. Study 6 (N = 1,905) eliminated time on intervention, levels of construal, and expectancy effects as possible explanations for these findings. Associative theories of implicit evaluation posit that implicit attitudes should shift piecemeal over time; yet, in these experiments, one-shot language-based learning led to larger shifts in implicit attitude than exposure to stimulus pairings. Moreover, the redundancy observed in REP + ES suggests that attitude acquisition from repeated pairings and evaluative instructions may rely on shared mental representations. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

Salespeople in the Surgical Suite: Relationships between Surgeons and Medical Device Representatives.

PubMed

O'Connor, Bonnie; Pollner, Fran; Fugh-Berman, Adriane

2016-01-01

Industry payments to surgeons have received public attention, but little is known about the relationships between surgeons and medical device representatives. Medical device representatives ("device reps") have become an integral part of operating room personnel. The effect of their presence on patient care deserves discussion. We conducted a qualitative, ethnographic study to explore relationships between surgeons and medical device representatives, and characterize industry involvement in the training of surgeons. We used group and individual open-ended interviews to gain insight into the beliefs, values, and perspectives of surgeons and device reps. We conducted two focus groups, one with ear, nose, and throat surgeons, and one with hospital-based attending orthopedic surgeons. We also conducted individual interviews with three former or current medical device representatives, a director of a surgical residency program at an academic medical center, and a medical assistant for a multi-physician orthopedic practice. While surgeons view themselves as indisputably in charge, device reps work hard to make themselves unobtrusively indispensable in order to establish and maintain influence, and to imbue the products they provide with personalized services that foster a surgeon's loyalty to the reps and their companies. Surgeons view industry-funded training opportunities as a necessary service. Device reps and some surgeons believe that reps benefit patient care, by increasing efficiency and mitigating deficiencies among operating room personnel (including the surgeons themselves). Our study raises ethical questions about the reliance of surgeons on device reps and device companies for education and surgical assistance and practical concerns regarding existing levels of competence among OR personnel.

Molecular typing of Vibrio parahaemolyticus strains isolated from the Philippines by PCR-based methods.

PubMed

Maluping, R P; Ravelo, C; Lavilla-Pitogo, C R; Krovacek, K; Romalde, J L

2005-01-01

The main aim of the present study was to use three PCR-based techniques for the analysis of genetic variability among Vibrio parahaemolyticus strains isolated from the Philippines. Seventeen strains of V. parahaemolyticus isolated from shrimps (Penaeus monodon) and from the environments where these shrimps are being cultivated were analysed by random amplified polymorphic DNA PCR (RAPD-PCR), enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus sequence PCR (ERIC-PCR) and repetitive extragenic palindromic PCR (REP-PCR). The results of this work have demonstrated genetic variability within the V. parahaemolyticus strains that were isolated from the Philippines. In addition, RAPD, ERIC and REP-PCR are suitable rapid typing methods for V. parahaemolyticus. All three methods have good discriminative ability and can be used as a rapid means of comparing V. parahaemolyticus strains for epidemiological investigation. Based on the results of this study, we could say that REP-PCR is inferior to RAPD and ERIC-PCR owing to the fact that it is less reproducible. Moreover, the REP-PCR analysis yielded a relatively small number of products. This may suggests that the REP sequences may not be widely distributed in the V. parahaemolyticus genome. Genetic variability within V. parahaemolyticus strains isolated in the Philippines has been demonstrated. The presence of ERIC and REP sequences in the genome of this bacterial species was confirmed. The RAPD, ERIC and REP-PCR techniques are useful methods for molecular typing of V. parahaemolyticus strains. To our knowledge this is the first study of this kind carried out on V. parahaemolyticus strains isolated from the Philippines.

The REP2 Repeats of the Genome of Neisseria meningitidis Are Associated with Genes Coordinately Regulated during Bacterial Cell Interaction

PubMed Central

Morelle, Sandrine; Carbonnelle, Etienne; Nassif, Xavier

2003-01-01

Interaction with host cells is essential in meningococcal pathogenesis especially at the blood-brain barrier. This step is likely to involve a common regulatory pathway allowing coordinate regulation of genes necessary for the interaction with endothelial cells. The analysis of the genomic sequence of Neisseria meningitidis Z2491 revealed the presence of many repeats. One of these, designated REP2, contains a −24/−12 type promoter and a ribosome binding site 5 to 13 bp before an ATG. In addition most of these REP2 sequences are located immediately upstream of an ORF. Among these REP2-associated genes are pilC1 and crgA, described as being involved in steps essential for the interaction of N. meningitidis with host cells. Furthermore, the REP2 sequences located upstream of pilC1 and crgA correspond to the previously identified promoters known to be induced during the initial localized adhesion of N. meningitidis with human cells. This characteristic led us to hypothesize that at least some of the REP2-associated genes were upregulated under the same circumstances as pilC1 and crgA. Quantitative PCR in real time demonstrated that the expression of 14 out of 16 REP2-associated genes were upregulated during the initial localized adhesion of N. meningitidis. Taken together, these data suggest that these repeats control a set of genes necessary for the efficient interaction of this pathogen with host cells. Subsequent mutational analysis was performed to address the role of these genes during meningococcus-cell interaction. PMID:12670987

Salespeople in the Surgical Suite: Relationships between Surgeons and Medical Device Representatives

PubMed Central

O’Connor, Bonnie; Pollner, Fran; Fugh-Berman, Adriane

2016-01-01

Background Industry payments to surgeons have received public attention, but little is known about the relationships between surgeons and medical device representatives. Medical device representatives ("device reps") have become an integral part of operating room personnel. The effect of their presence on patient care deserves discussion. Study Design We conducted a qualitative, ethnographic study to explore relationships between surgeons and medical device representatives, and characterize industry involvement in the training of surgeons. We used group and individual open-ended interviews to gain insight into the beliefs, values, and perspectives of surgeons and device reps. We conducted two focus groups, one with ear, nose, and throat surgeons, and one with hospital-based attending orthopedic surgeons. We also conducted individual interviews with three former or current medical device representatives, a director of a surgical residency program at an academic medical center, and a medical assistant for a multi-physician orthopedic practice. Results While surgeons view themselves as indisputably in charge, device reps work hard to make themselves unobtrusively indispensable in order to establish and maintain influence, and to imbue the products they provide with personalized services that foster a surgeon's loyalty to the reps and their companies. Surgeons view industry-funded training opportunities as a necessary service. Device reps and some surgeons believe that reps benefit patient care, by increasing efficiency and mitigating deficiencies among operating room personnel (including the surgeons themselves). Conclusions Our study raises ethical questions about the reliance of surgeons on device reps and device companies for education and surgical assistance and practical concerns regarding existing levels of competence among OR personnel. PMID:27486992

Ubiquiter circovirus sequences raise challenges in laboratory diagnosis: the case of honey bee and bee mite, reptiles, and free living amoebae.

PubMed

Marton, Szilvia; Ihász, Katalin; Lengyel, György; Farkas, Szilvia L; Dán, Ádám; Paulus, Petra; Bányai, Krisztián; Fehér, Enikő

2015-03-01

Circoviruses of pigs and birds are established pathogens, however, the exact role of other, recently described circoviruses and circovirus-like viruses remains to be elucidated. The aim of this study was the detection of circoviruses in neglected host species, including honey bees, exotic reptiles and free-living amoebae by widely used broad-spectrum polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays specific for the replication initiation protein coding gene of these viruses. The majority of sequences obtained from honey bees were highly similar to canine and porcine circoviruses, or, were distantly related to dragonfly cycloviruses. Other rep sequences detected in some honey bees, reptiles and amoebae showed similarities to various rep sequences deposited in the GenBank. Back-to-back PCR primers designed for the amplification of whole viral genomes failed to work that suggested the existence of integrated rep-like elements in many samples. Rolling circle amplification and exonuclease treatment confirmed the absence of small circular DNA genomes in the specimens analysed. In case of honey bees Varroa mite DNA contamination might be a source of the identified endogenous rep-like elements. The reptile and amoebae rep-like sequences were nearly identical with each other and with sequences detected in chimpanzee feces raising the possibility that detection of novel or unusual rep-like elements in some host species might originate from the microbial community of the host. Our results indicate that attention is needed when broad-spectrum rep gene specific polymerase chain reaction is chosen for laboratory diagnosis of circovirus infections.

Agroforestry: Enhancing resiliency in U.S. agricultural landscapes under changing conditions - executive summary

Treesearch

Toral Patel-Weynand; Gary Bentrup; Michele M. Schoeneberger

2017-01-01

Agroforestry, the intentional integration of trees and shrubs into crop and animal production systems, is being deployed to enhance productivity, profitability, and environmental stewardship of agricultural operations and lands across the United States. The full assessment at https://doi.org/10.2737/WO-GTR-96...

Chapter 13: Applying GTR 220 Concepts on the Sagehen Experimental Forest

Treesearch

P. Stine; S. Conway

2012-01-01

Applying science to the practice of forest management is a difficult process. Scientific results tend to be expressed in terms such as variances, confidence intervals, and probability distributions. Rarely does science provide unequivocal information, yet land managers must make definitive decisions on the ground. The General Technical Report "An Ecosystem...

48 CFR 2452.237-73 - Conduct of Work and Technical Guidance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... conditions of the contract. (c) The GTR will issue technical guidance in writing or, if issued orally, he/she... Technical Guidance. 2452.237-73 Section 2452.237-73 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEPARTMENT OF... Provisions and Clauses 2452.237-73 Conduct of Work and Technical Guidance. As prescribed in 2437.110(d...

Examining the Enactment of Web GIS on Students' Geospatial Thinking and Reasoning and Tectonics Understandings

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bodzin, Alec M.; Fu, Qiong; Bressler, Denise; Vallera, Farah L.

2015-01-01

Geospatially enabled learning technologies may enhance Earth science learning by placing emphasis on geographic space, visualization, scale, representation, and geospatial thinking and reasoning (GTR) skills. This study examined if and how a series of Web geographic information system investigations that the researchers developed improved urban…

77 FR 4618 - NHTSA Activities Under the United Nations World Forum for the Harmonization of Vehicle...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-30

... electrical components, including lithium-ion and other types of batteries, their performance during normal..., engine coolant temp, lighting switch control, position lamp and battery charging. The remaining five are... develop the GTR, which would apply to all types of hybrid and pure electric vehicles, their batteries, and...

Application of 4-META/MMA-TBB resin for fixation of membrane to tooth in guided tissue regeneration in dog.

PubMed

Tomita, Sachiyo; Yamamoto, Shigeki; Shibukawa, Yoshihiro; Kaneko, Tadashi; Miyakoshi, Shoichi; Shimono, Masaki; Yamada, Satoru

2010-11-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate 4-META/MMA-TBB resin as an alternative to sling sutures for fixation of membrane to tooth in GTR in terms of its effect on tissue regeneration. Dehiscence periodontal defects were created in 6 dogs which were divided at random into two groups, 3 dogs in each group: an experimental group, in which non-absorbable or absorbable membrane was fixed to the teeth with 4-META/MMA-TBB resin; and a control group, in which sling sutures were applied to fix the two types of membrane. Histologic and histometric evaluation was carried out at 8 weeks post-operatively to determine healing response in each group. Both methods of achieving membrane fixation to tooth were effective in inhibiting epithelial migration and encouraging formation of regenerated periodontal tissues around the root surfaces. These results suggest that 4-META/MMA-TBB resin is as effective as sling sutures in achieving membrane fixation in GTR and is, moreover, easier to apply.

Investigating the mobilome in clinically important lineages of Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis.

PubMed

Mikalsen, Theresa; Pedersen, Torunn; Willems, Rob; Coque, Teresa M; Werner, Guido; Sadowy, Ewa; van Schaik, Willem; Jensen, Lars Bogø; Sundsfjord, Arnfinn; Hegstad, Kristin

2015-04-10

The success of Enterococcus faecium and E. faecalis evolving as multi-resistant nosocomial pathogens is associated with their ability to acquire and share adaptive traits, including antimicrobial resistance genes encoded by mobile genetic elements (MGEs). Here, we investigate this mobilome in successful hospital associated genetic lineages, E. faecium sequence type (ST)17 (n=10) and ST78 (n=10), E. faecalis ST6 (n=10) and ST40 (n=10) by DNA microarray analyses. The hybridization patterns of 272 representative targets including plasmid backbones (n=85), transposable elements (n=85), resistance determinants (n=67), prophages (n=29) and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-cas sequences (n=6) separated the strains according to species, and for E. faecalis also according to STs. RCR-, Rep_3-, RepA_N- and Inc18-family plasmids were highly prevalent and with the exception of Rep_3, evenly distributed between the species. There was a considerable difference in the replicon profile, with rep 17/pRUM , rep 2/pRE25 , rep 14/EFNP1 and rep 20/pLG1 dominating in E. faecium and rep 9/pCF10 , rep 2/pRE25 and rep 7 in E. faecalis strains. We observed an overall high correlation between the presence and absence of genes coding for resistance towards antibiotics, metals, biocides and their corresponding MGEs as well as their phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility pattern. Although most IS families were represented in both E. faecalis and E. faecium, specific IS elements within these families were distributed in only one species. The prevalence of IS256-, IS3-, ISL3-, IS200/IS605-, IS110-, IS982- and IS4-transposases was significantly higher in E. faecium than E. faecalis, and that of IS110-, IS982- and IS1182-transposases in E. faecalis ST6 compared to ST40. Notably, the transposases of IS981, ISEfm1 and IS1678 that have only been reported in few enterococcal isolates were well represented in the E. faecium strains. E. faecalis ST40 strains harboured possible functional CRISPR-Cas systems, and still resistance and prophage sequences were generally well represented. The targeted MGEs were highly prevalent among the selected STs, underlining their potential importance in the evolution of hospital-adapted lineages of enterococci. Although the propensity of inter-species horizontal gene transfer (HGT) must be emphasized, the considerable species-specificity of these MGEs indicates a separate vertical evolution of MGEs within each species, and for E. faecalis within each ST.

Study of the Generation of Intense Pulsed Electron Beams Using Glow Discharges

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-02-01

de Investigaciones Opticas, Rep. Argentina. (2) On leave from PROFET (UNCPBA) Programa de Fisica Experimental Tandil, Rep. Argentina. (3) Edwards... de Investigaciones Opticas, (CIC-BA) Rep. Argentina. Section III-D. Measurements of the plasma density andB. T. Szapiro is on leave from Programa de ...discussed. The radial profiles Szapiro was supported by a fellowship from the Universidad Nacional de show the presence of a high-current-density

Endocrinologic, neurologic, and visual morbidity after treatment for craniopharyngioma

PubMed Central

Sughrue, Michael E.; Yang, Isaac; Kane, Ari J.; Fang, Shanna; Clark, Aaron J.; Aranda, Derrick; Barani, Igor J.

2010-01-01

Craniopharyngiomas are locally aggressive tumors which typically are focused in the sellar and suprasellar region near a number of critical neural and vascular structures mediating endocrinologic, behavioral, and visual functions. The present study aims to summarize and compare the published literature regarding morbidity resulting from treatment of craniopharyngioma. We performed a comprehensive search of the published English language literature to identify studies publishing outcome data of patients undergoing surgery for craniopharyngioma. Comparisons of the rates of endocrine, vascular, neurological, and visual complications were performed using Pearson’s chi-squared test, and covariates of interest were fitted into a multivariate logistic regression model. In our data set, 540 patients underwent surgical resection of their tumor. 138 patients received biopsy alone followed by some form of radiotherapy. Mean overall follow-up for all patients in these studies was 54 ± 1.8 months. The overall rate of new endocrinopathy for all patients undergoing surgical resection of their mass was 37% (95% CI = 33–41). Patients receiving GTR had over 2.5 times the rate of developing at least one endocrinopathy compared to patients receiving STR alone or STR + XRT (52 vs. 19 vs. 20%, χ2P < 0.00001). On multivariate analysis, GTR conferred a significant increase in the risk of endocrinopathy compared to STR + XRT (OR = 3.45, 95% CI = 2.05–5.81, P < 0.00001), after controlling for study size and the presence of significant hypothalamic involvement. There was a statistical trend towards worse visual outcomes in patients receiving XRT after STR compared to GTR or STR alone (GTR = 3.5% vs. STR 2.1% vs. STR + XRT 6.4%, P = 0.11). Given the difficulty in obtaining class 1 data regarding the treatment of this tumor, this study can serve as an estimate of expected outcomes for these patients, and guide decision making until these data are available. PMID:20535527

Transforming Growth Factor-β1 Accelerates Resorption of a Calcium Carbonate Biomaterial in Periodontal Defects.

PubMed

Koo, Ki-Tae; Susin, Cristiano; Wikesjö, Ulf M E; Choi, Seong-Ho; Kim, Chong-Kwan

2007-04-01

In a previous study, recombinant human transforming growth factor-beta1 (rhTGF-β 1 ) in a calcium carbonate carrier was implanted into critical-size, supraalveolar periodontal defects under conditions for guided tissue regeneration (GTR) to study whether rhTGF-β 1 would enhance or accelerate periodontal regeneration. The results showed minimal benefits of rhTGF-β 1 , and a clear account for this could not be offered. One potential cause may be that the rhTGF-β 1 formulation was biologically inactive. Several growth or differentiation factors have been suggested to accelerate degradation of biomaterials used as carriers. The objective of this study was to evaluate possible activity of rhTGF-β 1 on biodegradation of the calcium carbonate carrier. rhTGF-β 1 in a putty-formulated particulate calcium carbonate carrier was implanted into critical-size, supraalveolar periodontal defects under conditions for GTR in five beagle dogs. Contralateral defects received the calcium carbonate carrier combined with GTR without rhTGF-β 1 (control). The animals were euthanized at week 4 post-surgery and block biopsies of the defect sites were collected for histologic and histometric analysis. Radiographs were obtained at defect creation and weeks 2 and 4 after defect creation. No statistically significant differences were observed in new bone formation (bone height and area) among the treatments. However, total residual carrier was significantly reduced in sites receiving rhTGF-β 1 compared to control (P = 0.04). Similarly, carrier density was considerably reduced in sites receiving rhTGF-β 1 compared to control; the difference was borderline statistically significant (P = 0.06). Within the limitations of the study, it may be concluded that rhTGF-β 1 accelerates biodegradation of a particulate calcium carbonate biomaterial, indicating a biologic activity of the rhTGF-β 1 formulation apparently not encompassing enhanced or accelerated periodontal regeneration. © 2007 American Academy of Periodontology.

Transforming growth factor-beta1 accelerates resorption of a calcium carbonate biomaterial in periodontal defects.

PubMed

Koo, Ki-Tae; Susin, Cristiano; Wikesjö, Ulf M E; Choi, Seong-Ho; Kim, Chong-Kwan

2007-04-01

In a previous study, recombinant human transforming growth factor-beta1 (rhTGF-beta(1)) in a calcium carbonate carrier was implanted into critical-size, supraalveolar periodontal defects under conditions for guided tissue regeneration (GTR) to study whether rhTGF-beta(1) would enhance or accelerate periodontal regeneration. The results showed minimal benefits of rhTGF-beta(1), and a clear account for this could not be offered. One potential cause may be that the rhTGF-beta(1) formulation was biologically inactive. Several growth or differentiation factors have been suggested to accelerate degradation of biomaterials used as carriers. The objective of this study was to evaluate possible activity of rhTGF-beta(1) on biodegradation of the calcium carbonate carrier. rhTGF-beta(1) in a putty-formulated particulate calcium carbonate carrier was implanted into critical-size, supraalveolar periodontal defects under conditions for GTR in five beagle dogs. Contralateral defects received the calcium carbonate carrier combined with GTR without rhTGF-beta(1) (control). The animals were euthanized at week 4 post-surgery and block biopsies of the defect sites were collected for histologic and histometric analysis. Radiographs were obtained at defect creation and weeks 2 and 4 after defect creation. No statistically significant differences were observed in new bone formation (bone height and area) among the treatments. However, total residual carrier was significantly reduced in sites receiving rhTGF-beta(1) compared to control (P = 0.04). Similarly, carrier density was considerably reduced in sites receiving rhTGF-beta(1) compared to control; the difference was borderline statistically significant (P = 0.06). Within the limitations of the study, it may be concluded that rhTGF-beta(1) accelerates biodegradation of a particulate calcium carbonate biomaterial, indicating a biologic activity of the rhTGF-beta(1) formulation apparently not encompassing enhanced or accelerated periodontal regeneration.

