Sample records for test program stp

  1. DOD Space Test Program (STP)

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Smith, Llwyn

    1995-01-01

    This paper describes the Space Test Program (STP) which provides access to space for the DOD-wide space research and development (R&D) community. STP matches a ranked list of sanctioned experiments with available budgets and searches for the most cost effective mechanisms to get the experiments into space. The program has successfully flown over 350 experiments, using dedicated freeflyer spacecraft, secondary space on the Space Shuttle, and various host satellites.

  2. Cargo Movement Operations System (CMOS) Software Test Plan. Final

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1990-07-26

    NO [ ] COMMENT DISPOSITION: COMMENT STATUS: OPEN [ ] CLOSED [ ] ORIGINATOR CONTROL NUMBER: STP-0002 PROGRAM OFFICE CONTROL NUMBER: DATA ITEM DISCREPANCY WORKSHEET CDRL NUMBER: A007-03 DATE: 07/26/90 ORIGINATOR NAME: John J.Brassil OFFICE SYMBOL: SAIC TELEPHONE NU4BER: 272-2999 SUBSTANTIVE: X EDITORIAL: PAGE NUMBER: 63 PARA NUMBER: Table 4.2.1.2 COMMENT OR RECOMMENDED CHANGE: Replace the reference to the Source and Destination STP paragraphs with a reference to the paragraph of the STP which tests the interface itself. RATIONALE: Each internal

  3. Designing a Summer Transition Program for Incoming and Current College Students on the Autism Spectrum: A Participatory Approach.

    PubMed

    Hotez, Emily; Shane-Simpson, Christina; Obeid, Rita; DeNigris, Danielle; Siller, Michael; Costikas, Corinna; Pickens, Jonathan; Massa, Anthony; Giannola, Michael; D'Onofrio, Joanne; Gillespie-Lynch, Kristen

    2018-01-01

    Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) face unique challenges transitioning from high school to college and receive insufficient support to help them navigate this transition. Through a participatory collaboration with incoming and current autistic college students, we developed, implemented, and evaluated two intensive week-long summer programs to help autistic students transition into and succeed in college. This process included: (1) developing an initial summer transition program curriculum guided by recommendations from autistic college students in our ongoing mentorship program, (2) conducting an initial feasibility assessment of the curriculum [Summer Transition Program 1 (STP1)], (3) revising our initial curriculum, guided by feedback from autistic students, to develop a curriculum manual, and (4) pilot-testing the manualized curriculum through a quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test assessment of a second summer program [Summer Transition Program 2 (STP2)]. In STP2, two autistic college students assumed a leadership role and acted as "mentors" and ten incoming and current autistic college students participated in the program as "mentees." Results from the STP2 pilot-test suggested benefits of participatory transition programming for fostering self-advocacy and social skills among mentees. Autistic and non-autistic mentors (but not mentees) described practicing advanced forms of self-advocacy, specifically leadership, through their mentorship roles. Autistic and non-autistic mentors also described shared (e.g., empathy) and unique (an intuitive understanding of autism vs. an intuitive understanding of social interaction) skills that they contributed to the program. This research provides preliminary support for the feasibility and utility of a participatory approach in which autistic college students are integral to the development and implementation of programming to help less experienced autistic students develop the self-advocacy skills they will need to succeed in college.

  4. Designing a Summer Transition Program for Incoming and Current College Students on the Autism Spectrum: A Participatory Approach

    PubMed Central

    Hotez, Emily; Shane-Simpson, Christina; Obeid, Rita; DeNigris, Danielle; Siller, Michael; Costikas, Corinna; Pickens, Jonathan; Massa, Anthony; Giannola, Michael; D'Onofrio, Joanne; Gillespie-Lynch, Kristen

    2018-01-01

    Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) face unique challenges transitioning from high school to college and receive insufficient support to help them navigate this transition. Through a participatory collaboration with incoming and current autistic college students, we developed, implemented, and evaluated two intensive week-long summer programs to help autistic students transition into and succeed in college. This process included: (1) developing an initial summer transition program curriculum guided by recommendations from autistic college students in our ongoing mentorship program, (2) conducting an initial feasibility assessment of the curriculum [Summer Transition Program 1 (STP1)], (3) revising our initial curriculum, guided by feedback from autistic students, to develop a curriculum manual, and (4) pilot-testing the manualized curriculum through a quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test assessment of a second summer program [Summer Transition Program 2 (STP2)]. In STP2, two autistic college students assumed a leadership role and acted as “mentors” and ten incoming and current autistic college students participated in the program as “mentees.” Results from the STP2 pilot-test suggested benefits of participatory transition programming for fostering self-advocacy and social skills among mentees. Autistic and non-autistic mentors (but not mentees) described practicing advanced forms of self-advocacy, specifically leadership, through their mentorship roles. Autistic and non-autistic mentors also described shared (e.g., empathy) and unique (an intuitive understanding of autism vs. an intuitive understanding of social interaction) skills that they contributed to the program. This research provides preliminary support for the feasibility and utility of a participatory approach in which autistic college students are integral to the development and implementation of programming to help less experienced autistic students develop the self-advocacy skills they will need to succeed in college. PMID:29487547

  5. Cargo Movement Operations System (CMOS) Draft Software Test Plan. Increment II

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1991-02-14

    COMMENT: YES [ ] NO [ ] COMMENT DISPOSITION: ACCEPT [ ] REJECT [ J COMMENT STATUS: OPEN [ ] CLOSED [ ] Cmnt Page Paragraph No. No. Number Comment 1. 5 2...ERCI ACCEPTS COMMENT: YES [ ] NO [ ] COMMENT DISPOSITION: COMMENT STATUS: OPEN [ J CLOSED [ ] ORIGINATOR CONTROL NUMBER: STP-0003 PROGRAM OFFICE CONTROL...NO [1 ERCI ACCEPTS COMMENT: YES [ 1 NO [ ] COMMENT DISPOSITION: COMMENT STATUS: OPEN [ ] CLOSED [ ] ORIGINATOR CONTROL NUMBER: STP-0004 PROGRAM

  6. Summer Sports: A Recreationally Based Program for Building Peer Relations.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Pelham, Jr., William E.; Gnagy, Elizabeth M.

    1998-01-01

    Describes the Summer Treatment Program (STP), a comprehensive sports training and treatment program for students with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. STP incorporates social-skills training, academic instruction, parent training, and medication evaluation. STP has been shown to be highly successful and its principles can be transferred…

  7. Strength Training Using Elastic Bands: Improvement of Muscle Power and Throwing Performance in Young Female Handball Players.

    PubMed

    Mascarin, Naryana Cristina; de Lira, Claudio Andre Barbosa; Vancini, Rodrigo Luiz; de Castro Pochini, Alberto; da Silva, Antonio Carlos; Dos Santos Andrade, Marilia

    2017-05-01

    Imbalance in shoulder-rotator muscles has been considered a risk factor for injuries in handball. Strength training programs (STPs) may play an important preventive role. To verify the effects of an STP using elastic bands on shoulder muscles and ball-throwing speed. Randomized and prospective controlled trial. Exercise physiology laboratory. Thirty-nine female handball players were randomly assigned to an experimental (EG, n = 21, 15.3 ± 1.1 y) or a control (CG, n = 18, 15.0 ± 0.8 y) group. The EG performed the STP with elastic-band progressive exercises for 6 wk before regular handball training, and the CG underwent only their regular training. Before and after the STP, both groups underwent a ball-throwing-speed test and isokinetic test to assess shoulder internal- (IR) and external-rotator muscle performance. Average power values for IR muscles presented a significant group-vs-time interaction effect (F = 3.9, P = .05); EG presented significantly higher values after the STP (P = .03). Ball speed presented higher values in EG after the STP in standing (P = .04) and jumping (P = .03) throws. IR peak-torque values and balance in shoulder-rotator muscles presented no group-vs-time interaction effect. STP using elastic bands performed for 6 wk was effective to improve muscle power and ball speed for young female handball players.

  8. Short-term effect of American summer treatment program for Japanese children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

    PubMed

    Yamashita, Yushiro; Mukasa, Akiko; Honda, Yuko; Anai, Chizuru; Kunisaki, Chie; Koutaki, Jun-ichi; Motoyama, Satoko; Miura, Naoki; Sugimoto, Ami; Ohya, Takashi; Nakashima, Masayuki; Nagamitsu, Shin-ichiro; Gnagy, Elizabeth M; Greiner, Andrew R; Pelham, William E; Matsuishi, Toyojiro

    2010-02-01

    We reported the results of the 3-week summer treatment program (STP) for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in 2006. The STP was based on methods established by Professor Pelham in Buffalo, NY and has been used in a number of studies and at a number of sites in the U.S. This is the first STP outside North America. Thirty-six children age 6-12 years with ADHD participated. The collection of evidence-based behavioral modification techniques that comprises the STP's behavioral program (e.g., point system, daily report card, positive reinforcement, time out) was used. Most children showed positive behavioral changes in multiple domains of functioning, demonstrated by significant improvement in points earned daily, which reflect behavior frequencies. Only one child with ADHD co-morbid with pervasive developmental disorder required an individualized program for excessive time outs. The ADHD rating scale, symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder, and hyperactivity/inattention in Strength and Difficulties Questionnaires evaluated by parents significantly improved after STP. Although the 3-week STP was much shorter than most STPs run in the U.S., the program is more intensive than typical outpatient treatment, providing 105h of intervenion in 3 weeks. The short-term effect of the STP was demonstrated for Japanese children with ADHD. 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. Space Acquisitions: DOD Faces Challenges in Fully Realizing Benefits of Satellite Acquisition Improvements

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-03-21

    Test Program ( STP ) was targeted for termination in the fiscal year 2013 budget. STP was created in 1965 to serve as an integrator to provide launch...been lagging behind schedule and it had taken positive actions to instill better practices and more focused leadership for space. Progress has...instance, the second Global Positioning System (GPS) IIF satellite experienced technical problems that could shorten its operational lifetime. The

  10. KSC-2010-4349

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2010-08-10

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a technician finalizes quality assurance paperwork before the Space Test Program-Houston-3, or STP-H3, payload is installed onto the Express Logistics Carrier-3, or ELC-3. STP-H3 is a compliment of four individual Department of Defense experiments that will test concepts in low earth orbit for long duration flights. As the final planned mission of the Space Shuttle Program, shuttle Endeavour and its STS-134 crew will deliver the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer, the ELC-3 as well as critical spare components to the International Space Station. Endeavour is targeted for launch Feb. 26, 2011. For more information visit, http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

  11. School travel plans: preliminary evidence for changing school-related travel patterns in elementary school children.

    PubMed

    Hinckson, Erica A; Badland, Hannah M

    2011-01-01

    In New Zealand, the School Travel Plan (STP) program was developed to increase school-related active travel rates and decrease traffic congestion. The plan was developed through collaboration among the school, community, and local council. The STP was tailored to each school's specific needs and incorporated educational initiatives, physical infrastructural changes in the vicinity of schools, and policy development. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the STP program in changing school travel modes in children. Effectiveness was assessed by determining the difference between pre-STP and follow-up travel mode data in schools. The differences were assessed using multilinear regression analysis, including decile (measure of socioeconomic status), school roll at baseline, and STP year of implementation as predictors. Thirty-three elementary schools from the Auckland region participated in the study. School size ranged from 130 to 688 students. The final 2006 sample consisted of 13,631 students. On a set day (pre- and post-STP), students indicated their mode of transport to school and intended mode for returning home that day. Differences are reported as percentage points: there was an increase in active transport by 5.9% ± 6.8% when compared to baseline travel modes. School roll, STP year of implementation, and baseline values predicted engagement with active transport. Preliminary findings suggest that the STP program may be successful in creating mode shift changes to favor school-related active travel in elementary-school children.

  12. Summer treatment programs for youth with ADHD.

    PubMed

    Fabiano, Gregory A; Schatz, Nicole K; Pelham, William E

    2014-10-01

    Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) require intensive treatments to remediate functional impairments and promote the development of adaptive skills. The summer treatment program (STP) is an exemplar of intensive treatment of ADHD. STP intervention components include a reward and response-cost point system, time-out, use of antecedent control (clear commands, establishment of rules and routines), and liberal praise and rewards for appropriate behavior. Parents also participate in parent management training programming to learn how to implement similar procedures within the home setting. There is strong evidence supporting the efficacy of the STP as an intervention for ADHD. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  13. Brix refractometry in serum as a measure of failure of passive transfer compared to measured immunoglobulin G and total protein by refractometry in serum from dairy calves.

    PubMed

    Hernandez, D; Nydam, D V; Godden, S M; Bristol, L S; Kryzer, A; Ranum, J; Schaefer, D

    2016-05-01

    A series of trials were conducted to evaluate Brix refractometry (Brix %) for the assessment of failure of passive transfer (FPT) in dairy calves compared to: (1) serum IgG (reference standard) when measured by radial immunodiffusion (RID) or a turbidometric immunoassay (TIA), and (2) serum total protein refractometry (STP). For the serum samples tested with TIA, STP, and Brix % (n = 310; Holstein calves), the median concentrations were 21.3 g/L IgG, 58 g/L STP, and 9.2%, respectively. For the serum samples tested with RID, STP and Brix % (n = 112; Jersey calves), the mean concentrations were 38 g/L IgG, 68 g/L STP, and 10.2%, respectively. For samples tested with only Brix % and STP (n = 265; Holstein calves), median STP and Brix % were 50 g/L STP and 8.5%, respectively. Correlations between Brix % and RID, and between Brix % and TIA were equal (r = 0.79, respectively). Brix % and STP were positively correlated (r = 0.99). Brix % estimated serum IgG concentrations determined by TIA and RID (r(2) = 0.63, 0.62, respectively). When FPT was defined as serum IgG < 10 g/L, Brix % ≤ 8.5% showed optimal sensitivity (100%) and specificity (89.2%) to predict FPT. At the same IgG cut-point, an STP value of ≤ 52 g/L showed a similar sensitivity (100%) and specificity (80.4%) to predict FPT. Brix refractometry predicted successful transfer of passive immunity in dairy calves, but further evaluation as a diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of FPT is warranted. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  14. Military Aptitude Testing: The Past Fifty Years

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1993-06-01

    61 Relationship Between the STP and the Joint-Service Program ............. 64 CHAPTER 4 NORMING AND SCALING MILITARY SELECTION...34* Identify the skills and knowledge that underlie performance in an occupational area. "* Develop experimental tests that may predict performance in...and nuclear technicians.) "* Construct experimental tests that measure the skills , knowledge, and aptitudes needed for success in that occupational

  15. Active transportation to support diabetes prevention: Expanding school health promotion programming in an Indigenous community.

    PubMed

    Macridis, Soultana; Garcia Bengoechea, Enrique; McComber, Alex M; Jacobs, Judi; Macaulay, Ann C

    2016-06-01

    School-based physical activity (PA) interventions, including school active transportation (AT), provide opportunities to increase daily PA levels, improves fitness, and reduces risk of diseases, such as type 2 diabetes. Based on a community-identified need, the Kahnawake Schools Diabetes Prevention Project, within an Indigenous community, undertook school travel planning to contribute to PA programming for two elementary schools. Using community-based participatory research, the Active & Safe Routes to School's School Travel Planning (STP) process was undertaken in two schools with an STP-Committee comprised of community stakeholders and researchers. STP activities were adapted for local context including: school profile form, family survey, in-class travel survey, pedestrian-traffic observations, walkability checklist, and student mapping. STP data were jointly collected, analyzed and interpreted by researchers and community. Traffic-pedestrian observations, walkability and parent surveys identified key pedestrian-traffic locations, helped develop safe/direct routes, and traffic calming strategies. In-class travel and mapping surveys identified a need and student desire to increase school AT. The STP-Committee translated findings into STP-action plans for two schools, which were implemented in 2014-2015 school year. Combining CBPR with STP merges community and researcher expertise. This project offered evidence-informed practice for active living promotions. Experience and findings could benefit Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Results of a Pilot-Scale Disinfection Test using Peracetic Acid (PAA) at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Sewage Treatment Plant (STP)

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

    Taylor, Paul Allen

    The purpose of this report is to present the results of a small pilot-scale test using PAA to disinfect a side stream of the effluent from the ORNL STP. These results provide the basis for requesting approval for full-scale use of PAA at the ORNL STP.

  17. Low-Temperature Self-Healing of a Microcapsule-Type Protective Coating.

    PubMed

    Kim, Dong-Min; Cho, Yu-Jin; Choi, Ju-Young; Kim, Beom-Jun; Jin, Seung-Won; Chung, Chan-Moon

    2017-09-14

    Low-temperature self-healing capabilities are essential for self-healing materials exposed to cold environments. Although low-temperature self-healing concepts have been proposed, there has been no report of a microcapsule-type low-temperature self-healing system wherein the healing ability was demonstrated at low temperature. In this work, low-temperature self-healing of a microcapsule-type protective coating was demonstrated. This system employed silanol-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (STP) as a healing agent and dibutyltin dilaurate (DD) as a catalyst. STP underwent a condensation reaction at -20 °C in the presence of DD to give a viscoelastic product. The reaction behavior of STP and the viscoelasticity of the reaction product were investigated. STP and DD were separately microencapsulated by in situ polymerization and interfacial polymerization methods, respectively. The STP- and DD-loaded microcapsules were mixed into a commercial enamel paint, and the resulting formulation was applied to glass slides, steel panels, and mortars to prepare self-healing coatings. When the self-healing coatings were damaged at a low temperature (-20 °C), STP and DD were released from broken microcapsules and filled the damaged area. This process was effectively visualized using a fluorescent dye. The self-healing coatings were scratched and subjected to corrosion tests, electrochemical tests, and saline solution permeability tests. The temperature of the self-healing coatings was maintained at -20 °C before and after scratching and during the tests. We successfully demonstrated that the STP/DD-based coating system has good low-temperature self-healing capability.

  18. A Standard Training Plan for Distributive Education Cooperative Work Programs. (Revised Spring, 1976).

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Robinson, James B.; Hanjis, Anthony J.

    Prepared to assist the distributive education work coordinator in using the Standard Training Plan (STP) for the cooperative program work assignments of students, this manual describes the development of the STP, provides instructions for its use, and discusses some specific problem areas. The author takes the approach that what is needed is a…

  19. The Infrared Automatic Mass Screening (IRAMS) System For Printed Circuit Board Fault Detection

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hugo, Perry W.

    1987-05-01

    Office of the Program Manager for TMDE (OPM TMDE) has initiated a program to develop techniques for evaluating the performance of printed circuit boards (PCB's) using infrared thermal imaging. It is OPM TMDE's expectation that the standard thermal profile (STP) will become the basis for the future rapid automatic detection and isolation of gross failure mechanisms on units under test (UUT's). To accomplish this OPM TMDE has purchased two Infrared Automatic Mass Screening ( I RAMS) systems which are scheduled for delivery in 1987. The IRAMS system combines a high resolution infrared thermal imager with a test bench and diagnostic computer hardware and software. Its purpose is to rapidly and automatically compare the thermal profiles of a UUT with the STP of that unit, recalled from memory, in order to detect thermally responsive failure mechanisms in PCB's. This paper will review the IRAMS performance requirements, outline the plan for implementing the two systems and report on progress to date.

  20. NPS TINYSCOPE Program Management

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-09-01

    SMDC - Space and Missile Defense Command SOW - Statement of Work STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics STP - Space Test Program...the project. A statement of work ( SOW ) is typically used to document broad responsibilities, deliverables, and the work activities required in a...given project. The SOW acts as a guideline Summary of TINYSCOPE and Argus Requirements Requirement Threshold Objective Mission IOC Sep 2011 ASAP

  1. Characterization of the anticonvulsant, behavioral and pharmacokinetic interaction profiles of stiripentol in combination with clonazepam, ethosuximide, phenobarbital, and valproate using isobolographic analysis.

    PubMed

    Luszczki, Jarogniew J; Ratnaraj, Neville; Patsalos, Philip N; Czuczwar, Stanislaw J

    2006-11-01

    Isobolographic analysis was used to characterize the interactions between stiripentol (STP) and clonazepam (CZP), ethosuximide (ETS), phenobarbital (PB), and valproate (VPA) in suppressing pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced clonic seizures in mice. The anticonvulsant and acute adverse (neurotoxic) effects of STP in combination with the various conventional antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), at fixed ratios of 1:3, 1:1, and 3:1, were evaluated in the PTZ and chimney tests in mice using the isobolographic analysis. Additionally, protective indices (PI) and benefit indices (BI) were calculated to identify their pharmacological profiles so that a ranking in relation to advantageous combination could be established. Moreover, adverse-effect paradigms were determined by use of the step-through passive avoidance task (long-term memory), threshold for the first pain reaction, grip-strength test (neuromuscular tone), and the hot plate test (acute thermal pain). Brain AED concentrations were also measured so as to ascertain any pharmacokinetic contribution to the pharmacodynamic interactions. All AED combinations comprising of STP and CZP, ETS, PB, and VPA (at the fixed ratios of 1:3, 1:1 and 3:1) were additive in terms of clonic seizure suppression in the PTZ test. However, these interactions were complicated by changes in brain AED concentrations consequent to pharmacokinetic interactions. Thus STP significantly increased total brain ETS and PB concentrations, and decreased VPA concentrations, but was without effect on CZP concentrations. In contrast, PB significantly decreased and VPA increased total brain STP concentrations while CZP and ETS were without effect. Furthermore, while isobolographic analysis revealed that STP and CZP in combination, at the fixed ratios of 1:1 and 3:1, were supraadditive (synergistic; p < 0.05), the combinations of STP with CZP (1:3), ETS, PB, or VPA (at all fixed ratios of 1:3, 1:1, and 3:1) were barely additivity in terms of acute neurotoxic adverse effects in the chimney test. Additionally, none of the examined combinations of STP with conventional AEDs (CZP, ETS, PB, VPA--at their median effective doses from the PTZ-test) affected long-term memory, threshold for the first pain reaction, neuromuscular tone, and acute thermal pain. Based on BI values, the combination of STP with PB at the fixed ratio of 1:3 appears to be a particularly favourable combination. In contrast, STP and CZP or ETS (at the fixed ratios of 1:1 and 3:1) were unfavorable combinations. However, these conclusions are confounded by the fact that STP is associated with significant pharmacokinetic interactions. The remaining combinations of STP with PB (1:1 and 3:1), CZP (1:3), ETS (1:3), and VPA (at all fixed ratios of 1:3, 1:1, and 3:1) do not appear to be potential favorable AED combinations.

  2. Low-Temperature Self-Healing of a Microcapsule-Type Protective Coating

    PubMed Central

    Cho, Yu-Jin; Choi, Ju-Young; Kim, Beom-Jun; Jin, Seung-Won; Chung, Chan-Moon

    2017-01-01

    Low-temperature self-healing capabilities are essential for self-healing materials exposed to cold environments. Although low-temperature self-healing concepts have been proposed, there has been no report of a microcapsule-type low-temperature self-healing system wherein the healing ability was demonstrated at low temperature. In this work, low-temperature self-healing of a microcapsule-type protective coating was demonstrated. This system employed silanol-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (STP) as a healing agent and dibutyltin dilaurate (DD) as a catalyst. STP underwent a condensation reaction at −20 °C in the presence of DD to give a viscoelastic product. The reaction behavior of STP and the viscoelasticity of the reaction product were investigated. STP and DD were separately microencapsulated by in situ polymerization and interfacial polymerization methods, respectively. The STP- and DD-loaded microcapsules were mixed into a commercial enamel paint, and the resulting formulation was applied to glass slides, steel panels, and mortars to prepare self-healing coatings. When the self-healing coatings were damaged at a low temperature (−20 °C), STP and DD were released from broken microcapsules and filled the damaged area. This process was effectively visualized using a fluorescent dye. The self-healing coatings were scratched and subjected to corrosion tests, electrochemical tests, and saline solution permeability tests. The temperature of the self-healing coatings was maintained at −20 °C before and after scratching and during the tests. We successfully demonstrated that the STP/DD-based coating system has good low-temperature self-healing capability. PMID:28906465

  3. Relationship between Ethanol in Fuel and Corrosion in STP Sumps

    EPA Science Inventory

    Steve Pollock is a Compliance Inspector with the Petroleum Program in the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. During his inspections of the STP sumps of underground storage tanks at gasoline service stations in Virginia, Mr. Pollock noticed odd corrosion reactions in so...

  4. AiGERM: A logic programming front end for GERM

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hashim, Safaa H.

    1990-01-01

    AiGerm (Artificially Intelligent Graphical Entity Relation Modeler) is a relational data base query and programming language front end for MCC (Mission Control Center)/STP's (Space Test Program) Germ (Graphical Entity Relational Modeling) system. It is intended as an add-on component of the Germ system to be used for navigating very large networks of information. It can also function as an expert system shell for prototyping knowledge-based systems. AiGerm provides an interface between the programming language and Germ.

  5. Juvenile Toxicology: Relevance and Challenges for Toxicologists and Pathologists

    PubMed Central

    Remick, Amera K.; Catlin, Natasha R.; Quist, Erin M.; Steinbach, Thomas J.; Dixon, Darlene

    2015-01-01

    The Society of Toxicologic Pathology (STP) Education Committee and the STP Reproductive Special Interest Group held a North Carolina regional meeting entitled, “Juvenile Toxicology: Relevance and Challenges for Toxicologists and Pathologists” on March 13, 2015, at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences/National Toxicology Program in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. The purpose of this regional meeting was to familiarize attendees with the topic of juvenile toxicity testing and discuss its relevance to clinical pediatric medicine, regulatory perspectives, challenges of appropriate study design confronted by toxicologists, and challenges of histopathologic examination and interpretation of juvenile tissues faced by pathologists. The 1-day meeting was a success with over 60 attendees representing industry, government, research organizations, and academia. PMID:26220944

  6. HDM/PASCAL Verification System User's Manual

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hare, D.

    1983-01-01

    The HDM/Pascal verification system is a tool for proving the correctness of programs written in PASCAL and specified in the Hierarchical Development Methodology (HDM). This document assumes an understanding of PASCAL, HDM, program verification, and the STP system. The steps toward verification which this tool provides are parsing programs and specifications, checking the static semantics, and generating verification conditions. Some support functions are provided such as maintaining a data base, status management, and editing. The system runs under the TOPS-20 and TENEX operating systems and is written in INTERLISP. However, no knowledge is assumed of these operating systems or of INTERLISP. The system requires three executable files, HDMVCG, PARSE, and STP. Optionally, the editor EMACS should be on the system in order for the editor to work. The file HDMVCG is invoked to run the system. The files PARSE and STP are used as lower forks to perform the functions of parsing and proving.

  7. Barge-mounted treating plant to serve Prudhoe Bay injection program

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

    Not Available

    1983-01-01

    A barge-mounted Seawater Treating Plant (STP) which will serve the largest waterflood project on the North American continent is nearing completion at Daewoo Shipbuilding and Heavy Machinery Ltd. of Korea. The $150-million facility, the first such offshore plant ever built, will provide 2.2 million bpd of filtered, demineralized and warmed seawater under pressure for injection into the Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, oil field. It will be towed from Daewoo's Okpo, Korea, shipyard, in May with expected delivery to Alaska in July. The water output from the STP will maintain, when operational, the pressure necessary to continue the field's current production ofmore » 1.5 million bpd. The STP is being fabricated as a complete unit on its own integral hull. It will be positioned and set in a prepared offshore gravel foundation on the seabed by controlled ballasting. After its estimated service life of 25 years, the STP can be removed from the site by deballasting and towing. Construction requirements for the STP are discussed.« less

  8. Chemical and toxicological characterization of commercial smokeless tobacco products available on the Canadian market.

    PubMed

    Rickert, W S; Joza, P J; Trivedi, A H; Momin, R A; Wagstaff, W G; Lauterbach, J H

    2009-03-01

    Some health experts are recommending that smokers who refuse to quit or refuse to use nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) such as nicotine-containing chewing gum switch to certain types of smokeless tobacco products (STP) such as Swedish snus. Other health experts disagree citing the uncertainty in the composition of commercially available STP, the lack of governmental regulations to ensure that STP advertised to meet certain standards (i.e., GothiaTek) do actually meet such standards, and the uncertainty that any STP can provide as safe as alternative to smoking as NRT. One reason for uncertainty is the dearth of detailed chemical and toxicological information on contemporary STP. Unlike the situation with cigarettes, there are few standardized methods for analytical and toxicological studies of STP. Consequently, the objective for this work was to characterize several types of STP available on the Canadian market using the modifications of the Official Health Canada chemical and toxicological methods developed for cigarettes. Moist snuff samples tested had TSNA and B[a]P levels somewhat above the GothiaTek standard while samples of Swedish snus, low-moisture snuff, and US-style chewing tobacco did not. Use of in vitro assays to assess STP toxicity was of limited utility in distinguishing product types.

  9. Update on Progress of Space Station Integrated Kinetic Launcher for Orbital Payload Systems (SSIKLOPS) - Cyclops

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Newswander, Daniel; Smith, James P.; Lamb, Craig R.; Ballard, Perry G.

    2014-01-01

    The Space Station Integrated Kinetic Launcher for Orbital Payload Systems (SSIKLOPS), known as "Cyclops" to the International Space Station (ISS) community, was introduced last August (2013) during Technical Session V: From Earth to Orbit of the 27th Annual AIAA/USU Conference on Small Satellites. Cyclops is a collaboration between the NASA ISS Program, NASA Johnson Space Center Engineering, and Department of Defense (DoD) Space Test Program (STP) communities to develop a dedicated 50-100 kg class ISS small satellite deployment system. This paper will address the progress of Cyclops through its fabrication, assembly, flight certification, and on-orbit demonstration phases. It will also go into more detail regarding its anatomy, its satellite deployment concept of operations, and its satellite interfaces and requirements. Cyclops is manifested to fly on Space-X 4 which is currently scheduled in July 2014 with its initial satellite deployment demonstration of DoD STP's SpinSat and UT/TAMU's Lonestar satellites being late summer or fall of 2014.

  10. Solar Thermal Propulsion Improvements at Marshall Space Flight Center

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Gerrish, Harold P.

    2003-01-01

    Solar Thermal Propulsion (STP) is a concept which operates by transferring solar energy to a propellant, which thermally expands through a nozzle. The specific impulse performance is about twice that of chemical combustions engines, since there is no need for an oxidizer. In orbit, an inflatable concentrator mirror captures sunlight and focuses it inside an engine absorber cavity/heat exchanger, which then heats the propellant. The primary application of STP is with upperstages taking payloads from low earth orbit to geosynchronous earth orbit or earth escape velocities. STP engines are made of high temperature materials since heat exchanger operation requires temperatures greater than 2500K. Refractory metals such as tungsten and rhenium have been examined. The materials must also be compatible with hot hydrogen propellant. MSFC has three different engine designs, made of different refractory metal materials ready to test. Future engines will be made of high temperature carbide materials, which can withstand temperatures greater than 3000K, hot hydrogen, and provide higher performance. A specific impulse greater than 1000 seconds greatly reduces the amount of required propellant. A special 1 OkW solar ground test facility was made at MSFC to test various STP engine designs. The heliostat mirror, with dual-axis gear drive, tracks and reflects sunlight to the 18 ft. diameter concentrator mirror. The concentrator then focuses sunlight through a vacuum chamber window to a small focal point inside the STP engine. The facility closely simulates how the STP engine would function in orbit. The flux intensity at the focal point is equivalent to the intensity at a distance of 7 solar radii from the sun.

  11. MGMT-STP27 methylation status as predictive marker for response to PCV in anaplastic Oligodendrogliomas and Oligoastrocytomas. A report from EORTC study 26951.

    PubMed

    van den Bent, Martin J; Erdem-Eraslan, Lale; Idbaih, Ahmed; de Rooi, Johan; Eilers, Paul H C; Spliet, Wim G M; den Dunnen, Wilfred F A; Tijssen, Cees; Wesseling, Pieter; Sillevis Smitt, Peter A E; Kros, Johan M; Gorlia, Thierry; French, Pim J

    2013-10-01

    The long-term follow-up results from the EORTC-26951 trial showed that the addition of procarbazine, CCNU, and vincristine (PCV) after radiotherapy increases survival in anaplastic oligodendrogliomas/oligoastrocytomas (AOD/AOA). However, some patients appeared to benefit more from PCV treatment than others. We conducted genome-wide methylation profiling of 115 samples included in the EORTC-26951 trial and extracted the CpG island hypermethylated phenotype (CIMP) and MGMT promoter methylation (MGMT-STP27) status. We first show that methylation profiling can be conducted on archival tissues with a performance that is similar to snap-frozen tissue samples. We then conducted methylation profiling on EORTC-26951 clinical trial samples. Univariate analysis indicated that CIMP+ or MGMT-STP27 methylated tumors had an improved survival compared with CIMP- and/or MGMT-STP27 unmethylated tumors [median overall survival (OS), 1.05 vs. 6.46 years and 1.06 vs. 3.8 years, both P < 0.0001 for CIMP and MGMT-STP27 status, respectively]. Multivariable analysis indicates that CIMP and MGMT-STP27 are significant prognostic factors for survival in presence of age, sex, performance score, and review diagnosis in the model. CIMP+ and MGMT-STP27 methylated tumors showed a clear benefit from adjuvant PCV chemotherapy: the median OS of CIMP+ samples in the RT and RT-PCV arms was 3.27 and 9.51 years, respectively (P = 0.0033); for MGMT-STP27 methylated samples, it was 1.98 and 8.65 years. There was no such benefit for CIMP- or for MGMT-STP27 unmethylated tumors. MGMT-STP27 status remained significant in an interaction test (P = 0.003). Statistical analysis of microarray (SAM) identified 259 novel CpGs associated with treatment response. MGMT-STP27 may be used to guide treatment decisions in this tumor type. ©2013 AACR.

  12. LTRC Annual Research Program : Fiscal Year July 1, 2017 - June 30, 2018.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2017-06-01

    FHWA Part II SPR Research Program FAP Number SPR-0010(34) & FHWA Funded Research Program & FHWA LTAP Funded Program & FHWA STP Funded Program & Federal & Self-Generated Funded Research Program & Other DOTD Funded Projects

  13. Microcapsule-Type Self-Healing Protective Coating for Cementitious Composites with Secondary Crack Preventing Ability.

    PubMed

    Kim, Dong-Min; Yu, Hwan-Chul; Yang, Hye-In; Cho, Yu-Jin; Lee, Kwang-Myong; Chung, Chan-Moon

    2017-01-26

    A microcapsule-type self-healing protective coating with secondary crack preventing capability has been developed using a silanol-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (STP)/dibutyltin dilaurate (DD) healing agent. STP undergoes condensation reaction in the presence of DD to give a viscoelastic substance. STP- and DD-containing microcapsules were prepared by in-situ polymerization and interfacial polymerization methods, respectively. The microcapsules were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The microcapsules were integrated into commercial enamel paint or epoxy coating formulations, which were applied on silicon wafers, steel panels, and mortar specimens to make dual-capsule self-healing protective coatings. When the STP/DD-based coating was scratched, self-healing of the damaged region occurred, which was demonstrated by SEM, electrochemical test, and water permeability test. It was also confirmed that secondary crack did not occur in the healed region upon application of vigorous vibration to the self-healing coating.

  14. Microcapsule-Type Self-Healing Protective Coating for Cementitious Composites with Secondary Crack Preventing Ability

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Dong-Min; Yu, Hwan-Chul; Yang, Hye-In; Cho, Yu-Jin; Lee, Kwang-Myong; Chung, Chan-Moon

    2017-01-01

    A microcapsule-type self-healing protective coating with secondary crack preventing capability has been developed using a silanol-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (STP)/dibutyltin dilaurate (DD) healing agent. STP undergoes condensation reaction in the presence of DD to give a viscoelastic substance. STP- and DD-containing microcapsules were prepared by in-situ polymerization and interfacial polymerization methods, respectively. The microcapsules were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The microcapsules were integrated into commercial enamel paint or epoxy coating formulations, which were applied on silicon wafers, steel panels, and mortar specimens to make dual-capsule self-healing protective coatings. When the STP/DD-based coating was scratched, self-healing of the damaged region occurred, which was demonstrated by SEM, electrochemical test, and water permeability test. It was also confirmed that secondary crack did not occur in the healed region upon application of vigorous vibration to the self-healing coating. PMID:28772475

  15. LTRC Annual Research Program : Fiscal Year July 1, 2012-June 30, 2013

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2012-06-01

    Contents: Budget Recap Sheets; Project Summary Sheets; FHWA Part II SPR Funded Research Program; FHWA IBRD Funded Research Program; FHWA LTAP Funded Program; FHWA STP Funded Technology Transfer & Education Program; State Funded Research Program; Fede...

  16. LTRC annual research program : fiscal year July 1, 2011-June 30, 2012.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2011-06-01

    Contents: Budget Recaps Sheets; Project Summary Sheets; FHWA Part II SPR Funded Research Program; FHWA IBRD Funded Research Program; FHWA LTAP Funded Program; FHWA STP Funded Technology Transfer & Education Program; State Funded Research Program; Sel...

  17. Solar Thermal Propulsion

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Gerrish, Harold P., Jr.

    2003-01-01

    This paper presents viewgraphs on Solar Thermal Propulsion (STP). Some of the topics include: 1) Ways to use Solar Energy for Propulsion; 2) Solar (fusion) Energy; 3) Operation in Orbit; 4) Propulsion Concepts; 5) Critical Equations; 6) Power Efficiency; 7) Major STP Projects; 8) Types of STP Engines; 9) Solar Thermal Propulsion Direct Gain Assembly; 10) Specific Impulse; 11) Thrust; 12) Temperature Distribution; 13) Pressure Loss; 14) Transient Startup; 15) Axial Heat Input; 16) Direct Gain Engine Design; 17) Direct Gain Engine Fabrication; 18) Solar Thermal Propulsion Direct Gain Components; 19) Solar Thermal Test Facility; and 20) Checkout Results.

  18. Department of the Air Force Supporting Data for Fiscal Year 1993 Budget Estimates Submitted to Congress January 1992 Descriptive Summaries. Research, Development, Test and Evaluation

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1992-01-01

    Spacecraft Technology 0503401F 450 35 Space Systems Environmental Interactions Technology 060341 OF 468 36 Space Subsystems Technology 0603428F 472 37...Space Systems Environmental Interactions Technology 35 468 0603402F Space Test Program (STP) 191 462 030591OF SPACETRACK 85 195 0604233F Specialized...is in the mid- 1990’s. Combat force commanders and units (equipped with EMP-hardened, secure radio equipment) interact with nearby relay nodes for

  19. Wastewater Characterization Survey, Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1992-01-01

    0.5 ɘ.5 ICompositel Grab J 21 Figure B-3 Sewage Treament Plant (STP#): STP #1 STP #2 STP #3 STP #4 The sampler was located below GN913006 GN913007...65.2 352 Benzene ug/L 0.1163.1 . 23] 27 I Compositel Grab 22 Figure B-4 Sewage Treament Plant (STP#): STP #5 STP #6 STP #7 The sampler was located

  20. STS-39 AFP-675 and STP-1 MPESS in OV-103's payload bay (PLB)

    NASA Image and Video Library

    1991-05-06

    STS039-10-019 (28 April-6 May 1991) --- This 35mm frame, taken from inside the crew cabin, shows some of the cargo in Discovery's payload bay. Seen are the tops of canisters on the STP-1 payload, configured on the STS 39 Hitchhiker carrier; and the Air Force Program (AFP) 675 package. AFP-675 consists of the Cryogenic Infrared Radiance Instrumentation for Shuttle (CIRRIS)-1A; Far Ultraviolet Camera (FAR-UV) Experiment; Horizon Ultraviolet Program (HUP); Quadruple Ion Neutral Mass Spectrometer (QINMS); and the Uniformly Redundant Array (URA).

  1. LTRC annual research program : fiscal year July 1, 2015 - June 30, 2016.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2015-06-01

    Contents: Budget Recap Sheets; Project Summary Sheets; FHWA Part II SPR Funded Research Program; FHWA LTAP Funded Program; FHWA STP Funded Technology Transfer & Education Program; State Funded Research Program; Self-Generated Funded Research; Other D...

  2. Beyond behavior modification: Benefits of social-emotional/self-regulation training for preschoolers with behavior problems.

    PubMed

    Graziano, Paulo A; Hart, Katie

    2016-10-01

    The current study evaluated the initial efficacy of three intervention programs aimed at improving school readiness in preschool children with externalizing behavior problems (EBP). Participants for this study included 45 preschool children (76% boys; Mage=5.16years; 84% Hispanic/Latino background) with at-risk or clinically elevated levels of EBP. During the summer between preschool and kindergarten, children were randomized to receive three newly developed intervention packages. The first and most cost effective intervention package was an 8-week School Readiness Parenting Program (SRPP). Families randomized into the second and third intervention packages received not only the weekly SRPP, but children also attended two different versions of an intensive kindergarten summer readiness class (M-F, 8a.m.-5p.m.) that was part of an 8-week summer treatment program for pre-kindergarteners (STP-PreK). One version included the standard behavioral modification system and academic curriculum (STP-PreK) while the other additionally contained social-emotional and self-regulation training (STP-PreK Enhanced). Baseline, post-intervention, and 6-month follow-up data were collected on children's school readiness outcomes including parent, teacher, and objective assessment measures. Analyses using linear mixed models indicated that children's behavioral functioning significantly improved across all groups in a similar magnitude. Children in the STP-PreK Enhanced group, however, experienced greater growth across time in academic achievement, emotion knowledge, emotion regulation, and executive functioning compared to children in the other groups. These findings suggest that while parent training is sufficient to address children's behavioral difficulties, an intensive summer program that goes beyond behavioral modification and academic preparation by targeting socio-emotional and self-regulation skills can have incremental benefits across multiple aspects of school readiness. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  3. Radiation Hardening by Software Techniques on FPGAs: Flight Experiment Evaluation and Results

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Schmidt, Andrew G.; Flatley, Thomas

    2017-01-01

    We present our work on implementing Radiation Hardening by Software (RHBSW) techniques on the Xilinx Virtex5 FPGAs PowerPC 440 processors on the SpaceCube 2.0 platform. The techniques have been matured and tested through simulation modeling, fault emulation, laser fault injection and now in a flight experiment, as part of the Space Test Program- Houston 4-ISS SpaceCube Experiment 2.0 (STP-H4-ISE 2.0). This work leverages concepts such as heartbeat monitoring, control flow assertions, and checkpointing, commonly used in the High Performance Computing industry, and adapts them for use in remote sensing embedded systems. These techniques are extremely low overhead (typically <1.3%), enabling a 3.3x gain in processing performance as compared to the equivalent traditionally radiation hardened processor. The recently concluded STP-H4 flight experiment was an opportunity to upgrade the RHBSW techniques for the Virtex5 FPGA and demonstrate them on-board the ISS to achieve TRL 7. This work details the implementation of the RHBSW techniques, that were previously developed for the Virtex4-based SpaceCube 1.0 platform, on the Virtex5-based SpaceCube 2.0 flight platform. The evaluation spans the development and integration with flight software, remotely uploading the new experiment to the ISS SpaceCube 2.0 platform, and conducting the experiment continuously for 16 days before the platform was decommissioned. The experiment was conducted on two PowerPCs embedded within the Virtex5 FPGA devices and the experiment collected 19,400 checkpoints, processed 253,482 status messages, and incurred 0 faults. These results are highly encouraging and future work is looking into longer duration testing as part of the STP-H5 flight experiment.

  4. NPS-SCAT CONOPS and Radiation Environment

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-06-01

    flexibility, as well as allows players in the space market who would otherwise not be able to enter due to budgetary limitations. Important to NPS is...commercial market . Although the time frame for completing NPS-SCAT has not been as short as possible due to the nature of the learning environment on its...Program ( STP ) seeks flight opportunities for approved experiments. The current NPS- SCAT launch date offers ample time to finish and test the

  5. Identification and Characterization of a Gene stp17 Located on the Linear Plasmid pBSSB1 as an Enhanced Gene of Growth and Motility in Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhi

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Haifang; Zhu, Yunxia; Xie, Xiaofang; Wang, Min; Du, Hong; Xu, Shungao; Zhang, Ying; Gong, Mingyu; Ni, Bin; Xu, Huaxi; Huang, Xinxiang

    2016-01-01

    The linear plasmid pBSSB1 mediates the flagellar phase variation in H:z66 positive Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi). The gene named stp17 (S. Typhi plasmid number 17 gene) is located on pBSSB1 and encodes the protein STP17. The expression pattern at the protein-level and function of STP17 remains unknown. In this study, the recombinant protein STP17His6 was expressed, purified and used to prepare the polyclonal anti-STP17 antibody. We detected protein-level expression of stp17 in S. Typhi and further investigated the protein expression characteristics of stp17 in different growth phases by western blot analysis. The effects of STP17 on bacterial growth and motility were analyzed. In addition, the structure of STP17 was predicted and the active site of STP17 was identified by site-directed mutagenesis. The results showed that STP17 was expressed stably in the wild type strain of S. Typhi. STP17 expression at the protein level peaks when cultures reach an OD600 value of 1.2. The growth rate and motility of the Δstp17 strain were significantly decreased compared with the wild type strain (P < 0.05) and this phenotype was restored in the stp17 complementary strain. Moreover, the growth rate and motility of the stp17 over-expression strain was greater than the wild type strain. STP17 contains nine Helix segments, six Stand segments and some Coil segments in the secondary structural level. The top-ranked 3-D structure of STP17 predicted by I-TASSER contains a putative ATPase domain and the amino acid residues of GLY16, GLY19, LYS20, ASN133, LYS157, and LYS158 may be the active site residues of STP17. Finally, STP17 was able to catalyze the ATP to ADP reaction, suggesting that STP17 may be an ATPase. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the protein expression characteristics of STP17 in S. Typhi, showing that STP17 promotes bacterial growth and motility, which may be associated with its potential ATPase activity. PMID:27761429

  6. [Treatment of severe intermittent claudication: ORACLE-PGE1 short term study. A randomised 40-week study. Evaluation of efficacy and costs].

    PubMed

    Cesarone, M R; Belcaro, G; Nicolaides, A N; Griffin, M; Geroulakos, G; Ramaswami, G; Cazaubon, M; Barsotti, A; Vasdekis, S; Christopoulos, D; Agus, G; Bavera, P; Mondani, P; Ippolito, E; Flenda, F

    2002-12-01

    The efficacy and cost of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) in severe intermittent claudication was studied comparing a long-term protocol (LTP) with a short-term protocol (STP) in a randomised 40-week study. Phase 1 was a 2-week run-in phase (no treatment) for both protocols. In LTP, phase 2 was the main treatment phase. Treatment was performed with 2-hour infusions (60 micro g PGE1, 5 days each week for 4 weeks. In phase 3 (4-week interval period), PGE1 was administered twice a week (same dosage). In phase 4 (40 weeks), no PGE1 were used. In STP, phase 2 treatment was performed in two days by a 2-hour infusion (60 micro g PGE1 twice a day in 2 days). The same cycle was repeated every 4 weeks. A treadmill test was performed at inclusion, at the beginning of each phase and at the end of weeks 12, 16, 20 32 and 40. A progressive training plan (walking) and reduction in risk factors plan was used in both groups. Out of the 1276 included patients 1165 completed the study (606 in LTP group; 559 in the STP). Drop-outs were 111. The two groups were comparable in distribution, risk factors and smoking. Intention-to-treat analysis indicated an increase in pain free walking distance (PFWD). The absolute and percent increase in pain-free walking distance (PFWD) was comparable in both LTP and STP groups with a significative increase in TWD at 4 weeks. At 20 and 40 weeks increase was up to 219% in the LTP and 460% in the STP group (p<0.02). Comparable results concerning PFWD were obtained in the two groups. Both treatments were well tolerated. No side effect was observed. Local effects were observed in 8.5% of the treated subjects in the LTP and 4% in the STP. The average cost of the LTP protocol was 8786 Euro. For STP the costs was 946 (10.8% of LTP). For both protocols the cost of the infusion was 24% of the total for the LTP and 35% in the STP. Therefore 75% of the cost is not drug-related. In conclusion between-group-analysis favours STP considering walking distance and costs. Results indicate good efficacy and tolerability of PGE1 treatment particularly STP.

  7. JSUS solar thermal thruster and its integration with thermionic power converter

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shimizu, Morio; Eguchi, Kunihisa; Itoh, Katsuya; Sato, Hitoshi; Fujii, Tadayuki; Okamoto, Ken-Ichi; Igarashi, Tadashi

    1998-01-01

    This paper describes solar heating test results of a single crystal Mo thruster of solar thermal propulsion (STP) with super high-temperature brazing of Mo/Ru for hydrogen-gas sealing, using the paraboloidal concentrator of 1.6 m diameter newly installed in NAL in the Japan Solar Upper Stage (JSUS) research program. The designed thruster has a target Isp about 800 sec for 2,250 K or higher temperatures of hydrogen propellant. Additionally, tungsten CVD-coating was applied to a outer surface of the thruster in order to prevent vaporization of the wall material and Mo/Ru under the condition of high temperature over 2,500K and high vacuum. Also addressed in our paper is solar thermionic power module design for the integration with the STP receiver. The thermionic converter (TIC) module is of a planar type in a Knudsen-mode operation and provides a high conversion efficiency of 23% at the TIC emitter temperature of nearly 1,850 K for a heat input flux of 24 W/cm2.

  8. Stamina pistilloida, the Pea ortholog of Fim and UFO, is required for normal development of flowers, inflorescences, and leaves.

    PubMed

    Taylor, S; Hofer, J; Murfet, I

    2001-01-01

    Isolation and characterization of two severe alleles at the Stamina pistilloida (Stp) locus reveals that Stp is involved in a wide range of developmental processes in the garden pea. The most severe allele, stp-4, results in flowers consisting almost entirely of sepals and carpels. Production of ectopic secondary flowers in stp-4 plants suggests that Stp is involved in specifying floral meristem identity in pea. The stp mutations also reduce the complexity of the compound pea leaf, and primary inflorescences often terminate prematurely in an aberrant sepaloid flower. In addition, stp mutants were shorter than their wild-type siblings due to a reduction in cell number in their internodes. Fewer cells were also found in the epidermis of the leaf rachis of stp mutants. Examination of the effects of stp-4 in double mutant combinations with af, tl, det, and veg2-2-mutations known to influence leaf, inflorescence, and flower development in pea-suggests that Stp function is independent of these genes. A synergistic interaction between weak mutant alleles at Stp and Uni indicated that these two genes act together, possibly to regulate primordial growth. Molecular analysis revealed that Stp is the pea homolog of the Antirrhinum gene Fimbriata (Fim) and of UNUSUAL FLORAL ORGANS (UFO) from Arabidopsis. Differences between Fim/UFO and Stp mutant phenotypes and expression patterns suggest that expansion of Stp activity into the leaf was an important step during evolution of the compound leaf in the garden pea.

  9. Genome-Wide Identification, Expression, and Functional Analysis of the Sugar Transporter Gene Family in Cassava (Manihot esculenta).

    PubMed

    Liu, Qin; Dang, Huijie; Chen, Zhijian; Wu, Junzheng; Chen, Yinhua; Chen, Songbi; Luo, Lijuan

    2018-03-26

    The sugar transporter ( STP ) gene family encodes monosaccharide transporters that contain 12 transmembrane domains and belong to the major facilitator superfamily. STP genes play critical roles in monosaccharide distribution and participate in diverse plant metabolic processes. To investigate the potential roles of STPs in cassava ( Manihot esculenta ) tuber root growth, genome-wide identification and expression and functional analyses of the STP gene family were performed in this study. A total of 20 MeSTP genes ( MeSTP1 - 20 ) containing the Sugar_tr conserved motifs were identified from the cassava genome, which could be further classified into four distinct groups in the phylogenetic tree. The expression profiles of the MeSTP genes explored using RNA-seq data showed that most of the MeSTP genes exhibited tissue-specific expression, and 15 out of 20 MeSTP genes were mainly expressed in the early storage root of cassava. qRT-PCR analysis further confirmed that most of the MeSTPs displayed higher expression in roots after 30 and 40 days of growth, suggesting that these genes may be involved in the early growth of tuber roots. Although all the MeSTP proteins exhibited plasma membrane localization, variations in monosaccharide transport activity were found through a complementation analysis in a yeast ( Saccharomyces cerevisiae ) mutant, defective in monosaccharide uptake. Among them, MeSTP2, MeSTP15, and MeSTP19 were able to efficiently complement the uptake of five monosaccharides in the yeast mutant, while MeSTP3 and MeSTP16 only grew on medium containing galactose, suggesting that these two MeSTP proteins are transporters specific for galactose. This study provides significant insights into the potential functions of MeSTPs in early tuber root growth, which possibly involves the regulation of monosaccharide distribution.

  10. One tool - one team: the marriage of test and operations in a low-budget spacecraft development

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Finley, Charles J.

    2006-05-01

    The Air Force Research Laboratory's Space Vehicles Directorate (AFRL/VS) and the Department of Defense Space Test Program (STP) are two organizations that have partnered on more than 85 missions since 1968 to develop, launch, and operate Research and Development, Test and Evaluation space missions. As valuable as these missions have been to the follow-on generation of Operational systems, they are consistently under-funded and forced to execute on excessively ambitious development schedules. Due to these constraints, space mission development teams that serve the RDT&E community are faced with a number of unique technical and programmatic challenges. AFRL and STP have taken various approaches throughout the mission lifecycle to accelerate their development schedules, without sacrificing cost or system reliability. In the areas of test and operations, they currently employ one of two strategies. Historically, they have sought to avoid the added cost and complexity associated with coupled development schedules and segregated the spacecraft development and test effort from the ground operations system development and test effort. However, because these efforts have far more in common than they have differences, they have more recently attempted to pursue parallel I&T and Operations development and readiness efforts. This paper seeks to compare and contrast the "decoupled test and operations" approach, used by such missions as C/NOFS and Coriolis, with the "coupled test and operations" approach, adopted by the XSS-11 and TacSat-2 missions.

  11. Stamina pistilloida, the Pea Ortholog of Fim and UFO, Is Required for Normal Development of Flowers, Inflorescences, and Leaves

    PubMed Central

    Taylor, Scott; Hofer, Julie; Murfet, Ian

    2001-01-01

    Isolation and characterization of two severe alleles at the Stamina pistilloida (Stp) locus reveals that Stp is involved in a wide range of developmental processes in the garden pea. The most severe allele, stp-4, results in flowers consisting almost entirely of sepals and carpels. Production of ectopic secondary flowers in stp-4 plants suggests that Stp is involved in specifying floral meristem identity in pea. The stp mutations also reduce the complexity of the compound pea leaf, and primary inflorescences often terminate prematurely in an aberrant sepaloid flower. In addition, stp mutants were shorter than their wild-type siblings due to a reduction in cell number in their internodes. Fewer cells were also found in the epidermis of the leaf rachis of stp mutants. Examination of the effects of stp-4 in double mutant combinations with af, tl, det, and veg2-2—mutations known to influence leaf, inflorescence, and flower development in pea—suggests that Stp function is independent of these genes. A synergistic interaction between weak mutant alleles at Stp and Uni indicated that these two genes act together, possibly to regulate primordial growth. Molecular analysis revealed that Stp is the pea homolog of the Antirrhinum gene Fimbriata (Fim) and of UNUSUAL FLORAL ORGANS (UFO) from Arabidopsis. Differences between Fim/UFO and Stp mutant phenotypes and expression patterns suggest that expansion of Stp activity into the leaf was an important step during evolution of the compound leaf in the garden pea. PMID:11158527

  12. Hydrothermal Testing of K Basin Sludge and N Reactor Fuel at Sludge Treatment Project Operating Conditions

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

    Delegard, Calvin H.; Schmidt, Andrew J.; Thornton, Brenda M.

    The Sludge Treatment Project (STP), managed for the U. S. DOE by Fluor Hanford (FH), was created to design and operate a process to eliminate uranium metal from K Basin sludge prior to packaging for Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). The STP process uses high temperature liquid water to accelerate the reaction, produce uranium dioxide from the uranium metal, and safely discharge the hydrogen. Under nominal process conditions, the sludge will be heated in pressurized water at 185°C for as long as 72 hours to assure the complete reaction (corrosion) of up to 0.25-inch diameter uranium metal pieces. Under contractmore » to FH, the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) conducted bench-scale testing of the STP hydrothermal process in November and December 2006. Five tests (~50 ml each) were conducted in sealed, un-agitated reaction vessels under the hydrothermal conditions (e.g., 7 to 72 h at 185°C) of the STP corrosion process using radioactive sludge samples collected from the K East Basin and particles/coupons of N Reactor fuel also taken from the K Basins. The tests were designed to evaluate and understand the chemical changes that may be occurring and the effects that any changes would have on sludge rheological properties. The tests were not designed to evaluate engineering aspects of the process. The hydrothermal treatment affected the chemical and physical properties of the sludge. In each test, significant uranium compound phase changes were identified, resulting from dehydration and chemical reduction reactions. Physical properties of the sludge were significantly altered from their initial, as-settled sludge values, including, shear strength, settled density, weight percent water, and gas retention.« less

  13. Factors influencing patient decisions to initiate and discontinue subcutaneous testosterone pellets (Testopel) for treatment of hypogonadism.

    PubMed

    Smith, Ryan P; Khanna, Abhinav; Coward, Robert M; Rajanahally, Saneal; Kovac, Jason R; Gonzales, Marshall A; Lipshultz, Larry I

    2013-09-01

    A variety of modalities for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) are available, including topical gels, injections, and Testopel subcutaneous testosterone pellets (STP). STP are becoming more commonly utilized in the United States; however, patient preferences, expectations, and usage patterns regarding this therapy remain poorly characterized. To identify factors influencing patients' decisions to initiate or discontinue STP. A total of 175 men from an academic urology clinic who were currently using or who had previously used STP for hypogonadism received a 32-item electronic survey. Assessment of the impact of convenience, efficacy, side effects, cost, and symptom relief on initiation and discontinuation of STP. One hundred and thirteen men (64.6% response rate) of mean age 51.4 years who previously underwent a mean of 2.8 STP implant procedures completed the survey. Fifty-nine (52.2%) and 40 (35.4%) men had switched to STP from topical gel and injection therapy, respectively, whereas 14 (12.4%) men initially started TRT with STP. Convenience (68.8%) was the most important factor in patients' decision to start STP, while cost of the previous form of TRT (14.7%) was least important. At the time of the survey, 32 men (28.3%) had discontinued STP therapy. Cost of therapy (50%) was the primary factor in discontinuing STP. There was no difference in serum testosterone levels between men who continued STP and those who discontinued therapy (642.8 vs. 629.0 ng/dL, P = 0.83). Overall, 68.1% of patients continued STP therapy at the time of survey completion. Convenience is the most important factor in a patient's decision to initiate STP; however, physician recommendation also plays a substantial role. Cost was the primary reason for discontinuation. Upon survey completion, greater than two-thirds of respondents elected to continue STP therapy. STP are a viable treatment option for hypogonadal men seeking a convenient and efficacious alternative modality of TRT. © 2013 International Society for Sexual Medicine.

  14. Ecotoxicological and Genotoxic Evaluation of Buenos Aires City (Argentina) Hospital Wastewater

    PubMed Central

    Juárez, Ángela Beatriz; Dragani, Valeria; Saenz, Magalí Elizabeth; Moretton, Juan

    2014-01-01

    Hospital wastewater (HWW) constitutes a potential risk to the ecosystems and human health due to the presence of toxic and genotoxic chemical compounds. In the present work we investigated toxicity and genotoxicity of wastewaters from the public hospital of Buenos Aires (Argentina). The effluent from the sewage treatment plant (STP) serving around 10 million inhabitants was also evaluated. The study was carried out between April and September 2012. Toxicity and genotoxicity assessment was performed using the green algae Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata and the Allium cepa test, respectively. Toxicity assay showed that 55% of the samples were toxic to the algae (%I of growth between 23.9 and 54.8). The A. cepa test showed that 40% of the samples were genotoxic. The analysis of chromosome aberrations (CA) and micronucleus (MN) showed no significant differences between days and significant differences between months. The sample from the STP was not genotoxic to A. cepa but toxic to the algae (%I = 41%), showing that sewage treatment was not totally effective. This study highlights the need for environmental control programs and the establishment of advanced and effective effluent treatment plants in the hospitals, which are merely dumping the wastewaters in the municipal sewerage system. PMID:25214834

  15. A Center of Excellence in Rotary Wing Aircraft Technology. Phase 2. Program Maturation Phase, 15 January 1988 - 14 January 1993

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1993-03-14

    COSTSHARING REOUIRED AND UNIVERSITY COO SHARING c ison For INCREASED . . *AFLIGHT SIMULATION TASK ADDED D ! !L ý Figure 1. _It• .. ... Avail. 2Blot S. . .. lI...Vibrations and Structnal Dynamics .................. 28 Task 4. Damage Resistance in Rotorcraft Structus ........................ 31 D . Flight Mechanics and...Twenty-Second Symposium (Volume i), ASTM STP 1131, H. A. Ernst, A. Saxena, and D . L. McDowell, Eds., American Society for Testing and Materials

  16. Installation Restoration Program. Phase 2. Confirmation/Quantification. Stage 2. Volume 1. Luke Air Force Base, Arizona.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1988-06-15

    equipped with an oil/water separator. Separated oil would be collected for reuse or proper disposal, and water would be piped to the Sewage Treatment...1940’s. The STP is located on Glendale Avenue, approximately 2 miles east of the Main Base, and adjacent to the Agua Fria River as shown in Figure 1-7...flow. The effluent from the STP is discharged into a canal that flows into lagoons in the dry Agua Fria River bed. The treated efflu- ent is routinely

  17. New design of cable-in-conduit conductor for application in future fusion reactors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Qin, Jinggang; Wu, Yu; Li, Jiangang; Liu, Fang; Dai, Chao; Shi, Yi; Liu, Huajun; Mao, Zhehua; Nijhuis, Arend; Zhou, Chao; Yagotintsev, Konstantin A.; Lubkemann, Ruben; Anvar, V. A.; Devred, Arnaud

    2017-11-01

    The China Fusion Engineering Test Reactor (CFETR) is a new tokamak device whose magnet system includes toroidal field, central solenoid (CS) and poloidal field coils. The main goal is to build a fusion engineering tokamak reactor with about 1 GW fusion power and self-sufficiency by blanket. In order to reach this high performance, the magnet field target is 15 T. However, the huge electromagnetic load caused by high field and current is a threat for conductor degradation under cycling. The conductor with a short-twist-pitch (STP) design has large stiffness, which enables a significant performance improvement in view of load and thermal cycling. But the conductor with STP design has a remarkable disadvantage: it can easily cause severe strand indentation during cabling. The indentation can reduce the strand performance, especially under high load cycling. In order to overcome this disadvantage, a new design is proposed. The main characteristic of this new design is an updated layout in the triplet. The triplet is made of two Nb3Sn strands and one soft copper strand. The twist pitch of the two Nb3Sn strands is large and cabled first. The copper strand is then wound around the two superconducting strands (CWS) with a shorter twist pitch. The following cable stages layout and twist pitches are similar to the ITER CS conductor with STP design. One short conductor sample with a similar scale to the ITER CS was manufactured and tested with the Twente Cable Press to investigate the mechanical properties, AC loss and internal inspection by destructive examination. The results are compared to the STP conductor (ITER CS and CFETR CSMC) tests. The results show that the new conductor design has similar stiffness, but much lower strand indentation than the STP design. The new design shows potential for application in future fusion reactors.

  18. Injection order effects on efficacy of calcium chloride and sodium tripolyphosphate in controlling the pink color defect in uncured, intact turkey breast.

    PubMed

    Claus, James R; Sawyer, Christopher A; Vogel, Kurt D

    2010-04-01

    An experiment was conducted to test sequential injection of sodium tripolyphosphate (STP; 0.5% meat weight basis, mwb) followed by injection with or without addition of calcium chloride (CaCl(2), 500 ppm mwb), and to test the effect of post-injection delay prior to cooking. A second experiment evaluated the impact of injection order and delay time between independent addition of CaCl(2) (500 ppm mwb) and STP (0.5% mwb). Turkey was formulated without an added pink generating ligand (NONE), with nicotinamide (NIC; 0.1% mwb), or with sodium nitrite (NIT; 10 ppm mwb). A white colloid was observed in the extracellular space of treatments containing both STP and CaCl(2.) Addition of CaCl(2) decreased nitrosylhemochrome but did not reduce levels of nicotinamide hemochrome or CIE a(*) values. Injection order or delay between injections did not contribute to controlling the pink defect in cooked, intact turkey breast. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  19. Evaluation of transmission infrared spectroscopy and digital and optical refractometers to identify low immunoglobulin G concentrations in alpaca serum

    PubMed Central

    Elsohaby, Ibrahim; Burns, Jennifer J.; Riley, Christopher B.; McClure, J. Trenton

    2017-01-01

    This study aimed to evaluate the digital Brix and optical serum total protein (STP) refractometers for measuring concentrations of serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) in alpacas and compare them to IgG concentrations measured by the reference method of radial immunodiffusion (RID) assay. The appropriate cutoff point for Brix and STP refractometers and the transmission infrared (TIR) spectroscopy method was determined for low IgG concentrations (< 10 g/L). Serum samples were collected from alpacas (N = 169) and tested by both refractometers. The correlation between Brix % and STP was high [correlation coefficient (r) = 0.99]. However, the correlation coefficients between Brix % and STP with serum RID-IgG concentrations were only 0.56 and 0.55, respectively. Twenty-one (12.4%) of 169 alpaca serum samples had IgG concentrations of < 10 g/L. Using receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC) analysis, the optimal cutoff points for the TIR assay, digital Brix, and optical STP refractometers for assessing low IgG (RID < 10 g/L) were 13 g/L, 8.8%, and 50 g/L, respectively. The TIR assay showed higher sensitivity (Se = 95.2%) and specificity (Sp = 96.8%) than either the digital Brix (Se = 90.5% and Sp = 65.5%) or optical STP (Se = 81% and Sp = 73.7%) refractometers for assessing alpacas with low IgG. In conclusion, the Brix and STP refractometers lack accuracy in measuring alpaca IgG concentrations, but may be useful for screening animals for low serum IgG. However, the TIR assay with a cutoff point of 13 g/L was more appropriate for identifying low IgG than either refractometer. Another study that focuses on neonatal crias is recommended in order to evaluate the usefulness of these assays for field diagnosing of failure of transfer of passive immunity (FTPI). PMID:28725112

  20. Evaluation of transmission infrared spectroscopy and digital and optical refractometers to identify low immunoglobulin G concentrations in alpaca serum.

    PubMed

    Elsohaby, Ibrahim; Burns, Jennifer J; Riley, Christopher B; McClure, J Trenton

    2017-07-01

    This study aimed to evaluate the digital Brix and optical serum total protein (STP) refractometers for measuring concentrations of serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) in alpacas and compare them to IgG concentrations measured by the reference method of radial immunodiffusion (RID) assay. The appropriate cutoff point for Brix and STP refractometers and the transmission infrared (TIR) spectroscopy method was determined for low IgG concentrations (< 10 g/L). Serum samples were collected from alpacas (N = 169) and tested by both refractometers. The correlation between Brix % and STP was high [correlation coefficient (r) = 0.99]. However, the correlation coefficients between Brix % and STP with serum RID-IgG concentrations were only 0.56 and 0.55, respectively. Twenty-one (12.4%) of 169 alpaca serum samples had IgG concentrations of < 10 g/L. Using receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC) analysis, the optimal cutoff points for the TIR assay, digital Brix, and optical STP refractometers for assessing low IgG (RID < 10 g/L) were 13 g/L, 8.8%, and 50 g/L, respectively. The TIR assay showed higher sensitivity (Se = 95.2%) and specificity (Sp = 96.8%) than either the digital Brix (Se = 90.5% and Sp = 65.5%) or optical STP (Se = 81% and Sp = 73.7%) refractometers for assessing alpacas with low IgG. In conclusion, the Brix and STP refractometers lack accuracy in measuring alpaca IgG concentrations, but may be useful for screening animals for low serum IgG. However, the TIR assay with a cutoff point of 13 g/L was more appropriate for identifying low IgG than either refractometer. Another study that focuses on neonatal crias is recommended in order to evaluate the usefulness of these assays for field diagnosing of failure of transfer of passive immunity (FTPI).

  1. Activation of Stat3 Transcription Factor by Herpesvirus Saimiri STP-A Oncoprotein

    PubMed Central

    Chung, Young-Hwa; Cho, Nam-hyuk; Garcia, Maria Ines; Lee, Sun-Hwa; Feng, Pinghui; Jung, Jae U.

    2004-01-01

    The saimiri transforming protein (STP) oncogene of Herpesvirus saimiri subgroup A strain 11 (STP-A11) is not required for viral replication but is required for lymphoid cell immortalization in culture and lymphoma induction in primates. We previously showed that STP-A11 interacts with cellular Src kinase through its SH2 binding motif and that this interaction elicits Src signal transduction. Here we demonstrate that STP-A11 interacts with signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) independently of Src association and that the amino-terminal short proline-rich motif of STP-A11 and the central linker region of Stat3 are necessary for their interaction. STP-A11 formed a triple complex with Src kinase and Stat3 where Src kinase phosphorylated Stat3, resulting in the nuclear localization and transcriptional activation of Stat3. Consequently, the constitutively active Stat3 induced by STP-A11 elicited cellular signal transduction, which ultimately induced cell survival and proliferation upon serum deprivation. Furthermore, this activity was strongly correlated with the induction of Fos, cyclin D1, and Bcl-XL expression. These results demonstrate that STP-A11 independently targets two important cellular signaling molecules, Src and Stat3, and that these proteins cooperate efficiently to induce STP-A11-mediated transformation. PMID:15163742

  2. A Proposal to Develop and Test a Fibre-Optic Coupled Solar Thermal Propulsion System for Microsatellites

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2006-03-01

    high numerical aperture fibre optics. Applying fibre optics to STP allows the solar concentrator mirror to be mechanically decoupled from the solar...Applying fibre optics to STP allows the solar concentrator mirror to be mechanically decoupled from the solar heat exchanger as well as granting...concentration is achieved via an optical concentrating system, such as a series of lenses or mirrors . This concentrated sunlight impinges on a blackbody

  3. Spatial heterogeneity distribution of soil total nitrogen and total phosphorus in the Yaoxiang watershed in a hilly area of northern China based on geographic information system and geostatistics.

    PubMed

    Liu, Yu; Gao, Peng; Zhang, Liyong; Niu, Xiang; Wang, Bing

    2016-10-01

    Soil total nitrogen (STN) and total phosphorus (STP) are important indicators of soil nutrients and the important indexes of soil fertility and soil quality evaluation. Using geographic information system (GIS) and geostatistics, the spatial heterogeneity distribution of STN and STP in the Yaoxiang watershed in a hilly area of northern China was studied. The results showed that: (1) The STN and STP contents showed a declining trend with the increase in soil depth; the variation coefficients ( C v ) of STN and STP in the 0- to 10-cm soil layer (42.25% and 14.77%, respectively) were higher than in the 10- to 30-cm soil layer (28.77% and 11.60%, respectively). Moreover, the C v of STN was higher than that of STP. (2) The maximum C 0 /( C 0  +  C 1 ) of STN and STP in the soil layers was less than 25%, this indicated that a strong spatial distribution autocorrelation existed for STN and STP; and the STP showed higher intensity and more stable variation than the STN. (3) From the correlation analysis, we concluded that the topographic indexes such as elevation and slope direction all influenced the spatial distribution of STN and STP (correlation coefficients were 0.688 and 0.518, respectively). (4) The overall distribution of STN and STP in the Yaoxiang watershed decreased from the northwest to the southeast. This variation trend was similar to the watershed DEM trend and was significantly influenced by vegetation and topographic factors. These results revealed the spatial heterogeneity distribution of STN and STP, and addressed the influences of forest vegetation coverage, elevation, and other topographic factors on the spatial distribution of STN and STP at the watershed scale.

  4. Ultrasonic interface level analyzer shop test procedure

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

    STAEHR, T.W.

    1999-05-24

    The Royce Instrument Corporation Model 2511 Interface Level Analyzer (URSILLA) system uses an ultrasonic ranging technique (SONAR) to measure sludge depths in holding tanks. Three URSILLA instrument assemblies provided by the W-151 project are planned to be used during mixer pump testing to provide data for determining sludge mobilization effectiveness of the mixer pumps and sludge settling rates. The purpose of this test is to provide a documented means of verifying that the functional components of the three URSILLA instruments operate properly. Successful completion of this Shop Test Procedure (STP) is a prerequisite for installation in the AZ-101 tank. Themore » objective of the test is to verify the operation of the URSILLA instruments and to verify data collection using a stand alone software program.« less

  5. Wnt signal transduction pathways: modules, development and evolution.

    PubMed

    Nayak, Losiana; Bhattacharyya, Nitai P; De, Rajat K

    2016-08-01

    Wnt signal transduction pathway (Wnt STP) is a crucial intracellular pathway mainly due to its participation in important biological processes, functions, and diseases, i.e., embryonic development, stem-cell management, and human cancers among others. This is why Wnt STP is one of the highest researched signal transduction pathways. Study and analysis of its origin, expansion and gradual development to the present state as found in humans is one aspect of Wnt research. The pattern of development and evolution of the Wnt STP among various species is not clear till date. A phylogenetic tree created from Wnt STPs of multiple species may address this issue. In this respect, we construct a phylogenetic tree from modules of Wnt STPs of diverse species. We term it as the 'Module Tree'. A module is nothing but a self-sufficient minimally-dependent subset of the original Wnt STP. Authenticity of the module tree is tested by comparing it with the two reference trees. The module tree performs better than an alternative phylogenetic tree constructed from pathway topology of Wnt STPs. Moreover, an evolutionary emergence pattern of the Wnt gene family is created and the module tree is tallied with it to showcase the significant resemblances.

  6. P91-1 ARGOS spacecraft thermal control

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sadunas, Jonas; Baginski, Ben; McCarthy, Daniel

    1993-07-01

    The P91-1, or ARGOS, is a Department of Defense funded (DOD) Space Test Program (STP) satellite managed by the Space and Missile Systems Center Space and Small Launch Vehicle Programs Office (SMC/CUL). Rockwell International Space Systems Division is the space vehicle prime contractor. The P91-1 mission is to fly a suite of eight experiments in a 450 nautical mile sun-synchronous orbit dedicated to three dimensional UV imaging of the ionosphere, X-ray source mapping, navigation, space debris characterization, performance characterization of high temperature super conductivity RF devices, and on orbit demonstration of an electrical propulsion system. The primary purpose of this paper is to acquaint the thermal control community, and potential future follow on mission users, with the thermal control characteristics of the spacecraft, experiment/SV thermal integration aspects, and test verification plans.

  7. Feasibility of Robotics and Machine Vision in Military Combat Ration Inspection (Short Term Project STP No. 11)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1994-06-01

    signals. Industrial robot controllers have several general purpose ports which can be programmed within manipulator program. In this way the gen ri...well as a fanc - tional end- effector was developed and evaluated. The workcell was found technologically feasible; however, further experimental work

  8. The external amino acid signaling pathway promotes activation of Stp1 and Uga35/Dal81 transcription factors for induction of the AGP1 gene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

    PubMed Central

    Abdel-Sater, Fadi; Iraqui, Ismaïl; Urrestarazu, Antonio; André, Bruno

    2004-01-01

    Yeast cells respond to the presence of amino acids in their environment by inducing transcription of several amino acid permease genes including AGP1, BAP2, and BAP3. The signaling pathway responsible for this induction involves Ssy1, a permease-like sensor of external amino acids, and culminates with proteolytic cleavage and translocation to the nucleus of the zinc-finger proteins Stp1 and Stp2, the lack of which abolishes induction of BAP2 and BAP3. Here we show that Stp1-but not Stp2-plays an important role in AGP1 induction, although significant induction of AGP1 by amino acids persists in stp1 and stp1 stp2 mutants. This residual induction depends on the Uga35/Dal81 transcription factor, indicating that the external amino acid signaling pathway activates not only Stp1 and Stp2, but also another Uga35/Dal81-dependent transcriptional circuit. Analysis of the AGP1 gene's upstream region revealed that Stp1 and Uga35/Dal81 act synergistically through a 21-bp cis-acting sequence similar to the UAS(AA) element previously found in the BAP2 and BAP3 upstream regions. Although cells growing under poor nitrogen-supply conditions display much higher induction of AGP1 expression than cells growing under good nitrogen-supply conditions, the UAS(AA) itself is totally insensitive to nitrogen availability. Nitrogen-source control of AGP1 induction is mediated by the GATA factor Gln3, likely acting through adjacent 5'-GATA-3' sequences, to amplify the positive effect of UAS(AA). Our data indicate that Stp1 may act in combination with distinct sets of transcription factors, according to the gene context, to promote induction of transcription in response to external amino acids. The data also suggest that Uga35/Dal81 is yet another transcription factor under the control of the external amino acid sensing pathway. Finally, the data show that the TOR pathway mediating global nitrogen control of transcription does not interfere with the external amino acid signaling pathway. PMID:15126393

  9. Aspirin Is Associated with Improved Survival in Severely Thrombocytopenic Cancer Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction.

    PubMed

    Feher, Attila; Kampaktsis, Polydoros N; Parameswaran, Rekha; Stein, Eytan M; Steingart, Richard; Gupta, Dipti

    2017-02-01

    Patients with hematologic malignancies are at risk for severe thrombocytopenia (sTP). The risk and benefit of aspirin are not known in thrombocytopenic cancer patients experiencing acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Medical records of patients with hematologic malignancies diagnosed with AMI at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center during 2005-2014 were reviewed. sTP was defined as a platelet count <50,000 cells per µL within 7 days of AMI. Of 118 patients with hematologic malignancies who had AMI, 58 (49%) had sTP. Twenty-five patients (43%) with sTP received aspirin as a treatment for AMI. Compared with patients without sTP with AMI, patients with sTP with AMI were less likely to receive aspirin (83% vs. 43%; p  = .0001) and thienopyridine treatment (27% vs. 3%; p  = .0005). During median follow-up of 3.7 years after AMI, survival was lower in patients with sTP than in those with no sTP (23% vs. 50% at 1 year; log rank p  = .003). Patients with sTP who received aspirin for AMI had improved survival compared with those who did not (92% vs. 70% at 7 days, 72% vs. 33% at 30 days, and 32% vs. 13% at 1 year; log rank p  = .008). In multivariate regression models, aspirin use was associated with improved 30-day survival both in the overall patient cohort and in sTP patients. No fatal bleeding events occurred. Major bleeding was not associated with sTP or aspirin use. Treatment of AMI with aspirin in patients with hematologic malignancies and sTP is associated with improved survival without increase in major bleeding. The Oncologist 2017;22:213-221 Implications for Practice: In patients with hematologic malignancies and acute myocardial infarction with severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 50,000 cells/µL), guideline-recommended medical therapy is often withheld because of the fear of major bleeding. In this study, aspirin therapy was associated with improved survival without an increase in major bleeding in this high-risk patient cohort. © AlphaMed Press 2017.

  10. StpA and Hha stimulate pausing by RNA polymerase by promoting DNA-DNA bridging of H-NS filaments.

    PubMed

    Boudreau, Beth A; Hron, Daniel R; Qin, Liang; van der Valk, Ramon A; Kotlajich, Matthew V; Dame, Remus T; Landick, Robert

    2018-06-20

    In enterobacteria, AT-rich horizontally acquired genes, including virulence genes, are silenced through the actions of at least three nucleoid-associated proteins (NAPs): H-NS, StpA and Hha. These proteins form gene-silencing nucleoprotein filaments through direct DNA binding by H-NS and StpA homodimers or heterodimers. Both linear and bridged filaments, in which NAPs bind one or two DNA segments, respectively, have been observed. Hha can interact with H-NS or StpA filaments, but itself lacks a DNA-binding domain. Filaments composed of H-NS alone can inhibit transcription initiation and, in the bridged conformation, slow elongating RNA polymerase (RNAP) by promoting backtracking at pause sites. How the other NAPs modulate these effects of H-NS is unknown, despite evidence that they help regulate subsets of silenced genes in vivo (e.g. in pathogenicity islands). Here we report that Hha and StpA greatly enhance H-NS-stimulated pausing by RNAP at 20°C. StpA:H-NS or StpA-only filaments also stimulate pausing at 37°C, a temperature at which Hha:H-NS or H-NS-only filaments have much less effect. In addition, we report that both Hha and StpA greatly stimulate DNA-DNA bridging by H-NS filaments. Together, these observations indicate that Hha and StpA can affect H-NS-mediated gene regulation by stimulating bridging of H-NS/DNA filaments.

  11. Paving the Way for Small Satellite Access to Orbit: Cyclops' Deployment of SpinSat, the Largest Satellite Ever Deployed from the International Space Station

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hershey, Matthew P.; Newswander, Daniel R.; Smith, James P.; Lamb, Craig R.; Ballard, Perry G.

    2015-01-01

    The Space Station Integrated Kinetic Launcher for Orbital Payload Systems (SSIKLOPS), known as "Cyclops" to the International Space Station (ISS) community, successfully deployed the largest satellite ever (SpinSat) from the ISS on November 28, 2014. Cyclops, a collaboration between the NASA ISS Program, NASA Johnson Space Center Engineering, and Department of Defense Space Test Program (DoD STP) communities, is a dedicated 10-100 kg class ISS small satellite deployment system. This paper will showcase the successful deployment of SpinSat from the ISS. It will also outline the concept of operations, interfaces, requirements, and processes for satellites to utilize the Cyclops satellite deployment system.

  12. Impact of wastewater on fish health: a case study at the Neckar River (Southern Germany) using biomarkers in caged brown trout as assessment tools.

    PubMed

    Vincze, Krisztina; Scheil, Volker; Kuch, Bertram; Köhler, Heinz R; Triebskorn, Rita

    2015-08-01

    The present work describes a field survey aiming at assessing the impact of a sewage treatment plant (STP) effluent on fish health by means of biomarkers. Indigenous fish were absent downstream of the STP. To elucidate the reason behind this, brown trout (Salmo trutta f. fario) were exposed in floating steel cages up- and downstream of a STP located at the Neckar River near Tübingen (Southern Germany), for 10 and 30 days. A combination of biomarker methods (histopathological investigations, analysis of the stress protein Hsp70, micronucleus test, B-esterase assays) offered the possibility to investigate endocrine, geno-, proteo- and neurotoxic effects in fish organs. Biological results were complemented with chemical analyses on 20 accumulative substances in fish tissue. Even after short-term exposure, biomarkers revealed clear evidence of water contamination at both Neckar River sites; however, physiological responses of caged brown trout were more severe downstream of the STP. According to this, similar bioaccumulation levels (low μg/kg range) of DDE and 12 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were detected at both sampling sites, while up to fourfold higher concentrations of four PAHs, methyl-triclosan and two synthetic musks occurred in the tissues of downstream-exposed fish. The results obtained in this study suggest a constitutive background pollution at both sites investigated at the Neckar River and provided evidence for the additional negative impact of the STP Tübingen on water quality and the health condition of fish.

  13. Auditory and visual modulation of temporal lobe neurons in voice-sensitive and association cortices.

    PubMed

    Perrodin, Catherine; Kayser, Christoph; Logothetis, Nikos K; Petkov, Christopher I

    2014-02-12

    Effective interactions between conspecific individuals can depend upon the receiver forming a coherent multisensory representation of communication signals, such as merging voice and face content. Neuroimaging studies have identified face- or voice-sensitive areas (Belin et al., 2000; Petkov et al., 2008; Tsao et al., 2008), some of which have been proposed as candidate regions for face and voice integration (von Kriegstein et al., 2005). However, it was unclear how multisensory influences occur at the neuronal level within voice- or face-sensitive regions, especially compared with classically defined multisensory regions in temporal association cortex (Stein and Stanford, 2008). Here, we characterize auditory (voice) and visual (face) influences on neuronal responses in a right-hemisphere voice-sensitive region in the anterior supratemporal plane (STP) of Rhesus macaques. These results were compared with those in the neighboring superior temporal sulcus (STS). Within the STP, our results show auditory sensitivity to several vocal features, which was not evident in STS units. We also newly identify a functionally distinct neuronal subpopulation in the STP that appears to carry the area's sensitivity to voice identity related features. Audiovisual interactions were prominent in both the STP and STS. However, visual influences modulated the responses of STS neurons with greater specificity and were more often associated with congruent voice-face stimulus pairings than STP neurons. Together, the results reveal the neuronal processes subserving voice-sensitive fMRI activity patterns in primates, generate hypotheses for testing in the visual modality, and clarify the position of voice-sensitive areas within the unisensory and multisensory processing hierarchies.

  14. Auditory and Visual Modulation of Temporal Lobe Neurons in Voice-Sensitive and Association Cortices

    PubMed Central

    Perrodin, Catherine; Kayser, Christoph; Logothetis, Nikos K.

    2014-01-01

    Effective interactions between conspecific individuals can depend upon the receiver forming a coherent multisensory representation of communication signals, such as merging voice and face content. Neuroimaging studies have identified face- or voice-sensitive areas (Belin et al., 2000; Petkov et al., 2008; Tsao et al., 2008), some of which have been proposed as candidate regions for face and voice integration (von Kriegstein et al., 2005). However, it was unclear how multisensory influences occur at the neuronal level within voice- or face-sensitive regions, especially compared with classically defined multisensory regions in temporal association cortex (Stein and Stanford, 2008). Here, we characterize auditory (voice) and visual (face) influences on neuronal responses in a right-hemisphere voice-sensitive region in the anterior supratemporal plane (STP) of Rhesus macaques. These results were compared with those in the neighboring superior temporal sulcus (STS). Within the STP, our results show auditory sensitivity to several vocal features, which was not evident in STS units. We also newly identify a functionally distinct neuronal subpopulation in the STP that appears to carry the area's sensitivity to voice identity related features. Audiovisual interactions were prominent in both the STP and STS. However, visual influences modulated the responses of STS neurons with greater specificity and were more often associated with congruent voice-face stimulus pairings than STP neurons. Together, the results reveal the neuronal processes subserving voice-sensitive fMRI activity patterns in primates, generate hypotheses for testing in the visual modality, and clarify the position of voice-sensitive areas within the unisensory and multisensory processing hierarchies. PMID:24523543

  15. Sugar regulation of SUGAR TRANSPORTER PROTEIN 1 (STP1) expression in Arabidopsis thaliana

    PubMed Central

    Cordoba, Elizabeth; Aceves-Zamudio, Denise Lizeth; Hernández-Bernal, Alma Fabiola; Ramos-Vega, Maricela; León, Patricia

    2015-01-01

    Sugars regulate the expression of many genes at the transcriptional level. In Arabidopsis thaliana, sugars induce or repress the expression of >1800 genes, including the STP1 (SUGAR TRANSPORTER PROTEIN 1) gene, which encodes an H+/monosaccharide cotransporter. STP1 transcript levels decrease more rapidly after the addition of low concentrations of sugars than the levels of other repressed genes, such as DIN6 (DARK-INDUCED 6). We found that this regulation is exerted at the transcriptional level and is initiated by phosphorylatable sugars. Interestingly, the sugar signal that modulates STP1 expression is transmitted through a HEXOKINASE 1-independent signalling pathway. Finally, analysis of the STP1 5′ regulatory region allowed us to delimit a region of 309bp that contains the cis elements implicated in the glucose regulation of STP1 expression. Putative cis-acting elements involved in this response were identified. PMID:25281700

  16. Probing the structure, function, and interactions of the Escherichia coli H-NS and StpA proteins by using dominant negative derivatives.

    PubMed

    Williams, R M; Rimsky, S; Buc, H

    1996-08-01

    Twelve different dominant negative mutants of the Escherichia coli nucleoid-associated protein, H-NS, have been selected and characterized in vivo. The mutants are all severely defective in promoter repression activity in a strain lacking H-NS, and they all disrupt the repression normally exerted by H-NS at two of its target promoters. From the locations of the alterations in these mutants, which result in both large truncations and amino acid substitutions, we propose that H-NAS contains at least two distinct domains. The in vitro protein-protein cross-linking data presented in this report indicate that the proposed N-terminal domain of H-NS has a role in H-NS multimerization. StpA is a protein with known structural and functional homologies to H-NS. We have analyzed the extent of these homologies by constructing and studying StpA mutants predicted to be dominant negative. Our data indicate that the substitutions and deletions found in dominant negative H-NS have similar effects in the context of StpA. We conclude that the domain organizations and functions in StpA and H-NS are closely related. Furthermore, dominant negative H-NS can disrupt the activity of native StpA, and reciprocally, dominant negative StpA can disrupt the activity of native H-NS. We demonstrate that the N-terminal domain of H-NS can be chemically cross-linked to both full-length H-NS and StpA. We account for these observations by proposing that H-NS and StpA have the ability to form hybrid species.

  17. Laboratory development and testing of spacecraft diagnostics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Amatucci, William; Tejero, Erik; Blackwell, Dave; Walker, Dave; Gatling, George; Enloe, Lon; Gillman, Eric

    2017-10-01

    The Naval Research Laboratory's Space Chamber experiment is a large-scale laboratory device dedicated to the creation of large-volume plasmas with parameters scaled to realistic space plasmas. Such devices make valuable contributions to the investigation of space plasma phenomena under controlled, reproducible conditions, allowing for the validation of theoretical models being applied to space data. However, in addition to investigations such as plasma wave and instability studies, such devices can also make valuable contributions to the development and testing of space plasma diagnostics. One example is the plasma impedance probe developed at NRL. Originally developed as a laboratory diagnostic, the sensor has now been flown on a sounding rocket, is included on a CubeSat experiment, and will be included on the DoD Space Test Program's STP-H6 experiment on the International Space Station. In this talk, we will describe how the laboratory simulation of space plasmas made this development path possible. Work sponsored by the US Naval Research Laboratory Base Program.

  18. Sulfide tails management within the framework of sustainable development in mineral sand mines--the case study of Sierra Rutile Ltd.

    PubMed

    Kallon, Senesie B; Jabati, Ansu M; Samura, Alusine

    2011-01-01

    The study discussed here assessed Sierra Rutile Ltd.'s (SRLs) water-cover sulfide tails management method. Monthly and quarterly water samples from SRLs Sulfide Tails Pond (STP), Total Tails Pond (TTP), and the Titan Domestic Pond (TDP) were analyzed for 15 months. Results indicated acceptable quality for the STP. From Student's t-test analysis, it was found that the mean pH of the TTP was significantly lower than that of the TDP (p < .05). Results did not indicate pollution of the TDP by SRLs tailings management. The water-cover method significantly suppressed sulfide oxidation in the STP. Concerns to be addressed, however, include potential overtopping of the pond, water level fluctuations, and the need for periodic reinforcement of the tailings embankments. A dedicated environmental monitoring campaign that includes other proximate water bodies is suggested; this should inform timely mitigation of any environmental contamination and promote sound environmental and public health outcomes.

  19. STP (Solar-Terrestrial Physics) Newsletter 87-1

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

    Not Available

    1987-01-01

    Contents include: SCOSTEP organization; draft minutes of SCOSTEP Bureau meeting, August 20-21, 1987; solar-terrestrial energy program (STEP), preliminary report; USSR participation in STEP; STEP Steering Committee meeting, August 1987; CEDAR Steering Committee report; future meetings; and SCOSTEP adherents, secretaries and correspondents.

  20. Effects of long-term poultry litter application on phosphorus soil chemistry and runoff water quality.

    PubMed

    Reiter, Mark S; Daniel, Tommy C; DeLaune, Paul B; Sharpley, Andrew N; Lory, John A

    2013-11-01

    Continuous application of poultry litter (PL) significantly changes many soil properties, including soil test P (STP); Al, Fe, and Ca concentrations; and pH, which can affect the potential for P transport in surface runoff water. We conducted rainfall simulations on three historically acidic silt loam soils in Arkansas, Missouri, and Virginia to establish if long-term PL applications would affect soil inorganic P fractions and the resulting dissolved reactive P (DRP) in runoff water. Soil samples (0-5 cm depth) were taken to find sites ranging in Mehlich-3 STP from 20 to 1154 mg P kg. Simulated rainfall events were conducted on 3-m plots at 6.7 cm h, and runoff was collected for 30 min. Correlation between Mehlich-3 and runoff DRP indicated a linear relationship to 833 mg Mehlich-3 P kg. As Mehlich-3 STP increased, a concomitant increase in soil pH and Ca occurred on all soils. Soil P fractionation demonstrated that, as Mehlich-3 STP generally increased above 450 mg P kg (from high to very high), the easily soluble and loosely bound P fractions decreased by 3 to 10%. Water-insoluble complexes of P bound to Al and Ca were the main drivers in the reduction of DRP in runoff, accounting for up to 43 and 38% of total P, respectively. Basing runoff DRP concentration projections solely on Mehlich-3 STP may overestimate runoff P losses from soils receiving long-term PL applications due to dissolution of water-insoluble Ca-P compounds. Copyright © by the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America, Inc.

  1. Vertical Stratification of Soil Phosphorus as a Concern for Dissolved Phosphorus Runoff in the Lake Erie Basin.

    PubMed

    Baker, David B; Johnson, Laura T; Confesor, Remegio B; Crumrine, John P

    2017-11-01

    During the re-eutrophication of Lake Erie, dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) loading and concentrations to the lake have nearly doubled, while particulate phosphorus (PP) has remained relatively constant. One potential cause of increased DRP concentrations is P stratification, or the buildup of soil-test P (STP) in the upper soil layer (<5 cm). Stratification often accompanies no-till and mulch-till practices that reduce erosion and PP loading, practices that have been widely implemented throughout the Lake Erie Basin. To evaluate the extent of P stratification in the Sandusky Watershed, certified crop advisors were enlisted to collect stratified soil samples (0-5 or 0-2.5 cm) alongside their normal agronomic samples (0-20 cm) ( = 1758 fields). The mean STP level in the upper 2.5 cm was 55% higher than the mean of agronomic samples used for fertilizer recommendations. The amounts of stratification were highly variable and did not correlate with agronomic STPs (Spearman's = 0.039, = 0.178). Agronomic STP in 70% of the fields was within the buildup or maintenance ranges for corn ( L.) and soybeans [ (L.) Merr.] (0-46 mg kg Mehlich-3 P). The cumulative risks for DRP runoff from the large number of fields in the buildup and maintenance ranges exceeded the risks from fields above those ranges. Reducing stratification by a one-time soil inversion has the potential for larger and quicker reductions in DRP runoff risk than practices related to drawing down agronomic STP levels. Periodic soil inversion and mixing, targeted by stratified STP data, should be considered a viable practice to reduce DRP loading to Lake Erie. Copyright © by the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America, Inc.

  2. PredSTP: a highly accurate SVM based model to predict sequential cystine stabilized peptides.

    PubMed

    Islam, S M Ashiqul; Sajed, Tanvir; Kearney, Christopher Michel; Baker, Erich J

    2015-07-05

    Numerous organisms have evolved a wide range of toxic peptides for self-defense and predation. Their effective interstitial and macro-environmental use requires energetic and structural stability. One successful group of these peptides includes a tri-disulfide domain arrangement that offers toxicity and high stability. Sequential tri-disulfide connectivity variants create highly compact disulfide folds capable of withstanding a variety of environmental stresses. Their combination of toxicity and stability make these peptides remarkably valuable for their potential as bio-insecticides, antimicrobial peptides and peptide drug candidates. However, the wide sequence variation, sources and modalities of group members impose serious limitations on our ability to rapidly identify potential members. As a result, there is a need for automated high-throughput member classification approaches that leverage their demonstrated tertiary and functional homology. We developed an SVM-based model to predict sequential tri-disulfide peptide (STP) toxins from peptide sequences. One optimized model, called PredSTP, predicted STPs from training set with sensitivity, specificity, precision, accuracy and a Matthews correlation coefficient of 94.86%, 94.11%, 84.31%, 94.30% and 0.86, respectively, using 200 fold cross validation. The same model outperforms existing prediction approaches in three independent out of sample testsets derived from PDB. PredSTP can accurately identify a wide range of cystine stabilized peptide toxins directly from sequences in a species-agnostic fashion. The ability to rapidly filter sequences for potential bioactive peptides can greatly compress the time between peptide identification and testing structural and functional properties for possible antimicrobial and insecticidal candidates. A web interface is freely available to predict STP toxins from http://crick.ecs.baylor.edu/.

  3. Linear Energy Transfer Painting With Proton Therapy: A Means of Reducing Radiation Doses With Equivalent Clinical Effectiveness

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

    Fager, Marcus, E-mail: Marcus.Fager@UPHS.UPenn.edu; Medical Radiation Physics, Stockholm University, Stockholm; Toma-Dasu, Iuliana

    Purpose: The purpose of this study was to propose a proton treatment planning method that trades physical dose (D) for dose-averaged linear energy transfer (LET{sub d}) while keeping the radiobiologically weighted dose (D{sub RBE}) to the target the same. Methods and Materials: The target is painted with LET{sub d} by using 2, 4, and 7 fields aimed at the proximal segment of the target (split target planning [STP]). As the LET{sub d} within the target increases with increasing number of fields, D decreases to maintain the D{sub RBE} the same as the conventional treatment planning method by using beams treatingmore » the full target (full target planning [FTP]). Results: The LET{sub d} increased 61% for 2-field STP (2STP) compared to FTP, 72% for 4STP, and 82% for 7STP inside the target. This increase in LET{sub d} led to a decrease of D with 5.3 ± 0.6 Gy for 2STP, 4.4 ± 0.7 Gy for 4STP, and 5.3 ± 1.1 Gy for 7STP, keeping the DRBE at 90% of the volume (DRBE, 90) constant to FTP. Conclusions: LET{sub d} painting offers a method to reduce prescribed dose at no cost to the biological effectiveness of the treatment.« less

  4. Performance Analysis of Evolutionary Algorithms for Steiner Tree Problems.

    PubMed

    Lai, Xinsheng; Zhou, Yuren; Xia, Xiaoyun; Zhang, Qingfu

    2017-01-01

    The Steiner tree problem (STP) aims to determine some Steiner nodes such that the minimum spanning tree over these Steiner nodes and a given set of special nodes has the minimum weight, which is NP-hard. STP includes several important cases. The Steiner tree problem in graphs (GSTP) is one of them. Many heuristics have been proposed for STP, and some of them have proved to be performance guarantee approximation algorithms for this problem. Since evolutionary algorithms (EAs) are general and popular randomized heuristics, it is significant to investigate the performance of EAs for STP. Several empirical investigations have shown that EAs are efficient for STP. However, up to now, there is no theoretical work on the performance of EAs for STP. In this article, we reveal that the (1+1) EA achieves 3/2-approximation ratio for STP in a special class of quasi-bipartite graphs in expected runtime [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] are, respectively, the number of Steiner nodes, the number of special nodes, and the largest weight among all edges in the input graph. We also show that the (1+1) EA is better than two other heuristics on two GSTP instances, and the (1+1) EA may be inefficient on a constructed GSTP instance.

  5. RNA chaperone StpA loosens interactions of the tertiary structure in the td group I intron in vivo

    PubMed Central

    Waldsich, Christina; Grossberger, Rupert; Schroeder, Renée

    2002-01-01

    Efficient splicing of the td group I intron in vivo is dependent on the ribosome. In the absence of translation, the pre-mRNA is trapped in nonnative-splicing-incompetent conformations. Alternatively, folding of the pre-mRNA can be promoted by the RNA chaperone StpA or by the group I intron-specific splicing factor Cyt-18. To understand the mechanism of action of RNA chaperones, we probed the impact of StpA on the structure of the td intron in vivo. Our data suggest that StpA loosens tertiary interactions. The most prominent structural change was the opening of the base triples, which are involved in the correct orientation of the two major intron core domains. In line with the destabilizing activity of StpA, splicing of mutant introns with a reduced structural stability is sensitive to StpA. In contrast, Cyt-18 strengthens tertiary contacts, thereby rescuing splicing of structurally compromised td mutants in vivo. Our data provide direct evidence for protein-induced conformational changes within catalytic RNA in vivo. Whereas StpA resolves tertiary contacts enabling the RNA to refold, Cyt-18 contributes to the overall compactness of the td intron in vivo. PMID:12208852

  6. Safety and tolerability of frovatriptan in the acute treatment of migraine and prevention of menstrual migraine: Results of a new analysis of data from five previously published studies.

    PubMed

    MacGregor, E Anne; Pawsey, Stephen P; Campbell, John C; Hu, Xiaojun

    2010-04-01

    Triptans are a recommended first-line treatment for moderate to severe migraine. Using clinical trial data, we evaluated the safety and tolerability of frovatriptan as acute treatment (AT) and as short-term preventive (STP) therapy for menstrual migraine (MM). Data from 2 Phase III AT trials (AT1: randomized, placebo controlled, 1 attack; AT2: 12-months, noncomparative, open label) and 3 Phase IIIb STP trials in MM (MMP1 and MMP2: randomized, placebo controlled, double blind, 3 perimenstrual periods; MMP3: open label, noncomparative, 12 perimenstrual periods) were analyzed. In AT1, patients treated each attack with frovatriptan 2.5 mg, sumatriptan 100 mg, or placebo. In AT2, they used frovatriptan 2.5 mg. In MMP1 and MMP2, women administered frovatriptan 2.5 mg for 6 days during the perimenstrual period, taking a loading dose of 2 or 4 tablets on day 1, followed by once-daily or BID frovatriptan 2.5 mg, respectively; in MMP3, they used BID frovatriptan 2.5 mg. In AT1, which was previously published in part, group differences in adverse events (AEs) were analyzed using the Fisher exact test, and response rates were compared using logistic regression. Post hoc analyses of sustained pain-free status with no AEs (SNAE) and sustained pain response with no AEs (SPRNAE) were performed using a 2-sample test for equality of proportions without continuity correction. For AT2 and the STP studies, data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Results of individual safety analyses for the STP studies were previously reported; the present report includes new results from a pooled analysis of MMP1 and MMP2 and a new analysis of MMP3 in which AEs were coded using Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities version 8.0. AT1 included 1206 patients in the safety group; AT2 included 496. In the STP studies, safety data were collected for 1487 women. In AT1 and AT2, 85.6% and 88.3%, respectively, of enrolled patients were women. Overall, AEs were generally mild to moderate (AT studies: 82.3%-90.0%; STP studies: 78.9%89.5%). In AT1, 27.3% (131/480) of frovatriptan patients, 33.4% (161/482) of sumatriptan patients, and 14.8% (36/244) of placebo patients experienced an AE considered possibly or probably related to treatment (P < 0.001 for either drug vs placebo).There were no significant differences between frovatriptan and sumatriptan in SNAE at 4 to 24 hours or in SPRNAE at 2 to 24 hours or at 4 to 24 hours. In randomized, controlled STP trials for MM, AEs were reported by 57.8% (166/287, BID) and 63.4% (210/331, once daily) of frovatriptan users versus 62.8% (216/344) of placebo recipients. There were no consistent differences in AEs reported by patients with potential cardiovascular risk or in AEs related to the use of estrogencontaining contraceptives (ECCs). In randomized controlled trials and 12-month open-label studies, frovatriptan was well tolerated in these women during AT and STP therapy for MM. Subgroup analyses provide preliminary evidence of tolerability in women using ECCs and in women with comorbidities that do not contraindicate triptan use but may be suggestive of cardiovascular risk. 2010 Excerpta Medica Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. Mass loading and removal of pharmaceuticals and personal care products including psychoactives, antihypertensives, and antibiotics in two sewage treatment plants in southern India.

    PubMed

    Subedi, Bikram; Balakrishna, Keshava; Joshua, Derrick Ian; Kannan, Kurunthachalam

    2017-01-01

    Environmental contamination by pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) is barely studied in India despite being one of the largest global producers and consumers of pharmaceuticals. In this study, 29 pharmaceuticals and six metabolites were determined in sewage treatment plants (STPs) in Udupi (STP U : population served ∼150,000) and Mangalore (STP M : population served ∼450,000); the measured mean concentrations ranged from 12 to 61,000 ng/L and 5.0 to 31,000 ng/L, respectively. Atorvastatin (the most prescribed antihypercholesterolemic in India), mefenamic acid, and paraxanthine were found for the first time in wastewater in India at the mean concentrations of 395 ng/L, 1100 ng/L, and 13,000 ng/L, respectively. Select pharmaceutical metabolites (norverapamil and clopidogrel carboxylic acid) were found at concentrations of upto 7 times higher than their parent drugs in wastewater influent and effluent. This is the first study in India to report mass loading and emission of PPCPs and their select metabolites in STPs. The total mass load of all PPCPs analyzed in this study at STP U (4.97 g/d/1000 inhabitants) was 3.6 times higher than calculated for STP M . Select recalcitrant PPCPs (carbamazepine, diazepam, and clopidogrel) were found to have negative or no removal from STP U while additional treatment with upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor at STP M removed (up to 95%) these PPCPs from STP M . Overall, 5.1 kg of caffeine, 4.1 kg of atenolol, 2.7 kg of ibuprofen, and 1.9 kg of triclocarban were discharged annually from STP U . The PPCP contamination profile in the Indian STP was compared with a similar study in the USA. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  8. Prevalence and correlates of indoor tanning and sunless tanning product use among female teens in the United States

    PubMed Central

    Quinn, Megan; Alamian, Arsham; Hillhouse, Joel; Scott, Colleen; Turrisi, Rob; Baker, Katie

    2014-01-01

    Background Indoor tanning (IT) before the age of 35 increases melanoma risk by 75%. Nevertheless, IT and sunless tanning product (STP) use have gained popularity among youth. However, there are limited data on the prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of both IT and STP use in a representative sample of American teens. Methods Teenage females (N = 778) aged 12–18 years were recruited as part of an on-going longitudinal study conducted between May 2011 and May 2013. Descriptive statistics explored IT and STP usage in teen females at baseline. Logistic regression was used to determine sociodemographic correlates of IT and STP use. Results Approximately 16% of female teens engaged in IT behavior and 25% engaged in using STPs. Female teens living in non-metropolitan areas were 82% more likely to indoor tan compared to those in metropolitan areas (OR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.07–3.10). Age, geographic regions, and race increased the likelihood of IT and STP use. Conclusions Results indicate a significant proportion of teen females engage in IT and STP use. There was evidence that in teens that have never used IT before, STP use precedes IT initiation. Given the evidence for increased IT in rural populations, research focused on rural tanning bed use is needed. PMID:25621199

  9. Teacher of Teachers: An Interview with James H. Korn

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sikorski, Jason F.

    2004-01-01

    Jason Sikorski is currently a graduate student in the clinical psychology program at Auburn University. He has taught courses in introductory psychology, experimental psychology, social psychology, and statistics. He served as the first chair of the Society for the Teaching of Psychology's (STP) Graduate Student Teaching Association, which aims to…

  10. Clinical case management for patients with schizophrenia with high care needs.

    PubMed

    Mas-Expósito, Laia; Amador-Campos, Juan Antonio; Gómez-Benito, Juana; Mauri-Mas, Lluís; Lalucat-Jo, Lluís

    2015-02-01

    The aim of this study is to establish the effectiveness of a clinical case management (CM) programme compared to a standard treatment programme (STP) in patients with schizophrenia. Patients for the CM programme were consecutively selected among patients in the STP with schizophrenia who had poor functioning. Seventy-five patients were admitted to the CM programme and were matched to 75 patients in the STP. Patients were evaluated at baseline and at 1 year follow-up. At baseline, patients in the CM programme showed lower levels of clinical and psychosocial functioning and more care needs than patients in the STP. Both treatment programmes were effective in maintaining contact with services but the CM programme did not show advantages over the STP on outcomes. Differences between groups at baseline may be masking the effects of CM at one year follow-up. A longer follow-up may be required to evaluate the real CM practices effects.

  11. A Study on the Application of STP Marketing Strategy in the MBA Education Program of Universities in China

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Zhang, Hongyi

    2008-01-01

    The MBA education has begun in America and now it has become mature after nearly one hundred years' development. Although China's MBA merely has a history of 17 years, it has already gained great achievements. In 1991, 9 universities in China had MBA program and 86 students enrolled in. In 2007, the two numbers were 127 and 59,776 respectively.…

  12. Molecular characterization of the Salmonella typhi StpA protein that is related to both Yersinia YopE cytotoxin and YopH tyrosine phosphatase.

    PubMed

    Arricau, N; Hermant, D; Waxin, H; Popoff, M Y

    1997-01-01

    Analysis of the nucleotide sequence of a 4-kb DNA fragment located between the sip and iag loci on Salmonella typhi chromosome revealed three open reading frames, termed sipF, ctpA and stpA. The 82-amino-acid (aa) sipF product showed extensive similarity to the lacP protein from S. typhimurium. The StpA protein (535 aa) exhibited significant similarity to both Yersinia enterocolitica YopE cytotoxin and YopH tyrosine phosphatase. The CtpA polypeptide (130 aa) might be the molecular chaperone of the StpA protein.

  13. Cellular target of streptomycin in the internal ear.

    PubMed

    Meza, G; López, I; Paredes, M A; Peñaloza, Y; Poblano, A

    1989-01-01

    The cellular target of streptomycin (STP) was investigated by analyzing the activity of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) or choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) enzymes of synthesis of GABA and acetylcholine (Ach), respectively, [supposedly located in hair cells (GAD) or efferent terminals (ChAT)] in control and in 50 day-STP-treated colored guinea pig vestibular homogenates. Vestibular and auditory function were assessed by measuring postrotatory nystagmus response (PNR) and auditory brainstem evoked potentials (ABP). Morphological changes were followed by light and electron microscopy. STP-treated animals exhibited a GAD decrease of 83.6% with respect to controls whereas ChAT did not suffer any change. Assessment of PNR and ABP showed that STP affected only the former since animals lost it between the 20th and the 30th day of treatment, whereas ABP was not modified. Morphological experiments detected vestibular hair cell deterioration as the only cell type affected by STP. These results confirm the predilection of STP to affect vestibular function by damage to hair cells and show that this effect can be followed by measurement of GAD and ChAT in the vestibule as markers for hair cells and efferent terminals, respectively.

  14. Molecular characterization and functional analysis of serine/threonine protein phosphatase of Toxocara canis.

    PubMed

    Ma, Guang Xu; Zhou, Rong Qiong; Hu, Shi Jun; Huang, Han Cheng; Zhu, Tao; Xia, Qing You

    2014-06-01

    Toxocara canis (T. canis) is a widely prevalent zoonotic parasite that infects a wide range of mammalian hosts, including humans. We generated the full-length complementary DNA (cDNA) of the serine/threonine phosphatase gene of T. canis (Tc stp) using 5' rapid amplification of the cDNA ends. The 1192-bp sequence contained a continuous 942-nucleotide open reading frame, encoding a 313-amino-acid polypeptide. The Tc STP polypeptide shares a high level of amino-acid sequence identity with the predicted STPs of Loa loa (89%), Brugia malayi (86%), Oesophagostomum columbianum (76%), and Oesophagostomumdentatum (76%). The Tc STP contains GDXHG, GDXVDRG, GNHE motifs, which are characteristic of members of the phosphoprotein phosphatase family. Our quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that the Tc STP was expressed in six different tissues in the adult male, with high-level expression in the spermary, vas deferens, and musculature, but was not expressed in the adult female, suggesting that Tc STP might be involved in spermatogenesis and mating behavior. Thus, STP might represent a potential molecular target for controlling T. canis reproduction. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Claypan depth effect on soil phosphorus and potassium dynamics

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Understanding the effects of fertilizer addition and crop removal on long-term change in spatially-variable soil test P (STP) and soil test K (STK) is crucial for maximizing the use of grower inputs on claypan soils. Using apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) to estimate topsoil depth (or depth to...

  16. High temperature latent heat thermal energy storage to augment solar thermal propulsion for microsatellites

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gilpin, Matthew R.

    Solar thermal propulsion (STP) offers an unique combination of thrust and efficiency, providing greater total DeltaV capability than chemical propulsion systems without the order of magnitude increase in total mission duration associated with electric propulsion. Despite an over 50 year development history, no STP spacecraft has flown to-date as both perceived and actual complexity have overshadowed the potential performance benefit in relation to conventional technologies. The trend in solar thermal research over the past two decades has been towards simplification and miniaturization to overcome this complexity barrier in an effort finally mount an in-flight test. A review of micro-propulsion technologies recently conducted by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has identified solar thermal propulsion as a promising configuration for microsatellite missions requiring a substantial Delta V and recommended further study. A STP system provides performance which cannot be matched by conventional propulsion technologies in the context of the proposed microsatellite ''inspector" requiring rapid delivery of greater than 1500 m/s DeltaV. With this mission profile as the target, the development of an effective STP architecture goes beyond incremental improvements and enables a new class of microsatellite missions. Here, it is proposed that a bi-modal solar thermal propulsion system on a microsatellite platform can provide a greater than 50% increase in Delta V vs. chemical systems while maintaining delivery times measured in days. The realization of a microsatellite scale bi-modal STP system requires the integration of multiple new technologies, and with the exception of high performance thermal energy storage, the long history of STP development has provided "ready" solutions. For the target bi-modal STP microsatellite, sensible heat thermal energy storage is insufficient and the development of high temperature latent heat thermal energy storage is an enabling technology for the platform. The use of silicon and boron as high temperature latent heat thermal energy storage materials has been in the background of solar thermal research for decades without a substantial investigation. This is despite a broad agreement in the literature about the performance benefits obtainable from a latent heat mechanisms which provides a high energy storage density and quasi-isothermal heat release at high temperature. In this work, an experimental approach was taken to uncover the practical concerns associated specifically with applying silicon as an energy storage material. A new solar furnace was built and characterized enabling the creation of molten silicon in the laboratory. These tests have demonstrated the basic feasibility of a molten silicon based thermal energy storage system and have highlighted asymmetric heat transfer as well as silicon expansion damage to be the primary engineering concerns for the technology. For cylindrical geometries, it has been shown that reduced fill factors can prevent damage to graphite walled silicon containers at the expense of decreased energy storage density. Concurrent with experimental testing, a cooling model was written using the "enthalpy method" to calculate the phase change process and predict test section performance. Despite a simplistic phase change model, and experimentally demonstrated complexities of the freezing process, results coincided with experimental data. It is thus possible to capture essential system behaviors of a latent heat thermal energy storage system even with low fidelity freezing kinetics modeling allowing the use of standard tools to obtain reasonable results. Finally, a technological road map is provided listing extant technological concerns and potential solutions. Improvements in container design and an increased understanding of convective coupling efficiency will ultimately enable both high temperature latent heat thermal energy storage and a new class of high performance bi-modal solar thermal spacecraft.

  17. Site Report for USGS Test Holes Drilled at Cape Charles, Northampton County, Virginia, in 2004

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Gohn, Gregory S.; Sanford, Ward E.; Powars, David S.; Horton, J. Wright; Edwards, Lucy E.; Morin, Roger H.; Self-Trail, Jean M.

    2007-01-01

    The U.S. Geological Survey drilled two test holes near Cape Charles, Virginia, during May and June 2004, as part of an investigation of the buried, late Eocene Chesapeake Bay impact structure. The first hole is designated as the USGS-Sustainable Technology Park test hole #1 (USGS-STP1). This test hole was abandoned at a depth of 300 ft; cuttings samples were collected, but no cores or geophysical logs were acquired. The second hole is designated as the USGS-Sustainable Technology Park test hole #2 (USGS-STP2). This test hole was drilled to a depth of 2,699 ft. Cores were collected between depths of 1,401.7 ft and 1,420.7 ft and between 2,440.0 ft and 2,699.0 ft. Cuttings samples were collected from the uncored intervals below 280-ft depth. Interim sets of geophysical logs were acquired during the drilling operation, and one final set was acquired at the end of drilling. Two wells were installed in the USGS-STP2 test hole. The deep well (designated 62G-24) was screened between 2,260 ft and 2,280 ft, and the shallow well (designated 62G-25) was screened between 1,360 ft and 1,380 ft. Ground-water salinities stabilized at 40 parts per thousand for the deep well and 20 parts per thousand for the shallow well. The geologic section encountered in the test holes consists of three main units: (1) Eocene, Oligocene, Miocene, Pliocene, and Pleistocene sands and clays are present between land surface and a depth of 1,163 ft; (2) sediment-clast breccias of the impact structure are present between depths of 1,163 ft and 2,150 ft; and (3) crystalline-clast breccias and cataclastic gneiss of the impact structure are present between depths of 2,150 ft and 2,699 ft.

  18. Genetic diversity and population structure of Plasmodium falciparum over space and time in an African archipelago.

    PubMed

    Salgueiro, Patrícia; Vicente, José Luís; Figueiredo, Rita Carrilho; Pinto, João

    2016-09-01

    The archipelago of São Tomé and Principe (STP), West Africa, has suffered the heavy burden of malaria since the 16th century. Until the last decade, when after a successful control program STP has become a low transmission country and one of the few nations with decreases of more than 90% in malaria admission and death rates. We carried out a longitudinal study to determine the genetic structure of STP parasite populations over time and space. Twelve microsatellite loci were genotyped in Plasmodium falciparum samples from two islands collected in 1997, 2000 and 2004. Analysis was performed on proportions of mixed genotype infections, allelic diversity, population differentiation, effective population size and bottleneck effects. We have found high levels of genetic diversity and minimal inter-population genetic differentiation typical of African continental regions with intense and stable malaria transmission. We detected significant differences between the years, with special emphasis for 1997 that showed the highest proportion of samples infected with P. falciparum and the highest mean number of haplotypes per isolate. This study establishes a comprehensive genetic data baseline of a pre-intervention scenario for future studies; taking into account the most recent and successful control intervention on the territory. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. Bacterial Populations Associated with Smokeless Tobacco Products

    PubMed Central

    Han, Jing; Sanad, Yasser M.; Deck, Joanna; Sutherland, John B.; Li, Zhong; Walters, Matthew J.; Duran, Norma; Holman, Matthew R.

    2016-01-01

    ABSTRACT There are an estimated 8 million users of smokeless tobacco products (STPs) in the United States, and yet limited data on microbial populations within these products exist. To better understand the potential microbiological risks associated with STP use, a study was conducted to provide a baseline microbiological profile of STPs. A total of 90 samples, representing 15 common STPs, were purchased in metropolitan areas in Little Rock, AR, and Washington, DC, in November 2012, March 2013, and July 2013. Bacterial populations were evaluated using culture, pyrosequencing, and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Moist-snuff products exhibited higher levels of bacteria (average of 1.05 × 106 CFU/g STP) and diversity of bacterial populations than snus (average of 8.33 × 101 CFU/g STP) and some chewing tobacco products (average of 2.54 × 105 CFU/g STP). The most common species identified by culturing were Bacillus pumilus, B. licheniformis, B. safensis, and B. subtilis, followed by members of the genera Oceanobacillus, Staphylococcus, and Tetragenococcus. Pyrosequencing analyses of the 16S rRNA genes identified the genera Tetragenococcus, Carnobacterium, Lactobacillus, Geobacillus, Bacillus, and Staphylococcus as the predominant taxa. Several species identified are of possible concern due to their potential to cause opportunistic infections and reported abilities to reduce nitrates to nitrites, which may be an important step in the formation of carcinogenic tobacco-specific N′-nitrosamines. This report provides a microbiological baseline to help fill knowledge gaps associated with microbiological risks of STPs and to inform potential regulations regarding manufacture and testing of STPs. IMPORTANCE It is estimated that there 8 million users of smokeless tobacco products (STPs) in the United States; however, there are limited data on microbial populations that exist within these products. The current study was undertaken to better understand the potential microbiological risks associated with STP use and provide a baseline microbiological profile of STPs. Several bacterial species were identified that are of possible concern due to their potential to cause opportunistic infections. In addition, some species have abilities to reduce nitrates to nitrites, which may be an important step in the formation of carcinogenic tobacco-specific N′-nitrosamines. Overall, this report provides a microbiological baseline to help fill knowledge gaps related to the microbiological risks of STPs and to inform potential regulations regarding the manufacture and testing of STPs. PMID:27565615

  20. 76 FR 50276 - STP Nuclear Operating Company, South Texas Project, Units 1 and 2; Notice of Withdrawal of...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-08-12

    ... revised the application of Risk- Managed Technical Specifications to Technical Specification 3.7.7, ``Control Room Makeup and Cleanup Filtration System.'' The purpose of the change was to correct a misapplication of the Configuration Risk Management Program that is currently allowed by the Technical...

  1. Study on Cloud Security Based on Trust Spanning Tree Protocol

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lai, Yingxu; Liu, Zenghui; Pan, Qiuyue; Liu, Jing

    2015-09-01

    Attacks executed on Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) expose the weakness of link layer protocols and put the higher layers in jeopardy. Although the problems have been studied for many years and various solutions have been proposed, many security issues remain. To enhance the security and credibility of layer-2 network, we propose a trust-based spanning tree protocol aiming at achieving a higher credibility of LAN switch with a simple and lightweight authentication mechanism. If correctly implemented in each trusted switch, the authentication of trust-based STP can guarantee the credibility of topology information that is announced to other switch in the LAN. To verify the enforcement of the trusted protocol, we present a new trust evaluation method of the STP using a specification-based state model. We implement a prototype of trust-based STP to investigate its practicality. Experiment shows that the trusted protocol can achieve security goals and effectively avoid STP attacks with a lower computation overhead and good convergence performance.

  2. Pilot-scale investigation of sludge reduction in aerobic digestion system with endospore-forming bacteria.

    PubMed

    Seo, Kyu Won; Choi, Yong-Su; Gu, Man Bock; Kwon, Eilhann E; Tsang, Yiu Fai; Rinklebe, Jörg; Park, Chanhyuk

    2017-11-01

    A pilot-scale investigation of membrane-based aerobic digestion system dominated by endospore-forming bacteria was evaluated as one of the potential sludge treatment processes (STP). Most of the organic matter in the sludge was removed (90.1%) by the particular bacteria in the STP, which consisted of mixed liquor suspended solid (MLSS) contact reactor (MCR), MLSS oxidation reactor (MOR), and membrane bioreactor (MBR). The sludge was accumulated in the MBR without wasting, and then the effluent in STP was fed into the first step in water resource recovery facility (WRRF). According to the analysis of microbial communities in all reactors, various Bacillus species were present in the STP, mainly due to their intrinsic resistance to the extreme conditions. As the surviving Bacillus species might consume degraded microorganisms for their growth, these endospore-forming bacteria-based STP could be suitable for the sludge reduction when they operated for a long time. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  3. 2-and 1-D coordination polymers of Dy(III) and Ho(III) with near infrared and visible luminescence by efficient charge-transfer antenna ligand

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Oylumluoglu, Gorkem; Coban, Mustafa Burak; Kocak, Cagdas; Aygun, Muhittin; Kara, Hulya

    2017-10-01

    Two new lanthanide-based coordination complexes, [Dy(2-stp).2(H2O)]n (1) and {[Ho(2-stp).3(H2O)]·(H2O)}n (2) [2-stp = 2-sulfoterephthalic acid] were synthesized by hydrothermal reaction and characterized by elemental analysis, UV, IR, single crystal X-ray diffraction and solid state photoluminescence. DyIII and HoIII atoms are eight-coordinated and adopt a distorted square-antiprismatic geometry in complexes 1 and 2, respectively. In compound 1, Dy atoms are coordinated by four bridging 2-stp ligands forming two-dimensional (2D) layer, while Ho atoms by three bridging 2-stp ligands creating one dimensional (1D) double chains in 2. In addition, complexes 1 and 2 display in the solid state and at room temperature an intense yellow emission, respectively; this photoluminescence is achieved by an indirect process (antenna effect). The excellent luminescent performances make these complexes very good candidates for potential luminescence materials.

  4. Pharmacological considerations in the use of stiripentol for the treatment of epilepsy.

    PubMed

    Verrotti, Alberto; Prezioso, Giovanni; Stagi, Stefano; Paolino, Maria Chiara; Parisi, Pasquale

    2016-01-01

    Despite the fact that more than 20 antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are currently available, about one-third of patients still present drug resistance. Further efforts are required to develop novel and more efficacious therapeutic strategies, especially for refractory epileptic syndromes showing few and anecdotic therapeutic options. Stiripentol (STP) is a second generation AED that shows GABAergic activity, with immature brain selectivity, and an indirect metabolic action on co-administered AEDs. Two pivotal studies demonstrated STP efficacy in patients with Dravet syndrome with refractory partial seizures, and marketing authorization in Europe, Canada and Japan was granted thereafter. Post-marketing surveys reported a good efficacy and tolerability profile. In addition, interesting data is currently emerging regarding off-label experimentation of STP in other forms of epilepsy. STP is an important addition to the limited treatment options available for patients resistant to common AEDs. The possibility to inhibit seizures through the metabolic pathway of lactate dehydrogenase and the inhibitory effects on the entry of Na(+) and Ca(2+) are the most recent findings to emerge about STP and could be proof of its neuroprotective action. Moreover, its positive effects on cognitive function, its good safety and tolerability profile and the increasing data about STP efficacy on other refractory epileptic syndromes may prove to be fertile grounds for further investigation.

  5. The anticonvulsant stiripentol acts directly on the GABAA receptor as a positive allosteric modulator

    PubMed Central

    Fisher, Janet L.

    2009-01-01

    SUMMARY Stiripentol(STP) has been used as co-therapy for treatment of epilepsy for many years. Its mechanism of action has long been considered to be indirect, as it inhibits the enzymes responsible for metabolism of other anticonvulsant agents. However, a recent report suggested that STP might also act at the neuronal level, increasing inhibitory GABAergic neurotransmission. We examined the effect of STP on the functional properties of recombinant GABAA receptors (GABARs) and found that it was a positive allosteric modulator of these ion channels. Its activity showed some dependence on subunit composition, with greater potentiation of α3-containing receptors and reduced potentiation when the β1 or ε subunits were present. STP caused a leftward shift in the GABA concentration-response relationship, but did not increase the peak response of the receptors to a maximal GABA concentration. Although STP shares some functional characteristics with the neurosteroids, its activity was not inhibited by a neurosteroid site antagonist and was unaffected by a mutation in the α3 subunit that reduced positive modulation by neurosteroids. The differential effect of STP on β1- and β2/β3-containing receptors was not altered by mutations within the second transmembrane domain that affect modulation by loreclezole. These findings suggest that STP acts as a direct allosteric modulator of the GABAR at a site distinct from many commonly used anti-convulsant, sedative and anxiolytic drugs. Its higher activity at α3-containing receptors as well as its activity at δ-containing receptors may provide a unique opportunity to target selected populations of GABARs. PMID:18585399

  6. Anaerobic co-digestion of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste with FOG waste from a sewage treatment plant: Recovering a wasted methane potential and enhancing the biogas yield

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

    Martin-Gonzalez, L., E-mail: lucia.martin@uab.ca; Colturato, L.F.; Font, X.

    2010-10-15

    Anaerobic digestion is applied widely to treat the source collected organic fraction of municipal solid wastes (SC-OFMSW). Lipid-rich wastes are a valuable substrate for anaerobic digestion due to their high theoretical methane potential. Nevertheless, although fat, oil and grease waste from sewage treatment plants (STP-FOGW) are commonly disposed of in landfill, European legislation is aimed at encouraging more effective forms of treatment. Co-digestion of the above wastes may enhance valorisation of STP-FOGW and lead to a higher biogas yield throughout the anaerobic digestion process. In the present study, STP-FOGW was evaluated as a co-substrate in wet anaerobic digestion of SC-OFMSWmore » under mesophilic conditions (37 {sup o}C). Batch experiments carried out at different co-digestion ratios showed an improvement in methane production related to STP-FOGW addition. A 1:7 (VS/VS) STP-FOGW:SC-OFMSW feed ratio was selected for use in performing further lab-scale studies in a 5 L continuous reactor. Biogas yield increased from 0.38 {+-} 0.02 L g VS{sub feed}{sup -1} to 0.55 {+-} 0.05 L g VS{sub feed}{sup -1} as a result of adding STP-FOGW to reactor feed. Both VS reduction values and biogas methane content were maintained and inhibition produced by long chain fatty acid (LCFA) accumulation was not observed. Recovery of a currently wasted methane potential from STP-FOGW was achieved in a co-digestion process with SC-OFMSW.« less

  7. Anaerobic co-digestion of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste with FOG waste from a sewage treatment plant: recovering a wasted methane potential and enhancing the biogas yield.

    PubMed

    Martín-González, L; Colturato, L F; Font, X; Vicent, T

    2010-10-01

    Anaerobic digestion is applied widely to treat the source collected organic fraction of municipal solid wastes (SC-OFMSW). Lipid-rich wastes are a valuable substrate for anaerobic digestion due to their high theoretical methane potential. Nevertheless, although fat, oil and grease waste from sewage treatment plants (STP-FOGW) are commonly disposed of in landfill, European legislation is aimed at encouraging more effective forms of treatment. Co-digestion of the above wastes may enhance valorisation of STP-FOGW and lead to a higher biogas yield throughout the anaerobic digestion process. In the present study, STP-FOGW was evaluated as a co-substrate in wet anaerobic digestion of SC-OFMSW under mesophilic conditions (37 degrees C). Batch experiments carried out at different co-digestion ratios showed an improvement in methane production related to STP-FOGW addition. A 1:7 (VS/VS) STP-FOGW:SC-OFMSW feed ratio was selected for use in performing further lab-scale studies in a 5L continuous reactor. Biogas yield increased from 0.38+/-0.02 L g VS(feed)(-1) to 0.55+/-0.05 L g VS(feed)(-1) as a result of adding STP-FOGW to reactor feed. Both VS reduction values and biogas methane content were maintained and inhibition produced by long chain fatty acid (LCFA) accumulation was not observed. Recovery of a currently wasted methane potential from STP-FOGW was achieved in a co-digestion process with SC-OFMSW. (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  8. Cost per successfully treated patient for vortioxetine versus duloxetine in adults with major depressive disorder: an analysis of the complete symptoms of depression and functional outcome.

    PubMed

    Christensen, Michael Cronquist; Munro, Vicki

    2018-04-01

    To determine the cost-effectiveness of vortioxetine vs duloxetine in adults with moderate-to-severe major depressive disorder (MDD) in Norway using a definition of a successfully treated patient (STP) that incorporates improvement in both mood symptoms and functional capacity. Using the population of patients who completed the 8-week CONNECT study, the cost-effectiveness of vortioxetine (n = 168) (10-20 mg/day) vs duloxetine (n = 176) (60 mg/day) was investigated for the treatment of adults in Norway with moderate-to-severe MDD and self-reported cognitive dysfunction over an 8-week treatment period. Cost-effectiveness was assessed in terms of cost per STP, defined as improvement in mood symptoms (≥50% decrease from baseline in Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale total score) and change in UCSD [University of California San Diego] performance-based skills assessment [UPSA] score of ≥7. The base case analysis utilized pharmacy retail price (apotek utsalgspris (AUP)) for branded vortioxetine (Brintellix) and branded duloxetine (Cymbalta). After 8 weeks of antidepressant therapy, there were more STPs with vortioxetine than with duloxetine (27.4% vs 22.5%, respectively). The mean number needed to treat for each STP was 3.6 for vortioxetine and 4.4 for duloxetine, resulting in a lower mean cost per STP for vortioxetine (NOK [Norwegian Kroner] 3264) than for duloxetine (NOK 3310) and an incremental cost per STP of NOK 3051. The use of a more challenging change in the UPSA score from baseline (≥9) resulted in a mean cost per STP of NOK 3822 for vortioxetine compared with NOK 3983 for duloxetine and an incremental cost per STP of NOK 3181. Vortioxetine may be a cost-effective alternative to duloxetine, owing to its superior ability to improve functional capacity. The dual-response STP concept introduced here represents a more comprehensive analysis of the cost-effectiveness of antidepressants.

  9. Bioaccumulation of decamethylcyclopentasiloxane in perch in Swedish lakes.

    PubMed

    Kierkegaard, Amelie; Bignert, Anders; McLachlan, Michael S

    2013-10-01

    Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5), a high production volume chemical used in personal care products, enters the environment both via air and sewage treatment plant (STP) recipients. It has been found in fish, and there is concern that it may be a bioaccumulative substance. In this work D5 was analyzed in perch from six Swedish lakes that did not receive STP effluent, and in perch and sediment from six lakes that received STP effluent. In the lakes receiving the STP effluent, the D5 concentrations in sediment varied over three orders of magnitude and were correlated with the number of persons connected to the STP normalized to the surface area of the receiving body. In the lakes not receiving effluent, the D5 levels in perch were all below the LOQ, while D5 was above the LOQ in almost all perch from lakes that received effluent. The D5 concentrations in perch and sediment from the lakes receiving STP effluent were correlated. This shows that STP effluent is a much more important source of D5 to aquatic ecosystems than atmospheric deposition, and that the risk of adverse effects of D5 on aquatic life will be greatest in small recipients receiving large amounts of STP effluent. The bioaccumulation of D5 was compared to that of PCB 180 on the basis of multimedia bioaccumulation factors (mmBAFs), which describe the fraction of the contaminant present in the whole aquatic environment (i.e. water and surface sediment) that is transferred to the fish. In four of the six lakes the mmBAF of D5 was >0.3 of the mmBAF of PCB 180. Given that PCB 180 is a known highly bioaccumulative chemical, this indicates that the bioaccumulation of D5 in perch is considerable. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. Aqueous stability of gadolinium in surface waters receiving sewage treatment plant effluent Boulder Creek, Colorado

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Verplanck, P.L.; Taylor, Howard E.; Nordstrom, D. Kirk; Barber, L.B.

    2005-01-01

    In many surface waters, sewage treatment plant (STP) effluent is a substantial source of both regulated and unregulated contaminants, including a suite of complex organic compounds derived from household chemicals, pharmaceutical, and industrial and medical byproducts. In addition, STP effluents in some urban areas have also been shown to have a positive gadolinium (Gd) anomaly in the rare earth element (REE) pattern, with the Gd derived from its use in medical facilities. REE concentrations are relatively easy to measure compared to many organic wastewater compounds and may provide a more widely utilized tracer of STP effluents. To evaluate whether sewage treatment plant-associated Gd is a useful tracer of treatment plant effluent, an investigation of the occurrence, fate, and transport of rare earth elements was undertaken. The rare earth element patterns of four of five STP effluents sampled display positive Gd anomalies. The one site that did not have a Gd anomaly serves a small community, population 1200, with no medical facilities. Biosolids from a large metropolitan STP are not enriched in Gd even though the effluent is, suggesting that a substantial fraction of Gd remains in the aqueous phase through routine treatment plant operation. To evaluate whether STP-derived Gd persists in the fluvial environment, a 14-km study reach downstream of an STP was sampled. Gadolinium anomalies were present at all five downstream sites, but the magnitude of the anomaly decreased. Effluent from STPs is a complex mixture of organic and inorganic constituents, and to better understand the chemical interactions and their effect on REEs, the aqueous speciation was modeled using comprehensive chemical analyses of water samples collected downstream of STP input. These calculations suggest that the REEs will likely remain dissolved because phosphate and carbonate complexes dominate over free REE ions. This study supports the application of Gd anomalies as a useful tracer of urban wastewater.

  11. Aqueous stability of gadolinium in surface waters receiving sewage treatment plant effluent, Boulder Creek, Colorado.

    PubMed

    Verplanck, Philip L; Taylor, Howard E; Nordstrom, D Kirk; Barber, Larry B

    2005-09-15

    In many surface waters, sewage treatment plant (STP) effluent is a substantial source of both regulated and unregulated contaminants, including a suite of complex organic compounds derived from household chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and industrial and medical byproducts. In addition, STP effluents in some urban areas have also been shown to have a positive gadolinium (Gd) anomaly in the rare earth element (REE) pattern, with the Gd derived from its use in medical facilities. REE concentrations are relatively easy to measure compared to many organic wastewater compounds and may provide a more widely utilized tracer of STP effluents. To evaluate whether sewage treatment plant-associated Gd is a useful tracer of treatment plant effluent, an investigation of the occurrence, fate, and transport of rare earth elements was undertaken. The rare earth element patterns of four of five STP effluents sampled display positive Gd anomalies. The one site that did not have a Gd anomaly serves a small community, population 1200, with no medical facilities. Biosolids from a large metropolitan STP are not enriched in Gd even though the effluent is, suggesting that a substantial fraction of Gd remains in the aqueous phase through routine treatment plant operation. To evaluate whether STP-derived Gd persists in the fluvial environment, a 14-km study reach downstream of an STP was sampled. Gadolinium anomalies were present at all five downstream sites, but the magnitude of the anomaly decreased. Effluent from STPs is a complex mixture of organic and inorganic constituents, and to better understand the chemical interactions and their effect on REEs, the aqueous speciation was modeled using comprehensive chemical analyses of water samples collected downstream of STP input. These calculations suggest that the REEs will likely remain dissolved because phosphate and carbonate complexes dominate over free REE ions. This study supports the application of Gd anomalies as a useful tracer of urban wastewater.

  12. STP K Basin Sludge Sample Archive at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory FY2014

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

    Fiskum, Sandra K.; Smoot, Margaret R.; Schmidt, Andrew J.

    2014-06-01

    The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) currently houses 88 samples (~10.5 kg) of K Basin sludge (81 wet and seven dry samples) on behalf of the Sludge Treatment Project (STP), which is managed for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) by the CH2M Hill Plateau Remediation Company (CHPRC). Selected samples are intended to serve, in part, as sentinels to enhance understanding of sludge properties after long-term storage, and thus enhance understanding of sludge behavior following transfer to sludge transfer and storage containers (STSCs) and storage at the Hanford 200 Area central plateau. In addition, remaining samples serve in contingency formore » future testing requirements. At PNNL, the samples are tracked and maintained under a prescriptive and disciplined monthly sample-monitoring program implemented by PNNL staff. This report updates the status of the K Basin archive sludge sample inventory to April 2014. The previous inventory status report, PNNL 22245 (Fiskum et al. 2013, limited distribution report), was issued in February of 2013. This update incorporates changes in the inventory related to repackaging of 17 samples under test instructions 52578 TI052, K Basin Sludge Sample Repackaging for Continued Long Term Storage, and 52578 TI053, K Basin Sludge Sample Repackaging Post-2014 Shear Strength Measurements. Note that shear strength measurement results acquired in 2014 are provided separately. Specifically, this report provides the following: • a description of the K Basin sludge sample archive program and the sample inventory • a summary and images of the samples that were repackaged in April 2014 • up-to-date images and plots of the settled density and water loss from all applicable samples in the inventory • updated sample pedigree charts, which provide a roadmap of the genesis and processing history of each sample in the inventory • occurrence and deficiency reports associated with sample storage and repackaging« less

  13. Sequence-defined cMET/HGFR-targeted Polymers as Gene Delivery Vehicles for the Theranostic Sodium Iodide Symporter (NIS) Gene

    PubMed Central

    Urnauer, Sarah; Morys, Stephan; Krhac Levacic, Ana; Müller, Andrea M; Schug, Christina; Schmohl, Kathrin A; Schwenk, Nathalie; Zach, Christian; Carlsen, Janette; Bartenstein, Peter; Wagner, Ernst; Spitzweg, Christine

    2016-01-01

    The sodium iodide symporter (NIS) as well-characterized theranostic gene represents an outstanding tool to target different cancer types allowing noninvasive imaging of functional NIS expression and therapeutic radioiodide application. Based on its overexpression on the surface of most cancer types, the cMET/hepatocyte growth factor receptor serves as ideal target for tumor-selective gene delivery. Sequence-defined polymers as nonviral gene delivery vehicles comprising polyethylene glycol (PEG) and cationic (oligoethanoamino) amide cores coupled with a cMET-binding peptide (cMBP2) were complexed with NIS-DNA and tested for receptor-specificity, transduction efficiency, and therapeutic efficacy in hepatocellular cancer cells HuH7. In vitro iodide uptake studies demonstrated high transduction efficiency and cMET-specificity of NIS-encoding polyplexes (cMBP2-PEG-Stp/NIS) compared to polyplexes without targeting ligand (Ala-PEG-Stp/NIS) and without coding DNA (cMBP2-PEG-Stp/Antisense-NIS). Tumor recruitment and vector biodistribution were investigated in vivo in a subcutaneous xenograft mouse model showing high tumor-selective iodide accumulation in cMBP2-PEG-Stp/NIS-treated mice (6.6 ± 1.6% ID/g 123I, biological half-life 3 hours) by 123I-scintigraphy. Therapy studies with three cycles of polyplexes and 131I application resulted in significant delay in tumor growth and prolonged survival. These data demonstrate the enormous potential of cMET-targeted sequence-defined polymers combined with the unique theranostic function of NIS allowing for optimized transfection efficiency while eliminating toxicity. PMID:27157666

  14. Electrically Driven Single Phase Thermal Management: STP-H5 EHD Experiment

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Didion, Jeffrey R.

    2016-01-01

    The Electrically Driven Single Phase Thermal Management: STP-H5 iEHDS Experiment is a technology demonstration of prototype proof of concept hardware to establish the feasilibilty and long term operation of this hardware. This is a structural thermal plate that will operate continuous as part of the STP-H5 ISEM experiment for up to 18 months. This presentation discusses the design, fabrication and environmental operational paramertes of the experiment hardware.

  15. Distribution of acidic and neutral drugs in surface waters near sewage treatment plants in the lower Great Lakes, Canada.

    PubMed

    Metcalfe, Chris D; Miao, Xiu-Sheng; Koenig, Brenda G; Struger, John

    2003-12-01

    Prescription and nonprescription drugs have been detected in rivers and streams in Europe and the United States. Sewage treatment plants (STPs) are an important source of these contaminants, but few data exist on the spatial distribution of drugs in surface waters near STPs. Samples of surface water were collected in the summer and fall of 2000 at open-water sites in the lower Great Lakes (Lake Ontario and Lake Erie), at sites near the two STPs for the city of Windsor (ON, Canada), and at sites in Hamilton Harbour (ON, Canada), an embayment of western Lake Ontario that receives discharges from several STPs. In a follow-up study in the summer of 2002, samples of surface water and final effluent from adjacent STPs were collected from sites in Hamilton Harbour and Windsor. In addition, surface water and STP effluent samples were collected in Peterborough (ON, Canada). All samples of surface water and STP effluents were analyzed for selected acidic and neutral drugs. In the survey of Hamilton Harbour and Windsor conducted in 2000, acidic drugs and the antiepileptic drug carbamazepine were detected at ng/L concentrations at sites that were up to 500 m away from the STP, but the hydrological conditions of the receiving waters strongly influenced the spatial distribution of these compounds. Drugs were not detected at open-water locations in western Lake Erie or in the Niagara River near the municipality of Niagara-on-the-Lake (ON, Canada). However, clofibric acid, ketoprofen, fenoprofen, and carbamazepine were detected in samples collected in the summer of 2000 at sites in Lake Ontario and at a site in the Niagara River (Fort Erie, ON, Canada) that were relatively remote from STP discharges. Follow-up studies in the summer of 2002 indicated that concentrations of acidic and neutral drugs in surface waters near the point of sewage discharge into the Little River (ON, Canada) STP were approximately equal to the concentrations in the final effluent from the STP. Caffeine and cotinine, a metabolite of nicotine, were generally present in STP effluents and surface waters contaminated by drugs. The antidepressant fluoxetine and the antibiotic trimethoprom were also detected in most STP effluents and some surface water samples. For the first time, the lipid regulating drug atorvastatin was detected in samples of STP effluent and surface water.

  16. Spike Timing and Reliability in Cortical Pyramidal Neurons: Effects of EPSC Kinetics, Input Synchronization and Background Noise on Spike Timing

    PubMed Central

    Rodriguez-Molina, Victor M.; Aertsen, Ad; Heck, Detlef H.

    2007-01-01

    In vivo studies have shown that neurons in the neocortex can generate action potentials at high temporal precision. The mechanisms controlling timing and reliability of action potential generation in neocortical neurons, however, are still poorly understood. Here we investigated the temporal precision and reliability of spike firing in cortical layer V pyramidal cells at near-threshold membrane potentials. Timing and reliability of spike responses were a function of EPSC kinetics, temporal jitter of population excitatory inputs, and of background synaptic noise. We used somatic current injection to mimic population synaptic input events and measured spike probability and spike time precision (STP), the latter defined as the time window (Δt) holding 80% of response spikes. EPSC rise and decay times were varied over the known physiological spectrum. At spike threshold level, EPSC decay time had a stronger influence on STP than rise time. Generally, STP was highest (≤2.45 ms) in response to synchronous compounds of EPSCs with fast rise and decay kinetics. Compounds with slow EPSC kinetics (decay time constants>6 ms) triggered spikes at lower temporal precision (≥6.58 ms). We found an overall linear relationship between STP and spike delay. The difference in STP between fast and slow compound EPSCs could be reduced by incrementing the amplitude of slow compound EPSCs. The introduction of a temporal jitter to compound EPSCs had a comparatively small effect on STP, with a tenfold increase in jitter resulting in only a five fold decrease in STP. In the presence of simulated synaptic background activity, precisely timed spikes could still be induced by fast EPSCs, but not by slow EPSCs. PMID:17389910

  17. Three-dimensional activated graphene network-sulfonate-terminated polymer nanocomposite as a new electrode material for the sensitive determination of dopamine and heavy metal ions.

    PubMed

    Yuan, Xiaoyan; Zhang, Yijia; Yang, Lu; Deng, Wenfang; Tan, Yueming; Ma, Ming; Xie, Qingji

    2015-03-07

    We report here that three-dimensional activated graphene networks (3DAGNs) are a better matrix to prepare graphene-polymer nanocomposites for sensitive electroanalysis than two-dimensional graphene nanosheets (2DGNs). 3DAGNs were synthesized in advance by the direct carbonization and simultaneous chemical activation of a cobalt ion-impregnated D113-type ion exchange resin, which showed an interconnected network structure and a large specific surface area. Then, the 3DAGN-sulfonate-terminated polymer (STP) nanocomposite was prepared via the in situ chemical co-polymerization of m-aminobenzene sulfonic acid and aniline in the presence of 3DAGNs. The 3DAGN-STP nanocomposite can adsorb dopamine (DA) and heavy metal ions, which was confirmed by quartz crystal microbalance studies. The 3DAGN-STP modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was used for the electrochemical detection of DA in the presence of ascorbic acid and uric acid, with a linear response range of 0.1-32 μM and a limit of detection of 10 nM. In addition, differential pulse voltammetry was used for the simultaneous determination of Cd(2+) and Pb(2+) at the 3DAGN-STP/GCE further modified with a bismuth film, exhibiting linear response ranges of 1-70 μg L(-1) for Cd(2+) and 1-80 μg L(-1) for Pb(2+) with limits of detection of 0.1 μg L(-1) for Cd(2+) and 0.2 μg L(-1) for Pb(2+). Because the 3DAGN-STP can integrate the advantages of 3DAGNs with STPs, the 3DAGN-STP/GCE was more sensitive than the bare GCE, 3DAGN/GCE, and 2DGN-STP/GCE for the determination of DA and heavy metal ions.

  18. Effects of Different End-Point Cooking Temperatures on the Efficiency of Encapsulated Phosphates on Lipid Oxidation Inhibition in Ground Meat.

    PubMed

    Kılıç, B; Şimşek, A; Claus, J R; Atılgan, E; Aktaş, N

    2015-10-01

    Effects of 0.5% encapsulated (e) phosphates (sodium tripolyphosphate, STP; sodium hexametaphosphate, HMP; sodium pyrophosphate, SPP) on lipid oxidation during storage (0, 1, and 7 d) of ground meat (chicken, beef) after being cooked to 3 end-point cooking temperatures (EPCT; 71, 74, and 77 °C) were evaluated. The use of STP or eSTP resulted in lower (P < 0.05) cooking loss (CL) compared to encapsulated or unencapsulated forms of HMP and SPP. Increasing EPCT led to a significant increase in CL (P < 0.05). Both STP and eSTP increased pH, whereas SPP and eSPP decreased pH (P < 0.05). The higher orthophosphate (OP) was obtained with STP or SPP compared to their encapsulated counterparts (P < 0.05). The lowest OP was determined in samples with HMP or eHMP (P < 0.05). A 77 °C EPCT resulted in lower OP in chicken compared to 74 and 71 °C (P < 0.05), dissimilar to beef, where EPCT did not affect OP. In encapsulated or unencapsulated form, using STP and SPP enhanced reduction in TBARS and lipid hydroperoxides (LPO) compared with HMP (P < 0.05). Regardless of the phosphate type, more effective lipid oxidation inhibition was achieved by the use of encapsulated forms (P < 0.05). Increasing EPCT resulted in lower TBARS in beef and higher LPO values in both beef and chicken samples (P < 0.05). Findings suggest that encapsulated phosphates can be a strategy to inhibit lipid oxidation for meat industry and the efficiency of encapsulated phosphates on lipid oxidation inhibition can be enhanced by lowering EPCT. © 2015 Institute of Food Technologists®

  19. Suivi thérapeutique pharmacologique de trois médicaments antiépileptiques: retour sur vingt années d’expérience

    PubMed Central

    Serragui, Samira; Zalagh, Fatima; Tanani, Driss Soussi; Ouammi, Lahcen; Moussa, Latifa Ait; Badrane, Narjis; Bencheikh, Rachida Soulaymani

    2016-01-01

    Introduction Le suivi thérapeutique pharmacologique (STP) des médicaments antiépileptiques (MAE) est un outil très utilisé dans la gestion de l'épilepsie. Au Maroc, ce dosage est réalisé au Centre Anti Poison et de Pharmacovigilance du Maroc (CAPM) depuis Avril 1995. Méthodes Il s'agit d'une étude rétrospective s'étalant sur 20 ans. Elle concerne le STP du Phénobarbital (PB), de la Carbamazépine (CBZ) et de l'Acide Valproique (AVP). Résultats Le STP des 3 MAE représentaient 58,85% de l'ensemble des demandes de STP reçue par le CAPM. Le dosage du PB était classé en première position suivi par celui de la CBZ et enfin par l'AVP. La faible demande de STP au Maroc pouvait être expliquée par le faible nombre de neurologues auquel s'ajoutaient des facteurs sociaux. Grâce à son prix très accessible par les patients, le PB est le MAE le plus prescrit dans notre pays expliquant ainsi la demande élevée de son dosage. Quant aux motifs de STP des 3 MAE, ils étaient essentiellement liés à l'âge, à l'apparition d'effets indésirables, à l'association de MAE ou dans le cas de vérification de l'observance des malades. Conclusion Des efforts sont à fournir pour promouvoir l'intérêt du STP des MAE dans la prise en charge de l'épilepsie au Maroc. PMID:28154702

  20. STP 4-06 Model-Based Technical Data in Procurement, 3D PDF Technology Data Demonstration Project. Phase 1 Summary

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-07-01

    O R G STP 4-06 MODEL-BASED TECHNICAL DATA IN PROCUREMENT 3D PDF TECHNOLOGY DATA DEMONSTRATION PROJECT PHASE 1 SUMMARY REPORT DL309T2...LMI’s ISO- certified quality management procedures. J U L Y 2 0 1 5 STP 4-06 MODEL-BASED TECHNICAL DATA IN PROCUREMENT 3D PDF TECHNICAL DATA...Based Technical Data ..................................................................................... 5 3D PDF Demonstration Team

  1. The SpaceCube Family of Hybrid On-Board Science Data Processors: An Update

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Flatley, T.