Aggressive resection at the infiltrative margins of glioblastoma facilitated by intraoperative fluorescein guidance.

PubMed

Neira, Justin A; Ung, Timothy H; Sims, Jennifer S; Malone, Hani R; Chow, Daniel S; Samanamud, Jorge L; Zanazzi, George J; Guo, Xiaotao; Bowden, Stephen G; Zhao, Binsheng; Sheth, Sameer A; McKhann, Guy M; Sisti, Michael B; Canoll, Peter; D'Amico, Randy S; Bruce, Jeffrey N

2017-07-01

OBJECTIVE Extent of resection is an important prognostic factor in patients undergoing surgery for glioblastoma (GBM). Recent evidence suggests that intravenously administered fluorescein sodium associates with tumor tissue, facilitating safe maximal resection of GBM. In this study, the authors evaluate the safety and utility of intraoperative fluorescein guidance for the prediction of histopathological alteration both in the contrast-enhancing (CE) regions, where this relationship has been established, and into the non-CE (NCE), diffusely infiltrated margins. METHODS Thirty-two patients received fluorescein sodium (3 mg/kg) intravenously prior to resection. Fluorescence was intraoperatively visualized using a Zeiss Pentero surgical microscope equipped with a YELLOW 560 filter. Stereotactically localized biopsy specimens were acquired from CE and NCE regions based on preoperative MRI in conjunction with neuronavigation. The fluorescence intensity of these specimens was subjectively classified in real time with subsequent quantitative image analysis, histopathological evaluation of localized biopsy specimens, and radiological volumetric assessment of the extent of resection. RESULTS Bright fluorescence was observed in all GBMs and localized to the CE regions and portions of the NCE margins of the tumors, thus serving as a visual guide during resection. Gross-total resection (GTR) was achieved in 84% of the patients with an average resected volume of 95%, and this rate was higher among patients for whom GTR was the surgical goal (GTR achieved in 93.1% of patients, average resected volume of 99.7%). Intraoperative fluorescein staining correlated with histopathological alteration in both CE and NCE regions, with positive predictive values by subjective fluorescence evaluation greater than 96% in NCE regions. CONCLUSIONS Intraoperative administration of fluorescein provides an easily visualized marker for glioma pathology in both CE and NCE regions of GBM. These findings support the use of fluorescein as a microsurgical adjunct for guiding GBM resection to facilitate safe maximal removal.

[Structure and characteristics of technical support that psychiatric social workers of prefectural governments provide for municipalities].

PubMed

Okada, Takashi

2017-01-01

Objectives　The support to municipalities by prefectural governments has become necessary in the fields of mental health and welfare. Therefore, psychiatric social workers (PSW) ordered from the prefectural governor has been providing technical support (TS) that promote community activities of the municipality and improve staff support for persons with mental disabilities. The purpose of this study was to identify empirical structure and characteristics of TS that PSW provide for municipality staff.Method　Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven certified PSW randomly selected from the membership list of the National Psychiatric Social Worker Organization. Inclusion criteria required participants to have more than 10 years of experience at the prefectural government and experience providing TS in the last five years. Interviews focused on two situations: a casework and a project related to mental health. Interview data were analyzed using a qualitative content method, setting a framework for the consultation process.Results　The analysis included five categories < > and 15 subcategories [ ], which consisted of 37 concepts. In category with municipalities consisted of [complementary relationship] and [partnership]. The category included two subcategories, [analyze/judgment from the conditions spread in front of] and [analyze/judgment be the accumulated skills and knowledge in person]. In category , six policies were considered as important, including [problem solving and promoting action], [fostering person centered care perspective], [promoting the understanding of residents], [provide psychological support to the staff], [clarify responsibility as the municipal officials], and [coordinate to improve the environment]. Category consisted of both [support indirectly] and [support cooperatively]. The last category, included three subcategories, [lead to the maintenance and improvement of the system], [have the staff pleasure/contribute to the community], and [consider whether it can be applied to other regions]. The results showed that the characteristics of TS had a consultation function, and the support function utilized complementarity and collaboration between prefecture and municipality providing services to residents.Conclusion　This study has clarified the characteristics of TS, which have not been clarified in previous research. We should accumulate the knowledge and establish a method for spreading through various regions.

Treatment outcomes of ligature-induced recession in the dog model using guided tissue regeneration or coronally positioned flap procedures.

PubMed

Papageorgiou, Athanasios; Vouros, Ioannis; Konstantinidis, Antonios

2009-04-01

The aims of the study were: (1) to determine the quality of the hard and soft tissues formed in segments treated with coronally positioned flaps alone (CPF group) or combined with a polylactic acid resorbable membrane (guided tissue regeneration--GTR group) in wide type defects (canine teeth), and (2) to evaluate the behaviour of the newly regenerated tissues to an experimentally induced inflammation initiated by microbial plaque at the submarginal level in recession type defects (premolar teeth). The randomized block design was used in the study, with each dog receiving both treatments (GTR and CPF). Gingival recession defects were surgically created in the 2nd and 4th mandibular premolars and, after 10 weeks, also in the maxillary canines of three dogs. The defects in the premolar area were created earlier than the defects in the canine teeth so that both areas would be ready for biopsy at the same time. Two months after the creation of the defects the exposed roots in the control group of teeth were surgically covered with coronally positioned flaps only (CPF group), and in the test group of teeth a coronally positioned flap was used in combination with a resorbable membrane (GTR group). In the premolar teeth only, after a healing period of five months, cotton ligatures were placed intrasulcularly and these areas were left without plaque control for 10 weeks. Following this, biopsies were taken from the canines and the premolars in order to examine (1) the quality of the hard and soft tissues formed after five months of healing in the canine teeth and (2) the response of the newly formed tissues to microbial accumulation induced by the subgingival ligature placement. In the wide defects of the canine teeth, the use of the membrane produced a mean new attachment formation of 44%, while the repositioned flap technique produced 22% new attachment. The regeneration of bone was limited to the apical area for both techniques and amounted to 15% and 10%, respectively. In the narrow defects of the premolars both techniques produced comparable mean root coverage percentages. The inflammatory conditions created in the study led to a comparable loss of mean clinical attachment and an increase in tissue recession and the extent of the inflammatory process for both groups. The use of resorbable membranes for the treatment of wide recession type defects in the canine teeth (GTR group) produced significantly better clinical results, with higher mean root coverage and increased regenerative capacity of the periodontal tissues, compared with the coronally positioned flap technique (CPF group). Additionally, the regenerated tissues created after the use of both techniques in narrow recession defects (premolar teeth) demonstrated comparable resistance to the microbial accumulation conditions created.

Identification of three extra-chromosomal replicons in Leptospira pathogenic strain and development of new shuttle vectors.

PubMed

Zhu, Weinan; Wang, Jin; Zhu, Yongzhang; Tang, Biao; Zhang, Yunyi; He, Ping; Zhang, Yan; Liu, Boyu; Guo, Xiaokui; Zhao, Guoping; Qin, Jinhong

2015-02-15

The genome of pathogenic Leptospira interrogans contains two chromosomes. Plasmids and prophages are known to play specific roles in gene transfer in bacteria and can potentially serve as efficient genetic tools in these organisms. Although plasmids and prophage remnants have recently been reported in Leptospira species, their characteristics and potential applications in leptospiral genetic transformation systems have not been fully evaluated. Three extrachromosomal replicons designated lcp1 (65,732 bp), lcp2 (56,757 bp), and lcp3 (54,986 bp) in the L. interrogans serovar Linhai strain 56609 were identified through whole genome sequencing. All three replicons were stable outside of the bacterial chromosomes. Phage particles were observed in the culture supernatant of 56609 after mitomycin C induction, and lcp3, which contained phage-related genes, was considered to be an inducible prophage. L. interrogans-Escherichia coli shuttle vectors, constructed with the predicted replication elements of single rep or rep combined with parAB loci from the three plasmids were shown to successfully transform into both saprophytic and pathogenic Leptospira species, suggesting an essential function for rep genes in supporting auto-replication of the plasmids. Additionally, a wide distribution of homologs of the three rep genes was identified in L. interrogans isolates, and correlation tests showed that the transformability of the shuttle vectors in L. interrogans isolates depended, to certain extent, on genetic compatibility between the rep sequences of both plasmid and host. Three extrachromosomal replicons co-exist in L. interrogans, one of which we consider to be an inducible prophage. The vectors constructed with the rep genes of the three replicons successfully transformed into saprophytic and pathogenic Leptospira species alike, but this was partly dependent on genetic compatibility between the rep sequences of both plasmid and host.

Relative effect potency estimates of dioxin-like activity for dioxins, furans, and dioxin-like PCBs in adults based on two thyroid outcomes.

PubMed

Trnovec, Tomáš; Jusko, Todd A; Šovčíková, Eva; Lancz, Kinga; Chovancová, Jana; Patayová, Henrieta; Palkovičová, L'ubica; Drobná, Beata; Langer, Pavel; Van den Berg, Martin; Dedik, Ladislav; Wimmerová, Soňa

2013-08-01

Toxic equivalency factors (TEFs) are an important component in the risk assessment of dioxin-like human exposures. At present, this concept is based mainly on in vivo animal experiments using oral dosage. Consequently, the current human TEFs derived from mammalian experiments are applicable only for exposure situations in which oral ingestion occurs. Nevertheless, these "intake" TEFs are commonly-but incorrectly-used by regulatory authorities to calculate "systemic" toxic equivalents (TEQs) based on human blood and tissue concentrations, which are used as biomarkers for either exposure or effect. We sought to determine relative effect potencies (REPs) for systemic human concentrations of dioxin-like mixture components using thyroid volume or serum free thyroxine (FT4) concentration as the outcomes of interest. We used a benchmark concentration and a regression-based approach to compare the strength of association between each dioxin-like compound and the thyroid end points in 320 adults residing in an organochlorine-polluted area of eastern Slovakia. REPs calculated from thyroid volume and FT4 were similar. The regression coefficient (β)-derived REP data from thyroid volume and FT4 level were correlated with the World Health Organization (WHO) TEF values (Spearman r = 0.69, p = 0.01 and r = 0.62, p = 0.03, respectively). The calculated REPs were mostly within the minimum and maximum values for in vivo REPs derived by other investigators. Our REPs calculated from thyroid end points realistically reflect human exposure scenarios because they are based on chronic, low-dose human exposures and on biomarkers reflecting body burden. Compared with previous results, our REPs suggest higher sensitivity to the effects of dioxin-like compounds.

Rochester Epidemiology Project Data Exploration Portal

PubMed Central

Grossardt, Brandon R.; Finney Rutten, Lila J.; Roger, Veronique L.; Majerus, Michelle; Jensen, Daniel W.; Brue, Scott M.; Bock-Goodner, Cynthia M.; Rocca, Walter A.

2018-01-01

Introduction The goal of this project was to develop an interactive, web-based tool to explore patterns of prevalence and co-occurrence of diseases using data from the expanded Rochester Epidemiology Project (E-REP) medical records-linkage system. Methods We designed the REP Data Exploration Portal (REP DEP) to include summary information for people who lived in a 27-county region of southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin on January 1, 2014 (n = 694,506; 61% of the entire population). We obtained diagnostic codes of the International Classification of Diseases, 9th edition, from the medical records-linkage system in 2009 through 2013 (5 years) and grouped them into 717 disease categories. For each condition or combination of 2 conditions (dyad), we calculated prevalence by dividing the number of persons with a specified condition (numerator) by the total number of persons in the population (denominator). We calculated observed-to-expected ratios (OERs) to test whether 2 conditions co-occur more frequently than would co-occur as a result of chance alone. Results We launched the first version of the REP DEP in May 2017. The REP DEP can be accessed at http://rochesterproject.org/portal/. Users can select 2 conditions of interest, and the REP DEP displays the overall prevalence, age-specific prevalence, and sex-specific prevalence for each condition and dyad. Also displayed are OERs overall and by age and sex and maps of county-specific prevalence of each condition and OER. Conclusion The REP DEP draws upon a medical records-linkage system to provide an innovative, rapid, interactive, free-of-charge method to examine the prevalence and co-occurrence of 717 diseases and conditions in a geographically defined population. PMID:29654640

Molecular diagnosis of symptomatic toxoplasmosis: a 9-year retrospective and prospective study in a referral laboratory in São Paulo, Brazil.

PubMed

Camilo, Lilian Muniz; Pereira-Chioccola, Vera Lucia; Gava, Ricardo; Meira-Strejevitch, Cristina da Silva; Vidal, Jose Ernesto; Brandão de Mattos, Cinara Cássia; Frederico, Fábio Batista; De Mattos, Luiz Carlos; Spegiorin, Lígia Cosentino Junqueira Franco

Symptomatic forms of toxoplasmosis are a serious public health problem and occur in around 10-20% of the infected people. Aiming to improve the molecular diagnosis of symptomatic toxoplasmosis in Brazilian patients, this study evaluated the performance of real time PCR testing two primer sets (B1 and REP-529) in detecting Toxoplasma gondii DNA. The methodology was assayed in 807 clinical samples with known clinical diagnosis, ELISA, and conventional PCR results in a 9-year period. All samples were from patients with clinical suspicion of several features of toxoplasmosis. According to the minimum detection limit curve (in C T ), REP-529 had greater sensitivity to detect T. gondii DNA than B1. Both primer sets were retrospectively evaluated using 515 DNA from different clinical samples. The 122 patients without toxoplasmosis provided high specificity (REP-529, 99.2% and B1, 100%). From the 393 samples with positive ELISA, 146 had clinical diagnosis of toxoplasmosis and positive conventional PCR. REP-529 and B1 sensitivities were 95.9% and 83.6%, respectively. Comparison of REP-529 and B1 performances was further analyzed prospectively in 292 samples. Thus, from a total of 807 DNA analyzed, 217 (26.89%) had positive PCR with, at least one primer set and symptomatic toxoplasmosis confirmed by clinical diagnosis. REP-529 was positive in 97.23%, whereas B1 amplified only 78.80%. After comparing several samples in a Brazilian referral laboratory, this study concluded that REP-529 primer set had better performance than B1 one. These observations were based after using cases with defined clinical diagnosis, ELISA, and conventional PCR. Copyright © 2017 Sociedade Brasileira de Infectologia. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Large eddy simulation of heat entrainment under Arctic sea ice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramudu, Eshwan; Gelderloos, Renske; Yang, Di; Meneveau, Charles; Gnanadesikan, Anand

2017-11-01

Sea ice cover in the Arctic has declined rapidly in recent decades. To better understand ice loss through bottom melting, we choose to study the Canada Basin of the Arctic Ocean, which is characterized by a perennial anomalously warm Pacific Summer Water (PSW) layer residing at the base of the mixed layer and a summertime Near-Surface Temperature Maximum (NSTM) layer trapping heat from solar radiation. The interaction of these warm layers with a moving ice basal surface is investigated using large eddy simulation. We find that the presence of the NSTM enhances heat entrainment from the mixed layer. Another conclusion from our work is that there is no heat entrained from the PSW layer, even at the largest ice-drift velocity of 0.3 m s-1 considered. We propose a scaling law for the heat flux at the ice basal surface which depends on the initial temperature anomaly in the NSTM layer and the ice-drift velocity. A case study of `The Great Arctic Cyclone of 2012' gives a turbulent heat flux from the mixed layer that is approximately 70% of the total ocean-to-ice heat flux estimated from the PIOMAS model often used for short-term predictions. Present results highlight the need for large-scale climate models to account for the NSTM layer. We acknowledge funding from NOAA Grant NA15OAR4310172, the NSF, and the University of Houston start-up fund.

Prostaglandin E2 modulates dendritic cell function via EP2 and EP4 receptor subtypes.

PubMed

Harizi, Hedi; Grosset, Christophe; Gualde, Norbert

2003-06-01

We have reported previously that PGE(2) inhibits dendritic cells (DC) functions. Because E prostanoid receptor (EPR) subtypes involved in this action are unknown, expression and functions of these receptors were examined in DC. Western blot and flow cytometry analyses showed that all EPRs were coexpressed in DC. In a dose-dependent manner, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) enhanced EP(2)R/EP(4)R but not EP(1)R/EP(3)R expressions. NS-398, a cyclooxygenase (COX)-2-selective inhibitor, suppressed LPS-enhanced EP(2)R/EP(4)R expression, suggesting that COX-2-issued prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) modulates DC function through stimulation of specific EPR subtypes. Using selective agonists, we found that butaprost, an EP(2)R agonist, and PGE(1) alcohol, an EP(2)R and EP(2)R/EP(4)R agonist, inhibited major histocompatibility complex class II expression and enhanced interleukin-10 production from DC. However, no effect was observed with sulprostone and 17-phenyl-omega-trinor-PGE(2), selective agonists for EP(1)R and EP(1)R/EP(3)R, respectively. Treatment of DC with dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), an analog of cAMP, mimics PGE(2)-induced, inhibitory effects. Taken together, our data demonstrate that EP(2)R/EP(4)R are efficient for mediating PGE(2)-induced modulation of DC functions.

Robotic technology evolution and transfer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marzwell, Neville I.

1992-01-01

A report concerning technology transfer in the area of robotics is presented in vugraph form. The following topics are discussed: definition of technology innovation and tech-transfer; concepts relevant for understanding tech-transfer; models advanced to portray tech-transfer process; factors identified as promoting tech-transfer; factors identified as impeding tech-transfer; what important roles do individuals fulfill in tech-transfer; federal infrastructure for promoting tech-transfer; federal infrastructure for promoting tech-transfer; robotic technology evolution; robotic technology transferred; and recommendations for successful robotics tech-transfer.

Scalable and expressive medical terminologies.

PubMed

Mays, E; Weida, R; Dionne, R; Laker, M; White, B; Liang, C; Oles, F J

1996-01-01

The K-Rep system, based on description logic, is used to represent and reason with large and expressive controlled medical terminologies. Expressive concept descriptions incorporate semantically precise definitions composed using logical operators, together with important non-semantic information such as synonyms and codes. Examples are drawn from our experience with K-Rep in modeling the InterMed laboratory terminology and also developing a large clinical terminology now in production use at Kaiser-Permanente. System-level scalability of performance is achieved through an object-oriented database system which efficiently maps persistent memory to virtual memory. Equally important is conceptual scalability-the ability to support collaborative development, organization, and visualization of a substantial terminology as it evolves over time. K-Rep addresses this need by logically completing concept definitions and automatically classifying concepts in a taxonomy via subsumption inferences. The K-Rep system includes a general-purpose GUI environment for terminology development and browsing, a custom interface for formulary term maintenance, a C+2 application program interface, and a distributed client-server mode which provides lightweight clients with efficient run-time access to K-Rep by means of a scripting language.

Applications of the rep-PCR DNA fingerprinting technique to study microbial diversity, ecology and evolution.