    2012-12-01

    SpaceCube is an FPGA based on-board hybrid science data processing system developed at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). The goal of the SpaceCube program is to provide 10x to 100x improvements in on-board computing power while lowering relative power consumption and cost. The SpaceCube design strategy incorporates commercial rad-tolerant FPGA technology and couples it with an upset mitigation software architecture to provide "order of magnitude" improvements in computing power over traditional rad-hard flight systems. Many of the missions proposed in the Earth Science Decadal Survey (ESDS) will require "next generation" on-board processing capabilities to meet their specified mission goals. Advanced laser altimeter, radar, lidar and hyper-spectral instruments are proposed for at least ten of the ESDS missions, and all of these instrument systems will require advanced on-board processing capabilities to facilitate the timely conversion of Earth Science data into Earth Science information. Both an "order of magnitude" increase in processing power and the ability to "reconfigure on the fly" are required to implement algorithms that detect and react to events, to produce data products on-board for applications such as direct downlink, quick look, and "first responder" real-time awareness, to enable "sensor web" multi-platform collaboration, and to perform on-board "lossless" data reduction by migrating typical ground-based processing functions on-board, thus reducing on-board storage and downlink requirements. This presentation will highlight a number of SpaceCube technology developments to date and describe current and future efforts, including the collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense - Space Test Program (DoD/STP) on the STP-H4 ISS experiment pallet (launch June 2013) that will demonstrate SpaceCube 2.0 technology on-orbit.; ;

  2. Investigation of Continuously Variable Slope Delta Modulator/Demodulator Compatability.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1980-12-01

    20 d,"mO Test Signal) 4 stp Ize Pratio -J-l Li] c4 u FnoR~e mx -,cli - td 32k/ I’.’: (2 .Bm’ et i~ l z s tep g ize Ratio MJismatc(_h Bd FREQUENCY (HZJ...Ste~p Size it-tio flisriatch ’ F] - ,a tc he d 0 - 2 dB [: L’\\- 4 dB 4Bd B 0’ 0 0 b l - FREQUENCY (HZ) Figure 49a. CVSD Encoder/Decoder Back-to-Back...APPENDIX rl Total t’,ar-onic i tor’i w’. -r -,,,t ,ntl Po’..’r PROGRAM DTHD(I PUT,OUTPUT,TAPES-INPUT.TAPE6-OUTPUT,PLOT) CT_---- -- - TD US. INPUT POER

  3. STS-39 Space Shuttle mission report

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Fricke, Robert W.

    1991-01-01

    The STS-39 Space Shuttle Program Mission Report contains a summary of the vehicle subsystem operations during the fortieth flight of the Space Shuttle and the twelfth flight of the Orbiter Vehicle Discovery (OV-103). In addition to the Discovery vehicle, the flight vehicle consisted of the following: an External Tank (ET) (designated as ET-46 (LWT-39); three Space Shuttle main engines (SSME's) (serial numbers 2026, 2030, and 2029 in positions 1, 2, and 3, respectively); and two Solid Rocket Boosters (SRB's) designated as BI-043. The primary objective of this flight was to successfully perform the planned operations of the Infrared Background Signature Survey (IBSS), Air Force Payload (AFP)-675, Space Test Payload (STP)-1, and the Multipurpose Experiment Canister (MPEC) payloads.

  4. STS-39 Space Shuttle mission report

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fricke, Robert W.

    1991-06-01

    The STS-39 Space Shuttle Program Mission Report contains a summary of the vehicle subsystem operations during the fortieth flight of the Space Shuttle and the twelfth flight of the Orbiter Vehicle Discovery (OV-103). In addition to the Discovery vehicle, the flight vehicle consisted of the following: an External Tank (ET) (designated as ET-46 (LWT-39); three Space Shuttle main engines (SSME's) (serial numbers 2026, 2030, and 2029 in positions 1, 2, and 3, respectively); and two Solid Rocket Boosters (SRB's) designated as BI-043. The primary objective of this flight was to successfully perform the planned operations of the Infrared Background Signature Survey (IBSS), Air Force Payload (AFP)-675, Space Test Payload (STP)-1, and the Multipurpose Experiment Canister (MPEC) payloads.

  5. On the efficacy of using the transfer-controlled procedure during periods of STP processor overloads in SS7 networks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rumsewicz, Michael

    1994-04-01

    In this paper, we examine call completion performance, rather than message throughput, in a Common Channel Signaling network in which the processing resources, and not transmission resources, of a Signaling Transfer Point (STP) are overloaded. Specifically, we perform a transient analysis, via simulation, of a network consisting of a single Central Processor-based STP connecting many local exchanges. We consider the efficacy of using the Transfer Controlled (TFC) procedure when the network call attempt rate exceeds the processing capability of the STP. We find the following: (1) the success of the control depends critically on the rate at which TFC's are sent; (2) use of the TFC procedure in theevent of processor overload can provide reasonable call completion rates.

  6. Parametric and non-parametric modeling of short-term synaptic plasticity. Part I: computational study

    PubMed Central

    Marmarelis, Vasilis Z.; Berger, Theodore W.

    2009-01-01

    Parametric and non-parametric modeling methods are combined to study the short-term plasticity (STP) of synapses in the central nervous system (CNS). The nonlinear dynamics of STP are modeled by means: (1) previously proposed parametric models based on mechanistic hypotheses and/or specific dynamical processes, and (2) non-parametric models (in the form of Volterra kernels) that transforms the presynaptic signals into postsynaptic signals. In order to synergistically use the two approaches, we estimate the Volterra kernels of the parametric models of STP for four types of synapses using synthetic broadband input–output data. Results show that the non-parametric models accurately and efficiently replicate the input–output transformations of the parametric models. Volterra kernels provide a general and quantitative representation of the STP. PMID:18506609

  7. Evaluating topsoil depth effects on phosphorus and potassium nutrient dynamics of grain and switchgrass production systems

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Understanding the effects of fertilizer addition and crop removal on long-term change in soil test phosphorus (STP) and soil test potassium (STK) is crucial for maximizing the use of grower inputs on claypan soils. Due to variable nutrient supply from subsoils and variable crop removal across fields...

  8. Code Pulse: Software Assurance (SWA) Visual Analytics for Dynamic Analysis of Code

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-09-01

    31 4.5.1 Market Analysis...competitive market analysis to assess the tool potential. The final transition targets were selected and expressed along with our research on the topic...public release milestones. Details of our testing methodology is in our Software Test Plan deliv- erable, CP- STP -0001. A summary of this approach is

  9. Effects of the step-up/step-down and step-down milk feeding procedures on the performance, structural growth, and blood metabolites of Holstein dairy calves.

    PubMed

    Omidi-Mirzaei, H; Khorvash, M; Ghorbani, G R; Moshiri, B; Mirzaei, M; Pezeshki, A; Ghaffari, M H

    2015-11-01

    The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of the step-up/step-down (SUSD) and step-down (STP) methods of milk feeding on the performance, growth parameters, blood metabolites, and health of dairy calves. For this purpose, 45 Holstein male calves (3d of age and 41 ± 3 kg of body weight) were randomly assigned to one of the following milk feeding groups: (1) conventional (CONV; 4 L/d milk from d 1 to 52, and 2 L/d milk from d 53 to 56 of the study), (2) STP (6 L/d milk from d 1 to 29, and 4 L/d milk from d 30 to 45 of the study followed by feeding 2L/d milk from d 46 to 56 of the study), and (3) SUSD (6 L/d milk from d 1 to 5, 8 L/d milk from d 6 to 15, 10 L/d milk from d 16 to 35, 8L/d milk from d 36 to 42, 6 L/d milk from d 43 to 47, 4 L/d milk from d 48 to 52 of the study followed by feeding 2 L/d milk from d 53 to 56 of the study). Calves were weaned on d 56 and followed until d 70 of the study period. Animals had ad libitum access to the same starter ration during the entire study period (d 3 to 70). Starter intake, total dry matter intake, and average daily gain were greater in the SUSD calves than those in the CONV and STP treatments during the preweaning period. The SUSD procedure was found to increase body weight during the entire study and improved body length, wither height, heart girth, hip height, and hip width on d 56 and 70 of the study compared with the STP and CONV calves. The SUSD treatment increased blood glucose concentration on d 35 compared with CONV and STP procedures. The STP group had a higher starter intake than the CONV and SUSD animals. The STP animals exhibited a higher plasma concentration of total protein and BHBA than did the SUSD animals during the preweaning period. Neither the SUSD nor the STP procedure negatively affected the fecal score. In conclusion, the SUSD milk feeding procedure was found to improve the performance of dairy calves compared with the STP and CONV procedures. However, it appears that the STP procedure induces earlier reticulo-rumen developement in dairy calves than does the SUSD procedure. Copyright © 2015 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. Planned versus actual outcomes as a result of animal feeding operation decisions for managing phosphorus.

    PubMed

    Cabot, Perry E; Nowak, Pete

    2005-01-01

    The paper explores how decisions made on animal feeding operations (AFOs) influence the management of manure and phosphorus. Variability among these decisions from operation to operation and from field to field can influence the validity of nutrient loss risk assessments. These assessments are based on assumptions that the decision outcomes regarding manure distribution will occur as they are planned. The discrepancy between planned versus actual outcomes in phosphorus management was explored on nine AFOs managing a contiguous set of 210 fields in south-central Wisconsin. A total of 2611 soil samples were collected and multiple interviews conducted to assign phosphorus index (PI) ratings to the fields. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients (r(S)) indicated that PI ratings were less sensitive to soil test phosphorus (STP) levels (r(S) = 0.378), universal soil loss equation (USLE) (r(S) = 0.261), ratings for chemical fertilizer application (r(S) = 0.185), and runoff class (r(S) = -0.089), and more sensitive to ratings for manure application (r(S) = 0.854). One-way ANOVA indicated that mean field STP levels were more homogenous than field PI ratings between AFOs. Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S) tests displayed several nonsignificant comparisons for cumulative distribution functions, S(x), of mean STP levels on AFO fields. On the other hand, the K-S tests of S(x) for PI ratings indicated that the majority of these S(x) functions were significantly different between AFOs at or greater than the 0.05 significance level. Interviews suggested multiple reasons for divergence between planned and actual outcomes in managing phosphorus, and that this divergence arises at the strategic, tactical, and operational levels of decision-making.

  11. Endogenous Opioid Antagonism in Physiological Experimental Pain Models: A Systematic Review

    PubMed Central

    Werner, Mads U.; Pereira, Manuel P.; Andersen, Lars Peter H.; Dahl, Jørgen B.

    2015-01-01

    Opioid antagonists are pharmacological tools applied as an indirect measure to detect activation of the endogenous opioid system (EOS) in experimental pain models. The objective of this systematic review was to examine the effect of mu-opioid-receptor (MOR) antagonists in placebo-controlled, double-blind studies using ʻinhibitoryʼ or ʻsensitizingʼ, physiological test paradigms in healthy human subjects. The databases PubMed and Embase were searched according to predefined criteria. Out of a total of 2,142 records, 63 studies (1,477 subjects [male/female ratio = 1.5]) were considered relevant. Twenty-five studies utilized ʻinhibitoryʼ test paradigms (ITP) and 38 studies utilized ʻsensitizingʼ test paradigms (STP). The ITP-studies were characterized as conditioning modulation models (22 studies) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation models (rTMS; 3 studies), and, the STP-studies as secondary hyperalgesia models (6 studies), ʻpainʼ models (25 studies), summation models (2 studies), nociceptive reflex models (3 studies) and miscellaneous models (2 studies). A consistent reversal of analgesia by a MOR-antagonist was demonstrated in 10 of the 25 ITP-studies, including stress-induced analgesia and rTMS. In the remaining 14 conditioning modulation studies either absence of effects or ambiguous effects by MOR-antagonists, were observed. In the STP-studies, no effect of the opioid-blockade could be demonstrated in 5 out of 6 secondary hyperalgesia studies. The direction of MOR-antagonist dependent effects upon pain ratings, threshold assessments and somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP), did not appear consistent in 28 out of 32 ʻpainʼ model studies. In conclusion, only in 2 experimental human pain models, i.e., stress-induced analgesia and rTMS, administration of MOR-antagonist demonstrated a consistent effect, presumably mediated by an EOS-dependent mechanisms of analgesia and hyperalgesia. PMID:26029906

  12. A Narrow Quantitative Trait Locus in C. elegans Coordinately Affects Longevity, Thermotolerance, and Resistance to Paraquat

    PubMed Central

    Vertino, Anthony; Ayyadevara, Srinivas; Thaden, John J.; Reis, Robert J. Shmookler

    2011-01-01

    By linkage mapping of quantitative trait loci, we previously identified at least 11 natural genetic variants that significantly modulate Caenorhabditis elegans life-span (LS), many of which would have eluded discovery by knock-down or mutation screens. A region on chromosome IV between markers stP13 and stP35 had striking effects on longevity in three inter-strain crosses (each P < 10−9). In order to define the limits of that interval, we have now constructed two independent lines by marker-based selection during 20 backcross generations, isolating the stP13–stP35 interval from strain Bergerac-BO in a CL2a background. These congenic lines differed significantly from CL2a in LS, assayed in two environments (each P < 0.001). We then screened for exchange of flanking markers to isolate recombinants that partition this region, because fine-mapping the boundaries for overlapping heteroallelic spans can greatly narrow the implicated interval. Recombinants carrying the CL2a allele at stP35 were consistently long-lived compared to those retaining the Bergerac-BO allele (P < 0.001), and more resistant to temperature elevation and paraquat (each ∼1.7-fold, P < 0.0001), but gained little protection from ultraviolet or peroxide stresses. Two rounds of recombinant screening, followed by fine-mapping of break-points and survival testing, narrowed the interval to 0.18 Mb (13.35–13.53 Mb) containing 26 putative genes and six small-nuclear RNAs – a manageable number of targets for functional assessment. PMID:22303358

  13. Evaluation of a Brix refractometer to estimate serum immunoglobulin G concentration in neonatal dairy calves.

    PubMed

    Deelen, S M; Ollivett, T L; Haines, D M; Leslie, K E

    2014-01-01

    The objective of this study was to evaluate the utility of a digital Brix refractometer for the assessment of success of passive transfer of maternal immunoglobulin compared with the measurement of serum total protein (STP) by refractometry. Blood samples (n = 400) were collected from calves at 3 to 6d of age. Serum IgG concentration was determined by radial immunodiffusion (RID), and STP and percentage Brix (%Brix) were determined using a digital refractometer. The mean IgG concentration was 24.1g/L [standard deviation (SD) ± 10.0] with a range from 2.1 to 59.1g/L. The mean STP concentration was 6.0 g/dL (SD ± 0.8) with a range from 4.4 to 8.8 g/dL. The mean %Brix concentration was 9.2% (SD ± 0.9) with a range of 7.3 to 12.4%. Brix percentage was highly correlated with IgG (r = 0.93). Test characteristics were calculated to assess failure of passive transfer (FPT; serum IgG <10 g/L). The sensitivity and specificity of STP at 5.5 g/dL were 76.3 and 94.4%, respectively. A receiver operating characteristic curve was created to plot the true positive rate against the false positive rate for consecutive %Brix values. The optimal combination of sensitivity (88.9%) and specificity (88.9%) was at 8.4% Brix. Serum total protein was also positively correlated with %Brix (r = 1.00) and IgG (r = 0.93). Dairy producers can successfully monitor their colostrum management and the overall success of passive transfer using a digital Brix refractometer to estimate IgG concentration of colostrum and calf serum. Copyright © 2014 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. STEROID HORMONES AS BIOMARKERS OF ENDOCRINE DISRUPTION IN WILDLIFE. IN: ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND RISK ASSESSMENT

    EPA Science Inventory

    Standardization of Biomarkers for Endocrine Disruption and Environmental Assessment. 8th Volume, ASTM STP 1364. D.S. Henshel, M.C. Black, and M.C. Harrass, Editors. American Society for Testing and Materials, West Conshohocken, PA. Pp. 254-270.

  15. Tracking the Short Term Planning (STP) Development Process

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Price, Melanie; Moore, Alexander

    2010-01-01

    Part of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration?s mission is to pioneer the future in space exploration, scientific discovery and aeronautics research is enhanced by discovering new scientific tools to improve life on earth. Sequentially, to successfully explore the unknown, there has to be a planning process that organizes certain events in the right priority. Therefore, the planning support team has to continually improve their processes so the ISS Mission Operations can operate smoothly and effectively. The planning support team consists of people in the Long Range Planning area that develop timelines that includes International Partner?s Preliminary STP inputs all the way through to publishing of the Final STP. Planning is a crucial part of the NASA community when it comes to planning the astronaut?s daily schedule in great detail. The STP Process is in need of improvement, because of the various tasks that are required to be broken down in order to get the overall objective of developing a Final STP done correctly. Then a new project came along in order to store various data in a more efficient database. "The SharePoint site is a Web site that provides a central storage and collaboration space for documents, information, and ideas."

  16. 75 FR 8150 - STP Nuclear Operating Company

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-02-23

    ... NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION [Docket Nos. 50-498 and 50-499; NRC-2010-060] STP Nuclear Operating... The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is considering issuance of an exemption, pursuant to...,'' for Facility Operating [[Page 8151

  17. Novachip surface treatment : six year evaluation.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2004-10-01

    The NOVACHIPTM Surface Treatment process was developed by SCREG Routes STP in France in 1986. NOVACHIPTM is a registered trademark of Societe Internationale Routiere, which is a subsidiary of SCREG Routes STP. This process was developed to increase s...

  18. 23 CFR 420.103 - How does the FHWA define the terms used in this part?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... provisions of 23 U.S.C. 134); (3) National highway system (NHS) funds authorized under 23 U.S.C. 104(b)(1... and establishment of management systems under 23 U.S.C. 303; (4) Surface transportation program (STP... management systems under 23 U.S.C. 303; and (5) Minimum guarantee (MG) funds authorized under 23 U.S.C. 505...

  19. Post-Secondary Pathways of Non-Graduates from B.C. Grade 12. Research Results from the Student Transitions Project

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Beatty-Guenter, Patricia; Cowin, Bob

    2013-01-01

    The Student Transitions Project (STP) has focused its research since 2005 on the achievements of British Columbia (B.C.) grade 12 graduates who enrolled in post-secondary education. Some students who do not graduate from Grade 12 also enroll at post-secondary institutions in a variety of programs, but little has been reported on these…

  20. Making Materials Science and Engineering Data More Valuable Research Products (Postprint)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-09-12

    uncertainties in the publishing market - place.b Also, there is a possibility that some for-profit publishers could try to restrict access to digital...Kaufman JG, Glatzman JS (eds) Computerization and networking of materials databases: Second Volume, ASTM STP 1106. American Society for Testing and

  1. Coated 4340 Steel

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-08-26

    Magazine, 2004, Vol. 60, No. 68, pp. 7-11. 2. A. Wrigley: Aerospace Metals, American Metal Market , of May 1994. 3. L. L. Sherir: in Corrosion 1...Electrochemistry and Engineering, ASTM STP 801, T. W. Crooker and B. N Leis, Eds., American Society for Testing and Materials, 1983, pp. 5-25. 8. B. Fitzsimons

  2. School travel planning: mobilizing school and community resources to encourage active school transportation.

    PubMed

    Buliung, Ron; Faulkner, Guy; Beesley, Theresa; Kennedy, Jacky

    2011-11-01

    Active school transport (AST), school travel using an active mode like walking, may be important to children's overall physical activity. A "school travel plan" (STP) documents a school's transport characteristics and provides an action plan to address school and neighborhood barriers to AST. We conducted a pilot STP intervention at 12 schools in 4 Canadian provinces. Facilitators and school personnel created and implemented AST action plans. Parent's self-reports (N = 1489) were the basis for evaluating the intervention. A content analysis identified type, frequency, and perceived success of initiatives. School travel plans emphasized education and promotion, and AST activities and events. Capital improvement projects were more common at schools in older suburban neighborhoods, whereas enforcement was more common at schools in newer suburban neighborhoods. Rates of active transportation increased from 43.8% to 45.9%. At follow-up, 13.3% of households reported less driving. Parents/caregivers cited weather, convenience, and trip chaining as primary reasons for continued driving. The STP process may facilitate changes to patterns of school travel. An STP can expand a school's capacity to address transportation issues through mobilization of diverse community resources. Future STP initiatives may benefit from addressing convenience, safety through enforcement, and by examining how schools can be supported in implementing infrastructure improvements. © 2011, American School Health Association.

  3. Development the Internet - Resources in Solar-Terrestrial Physics for the Science and Education

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zaistev, A.; Ishkov, V.; Kozlov, A.; Obridko, V.; Odintsov, V.

    Future development of research in the solar-terrestrial physics (STP) will motivated by needs into fundamental knowledge and the practical demands in the format of space weather. Public community realized that outer space disturbances affects on the operation of high technologies systems integrated into everyday life, so they need into Internet resources of solar-terrestrial physics as the open scientific and public domain. Recent achievements of STP lead to burst of data sources and we have now many different types of information available free in Internet: solar images from SOHO and GOES-12 satellites, WIND and ACE interplanetary data, satellite and ground-based magnetic field variations, aurora images in real time, ionospheric data and many more. In this paper we present some experience to establish in Russian language the open scientific and public domain in Internet which can served for better understanding of STP in wide scientific community and into the general public including different media sources. Now we have more than one hundred sites which present the STP data: Space Research Institute (www.iki.rssi.ru), IZMIRAN (www.izmiran.rssi.ru), Institute of Solar-Terrestrial Physics (www.iszf.irk.ru), Institute of Nuclear Physics in Moscow University (http://alpha.npi.msu.su) Institute of Nuclear Physics in Moscow University ) and many more. Based on our own experience and our colleagues we decide to create information resources in solar-terrestrial physics as the open scientific and public domain. On this way the main directions of our activity as follows: to produce the catalogues of resources in Internet with detailed description of its content in Russian, to publish the list of Russian institutes working in STP, to present the biographical dictionary of Russian scientists in STP, to create the interactive forum for discussion of latest scientific results, to form the team of authors who willing to publish summarized analytical papers on the STP problems, to establish the regular newsletter with open circulation between professionals and people interested in STP, and to provide the scientific coordination between Russian institutes according rules of the road adopted by Solar-Terrestrial Scientific Council. We strongly advocate in favor to construct such Internet resources on native languages as it will served for national level due to its basic funding source. On the other hand our experience might be useful for other nations, as they are have the same aims. Our project have one of the goal to establish a better public understanding of STP through more open and wide public access to the latest scientific results. The realization of this project is supported by Russian Fund of Basic Research (grant N 02-07-90232) for period 2002-2004 and include results also supported by RFBR before.

  4. Industry Application ECCS / LOCA Integrated Cladding/Emergency Core Cooling System Performance: Demonstration of LOTUS-Baseline Coupled Analysis of the South Texas Plant Model

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

    Zhang, Hongbin; Szilard, Ronaldo; Epiney, Aaron

    Under the auspices of the DOE LWRS Program RISMC Industry Application ECCS/LOCA, INL has engaged staff from both South Texas Project (STP) and the Texas A&M University (TAMU) to produce a generic pressurized water reactor (PWR) model including reactor core, clad/fuel design and systems thermal hydraulics based on the South Texas Project (STP) nuclear power plant, a 4-Loop Westinghouse PWR. A RISMC toolkit, named LOCA Toolkit for the U.S. (LOTUS), has been developed for use in this generic PWR plant model to assess safety margins for the proposed NRC 10 CFR 50.46c rule, Emergency Core Cooling System (ECCS) performance duringmore » LOCA. This demonstration includes coupled analysis of core design, fuel design, thermalhydraulics and systems analysis, using advanced risk analysis tools and methods to investigate a wide range of results. Within this context, a multi-physics best estimate plus uncertainty (MPBEPU) methodology framework is proposed.« less

  5. Advances in Electrically Driven Thermal Management

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Didion, Jeffrey R.

    2017-01-01

    Electrically Driven Thermal Management is a vibrant technology development initiative incorporating ISS based technology demonstrations, development of innovative fluid management techniques and fundamental research efforts. The program emphasizes high temperature high heat flux thermal management required for future generations of RF electronics and power electronic devices. This presentation reviews i.) preliminary results from the Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) Long Term Flight Demonstration launched on STP-H5 payload in February 2017 ii.) advances in liquid phase flow distribution control iii.) development of the Electrically Driven Liquid Film Boiling Experiment under the NASA Microgravity Fluid Physics Program.

  6. The STP (Solar-Terrestrial Physics) Semantic Web based on the RSS1.0 and the RDF

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kubo, T.; Murata, K. T.; Kimura, E.; Ishikura, S.; Shinohara, I.; Kasaba, Y.; Watari, S.; Matsuoka, D.

    2006-12-01

    In the Solar-Terrestrial Physics (STP), it is pointed out that circulation and utilization of observation data among researchers are insufficient. To archive interdisciplinary researches, we need to overcome this circulation and utilization problems. Under such a background, authors' group has developed a world-wide database that manages meta-data of satellite and ground-based observation data files. It is noted that retrieving meta-data from the observation data and registering them to database have been carried out by hand so far. Our goal is to establish the STP Semantic Web. The Semantic Web provides a common framework that allows a variety of data shared and reused across applications, enterprises, and communities. We also expect that the secondary information related with observations, such as event information and associated news, are also shared over the networks. The most fundamental issue on the establishment is who generates, manages and provides meta-data in the Semantic Web. We developed an automatic meta-data collection system for the observation data using the RSS (RDF Site Summary) 1.0. The RSS1.0 is one of the XML-based markup languages based on the RDF (Resource Description Framework), which is designed for syndicating news and contents of news-like sites. The RSS1.0 is used to describe the STP meta-data, such as data file name, file server address and observation date. To describe the meta-data of the STP beyond RSS1.0 vocabulary, we defined original vocabularies for the STP resources using the RDF Schema. The RDF describes technical terms on the STP along with the Dublin Core Metadata Element Set, which is standard for cross-domain information resource descriptions. Researchers' information on the STP by FOAF, which is known as an RDF/XML vocabulary, creates a machine-readable metadata describing people. Using the RSS1.0 as a meta-data distribution method, the workflow from retrieving meta-data to registering them into the database is automated. This technique is applied for several database systems, such as the DARTS database system and NICT Space Weather Report Service. The DARTS is a science database managed by ISAS/JAXA in Japan. We succeeded in generating and collecting the meta-data automatically for the CDF (Common data Format) data, such as Reimei satellite data, provided by the DARTS. We also create an RDF service for space weather report and real-time global MHD simulation 3D data provided by the NICT. Our Semantic Web system works as follows: The RSS1.0 documents generated on the data sites (ISAS and NICT) are automatically collected by a meta-data collection agent. The RDF documents are registered and the agent extracts meta-data to store them in the Sesame, which is an open source RDF database with support for RDF Schema inferencing and querying. The RDF database provides advanced retrieval processing that has considered property and relation. Finally, the STP Semantic Web provides automatic processing or high level search for the data which are not only for observation data but for space weather news, physical events, technical terms and researches information related to the STP.

  7. Short-term Synaptic Depression in the Feedforward Inhibitory Circuit in the Dorsal Lateral Geniculate Nucleus.

    PubMed

    Augustinaite, Sigita; Heggelund, Paul

    2018-05-24

    Synaptic short-term plasticity (STP) regulates synaptic transmission in an activity-dependent manner and thereby has important roles in the signal processing in the brain. In some synapses, a presynaptic train of action potentials elicits post-synaptic potentials that gradually increase during the train (facilitation), but in other synapses, these potentials gradually decrease (depression). We studied STP in neurons in the visual thalamic relay, the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN). The dLGN contains two types of neurons: excitatory thalamocortical (TC) neurons, which transfer signals from retinal afferents to visual cortex, and local inhibitory interneurons, which form an inhibitory feedforward loop that regulates the thalamocortical signal transmission. The overall STP in the retino-thalamic relay is short-term depression, but the distinct kind and characteristics of the plasticity at the different types of synapses are unknown. We studied STP in the excitatory responses of interneurons to stimulation of retinal afferents, in the inhibitory responses of TC neurons to stimulation of afferents from interneurons, and in the disynaptic inhibitory responses of TC neurons to stimulation of retinal afferents. Moreover, we studied STP at the direct excitatory input to TC neurons from retinal afferents. The STP at all types of the synapses showed short-term depression. This depression can accentuate rapid changes in the stream of signals and thereby promote detectability of significant features in the sensory input. In vision, detection of edges and contours is essential for object perception, and the synaptic short-term depression in the early visual pathway provides important contributions to this detection process. Copyright © 2018 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  8. A family of silver(I) complexes built with 2-sulfoterephthalic acid monosodium salt and different aminopyridine ligands: Syntheses, structures and properties

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Jie; Tan, Gai-Xiu; Liu, Bao-Lin; Dai, Yu-Bei; Xu, Na; Wen, Wei-Fen; Cao, Chong; Xiao, Hong-Ping

    2017-05-01

    Five Ag(I) coordination complexes, namely, [Ag6(2-stp)2(3-methyl-2-apy)3·H2O]n (1), [Ag3(2-stp)(4-methyl-2-apy)3]n (2), [Na2Ag18(2-stp)4(2-Hstp)4(5-methyl-2-apy)16 (H2O)4·11H2O]n (3), Ag3(2-stp)(6-methy-2-apy)4·H2O (4), and [Ag6(2-stp)2(6-methyl-2-apy)8(H2O)2·H2O]n (5) (2-NaH2stp = 2-sulfoterephthalic acid monosodium salt, 3-methyl-2-apy = 3-methyl-2-aminopyridine, 4-methyl-2-apy = 4-methyl-2-aminopyridine, 5-methyl-2-apy = 5-methyl-2-aminopyridine, 6-methyl-2-apy = 6-methyl-2-aminopyridine), have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Complexes 1 and 2 show two-dimensional network. In complex 3, the adjacent Ag10 units are bridged by 5-methyl-2-apy ligands to form a 2D infinite undulated sheet. Adjacent 2D sheets are linked by coordinative bonds between carboxylic oxygen atoms and Na(I) ions to form a 3D coordination polymer. Complex 4 is a 0-D discrete trinuclear molecule, and the self-complementary the Osbnd H⋯O and Nsbnd H⋯O hydrogen bonds incorporating hydrogen bond motifs extend these molecules into a 2D supramolecular framework. Compound 5 exhibits 1D-chain structure. However, complex 5 shows 3D supramolecular structure results from the linkage of neighboring layers through a rich hydrogen-bonding between uncoordinated sulfonates, amino groups and coordinated carboxylates. The thermogravimetric analyses and photoluminescence of the complexes were also investigated.

  9. Investigation, Development, and Evaluation of Performance Proving for Fault-tolerant Computers

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Levitt, K. N.; Schwartz, R.; Hare, D.; Moore, J. S.; Melliar-Smith, P. M.; Shostak, R. E.; Boyer, R. S.; Green, M. W.; Elliott, W. D.

    1983-01-01

    A number of methodologies for verifying systems and computer based tools that assist users in verifying their systems were developed. These tools were applied to verify in part the SIFT ultrareliable aircraft computer. Topics covered included: STP theorem prover; design verification of SIFT; high level language code verification; assembly language level verification; numerical algorithm verification; verification of flight control programs; and verification of hardware logic.

  10. FASTSAT-HSV01 synergistic observations of the magnetospheric response during active periods: MINI-ME, PISA and TTI

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Casas, Joseph; Collier, Michael; Rowland, Douglas; Sigwarth, John; Boudreaux, Mark

    Understanding the complex processes within the inner magnetosphere of Earth particularly during storm periods requires coordinated observations of the particle and field environment using both in-situ and remote sensing techniques. In fact in order to gain a better understand-ing of our Heliophysics and potentially improve our space weather forecasting capabilities, new observation mission approaches and new instrument technologies which can provide both cost effective and robust regular observations of magnetospheric activity and other space weather related phenomenon are necessary. As part of the effort to demonstrate new instrument tech-niques and achieve necessary coordinated observation missions, NASA's Fast Affordable Sci-ence and Technology Satellite Huntsville 01 mission (FASTSAT-HSV01) scheduled for launch in 2010 will afford a highly synergistic solution which satisfies payload mission opportunities and launch requirements as well as contributing in the near term to our improved understanding of Heliophysics. NASA's FASTSAT-HSV01 spacecraft on the DoD Space Test Program-S26 (STP-S26) Mission is a multi-payload mission executed by the DoD Space Test Program (STP) at the Space Development and Test Wing (SDTW), Kirtland AFB, NM. and is an example of a responsive and economical breakthrough in providing new possibilities for small space technology-driven and research missions. FASTSAT-HSV is a unique spacecraft platform that can carry multiple small instruments or experiments to low-Earth orbit on a wide range of expendable launch vehicles for a fraction of the cost traditionally required for such missions. The FASTSAT-HSV01 mission allows NASA to mature and transition a technical capability to industry while increasing low-cost access to space for small science and technology (ST) payloads. The FASTSAT-HSV01 payload includes three NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) new technology built instruments that will study the terrestrial space environment and potentially contribute to space weather research in a synergistic manner. MINI-ME, a neutral atom imager, will observe the neutral atom inputs to ionospheric heating which can be important during high levels of magnetospheric activity. PISA, a plasma impedance spec-trometer, will measure simultaneously the local electron densities and temperatures as well as measure small scale density structure (500 m spatial scale) during these active periods. TTI, a thermospheric imager, will remotely determine the thermospheric temperature response to this magnetospheric activity. Together, these observations will contribute significantly to a comprehensive understanding of the flow of energy through and the response of the storm-time terrestrial magnetosphere.

  11. FASTSAT-HSV01 Synergistic Observations of the Magnetospheric Response During Active Periods: MINI-ME, PISA and TTI

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Casas, Joseph C.; Collier, Michael R.; Rowland, Douglas E.; Sigwarth, John B.; Boudreaux, Mark E.

    2010-01-01

    Understanding the complex processes within the inner magnetosphere of Earth particularly during storm periods requires coordinated observations of the particle and field environment using both in-situ and remote sensing techniques. In fact in order to gain a better understanding of our Heliophysics and potentially improve our space weather forecasting capabilities, new observation mission approaches and new instrument technologies which can provide both cost effective and robust regular observations of magnetospheric activity and other space weather related phenomenon are necessary. As part of the effort to demonstrate new instrument techniques and achieve necessary coordinated observation missions, NASA's Fast Affordable Science and Technology Satellite Huntsville 01 mission (FASTSAT-HSVOI) scheduled for launch in 2010 will afford a highly synergistic solution which satisfies payload mission opportunities and launch requirements as well as contributing iri the near term to our improved understanding of Heliophysics. NASA's FASTSAT-HSV01 spacecraft on the DoD Space Test Program-S26 (STP-S26) Mission is a multi-payload mission executed by the DoD Space Test Program (STP) at the Space Development and Test Wing (SDTW), Kirtland AFB, NM. and is an example of a responsive and economical breakthrough in providing new possibilities for small space technology-driven and research missions. FASTSAT-HSV is a unique spacecraft platform that can carry multiple small instruments or experiments to low-Earth orbit on a wide range of expendable launch vehicles for a fraction of the cost traditionally required for such missions. The FASTSAT-HSV01 mission allows NASA to mature and transition a technical capability to industry while increasing low-cost access to space for small science and technology (ST) payloads. The FASTSAT-HSV01 payload includes three NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) new technology built instruments that will study the terrestrial space environment and potentially contribute to space weather research in a synergistic manner. MINI-ME, a neutral atom imager, will observe the neutral atom inputs to ionospheric heating which can be important during high levels of magnetospheric activity. PISA, a plasma impedance spectrometer, will measure simultaneously the local electron densities and temperatures as well as measure small scale density structure (500 m spatial scale) during these active periods. TTI, a thermospheric imager, will remotely determine the thermospheric temperature response to this magnetospheric activity. Together, these observations will contribute significantly to a comprehensive understanding of the flow of energy through and the response of the storm-time terrestrial magnetosphere.

  12. Analysis of soil hydraulic and thermal properties for land surface modeling over the Tibetan Plateau

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhao, Hong; Zeng, Yijian; Lv, Shaoning; Su, Zhongbo

    2018-06-01

    Soil information (e.g., soil texture and porosity) from existing soil datasets over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) is claimed to be inadequate and even inaccurate for determining soil hydraulic properties (SHP) and soil thermal properties (STP), hampering the understanding of the land surface process over TP. As the soil varies across three dominant climate zones (i.e., arid, semi-arid and subhumid) over the TP, the associated SHP and STP are expected to vary correspondingly. To obtain an explicit insight into the soil hydrothermal properties over the TP, in situ and laboratory measurements of over 30 soil property profiles were obtained across the climate zones. Results show that porosity and SHP and STP differ across the climate zones and strongly depend on soil texture. In particular, it is proposed that gravel impact on porosity and SHP and STP are both considered in the arid zone and in deep layers of the semi-arid zone. Parameterization schemes for porosity, SHP and STP are investigated and compared with measurements taken. To determine the SHP, including soil water retention curves (SWRCs) and hydraulic conductivities, the pedotransfer functions (PTFs) developed by Cosby et al. (1984) (for the Clapp-Hornberger model) and the continuous PTFs given by Wösten et al. (1999) (for the Van Genuchten-Mualem model) are recommended. The STP parameterization scheme proposed by Farouki (1981) based on the model of De Vries (1963) performed better across the TP than other schemes. Using the parameterization schemes mentioned above, the uncertainties of five existing regional and global soil datasets and their derived SHP and STP over the TP are quantified through comparison with in situ and laboratory measurements. The measured soil physical properties dataset is available at https://data.4tu.nl/repository/uuid:c712717c-6ac0-47ff-9d58-97f88082ddc0.

  13. The influence of stents on microbial colonization of the airway in children after slide tracheoplasty: a 14-year single-center experience.

    PubMed

    Rijnberg, Friso M; Butler, Colin R; Speggiorin, Simone; Fierens, Anja; Wallis, Colin; Nouraei, Reza; McLaren, Clare A; Roebuck, Derek J; Hewitt, Richard; Elliott, Martin J

    2015-01-01

    This study describes the microbial colonization profile of the airway in children after slide tracheoplasty (STP) with and without stents, and compares colonization to children undergoing cardiothoracic surgical procedures without airway related disease. A 14-year retrospective single case note review was performed on patients undergoing STP and stent insertion. Nose and throat (NT) and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens were analyzed for microbial profile and expressed as cumulative mean microorganisms per patient (MMP). Forty-three patients (median age ± SD 15.02 ± 31.76 months) underwent STP and 141 patients underwent cardiothoracic but no airway surgery (median age ± SD 31.7 ± 47.2 months). Sixteen patients required a stent after STP. One-hundred seventy-two positive microbial specimens were identified. The predominant 6 microorganisms were (1) Staphylococcus aureus; (2) Pseudomonas aeruginosa; (3) Haemophilus influenzae not type B; (4) Coliforms; (5) Streptococcus pneumoniae; and (6) Candida Albicans, and accounted for 128 (74%) of all positive specimens found. Children with stents had more MMP compared to children without stents after STP [4.06 ± 2.38 and 2.04 ± 2.24 MMP (P < 0.001), respectively]. Both groups of children after STP had more MMP compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Children with stents had more microbial colonization of their lower respiratory tract compared to their upper respiratory tract (3.36 ± 2.02 and 1.36 ± 0.93 MMP (P < 0.01) respectively). Staphylococcus aureus colonization of the lower respiratory tract was significantly higher in children with stents compared to children without stents after STP [0.5 and 0.15 MMP (P < 0.05) respectively]. This study indicates airway surgery and the subsequent use of stents to be a significant risk factor for microbial colonization of the airway in children. More specifically airway stents appear to increase colonization in the distal airway, which appears unrelated to that of the upper respiratory tract. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  14. Supporting the Use of CERT (registered trademark) Secure Coding Standards in DoD Acquisitions

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-07-01

    Capability Maturity Model IntegrationSM (CMMI®) [Davis 2009]. SM Team Software Process, TSP, and Capability Maturity Model Integration are service...STP Software Test Plan TEP Test and Evaluation Plan TSP Team Software Process V & V verification and validation CMU/SEI-2012-TN-016 | 47...Supporting the Use of CERT® Secure Coding Standards in DoD Acquisitions Tim Morrow ( Software Engineering Institute) Robert Seacord ( Software

  15. LEVELS OF SYNTHETIC MUSK COMPOUNDS IN ...

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    To test the ruggedness of a newly developed analytical method for synthetic musks, a 1-year monthly monitoring of synthetic musks in water and biota was conducted for LakeMead (near Las Vegas, Nevada) as well as for combined sewage-dedicated effluent streams feeding Lake Mead. Data obtained from analyses of combined effluent streams from three municipal sewage treatment plants, from the effluent-receiving lake water, and from whole carp (Cyprinus carpio) tissue, indicated bioconcentration of synthetic musks in carp (1400-4500 pg/g). That same data were evaluated for the prediction of levels of synthetic musk compounds in fish, using values from the source (sewage treatment plant effluent [STP]). This study confirmed the presence of polycyclic and nitro musks in STP effluent, Lake Mead water, and carp. The concentrations of the polycyclic and nitro musks found in Lake Mead carp were considerably lower than previous studies in Germany, other European countries, and Japan. The carp samples were found to have mostly the mono-amino-metabolites of the nitro musks and intact polycyclic musks, principally HHCB (Galaxolide®) and AHTN (Tonalide®). Finally, the determination of sufficiently high levels of Galaxolide® and 4-amino musk xylene in STP effluent may be used to infer the presence of trace levels of other classes of musk compounds in the lake water. To be presented is an overview of the chemistry, the monitoring methodology, andthe statistical evaluation of con

  16. Linking soil phosphorus to dissolved phosphorus losses in the midwest

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Harmful and nuisance algal blooms resulting from excess phosphorus (P) have placed agriculture in the spotlight of the water quality debate. Sixty-eight site years of P loading data from 36 fields in Ohio were used to see if a soil test P (STP) concentration could be identified that would permit P a...

  17. Stress-Intensity Factors for Three-Point Bend Specimens by Boundary Collocation

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1965-12-01

    ref. 5) and by Kies, Smith, Romine, and Bernstein (ref. 6). Limited results of an analytical study by H. F. Bueckner have been published by Wundt (ref...Weldments. Fracture Toughness Testing and Its Applications, STP No. 381, ASTM, 1965, pp. 328-356. 7. Wundt , B. M.: A Unified Interpretation of Room

  18. Literature Review and Evaluation of Solid Sorbents for Water Sampling of Explosives

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1981-03-01

    80-054. Denboske, J.V. (1981), personal communication, Johns Manville , Denver, CO. Gallant, R.F.; J.W. King, P.L. Kevins, and J.F. Piecewicz (1978...Testing and Materials, Philadelphia, PA, STP 686, 275-290. Johns - Manville (1980), "Chromosorbc century series porous polymer supports," product brochure no

  19. Hha has a defined regulatory role that is not dependent upon H-NS or StpA

    PubMed Central

    Solórzano, Carla; Srikumar, Shabarinath; Canals, Rocío; Juárez, Antonio; Paytubi, Sonia; Madrid, Cristina

    2015-01-01

    The Hha family of proteins is involved in the regulation of gene expression in enterobacteria by forming complexes with H-NS-like proteins. Whereas several amino acid residues of both proteins participate in the interaction, some of them play a key role. Residue D48 of Hha protein is essential for the interaction with H-NS, thus the D48N substitution in Hha protein abrogates H-NS/Hha interaction. Despite being a paralog of H-NS protein, StpA interacts with HhaD48N with higher affinity than with the wild type Hha protein. To analyze whether Hha is capable of acting independently of H-NS and StpA, we conducted transcriptomic analysis on the hha and stpA deletion strains and the hhaD48N substitution strain of Salmonella Typhimurium using a custom microarray. The results obtained allowed the identification of 120 genes regulated by Hha in an H-NS/StpA-independent manner, 38% of which are horizontally acquired genes. A significant number of the identified genes are involved in functions related to cell motility, iron uptake, and pathogenicity. Thus, motility assays, siderophore detection and intra-macrophage replication assays were performed to confirm the transcriptomic data. Our findings point out the importance of Hha protein as an independent regulator in S. Typhimurium, highlighting a regulatory role on virulence. PMID:26284052

  20. Cost-effectiveness of seven IVF strategies: results of a Markov decision-analytic model.

    PubMed

    Fiddelers, Audrey A A; Dirksen, Carmen D; Dumoulin, John C M; van Montfoort, Aafke P A; Land, Jolande A; Janssen, J Marij; Evers, Johannes L H; Severens, Johan L

    2009-07-01

    A selective switch to elective single embryo transfer (eSET) in IVF has been suggested to prevent complications of fertility treatment for both mother and infants. We compared seven IVF strategies concerning their cost-effectiveness using a Markov model. The model was based on a three IVF-attempts time horizon and a societal perspective using real world strategies and data, comparing seven IVF strategies, concerning costs, live births and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). In order to increase pregnancy probability, one cycle of eSET + one cycle of standard treatment policy [STP, i.e. eSET in patients <38 years of age with at least one good quality embryo and double embryo transfer (DET) in the remainder of patients] + one cycle of DET have an ICER of 16,593 euro compared with three cycles of eSET. Furthermore, three STP cycles have an ICER of 17,636 euro compared with one cycle of eSET + one cycle of STP + one cycle of DET, and three DET cycles have an ICER of 26,729 euro compared with three cycles STP. Our study shows that in patients qualifying for IVF treatment, combining several transfer policies was not cost-effective. A choice has to be made between three cycles of eSET, STP or DET. It depends, however, on society's willingness to pay which strategy is to be preferred from a cost-effectiveness point of view.

  1. Development of the Microstructure Based Stochastic Life Prediction Models

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1991-06-27

    sizes and shapes of the recrystallized and unrecrystallized grains and also measure sizes of subgrains. We will also determine the degree of...J. Lankford et al., STP 811, ASTM STP 811. ASTM, 1983. 5. M. R. James and W. L. Morris, "The Role of Microplastic Deformation in Fatigue Crack

  2. Society of Toxicologic Pathologists (STP) Annual Symposium General Session II: Modem Pathology Methods for Neural Investigations

    EPA Science Inventory

    This half-day session at the 20I0 Joint Symposium of the Society of Toxicologic Pathology (STP) and the International Federation of Societies of Toxicologic Pathologists (IFSTP) explored many deceptively simple questions related to toxicologic neuropathology. What is the best met...

  3. Experimental placement of stone matrix asphalt (SMA) : project F-STP-017P(89)E Auburn, Court Street.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2003-04-01

    In October 1999 the Maine Department of Transportation utilized stone matrix asphalt to resurface an : intersection in Auburn, Maine. The experimental placement of SMA was part of a pavement project F-STP-017P(89)E. The intersection is at the junctio...

  4. Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS) on the International Space Station (ISS): Launch, Installation, Activation and First Results

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Blakeslee, R. J.; Christian, H. J.; Mach, D. M.; Buechler, D. E.; Wharton, N. A.; Stewart, M. F.; Ellett, W. T.; Koshak, W. J.; Walker, T. D.; Virts, K.; hide

    2017-01-01

    Mission: Fly a flight-spare LIS (Lightning Imaging Sensor) on ISS to take advantage of unique capabilities provided by the ISS (e.g., high inclination, real time data); Integrate LIS as a hosted payload on the DoD Space Test Program-Houston 5 (STP-H5) mission and launch on a Space X rocket for a minimum 2 year mission. Measurement: NASA and its partners developed and demonstrated effectiveness and value of using space-based lightning observations as a remote sensing tool; LIS measures lightning (amount, rate, radiant energy) with storm scale resolution, millisecond timing, and high detection efficiency, with no land-ocean bias. Benefit: LIS on ISS will extend TRMM (Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission) time series observations, expand latitudinal coverage, provide real time data to operational users, and enable cross-sensor calibration.

  5. Use of fugacity model to analyze temperature-dependent removal of micro-contaminants in sewage treatment plants.

    PubMed

    Thompson, Kelly; Zhang, Jianying; Zhang, Chunlong

    2011-08-01

    Effluents from sewage treatment plants (STPs) are known to contain residual micro-contaminants including endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) despite the utilization of various removal processes. Temperature alters the efficacy of removal processes; however, experimental measurements of EDC removal at various temperatures are limited. Extrapolation of EDC behavior over a wide temperature range is possible using available physicochemical property data followed by the correction of temperature dependency. A level II fugacity-based STP model was employed by inputting parameters obtained from the literature and estimated by the US EPA's Estimations Programs Interface (EPI) including EPI's BIOWIN for temperature-dependent biodegradation half-lives. EDC removals in a three-stage activated sludge system were modeled under various temperatures and hydraulic retention times (HRTs) for representative compounds of various properties. Sensitivity analysis indicates that temperature plays a significant role in the model outcomes. Increasing temperature considerably enhances the removal of β-estradiol, ethinyestradiol, bisphenol, phenol, and tetrachloroethylene, but not testosterone with the highest biodegradation rate. The shortcomings of BIOWIN were mitigated by the correction of highly temperature-dependent biodegradation rates using the Arrhenius equation. The model predicts well the effects of operating temperature and HRTs on the removal via volatilization, adsorption, and biodegradation. The model also reveals that an impractically long HRT is needed to achieve a high EDC removal. The STP model along with temperature corrections is able to provide some useful insight into the different patterns of STP performance, and useful operational considerations relevant to EDC removal at winter low temperatures. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Science of Opportunity: Heliophysics on the FASTSAT Mission and STP-S26

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Rowland, Douglas E.; Collier, Michael R.; Sigwarth, John B.; Jones, Sarah L.; Hill, Joanne K.; Benson, Robert; Choi, Michael; Chornay, Dennis; Cooper, John; Feng, Steven; hide

    2011-01-01

    The FASTSAT spacecraft, which was launched on November 19, 2010 on the DoD STP-S26 mission, carries three instruments developed in joint collaboration by NASA GSFC and the US Naval Academy: PISA, TTl, and MINI_ME.I,1 As part of a rapid-development, low-cost instrument design and fabrication program, these instruments were a perfect match for FASTSAT, which was designed and built in less than one year. These instruments, while independently developed, provide a collaborative view of important processes in the upper atmosphere relating to solar and energetic particle input, atmospheric response, and ion outflow. PISA measures in-situ irregularities in electron number density, TIl provides limb measurements of the atomic oxygen temperature profile with altitude, and MINI-ME provides a unique look at ion populations by a remote sen sing technique involving neutral atom imaging. Together with other instruments and payloads on STP-S26 such as the NSF RAX mission, FalconSat-5, and NanoSail-D (launched as a tertiary payload from FASTSAT), these instruments provide a valuable "constellation of opportunity" for following the now of energy and charged and neutral particles through the upper atmosphere. Together, and for a small fraction of the price of a major mission, these spacecraft will measure the energetic electrons impacting the upper atmosphere, the ions leaving it, and the large-scale plasma and neutral response to these energy inputs. The result will be a new model for maximizing scientific return from multiple small, distributed payloads as secondary payloads on a larger launch vehicle.

  7. Space Station Integrated Kinetic Launcher for Orbital Payload Systems (SSIKLOPS) - Cyclops

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Smith, James P.; Lamb, Craig R.; Ballard, Perry G.

    2013-01-01

    Access to space for satellites in the 50-100 kg class is a challenge for the small satellite community. Rideshare opportunities are limited and costly, and the small sat must adhere to the primary payloads schedule and launch needs. Launching as an auxiliary payload on an Expendable Launch Vehicle presents many technical, environmental, and logistical challenges to the small satellite community. To assist the community in mitigating these challenges and in order to provide the community with greater access to space for 50-100 kg satellites, the NASA International Space Station (ISS) and Engineering communities in collaboration with the Department of Defense (DOD) Space Test Program (STP) is developing a dedicated 50-100 kg class ISS small satellite deployment system. The system, known as Cyclops, will utilize NASA's ISS resupply vehicles to launch small sats to the ISS in a controlled pressurized environment in soft stow bags. The satellites will then be processed through the ISS pressurized environment by the astronaut crew allowing satellite system diagnostics prior to orbit insertion. Orbit insertion is achieved through use of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Experiment Module Robotic Airlock (JEM Airlock) and one of the ISS Robotic Arms. Cyclops' initial satellite deployment demonstration of DOD STP's SpinSat and UT/TAMU's Lonestar satellites will be toward the end of 2013 or beginning of 2014. Cyclops will be housed on-board the ISS and used throughout its lifetime. The anatomy of Cyclops, its concept of operations for satellite deployment, and its satellite interfaces and requirements will be addressed further in this paper.

  8. High Temperature Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage to Augment Solar Thermal Propulsion for Microsatellites

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-08-30

    Solar Thermal Propulsion for Micro. Sats 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) Matthew R. Gilpin 5d...ABSTRACT Solar thermal propulsion (STP) offers an unique combination of thrust and efficiency, providing greater total V capability than chemical...to conventional technologies. The trend in solar thermal research over the past two decades has been towards simplification and miniaturization to

  9. STS-39 OV-103 reaction control system (RCS) jets fire during onorbit maneuver

    NASA Image and Video Library

    1991-05-06

    STS039-27-016 (28 April-6 May 1991) --- The Space Shuttle Discovery fires reaction control subsystem (RCS) thrusters in this 35mm frame, taken from inside the crew cabin. Seen in Discovery's payload bay are the tops of cannisters on the STP-1 payload, configured on the STS 39 Hitchhiker carrier; and the Air Force Program (AFP) 675 package. AFP-675 consists of the Cryogenic Infrared Radiance Instrumentation for Shuttle (CIRRIS)-1A; Far Ultraviolet Camera (FAR-UV) Experiment; Horizon Ultraviolet Program (HUP); Quadruple Ion Neutral Mass Spectrometer (QINMS); and the Uniformly Redundant Array (URA).

  10. Corrosion in a STP Sump. (Subtitle: What Causes It and What Can Be Done About It?)

    EPA Science Inventory

    State regulators have noticed extensive corrosion in the sumps for the submersible turbine pump (STP) of an underground storage tanks storing gasoline and E85. Acetic acid produced by biodegradation of ethanol that found its way into the sump is one plausible explanation. Resea...

  11. Debunking Myths: The B.C. Student Transitions Project

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gaber, Devron; Heslop, Joanne

    2009-01-01

    British Colombia's Student Transitions Project (STP) is challenging long-held myths about the movement of students through the education system in that province and may become a catalyst for re-examining commonly held ideas about students' transition to post-secondary education across the country. The STP is a collaborative effort among B.C.'s…

  12. Evaluation of a Damage Accumulation Monitoring System as an Individual Aircraft Tracking Concept

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1982-05-01

    Mechanics, ASTM STP 677, C. W. Smith, Ed., American Society for Testing and Materials, 1979, pp. 320-338. Kaplan, M. P., Reiman , J. A., and Landy, M. A... Reiman , J. A., "Use of Fracture Mechanics in Estimating Structural Life and Inspection Intervals," Journal of Aircraft, Vol. 13, No. 2, February 1976

  13. The MVACS Soil Temperature Probe

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wood, S. E.; Paige, D. A.; Nguyen, A.; Crisp, D.; Alleruzzo, R.; Labaw, C.; Mahoney, C.; Vargas, R.; Gunderson, H.; Braun, D.; Slostad, J.; Manvi, R.; Brown, K.; Oakes, E.

    1999-09-01

    As part of the Mars Volatiles and Climate Surveyor (MVACS) payload on Mars Polar Lander, currently on its way to a Dec. 3, 1999 landing on the south polar layered deposits, the Soil Temperature Probe (STP) will make direct measurements of the temperatures and thermophysical properties of soils and/or ices accessible by the Robotic Arm (RA). The STP consists of a thin, rigid fiberglass tube 15 cm long containing 2 platinum resistance temperature sensors; one in the metal tip which can be heated (PRT-1), and another inside the tube (PRT-2). It is mounted on the side of the scoop at the end of the RA. To make measurements, the RA places the STP in the desired location on or beneath the surface, and Robotic Arm Camera (RAC) image(s) are taken to verify its position, using ruler markings on the STP to measure its depth. The temperatures of both PRT's are recorded every 3 seconds. Data and commanding are handled through the meteorology instruments (MET) electronics package. Measurement of thermophysical properties can be done actively or passively. In active mode, PRT-1 is heated at a constant rate ( 10 mW). The thermal conductivity of the surrounding soil can be derived from the asymptotic temperature rise. The thermal diffusivity (alpha ) can be derived from the transient response. In passive mode alpha can also be determined by measuring the change in the amplitude and phase of the diurnal thermal wave at different depths. The temperature and thermophysical property measurements obtained with the STP will be very useful for interpreting other MVACS observations including air temperature and humidity, the presence or absence of subsurface ice, the identity of any surface frosts (CO_2 or H_2O), and Thermal Evolved Gas Analyzer soil sample analysis. These STP measurements will also provide invaluable "ground truth" for comparison with data from orbiting spacecraft such as Mars Global Surveyor and Mars Climate Orbiter.

  14. Low level postnatal methylmercury exposure in vivo alters developmental forms of short-term synaptic plasticity in the visual cortex of rat

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

    Dasari, Sameera; Yuan, Yukun, E-mail: yuanyuku@msu.ed

    2009-11-01

    Methylmercury (MeHg) has been previously shown to affect neurotransmitter release. Short-term synaptic plasticity (STP) is primarily related to changes in the probability of neurotransmitter release. To determine if MeHg affects STP development, we examined STP forms in the visual cortex of rat following in vivo MeHg exposure. Neonatal rats received 0 (0.9% NaCl), 0.75 or 1.5 mg/kg/day MeHg subcutaneously for 15 or 30 days beginning on postnatal day 5, after which visual cortical slices were prepared for field potential recordings. In slices prepared from rats treated with vehicle, field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) evoked by paired-pulse stimulation at 20-200 msmore » inter-stimulus intervals showed a depression (PPD) of the second fEPSP (fEPSP2). PPD was also seen in slices prepared from rats after 15 day treatment with 0.75 or 1.5 mg/kg/day MeHg. However, longer duration treatment (30 days) with either dose of MeHg resulted in paired-pulse facilitation (PPF) of fEPSP2 in the majority of slices examined. PPF remained observable in slices prepared from animals in which MeHg exposure had been terminated for 30 days after completion of the initial 30 day MeHg treatment, whereas slices from control animals still showed PPD. MeHg did not cause any frequency- or region-preferential effect on STP. Manipulations of [Ca{sup 2+}]{sub e} or application of the GABA{sub A} receptor antagonist bicuculline could alter the strength and polarity of MeHg-induced changes in STP. Thus, these data suggest that low level postnatal MeHg exposure interferes with the developmental transformation of STP in the visual cortex, which is a long-lasting effect.« less

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

    Ren, Yixia, E-mail: renyixia1@163.com; Chai, Hongmei; Tang, Long

    Three novel coordination polymers, namely, [Cd(2-Hstp)(1,4-bbi)(H{sub 2}O){sub 2}]·3H{sub 2}O (1), [Cd{sub 1.5}(2-stp)(1,4-bbi)(H{sub 2}O){sub 2}]·H{sub 2}O (2) and [Zn{sub 2}(2-stp)(μ{sub 2}-OH)(1,4-bbi){sub 1.5}(H{sub 2}O)]·6H{sub 2}O (3) (2-H{sub 3}stp is equal to 2-sulfoterephthalate and 1,4-bisbenzimidazole is equal to 1,4-bbi), have been synthesized by hydrothermal reaction. The structural analyses show that 1 and 2 possess different structural features despite the same raw materials, which are 1D chain structure featuring 6-member-water H-bonds cluster and 3D bbi-pillared wavy-like layer framework, respectively. As changing the metal ion to zinc ion, 3 exhibits 3D stp-pillared layer architecture, which discovers the effect of the central metal ions on themore » formation of metal–organic frameworks. The fluorescence studies show that the emissions of the coordination polymers are attributed to the ligand π–π* transition, which means they could be potential fluorescence materials. - Graphical abstract: Three new Cd{sup II}/Zn{sup II} 2-sulfoterephthalate (2-H{sub 3}stp) complexes with 1,4-bisbenzimidazole (1,4-bbi) are described. Complex 1 exhibits one-dimensional chain-like structure, 2 is a three-dimensional bbi-pillared wavy-like layer framework, while 3 is a three-dimensional stp-pillared layer architecture. Fluorescence spectra exhibit the π–π* transition of two organic ligands. - Highlights: • Three Cd{sup II}/Mn{sup II} 2-sulfoterephthalate complexes containing 1,4-bisbenzimidazole. • Different structural features despite the same raw materials for 1 and 2. • Fluorescence spectra exhibit the π–π* transition of organic ligands.« less

  16. Phillips Laboratory small satellite initiatives

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lutey, Mark K.; Imler, Thomas A.; Davis, Robert J.

    1993-09-01

    The Phillips Laboratory Space Experiments Directorate in conjunction with the Air Force Space Test Program (AF STP), Defense Advanced Research and Projects Agency (DARPA) and Strategic Defense Initiative Organization (SDIO), are managing five small satellite program initiatives: Lightweight Exo-Atmospheric Projectile (LEAP) sponsored by SDIO, Miniature Sensor Technology Integration (MSTI) sponsored by SDIO, Technology for Autonomous Operational Survivability (TAOS) sponsored by Phillips Laboratory, TechSat sponsored by SDIO, and the Advanced Technology Standard Satellite Bus (ATSSB) sponsored by DARPA. Each of these spacecraft fulfills a unique set of program requirements. These program requirements range from a short-lived `one-of-a-kind' mission to the robust multi- mission role. Because of these diverging requirements, each program is driven to use a different design philosophy. But regardless of their design, there is the underlying fact that small satellites do not always equate to small missions. These spacecraft with their use of or ability to insert new technologies provide more capabilities and services for their respective payloads which allows the expansion of their mission role. These varying program efforts culminate in an ATSSB spacecraft bus approach that will support moderate size payloads, up to 500 pounds, in a large set of orbits while satisfying the `cheaper, faster, better' method of doing business. This technical paper provides an overview of each of the five spacecraft, focusing on the objectives, payoffs, technologies demonstrated, and program status.

  17. 75 FR 21678 - STP Nuclear Operating Company South Texas Project, Units 1 and 2 Environmental Assessment and...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-04-26

    ... Company South Texas Project, Units 1 and 2 Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact... South Texas Project (STP), Units 1 and 2, respectively, located in Matagorda County, Texas. In... 1 and 2, from some of the requirements of 10 CFR Part 26, ``Fitness for Duty Rule.'' Specifically...

  18. 76 FR 16012 - STP Nuclear Operating Company, et al. South Texas Project, Units 1 and 2 Notice of Consideration...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-03-22

    ... NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION [NRC-2011-0063; Docket Nos. 50-498 And 50-499] STP Nuclear Operating... Facility Operating License, Proposed No Significant Hazards Consideration Determination, and Opportunity... on the NRC Web site and on the Federal rulemaking Web site http://www.regulations.gov . Because your...

  19. Exogenous glutamate induces short and long-term potentiation in the rat medial vestibular nuclei.

    PubMed

    Grassi, S; Frondaroli, A; Pessia, M; Pettorossi, V E

    2001-08-08

    In rat brain stem slices, high concentrations of exogenous glutamate induce long-term potentiation (LTP) of the field potentials evoked in the medial vestibular nuclei (MVN) by vestibular afferent stimulation. At low concentrations, glutamate can also induce short-term potentiation (STP), indicating that LTP and STP are separate events depending on the level of glutamatergic synapse activation. LTP and STP are prevented by blocking NMDA receptors and nitric oxide (NO) synthesis. Conversely, blocking platelet-activating factor (PAF) and group I metabotropic glutamate receptors only prevents the full development of LTP. Moreover, in the presence of blocking agents, glutamate causes transient inhibition, suggesting that when potentiation is impeded, exogenous glutamate can activate presynaptic mechanisms that reduce glutamate release.

  20. Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS) on the International Space Station (ISS): Launch, Installation, Activation, and First Results

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Blakeslee, R. J.; Christian, H. J., Jr.; Mach, D. M.; Buechler, D. E.; Koshak, W. J.; Walker, T. D.; Bateman, M. G.; Stewart, M. F.; O'Brien, S.; Wilson, T. O.; Pavelitz, S. D.; Coker, C.

    2016-12-01

    Over the past 20 years, the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, the University of Alabama in Huntsville, and their partners developed and demonstrated the effectiveness and value of space-based lightning observations as a remote sensing tool for Earth science research and applications, and, in the process, established a robust global lightning climatology. The observations included measurements from the Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS) on the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) and its Optical Transient Detector (OTD) predecessor that acquired global observations of total lightning (i.e., intracloud and cloud-to-ground discharges) spanning a period from May 1995 through April 2015. As an exciting follow-on to these prior missions, a space-qualified LIS built as a flight-spare for TRMM will be delivered to the International Space Station (ISS) for a 2 year or longer mission, flown as a hosted payload on the Department of Defense (DoD) Space Test Program-Houston 5 (STP-H5) mission. The STP-H5 payload containing LIS is scheduled launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center to the ISS in November 2016, aboard the SpaceX Cargo Resupply Services-10 (SpaceX-10) mission, installed in the unpressurized "trunk" of the Dragon spacecraft. After the Dragon is berth to ISS Node 2, the payload will be removed from the trunk and robotically installed in a nadir-viewing location on the external truss of the ISS. Following installation on the ISS, the LIS Operations Team will work with the STP-H5 and ISS Operations Teams to power-on LIS and begin instrument checkout and commissioning. Following successful activation, LIS orbital operations will commence, managed from the newly established LIS Payload Operations Control Center (POCC) located at the National Space Science Technology Center (NSSTC) in Huntsville, AL. The well-established and robust processing, archival, and distribution infrastructure used for TRMM was easily adapted to the ISS mission, assuring that lightning observations from LIS on ISS can be quickly delivered to science and applications users soon after routine operations are underway. Also real-time data, available for the first time with this mission, are being provided to interested users in partnership with NASA's Short Term Prediction Research and Transition (SPoRT) center, also located at the NSSTC.

  1. External detection and localization of well leaks in aquifer zones

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Haas, Allan K.

    This dissertation presents a new methodology for monitoring, detecting, and localizing shallow, aquifer zone leaks in oil and gas wells. The rationale for this type of leak detection is to close the knowledge gap associated with public claims of subsurface water resource contamination caused by the oil and gas industry. A knowledge gap exists because there is no data, one way or the other, that can definitively prove or deny the existence of subsurface leakage pathways in oil and gas wells, new, old or abandoned. This dissertation begins with an overview of existing and future oil and gas well leak detection methods, and then presents three published papers, each describing a different phenomena that can be exploited for leak monitoring, detection, localization, and damage extent determination. The first paper describes the direct detection and localization of a leak that was discovered during a laboratory based hydraulic fracturing experiment. The second paper describes the laboratory measured electrical response that occurs during two phase flow inside of porous media. The third paper describes the detection and tracking of a gravity driven salt plume leak in a freshwater test tank in the laboratory. the three geophysical approaches that are presented, when combined together, provide a new, powerful, external to the well method to monitor, detect, localize, and assess the damage from leaks in the drinking water protection zone of oil and gas wells. This is a capability that is not available in any other leak detection and localization method. This dissertation also presents a chapter of Science, Technology and Society (STS), and Science, and Technology Policy (STP) as a final fulfillment requirement of the SmartGeo Fellowship program, and the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Policy minor. This chapter introduces a new STS/STP concept concerning the after effects of knowledge boundary disputes. This new concept is called the residual footprints of knowledge boundary disputes. This new concept is developed through the analysis of an oil and gas drilling controversy that climaxed in Erie, CO in 2012. Additional evidence of this residual footprint concept is also presented in a very brief form. It is hoped that this new concept will be further researched, and adopted by the STS/STP community.

  2. Cost-effectiveness development for the postoperative care of craniotomy patients: a safe transitions pathway in neurological surgery.

    PubMed

    Osorio, Joseph A; Safaee, Michael M; Viner, Jennifer; Sankaran, Sujatha; Imershein, Sarah; Adigun, Ezekiel; Weigel, Gabriela; Berger, Mitchel S; McDermott, Michael W

    2018-05-01

    OBJECTIVE The authors' institution is in the top 5th percentile for hospital cost in the nation, and the neurointensive care unit (NICU) is one of the costliest units. The NICU is more expensive than other units because of lower staff/patient ratio and because of the equipment necessary to monitor patient care. The cost differential between the NICU and Neuro transitional care unit (NTCU) is $1504 per day. The goal of this study was to evaluate and to pilot a program to improve efficiency and lower cost by modifying the postoperative care of patients who have undergone a craniotomy, sending them to the NTCU as opposed to the NICU. Implementation of the pilot will expand and utilize neurosurgery beds available on the NTCU and reduce the burden on NICU beds for critically ill patient admissions. METHODS Ten patients who underwent craniotomy to treat supratentorial brain tumors were included. Prior to implementation of the pilot, inclusion criteria were designed for patient selection. Patients included were less than 65 years of age, had no comorbid conditions requiring postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) care, had a supratentorial meningioma less than 3 cm in size, had no intraoperative events, had routine extubation, and underwent surgery lasting fewer than 5 hours and had blood loss less than 500 ml. The Safe Transitions Pathway (STP) was started in August 2016. RESULTS Ten tumor patients have utilized the STP (5 convexity meningiomas, 2 metastatic tumors, 3 gliomas). Patients' ages ranged from 29 to 75 years (median 49 years; an exception to the age limit of 65 years was made for one 75-year-old patient). Discharge from the hospital averaged 2.2 days postoperative, with 1 discharged on postoperative day (POD) 1, 7 discharged on POD 2, 1 discharged on POD 3, and 1 discharged on POD 4. Preliminary data indicate that quality and safety for patients following the STP (moving from the operating room [OR] to the neuro transitional care unit [OR-NTCU]) are no different from those of patients following the traditional OR-NICU pathway. No patients required escalation in level of nursing care, and there were no readmissions. This group has been followed for greater than 1 month, and there were no morbidities. CONCLUSIONS The STP is a new and efficient pathway for the postoperative care of neurosurgery patients. The STP has reduced hospital cost by $22,560 for the first 10 patients, and there were no morbidities. Since this pilot, the authors have expanded the pathway to include other surgical cases and now routinely schedule craniotomy patients for the (OR-NTCU) pathway. The potential cost reduction in one year could reach $500,000 if we reach our potential of 20 patients per month.

  3. STEREO Mission Design

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dunham, David W.; Guzman, Jose J.; Sharer, Peter J.; Friessen, Henry D.

    2007-01-01

    STEREO (Solar-TErestrial RElations Observatory) is the third mission in the Solar Terrestrial Probes program (STP) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). STEREO is the first mission to utilize phasing loops and multiple lunar flybys to alter the trajectories of more than one satellite. This paper describes the launch computation methodology, the launch constraints, and the resulting nine launch windows that were prepared for STEREO. More details are provided for the window in late October 2006 that was actually used.

  4. Installation Restoration Program, Phase I: Records Search, Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1985-03-01

    and chemical * cleaning shops and consists of chromic acid, potassium permanganate, cadmium , and descaling solutions. The general trend in waste...0.016 Cadmium ɘ.010 mg/1 ɘ.010 Chromium 0.091 mg/l ɘ.050 Source: LAFB BES, 1984. STP Analysis Results, April 23, 1984. 3-33 -r --r - - - - 41 . N...consists of chromic acid, potassium permanganate, cadmium , and descaling solutions. The fire suppressants currently employed at LAFB and EPAux are AFFF

  5. Photolysis of sulfamethoxypyridazine in various aqueous media: aerobic biodegradation and identification of photoproducts by LC-UV-MS/MS.