PubMed

Ishii, Satoshi; Sadowsky, Michael J

2009-04-01

A large number of repetitive DNA sequences are found in multiple sites in the genomes of numerous bacteria, archaea and eukarya. While the functions of many of these repetitive sequence elements are unknown, they have proven to be useful as the basis of several powerful tools for use in molecular diagnostics, medical microbiology, epidemiological analyses and environmental microbiology. The repetitive sequence-based PCR or rep-PCR DNA fingerprint technique uses primers targeting several of these repetitive elements and PCR to generate unique DNA profiles or 'fingerprints' of individual microbial strains. Although this technique has been extensively used to examine diversity among variety of prokaryotic microorganisms, rep-PCR DNA fingerprinting can also be applied to microbial ecology and microbial evolution studies since it has the power to distinguish microbes at the strain or isolate level. Recent advancement in rep-PCR methodology has resulted in increased accuracy, reproducibility and throughput. In this minireview, we summarize recent improvements in rep-PCR DNA fingerprinting methodology, and discuss its applications to address fundamentally important questions in microbial ecology and evolution.

Influence of various land uses on windbreak selection by nesting Mississippi kites

USGS Publications Warehouse

Love, Diane; Grzybowski, Joseph A.; Knopf, Fritz L.

1985-01-01

Contemporary land-use practices have dramatically altered breeding habitats of birds of prey (Cramp, pp. 9-11 in World Conf. Birds of Prey, R. D. Chancellor, ed., ICPB, London, England, 1977). Some land uses appear to influence strongly both the nesting activity (White, Trans. North Am. Wild. Nat. Resour. Conf. 39:301-312, 1974) and abundance (Olendorff and Stoddart, pp. 44-48 in Management of Raptors, F. N. Jamerstrom, B. E. Harrel, and R. R. Olendorff, eds., Proc. Conf. Raptor Conserv. Tech., Raptor Rep. 2, Fort Collins, Colorado, 1974) of raptors. The Mississippi Kite (Ictinia mississippiensis) is a locally common raptor of the south-central plains of North America. In the prairie grasslands of western Oklahoma and south-western Kansas, kites commonly nest in tree plantings designed as windbreaks, irrespective of windbreak width, age, or tree species compositions (Parker, Ph.D. Diss., Univ. Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, 1974; Love and Knopf, Proc. Ann. Meet. For. Comm. Great Plains Agric. Counc. 30:69-77, 1978). Much of the potential nesting habitat within this region, however, is not used by kits (Parker and Ogden, Am. Birds 33:119-129, 1979). In this paper, we assess the potential influence of various land-use practices on windbreak selection by nesting Mississippi Kites.

A visual training tool for the Photoload sampling technique

Treesearch

Violet J. Holley; Robert E. Keane

2010-01-01

This visual training aid is designed to provide Photoload users a tool to increase the accuracy of fuel loading estimations when using the Photoload technique. The Photoload Sampling Technique (RMRS-GTR-190) provides fire managers a sampling method for obtaining consistent, accurate, inexpensive, and quick estimates of fuel loading. It is designed to require only one...

The Fraser Experimental Forest, Colorado: Research program and published research 1937-1985

Treesearch

Robert R. Alexander; Charles A. Troendle; Merrill R. Kaufmann; Wayne D. Shepperd; Glenn L. Crouch; Ross K. Watkins

1985-01-01

This report provides an overview of the research done on the Fraser Experimental Forest. It replaces GTR's no. 40 and 40A by Robert R. Alexander and Ross K. Watkins in 1977. Included are descriptions of physical features and resources, highlights of past and current research, and the publications derived from that research.

Research publications of the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest, Cascade Range, Oregon: 1998 supplement.

Treesearch

Donald L. Henshaw; Sarah E. Greene; Tami Lowry

1998-01-01

This bibliography updates the list of publications, abstracts, theses, and unpublished reports included in "Research Publications of the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest, Cascade Range, Oregon, 1948 to 1986" (General Technical Report PNW-GTR-201) and "Research Publications of the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest, Cascade Range, Oregon: 1988 Supplement...

Chapter 8: Using GTR 220 to build stakeholder collaboration

Treesearch

C. Thomas

2012-01-01

Since 2008, Sierra Forest Legacy, a nonprofit conservation organization, has increased its participation in the design of projects on national forest lands in the Sierra Nevada. Our interest has been to engage scientists, managers, and other stakeholders in the design of projects that integrate the best available scientific information. Our second interest has been to...

Purpose and Need for a Grassland Assessment

Treesearch

Deborah M. Finch; Cathy W. Dahms

2004-01-01

This report is volume 1 of an ecological assessment of grassland ecosystems in the Southwestern United States, and it is one of a series of planned publications addressing major ecosystems of the Southwest. The first assessment, General Technical Report RM-GTR- 295, An Assessment of Forest Ecosystem Health in the Southwest (by Dahms and Geils, technical editors,...

Integration of gel-based proteome data with pProRep.

PubMed

Laukens, Kris; Matthiesen, Rune; Lemière, Filip; Esmans, Eddy; Onckelen, Harry Van; Jensen, Ole Nørregaard; Witters, Erwin

2006-11-15

pProRep is a web application integrating electrophoretic and mass spectral data from proteome analyses into a relational database. The graphical web-interface allows users to upload, analyse and share experimental proteome data. It offers researchers the possibility to query all previously analysed datasets and can visualize selected features, such as the presence of a certain set of ions in a peptide mass spectrum, on the level of the two-dimensional gel. The pProRep package and instructions for its use can be downloaded from http://www.ptools.ua.ac.be/pProRep. The application requires a web server that runs PHP 5 (http://www.php.net) and MySQL. Some (non-essential) extensions need additional freely available libraries: details are described in the installation instructions.

Occupational Field 66 (Avionics) Less MOS’s 6682, 6683 and 6689 Task Analysis.

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-04-01

EQUIPMENT ( SACE ) TECH 011 ACFT CRYPTOGRAPHIC SYS TECI-, IMA 018 ACFT INERTIAL NAVIGATION SYSTEM (INS) SACE TECH 019 ACFT SEARCH/TRACK (SIT) SACE TECH...020 SACE SYS TECH 021 ACFT DECEPTIVE ELECTRONIC COUNTERMEASURES IDECM) TECH 022 ELECTRONIC COUNTERMEASURES (ECM) MODULE REPAIR TECH 023 ACFT ECM TECH

PCR Methods for Rapid Identification and Characterization of Actinobacillus seminis Strains

PubMed Central

Appuhamy, S.; Coote, J. G.; Low, J. C.; Parton, R.

1998-01-01

Twenty-four isolates of Actinobacillus seminis were typed by PCR ribotyping, repetitive extragenic palindromic element (REP)-based PCR, and enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC)-based PCR. Five types were distinguished by REP-PCR, and nine types were distinguished by ERIC-PCR. PCR ribotyping produced the simplest pattern and could be useful for identification of A. seminis and for its differentiation from related species. REP- and ERIC-PCR could be used for strain differentiation in epidemiological studies of A. seminis. PMID:9508320

Quantitative determination of testosterone levels with biolayer interferometry.

PubMed

Zhang, Hao; Li, Wei; Luo, Hong; Xiong, Guangming; Yu, Yuanhua

2017-10-01

Natural and synthetic steroid hormones are widely spread in the environment and are considered as pollutants due to their endocrine activities, even at low concentrations, which are harmful to human health. To detect steroid hormones in the environment, a novel biosensor system was developed based on the principle of biolayer interferometry. Detection is based on changes in the interference pattern of white light reflected from the surface of an optical fiber with bound biomolecules. Monitoring interactions between molecules does not require radioactive, enzymatic, or fluorescent labels. Here, 2 double-stranded DNA fragments of operator 1 (OP1) and OP2 containing 10-bp palindromic sequences in chromosomal Comamonas testosteroni DNA (ATCC11996) were surface-immobilized to streptavidin sensors. Interference changes were detected when repressor protein RepA bound the DNA sequences. DNA-protein interactions were characterized and kinetic parameters were obtained. The dissociation constants between the OP1 and OP2 DNA sequences and RepA were 9.865 × 10 -9  M and 2.750 × 10 -8  M, respectively. The reactions showed high specifically and affinity. Because binding of the 10-bp palindromic sequence and RepA was affected by RepA-testosterone binding, the steroid could be quantitatively determined rapidly using the biosensor system. The mechanism of the binding assay was as follows. RepA could bind both OP1 and testosterone. RepA binding to testosterone changed the protein conformation, which influenced the binding between RepA and OP1. The percentage of the signal detected negative correlation with the testosterone concentration. A standard curve was obtained, and the correlation coefficient value was approximately 0.97. We could quantitatively determine testosterone levels between 2.13 and 136.63 ng/ml. Each sample could be quantitatively detected in 17 min. These results suggested that the specific interaction between double-stranded OP1 DNA and the RepA protein could be used to rapidly and quantitatively determine environmental testosterone levels by the biolayer interferometry technique. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Unsteady forces on a spherical particle accelerating or decelerating in an initially stagnant fluid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keshav, Yashas Mudlapur Phaneesh

Flows with particles play an important role in a number of engineering applications. These include trajectories of droplets in sprays in fuel-injected-reciprocating-piston and gas-turbine engines, erosion of materials due to particle impact on a surface, and deposition of materials on surfaces by impinging droplets or particles that could solidify or bond on impact. For these applications, it is important to understand the forces that act on the particles so that their trajectories could be predicted. Considerable work has been done on understanding the forces acting on spherical particles, where the Reynolds numbers (Rep) based on the particle diameter and the relative speed between the particle and the fluid is less than unity. When Rep is larger than unity and when the particle is accelerating or decelerating, the added-mass effect and the Basset forces are not well understood. In this study, time-accurate numerical simulations were performed to study laminar incompressible flow induced by a single non-rotating rigid spherical particle that is accelerated or decelerated at a constant rate in an initially stagnant fluid, where the unsteady flow about the spherical particle is resolved. The Rep studied range from 0.01 to 100, and the acceleration number (Ac), where A c is the square of the relative velocity between the particle and the fluid divided by the acceleration times the particle diameter studied was in the range 2.13x-7 < |Ac |< 21337. Results obtained show the added mass effect for Rep up to 100 has the same functional form as those based on potential theory where the Rep is infinite and creeping flow where Rep is less than unity. The Basset force, however, differs considerably from those under creeping flow conditions and depends on Rep and the acceleration number (Ac). A model was developed to provide the magnitude of the added-mass effect and the Basset force in the range of Rep and Ac studied. Results obtained also show the effect of unsteadiness to become negligible when Ac reaches 80.

Assessing the role of a medication-indication resource in the treatment relation extraction from clinical text

PubMed Central

Bejan, Cosmin Adrian; Wei, Wei-Qi; Denny, Joshua C

2015-01-01

Objective To evaluate the contribution of the MEDication Indication (MEDI) resource and SemRep for identifying treatment relations in clinical text. Materials and methods We first processed clinical documents with SemRep to extract the Unified Medical Language System (UMLS) concepts and the treatment relations between them. Then, we incorporated MEDI into a simple algorithm that identifies treatment relations between two concepts if they match a medication-indication pair in this resource. For a better coverage, we expanded MEDI using ontology relationships from RxNorm and UMLS Metathesaurus. We also developed two ensemble methods, which combined the predictions of SemRep and the MEDI algorithm. We evaluated our selected methods on two datasets, a Vanderbilt corpus of 6864 discharge summaries and the 2010 Informatics for Integrating Biology and the Bedside (i2b2)/Veteran's Affairs (VA) challenge dataset. Results The Vanderbilt dataset included 958 manually annotated treatment relations. A double annotation was performed on 25% of relations with high agreement (Cohen's κ = 0.86). The evaluation consisted of comparing the manual annotated relations with the relations identified by SemRep, the MEDI algorithm, and the two ensemble methods. On the first dataset, the best F1-measure results achieved by the MEDI algorithm and the union of the two resources (78.7 and 80, respectively) were significantly higher than the SemRep results (72.3). On the second dataset, the MEDI algorithm achieved better precision and significantly lower recall values than the best system in the i2b2 challenge. The two systems obtained comparable F1-measure values on the subset of i2b2 relations with both arguments in MEDI. Conclusions Both SemRep and MEDI can be used to extract treatment relations from clinical text. Knowledge-based extraction with MEDI outperformed use of SemRep alone, but superior performance was achieved by integrating both systems. The integration of knowledge-based resources such as MEDI into information extraction systems such as SemRep and the i2b2 relation extractors may improve treatment relation extraction from clinical text. PMID:25336593

15 CFR 2013.1 - Designations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

.... Afr. Rep. Chad Congo Côte d'Ivoire Dem. Rep. of the Congo Djibouti Egypt Gambia Ghana Guinea Guinea... Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines South Africa St. Kitts & Nevis St. Lucia St. Vincent...

15 CFR 2013.1 - Designations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

.... Afr. Rep. Chad Congo Côte d'Ivoire Dem. Rep. of the Congo Djibouti Egypt Gambia Ghana Guinea Guinea... Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines South Africa St. Kitts & Nevis St. Lucia St. Vincent...

15 CFR 2013.1 - Designations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

.... Afr. Rep. Chad Congo Côte d'Ivoire Dem. Rep. of the Congo Djibouti Egypt Gambia Ghana Guinea Guinea... Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines South Africa St. Kitts & Nevis St. Lucia St. Vincent...

Tennessee Representative Chuck Fleischmann Visit to MSFC

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-06-11

Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tn) being briefed on additive manufacturing at MSFC during a tour of Marshall facilities. Rep. Fleischmann was accompanied by Darrell Akins, Executive Manager of the Tennessee Valley corridor.

Prevalence and genetic characterization of Vibrio vulnificus in raw seafood and seawater in Malaysia.

PubMed

Paydar, Mohammadjavad; Thong, Kwai Lin

2013-10-01

Vibrio vulnificus is a highly invasive human pathogen that exists naturally in estuarine environment and coastal waters. In this study, we used different PCR assays to detect V. vulnificus in 260 seafood and 80 seawater samples. V. vulnificus was present in about 34 (13%) of the 260 seafood samples and 18 (23%) of the 80 seawater samples. Repetitive extragenic palindromic PCR (REP-PCR) and enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus PCR (ERIC-PCR) were applied to subtype the V. vulnificus isolates. Twenty-five REP profiles and 45 ERIC profiles were observed, and the isolates were categorized into 9 and 10 distinct clusters at the similarity of 80%, by REP-PCR and ERIC-PCR, respectively. ERIC-PCR is more discriminative than REP-PCR in subtyping V. vulnificus, demonstrating high genetic diversity among the isolates.

MetaRep, an extended CMAS 3D program to visualize mafic (CMAS, ACF-S, ACF-N) and pelitic (AFM-K, AFM-S, AKF-S) projections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

France, Lydéric; Nicollet, Christian

2010-06-01

MetaRep is a program based on our earlier program CMAS 3D. It is developed in MATLAB ® script. MetaRep objectives are to visualize and project major element compositions of mafic and pelitic rocks and their minerals in the pseudo-quaternary projections of the ACF-S, ACF-N, CMAS, AFM-K, AFM-S and AKF-S systems. These six systems are commonly used to describe metamorphic mineral assemblages and magmatic evolutions. Each system, made of four apices, can be represented in a tetrahedron that can be visualized in three dimensions with MetaRep; the four tetrahedron apices represent oxides or combination of oxides that define the composition of the projected rock or mineral. The three-dimensional representation allows one to obtain a better understanding of the topology of the relationships between the rocks and minerals and relations. From these systems, MetaRep can also project data in ternary plots (for example, the ACF, AFM and AKF ternary projections can be generated). A functional interface makes it easy to use and does not require any knowledge of MATLAB ® programming. To facilitate the use, MetaRep loads, from the main interface, data compiled in a Microsoft Excel ™ spreadsheet. Although useful for scientific research, the program is also a powerful tool for teaching. We propose an application example that, by using two combined systems (ACF-S and ACF-N), provides strong confirmation in the petrological interpretation.

History of the Rochester Epidemiology Project: Half a Century of Medical Records Linkage in a US Population

PubMed Central

Rocca, Walter A.; Yawn, Barbara P.; St. Sauver, Jennifer L.; Grossardt, Brandon R.; Melton, L. Joseph

2012-01-01

The Rochester Epidemiology Project (REP) has maintained a comprehensive medical records linkage system for nearly half a century for almost all persons residing in Olmsted County, Minnesota. Herein, we provide a brief history of the REP before and after 1966, the year in which the REP was officially established. The key protagonists before 1966 were Henry Plummer, Mabel Root, and Joseph Berkson, who developed a medical records linkage system at Mayo Clinic. In 1966, Leonard Kurland established collaborative agreements with other local health care providers (hospitals, physician groups, and clinics [primarily Olmsted Medical Center]) to develop a medical records linkage system that covered the entire population of Olmsted County, and he obtained funding from the National Institutes of Health to support the new system. In 1997, L. Joseph Melton III addressed emerging concerns about the confidentiality of medical record information by introducing a broad patient research authorization as per Minnesota state law. We describe how the key protagonists of the REP have responded to challenges posed by evolving medical knowledge, information technology, and public expectation and policy. In addition, we provide a general description of the system; discuss issues of data quality, reliability, and validity; describe the research team structure; provide information about funding; and compare the REP with other medical information systems. The REP can serve as a model for the development of similar research infrastructures in the United States and worldwide. PMID:23199802

Final Environmental Assessment Eglin Gulf Test and Training Range (EGTTR) Precision Strike Weapons (PSW) Test (5-Year Plan) Eglin Air Force Base, Florida

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-11-01

Bottom Areas near Target Areas in the EGTTR, Florida.......................3-41 Figure 4-1. Safety Footprint Around Target Area...Thus, at many deep-water locations, it is not unusual for the low-frequency noise field to be influenced by contributions from tens or even... field at some range. Oilrigs, on the other hand, produce noise throughout the frequency domain. Recently, economic and political factors have not been

Possible Mechanisms for Electric-Field-Free Gas Breakdown

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-06-01

pressure is greater than the shock-breakout pressure ( PSB ) at the surface of the metal. The particle size varies from 20 to 200 µm. Based on the...1.5 km/s [10-12]. The shock-breakdown pressure for tin is PSB ≈ 27.5 GPa [12]. The PSB for aluminum is not known, but the theoretical pressure at the...shock front in C-4 is PSW = 36.7 GPa, which is well over the reported PSB value for tin. These experimental results enable us to propose a

repRNA: a web server for generating various feature vectors of RNA sequences.

PubMed

Liu, Bin; Liu, Fule; Fang, Longyun; Wang, Xiaolong; Chou, Kuo-Chen

2016-02-01

With the rapid growth of RNA sequences generated in the postgenomic age, it is highly desired to develop a flexible method that can generate various kinds of vectors to represent these sequences by focusing on their different features. This is because nearly all the existing machine-learning methods, such as SVM (support vector machine) and KNN (k-nearest neighbor), can only handle vectors but not sequences. To meet the increasing demands and speed up the genome analyses, we have developed a new web server, called "representations of RNA sequences" (repRNA). Compared with the existing methods, repRNA is much more comprehensive, flexible and powerful, as reflected by the following facts: (1) it can generate 11 different modes of feature vectors for users to choose according to their investigation purposes; (2) it allows users to select the features from 22 built-in physicochemical properties and even those defined by users' own; (3) the resultant feature vectors and the secondary structures of the corresponding RNA sequences can be visualized. The repRNA web server is freely accessible to the public at http://bioinformatics.hitsz.edu.cn/repRNA/ .