    PubMed

    Khaleel, Nareman D H; Mahmoud, Waleed M M; Hadad, Ghada M; Abdel-Salam, Randa A; Kümmerer, Klaus

    2013-01-15

    Sulfonamides are one of the most frequently used antibiotics worldwide. Therefore, mitigation processes such as abiotic or biotic degradation are of interest. Photodegradation and biodegradation are the potentially significant removal mechanisms for pharmaceuticals in aquatic environments. The photolysis of sulfamethoxypyridazine (SMP) using a medium pressure Hg-lamp was evaluated in three different media: Millipore water pH 6.1 (MW), effluent from sewage treatment plant pH 7.6 (STP), and buffered demineralized water pH 7.4 (BDW). Identification of transformation products (TPs) was performed by LC-UV-MS/MS. The biodegradation of SMP using two tests from the OECD series was studied: Closed Bottle test (OECD 301 D), and Manometric Respirometry test (OECD 301 F). In biodegradation tests, it was found that SMP was not readily biodegradable so it may pose a risk to the environment. The results showed that SMP was removed completely within 128 min of irradiation in the three media, and the degradation rate was different for each investigated type of water. However, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) was not removed in BDW and only little DOC removal was observed in MW and STP, thus indicating the formation of TPs. Analysis by LC-UV-MS/MS revealed new TPs formed. The hydroxylation of SMP represents the main photodegradation pathway. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. MMS at NRL

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2014-08-04

    A photograph showing what all four Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) spacecraft look like when stacked is seen taped to the window of a Naval Research Laboratory cleanroom where one of the four spacecraft is undergoing testing, Monday, August 4, 2014, in Washington. The Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, mission will study the mystery of how magnetic fields around Earth connect and disconnect, explosively releasing energy via a process known as magnetic reconnection. The four identical spacecraft are scheduled to launch in 2015 from Cape Canaveral and will orbit around Earth in varying formations through the dynamic magnetic system surrounding our planet to provide the first three-dimensional views of the magnetic reconnection process. The goal of the STP Program is to understand the fundamental physical processes of the space environment from the sun to Earth, other planets, and the extremes of the solar system boundary. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

  7. MMS at NRL

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2014-08-04

    NASA Administrator Charles Bolden listens to Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) Mission Project Manager Craig Tooley talk about the MMS mission outside of a Naval Research Laboratory cleanroom where one of four Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) spacecraft is currently undergoing testing, Monday, August 4, 2014, in Washington. The Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, mission will study the mystery of how magnetic fields around Earth connect and disconnect, explosively releasing energy via a process known as magnetic reconnection. The four identical spacecraft are scheduled to launch in 2015 from Cape Canaveral and will orbit around Earth in varying formations through the dynamic magnetic system surrounding our planet to provide the first three-dimensional views of the magnetic reconnection process. The goal of the STP Program is to understand the fundamental physical processes of the space environment from the sun to Earth, other planets, and the extremes of the solar system boundary. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

  8. The Magnetospheric Multiscale Constellation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Tooley, C. R.; Black, R. K.; Robertson, B. P.; Stone, J. M.; Pope, S. E.; Davis, G. T.

    2015-01-01

    The Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission is the fourth mission of the Solar Terrestrial Probe (STP) program of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The MMS mission was launched on March 12, 2015. The MMS mission consists of four identically instrumented spin-stabilized observatories which are flown in formation to perform the first definitive study of magnetic reconnection in space. The MMS mission was presented with numerous technical challenges, including the simultaneous construction and launch of four identical large spacecraft with 100 instruments total, stringent electromagnetic cleanliness requirements, closed-loop precision maneuvering and pointing of spinning flexible spacecraft, on-board GPS based orbit determination far above the GPS constellation, and a flight dynamics design that enables formation flying with separation distances as small as 10 km. This paper describes the overall mission design and presents an overview of the design, testing, and early on-orbit operation of the spacecraft systems and instrument suite.

  9. The effects of dynamical synapses on firing rate activity: a spiking neural network model.

    PubMed

    Khalil, Radwa; Moftah, Marie Z; Moustafa, Ahmed A

    2017-11-01

    Accumulating evidence relates the fine-tuning of synaptic maturation and regulation of neural network activity to several key factors, including GABA A signaling and a lateral spread length between neighboring neurons (i.e., local connectivity). Furthermore, a number of studies consider short-term synaptic plasticity (STP) as an essential element in the instant modification of synaptic efficacy in the neuronal network and in modulating responses to sustained ranges of external Poisson input frequency (IF). Nevertheless, evaluating the firing activity in response to the dynamical interaction between STP (triggered by ranges of IF) and these key parameters in vitro remains elusive. Therefore, we designed a spiking neural network (SNN) model in which we incorporated the following parameters: local density of arbor essences and a lateral spread length between neighboring neurons. We also created several network scenarios based on these key parameters. Then, we implemented two classes of STP: (1) short-term synaptic depression (STD) and (2) short-term synaptic facilitation (STF). Each class has two differential forms based on the parametric value of its synaptic time constant (either for depressing or facilitating synapses). Lastly, we compared the neural firing responses before and after the treatment with STP. We found that dynamical synapses (STP) have a critical differential role on evaluating and modulating the firing rate activity in each network scenario. Moreover, we investigated the impact of changing the balance between excitation (E) and inhibition (I) on stabilizing this firing activity. © 2017 Federation of European Neuroscience Societies and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  10. Abnormal presynaptic short-term plasticity and information processing in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome.

    PubMed

    Deng, Pan-Yue; Sojka, David; Klyachko, Vitaly A

    2011-07-27

    Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common inherited form of intellectual disability and the leading genetic cause of autism. It is associated with the lack of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), a regulator of protein synthesis in axons and dendrites. Studies on FXS have extensively focused on the postsynaptic changes underlying dysfunctions in long-term plasticity. In contrast, the presynaptic mechanisms of FXS have garnered relatively little attention and are poorly understood. Activity-dependent presynaptic processes give rise to several forms of short-term plasticity (STP), which is believed to control some of essential neural functions, including information processing, working memory, and decision making. The extent of STP defects and their contributions to the pathophysiology of FXS remain essentially unknown, however. Here we report marked presynaptic abnormalities at excitatory hippocampal synapses in Fmr1 knock-out (KO) mice leading to defects in STP and information processing. Loss of FMRP led to enhanced responses to high-frequency stimulation. Fmr1 KO mice also exhibited abnormal synaptic processing of natural stimulus trains, specifically excessive enhancement during the high-frequency spike discharges associated with hippocampal place fields. Analysis of individual STP components revealed strongly increased augmentation and reduced short-term depression attributable to loss of FMRP. These changes were associated with exaggerated calcium influx in presynaptic neurons during high-frequency stimulation, enhanced synaptic vesicle recycling, and enlarged readily-releasable and reserved vesicle pools. These data suggest that loss of FMRP causes abnormal STP and information processing, which may represent a novel mechanism contributing to cognitive impairments in FXS.

  11. Cost analysis of store-and-forward telepsychiatry as a consultation model for primary care.

    PubMed

    Butler, Thomas N; Yellowlees, Peter

    2012-01-01

    Store-and-forward telepsychiatry, or asynchronous telepsychiatry (ATP), which allows clinical data, including video to be collected to be reviewed at a later time by a specialist, has been described as a feasible alternative to real-time telepsychiatry, or synchronous telepsychiatry (STP), as a consultation model for primary care. In theory, ATP should be economically more cost-effective than STP due to the increased flexibility of patient data collection and the substitution of the time of specialists with that of lower-cost providers. The aim of this study was to conduct a retrospective cost-analysis comparing ATP with STP and traditional in-person psychiatric consultations in the primary care setting. One hundred and twenty five ATP consultations were performed and fixed and marginal costs were calculated for each model using inputs such as equipment costs, time spent by providers and support staff, and hourly salaries. The fixed costs were $7,000 and $20,000 for ATP and STP and marginal costs were $68.18, $107.50, and $96.36, respectively, for the three groups. STP was the most expensive of the three types of consultations. ATP became the most cost-effective of the three models beyond 249 consultations. The marginal cost savings of ATP were due to substitution of low-cost providers for specialists. ATP represents a potential disruptive healthcare process that could allow more affordable care to be delivered to a larger population of patients. A full accounting of ATP's efficiency will require further studies, including prospective cost-benefit analyses from the perspectives of the patient, provider, and society.

  12. Summer Treatment Program for Preschoolers with Externalizing Behavior Problems: a Preliminary Examination of Parenting Outcomes.

    PubMed

    Graziano, Paulo A; Ros, Rosmary; Hart, Katie C; Slavec, Janine

    2017-11-07

    Within an at-risk sample of preschoolers with externalizing behavior problems (EBP), the current study examined the initial promise of a multimodal intervention, the Summer Treatment Program for Pre-Kindergarteners (STP-PreK), in improving parenting outcomes. Using an open trial design, 154 parents and their preschool children (73% male; M age  = 5.06 years; 82% Hispanic/Latino background) with at-risk or clinically elevated levels of EBP (57% of which were referred by schools or mental health/medical professionals) completed a baseline and post-treatment assessment. A subsample of 90 families completed a follow-up assessment approximately 6 to 9 months after treatment completion. Parental measures of parenting stress and discipline strategies were collected across all three assessments. Observational data were also collected across all assessments during a 5-min standardized child-led play situation and a 5-min parent-led clean up task. The parenting component of the STP-PreK included a School Readiness Parenting Program (SRPP) of which the behavioral management component was implemented via a Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) adaptation (8 weekly group sessions with 15-20 parents in each group, lack of requirement of "mastery" criteria). All parenting outcomes (both ratings and observed) significantly improved after the intervention (Cohen's d mean effect size across measures 0.89) with all effects being maintained at the 6-9 month follow-up. These findings highlight the initial promise of our SRPP's PCIT adaptation in targeting multiple aspects of parenting while yielding comparable parenting skills acquisition compared to traditional individual PCIT.

  13. Career advancement opportunities and the ACVP/STP Coalition.

    PubMed

    Cockerell, Gary

    2014-07-01

    A new service to facilitate career advancement opportunities has been implemented by the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP)/Society of Toxicologic Pathology (STP) Coalition for Veterinary Pathology Fellows. This service will allow rapid communication of these opportunities between veterinary pathologists in academia, industry, and government, and will be useful to trainees as well as established pathologists. © 2014 by The Author(s).

  14. 77 FR 74882 - STP Nuclear Operating Company, South Texas Project; Notice of Availability of Draft Supplement 48...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-12-18

    ... NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION [Docket Nos.: 50-498 and 50-499; NRC-2010-0375] STP Nuclear Operating Company, South Texas Project; Notice of Availability of Draft Supplement 48 to the Generic Environmental Impact Statement for License Renewal of Nuclear Plants and Public Meetings for the License Renewal of South Texas Project Notice is hereby...

  15. STP Research Results: An Annual Research Update on the First Transitions of B.C. Grade 12 Graduates into B.C. Public Post-Secondary Education

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Heslop, Joanne

    2017-01-01

    Every year, the Student Transitions Project (STP) collects post-secondary enrollment and credential completion data from the twenty-five British Columbia (B.C.) public post-secondary institutions and links this data to secondary enrollment information via encrypted personal education numbers (PENs). Now comprising fourteen full years of…

  16. Evaluating the behavior of gadolinium and other rare earth elements through large metropolitan sewage treatment plants.

    PubMed

    Verplanck, Philip L; Furlong, Edward T; Gray, James L; Phillips, Patrick J; Wolf, Ruth E; Esposito, Kathleen

    2010-05-15

    A primary pathway for emerging contaminants (pharmaceuticals, personal care products, steroids, and hormones) to enter aquatic ecosystems is effluent from sewage treatment plants (STP), and identifying technologies to minimize the amount of these contaminants released is important. Quantifying the flux of these contaminants through STPs is difficult. This study evaluates the behavior of gadolinium, a rare earth element (REE) utilized as a contrasting agent in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), through four full-scale metropolitan STPs that utilize several biosolids thickening, conditioning, stabilization, and dewatering processing technologies. The organically complexed Gd from MRIs has been shown to be stable in aquatic systems and has the potential to be utilized as a conservative tracer in STP operations to compare to an emerging contaminant of interest. Influent and effluent waters display large enrichments in Gd compared to other REEs. In contrast, most sludge samples from the STPs do not display Gd enrichments, including primary sludges and end-product sludges. The excess Gd appears to remain in the liquid phase throughout the STP operations, but detailed quantification of the input Gd load and residence times of various STP operations is needed to utilize Gd as a conservative tracer.

  17. Active school travel: an evaluation of the Canadian school travel planning intervention.

    PubMed

    Mammen, George; Stone, Michelle R; Faulkner, Guy; Ramanathan, Subha; Buliung, Ron; O'Brien, Catherine; Kennedy, Jacky

    2014-03-01

    Active school travel (AST) may provide a significant source of physical activity for children although rates of AST are declining in many countries. The objective of this study was to evaluate the Canadian School Travel Planning (STP) intervention by examining changes in school travel mode and predictors of mode change. Schools (n=106) across Canada participated between January 2010 and March 2012. STP committees implemented school-specific strategies to increase active school transport (AST) which included educational strategies, activities and events, capital improvement projects and enforcement initiatives. Travel mode at each school was assessed by a hands-up survey and school travel plans were reviewed for content. Complete data were available for 53 schools. There was no increase in AST at follow-up after one year. There was variation in mode change between schools. Only season of data collection predicted a decrease in AST in the morning (B=-5.36, p<.05). This Canadian STP evaluation showed no change in AST after one year. There was evidence of some localized success at nearly half of the participating schools. More robust monitoring and evaluation are needed to examine STP effectiveness. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  18. An experimental study of large-scale vortices over a blunt-faced flat plate in pulsating flow

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hwang, K. S.; Sung, H. J.; Hyun, J. M.

    Laboratory measurements are made of flow over a blunt flat plate of finite thickness, which is placed in a pulsating free stream, U=Uo(1+Aocos 2πfpt). Low turbulence-intensity wind tunnel experiments are conducted in the ranges of Stp<=1.23 and Ao<=0.118 at ReH=560. Pulsation is generated by means of a woofer speaker. Variations of the time-mean reattachment length xR as functions of Stp and Ao are scrutinized by using the forward-time fraction and surface pressure distributions (Cp). The shedding frequency of large-scale vortices due to pulsation is measured. Flow visualizations depict the behavior of large-scale vortices. The results for non-pulsating flows (Ao=0) are consistent with the published data. In the lower range of Ao, as Stp increases, xR attains a minimum value at a particular pulsation frequency. For large Ao, the results show complicated behaviors of xR. For Stp>=0.80, changes in xR are insignificant as Ao increases. The shedding frequency of large-scale vortices is locked-in to the pulsation frequency. A vortex-pairing process takes place between two neighboring large-scale vortices in the separated shear layer.

  19. Substitutions of cysteine residues of Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin by oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis.

    PubMed Central

    Okamoto, K; Okamoto, K; Yukitake, J; Kawamoto, Y; Miyama, A

    1987-01-01

    The Escherichia coli 18-amino-acid, heat-stable enterotoxin STp has six cysteine residues linked intramolecularly by three disulfide bonds. These disulfide bonds are important for toxic activity, but the precise role of each bond is not clear. We substituted cysteine residues of STp in vivo by oligonucleotide-directed site-specific mutagenesis to dissociate each disulfide bond and examined the biological activities of the resulting mutants. The Cys-6----Ala and Cys-17----Ala mutations caused a complete loss of toxic activity. The Cys-5----Ala, Cys-10----Ser, and Gly-16, Cys-17----Cys-16, Gly-17 mutations caused a large decrease in toxic activity. These results mean that all three disulfide bonds formed at fixed positions are required for full expression of the biological activity of STp. However, a weak but significant toxicity still remained after three mutations, Cys-5----Ala, Cys-10----Ser, and Gly-16, Cys-17----Cys-16, Gly-17. This indicates that STp has some flexibilities in its conformation to exert toxic activity and that the role of each disulfide bond exerting toxic activity is not quite the same. Images PMID:3305364

  20. Improving The Near-Earth Meteoroid And Orbital Debris Environment Definition With LAD-C

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Liou, J.-C.; Giovane, F. J.; Corsaro, R. C.; Burchell, M. J.; Drolshagen, G.; Kawai, H.; Tabata, M.; Stansbery, E. G.; Westphal, A. J.; Yano, H.

    2006-01-01

    To improve the near-Earth meteoroid and orbital debris environment definition, a large area particle sensor/collector is being developed to be placed on the International Space Station (ISS). This instrument, the Large Area Debris Collector (LAD-C), will attempt to record meteoroid and orbital debris impact flux, and capture the same particles with aerogel. After at least one year of deployment, the whole system will be brought back for additional laboratory analysis of the captured meteoroids and orbital debris. This project is led by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) while the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Space Test Program (STP) is responsible for the integration, deployment, and retrieval of the system. Additional contributing team members of the consortium include the NASA Orbital Debris Program Office, JAXA Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS), Chiba University (Japan), ESA Space Debris Office, University of Kent (UK), and University of California at Berkeley. The deployment of LAD-C on the ISS is planned for 2008, with the system retrieval in late 2009.

  1. Comparative study of soft thermal printing and lamination of dry thick photoresist films for the uniform fabrication of polymer MOEMS on small-sized samples

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Abada, S.; Salvi, L.; Courson, R.; Daran, E.; Reig, B.; Doucet, J. B.; Camps, T.; Bardinal, V.

    2017-05-01

    A method called ‘soft thermal printing’ (STP) was developed to ensure the optimal transfer of 50 µm-thick dry epoxy resist films (DF-1050) on small-sized samples. The aim was the uniform fabrication of high aspect ratio polymer-based MOEMS (micro-optical-electrical-mechanical system) on small and/or fragile samples, such as GaAs. The printing conditions were optimized, and the resulting thickness uniformity profiles were compared to those obtained via lamination and SU-8 standard spin-coating. Under the best conditions tested, STP and lamination produced similar results, with a maximum deviation to the central thickness of 3% along the sample surface, compared to greater than 40% for SU-8 spin-coating. Both methods were successfully applied to the collective fabrication of DF1050-based MOEMS designed for the dynamic focusing of VCSELs (vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers). Similar, efficient electro-thermo-mechanical behaviour was obtained in both cases.

  2. Electrically Driven Thermal Management: Flight Validation, Experiment Development, Future Technologies

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Didion, Jeffrey R.

    2018-01-01

    Electrically Driven Thermal Management is an active research and technology development initiative incorporating ISS technology flight demonstrations (STP-H5), development of Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG) flight experiment, and laboratory-based investigations of electrically based thermal management techniques. The program targets integrated thermal management for future generations of RF electronics and power electronic devices. This presentation reviews four program elements: i.) results from the Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) Long Term Flight Demonstration launched in February 2017 ii.) development of the Electrically Driven Liquid Film Boiling Experiment iii.) two University based research efforts iv.) development of Oscillating Heat Pipe evaluation at Goddard Space Flight Center.

  3. LITES and GROUP-C Mission Update: Ionosphere and Thermosphere Sensing from the ISS

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Stephan, A. W.; Budzien, S. A.; Chakrabarti, S.; Hysell, D. L.; Powell, S. P.; Finn, S. C.; Cook, T.; Bishop, R. L.

    2016-12-01

    The Limb-imaging Ionospheric and Thermospheric Extreme-ultraviolet Spectrograph (LITES) and GPS Radio Occultation and Ultraviolet Photometer Co-located (GROUP-C) experiments are scheduled for launch to the International Space Station (ISS) in November 2016 as part of the Space Test Program Houston #5 payload (STP-H5). The two experiments provide technical development and risk-reduction for future space weather sensors suitable for ionospheric specification, space situational awareness, and data products for global ionosphere assimilative models. The combined instrument suite of these experiments offers a unique capability to study spatial and temporal variability of the thermosphere and ionosphere using multi-sensor and tomographic approaches. LITES is an imaging spectrograph that spans 60-140 nm and continuously acquires limb profiles of the ionosphere and thermosphere from 150-350 km altitude. GROUP-C includes a high-sensitivity far-ultraviolet photometer measuring horizontal ionospheric gradients and an advanced GPS receiver providing ionospheric electron density profiles and scintillation measurements. High-cadence limb images and nadir photometry from GROUP-C/LITES are combined to tomographically reconstruct high-fidelity two-dimensional volume emission rates within the ISS orbital plane. The GPS occultation receiver provides independent measurements to calibrate and validate advanced daytime ionospheric algorithms and nighttime tomography. The vantage from the ISS on the lower portion of the thermosphere and ionosphere will yield measurements complementary to the NASA GOLD and ICON missions which are expected to fly during the STP-H5 mission. We present a mission status update and available early orbit observations, and the opportunities for using these new data to help address questions regarding the complex and dynamic features of the low and middle latitude ionosphere-thermosphere system that have important implications for operational systems.

  4. Products and Services Available from the Southern California Earthquake Data Center (SCEDC) and the Southern California Seismic Network (SCSN)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, S. E.; Yu, E.; Bhaskaran, A.; Chowdhury, F. R.; Meisenhelter, S.; Hutton, K.; Given, D.; Hauksson, E.; Clayton, R. W.

    2011-12-01

    Currently, the SCEDC archives continuous and triggered data from nearly 8400 data channels from 425 SCSN recorded stations, processing and archiving an average of 6.4 TB of continuous waveforms and 12,000 earthquakes each year. The SCEDC provides public access to these earthquake parametric and waveform data through its website www.data.scec.org and through client applications such as STP and DHI. This poster will describe the most significant developments at the SCEDC during 2011. New website design: ? The SCEDC has revamped its website. The changes make it easier for users to search the archive, discover updates and new content. These changes also improve our ability to manage and update the site. New data holdings: ? Post processing on El Mayor Cucapah 7.2 sequence continues. To date there have been 11847 events reviewed. Updates are available in the earthquake catalog immediately. ? A double difference catalog (Hauksson et. al 2011) spanning 1981 to 6/30/11 will be available for download at www.data.scec.org and available via STP. ? A focal mechanism catalog determined by Yang et al. 2011 is available for distribution at www.data.scec.org. ? Waveforms from Southern California NetQuake stations are now being stored in the SCEDC archive and available via STP as event associated waveforms. Amplitudes from these stations are also being stored in the archive and used by ShakeMap. ? As part of a NASA/AIST project in collaboration with JPL and SIO, the SCEDC will receive real time 1 sps streams of GPS displacement solutions from the California Real Time Network (http://sopac.ucsd.edu/projects/realtime; Genrich and Bock, 2006, J. Geophys. Res.). These channels will be archived at the SCEDC as miniSEED waveforms, which then can be distributed to the user community via applications such as STP. Improvements in the user tool STP: ? STP sac output now includes picks from the SCSN. New archival methods: ? The SCEDC is exploring the feasibility of archiving and distributing waveform data using cloud computing such as Google Apps. A month of continuous data from the SCEDC archive will be stored in Google Apps and a client developed to access it in a manner similar to STP. The data is stored in miniseed format with gzip compression. Time gaps between time series were padded with null values, which substantially increases search efficiency by make the records uniform in length.

  5. STEREO Mission Design Implementation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Guzman, Jose J.; Dunham, David W.; Sharer, Peter J.; Hunt, Jack W.; Ray, J. Courtney; Shapiro, Hongxing S.; Ossing, Daniel A.; Eichstedt, John E.

    2007-01-01

    STEREO (Solar-TErrestrial RElations Observatory) is the third mission in the Solar Terrestrial Probes program (STP) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Science Mission Directorate Sun-Earth Connection theme. This paper describes the successful implementation (lunar swingby targeting) of the mission following the first phasing orbit to deployment into the heliocentric mission orbits following the two lunar swingbys. The STEREO Project had to make some interesting trajectory decisions in order to exploit opportunities to image a bright comet and an unusual lunar transit across the Sun.

  6. 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

  7. EELV Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Haskett, Scott A.; Weis, Steven C.; Doggrell, Leslie J.; Sciulli, Dino; Meink, Troy E.; Ganley, Jeff T.; Maly, Joseph R.; Jurisson, Karl

    2000-11-01

    Despite growing international interest in small satellites, high dedicated expendable launch vehicle costs and the lack of secondary launch opportunities continue to hinder the full exploitation of small satellite technology. In the United States, the Department of Defense (DoD), NASA, other government agencies, commercial companies, and many universities use small satellites to perform space experiments, demonstrate new technology, and test operational prototype hardware. In addition, the DoD continues to study the role of small satellites in fulfilling operational mission requirements. However, the US lacks sufficient small satellite launch capacity. Furthermore, US government agencies are restricted to the use of US launch vehicles, which eliminates many affordable launch opportunities. In an effort to increase the number of space experiments that can be flown with a small, fixed budget, the DoD Space Test Program (STP) has teamed with the Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate (AFRL/VS) to develop a low-cost solution for the small satellite launch program. Our solution, which can be implemented on both Boeing and Lockheed-Martin Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle-Medium (EELV-M) boosters, is called the EELV Secondary Payload Adaptor (ESPA). ESPA will increase the number of launch opportunities for 180kg-class (or smaller) satellites at prices highly competitive with other secondary launch services worldwide.

  8. Smokeless tobacco impacts oral microbiota in a Syrian Golden hamster cheek pouch carcinogenesis model.

    PubMed

    Jin, Jinshan; Guo, Lei; VonTungeln, Linda; Vanlandingham, Michelle; Cerniglia, Carl E; Chen, Huizhong

    2018-05-28

    The use of smokeless tobacco products (STPs) can cause many serious health problems. The oral microbiota plays important roles in oral and systemic health, and the disruption in the oral microbial population is linked to periodontal disease and other health problems. To assess the impact of smokeless tobacco on oral microbiota in vivo, high-throughput sequencing was used to examine the oral microbiota present in Syrian Golden hamster cheek pouches. Sixteen hamsters were divided into four groups and treated with the STP Grizzly snuff (0, 2.5, 25, or 250 mg) twice daily for 4 weeks. After 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks of treatment, bacterial genomic DNA was extracted from oral swabs sampled from the cheek pouches of the hamsters. The oral bacterial communities present in different hamster groups were characterized by sequencing the hypervariable regions V1-V2 and V4 of 16S rRNA using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Fifteen phyla, 27 classes, 59 orders, 123 families, and 250 genera were identified from 4,962,673 sequence reads from the cheek pouch samples. The bacterial diversity and taxonomic abundances for the different treatment groups were compared to the non-treated hamsters. Bacterial diversity was significantly decreased after 4 weeks of exposure to 2.5 mg, and significantly increased by exposure to 250 mg STP. Treatment with 250 mg STP significantly increased Firmicutes, transiently increased Cyanobacteria and TM7, and decreased Bacteroidetes and Fusobacteria compared to the control group. At the genus level, 4 weeks of administration of 250 mg STP significantly increased Granulicatella, Streptococcus, Oribacterium, Anaerococcus, Acidaminococcus, Actinomyces, Eubacterium, Negativicoccus, and Staphylococcus, and decreased Bacteroides, Buleidia, Dialister, and Leptotrichia, and transiently decreased Arcanobacterium compared to the control group. For the first time, an animal model was used for evaluating the effects of STP on oral microbiota by metagenomic sequencing. Our results provide a view of the shift of the oral microbiota in response to STP exposure in Syrian Golden hamster. Our findings indicate that the use of smokeless tobacco significantly disrupts the oral microbiota. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  9. Smad4 Loss Synergizes with TGFα Overexpression in Promoting Pancreatic Metaplasia, PanIN Development, and Fibrosis

    PubMed Central

    Garcia-Carracedo, Dario; Yu, Chih-Chieh; Akhavan, Nathan; Fine, Stuart A.; Schönleben, Frank; Maehara, Naoki; Karg, Dillon C.; Xie, Chuangao; Qiu, Wanglong; Fine, Robert L.; Remotti, Helen E.; Su, Gloria H.

    2015-01-01

    Aims While overexpression of TGFα has been reported in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), mice with overexpressed TGFα develop premalignant pancreatic acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM) but not PDAC. TGF-β signaling pathway is pivotal to the development of PDAC and tissue fibrosis. Here we sought to investigate the interplay between TGFα and TGF-β signaling in pancreatic tumorigenesis and fibrosis, namely via Smad4 inactivation. Methods The MT-TGFα mouse was crossed with a new Smad4 conditional knock-out mouse (Smad4flox/flox;p48-Cre or S4) to generate Smad4flox/flox;MT-TGFα;p48-Cre (STP). After TGFα overexpression was induced with zinc sulfate water for eight months, the pancreata of the STP, MT-TGFα, and S4 mice were examined for tumor development and fibrotic responses. PanIN lesions and number of ducts were counted, and proliferation was measured by Ki67 immunohistochemistry (IHC). Qualitative analysis of fibrosis was analyzed by Trichrome Masson and Sirius Red staining, while vimentin was used for quantification. Expression analyses of fibrosis, pancreatitis, or desmoplasia associated markers (α-SMA, Shh, COX-2, Muc6, Col1a1, and Ctgf) were performed by IHC and/or qRT-PCR. Results Our STP mice exhibited advanced ADM, increased fibrosis, increased numbers of PanIN lesions, overexpression of chronic pancreatitis-related marker Muc6, and elevated expression of desmoplasia-associated marker Col1A1, compared to the MT-TGFα mice. The inactivation of Smad4 in the exocrine compartment was responsible for both the enhanced PanIN formation and fibrosis in the pancreas. The phenotype of the STP mice represents a transient state from ADMs to PanINs, closely mimicking the interface area seen in human chronic pancreatitis associated with PDAC. Conclusion We have documented a novel mouse model, the STP mice, which displayed histologic presentations reminiscent to those of human chronic pancreatitis with signs of early tumorigenesis. The STP mice could be a suitable animal model for interrogating the transition of chronic pancreatitis to pancreatic cancer. PMID:25803032

  10. One Extra Gram of Protein to Preterm Infants From Birth to 1800 g: A Single-Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial.

    PubMed

    Bellagamba, Maria Paola; Carmenati, Elisabetta; D'Ascenzo, Rita; Malatesta, Michela; Spagnoli, Cristina; Biagetti, Chiara; Burattini, Ilaria; Carnielli, Virgilio P

    2016-06-01

    The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect on growth and neurodevelopment of increasing amino acid (AA) during parenteral nutrition and protein intake during enteral nutrition in extremely low birth-weight infants starting from birth to day of reaching 1800 g body weight. We randomized preterm infants with birth weight 500 to 1249 g either to a high AA/protein intake (HiP [high protein]: parenteral nutrition = 3.5 AA, enteral nutrition = 4.6 protein g · kg · day) or to a standard of care group (StP [standard protein]: parenteral nutrition = 2.5 AA, enteral nutrition = 3.6 protein g · kg · day). The primary outcome was weight gain from birth to 1800 g. TWO:: hundred twenty-six patients were screened, 164 completed the study and were analyzed (82 StP and 82 HiP). Cumulative AA/protein intake from birth to 1800 g was 178 ± 42 versus 223 ± 45 g/kg in the StP versus HiP group respectively, P < 0.0001.Blood urea was higher in HiP than in StP group both during parenteral and enteral nutrition (P = 0.004).Weight gain from birth to 1800 g was 12.3 ± 1.6 in StP and 12.6 ± 1.7 g · kg · day in HiP group (P = 0.294). We found no difference in any growth parameters neither during hospital stay nor at 2 years corrected age. Bayley III score at 24 months corrected age was 93.8 ± 12.9 in StP group and 94.0 ± 13.9 in the HiP group, P = 0.92. Increasing AA/protein intake both during parenteral and enteral nutrition does not improve growth and neurodevelopment of small preterm infants 500 to 1249 g birth weight.

  11. The Effects of Loading History and Closure of the Fatigue Characteristics of Heat Treated Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-6Mo

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1988-12-01

    closure is dependent on the measurement technique used. Macha and others (24:213 ; 25:195) noted that the accuracy in determining the closure load was...Crack Closure, ASTM STP 982. 247-259. Philadelphia: American Society for Testing and Materials, 1988. 24. Macha , D. E. and others. "On the Variation of

  12. Quantitative identification of moisture sources over the Tibetan Plateau and the relationship between thermal forcing and moisture transport

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pan, Chen; Zhu, Bin; Gao, Jinhui; Kang, Hanqing; Zhu, Tong

    2018-02-01

    Despite the importance of the Tibetan Plateau (TP) to the surrounding water cycle, the moisture sources of the TP remain uncertain. In this study, the moisture sources of the TP are quantitatively identified based on a 33-year simulation with a horizontal resolution of 1.9° × 2.5° using the Community Atmosphere Model version 5.1 (CAM5.1), in which atmospheric water tracer technology is incorporated. Results demonstrate that the major moisture sources differ over the southern TP (STP) and northern TP (NTP). During the winter, Africa, the TP, and India are the dominant source regions, contributing nearly half of the water vapour over the STP. During the summer, the tropical Indian Ocean (TIO) supplies 28.5 ± 3.6% of the water vapour over the STP and becomes the dominant source region. The dominant moisture source regions of the water vapour over the NTP are Africa (19.0 ± 2.8%) during the winter and the TP (25.8 ± 2.4%) during the summer. The overall relative contribution of each source region to the precipitation is similar to the contribution to the water vapour over the TP. Like most models, CAM5.1 generally overestimates the precipitation over the TP, yielding uncertainty in the absolute contributions to the precipitation. Composite analyses exhibit significant variations in the TIO-supplied moisture transport and precipitation over the STP during the summer alongside anomalous TP heating. This relationship between moisture transport from the TIO and the TP heating primarily involves the dynamic change in the TIO-supplied moisture flux, which further controls the variation in the TIO-contributed precipitation over the STP.

  13. Pure word deafness with auditory object agnosia after bilateral lesion of the superior temporal sulcus.

    PubMed

    Gutschalk, Alexander; Uppenkamp, Stefan; Riedel, Bernhard; Bartsch, Andreas; Brandt, Tobias; Vogt-Schaden, Marlies

    2015-12-01

    Based on results from functional imaging, cortex along the superior temporal sulcus (STS) has been suggested to subserve phoneme and pre-lexical speech perception. For vowel classification, both superior temporal plane (STP) and STS areas have been suggested relevant. Lesion of bilateral STS may conversely be expected to cause pure word deafness and possibly also impaired vowel classification. Here we studied a patient with bilateral STS lesions caused by ischemic strokes and relatively intact medial STPs to characterize the behavioral consequences of STS loss. The patient showed severe deficits in auditory speech perception, whereas his speech production was fluent and communication by written speech was grossly intact. Auditory-evoked fields in the STP were within normal limits on both sides, suggesting that major parts of the auditory cortex were functionally intact. Further studies showed that the patient had normal hearing thresholds and only mild disability in tests for telencephalic hearing disorder. Prominent deficits were discovered in an auditory-object classification task, where the patient performed four standard deviations below the control group. In marked contrast, performance in a vowel-classification task was intact. Auditory evoked fields showed enhanced responses for vowels compared to matched non-vowels within normal limits. Our results are consistent with the notion that cortex along STS is important for auditory speech perception, although it does not appear to be entirely speech specific. Formant analysis and single vowel classification, however, appear to be already implemented in auditory cortex on the STP. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Polysaccharides as Alternative Moisture Retention Agents for Shrimp.

    PubMed

    Torti, Michael J; Sims, Charles A; Adams, Charles M; Sarnoski, Paul J

    2016-03-01

    Phosphates are used as moisture retention agents (MRAs) by the shrimp industry. Although they are effective, phosphates are expensive, need to be listed on a food label, and overuse can often lead to a higher product cost for consumers. Polysaccharides were researched as alternative MRAs. Polysaccharides are usually inexpensive, are considered natural, and can have nutritional benefits. Research was conducted to determine whether polysaccharides yielded similar functional impacts as phosphates. Treatments included a 0.5% fibercolloid solution isolated from citrus peel, an 8% pectin solution, a 0.5% xanthan gum (XG) solution, a 1% carboxymethyl cellulose solution, and conventionally used 4% sodium tripolyphosphate (STP). Experimental treatments were compared to a distilled water control to gauge effectiveness. Freezing, boiling, and oven drying studies were performed to determine how moisture retention in shrimp differed using these different treatments. Water activity was measured to determine any potential differences in shelf life. Solution uptake was also determined to understand how well the treatments enhanced water binding. For moisture loss by freezing, 4% STP and the 0.5% fibercolloid solution functioned the best. The 4% STP treated shrimp lost the least amount of moisture during boiling. The 0.5% fibercolloid and 0.5% XG treatment outperformed phosphates in respect to moisture uptake ability. None of the treatments had a major effect on water activity. All treatments were rated similar in consumer sensory acceptability tests except for pectin, which was rated lower by the sensory panel. Overall, polysaccharides were found to be viable alternatives to phosphates. © 2016 Institute of Food Technologists®

  15. Chelation in root canal therapy reconsidered.

    PubMed

    Zehnder, Matthias; Schmidlin, Patrick; Sener, Beatrice; Waltimo, Tuomas

    2005-11-01

    The aim of this study was to assess interactions of EDTA and citric acid (CA) with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), the indispensable endodontic irrigant. Other chelators were simultaneously evaluated as possible alternatives: sodium triphosphate (STP), amino tris methylenephosphonic acid (ATMA), and 1- hydroxyethylidene-1, 1-bisphosphonate (HEBP). Available chlorine was titrated in chelator-NaOCl solutions. All chelators other than HEBP and STP caused an almost complete, immediate loss of available chlorine in solution. Atomic absorbtion spectrometry and SEM evaluation of root canal walls of instrumented teeth indicated that NaOCl had no negative effect on calcium-complexing ability of chelators. STP was too weak a complexing agent to warrant further studies. Finally, CA-, EDTA-, and HEBP-NaOCl mixtures were evaluated for their antimicrobial capacity. Again, EDTA and CA negatively interfered with NaOCl, while HEBP did not.

  16. The Sierpinski Triangle Plane

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ettestad, David; Carbonara, Joaquin

    The Sierpinski Triangle (ST) is a fractal which has Haussdorf dimension log23 ≈ 1.585 that has been studied extensively. In this paper, we introduce the Sierpinski Triangle Plane (STP), an infinite extension of the ST that spans the entire real plane but is not a vector subspace or a tiling of the plane with a finite set of STs. STP is shown to be a radial fractal with many interesting and surprising properties.

  17. Tool Integration and Environment Architectures

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1991-05-01

    include the Interactive Development Environment (IDE) Software Through Pictures (STP), Sabre-C and FrameMaker coalition, and the Verdix Ada Development...System (VADS) APSE, which includes the VADS compiler and choices of CADRE Teamwork or STP and FrameMaker or Interleaf. The key characteristic of...remote procedure execution to achieve a simulation of a homoge- neous repository (i.e., a simulation that the data in a FrameMaker document resides in one

  18. Structure-Property Relations in Aluminum-Lithium Alloys

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1989-01-01

    adsorbed ( Mughrabi et al , 1983). Such dislocations could not re-enter the grain during the reverse cycle of stress and the associated slip would be...ASTM STP 601, ASTM, 33 Mughrabi , H., Wang, R., Differt, D., Essmann, U. (1983) ASTM STP 811, ASTM, 5 Muller, W. et al (1986) Aluminium-Lithium Alloys...behaviour of Al -Li-Cu-Mg-Zr alloys ...... 34 2.4 Mechanical behaviour ......................................... 35 2.4.1 Elastic modulus

  19. Bacterial Pathogens and Community Composition in Advanced Sewage Treatment Systems Revealed by Metagenomics Analysis Based on High-Throughput Sequencing

    PubMed Central

    Lu, Xin; Zhang, Xu-Xiang; Wang, Zhu; Huang, Kailong; Wang, Yuan; Liang, Weigang; Tan, Yunfei; Liu, Bo; Tang, Junying

    2015-01-01

    This study used 454 pyrosequencing, Illumina high-throughput sequencing and metagenomic analysis to investigate bacterial pathogens and their potential virulence in a sewage treatment plant (STP) applying both conventional and advanced treatment processes. Pyrosequencing and Illumina sequencing consistently demonstrated that Arcobacter genus occupied over 43.42% of total abundance of potential pathogens in the STP. At species level, potential pathogens Arcobacter butzleri, Aeromonas hydrophila and Klebsiella pneumonia dominated in raw sewage, which was also confirmed by quantitative real time PCR. Illumina sequencing also revealed prevalence of various types of pathogenicity islands and virulence proteins in the STP. Most of the potential pathogens and virulence factors were eliminated in the STP, and the removal efficiency mainly depended on oxidation ditch. Compared with sand filtration, magnetic resin seemed to have higher removals in most of the potential pathogens and virulence factors. However, presence of the residual A. butzleri in the final effluent still deserves more concerns. The findings indicate that sewage acts as an important source of environmental pathogens, but STPs can effectively control their spread in the environment. Joint use of the high-throughput sequencing technologies is considered a reliable method for deep and comprehensive overview of environmental bacterial virulence. PMID:25938416

  20. Synaptic Plasticity and Learning Behaviors Mimicked in Single Inorganic Synapses of Pt/HfOx/ZnOx/TiN Memristive System

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Lai-Guo; Zhang, Wei; Chen, Yan; Cao, Yan-Qiang; Li, Ai-Dong; Wu, Di

    2017-01-01

    In this work, a kind of new memristor with the simple structure of Pt/HfOx/ZnOx/TiN was fabricated completely via combination of thermal-atomic layer deposition (TALD) and plasma-enhanced ALD (PEALD). The synaptic plasticity and learning behaviors of Pt/HfOx/ZnOx/TiN memristive system have been investigated deeply. Multilevel resistance states are obtained by varying the programming voltage amplitudes during the pulse cycling. The device conductance can be continuously increased or decreased from cycle to cycle with better endurance characteristics up to about 3 × 103 cycles. Several essential synaptic functions are simultaneously achieved in such a single double-layer of HfOx/ZnOx device, including nonlinear transmission properties, such as long-term plasticity (LTP), short-term plasticity (STP), and spike-timing-dependent plasticity. The transformation from STP to LTP induced by repetitive pulse stimulation is confirmed in Pt/HfOx/ZnOx/TiN memristive device. Above all, simple structure of Pt/HfOx/ZnOx/TiN by ALD technique is a kind of promising memristor device for applications in artificial neural network.

  1. Fundamental Investigation of Fatigue Crack Growth Retardation in Aluminum Alloys

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1976-09-01

    Fatigue Crack Propagation in 2024 -T3 Aluminum Alloy , " ASTM STP 536, p. 115, 1973. 9. J. Schijve, " Effect of Load Sequences...Hertzberg, " Effect of Multiple Over- loads on Fatigue Crack Propagation in 2024 -T3 Aluminum Alloy , " ASTM STP-536, p. 115, 1973. 9. J. Schijve... Effect of Thickness on Retardation Behavior of 7075 and 2024 Aluminum Alloys .......... 185 vi LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS FIGURE PAGE 1 SEN

  2. Effects of computing time delay on real-time control systems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Shin, Kang G.; Cui, Xianzhong

    1988-01-01

    The reliability of a real-time digital control system depends not only on the reliability of the hardware and software used, but also on the speed in executing control algorithms. The latter is due to the negative effects of computing time delay on control system performance. For a given sampling interval, the effects of computing time delay are classified into the delay problem and the loss problem. Analysis of these two problems is presented as a means of evaluating real-time control systems. As an example, both the self-tuning predicted (STP) control and Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) control are applied to the problem of tracking robot trajectories, and their respective effects of computing time delay on control performance are comparatively evaluated. For this example, the STP (PID) controller is shown to outperform the PID (STP) controller in coping with the delay (loss) problem.

  3. Design and Qualification of a High-Pressure Combustion Chamber for Ignition Delay Testing of Diesel Fuels

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-06-01

    its existing engines. On April 22, 2010, the Navy showcased a supersonic test of an F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter aircraft, nicknamed the “Green Hornet...Propulsion Yanmar 6LPA-STP DI, I-6, 4.16 L 0.694 L 3.70 in Nozzle HMMWV Propulsion AM General IDI, V-8, 6.5 L 0.813 L 4.06 in Nozzle FFG-7... Nozzle SSN-688 Los Angeles-Class Submarine SSN-21 Seawolf-Class Submarine LSD-41 Whidbey Island-Class Dock Landing Ship Ship service

  4. Combat Ration Advanced Manufacturing Technology Demonstration (CRAMTD). ’Generic Inspection-Statistical Process Control System for a Combat Ration Manufacturing Facility’. Short Term Project (STP) Number 3.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1996-01-01

    failure as due to an adhesive layer between the foil and inner polypropylene layers. "* Under subcontract, NFPA provided HACCP draft manuals for the...parameters of the production process and to ensure that they are within their target values. In addition, a HACCP program was used to assure product...played an important part in implementing Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points ( HACCP ) as part of the Process and Quality Control manual. The National

  5. Strategies to improve energy efficiency in sewage treatment plants

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Au, Mau Teng; Pasupuleti, Jagadeesh; Chua, Kok Hua

    2013-06-01

    This paper discusses on strategies to improve energy efficiency in Sewage Treatment Plant (STP). Four types of STP; conventional activated sludge, extended aeration, oxidation ditch, and sequence batch reactor are presented and strategized to reduce energy consumption based on their influent flow. Strategies to reduce energy consumption include the use of energy saving devices, energy efficient motors, automation/control and modification of processes. It is envisaged that 20-30% of energy could be saved from these initiatives.

  6. Every Soldier a Messenger: Using Social Media in the Contemporary Operating Environment

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-05-17

    Department of the Army, STP 46-46RZ14-SM-TG, Public Affairs Broadcast Specialist / Chief Public Affairs NCO (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office...2010), 3-110 & 3-131; Department of the Army, STP 46-46QZ14-SM-TG, Public Affairs Specialist / Chief Public Affairs NCO (Washington, D.C...Revolution 2.0, 59. 25 for marketing . He realized that existing Facebook pages created by other activists to expose Egyptian State Security

  7. Influence of poultry litter land application on the concentrations of estrogens in water and sediment within a watershed.

    PubMed

    Luo, Qi; Adams, Paige; Lu, Junhe; Cabrera, Miguel; Huang, Qingguo

    2013-07-01

    This research studied the occurrence of estrogens in the Upper Satilla watershed, Georgia, USA, which was impacted by poultry litter land application and discharge from a sewage treatment plant (STP) receiving poultry wastes. Over 14 months, four estrogens in stream water, sediment, suspended particles, and STP samples were quantified by LC/MS. Estrogens were consistently found in the STP influent with high concentrations while they were below the detection limits in the majority of stream water, suspended particles, and sediment. Estrone, 17β-estradiol, and estriol were found in 18% of stream water samples with concentrations up to 46.4, 67.2, and 125 ng L(-1), respectively. However, 17α-ethinylestradiol was only detected in STP samples. Estrogens were found in 14% of suspended particle samples with the median concentration being 27.5 ng g(-1) for estrone, 104.5 ng g(-1) for 17β-estradiol, and 93.9 ng g(-1) for estriol. The estrogen concentrations in sediment were <4.95 ng g(-1), indicating that sediment is not a major sink for estrogens in this watershed. The quantitative analysis of the temporal and spatial distribution of the estrogens suggests the occasional elevation of estrogens in the watershed above the predicted-no-effect-concentrations to fish likely to be associated with litter disposal and rainfall events.

  8. Biomechanical comparison of four double-row speed-bridging rotator cuff repair techniques with or without medial or lateral row enhancement.

    PubMed

    Pauly, Stephan; Fiebig, David; Kieser, Bettina; Albrecht, Bjoern; Schill, Alexander; Scheibel, Markus

    2011-12-01

    Biomechanical comparison of four different Speed-Bridge configurations with or without medial or lateral row reinforcement. Reinforcement of the knotless Speed-Bridge double-row repair technique with additional medial mattress- or lateral single-stitches was hypothesized to improve biomechanical repair stability at time zero. Controlled laboratory study: In 36 porcine fresh-frozen shoulders, the infraspinatus tendons were dissected and shoulders were randomized to four groups: (1) Speed-Bridge technique with single tendon perforation per anchor (STP); (2) Speed-Bridge technique with double tendon perforation per anchor (DTP); (3) Speed-Bridge technique with medial mattress-stitch reinforcement (MMS); (4) Speed-Bridge technique with lateral single-stitch reinforcement (LSS). All repairs were cyclically loaded from 10-60 N up to 10-200 N (20 N stepwise increase) using a material testing device. Forces at 3 and 5 mm gap formation, mode of failure and maximum load to failure were recorded. The MMS-technique with double tendon perforation showed significantly higher ultimate tensile strength (338.9 ± 90.0 N) than DTP (228.3 ± 99.9 N), LSS (188.9 ± 62.5 N) and STP-technique (122.2 ± 33.8 N). Furthermore, the MMS-technique provided increased maximal force resistance until 3 and 5 mm gap formation (3 mm: 77.8 ± 18.6 N; 5 mm: 113.3 ± 36.1 N) compared with LSS, DTP and STP (P < 0.05 for each 3 and 5 mm gap formation). Failure mode was medial row defect by tendon sawing first, then laterally. No anchor pullout occurred. Double tendon perforation per anchor and additional medial mattress stitches significantly enhance biomechanical construct stability at time zero in this ex vivo model when compared with the all-knotless Speed-Bridge rotator cuff repair.

  9. Accelerated Corrosion Testing

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1982-12-01

    Treaty Organization, Brussels, 1971), p. 449. 14. D. 0. Sprowls, T. J. Summerson, G. M. Ugianski, S. G. Epstein, and H. L. Craig , Jr., in Stress...National Association of Corrosion Engineers Houston, TX, 1972). 22. H. L. Craig , Jr. (ed.), Stress Corrosion-New Approaches, ASTM-STP- 610 (American...62. M. Hishida and H. Nakada, Corrosion 33 (11) 403 (1977). b3. D. C. Deegan and B. E. Wilde, Corrosion 34 (6), 19 (1978). 64. S. Orman, Corrosion Sci

  10. Occurrence, fate and interrelation of selected antibiotics in sewage treatment plants and their receiving surface water.

    PubMed

    Wu, Ming-Hong; Que, Chen-Jing; Xu, Gang; Sun, Yan-Feng; Ma, Jing; Xu, Hui; Sun, Rui; Tang, Liang

    2016-10-01

    The occurrence and fate of 12 commonly used antibiotics, two fluoroquinolones (FQs), three sulfonamides (SAs), three macrolides (MLs), two β-lactams and two tetracyclines (TCs), were studied in four sewage treatment plants (STPs) and their receiving water, the Huangpu River, Shanghai. The levels of selected antibiotics in the STPs ranged from ngL(-1) to μgL(-1), while ofloxacin (OFL) was predominant (reach up to 2936.94ngL(-1)). The highest and lowest proportions were of FQs (STP 1, STP 2 and STP 3) and TCs (in four STPs) respectively in both influents and effluents. And the second-highest proportion was of FQs in STP 4 (only 2% lower than the highest). What could be inferred was that the usage of TCs were extremely low while the usage of FQs were larger than other antibiotics in our study area. The elimination of antibiotics through these STPs was incomplete and a wide range of removal efficiencies (-442.8% to 100%) during the treatment was observed. Based on the mass loadings as well as the per-capita mass loadings of target antibiotics in four STPs, OFL was considered the primary contaminant herein. In the Huangpu River, 3 antibiotics were not detected in any water samples, while the detection frequencies of 4 antibiotics were 100%. The highest concentration detected in the river was 53.91ngL(-1) of sulfapyridine (SD). The Spearman correlation analysis of antibiotics in STPs and the nearby water samples suggests that the antibiotics discharged from some STPs might influence the receiving water to some extent. Moreover, most of the hazard quotient (HQ) values in STP effluents were one order magnitude higher than those in their receiving water. However, there is no imminent significant ecotoxicological risk caused by any single compound in the effluents and receiving waters. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. How autonomy and the web are taking the people out of TacSat-2

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Finley, Charles J.

    2006-05-01

    One of the most costly components of the on-orbit operation of a spacecraft is the people that execute the mission. Historically, for Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and the Department of Defense Space Test Program (STP) research and development, test and evaluation (RDT&E) space missions, a team of fifteen personnel maintains 24-hour coverage for the three-week Launch and Early Operations (L/EO) phase of the mission and four one-week L/EO rehearsals. During the Nominal Operations phase of the mission, 2.5 "man-days" of support are necessary each day that the spacecraft remains on-orbit, as well as during the two, week-long, nominal operations rehearsals. Therefore, the mission-dedicated personnel contribution to the cost of a one-year mission is more than eleven man-years, and this does not include the personnel that actually operate the antennas at the various remote ground facilities or develop and maintain the mission-specific or shared-use ground network, hardware, and software. In the low-budget RDT&E world, hardware, software, or Concept of Operations (CONOPS) developments that significantly reduce the necessary Operations personnel investment can mean the difference between a mission that does or does not survive. This paper explores the CONOPS and suite of tools that the TacSat-2 program has put together to achieve maximum mission effectiveness at minimum manpower cost.

  12. Protecting the Homeland Report of the Defense Science Board Task Force on Defensive Information Operations. 2000 Summer Study. Volume II

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2001-03-01

    between attacks and other events such as accidents, system failures, or hacking by thrill-seekers. This challenge is exacerbated by the speed of events in...International Telegraph and Telephone (CCITT) international standards body and is referred to as Signaling System # 7 ( SS7 ). Commerc" I Intelligent...point to fixed infrastructure "" Signaling Transfer Point (STP) - Packet switch in CCITT#7 Network STP ... SS7 * System Data Bases i Network

  13. Investigating the Usefulness of Operator Aids for Autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicles Performing Reconnaissance Tasks

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-09-01

    generated using data from the ANS about the path that the automation attempted to follow. The STP operator aid was displayed as a translucent green...intended route of the UGV projected for the next several seconds. Similarly, the LTP operator aid was displayed as a translucent blue line overlaid on...route of the UGV projected for the next several minutes or more. The combination of STP and LTP operator aids simply displayed both translucent green

  14. Energy potential and alternative usages of biogas and sludge from UASB reactors: case study of the Laboreaux wastewater treatment plant.

    PubMed

    Rosa, A P; Conesa, J A; Fullana, A; Melo, G C B; Borges, J M; Chernicharo, C A L

    2016-01-01

    This work assessed the energy potential and alternative usages of biogas and sludge generated in upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactors at the Laboreaux sewage treatment plant (STP), Brazil. Two scenarios were considered: (i) priority use of biogas for the thermal drying of dehydrated sludge and the use of the excess biogas for electricity generation in an ICE (internal combustion engine); and (ii) priority use of biogas for electricity generation and the use of the heat of the engine exhaust gases for the thermal drying of the sludge. Scenario 1 showed that the electricity generated is able to supply 22.2% of the STP power demand, but the thermal drying process enables a greater reduction or even elimination of the final volume of sludge to be disposed. In Scenario 2, the electricity generated is able to supply 57.6% of the STP power demand; however, the heat in the exhaust gases is not enough to dry the total amount of dehydrated sludge.

  15. Counter ion induced irreversible denaturation of hen egg white lysozyme upon electrostatic interaction with iron oxide nanoparticles: a predicted model.

    PubMed

    Ghosh, Goutam; Panicker, Lata; Ningthoujam, R S; Barick, K C; Tewari, R

    2013-03-01

    The effects of electrostatic interaction between the hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) and the functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have been investigated using several techniques, e.g., CD, DSC, ζ-potential, UV-visible spectroscopy, DLS, TEM. Nanoparticles (IONPs) were functionalized with three hydrophilic ligands, viz., poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), trisodium citrate (TSC) and sodium triphosphate (STP); where both TSC and STP contain Na(+) counter ions. It has been observed that the secondary structure of HEWL was not affected by PEG functionalized IONPs, but was partially and almost completely perturbed by TSC and STP functionalized IONPs, respectively. The perturbation of the secondary structure was irreversible. We have predicted an interaction model to explain the origin of perturbation of HEWL structure. We have also investigated the stability of nanoparticles dispersions after interaction with HEWL and used the DLVO theory to explain results. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Environmental consequences of the flooding of the Bay Park Sewage Treatment Plant during Superstorm Sandy.

    PubMed

    Swanson, R Lawrence; Wilson, Robert; Brownawell, Bruce; Willig, Kaitlin

    2017-08-15

    Failure of the Bay Park Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) during Superstorm Sandy led to adverse effects in the waters of Hempstead Bay, Long Island, NY. These appear to be related to large discharges of partially treated sewage through its primary and auxiliary outfalls. Modeled dilution discharges indicate that sewage infiltrated the bay, remaining up to 10days. Water column impacts included salinity and dissolved oxygen declines, and biological oxygen demand and nitrogen concentration increases. While the STP does not appear to have released fecal coliform, there were elevated levels of enterococci within the bay for a considerable period following the storm, probably from multiple sources. The STP's reduced functioning and associated environmental impacts, even with resilience upgrades, are not conducive to removing the bay from the list of Impaired Water Bodies. The results reinforce the need to transfer the discharge from the existing outfall to the ocean. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. Development of a 3-step straight-through purification strategy combining membrane adsorbers and resins.

    PubMed

    Hughson, Michael D; Cruz, Thayana A; Carvalho, Rimenys J; Castilho, Leda R

    2017-07-01

    The pressures to efficiently produce complex biopharmaceuticals at reduced costs are driving the development of novel techniques, such as in downstream processing with straight-through processing (STP). This method involves directly and sequentially purifying a particular target with minimal holding steps. This work developed and compared six different 3-step STP strategies, combining membrane adsorbers, monoliths, and resins, to purify a large, complex, and labile glycoprotein from Chinese hamster ovary cell culture supernatant. The best performing pathway was cation exchange chromatography to hydrophobic interaction chromatography to affinity chromatography with an overall product recovery of up to 88% across the process and significant clearance of DNA and protein impurities. This work establishes a platform and considerations for the development of STP of biopharmaceutical products and highlights its suitability for integration with single-use technologies and continuous production methods. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 33:931-940, 2017. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

  18. Presence of pharmaceuticals in benthic fauna living in a small stream affected by effluent from a municipal sewage treatment plant.

    PubMed

    Grabicova, Katerina; Grabic, Roman; Blaha, Martin; Kumar, Vimal; Cerveny, Daniel; Fedorova, Ganna; Randak, Tomas

    2015-04-01

    Aquatic organisms can be affected not only via polluted water but also via their food. In the present study, we examined bioaccumulation of seventy pharmaceuticals in two benthic organisms, Hydropsyche sp. and Erpobdella octoculata in a small stream affected by the effluent from a sewage treatment plant (STP) in Prachatice (South Bohemia region, Czech Republic). Furthermore, water samples from similar locations were analyzed for all seventy pharmaceuticals. In water samples from a control locality situated upstream of the STP, ten of the seventy pharmaceuticals were found with average total concentrations of 200 ng L(-1). In water samples collected at STP-affected sites (downstream the STP's effluent), twenty-nine, twenty-seven and twenty-nine pharmaceuticals were determined at average total concentrations of 2000, 2100 and 1700 ng L(-1), respectively. Six of the seventy pharmaceuticals (azithromycin, citalopram, clarithromycin, clotrimazole, sertraline, and verapamil) were found in Hydropsyche. Four pharmaceuticals (clotrimazole, diclofenac, sertraline, and valsartan) were detected in Erpobdella. Using evaluation criterion bioconcentration factor (BCF) is higher than 2000 we can assign azithromycin and sertraline as bioaccumulative pharmaceuticals. Even pharmaceuticals present at low levels in water were found in benthic organisms at relatively high concentrations (up to 85 ng g(-1) w.w. for azithromycin). Consequently, the uptake of pharmaceuticals via the food web could be an important exposure pathway for the wild fish population. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  19. Quantitative genetic analysis of the body composition and blood pressure association in two ethnically diverse populations.

    PubMed

    Ghosh, Sudipta; Dosaev, Tasbulat; Prakash, Jai; Livshits, Gregory

    2017-04-01

    The major aim of this study was to conduct comparative quantitative-genetic analysis of the body composition (BCP) and somatotype (STP) variation, as well as their correlations with blood pressure (BP) in two ethnically, culturally and geographically different populations: Santhal, indigenous ethnic group from India and Chuvash, indigenous population from Russia. Correspondently two pedigree-based samples were collected from 1,262 Santhal and1,558 Chuvash individuals, respectively. At the first stage of the study, descriptive statistics and a series of univariate regression analyses were calculated. Finally, multiple and multivariate regression (MMR) analyses, with BP measurements as dependent variables and age, sex, BCP and STP as independent variables were carried out in each sample separately. The significant and independent covariates of BP were identified and used for re-examination in pedigree-based variance decomposition analysis. Despite clear and significant differences between the populations in BCP/STP, both Santhal and Chuvash were found to be predominantly mesomorphic irrespective of their sex. According to MMR analyses variation of BP significantly depended on age and mesomorphic component in both samples, and in addition on sex, ectomorphy and fat mass index in Santhal and on fat free mass index in Chuvash samples, respectively. Additive genetic component contributes to a substantial proportion of blood pressure and body composition variance. Variance component analysis in addition to above mentioned results suggests that additive genetic factors influence BP and BCP/STP associations significantly. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  20. Hypoxia triggers short term potentiation of phrenic motoneuron discharge after chronic cervical spinal cord injury

    PubMed Central

    Lee, Kun-Ze; Sandhu, Milapjit S.; Dougherty, Brendan J.; Reier, Paul J.; Fuller, David D.

    2014-01-01

    Repeated exposure to hypoxia can induce spinal neuroplasticity as well as respiratory and somatic motor recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). The purpose of the present study was to define the capacity for a single bout of hypoxia to trigger short-term plasticity in phrenic output after cervical SCI, and to determine the phrenic motoneuron (PhrMN) bursting and recruitment patterns underlying the response. Hypoxia-induced short term potentiation (STP) of phrenic motor output was quantified in anesthetized rats 11 wks following lateral spinal hemisection at C2 (C2Hx). A 3-min hypoxic episode (12–14% O2) always triggered STP of inspiratory burst amplitude, the magnitude of which was greater in phrenic bursting ipsilateral vs. contralateral to C2Hx. We next determined if STP could be evoked in recruited (silent) PhrMNs ipsilateral to C2Hx. Individual PhrMN action potentials were recorded during and following hypoxia using a “single fiber” approach. STP of bursting activity did not occur in cells initiating bursting at inspiratory onset, but was robust in recruited PhrMNs as well as previously active cells initiating bursting later in the inspiratory effort. We conclude that following chronic C2Hx, a single bout of hypoxia triggers recruitment of PhrMNs in the ipsilateral spinal cord with bursting that persists beyond the hypoxic exposure. The results provide further support for the use of short bouts of hypoxia as a neurorehabilitative training modality following SCI. PMID:25448009

  1. AGARD (Advisory Group for Aerospace Research & Development) Engine Disc Cooperative Test Programme,

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1988-08-01

    M11, fi-IIin tr s ct ii I~ m 11 -r-tin in taPe I wich in , dhes Inelb hitded tn ithe spec is en I a snface crck eres1ti -lintnt e~nds it I he I i I ca...descript- ions", ASIM STP 738, 1981. i131 P. Paris and F. Erdogan ; A critical analysis of crack propagation laws, Trans, Am. Soc. Mech. Engrs, J. has

  2. New Standard State Entropy for Sphene (Titanite)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Manon, M. R.; Dachs, E.; Essene, E. J.

    2004-12-01

    Several recent papers have questioned the accepted standard state (STP) entropy of sphene (CaTiSiO5), which had been considered to be in the range 129-132 J/mol.K (Berman, 1988: 129.3 Robie and Hemingway, 1995: 129.2 J/mol.K; Holland and Powell, 1995: 131.2 J/mol.K.). However, Xirouchakis and Lindsley (1998) recommended a much lower value of 106 J/mol.K for the STP entropy of sphene. Tangeman and Xirouchakis (2001) inferred a value less than 124 or 120 J/mol.K, based on based on enthalpy constraints combined with the tightly reversed reaction sphene+kyanite=rutile+anorthite by Bohlen and Manning (1991). Their recommendations are in conflict with the accepted values for STP entropy for sphene, including values calculated by direct measurement of Cp from 50 to 300 K by King (1954). In order to resolve this discrepancy, we have collected new data on the Cp of sphene between 5 and 300 K. Our measurements were made in the PPMS at Salzburg on a 21.4 g sample of sphene generously furnished by Tangeman and Xirouchakis (2001), the same sample as used in their experiments. The Cp data are slightly lower than those of King (1954) but merge smoothly with data of Tangeman and Xirouchakis (2001) from 330 to 483 K (or whatever) where a transition is recorded in the Cp data as a lambda anomaly. Tangeman and Xirouchakis also obtained data above the transition up to 950K. Integration of the new Cp data yields a STP entropy of 127.3 J/mol.K, lower than the generally accepted value by ca. 2 J/mol.K. A change in the STP entropy of sphene will have an effect on many Ti-bearing reactions which occur within the earth, although the magnitude of this change is not nearly as large as that suggested by Xirouchakis and Lindsley (1998). Above 700 K, the entropy calculated using the new STP entropy with the heat capacity equation of Tangeman and Xirouchakis (2001) is within 1 J/mol.K of the value tabulated in Robie and Hemingway (1995) and of that calculated from Berman (1988). The effect on most phase equilibrium calculations will not be large except for reactions with small Δ S. The use of 127.2 J/mol.K as the standard entropy of sphene is recommended especially in calculations of geobarometers involving that phase.

  3. HIV diversity and drug resistance from plasma and non-plasma analytes in a large treatment programme in western Kenya.

    PubMed

    Kantor, Rami; DeLong, Allison; Balamane, Maya; Schreier, Leeann; Lloyd, Robert M; Injera, Wilfred; Kamle, Lydia; Mambo, Fidelis; Muyonga, Sarah; Katzenstein, David; Hogan, Joseph; Buziba, Nathan; Diero, Lameck

    2014-01-01

    Antiretroviral resistance leads to treatment failure and resistance transmission. Resistance data in western Kenya are limited. Collection of non-plasma analytes may provide additional resistance information. We assessed HIV diversity using the REGA tool, transmitted resistance by the WHO mutation list and acquired resistance upon first-line failure by the IAS-USA mutation list, at the Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), a major treatment programme in western Kenya. Plasma and four non-plasma analytes, dried blood-spots (DBS), dried plasma-spots (DPS), ViveST(TM)-plasma (STP) and ViveST-blood (STB), were compared to identify diversity and evaluate sequence concordance. Among 122 patients, 62 were treatment-naïve and 60 treatment-experienced; 61% were female, median age 35 years, median CD4 182 cells/µL, median viral-load 4.6 log10 copies/mL. One hundred and ninety-six sequences were available for 107/122 (88%) patients, 58/62 (94%) treatment-naïve and 49/60 (82%) treated; 100/122 (82%) plasma, 37/78 (47%) attempted DBS, 16/45 (36%) attempted DPS, 14/44 (32%) attempted STP from fresh plasma and 23/34 (68%) from frozen plasma, and 5/42 (12%) attempted STB. Plasma and DBS genotyping success increased at higher VL and shorter shipment-to-genotyping time. Main subtypes were A (62%), D (15%) and C (6%). Transmitted resistance was found in 1.8% of plasma sequences, and 7% combining analytes. Plasma resistance mutations were identified in 91% of treated patients, 76% NRTI, 91% NNRTI; 76% dual-class; 60% with intermediate-high predicted resistance to future treatment options; with novel mutation co-occurrence patterns. Nearly 88% of plasma mutations were identified in DBS, 89% in DPS and 94% in STP. Of 23 discordant mutations, 92% in plasma and 60% in non-plasma analytes were mixtures. Mean whole-sequence discordance from frozen plasma reference was 1.1% for plasma-DBS, 1.2% plasma-DPS, 2.0% plasma-STP and 2.3% plasma-STB. Of 23 plasma-STP discordances, one mutation was identified in plasma and 22 in STP (p<0.05). Discordance was inversely significantly related to VL for DBS. In a large treatment programme in western Kenya, we report high HIV-1 subtype diversity; low plasma transmitted resistance, increasing when multiple analytes were combined; and high-acquired resistance with unique mutation patterns. Resistance surveillance may be augmented by using non-plasma analytes for lower-cost genotyping in resource-limited settings.

  4. An image registration pipeline for analysis of transsynaptic tracing in mice

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kutten, Kwame S.; Eacker, Stephen M.; Dawson, Valina L.; Dawson, Ted M.; Ratnanather, Tilak; Miller, Michael I.

    2016-03-01

    Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a movement disorder characterized by the loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and norepinephrine neurons in the locus coeruleus (LC). To further understand the pathophysiology of PD, the input neurons of the SNpc and LC will be transsynapticly traced in mice using a fluorescent recombinant rabies virus (RbV) and imaged using serial two-photon tomography (STP). A mapping between these images and a brain atlas must be found to accurately determine the locations of input neurons in the brain. Therefore a registration pipeline to align the Allen Reference Atlas (ARA) to these types of images was developed. In the preprocessing step, a brain mask was generated from the transsynaptic tracing images using simple morphological operators. The masks were then registered to the ARA using Large Deformation Diffeomorphic Metric Mapping (LDDMM), an algorithm specialized for calculating anatomically realistic transforms between images. The pipeline was then tested on an STP scan of a mouse brain labeled by an adeno-associated virus (AAV). Based on qualitative evaluation of the registration results, the pipeline was found to be sufficient for use with transsynaptic RbV tracing.

  5. Transportability Class of Americium in K Basin Sludge under Ambient and Hydrothermal Processing Conditions

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

    Delegard, Calvin H.; Schmitt, Bruce E.; Schmidt, Andrew J.

    2006-08-01

    This report establishes the technical bases for using a ''slow uptake'' instead of a ''moderate uptake'' transportability class for americium-241 (241Am) for the K Basin Sludge Treatment Project (STP) dose consequence analysis. Slow uptake classes are used for most uranium and plutonium oxides. A moderate uptake class has been used in prior STP analyses for 241Am based on the properties of separated 241Am and its associated oxide. However, when 241Am exists as an ingrown progeny (and as a small mass fraction) within plutonium mixtures, it is appropriate to assign transportability factors of the predominant plutonium mixtures (typically slow) to themore » Am241. It is argued that the transportability factor for 241Am in sludge likewise should be slow because it exists as a small mass fraction as the ingrown progeny within the uranium oxide in sludge. In this report, the transportability class assignment for 241Am is underpinned with radiochemical characterization data on K Basin sludge and with studies conducted with other irradiated fuel exposed to elevated temperatures and conditions similar to the STP. Key findings and conclusions from evaluation of the characterization data and published literature are summarized here. Plutonium and 241Am make up very small fractions of the uranium within the K Basin sludge matrix. Plutonium is present at about 1 atom per 500 atoms of uranium and 241Am at about 1 atom per 19000 of uranium. Plutonium and americium are found to remain with uranium in the solid phase in all of the {approx}60 samples taken and analyzed from various sources of K Basin sludge. The uranium-specific concentrations of plutonium and americium also remain approximately constant over a uranium concentration range (in the dry sludge solids) from 0.2 to 94 wt%, a factor of {approx}460. This invariability demonstrates that 241Am does not partition from the uranium or plutonium fraction for any characterized sludge matrix. Most of the K Basin sludge characterization data is derived spent nuclear fuel corroded within the K Basins at 10-15?C. The STP process will place water-laden sludges from the K Basin in process vessels at {approx}150-180 C. Therefore, published studies with other irradiated (uranium oxide) fuel were examined. From these studies, the affinity of plutonium and americium for uranium in irradiated UO2 also was demonstrated at hydrothermal conditions (150 C anoxic liquid water) approaching those proposed for the STP process and even for hydrothermal conditions outside of the STP operating envelope (e.g., 150 C oxic and 100 C oxic and anoxic liquid water). In summary, by demonstrating that the chemical and physical behavior of 241Am in the sludge matrix is similar to that of the predominant species (uranium and for the plutonium from which it originates), a technical basis is provided for using the slow uptake transportability factor for 241Am that is currently used for plutonium and uranium oxides. The change from moderate to slow uptake for 241Am could reduce the overall analyzed dose consequences for the STP by more than 30%.« less

  6. Co-digestion of organic solid waste and sludge from sewage treatment.

    PubMed

    Edelmann, W; Engeli, H; Gradenecker, M

    2000-01-01

    Solid organic wastes were codigested together with sludge of a sewage treatment plant (STP). In the practical part of the study, a plant to pretreat the organic solid wastes provided by local super markets was constructed at the STP of Frutigen, Switzerland. Up to more than 1 cubic metre of wastes was added to the fermenter of the STP every day. Data collected during 14 months of practical works, showed that for raw fruit and vegetable wastes a two step pretreatment is necessary: First the wastes were chopped and afterwards reduced to a size of 1-2 millimetres, in order to get a homogeneous suspension together with the primary sludge. The vegetable wastes showed excellent digestibility: They seemed to accelerate the digestion process as well as to increase the degree of the anaerobic degradation of the sludge. The energy demand for both, pretreatment and digestion, was 85 kWh/ton of fresh wastes. 20% of the energy was used for the hygienization, a step which does not seem to be necessary for this kind of waste in most of the cases, however. After using the gas for energy conversion, a net yield of 65 kWh/ton of electricity and 166 kWh/ton of heat was measured. Treating cooked kitchen wastes, the net energy production will be higher, because in this case a one step pretreatment will be sufficient. The pretreatment and treatment costs for codigestion on STP's were calculated to be in the range of 55 US$/ton treating half a ton per day and 39 US$/ton treating one ton, respectively. A theoretical feasibility study showed that in Switzerland there is a short term potential on STP's for the codigestion of about 120,000 tons of biogenic wastes per year without big investments. Economic studies about codigestion on agricultural biogas plants showed that the codigestion is a must at the current energy prices, which are far too low for agricultural AD without an additional income by treating solid wastes for third parties.

  7. [Clinical and histopathologic analysis of superficial tissue proliferation following the implantation of keratoprosthesis].

    PubMed

    Dong, Ying; Huang, Yi-Fei; Liu, Qian; DU, Gai-Ping

    2011-05-01

    To investigate the clinical and histopathologic features of the superficial tissue proliferation (STP) following the implantation of MICOF keratoprosthesis, and to analyze the formation and treatment of STP. Retrospective study. Eighty-five patients (85 eyes) received MICOF keratoprosthesis surgery from January 2000 through December 2009 in General Hospital of PLA, which included 72 males and 13 females. The mean age of the patients was (45 ± 15) years. Preoperative diagnoses were ocular burn (56 eyes), end-stage of autoimmune dry eye (14 eyes), severe ocular trauma (10 eyes) and repeated graft failure (5 eyes). Postoperatively, STPs of Kpro were observed and treated. The membranes anterior to the optical cylinder were removed and investigated by histological and immunohistochemical methods, and anterior segment specimens from normal eyes were taken as control. Twenty-two (26%) patients presented STP during the follow-up, and proliferations occurred ranging from 2 to 63 months (median, 7 months). The incident rates of STP were 34% (19/56 eyes) in burned eyes, 14% (2/14 eyes) in end-stage dry eye, 10% (1/10 eyes) in severe mechanical ocular trauma, and none in repeated grafts failure. Difference among four groups did not arrive significance statistically (χ(2) = 5.93, P = 0.11). The epithelial proliferations were observed in 11 patients, which were removed easily. To prevent from recurrence, the height of the cylinder was adjusted. Other 4 patients underwent ultra-high frequency ocular surface plastic operation and 7 patients received membranectomy. Histologically, the superficial proliferative membrane was composed of proliferative epithelium and fibrovascular tissue incorporating inflammatory cells. The immunohistochemical staining demonstrated the expression of PCNA increased in the epithelium, compared with control cornea and conjunctiva. Many vimentin-positive fibroblasts and a few α-SMA-positive myofibroblasts presented in the interstitial tissue, and the numbers of CD45RO-positive T cells, CD11c-positive dendritic cells, and CD68-positive macrophages were increased in proliferative membranes. The tissue proliferation around optical cylinder results in membrane formation anterior to the Kpro. The excessive inflammation at the prosthesis-corneal junction and the unsuited height of the optical cylinder might have been the main reasons of STP.