New Opportunities for Outer Solar System Science using Radioisotope Electric Propulsion

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

Noble, Robert J.; /SLAC; Amini, Rashied

Today, our questions and hypotheses about the Solar System's origin have surpassed our ability to deliver scientific instruments to deep space. The moons of the outer planets, the Trojan and Centaur minor planets, the trans-Neptunian objects (TNO), and distant Kuiper Belt objects (KBO) hold a wealth of information about the primordial conditions that led to the formation of our Solar System. Robotic missions to these objects are needed to make the discoveries, but the lack of deep-space propulsion is impeding this science. Radioisotope electric propulsion (REP) will revolutionize the way we do deep-space planetary science with robotic vehicles, giving themmore » unprecedented mobility. Radioisotope electric generators and lightweight ion thrusters are being developed today which will make possible REP systems with specific power in the range of 5 to 10 W/kg. Studies have shown that this specific power range is sufficient to perform fast rendezvous missions from Earth to the outer Solar System and fast sample return missions. This whitepaper discusses how mobility provided by REP opens up entirely new science opportunities for robotic missions to distant primitive bodies. We also give an overview of REP technology developments and the required next steps to realize REP.« less

Radioisotope Electric Propulsion (REP) for Selected Interplanetary Science Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oh, David; Bonfiglio, Eugene; Cupples, Mike; Belcher, Jeremy; Witzberger, Kevin; Fiehler, Douglas; Artis, Gwen

2005-01-01

This viewgraph presentation analyzes small body targets (Trojan Asteroids), Medium Outer Planet Class (Jupiter Polar Orbiter with Probes), and Main Belt Asteroids and Comets (Comet Surface Sample Return), for Radioisotope Electric Propulsion (REP).

Collaborative management and research in the Great Basin - examining the issues and developing a framework for action

Treesearch

Jeanne C. Chambers; Nora Devoe; Angela Evenden

2008-01-01

The Great Basin is one of the most imperiled regions in the United States. Sustaining its ecosystems, resources, and human populations requires strong collaborative partnerships among the region's research and management organizations. This GTR is the product of a workshop on "Collaborative Watershed Research and Management in the Great Basin" held in...

Introduction to: GTR-SRS-226

Treesearch

Erin O. Sills; R. David Simpson; E. Evan Mercer

2017-01-01

Given the economic importance of wood products in the U.S. South, the value of southern forests as timberlands is well known and acknowledged in State policy decisions. However, timber represents only part of the value of forests, and forestry leaders are increasingly interested in quantifying the full value of the South’s forests, i.e., the value of all final...

78 FR 41831 - Charles Barenfanger, Jr.-Acquisition of Control Exemption-Vandalia Railroad Company 1

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-11

... control'' exemption, with Charles Barenfanger, Jr. and Agracel, Inc. (Agracel) as co-applicants. On June... Acquis. or Operation of Rail Lines by Class III Rail Carriers Under 49 U.S.C. 10902, EP 529, slip op. at 2 (STB served Nov. 29, 1996); Nev. 5, Inc.--Control Exemption--GTR Leasing LLC, FD 35635, slip op...

Recycling of waste tire rubber: Microwave devulcanization and incorporation in a thermoset resin.

PubMed

Aoudia, Karima; Azem, Saïd; Aït Hocine, Nourredine; Gratton, Michel; Pettarin, Valeria; Seghar, Saïd

2017-02-01

This study focused on the possibility of recycling Waste Tire Rubber (WTR) to be used as polymer modifier. Thus, WTR was grinded into powder, at ambient temperature, with a disc mill PQ500 and microwave electromagnetic energy was used to devulcanize this powder with the final aim of producing a new composite by its incorporation in a thermoset resin. The influence of the treatment microwave energy on the devulcanization ratio was investigated. FTIR analysis revealed that rupture of Sulfur-Sulfur (SS) and Carbon-Sulfur (CS) bonds have occurred during the treatment. Swelling analysis showed that the microwave treatment can lead to a very significant degree of devulcanization. The Ground Tire Rubber (GTR) and the Devulcanized Ground Tire Rubber (DGTR) were then separately used to prepare epoxy based composites. It appeared that epoxy composites filled with DGTR have better mechanical properties than those filled with untreated GTR. This result agrees with scanning electron microscopy observations which highlighted a better interface coherence between DGTR and epoxy. A complementary analysis pointed out a linear relationship between the rubber modulus and the number of crosslink per chain. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Isostatic Compensation of the Lunar Highlands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sori, Michael M.; James, Peter B.; Johnson, Brandon C.; Soderblom, Jason M.; Solomon, Sean C.; Wieczorek, Mark A.; Zuber, Maria T.

2018-02-01

The lunar highlands are isostatically compensated at large horizontal scales, but the specific compensation mechanism has been difficult to identify. With topographic data from the Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter and gravity data from the Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory, we investigate support of highland topography. Poor correlation between crustal density and elevation shows that Pratt compensation is not important in the highlands. Using spectrally weighted admittance, we compared observed values of geoid-to-topography ratio (GTR) with those predicted by isostatic models. Observed GTRs are 25.8+7.5-5.7 m/km for the nearside highlands and 39.3+5.7-6.2 m/km for the farside highlands. These values are not consistent with flexural compensation of long-wavelength topography or Airy isostasy defined under an assumption of equal mass in crustal columns. Instead, the observed GTR values are consistent with models of Airy compensation in which isostasy is defined under a requirement of equal pressures at equipotential surfaces at depth. The gravity and topography data thus reveal that long-wavelength topography on the Moon is most likely compensated by variations in crustal thickness, implying that highland topography formed early in lunar history before the development of a thick elastic lithosphere.

Investigation of the recycling of tires to elastomeric requirements by techniques of thermal compression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nadal Gisbert, Antonio V.

In this work is investigated the recycling of tires to elastomeric requirements by thermal compression. The production of recycled products is carried out starting from the powder, of elastomeric nature, coming from the grinding of used tires denominated GTR (Ground Tire Rubber) of different grain size, although the fundamental objective is the recycling of powder of 0,2mm grain size. The process of forming used for obtaining the recycled product is thermal compression, due to its simplicity and low cost. The composition of the powder has been analyzed and also the influence, on the elastomeric characteristics of the recycled product, of different parameters: Grain size, compact pressure, temperature, time, thickness of the recycled product and combination of sizes. At last we give an hypothesis that justifies the mechanism that gives cohesion to the powder GTR and allows their recycling. We also have carried out an analysis of the investigation lines, at the present, on the recycling of tires in general and an economic study of the viability of the recycled product in front of present products in the market, agglomerated with polyurethane, that have their application in using it in different types of floors.

RAxML-VI-HPC: maximum likelihood-based phylogenetic analyses with thousands of taxa and mixed models.

PubMed

Stamatakis, Alexandros

2006-11-01

RAxML-VI-HPC (randomized axelerated maximum likelihood for high performance computing) is a sequential and parallel program for inference of large phylogenies with maximum likelihood (ML). Low-level technical optimizations, a modification of the search algorithm, and the use of the GTR+CAT approximation as replacement for GTR+Gamma yield a program that is between 2.7 and 52 times faster than the previous version of RAxML. A large-scale performance comparison with GARLI, PHYML, IQPNNI and MrBayes on real data containing 1000 up to 6722 taxa shows that RAxML requires at least 5.6 times less main memory and yields better trees in similar times than the best competing program (GARLI) on datasets up to 2500 taxa. On datasets > or =4000 taxa it also runs 2-3 times faster than GARLI. RAxML has been parallelized with MPI to conduct parallel multiple bootstraps and inferences on distinct starting trees. The program has been used to compute ML trees on two of the largest alignments to date containing 25,057 (1463 bp) and 2182 (51,089 bp) taxa, respectively. icwww.epfl.ch/~stamatak

Endodontic-periodontal microsurgery for combined endodontic-periodontal lesions: An overview

PubMed Central

Sharma, Ritu; Hegde, Vivek; Siddharth, M; Hegde, Rashmi; Manchanda, Gunsha; Agarwal, Pratul

2014-01-01

Endodontic and periodontal microsurgery has surpassed the success rates for traditional endodontic and periodontal surgical procedures. Excellent healing results are being attributed to both the techniques, when employed, for isolated endodontic or periodontal defects. Combined endodontic-periodontal lesions have been referred to as a true challenge, requiring not only endodontic microsurgical management but also concurrent bone grafting and membrane barriers techniques. The prevention of epithelial downgrowth and regeneration of periodontal cementum, fiber, and bone seals the fate of these cases. Achieving primary closure with submergence of grafts has a positive effect on GTR outcome. New techniques of periodontal microsurgery, such as minimally invasive papilla preserving flaps with passive internal mattress suturing, have managed to obtain 90% primary flap closure over grafted sites. Root surface treatment and conditioning has also shown to be beneficial for GTR. Endodontic microsurgery for the combined lesion has not integrated these advances yet. These advances, along with a recently suggested treatment strategy, are ushering in the level next in management of the combined lesions. This article offers an overview of the combined lesion, the disease, its classification, treatment strategy, regenerative tools, microsurgical recommendations, and outcome studies. PMID:25506135

Endodontic-periodontal microsurgery for combined endodontic-periodontal lesions: An overview.

PubMed

Sharma, Ritu; Hegde, Vivek; Siddharth, M; Hegde, Rashmi; Manchanda, Gunsha; Agarwal, Pratul

2014-11-01

Endodontic and periodontal microsurgery has surpassed the success rates for traditional endodontic and periodontal surgical procedures. Excellent healing results are being attributed to both the techniques, when employed, for isolated endodontic or periodontal defects. Combined endodontic-periodontal lesions have been referred to as a true challenge, requiring not only endodontic microsurgical management but also concurrent bone grafting and membrane barriers techniques. The prevention of epithelial downgrowth and regeneration of periodontal cementum, fiber, and bone seals the fate of these cases. Achieving primary closure with submergence of grafts has a positive effect on GTR outcome. New techniques of periodontal microsurgery, such as minimally invasive papilla preserving flaps with passive internal mattress suturing, have managed to obtain 90% primary flap closure over grafted sites. Root surface treatment and conditioning has also shown to be beneficial for GTR. Endodontic microsurgery for the combined lesion has not integrated these advances yet. These advances, along with a recently suggested treatment strategy, are ushering in the level next in management of the combined lesions. This article offers an overview of the combined lesion, the disease, its classification, treatment strategy, regenerative tools, microsurgical recommendations, and outcome studies.

Therapeutic Antiviral Effect of the Nucleic Acid Polymer REP 2055 against Persistent Duck Hepatitis B Virus Infection

PubMed Central

Noordeen, Faseeha; Scougall, Catherine A.; Grosse, Arend; Qiao, Qiao; Ajilian, Behzad B.; Reaiche-Miller, Georget; Finnie, John; Werner, Melanie; Broering, Ruth; Schlaak, Joerg F.; Vaillant, Andrew; Jilbert, Allison R.

2015-01-01

Previous studies have demonstrated that nucleic acid polymers (NAPs) have both entry and post-entry inhibitory activity against duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) infection. The inhibitory activity exhibited by NAPs prevented DHBV infection of primary duck hepatocytes in vitro and protected ducks from DHBV infection in vivo and did not result from direct activation of the immune response. In the current study treatment of primary human hepatocytes with NAP REP 2055 did not induce expression of the TNF, IL6, IL10, IFNA4 or IFNB1 genes, confirming the lack of direct immunostimulation by REP 2055. Ducks with persistent DHBV infection were treated with NAP 2055 to determine if the post-entry inhibitory activity exhibited by NAPs could provide a therapeutic effect against established DHBV infection in vivo. In all REP 2055-treated ducks, 28 days of treatment lead to initial rapid reductions in serum DHBsAg and DHBV DNA and increases in anti-DHBs antibodies. After treatment, 6/11 ducks experienced a sustained virologic response: DHBsAg and DHBV DNA remained at low or undetectable levels in the serum and no DHBsAg or DHBV core antigen positive hepatocytes and only trace amounts of DHBV total and covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) were detected in the liver at 9 or 16 weeks of follow-up. In the remaining 5/11 REP 2055-treated ducks, all markers of DHBV infection rapidly rebounded after treatment withdrawal: At 9 and 16 weeks of follow-up, levels of DHBsAg and DHBcAg and DHBV total and cccDNA in the liver had rebounded and matched levels observed in the control ducks treated with normal saline which remained persistently infected with DHBV. These data demonstrate that treatment with the NAP REP 2055 can lead to sustained control of persistent DHBV infection. These effects may be related to the unique ability of REP 2055 to block release of DHBsAg from infected hepatocytes. PMID:26560490

Deformable M-Reps for 3D Medical Image Segmentation.

PubMed

Pizer, Stephen M; Fletcher, P Thomas; Joshi, Sarang; Thall, Andrew; Chen, James Z; Fridman, Yonatan; Fritsch, Daniel S; Gash, Graham; Glotzer, John M; Jiroutek, Michael R; Lu, Conglin; Muller, Keith E; Tracton, Gregg; Yushkevich, Paul; Chaney, Edward L

2003-11-01

M-reps (formerly called DSLs) are a multiscale medial means for modeling and rendering 3D solid geometry. They are particularly well suited to model anatomic objects and in particular to capture prior geometric information effectively in deformable models segmentation approaches. The representation is based on figural models , which define objects at coarse scale by a hierarchy of figures - each figure generally a slab representing a solid region and its boundary simultaneously. This paper focuses on the use of single figure models to segment objects of relatively simple structure. A single figure is a sheet of medial atoms, which is interpolated from the model formed by a net, i.e., a mesh or chain, of medial atoms (hence the name m-reps ), each atom modeling a solid region via not only a position and a width but also a local figural frame giving figural directions and an object angle between opposing, corresponding positions on the boundary implied by the m-rep. The special capability of an m-rep is to provide spatial and orientational correspondence between an object in two different states of deformation. This ability is central to effective measurement of both geometric typicality and geometry to image match, the two terms of the objective function optimized in segmentation by deformable models. The other ability of m-reps central to effective segmentation is their ability to support segmentation at multiple levels of scale, with successively finer precision. Objects modeled by single figures are segmented first by a similarity transform augmented by object elongation, then by adjustment of each medial atom, and finally by displacing a dense sampling of the m-rep implied boundary. While these models and approaches also exist in 2D, we focus on 3D objects. The segmentation of the kidney from CT and the hippocampus from MRI serve as the major examples in this paper. The accuracy of segmentation as compared to manual, slice-by-slice segmentation is reported.

Co-Stimulation through 4-1BB/CD137 Improves the Expansion and Function of CD8+ Melanoma Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes for Adoptive T-Cell Therapy

PubMed Central

Chacon, Jessica Ann; Wu, Richard C.; Sukhumalchandra, Pariya; Molldrem, Jeffrey J.; Sarnaik, Amod; Pilon-Thomas, Shari; Weber, Jeffrey; Hwu, Patrick; Radvanyi, Laszlo

2013-01-01

Adoptive T-cell therapy (ACT) using tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) can induce tumor regression in up to 50% or more of patients with unresectable metastatic melanoma. However, current methods to expand melanoma TIL, especially the “rapid expansion protocol” (REP) were not designed to enhance the generation of optimal effector-memory CD8+ T cells for infusion. One approach to this problem is to manipulate specific co-stimulatory signaling pathways to enhance CD8+ effector-memory T-cell expansion. In this study, we determined the effects of activating the TNF-R family member 4-1BB/CD137, specifically induced in activated CD8+ T cells, on the yield, phenotype, and functional activity of expanded CD8+ T cells during the REP. We found that CD8+ TIL up-regulate 4-1BB expression early during the REP after initial TCR stimulation, but neither the PBMC feeder cells in the REP or the activated TIL expressed 4-1BB ligand. However, addition of an exogenous agonistic anti-4-1BB IgG4 (BMS 663513) to the REP significantly enhanced the frequency and total yield of CD8+ T cells as well as their maintenance of CD28 and increased their anti-tumor CTL activity. Gene expression analysis found an increase in bcl-2 and survivin expression induced by 4-1BB that was associated with an enhanced survival capability of CD8+ post-REP TIL when re-cultured in the absence or presence of cytokines. Our findings suggest that adding an agonistic anti-4-1BB antibody during the time of TIL REP initiation produces a CD8+ T cell population capable of improved effector function and survival. This may greatly improve TIL persistence and anti-tumor activity in vivo after adoptive transfer into patients. PMID:23560068

Deformable M-Reps for 3D Medical Image Segmentation

PubMed Central

Pizer, Stephen M.; Fletcher, P. Thomas; Joshi, Sarang; Thall, Andrew; Chen, James Z.; Fridman, Yonatan; Fritsch, Daniel S.; Gash, Graham; Glotzer, John M.; Jiroutek, Michael R.; Lu, Conglin; Muller, Keith E.; Tracton, Gregg; Yushkevich, Paul; Chaney, Edward L.

2013-01-01

M-reps (formerly called DSLs) are a multiscale medial means for modeling and rendering 3D solid geometry. They are particularly well suited to model anatomic objects and in particular to capture prior geometric information effectively in deformable models segmentation approaches. The representation is based on figural models, which define objects at coarse scale by a hierarchy of figures – each figure generally a slab representing a solid region and its boundary simultaneously. This paper focuses on the use of single figure models to segment objects of relatively simple structure. A single figure is a sheet of medial atoms, which is interpolated from the model formed by a net, i.e., a mesh or chain, of medial atoms (hence the name m-reps), each atom modeling a solid region via not only a position and a width but also a local figural frame giving figural directions and an object angle between opposing, corresponding positions on the boundary implied by the m-rep. The special capability of an m-rep is to provide spatial and orientational correspondence between an object in two different states of deformation. This ability is central to effective measurement of both geometric typicality and geometry to image match, the two terms of the objective function optimized in segmentation by deformable models. The other ability of m-reps central to effective segmentation is their ability to support segmentation at multiple levels of scale, with successively finer precision. Objects modeled by single figures are segmented first by a similarity transform augmented by object elongation, then by adjustment of each medial atom, and finally by displacing a dense sampling of the m-rep implied boundary. While these models and approaches also exist in 2D, we focus on 3D objects. The segmentation of the kidney from CT and the hippocampus from MRI serve as the major examples in this paper. The accuracy of segmentation as compared to manual, slice-by-slice segmentation is reported. PMID:23825898

44 CFR 354.5 - Description of site-specific, plume pathway EPZ biennial exercise-related component services and...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... Control Program Directors, and the Nuclear Energy Institute. (21) Implement and coordinate REP Program... from our REP Program Strategic Review implementation and oversight working group activities. (24) Costs...

44 CFR 354.5 - Description of site-specific, plume pathway EPZ biennial exercise-related component services and...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... Control Program Directors, and the Nuclear Energy Institute. (21) Implement and coordinate REP Program... from our REP Program Strategic Review implementation and oversight working group activities. (24) Costs...

44 CFR 354.5 - Description of site-specific, plume pathway EPZ biennial exercise-related component services and...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... Control Program Directors, and the Nuclear Energy Institute. (21) Implement and coordinate REP Program... from our REP Program Strategic Review implementation and oversight working group activities. (24) Costs...

44 CFR 354.5 - Description of site-specific, plume pathway EPZ biennial exercise-related component services and...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... Control Program Directors, and the Nuclear Energy Institute. (21) Implement and coordinate REP Program... from our REP Program Strategic Review implementation and oversight working group activities. (24) Costs...

Attachment and Jealousy: Understanding the Dynamic Experience of Jealousy Using the Response Escalation Paradigm.