  8. Two Major Facilitator Superfamily Sugar Transporters from Trichoderma reesei and Their Roles in Induction of Cellulase Biosynthesis*

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Weixin; Kou, Yanbo; Xu, Jintao; Cao, Yanli; Zhao, Guolei; Shao, Jing; Wang, Hai; Wang, Zhixing; Bao, Xiaoming; Chen, Guanjun; Liu, Weifeng

    2013-01-01

    Proper perception of the extracellular insoluble cellulose is key to initiating the rapid synthesis of cellulases by cellulolytic Trichoderma reesei. Uptake of soluble oligosaccharides derived from cellulose hydrolysis represents a potential point of control in the induced cascade. In this study, we identified a major facilitator superfamily sugar transporter Stp1 capable of transporting cellobiose by reconstructing a cellobiose assimilation system in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The absence of Stp1 in T. reesei resulted in differential cellulolytic response to Avicel versus cellobiose. Transcriptional profiling revealed a different expression profile in the Δstp1 strain from that of wild-type strain in response to Avicel and demonstrated that Stp1 somehow repressed induction of the bulk of major cellulase and hemicellulose genes. Two other putative major facilitator superfamily sugar transporters were, however, up-regulated in the profiling. Deletion of one of them identified Crt1 that was required for growth and enzymatic activity on cellulose or lactose, but was not required for growth or hemicellulase activity on xylan. The essential role of Crt1 in cellulase induction did not seem to rely on its transporting activity because the overall uptake of cellobiose or sophorose by T. reesei was not compromised in the absence of Crt1. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that orthologs of Crt1 exist in the genomes of many filamentous ascomycete fungi capable of degrading cellulose. These data thus shed new light on the mechanism by which T. reesei senses and transmits the cellulose signal and offers potential strategies for strain improvement. PMID:24085297

  9. Antitumoral Cascade-Targeting Ligand for IL-6 Receptor-Mediated Gene Delivery to Glioma.

    PubMed

    Wang, Shanshan; Reinhard, Sören; Li, Chengyi; Qian, Min; Jiang, Huiling; Du, Yilin; Lächelt, Ulrich; Lu, Weiyue; Wagner, Ernst; Huang, Rongqin

    2017-07-05

    The effective treatment of glioma is largely hindered by the poor transfer of drug delivery systems across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the difficulty in distinguishing healthy and tumorous cells. In this work, for the first time, an interleukin-6 receptor binding I 6 P 7 peptide was exploited as a cascade-targeting ligand in combination with a succinoyl tetraethylene pentamine (Stp)-histidine oligomer-based nonviral gene delivery system (I 6 P 7 -Stp-His/DNA). The I 6 P 7 peptide provides multiple functions, including the cascade-targeting potential represented by a combined BBB-crossing and subsequent glioma-targeting ability, as well as a direct tumor-inhibiting effect. I 6 P 7 -Stp-His/DNA nanoparticles (NPs) mediated higher gene expression in human glioma U87 cells than in healthy human astrocytes and a deeper penetration into glioma spheroids than scrambled peptide-modified NPs. Transport of I 6 P 7 -modified, but not the control, NPs across the BBB was demonstrated in vitro in a transwell bEnd.3 cell model resulting in transfection of underlying U87 cells and also in vivo in glioma-bearing mice. Intravenous administration of I 6 P 7 -Stp-His/plasmid DNA (pDNA)-encoding inhibitor of growth 4 (pING4) significantly prolonged the survival time of orthotopic U87 glioma-bearing mice. The results denote that I 6 P 7 peptide is a roborant cascade-targeting ligand, and I 6 P 7 -modified NPs might be exploited for efficient glioma therapy. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  10. SYRMEP Tomo Project: a graphical user interface for customizing CT reconstruction workflows.

    PubMed

    Brun, Francesco; Massimi, Lorenzo; Fratini, Michela; Dreossi, Diego; Billé, Fulvio; Accardo, Agostino; Pugliese, Roberto; Cedola, Alessia

    2017-01-01

    When considering the acquisition of experimental synchrotron radiation (SR) X-ray CT data, the reconstruction workflow cannot be limited to the essential computational steps of flat fielding and filtered back projection (FBP). More refined image processing is often required, usually to compensate artifacts and enhance the quality of the reconstructed images. In principle, it would be desirable to optimize the reconstruction workflow at the facility during the experiment (beamtime). However, several practical factors affect the image reconstruction part of the experiment and users are likely to conclude the beamtime with sub-optimal reconstructed images. Through an example of application, this article presents SYRMEP Tomo Project (STP), an open-source software tool conceived to let users design custom CT reconstruction workflows. STP has been designed for post-beamtime (off-line use) and for a new reconstruction of past archived data at user's home institution where simple computing resources are available. Releases of the software can be downloaded at the Elettra Scientific Computing group GitHub repository https://github.com/ElettraSciComp/STP-Gui.

  11. Upgrading of the STP Uithoorn: treatment of nutrient rich wastewater from horticulture.

    PubMed

    Piekema, P; Neef, R

    2005-01-01

    The STP Uithoorn will be upgraded to accommodate the treatment of wastewater from a growing population and to meet more stringent nutrient discharge limits in 2006. In 2003 a system choice and preliminary design was made for the upgrading. A special feature is the nutrient rich wastewater flow from the rapidly developing horticulture in the area. Since the future loads from horticulture are highly uncertain, flexibility of the STP after upgrading is an important issue. A three stage system was selected: improved physical-chemical primary treatment, secondary treatment by activated sludge, and tertiary treatment by denitrifying filters. In this way an important part of the existing infrastructure can be reused, and flexibility is assured by constructing the tertiary treatment in modules and by providing a wide range of operational control possibilities. In this paper the process of system choice and selection of type of tertiary treatment are described, as well as the optimisation of the existing treatment. In order to determine the feasibility of allowing a high loading rate on the existing secondary clarifiers, a two-dimensional hydraulic model of the clarification process was used.

  12. Laboratory simulation of space plasma phenomena*

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Amatucci, B.; Tejero, E. M.; Ganguli, G.; Blackwell, D.; Enloe, C. L.; Gillman, E.; Walker, D.; Gatling, G.

    2017-12-01

    Laboratory devices, such as the Naval Research Laboratory's Space Physics Simulation Chamber, are large-scale experiments dedicated to the creation of large-volume plasmas with parameters realistically scaled to those found in various regions of the near-Earth space plasma environment. Such devices make valuable contributions to the understanding of space plasmas by investigating phenomena under carefully controlled, reproducible conditions, allowing for the validation of theoretical models being applied to space data. By working in collaboration with in situ experimentalists to create realistic conditions scaled to those found during the observations of interest, the microphysics responsible for the observed events can be investigated in detail not possible in space. To date, numerous investigations of phenomena such as plasma waves, wave-particle interactions, and particle energization have been successfully performed in the laboratory. In addition to investigations such as plasma wave and instability studies, the laboratory devices can also make valuable contributions to the development and testing of space plasma diagnostics. One example is the plasma impedance probe developed at NRL. Originally developed as a laboratory diagnostic, the sensor has now been flown on a sounding rocket, is included on a CubeSat experiment, and will be included on the DoD Space Test Program's STP-H6 experiment on the International Space Station. In this presentation, we will describe several examples of the laboratory investigation of space plasma waves and instabilities and diagnostic development. *This work supported by the NRL Base Program.

  13. Powered Conveyor System for Tray Pack. Short Term Project No. 1

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1991-08-28

    responsibilities are de- scribed in the Technical and Cost Proposals for STP # 1 . 3.0 Short Term Project Activities 3.1 Technology Review & Preliminary...I - ------- F f~/ AD-A241 562: CMBAT RATION TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION (CRAMTD) PtIwered onveyor Systein fbrfray Ph&k Short Tenn Piject # 1 -, TNAL...REPORT’ A ~~~STP Results and Acmolislssents (Odober 1989to~~ 1 91 Rpe ar.o.CRAMTDSlP #.L rR.-LO q~eO~4DTI.’ cRAi.4m CwcE~rA NO. DLA90088D-033 g ELECTb f C

  14. Speed Limits for Nonvesicular Intracellular Sterol Transport.

    PubMed

    Dittman, Jeremy S; Menon, Anant K

    2017-02-01

    Sterol transport between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and plasma membrane (PM) occurs by nonvesicular mechanisms requiring sterol transport proteins (STPs). Here we examine the idea that transport is enhanced at membrane contact sites where the ER is closely apposed to the PM. We conclude that sterol desorption from the membrane, rather than STP-mediated diffusion, is rate limiting in the cellular context, so there is no apparent kinetic benefit to having STP-mediated sterol transfer occur at contact sites. Contact sites may instead compartmentalize lipid synthesis or transport machinery, providing opportunities for regulation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. Trends in Arctic Ocean bottom pressure, sea surface height and freshwater content using GRACE and the ice-ocean model PIOMAS from 2008-2012

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Peralta-Ferriz, Cecilia; Morison, James; Zhang, Jinlun; Bonin, Jennifer

    2014-05-01

    The variability of ocean bottom pressure (OBP) in the Arctic is dominated by the variations in sea surface height (SSH) from daily to monthly timescales. Conversely, OBP variability is dominated by the changes in the steric pressure (StP) at inter-annual timescales, particularly off the continental shelves. The combination of GRACE-derived ocean bottom pressure and ICESat altimetry-derived sea surface height variations in the Arctic Ocean have provided new means of identifying inter-annual trends in StP (StP = OBP-SSH) and associated freshwater content (FWC) of the Arctic region (Morison et al., 2012). Morison et al. (2012) showed that from 2004 to 2008, the FWC increased in the Beaufort Gyre and decreased in the Siberian and Central Arctic, resulting in a relatively small net basin-averaged FWC change. In this work, we investigate the inter-annual trends from 2008 to 2012 in OBP from GRACE, SSH from the state-of-the-art pan-Arctic ocean model PIOMAS -validated with tide and pressure gauges in the Arctic-, and compute the trends in StP and FWC from 2008-2012. We compare these results with the previous trends from 2005-2008 described in Morison et al. (2012). Our initial findings suggest increased salinity in the entire Arctic basin (relative to the climatological seasonal variation) from 2008-2012, compared to the preceding four years (2005-2008). We also find that the trends in OBP, SSH and StP from 2008-2012 present a different behavior during the spring-summer and fall-winter, unlike 2005-2008, in which the trends were generally consistent through all months of the year. It seems since 2009, when the Beaufort Gyre relaxed and the export of freshwater from the Canada Basin into the Canadian Archipelago and Fram Strait, via the Lincoln Sea, was anomalously large (de Steur et al., 2013), the Arctic Ocean has entered a new circulation regime. The causes of such changes in the inter-annual trends of OBP, SSH and StP -hence FWC-, associated with the changes in the shape and strength of the Arctic Oscillation (AO) and the wind patterns, as well as with the changes in sea ice conditions will be explored. References: Morison, J., R. Kwok, C. Peralta-Ferriz, M. Alkire, I. Rigor, R. Andersen, and M. Steele, Changing Arctic Ocean Freshwater Pathways Measured With ICESat and GRACE, Nature, 481, 66-70, DOI: 10.1038/nature10705, 2012. de Steur, L., et al. (2013), Hydrographic changes in the Lincoln Sea in the Arctic Ocean with focus on an upper ocean freshwater anomaly between 2007 and 2010, J. Geophys. Res. Oceans, 118, 4699-4715, doi:10.1002/jgrc.20341.

  16. Use of drinking water treatment residuals as a potential best management practice to reduce phosphorus risk index scores.

    PubMed

    Dayton, E A; Basta, N T

    2005-01-01

    The P risk index system has been developed to identify agricultural fields vulnerable to P loss as a step toward protecting surface water. Because of their high Langmuir phosphorus adsorption maxima (P(max)), use of drinking water treatment residuals (WTRs) should be considered as a best management practice (BMP) to lower P risk index scores. This work discusses three WTR application methods that can be used to reduce P risk scores: (i) enhanced buffer strip, (ii) incorporation into a high soil test phosphorus (STP) soil, and (iii) co-blending with manure or biosolids. The relationship between WTR P(max) and reduction in P extractability and runoff P was investigated. In a simulated rainfall experiment, using a buffer strip enhanced with 20 Mg WTR ha(-1), runoff P was reduced by from 66.8 to 86.2% and reductions were related to the WTR P(max). When 25 g kg(-1) WTR was incorporated into a high STP soil of 315 mg kg(-1) determined using Mehlich-3 extraction, 0.01 M calcium chloride-extractable phosphorus (CaCl(2)-P) reductions ranged from 60.9 to 96.0% and were strongly (P < 0.01) related to WTR P(max). At a 100 g kg(-1) WTR addition, Mehlich 3-extractable P reductions ranged from 41.1 to 86.7% and were strongly (P < 0.01) related to WTR P(max). Co-blending WTR at 250 g kg(-1) to manure or biosolids reduced CaCl(2)-P by >75%. The WTR P(max) normalized across WTR application rates (P(max) x WTR application) was significantly related to reductions in CaCl(2)-P or STP. Using WTR as a P risk index modifying factor will promote effective use of WTR as a BMP to reduce P loss from agricultural land.

  17. The development of the simultaneous GC method of helium, argon and neon measurements for the groundwater dating.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Najman, Joanna; Śliwka, Ireneusz

    2014-05-01

    In this work we present a chromatographic method for simultaneous analysis of helium, neon and argon in groundwater from one water sample. The concentration of helium in groundwater may be a good environmental tracer for groundwater dating. Proper use of environmental tracers in hydrogeology for dating purpose, requires the knowledge of recharge temperature of the system and the so-called "Excess air". "Excess air" allows for the necessary correction of measured concentration of helium in water. Both parameters can be determined by measuring the concentration of argon and neon in groundwater. In the Department of Physicochemistry of Ecosystems from the Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences the chromatographic method for the simultaneous analysis of He, Ar and Ne from one groundwater sample for dating purposes was developed. Water samples are taken to the stainless steel vessels with a capacity of 2900 cc. Gases are extracted from water by headspace method (HS). Helium, neon and argon are analyzed on two gas chromatographs equipped with capillary and packed columns and three thermo-conductive detectors (TCD). The chromatographic method was applied to groundwater dating from areas of Podhalańska Basin, Kraków and Żarnowiec. The levels of detection LOD for each measurement systems for the tested compounds are: 1,9•10-8 cm3STP/cm3 for Ne, 3,1•10-6 cm3STP/cm3 for Ar and 1,2•10-8 cm3STP/cm3 for He. Work performed within the strategic research project "Technologies supporting the development of safe nuclear power" financed by the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBiR). Research Task "Development of methods to assure nuclear safety and radiation protection for current and future needs of nuclear power plants", contract No. SP/J/6/143339/11. This work was also supported by grant No. N N525 3488 38 from the Polish National Science Centre.

  18. Gas Dynamics, Characterization, and Calibration of Fast Flow Flight Cascade Impactor Quartz Crystal Microbalances (QCM) for Aerosol Measurements

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Grant, J.R.; Thorpe, A. N.; James, C.; Michael, A.; Ware, M.; Senftle, F.; Smith, S.

    1997-01-01

    During recent high altitude flights, we have tested the aerosol section of the fast flow flight cascade impactor quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) on loan to Howard University from NASA. The aerosol mass collected during these flights was disappointingly small. Increasing the flow through the QCM did not correct the problem. It was clear that the instrument was not being operated under proper conditions for aerosol collect ion primarily because the gas dynamics is not well understood. A laboratory study was therefore undertaken using two different fast flow QCM's in an attempt to establish the gas flow characteristics of the aerosol sections and its effect on particle collection, Some tests were made at low temperatures but most of the work reported here was carried out at room temperature. The QCM is a cascade type impactor originally designed by May (1945) and later modified by Anderson (1966) and Mercer et al (1970) for chemical gas analysis. The QCM has been used extensively for collecting and sizing stratospheric aerosol particles. In this paper all flow rates are given or corrected and referred to in terms of air at STP. All of the flow meters were kept at STP. Although there have been several calibration and evaluation studies of moderate flow cascade impactors of less than or equal to 1 L/rein., there is little experimental information on the gas flow characteristics for fast flow rates greater than 1 L/rein.

  19. Winter ambient training conditions are associated with increased bronchial hyperreactivity and with shifts in serum innate immunity proteins in young competitive speed skaters.

    PubMed

    Kurowski, Marcin; Jurczyk, Janusz; Moskwa, Sylwia; Jarzębska, Marzanna; Krysztofiak, Hubert; Kowalski, Marek L

    2018-01-01

    Regular training modulates airway inflammation and modifies susceptibility to respiratory infections. The impact of exercise and ambient conditions on airway hyperreactivity and innate immunity has not been well studied. We aimed to assess exercise-related symptoms, lung function, airway hyperresponsiveness and innate immunity proteins in relation to meteorological conditions and exercise load in competitive athletes. Thirty-six speed skaters were assessed during winter (WTP) and summer (STP) periods. The control group comprised 22 non-exercising subjects. An allergy questionnaire for athletes (AQUA) and IPAQ (International Physical Activity Questionnaire) were used to assess symptoms and exercise. Meteorological parameters were acquired from World Meteorological Organization resources. Serum innate immunity proteins were measured by ELISA. Exercise-associated respiratory symptoms were reported by 79.4% of skaters. Despite similar exercise load and lung parameters during both periods, positive methacholine challenge was more frequent during winter ( p = 0.04). Heat shock protein HSPA1 and IL-1RA were significantly decreased during STP compared to WTP and controls. During WTP, IL-1RA was elevated in skaters reporting exercise-induced symptoms ( p = 0.007). sCD14 was elevated in athletes versus controls in both periods ( p < 0.05). HSPA1 was significantly higher in WTP compared to STP irrespective of presence of respiratory tract infections (RTIs). IL-1RA in WTP was elevated versus STP ( p = 0.004) only in RTI-negative athletes. Serum IL-1RA negatively correlated with most meteorological parameters during WTP. Ambient training conditions, but not training load, influence bronchial hyperreactivity and the innate immune response in competitive athletes assessed during winter. The protective effect of regular exercise against respiratory infections is associated with a shift in serum innate immunity proteins.

  20. An in vitro screening assay for dental stain cleaning.

    PubMed

    Wang, Changxiang; Lucas, Robert; Smith, Anthony J; Cooper, Paul R

    2017-01-09

    The present study aimed to develop an in vitro model for stain removal from natural enamel for the assessment and comparison of oral hygiene products. Bovine teeth (n = 8 per group) were ground/polished to provide flat enamel specimens and ferric-tannate deposits were precipitated onto the enamel surfaces. The ferric-tannate stained enamel specimens were brushed using an in vitro tooth-brushing simulator with slurries containing commercially available toothpaste products, dental abrasive particles, and sodium tripolyphosphate (STP) solutions of different concentrations. The colour of the enamel surfaces was measured using a spectrophotometer before and after stain application as well as after the brushing treatments. Differences in stain removal efficacy were found between the toothpastes categorised as whitening and non-whitening comprising of different types of dental abrasives (hydrated silica and alumina). A mean value of 27% for stain removal was detected for the three non-whitening toothpastes and 59% of stain removal was detected for the three whitening toothpastes after 1000 strokes. Compared with the slurry with Zeodent 113 abrasive alone, the addition of STP provided better performance for stain removal under the same brushing conditions (mean value of 62% for Zeodent 113 abrasive alone and 72% with the addition of 5% (w/w) STP after 1000 strokes). No difference was evident between the STP concentration of 5% (w/w) and 10% (w/w). The ferric-tannate/bovine enamel model reported here provides good stain retention, is rapidly and easily prepared, and is shown to be progressively and reproducibly sensitive to toothbrushing using different toothpastes and surfactant/chelating agent solutions. Importantly, it provides good discrimination between various oral hygiene products. The stain removal assay reported here has considerable potential to enable comparative assessments of different toothpaste types in terms of their cleaning capabilities.

  1. A comparison of efficiencies of microbiological pollution removal in six sewage treatment plants with different treatment systems.

    PubMed

    Kistemann, Thomas; Rind, Esther; Rechenburg, Andrea; Koch, Christoph; Classen, Thomas; Herbst, Susanne; Wienand, Ina; Exner, Martin

    2008-10-01

    Six sewage treatment plants (STP) were investigated over a 12-month period in order to measure the microbiological load of untreated municipal wastewater and to evaluate the removal efficiencies of different treatment systems. The STP investigated can be classified into three categories: bigger plants with tertiary treatment, smaller plants with enhanced secondary treatment, and very small compact facilities. The plants studied had a considerable quantitative impact on the hydrology of the catchment area; consequently, it was anticipated that the microbiological load of the effluent would also be significant. Eighty samples were taken from the influent and effluent of the STP, regardless of weather conditions, and several bacterial and two parasitological parameters were analysed. The average microbiological reduction of each STP was dependent on its capacity and treatment procedures and varied between 1.9 and 3.5log10. Small compact facilities had a significantly lower removal efficiency (2.0+/-1log10) and discharged treated wastewater with a poorer microbiological quality compared to larger plants with tertiary treatment or with enhanced secondary treatment (2.8log10). Final sand filtration and extensive intermediate settling considerably improved the overall microbiological removal efficiency. During the study period, the microbiological water quality of the receiving water course was not significantly impaired by the discharge of any of the investigated plants; however, the compact facilities showed critical treatment deficiencies. In particular, the reduction of Giardia cysts was insufficient (<1.5log10) compared to that of the bigger plants (>3.0log10). In order to quantify the overall impact of microbiological loads on the receiving watercourse in this catchment area, it is also necessary to assess the pollution from combined sewer overflow basins and diffuse pollution. This will be considered in subsequent studies.

  2. Functional Conservation of PISTILLATA Activity in a Pea Homolog Lacking the PI Motif1

    PubMed Central

    Berbel, Ana; Navarro, Cristina; Ferrándiz, Cristina; Cañas, Luis Antonio; Beltrán, José-Pío; Madueño, Francisco

    2005-01-01

    Current understanding of floral development is mainly based on what we know from Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and Antirrhinum majus. However, we can learn more by comparing developmental mechanisms that may explain morphological differences between species. A good example comes from the analysis of genes controlling flower development in pea (Pisum sativum), a plant with more complex leaves and inflorescences than Arabidopsis and Antirrhinum, and a different floral ontogeny. The analysis of UNIFOLIATA (UNI) and STAMINA PISTILLOIDA (STP), the pea orthologs of LEAFY and UNUSUAL FLORAL ORGANS, has revealed a common link in the regulation of flower and leaf development not apparent in Arabidopsis. While the Arabidopsis genes mainly behave as key regulators of flower development, where they control the expression of B-function genes, UNI and STP also contribute to the development of the pea compound leaf. Here, we describe the characterization of P. sativum PISTILLATA (PsPI), a pea MADS-box gene homologous to B-function genes like PI and GLOBOSA (GLO), from Arabidopsis and Antirrhinum, respectively. PsPI encodes for an atypical PI-type polypeptide that lacks the highly conserved C-terminal PI motif. Nevertheless, constitutive expression of PsPI in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) and Arabidopsis shows that it can specifically replace the function of PI, being able to complement the strong pi-1 mutant. Accordingly, PsPI expression in pea flowers, which is dependent on STP, is identical to PI and GLO. Interestingly, PsPI is also transiently expressed in young leaves, suggesting a role of PsPI in pea leaf development, a possibility that fits with the established role of UNI and STP in the control of this process. PMID:16113230

  3. Characterization, treatment and releases of PBDEs and PAHs in a typical municipal sewage treatment plant situated beside an urban river, East China.

    PubMed

    Wang, Xiaowei; Xi, Beidou; Huo, Shouliang; Sun, Wenjun; Pan, Hongwei; Zhang, Jingtian; Ren, Yuqing; Liu, Hongliang

    2013-07-01

    Characterization, treatment and releases of eight polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) congeners and sixteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in wastewater were evaluated along the treatment processes of a typical secondary treatment municipal sewage treatment plant (STP) (in Hefei City) situated the beside Nanfei River, East China. The findings showed that the average concentrations of the total PBDEs in raw wastewater and treated effluent were 188.578 and 36.884 ng/L respectively. Brominated diphenyl ether (BDE) 209 congener, the predominant PBDE in the STP and Nanfei River, could be related to the discharge of car-industry-derived wastes. For PAHs, the average concentrations in raw wastewater and treated effluent were 5758.8 and 2240.4 ng/L respectively, with naphthalene, benzo[a]pyrene and indeno[1,2,3-c,d]pyrene being detected at the highest concentrations. PAHs mainly originate from the combustion of biomass/coal and petroleum. The STP reduced about 80% of the PBDEs and 61% of the PAHs, which were eliminated mainly by sedimentation processes. The removal rates of PBDEs/PAHs increased with the increase of their solid-water partitioning coefficients. Accordingly, the STP's effluent, containing some PBDE congeners (e.g., BDE 47, 99 and 209, etc.) and low-molecular-weight PAHs, could be an important contributor of these contaminants' input to Nanfei River. It resulted in a significant increase of PBDE/PAH concentrations and PAH toxicological risk in the river water downstream. About 4.040 kg/yr of PBDEs and 245.324 kg/yr of PAHs could be released into the Nanfei River. The current conventional wastewater treatment processes should be improved to remove the relatively low-molecular-weight PBDEs/PAHs more effectively.

  4. Removal of surfactants nonylphenol ethoxylates from municipal sewage-comparison of an A/O process and biological aerated filters.

    PubMed

    Gao, Dawen; Li, Zhe; Guan, Junxue; Li, Yifan; Ren, Nanqi

    2014-02-01

    The concentrations of nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPnEO, n=1 to 2) and nonylphenol (NP) in water and sludge samples were measured from a full scale sewage treatment plant (STP) with an Anaerobic/Oxic (A/O) and a Biological Aerated Filter (BAF) process. The A/O process was found to exhibit improved performance in comparison to the BAF process. Mean values of NP, NP1EO and NP2EO concentrations in influents from the STP were similar, ranging from 1.8 to 2.0×10(3)ngL(-1). In the A/O process, the removal efficiency of NP, NP1EO and NP2EO from the aqueous phase was 78%, 84%, and 89%, respectively. In contrast, the removal efficiencies of NP, NP1EO, and NP2EO were relatively lower for the BAF process, at 55%, 76%, and 79%, respectively. High concentrations of NP, NP1EO and NP2EO detected in the sludge samples had a maximum value of 2.7μgg(-1) dw, which indicates that improvement in the overall elimination of NP, NP1EO and NP2EO may be associated with adsorption by the sludge. To further investigate the fate of NP, NP1EO and NP2EO in the STP, our research assessed the degradation characteristics of NP by calculating its transformational loss in the STP. The results demonstrate that the quantity of NP measured in the effluent from the oxic unit increased by 32%, which indicates that NP1EO and NP2EO may undergo degradation in the oxic conditions. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. Results of Evaluation of Solar Thermal Propulsion

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Woodcock, Gordon; Byers, Dave

    2003-01-01

    The solar thermal propulsion evaluation reported here relied on prior research for all information on solar thermal propulsion technology and performance. Sources included personal contacts with experts in the field in addition to published reports and papers. Mission performance models were created based on this information in order to estimate performance and mass characteristics of solar thermal propulsion systems. Mission analysis was performed for a set of reference missions to assess the capabilities and benefits of solar thermal propulsion in comparison with alternative in-space propulsion systems such as chemical and electric propulsion. Mission analysis included estimation of delta V requirements as well as payload capabilities for a range of missions. Launch requirements and costs, and integration into launch vehicles, were also considered. The mission set included representative robotic scientific missions, and potential future NASA human missions beyond low Earth orbit. Commercial communications satellite delivery missions were also included, because if STP technology were selected for that application, frequent use is implied and this would help amortize costs for technology advancement and systems development. A C3 Topper mission was defined, calling for a relatively small STP. The application is to augment the launch energy (C3) available from launch vehicles with their built-in upper stages. Payload masses were obtained from references where available. The communications satellite masses represent the range of payload capabilities for the Delta IV Medium and/or Atlas launch vehicle family. Results indicated that STP could improve payload capability over current systems, but that this advantage cannot be realized except in a few cases because of payload fairing volume limitations on current launch vehicles. It was also found that acquiring a more capable (existing) launch vehicle, rather than adding an STP stage, is the most economical in most cases.

  6. [Second neoplasm after treatment of localized prostate cancer].

    PubMed

    Arias, E; Astudillo, P; Manterola, C

    2012-01-01

    Prostate cancer (PC) treatment in early stages is radical prostatectomy (RP) or external radiotherapy (ER). There is some uncertainty regarding the development of new ER induced malignant tumors or second primary tumor (SPT), a fact influencing the choice of therapy. The purpose of this study is to determine the best therapeutic alternative for localized PC, in regards to incidence and time of development of. A systematic review of the literature is proposed by means of evaluation of studies conducted with localized PC and treated with RP or ER, published between 1990 and 2010. The Mega searchers used were Cochrane Library and Trip Database, and the data bases used were MEDLINE, OVID, Science Direct, SciELO and LiLACS, using MeSH terms and free words. The studies selected were analyzed using the MINCIR score of methodological quality (MQ) to compare articles with different design. The variables were considered to be number of patients treated, localization of lesions, global incidence of STP and MQ of the studies. Averages, medians and weighted averages (WA) were calculated. The study groups were compared using the 95% confidence intervals of the medians. Eleven articles fulfilled the screening criteria (retrospective cohorts and case series); providing 13 series for the study. The average of MQ was 14.7 points (13 and 16 points). The most frequent localizations of STP were bladder, rectum and long. The WA of the global incidence of STP for the series was 3.6% (4.1% for ER and 2.2% RP) CONCLUSION: The information existing did not make it possible to demonstrated an association between the appearance of STP and therapies for localized PC, it even though there was a superior tendency in irradiated patients. Copyright © 2011 AEU. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

  7. Synchrotron topography project. Progress report, January 20, 1982-October 20, 1982

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

    Bilello, J.C.; Chen, H.; Hmelo, A.B.

    1982-01-01

    The collaborators have participated in the Synchrotron Topography Project (STP) which has designed and developed instrumentation for an x-ray topography station at the National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS) at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL). The two principle instruments constructed consist of a White Beam Camera (WBC) and a Multiple Crystal Camera (MCC) with high planar collimation and wide area image coverage. It is possible to perform in-situ studies in a versatile environmental chamber equipped with a miniature mechanical testing stage for both the WBC and MCC systems. Real-time video imaging plus a rapid feed cassette holder for high resolution photographic platesmore » are available for recording topographs. Provisions are made for other types of photon detection as well as spectroscopy. The facilities for the entire station have been designed for remote operation using a LSI-11/23 plus suitable interfacing. These instruments will be described briefly and the current status of the program will be reviewed. The Appendix of this report presents titles, authors and abstracts of other technical work associated with this project during the current period.« less

  8. Waste-water characterization/hazardous-waste survey, Beale Air Force Base, California. Final report, 12-26 September 1988

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

    Attebery, C.W.; Zimmer, A.T.; Hedgecock, N.S.

    1989-01-01

    A waste-water characterization hazardous-waste survey was conducted at Beale AFB by USAFOEHL/ECQ personnel to provide the base with sufficient information to address a State of California Notice of Violation concerning excessive discharges of boron and cyanide from the base sewage-treatment plant (STP). The results of the survey showed that the 9th RTS Precision Photo Lab along with other film-processing organizations were major contributors to the boron and cyanide discharge problems being experienced by the base STP. Maintenance organizations that utilize soaps and detergents that contain boron and cyanide also contributed to the problem.

  9. Short-term plasticity and long-term potentiation mimicked in single inorganic synapses

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ohno, Takeo; Hasegawa, Tsuyoshi; Tsuruoka, Tohru; Terabe, Kazuya; Gimzewski, James K.; Aono, Masakazu

    2011-08-01

    Memory is believed to occur in the human brain as a result of two types of synaptic plasticity: short-term plasticity (STP) and long-term potentiation (LTP; refs , , , ). In neuromorphic engineering, emulation of known neural behaviour has proven to be difficult to implement in software because of the highly complex interconnected nature of thought processes. Here we report the discovery of a Ag2S inorganic synapse, which emulates the synaptic functions of both STP and LTP characteristics through the use of input pulse repetition time. The structure known as an atomic switch, operating at critical voltages, stores information as STP with a spontaneous decay of conductance level in response to intermittent input stimuli, whereas frequent stimulation results in a transition to LTP. The Ag2S inorganic synapse has interesting characteristics with analogies to an individual biological synapse, and achieves dynamic memorization in a single device without the need of external preprogramming. A psychological model related to the process of memorizing and forgetting is also demonstrated using the inorganic synapses. Our Ag2S element indicates a breakthrough in mimicking synaptic behaviour essential for the further creation of artificial neural systems that emulate characteristics of human memory.

  10. Removal rates of antibiotics in four sewage treatment plants in South India.

    PubMed

    Prabhasankar, Valiparambil Prabhakaranunni; Joshua, Derrick Ian; Balakrishna, Keshava; Siddiqui, Iyanee Faroza; Taniyasu, Sachi; Yamashita, Nobuyoshi; Kannan, Kurunthachalam; Akiba, Masato; Praveenkumarreddy, Yerabham; Guruge, Keerthi S

    2016-05-01

    The occurrence and removal of seven selected pharmaceutical compounds (PCs) in sewage treatment plants (STPs) in South India were investigated. The PCs selected for this study were sulfamethoxazole (SMX), trimethoprim (TMP), chloramphenicol (CAP), erythromycin (ERY), naproxen (NPX), bezafibrate (BZF), and ampicillin (AMP). Wastewater samples were collected from inlet and outlet of the STPs during pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon seasons to investigate the seasonal influences in occurrence and removal rates. The analytical method was based on simultaneous extraction of all target compounds by solid phase extraction (SPE), using a hydrophilic-lipophilic-balanced (HLB) sorbent followed by high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The STP that catered exclusively to domestic wastewater had lesser concentrations of PCs compared to the STPs serving the combined hospital and domestic effluents. SMX was the dominant compound in all effluents with the highest concentration at 3.2 μg/L in the outlet of an STP. TMP and ERY were the other PCs present at higher concentrations in STP outlets (1 μg/L and 0-0.13 μg/L, respectively). Removal rates varied from 100 % for BZF to 60-100 % for SMX, CTX, and AMP.

  11. Randomized Controlled Trial to Explore the Effect of Experimental Low Abrasivity Dentifrices on Enamel Gloss and Smoothness, and the Build-up of Extrinsic Tooth Stain.

    PubMed

    Milleman, Kimberly R; Milleman, Jeffery L; Young, Sarah; Parkinson, Charles

    2017-06-01

    To evaluate and compare examiner-assessed changes in enamel gloss, extrinsic dental stain, and surface smoothness following one, two, four, and eight weeks of twice-daily use of an experimental low abrasivity desensitizing dentifrice (relative dentin abrasivity [RDA] ~40) containing 5% sodium tripolyphosphate (STP) chemical cleaning agent and 1% aluminum trioxide abrasive. This was compared with an ultra-low abrasivity dentifrice (5% STP only; RDA ~13), a moderate abrasivity fluoride dentifrice (RDA ~80), and a higher abrasivity marketed whitening dentifrice (RDA ~142). This was a single-center, examiner-blind, randomized, controlled, parallel group study in healthy adults stratified by gloss score and age. Following a washout period with a conventional silica abrasive dentifrice, subjects received a dental scale and polish and were randomized to treatment. Subjects brushed their teeth for two minutes, twice daily, with their assigned dentifrice. Enamel gloss was assessed visually by comparing the facial surfaces of the maxillary incisors to the Sturzenberger gloss standards. Extrinsic dental stain was measured on the 12 anterior teeth (facial and lingual) using the Macpherson modification of the Lobene Stain Index (MLSI). Tooth smoothness was assessed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis of a silicone impression of the central incisors. Of 120 screened subjects, 95 were randomized to the study. Subjects using the low abrasivity aluminum trioxide/STP dentifrice demonstrated statistically significant (p < 0.05) and increasing improvements in surface gloss over baseline at all time points, with a significant treatment effect compared to all other study dentifrices from Week 2 (p < 0.05). With respect to dental stain, the low abrasivity dentifrice group had the lowest stain score at each post-treatment time point and demonstrated statistically significantly less stain compared to all study dentifrices at Weeks 2 (p < 0.05) and 8 (p < 0.01). For tooth smoothness, at Week 8, statistically significant increases in surface smoothness were observed for most treatment groups compared to baseline (p < 0.05), except for the moderate abrasivity dentifrice. This study shows the benefit of a low abrasivity dentifrice containing STP and aluminum trioxide in reducing stain build-up and increasing tooth gloss compared to a non-alumina ultra-low abrasivity STP-containing dentifrice, and moderate and high abrasivity dentifrices, over an eight-week period.

  12. DYNAMIC: A Decadal Survey and NASA Roadmap Mission

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Paxton, L. J.; Oberheide, J.

    2016-12-01

    In this talk we will review the DYNAMIC mission science and implementation plans. DYNAMIC is baselined as a two satellite mission to delineate the dynamical behavior and structure of the ionosphere, thermosphere and mesosphere system. DYNAMIC was considered the top priority in the Decadal Survey upper atmosphere missions by the AIMI panel. The NASA Heliophysics Roadmap recommended that consideration be given to flying DYNAMIC as the STP 5 (next STP mission) rather than IMAP given the time-lag between the Decadal Survey recommendations and the flight of the STP 5 mission. It certainly seems as though STP 5 will be the IMAP mission. In that case what is the status of DYNAMIC? DYNAMIC could be STP 6 or some portion of the DYNAMIC mission could be executed as the next MidEx mission. In this talk we discuss the DYNAMIC science questions and goals and how they might be addressed. We note that DYNAMIC is not a mission just for the space community. DYNAMIC will enable new groundbased investigations and provide a global context for the long and rich history of groundbased observations of the dynamical state of the ITM system. Issues include: How and to what extent do waves and tides in the lower atmosphere contribute to the variability and mean state of the IT system? [Mission driver: Must have two spacecraft separated in local solar time in near polar orbits] How does the AIM system respond to outside forcing? [Mission Driver: Must measure high latitude inputs] How do neutral-plasma interactions produce neutral and ionospheric density changes over regional and global scales? [Mission Driver: Must measure all major species (O, N2, O2, H, He) and their ions] What part of the IT response occurs in the form of aurorally generated waves? [Mission Driver: Must measure small and mesoscale phenomena at high latitudes] What is the relative importance of thermal expansion, upwelling and advection in defining total mass density changes? [Mission Driver: Must determine the mid-latitude dynamics and response to external forcing for all species.] Clearly the best possible return from this NASA mission is with the broad support, collaboration and participation from the entire ITM whether their focus is on spacebased measurements, groundbased measurements, or modeling and theory.

  13. Use of statecharts in the modelling of dynamic behaviour in the ATLAS DAQ prototype-1

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Croll, P.; Duval, P.-Y.; Jones, R.; Kolos, S.; Sari, R. F.; Wheeler, S.

    1998-08-01

    Many applications within the ATLAS DAQ prototype-1 system have complicated dynamic behaviour which can be successfully modelled in terms of states and transitions between states. Previously, state diagrams implemented as finite-state machines have been used. Although effective, they become ungainly as system size increases. Harel statecharts address this problem by implementing additional features such as hierarchy and concurrency. The CHSM object-oriented language system is freeware which implements Harel statecharts as concurrent, hierarchical, finite-state machines (CHSMs). An evaluation of this language system by the ATLAS DAQ group has shown it to be suitable for describing the dynamic behaviour of typical DAQ applications. The language is currently being used to model the dynamic behaviour of the prototype-1 run-control system. The design is specified by means of a CHSM description file, and C++ code is obtained by running the CHSM compiler on the file. In parallel with the modelling work, a code generator has been developed which translates statecharts, drawn using the StP CASE tool, into the CHSM language. C++ code, describing the dynamic behaviour of the run-control system, has been successfully generated directly from StP statecharts using the CHSM generator and compiler. The validity of the design was tested using the simulation features of the Statemate CASE tool.

  14. Statistical Examination of Tornado Report and Warning Near-Storm Environments

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Anderson-Frey, Alexandra K.

    This study makes use of a 13-year dataset of 14,814 tornado events and 44,961 tornado warnings in the continental United States, along with near-storm environmental data associated with each of those tornado events and warnings, to build a methodology that can be used to create nuanced climatologies of near-storm environmental data. Two key parameter spaces are identified as being particularly useful in this endeavor: mixed-layer convective available potential energy (MLCAPE) versus 0-6-km vector shear magnitude (SHR6) and mixed-layer lifting condensation level (MLLCL) versus 0-1-km storm-relative helicity (SRH1). In addition, the Significant Tornado Parameter (STP) is identified as a useful composite parameter that can highlight near-storm environments that are particularly favorable for the development of significant tornadoes. Two particular statistical methods for the analysis and characterization of near-storm environments are described and applied: Kernel Density Estimation (KDE), which is applied to bulk (proximity soundinglike) parameter values associated with each event or warning, and Self-Organizing Maps (SOMs), which are applied to fully two-dimensional plots of STP in an area surrounding each event or warning. The KDE approach characterizes and identifies differences in the environments of tornadoes forming in quasi-linear convective systems versus those forming in right-moving supercells; specific environmental traits are also identified for different geographical regions, seasons, and times of day. Tornado warning performance is found to be best in environments with particularly large values of MLCAPE and SHR6. The early evening transition (EET) period is of particular interest: MLCAPE and MLLCL heights are in the process of falling, and SHR6 and SRH1 are in the process of increasing. Accordingly, tornadoes rated 2 or greater on the enhanced Fujita scale (EF2+) are also most common during the EET, probability of detection (POD) is relatively high, and false-alarm ratio (FAR) is relatively low. Overall, when comparing the distribution of environments for events versus those for warnings, there is no "smoking gun" indicating a systematic problem with forecasting that explains the high overall false-alarm ratio, which instead seems to stem from the inability to know which storms in a given environment will be tornadic. The SOM approach establishes nine statistically distinct clusters of spatial distributions of STP values in the 480 km x 480 km region surrounding each tornado event or warning. For tornado events, distinct patterns are associated more with particular times of day, geographical locations, and times of year, and the use of two-dimensional data rather than point proximity sounding information means that these patterns can be identified and characterized with still more detail; for instance, the archetypal springtime dryline environment in the Great Plains emerges readily from the data. Although high values of STP tend to be associated with relatively high POD and relatively low FAR, the majority of tornado events occur within a pattern of low STP, with relatively high FAR and low POD. The two-dimensional plots produced by the SOM approach provide an intuitive way to create distinct climatologies of tornadic near-storm environments. Having established a methodology through the use of KDE and SOM, this research then examines the topic of tornado outbreaks [defined as ten or more (E)F1+ tornadoes that occur with no more than 6 h or 2,000 km between subsequent tornadoes]. Outbreak tornadoes in a given geographical region have greater SRH1 and SHR6 than isolated tornadoes in the same region, and also have considerably higher POD than isolated tornadoes. When SOMs are created for all (E)F1+ tornadoes, the percentage of outbreak tornadoes in a given node is found to depend more strongly on the magnitude of the STP value surrounding the tornado than its orientation. For the SOM of outbreak tornadoes, outbreaks occurring in environments with higher magnitudes of STP will generally also have the highest casualty rates, regardless of the specific two-dimensional pattern of STP. Two specific tornado outbreaks are then examined through this methodology, which allows the events to be placed into their climatological context with more nuance than typical proximity sounding-based approaches would allow.

  15. Elimination of Onchocerciasis from Mexico.

    PubMed

    Rodríguez-Pérez, Mario A; Fernández-Santos, Nadia A; Orozco-Algarra, María E; Rodríguez-Atanacio, José A; Domínguez-Vázquez, Alfredo; Rodríguez-Morales, Kristel B; Real-Najarro, Olga; Prado-Velasco, Francisco G; Cupp, Eddie W; Richards, Frank O; Hassan, Hassan K; González-Roldán, Jesús F; Kuri-Morales, Pablo A; Unnasch, Thomas R

    2015-01-01

    Mexico is one of the six countries formerly endemic for onchocerciasis in Latin America. Transmission has been interrupted in the three endemic foci of that country and mass drug distribution has ceased. Three years after mass drug distribution ended, post-treatment surveillance (PTS) surveys were undertaken which employed entomological indicators to check for transmission recrudescence. In-depth entomologic assessments were performed in 18 communities in the three endemic foci of Mexico. None of the 108,212 Simulium ochraceum s.l. collected from the three foci were found to contain parasite DNA when tested by polymerase chain reaction-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (PCR-ELISA), resulting in a maximum upper bound of the 95% confidence interval (95%-ULCI) of the infective rate in the vectors of 0.035/2,000 flies examined. This is an order of magnitude below the threshold of a 95%-ULCI of less than one infective fly per 2,000 flies tested, the current entomological criterion for interruption of transmission developed by the international community. The point estimate of seasonal transmission potential (STP) was zero, and the upper bound of the 95% confidence interval for the STP ranged from 1.2 to 1.7 L3/person/season in the different foci. This value is below all previous estimates for the minimum transmission potential required to maintain the parasite population. The results from the in-depth entomological post treatment surveillance surveys strongly suggest that transmission has not resumed in the three foci of Mexico during the three years since the last distribution of ivermectin occurred; it was concluded that transmission remains undetectable without intervention, and Onchocerca volvulus has been eliminated from Mexico.

  16. Whole organic electronic synapses for dopamine detection

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Giordani, Martina; Di Lauro, Michele; Berto, Marcello; Bortolotti, Carlo A.; Vuillaume, Dominique; Gomes, Henrique L.; Zoli, Michele; Biscarini, Fabio

    2016-09-01

    A whole organic artificial synapse has been fabricated by patterning PEDOT:PSS electrodes on PDMS that are biased in frequency to yield a STP response. The timescale of the STP response is shown to be sensitive to the concentration of dopamine, DA, a neurotransmitter relevant for monitoring the development of Parkinson's disease and potential locoregional therapies. The sensitivity of the sensor towards DA has been validated comparing signal variation in the presence of DA and its principal interfering agent, ascorbic acid, AA. The whole organic synapse is biocompatible, soft and flexible, and is attractive for implantable devices aimed to real-time monitoring of DA concentration in bodily fluids. This may open applications in chronic neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease.

  17. Mondor's disease of the penis following a long-haul flight.

    PubMed

    Day, S; Bingham, J S

    2005-07-01

    Mondor's disease of the penis, otherwise known as superficial thrombophlebitis (STP) or thrombosis of the dorsal vein, is an under-reported benign condition, the aetiology of which is poorly understood. It is characterized by a sudden, indurated swelling of the vein, often occurring after vigorous sexual activity. We report a case of Mondor's disease occurring 24 h following a 15-h flight. This gentleman also reported a history of STP of his left lower limb varicose veins following a similar-length flight three years previously. In the absence of any other clear predisposing factor, we propose long-haul flight as an important factor contributing to the development of dorsal vein thrombosis.

  18. National Dam Safety Program. John D. Rockefeller Jr. Dam (Inventory Number N.Y. 665), Lower Hudson River Basin, Westchester County, New York. Phase I Inspection Report,

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1981-08-05

    r .~ ASSIFIED National Dam Safety Program. John D. ASSICATIO1J OWOAGRA01G Rockefeller Jr. Dam (Inventory Number ouL IS. 0:STP.3...JOH A: ROCKEELLE JR. DM.9 Ii Zee~~~~~1- n.,..d*-~~)~ ~ >-. I 20 * * I o u 4V e- VIWN.T MA 21. Ih ftJ 28I ChA S" r . I.’I ’Pi JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER JR. D...AI~~~ ~btt 4f p*~ SCLZ 40 L~~~~-w u 4 1.1l1d~ ___ -I~~-’ JOHN .. AOIEELR R A -*~ - a1 h I VU I I 0 i fe~. f~ ~A I * 1" ~mz ~Z1~t - I +9’-. I ii __

  19. LAD-C: A large area debris collector on the ISS

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Liou, J.-C.; Giovane, F. J.; Corsaro, R. D.; Burchell, M. J.; Drolshagen, G.; Kawai, H.; Stansbery, E. G.; Tabata, M.; Westphal, A. J.; Yano, H.

    2006-01-01

    The Large Area Debris Collector (LAD-C) is a 10 sq m aerogel and acoustic sensor system under development by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) with main collaboration from the NASA Orbital Debris Program Office at Johnson Space Center, JAXA Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS), Chiba University (Japan), ESA Space Debris Office, University of California at Berkeley, and University of Kent at Canterbury (UK). The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Space Test Program (STP) has assumed the responsibility for having the system manifested and deployed on the International Space Station (ISS), and then having it retrieved and returned to Earth after one to two years. LAD-C will attempt to utilize the ISS as a scientific platform to characterize the near-Earth meteoroid and orbital debris environment in the size regime where little data exist. In addition to meteoroid and orbital debris sample return, the acoustic sensors will record impact time, location, signal strength, and acoustic waveform data of the largest collected samples. A good time-dependent meteoroid and orbital debris flux estimate can be derived. Analysis of the data will also enable potential source identification of some of the collected samples. This dynamical link can be combined with laboratory composition analysis of impact residuals extracted from aerogel to further our understanding of orbital debris population, and the sources of meteoroids, asteroids and comets.

  20. Occurrence and elimination of antibiotics in three sewage treatment plants with different treatment technologies in Urumqi and Shihezi, Xinjiang.

    PubMed

    Liu, Jiang; Lu, Jianjiang; Tong, Yanbin; Li, Chao

    2017-03-01

    Fourteen antibiotics, including five quinolones (QNs), five sulfonamides (SAs), and four tetracyclines (TCs), were selected to investigate their occurrence and elimination in three sewage treatment plants (STPs) by employing different treatment technologies in Urumqi (two STPs) and Shihezi (one STP), China. The STP in Shihezi was chosen as representative to investigate the distribution of antibiotics in a sludge-sewage system. Results showed that the concentrations of most detected antibiotics ranged from tens to hundreds of nanograms per liter in influent samples and under 100 ng L -1 in effluent samples. QNs and TCs were dominant species with concentrations of 2.33 mg kg -1 to 3.34 mg kg -1 and 0.36 mg kg -1 to 0.47 mg kg -1 in sludge samples, respectively. The elimination rates of target antibiotics by various STPs ranged from 17% to 100%. The STP with anaerobic/anoxic/aerobic and membrane bio-reactor technology removed antibiotics more efficiently than those with anaerobic/anoxic/oxic and oxidation ditch technology. The elimination capacities of treatment units from the three STPs were also investigated. SAs were mainly degraded in biological treatment units; conversely, QNs and TCs were significantly eliminated in sedimentary treatment units. Ozonation effectively removed remaining antibiotics but not UV and chlorination disinfection in this study.

  1. Electron transport in stepped Bi2Se3 thin films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bauer, S.; Bobisch, C. A.

    2017-08-01

    We analyse the electron transport in a 16 quintuple layer thick stepped Bi2Se3 film grown on Si(1 1 1) by means of scanning tunnelling potentiometry (STP) and multi-point probe measurements. Scanning tunnelling microscopy images reveal that the local structure of the Bi2Se3 film is dominated by terrace steps and domain boundaries. From a microscopic study on the nm scale by STP, we find a mostly linear gradient of the voltage on the Bi2Se3 terraces which is interrupted by voltage drops at the position of the domain boundaries. The voltage drops indicate that the domain boundaries are scatterers for the electron transport. Macroscopic resistance measurements (2PP and in-line 4PP measurement) on the µm scale support the microscopic results. An additional rotational square 4PP measurement shows an electrical anisotropy of the sheet conductance parallel and perpendicular to the Bi2Se3 steps of about 10%. This is a result of the anisotropic step distribution at the stepped Bi2Se3 surface while domain boundaries are distributed isotropically. The determined value of the conductivity of the Bi2Se3 steps of about 1000 S cm-1 verifies the value of an earlier STP study.

  2. Behaviour of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in a sewage treatment plant of northwest Spain.

    PubMed

    Carballa, M; Omil, F; Lema, J M; Llompart, M; García, C; Rodriguez, I; Gómez, M; Ternes, T

    2005-01-01

    Thirteen pharmaceutical and cosmetic compounds have been surveyed along the different units of a municipal sewage treatment plant (STP) to study their fate across each step and the overall removal efficiency. The STP studied corresponds to a population of approximately 100,000 inhabitants located in Galicia (northwest Spain), including three main sections: pre-treatment (coarse and fine screening, grit and fat removal); primary treatment (sedimentation tanks); and secondary treatment (conventional activated sludge). Among all the substances considered (galaxolide, tonalide, carbamazepine, diazepam, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, estrone, estradiol, ethinylestradiol, roxitromycin, sulfamethoxazole and iopromide), only significant concentrations were found for two musks (galaxolide and tonalide), two antiphlogistics (ibuprofen and naproxen), two natural estrogens (estrone, estradiol), one antibiotic (sulfamethoxazole) and the X-ray contrast media (iopromide), being the other compounds below the quantification level. In the primary treatment, only the fragrances were partly removed, with efficiencies of 20-50% for galaxolide and tonalide. However, the aerobic treatment caused an important reduction in all compounds detected, between 35 and 75%, with the exception of iopromide. The overall removal efficiency of the STP ranged between 70 and 90% for the fragrances, 45 and 70% for the acidic compounds, around 67% for estradiol and 57% for the antibiotic sulfamethoxazole.

  3. Encapsulated phosphates reduce lipid oxidation in both ground chicken and ground beef during raw and cooked meat storage with some influence on color, pH, and cooking loss.

    PubMed

    Kılıç, B; Simşek, A; Claus, J R; Atılgan, E

    2014-05-01

    Effects of encapsulated sodium tripolyphosphate (STP), sodium hexametaphosphate (HMP) and sodium pyrophosphate (SPP) on lipid oxidation in uncooked (0, 2, 24h) and cooked (0, 1, 7 d) ground chicken and beef during storage were determined. Ten phosphate treatments included a control (no phosphate), three unencapsulated (u) at 0.5% and three encapsulated (e) phosphates (0.5%) each at a low (e-low) and high (e-high) coating level. Two heating rates (slow, fast) were investigated. Cooking loss (CL), pH, color, orthophosphate (OP), TBARS and lipid hydroperoxides (LPO) were determined. A fast heating and uSTP resulted in lower CL (p<0.05). Orthophosphate increased with phosphate incorporation, slow heating and storage (p<0.05). Encapsulated phosphates and increased coating level reduced OP (p<0.05). Unencapsulated STP increased CIE a* and pH, whereas uSPP decreased CIE a* and pH (p<0.05). Encapsulated phosphates and the greater coating level had no effect on the pH in cooked samples. Not increased coating level but encapsulated phosphates decreased lipid oxidation in cooked samples (p<0.05). Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  4. Prominent facilitation at beta and gamma frequency range revealed with physiological calcium concentration in adult mouse piriform cortex in vitro

    PubMed Central

    Gleizes, Marie; Perrier, Simon P.; Fonta, Caroline

    2017-01-01

    Neuronal activity is characterized by a diversity of oscillatory phenomena that are associated with multiple behavioral and cognitive processes, yet the functional consequences of these oscillations are not fully understood. Our aim was to determine whether and how these different oscillatory activities affect short-term synaptic plasticity (STP), using the olfactory system as a model. In response to odorant stimuli, the olfactory bulb displays a slow breathing rhythm as well as beta and gamma oscillations. Since the firing of olfactory bulb projecting neurons is phase-locked with beta and gamma oscillations, structures downstream from the olfactory bulb should be driven preferentially at these frequencies. We examined STP exhibited by olfactory bulb inputs in slices of adult mouse piriform cortex maintained in vitro in an in vivo-like ACSF (calcium concentration: 1.1 mM). We replaced the presynaptic neuronal firing rate by repeated electrical stimulation (frequency between 3.125 and 100 Hz) applied to the lateral olfactory tract. Our results revealed a considerable enhancement of postsynaptic response amplitude for stimulation frequencies in the beta and gamma range. A phenomenological model of STP fitted to the data suggests that the experimental results can be explained by the interplay between three mechanisms: a short-term facilitation mechanism (time constant ≈160 msec), and two short-term depression mechanisms (recovery time constants <20 msec and ≈140 msec). Increasing calcium concentration (2.2 mM) resulted in an increase in the time constant of facilitation and in a strengthening of the slowest depression mechanism. As a result, response enhancement was reduced and its peak shifted toward the low beta and alpha ranges while depression became predominant in the gamma band. Using environmental conditions corresponding to those that prevail in vivo, our study shows that STP in the lateral olfactory tract to layer Ia synapse allows amplification of olfactory bulb inputs at beta and gamma frequencies. PMID:28820903

  5. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in US and Swedish smokeless tobacco products

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background Debate about the health implications of using smokeless tobacco products (STPs) has prompted considerable interest in characterising their levels of toxic and carcinogenic components. In the present study seventy smokeless tobacco products from the US and Sweden, categorized as chewing tobacco, dry and moist snuff, hard and soft pellets, plug, and loose and portion snus, were analysed for twenty one polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The tested brands represented 80-90% of the 2008 market share for the major STP categories in these two countries. Results There were significant differences in the total and individual PAH concentrations in the different styles of product. Substantially higher levels of total PAHs (10–60 fold) were found in moist and dry snuff and soft pellets than in the other smokeless tobacco styles. The individual PAH concentrations followed the same patterns as total PAHs except for naphthalene, for which the highest concentrations were found in snus and moist snuff. Good correlations were obtained between benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and all the other PAHs except naphthalene, 1-methylnaphthalene and 2-methylnaphthalene, providing evidence for the first time that it can be used as a good marker for PAHs in STPs. Results were generally in good agreement with two previous studies of PAHs in STPs, except for naphthalene for which significantly lower concentrations were found than previously reported. Analysis of the ratios of different PAHs confirmed that the use of fire-cured tobaccos in the snuffs and soft pellet were the major source of PAHs in these product styles, and provided, for the first time, some indications as to the source of PAHs in the other STP styles, including petrogenic and other combustion sources. Conclusions This study confirms the presence of PAHs in STPs, and identifies substantial differences between the levels in different STP categories. Since previous studies of naphthalene concentrations in STPs differed so markedly from those found in this study, it is recommended that further work on PAH determination is undertaken to investigate the source of this discrepancy. PMID:24011230

  6. Short-term and long-term plasticity interaction in human primary motor cortex.

    PubMed

    Iezzi, Ennio; Suppa, Antonio; Conte, Antonella; Li Voti, Pietro; Bologna, Matteo; Berardelli, Alfredo

    2011-05-01

    Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over primary motor cortex (M1) elicits changes in motor evoked potential (MEP) size thought to reflect short- and long-term forms of synaptic plasticity, resembling short-term potentiation (STP) and long-term potentiation/depression (LTP/LTD) observed in animal experiments. We designed this study in healthy humans to investigate whether STP as elicited by 5-Hz rTMS interferes with LTP/LTD-like plasticity induced by intermittent and continuous theta-burst stimulation (iTBS and cTBS). The effects induced by 5-Hz rTMS and iTBS/cTBS were indexed as changes in MEP size. We separately evaluated changes induced by 5-Hz rTMS, iTBS and cTBS applied alone and those induced by iTBS and cTBS delivered after priming 5-Hz rTMS. Interactions between 5-Hz rTMS and iTBS/cTBS were investigated under several experimental conditions by delivering 5-Hz rTMS at suprathreshold and subthreshold intensity, allowing 1 and 5 min intervals to elapse between 5-Hz rTMS and TBS, and delivering one and ten 5-Hz rTMS trains. We also investigated whether 5-Hz rTMS induces changes in intracortical excitability tested with paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation. When given alone, 5-Hz rTMS induced short-lasting and iTBS/cTBS induced long-lasting changes in MEP amplitudes. When M1 was primed with 10 suprathreshold 5-Hz rTMS trains at 1 min before iTBS or cTBS, the iTBS/cTBS-induced after-effects disappeared. The 5-Hz rTMS left intracortical excitability unchanged. We suggest that STP elicited by suprathreshold 5-Hz rTMS abolishes iTBS/cTBS-induced LTP/LTD-like plasticity through non-homeostatic metaplasticity mechanisms. Our study provides new information on interactions between short-term and long-term rTMS-induced plasticity in human M1. © 2011 The Authors. European Journal of Neuroscience © 2011 Federation of European Neuroscience Societies and Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

  7. Nitrogen dynamics in the tidal freshwater Potomac River, Maryland and Virginia, water years 1979-81

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Shultz, David J.

    1989-01-01

    On an annual basis, river-supplied nitrate is the predominant form of nitrogen supplied to the tidal Potomac River from external sources. Much of the nitrate is associated with high flows that have rapid transit times through the tidal river. The Blue Plains Sewage-Treatment Plant (STP) at Washington, D.C., is the greatest source of all nitrogen species during low-flow periods. Prior to the fall of 1980, ammonia concentrations in depth-integrated, composited water samples were greatest (more than 1.00 mg/L (milligram per liter) as nitrogen) during summer periods near Alexandria, Va., because of loading from the nearby Blue Plains STP and reduced river discharge. After the fall of 1980, initiation of advanced wastewater treatment at the Blue Plains STP reduced ammonia loading to the river by 90 percent and increased nitrate loading by a similar percentage. As a result, concentrations of ammonia during the 1981 low-flow period were less than 0.20 mg/L as nitrogen at Alexandria, while nitrate concentrations were greater than 1.50 mg/L as nitrogen. Concentrations of ammonia and nitrate at Alexandria were shown to be reasonably predictable by use of a simple dilution model that considers only loading from Chain Bridge and the Blue Plains STP. This apparently is the result of the short residence time through the Chain Bridge-to-Alexandria section of the tidal Potomac River, which precludes significant biological alterations. In marked contrast, the residence times of water parcels in the tidal Potomac River from Alexandria to Quantico, Va., are much greater because of the geometry of the reach. Biological nitrogen-cycle transformation processes affect nitrogen-species concentrations to a greater extent in this reach, especially during summer low-flow periods. Mass-balance calculations that separate changes in transport mass from biological transformations indicatethat the tidal Potomac River was a net sink for all the nitrogen constituents during the 1980 and 1981 summer low-flow periods. However, during the 1980-81 winter period, some ammonia and nitrate was transported out of the tidal Potomac River into the transition zone. Despite the reduced availability of ammonia, nitrogen-15 uptake studies showed that phytoplankton preferred ammonia to nitrate unless ammonia concentrations were less than 0.10 mg/L as nitrogen. Nitrification-rate studies during 1981 using a carbon-14 uptake technique indicate that rates did not vary with sample location, except for one sample from the head of the tidal river, where the rates were much higher. The numbers of Nitrobacter bacteria were highest in samples from near the Blue Plains STP and were greater than the numbers of Nitrosomonas bacteria. The predominance of Nitrobacter bacteria seemed to be associated with advanced wastewater treatment at the Blue Plains STP. Before advanced wastewater treatment, Nitrosomonas were numerically predominant and had the largest numbers near the Blue Plains STP. These results could be due to (1) loading of nitrifying bacteria in the Blue Plains sewage effluent that had been inhibited from further growth by an inhibitory substance or (2) the method used to measure nitrification rates, which measured only the ammonia oxidation stage; it is not possible to reject either mechanism on the basis of the data available. Process models were used in conjunction with mass-balance determinations and individual process studies to estimate rates of processes that were not directly measured. It is estimated that denitrification removed 10 times as much nitrate from the water column during the summer of 1981 as during the summer of 1980. Sedimentation of particulate nitrogen is estimated to be the largest sink for nitrogen from the water column and was approximately equal to the external annual loading of all nitrogen constituents on a daily basis. In summer, when river flows usually are low, the tidal Potomac River appears to be a partially closed system rather tha

  8. Photo-degradation of clofibric acid by ultraviolet light irradiation at 185 nm.

    PubMed

    Li, Wenzhen; Lu, Shuguang; Chen, Nuo; Gu, Xiaogang; Qiu, Zhaofu; Fan, Ji; Lin, Kuangfei

    2009-01-01

    As a metabolite of lipid regulators, clofibric acid (CA) was investigated in this study for its ultraviolet (UV) degradation at monochromatic wavelength of 185 nm using Milli-Q water and sewage treatment plant (STP) effluent. The effects of CA initial concentration, solution pH, humic acid (HA), nitrate and bicarbonate anions on CA degradation performances were evaluated. All CA degradation patterns well fitted the pseudo-first-order kinetic model. The results showed that OH generated from water photolysis by UV185 irradiation was involved, resulting in indirect CA photolysis but contributed less to the whole CA removal when compared to the main direct photolysis process. Acid condition favored slightly to CA degradation and other constituents in solution, such as HA (5.0-100.0 mg L(-1)), nitrate and bicarbonate anions (1.0x10(-3) mol L(-1) and 0.1 mol L(-1)), had negative effects on CA degradation. When using real STP effluent CA degradation could reach 97.4% (without filtration) and 99.3% (with filtration) after 1 hr irradiation, showing its potential mean in pharmaceuticals removal in UV disinfection unit. Mineralization tests showed that rapid chloride ion release happened, resulting in no chlorinated intermediates accumulation, and those non-chlorinated intermediate products could further be nearly completely degraded to CO2 and H2O after 6 hrs.

  9. Prevalence and Persistence of Escherichia coli Strains with Uropathogenic Virulence Characteristics in Sewage Treatment Plants▿

    PubMed Central

    Anastasi, E. M.; Matthews, B.; Gundogdu, A.; Vollmerhausen, T. L.; Ramos, N. L.; Stratton, H.; Ahmed, W.; Katouli, M.

    2010-01-01

    We investigated the prevalence and persistence of Escherichia coli strains in four sewage treatment plants (STPs) in a subtropical region of Queensland, Australia. In all, 264 E. coli strains were typed using a high-resolution biochemical fingerprinting method and grouped into either a single or a common biochemical phenotype (S-BPT and C-BPT, respectively). These strains were also tested for their phylogenetic groups and 12 virulence genes associated with intestinal and extraintestinal E. coli strains. Comparison of BPTs at various treatment stages indicated that certain BPTs were found in two or all treatment stages. These BPTs constituted the highest proportion of E. coli strains in each STP and belonged mainly to phylogenetic group B2 and, to a lesser extent, group D. No virulence genes associated with intestinal E. coli were found among the strains, but 157 (59.5%) strains belonging to 14 C-BPTs carried one or more virulence genes associated with uropathogenic strains. Of these, 120 (76.4%) strains belonged to seven persistent C-BPTs and were found in all four STPs. Our results indicate that certain clonal groups of E. coli with virulence characteristics of uropathogenic strains can survive the treatment processes of STPs. These strains were common to all STPs and constituted the highest proportion of the strains in different treatment tanks of each STP. PMID:20622128

  10. Prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes in bacterial communities associated with Cladophora glomerata mats along the nearshore of Lake Ontario.

    PubMed

    Ibsen, Michael; Fernando, Dinesh M; Kumar, Ayush; Kirkwood, Andrea E

    2017-05-01

    The alga Cladophora glomerata can erupt in nuisance blooms throughout the lower Great Lakes. Since bacterial abundance increases with the emergence and decay of Cladophora, we investigated the prevalence of antibiotic resistance (ABR) in Cladophora-associated bacterial communities up-gradient and down-gradient from a large sewage treatment plant (STP) on Lake Ontario. Although STPs are well-known sources of ABR, we also expected detectable ABR from up-gradient wetland communities, since they receive surface run-off from urban and agricultural sources. Statistically significant differences in aquatic bacterial abundance and ABR were found between down-gradient beach samples and up-gradient coastal wetland samples (ANOVA, Holm-Sidak test, p < 0.05). Decaying and free-floating Cladophora sampled near the STP had the highest bacterial densities overall, including on ampicillin- and vancomycin-treated plates. However, quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis of the ABR genes ampC, tetA, tetB, and vanA from environmental communities showed a different pattern. Some of the highest ABR gene levels occurred at the 2 coastal wetland sites (vanA). Overall, bacterial ABR profiles from environmental samples were distinguishable between living and decaying Cladophora, inferring that Cladophora may control bacterial ABR depending on its life-cycle stage. Our results also show how spatially and temporally dynamic ABR is in nearshore aquatic bacteria, which warrants further research.

  11. Identification of a starting point of breast skin tears during chicken plucking.

    PubMed

    Pitcovski, J; Ohana, N; Amzaleg, L; Krispel, S; Bercovich, D; Pinchasov, Y

    1997-02-01

    A site (STP) was identified on the skin of the chicken, during defeathering in the slaughter house, at which about 90% of breast skin tears started. This site is on the ventral side of the pectoral tract area. There was no difference in location of this site with respect to different commercial lines, sexes, flocks, or time of the day. In order to demonstrate the importance of a small skin tear to ultimate damage, defeathered chickens with a minor tear at a particular site and undamaged defeathered chickens were passed through the defeathering machine a second time. Thirty-six percent of the STP chickens were torn further, but only a small percentage (about 4%) of the undamaged chickens were harmed.

  12. Elimination of Onchocerciasis from Mexico

    PubMed Central

    Rodríguez-Pérez, Mario A.; Fernández-Santos, Nadia A.; Orozco-Algarra, María E.; Rodríguez-Atanacio, José A.; Domínguez-Vázquez, Alfredo; Rodríguez-Morales, Kristel B.; Real-Najarro, Olga; Prado-Velasco, Francisco G.; Cupp, Eddie W.; Richards, Frank O.; Hassan, Hassan K.; González-Roldán, Jesús F.; Kuri-Morales, Pablo A.; Unnasch, Thomas R.

    2015-01-01

    Background Mexico is one of the six countries formerly endemic for onchocerciasis in Latin America. Transmission has been interrupted in the three endemic foci of that country and mass drug distribution has ceased. Three years after mass drug distribution ended, post-treatment surveillance (PTS) surveys were undertaken which employed entomological indicators to check for transmission recrudescence. Methodology/Principal findings In-depth entomologic assessments were performed in 18 communities in the three endemic foci of Mexico. None of the 108,212 Simulium ochraceum s.l. collected from the three foci were found to contain parasite DNA when tested by polymerase chain reaction-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (PCR-ELISA), resulting in a maximum upper bound of the 95% confidence interval (95%-ULCI) of the infective rate in the vectors of 0.035/2,000 flies examined. This is an order of magnitude below the threshold of a 95%-ULCI of less than one infective fly per 2,000 flies tested, the current entomological criterion for interruption of transmission developed by the international community. The point estimate of seasonal transmission potential (STP) was zero, and the upper bound of the 95% confidence interval for the STP ranged from 1.2 to 1.7 L3/person/season in the different foci. This value is below all previous estimates for the minimum transmission potential required to maintain the parasite population. Conclusions/Significance The results from the in-depth entomological post treatment surveillance surveys strongly suggest that transmission has not resumed in the three foci of Mexico during the three years since the last distribution of ivermectin occurred; it was concluded that transmission remains undetectable without intervention, and Onchocerca volvulus has been eliminated from Mexico. PMID:26161558

  13. MMS at NRL

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2014-08-04

    Engineers work on one of four Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) spacecraft in a cleanroom at the Naval Research Lab, Monday, August 4, 2014, in Washington. The Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, mission will study the mystery of how magnetic fields around Earth connect and disconnect, explosively releasing energy via a process known as magnetic reconnection. The four identical spacecraft are scheduled to launch in 2015 from Cape Canaveral and will orbit around Earth in varying formations through the dynamic magnetic system surrounding our planet to provide the first three-dimensional views of the magnetic reconnection process. The goal of the STP Program is to understand the fundamental physical processes of the space environment from the sun to Earth, other planets, and the extremes of the solar system boundary. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

  14. Investigation of the feasibility of non-invasive optical sensors for the quantitative assessment of dehydration.

    PubMed

    Visser, Cobus; Kieser, Eduard; Dellimore, Kiran; van den Heever, Dawie; Smith, Johan

    2017-10-01

    This study explores the feasibility of prospectively assessing infant dehydration using four non-invasive, optical sensors based on the quantitative and objective measurement of various clinical markers of dehydration. The sensors were investigated to objectively and unobtrusively assess the hydration state of an infant based on the quantification of capillary refill time (CRT), skin recoil time (SRT), skin temperature profile (STP) and skin tissue hydration by means of infrared spectrometry (ISP). To evaluate the performance of the sensors a clinical study was conducted on a cohort of 10 infants (aged 6-36 months) with acute gastroenteritis. High sensitivity and specificity were exhibited by the sensors, in particular the STP and SRT sensors, when combined into a fusion regression model (sensitivity: 0.90, specificity: 0.78). The SRT and STP sensors and the fusion model all outperformed the commonly used "gold standard" clinical dehydration scales including the Gorelick scale (sensitivity: 0.56, specificity: 0.56), CDS scale (sensitivity: 1.0, specificity: 0.2) and WHO scale (sensitivity: 0.13, specificity: 0.79). These results suggest that objective and quantitative assessment of infant dehydration may be possible using the sensors investigated. However, further evaluation of the sensors on a larger sample population is needed before deploying them in a clinical setting. Copyright © 2017 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. Identification and assessment of site treatment plan implementation opportunities for emerging technologies

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

    Bernard, E.A.

    1995-12-31

    The Department of Energy (DOE), in response to the 1992 Federal Facility Compliance Act, has prepared Site Treatment Plans (STP) for the approximately 2,000 waste streams identified within its mixed waste inventory Concurrently, emerging mixed waste treatment technologies are in final development. This paper defines a three-phase process to identify and assess implementation opportunities for these emerging technologies within the STP. It highlights the first phase, functional matching of expected treatment capabilities with proposed treatment requirements. Matches are based on treatment type, regulated contaminant and waste matrix type, for both capabilities and requirements. Results identify specific waste streams and volumesmore » that could be treated by each emerging technology. A study for Plasma Hearth Process, Delphi DETOX{sup sm}, Supercritical Water Oxidation and Vitrification shows that about 200,000 ml of DOE`s mixed waste inventory can potentially be treated by one or more of these emerging technologies. Actual implementations are small fractions of the treatable inventory. Differences between potential and actual implementations must be minimized to accrue optimum benefit from implementation of emerging or alternative treatment technologies. Functional matching is the first phase in identifying and quantifying benefits, addressing technology system and treatment issues, and providing, in part, the basis for STP implementation decisions. DOE, through EM`s Office of Technology Development, has funded this work.« less

  16. Process for the synthesis of aliphatic alcohol-containing mixtures

    DOEpatents

    Greene, Marvin I.; Gelbein, Abraham P.

    1984-01-01

    A process for the synthesis of mixtures which include saturated aliphatic alcohols is disclosed. In the first step of the process, the first catalyst activation stage, a catalyst, which comprises the oxides of copper, zinc, aluminum, potassium and one or two additional metals selected from the group consisting of chromium, magnesium, cerium, cobalt, thorium and lanthanum, is partially activated. In this step, a reducing gas stream, which includes hydrogen and at least one inert gas, flows past the catalyst at a space velocity of up to 5,000 liters (STP) per hour, per kilogram of catalyst. The partially activated catalyst is then subjected to the second step of the process, second-stage catalyst activation. In this step, the catalyst is contacted by an activation gas stream comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide present in a volume ratio of 0.5:1 and 4:1, respectively, at a temperature of 200.degree. to 450.degree. C. and a pressure of between 35 and 200 atmospheres. The activation gas flows at a space velocity of from 1,000 to 20,000 liters (STP) per hour, per kilogram of catalyst. Second-stage activation continues until the catalyst is contacted with at least 500,000 liters (STP) of activation gas per kilogram of catalyst. The fully activated catalyst, in the third step of the process, contacts a synthesis gas stream comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide.