PubMed

Huelsnitz, Chloe O; Farrell, Allison K; Simpson, Jeffry A; Griskevicius, Vladas; Szepsenwol, Ohad

2018-04-01

Jealousy is a complex, dynamic experience that unfolds over time in relationship-threatening situations. Prior research has used retrospective reports that cannot disentangle initial levels and change in jealousy in response to escalating threat. In three studies, we examined responses to the Response Escalation Paradigm (REP)-a 5-stage hypothetical scenario in which individuals are exposed to increasing levels of relationship threat-as a function of attachment orientations. Highly anxious individuals exhibited hypervigilant, slow escalation response patterns, interfered earlier in the REP, felt more jealousy, sadness, and worry when they interfered, and wanted to engage in more vigilant, destructive, and passive behaviors aimed at their partner. Highly avoidant individuals felt more anger when they interfered in the REP and wanted to engage in more partner-focused, destructive behaviors. The REP offers a dynamic method for inducing and examining jealousy and introduces a novel approach to studying other emotional experiences.

Radioisotope Electric Propulsion (REP): A Near-Term Approach to Nuclear Propulsion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schmidt, George R.; Manzella, David H.; Kamhawi, Hani; Kremic, Tibor; Oleson, Steven R.; Dankanich, John W.; Dudzinski, Leonard A.

2009-01-01

Studies over the last decade have shown radioisotope-based nuclear electric propulsion to be enhancing and, in some cases, enabling for many potential robotic science missions. Also known as radioisotope electric propulsion (REP), the technology offers the performance advantages of traditional reactor-powered electric propulsion (i.e., high specific impulse propulsion at large distances from the Sun), but with much smaller, affordable spacecraft. Future use of REP requires development of radioisotope power sources with system specific powers well above that of current systems. The US Department of Energy and NASA have developed an advanced Stirling radioisotope generator (ASRG) engineering unit, which was subjected to rigorous flight qualification-level tests in 2008, and began extended lifetime testing later that year. This advancement, along with recent work on small ion thrusters and life extension technology for Hall thrusters, could enable missions using REP sometime during the next decade.

Tech Prep Marketing Guide. The Complete Book of Strategies and Practical Experiences.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Williamson, Patty

This guide explains the concept of marketing tech prep and provides marketing principles and strategies to promote tech prep programs. The guide covers the following topics: (1) why it is necessary to market tech prep; (2) what a comprehensive tech prep marketing plan should include; (3) targeting the benefits message; (4) marketing tech prep to…

A novel begomovirus isolated from sida contains putative cis- and trans-acting replication specificity determinants that have evolved independently in several geographical lineages.

PubMed

Mauricio-Castillo, J A; Torres-Herrera, S I; Cárdenas-Conejo, Y; Pastor-Palacios, G; Méndez-Lozano, J; Argüello-Astorga, G R

2014-09-01

A novel begomovirus isolated from a Sida rhombifolia plant collected in Sinaloa, Mexico, was characterized. The genomic components of sida mosaic Sinaloa virus (SiMSinV) shared highest sequence identity with DNA-A and DNA-B components of chino del tomate virus (CdTV), suggesting a vertical evolutionary relationship between these viruses. However, recombination analysis indicated that a short segment of SiMSinV DNA-A encompassing the plus-strand replication origin and the 5´-proximal 43 codons of the Rep gene was derived from tomato mottle Taino virus (ToMoTV). Accordingly, the putative cis- and trans-acting replication specificity determinants of SiMSinV were identical to those of ToMoTV but differed from those of CdTV. Modeling of the SiMSinV and CdTV Rep proteins revealed significant differences in the region comprising the small β1/β5 sheet element, where five putative DNA-binding specificity determinants (SPDs) of Rep (i.e., amino acid residues 5, 8, 10, 69 and 71) were previously identified. Computer-assisted searches of public databases led to identification of 33 begomoviruses from three continents encoding proteins with SPDs identical to those of the Rep encoded by SiMSinV. Sequence analysis of the replication origins demonstrated that all 33 begomoviruses harbor potential Rep-binding sites identical to those of SiMSinV. These data support the hypothesis that the Rep β1/β5 sheet region determines specificity of this protein for DNA replication origin sequences.

Relativistic Electron Precipitation Events Observed at Low Altitude During Electromagnetic Ion Cyclotron Wave Activities Identified Near The Equator.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shin, D. K.; Lee, D. Y.; Noh, S. J.; Cho, J.; Choi, C.; Hwang, J.; Lee, J.

2017-12-01

Statistical significance of the efficiency of electron loss into the atmosphere by EMIC waves has yet not been quantified through observations. To better understand the dynamics of the radiation belt particle, its quantification through observations is indispensable. In this study, we used a large number of the EMIC wave events identified near the equator for which we determined relativistic electron precipitation (REP) events using the observations at low earth orbit satellites (POES satellite series).We focused on the difference between the wave properties, geomagnetic conditions and background states during the EMIC waves between the event group (EMIC wave with REP) and non-event group (EMIC wave without REP). First, for 11.5 % of the EMIC wave events we were able to identify the REP events within an hour of MLT separation from the EMIC wave location. The majority ( 80 %) of the precipitation-inducing EMIC waves were found in 11 - 17 MLT. Second, geomagnetic conditions (most notably AE) are more often stronger for the event group than non-event group. Third, the EMIC waves of a stronger power and/or a longer duration are on average preferred for event group. Lastly, the majority of the EMIC waves with REP lie outside the plasmapause, most often at L being higher by 2 than the plasmapause locations. In conclusion, this is the first time report on a statistical assessment about the extent to which the EMIC waves directly measured in the equator can be responsible for REP and about their distinguishing features.

History of the Rochester Epidemiology Project: half a century of medical records linkage in a US population.

PubMed

Rocca, Walter A; Yawn, Barbara P; St Sauver, Jennifer L; Grossardt, Brandon R; Melton, L Joseph

2012-12-01

The Rochester Epidemiology Project (REP) has maintained a comprehensive medical records linkage system for nearly half a century for almost all persons residing in Olmsted County, Minnesota. Herein, we provide a brief history of the REP before and after 1966, the year in which the REP was officially established. The key protagonists before 1966 were Henry Plummer, Mabel Root, and Joseph Berkson, who developed a medical records linkage system at Mayo Clinic. In 1966, Leonard Kurland established collaborative agreements with other local health care providers (hospitals, physician groups, and clinics [primarily Olmsted Medical Center]) to develop a medical records linkage system that covered the entire population of Olmsted County, and he obtained funding from the National Institutes of Health to support the new system. In 1997, L. Joseph Melton III addressed emerging concerns about the confidentiality of medical record information by introducing a broad patient research authorization as per Minnesota state law. We describe how the key protagonists of the REP have responded to challenges posed by evolving medical knowledge, information technology, and public expectation and policy. In addition, we provide a general description of the system; discuss issues of data quality, reliability, and validity; describe the research team structure; provide information about funding; and compare the REP with other medical information systems. The REP can serve as a model for the development of similar research infrastructures in the United States and worldwide. Copyright © 2012 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Large Eddy Simulation of Heat Entrainment Under Arctic Sea Ice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramudu, Eshwan; Gelderloos, Renske; Yang, Di; Meneveau, Charles; Gnanadesikan, Anand

2018-01-01

Arctic sea ice has declined rapidly in recent decades. The faster than projected retreat suggests that free-running large-scale climate models may not be accurately representing some key processes. The small-scale turbulent entrainment of heat from the mixed layer could be one such process. To better understand this mechanism, we model the Arctic Ocean's Canada Basin, which is characterized by a perennial anomalously warm Pacific Summer Water (PSW) layer residing at the base of the mixed layer and a summertime Near-Surface Temperature Maximum (NSTM) within the mixed layer trapping heat from solar radiation. We use large eddy simulation (LES) to investigate heat entrainment for different ice-drift velocities and different initial temperature profiles. The value of LES is that the resolved turbulent fluxes are greater than the subgrid-scale fluxes for most of our parameter space. The results show that the presence of the NSTM enhances heat entrainment from the mixed layer. Additionally there is no PSW heat entrained under the parameter space considered. We propose a scaling law for the ocean-to-ice heat flux which depends on the initial temperature anomaly in the NSTM layer and the ice-drift velocity. A case study of "The Great Arctic Cyclone of 2012" gives a turbulent heat flux from the mixed layer that is approximately 70% of the total ocean-to-ice heat flux estimated from the PIOMAS model often used for short-term predictions. Present results highlight the need for large-scale climate models to account for the NSTM layer.

Factors Affecting Public-Supply Well Vulnerability in Two Karst Aquifers

PubMed Central

Musgrove, MaryLynn; Katz, Brian G; Fahlquist, Lynne S; Crandall, Christy A; Lindgren, Richard J

2014-01-01

Karst aquifers occur in a range of climatic and geologic settings. Nonetheless, they are commonly characterized by their vulnerability to water-quality impairment. Two karst aquifers, the Edwards aquifer in south-central Texas and the Upper Floridan aquifer in western Florida, were investigated to assess factors that control the movement of contaminants to public-supply wells (PSWs). The geochemistry of samples from a selected PSW or wellfield in each aquifer was compared with that from nearby monitoring wells and regional PSWs. Geochemistry results were integrated with age tracers, flow modeling, and depth-dependent data to refine aquifer conceptual models and to identify factors that affect contaminant movement to PSWs. The oxic Edwards aquifer is vertically well mixed at the selected PSW/wellfield, although regionally the aquifer is geochemically variable downdip. The mostly anoxic Upper Floridan aquifer is affected by denitrification and also is geochemically variable with depth. In spite of considerable differences in geology and hydrogeology, the two aquifers are similarly vulnerable to anthropogenic contamination. Vulnerability in studied PSWs in both aquifers is strongly influenced by rapid karst flowpaths and the dominance of young (<10 years) groundwater. Vulnerability was demonstrated by the frequent detection of similar constituents of concern in both aquifers (nitrate, atrazine, deethylatrazine, tetrachloroethene, and chloroform). Specific consideration of water-quality protection efforts, well construction and placement, and aquifer response times to land-use changes and contaminant loading are discussed, with implications for karst groundwater management. PMID:24841501

Factors affecting public-supply well vulnerability in two karst aquifers

USGS Publications Warehouse

Musgrove, MaryLynn; Katz, Brian G.; Fahlquist, Lynne S.; Crandall, Christy A.; Lindgren, Richard J.

2014-01-01

Karst aquifers occur in a range of climatic and geologic settings. Nonetheless, they are commonly characterized by their vulnerability to water-quality impairment. Two karst aquifers, the Edwards aquifer in south-central Texas and the Upper Floridan aquifer in western Florida, were investigated to assess factors that control the movement of contaminants to public-supply wells (PSWs). The geochemistry of samples from a selected PSW or wellfield in each aquifer was compared with that from nearby monitoring wells and regional PSWs. Geochemistry results were integrated with age tracers, flow modeling, and depth-dependent data to refine aquifer conceptual models and to identify factors that affect contaminant movement to PSWs. The oxic Edwards aquifer is vertically well mixed at the selected PSW/wellfield, although regionally the aquifer is geochemically variable downdip. The mostly anoxic Upper Floridan aquifer is affected by denitrification and also is geochemically variable with depth. In spite of considerable differences in geology and hydrogeology, the two aquifers are similarly vulnerable to anthropogenic contamination. Vulnerability in studied PSWs in both aquifers is strongly influenced by rapid karst flowpaths and the dominance of young (<10 years) groundwater. Vulnerability was demonstrated by the frequent detection of similar constituents of concern in both aquifers (nitrate, atrazine, deethylatrazine, tetrachloroethene, and chloroform). Specific consideration of water-quality protection efforts, well construction and placement, and aquifer response times to land-use changes and contaminant loading are discussed, with implications for karst groundwater management.

Oceanographic structure drives the assembly processes of microbial eukaryotic communities.

PubMed

Monier, Adam; Comte, Jérôme; Babin, Marcel; Forest, Alexandre; Matsuoka, Atsushi; Lovejoy, Connie

2015-03-17

Arctic Ocean microbial eukaryote phytoplankton form subsurface chlorophyll maximum (SCM), where much of the annual summer production occurs. This SCM is particularly persistent in the Western Arctic Ocean, which is strongly salinity stratified. The recent loss of multiyear sea ice and increased particulate-rich river discharge in the Arctic Ocean results in a greater volume of fresher water that may displace nutrient-rich saltier waters to deeper depths and decrease light penetration in areas affected by river discharge. Here, we surveyed microbial eukaryotic assemblages in the surface waters, and within and below the SCM. In most samples, we detected the pronounced SCM that usually occurs at the interface of the upper mixed layer and Pacific Summer Water (PSW). Poorly developed SCM was seen under two conditions, one above PSW and associated with a downwelling eddy, and the second in a region influenced by the Mackenzie River plume. Four phylogenetically distinct communities were identified: surface, pronounced SCM, weak SCM and a deeper community just below the SCM. Distance-decay relationships and phylogenetic structure suggested distinct ecological processes operating within these communities. In the pronounced SCM, picophytoplanktons were prevalent and community assembly was attributed to water mass history. In contrast, environmental filtering impacted the composition of the weak SCM communities, where heterotrophic Picozoa were more numerous. These results imply that displacement of Pacific waters to greater depth and increased terrigenous input may act as a control on SCM development and result in lower net summer primary production with a more heterotroph dominated eukaryotic microbial community.

THE EFFECTS OF HIGH VOLTAGE CATHODE RAY IONIZING RADIATION ON SOME OF THE PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF WHEAT FLOUR PROTEIN

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

Alsup, E.B.

1959-01-01

The effect of irradiation on some of the physical and chemical properties of wheat flour protein was determined. A study of the baking quality and palatability of an irradiated flour product, yields of crude gluten from irradiated flour, and electrophoretic analyses of some of the protein fractions of irradiated flour were studied. Triangle taste tests indicated that 50000 rep was the dosage level at which the irradiation treatment of flour could be detected in baking powder biscuits. Taste panel scores for color, odor, and baking characteristics of biscuits made with flour treated with 100000 rep or less of ionizing radiation,more » however, were not significantly different from the scores for the control biscuits. An off-odor and darkening in color of the biscuits were readily apparent at a dosage of 500000 rep. The weight of crude gluten extracted from flour was greater from flour exposed to dosages of 1000000 rep or less than from the control flour, but no differences were found in the volumes of the baked balls of crude gluten. This indicates a greater water retention with the irradiated flour. Very small yields of crude gluten at dosages of 3000000 rep or more indicated that definite changes had occurred in the protein structure. Electrophoretic analyses by the moving boundary method were performed on acetic acid extracts of whole flour in a citric acid-disodium phos, phate buffer pH 2.2, ionic strength 0.024. Electrophoretic patterns obtained from the non-irradiated flour indicated that there were at least six separate protein components present, including one which was fast-moving and high in relative concentration, one which was slow-moving and medium high in relative concentration, and four relatively small components. Irradiation of the flour with 300000 rep produced no apparent changes in the electrophoretic patterns obtained, but it 1000000 rep or more, the relative concentrations of the two largest components were changed (the slow-moving one becoming larger and the fastermoving one smaller with each increase in dosage). Also with increased radiation dosages, the peaks of the smaller components became less distinct until only the two main peaks were distinguishable at 10000000 rep. (Dissertition Abstr., 23: No. 4, 1962)« less

[Comparison of red edge parameters of winter wheat canopy under late frost stress].

PubMed

Wu, Yong-feng; Hu, Xin; Lü, Guo-hua; Ren, De-chao; Jiang, Wei-guo; Song, Ji-qing

2014-08-01

In the present study, late frost experiments were implemented under a range of subfreezing temperatures (-1 - -9 degrees C) by using a field movable climate chamber (FMCC) and a cold climate chamber, respectively. Based on the spectra of winter wheat canopy measured at noon on the first day after the frost experiments, red edge parameters REP, Dr, SDr, Dr(min), Dr/Dr(min) and Dr/SDr were extracted using maximum first derivative spectrum method (FD), linear four-point interpolation method (FPI), polynomial fitting method (POLY), inverted Gaussian fitting method (IG) and linear extrapolation technique (LE), respectively. The capacity of the red edge parameters to detect late frost stress was explicated from the aspects of the early, sensitivity and stability through correlation analysis, linear regression modeling and fluctuation analysis. The result indicates that except for REP calculated from FPI and IG method in Experiment 1, REP from the other methods was correlated with frost temperatures (P < 0.05). Thereinto, significant levels (P) of POLY and LE methods all reached 0.01. Except for POLY method in Experiment 2, Dr/SDr from the other methods were all significantly correlated with frost temperatures (P < 0.01). REP showed a trend to shift to short-wave band with decreasing temperatures. The lower the temperature, the more obvious the trend is. Of all the REP, REP calculated by LE method had the highest correlation with frost temperatures which indicated that LE method is the best for REP extraction. In Experiment 1 and 2, only Dr(min) and Dr/Dr(min), calculated by FD method simultaneously achieved the requirements for the early (their correlations with frost temperatures showed a significant level P < 0.01), sensitivity (abso- lute value of the slope of fluctuation coefficient is greater than 2.0) and stability (their correlations with frost temperatures al- ways keep a consistent direction). Dr/SDr calculated from FD and IG methods always had a low sensitivity in Experiment 2. In Experiment 1, the sensitivity of Dr/SDr from FD was moderate and IG was high. REP calculated from LE method had a lowest sensitivity in the two experiments. Totally, Dr(min) and Dr/Dr(min) calculated by FD method have the strongest detection capacity for frost temperature, which will be helpful to conducting the research on early diagnosis of late frost injury to winter wheat.

Diffusivities of Redox-Sensitive Elements in Basalt vs. Oxygen Fugacity Determined by LA-ICP-MS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Szumila, Ian; Danielson, Lisa; Trail, Dustin

2017-01-01

Several diffusion experiments were conducted in a piston cylinder device across a range of oxygen fugacities (FMQ-3 FMQ-1.2, FMQ+6) at 1 GPa and 1300 C. This was done to explore the effects of oxygen fugacity (fO2) on diffusivity of redox sensitive trace elements. This allows investigation of how these elements diffuse across the fO2 range encountered in different reservoirs on planets and moons in our solar system. The University of Rochester LA-ICP-MS system was used for analysis of samples. Analyses were conducted using an Agilent 7900 quadrupole mass spectrometer connected to a Photon Machines 193 nm G2 laser ablation (LA) system equipped with a HelEx 2-volume sample chamber. Spots used were 35 micrometers circles spaced at 65 micrometers intervals. Laser fluence was 7.81 J/cm^2 with a rep rate of 10 Hz. The iolite software package was used to reduce data collected from laser ablation analysis of experiments with Si-29 used as the internal standard isotope. Iolite's global fit module was used to simultaneously fit elements' diffusivities in each experiment while keeping the Matano interface constant. Elements analysed include V, Nb, W, Mo, La, Ce, Pr, Sm, Eu, Gd, Ta, and W. Figures

76 FR 55932 - National Advisory Council

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-09

... Preparedness, the Strategic Foresight Initiative (SFI), the Emergency Management Institute, and the Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) Program. Additionally, members appointed on June 15, 2011, will be... radiological emergency preparedness. More information on the REP Program can be found online at http://www.fema...

Viscoelastic Thin Polymer Films under Transient Residual Stresses: Two-Stage Dewetting on Soft Substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al Akhrass, S.; Reiter, G.; Hou, S. Y.; Yang, M. H.; Chang, Y. L.; Chang, F. C.; Wang, C. F.; Yang, A. C.-M.

2008-05-01

A nonmonotonic, two-stage dewetting behavior was observed for spin coated thin viscoelastic polymer films on soft elastic substrates. At times shorter than the relaxation time of the polymer (t<τrep), dewetting generated deep trenches in the soft rubbery substrate which, in turn, almost stopped dewetting. At later stages (t≫τrep), dewetting accelerated, accompanied by an unstable rim. However, holes nucleated at t<τrep showed only this second-stage behavior. Our observations are attributed to large elastic deformations in the substrate caused by transient residual stresses within the film.

One Size Does Not Fit All: The Effect of Chain Length and Charge Density of Poly(ethylene imine) Based Copolymers on Delivery of pDNA, mRNA, and RepRNA Polyplexes.

PubMed

Blakney, Anna K; Yilmaz, Gokhan; McKay, Paul F; Becer, C Remzi; Shattock, Robin J

2018-05-03

Nucleic acid delivery systems are commonly translated between different modalities, such as DNA and RNA of varying length and structure, despite physical differences in these molecules that yield disparate delivery efficiency with the same system. Here, we synthesized a library of poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)/poly(ethylene imine) copolymers with varying molar mass and charge densities in order to probe how pDNA, mRNA, and RepRNA polyplex characteristics affect transfection efficiency. The library was utilized in a full factorial design of experiment (DoE) screening, with outputs of luciferase expression, particle size, surface charge, and particle concentration. The optimal copolymer molar mass and charge density was found as 83 kDa/100%, 72 kDa/100%, and 45 kDa/80% for pDNA, RepRNA, and mRNA, respectively. While 10 of the synthesized copolymers enhanced the transfection efficiency of pDNA and mRNA, only 2 copolymers enhanced RepRNA transfection efficiency, indicating a narrow and more stringent design space for RepRNA. These findings suggest that there is not a "one size fits all" polymer for different nucleic acid species.

αRep A3: A Versatile Artificial Scaffold for Metalloenzyme Design.

PubMed

Di Meo, Thibault; Ghattas, Wadih; Herrero, Christian; Velours, Christophe; Minard, Philippe; Mahy, Jean-Pierre; Ricoux, Rémy; Urvoas, Agathe

2017-07-26

αRep refers to a new family of artificial proteins based on a thermostable α-helical repeated motif. One of its members, αRep A3, forms a stable homo-dimer with a wide cleft that is able to accommodate metal complexes and thus appears to be suitable for generating new artificial biocatalysts. Based on the crystal structure of αRep A3, two positions (F119 and Y26) were chosen, and independently changed into cysteine residues. A phenanthroline ligand was covalently attached to the unique cysteine residue of each protein variant, and the corresponding biohybrids were purified and characterized. Once mutated and coupled to phenanthroline, the protein remained folded and dimeric. Copper(II) was specifically bound by the two biohybrids with two different binding modes. Furthermore, the holo-biohybrid A3F119NPH was found to be capable of enantioselectively catalyzing Diels-Alder (D-A) cycloadditions with up to 62 % ee. This study validates the choice of the αRep A3 dimer as a protein scaffold and provides a promising new route for the design and production of new enantioselective biohybrids based on entirely artificial proteins obtained from a highly diverse library. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Initial response to understory plant diversity and overstory tree diameter growth to a green tree retention harvest

Treesearch

Malcolm North; Jiquan Chen; Gordon Smith; Lucy Krakowlak; Jerry Franklin

1996-01-01

The increasing use of harvest techniques other than clearcutting in forests west of the Cascade mountains has created an urgent need to understand the effects of these practices on ecosystem species composition and structure. One common alternative, "green tree retention" (GTR), leaves some live trees on a harvest site to more closely mimic a moderate-...

United States pulpwood receipts : softwood and hardwood, roundwood and residues, 1950-1996

Treesearch

C. Denise Ingram; Peter J. Ince; Ryan L. Mehlberg

1999-01-01

This report shows pulpwood receipts at wood pulp mills in the United States for the period 1950 to 1996. It is an update of the General Technical Report FPL1GTR173, bUnited States Pulpwood Receipts: Softwood and Hardwood, Roundwood and Residues, 195011989,c published in 1993. This report continues as a compilation of published and estimated data based on information...

Chapter 2: Effects of climatic variability and change. In Effects of Climate Variability and Change on Forest Ecosystems: A Comprehensive Science Synthesis for the U.S. Forest Sector; General Technical Report PNW-GTR-870, Washington DC

EPA Science Inventory

Climate profoundly shapes forests. Forest species composition, productivity, availability of goods and services, disturbance regimes, and location on the landscape are all regulated by climate. Much research attention has focused on the problem of predicting the response of fores...

Quantifying the role of forested lands in providing surface drinking water supply for Puerto Rico

Treesearch

Erika Cohen; Ge Sun; Liangxia Zhang; Peter Caldwell; Suzanne Krieger

2017-01-01

The Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture published a General Technical Report (GTR-SRS-197) in 2014 that quantified the role that water originating on National Forest System lands contributed to the drinking water supply and determined what population and communities were being served in the 13 Southern States of Region 8 of the Forest Service. The...

Outcomes of Multidisciplinary Management in Pediatric Low-Grade Gliomas

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

Oh, Kevin S., E-mail: koh2@partners.org; Hung, Jonathan; Robertson, Patricia L.

Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes in pediatric low-grade gliomas managed in a multidisciplinary setting. Methods and Materials: We conducted a single-institution retrospective study of 181 children with Grade I-II gliomas. Log-rank and stepwise Cox proportional hazards models were used to analyze freedom from progression (FFP) and overall survival (OS). Results: Median follow-up was 6.4 years. Thirty-four (19%) of patients had neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) and because of their favorable prognosis were evaluated separately. In the 147 (81%) of patients without NF1, actuarial 7-year FFP and OS were 67 {+-} 4% (standard error) and 94 {+-} 2%, respectively. In this population,more » tumor location in the optic pathway/hypothalamus was associated with worse FFP (39% vs. 76%, p < 0.0003), but there was no difference in OS. Age {<=}5 years was associated with worse FFP (52% vs. 75%, p < 0.02) but improved OS (97% vs. 92%, p < 0.05). In those with tissue diagnosis, gross total resection (GTR) was associated with improved 7-year FFP (81% vs. 56%, p < 0.02) and OS (100% vs. 90%, p < 0.03). In a multivariate model, only location in the optic pathway/hypothalamus predicted worse FFP (p < 0.01). Fifty patients received radiation therapy (RT). For those with less than GTR, adjuvant RT improved FFP (89% vs. 49%, p < 0.003) but not OS. There was no difference in OS between patient groups given RT as adjuvant vs. salvage therapy. In NF1 patients, 94% of tumors were located in the optic pathway/hypothalamus. With a conservative treatment strategy in this population, actuarial 7-year FFP and OS were 73 {+-} 9% and 100%, respectively. Conclusions: Low-grade gliomas in children {<=}5 years old with tumors in the optic pathway/hypothalamus are more likely to progress, but this does not confer worse OS because of the success of salvage therapy. When GTR is not achieved, adjuvant RT improves FFP but not OS. Routine adjuvant RT can be avoided and instead reserved as salvage.« less

Intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging in pediatric neurosurgery: safety and utility.

PubMed

Giordano, Mario; Samii, Amir; Lawson McLean, Anna C; Bertalanffy, Helmut; Fahlbusch, Rudolf; Samii, Madjid; Di Rocco, Concezio

2017-01-01

OBJECTIVE The use of high-field intraoperative MRI has been largely studied for the treatment of intracranial tumors in adult patients. In this study, the authors investigated the safety, advantages, and limitations of high-field iMRI for cranial neurosurgical procedures in pediatric patients, with particular attention to craniopharyngiomas and gliomas. METHODS The authors performed 82 surgical procedures in patients under 16 years of age (range 0.8-15 years) over an 8-year period (2007-2014) using iMRI. The population was divided into 3 groups based on the condition treated: sellar region tumors (Group 1), gliomas (Group 2), and other pathological entities (Group 3). The patients' pre- and postoperative neurological status, the presence of residual tumor, the number of intraoperative scans, and complications were evaluated. RESULTS In Group 1, gross-total resection (GTR) was performed in 22 (88%) of the procedures and subtotal resection (STR) in 3 (12%). In Group 2, GTR, STR, and partial resection (PR) were performed, respectively, in 15 (56%), 7 (26%), and 5 (18%) of the procedures. In Group 3, GTR was performed in 28 (93%) and STR in 2 (7%) of the procedures. In cases of craniopharyngioma (Group 1) and glioma (Group 2) in which a complete removal was planned, iMRI allowed localization of residual lesions and attainment of the surgical goal through further resection, respectively, in 18% and 27% of the procedures. Moreover, in gliomas the resection could be extended from partial to subtotal in 50% of the cases. In 17% of the patients in Group 3, iMRI enabled the identification and further removal of tumor remnants. There was no intra- or postoperative complication related to the use of iMRI despite special technical difficulties in smaller children. CONCLUSIONS In this study, the use of iMRI in children proved to be safe. It was most effective in increasing the extent of tumor resection, especially in patients with low-grade gliomas and craniopharyngiomas. The most prominent disadvantage of high-field iMRI was the limitation with respect to operative positioning due to the configuration of the surgical table.

Selection of specific protein binders for pre-defined targets from an optimized library of artificial helicoidal repeat proteins (alphaRep).

PubMed

Guellouz, Asma; Valerio-Lepiniec, Marie; Urvoas, Agathe; Chevrel, Anne; Graille, Marc; Fourati-Kammoun, Zaineb; Desmadril, Michel; van Tilbeurgh, Herman; Minard, Philippe

2013-01-01

We previously designed a new family of artificial proteins named αRep based on a subgroup of thermostable helicoidal HEAT-like repeats. We have now assembled a large optimized αRep library. In this library, the side chains at each variable position are not fully randomized but instead encoded by a distribution of codons based on the natural frequency of side chains of the natural repeats family. The library construction is based on a polymerization of micro-genes and therefore results in a distribution of proteins with a variable number of repeats. We improved the library construction process using a "filtration" procedure to retain only fully coding modules that were recombined to recreate sequence diversity. The final library named Lib2.1 contains 1.7×10(9) independent clones. Here, we used phage display to select, from the previously described library or from the new library, new specific αRep proteins binding to four different non-related predefined protein targets. Specific binders were selected in each case. The results show that binders with various sizes are selected including relatively long sequences, with up to 7 repeats. ITC-measured affinities vary with Kd values ranging from micromolar to nanomolar ranges. The formation of complexes is associated with a significant thermal stabilization of the bound target protein. The crystal structures of two complexes between αRep and their cognate targets were solved and show that the new interfaces are established by the variable surfaces of the repeated modules, as well by the variable N-cap residues. These results suggest that αRep library is a new and versatile source of tight and specific binding proteins with favorable biophysical properties.

Genetic Diversity and Evidence for Transmission of Streptococcus mutans by DiversiLab rep-PCR.

PubMed

Momeni, Stephanie S; Whiddon, Jennifer; Cheon, Kyounga; Ghazal, Tariq; Moser, Stephen A; Childers, Noel K

2016-09-01

This two-part study investigated the genetic diversity and transmission of Streptococcus mutans using the DiversiLab repetitive extragenic palindromic PCR (rep-PCR) approach. For children with S. mutans and participating household members, analysis for evidence of unrelated child-to-child as well as intra-familial transmission was evaluated based on commonality of genotypes. A total of 169 index children and 425 household family members from Uniontown, Alabama were evaluated for genetic diversity using rep-PCR. Thirty-four unique rep-PCR genotypes were observed for 13,906 S. mutans isolates. For transmission, 117 child and household isolates were evaluated for shared genotype (by child and by genotype cases, multiple matches possible for each child). Overall, children had 1-9 genotypes and those with multiple genotypes were 2.3 times more likely to have caries experience (decayed, missing and filled teeth/surfaces>0). Only 28% of children shared all genotypes within the household, while 72% had at least 1 genotype not shared with anyone in the household. Children had genotype(s) not shared with any household members in 157 cases. In 158 cases children and household members shared a genotype in which 55% (87/158 cases) were shared with more than one family member. Children most frequently shared genotypes with their mothers (54%; 85/158), siblings (46%; 72/158) and cousins (23%; 37/158). A reference library for S. mutans for epidemiological surveillance using the DiversiLab rep-PCR approach is detailed. The genetic diversity of S. mutans in this population demonstrated frequent commonality of genotypes. Evidence for both child-to-child and intra-familial transmission of S. mutans was observed by rep-PCR. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Genetic Diversity and Evidence for Transmission of Streptococcus mutans by DiversiLab rep-PCR

PubMed Central

Momeni, Stephanie S.; Whiddon, Jennifer; Cheon, Kyounga; Ghazal, Tariq; Moser, Stephen A.; Childers, Noel K.

2016-01-01

This two-part study investigated the genetic diversity and transmission of Streptococcus mutans using the DiversiLab repetitive extragenic palindromic PCR (rep-PCR) approach. For children with S. mutans and participating household members, analysis for evidence of unrelated child-to-child as well as intra-familial transmission was evaluated based on commonality of genotypes. A total of 169 index children and 425 household family members from Uniontown, Alabama were evaluated for genetic diversity using rep-PCR. Thirty-four unique rep-PCR genotypes were observed for 13,906 S. mutans isolates. For transmission, 117 child and household isolates were evaluated for shared genotype (by child and by genotype cases, multiple matches possible for each child). Overall, children had 1–9 genotypes and those with multiple genotypes were 2.3 times more likely to have caries experience (decayed, missing and filled teeth/surfaces>0). Only 28% of children shared all genotypes within the household, while 72% had at least 1 genotype not shared with anyone in the household. Children had genotype(s) not shared with any household members in 155 cases. In 158 cases children and household members shared a genotype in which 55% (87/158 cases) were shared with more than one family member. Children most frequently shared genotypes with their mothers (54%; 85/158), siblings (46%; 72/158) and cousins (23%; 37/158). A reference library for S. mutans for epidemiological surveillance using the DiversiLab rep-PCR approach is detailed. The genetic diversity of S. mutans in this population demonstrated frequent commonality of genotypes. Evidence for both child-to-child and intra-familial transmission of S. mutans was observed by rep-PCR. PMID:27432341

Swimmers' compliance with training prescription.

PubMed

Stewart, A M; Hopkins, W G

1997-10-01

The purpose of this study was to determine how closely competitive swimmers complied with their coaches' prescriptions when training in squads. A training session early in the buildup phase of the season was observed for each of 24 coaches who had been randomized to two groups: an experimental, high-intensity, low-distance program (E) and a control (usual) program (C). Swim distances, rest durations, and swim durations for at least one set of prescribed repetitions (reps) were recorded for each of 47 swimmers (87 sets, 429 reps) in E and for 49 swimmers (79 sets, 402 reps) in C. The pace of each rep, expressed as percent of the swimmer's current personal best pace for the distance of the rep, represented observed intensity. There was almost perfect agreement between the prescribed and observed swim distances for the set of reps (Spearman r = 0.99 in both groups). Prescribed and observed rest intervals were also closely matched in E and C (Spearman r = 0.87 and 0.77 respectively). Four coaches in E and 10 coaches in C prescribed intensity subjectively as easy, moderate, hard, or race-pace; mean +/- SD observed intensities (%) for their swimmers were 79 +/- 6, 81 +/- 3, 91 +/- 2, and 93 +/- 5, respectively. The relationship between these coaches' subjective training prescription and individual swimmers' interpretations of these intensities was poor (Cohen's kappa = 0.39). Nine coaches in E prescribed intensity as percent of personal best pace. Although the mean prescribed and observed intensities for their swimmers were similar (89 +/- 4 and 90 +/- 7, respectively), the relationship between individual values was poor (Pearson r = 0.30). We conclude that swimmers complied with prescribed distances and rest intervals but were less effective in judging the intensity of swim training. We recommend that coaches monitor training intensity more closely.

Possibility of reconstruction of dental plaster cast from 3D digital study models

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Objectives To compare traditional plaster casts, digital models and 3D printed copies of dental plaster casts based on various criteria. To determine whether 3D printed copies obtained using open source system RepRap can replace traditional plaster casts in dental practice. To compare and contrast the qualities of two possible 3D printing options – open source system RepRap and commercially available 3D printing. Design and settings A method comparison study on 10 dental plaster casts from the Orthodontic department, Department of Stomatology, 2nd medical Faulty, Charles University Prague, Czech Republic. Material and methods Each of 10 plaster casts were scanned by inEos Blue scanner and the printed on 3D printer RepRap [10 models] and ProJet HD3000 3D printer [1 model]. Linear measurements between selected points on the dental arches of upper and lower jaws on plaster casts and its 3D copy were recorded and statistically analyzed. Results 3D printed copies have many advantages over traditional plaster casts. The precision and accuracy of the RepRap 3D printed copies of plaster casts were confirmed based on the statistical analysis. Although the commercially available 3D printing enables to print more details than the RepRap system, it is expensive and for the purpose of clinical use can be replaced by the cheaper prints obtained from RepRap printed copies. Conclusions Scanning of the traditional plaster casts to obtain a digital model offers a pragmatic approach. The scans can subsequently be used as a template to print the plaster casts as required. Using 3D printers can replace traditional plaster casts primarily due to their accuracy and price. PMID:23721330

Long-term changes in the Northwestern Atlantic and Mediterranean SST from 1982 to 2016: A contribution of the Operational Oceanography to the determination of the present day Climate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Artale, Vincenzo; Buongiorno Nardelli, Bruno; Marullo, Salvatore; Pisano, Andrea; Santoleri, Rosalia; Tronconi, Cristina

2017-04-01

Estimating long-term SST changes is crucial to evaluate global warming impact at regional scales. Here, we analyze the Mediterranean (MED) and the Northwestern Atlantic Box (NWA) SST changes over the last 34 years (1982 - 2016) by combining reprocessed (REP) and near-real-time (NRT) data. Actually, the Italian National Research Council (CNR) has recently produced daily (nighttime), 4 km resolution REP MED level 4 datasets (REP L4), also covering the adjacent Atlantic region, based on the latest Pathfinder v5.2 AVHRR dataset (1982-2012). These data represent the longest satellite MED SST L4 time series and are freely distributed through the European Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service (CMEMS). However, as Pathfinder has not yet released an update of its product, the REP data end in 2012. To fill in the gap between 2013 and 2016, we investigated the possibility to extend the time series by using the Mediterranean near real time (NRT), multi-sensor L4 SST data at Ultra-High spatial Resolution (UHR) produced by CNR, which are distributed through CMEMS and now mirrored at GHRSST. Since this product is available since 2008, the consistency with the REP has been assessed. Combining the REP L4 data (1982-2012) and a bias-corrected version of the NRT L4 data (2013-2016), we built the SST time series and provided updated estimates of the MED and NWA SST trends. The analysis shows that The Atlantic Box and The Mediterranean Sea have similar trend behavior until 2008. Afterward the Mediterranean Sea SST continued to increase while the Atlantic Box persisted in its warming pause.

Selection of Specific Protein Binders for Pre-Defined Targets from an Optimized Library of Artificial Helicoidal Repeat Proteins (alphaRep)

PubMed Central

Chevrel, Anne; Graille, Marc; Fourati-Kammoun, Zaineb; Desmadril, Michel; van Tilbeurgh, Herman; Minard, Philippe

2013-01-01

We previously designed a new family of artificial proteins named αRep based on a subgroup of thermostable helicoidal HEAT-like repeats. We have now assembled a large optimized αRep library. In this library, the side chains at each variable position are not fully randomized but instead encoded by a distribution of codons based on the natural frequency of side chains of the natural repeats family. The library construction is based on a polymerization of micro-genes and therefore results in a distribution of proteins with a variable number of repeats. We improved the library construction process using a “filtration” procedure to retain only fully coding modules that were recombined to recreate sequence diversity. The final library named Lib2.1 contains 1.7×109 independent clones. Here, we used phage display to select, from the previously described library or from the new library, new specific αRep proteins binding to four different non-related predefined protein targets. Specific binders were selected in each case. The results show that binders with various sizes are selected including relatively long sequences, with up to 7 repeats. ITC-measured affinities vary with Kd values ranging from micromolar to nanomolar ranges. The formation of complexes is associated with a significant thermal stabilization of the bound target protein. The crystal structures of two complexes between αRep and their cognate targets were solved and show that the new interfaces are established by the variable surfaces of the repeated modules, as well by the variable N-cap residues. These results suggest that αRep library is a new and versatile source of tight and specific binding proteins with favorable biophysical properties. PMID:24014183

Enhancing Effect of Continuous Cobalt-60 Gamma-Radiation on Susceptibility to Anaphylactic Shock in Mice

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

Hale, William M.; Stoner, Richard D.