  17. Process for the synthesis of aliphatic alcohol-containing mixtures

    DOEpatents

    Greene, M.I.; Gelbein, A.P.

    1984-10-16

    A process for the synthesis of mixtures which include saturated aliphatic alcohols is disclosed. In the first step of the process, the first catalyst activation stage, a catalyst, which comprises the oxides of copper, zinc, aluminum, potassium and one or two additional metals selected from the group consisting of chromium, magnesium, cerium, cobalt, thorium and lanthanum, is partially activated. In this step, a reducing gas stream, which includes hydrogen and at least one inert gas, flows past the catalyst at a space velocity of up to 5,000 liters (STP) per hour, per kilogram of catalyst. The partially activated catalyst is then subjected to the second step of the process, second-stage catalyst activation. In this step, the catalyst is contacted by an activation gas stream comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide present in a volume ratio of 0.5:1 and 4:1, respectively, at a temperature of 200 to 450 C and a pressure of between 35 and 200 atmospheres. The activation gas flows at a space velocity of from 1,000 to 20,000 liters (STP) per hour, per kilogram of catalyst. Second-stage activation continues until the catalyst is contacted with at least 500,000 liters (STP) of activation gas per kilogram of catalyst. The fully activated catalyst, in the third step of the process, contacts a synthesis gas stream comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide.

  18. Occurrence of acidic pharmaceuticals in raw and treated sewages and in receiving waters.

    PubMed

    Lindqvist, Niina; Tuhkanen, Tuula; Kronberg, Leif

    2005-06-01

    The occurrence of five acidic pharmaceuticals, ibuprofen, naproxen, ketoprofen, diclofenac and bezafibrate, in seven different sewage treatment plants (STP) and three receiving waters were determined. The analytical procedure included solid phase extraction, liquid chromatographic separation and detection by a triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer. The studied pharmaceuticals were found in all the STPs. The pattern of the occurrence of individual compounds was the same in every STP and matched the consumption figures reported in the literature. Ibuprofen is the most used pharmaceutical in Finland and was accordingly found to be the most abundant compound in the raw sewage. In the treatment processes, the highest removal rate was observed for ibuprofen and the lowest for diclofenac, 92%+/-8% and 26%+/-17%, respectively. Due to the incomplete removal in the STPs, the pharmaceuticals were found in rivers at the discharge points of the STP effluents. Downstream from the discharge points, the concentrations decreased significantly mainly due to dilution in the river water. The risk to the aquatic environment was estimated by a ratio of measured environmental concentration (MEC) and predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC). At the concentrations the compounds were found in the surface waters, they should not pose risk for the aquatic environment. However, at dry seasons and/or during malfunctions of STPs, ibuprofen could be associated with a risk in small river systems.

  19. Hydrothermal synthesis, crystal structure, luminescent and magnetic properties of a new mononuclear GdIII coordination complex

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Coban, Mustafa Burak

    2018-06-01

    A new GdIII coordination complex, {[Gd(2-stp)2(H2O)6].2(4,4'-bipy).4(H2O)}, complex 1, (2-stp = 2-sulfoterephthalate anion and 4,4'-bipy = 4,4'-bipyridine), has been synthesized by hydrothermal method and characterized by elemental analysis, solid state UV-Vis and FT-IR spectroscopy, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, solid state photoluminescence and variable-temperature magnetic measurements. The crystal structure determination shows that GdIII ions are eight coordinated and adopt a distorted square-antiprismatic geometry. Molecules interacting through intra- and intermolecular (O-H⋯O, O-H⋯N) hydrogen bonds in complex 1, give rise to 3D hydrogen bonded structure and the discrete lattice 4,4'-bipy molecules occupy the channel of the 3D structure. π-π stacking interactions also exist 4,4'-bipy-4,4'-bipy and 4,4'-bipy-2-stp molecule rings in 3D structures. Additionally, solid state photoluminescence properties of complex 1 at room temperature have been investigated. Under the excitation of UV light (at 349 nm), the complex 1 exhibited green emissions (at 505 nm) of GdIII ion in the visible region. Furthermore, Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility and isothermal magnetization as function of external magnetic field studies reveal that complex 1 displays possible antiferromagnetic interaction.

  20. Distribution and trophic transfer of short-chain chlorinated paraffins in an aquatic ecosystem receiving effluents from a sewage treatment plant.

    PubMed

    Zeng, Lixi; Wang, Thanh; Wang, Pu; Liu, Qian; Han, Shanlong; Yuan, Bo; Zhu, Nali; Wang, Yawei; Jiang, Guibin

    2011-07-01

    Short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) are an extremely complex group of industrial chemicals and found to be potential persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and thus have attracted extensive concern worldwide. In this study, influent, effluent, and sludge were collected from a large sewage treatment plant (STP) in Beijing, China. Water, sediment, and aquatic species were also collected from a recipient lake that receives effluents discharged from the STP. These samples were then analyzed to investigate the effect of STP effluent on distribution and trophic transfer of SCCPs in the local aquatic ecosystem. Concentrations of total SCCPs (ΣSCCPs) in lake water and surface sediments were found in the range 162-176 ng/L and 1.1-8.7 μg/g (dry weight, dw), respectively. Vertical concentration profiles of sediment cores showed ΣSCCPs decreased exponentially with increasing depth. Specific congener composition analysis in sediment layers indicated possible in situ biodegradation might be occurring. High bioaccumulation of SCCPs was observed in the sampled aquatic species. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF) generally increased with the number of chlorines in the SCCP congeners. A significantly positive correlation between lipid-normalized ΣSCCPs concentration and trophic levels (R(2) = 0.65, p < 0.05) indicate that SCCPs can biomagnify through the food chain in the effluent-receiving aquatic ecosystem.

  1. Prediction of concentration levels of metformin and other high consumption pharmaceuticals in wastewater and regional surface water based on sales data.

    PubMed

    Oosterhuis, Mathijs; Sacher, Frank; Ter Laak, Thomas L

    2013-01-01

    Local consumption data of pharmaceuticals were used to study the emission to wastewater and surface waters in two small Dutch water catchments. For nine high consumption pharmaceuticals: metformin, metoprolol, sotalol, losartan, valsartan, irbesartan, hydrochlorothiazide, diclofenac and carbamazepine, predicted emissions were compared to wastewater concentrations, removal in sewage treatment plants and recovery in regional surface water. The study shows that local consumption data can be very useful to select pharmaceuticals for monitoring and to predict wastewater concentrations. Measured influent concentrations were on average 78% with a range of 31-138% of predicted influent concentrations. Metformin is the pharmaceutical with the highest concentration in wastewater (64-98 μg/L) but it is removed with >98% in sewage treatment plants (STP). Guanylurea, a biodegradation product of metformin, was detected in STP effluents and surface waters at concentrations of 39-56 μg/L and 1.8-3.9 μg/L, respectively. The STP removal of the different pharmaceuticals varied strongly. For carbamazepine, hydrochlorothiazide and sotalol a significant better removal was found at higher temperatures and longer hydraulic retention times while for metoprolol significantly better removal was only observed at higher temperatures. Predicting environmental concentrations from regional consumption data might be an alternative to monitoring of pharmaceuticals in wastewater and surface waters. Crown Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Electrochemical treatment of pharmaceutical wastewater by combining anodic oxidation with ozonation.

    PubMed

    Menapace, Hannes M; Diaz, Nicolas; Weiss, Stefan

    2008-07-01

    Wastewater effluents from sewage treatment plants (STP) are important point sources for residues of pharmaceuticals and complexing agents in the aquatic environment. For this reason a research project, which started in December 2006, was established to eliminate pharmaceutical substances and complexing agents found in wastewater as micropollutants. For the treatment process a combination of anodic oxidation by boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes and ozonation is examined and presented. For the ozone production a non-conventional, separate reactor was used, in which ozone was generated by electrolysis with diamond electrodes For the determination of the achievable remediation rates four complexing agents (e.g., EDTA, NTA) and eight pharmaceutical substances (e.g., diazepam, carbamazepin) were analyzed in several test runs under different conditions (varied flux, varied current density for the diamond electrode and the ozone producing electrode of the ozone generator, different packing materials for the column in the ozone injection system). The flowrates of the treated water samples were varied from 3 L/h up to 26 L/h. For the anodic oxidation the influence of the current density was examined in the range between 22.7 and 45.5 mA/cm(2), for the ozone producing reactor two densities (1.8 a/cm(2) and 2.0 A/cm(2)) were tested. Matrix effects were investigated by test runs with samples from the effluent of an STP and synthetic waste water. Therefore the impact of the organic material in the samples could be determined by the comparison of the redox potential and the achievable elimination rates of the investigated substances. Comparing both technologies anodic oxidation seems to be superior to ozonation in each investigated area. With the used technology of anodic oxidation elimination rates up to 99% were reached for the investigated pharmaceutical substances at a current density of 45.5 mA/cm(2) and a maximum sample flux of 26 L/h.

  3. Maximizing the biological effect of proton dose delivered with scanned beams via inhomogeneous daily dose distributions

    PubMed Central

    Zeng, Chuan; Giantsoudi, Drosoula; Grassberger, Clemens; Goldberg, Saveli; Niemierko, Andrzej; Paganetti, Harald; Efstathiou, Jason A.; Trofimov, Alexei

    2013-01-01

    Purpose: Biological effect of radiation can be enhanced with hypofractionation, localized dose escalation, and, in particle therapy, with optimized distribution of linear energy transfer (LET). The authors describe a method to construct inhomogeneous fractional dose (IFD) distributions, and evaluate the potential gain in the therapeutic effect from their delivery in proton therapy delivered by pencil beam scanning. Methods: For 13 cases of prostate cancer, the authors considered hypofractionated courses of 60 Gy delivered in 20 fractions. (All doses denoted in Gy include the proton's mean relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of 1.1.) Two types of plans were optimized using two opposed lateral beams to deliver a uniform dose of 3 Gy per fraction to the target by scanning: (1) in conventional full-target plans (FTP), each beam irradiated the entire gland, (2) in split-target plans (STP), beams irradiated only the respective proximal hemispheres (prostate split sagittally). Inverse planning yielded intensity maps, in which discrete position control points of the scanned beam (spots) were assigned optimized intensity values. FTP plans preferentially required a higher intensity of spots in the distal part of the target, while STP, by design, employed proximal spots. To evaluate the utility of IFD delivery, IFD plans were generated by rearranging the spot intensities from FTP or STP intensity maps, separately as well as combined using a variety of mixing weights. IFD courses were designed so that, in alternating fractions, one of the hemispheres of the prostate would receive a dose boost and the other receive a lower dose, while the total physical dose from the IFD course was roughly uniform across the prostate. IFD plans were normalized so that the equivalent uniform dose (EUD) of rectum and bladder did not increase, compared to the baseline FTP plan, which irradiated the prostate uniformly in every fraction. An EUD-based model was then applied to estimate tumor control probability (TCP) and normal tissue complication probability (NTCP). To assess potential local RBE variations, LET distributions were calculated with Monte Carlo, and compared for different plans. The results were assessed in terms of their sensitivity to uncertainties in model parameters and delivery. Results: IFD courses included equal number of fractions boosting either hemisphere, thus, the combined physical dose was close to uniform throughout the prostate. However, for the entire course, the prostate EUD in IFD was higher than in conventional FTP by up to 14%, corresponding to the estimated increase in TCP to 96% from 88%. The extent of gain depended on the mixing factor, i.e., relative weights used to combine FTP and STP spot weights. Increased weighting of STP typically yielded a higher target EUD, but also led to increased sensitivity of dose to variations in the proton's range. Rectal and bladder EUD were same or lower (per normalization), and the NTCP for both remained below 1%. The LET distributions in IFD also depended strongly on the mixing weights: plans using higher weight of STP spots yielded higher LET, indicating a potentially higher local RBE. Conclusions: In proton therapy delivered by pencil beam scanning, improved therapeutic outcome can potentially be expected with delivery of IFD distributions, while administering the prescribed quasi-uniform dose to the target over the entire course. The biological effectiveness of IFD may be further enhanced by optimizing the LET distributions. IFD distributions are characterized by a dose gradient located in proximity of the prostate's midplane, thus, the fidelity of delivery would depend crucially on the precision with which the proton range could be controlled. PMID:23635256

  4. Maximizing the biological effect of proton dose delivered with scanned beams via inhomogeneous daily dose distributions.

    PubMed

    Zeng, Chuan; Giantsoudi, Drosoula; Grassberger, Clemens; Goldberg, Saveli; Niemierko, Andrzej; Paganetti, Harald; Efstathiou, Jason A; Trofimov, Alexei

    2013-05-01

    Biological effect of radiation can be enhanced with hypofractionation, localized dose escalation, and, in particle therapy, with optimized distribution of linear energy transfer (LET). The authors describe a method to construct inhomogeneous fractional dose (IFD) distributions, and evaluate the potential gain in the therapeutic effect from their delivery in proton therapy delivered by pencil beam scanning. For 13 cases of prostate cancer, the authors considered hypofractionated courses of 60 Gy delivered in 20 fractions. (All doses denoted in Gy include the proton's mean relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of 1.1.) Two types of plans were optimized using two opposed lateral beams to deliver a uniform dose of 3 Gy per fraction to the target by scanning: (1) in conventional full-target plans (FTP), each beam irradiated the entire gland, (2) in split-target plans (STP), beams irradiated only the respective proximal hemispheres (prostate split sagittally). Inverse planning yielded intensity maps, in which discrete position control points of the scanned beam (spots) were assigned optimized intensity values. FTP plans preferentially required a higher intensity of spots in the distal part of the target, while STP, by design, employed proximal spots. To evaluate the utility of IFD delivery, IFD plans were generated by rearranging the spot intensities from FTP or STP intensity maps, separately as well as combined using a variety of mixing weights. IFD courses were designed so that, in alternating fractions, one of the hemispheres of the prostate would receive a dose boost and the other receive a lower dose, while the total physical dose from the IFD course was roughly uniform across the prostate. IFD plans were normalized so that the equivalent uniform dose (EUD) of rectum and bladder did not increase, compared to the baseline FTP plan, which irradiated the prostate uniformly in every fraction. An EUD-based model was then applied to estimate tumor control probability (TCP) and normal tissue complication probability (NTCP). To assess potential local RBE variations, LET distributions were calculated with Monte Carlo, and compared for different plans. The results were assessed in terms of their sensitivity to uncertainties in model parameters and delivery. IFD courses included equal number of fractions boosting either hemisphere, thus, the combined physical dose was close to uniform throughout the prostate. However, for the entire course, the prostate EUD in IFD was higher than in conventional FTP by up to 14%, corresponding to the estimated increase in TCP to 96% from 88%. The extent of gain depended on the mixing factor, i.e., relative weights used to combine FTP and STP spot weights. Increased weighting of STP typically yielded a higher target EUD, but also led to increased sensitivity of dose to variations in the proton's range. Rectal and bladder EUD were same or lower (per normalization), and the NTCP for both remained below 1%. The LET distributions in IFD also depended strongly on the mixing weights: plans using higher weight of STP spots yielded higher LET, indicating a potentially higher local RBE. In proton therapy delivered by pencil beam scanning, improved therapeutic outcome can potentially be expected with delivery of IFD distributions, while administering the prescribed quasi-uniform dose to the target over the entire course. The biological effectiveness of IFD may be further enhanced by optimizing the LET distributions. IFD distributions are characterized by a dose gradient located in proximity of the prostate's midplane, thus, the fidelity of delivery would depend crucially on the precision with which the proton range could be controlled.

  5. Potential of Micro Hydroelectric Generator Embedded at 30,000 PE Effluent Discharge of Sewerage Treatment Plant

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Che Munaaim, M. A.; Razali, N.; Ayob, A.; Hamidin, N.; Othuman Mydin, M. A.

    2018-03-01

    A micro hydroelectric generator is an energy conversion approach to generate electricity from potential (motion) energy to an electrical energy. In this research, it is desired to be implemented by using a micro hydroelectric generator which is desired to be embedded at the continuous flow of effluent discharge point of domestic sewerage treatment plant (STP). This research evaluates the potential of electricity generation from micro hydroelectric generator attached to 30,000 PE sewerage treatment plant. The power output obtained from calculation of electrical power conversion is used to identify the possibility of this system and its ability to provide electrical energy, which can minimize the cost of electric bill especially for the pumping system. The overview of this system on the practical application with the consideration of payback period is summarized. The ultimate aim of the whole application is to have a self-ecosystem electrical power generated for the internal use of STP by using its own flowing water in supporting the sustainable engineering towards renewable energy and energy efficient approach. The results shows that the output power obtained is lower than expected output power (12 kW) and fall beyond of the range of a micro hydro power (5kW - 100kW) since it is only generating 1.58 kW energy by calculation. It is also observed that the estimated payback period is longer which i.e 7 years to recoup the return of investment. A range of head from 4.5 m and above for the case where the flow shall at least have maintained at 0.05 m3/s in the selected plant in order to achieved a feasible power output. In conclusion, wastewater treatment process involves the flowing water (potential energy) especially at the effluent discharge point of STP is possibly harvested for electricity generation by embedding the micro hydroelectric generator. However, the selection of STP needs to have minimum 4.5 meter head with 0.05 m3/s of continuously flowing water to make it feasible to harvest.

  6. Source-Related Effects of Wastewater on Transcription Factor (AhR, CAR and PXR)-Mediated Induction of Gene Expression in Cultured Rat Hepatocytes and Their Association with the Prevalence of Antimicrobial-Resistant Escherichia coli

    PubMed Central

    Guruge, Keerthi S.; Yamanaka, Noriko; Sonobe, Miyuki; Fujizono, Wataru; Yoshioka, Miyako; Akiba, Masato; Yamamoto, Takehisa; Joshua, Derrick I.; Balakrishna, Keshava; Yamashita, Nobuyoshi; Kannan, Kurunthachalam; Tsutsui, Toshiyuki

    2015-01-01

    Extracts of wastewater collected from 4 sewage treatment plants (STPs) receiving effluents from different sources in South India were investigated for their levels of transcription factor-mediated gene induction in primary cultured rat hepatocytes. In addition, the relation between gene induction levels and the prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) in wastewater was examined. STP-3, which treats only hospital wastewater, exhibited significantly greater induction potency of all 6 drug metabolizing cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes examined, CYP1A1, 1A2, 1B1, 2B15, 3A1, and 3A2, whereas the wastewater at STP-1, which exclusively receives domestic sewage, showed significantly diminished levels of induction of 3 CYP genes when compared to the levels of CYP induction at STP-2, which receives mixed wastewater. Samples collected during the monsoon season showed a significantly altered gene induction capacity compared to that of samples from the pre-monsoon period. The data suggest that the toxicity of wastewater in STPs was not significantly diminished during the treatment process. The chemical-gene interaction data predicted that a vast number of chemicals present in the wastewater would stimulate the genes studied in the rat hepatocytes. The multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the prevalence of isolates resistant to cefotaxime, imipenem and streptomycin was significantly correlated with the levels of induction of at least three CYP-isozymes in STP wastewater. In addition, the resistance of isolates in treatment plants was not altered by the treatment steps, whereas the sampling season did have an impact on the resistance to specific antimicrobials. The identification of receptor-mediated gene regulation capacities offers important data not limited to the (synergistic) physiological role of chemicals in biological systems but may provide new insight into the link between the effects of known/unknown drugs and prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in wastewater. PMID:26381891

  7. Arizona state transportation plan

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1994-12-01

    The purpose of this report is to present the first Arizona multimodal State : Transportation Plan (STP). This Plan includes all surface modes of : transportation: highways, railways, public transit, bicycles, and : pedestrians. The Plan consideres li...

  8. Polar drug residues in sewage and natural waters in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

    PubMed

    Stumpf, M; Ternes, T A; Wilken, R D; Rodrigues, S V; Baumann, W

    1999-01-12

    The drug residues of lipid regulators, anti-inflammatories and some drug metabolites have been detected in raw sewage, treated waste water and river water in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. These residues are mainly derived from humans via excretion. The median concentrations in the effluents of sewage treatment plants (STPs) of most drugs investigated in this study ranged from 0.1 to 1 microgram/l. The removal rates of individual drugs during passage through a Brazilian STP varied from 12 to 90%. As a consequence of the incomplete removal of these residues during passage through a STP, rivers were also found to be contaminated. Median concentrations ranged from between 0.02 and 0.04 microgram/l in river water, whereas the maximum values were observed to be up to 0.5 microgram/l.

  9. Probabilistic somatotopy of the spinothalamic pathway at the ventroposterolateral nucleus of the thalamus in the human brain.

    PubMed

    Hong, J H; Kwon, H G; Jang, S H

    2011-08-01

    The STP has been regarded as the most plausible neural tract responsible for pathogenesis of central poststroke pain. The VPL nucleus has been a target for neurosurgical procedures for control of central poststroke pain. However, to our knowledge, no DTI studies have been conducted to investigate the somatotopic location of the STP at the VPL nucleus of the thalamus. In the current study, we attempted to investigate this location in the human brain by using a probabilistic tractography technique of DTI. DTI was performed at 1.5T by using a Synergy-L SENSE head coil. STPs for both the hand and leg were obtained by selection of fibers passing through 2 regions of interest (the area of the spinothalamic tract in the posterolateral medulla and the postcentral gyrus) for 41 healthy volunteers. Somatotopic mapping was obtained from the highest probabilistic location at the ACPC level. The highest probabilistic locations for the hand and leg were an average of 16.86 and 16.37 mm lateral to the ACPC line and 7.53 and 8.71 mm posterior to the midpoint of the ACPC line, respectively. Somatotopic locations for the hand and leg were different in the anteroposterior direction (P < .05); however, no difference was observed in the mediolateral direction (P > .05). We found the somatotopic locations for hand and leg of the STP at the VPL nucleus; these somatotopies were arranged in the anteroposterior direction.

  10. Intrinsic, stimulus-driven and task-dependent connectivity in human auditory cortex.

    PubMed

    Häkkinen, Suvi; Rinne, Teemu

    2018-06-01

    A hierarchical and modular organization is a central hypothesis in the current primate model of auditory cortex (AC) but lacks validation in humans. Here we investigated whether fMRI connectivity at rest and during active tasks is informative of the functional organization of human AC. Identical pitch-varying sounds were presented during a visual discrimination (i.e. no directed auditory attention), pitch discrimination, and two versions of pitch n-back memory tasks. Analysis based on fMRI connectivity at rest revealed a network structure consisting of six modules in supratemporal plane (STP), temporal lobe, and inferior parietal lobule (IPL) in both hemispheres. In line with the primate model, in which higher-order regions have more longer-range connections than primary regions, areas encircling the STP module showed the highest inter-modular connectivity. Multivariate pattern analysis indicated significant connectivity differences between the visual task and rest (driven by the presentation of sounds during the visual task), between auditory and visual tasks, and between pitch discrimination and pitch n-back tasks. Further analyses showed that these differences were particularly due to connectivity modulations between the STP and IPL modules. While the results are generally in line with the primate model, they highlight the important role of human IPL during the processing of both task-irrelevant and task-relevant auditory information. Importantly, the present study shows that fMRI connectivity at rest, during presentation of sounds, and during active listening provides novel information about the functional organization of human AC.

  11. Improved shear wave group velocity estimation method based on spatiotemporal peak and thresholding motion search

    PubMed Central

    Amador, Carolina; Chen, Shigao; Manduca, Armando; Greenleaf, James F.; Urban, Matthew W.

    2017-01-01

    Quantitative ultrasound elastography is increasingly being used in the assessment of chronic liver disease. Many studies have reported ranges of liver shear wave velocities values for healthy individuals and patients with different stages of liver fibrosis. Nonetheless, ongoing efforts exist to stabilize quantitative ultrasound elastography measurements by assessing factors that influence tissue shear wave velocity values, such as food intake, body mass index (BMI), ultrasound scanners, scanning protocols, ultrasound image quality, etc. Time-to-peak (TTP) methods have been routinely used to measure the shear wave velocity. However, there is still a need for methods that can provide robust shear wave velocity estimation in the presence of noisy motion data. The conventional TTP algorithm is limited to searching for the maximum motion in time profiles at different spatial locations. In this study, two modified shear wave speed estimation algorithms are proposed. The first method searches for the maximum motion in both space and time (spatiotemporal peak, STP); the second method applies an amplitude filter (spatiotemporal thresholding, STTH) to select points with motion amplitude higher than a threshold for shear wave group velocity estimation. The two proposed methods (STP and STTH) showed higher precision in shear wave velocity estimates compared to TTP in phantom. Moreover, in a cohort of 14 healthy subjects STP and STTH methods improved both the shear wave velocity measurement precision and the success rate of the measurement compared to conventional TTP. PMID:28092532

  12. Improved Shear Wave Group Velocity Estimation Method Based on Spatiotemporal Peak and Thresholding Motion Search.

    PubMed

    Amador Carrascal, Carolina; Chen, Shigao; Manduca, Armando; Greenleaf, James F; Urban, Matthew W

    2017-04-01

    Quantitative ultrasound elastography is increasingly being used in the assessment of chronic liver disease. Many studies have reported ranges of liver shear wave velocity values for healthy individuals and patients with different stages of liver fibrosis. Nonetheless, ongoing efforts exist to stabilize quantitative ultrasound elastography measurements by assessing factors that influence tissue shear wave velocity values, such as food intake, body mass index, ultrasound scanners, scanning protocols, and ultrasound image quality. Time-to-peak (TTP) methods have been routinely used to measure the shear wave velocity. However, there is still a need for methods that can provide robust shear wave velocity estimation in the presence of noisy motion data. The conventional TTP algorithm is limited to searching for the maximum motion in time profiles at different spatial locations. In this paper, two modified shear wave speed estimation algorithms are proposed. The first method searches for the maximum motion in both space and time [spatiotemporal peak (STP)]; the second method applies an amplitude filter [spatiotemporal thresholding (STTH)] to select points with motion amplitude higher than a threshold for shear wave group velocity estimation. The two proposed methods (STP and STTH) showed higher precision in shear wave velocity estimates compared with TTP in phantom. Moreover, in a cohort of 14 healthy subjects, STP and STTH methods improved both the shear wave velocity measurement precision and the success rate of the measurement compared with conventional TTP.

  13. Calculation methods to perform mass balances of micropollutants in sewage treatment plants. application to pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs).

    PubMed

    Carballa, Marta; Omil, Francisco; Lema, Juan M

    2007-02-01

    Two different methods are proposed to perform the mass balance calculations of micropollutants in sewage treatment plants (STPs). The first method uses the measured data in both liquid and sludge phase and the second one uses the solid-water distribution coefficient (Kd) to calculate the concentrations in the sludge from those measured in the liquid phase. The proposed methodologies facilitate the identification of the main mechanisms involved in the elimination of micropollutants. Both methods are applied for determining mass balances of selected pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) and their results are discussed. In that way, the fate of 2 musks (galaxolide and tonalide), 3 pharmaceuticals (ibuprofen, naproxen, and sulfamethoxazole), and 2 natural estrogens (estrone and 17beta-estradiol) has been investigated along the different water and sludge treatment units of a STP. Ibuprofen, naproxen, and sulfamethoxazole are biologically degraded in the aeration tank (50-70%), while musks are equally sorbed to the sludge and degraded. In contrast, estrogens are not removed in the STP studied. About 40% of the initial load of pharmaceuticals passes through the plant unaltered, with the fraction associated to sludge lower than 0.5%. In contrast, between 20 and 40% of the initial load of musks leaves the plant associated to solids, with less than 10% present in the final effluent. The results obtained show that the conclusions concerning the efficiency of micropollutants removal in a particular STP may be seriously affected by the calculation method used.

  14. Aerosols attenuating the solar radiation collected by solar tower plants: The horizontal pathway at surface level

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Elias, Thierry; Ramon, Didier; Dubus, Laurent; Bourdil, Charles; Cuevas-Agulló, Emilio; Zaidouni, Taoufik; Formenti, Paola

    2016-05-01

    Aerosols attenuate the solar radiation collected by solar tower plants (STP), along two pathways: 1) the atmospheric column pathway, between the top of the atmosphere and the heliostats, resulting in Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI) changes; 2) the grazing pathway close to surface level, between the heliostats and the optical receiver. The attenuation along the surface-level grazing pathway has been less studied than the aerosol impact on changes of DNI, while it becomes significant in STP of 100 MW or more. Indeed aerosols mostly lay within the surface atmospheric layer, called the boundary layer, and the attenuation increases with the distance covered by the solar radiation in the boundary layer. In STP of 100 MW or more, the distance between the heliostats and the optical receiver becomes large enough to produce a significant attenuation by aerosols. We used measured aerosol optical thickness and computed boundary layer height to estimate the attenuation of the solar radiation at surface level at Ouarzazate (Morocco). High variabilities in aerosol amount and in vertical layering generated a significant magnitude in the annual cycle and significant inter-annual changes. Indeed the annual mean of the attenuation caused by aerosols over a 1-km heliostat-receiver distance was 3.7% in 2013, and 5.4% in 2014 because of a longest desert dust season. The monthly minimum attenuation of less than 3% was observed in winter and the maximum of more than 7% was observed in summer.

  15. Adapting SimpleTreat for simulating behaviour of chemical substances during industrial sewage treatment.

    PubMed

    Struijs, J; van de Meent, D; Schowanek, D; Buchholz, H; Patoux, R; Wolf, T; Austin, T; Tolls, J; van Leeuwen, K; Galay-Burgos, M

    2016-09-01

    The multimedia model SimpleTreat, evaluates the distribution and elimination of chemicals by municipal sewage treatment plants (STP). It is applied in the framework of REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals). This article describes an adaptation of this model for application to industrial sewage treatment plants (I-STP). The intended use of this re-parametrized model is focused on risk assessment during manufacture and subsequent uses of chemicals, also in the framework of REACH. The results of an inquiry on the operational characteristics of industrial sewage treatment installations were used to re-parameterize the model. It appeared that one property of industrial sewage, i.e. Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) in combination with one parameter of the activated sludge process, the hydraulic retention time (HRT) is satisfactory to define treatment of industrial wastewater by means of the activated sludge process. The adapted model was compared to the original municipal version, SimpleTreat 4.0, by means of a sensitivity analysis. The consistency of the model output was assessed by computing the emission to water from an I-STP of a set of fictitious chemicals. This set of chemicals exhibit a range of physico-chemical and biodegradability properties occurring in industrial wastewater. Predicted removal rates of a chemical from raw sewage are higher in industrial than in municipal STPs. The latter have typically shorter hydraulic retention times with diminished opportunity for elimination of the chemical due to volatilization and biodegradation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. MMS at NRL

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2014-08-04

    One of four Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) spacecraft, in the background, is seen in a cleanroom at the Naval Research Lab’s, Naval Center for Space Technology, Monday, August 4, 2014, in Washington. The Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, mission will study the mystery of how magnetic fields around Earth connect and disconnect, explosively releasing energy via a process known as magnetic reconnection. The four identical spacecraft are scheduled to launch in 2015 from Cape Canaveral and will orbit around Earth in varying formations through the dynamic magnetic system surrounding our planet to provide the first three-dimensional views of the magnetic reconnection process. The goal of the STP Program is to understand the fundamental physical processes of the space environment from the sun to Earth, other planets, and the extremes of the solar system boundary. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

  17. Development of a model and test equipment for cold flow tests at 500 atm of small nuclear light bulb configurations

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jaminet, J. F.

    1972-01-01

    A model and test equipment were developed and cold-flow-tested at greater than 500 atm in preparation for future high-pressure rf plasma experiments and in-reactor tests with small nuclear light bulb configurations. With minor exceptions, the model chamber is similar in design and dimensions to a proposed in-reactor geometry for tests with fissioning uranium plasmas in the nuclear furnace. The model and the equipment were designed for use with the UARL 1.2-MW rf induction heater in tests with rf plasmas at pressures up to 500 atm. A series of cold-flow tests of the model was then conducted at pressures up to about 510 atm. At 504 atm, the flow rates of argon and cooling water were 3.35 liter/sec (STP) and 26 gal/min, respectively. It was demonstrated that the model is capable of being operated for extended periods at the 500-atm pressure level and is, therefore, ready for use in initial high-pressure rf plasma experiments.

  18. Vaccine risk assessment in children with a referred reaction to a previous vaccine dose: 2009-2011 retrospective report at the Bambino Gesu' children hospital, Rome, Italy.

    PubMed

    Nicolosi, Luciana; Vittucci, Annachiara; Mancini, Rossella; Bozzola, Elena; Cagigi, Alberto; Grandin, Annalisa; Villani, Alberto

    2014-03-31

    During the last century, mass vaccination programs have achieved considerable success across the world in immunizing against several serious infectious diseases. However, vaccinations are threatened by their own success after results have been obtained: the more the incidence of potentially devastating diseases decreases, thanks to the success of vaccination programs, the more public attention shifts towards real or alleged "side effects" of vaccines. We analyze the experience of 153 children with "reaction to a previous vaccine dose" continuing the vaccination protocol in the safe environment of the Center for risk vaccination at the Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS in Rome, from 2009 to 2011. To assess the suitability for vaccination, a specialized pre-vaccination advice and a skin prick test (SPT) was undergone, according to Wood's guideline; 151 children were SPT negative and full vaccine was administered. Of the 153 children examined just 13 had symptoms suggestive of IgE-mediated reaction-type reactions with angioedema manifestations. Among them, 2 had positive STP, which required alternative measures of administration of the vaccine. No cases of post vaccination reaction was reported and no vaccination program was stopped due to a severe reaction. Inadequate levels of immunization against infectious diseases remain a significant problem for public health. However, the reasons for incomplete vaccination and non-adoption of vaccination services are manifold. To maintain public confidence in vaccines, advanced immunization programs must include activities for monitoring the safety of the vaccine at the individual level and pursuing specialized counseling pre-and post-vaccination for those at risk. Our results underlined a gap between true and referred adverse reactions and are consistent with vaccine safety. Anyway, a continuous assessment of the risks and benefits of vaccination is required and the results must be disclosed in order to strengthen confidence in the existing and in the new immunization programs.

  19. 76 FR 50537 - Buy America Waiver Notification

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-08-15

    ... Auditorium lighting, phase 1, in Portland, Oregon. DATES: The effective date of the waiver is August 16, 2011... (3) sealing locknuts (1.5'', 2''), for Federal-aid project X-STP-5900(212), South Auditorium lighting...

  20. Best practices for clinical pathology testing in carcinogenicity studies.

    PubMed

    Young, Jamie K; Hall, Robert L; O'Brien, Peter; Strauss, Volker; Vahle, John L

    2011-02-01

    The Society of Toxicologic Pathology (STP) and American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ASCVP) convened a Clinical Pathology in Carcinogenicity Studies Working Group to recommend best practices for inclusion of clinical pathology testing in carcinogenicity studies. Regulatory guidance documents and literature were reviewed, and veterinary pathologists from North America, Japan, and Europe were surveyed regarding current practices, perceived value, and recommendations for clinical pathology testing in carcinogenicity studies. For two-year rodent carcinogenicity studies, the Working Group recommends that clinical pathology testing be limited to collection of blood smears at scheduled and unscheduled sacrifices to be examined only if indicated to aid in the diagnosis of possible hematopoietic neoplasia following histopathologic evaluation. Additional clinical pathology testing is most appropriately used to address specific issues from prior toxicity studies or known test article-related class effects. Inadequate data were available to make a recommendation concerning clinical pathology testing for alternative six-month carcinogenicity assays using genetically modified mice, although the Working Group suggests that it may be appropriate to use the same approach as for two-year carcinogenicity studies since the study goal is the same.

  1. Ionospheric Remote Sensing using GPS Radio Occultation and Ultraviolet Photometry aboard the ISS

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Budzien, S. A.; Powell, S. P.; O'Hanlon, B.; Humphreys, T.; Bishop, R. L.; Stephan, A. W.; Gross, J.; Chakrabarti, S.

    2017-12-01

    The GPS Radio Occultation and Ultraviolet Photometer Co-located (GROUP-C) experiment launched to the International Space Station (ISS) on February 19, 2017 as part of the Space Test Program Houston #5 payload (STP-H5). After early orbit testing, GROUP-C began routine science operations in late April. GROUP-C includes a high-sensitivity far-ultraviolet photometer measuring horizontal nighttime ionospheric gradients and an advanced software-defined GPS receiver providing ionospheric electron density profiles, scintillation measurements, and lower atmosphere profiles. GROUP-C and a companion experiment, the Limb-Imaging Ionospheric and Thermospheric Extreme-Ultraviolet Spectrograph (LITES), offer a unique capability to study spatial and temporal variability of the thermosphere and ionosphere using multi-sensor approaches, including ionospheric tomography. Data are collected continuously across low- and mid-latitudes as the ISS orbit precesses through all local times every 60 days. The GROUP-C GPS sensor routinely collects dual-frequency GPS occultations, makes targeted raw signal captures of GPS and Galileo occultations, and includes multiple antennas to characterize multipath in the ISS environment. The UV photometer measures the 135.6 nm ionospheric recombination airglow emision along the nightside orbital track. We present the first analysis of ionospheric observations, discuss the challenges and opportunities of remote sensing from the ISS platform, and explore how these new data help address questions regarding the complex and dynamic features of the low and middle latitude ionosphere-thermosphere relevant to the upcoming GOLD and ICON missions.

  2. Raven: An On-Orbit Relative Navigation Demonstration Using International Space Station Visiting Vehicles

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Strube, Matthew; Henry, Ross; Skeleton, Eugene; Eepoel, John Van; Gill, Nat; McKenna, Reed

    2015-01-01

    Since the last Hubble Servicing Mission five years ago, the Satellite Servicing Capabilities Office (SSCO) at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) has been focusing on maturing the technologies necessary to robotically service orbiting legacy assets-spacecraft not necessarily designed for in-flight service. Raven, SSCO's next orbital experiment to the International Space Station (ISS), is a real-time autonomous non-cooperative relative navigation system that will mature the estimation algorithms required for rendezvous and proximity operations for a satellite-servicing mission. Raven will fly as a hosted payload as part of the Space Test Program's STP-H5 mission, which will be mounted on an external ExPRESS Logistics Carrier (ELC) and will image the many visiting vehicles arriving and departing from the ISS as targets for observation. Raven will host multiple sensors: a visible camera with a variable field of view lens, a long-wave infrared camera, and a short-wave flash lidar. This sensor suite can be pointed via a two-axis gimbal to provide a wide field of regard to track the visiting vehicles as they make their approach. Various real-time vision processing algorithms will produce range, bearing, and six degree of freedom pose measurements that will be processed in a relative navigation filter to produce an optimal relative state estimate. In this overview paper, we will cover top-level requirements, experimental concept of operations, system design, and the status of Raven integration and test activities.

  3. Spontaneous high-gamma band activity reflects functional organization of auditory cortex in the awake macaque.

    PubMed

    Fukushima, Makoto; Saunders, Richard C; Leopold, David A; Mishkin, Mortimer; Averbeck, Bruno B

    2012-06-07

    In the absence of sensory stimuli, spontaneous activity in the brain has been shown to exhibit organization at multiple spatiotemporal scales. In the macaque auditory cortex, responses to acoustic stimuli are tonotopically organized within multiple, adjacent frequency maps aligned in a caudorostral direction on the supratemporal plane (STP) of the lateral sulcus. Here, we used chronic microelectrocorticography to investigate the correspondence between sensory maps and spontaneous neural fluctuations in the auditory cortex. We first mapped tonotopic organization across 96 electrodes spanning approximately two centimeters along the primary and higher auditory cortex. In separate sessions, we then observed that spontaneous activity at the same sites exhibited spatial covariation that reflected the tonotopic map of the STP. This observation demonstrates a close relationship between functional organization and spontaneous neural activity in the sensory cortex of the awake monkey. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. Spontaneous high-gamma band activity reflects functional organization of auditory cortex in the awake macaque

    PubMed Central

    Fukushima, Makoto; Saunders, Richard C.; Leopold, David A.; Mishkin, Mortimer; Averbeck, Bruno B.

    2012-01-01

    Summary In the absence of sensory stimuli, spontaneous activity in the brain has been shown to exhibit organization at multiple spatiotemporal scales. In the macaque auditory cortex, responses to acoustic stimuli are tonotopically organized within multiple, adjacent frequency maps aligned in a caudorostral direction on the supratemporal plane (STP) of the lateral sulcus. Here we used chronic micro-electrocorticography to investigate the correspondence between sensory maps and spontaneous neural fluctuations in the auditory cortex. We first mapped tonotopic organization across 96 electrodes spanning approximately two centimeters along the primary and higher auditory cortex. In separate sessions we then observed that spontaneous activity at the same sites exhibited spatial covariation that reflected the tonotopic map of the STP. This observation demonstrates a close relationship between functional organization and spontaneous neural activity in the sensory cortex of the awake monkey. PMID:22681693

  5. Next Place Prediction Based on Spatiotemporal Pattern Mining of Mobile Device Logs.

    PubMed

    Lee, Sungjun; Lim, Junseok; Park, Jonghun; Kim, Kwanho

    2016-01-23

    Due to the recent explosive growth of location-aware services based on mobile devices, predicting the next places of a user is of increasing importance to enable proactive information services. In this paper, we introduce a data-driven framework that aims to predict the user's next places using his/her past visiting patterns analyzed from mobile device logs. Specifically, the notion of the spatiotemporal-periodic (STP) pattern is proposed to capture the visits with spatiotemporal periodicity by focusing on a detail level of location for each individual. Subsequently, we present algorithms that extract the STP patterns from a user's past visiting behaviors and predict the next places based on the patterns. The experiment results obtained by using a real-world dataset show that the proposed methods are more effective in predicting the user's next places than the previous approaches considered in most cases.

  6. Comparative biochemical methane potential of paragrass using an unacclimated and an acclimated microbial consortium.

    PubMed

    Nuchdang, Sasikarn; Khemkhao, Maneerat; Techkarnjanaruk, Somkiet; Phalakornkule, Chantaraporn

    2015-05-01

    The effect of inoculum sources on the anaerobic digestion of paragrass was investigated. Two types of sludge were used as the inoculums: an anaerobic sludge obtained from a domestic wastewater treatment plant (OS) and a sludge acclimated to fibrous substrates in raw palm oil mill effluent (AMC). Microbial activity assays showed that the AMC had hydrolytic and acetogenic activities two times greater than the activities of the OS. In addition, the production of methane from acetate by the AMC occurred without a lag phase, while it took 8 days for the OS to start producing methane from the same substrate. The biochemical methane potential after 80 days digestion was 316 ml STP/g VS(added) using the AMC, and 277 ml STP/g VS(added) using the OS. The methane potential of the paragrass was estimated to be 3337 Nm(3) CH4/ha a. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. Hierarchical auditory processing directed rostrally along the monkey's supratemporal plane.

    PubMed

    Kikuchi, Yukiko; Horwitz, Barry; Mishkin, Mortimer

    2010-09-29

    Connectional anatomical evidence suggests that the auditory core, containing the tonotopic areas A1, R, and RT, constitutes the first stage of auditory cortical processing, with feedforward projections from core outward, first to the surrounding auditory belt and then to the parabelt. Connectional evidence also raises the possibility that the core itself is serially organized, with feedforward projections from A1 to R and with additional projections, although of unknown feed direction, from R to RT. We hypothesized that area RT together with more rostral parts of the supratemporal plane (rSTP) form the anterior extension of a rostrally directed stimulus quality processing stream originating in the auditory core area A1. Here, we analyzed auditory responses of single neurons in three different sectors distributed caudorostrally along the supratemporal plane (STP): sector I, mainly area A1; sector II, mainly area RT; and sector III, principally RTp (the rostrotemporal polar area), including cortex located 3 mm from the temporal tip. Mean onset latency of excitation responses and stimulus selectivity to monkey calls and other sounds, both simple and complex, increased progressively from sector I to III. Also, whereas cells in sector I responded with significantly higher firing rates to the "other" sounds than to monkey calls, those in sectors II and III responded at the same rate to both stimulus types. The pattern of results supports the proposal that the STP contains a rostrally directed, hierarchically organized auditory processing stream, with gradually increasing stimulus selectivity, and that this stream extends from the primary auditory area to the temporal pole.

  8. Molecular mechanism of serine/threonine protein phosphatase 1 (PP1cα-PP1r7) in spermatogenesis of Toxocara canis.

    PubMed

    Ma, Guang Xu; Zhou, Rong Qiong; Song, Zhen Hui; Zhu, Hong Hong; Zhou, Zuo Yong; Zeng, Yuan Qin

    2015-09-01

    Toxocariasis is one of the most important, but neglected, zoonoses, which is mainly caused by Toxocara canis. To better understand the role of serine/threonine protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) in reproductive processes of male adult T. canis, differential expression analysis was used to reveal the profiles of PP1 catalytic subunit α (PP1cα) gene Tc-stp-1 and PP1 regulatory subunit 7 (PP1r7) gene TcM-1309. Indirect fluorescence immunocytochemistry was carried out to determine the subcellular distribution of PP1cα. Double-stranded RNA interference (RNAi) assays were employed to illustrate the function and mechanism of PP1cα in male adult reproduction. Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) showed transcriptional consistency of Tc-stp-1 and TcM-1309 in sperm-producing germline tissues and localization research showed cytoplasmic distribution of PP1cα in sf9 cells, which indicated relevant involvements of PP1cα and PP1r7 in spermatogenesis. Moreover, spatiotemporal transcriptional differences of Tc-stp-1 were determined by gene knockdown analysis, which revealed abnormal morphologies and blocked meiotic divisions of spermatocytes by phenotypic aberration scanning, thereby highlighting the crucial involvement of PP1cα in spermatogenesis. These results revealed a PP1cα-PP1r7 mechanism by which PP1 regulates kinetochore-microtubule interactions in spermatogenesis and provided important clues to identify novel drug or vaccine targets for toxocariasis control. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. Use of global assays to understand clinical phenotype in congenital factor VII deficiency.

    PubMed

    Greene, L A; Goldenberg, N A; Simpson, M L; Villalobos-Menuey, E; Bombardier, C; Acharya, S S; Santiago-Borrero, P J; Cambara, A; DiMichele, D M

    2013-09-01

    Congenital factor VII (FVII) deficiency is characterized by genotypic variability and phenotypic heterogeneity. Traditional screening and factor assays are unable to reliably predict clinical bleeding phenotype and guide haemorrhage prevention strategy. Global assays of coagulation and fibrinolysis may better characterize overall haemostatic balance and aid in haemorrhagic risk assessment. We evaluated the ability of novel global assays to better understand clinical bleeding severity in congenital FVII deficiency. Subjects underwent central determination of factor VII activity (FVII:C) as well as clot formation and lysis (CloFAL) and simultaneous thrombin and plasmin generation (STP) global assay analysis. A bleeding score was assigned to each subject through medical chart review. Global assay parameters were analysed with respect to bleeding score and FVII:C. Subgroup analyses were performed on paediatric subjects and subjects with FVII ≥ 1 IU dL(-1). CloFAL fibrinolytic index (FI2 ) inversely correlated with FVII:C while CloFAL maximum amplitude (MA) and STP maximum velocity of thrombin generation (VT max) varied directly with FVII:C. CloFAL FI2 directly correlated with bleeding score among subjects in both the total cohort and paediatric subcohort, but not among subjects with FVII ≥ 1 IU dL(-1) . Among subjects with FVII ≥ 1 IU dL(-1), STP time to maximum velocity of thrombin generation and time to maximum velocity of plasmin generation inversely correlated with bleeding score. These preliminary findings suggest a novel potential link between a hyperfibrinolytic state in bleeding severity and congenital FVII deficiency, an observation that should be further explored. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  10. Regulation of Hemolysin Expression and Virulence of Staphylococcus aureus by a Serine/Threonine Kinase and Phosphatase

    PubMed Central

    Burnside, Kellie; Lembo, Annalisa; de los Reyes, Melissa; Iliuk, Anton; BinhTran, Nguyen-Thao; Connelly, James E.; Lin, Wan-Jung; Schmidt, Byron Z.; Richardson, Anthony R.; Fang, Ferric C.; Tao, Weiguo Andy; Rajagopal, Lakshmi

    2010-01-01

    Exotoxins, including the hemolysins known as the alpha (α) and beta (β) toxins, play an important role in the pathogenesis of Staphylococcus aureus infections. A random transposon library was screened for S. aureus mutants exhibiting altered hemolysin expression compared to wild type. Transposon insertions in 72 genes resulting in increased or decreased hemolysin expression were identified. Mutations inactivating a putative cyclic di-GMP synthetase and a serine/threonine phosphatase (Stp1) were found to reduce hemolysin expression, and mutations in genes encoding a two component regulator PhoR, LysR family transcriptional regulator, purine biosynthetic enzymes and a serine/threonine kinase (Stk1) increased expression. Transcription of the hla gene encoding α toxin was decreased in a Δstp1 mutant strain and increased in a Δstk1 strain. Microarray analysis of a Δstk1 mutant revealed increased transcription of additional exotoxins. A Δstp1 strain is severely attenuated for virulence in mice and elicits less inflammation and IL-6 production than the Δstk1 strain. In vivo phosphopeptide enrichment and mass spectrometric analysis revealed that threonine phosphorylated peptides corresponding to Stk1, DNA binding histone like protein (HU), serine-aspartate rich fibrinogen/bone sialoprotein binding protein (SdrE) and a hypothetical protein (NWMN_1123) were present in the wild type and not in the Δstk1 mutant. Collectively, these studies suggest that Stk1 mediated phosphorylation of HU, SrdE and NWMN_1123 affects S. aureus gene expression and virulence. PMID:20552019

  11. Ecotoxicological risk assessment and seasonal variation of some pharmaceuticals and personal care products in the sewage treatment plant and surface water bodies (lakes).

    PubMed

    Archana, G; Dhodapkar, Rita; Kumar, Anupama

    2017-08-10

    This paper reports the seasonal variation and environmental quality control data for five fingerprint pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) (acetaminophen ciprofloxacin, caffeine, irgasan and benzophenone) in the influent and the effluent of the sewage treatment plant (STP) and surface water bodies (six major lakes) in and around Nagpur, one of the "A class city" in the central India over a period of 1 year. The target compounds were analysed using developed offline solid-phase extraction (SPE) coupled with reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC-PDA) method. All the five PPCPs were found in the influent, whereas four were found in the effluent of the STP. However, in the surface water bodies, three PPCPs were detected in all the seasons. Above PPCPs were present in the concentration range of 1-174 μg L -1 in the surface water bodies, 12-373 μg L -1 in the influent and 11-233 μg L -1 in the effluent of the STP. Amongst the five PPCPs, caffeine was found to be in higher concentration as compared to others. The seasonal trends indicate higher concentrations of PPCPs in summer season and lowest in the rainy season. Additionally, physico-chemical characterisations (inorganic and organic parameters) of the collected samples were performed to access the anthropogenic pollution. Ecotoxicological risk assessment was done to appraise the degree of toxicity of the targeted compounds. Hazard quotient (HQ) values were found to be < 1 indicating no adverse effect on the targeted organism.

  12. Fractography of ceramic and metal failures

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

    Not Available

    1984-01-01

    STP 827 is organized into the two broad areas of ceramics and metals. The ceramics section covers fracture analysis techniques, surface analysis techniques, and applied fractography. The metals section covers failure analysis techniques, and latest approaches to fractography, and applied fractography.

  13. Effects of ozonated sewage effluent on reproduction and behavioral endpoints in zebrafish (Danio rerio).

    PubMed

    Pohl, Johannes; Björlenius, Berndt; Brodin, Tomas; Carlsson, Gunnar; Fick, Jerker; Larsson, D G Joakim; Norrgren, Leif; Örn, Stefan

    2018-04-25

    Pharmaceutical residues and other micro-contaminants may enter aquatic environments through effluent from sewage treatment plants (STPs) and could cause adverse effects in wild fish. One strategy to alleviate this situation is to improve wastewater treatment by ozonation. To test the effectiveness of full-scale wastewater effluent ozonation at a Swedish municipal STP, the added removal efficiency was measured for 105 pharmaceuticals. In addition, gene expression, reproductive and behavioral endpoints were analyzed in zebrafish (Danio rerio) exposed on-site over 21 days to ozonated or non-ozonated effluents as well as to tap water. Ozone treatment (7 g O 3 /m 3 ) removed pharmaceuticals by an average efficiency of 77% in addition to the conventional treatment, leaving 11 screened pharmaceuticals above detection limits. Differences in biological responses of the exposure treatments were recorded in gene expression, reproduction and behavior. Hepatic vitellogenin gene expression was higher in male zebrafish exposed to the ozonated effluent compared to the non-ozonated effluent and tap water treatments. The reproductive success was higher in fish exposed to ozonated effluent compared to non-ozonated effluent and to tap water. The behavioral measurements showed that fish exposed to the ozonated STP effluent were less active in swimming the first minute after placed in a novel vessel. Ozonation is a capable method for removing pharmaceuticals in effluents. However, its implementation should be thoroughly evaluated for any potential biological impact. Future research is needed for uncovering the factors which produced the in vivo responses in fish. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. Maximizing the biological effect of proton dose delivered with scanned beams via inhomogeneous daily dose distributions

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

    Zeng Chuan; Giantsoudi, Drosoula; Grassberger, Clemens

    2013-05-15

    Purpose: Biological effect of radiation can be enhanced with hypofractionation, localized dose escalation, and, in particle therapy, with optimized distribution of linear energy transfer (LET). The authors describe a method to construct inhomogeneous fractional dose (IFD) distributions, and evaluate the potential gain in the therapeutic effect from their delivery in proton therapy delivered by pencil beam scanning. Methods: For 13 cases of prostate cancer, the authors considered hypofractionated courses of 60 Gy delivered in 20 fractions. (All doses denoted in Gy include the proton's mean relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of 1.1.) Two types of plans were optimized using two opposedmore » lateral beams to deliver a uniform dose of 3 Gy per fraction to the target by scanning: (1) in conventional full-target plans (FTP), each beam irradiated the entire gland, (2) in split-target plans (STP), beams irradiated only the respective proximal hemispheres (prostate split sagittally). Inverse planning yielded intensity maps, in which discrete position control points of the scanned beam (spots) were assigned optimized intensity values. FTP plans preferentially required a higher intensity of spots in the distal part of the target, while STP, by design, employed proximal spots. To evaluate the utility of IFD delivery, IFD plans were generated by rearranging the spot intensities from FTP or STP intensity maps, separately as well as combined using a variety of mixing weights. IFD courses were designed so that, in alternating fractions, one of the hemispheres of the prostate would receive a dose boost and the other receive a lower dose, while the total physical dose from the IFD course was roughly uniform across the prostate. IFD plans were normalized so that the equivalent uniform dose (EUD) of rectum and bladder did not increase, compared to the baseline FTP plan, which irradiated the prostate uniformly in every fraction. An EUD-based model was then applied to estimate tumor control probability (TCP) and normal tissue complication probability (NTCP). To assess potential local RBE variations, LET distributions were calculated with Monte Carlo, and compared for different plans. The results were assessed in terms of their sensitivity to uncertainties in model parameters and delivery. Results: IFD courses included equal number of fractions boosting either hemisphere, thus, the combined physical dose was close to uniform throughout the prostate. However, for the entire course, the prostate EUD in IFD was higher than in conventional FTP by up to 14%, corresponding to the estimated increase in TCP to 96% from 88%. The extent of gain depended on the mixing factor, i.e., relative weights used to combine FTP and STP spot weights. Increased weighting of STP typically yielded a higher target EUD, but also led to increased sensitivity of dose to variations in the proton's range. Rectal and bladder EUD were same or lower (per normalization), and the NTCP for both remained below 1%. The LET distributions in IFD also depended strongly on the mixing weights: plans using higher weight of STP spots yielded higher LET, indicating a potentially higher local RBE. Conclusions: In proton therapy delivered by pencil beam scanning, improved therapeutic outcome can potentially be expected with delivery of IFD distributions, while administering the prescribed quasi-uniform dose to the target over the entire course. The biological effectiveness of IFD may be further enhanced by optimizing the LET distributions. IFD distributions are characterized by a dose gradient located in proximity of the prostate's midplane, thus, the fidelity of delivery would depend crucially on the precision with which the proton range could be controlled.« less

  15. IDENTIFYING COMPOUNDS DESPITE CHROMATOGRAPHY LIMITATIONS: ORGANOPHOSPHATES IN TREATED SEWAGE

    EPA Science Inventory

    Highly concentrated extracts of sewage treatment plant (STP) effluents contain detectable
    levels of dozens of compounds resulting from human activities. Recent concern over use and
    disposal of Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPS) (1) has stimulated interest ...

  16. Experimental placement of stone matrix asphalt : project STP-8724 (00) X South Portland.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2004-01-01

    In September 2003 the Maine Department of Transportation used stone matrix asphalt and Superpave to : renovate two intersections in South Portland, Maine. The experimental placement of stone matrix asphalt : (SMA) and Superpave with modified binder w...

  17. Proceedings of the 2016 National Toxicology Program Satellite Symposium

    PubMed Central

    Elmore, Susan A.; Chen, Vivian S.; Hayes-Bouknight, Schantel; Hoane, Jessica S.; Janardhan, Kyathanahalli; Kooistra, Linda H.; Nolte, Thomas; Szabo, Kathleen A.; Willson, Gabrielle A.; Wolf, Jeffrey C.; Malarkey, David E.

    2016-01-01

    The 2016 annual National Toxicology Program (NTP) Satellite Symposium, entitled “Pathology Potpourri” was held in San Diego, California, at the Society of Toxicologic Pathology’s (STP) 35th annual meeting. The goal of this symposium was to present and discuss challenging diagnostic pathology and/or nomenclature issues. This article presents summaries of the speakers’ talks, along with select images that were used by the audience for voting and discussion. Some lesions and topics covered during the symposium included malignant glioma and histiocytic sarcoma in the rodent brain; a new statistical method designed for histopathology data evaluation; uterine stromal/glandular polyp in a rat; malignant plasma cell tumor in a mouse brain; Schwann cell proliferative lesions in rat hearts; axillary schwannoma in a cat; necrosis and granulomatous inflammation in a rat brain; adenoma/carcinoma in a rat adrenal gland; hepatocyte maturation defect and liver/spleen hematopoietic defects in an embryonic mouse; distinguishing malignant glioma, malignant mixed glioma and malignant oligodendroglioma in the rat; comparison of mammary gland whole mounts and histopathology from mice; and discussion of the International Harmonization of Nomenclature and Diagnostic Criteria (INHAND) collaborations. PMID:27821709

  18. Proceedings of the 2010 National Toxicology Program Satellite Symposium

    PubMed Central

    Adams, E. Terence; Auerbach, Scott; Blackshear, Pamela E.; Bradley, Alys; Gruebbel, Margarita M.; Little, Peter B.; Malarkey, David; Maronpot, Robert; McKay, Jennifer S.; Miller, Rodney A.; Moore, Rebecca R.; Morrison, James P.; Nyska, Abraham; Ramot, Yuval; Rao, Deepa; Suttie, Andrew; Wells, Monique Y.; Willson, Gabrielle A.; Elmore, Susan A.

    2011-01-01

    The 2010 annual National Toxicology Program (NTP) Satellite Symposium, entitled “Pathology Potpourri,” was held in Chicago, Illinois, in advance of the scientific symposium sponsored jointly by the Society of Toxicologic Pathology (STP) and the International Federation of Societies of Toxicologic Pathologists (IFSTP). The goal of the annual NTP Symposium is to present current diagnostic pathology or nomenclature issues to the toxicologic pathology community. This article presents summaries of the speakers' presentations, including diagnostic or nomenclature issues that were presented, along with select images that were used for voting or discussion. Some topics covered during the symposium included a comparison of rat and mouse hepatocholangiocarcinoma, a comparison of cholangiofibrosis and cholangiocarcinoma in rats, a mixed pancreatic neoplasm with acinar and islet cell components, an unusual preputial gland tumor, renal hyaline glomerulopathy in rats and mice, eosinophilic substance in the nasal septum of mice, INHAND nomenclature for proliferative and nonproliferative lesions of the CNS/PNS, retinal gliosis in a rat, fibroadnexal hamartoma in rats, intramural plaque in a mouse, a treatment-related chloracne-like lesion in mice, and an overview of mouse ovarian tumors. PMID:21177527

  19. Proceedings of the 2016 National Toxicology Program Satellite Symposium.

    PubMed

    Elmore, Susan A; Chen, Vivian S; Hayes-Bouknight, Schantel; Hoane, Jessica S; Janardhan, Kyathanahalli; Kooistra, Linda H; Nolte, Thomas; Szabo, Kathleen A; Willson, Gabrielle A; Wolf, Jeffrey C; Malarkey, David E

    2017-01-01

    The 2016 annual National Toxicology Program Satellite Symposium, entitled "Pathology Potpourri" was held in San Diego, CA, at the Society of Toxicologic Pathology's (STP) 35th annual meeting. The goal of this symposium was to present and discuss challenging diagnostic pathology and/or nomenclature issues. This article presents summaries of the speakers' talks, along with select images that were used by the audience for voting and discussion. Some lesions and topics covered during the symposium included malignant glioma and histiocytic sarcoma in the rodent brain; a new statistical method designed for histopathology data evaluation; uterine stromal/glandular polyp in a rat; malignant plasma cell tumor in a mouse brain; Schwann cell proliferative lesions in rat hearts; axillary schwannoma in a cat; necrosis and granulomatous inflammation in a rat brain; adenoma/carcinoma in a rat adrenal gland; hepatocyte maturation defect and liver/spleen hematopoietic defects in an embryonic mouse; distinguishing malignant glioma, malignant mixed glioma, and malignant oligodendroglioma in the rat; comparison of mammary gland whole mounts and histopathology from mice; and discussion of the International Harmonization of Nomenclature and Diagnostic Criteria collaborations.

  20. Project CHECO Southeast Asia Report. Drug Abuse in Southeast Asia

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1975-01-01

    lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), mescaline, demethoxy- amphetamine (STP), and psilocybin . c. Narcotics - Any opiates or cocaine, including their synthetic...8217.amine hailuciL,ogen senses Mescalin Mesc 3, 4, 5 trineth Hallucinogen Swallowed Exhilaration; oxyphenethylamine distortion of senses Psilocybin 8 (2

  1. Personnel Security Research - Prescreening and Background Investigations

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1986-06-01

    military unit, base, station, ship, or aircraft nf a controlled substance with the intent to distribute. Hallucinogens/ Psychedelics . A group of...and psychedelic amphetamine variants (STP, MDA). Although a unique drug, for purposes of this certificate phencyclidine (PCP) will be labeled in this

  2. Best Practices for Use of Historical Control Data of Proliferative Rodent Lesions.

    EPA Science Inventory

    The Historical Control Data Working Group under the direction of the Scientific and Regulatory Policy Committee (SRPC) of the Society of Toxicologic Pathology (STP) was tasked with reviewing the current scientific practices, regulatory guidance and relevant literature pertaining ...

  3. STP WORKING GROUP FOR HISTORIAL DATA OF PROLIFERATIVE RODENT LESIONS

    EPA Science Inventory

    Abstract: The Historical Control Data Working Group, under the direction of the Scientific and Regulatory Policy Committee, is tasked with the preparation of a document that reviews current scientific practices, regulations and relevant literature in order to provide best practic...

  4. Dynamic balance of excitation and inhibition rapidly modulates spike probability and precision in feed-forward hippocampal circuits

    PubMed Central

    Wahlstrom-Helgren, Sarah

    2016-01-01

    Feed-forward inhibitory (FFI) circuits are important for many information-processing functions. FFI circuit operations critically depend on the balance and timing between the excitatory and inhibitory components, which undergo rapid dynamic changes during neural activity due to short-term plasticity (STP) of both components. How dynamic changes in excitation/inhibition (E/I) balance during spike trains influence FFI circuit operations remains poorly understood. In the current study we examined the role of STP in the FFI circuit functions in the mouse hippocampus. Using a coincidence detection paradigm with simultaneous activation of two Schaffer collateral inputs, we found that the spiking probability in the target CA1 neuron was increased while spike precision concomitantly decreased during high-frequency bursts compared with a single spike. Blocking inhibitory synaptic transmission revealed that dynamics of inhibition predominately modulates the spike precision but not the changes in spiking probability, whereas the latter is modulated by the dynamics of excitation. Further analyses combining whole cell recordings and simulations of the FFI circuit suggested that dynamics of the inhibitory circuit component may influence spiking behavior during bursts by broadening the width of excitatory postsynaptic responses and that the strength of this modulation depends on the basal E/I ratio. We verified these predictions using a mouse model of fragile X syndrome, which has an elevated E/I ratio, and found a strongly reduced modulation of postsynaptic response width during bursts. Our results suggest that changes in the dynamics of excitatory and inhibitory circuit components due to STP play important yet distinct roles in modulating the properties of FFI circuits. PMID:27605532

  5. Development of a scanning tunneling potentiometry system for measurement of electronic transport at short length scales

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rozler, Michael

    It is clear that complete understanding of macroscopic properties of materials is impossible without a thorough knowledge of behavior at the smallest length scales. While the past 25 years have witnessed major advances in a variety of techniques that probe the nanoscale properties of matter, electrical transport measurements -- the heart of condensed matter research -- have lagged behind, never progressing beyond bulk measurements. This thesis describes a scanning tunneling potentiometry (STP) system developed to simultaneously map the transport-related electrochemical potential distribution of a biased sample along with its surface topography, extending electronic transport measurements to the nanoscale. Combining a novel sample biasing technique with a continuous current-nulling feedback scheme pushes the noise performance of the measurement to its fundamental limit - the Johnson noise of the STM tunnel junction. The resulting 130 nV voltage sensitivity allows us to spatially resolve local potentials at scales down to 2 nm, while maintaining atomic scale STM imaging, all at scan sizes of up to 15 microns. A mm-range two-dimensional coarse positioning stage and the ability to operate from liquid helium to room temperature with a fast turn-around time greatly expand the versatility of the instrument. Use of carefully selected model materials, combined with excellent topographic and voltage resolution has allowed us to distinguish measurement artifacts caused by surface roughness from true potentiometric features, a major problem in previous STP measurements. The measurements demonstrate that STP can produce physically meaningful results for homogeneous transport as well as non-uniform conduction dominated by material microstructures. Measurements of several physically interesting materials systems are presented as well, revealing new behaviors at the smallest length sales. The results establish scanning tunneling potentiometry as a useful tool for physics and materials science.

  6. Ion transport in a human lens epithelial cell line exposed to hyposmotic and apoptotic stress.

    PubMed

    Chimote, Ameet A; Adragna, Norma C; Lauf, Peter K

    2010-04-01

    Membrane transport changes in human lens epithelial (HLE-B3) cells under hyposmotic and apoptotic stress were compared. Cell potassium content, K(i), uptake of the K congener rubidium, Rb(i), and water content were measured after hyposmotic stress induced by hypotonicity, and apoptotic stress by the protein-kinase inhibitor staurosporine (STP). Cell water increased in hyposmotic (150 mOsm) as compared to isosmotic (300 mOsm) balanced salt solution (BSS) by >2-fold at 5 min and decreased within 15 min to baseline values accompanied by a 40% K(i) loss commensurate with cell swelling and subsequent cell shrinkage likely due to regulatory volume decrease (RVD). Loss of K(i), and accompanying water, and Rb(i) uptake in hyposmotic BSS were prevented by clotrimazole (CTZ) suggesting water shifts associated with K and Rb flux via intermediate conductance K (IK) channels, also detected at the mRNA and protein level. In contrast, 2 h after 2 microM STP exposure, the cells lost approximately 40% water and approximately 60% K(i), respectively, consistent with apoptotic volume decrease (AVD). Indeed, water and K(i) loss was at least fivefold greater after hyposmotic than after apoptotic stress. High extracellular K and 2 mM 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) but not CTZ significantly reduced apoptosis. Annexin labeling phosphatidylserine (PS) at 15 min suggested loss of lipid asymmetry. Quantitative PCR revealed significant IK channel expression during prolonged hyposmotic stress. Results suggest in HLE-B3 cells, IK channels likely partook in and were down regulated after RVD, whereas pro-apoptotic STP-activation of 4-AP-sensitive voltage-gated K channels preceded or accompanied PS externalization before subsequent apoptosis. J. Cell. Physiol. 223: 110-122, 2010. (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  7. Teenage pregnancy - a study in São Tomé and Príncipe.

    PubMed

    Carvalho, Fábia; Medeiros, Inês de; Faria, Catarina; Cotu, Djamilla; Will, Endza Paula; Neves, Edgar; Pontes, Teresa

    2017-08-22

    Introduction The increasing number of pregnant teenagers in São Tomé and Príncipe (STP) represents a serious public health issue. The aim of this study was to characterize the population of pregnant adolescents followed in a health facility dedicated to maternal health in STP. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among pregnant teenagers that attended the Mother and Child Protection Center during the first quarter of 2017. The survey contained questions on sociodemographic characteristics, sexual and risk behaviors, family, partners and health support. Results The mean age of the 51 pregnant teenagers included was 16.37 ± 0.8 years. Eight girls reported that they had planned to fall pregnant. Teenagers whose pregnancy was unplanned usually present with a previous family history of adolescent pregnancy. About 59% of girls engaged in sexual activity before 16 years of age with a mean number of sexual partners of 1.84 ± 0.88. In this study, 51% of the girls do not use any contraceptive method, usually because their partner refuses to do so. The preferred contraceptive method are condoms. Information on contraception is given mainly at school. Pregnant girls' first medical consultation was at a mean gestational age of 6 weeks. Abortion was considered by 51% of girls after pregnancy was confirmed. Conclusion Teenage pregnancy imposes health problems for the mother and child and contributes to educational and socioeconomic disadvantages. The collaboration of healthcare providers, teachers and parents is needed to enhance sexual health education. This is the first study in STP on teenage pregnancy; although the sample is small, the authors believe that the results are representative of the general population.

  8. Social accounting matrix and the effects of economic reform on health price index and household expenditures: Evidence from Iran.

    PubMed

    Keshavarz, Khosro; Najafi, Behzad; Andayesh, Yaghob; Rezapour, Aziz; Abolhallaj, Masoud; Sarabi Asiabar, Ali; Hashemi Meshkini, Amir; Sanati, Ehsan; Mirian, Iman; Nikfar, Shekoofeh; Lotfi, Farhad

    2017-01-01

    Background: Socioeconomic indicators are the main factors that affect health outcome. Health price index (HPI) and households living costs (HLC) are affected by economic reform. This study aimed at examining the effect of subsidy targeting plan (STP) on HPI and HLC. Methods: The social accounting matrix was used to study the direct and indirect effects of STP. We chose 11 health related goods and services including insurance, compulsory social security services, hospital services, medical and dental services, other human health services, veterinary services, social services, environmental health services, laundry& cleaning and dyeing services, cosmetic and physical health services, and pharmaceutical products in the social accounting matrix to examine the health price index. Data were analyzed by the I-O&SAM software. Results: Due to the subsidy release on energy, water, and bread prices, we found that (i) health related goods and services groups' price index rose between 33.43% and 77.3%, (ii) the living cost index of urban households increased between 48.75% and 58.21%, and (iii) the living cost index of rural households grew between 53.51% and 68.23%. The results demonstrated that the elimination of subsidy would have negative effects on health subdivision and households' costs such that subsidy elimination increased the health prices index and the household living costs, especially among low-income families. The STP had considerable effects on health subdivision price index. Conclusion: The elimination or reduction of energy carriers and basic commodities subsidies have changed health price and households living cost index. Therefore, the policymakers should consider controlling the price of health sectors, price fluctuations and shocks.

  9. Occurrence and distribution of oligomeric organophosphorus flame retardants in different treatment stages of a sewage treatment plant.

    PubMed

    Liang, Kang; Shi, Fengqiong; Liu, Jingfu

    2018-01-01

    Oligomeric organophosphate esters (OOPEs) like 2,2-bis(chloromethyl)-propane-1,3-diyltetrakis (2-chloroethyl) bisphosphate (V6), resorcinol bis(diphenylphosphate) (RDP) and bisphenol A bis(diphenylphosphate) (BDP), are widely used as alternatives of Deca-BDE in plastic and electronic consumer products. However, studies on the environmental occurrence and fate of OOPEs are very scarce. This work studied the occurrence, distribution and fate of V6, BDP and RDP during the different treatment stages of a sewage treatment plant (STP) in Beijing, China. To accomplish this, a method to analyze trace V6, BDP and RDP in suspended solids samples and aqueous samples of sewage and sludge was developed by using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Using this method, BDP and RDP were detected for the first time in suspended solids of sewage and sludge with a concentration of 2.06-5.82 ng/g dry weight and 0.44-3.45 ng/g dry weight, respectively, whereas their concentration level in the aqueous phase of these samples were below the detection limits of the method. However, V6 was detected in all treatment stages of the STP, with concentrations in the range of 10.2-27.1 ng/L in aqueous phase and 0.40-1.73 ng/g dw in solid phase. Mass balance results indicated that 75.6% of the original V6 mass flow was discharged along with effluent, while 83.3% and 72.2% of the initial RDP and BDP mass flow were lost due to biodegradation, respectively. Nevertheless, compared to the 14 widely used monomeric organophosphate esters (MOPEs), the concentration levels of OOPEs in this studied STP were relatively low. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. Trypsin-like Proteins of the Fungi as Possible Markers of Phytopathogenicity

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Sequences of peptidases with conserved motifs around the active site residues that are characteristic of trypsins (similar to trypsin peptidases, STP) were obtained from publicly available fungal genomes and related databases. Among the 74 fungal genomes, 30 species of parasitic Ascomycota contained...

  11. 47 CFR 61.3 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... trunk ports, Information Surcharge, and signalling transfer point (STP) port) by the base period LS...) Dominant carrier. A carrier found by the Commission to have market power (i.e., power to control prices... billing or collection of access charges from interexchange carriers or wireless carriers. When determining...

  12. 47 CFR 61.3 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... trunk ports, Information Surcharge, and signalling transfer point (STP) port) by the base period LS...) Dominant carrier. A carrier found by the Commission to have market power (i.e., power to control prices... billing or collection of access charges from interexchange carriers or wireless carriers. When determining...