1958-05-01

Continuous exposure to gamma -radiation at a dose rate of 4 rep/hr enhanced the severity of anaphylactnic shock ln mice sensitized with tetanus toxoid and challenged 1 hour or 7 days postradiation with fluid tetanus toxoid. A sharp increase in susceptibility to fatal anaphylaxis was observed as the accumulated dose was increased from 192 to 288 rep. Recovery from the enhancing effect of continuous gamma -radiation began during the second week postradiation; complete recovery occurred during the third week after an accumulated dose of 672 rep. Anaphylactic shock was demonstrable in mice sensitized 6 months before challenge with the specificmore » antigen. An enhanced susceptibility to fatal anaphylaxis was obtained when these animals were given an accumulated dose of 288 rep and challenged 1 hour postradiation. Passive anaphylaxis was more severe in irradiated mice sensitized with homopogous antitoxin 1 hour postradiation and challenged the following day with tetanus toxoid. The antihistaminic agent Thephorin afforded complete protection from fatal anaphypaxis in irradiated mice. (auth)« less

Semi-automated repetitive sequence-based PCR amplification for species of the Scedosporium apiospermum complex.

PubMed

Matray, Olivier; Mouhajir, Abdelmounaim; Giraud, Sandrine; Godon, Charlotte; Gargala, Gilles; Labbé, Franck; Rougeron, Amandine; Ballet, Jean-Jacques; Zouhair, Rachid; Bouchara, Jean-Philippe; Favennec, Loïc

2016-05-01

The Scedosporium apiospermum species complex usually ranks second among the filamentous fungi colonizing the airways of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), but little is known about the molecular epidemiology of the airway colonization. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of repetitive sequences (rep-PCR) was applied to the retrospective analysis of a panel of isolates already studied by random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and comprising 63 isolates recovered from sputa from 9 CF patients. Results were compared to those obtained previously by RAPD, and herein by beta-tubulin (TUB) gene sequencing and Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST). Within the panel of isolates studied,S. apiospermum sensu stricto and Scedosporium boydii, as expected, were the predominant species with 21 and 36 isolates, respectively. Four isolates from one patient were identified as Scedosporium aurantiacum, whereas two isolates belonged to the Pseudallescheria ellipsoidea subgroup of S. boydii rep-PCR analysis of these isolates clearly differentiated the three species and P. ellipsoidea isolates, whatever the rep-PCR kit used, and also permitted strain differentiation. When using the mold primer kit, results from rep-PCR were in close agreement with those obtained by MLST. For both S. apiospermum and S. boydii, 8 genotypes were differentiated by rep-PCR and MLST compared to 10 by RAPD. All S. aurantiacum isolates shared the same RAPD genotype and exhibited the same rep-PCR profile and sequence type. These results illustrate the efficacy of rep-PCR for both species identification within the S. apiospermum complex and genotyping for the two major species of this complex.Abstract presentation: Part of this work was presented during the 18th Congress of the International Society for Human and Animal Mycology, Berlin (Germany), June 2012.S. Giraud, C. Godon, A. Rougeron, J.P. Bouchara and L. Favennec are members of the ECMM/ISHAM working group on Fungal respiratory infections in Cystic Fibrosis(Fri-CF). © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The International Society for Human and Animal Mycology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Toxicity Studies on Antiradiation Agents.

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-03-01

Mice 193-403 WI 2823 Acute Oral and IP Toxicity in Guinea Pigs 193-404 WR 2823 14-Day IV Toxicity in Rats 193-405 WI 2823 Acute IV Toxicity in Dogs ...193-406 W 2823 14-Day Subacute IV Toxicity in Dogs 193-407 WI 2721 28-Day Oral Toxicity in Monkeys 193-408 WI 2529 Acute Oral Toxicity in Mice 193-409... Dogs 193-415 WI 149, 024 Acute IV Toxicity in Monkeys 193-416 WI 149, 024 2-Week IV Toxicity in Dogs 193-417 WI 149, 024 2-Week Toxicity in Monkeys 193

U.S. Rep. William Nelson drinking tea from shuttle beverage container

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1985-01-01

U.S. Rep. William Nelson of Florida tries drinking tea from a straw-equipped beverage dispenser in JSC's life sciences laboratory during a space food orientation session. The congressman is in early stages of training for a position on the STS 61-C mission.

Discriminatory Indices of Typing Methods for Epidemiologic Analysis of Contemporary Staphylococcus aureus Strains.

PubMed

Rodriguez, Marcela; Hogan, Patrick G; Satola, Sarah W; Crispell, Emily; Wylie, Todd; Gao, Hongyu; Sodergren, Erica; Weinstock, George M; Burnham, Carey-Ann D; Fritz, Stephanie A

2015-09-01

Historically, a number of typing methods have been evaluated for Staphylococcus aureus strain characterization. The emergence of contemporary strains of community-associated S. aureus, and the ensuing epidemic with a predominant strain type (USA300), necessitates re-evaluation of the discriminatory power of these typing methods for discerning molecular epidemiology and transmission dynamics, essential to investigations of hospital and community outbreaks. We compared the discriminatory index of 5 typing methods for contemporary S. aureus strain characterization. Children presenting to St. Louis Children's Hospital and community pediatric practices in St. Louis, Missouri (MO), with community-associated S. aureus infections were enrolled. Repetitive sequence-based PCR (repPCR), pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), multilocus sequence typing (MLST), staphylococcal protein A (spa), and staphylococcal cassette chromosome (SCC) mec typing were performed on 200 S. aureus isolates. The discriminatory index of each method was calculated using the standard formula for this metric, where a value of 1 is highly discriminatory and a value of 0 is not discriminatory. Overall, we identified 26 distinct strain types by repPCR, 17 strain types by PFGE, 30 strain types by MLST, 68 strain types by spa typing, and 5 strain types by SCCmec typing. RepPCR had the highest discriminatory index (D) of all methods (D = 0.88), followed by spa typing (D = 0.87), MLST (D = 0.84), PFGE (D = 0.76), and SCCmec typing (D = 0.60). The method with the highest D among MRSA isolates was repPCR (D = 0.64) followed by spa typing (D = 0.45) and MLST (D = 0.44). The method with the highest D among MSSA isolates was spa typing (D = 0.98), followed by MLST (D = 0.93), repPCR (D = 0.92), and PFGE (D = 0.89). Among isolates designated USA300 by PFGE, repPCR was most discriminatory, with 10 distinct strain types identified (D = 0.63). We identified 45 MRSA isolates which were classified as identical by PFGE, MLST, spa typing, and SCCmec typing (USA300, ST8, t008, SCCmec IV, respectively); within this collection, there were 5 distinct strain types identified by repPCR. The typing methods yielded comparable discriminatory power for S. aureus characterization overall; when discriminating among USA300 isolates, repPCR retained the highest discriminatory power. This property is advantageous for investigations conducted in the era of contemporary S. aureus infections.

Discriminatory Indices of Typing Methods for Epidemiologic Analysis of Contemporary Staphylococcus aureus Strains

PubMed Central

Rodriguez, Marcela; Hogan, Patrick G.; Satola, Sarah W.; Crispell, Emily; Wylie, Todd; Gao, Hongyu; Sodergren, Erica; Weinstock, George M.; Burnham, Carey-Ann D.; Fritz, Stephanie A.

2015-01-01

Abstract Historically, a number of typing methods have been evaluated for Staphylococcus aureus strain characterization. The emergence of contemporary strains of community-associated S. aureus, and the ensuing epidemic with a predominant strain type (USA300), necessitates re-evaluation of the discriminatory power of these typing methods for discerning molecular epidemiology and transmission dynamics, essential to investigations of hospital and community outbreaks. We compared the discriminatory index of 5 typing methods for contemporary S. aureus strain characterization. Children presenting to St. Louis Children's Hospital and community pediatric practices in St. Louis, Missouri (MO), with community-associated S. aureus infections were enrolled. Repetitive sequence-based PCR (repPCR), pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), multilocus sequence typing (MLST), staphylococcal protein A (spa), and staphylococcal cassette chromosome (SCC) mec typing were performed on 200 S. aureus isolates. The discriminatory index of each method was calculated using the standard formula for this metric, where a value of 1 is highly discriminatory and a value of 0 is not discriminatory. Overall, we identified 26 distinct strain types by repPCR, 17 strain types by PFGE, 30 strain types by MLST, 68 strain types by spa typing, and 5 strain types by SCCmec typing. RepPCR had the highest discriminatory index (D) of all methods (D = 0.88), followed by spa typing (D = 0.87), MLST (D = 0.84), PFGE (D = 0.76), and SCCmec typing (D = 0.60). The method with the highest D among MRSA isolates was repPCR (D = 0.64) followed by spa typing (D = 0.45) and MLST (D = 0.44). The method with the highest D among MSSA isolates was spa typing (D = 0.98), followed by MLST (D = 0.93), repPCR (D = 0.92), and PFGE (D = 0.89). Among isolates designated USA300 by PFGE, repPCR was most discriminatory, with 10 distinct strain types identified (D = 0.63). We identified 45 MRSA isolates which were classified as identical by PFGE, MLST, spa typing, and SCCmec typing (USA300, ST8, t008, SCCmec IV, respectively); within this collection, there were 5 distinct strain types identified by repPCR. The typing methods yielded comparable discriminatory power for S. aureus characterization overall; when discriminating among USA300 isolates, repPCR retained the highest discriminatory power. This property is advantageous for investigations conducted in the era of contemporary S. aureus infections. PMID:26376402

Comparative evaluation of an automated repetitive-sequence-based PCR instrument versus pulsed-field gel electrophoresis in the setting of a Serratia marcescens nosocomial infection outbreak.

PubMed

Ligozzi, Marco; Fontana, Roberta; Aldegheri, Marco; Scalet, Giovanna; Lo Cascio, Giuliana

2010-05-01

A semiautomated, repetitive-sequence-based PCR (rep-PCR) instrument (DiversiLab system) was evaluated in comparison with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) to investigate an outbreak of Serratia marcescens infections in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). A selection of 36 epidemiologically related and 8 epidemiologically unrelated isolates was analyzed. Among the epidemiologically related isolates, PFGE identified five genetically unrelated patterns. Thirty-two isolates from patients and wet nurses showed the same PFGE profile (pattern A). Genetically unrelated PFGE patterns were found in one patient (pattern B), in two wet nurses (patterns C and D), and in an environmental isolate from the NICU (pattern G). Rep-PCR identified seven different patterns, three of which included the 32 isolates of PFGE type A. One or two band differences in isolates of these three types allowed isolates to be categorized as similar and included in a unique cluster. Isolates of different PFGE types were also of unrelated rep-PCR types. All of the epidemiologically unrelated isolates were of different PFGE and rep-PCR types. The level of discrimination exhibited by rep-PCR with the DiversiLab system allowed us to conclude that this method was able to identify genetic similarity in a spatio-temporal cluster of S. marcescens isolates.

Catch-up validation study of an in vitro skin irritation test method based on an open source reconstructed epidermis (phase II).

PubMed

Groeber, F; Schober, L; Schmid, F F; Traube, A; Kolbus-Hernandez, S; Daton, K; Hoffmann, S; Petersohn, D; Schäfer-Korting, M; Walles, H; Mewes, K R

2016-10-01

To replace the Draize skin irritation assay (OECD guideline 404) several test methods based on reconstructed human epidermis (RHE) have been developed and were adopted in the OECD test guideline 439. However, all validated test methods in the guideline are linked to RHE provided by only three companies. Thus, the availability of these test models is dependent on the commercial interest of the producer. To overcome this limitation and thus to increase the accessibility of in vitro skin irritation testing, an open source reconstructed epidermis (OS-REp) was introduced. To demonstrate the capacity of the OS-REp in regulatory risk assessment, a catch-up validation study was performed. The participating laboratories used in-house generated OS-REp to assess the set of 20 reference substances according to the performance standards amending the OECD test guideline 439. Testing was performed under blinded conditions. The within-laboratory reproducibility of 87% and the inter-laboratory reproducibility of 85% prove a high reliability of irritancy testing using the OS-REp protocol. In addition, the prediction capacity was with an accuracy of 80% comparable to previous published RHE based test protocols. Taken together the results indicate that the OS-REp test method can be used as a standalone alternative skin irritation test replacing the OECD test guideline 404. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Rab15 Effector Protein: A Novel Protein for Receptor Recycling from the Endocytic Recycling CompartmentD⃞

PubMed Central

Strick, David J.; Elferink, Lisa A.

2005-01-01

Sorting endosomes and the endocytic recycling compartment are critical intracellular stores for the rapid recycling of internalized membrane receptors to the cell surface in multiple cell types. However, the molecular mechanisms distinguishing fast receptor recycling from sorting endosomes and slow receptor recycling from the endocytic recycling compartment remain poorly understood. We previously reported that Rab15 differentially regulates transferrin receptor trafficking through sorting endosomes and the endocytic recycling compartment, suggesting a role for distinct Rab15-effector interactions at these endocytic compartments. In this study, we identified the novel protein Rab15 effector protein (REP15) as a binding partner for Rab15-GTP. REP15 is compartment specific, colocalizing with Rab15 and Rab11 on the endocytic recycling compartment but not with Rab15, Rab4, or early endosome antigen 1 on sorting endosomes. REP15 interacts directly with Rab15-GTP but not with Rab5 or Rab11. Consistent with its localization, REP15 overexpression and small interfering RNA-mediated depletion inhibited transferrin receptor recycling from the endocytic recycling compartment, without affecting receptor entry into or recycling from sorting endosomes. Our data identify REP15 as a compartment-specific protein for receptor recycling from the endocytic recycling compartment, highlighting that the rapid and slow modes of transferrin receptor recycling are mechanistically distinct pathways. PMID:16195351

Open-Source Wax RepRap 3-D Printer for Rapid Prototyping Paper-Based Microfluidics.

PubMed

Pearce, J M; Anzalone, N C; Heldt, C L

2016-08-01

The open-source release of self-replicating rapid prototypers (RepRaps) has created a rich opportunity for low-cost distributed digital fabrication of complex 3-D objects such as scientific equipment. For example, 3-D printable reactionware devices offer the opportunity to combine open hardware microfluidic handling with lab-on-a-chip reactionware to radically reduce costs and increase the number and complexity of microfluidic applications. To further drive down the cost while improving the performance of lab-on-a-chip paper-based microfluidic prototyping, this study reports on the development of a RepRap upgrade capable of converting a Prusa Mendel RepRap into a wax 3-D printer for paper-based microfluidic applications. An open-source hardware approach is used to demonstrate a 3-D printable upgrade for the 3-D printer, which combines a heated syringe pump with the RepRap/Arduino 3-D control. The bill of materials, designs, basic assembly, and use instructions are provided, along with a completely free and open-source software tool chain. The open-source hardware device described here accelerates the potential of the nascent field of electrochemical detection combined with paper-based microfluidics by dropping the marginal cost of prototyping to nearly zero while accelerating the turnover between paper-based microfluidic designs. © 2016 Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening.

REPETITIVE SEQUENCE BASED-PCR PROFILING OF ESCHERICHIA COLI O157 STRAINS FROM BEEF IN SOUTHERN THAILAND.

PubMed

Sukhumungoon, Pharanai; Tantadapan, Rujira; Rattanachuay, Pattamarat

2016-01-01

Beef and its products are potential vehicles of Escherichia coli O157, the most important serotype implicated in many large outbreaks of diarrheal infection in humans worldwide. There is a need for rapid detection of contaminated food in order to implement appropriate and effective control measures. In this study, repetitive sequence (rep)-PCR, using three different primers, BOXA1R, ERIC2 and (GTG)5, singly and in combinations, were employed to compare the genetic relatedness among E. coli O157 group with other diarrheagenic E. coli strains as controls. Although a combination of BOXA1R + ERIC2 + (GTG)5 primers generated a rep-PCR profile containing the highest number of amplicon bands among the DEC strains tested, dendrogram (at 80% similarity) exhibited the lowest DEC classification of 5 clusters, whereas that from BOXA1R or BOXA1R+ (GTG)5 rep-PCR profiling produced 8 clusters. Nevertheless, focusing E. coli O157 strains were grouped into 4 clusters irrespective of the rep-PCR profiles analyzed, and all 14 but two, PSU60 and PSU132, E. coli O157 strains isolated from beef in southern Thailand during 2012 to 2014 fell into a single cluster. Thus, rep-PCR profiling generated with BOXA1R or BOXA1R + (GTG)5 is sufficient for distinguishing among DEC strains, including E. coli O157 in southern Thailand.

Translocation pathway of protein substrates in ClpAP protease

PubMed Central

Ishikawa, Takashi; Beuron, Fabienne; Kessel, Martin; Wickner, Sue; Maurizi, Michael R.; Steven, Alasdair C.

2001-01-01

Intracellular protein degradation, which must be tightly controlled to protect normal proteins, is carried out by ATP-dependent proteases. These multicomponent enzymes have chaperone-like ATPases that recognize and unfold protein substrates and deliver them to the proteinase components for digestion. In ClpAP, hexameric rings of the ClpA ATPase stack axially on either face of the ClpP proteinase, which consists of two apposed heptameric rings. We have used cryoelectron microscopy to characterize interactions of ClpAP with the model substrate, bacteriophage P1 protein, RepA. In complexes stabilized by ATPγS, which bind but do not process substrate, RepA dimers are seen at near-axial sites on the distal surface of ClpA. On ATP addition, RepA is translocated through ≈150 Å into the digestion chamber inside ClpP. Little change is observed in ClpAP, implying that translocation proceeds without major reorganization of the ClpA hexamer. When translocation is observed in complexes containing a ClpP mutant whose digestion chamber is already occupied by unprocessed propeptides, a small increase in density is observed within ClpP, and RepA-associated density is also seen at other axial sites. These sites appear to represent intermediate points on the translocation pathway, at which segments of unfolded RepA subunits transiently accumulate en route to the digestion chamber. PMID:11287666

How Stress Treatments Influence the Performance of Biodegradable Poly(Butylene Succinate)-Based Copolymers with Thioether Linkages for Food Packaging Applications

PubMed Central

Genovese, Laura

2017-01-01

Biodegradable poly(butylene succinate) (PBS)-based random copolymers containing thioether linkages (P(BSxTDGSy)) of various compositions have been investigated and characterized from the gas barrier, thermal, and mechanical point of view, after food contact simulants or thermal and photoaging processes. Each stress treatment was performed on thin films and the results obtained have been compared to the same untreated film, used as a standard. Barrier properties with different gases (O2 and CO2) were evaluated, showing that the polymer chemical composition strongly influenced the permeability behavior. The relationships between the diffusion coefficients (D) and solubility (S) with polymer composition were also investigated. The results highlighted a correlation between polymer chemical structure and treatment. Gas transmission rate (GTR) mainly depending on the performed treatment, as GTR increased with the increase of TDGS co-unit amount. Thermal and mechanical tests allowed for the recording of variations in the degree of crystallinity and in the tensile properties. An increase in the crystallinity degree was recorded after contact with simulant liquids and aging treatments, together with a molecular weight decrease, a slight enhancement of the elastic modulus and a decrement of the elongation at break, proportional to the TDGS co-unit content. PMID:28867806

Role of surgery in delayed local treatment for INSS 4 neuroblastoma.