  13. Ozonation and H2O2/UV treatment of clofibric acid in water: a kinetic investigation.

    PubMed

    Andreozzi, Roberto; Caprio, Vincenzo; Marotta, Raffaele; Radovnikovic, Anita

    2003-10-31

    The presence of pharmaceuticals or their active metabolites in surface and ground waters has been recently reported as mainly due to an incomplete removal of these pollutants in sewage treatment plants (STP). Advanced oxidation processes may represent a suitable tool to reduce environmental release of these species by enhancing the global efficiency of reduction of pharmaceuticals in the municipal sewage plant effluents. The present work aims at assessing the kinetics of abatement from aqueous solutions of clofibric acid (a metabolite of the blood lipid regulator clofibrate) which has been found in surface, ground and drinking waters. Ozonation and hydrogen peroxide photolysis are capable of fast removal of this species in aqueous solution, with an almost complete conversion of the organic chlorine content into chloride ions for the investigated reaction conditions. A validation of assessed kinetics at clofibric acid concentrations as low as those found in STP effluents is presented for both systems.

  14. Regulatory Forum Opinion Piece: Review of FDA Draft Guidance Testicular Toxicity-Evaluation during Drug Development Guidance for Industry.

    PubMed

    Hukkanen, Renee R; Halpern, Wendy G; Vidal, Justin D

    2016-10-01

    In July 2015, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted a new draft guidance entitled "Testicular Toxicity: Evaluation during Drug Development Guidance for Industry," with a 90-day public comment period. As the nonclinical assessment of testicular toxicity often relies on the expert interpretation of pathology affecting the male reproductive tract, this draft guidance is considered directly relevant to the toxicologic pathology community. Therefore, a working group was formed through the Scientific and Regulatory Policy Committee of the Society of Toxicologic Pathologists (STPs) to provide a detailed review of the draft guidance. Specific comments on the guidance were submitted to the FDA by the STP. The draft guidance and all comments received are currently under review with the FDA. This commentary provides a summary of the components of the draft guidance and the comments submitted by the STP with acknowledgment of different perspectives reflected in comments from other respondents. © The Author(s) 2016.

  15. An experimental study of adsorption interference in binary mixtures flowing through activated carbon

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Madey, R.; Photinos, P. J.

    1983-01-01

    The isothermal transmission through activated carbon adsorber beds at 25 C of acetaldehyde-propane and acetylene-ethane mixtures in a helium carrier gas was measured. The inlet concentration of each component was in the range between 10 ppm and 500 ppm. The constant inlet volumetric flow rate was controlled at 200 cc (STP)/min in the acetaldehyde-propane experiments and at 50 cc (STP)/min in the acetaldehyde-ethane experiments. Comparison of experimental results with the corresponding single-component experiments under similar conditions reveals interference phenomena between the components of the mixtures as evidenced by changes in both the adsorption capacity and the dispersion number. Propane was found to displace acetaldehyde from the adsorbed state. The outlet concentration profiles of propane in the binary mixtures tend to become more diffuse than the corresponding concentration profiles of the one-component experiments. Similar features were observed with mixtures of acetylene and ethane; however, the displacement of acetylene by ethane is less pronounced.

  16. PROTEINS IN NUCLEOCYTOPLASMIC INTERACTIONS

    PubMed Central

    Goldstein, Lester; Prescott, David M.

    1967-01-01

    By the transplantation of amino acid-3H-labeled nuclei between cells and the subsequent isolation of nuclei for quantitative assay, we have confirmed that all the nuclear proteins of Amoeba proteus are divisible into two classes that are sharply defined by their physiological behavior. About 40% of the proteins in the nucleus rapidly migrates back and forth between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. These rapidly migrating proteins (RMP) are 25–50 times more concentrated in the nucleus than in the cytoplasm, and migration into the nucleus therefore occurs against a high concentration differential. The remaining 60% of nuclear proteins has been classified as slow turnover proteins (STP) since (as reported in a following paper) virtually all of them ultimately undergo turnover. Turnover in this context means loss of label from the nucleus, by either protein breakdown or protein migration to the cytoplasm. Isolation of nuclei in the detergent Triton X-100 results in a 20% loss of nuclear proteins but conclusions about RMP and STP were not found to be significantly affected by this loss. PMID:6036526

  17. Evaluation of the broad-spectrum lytic capability of bacteriophage cocktails against various Salmonella serovars and their effects on weaned pigs infected with Salmonella Typhimurium.

    PubMed

    Seo, Byoung-Joo; Song, Eu-Tteum; Lee, Kichan; Kim, Jong-Won; Jeong, Chang-Gi; Moon, Sung-Hyun; Son, Jee Soo; Kang, Sang Hyeon; Cho, Ho-Seong; Jung, Byeong Yeal; Kim, Won-Il

    2018-06-06

    The broad-spectrum lytic capability of Salmonella bacteriophages against various Salmonella species was evaluated to determine their potential as an alternative for antibiotics, and the safety and preventive effects of the bacteriophages were assessed on mice and pigs. Four bacteriophage cocktails were prepared using 13 bacteriophages, and the lytic capability of the four bacteriophage cocktails was tested using Salmonella reference strains and field isolates. Bacteriophage cocktail C (SEP-1, SGP-1, STP-1, SS3eP-1, STP-2, SChP-1, SAP-1, SAP-2; ≥10 9 pfu/ml) showed the best lytic activity against the Salmonella reference strains (100% of 34) and field isolates (92.5% of 107). Fifty mice were then orally inoculated with bacteriophage cocktail C to determine the distribution of bacteriophages in various organs, blood and feces. The effects of bacteriophages on Salmonella infection in weaned pigs (n=15) were also evaluated through an experimental challenge with Salmonella Typhimurium after treatment with bacteriophage cocktail C. All mice exhibited distribution of the bacteriophages in all organs, blood and feces until 15 days post infection (dpi). After 35 dpi, bacteriophages were not detected in any of these specimens. As demonstrated in a pig challenge study, treatment with bacteriophage cocktail C reduced the level of Salmonella shedding in feces. The metagenomic analyses of these pig feces also revealed that bacteriophage treatment decreased the number of species of the Enterobacteriaceae family without significant disturbance to the normal fecal flora. This study showed that bacteriophages effectively controlled Salmonella in a pig challenge model and could be a good alternative for antibiotics to control Salmonella infection.

  18. Pharmaceutical concentration variability at sewage treatment plant outlets dominated by hydrology and other factors.

    PubMed

    Brunsch, Andrea F; Ter Laak, Thomas L; Rijnaarts, Huub; Christoffels, Ekkehard

    2018-04-01

    A study was conducted in which the effluent at four small to medium sized sewage treatment plants (STP) in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany was monitored for three pharmaceutical compounds (carbamazepine, diclofenac, metoprolol) over a period of four years. Grab sampling and auto sampling campaigns were accomplished with respect to various weather conditions in the catchment area. Flow volumes and hydraulic retention times (HRT) from various sampling dates which provide information on processes causing emission changes were additionally taken into account. Monitoring results showed that concentration scattering in the effluent is related to HRT in the sewage treatment plants. Dilution effects following rain events in the catchment area were analysed for the three investigated substances. Short-term emission changes explained by dilution only could be well determined by the mathematical relation between discharge and concentration, and for carbamazepine to be solely determined by the dilution effects at all HRTs. For metoprolol, a clear decrease in concentrations was observed at HRTs above 80 h, and a significant contribution of biodegradation was supported by independent biodegradation tests. For three out of the four STPs, a decrease in concentrations of diclofenac was observed at hydraulic retention times above 80 h, indicating removal, whereas the relationship between concentration and HRT of the other STP could be explained by dilution only. The study shows that emissions can vary with weather conditions, hampering the assessment of emissions and estimation of concentrations in surface waters from generic removal rates only. Furthermore, it illustrates the importance of HRT of rather stable substances in wastewater treatment. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. The effects of upper and lower limb position on symmetry of vertical ground reaction force during sit-to-stand in chronic stroke subjects

    PubMed Central

    Lee, Jae Hong; Min, Dong Ki; Choe, Han Seong; Lee, Jin Hwan; Shin, So Hong

    2018-01-01

    [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of arm and leg posture elements on symmetrical weight bearing during Sit to Stand tasks in chronic stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were diagnosed with stroke and 22 patients (15 males and 7 females) participated in this study. All participants performed Sit to Stand tasks on three foot postures and two arm postures. Two force plates were used to measure peak of vertical ground reaction force and symmetrical ratio to peak Fz. The data were analyzed using independent t-test and two-way repeated ANOVA. [Results] The results of this study are as follows: 1) Peak Fz placed more weight in non-paretic leg during Sit to Stand. 2) A symmetrical ratio to Peak Fz indicated significant difference between foot and arm posture, and had non-paretic limb supported on a step and paretic at ground level (STP) and grasped arm posture that lock fingers together with shoulder flexion by 90°(GA) (0.79 ± 0.09). [Conclusion] These results suggest that STP posture of the legs and GA posture of the arms should be able to increase the use of the paretic side during Sit to Stand behavior and induce normal Sit to Stand mechanism through the anterior tilt of the hip in clinical practices, by which loads onto the knee joint and the ankle joint can be reduced, and the trunk righting response can be promoted by making the back fully stretched. The outcome of this study is expected to be a reference for exercise or prognosis of Sit to Stand in stroke patients. PMID:29545686

  20. 50 CFR Table 14a to Part 679 - Port of Landing Codes 1, Alaska

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... DUT Chefornak 189 CHF Chignik 113 CHG Cordova 115 COR Craig 116 CRG Dillingham 117 DIL Douglas 136 JNU... 168 SIT Skagway 169 SKG Soldotna 318 SOL St. George 170 STG St. Mary 319 STM St. Paul 172 STP Tee...

  1. 50 CFR Table 14a to Part 679 - Port of Landing Codes 1, Alaska

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... DUT Chefornak 189 CHF Chignik 113 CHG Cordova 115 COR Craig 116 CRG Dillingham 117 DIL Douglas 136 JNU... 168 SIT Skagway 169 SKG Soldotna 318 SOL St. George 170 STG St. Mary 319 STM St. Paul 172 STP Tee...

  2. 50 CFR Table 14a to Part 679 - Port of Landing Codes 1, Alaska

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... DUT Chefornak 189 CHF Chignik 113 CHG Cordova 115 COR Craig 116 CRG Dillingham 117 DIL Douglas 136 JNU... 168 SIT Skagway 169 SKG Soldotna 318 SOL St. George 170 STG St. Mary 319 STM St. Paul 172 STP Tee...

  3. 50 CFR Table 14a to Part 679 - Port of Landing Codes 1, Alaska

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... DUT Chefornak 189 CHF Chignik 113 CHG Cordova 115 COR Craig 116 CRG Dillingham 117 DIL Douglas 136 JNU... 168 SIT Skagway 169 SKG Soldotna 318 SOL St. George 170 STG St. Mary 319 STM St. Paul 172 STP Tee...

  4. 50 CFR Table 14a to Part 679 - Port of Landing Codes 1, Alaska

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... DUT Chefornak 189 CHF Chignik 113 CHG Cordova 115 COR Craig 116 CRG Dillingham 117 DIL Douglas 136 JNU... 168 SIT Skagway 169 SKG Soldotna 318 SOL St. George 170 STG St. Mary 319 STM St. Paul 172 STP Tee...

  5. European Scientific Notes. Volume 38, Number 8.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1984-08-01

    is done mechanics, environmentally assisted using a Dugdale-Bilby strip yielding fracture, and oxidation in CO2. model (see Dowling and Townley , 1975...larger than the load ture, ASTM-STP668 (1979), 581. required to initiate cracking (this is Dowling, A.R., and C.H.A. Townley , why most of the failure

  6. 75 FR 7632 - Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards (ACRS) Meeting of the Subcommittee on Advanced Boiling...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-02-22

    ... March 2, 2010, at 11545 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland, Room T2 B3. The meeting will be open to... chapters (1, 4, 11, 12, 15 and 18) of the Safety Evaluation Report with Open Items associated with the STP...

  7. Manufacturing Methods and Technology Engineering for Tape Chip Carrier.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1981-08-01

    equipment and fixtures were used in the manufacturer of the Sync Counter hybrid microcircuit. o Continuous Tape Plater - Model No. STP, Microplate ...Headquarters 001 Commander ATTN: Ray L. Gilbert Naval Ocean Systems Center 608 Independence Ave., SW ATTN: Dr. W. D. McKee, Jr. Washington, DC 20546 Code

  8. Can't Do Maths--Understanding Students' Maths Anxiety

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Metje, N.; Frank, H. L.; Croft, P.

    2007-01-01

    The number of students continuing with their mathematics education post GCSE level has declined in recent years and hence students entering Engineering degrees are reducing. The University of Birmingham recognized this problem and introduced the Suite of Technology programme (STP) which no longer requires students to have A-level mathematics.…

  9. 75 FR 39707 - STP Nuclear Operating Company, South Texas Project, Units 1 and 2; Exemption

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-07-12

    ... consistent with the expected practice of fatigue management. Maintenance The NRC staff does not consider... September 21, 2009 (Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS) Accession No. ML092720178... understanding the effects of fire and fire suppressants on safe shutdown capability; (4) performing maintenance...

  10. A PROBABALISTIC ANALYSIS TO DETERMINE ECOLOGICAL RISK DRIVERS, 10TH VOLUME ASTM STP 1403

    EPA Science Inventory

    A probabilistic analysis of exposure and effect data was used to identify chemicals most likely responsible for ecological risk. The mean and standard deviation of the natural log-transformed chemical data were used to estimate the probability of exposure for an area of concern a...

  11. ALTERED SERUM SEX STEROIDS AND VITELLOGENIN INDUCTION IN WALLEYE (STIZOSTEDION VITREUM) COLLECTED NEAR A METROPOLITAN SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT

    EPA Science Inventory

    Feral, male walleye collected from the Mississippi River below the St. Paul metropolitan sewage treatment plant (STP) contained measurable levels of the estrogen-inducible, female egg protein, vitellogenin. These same fish showed significantly decreased serum androgen and signifi...

  12. 14 CFR 399.35 - Special tariff permission.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... Special tariff permission. (a) Definition. As used in this section, to grant STP means to approve a carrier's application for Special Tariff Permission to file a tariff on less than the statutory notice set... 14 Aeronautics and Space 4 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Special tariff permission. 399.35 Section...

  13. 78 FR 70588 - STP Nuclear Operating Company; South Texas Project

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-11-26

    ... efficiency; (8) wind power; (9) solar power; (10) hydroelectric power; (11) ocean wave and current energy... generic environmental impact statement for license renewal of nuclear plants; issuance. SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has published the final, plant-specific...

  14. 76 FR 5410 - STP Nuclear Operating Company; Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement and...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-01-31

    ... scope of the NEPA review by contacting the NRC Project Manager, Mr. Tam Tran, by telephone at 800-368-5642, extension 3617, or by e-mail at Tam[email protected] no later than February 23, 2011. Members of the...

  15. 77 FR 19937 - Inflatable Personal Flotation Devices

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-04-03

    ... Advancement Act OMB Office of Management and Budget PFD Personal flotation device STP Standards Technical... using existing inflatable PFDs, and would enable marketing of existing inflatable PFDs to youth. The... approved, and thus does not affect the availability, use, or marketing of existing PFDs to or by the youth...

  16. Highlights from the Student Transitions Project: Post-Secondary Student Mobility

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Heslop, Joanne

    2017-01-01

    The Student Transitions Project (STP) newsletter focuses exclusively on student mobility within the B.C. public post-secondary system. In this context, student mobility includes the sequential or simultaneous enrollment of academic credit registrants attending one or more B.C. public post-secondary institutions throughout their academic studies.…

  17. DGT technique to assess P mobilization from greenhouse vegetable soils in China: A novel approach.

    PubMed

    Kalkhajeh, Yusef Kianpoor; Sørensen, Helle; Huang, Biao; Guan, Dong-Xing; Luo, Jun; Hu, Wenyou; Holm, Peter E; Hansen, Hans Christian Bruun

    2018-07-15

    Intensive phosphorus (P) inputs to plastic-covered greenhouse vegetable production (PGVP) in China has led to excessive soil P accumulation increasing the potential for leaching to surface waters. This study examined the mobility and hence the potential risk of P losses through correlations between soil solution P (P Sol ) and soil extractable P as determined by conventional soil P test methods (STPs) including degree of P saturations (DPSs), and diffusive gradient in thin-films (DGT P) technique. A total of 75 topsoil samples were chosen from five representative Chinese PGVPs covering a wide range of physiochemical soil properties and cultivation history. Total P and Olsen P contents varied from 260 to 4900, and 5 to 740mgkg -1 , respectively, while P Sol concentrations were between 0.01 and 10.8mgL -1 reflecting the large differences in vegetation history, fertilization schemes, and soil types. Overall, DGT P provided the best correlation with P Sol (r 2 =0.97) demonstrating that DGT P is a versatile measure of P mobility regardless of soil type. Among the DPSs tested, oxalate extractable Al (DPS Ox-Al ) had the best correlation with P Sol (r 2 =0.87). In the STP versus P Sol relationships, STP break-points above which P mobilization increases steeply were 513μgL -1 and 190mgkg -1 for DGT P or Olsen P, respectively, corresponding to P Sol concentration of 0.88mgL -1 . However, for P Sol concentration of 0.1mgL -1 that initiates eutrophication, the corresponding DGT P and Olsen P values were 27μgL -1 and 22mgkg -1 , respectively. Over 80% of the investigated soils had DGT P and Olsen P above these values, and thus are at risk of P mobilization threatening receiving waters by eutrophication. This paper demonstrates that the DGT extracted P is a powerful measure for soluble P and hence for assessment of P mobility from a broad range of soil types. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. Proceedings of the 2015 National Toxicology Program Satellite Symposium

    PubMed Central

    Elmore, Susan A.; Farman, Cindy A.; Hailey, James R.; Kovi, Ramesh C.; Malarkey, David E.; Morrison, James P.; Neel, Jennifer; Pesavento, Patricia A.; Porter, Brian F.; Szabo, Kathleen A.; Teixeira, Leandro B. C.; Quist, Erin M.

    2016-01-01

    The 2015 annual National Toxicology Program (NTP) Satellite Symposium, entitled “Pathology Potpourri” was held in Minneapolis, Minnesota at the ACVP/ASVCP/STP combined meeting. The goal of this symposium is to present and discuss diagnostic pathology challenges or nomenclature issues. Because of the combined meeting, both laboratory and domestic animal cases were presented. This article presents summaries of the speakers’ talks, including challenging diagnostic cases or nomenclature issues that were presented, along with select images that were used for audience voting and discussion. Some lesions and topics covered during the symposium included hepatocellular lesions; a proposed harmonized diagnostic approach to rat cardiomyopathy; crop milk in a bird; avian feeding accoutrement; heat exchanger in a tuna; metastasis of a tobacco carcinogen-induced pulmonary carcinoma; neurocytoma in a rat; pituicytoma in a rat; rodent mammary gland whole mounts; dog and rat alveolar macrophage ultrastructure; dog and rat pulmonary phospholipidosis; alveolar macrophage aggregation in a dog; degenerating yeast in a cat liver aspirate; myeloid leukemia in lymph node aspirates from a dog; Trypanosoma cruzi in a dog; solanum toxicity in a cow; bovine astrovirus; malignant microglial tumor; and nomenclature challenges from the Special Senses International Harmonization of Nomenclature and Diagnostic Criteria (INHAND) organ working group (OWG). PMID:27075180

  19. STP Position Paper: Recommended Practices for Sampling and Processing the Nervous System (Brain, Spinal Cord, Nerve, and Eye) during Nonclinical General Toxicity Studies

    EPA Science Inventory

    The Society of Toxicologic Pathology charged a Nervous System Sampling Working Group with devising recommended practices to routinely screen the central and peripheral nervous systems in Good Laboratory Practice-type nonclinical general toxicity studies. Brains should be trimmed ...

  20. Survey of Movers. Executive Summary

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    British Columbia Council on Admissions and Transfer, 2013

    2013-01-01

    Thanks to the Student Transitions Project (STP) there is a wealth of data on student mobility in BC's post-secondary system; however, these data do not explain why students are moving, and how their educational goals are being supported. In early 2012, the BC Council on Admissions and Transfer commissioned BC Stats to survey over 1,600 students…

  1. Collaborative School Improvement: An Integrated Model for Educational Leaders.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Perry, Eleanor A.

    A systematic way to create collaborative school improvement is provided. The currently expanding role of administrators as staff developers is explored; 10 strategies are listed for the principal to use as a key player in staff development. Two specific organization development problem-solving strategies, Situation-Target-Plan (S-T-P) and Force…

  2. STP Position Paper: Recommended Best Practices for Sampling, Processing and Analysis of the Peripheral Nervous System (Nerves and Somatic and Autonomic Ganglia) during Nonclinical Toxicity Studies

    EPA Science Inventory

    These Society of Toxicologic Pathology “best” practice recommendations should ensure consistent sampling, processing, and evaluation of the peripheral nervous system (PNS). For toxicity studies where neurotoxicity is not anticipated (Situation 1), PNS evaluation may be limited...

  3. The Role of Work Placement in Engineering Students' Academic Performance

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Blicblau, Aaron Simon; Nelson, Tracey Louise; Dini, Kurosh

    2016-01-01

    Engineering graduates without industrial experience may find that employment is difficult to obtain immediately after completing their studies. This study investigates the impact of two arrangements of work experiences; short term (over 12 weeks, STP) and long-term (over 52 weeks, IBL) on academic grades. This study involved 240 undergraduate…

  4. 75 FR 67784 - STP Nuclear Operating Company South Texas Project Electric Generating Station, Units 3 and 4...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-11-03

    .... Mitigation measures, such as operational controls and practices, worker training, use of personal protective... equipment emissions, and fugitive dust caused by earth-moving activities. As stated in the ER for the COL... fugitive dust and vehicle and equipment emissions, including water suppression, covering truck loads and...

  5. The Influence of Tech-Savvyness and Clicker Use on Student Learning

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Zapf, Jennifer A.; Garcia, Adolfo J.

    2011-01-01

    The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of technology proficiency and clicker use on students' perceptions of clickers, engagement and class grade point average. Four hundred and five students completed a questionnaire that measured Student Technology Proficiency (STP; Garcia and Zapf, in press), and participated in the…

  6. 75 FR 37876 - Buy America Waiver Notification

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-06-30

    ... hollow core threaded share anchor rods in construction of Federal-aid project X-STP-1525 (004) in Oregon... is appropriate for the use of non- domestic 1'' diameter hollow core threaded share anchor rods for... to issue a waiver for the 1'' diameter hollow core threaded share anchor rods ( http://www.fhwa.dot...

  7. Time-dependent Reliability of Dynamic Systems using Subset Simulation with Splitting over a Series of Correlated Time Intervals

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-08-01

    cost due to potential warranty costs, repairs and loss of market share. Reliability is the probability that the system will perform its intended...MCMC and splitting sampling schemes. Our proposed SS/ STP method is presented in Section 4, including accuracy bounds and computational effort

  8. Measurement of Aerosol Optical Properties by Integrating Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy and Nephelometry

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-01-01

    Getachew Tedela North Carolina A&T State University 1601 East Market Street Greensboro, NC 27411 -3209 REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE b. ABSTRACT UU c. THIS...2.1013 3.273 )( P TSTPgasKgasK  (18) Where, the standard temperature and pressure ( STP ) are 273.2 k and 1013.2 mb

  9. The Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Student Teacher Performance

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Drew, Todd L.

    2006-01-01

    The purpose of this mixed methods study (N = 40) was to determine whether Student Teacher Performance (STP), as measured by a behavior-based performance evaluation process, is associated with Emotional Intelligence (EI), as measured by a personality assessment instrument. The study is an important contribution to the literature in that it appears…

  10. 75 FR 11947 - STP Nuclear Operating Company, South Texas Project, Units 1 and 2; Exemption

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-03-12

    ... request to extend the rule's compliance date for all operating nuclear power plants, but noted that the..., Nuclear Energy Institute). The licensee's request for an exemption is therefore consistent with the.... Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC, the Commission) now or hereafter in effect. The facility consists of...

  11. School Travel Planning: Mobilizing School and Community Resources to Encourage Active School Transportation

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Buliung, Ron; Faulkner, Guy; Beesley, Theresa; Kennedy, Jacky

    2011-01-01

    Background: Active school transport (AST), school travel using an active mode like walking, may be important to children's overall physical activity. A "school travel plan" (STP) documents a school's transport characteristics and provides an action plan to address school and neighborhood barriers to AST. Methods: We conducted a pilot STP…

  12. Dose assessment for marine biota and humans from discharge of (131)I to the marine environment and uptake by algae in Sydney, Australia.

    PubMed

    Carolan, Jessica Veliscek; Hughes, Catherine E; Hoffmann, Emmy L

    2011-10-01

    Iodine-131 reaches the marine environment through its excretion to the sewer by nuclear medicine patients followed by discharge through coastal and deepwater out falls. 131I has been detected in macroalgae,which bio-accumulate iodine, growing near the coastal out fall of Cronulla sewage treatment plant (STP) since 1995. During this study, (131)I levels in liquid effluent and sludge from three Sydney STP's as well as in macroalgae (Ulva sp. and Ecklonia radiata) growing near their shoreline out falls were measured. Concentration factors of 176 for Ulva sp. and 526 for E. radiata were derived. Radiation dose rates to marine biota from (131)I discharged to coastal waters calculated using the ERICA dose assessment tool were below the ERICA screening level of 10 μGy/hr. Radiation dose rates to humans from immersion in seawater or consumption of Ulva sp. containing (131)I were three and two orders of magnitude below the IAEA screening level of 10 μSv/year, respectively.

  13. Environmental application for GIS: Assessing Iskandar Malaysia's (IM) sewage sludge for potential biomass resource

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Salim, M. R.; Shaharuddin, N.; Abdullah Halim, K.

    2014-02-01

    The low carbon scenario could be achieved through the identification of major sectors contributing to the emission of high greenhouse gases (GHG) into the atmosphere. Sewage treatment plant (STP) was ranked as one of the major sectors that emits methane gas (CH4) during treatment processes, including sludge treatment. Sludge treatment is also capital extensive with high operational cost. Thus, sewage sludge has been accepted as a nuisance in STP. However, many has claimed that, sludge produced contain organic matter that has the potential for biomass resource. Thus, it would be such a Žwaste? if sludge are directly disposed of into the landfill without utilizing them at its full potential. In order to do so, it is vital to be able to determine the amount of sludge production. This research was implemented in Iskandar Malaysia regions in the state of Johor. By using GIS tool, the regions that produced the most sewage sludge can be determined, and can be group as critical area. Result shows that Nusajaya produces the most, compared to other regions, which indicated Nusajaya as a densely populated region.

  14. Effects of hot boning and moisture enhancement on the eating quality of cull cow beef.

    PubMed

    Pivotto, L M; Campbell, C P; Swanson, K; Mandell, I B

    2014-01-01

    The effects of chilling method and moisture enhancement were examined for improving eating quality of semimembranosus (SM) and longissimus lumborum (LL) from 62 cull beef cows. Chilling method included hot boning muscles after 45 to 60 min postmortem or conventional chilling for 24 h. Moisture enhancement included 1) a non-injected control (CONT) or injection processing (10% of product weight) using 2) Sodium Tripolyphosphate/salt (Na/STP), 3) Sodium Citrate (NaCIT), 4) Calcium Ascorbate (CaASC), or 5) Citrus Juices (CITRUS). Chilling method by moisture enhancement treatment interactions (P<0.09) were due to decreased hue, chroma and sarcomere length values in hot boned vs. conventionally chilled product (SM and LL) for CaASC vs. other moisture enhancement treatments. Chilling method by moisture enhancement treatment interactions (P<0.05) were due to decreased shear force and increased tenderness in conventionally chilled vs. hot boned LL using CaASC vs. Na/STP. Moisture enhancement can improve tenderness of cull cow beef depending on combinations of chilling method and moisture enhancement treatments used. © 2013.

  15. Design and synthesis of novel stiripentol analogues as potential anticonvulsants.

    PubMed

    Aboul-Enein, Mohamed N; El-Azzouny, Aida A; Attia, Mohamed I; Maklad, Yousreya A; Amin, Kamilia M; Abdel-Rehim, Mohamed; El-Behairy, Mohammed F

    2012-01-01

    A series of stiripentol (STP) analogues namely, 2-[(1E)-1-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-4,4-dimethylpent-1-en-3-ylidene]-N-(aryl/H)hydrazinecarboxamides 7a-h, (±)-(5RS)-N-(aryl/H)-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-3-tert-butyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole-1-carboxamides (±)-8a-h, and (±)-[(5RS)-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-3-tert-butyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl](aryl)methanones (±)-13a-f was synthesized by adopting appropriate synthetic routes and was pharmacologically evaluated in the preliminary anticonvulsant screens. The selected bioactive new chemical entities were subjected to ED(50) determination and neurotoxicity evaluation. The most active congeners are 7h in MES screen and (±)-13b in scPTZ screen which displayed ED(50) values of 87 and 110 mg/kg, respectively, as compared to that of STP (ED(50) = 277.7 and 115 mg/kg in MES and scPTZ, respectively). Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  16. Comparative assessment of single-stage and two-stage anaerobic digestion for the treatment of thin stillage.

    PubMed

    Nasr, Noha; Elbeshbishy, Elsayed; Hafez, Hisham; Nakhla, George; El Naggar, M Hesham

    2012-05-01

    A comparative evaluation of single-stage and two-stage anaerobic digestion processes for biomethane and biohydrogen production using thin stillage was performed to assess the impact of separating the acidogenic and methanogenic stages on anaerobic digestion. Thin stillage, the main by-product from ethanol production, was characterized by high total chemical oxygen demand (TCOD) of 122 g/L and total volatile fatty acids (TVFAs) of 12 g/L. A maximum methane yield of 0.33 L CH(4)/gCOD(added) (STP) was achieved in the two-stage process while a single-stage process achieved a maximum yield of only 0.26 L CH(4)/gCOD(added) (STP). The separation of acidification stage increased the TVFAs to TCOD ratio from 10% in the raw thin stillage to 54% due to the conversion of carbohydrates into hydrogen and VFAs. Comparison of the two processes based on energy outcome revealed that an increase of 18.5% in the total energy yield was achieved using two-stage anaerobic digestion. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. Source and movement of helium in the eastern Morongo groundwater Basin: The influence of regional tectonics on crustal and mantle helium fluxes

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Kulongoski, J.T.; Hilton, David R.; Izbicki, J.A.

    2005-01-01

    We assess the role of fracturing and seismicity on fluid-driven mass transport of helium using groundwaters from the eastern Morongo Basin (EMB), California, USA. The EMB, located ???200 km east of Los Angeles, lies within a tectonically active region known as the Eastern California Shear Zone that exhibits both strike-slip and extensional deformation. Helium concentrations from 27 groundwaters range from 0.97 to 253.7 ?? 10-7 cm3 STP g-1 H2O, with corresponding 3He/4He ratios falling between 1.0 and 0.26 RA (where RA is the 3He/4He ratio of air). All groundwaters had helium isotope ratios significantly higher than the crustal production value of ???0.02 RA. Dissolved helium concentrations were resolved into components associated with solubility equilibration, air entrainment, in situ production within the aquifer, and extraneous fluxes (both crustal and mantle derived). All samples contained a mantle helium-3 (3Hem) flux in the range of 4.5 to 1351 ?? 10-14 cm3 STP 3He cm-2 yr-1 and a crustal flux (J0) between 0.03 and 300 ?? 10-7 cm3 STP 4He cm-2 yr-1. Groundwaters from the eastern part of the basin contained significantly higher 3Hem and deep crustal helium-4 (4Hedc) concentrations than other areas, suggesting a localized source for these components. 4Hedc and 3Hem are strongly correlated, and are associated with faults in the basin. A shallow thermal anomaly in a >3,000 m deep graben in the eastern basin suggests upflow of fluids through active faults associated with extensional tectonics. Regional tectonics appears to drive large scale crustal fluid transport, whereas episodic hydrofracturing provides an effective mechanism for mantle-crust volatile transport identified by variability in the magnitude of degassing fluxes (3Hem and J0) across the basin. Copyright ?? 2005 Elsevier Ltd.

  18. Analysis of nitrosamines in water by automated SPE and isotope dilution GC/HRMS Occurrence in the different steps of a drinking water treatment plant, and in chlorinated samples from a reservoir and a sewage treatment plant effluent.

    PubMed

    Planas, Carles; Palacios, Oscar; Ventura, Francesc; Rivera, Josep; Caixach, Josep

    2008-08-15

    A method based on automated solid-phase extraction (SPE) and isotope dilution gas chromatography/high resolution mass spectrometry (GC/HRMS) has been developed for the analysis of nine nitrosamines in water samples. The combination of automated SPE and GC/HRMS for the analysis of nitrosamines has not been reported previously. The method shows as advantages the selectivity and sensitivity of GC/HRMS analysis and the high efficiency of automated SPE with coconut charcoal EPA 521 cartridges. Low method detection limits (MDLs) were achieved, along with a greater facility of the procedure and less dependence on the operator with regard to the methods based on manual SPE. Quality requirements for isotope dilution-based methods were accomplished for most analysed nitrosamines, regarding to trueness (80-120%), method precision (<15%) and MDLs (0.08-1.7 ng/L). Nineteen water samples (16 samples from a drinking water treatment plant {DWTP}, 2 chlorinated samples from a sewage treatment plant {STP} effluent, and 1 chlorinated sample from a reservoir) were analysed. Concentrations of nitrosamines in the STP effluent were 309.4 and 730.2 ng/L, being higher when higher doses of chlorine were applied. N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) and N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) were the main compounds identified in the STP effluent, and NDEA was detected above 200 ng/L, regulatory level for NDMA in effluents stated in Ontario (Canada). Lower concentrations of nitrosamines were found in the reservoir (20.3 ng/L) and in the DWTP samples (n.d. -28.6 ng/L). NDMA and NDEA were respectively found in the reservoir and in treated and highly chlorinated DWTP samples at concentrations above 10 ng/L (guide value established in different countries). The highest concentrations of nitrosamines were found after chlorination and ozonation processes (ozonated, treated and highly chlorinated water) in DWTP samples.

  19. Preparation, optimisation and characterisation of novel wound healing film dressings loaded with streptomycin and diclofenac.

    PubMed

    Pawar, H V; Tetteh, J; Boateng, J S

    2013-02-01

    Streptomycin (STP) and diclofenac (DLF) loaded film dressings were prepared by blending Polyox(®) (POL) with four hydrophilic polymers [hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), carrageenan (CAR), sodium alginate (SA) or chitosan (CS)] using glycerol (GLY) as plasticiser. The films were characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, texture analysis (tensile and swelling characteristics) and in vitro dissolution profiles using Franz diffusion cell. SEM showed homogeneous morphology for both blank (BLK) and drug loaded (DL) films. Films prepared by blending of POL with the other polymers showed a reduction in the crystallisation of POL in descending order of SA>CS>HPMC>CAR respectively. DSC and XRD showed no crystalline peaks of STP and DLF suggesting molecular dispersion of both drugs as well as possible drug interaction with negatively charged sulphate ions present in CAR. The DL films did not show any IR bands of both drugs, confirming the DSC and XRD results. POL-CAR-BLK films showed higher tensile strength (12.32±1.40 MPa) than the POL-CAR-DL films (9.52±1.12 MPa). DL films plasticised with 25%w/w GLY revealed soft and tough (tensile strength 1.02±0.28 MPa, % elongation 1031.33±16.23) formulations. The swelling capacities of POL-CAR-BLK and POL-CAR-DL films were (733.17±25.78%) and (646.39±40.39%), increasing to (1072.71±80.30%) and (1051±86.68%) for POL-CAR-BLK-25% GLY and POL-CAR-DL-25% GLY respectively. POL-CAR-DL films showed significantly (n=3, p<0.0318) lower cumulative release of STP and DLF (52.11±1.34, 55.26±2.25) compared to POL-CAR-DL-25% GLY films (60.07±1.56, 63.39±1.92) respectively. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. MGMT methylation analysis of glioblastoma on the Infinium methylation BeadChip identifies two distinct CpG regions associated with gene silencing and outcome, yielding a prediction model for comparisons across datasets, tumor grades, and CIMP-status.

    PubMed

    Bady, Pierre; Sciuscio, Davide; Diserens, Annie-Claire; Bloch, Jocelyne; van den Bent, Martin J; Marosi, Christine; Dietrich, Pierre-Yves; Weller, Michael; Mariani, Luigi; Heppner, Frank L; Mcdonald, David R; Lacombe, Denis; Stupp, Roger; Delorenzi, Mauro; Hegi, Monika E

    2012-10-01

    The methylation status of the O(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) gene is an important predictive biomarker for benefit from alkylating agent therapy in glioblastoma. Recent studies in anaplastic glioma suggest a prognostic value for MGMT methylation. Investigation of pathogenetic and epigenetic features of this intriguingly distinct behavior requires accurate MGMT classification to assess high throughput molecular databases. Promoter methylation-mediated gene silencing is strongly dependent on the location of the methylated CpGs, complicating classification. Using the HumanMethylation450 (HM-450K) BeadChip interrogating 176 CpGs annotated for the MGMT gene, with 14 located in the promoter, two distinct regions in the CpG island of the promoter were identified with high importance for gene silencing and outcome prediction. A logistic regression model (MGMT-STP27) comprising probes cg12434587 [corrected] and cg12981137 provided good classification properties and prognostic value (kappa = 0.85; log-rank p < 0.001) using a training-set of 63 glioblastomas from homogenously treated patients, for whom MGMT methylation was previously shown to be predictive for outcome based on classification by methylation-specific PCR. MGMT-STP27 was successfully validated in an independent cohort of chemo-radiotherapy-treated glioblastoma patients (n = 50; kappa = 0.88; outcome, log-rank p < 0.001). Lower prevalence of MGMT methylation among CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) positive tumors was found in glioblastomas from The Cancer Genome Atlas than in low grade and anaplastic glioma cohorts, while in CIMP-negative gliomas MGMT was classified as methylated in approximately 50 % regardless of tumor grade. The proposed MGMT-STP27 prediction model allows mining of datasets derived on the HM-450K or HM-27K BeadChip to explore effects of distinct epigenetic context of MGMT methylation suspected to modulate treatment resistance in different tumor types.

  1. Occurrence of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes in a sewage treatment plant and its effluent-receiving river.

    PubMed

    Xu, Jian; Xu, Yan; Wang, Hongmei; Guo, Changsheng; Qiu, Huiyun; He, Yan; Zhang, Yuan; Li, Xiaochen; Meng, Wei

    2015-01-01

    The extensive use of antibiotics has caused the contamination of both antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the environment. In this study, the abundance and distribution of antibiotics and ARGs from a sewage treatment plant (STP) and its effluent-receiving river in Beijing China were characterized. Three classes of antibiotics including tetracycline, sulfonamide and quinolone were quantified by LC-MS/MS. In the secondary effluent they were detected at 195, 2001 and 3866 ng L(-1), respectively, which were higher than in the receiving river water. A total of 13 ARGs (6 tet genes: tetA, tetB, tetE, tetW, tetM and tetZ, 3 sulfonamide genes: sul1, sul2 and sul3, and 4 quinolone genes: gryA, parC, qnrC and qnrD) were determined by quantitative PCR. For all ARGs, sulfonamide resistance genes were present at relatively high concentrations in all samples, with the highest ARG concentration above 10(-1). ARGs remained relatively stable along each sewage treatment process. The abundances of detected ARGs from the STP were also higher than its receiving river. Bivariate correlation analysis showed that relative tet gene copies (tetB/16S-rRNA and tetW/16S-rRNA) were strongly correlated with the concentrations of tetracycline residues (r(2)>0.8, p<0.05), while no significant correlations occurred between sulfonamides and sul genes. A negative correlation between the relative abundance of quinolone resistance gene (qnrC/16S-rRNA) and the concentrations of enrofloxacin (ENR) was also determined. The difference of ARGs levels in the raw influent and secondary effluent suggested that the STP treatment process may induce to increase the abundance of resistance genes. The results showed that the sewage was an important repository of the resistance genes, which need to be effectively treated before discharge into the natural water body. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. Archiving and Distributing Seismic Data at the Southern California Earthquake Data Center (SCEDC)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Appel, V. L.

    2002-12-01

    The Southern California Earthquake Data Center (SCEDC) archives and provides public access to earthquake parametric and waveform data gathered by the Southern California Seismic Network and since January 1, 2001, the TriNet seismic network, southern California's earthquake monitoring network. The parametric data in the archive includes earthquake locations, magnitudes, moment-tensor solutions and phase picks. The SCEDC waveform archive prior to TriNet consists primarily of short-period, 100-samples-per-second waveforms from the SCSN. The addition of the TriNet array added continuous recordings of 155 broadband stations (20 samples per second or less), and triggered seismograms from 200 accelerometers and 200 short-period instruments. Since the Data Center and TriNet use the same Oracle database system, new earthquake data are available to the seismological community in near real-time. Primary access to the database and waveforms is through the Seismogram Transfer Program (STP) interface. The interface enables users to search the database for earthquake information, phase picks, and continuous and triggered waveform data. Output is available in SAC, miniSEED, and other formats. Both the raw counts format (V0) and the gain-corrected format (V1) of COSMOS (Consortium of Organizations for Strong-Motion Observation Systems) are now supported by STP. EQQuest is an interface to prepackaged waveform data sets for select earthquakes in Southern California stored at the SCEDC. Waveform data for large-magnitude events have been prepared and new data sets will be available for download in near real-time following major events. The parametric data from 1981 to present has been loaded into the Oracle 9.2.0.1 database system and the waveforms for that time period have been converted to mSEED format and are accessible through the STP interface. The DISC optical-disk system (the "jukebox") that currently serves as the mass-storage for the SCEDC is in the process of being replaced with a series of inexpensive high-capacity (1.6 Tbyte) magnetic-disk RAIDs. These systems are built with PC-technology components, using 16 120-Gbyte IDE disks, hot-swappable disk trays, two RAID controllers, dual redundant power supplies and a Linux operating system. The system is configured over a private gigabit network that connects to the two Data Center servers and spans between the Seismological Lab and the USGS. To ensure data integrity, each RAID disk system constantly checks itself against its twin and verifies file integrity using 128-bit MD5 file checksums that are stored separate from the system. The final level of data protection is a Sony AIT-3 tape backup of the files. The primary advantage of the magnetic-disk approach is faster data access because magnetic disk drives have almost no latency. This means that the SCEDC can provide better "on-demand" interactive delivery of the seismograms in the archive.

  3. A sol-gel monolithic metal-organic framework with enhanced methane uptake.

    PubMed

    Tian, Tian; Zeng, Zhixin; Vulpe, Diana; Casco, Mirian E; Divitini, Giorgio; Midgley, Paul A; Silvestre-Albero, Joaquin; Tan, Jin-Chong; Moghadam, Peyman Z; Fairen-Jimenez, David

    2018-02-01

    A critical bottleneck for the use of natural gas as a transportation fuel has been the development of materials capable of storing it in a sufficiently compact form at ambient temperature. Here we report the synthesis of a porous monolithic metal-organic framework (MOF), which after successful packing and densification reaches 259 cm 3 (STP) cm -3 capacity. This is the highest value reported to date for conformed shape porous solids, and represents a greater than 50% improvement over any previously reported experimental value. Nanoindentation tests on the monolithic MOF showed robust mechanical properties, with hardness at least 130% greater than that previously measured in its conventional MOF counterparts. Our findings represent a substantial step in the application of mechanically robust conformed and densified MOFs for high volumetric energy storage and other industrial applications.

  4. A sol-gel monolithic metal-organic framework with enhanced methane uptake

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tian, Tian; Zeng, Zhixin; Vulpe, Diana; Casco, Mirian E.; Divitini, Giorgio; Midgley, Paul A.; Silvestre-Albero, Joaquin; Tan, Jin-Chong; Moghadam, Peyman Z.; Fairen-Jimenez, David

    2018-02-01

    A critical bottleneck for the use of natural gas as a transportation fuel has been the development of materials capable of storing it in a sufficiently compact form at ambient temperature. Here we report the synthesis of a porous monolithic metal-organic framework (MOF), which after successful packing and densification reaches 259 cm3 (STP) cm-3 capacity. This is the highest value reported to date for conformed shape porous solids, and represents a greater than 50% improvement over any previously reported experimental value. Nanoindentation tests on the monolithic MOF showed robust mechanical properties, with hardness at least 130% greater than that previously measured in its conventional MOF counterparts. Our findings represent a substantial step in the application of mechanically robust conformed and densified MOFs for high volumetric energy storage and other industrial applications.

  5. Single-pass environmental chamber for quantifying human responses to airborne chemicals.

    PubMed

    Suarez, Joseph C; Warmath, D Stan; Koetz, Kurt P; Hood, Alison F; Thompson, Mark L; Kendal-Reed, Martin S; Walker, Dianne B; Walker, James C

    2005-03-01

    Despite increasing interest in the short-term effects of airborne environmental contaminants, experimental findings are generated at a very slow pace. This is due in part to the expense and complexity of most environmental chambers, which are needed for quantifying effects of wholebody exposures. We lessened this obstacle by designing, constructing, and testing a single-pass, 10-m3 stainless-steel chamber. Compressed air is purified before being sent to an air dilution olfactometer, which supplies 1000 L (1 m3) per minute (referenced to STP) while maintaining 40% relative humidity (RH) and 22.6 degrees C. Precise control of all stimulus parameters is greatly simplified since air is not recirculated. Vapor-phase odorant concentrations are achieved by varying the proportion of total airflow passing through one or more saturators, and are verified in real time by an infrared (IR) spectrometer. An adjoining 5-m3 anteroom is used for introducing known intensities of more chemically complex vapor and/or particulate stimuli into the chamber. Prior to the point that air is exhausted from the chamber, all components are made of stainless steel, Teflon, or glass. A LabView program contains feedback loops that achieve document chamber conditions and document performance. Additional instrumentation and computer systems provide for the automated collection of perceptual, respiratory, eye blink, heart rate, blood pressure, psychological state, and cognitive data. These endpoints are now being recorded, using this facility, in response to ranges of concentrations of propionic acid and environmental tobacco smoke.

  6. The effects of single versus mixed gender treatment for adolescent girls with ADHD

    PubMed Central

    Babinski, Dara E.; Sibley, Margaret H.; Ross, J. Megan; Pelham, William E.

    2013-01-01

    Objective This study evaluated the social behavior of adolescents with ADHD in single and mixed gender treatment settings. Method We collected ratings of social behavior (i.e., prosocial peer interactions, assertiveness, self-management, compliance, physical aggression, relational aggression) during single and mixed gender games within the Summer Treatment Program-Adolescent (STP-A) for 10 girls (mean age 13.17, 80% Hispanic) and 11 boys (mean age 12.89, 54.55% Hispanic). Counselors completed ratings immediately following 10 recreational periods for each adolescent they supervised (5 single gender games, 5 mixed gender games). Gender (female versus male) x setting (single versus mixed gender) ANOVAs were conducted. If a significant interaction emerged, post hoc tests were also conducted. Results Several gender by setting interactions emerged, suggesting that girls benefit more from single gender formats than mixed gender formats. Girls showed more assertiveness, self-management, and compliance in single compared to mixed gender settings. A somewhat different pattern of results emerged for boys, which showed more appropriate social behavior (i.e., self-management, compliance) and less inappropriate social behavior (i.e., physical and relational aggression) in mixed gender settings compared to single gender settings. Conclusions In contrast to previous ADHD treatment studies, these findings suggest that gender may impact treatment response for adolescents. Therefore, it is important that future studies evaluate whether current treatments for ADHD are appropriate for girls with ADHD, and if gender-specific treatments are necessary to address the unique difficulties of adolescent girls with ADHD. PMID:23330787

  7. 75 FR 69711 - STP Nuclear Operating Company, South Texas Project Nuclear Power Plant, Units 3 and 4; Exemption

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-11-15

    ... Rocks for Engineering Analysis and Design of Nuclear Power Plants.'' In this exemption request, the... the design of the wall. Hence, the staff concludes that, the resulting static and dynamic earth pressures will be bounded by the lateral earth pressures used in design. Bearing Capacity The applicant...

  8. 77 FR 50541 - STP Nuclear Operating Company, South Texas Project, Units 1 and 2; Application for Amendment to...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-08-21

    ... any of the following methods: Federal Rulemaking Web Site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and search.../reading-rm/adams.html . To begin the search, select ``ADAMS Public Documents'' and then select ``Begin Web- based ADAMS Search.'' For problems with ADAMS, please contact the NRC's Public Document Room (PDR...

  9. A/E/C CAD Standard, Release 5.0

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-12-01

    System Control Panels Halon System Inert Gas Smoke/Pressurization Control Egress Requirements Fire Protection System Appendix A ... System Natural Gas System Miter Gates Makeup Air System Appendix A Model File Level/Layer Assignment Tables A54 Discipline: Mechanical Model...SWITCHES Element type: Symbol Electrical: STP14B SURFACE 1X4 STRIP BATTERY Element type: Symbol Electrical: SUBST A

  10. Establishing a Scale for Assessing the Social Validity of Skill Building Interventions for Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Berger, Natalie I.; Manston, Lauren; Ingersoll, Brooke

    2016-01-01

    This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Scale of Treatment Perceptions (STP), a measure of treatment acceptability targeting skill-building interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This scale utilizes a strength-based approach to intervention assessment, and was established by modifying the Behavior Intervention Rating…

  11. Results from a Survey of Current Practices for Sampling of Nervous System in Rodents and Non-rodents in General Toxicity Studies

    EPA Science Inventory

    A survey of current practices for sampling and examination of the nervous system in rodents and non-rodents for general and neurotoxicity (NT) studies was conducted by the Nervous System Sampling Subcommittee of the STP. For general toxicity studies most of those surveyed (>63%) ...

  12. Computer-Aided Discovery of Formal Specification Behavioral Requirements and Requirement to Implementation Mappings

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-01-01

    the executable SRM is developed according to the specification and marketing documents. Hence, for example, the Vehicles, Car, and Truck classes in...transitions ternary relation: transitions ⊆ states x transitionIDs x states, such as <"Init", "Tr1", " stP "> • A conditions unary relation bound to

  13. 76 FR 62861 - STP Nuclear Operating Company, South Texas Project, Units 1 and 2; Environmental Assessment and...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-10-11

    ... Identification of the Proposed Action: The proposed action would issue an exemption from Section 50.46 and... 2. The proposed action is in accordance with the licensee's application dated December 21, 2010... Accession No. ML103630408. The Need for the Proposed Action: The proposed action is needed because the...

  14. Start-up, steady state performance and kinetic evaluation of a thermophilic integrated anaerobic-aerobic bioreactor (IAAB).

    PubMed

    Chan, Yi Jing; Chong, Mei Fong; Law, Chung Lim

    2012-12-01

    Thermophilic treatment of palm oil mill effluent (POME) was studied in a novel integrated anaerobic-aerobic bioreactor (IAAB). The IAAB was subjected to a program of steady-state operation over a range of organic loading rate (OLR)s, up to 30 g COD/L day in order to evaluate its treatment capacity. The thermophilic IAAB achieved high chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and total suspended solids (TSS) removal efficiencies of more than 99% for OLR up to 18.5 g COD/L day. High methane yield of 0.32 LCH(4) (STP)/g COD(removed) with compliance of the final treated effluent to the discharge limit were achieved. This is higher than that of the mesophilic system due to the higher maximum specific growth rate (μ(max)) of the thermophilic microorganisms. Besides, coupling the model of Grau second order model (anaerobic system) with the model of Monod (aerobic system) will completely define the IAAB system. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. Inkjet printed large-area flexible circuits: a simple methodology for optimizing the printing quality

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cheng, Tao; Wu, Youwei; Shen, Xiaoqin; Lai, Wenyong; Huang, Wei

    2018-01-01

    In this work, a simple methodology was developed to enhance the patterning resolution of inkjet printing, involving process optimization as well as substrate modification and treatment. The line width of the inkjet-printed silver lines was successfully reduced to 1/3 of the original value using this methodology. Large-area flexible circuits with delicate patterns and good morphology were thus fabricated. The resultant flexible circuits showed excellent electrical conductivity as low as 4.5 Ω/□ and strong tolerance to mechanical bending. The simple methodology is also applicable to substrates with various wettability, which suggests a general strategy to enhance the printing quality of inkjet printing for manufacturing high-performance large-area flexible electronics. Project supported by the National Key Basic Research Program of China (Nos. 2014CB648300, 2017YFB0404501), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 21422402, 21674050), the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province (Nos. BK20140060, BK20130037, BK20140865, BM2012010), the Program for Jiangsu Specially-Appointed Professors (No. RK030STP15001), the Program for New Century Excellent Talents in University (No. NCET-13-0872), the NUPT "1311 Project" and Scientific Foundation (Nos. NY213119, NY213169), the Synergetic Innovation Center for Organic Electronics and Information Displays, the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions (PAPD), the Leading Talent of Technological Innovation of National Ten-Thousands Talents Program of China, the Excellent Scientific and Technological Innovative Teams of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions (No. TJ217038), the Program for Graduate Students Research and Innovation of Jiangsu Province (No. KYZZ16-0253), and the 333 Project of Jiangsu Province (Nos. BRA2017402, BRA2015374).

  16. Probing the origins of catalytic discrimination between phosphate and sulfate monoester hydrolysis: comparative analysis of alkaline phosphatase and protein tyrosine phosphatases.

    PubMed

    Andrews, Logan D; Zalatan, Jesse G; Herschlag, Daniel

    2014-11-04

    Catalytic promiscuity, the ability of enzymes to catalyze multiple reactions, provides an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the origins of catalysis and substrate specificity. Alkaline phosphatase (AP) catalyzes both phosphate and sulfate monoester hydrolysis reactions with a ∼10(10)-fold preference for phosphate monoester hydrolysis, despite the similarity between these reactions. The preponderance of formal positive charge in the AP active site, particularly from three divalent metal ions, was proposed to be responsible for this preference by providing stronger electrostatic interactions with the more negatively charged phosphoryl group versus the sulfuryl group. To test whether positively charged metal ions are required to achieve a high preference for the phosphate monoester hydrolysis reaction, the catalytic preference of three protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs), which do not contain metal ions, were measured. Their preferences ranged from 5 × 10(6) to 7 × 10(7), lower than that for AP but still substantial, indicating that metal ions and a high preponderance of formal positive charge within the active site are not required to achieve a strong catalytic preference for phosphate monoester over sulfate monoester hydrolysis. The observed ionic strength dependences of kcat/KM values for phosphate and sulfate monoester hydrolysis are steeper for the more highly charged phosphate ester with both AP and the PTP Stp1, following the dependence expected based on the charge difference of these two substrates. However, the dependences for AP were not greater than those of Stp1 and were rather shallow for both enzymes. These results suggest that overall electrostatics from formal positive charge within the active site is not the major driving force in distinguishing between these reactions and that substantial discrimination can be attained without metal ions. Thus, local properties of the active site, presumably including multiple positioned dipolar hydrogen bond donors within the active site, dominate in defining this reaction specificity.

  17. Interference-Fit-Fastener Investigation

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1975-09-01

    Crack Initiation . .*. . . .* e . . .*. . . .*. 20 Figure 9. Actual and Predicted Fatigue Life Behavior of Notched Open Hole Plates for 2024 - T351 ... Aluminum (Reference 19) * .. . . . . . . . .. . 22 Figure 10. Gage I Strain Response With Cycles . . . . . . . . 24 Figure 11. Fatigue Damage - Life ... Fatigue Behavior", Effect of Environment and Complex Load History on Fatigue Life , ASTM STP 462, pp 74-91 (1970). (7) Grosskreutz, J. C., and Shaw, G. G

  18. 78 FR 16544 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE MKT LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-03-15

    ... interest. Accordingly, at the $22.00 price point, both the entire amount of B4 and the remaining balance of...-STP opposite-side interest, Exchange systems would cancel the remaining balance of the incoming STPN.... If an STPN could execute at multiple price points, the incoming STPN would execute at the multiple...

  19. 78 FR 26821 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE MKT LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-05-08

    ... make the STP modifiers available to algorithms used by Floor brokers to route interest to the Exchange..., pegging e- Quotes, and g-Quotes entered into the matching engine by an algorithm on behalf of a Floor... algorithms removes impediments to and perfects the mechanism of a free and open market because there is a...

  20. 78 FR 26818 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; New York Stock Exchange LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-05-08

    ... modifiers available to algorithms used by Floor brokers to route interest to the Exchange's matching engine...-Quotes entered into the matching engine by an algorithm on behalf of a Floor broker. STP modifiers would... algorithms removes impediments to and perfects the mechanism of a free and open market because there is a...

  1. About the International System of Units (SI) Part II. Organization and General Principles

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Aubrecht, Gordon J., II; French, Anthony P.; Iona, Mario

    2011-01-01

    As all physicists know, all units are arbitrary. The numbering system is anthropocentric; for example, the Celsius scale of temperature has 100 degrees between the boiling point of water at STP and the freezing point of water. The number 100 is chosen because human beings have 10 fingers. The best units might be based on physical constants, for…

  2. Looking beyond RtI Standard Treatment Approach: It's Not Too Late to Embrace the Problem-Solving Approach

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    King, Diane; Coughlin, Patricia Kathleen

    2016-01-01

    There are two approaches for providing Tier 2 interventions within Response to Intervention (RtI): standard treatment protocol (STP) and the problem-solving approach (PSA). This article describes the multi-tiered RtI prevention model being implemented across the United States through an analysis of these two approaches in reading instruction. It…

  3. Assessments of the Impact of 1206-Funded Projects in Selected Countries: Lebanon, Pakistan, Yemen, Sao Tome, and Principe

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2008-07-01

    fishing, smuggling, and illegal immigration are the 78 Discussion with 1’ Lt. and acting STPCG XO Hamilton Neto Nasci- mento de Sousa. 79 Interview with...with 1’ Lt. and acting STPCG XO Hamilton Neto Nasci- mento de Sousa, Discussion with Capt Pedro, STP Port Authority 48 Alignment with National

  4. Haploinsufficiency of the 22q11.2 microdeletion gene Mrpl40 disrupts short-term synaptic plasticity and working memory through dysregulation of mitochondrial calcium.

    PubMed

    Devaraju, P; Yu, J; Eddins, D; Mellado-Lagarde, M M; Earls, L R; Westmoreland, J J; Quarato, G; Green, D R; Zakharenko, S S

    2017-09-01

    Hemizygous deletion of a 1.5- to 3-megabase region on chromosome 22 causes 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS), which constitutes one of the strongest genetic risks for schizophrenia. Mouse models of 22q11DS have abnormal short-term synaptic plasticity that contributes to working-memory deficiencies similar to those in schizophrenia. We screened mutant mice carrying hemizygous deletions of 22q11DS genes and identified haploinsufficiency of Mrpl40 (mitochondrial large ribosomal subunit protein 40) as a contributor to abnormal short-term potentiation (STP), a major form of short-term synaptic plasticity. Two-photon imaging of the genetically encoded fluorescent calcium indicator GCaMP6, expressed in presynaptic cytosol or mitochondria, showed that Mrpl40 haploinsufficiency deregulates STP via impaired calcium extrusion from the mitochondrial matrix through the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. This led to abnormally high cytosolic calcium transients in presynaptic terminals and deficient working memory but did not affect long-term spatial memory. Thus, we propose that mitochondrial calcium deregulation is a novel pathogenic mechanism of cognitive deficiencies in schizophrenia.

  5. Simulation of synaptic short-term plasticity using Ba(CF3SO3)2-doped polyethylene oxide electrolyte film.

    PubMed

    Chang, C T; Zeng, F; Li, X J; Dong, W S; Lu, S H; Gao, S; Pan, F

    2016-01-07

    The simulation of synaptic plasticity using new materials is critical in the study of brain-inspired computing. Devices composed of Ba(CF3SO3)2-doped polyethylene oxide (PEO) electrolyte film were fabricated and with pulse responses found to resemble the synaptic short-term plasticity (STP) of both short-term depression (STD) and short-term facilitation (STF) synapses. The values of the charge and discharge peaks of the pulse responses did not vary with input number when the pulse frequency was sufficiently low(~1 Hz). However, when the frequency was increased, the charge and discharge peaks decreased and increased, respectively, in gradual trends and approached stable values with respect to the input number. These stable values varied with the input frequency, which resulted in the depressed and potentiated weight modifications of the charge and discharge peaks, respectively. These electrical properties simulated the high and low band-pass filtering effects of STD and STF, respectively. The simulations were consistent with biological results and the corresponding biological parameters were successfully extracted. The study verified the feasibility of using organic electrolytes to mimic STP.

  6. Phosphorylation acts positively and negatively to regulate MRTF-A subcellular localisation and activity

    PubMed Central

    Panayiotou, Richard; Miralles, Francesc; Pawlowski, Rafal; Diring, Jessica; Flynn, Helen R; Skehel, Mark; Treisman, Richard

    2016-01-01

    The myocardin-related transcription factors (MRTF-A and MRTF-B) regulate cytoskeletal genes through their partner transcription factor SRF. The MRTFs bind G-actin, and signal-regulated changes in cellular G-actin concentration control their nuclear accumulation. The MRTFs also undergo Rho- and ERK-dependent phosphorylation, but the function of MRTF phosphorylation, and the elements and signals involved in MRTF-A nuclear export are largely unexplored. We show that Rho-dependent MRTF-A phosphorylation reflects relief from an inhibitory function of nuclear actin. We map multiple sites of serum-induced phosphorylation, most of which are S/T-P motifs and show that S/T-P phosphorylation is required for transcriptional activation. ERK-mediated S98 phosphorylation inhibits assembly of G-actin complexes on the MRTF-A regulatory RPEL domain, promoting nuclear import. In contrast, S33 phosphorylation potentiates the activity of an autonomous Crm1-dependent N-terminal NES, which cooperates with five other NES elements to exclude MRTF-A from the nucleus. Phosphorylation thus plays positive and negative roles in the regulation of MRTF-A. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.15460.001 PMID:27304076

  7. Fate of perfluoroalkyl substances within a small stream food web affected by sewage effluent.

    PubMed

    Cerveny, Daniel; Grabic, Roman; Fedorova, Ganna; Grabicova, Katerina; Turek, Jan; Zlabek, Vladimir; Randak, Tomas

    2018-05-01

    The fate of fourteen target perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are described within a small stream affected by a sewage treatment plant (STP) effluent. Concentrations of target PFASs in samples of water, benthic macroinvertebrates and brown trout (Salmo trutta) are presented. Two hundred brown trout individuals originating from clean sites within the same stream were tagged and stocked into an experimental site affected by the STP's effluent. As a passive sampling approach, polar organic chemical integrative samplers (POCIS) were deployed in the water to reveal the water-macroinvertebrates-fish biotransformation processes of PFASs. Bioconcentration/bioaccumulation of target compounds was monitored one, three, and six months after stocking. Twelve of the fourteen target PFASs were found in concentration above the LOQ in at least one of the studied matrices. The compound pattern varied significantly between both the studied species and water samples. Concerning the accumulation of PFASs in fish, the highest concentrations were found in the liver of individuals sampled after three months of exposure. These concentrations rapidly decreased after six months although the water concentrations were slightly increasing during experiment. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  8. The phosphorus fractions and adsorption-desorption characteristics in the Wuliangsuhai Lake, China.

    PubMed

    Wang, Xinglei; Wei, Jinxing; Bai, Na; Cha, Hancaicike; Cao, Can; Zheng, Kexuan; Liu, Ying

    2018-05-11

    The phosphorus (P) fractions and adsorption-desorption characteristics in the Wuliangsuhai Lake were investigated through molybdenum blue/ascorbic acid method and indoor simulation experiments, respectively. The results showed that the highest total phosphorus concentration in overlying water (W-TP) was found in S1 which was in the hypereutrophic type. The mean concentration of particulate organic phosphorus (POP) was the most abundant P fraction (31.35% of the W-TP). The results of TP contents in sediments (S-TP) indicated that the most sampling sites were in the mild level of pollution. The contents of calcium-bound P (HCl-P) and residual P (Res-P) fractions together comprised 83.03-98.10% of the S-TP. Pseudo-second-order models fitted well with the adsorption-desorption kinetic of P fractions. The Langmuir and Freundlich models well described the adsorption isotherm of P fractions. The results of adsorption-desorption of P fractions indicated that the adsorption capacity was strong, the chemical adsorption was dominant, and the sediments was a source of P. Accordingly, we concluded that the Wuliangsuhai Lake was in the moderate pollution level, and the sediments as a source could desorb P in natural aquatic environment.

  9. Hydrogen Fueling via Guanidine

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    van Vechten, J. A.

    2007-03-01

    Three related materials, ammonia (NH3), urea (OCN2H4), and guanidine (CN3H5) are practicable hydrogen-based fuels^1 that could be produced in the giga-tonne quantities required from air, water and renewable energy. NH3 has long been established as a fuel for internal combustion engines and can be cracked to H2 for use in fuelcells, but is a gas at STP and extremely toxic, so general use is problematic. Urea and guanidine can easily be converted to NH3 and CO2 by addition of hot water from oxidation of NH3. Both are solids at STP, non-toxic, non-explosive and commonly shipped in plastic bags. The energy density in kWhr/L of guanidine is 4.7 compared with 3.0 for urea, 3.5 for liquid NH3, and 0.8 for H gas in 10,000 psi tanks. The specific energies in kWhr/kg for these materials are respectively 3.58, 2.35, 5.2, and (including the tank) 1.8. Guanidine melts at 50 C and is infinitely soluble in both ethanol and water. 1) http://www.energy.iastate.edu/renewable/biomass/AmmoniaMtg06.html

  10. Simulation of synaptic short-term plasticity using Ba(CF3SO3)2-doped polyethylene oxide electrolyte film

    PubMed Central

    Chang, C. T.; Zeng, F.; Li, X. J.; Dong, W. S.; Lu, S. H.; Gao, S.; Pan, F.

    2016-01-01

    The simulation of synaptic plasticity using new materials is critical in the study of brain-inspired computing. Devices composed of Ba(CF3SO3)2-doped polyethylene oxide (PEO) electrolyte film were fabricated and with pulse responses found to resemble the synaptic short-term plasticity (STP) of both short-term depression (STD) and short-term facilitation (STF) synapses. The values of the charge and discharge peaks of the pulse responses did not vary with input number when the pulse frequency was sufficiently low(~1 Hz). However, when the frequency was increased, the charge and discharge peaks decreased and increased, respectively, in gradual trends and approached stable values with respect to the input number. These stable values varied with the input frequency, which resulted in the depressed and potentiated weight modifications of the charge and discharge peaks, respectively. These electrical properties simulated the high and low band-pass filtering effects of STD and STF, respectively. The simulations were consistent with biological results and the corresponding biological parameters were successfully extracted. The study verified the feasibility of using organic electrolytes to mimic STP. PMID:26739613

  11. Enhanced nitrogen removal in trickling filter plants.

    PubMed

    Dai, Y; Constantinou, A; Griffiths, P

    2013-01-01

    The Beaudesert Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), originally built in 1966 and augmented in 1977, is a typical biological trickling filter (TF) STP comprising primary sedimentation tanks (PSTs), TFs and humus tanks. The plant, despite not originally being designed for nitrogen removal, has been consistently achieving over 60% total nitrogen reduction and low effluent ammonium concentration of less than 5 mg NH3-N/L. Through the return of a NO3(-)-rich stream from the humus tanks to the PSTs and maintaining an adequate sludge age within the PSTs, the current plant is achieving a substantial degree of denitrification. Further enhanced denitrification has been achieved by raising the recycle flows and maintaining an adequate solids retention time (SRT) within the PSTs. This paper describes the approach to operating a TF plant to achieve a high degree of nitrification and denitrification. The effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated through the pilot plant trial. The results from the pilot trial demonstrate a significant improvement in nitrogen removal performance whilst maximising the asset life of the existing infrastructure. This shows great potential as a retrofit option for small and rural communities with pre-existing TFs that require improvements in terms of nitrogen removal.

  12. Simulation of synaptic short-term plasticity using Ba(CF3SO3)2-doped polyethylene oxide electrolyte film

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chang, C. T.; Zeng, F.; Li, X. J.; Dong, W. S.; Lu, S. H.; Gao, S.; Pan, F.

    2016-01-01

    The simulation of synaptic plasticity using new materials is critical in the study of brain-inspired computing. Devices composed of Ba(CF3SO3)2-doped polyethylene oxide (PEO) electrolyte film were fabricated and with pulse responses found to resemble the synaptic short-term plasticity (STP) of both short-term depression (STD) and short-term facilitation (STF) synapses. The values of the charge and discharge peaks of the pulse responses did not vary with input number when the pulse frequency was sufficiently low(~1 Hz). However, when the frequency was increased, the charge and discharge peaks decreased and increased, respectively, in gradual trends and approached stable values with respect to the input number. These stable values varied with the input frequency, which resulted in the depressed and potentiated weight modifications of the charge and discharge peaks, respectively. These electrical properties simulated the high and low band-pass filtering effects of STD and STF, respectively. The simulations were consistent with biological results and the corresponding biological parameters were successfully extracted. The study verified the feasibility of using organic electrolytes to mimic STP.

  13. Adiabatic quantum-flux-parametron cell library designed using a 10 kA cm-2 niobium fabrication process

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Takeuchi, Naoki; Nagasawa, Shuichi; China, Fumihiro; Ando, Takumi; Hidaka, Mutsuo; Yamanashi, Yuki; Yoshikawa, Nobuyuki

    2017-03-01

    Adiabatic quantum-flux-parametron (AQFP) logic is an energy-efficient superconductor logic with zero static power consumption and very small switching energy. In this paper, we report a new AQFP cell library designed using the AIST 10 kA cm-2 Nb high-speed standard process (HSTP), which is a high-critical-current-density version of the AIST 2.5 kA cm-2 Nb standard process (STP2). Since the intrinsic damping of the Josephson junction (JJ) of HSTP is relatively strong, shunt resistors for JJs were removed and the energy efficiency improved significantly. Also, excitation transformers in the new cells were redesigned so that the cells can operate in a four-phase excitation mode. We described the detail of HSTP and the AQFP cell library designed using HSTP, and showed experimental results of cell test circuits.

  14. Detection with synthetic oligonucleotide probes of nucleotide sequence variations in the genes encoding enterotoxins of Escherichia coli.

    PubMed Central

    Nishibuchi, M; Murakami, A; Arita, M; Jikuya, H; Takano, J; Honda, T; Miwatani, T

    1989-01-01

    We examined variations in the genes encoding heat-stable enterotoxin (ST) and heat-labile enterotoxin (LT) in 88 strains of Escherichia coli isolated from individuals with traveler's diarrhea to find suitable sequences for use as oligonucleotide probes. Four oligonucleotide probes of the gene encoding ST of human origin (STIb or STh), one oligonucleotide probe of the gene encoding ST of porcine origin (STIa or STp), and three oligonucleotide probes of the gene encoding LT of human origin (LTIh) were used in DNA colony hybridization tests. In 15 of 22 strains possessing the STh gene and 28 of 42 strains producing LT, the sequences of all regions tested were identical to the published sequences. One region in the STh gene examined with a 18-mer probe was relatively well conserved and was shown to be closely associated with the enterotoxicity of the E. coli strains in suckling mice. This oligonucleotide, however, hybridized with strains of Vibrio cholerae O1, V. parahaemolyticus, and Yersinia enterocolitica that gave negative results in the suckling mouse assay. PMID:2685027

  15. Priming of Short-Term Potentiation and Synaptic Tagging/Capture Mechanisms by Ryanodine Receptor Activation in Rat Hippocampal CA1

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sajikumar, Sreedharan; Li, Qin; Abraham, Wickliffe C.; Xiao, Zhi Cheng

    2009-01-01

    Activity-dependent changes in synaptic strength such as long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) are considered to be cellular mechanisms underlying learning and memory. Strengthening of a synapse for a few seconds or minutes is termed short-term potentiation (STP) and is normally unable to take part in the processes of synaptic…

  16. IA 86 from IA 9 to 700 feet south of 110th street Dickinson County, Iowa STP-086-1(10)--2C-30 : environmental assessment and section 4(f) de minimis impact finding.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2011-06-30

    The Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) are evaluating potential alternatives to maintain, improve, or replace a 3.9-mile segment of IA 86 from Iowa Highway 9 (IA 9) to near the Minnesota border ...

  17. Temporal and Modal Characterization of DoD Source Air Toxic Emission Factors

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-04-01

    Deviation RTP Research Triangle Park RWS Roadway Simulator S/N Signal Noise SDA Spray Dryer Catwalk Area STP Standard Pressure SVOC Semi...shutdown, and stationary idle conditions. A journal paper detailing the performance of REMPI-TOFMS in characterizing real-time air toxic emissions...the whole (benzene) dataset. The results are currently (July, 2009) being written into a paper prime- authored by Battelle. xvii

  18. Understanding Student Mobility in the B.C. Public Post-Secondary System. Highlights from the Student Transitions Project: Post-Secondary Student Mobility

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    British Columbia Council on Admissions and Transfer, 2013

    2013-01-01

    This annual newsletter summarizes the work of the Post-secondary Student Mobility (PSM) Subcommittee of the Student Transitions Project (STP) . In an effort to better understand student mobility in the B.C. public post-secondary system, the Student Transitions Project continues to describe and quantify the numerous education pathways of students…

  19. Student Task Persistence in the Third International Mathematics and Science Study: A Major Source of Acheievement Differences at the National, Classroom, and Student Levels.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Boe, Erling E.; May, Henry,; Boruch, Robert F.

    The Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) contains no direct measures of student ability and motivation. Researchers created a new variable, Student Task Persistence (STP), that is an index of student engagement in providing answers to TIMSS questions on the background questionnaire. The purpose of this research was to…

  20. 76 FR 68511 - STP Nuclear Operating Company; South Texas Project, Units 1 and 2; Exemption

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-11-04

    ... reactor located in Matagorda County in Texas. 2.0 Request/Action Pursuant to Title 10 of the Code of... from the metal/water reaction. The Baker-Just equation assumes the use of zircaloy or ZIRLO \\TM\\, which... underlying purpose of 10 CFR part 50, appendix K, Section I.A.5, ``Metal-Water Reaction Rate,'' is to ensure...

  1. Evolution of Bacterial Global Modulators: Role of a Novel H-NS Paralogue in the Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli Strain 042

    PubMed Central

    2018-01-01

    ABSTRACT Bacterial genomes sometimes contain genes that code for homologues of global regulators, the function of which is unclear. In members of the family Enterobacteriaceae, cells express the global regulator H-NS and its paralogue StpA. In Escherichia coli, out of providing a molecular backup for H-NS, the role of StpA is poorly characterized. The enteroaggregative E. coli strain 042 carries, in addition to the hns and stpA genes, a third gene encoding an hns paralogue (hns2). We present in this paper information about its biological function. Transcriptomic analysis has shown that the H-NS2 protein targets a subset of the genes targeted by H-NS. Genes targeted by H-NS2 correspond mainly with horizontally transferred (HGT) genes and are also targeted by the Hha protein, a fine-tuner of H-NS activity. Compared with H-NS, H-NS2 expression levels are lower. In addition, H-NS2 expression exhibits specific features: it is sensitive to the growth temperature and to the nature of the culture medium. This novel H-NS paralogue is widespread within the Enterobacteriaceae. IMPORTANCE Global regulators such as H-NS play key relevant roles enabling bacterial cells to adapt to a changing environment. H-NS modulates both core and horizontally transferred (HGT) genes, but the mechanism by which H-NS can differentially regulate these genes remains to be elucidated. There are several instances of bacterial cells carrying genes that encode homologues of the global regulators. The question is what the roles of these proteins are. We noticed that the enteroaggregative E. coli strain 042 carries a new hitherto uncharacterized copy of the hns gene. We decided to investigate why this pathogenic E. coli strain requires an extra H-NS paralogue, termed H-NS2. In our work, we show that H-NS2 displays specific expression and regulatory properties. H-NS2 targets a subset of H-NS-specific genes and may help to differentially modulate core and HGT genes by the H-NS cellular pool. PMID:29577085

  2. Evolution of Bacterial Global Modulators: Role of a Novel H-NS Paralogue in the Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli Strain 042.

    PubMed

    Prieto, A; Bernabeu, M; Aznar, S; Ruiz-Cruz, S; Bravo, A; Queiroz, M H; Juárez, A

    2018-01-01

    Bacterial genomes sometimes contain genes that code for homologues of global regulators, the function of which is unclear. In members of the family Enterobacteriaceae , cells express the global regulator H-NS and its paralogue StpA. In Escherichia coli , out of providing a molecular backup for H-NS, the role of StpA is poorly characterized. The enteroaggregative E. coli strain 042 carries, in addition to the hns and stpA genes, a third gene encoding an hns paralogue ( hns2 ). We present in this paper information about its biological function. Transcriptomic analysis has shown that the H-NS2 protein targets a subset of the genes targeted by H-NS. Genes targeted by H-NS2 correspond mainly with horizontally transferred (HGT) genes and are also targeted by the Hha protein, a fine-tuner of H-NS activity. Compared with H-NS, H-NS2 expression levels are lower. In addition, H-NS2 expression exhibits specific features: it is sensitive to the growth temperature and to the nature of the culture medium. This novel H-NS paralogue is widespread within the Enterobacteriaceae . IMPORTANCE Global regulators such as H-NS play key relevant roles enabling bacterial cells to adapt to a changing environment. H-NS modulates both core and horizontally transferred (HGT) genes, but the mechanism by which H-NS can differentially regulate these genes remains to be elucidated. There are several instances of bacterial cells carrying genes that encode homologues of the global regulators. The question is what the roles of these proteins are. We noticed that the enteroaggregative E. coli strain 042 carries a new hitherto uncharacterized copy of the hns gene. We decided to investigate why this pathogenic E. coli strain requires an extra H-NS paralogue, termed H-NS2. In our work, we show that H-NS2 displays specific expression and regulatory properties. H-NS2 targets a subset of H-NS-specific genes and may help to differentially modulate core and HGT genes by the H-NS cellular pool.

  3. Theoretical analysis for the mechanical behavior caused by an electromagnetic cycle in ITER Nb3Sn cable-in-conduit conductors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yue, Donghua; Zhang, Xingyi; Zhou, You-He

    2018-02-01

    The central solenoid (CS) is one of the key components of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) tokamak and which is often considered as the heart of this fusion reactor. This solenoid will be built by using Nb3Sn cable-in-conduit conductors (CICC), capable of generating a 13 T magnetic field. In order to assess the performance of the Nb3Sn CICC in nearly the ITER condition, many short samples have been evaluated at the SULTAN test facility (the background magnetic field is of 10.85 T with the uniform length of 400 mm at 1% homogeneity) in Centre de Recherches en Physique des Plasma (CRPP). It is found that the samples with pseudo-long twist pitch (including baseline specimens) show a significant degradation in the current-sharing temperature (Tcs), while the qualification tests of all short twist pitch (STP) samples, which show no degradation versus electromagnetic cycling, even exhibits an increase of Tcs. This behavior was perfectly reproduced in the coil experiments at the central solenoid model coil (CSMC) facility last year. In this paper, the complex structure of the Nb3Sn CICC would be simplified into a wire rope consisting of six petals and a cooling spiral. An analytical formula for the Tcs behavior as a function of the axial strain of the cable is presented. Based on this, the effects of twist pitch, axial and transverse stiffness, thermal mismatch, cycling number, magnetic distribution, etc., on the axial strain are discussed systematically. The calculated Tcs behavior with cycle number show consistency with the previous experimental results qualitatively and quantitatively. Lastly, we focus on the relationship between Tcs and axial strain of the cable, and we conclude that the Tcs behavior caused by electromagnetic cycles is determined by the cable axial strain. Once the cable is in a compression situation, this compression strain and its accumulation would lead to the Tcs degradation. The experimental observation of the Tcs enhancement in the CS STP samples should be considered as a contribution of the shorter length of the high field zone in SULTAN and CSMC devices, as well as the tight cable structure.

  4. Microstructural and Material Quality Effects on Rolling Contact Fatigue of Highly Elastic Intermetallic Ball Bearings

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    DellaCorte, Christopher; Howard, S. Adam; Thomas, Fransua; Stanford, Malcolm K.

    2016-01-01

    Rolling element bearings made from highly-elastic intermetallic materials (HIM)s, such as 60NiTi, are under development for applications that require superior corrosion and shock resistance. Compared to steel, intermetallics have been shown to have much lower rolling contact fatigue (RCF) stress capability in simplified 3-ball on rod (ASTM STP 771) fatigue tests. In the 3-ball tests, poor material quality and microstructural flaws negatively affect fatigue life but such relationships have not been established for full-scale 60NiTi bearings. In this paper, 3-ball-on-rod fatigue behavior of two quality grades of 60NiTi are compared to the fatigue life of full-scale 50mm bore ball bearings made from the same materials. 60NiTi RCF rods with material or microstructural flaws suffered from infant mortality failures at all tested stress levels while high quality 60NiTi rods exhibited no failures at lower stress levels. Similarly, tests of full-scale bearings made from flawed materials exhibited early surface fatigue and through crack type failures while bearings made from high quality material did not fail even in long-term tests. Though the full-scale bearing test data is yet preliminary, the results suggest that the simplified RCF test is a good qualitative predictor of bearing performance. These results provide guidance for materials development and to establish minimum quality levels required for successful bearing operation and life.

  5. Microstructural and Material Quality Effects on Rolling Contact Fatigue of Highly Elastic Intermetallic NiTi Ball Bearings

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dellacorte, Christopher; Howard, S. Adam; Thomas, Fransua; Stanford, Malcolm K.

    2017-01-01

    Rolling element bearings made from highly-elastic intermetallic materials (HIM)s, such as 60NiTi, are under development for applications that require superior corrosion and shock resistance. Compared to steel, intermetallics have been shown to have much lower rolling contact fatigue (RCF) stress capability in simplified 3-ball on rod (ASTM STP 771) fatigue tests. In the 3-ball tests, poor material quality and microstructural flaws negatively affect fatigue life but such relationships have not been established for full-scale 60NiTi bearings. In this paper, 3-ball-on-rod fatigue behavior of two quality grades of 60NiTi are compared to the fatigue life of full-scale 50mm bore ball bearings made from the same materials. 60NiTi RCF rods with material or microstructural flaws suffered from infant mortality failures at all tested stress levels while high quality 60NiTi rods exhibited no failures at lower stress levels. Similarly, tests of full-scale bearings made from flawed materials exhibited early surface fatigue and through crack type failures while bearings made from high quality material did not fail even in long-term tests. Though the full-scale bearing test data is yet preliminary, the results suggest that the simplified RCF test is a good qualitative predictor of bearing performance. These results provide guidance for materials development and to establish minimum quality levels required for successful bearing operation and life.

  6. Federal Highway Administration finding of no significant impact for the Iowa Highway 86 (IA 86) from IA 9 to 700 feet south of 110th Street Dickinson County STP-086-1(10)--2C-30.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2011-08-08

    The Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) propose to improve a 3.9-mile segment of Iowa Highway 86 (IA 86) from Iowa Highway 9 (IA 9) to near the Minnesota border within Dickinson County, Iowa (the...

  7. Federal Highway Administration finding of no significant impact for the Iowa highway 86 (IA 86) from IA 9 to 700 feet south of 110th street Dickinson County STP-086-1(10)--2C-30.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2011-09-08

    The Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) propose to improve a 3.9-mile segment of Iowa Highway 86 (IA 86) from Iowa Highway 9 (IA 9) to near the Minnesota border within Dickinson County, Iowa (the...

  8. A Single Brief Burst Induces GluR1-Dependent Associative Short-Term Potentiation: A Potential Mechanism for Short-Term Memory

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Erickson, Martha A.; Maramara, Lauren A.; Lisman, John

    2010-01-01

    Recent work showed that short-term memory (STM) is selectively reduced in GluR1 knockout mice. This raises the possibility that a form of synaptic modification dependent on GluR1 might underlie STM. Studies of synaptic plasticity have shown that stimuli too weak to induce long-term potentiation induce short-term potentiation (STP), a phenomenon…

  9. ADA and C++ Business Case Analysis

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1991-07-01

    executable mini-specs, to support import of existing code. Automated database population/change propagation. 9. Documentation generation: via FrameMaker ...Backplane. ii. 4GLS H-20 I I IDE/Software through Pictures (StP) 12 June 1991 iii. Interleaf and FrameMaker publishing. 13. Output formats: PostScript... FrameMaker , WordPerfect. 12. User interface: Menu and mouse, windowing, color, on-line help, undo. Database browser via forms/tables component later

  10. Support and Technology Transfer: Results and Accomplishments

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2009-07-01

    Advanced Food Technology School of Enviromental and Biological Sciences New Brunswick, NJ 08903 FTR 213 Defense Logistics Agency 8725 John J. Kingsman Rd...Environmental and Biological Science Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey New Brunswick, New Jersey 08903 Principal Investigator: Henderikus B...Technology Transfer SP0103-02-D-0024 / 0002 STP # 2001 A003 Mr. Henderikus B. Bruins Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey The Center for

  11. NBC Hazard Prediction Model Capability Analysis

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1999-09-01

    tactical units surveyed, only the 82nd Airborne Division indicated any real experience with either model. The tactical units surveyed did use some form...Tracer Experiment (1987) and ETEX =European Tracer Experiment (1994). 22 These data sets include Phase I Dugway data, the Prairie Grass data set...I 8 hr) HPAC Different scales shown swru. Doll ~ (1.ean) Tolll GD 111:3-Stp-88 2J:OOL (I.DOin) ... 1 .... .... ... ..... ,l

  12. Rubidium Frequency Standard Study.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1983-10-01

    small size, rapid warmup, and low power consumption along with frequency stability, repeatability, 1-2 . . *1 %0 now- L~tt~ ~nine~j ?odel ISu and low...the resonance and/or filter * cells at reduced temperatures with thermoelectric coolers on the basis that too much power was required and magnetic...range is dictated by thermal and steady-stp’te power considera- -_tions imposed by the performance requirements. The filter cell serves two pri- *mary

  13. Effect of Stress-Strain Behavior on Low-Cycle Fatigue of Alpha-Beta Titanium Alloys.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1980-11-21

    and strain excursion, such a curve would appear to fit much of the high temperature hold-time data compiled by Krempl and Wundt [21]. Thus, it might...34Mechanische Relaxation von Kupfer-Einkristallen," Phys. Stat. Sol. 3, 111-120. 21. Krempl, E. and Wundt , B. M., (1971), Hold-Time Effects in High- Temperature Low-Cycle Fatigue, ASTM STP 489. 26 Low

  14. Transverse Mode Formation in Positive Branch Unstable Resonators.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1983-08-01

    UNSTABLE RESONATORS S. PERFORMING ORG11. REPORT NURSER 7. AUTNOR(q) S. CONTRACT OR GRANT NUMS1ER111) R. William Jones S. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND...EIAO-IWETA .3WSTPOSCOS(TIOUTA) SOIC 725 710 J 24S6JWINT94p DATA 4 1* 1) t) ?AJI1*Mot MT1MPUMI’dSTPZ wwub**vSTP%-wI ’wSTPj 733 IU(ISIGN)7319?43,?40

  15. Organic carbon content of marine aerosols collected on Bermuda

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

    Hoffman, E.J.; Duce, R.A.

    1974-01-01

    The concentration of total organic carbon in marine aerosols collected from a 20-m tower on the Southwest Coast of Bermuda ranged from 0.15 to 0.47 microgram/M/sup 3/ STP under onshore wind conditions. The mass of the organic carbon ranged from 1 to 19% of the mass of sea salt in the particles in Bermuda, and the percentage decreased with increasing salt content.

  16. Steady Stream of High School Graduates Enter B.C. Public Post-Secondary Education for the First Time Each Year. Research Results from the Student Transitions Project

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Student Transitions Project, 2014

    2014-01-01

    The Student Transition project (STP) has collected eleven years of grade 12 and post-secondary enrollment data, since it's inception in 2003. This information is used to track student transitions from grade 12 graduation into post-secondary education, student mobility between post-secondary institutions and post-secondary credential completions.…

  17. Intrinsic Connections of the Core Auditory Cortical Regions and Rostral Supratemporal Plane in the Macaque Monkey

    PubMed Central

    Scott, Brian H.; Leccese, Paul A.; Saleem, Kadharbatcha S.; Kikuchi, Yukiko; Mullarkey, Matthew P.; Fukushima, Makoto; Mishkin, Mortimer; Saunders, Richard C.

    2017-01-01

    Abstract In the ventral stream of the primate auditory cortex, cortico-cortical projections emanate from the primary auditory cortex (AI) along 2 principal axes: one mediolateral, the other caudorostral. Connections in the mediolateral direction from core, to belt, to parabelt, have been well described, but less is known about the flow of information along the supratemporal plane (STP) in the caudorostral dimension. Neuroanatomical tracers were injected throughout the caudorostral extent of the auditory core and rostral STP by direct visualization of the cortical surface. Auditory cortical areas were distinguished by SMI-32 immunostaining for neurofilament, in addition to established cytoarchitectonic criteria. The results describe a pathway comprising step-wise projections from AI through the rostral and rostrotemporal fields of the core (R and RT), continuing to the recently identified rostrotemporal polar field (RTp) and the dorsal temporal pole. Each area was strongly and reciprocally connected with the areas immediately caudal and rostral to it, though deviations from strictly serial connectivity were observed. In RTp, inputs converged from core, belt, parabelt, and the auditory thalamus, as well as higher order cortical regions. The results support a rostrally directed flow of auditory information with complex and recurrent connections, similar to the ventral stream of macaque visual cortex. PMID:26620266

  18. Pin1 down-regulates transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) signaling by inducing degradation of Smad proteins.

    PubMed

    Nakano, Ayako; Koinuma, Daizo; Miyazawa, Keiji; Uchida, Takafumi; Saitoh, Masao; Kawabata, Masahiro; Hanai, Jun-ichi; Akiyama, Hirotada; Abe, Masahiro; Miyazono, Kohei; Matsumoto, Toshio; Imamura, Takeshi

    2009-03-06

    Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is crucial in numerous cellular processes, such as proliferation, differentiation, migration, and apoptosis. TGF-beta signaling is transduced by intracellular Smad proteins that are regulated by the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Smad ubiquitin regulatory factor 2 (Smurf2) prevents TGF-beta and bone morphogenetic protein signaling by interacting with Smads and inducing their ubiquitin-mediated degradation. Here we identified Pin1, a peptidylprolyl cis-trans isomerase, as a novel protein binding Smads. Pin1 interacted with Smad2 and Smad3 but not Smad4; this interaction was enhanced by the phosphorylation of (S/T)P motifs in the Smad linker region. (S/T)P motif phosphorylation also enhanced the interaction of Smad2/3 with Smurf2. Pin1 reduced Smad2/3 protein levels in a manner dependent on its peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase activity. Knockdown of Pin1 increased the protein levels of endogenous Smad2/3. In addition, Pin1 both enhanced the interaction of Smurf2 with Smads and enhanced Smad ubiquitination. Pin1 inhibited TGF-beta-induced transcription and gene expression, suggesting that Pin1 negatively regulates TGF-beta signaling by down-regulating Smad2/3 protein levels via induction of Smurf2-mediated ubiquitin-proteasomal degradation.

  19. Trapping Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe in Si2O3 smokes

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Nuth, Joseph A., III; Donn, Bertram; Olinger, Chad; Garrison, Dan; Hohenberg, Charles

    1988-01-01

    Simple Si2O3 smokes have been condensed at both low (less than 750 K) and high (greater than 1000 K) temperature at 35 torr H2 pressure in the presence of 0, 10, 100, and 1000 microns of a noble gas mixture containing Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe. In general, both Ne and Ar are quite loosely bound in the smokes (6.0 x 10 to the -8th and 2.6 x 10 to the -4th ccSTP/g, respectively), and are degassed at temperatures below 1200 K. Both Kr and Xe are somewhat more strongly bound at concentrations of 1.0 x 10 to the -7th and 8.2 x 10 to the -8th ccSTP/g, respectively, and in addition show a double release with a second component at a temperature of about 1875 K. With the exception that Si2O3 smokes appear to show a particular affinity for argon, possibly due to an anomalous absorption of atmospheric argon, none of the other noble gases are found in sufficient concentration to explain the gases observed in meteorites as primary circumstellar condensates. However, this data in conjunction with observations of Honda et al. (1979) do seem to show a degree of dependence between noble gas retention and chemical composition.

  20. Widespread Micropollutant Monitoring in the Hudson River Estuary Reveals Spatiotemporal Micropollutant Clusters and Their Sources.

    PubMed

    Carpenter, Corey M G; Helbling, Damian E

    2018-06-05

    The objective of this study was to identify sources of micropollutants in the Hudson River Estuary (HRE). We collected 127 grab samples at 17 sites along the HRE over 2 years and screened for up to 200 micropollutants. We quantified 168 of the micropollutants in at least one of the samples. Atrazine, gabapentin, metolachlor, and sucralose were measured in every sample. We used data-driven unsupervised methods to cluster the micropollutants on the basis of their spatiotemporal occurrence and normalized-concentration patterns. Three major clusters of micropollutants were identified: ubiquitous and mixed-use (core micropollutants), sourced from sewage treatment plant outfalls (STP micropollutants), and derived from diffuse upstream sources (diffuse micropollutants). Each of these clusters was further refined into subclusters that were linked to specific sources on the basis of relationships identified through geospatial analysis of watershed features. Evaluation of cumulative loadings of each subcluster revealed that the Mohawk River and Rondout Creek are major contributors of most core micropollutants and STP micropollutants and the upper HRE is a major contributor of diffuse micropollutants. These data provide the first comprehensive evaluation of micropollutants in the HRE and define distinct spatiotemporal micropollutant clusters that are linked to sources and conserved across surface water systems around the world.

  1. Transport Properties of Thin Bismuth Films on InP (110) Surfaces by Scanning Tunneling Potentiometry

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Feenstra, R. M.; Briner, B. G.; Chin, T. P.; Woodall, J. M.

    1996-03-01

    Charge transport in 20--30 Å thick Bi-films is studied by scanning tunneling potentiometry (STP) at room temperature. The Bi is deposited on cleaved InP(110) surfaces at temperatures near 140 K, yielding atomically flat films interspersed with 12 Å deep holes. The InP substrates contain conducting/insulating/conducting layers, which in cross-section are used to form contacts to the film, thus enabling lateral current densities as high as 8 × 10^6 A/cm^2 . Potential variations due to scattering of this lateral current is detected using STP, by locating the zero-crossing of current-voltage characteristics at each pixel in an image. Potential images reveal, on a coarse scale, a smooth ramp arising from the electric field due to phonon scattering in the film, from which an electron-phonon scattering length of >1000 Å is deduced. On a finer scale, potential steps 2--10 mV high are seen near surface holes and grain boundaries in the film. Detailed study of the ballistic scattering near the holes reveals a dipole shaped feature, which is identified as a residual resistivity dipole. *present address: Physics, Carnegie Mellon Univ., Pittsburgh PA 15213 **now at: Fritz-Haber-Institut, 14195 Berlin, briner@fhi-berlin.mpg.de

  2. Bifunctionalized organic-inorganic charged nanocomposite membrane for pervaporation dehydration of ethanol.

    PubMed

    Tripathi, Bijay P; Kumar, Mahendra; Saxena, Arunima; Shahi, Vinod K

    2010-06-01

    Chitosan was modified into N-p-carboxy benzyl chitosan (NCBC) by introducing an aromatic ring grafted with acidic -COOH group and highly stable and cross-linked nanostructured NCBC-silica composite membranes were prepared for pervaporation dehydration of water-ethanol mixture. These membranes were tailored to comprise three regions namely: hydrophobic region, highly charged region and selective region, in which weak acidic group (-COOH) was grafted at organic segment while strong acidic group (-SO(3)H) was grafted at inorganic segment to achieve high stability and less swelling in water-ethanol mixture. Cross-linking density and NCBC-silica content in membrane matrix has been systematically optimized to control the nanostructure of the developed polymer matrix for studying the effects of molecular structure on the swelling, and PV performance. Among prepared membranes, nanocomposite membrane with 3h cross-linking time and 90% (w/w) of NCBC-silica content (PCS-3-3) exhibited 1.66×10(-4)cm(3)(STP) cm/cm(2) s cmHg water permeability (P(W)), while 1.35×10(-7) cm(3)(STP) cm/cm(2) s cmHg ethanol permeability (P(EtOH)) of developed membrane and 1231 PV selectivity factor at 30 °C for separating water from 90% (w/w) ethanol mixture. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. Occurrences and removal of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in drinking water and water/sewage treatment plants: A review.

    PubMed

    Yang, Yi; Ok, Yong Sik; Kim, Ki-Hyun; Kwon, Eilhann E; Tsang, Yiu Fai

    2017-10-15

    In recent years, many of micropollutants have been widely detected because of continuous input of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) into the environment and newly developed state-of-the-art analytical methods. PPCP residues are frequently detected in drinking water sources, sewage treatment plants (STPs), and water treatment plants (WTPs) due to their universal consumption, low human metabolic capability, and improper disposal. When partially metabolized PPCPs are transferred into STPs, they elicit negative effects on biological treatment processes; therefore, conventional STPs are insufficient when it comes to PPCP removal. Furthermore, the excreted metabolites may become secondary pollutants and can be further modified in receiving water bodies. Several advanced treatment systems, including membrane filtration, granular activated carbon, and advanced oxidation processes, have been used for the effective removal of individual PPCPs. This review covers the occurrence patterns of PPCPs in water environments and the techniques adopted for their treatment in STP/WTP unit processes operating in various countries. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive summary of the removal and fate of PPCPs in different treatment facilities as well as the optimum methods for their elimination in STP and WTP systems. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. Occurrence of emerging pollutants in urban wastewater and their removal through biological treatment followed by ozonation.

    PubMed

    Rosal, Roberto; Rodríguez, Antonio; Perdigón-Melón, José Antonio; Petre, Alice; García-Calvo, Eloy; Gómez, María José; Agüera, Ana; Fernández-Alba, Amadeo R

    2010-01-01

    This work reports a systematic survey of over seventy individual pollutants in a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) receiving urban wastewater. The compounds include mainly pharmaceuticals and personal care products, as well as some metabolites. The quantification in the ng/L range was performed by Liquid Chromatography-QTRAP-Mass Spectrometry and Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry. The results showed that paraxanthine, caffeine and acetaminophen were the main individual pollutants usually found in concentrations over 20 ppb. N-formyl-4-amino-antipiryne and galaxolide were also detected in the ppb level. A group of compounds including the beta-blockers atenolol, metoprolol and propanolol; the lipid regulators bezafibrate and fenofibric acid; the antibiotics erythromycin, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, the antiinflammatories diclofenac, indomethacin, ketoprofen and mefenamic acid, the antiepileptic carbamazepine and the antiacid omeprazole exhibited removal efficiencies below 20% in the STP treatment. Ozonation with doses lower than 90 microM allowed the removal of many individual pollutants including some of those more refractory to biological treatment. A kinetic model allowed the determination of second order kinetic constants for the ozonation of bezafibrate, cotinine, diuron and metronidazole. The results show that the hydroxyl radical reaction was the major pathway for the oxidative transformation of these compounds. (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. Development of space simulation / net-laboratory system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Usui, H.; Matsumoto, H.; Ogino, T.; Fujimoto, M.; Omura, Y.; Okada, M.; Ueda, H. O.; Murata, T.; Kamide, Y.; Shinagawa, H.; Watanabe, S.; Machida, S.; Hada, T.

    A research project for the development of space simulation / net-laboratory system was approved by Japan Science and Technology Corporation (JST) in the category of Research and Development for Applying Advanced Computational Science and Technology(ACT-JST) in 2000. This research project, which continues for three years, is a collaboration with an astrophysical simulation group as well as other space simulation groups which use MHD and hybrid models. In this project, we develop a proto type of unique simulation system which enables us to perform simulation runs by providing or selecting plasma parameters through Web-based interface on the internet. We are also developing an on-line database system for space simulation from which we will be able to search and extract various information such as simulation method and program, manuals, and typical simulation results in graphic or ascii format. This unique system will help the simulation beginners to start simulation study without much difficulty or effort, and contribute to the promotion of simulation studies in the STP field. In this presentation, we will report the overview and the current status of the project.

  6. Products and Services Available from the Southern California Earthquake Data Center (SCEDC) and the Southern California Seismic Network (SCSN)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yu, E.; Bhaskaran, A.; Chen, S.; Chowdhury, F. R.; Meisenhelter, S.; Hutton, K.; Given, D.; Hauksson, E.; Clayton, R. W.

    2010-12-01

    Currently the SCEDC archives continuous and triggered data from nearly 5000 data channels from 425 SCSN recorded stations, processing and archiving an average of 12,000 earthquakes each year. The SCEDC provides public access to these earthquake parametric and waveform data through its website www.data.scec.org and through client applications such as STP and DHI. This poster will describe the most significant developments at the SCEDC in the past year. Updated hardware: ● The SCEDC has more than doubled its waveform file storage capacity by migrating to 2 TB disks. New data holdings: ● Waveform data: Beginning Jan 1, 2010 the SCEDC began continuously archiving all high-sample-rate strong-motion channels. All seismic channels recorded by SCSN are now continuously archived and available at SCEDC. ● Portable data from El Mayor Cucapah 7.2 sequence: Seismic waveforms from portable stations installed by researchers (contributed by Elizabeth Cochran, Jamie Steidl, and Octavio Lazaro-Mancilla) have been added to the archive and are accessible through STP either as continuous data or associated with events in the SCEDC earthquake catalog. This additional data will help SCSN analysts and researchers improve event locations from the sequence. ● Real time GPS solutions from El Mayor Cucapah 7.2 event: Three component 1Hz seismograms of California Real Time Network (CRTN) GPS stations, from the April 4, 2010, magnitude 7.2 El Mayor-Cucapah earthquake are available in SAC format at the SCEDC. These time series were created by Brendan Crowell, Yehuda Bock, the project PI, and Mindy Squibb at SOPAC using data from the CRTN. The El Mayor-Cucapah earthquake demonstrated definitively the power of real-time high-rate GPS data: they measure dynamic displacements directly, they do not clip and they are also able to detect the permanent (coseismic) surface deformation. ● Triggered data from the Quake Catcher Network (QCN) and Community Seismic Network (CSN): The SCEDC in cooperation with QCN and CSN is exploring ways to archive and distribute data from high density low cost networks. As a starting point the SCEDC will store a dataset from QCN and CSN and distribute it through a separate STP client. New archival methods: ● The SCEDC is exploring the feasibility of archiving and distributing waveform data using cloud computing such as Google Apps. A month of continuous data from the SCEDC archive will be stored in Google Apps and a client developed to access it in a manner similar to STP. XML formats: ● The SCEDC is now distributing earthquake parameter data through web services in QuakeML format. ● The SCEDC in collaboration with the Northern California Earthquake Data Center (NCEDC) and USGS Golden has reviewed and revised the StationXML format to produce version 2.0. The new version includes a rules on extending the schema, use of named complex types, and greater consistency in naming conventions. Based on this work we plan to develop readers and writers of the StationXML format.

  7. Symmetries and BI-Hamiltonian Structures of 2+1 Dimensional Systems,

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1986-01-01

    and 0 aisociated with the Kadomtsev - 12 12 Petviashvili (KP) equation 2 -1qtq + 6qqx+ 3aD-q, (1.2) we have developed the theory associated with...generalized to equations in muLtidimensions. Applications to physically relevant equations like the Kadomcsev- Petviashvili equation are illustrated...integro-differenrial evo- lucion equations like the Benjamin-Ono equation are shown to be also described by this generalized V theory. IDSTEBO STP8 3

  8. Comparison of Specifications for Head-Up Displays in the Navy A-4M, A- 7E, AV-8A, and F-14A Aircraft

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1979-11-05

    nomenclature and function for the A-7E aircraft (0). Modes of Opersti&n "rhe A-7i hsa ton mod a of opetition . The display formats for each mods are...tselactad TACAI radial. STP- Povildes course to selclWl preset dasti- ation point. AWL/? CO - Provides gilideo•e Information duriLng landing or preclslon

  9. Combat Airmen: Examining USAF Expeditionary Skills Training

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-02-16

    Rose et al , User’s Manual Volume I. 54 STP 21-1-SMCT Soldier’s Manual of Common Tasks Warrior Skills Level 1, Headquarters Department of the Army...Research Report Submitted to the Faculty In Partial Fulfillment of the Graduation Requirements Advisor: Dr. Anthony Gould 16 February 2016...McKay Company. Inc. ISBN 0- 679-30210-7, 0-582-32385-1 (1964). 19 Donald Tharp, Anthony Gould , and Robert Potter, Leveraging Affective Learning for

  10. Structure and Function of the Superior Temporal Plane in Adult Males with Cleft Lip and Palate: Pathologic Enlargement with No Relationship to Childhood Hearing Deficits

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Shriver, A. S.; Canady, J.; Richman, L.; Andreasen, N. C.; Nopoulos, P.

    2006-01-01

    Background: In a previous study from our lab, adult males with non-syndromic cleft lip and/or palate (NSCLP) were shown to have significantly lower temporal lobe gray matter volume than matched controls. The current study was designed to begin a regional analysis of specific subregions of the temporal lobe. The superior temporal plane (STP) is a…

  11. Automatic meta-data collection of STP observation data

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ishikura, S.; Kimura, E.; Murata, K.; Kubo, T.; Shinohara, I.

    2006-12-01

    For the geo-science and the STP (Solar-Terrestrial Physics) studies, various observations have been done by satellites and ground-based observatories up to now. These data are saved and managed at many organizations, but no common procedure and rule to provide and/or share these data files. Researchers have felt difficulty in searching and analyzing such different types of data distributed over the Internet. To support such cross-over analyses of observation data, we have developed the STARS (Solar-Terrestrial data Analysis and Reference System). The STARS consists of client application (STARS-app), the meta-database (STARS- DB), the portal Web service (STARS-WS) and the download agent Web service (STARS DLAgent-WS). The STARS-DB includes directory information, access permission, protocol information to retrieve data files, hierarchy information of mission/team/data and user information. Users of the STARS are able to download observation data files without knowing locations of the files by using the STARS-DB. We have implemented the Portal-WS to retrieve meta-data from the meta-database. One reason we use the Web service is to overcome a variety of firewall restrictions which is getting stricter in recent years. Now it is difficult for the STARS client application to access to the STARS-DB by sending SQL query to obtain meta- data from the STARS-DB. Using the Web service, we succeeded in placing the STARS-DB behind the Portal- WS and prevent from exposing it on the Internet. The STARS accesses to the Portal-WS by sending the SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) request over HTTP. Meta-data is received as a SOAP Response. The STARS DLAgent-WS provides clients with data files downloaded from data sites. The data files are provided with a variety of protocols (e.g., FTP, HTTP, FTPS and SFTP). These protocols are individually selected at each site. The clients send a SOAP request with download request messages and receive observation data files as a SOAP Response with DIME-Attachment. By introducing the DLAgent-WS, we overcame the problem that the data management policies of each data site are independent. Another important issue to be overcome is how to collect the meta-data of observation data files. So far, STARS-DB managers have added new records to the meta-database and updated them manually. We have had a lot of troubles to maintain the meta-database because observation data are generated every day and the quantity of data files increases explosively. For that purpose, we have attempted to automate collection of the meta-data. In this research, we adopted the RSS 1.0 (RDF Site Summary) as a format to exchange meta-data in the STP fields. The RSS is an RDF vocabulary that provides a multipurpose extensible meta-data description and is suitable for syndication of meta-data. Most of the data in the present study are described in the CDF (Common Data Format), which is a self- describing data format. We have converted meta-information extracted from the CDF data files into RSS files. The program to generate the RSS files is executed on data site server once a day and the RSS files provide information of new data files. The RSS files are collected by RSS collection server once a day and the meta- data are stored in the STARS-DB.

  12. Targeting the AtCWIN1 Gene to Explore the Role of Invertases in Sucrose Transport in Roots and during Botrytis cinerea Infection

    PubMed Central

    Veillet, Florian; Gaillard, Cécile; Coutos-Thévenot, Pierre; La Camera, Sylvain

    2016-01-01

    Cell wall invertases (CWIN) cleave sucrose into glucose and fructose in the apoplast. CWINs are key regulators of carbon partitioning and source/sink relationships during growth, development and under biotic stresses. In this report, we monitored the expression/activity of Arabidopsis cell wall invertases in organs behaving as source, sink, or subjected to a source/sink transition after infection with the necrotrophic fungus Botrytis cinerea. We showed that organs with different source/sink status displayed differential CWIN activities, depending on carbohydrate needs or availabilities in the surrounding environment, through a transcriptional and posttranslational regulation. Loss-of-function mutation of the Arabidopsis cell wall invertase 1 gene, AtCWIN1, showed that the corresponding protein was the main contributor to the apoplastic sucrose cleaving activity in both leaves and roots. The CWIN-deficient mutant cwin1-1 exhibited a reduced capacity to actively take up external sucrose in roots, indicating that this process is mainly dependent on the sucrolytic activity of AtCWIN1. Using T-DNA and CRISPR/Cas9 mutants impaired in hexose transport, we demonstrated that external sucrose is actively absorbed in the form of hexoses by a sugar/H+ symport system involving the coordinated activity of AtCWIN1 with several Sugar Transporter Proteins (STP) of the plasma membrane, i.e., STP1 and STP13. Part of external sucrose was imported without apoplastic cleavage into cwin1-1 seedling roots, highlighting an alternative AtCWIN1-independent pathway for the assimilation of external sucrose. Accordingly, we showed that several genes encoding sucrose transporters of the plasma membrane were expressed. We also detected transcript accumulation of vacuolar invertase (VIN)-encoding genes and high VIN activities. Upon infection, AtCWIN1 was responsible for all the Botrytis-induced apoplastic invertase activity. We detected a transcriptional activation of several AtSUC and AtVIN genes accompanied with an enhanced vacuolar invertase activity, suggesting that the AtCWIN1-independent pathway is efficient upon infection. In absence of AtCWIN1, we postulate that intracellular sucrose hydrolysis is sufficient to provide intracellular hexoses to maintain sugar homeostasis in host cells and to fuel plant defenses. Finally, we demonstrated that Botrytis cinerea possesses its own functional sucrolytic machinery and hexose uptake system, and does not rely on the host apoplastic invertases. PMID:28066461

  13. Consumption-based approach for assessing the contribution of hospitals towards the load of pharmaceutical residues in municipal wastewater.

    PubMed

    Le Corre, Kristell S; Ort, Christoph; Kateley, Diana; Allen, Belinda; Escher, Beate I; Keller, Jurg

    2012-09-15

    Hospitals are considered as major sources of pharmaceutical residues discharged to municipal wastewater, but recent experimental studies showed that the contribution of hospitals to the loads of selected, quantifiable pharmaceuticals in sewage treatment plant (STP) influents was limited. However such conclusions are made based on the experimental analysis of pharmaceuticals in hospital wastewater which is hindered by a number of factors such as access to suitable sampling sites, difficulties in obtaining representative samples and availability of analytical methods. Therefore, this study explores a refined and extended consumption-based approach to predict the contribution of six selected Australian hospitals to the loads of 589 pharmaceuticals in municipal wastewater. In addition, the possibility that hospital-specific substances are present at levels that may pose a risk for human health was evaluated. For 63 to 84% of the pharmaceuticals investigated, the selected hospitals are not a major point source with individual contributions likely to be less than 15% which is in line with previous experimental studies. In contrast, between 10 and 20% of the pharmaceuticals consumed in the selected hospitals are exclusively used in these hospitals. For these hospital-specific substances, 57 distinct pharmaceuticals may cause concerns for human health as concentrations predicted in hospital effluents are less than 100-fold lower than effect thresholds. However, when concentrations were predicted in the influent of the corresponding STP, only 12 compounds (including the antineoplastic vincristine, the antibiotics tazobactam and piperacillin) remain in concentration close to effect thresholds, but further decrease is expected after removal in STP, dilution in the receiving stream and drinking water treatment. The results of this study suggest that risks of human exposure to the pharmaceuticals exclusively administered in the investigated hospitals are limited and decentralised wastewater treatment at these sites would not have a substantial impact on pharmaceutical loads entering STPs, and finally the environment. Overall, our approach demonstrates a unique opportunity to screen for pharmaceuticals used in hospitals and identifying priority pollutants in hospital wastewater explicitly accounting for site-specific conditions. Being based on consumption and loads discharged by hospitals into municipal wastewater, it is not limited by 1) the big effort to obtain representative samples from sewers, 2) the availability of sensitive chemical analysis or 3) a pre-selection of consumption data (e.g. consumption volume). Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Evolution post-opératoire des séquelles de tuberculose pulmonaire chez les séropositifs VIH

    PubMed Central

    Grégoire, Ayegnon Kouakou; Flavien, Kendja Hypolite; Raphaël, Ouédé; Démine, Blaise; Christophe, Ménéas Gueu; Marie, Ano Kounangui; Hervé, Yangni-Angaté Koffi; Yves, Tanauh

    2014-01-01

    Cette étude rapporte les aspects cliniques et évolutifs des séquelles pulmonaires tuberculeuses (SPT) opérées chez les séropositifs (VIH+). Il s'agit d'une étude prospective transversale réalisée entre Novembre 2005 et Octobre 2012. Elle a porté sur 20 patients VIH+, ayant dans leurs antécédents, une tuberculose pulmonaire (TP) traitée et déclarée guérie, et admise dans ladite période pour une chirurgie de la SPT secondaire. Une enquête sérologique VIH a été réalisée systématiquement au cours du bilan pré-opératoire. Le diagnostic pré-opératoire de la SPT, la mortalité, les complications post- opératoires (CPOP), le séjour hospitalier, le suivi à moyen terme des STP opérées ont été évalués. Les séropositifs étaient VIH1+ (n = 12; 60%), VIH1&2+ (n = 4; 20%) et VIH2+ (n = 4; 20%). La durée moyenne d’évolution des STP était de 26,22 ± 21,3 mois. Les STP étaient les pyothorax ou pleurésies enkystées (n = 16; 80%), le poumon détruit (n = 2;10%) et les dilatations de bronches (n = 2;10%). Les VIH+ ne présentaient pas d'aspergillome pulmonaire. Le séjour hospitalier moyen était 13,1 ± 10,2 jours. Le suivi total était de 82 patients-année avec une moyenne de suivi de 4,2 ± 2,3 ans (extrêmes: 1 et 7 ans). Le taux de mortalité à court et moyen terme était nul. Aucun décès post-opératoire immédiat n'a été noté. Les CPOP immédiates étaient les bullages prolongés chez 75% des immunodéprimés. Les CPOP tardives (n = 3) étaient un syndrome restrictif pulmonaire, un pyothorax persistant et une pachypleurite résiduelle restrictive. A court terme, le taux de guérison radiologique était de 80% (n = 16). PMID:24932331

  15. Products and Services Available from the Southern California Earthquake Data Center (SCEDC) and the Southern California Seismic Network (SCSN)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yu, E.; Chen, S.; Chowdhury, F.; Bhaskaran, A.; Hutton, K.; Given, D.; Hauksson, E.; Clayton, R. W.

    2009-12-01

    The SCEDC archives continuous and triggered data from nearly 3000 data channels from 375 SCSN recorded stations. The SCSN and SCEDC process and archive an average of 12,000 earthquakes each year, contributing to the southern California earthquake catalog that spans from 1932 to present. The SCEDC provides public, searchable access to these earthquake parametric and waveform data through its website www.data.scec.org and through client applications such as STP, NETDC and DHI. New data products: ● The SCEDC is distributing synthetic waveform data from the 2008 ShakeOut scenario (Jones et al., USGS Open File Rep., 2008-1150) and (Graves et al. 2008; Geophys. Res. Lett.) This is a M 7.8 earthquake on the southern San Andreas fault. Users will be able to download 40 sps velocity waveforms in SAC format from the SCEDC website. The SCEDC is also distributing synthetic GPS data (Crowell et al., 2009; Seismo. Res. Letters.) for this scenario as well. ● The SCEDC has added a new web page to show the latest tomographic model of Southern California. This model is based on Tape et al., 2009 Science. New data services: ● The SCEDC is exporting data in QuakeML format. This is an xml format that has been adopted by the Advanced National Seismic System (ANSS). This data will also be available as a web service. ● The SCEDC is exporting data in StationXML format. This is an xml format created by the SCEDC and adopted by ANSS to fully describe station metadata. This data will also be available as a web service. ● The stp 1.6 client can now access both the SCEDC and the Northern California Earthquake Data Center (NCEDC) earthquake and waveform archives. In progress - SCEDC to distribute 1 sps GPS data in miniSEED format: ● As part of a NASA Advanced Information Systems Technology project in collaboration with Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the SCEDC will receive real time 1 sps streams of GPS displacement solutions from the California Real Time Network (http://sopac.ucsd.edu/projects/realtime; Genrich and Bock, 2006, J. Geophys. Res.). These channels will be archived at the SCEDC as miniSEED waveforms, which then can be distributed to the user community via applications such as STP.

  16. Construction of a newly designed small-size mass spectrometer for helium isotope analysis: toward the continuous monitoring of (3)he/(4)he ratios in natural fluids.

    PubMed

    Bajo, Ken-Ichi; Sumino, Hirochika; Toyoda, Michisato; Okazaki, Ryuji; Osawa, Takahito; Ishihara, Morio; Katakuse, Itsuo; Notsu, Kenji; Igarashi, George; Nagao, Keisuke

    2012-01-01

    The construction of a small-size, magnetic sector, single focusing mass spectrometer (He-MS) for the continuous, on-site monitoring of He isotope ratios ((3)He/(4)He) is described. The instrument is capable of measuring (4)He/(20)Ne ratios dissolved in several different types of natural fluids of geochemical interest, such as groundwater and gas from hot springs, volcanoes and gas well fields. The ion optics of He-MS was designed using an ion trajectory simulation program "TRIO," which permits the simultaneous measurement of (3)He and (4)He with a double collector system under a mass resolution power (M/ΔM) of >700. The presently attained specifications of He-MS are; (1) a mass resolving power of ca. 430, sufficient to separate (3)He(+) from interfering ions, HD(+) and H3 (+), (2) ultra-high vacuum conditions down to 3×10(-8) Pa, and (3) a sufficiently high sensitivity to permit amounts of (3)He to be detected at levels as small as 10(-13) cm(3) STP (3×10(6) atoms). Long term stability for (3)He/(4)He analysis was examined by measuring the (3)He/(4)He standard gas (HESJ) and atmospheric He, resulting in ∼3% reproducibility and ≤5% experimental error for various amounts of atmospheric He from 0.3 to 2.3×10(-6) cm(3) STP introduced into the instrument. A dynamic range of measurable (3)He/(4)He ratios with He-MS is greater than 10(3) which was determined by measuring various types of natural fluid samples from continental gas (with a low (3)He/(4)He ratio down to 2×10(-8)) to volcanic gas (with a high (3)He/(4)He ratio up to 3×10(-5)). The accuracy and precision of (3)He/(4)He and (4)He/(20)Ne ratios were evaluated by comparing the values with those measured using well established noble gas mass spectrometers (modified VG5400/MS-III and -IV) in our laboratory, and were found to be in good agreement within analytical errors. Usefulness of the selective extraction of He from water/gas using a high permeability of He through a silica glass wall at high temperature (700°C) is demonstrated.

  17. SURFACE WATER AND GROUND WATER QUALITY MONITORING FOR RESTORATION OF URBAN LAKES IN GREATER HYDERABAD, INDIA

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mohanty, A. K.

    2009-12-01

    SURFACE WATER AND GROUND WATER QUALITY MONITORING FOR RESTORATION OF URBAN LAKES IN GREATER HYDERABAD, INDIA A.K. Mohanty, K. Mahesh Kumar, B. A. Prakash and V.V.S. Gurunadha Rao Ecology and Environment Group National Geophysical Research Institute, (CSIR) Hyderabad - 500 606, India E-mail:atulyakumarmohanty@yahoo.com Abstract: Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority has taken up restoration of urban lakes around Hyderabad city under Green Hyderabad Environment Program. Restoration of Mir Alam Tank, Durgamcheruvu, Patel cheruvu, Pedda Cheruvu and Nallacheruvu lakes have been taken up under the second phase. There are of six lakes viz., RKPuramcheruvu, Nadimicheruvu (Safilguda), Bandacheruvu Patelcheruvu, Peddacheruvu, Nallacheruvu, in North East Musi Basin covering 38 sq km. Bimonthly monitoring of lake water quality for BOD, COD, Total Nitrogen, Total phosphorous has been carried out for two hydrological cycles during October 2002- October 2004 in all the five lakes at inlet channels and outlets. The sediments in the lake have been also assessed for nutrient status. The nutrient parameters have been used to assess eutrophic condition through computation of Trophic Status Index, which has indicated that all the above lakes under study are under hyper-eutrophic condition. The hydrogeological, geophysical, water quality and groundwater data base collected in two watersheds covering 4 lakes has been used to construct groundwater flow and mass transport models. The interaction of lake-water with groundwater has been computed for assessing the lake water budget combining with inflow and outflow measurements on streams entering and leaving the lakes. Individual lake water budget has been used for design of appropriate capacity of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) on the inlet channels of the lakes for maintaining Full Tank Level (FTL) in each lake. STPs are designed for tertiary treatment i.e. removal of nutrient load viz., Phosphates and Nitrates. Phosphates are removed through addition of Alum to the influent stream to the STPs whereas Nitrates reduction is achieved by sending the treated wastewater from the STP through a wetland before entering the lake. STP Capacity ranging from 2-10 MLD have been recommended depending on lake water budget of individual lake and considering surrounding urbanization. Sediment nutrient data has helped for deciding the need for dredging of lake bed for removal of phosphates. Key Words: Lake water budget, Eutrophication, Trophic Status Index, Urban Lakes Restoration

  18. Report of the Defense Science Board Task Force on Defensive Information Operations. 2000 Summer Study. Volume II

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2001-03-01

    distinguishing between attacks and other events such as accidents, system failures, or hacking by thrill-seekers. This challenge is exacerbated by the...and is referred to as Signaling System # 7 ( SS7 ). Commercial Intelligent Network Architecture Switching Signal Point (SSP) Service - Originates...Wireless access point to fixed infrastructure Ut c Signaling Transfer Point (STP) - Packet switch in CCITT#7 Network SP SW SS7 System Data Bases Network

  19. Emerging Futures for Sao Tome & Principe’s International Airport Campus

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2007-12-03

    appointment to manage daily operations of the airport. Upon his appointment in 2006, he realized the airport needed to be upgraded to meet International...International Airpon air-traffic control tower. ’rhis facility contains all of the opetational and ptimary management functions of the airport, Funding for any...views ofSTP citizens of the true value ofoil and its potential for positive effects. The addition of more people working on oil rigs, managing the

  20. Arctic Haze: Natural or Pollution

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1978-08-01

    rn wavelength, rs0o; precipitable water in g cm - , iv; Angstrom ~wavelength coefficient, a and column ozone in column cm (STP), 03. Left - Barrow...maximum of total ozone in the Arctic, but there is evidence at the same time of a depletion of surface ozone . 6. Spring is the time when the sun’s...chemical reactions due to high ozone concentrations. d. Association with dynamics of stratospheric warmings (that occur in mid-winter and spring). 6. Cosmic

  1. Intrinsic Connections of the Core Auditory Cortical Regions and Rostral Supratemporal Plane in the Macaque Monkey.

    PubMed

    Scott, Brian H; Leccese, Paul A; Saleem, Kadharbatcha S; Kikuchi, Yukiko; Mullarkey, Matthew P; Fukushima, Makoto; Mishkin, Mortimer; Saunders, Richard C

    2017-01-01

    In the ventral stream of the primate auditory cortex, cortico-cortical projections emanate from the primary auditory cortex (AI) along 2 principal axes: one mediolateral, the other caudorostral. Connections in the mediolateral direction from core, to belt, to parabelt, have been well described, but less is known about the flow of information along the supratemporal plane (STP) in the caudorostral dimension. Neuroanatomical tracers were injected throughout the caudorostral extent of the auditory core and rostral STP by direct visualization of the cortical surface. Auditory cortical areas were distinguished by SMI-32 immunostaining for neurofilament, in addition to established cytoarchitectonic criteria. The results describe a pathway comprising step-wise projections from AI through the rostral and rostrotemporal fields of the core (R and RT), continuing to the recently identified rostrotemporal polar field (RTp) and the dorsal temporal pole. Each area was strongly and reciprocally connected with the areas immediately caudal and rostral to it, though deviations from strictly serial connectivity were observed. In RTp, inputs converged from core, belt, parabelt, and the auditory thalamus, as well as higher order cortical regions. The results support a rostrally directed flow of auditory information with complex and recurrent connections, similar to the ventral stream of macaque visual cortex. Published by Oxford University Press 2015. This work is written by (a) US Government employee(s) and is in the public domain in the US.

  2. Processing of band-passed noise in the lateral auditory belt cortex of the rhesus monkey.

    PubMed

    Rauschecker, Josef P; Tian, Biao

    2004-06-01

    Neurons in the lateral belt areas of rhesus monkey auditory cortex were stimulated with band-passed noise (BPN) bursts of different bandwidths and center frequencies. Most neurons responded much more vigorously to these sounds than to tone bursts of a single frequency, and it thus became possible to elicit a clear response in 85% of lateral belt neurons. Tuning to center frequency and bandwidth of the BPN bursts was analyzed. Best center frequency varied along the rostrocaudal direction, with 2 reversals defining borders between areas. We confirmed the existence of 2 belt areas (AL and ML) that were laterally adjacent to the core areas (R and A1, respectively) and a third area (CL) adjacent to area CM on the supratemporal plane (STP). All 3 lateral belt areas were cochleotopically organized with their frequency gradients collinear to those of the adjacent STP areas. Although A1 neurons responded best to pure tones and their responses decreased with increasing bandwidth, 63% of the lateral belt neurons were tuned to bandwidths between 1/3 and 2 octaves and showed either one or multiple peaks. The results are compared with previous data from visual cortex and are discussed in the context of spectral integration, whereby the lateral belt forms a relatively early stage of processing in the cortical hierarchy, giving rise to parallel streams for the identification of auditory objects and their localization in space.

  3. GNSS Space-Time Interference Mitigation and Attitude Determination in the Presence of Interference Signals

    PubMed Central

    Daneshmand, Saeed; Jahromi, Ali Jafarnia; Broumandan, Ali; Lachapelle, Gérard

    2015-01-01

    The use of Space-Time Processing (STP) in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) applications is gaining significant attention due to its effectiveness for both narrowband and wideband interference suppression. However, the resulting distortion and bias on the cross correlation functions due to space-time filtering is a major limitation of this technique. Employing the steering vector of the GNSS signals in the filter structure can significantly reduce the distortion on cross correlation functions and lead to more accurate pseudorange measurements. This paper proposes a two-stage interference mitigation approach in which the first stage estimates an interference-free subspace before the acquisition and tracking phases and projects all received signals into this subspace. The next stage estimates array attitude parameters based on detecting and employing GNSS signals that are less distorted due to the projection process. Attitude parameters enable the receiver to estimate the steering vector of each satellite signal and use it in the novel distortionless STP filter to significantly reduce distortion and maximize Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). GPS signals were collected using a six-element antenna array under open sky conditions to first calibrate the antenna array. Simulated interfering signals were then added to the digitized samples in software to verify the applicability of the proposed receiver structure and assess its performance for several interference scenarios. PMID:26016909

  4. Welding of hermetic connectors

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

    Hieber, D.E.

    1976-08-01

    Certain systems use hermetically-sealed multipin connectors welded into a stainless steel support ring. Failure of these hermetic seals during welding continues to be a problem, and similar problems are anticipated on advanced systems. Since the assembly is expensive, and the detection, prevention, and repair of hermetic seal failures is costly, development of an improved welding process is important. Extended service life also requires a lower system leak rate, thus causing an increased need for maintaining the hermetic seal without supplemental epoxy sealing and repair. Experience shows that up to 70 percent of the 10-pin SA1810-2 connectors have gross leaks (greatermore » than 0.003 mm/sup 3//s Standard Temperature and Pressure (STP)) after being welded using established welding processes and without using the epoxy pre-seal process. Acceptable leak rates of less than 0.00001 mm/sup 3//s STP were achieved from 20 SA1810-2 10-pin connectors using heat sinks and an intermittent gas-tungsten-arc (GTA) weld technique. The process developed consists of using a massive copper heat sink with silicon thermal joint compound to maintain control of temperature in the hermetic seal area and using a 12-segment GTA weld with compressed argon gas cooling between weld segments. The process and techniques developed are considered acceptable for welding the SA1810 family of connectors.« less

  5. Autoregulatory Characteristics of a Bacillus anthracis Serine/Threonine Kinase▿

    PubMed Central

    Bryant-Hudson, Katie M.; Shakir, Salika M.; Ballard, Jimmy D.

    2011-01-01

    BA-Stk1 is a serine/threonine kinase (STK) expressed by Bacillus anthracis. In previous studies, we found that BA-Stk1 activity is modulated through dephosphorylation by a partner phosphatase, BA-Stp1. In this study, we identified critical phosphorylation regions of BA-Stk1 and determined the contributions of these phosphodomains to autophosphorylation and substrate phosphorylation. The data indicate that BA-Stk1 undergoes trans-autophosphorylation within a regulatory domain, referred to as the activation loop, which carries eight putative regulatory serine and threonine residues. We identified activation loop mutants that impacted kinase activity in three different manners: regulation of autophosphorylation (T162), regulation of substrate phosphorylation (T159 and S169), and regulation of overall kinase activity (T163). Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analysis of the phosphorylation profile of each mutant revealed a second site of phosphorylation on the kinase that was influenced by the phosphorylation status of the activation loop. This second region of the kinase contained a single phosphorylation residue, S214. Previous work has shown S214 to be necessary for downstream substrate phosphorylation, and we have shown that this residue is subject to dephosphorylation by BA-Stp1. These findings indicate a connection between the phosphorylation status of the activation loop and phosphorylation of S214, and this suggests a previously undescribed model for how a bacterial STK shifts from a state of autophosphorylation to targeting downstream substrates. PMID:21296958

  6. Metabolomics evaluation of the impact of smokeless tobacco exposure on the oral bacterium Capnocytophaga sputigena

    PubMed Central

    Sun, Jinchun; Jin, Jinshan; Beger, Richard D.; Cerniglia, Carl E.; Yang, Maocheng; Chen, Huizhong

    2017-01-01

    The association between exposure to smokeless tobacco products (STP) and oral diseases is partially due to the physiological and pathological changes in the composition of the oral microbiome and its metabolic profile. However, it is not clear how STPs affect the physiology and ecology of oral microbiota. A UPLC/QTof-MS-based metabolomics study was employed to analyze metabolic alterations in oral bacterium, Capnocytophaga sputigena as a result of smokeless tobacco exposure and to assess the capability of the bacterium to metabolize nicotine. Pathway analysis of the metabolome profiles indicated that smokeless tobacco extracts caused oxidative stress in the bacterium. The metabolomics data also showed that the argininenitric oxide pathway was perturbed by the smokeless tobacco treatment. Results also showed that LC/MS was useful in identifying STP constituents and additives, including caffeine and many flavoring compounds. No significant changes in levels of nicotine and its major metabolites were found when C. sputigena was cultured in a nutrient rich medium, although hydroxylnicotine and cotinine N-oxide were detected in the bacterial metabolites suggesting that nicotine metabolism might be present as a minor degradation pathway in the bacterium. Study results provide new insights regarding the physiological and toxicological effects of smokeless tobacco on oral bacterium C. sputigena and associated oral health as well as measuring the ability of the oral bacterium to metabolize nicotine. PMID:27480511

  7. GNSS space-time interference mitigation and attitude determination in the presence of interference signals.

    PubMed

    Daneshmand, Saeed; Jahromi, Ali Jafarnia; Broumandan, Ali; Lachapelle, Gérard

    2015-05-26

    The use of Space-Time Processing (STP) in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) applications is gaining significant attention due to its effectiveness for both narrowband and wideband interference suppression. However, the resulting distortion and bias on the cross correlation functions due to space-time filtering is a major limitation of this technique. Employing the steering vector of the GNSS signals in the filter structure can significantly reduce the distortion on cross correlation functions and lead to more accurate pseudorange measurements. This paper proposes a two-stage interference mitigation approach in which the first stage estimates an interference-free subspace before the acquisition and tracking phases and projects all received signals into this subspace. The next stage estimates array attitude parameters based on detecting and employing GNSS signals that are less distorted due to the projection process. Attitude parameters enable the receiver to estimate the steering vector of each satellite signal and use it in the novel distortionless STP filter to significantly reduce distortion and maximize Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). GPS signals were collected using a six-element antenna array under open sky conditions to first calibrate the antenna array. Simulated interfering signals were then added to the digitized samples in software to verify the applicability of the proposed receiver structure and assess its performance for several interference scenarios.

  8. Implementing Technology for Science Classrooms in Sao Tome and Principe

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jardim, Maria Dolores Rodrigues

    This qualitative bounded case study was designed to understand how technology integration in schools could be addressed in a first-wave country. The integration of educational technology in Sao Tome and Principe (STP), a first-wave agricultural civilization, can narrow the divide between STP and third-wave information age societies. The conceptual framework was based on theories of change, learning, and context. Toffler's wave theory described how societies changed while Fullan's change theory examined how the people might change. Roger's diffusion of innovations addressed how processes change. Bandura, Vygotsky, and Siemen provided the framework for the learning within the model of change. Finally, the context theories of Tessmer and Richey's instructional design, Lave and Wenger's situated learning, and Sticht's functional context theory were applied. Twenty five individuals from 5 schools, including teachers, school directors, key educational stakeholders, and the minister of education were involved in a pilot project to integrate technology into the science curriculum. The data were collected via interviews, reflective summaries, and confidential narratives. The resulting data were analyzed to find emerging patterns. The results of this analysis showed that a first-wave civilization can adopt a third-wave civilization's features in terms of technology integration, when there is the support of opinion leaders and most of the necessary contextual requirements are in place. The study contributes to social change by providing access to knowledge through technology integration, which empowers both teachers and students.

  9. Metabolomics evaluation of the impact of smokeless tobacco exposure on the oral bacterium Capnocytophaga sputigena.

    PubMed

    Sun, Jinchun; Jin, Jinshan; Beger, Richard D; Cerniglia, Carl E; Yang, Maocheng; Chen, Huizhong

    2016-10-01

    The association between exposure to smokeless tobacco products (STP) and oral diseases is partially due to the physiological and pathological changes in the composition of the oral microbiome and its metabolic profile. However, it is not clear how STPs affect the physiology and ecology of oral microbiota. A UPLC/QTof-MS-based metabolomics study was employed to analyze metabolic alterations in oral bacterium, Capnocytophaga sputigena as a result of smokeless tobacco exposure and to assess the capability of the bacterium to metabolize nicotine. Pathway analysis of the metabolome profiles indicated that smokeless tobacco extracts caused oxidative stress in the bacterium. The metabolomics data also showed that the arginine-nitric oxide pathway was perturbed by the smokeless tobacco treatment. Results also showed that LC/MS was useful in identifying STP constituents and additives, including caffeine and many flavoring compounds. No significant changes in levels of nicotine and its major metabolites were found when C. sputigena was cultured in a nutrient rich medium, although hydroxylnicotine and cotinine N-oxide were detected in the bacterial metabolites suggesting that nicotine metabolism might be present as a minor degradation pathway in the bacterium. Study results provide new insights regarding the physiological and toxicological effects of smokeless tobacco on oral bacterium C. sputigena and associated oral health as well as measuring the ability of the oral bacterium to metabolize nicotine. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  10. Remote Sensing of the Upper Atmosphere and the Ionosphere in the Extreme and Far Ultraviolet: Results from the LITES Experiment aboard the IS

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Finn, S. C.; Chakrabarti, S.; Stephan, A. W.; Geddes, G.; Budzien, S. A.; Cook, T.; Aryal, S.; Martel, J.; Galkin, I. A.; Erickson, P. J.

    2017-12-01

    The Limb-Imaging Ionospheric and Thermospheric Extreme-ultraviolet Spectrograph (LITES) was launched as part of the Space Test Program Houston #5 (STP-H5) payload aboard a commercial resupply flight on February 19, 2017 and was subsequently installed on the International Space Station (ISS). LITES is an imaging spectrograph that spans the 60 - 140 nm wavelength range at 1 nm spectral resolution and samples tangent altitudes 150 - 350 km with 0.2° angular resolution. LITES, in combination with the GPS Radio Occultation and Ultraviolet Photometry - Colocated (GROUP-C) experiment, which includes a GPS receiver and a nadir viewing 135.6 nm photometer, jointly collect new information on the thermosphere and the ionosphere using simultaneous UV and radio emissions. LITES, which uses standard stars to perform in-flight calibration, observes altitude profiles of day and night airglow emissions that are being used to infer thermospheric and ionospheric density profiles. Furthermore, due to the inclination of the ISS, LITES has also observed auroral spectrum and their altitude and spatial variations. Finally, geomagnetic storm effects on its UV emissions can be used to remotely sense their effects on the upper atmospheric morphology. These ISS observations,which are complement to the upcoming ICON and GOLD NASA missions, are focused on ionosphere-atmosphere coupling and global-scale atmospheric response to space weather observed from higher altitudes . We will present an overview of the LITES instrument, some early results from the first few months of operations. We will also summarize the advantages in calibration and validation activities that are possible through space-based LITES, GROUP-C and stellar measurements and simultaneous ground-based optical and radar observations.

  11. Preparation of water and ice samples for 39Ar dating by atom trap trace analysis (ATTA)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schwefel, R.; Reichel, T.; Aeschbach-Hertig, W.; Wagenbach, D.

    2012-04-01

    Atom trap trace analysis (ATTA) is a new and promising method to measure very rare noble gas radioisotopes in the environment. The applicability of this method for the dating of very old groundwater with 81Kr has already been demonstrated [1]. Recent developments now show its feasibility also for the analysis of 39Ar [2,3], which is an ideal dating tracer for the age range between 50 and 1000 years. This range is of interest in the fields of hydro(geo)logy, oceanography, and glaciology. We present preparation (gas extraction and Ar separation) methods for groundwater and ice samples for later analysis by the ATTA technique. For groundwater, the sample size is less of a limitation than for applications in oceanography or glaciology. Large samples are furthermore needed to enable a comparison with the classical method of 39Ar detection by low-level counting. Therefore, a system was built that enables gas extraction from several thousand liters of water using membrane contactors. This system provides degassing efficiencies greater than 80 % and has successfully been tested in the field. Gas samples are further processed to separate a pure Ar fraction by a gas-chromatographic method based on Li-LSX zeolite as selective adsorber material at very low temperatures. The gas separation achieved by this system is controlled by a quadrupole mass spectrometer. It has successfully been tested and used on real samples. The separation efficiency was found to be strongly temperature dependent in the range of -118 to -130 °C. Since ATTA should enable the analysis of 39Ar on samples of less than 1 ccSTP of Ar (corresponding to about 100 ml of air, 2.5 l of water or 1 kg of ice), a method to separate Ar from small amounts of gas was developed. Titanium sponge was found to absorb 60 ccSTP of reactive gases per g of the getter material with reasonably high absorption rates at high operating temperatures (~ 800 ° C). Good separation (higher than 92 % Ar content in residual gas) was achieved by this gettering process. The other main remaining component is H2, which can be further reduced by operating the Ti getter at lower temperature. Furthermore, a system was designed to degas ice samples, followed by Ar separation by gettering. Ice from an alpine glacier was successfully processed on this system.

  12. Assessing the role of anthropogenic and biogenic sources on PM1 over southern West Africa using aircraft measurements

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Brito, Joel; Freney, Evelyn; Dominutti, Pamela; Borbon, Agnes; Haslett, Sophie L.; Batenburg, Anneke M.; Colomb, Aurelie; Dupuy, Regis; Denjean, Cyrielle; Burnet, Frederic; Bourriane, Thierry; Deroubaix, Adrien; Sellegri, Karine; Borrmann, Stephan; Coe, Hugh; Flamant, Cyrille; Knippertz, Peter; Schwarzenboeck, Alfons

    2018-01-01

    As part of the Dynamics-Aerosol-Chemistry-Cloud Interactions in West Africa (DACCIWA) project, an airborne campaign was designed to measure a large range of atmospheric constituents, focusing on the effect of anthropogenic emissions on regional climate. The presented study details results of the French ATR42 research aircraft, which aimed to characterize gas-phase, aerosol and cloud properties in the region during the field campaign carried out in June/July 2016 in combination with the German Falcon 20 and the British Twin Otter aircraft. The aircraft flight paths covered large areas of Benin, Togo, Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, focusing on emissions from large urban conurbations such as Abidjan, Accra and Lomé, as well as remote continental areas and the Gulf of Guinea. This paper focuses on aerosol particle measurements within the boundary layer (< 2000 m), in particular their sources and chemical composition in view of the complex mix of both biogenic and anthropogenic emissions, based on measurements from a compact time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer (C-ToF-AMS) and ancillary instrumentation. Background concentrations (i.e. outside urban plumes) observed from the ATR42 indicate a fairly polluted region during the time of the campaign, with average concentrations of carbon monoxide of 131 ppb, ozone of 32 ppb, and aerosol particle number concentration ( > 15 nm) of 735 cm-3 stp. Regarding submicron aerosol composition (considering non-refractory species and black carbon, BC), organic aerosol (OA) is the most abundant species contributing 53 %, followed by SO4 (27 %), NH4 (11 %), BC (6 %), NO3 (2 %) and minor contribution of Cl (< 0.5 %). Average background PM1 in the region was 5.9 µg m-3 stp. During measurements of urban pollution plumes, mainly focusing on the outflow of Abidjan, Accra and Lomé, pollutants are significantly enhanced (e.g. average concentration of CO of 176 ppb, and aerosol particle number concentration of 6500 cm-3 stp), as well as PM1 concentration (11.9 µg m-3 stp). Two classes of organic aerosols were estimated based on C-ToF-AMS: particulate organic nitrates (pONs) and isoprene epoxydiols secondary organic aerosols (IEPOX-SOA). Both classes are usually associated with the formation of particulate matter through complex interactions of anthropogenic and biogenic sources. During DACCIWA, pONs have a fairly small contribution to OA (around 5 %) and are more associated with long-range transport from central Africa than local formation. Conversely, IEPOX-SOA provides a significant contribution to OA (around 24 and 28 % under background and in-plume conditions). Furthermore, the fractional contribution of IEPOX-SOA is largely unaffected by changes in the aerosol composition (particularly the SO4 concentration), which suggests that IEPOX-SOA concentration is mainly driven by pre-existing aerosol surface, instead of aerosol chemical properties. At times of large in-plume SO4 enhancements (above 5 µg m-3), the fractional contribution of IEPOX-SOA to OA increases above 50 %, suggesting only then a change in the IEPOX-SOA-controlling mechanism. It is important to note that IEPOX-SOA constitutes a lower limit to the contribution of biogenic OA, given that other processes (e.g. non-IEPOX isoprene, monoterpene SOA) are likely in the region. Given the significant contribution to aerosol concentration, it is crucial that such complex biogenic-anthropogenic interactions are taken into account in both present-day and future scenario models of this fast-changing, highly sensitive region.

  13. Analytical formulae for computing the critical current of an Nb3Sn strand under bending

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ciazynski, D.; Torre, A.

    2010-12-01

    Works on bending strain in Nb3Sn wires were initiated in support of the 'react-and-wind' technique used to manufacture superconducting coils. More recently, the bending strains of Nb3Sn strands in cable-in-conduit conductors (CICC) under high Lorentz forces have been thought to be partly responsible for the degradation of the conductor performance in terms of critical current and n index, particularly for the international thermonuclear experimental reactor (ITER) conductors. This has led to a new wave of experiments and modelling on this subject. The computation of the current transport capability in an Nb3Sn wire under uniform bending used to be carried out through the so-called Ekin's models, and more recently through numerical simulations with electric networks. The flaws of Ekin's models are that they consider only two extreme cases or limits, namely the so-called long twist pitch (LTP) or short twist pitch (STP) cases, and that these models only allow computation of a value for the critical current without reference to the n index of the superconducting filaments (i.e. this index is implicitly assumed to be infinite). Although the numerical models allow a fine description of the wire under operation and can take into account the filament's n index, they need a refined meshing to be accurate enough and their results may be sensitive to boundary conditions (i.e. current injection in the wire), also general intrinsic parameters cannot be easily identified. In this paper, we propose clearly to go further than Ekin's models by developing, from a homogeneous model and Maxwell's equations, an analytical model to establish the general equation governing the evolution of the electric field inside an Nb3Sn strand under uniform bending (with possible longitudinal strain). Within the usual strand fabrication limits, this equation allows the definition of one single parameter to discriminate the STP and LTP cases. It is also shown that whereas Ekin's LTP model corresponds well to a limiting solution of the problem when the transverse resistivity tends toward zero (or the twist pitch tends towards infinity), Ekin's STP model must be modified (improved) when the filament's n index is finite. Since the general equation cannot be solved analytically, we start from the LTP model and develop a first order correction to be applied when the transverse resistivity, the twist pitch and the filament's n index are finite. Using a simple but realistic law for depicting the strain dependence of the critical current density in the Nb3Sn filaments, we can fully compute the corrected expression and give the result under a general analytical formula for a strand submitted to both bending and compressive/tensile strains. The results are then compared in two different cases with those obtained with the numerical code CARMEN (based on an electrical network) developed at CEA. Last, a semi-empirical formula has been developed to evolve continuously from the LTP limit to the improved STP limit when the transverse resistivity evolves from zero to infinity. The results given by this formula are again compared with the numerical simulations in two different cases. Last, comparisons with experimental results are discussed.

  14. Report of the United States Air Force Morale, Welfare and Recreation Task Force. Impact Analysis of Institutional Factors Impacting MWR Activities. Annex A. Appendix 8

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1987-07-01

    sports arenas, you would see items such as scoreboard, refreshment stands, and small amenities bearing the logo of a commercial concern (Coke, Pepsi , STP...deprive revenue sources readily accessible to their private sector competitors. By reaching a wider audience and accepting commercial advertisements...low fees for student/general population audiences as a service, as well as higher fees for revenue generating activities. Such a study could include

  15. Supplements to a Guide to Cultural and Environmental Interpretation in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1984-05-01

    visitors knew but chose the crowded areas out of habit without thinking about using less crowded alternatives ( goalI ) Stp2. As a group, the team members...it becomes - * - necessary to target particular audiences. In most cases, you will need to pull particular information from your visitor data when...symbols pulled distinguished by a multi-sided Chagall from a list of anticipated behaviors mosaic which, at the time of this study, (Figure A7). was

  16. Stamina pistilloida: a new mutation induced in pea.

    PubMed

    Monti, L M; Devreux, M

    1969-01-01

    After diethylsulphate treatment of seeds of the pea variety 'Parvus', a new floral mutation was isolated in the second generation. This mutation, named stamina pistilloida, is characterized by a partial fusion of the androecium with the gynoecium; the two marginal stamens of the staminal column are transformed in rudimentary carpels more or less differentiated according to ecoclimatic conditions. The genetic analysis has shown the monogenic and recessive behaviour of the mutation (gene proposed stp) and its linkage with the gene oh in the chromosome II.

  17. A Micro-Computer Based Decision Support System for Response Surface Methodology

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1990-03-01

    d = -(a+em) *(gab+en)*x/ ((a+tem) *(qap+tem)); app = ap+d*az; bpp = bp+d*bz; aold = az; am = ap/ bpp ; bm = bp/ bpp ; az = app/ bpp ; bz = 1.0; if (( fabs (az...x = x+one; ser = ser+cof[j]/x; ) return (tmp+log(stp*ser));) double betacf(a,b,x) double a, b, x; ( double tem,qapqam,qab,em,d; double bz, bpp ,bp,bm...aold)) < (eps* fabs (az))) goto done; printf("lpause in BETACF\

  18. The Shock and Vibration Digest. Volume 13. Number 8

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1981-08-01

    8), pp 1033-1040(1975). 15. Dupuis, H. and Härtung, E ., "Research on the Biomechanical Vibration Behavior of Man’s Bulbi," Graefes Archiv fur...AKTH AeE (1) In the equation Ae is the endurance strain range and E is Young’s modulus. To date the utility of this model has been demonstrated...held in Toronto, May 2- 4, 1977, STP 665 (1977). 66. Krempl, E ., "The Influence of State of Stress on Low-Cycle Fatigue of Structural Materials

  19. Effect of chlorine purification on oxidation resistance of some mechanical carbons

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wisander, D. W.; Allen, G. P.

    1974-01-01

    Oxidation experiments were conducted with some experimental and commercial mechanical carbons at 650 C in dry air flowing at 28 cc/sec (STP). In general, purification of these carbon-graphites with chlorine at 2800 C improved oxidation resistance. Additional improvements in oxidation resistance were obtained from purification followed by an antioxidant (zinc phosphate) treatment. For the commercial materials, purification alone gave greater oxidation resistance than the antioxidant treatment alone. The reverse, however, was the case for the experimental materials.

  20. The OI 989-A tropical nightglow

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Abreu, V. J.; Solomon, S. C.; Dalgarno, A.; Yee, J. H.; Chakrabarti, S.

    1984-01-01

    Attention is given to the morphology and origin of the OI 989 A emission in the tropical nightglow. Dielectronic recombination of O(+) is suggested as the mechanism responsible for populating the 3s' 3D0 state of this 2p4 3P 3s' 3D0 emission. The spectrometer used is that aboard the STP 78-1 satellite, which is in sun-synchronous orbit. The emission morphology is characterized by tropical arcs on each side of the dip equator.

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