PubMed

Uehara, Shuichiro; Yoneda, Akihiro; Oue, Takaharu; Nakahata, Kengo; Zenitani, Masahiro; Miyamura, Takako; Hashii, Yoshiko; Fukuzawa, Masahiro; Okuyama, Hiroomi

2017-09-01

The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy, complications and outcomes of the following two surgical strategies for delayed local treatment for International Neuroblastoma Staging System (INSS) 4 neuroblastoma (NB): complete resection (CR; period A); and gross total resection/subtotal resection (GTR/STR) with local irradiation (period B). We retrospectively analyzed 17 patients with INSS 4 NB who received delayed local treatment (period A, n = 11; period B, n = 6). Eleven patients in period A received CR. Two patients underwent GTR and four patients underwent STR in period B. The amount of blood loss in period A was significantly greater than that in period B. Postoperative complications were observed in eight patients in period A (73%), but in only one patient in period B (17%; P < 0.01). Recurrence was observed in five patients in period A and in one patient in period B (45.4% vs 16.6%; P = n.s.). Distant metastasis at recurrence was observed in four patients in period A and in one patient in period B. Gross total resection/subtotal resection with local irradiation may be a safe and effective delayed local treatment for INSS 4 NB. © 2017 Japan Pediatric Society.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors: case report.

PubMed

Thatikunta, Meena; Mutchnick, Ian; Elster, Jennifer; Thompson, Matthew P; Huang, Michael A; Spalding, Aaron C; Moriarty, Thomas

2017-05-01

Atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors (ATRTs) are a rare pediatric brain tumor with high mortality rate. Several large series have reported achieving gross-total resection (GTR) in less than 50% of patients due to the lesions' large size, vascularity, and limited blood volume in young patients. While neoadjuvant chemotherapy for choroid plexus carcinomas in pediatric patients has become widely accepted, it has not been used as widely for other pediatric brain tumors. To the best of the authors' knowledge, there are only 3 published cases of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for ATRTs. In the present report, the authors present a fourth case of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for ATRT and review the available literature on this strategy. A 17-month-old child presented with a left ventricular ATRT for which imaging raised concern for a highly vascularized tumor. The authors undertook neoadjuvant chemotherapy with 2 cycles of Head Start II therapy, which reduced the size of the ventricular tumor by 35% and decreased the vascularity of the lesion on imaging. The estimated blood loss during resection was 425 ml and GTR was achieved. The patient continued with postoperative chemotherapy but suffered an on-therapy recurrence. While higher-quality data are necessary, available evidence suggests that neoadjuvant chemotherapy can reduce the size and vascularity of ATRTs and facilitate a surgical avenue for large or "inoperable" tumors.

How Stress Treatments Influence the Performance of Biodegradable Poly(Butylene Succinate)-Based Copolymers with Thioether Linkages for Food Packaging Applications.

PubMed

Siracusa, Valentina; Genovese, Laura; Munari, Andrea; Lotti, Nadia

2017-08-30

Biodegradable poly(butylene succinate) (PBS)-based random copolymers containing thioether linkages (P(BSxTDGSy)) of various compositions have been investigated and characterized from the gas barrier, thermal, and mechanical point of view, after food contact simulants or thermal and photoaging processes. Each stress treatment was performed on thin films and the results obtained have been compared to the same untreated film, used as a standard. Barrier properties with different gases (O₂ and CO₂) were evaluated, showing that the polymer chemical composition strongly influenced the permeability behavior. The relationships between the diffusion coefficients ( D ) and solubility ( S ) with polymer composition were also investigated. The results highlighted a correlation between polymer chemical structure and treatment. Gas transmission rate ( GTR ) mainly depending on the performed treatment, as GTR increased with the increase of TDGS co-unit amount. Thermal and mechanical tests allowed for the recording of variations in the degree of crystallinity and in the tensile properties. An increase in the crystallinity degree was recorded after contact with simulant liquids and aging treatments, together with a molecular weight decrease, a slight enhancement of the elastic modulus and a decrement of the elongation at break, proportional to the TDGS co-unit content.

Study of Various Types of Resonances within the Phonon Damping Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dang, Nguyen Dinh

2001-10-01

The main successes of the Phonon Damping Model (PDM)(N. Dinh Dang and A. Arima, Phys. Rev. Lett. 80), 4145 (1998); Nucl. Phys. A 636, 427 (1998); N. Dinh Dang, K. Tanabe, and A. Arima, Phys. Rev. C 58, 3374 (1998). are presented in the description of: 1) the giant dipole resonance (GDR) in highly excited nuclei, 2) the double giant dipole resonance (DGDR) and multiple phonon resonances, 3) the Gamow-Teller resonance (GTR), and 4) the damping of pygmy dipole resonance (PDR) in neutron-rich nuclei. The analyses of results of numerical calculations are discussed in comparison with the experimental systematics on i) the width and the shape of the GDR at finite temperature ^1,(N. Dinh Dang et al., Phys. Rev. C 61), 027302 (2000). and angular momentum(N. Dinh Dang, Nucl. Phys. A 687), 261c (2001). for tin isotopes , ii) the electromagnetic cross sections of DGDR for ^136Xe and ^208Pb on a lead target at relativistic energies(N. Dinh Dang, V. Kim Au, and A. Arima, Phys. Rev. Lett. 85), 1827 (2000)., iii) the strength function of GTR(N. Dinh Dang, T. Suzuki, and A. Arima, Preprint RIKEN-AF-NF 377 (2000), submitted.), and iv) the PDR in oxygen and calcium isotopes(N. Dinh Dang et al., Phys. Rev. C 63), 044302 (2001)..

The Texas Tech Prep Consortia: Strategies for Advancing Academic and Technical Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hensley, Oliver D., Ed.; And Others

This book contains 30 chapters on the tech prep initiative in Texas: "The Identity of Tech Prep in Texas" (Tunstall); "A Snap-Shot of the Impact of the Tech Prep Initiative in the Governor's 24 Planning Regions" (Brown); "The Tech Prep Consortium Directors: The Architects for the Future of Texas" (Hensley et al.);…

Tech Prep Implementation in the United States: The Once and Future Role of Community Colleges.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bragg, Debra D.; Layton, James D.

1995-01-01

Describes a study examining the impact of the Tech Prep Education Act on the initial implementation of federally supported Tech Prep Initiatives. Based on telephone survey responses from all 50 state Tech Prep leaders, reviews findings concerning the funding of Tech Prep consortia, state and local administrative structures, policies and goals, and…

Tech-Prep in New York State: Profiles of Four Diverse Programs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Frenkel, Michael W.; Brodsky, Stanley M.

These case studies highlight the diversity of four tech programs that responded with a unique set of organizational policies and procedures to a unique set of challenges. The case study on City Tech Tech-Prep Consortium in Brooklyn focuses on three strategies: transition to City Tech program, postsecondary component, and program evaluation. The…

In vitro and in silico derived relative effect potencies of ah-receptor-mediated effects by PCDD/Fs and PCBs in rat, mouse, and guinea pig CALUX cell lines.

PubMed

Ghorbanzadeh, Mehdi; van Ede, Karin I; Larsson, Malin; van Duursen, Majorie B M; Poellinger, Lorenz; Lücke-Johansson, Sandra; Machala, Miroslav; Pěnčíková, Kateřina; Vondráček, Jan; van den Berg, Martin; Denison, Michael S; Ringsted, Tine; Andersson, Patrik L

2014-07-21

For a better understanding of species-specific relative effect potencies (REPs), responses of dioxin-like compounds (DLCs) were assessed. REPs were calculated using chemical-activated luciferase gene expression assays (CALUX) derived from guinea pig, rat, and mouse cell lines. Almost all 20 congeners tested in the rodent cell lines were partial agonists and less efficacious than 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). For this reason, REPs were calculated for each congener using concentrations at which 20% of the maximal TCDD response was reached (REP20TCDD). REP20TCDD values obtained for PCDD/Fs were comparable with their toxic equivalency factors assigned by the World Health Organization (WHO-TEF), while those for PCBs were in general lower than the WHO-TEF values. Moreover, the guinea pig cell line was the most sensitive as indicated by the 20% effect concentrations of TCDD of 1.5, 5.6, and 11.0 pM for guinea pig, rat, and mouse cells, respectively. A similar response pattern was observed using multivariate statistical analysis between the three CALUX assays and the WHO-TEFs. The mouse assay showed minor deviation due to higher relative induction potential for 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran and 2,3,4,6,7,8-hexachlorodibenzofuran and lower for 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-heptachlorodibenzofuran and 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB126). 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzofuran was more than two times more potent in the mouse assay as compared with that of rat and guinea pig cells, while measured REP20TCDD for PCB126 was lower in mouse cells (0.05) as compared with that of the guinea pig (0.2) and rat (0.07). In order to provide REP20TCDD values for all WHO-TEF assigned compounds, quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models were developed. The QSAR models showed that specific electronic properties and molecular surface characteristics play important roles in the AhR-mediated response. In silico derived REP20TCDD values were generally consistent with the WHO-TEFs with a few exceptions. The QSAR models indicated that, e.g., 1,2,3,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran and 1,2,3,7,8,9-hexachlorodibenzofuran were more potent than given by their assigned WHO-TEF values, and the non-ortho PCB 81 was predicted, based on the guinea-pig model, to be 1 order of magnitude above its WHO-TEF value. By combining in vitro and in silico approaches, REPs were established for all WHO-TEF assigned compounds (except OCDD), which will provide future guidance in testing AhR-mediated responses of DLCs and to increase our understanding of species variation in AhR-mediated effects.

Identification of a novel circular DNA virus in pig feces

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Metagenomic analysis of fecal samples collected from a swine with diarrhea detected sequences encoding a replicase (Rep) protein typically found in small circular Rep-encoding ssDNA (CRESS-DNA) viruses. The complete 3,062 nucleotide genome was generated and found to encode two bi-directionally trans...

Rep. Delaney Learns about Breast Cancer Research at NCI at Frederick | Poster

Cancer.gov

By Andrea Frydl, Contributing Writer Rep. John Delaney (D-Md., 6th District) visited the NCI Campus at Frederick on October 21 to learn more about the research that scientists at NCI at Frederick are doing on breast cancer. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Development of Weighted Distributions of REPs for Dioxin-Like Compounds: Implications for Risk Assessment

EPA Science Inventory

In their recent reevaluation of the TEF methodology, the WHO expert panel indicated that consideration should be given to developing weighted distributions of REP values to establish TEFs for each dioxin-like compound (DLC). As such, we developed a consensus-based weighting frame...

Rehabilitation Education Program for Stroke (REPS): Learning and Practice Outcomes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McEwen, Sara; Szurek, Kristina; Polatajko, Helene J.; Rappolt, Susan

2005-01-01

Introduction: New research knowledge acquired from Web-based sources may have a better chance of being translated into practice when accompanied by additional educational strategies. This study was undertaken to investigate that hypothesis. Methods: The Rehabilitation Education Program for Stroke (REPS) combines a self-directed online learning…

The Rouge Education Project: Challenges of Implementation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Talsma, Valerie

2001-01-01

Describes a program evaluation of the Rouge Education Project (REP), a school-based environmental education program that uses water monitoring, telecommunications, and student actions to improve water quality. Reports that results indicated that the REP met its goals of increasing awareness and concern about the Rouge River and developing a…

Tile Patterns with LOGO--Part II: Tile Patterns from Rep Tiles Using LOGO.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clason, Robert G.

1991-01-01

Described is a recursive LOGO method for dissecting polygons into congruent parts (rep tiles) similar to the original polygon, thereby producing unexpected patterns. A list of descriptions for such dissections is included along with suggestions for modifications that allow extended student explorations into tile patterns. (JJK)

Tech Prep Implementation and Preliminary Student Outcomes for Eight Local Tech Prep Consortia.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bragg, Debra D.; Dare, Donna E.; Reger, W. M., IV; Ovaice, Ghazala; Zamani, Eboni M.; Layton, James D.; Dornsife, Carolyn J.; Vallee, Manuel; Brown, Carrie H.; Orr, Margaret Terry

The implementation and student outcomes of Tech Prep were examined in a study of eight consortia that represented a range of Tech Prep models and approaches in urban, suburban, and rural locations across the United States. Data were collected from the following sources: field visits; follow-up survey of Tech Prep participants and nonparticipants;…

Oceanographic structure drives the assembly processes of microbial eukaryotic communities

PubMed Central

Monier, Adam; Comte, Jérôme; Babin, Marcel; Forest, Alexandre; Matsuoka, Atsushi; Lovejoy, Connie

2015-01-01

Arctic Ocean microbial eukaryote phytoplankton form subsurface chlorophyll maximum (SCM), where much of the annual summer production occurs. This SCM is particularly persistent in the Western Arctic Ocean, which is strongly salinity stratified. The recent loss of multiyear sea ice and increased particulate-rich river discharge in the Arctic Ocean results in a greater volume of fresher water that may displace nutrient-rich saltier waters to deeper depths and decrease light penetration in areas affected by river discharge. Here, we surveyed microbial eukaryotic assemblages in the surface waters, and within and below the SCM. In most samples, we detected the pronounced SCM that usually occurs at the interface of the upper mixed layer and Pacific Summer Water (PSW). Poorly developed SCM was seen under two conditions, one above PSW and associated with a downwelling eddy, and the second in a region influenced by the Mackenzie River plume. Four phylogenetically distinct communities were identified: surface, pronounced SCM, weak SCM and a deeper community just below the SCM. Distance–decay relationships and phylogenetic structure suggested distinct ecological processes operating within these communities. In the pronounced SCM, picophytoplanktons were prevalent and community assembly was attributed to water mass history. In contrast, environmental filtering impacted the composition of the weak SCM communities, where heterotrophic Picozoa were more numerous. These results imply that displacement of Pacific waters to greater depth and increased terrigenous input may act as a control on SCM development and result in lower net summer primary production with a more heterotroph dominated eukaryotic microbial community. PMID:25325383

Three Nontraditional Approaches to Improving the Capacity, Accessibility, and Quality of Mental Health Services: An Overview.

PubMed

Grant, Kiran L; Simmons, Magenta Bender; Davey, Christopher G

2018-05-01

To provide evidence for wider use of peer workers and other nonprofessionals, the authors examined three approaches to mental health service provision-peer support worker (PSW) programs, task shifting, and mental health first-aid and community advocacy organizations-summarizing their effectiveness, identifying similarities and differences, and highlighting opportunities for integration. Relevant articles obtained from PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar searches are discussed. Studies indicate that PSWs can achieve outcomes equal to or better than those achieved by nonpeer mental health professionals. PSWs can be particularly effective in reducing hospital admissions and inpatient days and engaging severely ill patients. When certain care tasks are given to individuals with less training than professionals (task shifting), these staff members can provide psychoeducation, engage service users in treatment, and help them achieve symptom reduction and manage risk of relapse. Mental health first-aid and community organizations can reduce stigma, increase awareness of mental health issues, and encourage help seeking. Most PSW programs have reported implementation challenges, whereas such challenges are fewer in task-shifting programs and minimal in mental health first-aid. Despite challenges in scaling and integrating these approaches into larger systems, they hold promise for improving access to and quality of care. Research is needed on how these approaches can be combined to expand a community's capacity to provide care. Because of the serious shortage of mental health providers globally and the rising prevalence of mental illness, utilizing nontraditional providers may be the only solution in both low- and high-resource settings, at least in the short term.

A predictive model of geosynchronous magnetopause crossings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dmitriev, A.; Suvorova, A.; Chao, J.-K.

2011-05-01

We have developed a model predicting whether or not the magnetopause crosses geosynchronous orbit at a given location for given solar wind pressure Psw, Bz component of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF), and geomagnetic conditions characterized by 1 min SYM-H index. The model is based on more than 300 geosynchronous magnetopause crossings (GMCs) and about 6000 min when geosynchronous satellites of GOES and Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) series are located in the magnetosheath (so-called MSh intervals) in 1994-2001. Minimizing of the Psw required for GMCs and MSh intervals at various locations, Bz, and SYM-H allows describing both an effect of magnetopause dawn-dusk asymmetry and saturation of Bz influence for very large southward IMF. The asymmetry is strong for large negative Bz and almost disappears when Bz is positive. We found that the larger the amplitude of negative SYM-H, the lower the solar wind pressure required for GMCs. We attribute this effect to a depletion of the dayside magnetic field by a storm time intensification of the cross-tail current. It is also found that the magnitude of threshold for Bz saturation increases with SYM-H index such that for small negative and positive SYM-H the effect of saturation diminishes. This supports an idea that enhanced thermal pressure of the magnetospheric plasma and ring current particles during magnetic storms results in the saturation of magnetic effect of the IMF Bz at the dayside magnetopause. A noticeable advantage of the model's prediction capabilities in comparison with other magnetopause models makes the model useful for space weather predictions.

Location of intense electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) wave events relative to the plasmapause: Van Allen Probes observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tetrick, S. S.; Engebretson, M. J.; Posch, J. L.; Olson, C. N.; Smith, C. W.; Denton, R. E.; Thaller, S. A.; Wygant, J. R.; Reeves, G. D.; MacDonald, E. A.; Fennell, J. F.

2017-04-01

We have studied the spatial location relative to the plasmapause (PP) of the most intense electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves observed on Van Allen Probes A and B during their first full precession in local time. Most of these waves occurred over an L range of from -1 to +2 RE relative to the PP. Very few events occurred only within 0.1 RE of the PP, and events with a width in L of < 0.2 RE occurred both inside and outside the PP. Wave occurrence was always associated with high densities of ring current ions; plasma density gradients or enhancements were associated with some events but were not dominant factors in determining the sites of wave generation. Storm main and recovery phase events in the dusk sector were often inside the PP, and dayside events during quiet times and compressions of the magnetosphere were more evenly distributed both inside and outside the PP. Superposed epoch analyses of the dependence of wave onset on solar wind dynamic pressure (Psw), the SME (SuperMAG auroral electrojet) index, and the SYM-H index showed that substorm injections and solar wind compressions were temporally closely associated with EMIC wave onset but to an extent that varied with frequency band, magnetic local time, and storm phase, and location relative to the PP. The fact that increases in SME and Psw were less strongly correlated with events at the PP than with other events might suggest that the occurrence of those events was affected by the density gradient.

Infrared detection without specialized infrared receptors in the bloodsucking bug Rhodnius prolixus.

PubMed

Zopf, Lydia M; Lazzari, Claudio R; Tichy, Harald

2014-10-01

Bloodsucking bugs use infrared radiation (IR) for locating warm-blooded hosts and are able to differentiate between infrared and temperature (T) stimuli. This paper is concerned with the neuronal coding of IR in the bug Rhodnius prolixus. Data obtained are from the warm cells in the peg-in-pit sensilla (PSw cells) and in the tapered hairs (THw cells). Both warm cells responded to oscillating changes in air T and IR with oscillations in their discharge rates. The PSw cells produced stronger responses to T oscillations than the THw cells. Oscillations in IR did the reverse: they stimulated the latter more strongly than the former. The reversal in the relative excitability of the two warm cell types provides a criterion to distinguish between changes in T and IR. The existence of strongly responsive warm cells for one or the other stimulus in a paired comparison is the distinguishing feature of a "combinatory coding" mechanism. This mechanism enables the information provided by the difference or the ratio between the response magnitudes of both cell types to be utilized by the nervous system in the neural code for T and IR. These two coding parameters remained constant, although response strength changed when the oscillation period was altered. To discriminate between changes in T and IR, two things are important: which sensory cell responded to either stimulus and how strong was the response. The label warm or infrared cell may indicate its classification, but the functions are only given in the context of activity produced in parallel sensory cells. Copyright © 2014 the American Physiological Society.